Your Guide To Buying Carpet Underlay

The comfort and feel of your carpet underfoot is important whatever style you choose, it helps to complete your home and make it welcoming for visitors. For businesses it’s important to have a carpet which will last and stand up to heavy traffic, but whether you’re buying carpet for a domestic or commercial property you need to think about what kind of underlay you need.
That’s why we’ve created a short guide to buying carpet underlay, including advice on which kind of underlay is best for you. Many people think that there is one standard kind of underlay but there are actually several options to choose from, all with their own benefits.

What Are The Benefits Of Underlay?

Clearly the main benefit of underlay is the comfort you get underfoot, providing a protective layer for your feet between the hard surface of the ground beneath and the carpet on top. The carpet itself also benefits from this layer of protection, without which it would wear far quicker.
If you need better thermal protection or you want to insulate from sound below then underlay has added benefits in these areas, as an absorbent layer it can keep the cold out from the ground and is acoustically beneficial. While you might not be pounding around the room, any heavy movement on your carpet can also be absorbed with the shock-absorption properties of the spongy material.

What Are The Different Types Of Underlay?

Waffle – the name relates to the look of this popular type of underlay, its bumpy features help to provide air pockets which offers greater comfort and shock absorption.
Flats – flat underlay is far more compact and therefore more stable and hard wearing, there are usually still rivets and air pockets but far less than the waffle style.
Crumb – made from a rubber and felt crumb this style is far less common than the usual rubber waffle but is hardier.
Felt – felt on its own is good for sound insulation and it the most environmentally friendly style of underlay.

Which Type Of Underlay Is Best For My Floor?

Depending on the style of room and carpet you have, as well as the purpose of each room, there are particular types of underlay which will suit best. For homes the waffle and flats are the best option with flats better suited for wooden and laminate floors. If you have a high traffic area such as in a shop or in the entrance area of your home then the crumb underlay gives you the longevity you need. Felt is less resilient and will compact more easily but is a greener option for those rooms which might see less use than others such as spare rooms and study rooms.
Clearly there are a variety of underlay options available for any kind of room, but if you’re still a little unclear as to which will best suit you then don’t hesitate to contact the expert team at Pyramid Carpets. Our professional and friendly team will happily make the best recommendation on underlay when you purchase carpets and flooring from us to ensure the best results.

Top Tips: How To Lay Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is an excellent flooring material for many different rooms in the home, including living rooms and hallways. Laying your own laminate flooring is a fairly big task, but if you have decent DIY skills then you should be able to get the job done for yourself.
We’ve put together a rough guide to help you when you take on the laying of you own laminate flooring. Remember, not all laminate flooring materials are the same and the size and shape of a room can factor into how hard a task it will be to lay.

Gather Up Your Tools

To ensure your DIY project gets off to a good start you need to ensure you have all the right tools to hand. It’s no use ordering lots of flooring panels if you have nothing to secure them with. Throughout the process you will need:
Masking Tape
Hammer
Knee Pads
Craft Knife
Spirit Level
Jigsaw
Mallet
Saw
Combination Square
Tape Measure

Measuring

To know how much flooring you’ll need for your room, you’ll have to do some measuring. The best formula to use for your calculations is width x length of the room (in metres). You should then add an extra 10% to cover for any wastage. Once you have this number you should divide it by the pack size of the flooring you wish to use – this number will be in m2. You will most likely get a decimal point so round the number up to the nearest whole and that’s how many packs you need!

Level Your Floor

Before you lay anything you need to make sure your floor is level throughout the room. To create a smooth surface you can use a self-leveling compound, and after your sub-floor is completely dry you can put underlay into place. You can choose from a variety of underlay, including Polyfoam, Combined and Wood fibre boards. If you have a concrete floor then you’ll also need to put in a damp-proof membrane before the underlay.

How To Lay The Boards

You need to first decide in which direction to lay your boards. The best way to lay them is in the same direction as your longest wall, but if all the walls are the same length then simply lay them in the direction of the light coming through the window.
The best place to start laying is in the corner, working your way up along the wall with spacers laid out around the wall to give the boards room to expand later. Most laminate materials will lock together, but they will need to be cut down in places to fit – you also need to cut out spaces for pipes on radiators.
Push completed rows together and tap gently with a rubber mallet to ensure they are tightly interlocked. If you need to get your boards under the architraves of your doors then work out the thickness of your board, saw out a space at the bottom of the architrave and slot your board underneath.

Here at Pyramid Carpets, we provide high quality laminate flooring to suit any home – simply contact us today and we’ll help you find the right style and quantity of flooring for your requirements.

What Flooring Is Suitable For Underfloor Heating?

Many people see underfloor heating as something as a luxury but it is becoming more and more popular in homes as people see the benefits. It’s long been a great option for bathrooms but it can also be useful in any room where the floor is cold or the room is susceptible to the cold. Kitchens, living rooms and even bedrooms can benefit from the added heat which flows through the floor to keep a room nice and toasty.
As we edge towards the autumn, and an inevitable drop in temperature, we thought now might be a good time to discuss the different types of flooring materials which work with underfloor heating.

Carpets

You might think that carpet isn’t compatible with underfloor heating, and while it isn’t the best suited, it can still be utilised if you get the right kind of quality carpet. You’ll need to look closely at the thermal resistance, with anything below 2.5 tog being the best – this is important to check, although most carpets should be less than 1 tog anyway.

Stone

Generally considered to be the best flooring material for compatibility with underfloor heating, there are many different kinds of hard stone which you can use. Slate, ceramic tiles and even marble can all be cold, making standing in any room with this kind of surface unbearable. By installing underfloor heating you get the benefit of a solid floor and the look you want but with all the comfort of comprehensive heating.

Wood

If you’re considering having a wooden floor with underfloor heating then you need to take care that you use the right kind of wood and that you get the thickness and width of the boards right. Engineered timber performs very well and hardwood also allows for good thermal conductivity, but the boards should be narrow for the optimal performance.

Vinyl, Laminate & Rubber

Finally, the laminates and vinyl flooring materials common in most homes can also be used to help heat up a room. These flooring types are usually deployed in the kitchen or bathroom, making underfloor heating advantageous for the colder months. Due to the thin material, all linoleum and rubber flooring options conduct heat well but will heat up and cool down a lot quicker. You should check with the manufacturer as to how much heat they are able to withstand, although most materials can handle up to 27°C of heat – this should be plenty to heat your room and keep your feet toasty.
No matter which material you select for your home to go with underfloor heating, you should always consult the experts to avoid disappointment. Manufacturers and suppliers will have a much better idea of which flooring style is best suited to you and your home.

Pyramid Carpets

Here at Pyramid Carpets we supply a range of carpets, wooden and vinyl floors. Simply contact us today to find out more information about which materials will work best with underfloor heating and their thermal properties.

One of the great reasons to live in Colorado is to enjoy indoor/outdoor living twelve months of the year.

The summers are gorgeous. Why not get the gang together for a barbeque?

The winters are spectacular. Why not gather around the fire pit and enjoy a few rounds of smores and hot chocolate?

That’s why more homeowners are choosing to remodel and expand their living spaces beyond the boundaries of the walls. Instead of pushing out the kitchen, or adding an extra internal room, why not create outdoor living space that’s functional year-round instead?

We’re not talking your parent’s patios here. This is way beyond a slab of cement with a charcoal grill. Instead, this is about creating truly functional space you can use no matter what the weather is like outside. And here in Colorado, that means a wide fluctuation in temperatures, as well as dealing with everything from harsh sunlight to several feet of snow.

How can you do all of that easily?

It starts with your floor. Choose a tile that works well inside and out, and will carry functionality and durability throughout, blurring the space to add continuity and style.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Bringing the outside in

One of the best ways to bring two spaces together is by using the same tile in both locations. This isn’t time to fall in love with indoor tile and try and make it work outdoors. Instead, pay attention to what works well outdoors, and bring it in.

Choose a tile that works well no matter what the weather is like outside. Flagstone works well. Flagstone is porous, so you will have to seal it from time to time. Just make sure you choose one based on functionality, and one that will dow well in all kinds of elements. It should hold up well to stains and other damage it might receive from being outdoors.

Mixing and matching 

Just because you want to bring your indoor living outside, doesn’t mean you have to use the same flooring materials throughout. Be selective. Just make sure they blend well together.

If you’re using fold-up glass doors, the lines will already be blurred between indoor and outdoor living. Select tile that works well outside, and bring it in several feet to merge with your interior space. Then use a material you enjoy on the inside – like the hardwood you’ve always dreamed about. Transitions are everything. And that’s something we’re experts in – just ask.

Matching grains

Here in Colorado, people love their hardwood. If you’ve had hardwood in your kitchen for years, you might not want to change it. You can’t imagine anything but hardwood. But carrying the look outside isn’t possible. Wood products you use inside – oak, pine, or ash – are simply too soft to use on the outside.

That doesn’t mean you can’t use the same concepts in both locations. Change up the color. Use decking material outside, and mimic the size and plank orientation, so it flows directly into your indoor living space. You might even be able to invest in tile planks, which often do a very good job of mimicking hardwood. You can use it to transition from one location to another. Or use it to blend the looks into something you truly desire.

Stay simple

In many cases, the reason you elect to build glass walls that can open up to the outside is to take in a breathtaking view. Focus on the view by staying simple with your choice of flooring material. As you’re choosing a tile, go with neutral colors that blend rather than stand out. It’s a perfect way to allow the natural beauty of the surrounding area to create just the ambiance you’re looking for.

We love staying light when we go neutral. Choose a soft sand, beige, or tan color. This allows you to mix and match color choices as you desire. Of course, this is also where your own design options can come into play.

How about a darker color – a dark gray that is less likely to show muddy footprints from your four legged friends? Travertine and slate are always great options, both inside and out. Their durability makes them high in demand. Just be conscious of manufacturers’ guidelines. Some require sealants to ensure they are well protected from stains and damage.

Mixing materials

What makes some living spaces so special is their uniqueness. They don’t stay within the mold, they destroy it. And that’s the beauty of redoing your living space today … anything is possible.

What we often recommend to our customers is to dream a bit before they start their design work. It may sound silly – after all, dreaming is what made you want to remodel in the first place. But sometimes people don’t dream big enough before they start shopping. What we’re talking about here is developing a pinboard on Pinterest, or even a vision board where you cut out pictures from magazines and attach them to a posterboard where you can see your ideas on display.

Use these concepts to really see what your design style is like. You’ll start to see trends. You’ll discover what features really excite you, and scream “install me” every time you look at them.

Don’t listen to proper design etiquette. Some of the most unique designs in the world incorporate different materials together. Concrete, wood, steel, tile, glass – it can all add character to your overall design. Choose what suits you best, and rely on a designer to make suggestions to make it work.

Choosing a tile – we’re here to help

What’s your preference? What kind of space are you creating for your indoor/outdoor living? No matter if the temperatures hit record highs or extreme lows, whether it’s the heart of the summer, or the darkest of winters, isn’t it nice to know you have the perfect spot for your family gatherings?

Choosing a tile doesn’t have to be difficult. You just have to rely on someone who can help you make the right choice. We’re here to help.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

Do I need underlay? Which underlay should I use? Is there a difference between wood flooring underlay and laminate flooring underlay? We’re here to answer these questions, and explain the importance of new underlay should you need it. 

 

When creating your dream home, it takes a lot of deliberation. Flooring, as well as which accessories to use, bear no exception. 

 

We know there’s one subject that has potential to cause confusion: underlay.  To make your decision easier, this post covers all you need to know about flooring underlay. 

Depending on your flooring type, as well as fitting method, you may or may not require underlay. If using a gluedown installation, underlay shouldn’t be used, but secret nailing and floating floors can use underlay. Extra comfort, prolonged flooring lifespan, increased insulation and noise reduction are all key benefits of using underlay. However, make sure to use new underlay with new flooring to make the most of these benefits!

 

From flooring types to fitting methods, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need – all in one place.

Do You Need Underlay?

Now, you may have been told to purchase new underlay as an essential, but whether you actually need it is another story. 

 

Flooring underlay is a soft cushioning that sits between your flooring and the surface you’re laying it on. Underlay offers a number of benefits, should you require it. 

 

We’ll run you through these benefits in a moment, but for now, we’ll delve into fitting methods and flooring types to see whether you’ll require underlay or not.

Flooring Fitting and Type

Gluedown 

As mentioned above, there are some fitting methods and types of flooring that simply do not require the use of flooring underlay. The gluedown method is one of them. 

 

This technique consists of the application of a strong adhesive (made specifically for wood) to the subfloor in small, workable sections. Glue is also used in-between each of the planks’ ‘tongue’ and ‘grooves’, and slotting them into place. 

 

This fitting process can be used on all wood flooring types including: parquet, laminate, engineered wood and luxury vinyl tiles, but is mostly used on solid wood boards. The nature of the process does not allow for the use of underlay. 

 

Secret nailing

This technique can be applied to wood flooring types such as: parquet flooring, engineered wood flooring and solid wood flooring. 

 

Secret nailing is a method that allows for underlay to be brought into the equation to reap the benefits wood flooring underlay brings. However, it is not entirely essential and the use of underlay is dependent entirely on the room you’re wanting to fit the flooring in.

 

This process works by driving nails through the ‘tongue’ of the floorboard at a 45 degree angle, and into the subfloor. This fixes the flooring firmly in place and prevents any gaps forming.

 

If your flooring is being laid on a ground level, it has less of a requirement for underlay than if it is being laid on a higher level floor. This is because there is less need for noise reduction affecting floors below. 

Floating floor

This installation technique seeks no ‘yes or no’ consideration as the floating floor method requires the use of underlay. 

 

Though not actually hovering in mid-air as the name might suggest, the need for underlay stems from the floor not being attached to the sub-floor. This leaves room for slight movement when walked upon. Good quality flooring underlay reduces this movement and adds comfort underfoot.

 

Commonly used with: engineered wood flooring, laminate flooring, luxury vinyl tiles, and Evocore360 that boasts its very own EvoCore Underlay. This is a popular method with lots of advantages, though excites some exceptions to the rule. 

 

Purchasing Evocore Essentials and Premium eliminates the need to purchase any flooring underlay at all; these ranges have underlay built in, making for an easier decision. 

 

Types of Underlay

Decisions of this nature may seem difficult, only because the options out there are plentiful. However, narrowing down your options becomes a lot easier when you’re given the knowledge to inform your decision. 

 

Below we explore the different types of underlay and their compatibility, to help you ensure you go away knowing your dream home is one step closer to completion.

 

Types of underlay	What it Looks Like	Compatibility
Fibreboard		Perfect for wood and laminate flooring underlay
Built in Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)		Perfect for wood and laminate flooring underlay
Eco-Friendly Underlay		Perfect for wood and laminate flooring underlay
Luxury Vinyl Tile Underlay		Suitable for luxury vinyl tiles and underfloor heating
EvoCore 360 Underlay		Perfect for EvoCore 360
Underfloor Heating		Perfect for wood and laminate flooring underlay
Self-adhesive		Perfect for solid wood

 

Benefits of Underlay

We’re finally at the part you really want to know. Why should you use underlay? 

 

You know whether or not you need underlay, and you know which underlay is for which flooring. But what exactly are you getting out of it? Believe us when we say… You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

 

1. Increased comfort – Underlay introduces a cushioned feel to the flooring. It softens your strides and alleviates any discomfort underfoot. 
2. Prolongs flooring lifespan – Underlay’s cushion helps to absorb some of the shock from playing children, to clumsy drops. Wear and tear are reduced substantially, increasing your floor’s longevity.
3. Noise reduction – Underlay for flooring adds density, and provides another layer to absorb more sound made by walking, running or any movement on the flooring above.
4. Reduces heating bills – Underlay acts as an insulating layer that helps trap heat, meaning your space is kept warmer for longer.
5. Environmentally friendly – You’ll be pleased to know that we pride ourselves in doing our part for the environment, and our new range of Eco Underlay is made from 100% recycled materials, as well as being recyclable.
6. Certain types are compatible with underfloor heating – Got underfloor heating? Not to worry, we have flooring and underlay that are compatible to ensure you still acquire the benefits of a heated floor.

 

Enough benefits for you? The practicality of underlay is invaluable; which is exactly why we recommend you take the necessary steps in finding and marrying up the perfect combination to suit your needs. 

New underlay

Underlay is important, but what’s more important is using new underlay when laying a new flooring. Why? Because as time goes on, these benefits begin to fade with natural wear and tear. To get the most out of your new flooring, make sure you pair it with a new underlay.

 

Investing in new underlay to replace your old one allows you to make the most of the benefits good quality underlay bestows. Whilst not on show to see the wear, the old stuff has been walked on just as much as the flooring you’re about to replace. Buying new will improve your experience with your new flooring purchase as well as prolonging the lifespan of it.

Wrapping Up

We’ve covered the in’s and out’s of the factors that play a part in ensuring your new flooring journey is as smooth as possible.

 

Remember the key considerations to keep at the forefront of your mind when weighing up your decision. Does the flooring fitting and type require underlay? If so, what underlay is compatible with your chosen flooring? All that’s left to do now is to start browsing for your perfect product!

 

Still not sure? Get in touch with our flooring experts today for the best advice for your new underlay. 

 

The post Underlay for Wood, Laminate and Other Hard Flooring appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

If you or someone you live with uses a wheelchair, you want your home to be as accommodating as possible. When you are choosing flooring for your home, you want to consider the needs of yourself or your loved one. You want flooring that is safe and durable. Read on to discover what is the best flooring for wheelchairs.

Soft flooring, such as carpet, is not suitable for wheelchairs. Even though carpet is warm and inviting, it is also difficult to clean. It can also reduce traction, making it difficult for an individual to maneuver their wheelchair. Hard flooring is best for wheelchairs, but some flooring is better than others. For example, softwood and cork hardwood flooring is too soft for frequent wheelchair use.

Ceramic and porcelain are excellent flooring options for wheelchair use if you like the look of tile. Keep in mind that smaller tiles are better suited for wheelchair use because large tiles are more likely to crack under pressure. When shopping for tile flooring, pick tiles that are 2 inches in size or smaller. You also want the grout lines between the tiles to be made from a material that improves traction. Additionally, unpolished tiles are a better pick than polished tiles because they provided a more firm grip.

If you would rather pick hardwood flooring over tiles, consider luxury vinyl or engineered hardwood. If you pick a waterproof vinyl or engineered hardwood, the flooring will hold up well against frequent wheelchair use. These types of flooring are also easy to clean and hold up well against spills and moisture.

Once you’ve determined what type of wheelchair-safe flooring you want, you’re ready to shop with flooring.org. You can browse our inventory online and call us at 1-800-689-9006 with any questions.

This post appeared first on http://www.flooring.org

With so many options for flooring today, it’s no surprise that settling in on one choice can be difficult at best. Maybe you’ve already decided to purchase new hardwood floors. Maybe you have your dream flooring in mind.

But all that can be thrown out the window when you walk into our showroom and see all of your options. Even if you have a style or pattern in mind, just seeing the many different options can leave your head spinning. Why is this such a difficult decision?

It is until you remember one thing: walking across a great hardwood floor will give you pleasure for years to come.

And really, that’s all there is to it.

Don’t be wow’d by the options. There are dozens – hundreds of options because every homeowner is a bit different. But it’s fairly easy to settle in on your choices when you keep a few things in mind.

Let’s start with the hardwood – what does that mean?

If you’ve looked at flooring at all, you know there are a lot of different products available.

If you’re sold on hardwood, your first choice is between solid hardwood and engineered wood flooring.

Solid wood is as the name implies. It’s created from one solid piece of hardwood. Because of this, it pays to know the manufacturer you’re trusting when you purchase. Some companies pay attention to the overall structure of the timber, while others attempt to use every piece of wood that comes through their manufacturing plant. If you have envisioned keeping your flooring for decades, this can be a major factor in how well it holds up over time.

Engineered wood is created from multiple component layers, giving you an exact thickness and wear level. Engineered wood is often perceived as more stable, because every single layer is created based on manufacturers guidelines. Every piece is created equally to ensure stability of construction. Yet what is stable in one environment might not work well in others. Because it isn’t solid, it can also run the risk of wearing faster than a high quality solid hardwood plank.

When it comes to deciding the right flooring for your unique situation, lay all the facts on the line. One of our consultants would be happy to help you determine the right choice for your needs.

What do you want your flooring to look like?

For some homeowners, they see a solid surface area where the wood blends harmoniously together. For others, they see their flooring as a work of art; they’re looking for ways to stand out from the norm.

https://pro-flooring.com/why-are-hardwood-floors-always-popular/

That’s what we love to share with people who come in ready to purchase new hardwood floors.

In today’s world, you don’t have to settle for a neutral color with single planks all running in a row. Instead, the sky is the limit on potential.

Why not go with an exotic wood? You can create a color palette anywhere from the lightest to darkest woods.

Or how about changing it up with a larger plank size? Two to three inch oak boards might have been the norm once upon a time, but no more. Instead, you’ll find six, eight, even ten inch width planks or wider. That can really make your great room pop, or your bedroom to be just a little bit more luxurious. All because you changed it up a bit and made it unique to you. Those boards create drama in all the right ways.

Light or dark, it’s up to you 

Light or dark wood? It seems like an easy enough choice. After all, you probably have your preferences on the tip of your tongue.

We’ve all walked into a kitchen before and felt the “love it or hate it” from the moment we walk in. Do you like light, white, and airy? Or do you prefer the drama of dark wood and sophisticated lines?

The same thought process goes into selecting the right hardwood floors.

Often, you can just see yourself living with one or the other. Your ideal picture clearly comes with light or dark wood.

Dark wood floors have been popular for some time now. You can select many different shades of dark, or with unfinished hardwood installation, custom stain it as dark as you wish.

Dark wood works great with modern furniture and lots of color. It makes the color pop.

Dark wood also is a great choice if you desire to move towards a more rustic and casual feel. In some cases, you can find dark wood floors that bring out an aged look. That can blend in quite nicely with your farmhouse, country charm look.

Dark brings out the coziness wherever it’s laid into place. Picture a dramatic ski lodge in the heart of winter. Don’t you just want to light a fire and snuggle down for the evening?

Of course, dark wood does have a few drawbacks. You’ll see everything on the floor much easier with the darkness as a backdrop. And dark wood floors are more sensitive to the appearance of wear. While that can be perfect if you’re going for an aged look, it might not work so well with clean, modern lines. That’s where it pays to take your family and your lifestyle into consideration before making a selection.

Light wood, on the other hand, creates a light palette you can build from to show off a variety of looks. It makes the space look larger, brighter.

What we love about light wood is it goes with almost any decor. If you go with the more traditional oak or maple, it blends in well with whatever designs you create. Or you can go as light as possible – how about ash – and make your light hardwood center stage.

Just remember lighter hardwood often requires a little more maintenance, including the right sealer to prevent spills from turning into stains. And because light wood hides dirt a bit easier, that can work to your disadvantage if you really need a clean location.

What’s the best hardwood floor?

With dozens of choices, the purchase of new hardwood floors can seem intimidating at first, until you realize that deep inside you already know what you want.

Trust your instinct. Whether you want light or dark, wide planks or more traditional, there’s a right hardwood flooring waiting for you.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

When you bought your home, curb appeal set the stage. As you drove up, you assessed the looks in a matter of seconds.

But once you said “yes” to curb appeal, your next opinion was formed based on opening the front door. Was it closed in? Did it set a dramatic stage? Was it dark and ugly? Was it wide open and inviting?

A lot of that was formed on the staircase. And while most people never list the staircase as their number one remodeling project, with just a little creativity, it can change the entire layout of your home.

The architectural details may give you your floor plan for decorating, it’s the flooring itself that transforms the room. Your choice can also make it easier or more difficult for individual family members to move about. Have small children? Pets? Elderly family members? Your final choice for your stair flooring matters.

Like every room in your home, what you install on your stairs is a personal choice. But we do have recommendations for the best flooring for stairs, depending on your needs and desires.

How to choose the best flooring for stairs

If you have a staircase in your home, it connects the different rooms together. To move from living space to bedrooms, you take the stairs. As you do laundry and clean up messes, you use the stairs. If you counted it up, your family might use them dozens of times each day.

Stair use isn’t the same as how flooring is used in a family room or bedroom. It takes more wear and tear. It’s on display more than other rooms. It also has a safety factor. That makes finding the right flooring more important than ever.

Consider maintenance

Like other rooms, you’ll have to maintain the flooring on the stairs frequently. A stain resistant carpet will ensure you don’t track things as you move from one level to another. Hardwood floors will be prone to scratching if you don’t clean up dust and debris frequently, or install a runner to help reduce it from accumulating. Laminate is often a good choice because it stands up to scratches, stains, wear, and fade-resistance better than other types of flooring.

Safety

In many cases, you’ll move up and down the stairs quickly. And with your hands full, it’s also one of the most potentially dangerous places in your home for accidents. Think about slipping as you make your final choice. Hardwood and socks can be a dangerous combination.

Noise reduction

Have you ever been in a place where it echoes as you walk across the floor? That’s the last thing you want in your home, especially if you’re trying to keep small children asleep, or you work from home. The flooring you choose can aid in how much you hear each step your family makes. Carpet is one of the first choices in flooring for noise absorption, the padding will take in the sound and muffle it well. Laminate alone can create a noisy environment. However, you can install underlayments that will help hide sound reasonably well. That often is why homeowners select laminate and match it up with their hardwood located on the first and second floors. However, if you want to keep your hardwood in place, adding a runner may be the perfect choice for your needs.

Aesthetics

No matter what vision you hold for the stairs in your home, aesthetics is always important. Transition between the different levels should be smooth no matter what flooring choice you decide on. If you’re a wood person and you’re concerned about looks if you don’t carry it throughout your home, stop worrying. There are many ways to create a continuous look while increasing safety and comfort at the same time. Just ask – we’re here to help.

Looking at the best flooring options for your stairs

Now that you have a better understanding of what’s required to care for your stairs and keep your family safe as they move up and down, let’s look at the pros and cons of the different flooring choices.

Hardwood

There’s no denying that hardwood on stairs creates a timeless beauty. If you’re a fan of hardwood and have used it throughout your home, chances are you’ll want hardwood flooring on your stairs as well. Hardwood is easy to care for, easy to clean. Adding hardwood to your stairs can give you beauty as well as ease of use for years to come.

Just keep in mind that hardwood can also be dangerous with non-slip treads. If your family is most often found running around in socks, it could be a potential hazard, especially for kids and elderly. You’ll have to use runners to add more traction, or change your family’s habits and convince them to wear slippers with traction or hard-soled bottoms.

You should also keep in mind that hardwood stairs will be noisier than other options. You’ll hear every footfall, especially as you pound up and down the staircase in a hurry. You’ll also notice every creak as they appear.

Runners

For many homeowners that desire hardwood, the easiest way to reduce the downfalls is to install a runner down the middle. There are many beautiful, low cost options to adding a soft surface that will make them safer as well as cut down on the noise. What’s better, runners are easy to change out as you upgrade your decor.

Laminate

If you’re stuck on the idea of hardwood to match the aesthetics of your home, but want something a little easier to care for, the solution may be to install laminate on the stairs. It’s not as long-lasting as hardwood, but it’s less expensive, which means it’s easier to replace and still stick to a budget.

Carpet

There are a lot of reasons why carpet is a great choice to add to your stairs.

• It’s budget friendly
• It’s soft underfoot
• It reduces the noise throughout your home
• It’s safer, reducing slippage and the potential of falling

When you add carpet to your stairs, be sure you keep a good handheld vacuum nearby to help clean up the dust and dirt that will fall into the nooks and cracks as you go about your busy days. You should also be prepared to replace your carpet frequently to keep it looking good, especially if it’s creating a grand entrance from the moment you walk in. Be sure to discuss this with one of our associates, and we can show you the most durable materials for stair use.

Create a stunning look by selecting the right flooring for your stairs

Your stairs are one of the most important, high traffic surfaces in your home.

If you want good looks as well as high functioning materials, stop by today and let us help you create your desired look. We have the perfect solutions for your staircases just waiting for you.

Create the look you’ll love for years to come today. 

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

Chevron flooring is often confused with herringbone or parquet block flooring. It does create a similar pattern, but the blocks of flooring have a slightly different profile. The chevron pattern created can only be done with this particular type of floor. It is a beautiful flooring design that is quickly coming back into fashion. Read More

If you do a search online to help find the best flooring for your needs, carpet may come up as a flooring choice to avoid. Dirt can bury deep into the fibers. It can show stains quickly if not well cared for. And what about indoor air quality?

Is carpet really that bad?

Despite the negative press, carpet is here to stay for a variety of reasons:

• It’s affordable
• It’s soft to the touch
• It’s warmer than other flooring choices
• It reduces noise
• It’s beautiful and adds to any decor

Luckily, the carpet industry is working on sustainability too.

Today, indoor air quality matters. It’s increasingly becoming more important, especially as people find out about harmful materials and what it can do to the air supply.

In 1992, the Carpet and Rug Institute launched a Green Label program to test and determine levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different products. The Green Label program raises the bar on what manufacturers produce, and lets you know as a consumer where a product falls. In this case, it helps you find carpet with the lowest emitting VOCs on all levels, including carpet, adhesive, and cushion products.

This is important, no matter where you’re installing carpet. It’s even more important if you are trying to become LEED certified.

What is LEED?

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It provides a framework for creating a healthy, highly efficient, and cost effective design. It’s also a globally recognized symbol of sustainability, one that can be used for all building types and building phases. For many commercial properties being built today, it’s not just a wish, it’s a requirement.

What does sustainable mean in the carpet industry?

To create a truly sustainable carpet, it moves beyond the actual product and goes into the entire production and manufacturing process. This means it’s important to look beyond the carpet, and consider the company and supplier as well.

It means focusing on how well the company does with environmental issues. Do they use environmental policies and practices at every level of the manufacturing process?

Sustainable development means a company pays attention to the people at all levels of the process – from employees creating the product to consumers who install and live with it for years to come.

It also means environmental protection. It ensures materials are sustainably sourced, and that every part of the process is performed while caring for the environment.

At the end of the day, the economic portion is only as important as ensuring the product is created for the right reasons. Yes, a company has to make a profit to stay in business. But a sustainable company will ensure it does so for the right reasons, ensuring profit is secondary to all other considerations.

You’ll find sustainable carpet is made from sustainable or recycled raw materials. The company will source energy from sustainable technology such as wind or solar power. They will consider all aspects of the process, from production to what happens to excess waste, including how the product will be disposed of years from now.

Look for certification

Because sustainability and green living are growing in the consumer market, you can find a lot of industry buzzwords that may throw you off track. Sure, a company may list a product as “natural”, but what does that truly mean?

Instead of focusing on buzzwords, pay attention to certifications instead.

We mentioned the Green Label program above, and that’s a good place to start. But it isn’t the only sustainable carpet certification program out there. Others include:

Cradle to Cradle – products are assessed for environmental and social performance across five sustainability categories, including material health, material reuse, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.

NSF/ANSI 140 Sustainable Carpet Assessment – it’s built on life cycle assessment principles covering five different categories including public health and environment, energy and energy efficiency, bio-based content, manufacturing, and end of life management.

BRE Environmental Assessment – is a third party certification program that looks at an asset’s environmental, social, and economic sustainability performance.

Finding sustainable carpet options

Are you sold on installing sustainable carpet? Are you ready to find the perfect eco-friendly carpet for your next project?

Where do you begin?

As a project manager, you have dozens of items on your to-do list. Picking carpet is difficult enough without adding even more pressure to the task. But it doesn’t have to be that hard.

First, start by trusting a flooring expert that can help you make the right decision. It’s not enough that you purchase something online from a discount broker, or even stop by your local big box store and buy whatever is on sale. They focus on profit and getting their products sold. They don’t have time to dig deep and answer all your questions. And that’s the only way you’re going to get what you really want.

Second, learn your brand names. There are many carpet companies out there that offer eco-friendly products. Take responsibility to do a little homework and discover what their processes are. Companies like Mohawk and Shaw work hard to ensure they deliver some of the most sustainable products in the industry. From using recycled materials to reclaiming old carpet, to reducing greenhouse gases and more, by spending a few minutes researching your choice companies, you can quickly feel good about your purchase, And ensure it meets all qualifications in your journey to becoming a sustainable, LEED project.

 

So what’s your flooring of choice? Have you made the decision to install new carpet as you remodel and refurbish?

No matter what you read online, carpet is still a great choice for many buildings. It offers a great solution for warmth, comfort, and good looks.

If you’re trying to get LEED certified too, pay attention to how sustainable your final selection is. We can help you choose the right carpet, and love what you install well into the future.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com