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Come winter, we Michiganders like to make our homes a little cozier, comfier, and warmer. We want our winter home improvements to embrace us. We want to match the feeling we get when lounging in our favorite robe and slippers. Here are some design tips from The Carpet Guys and Leen Designs.

With the right planning and winter decor, you can transform your home from a cold tundra to a warm and comfortable sanctuary with these winter home improvement projects.

Design Suggestions for Creating a Cozy Environment

1. Faux Fur – Whether you use faux fur as a blanket, bed set or sofa piece, it is sure to keep you warm and cozy throughout the winter. Not only that, but fur styles look great as a rug or a pillowcase. With texture being a top design component, faux fur adds a wonderful sense of sophistication to any contemporary or rustic setting.
2. Candle Holders – Using a combination of beautiful candle holders will bring out the ambiance and warmth of any room. Use your favorite scented candles and place them on the fireplace mantel or tables.
3. Lampshades – Even though gray is the fashion neutral that many enjoy, try mixing up your lampshade colors. Blue is calming. Green adds a natural element. Warm colors like gold or red are wonderful for the chilly season. You can even embellish lampshades with crafts or ribbons for the holidays.
4. Recliner – Today’s recliners come in all shapes and sizes, and their popularity is steadily on the rise. Formerly known as “the dad chair”, they can now work for any age group. Set it up by the fireplace and prepare for a warm winter.
5. Carpet or Rugs – If your current carpet is worn, the padding beneath may not provide the best insulation to hold the heat in your room.  New carpet can provide warmth beneath your feet, add a cozy element of design and insulate the room.  If you have a hard surface flooring like hardwood or laminate, adding a large area rug will bring warmth into the room. It can also be a texture or color design addition.

Cozy Winter Home Improvement Ideas

Looking to cozy up your winter home improvement? Let The Carpet Guys help you find the flooring that will create that comfortable, safe space you’re dreaming of!  Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our complimentary In-Home Estimate form.  We can send all our cozy showroom samples to your home with one of our professional Design Consultants.

The post From Cold to Cozy: Winter Home Improvement and Design appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

One of my favorite things to do is to visit the homes taking part in the Parade of Homes each year. There you can see the latest-and-greatest of everything for your home. Ideas are in abundance, and you can take a lot of them home with you and implement them into your own remodeling plans.

Of course, what you see in these million dollar houses might not be practical in your own home. Do you really want cement countertops? Can you really remodel your home with all of the eco-friendly solutions presented in something new?

Should you invest in something new – trendy – or stick with the tried but true? We get questions all the time from people wondering if hardwood flooring is the right choice. Let us put your mind at ease and answer some of the ones we receive all the time.

Are hardwood floors still popular?

Hardwood flooring will never go out of style. How do we know that? All you have to do is look at the current trends to know this is true.

Manufacturers know people want hardwood. So they’ve created the look using a variety of other products, ones that mimic the look of hardwood but give you different results.

Want affordability? Check out vinyl that looks like hardwood but gives you a water-resistant flooring.

Can’t install hardwood in your basement? That’s why laminate has grown in popularity.

Want something even more durable? Even stone tiles can now be engineered to give you the look of hardwood.

With all of that in mind, if hardwood is on your radar, don’t worry that your choice in flooring is no longer a popular one.

Are hardwood floors worth it?

You only have to do a quick search online to discover that hardwood flooring can cost more than other choices. And if you’re remodeling on a budget, it may have you looking at other options.

A recent article on Realtor.com stated it best: Wood floors are one of the best investments you can make. According to real estate experts – the ones who get into homes every day – the average ROI for hardwood is between 70 and 80 percent, and having hardwood in your home can boost the sales price of a home by as much as 2.5 percent.

Hardwood can last for years, decades if cared for in the proper manner. And in most cases, it’s easy to do. With today’s product lines, you can select hardwood perfect for your lifestyle, making daily maintenance a snap.

What is the best hardwood floor?

This is a tough question to answer because we can go in so many directions. It’s tough to pick “what’s best” until we understand what you’re looking for.

Let’s start with the installation process. You can install hardwood either unfinished or finished, depending on your needs. An unfinished floor is good if you’re looking at customizing the look, or want to match the color of other existing floors already in place. Prefinished flooring makes the process easier – just lay it in place and it’s ready to go. You won’t have odors from staining, or the wait time to ensure it’s dried and properly cured.

We can also discuss if it’s better to install solid hardwood, or if engineered hardwood would make a better choice. Solid hardwood comes ⅝ to ¾ inches thick, and can be sanded and refinished many times. But manufacturers don’t recommend solid hardwood in certain places in your home, like below-grade basements. For those rooms, engineered hardwood can be a better choice. It’s a hardwood veneer glued to several layers of wood underneath. This product is a good choice to continue the hardwood look into areas not suited for hardwood. But keep in mind, it can’t be sanded and refinished more than a couple of times, meaning you will have to replace it sooner than more traditional styles.

And we’d be remiss in talking about “what’s best” without touching on species. One of the very best – you guessed it – is the species most readily available, and also the hardest. Oak, maple, and cherry are ever-popular because they are the most durable. And for most families, they provide a great look and stand up to whatever they can dish out. Of course, they aren’t the only choice, because homeowners come in all shapes and sizes.

Bamboo is growing in popularity. Cork is an eco-friendly option. You can go with something more exotic, like teak or mesquite. Whatever you choose, just before you get to know the source, and be sure they are using sustainable methods for production.

Why install hardwood flooring?

If you’re already considering hardwood flooring, we don’t have to tell you why they are one of the best choices you can make for your home. But we’re still willing to throw in our two-cents on why they continue to be at the top of the wish list for remodeling projects.

They’re timeless – hardwood flooring has been used for centuries, and they will be used well into the future. It’s because they are one of the most beautiful options you can add to your home.

They’re versatile – no matter how often you choose to redecorate, hardwood looks good with everything. They are perfect additions to almost any room in your home.

They’re durable – you don’t have to worry about staining it like other flooring choices. You can keep it clean with just a quick vacuum or sweep. They can live up to the punishment your family dishes out, and still look good in the end.

They’re hygienic – because clean-up is a breeze, you don’t have to worry about dirt hiding in the fibers, or pollutants wedging into the corners.

They may be the last flooring you have to install – depending on your lifestyle, hardwood flooring can last for decades. And unlike other forms of flooring, you can fix hardwood when damaged.

Plus, with all of the styles, designs, and options available, the possibilities are endless. If you’re thinking about installing hardwood flooring in your home, the best place to start is by coming in and seeing our entire line. We can help you narrow down your options, and find the right flooring choice for your needs.

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

By lowering your energy bill payments this winter, imagine all of the family events and vacations you could save up for. The possibilities are endless.

There are great ways to save big and manage your heating bill wisely, and we’re here to give you some helpful tips.

Professional Tips from Consumer’s Energy

We had the opportunity to get a couple resources from Consumer’s Energy, and they have some awesome tips to offer homeowners. Here are a couple tricks they recommend to lower your heating bill payments:

• Taking showers instead of baths will lower the amount of hot water you’ll use
• Thawing and cutting your food up before heating will cook it faster, lowering the amount of cooking time
• Use cold water to wash your clothes to save on water heating
• Drapes with an insulated liner can cut heat loss from windows in half
• Covering your floors with carpet and padding can create extra insulation

Consumer’s Energy has an awesome brochure covering many more tips on how to lower your heating bill, so check that out on their website if you are interested.

Extra Insight from Energy. Gov

Along with the fantastic advice we got from Consumer’s Energy, we gained some extra information from Energy.gov as well. For some extra insight on these ideas listed below, Energy.gov has an extensive list of fall and winter energy saving tips. It is full of information you will find useful.

Patch Up Those Windows

Putting a plastic film or a clear plastic sheet over your windows will keep cool air out and lessen the work your heating unit has to do.

Any tight-fitting plastic wrap will do. You can also use a blow dryer on the plastic wrap to help the plastic stick tightly to the frame.

Cozy Up with New Carpet

Unlike hard flooring surfaces, carpet offers a natural warmth and comfort underfoot. Carpet and padding also provide a layer of insulation to your rooms, helping hold heat in.  By having new carpeting installed, you can actually keep warm without raising your heating bill.

If new carpet is something you want to explore, book a free carpet estimate with The Carpet Guys. We can help keep you warm.

Bring on the Blankets

Being wrapped up in a cozy blanket is a lovely way to keep warm, and it can also reduce the amount of heating you’ll need to use.

Put on one of your favorite long sleeves, wrap up in a blanket, and you’ll be all set. The best thing about blankets is that if one doesn’t work, you can just grab another.

Find and Seal Air Leaks

Cut-throughs for piping are typical spots where cold air can seep in easily. Take some caulk or a weathering strip and apply them to the leaks to reduce the airflow.

Make energy payments a little easier using these tips today. By utilizing this advice, your bill may come out a little less expensive than you’d think. Have a warm and cozy winter this year.

If you’re looking for more tips and home improvement advice, check out our other Carpet Guys blogs. If you have questions about how to help insulate your floors to stay warm, Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Complimentary In-Home Estimate form and we can send a knowledgeable flooring consultant to your home.

The post Save Big on your Heating Bill this Winter appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

There’s a lot of factors to consider when buying engineered wood. Engineered wood flooring combines multiple layers of timber with a solid wood veneer. Designed to allow for wood expansion, engineered wood is compatible with underfloor heating systems and boasts a high moisture tolerance level. Thanks to the solid wood veneer, engineered wood flooring displays all the stunning looks of solid wood at a fraction of the cost. Available in an array of wood species, colours and finishes – there’s a range to compliment every home and budget!

Together with our wood flooring experts, we’ve created this handy guide to buying engineered wood flooring to make sure you’re well equipped when it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home.

Room Suitability 

In order to protect the longevity of your flooring you must first ensure it’s suitable for the room where you intend on installing. Solid wood for example, is not compatible with areas prone to moisture or underfloor heating systems. If you’re at all unsure, check with the manufacturer before laying. 

Engineered wood flooring is a very versatile range; the composition of the wood means it copes well in high risk areas such as kitchens, as well as high traffic areas such as hallways. Our handy room suitability chart above gives you a quick glance at where we recommend fitting, where to take caution and where to avoid.

Living Area – Living Room

As a high-end flooring range, engineered wood flooring instantly sets the ambiance of a room. Displaying all the character and charm of solid wood through its authentic wood knots and grains, the solid veneer makes it extremely difficult to tell apart – even for the expert eye!

Guaranteed to leave a lasting impression, buying engineered wood flooring is perfect for transforming living room/lounge areas where you are most likely to entertain your guests and where comfort and style are key. 

Living Area – Dining Room

Add a touch of class to your dining room without the stress of spillages. As a low maintenance flooring range, it copes extremely well with minor food spills. Simply wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth. 

Please note – be sure to thoroughly ring out the damp cloth before use. 

Living Area – Bedroom 

As one of the most private rooms in your home, it’s also one where you can be most expressive with your choice of styling. When buying engineered wood flooring, there’s a huge range of plank widths and designs to compliment your chosen look.

Darker flooring designs are great for contrasting with light décor and creating a real statement piece. Whereas authentic flooring ranges are perfect for reflecting light and brightening darker colour schemes. Personal preference will help you decide which range is best for you. 

Hallway, Landing & Stairs

Robust to high traffic, engineered wood flooring is perfect for halls, landings and stairs. The solid veneer can be sanded and re-finished to restore any signs of wear – protecting the longevity of your flooring. 

Engineered Oak is particularly popular in these areas due to the quality and hardness of the timber. 

Conservatory 

The multiple layers which form engineered wood provide extra resilience to varying temperature, humidity and moisture. Conservatories vary greatly in terms of temperature, so ensure you’ve left a wide enough expansion gap and acclimatise the wood floor as long as possible before fitting.

Kitchen 

We advise you to take caution when installing engineered wood in a kitchen due to the risk of high moisture content. Whilst engineered wood will outperform any other wood flooring range thanks its ability to expand and contract, all spillages must be tended to as quickly as possible.

Bathroom 

Due to excessive moisture content, we advise against installing or buying engineered wood for a bathroom. Instead we’d advise to go for a Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) range. As a non-porous flooring solution, it is ideal for areas that are susceptible to high levels of moisture. 

Underfloor Heating

Providing the ultimate comfort underfoot, engineered wood is compatible with underfloor heating systems. When installing, we suggest to increase the temperature in 1°C increments. This allows the flooring to adjust slowly to the excess heat. It should also never exceed 27°C.

It is advised that the solid wood veneer should be no thicker than 5mm and the entire board is less than 18mm. This is to let the heat pass through effectively and enable the heat to rise. 

Composition of Engineered Wood 

The construction of engineered wood is what sets it apart from other flooring types. It consists of either HDF or plywood core layers, bound together with extreme pressure and specialist adhesive. This is what creates the advanced stability levels engineered wood flooring is renowned for. Enabling the flooring to expand generates an impressive tolerance to moisture, humidity and temperature fluctuation. 

A solid wood veneer then covers the base, giving engineered wood the truly authentic look and feel of real wood whilst also enhancing its durability. This top layer can vary in thickness – typically anywhere between two and six millimetres. The ability to sand and refinish this layer means your engineered wood flooring will stay looking perfect for years to come. 

Environmentally Friendly

All of our engineered wood flooring ranges are sustainably sourced from carefully selected forests. This helps preserve delicate ecosystems and ensures that native cultures and economies are respected.

Affordability

As a cheaper alternative to solid wood and carrying a higher price tag than its laminate counterpart, the quality of engineered wood along with the impressive lifespan justifies its worth. Known to add value to your property, buying engineered wood is more of an investment for your home than an impulse purchase. 

Engineered Wood Flooring Species

Oak Wood Flooring

Highly sought after, oak wood flooring not only looks amazing but boasts impressive durability levels too. As one of the most expensive wood species on the market, engineered wood flooring offers an affordable alternative. The ability to stain oak makes this wood species very versatile, ranging from light to dark colour hues. Enjoy all the beautiful aesthetics solid oak offers with a huge range of shades and styles to suit your home.

Walnut Wood Flooring

Walnut wood flooring is instantly recognisable thanks to its beautiful, authentic, brown tones. Derived from its natural colouring, the wood is unstained and ranges from stunning light brown to striking dark chocolate tones. The grain is also unique thanks to its prominent wave or curled design. 

As one of the finest woods in the world, the density along with preserving the natural colouring is what sets walnut apart from the rest. As a cost effective range to solid walnut, engineered walnut wood flooring is much easier to install and offers greater stability. 

Beech or Maple Wood Flooring

Organically formed in light colour tones, both beech and maple wood with suit any colour scheme whilst reflecting natural light around your home. Featuring all the authentic wood knots and grains you expect from solid wood, the engineered versions not only look amazing but are built to last. 

Ash Wood Flooring

Ash wood flooring is the perfect blank canvas to do with as you please. Ideal for use with finishing oils and stains; the authentic features of this quality range will shine through whilst also adding your own unique stamp. Particularly popular in the parquet design, grab yourself a bargain with ash engineered wood alternatives. 

Acacia Wood Flooring

Renowned for natural red colour tones, acacia is great for adding warmth and comfort to your home. As a truly authentic flooring range, the natural shades vary from deep orange tones to dark red hues. Available in solid and engineered wood, again the engineered version is your cost effective alternative. 

Engineered Wood Flooring Finishes

Lacquered 

Lacquer provides a subtle glossy finish, giving an element of luxury to your engineered wood flooring. Our lacquered woods are coated with several layers of industry leading, Treffert lacquer to provide a subtle sheen which offers additional protection from everyday wear and tear. It also performs well against the effects of moisture, with the lacquer acting as shield to seal your wood. 

Whilst this does not make your wood waterproof, it is great for high risk areas such as kitchens where those little spillages may occur. For extra peace of mind, our super matt lacquered finish not only protects but the additional layers harden your wood too. 

Oiled 

Oiled engineered wood flooring portrays a classic natural matt finish. Our oiled ranges are primarily treated with specialist Osmo Oil. The wood is coated in the oil which soaks through, nourishing it and adding an extra layer of protection. Oil will need to be reapplied more often than lacquer, to maintain its beautiful matt look. 

Unfinished 

Unfinished engineered wood is exactly that – unfinished. The wood has been treated and is ready for you to add your own finish and personalise as you wish. 

Oil tints are great to get creative and enhance the natural grains in the wood with decorative colour tones. If you’re looking for more of a natural finish, then clear satin or clear gloss is also available. 

In addition to the standard finishes, we also offer an additional combination of the below:

Brushed and Lacquered

Brushed and lacquered finish consists of removing the softer grains of the wood using a wire brush but this time coating the wood with lacquer. With only the toughest grains and knots visible, this finish is full of character with a slightly smooth but textured surface which can be felt underfoot. 

Brushed and Oiled

Alike to brushed and lacquered, brushed and oiled wood flooring consists of removing the softer grains of the wood using a wire brush and then coating the wood with oil leaving a beautiful highly textured surface with a rustic look. By removing the softer grains it also makes the wood stronger and more hardwearing.

Smoked/ Fumed

To achieve the smoked/fumed look, the wood is placed in an industrial kiln and exposed to fumes over a period of around 20 days. During this process, the wood endures heavy shrinkage making it denser and much more hard wearing. As the wood reacts to the ammonia in the fumes, it develops darker tannins through the wood and lifts them to the surface to create more prominent features. 

Whitewashed

These woods have been coated with a semi opaque white stain. This stylish finish adds a lightness to the wood and accentuates the natural grain. 

Hand Carved

Hand carved wood has a slightly bumpy, distressed texture to it. Achieved manually by running a curved tool down the plank, making each plank individual and unique.  This finish is particularly popular among those who are looking for an aged/worn looking floor.

Engineered Wood Flooring Fitting Methods

Glue down

To fit both solid and engineered wood using this method, glue the base of the board to the floor boards or a concrete floor (coated in a damp proof membrane), and between each of the boards.

Floating Installation 

Lay engineered wood as a floating floor on top of underlay, gluing only between the joints. For a concrete subfloor your underlay will need to have an inbuilt damp proof membrane.

Secret Nailing

Inserting nails at a 45° angle into the tongue of the engineered wood boards. Also inserted into the floorboards beneath, the nails firmly secure the floor in place.

If you need any further help or assistance in buying engineered wood, please do not hesitate to contact one of our engineered wood flooring experts on: 03301 028 444.

The post Buying Engineered Wood – The Complete Guide appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Nothing can help you relax more after a long, hard day than sharing a bottle of wine with your friends. While some prefer to go out and select a bottle from the wine list at their favorite restaurant, others turn wine into a passion they bring into their homes.

A recent report from the National Association of Home Builders found that in the luxury home market where home buyers have an income of $150,000 or more, 31 percent of them list having a wine cellar as a desired amenity. This isn’t just a corner closet where the homeowner slips in a few bottles from time to time. Home wine cellars are meant to be displayed. They have beautiful decor. They showcase a prized investment.

And that means few homeowners will settle for anything but the best when it comes to decor. Of course, you’ll need wine racks and a wine cooler. But before you start bringing in your favorite bottles, there’s something else to think about: the flooring for your home wine cellar.

For most home wine cellars, it’s all about the wine. Row after row of pinot noir, chardonnay, and Syrah line the room. As the bottles add up, they bring a lot of weight, something your flooring will have to take.

The average full wine bottle weighs 2.65 pounds. The average case weighs 30 to 40 pounds. Even a small home wine cellar can weigh one ton or more. That’s a lot of weight for your flooring to take.

The flooring in your home wine cellar will have to support the wine racks, the refrigeration system, furniture, cabinetry, and of course, the wine itself. Choose the wrong floor, and it can buckle under the pressure.

Flooring basics for your wine cellar floor

When you select a floor for your wine cellar, it’s a careful balance between looks and functionality.

Weight – Just 500 bottles can weigh up to one ton. That’s a lot of pressure in one section of your home. While most homeowners select a basement location for a wine cellar, no matter where you choose to put yours, ensure it has the proper support. Also, ensure your flooring choice can handle the pressure without succumbing to cracks and breakage.

Environment – Especially if you are holding wine as an investment, think about the environment as you lay everything in place. Constant temperatures and humidity levels are everything to ensure the wine holds its value. That’s why many wine cellars are built in the basement, so that they can be built over a cement slab. Be sure a proper vapor barrier is in place to avoid moisture.

Durability – Invariably, there will be spills and messes. While you hope never to drop a bottle of your favorite cabernet, it sometimes happens. If you’re sharing dinner with friends, you might shatter a glass. Or drop the fresh catch of the day or even the chocolate cake you meant for dessert. Cleanup should be a breeze without worrying about staining, mildew, or mold.

We’ll just say it – that means NO to carpet. While carpet has its place in your home – plush fibers always feel good in bedrooms on a cold winter morning – carpet and wine cellars don’t mix.

What flooring does work best in a home wine cellar?

Depending on your style and personality, there are a wide variety of flooring options that will work perfectly in your wine cellar.

Stone

Stone has been around for centuries because of its durability and good looks. Depending on which stone you choose, it can be a good addition to your home for decades to come.

Try travertine, granite, marble, or natural stone. For a truly unique experience, don’t stop at using stone flooring for your home wine cellar design; continue the look up the walls as well. A quick search on your favorite design site can help you pick out ideas to incorporate into your own home.

Hardwood

Hardwood is also a natural choice for including in your wine cellar design. If you already have hardwood flooring throughout your home, it’s only natural to continue the look into your wine cellar as well. But don’t be afraid to play it up a bit and create something unique. Because wine cellars are most often closed environments, it’s okay to create a more personalized experience.

You don’t have to stick with the most popular hardwood choices. Think exotic instead. Or mix and match – why not weave several different hardwood styles and colors throughout the floorplan to give you a unique look?

Cork

Cork and wine seem to go hand in hand. Cork is growing in popularity as a flooring option for every room in your home – why not your wine cellar as well? Cork is an eco-friendly option that handles well in all situations. Plus cork also brings a softness factor that stone and hardwood can’t. That softness makes it more enjoyable to walk and stand on, as well as quieter because of its natural shock absorbency.

Plus its cork – did we mention that? It has the look and feel of being naturally placed inside a wine cellar. If you are placing it in a wine cellar, be sure to have it properly sealed so it can withstand the occasional spills.

Vinyl

The luxury vinyl market isn’t what you remember from growing up. Today’s luxury vinyl mimics the wildly popular flooring choices like stone, marble, or hardwood. It gives you the look of the best flooring on the market, while also providing the convenience of vinyl. It’s less expensive than other flooring choices, and is easier to clean and maintain. If you’re looking for a budget friendly flooring choice, you can’t ignore luxury vinyl.

It’s time to make your choice – what flooring do you want for your home wine cellar?

Depending on your personality and style, there’s a perfect choice waiting for you. Your wine cellar should be as unique as the wine cellar you are installing into your home, whether it’s ultra modern, or you’re mimicking an old world cellar from the heart of wine country.

How can we help you make the perfect choice?

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

A conservatory is usually used as a place to relax and unwind so you will want luxury flooring that can withstand the demanding conditions.  Conservatories have a large number of windows and roof glazing so the temperatures inside can vary greatly.  In the summer months the humidity and temperatures can rise significantly.  Whereas, in the wintertime the room can become very cold with a low humidity.  You will need a floor that can cope with these extreme changing conditions. Read More

Hardwood, with its warm organic colors and natural feel, is popular with homeowners for a reason. It is the most sought after flooring material and instantly raises the value of any property it is attached to. However, hardwood’s singular flaw is its propensity for displaying damage in the form of scratches and scrapes. Avoiding this issue is difficult to impossible, particularly for homeowners with kids and pets.

However, there is good news. In the vast majority of cases, hardwood damage can be treated and repaired with a little bit of handiwork, extending the life of your floor significantly. The secret to this technique is surprising and, to be perfectly honest, a little nutty.

Walnuts, to be precise. Indeed, the snack nut available at your local grocer can be used to fill in scratches and restore damaged hardwood to its original pristine state. Let’s take a look at the steps necessary to pull of this miracle:

• Get a walnut. It must be raw and not treated (candied, spiced, etc) in any way. Any regular ol’ walnut will do.
• Clean the affected area of flooring and then rub the walnut over the damaged area. You will have the greatest effect if you rub in the same direction as the wood grain.
• Brush over the area lightly, your fingers will do just fine.
• Let the area sit for five minutes. This allows the walnut’s natural oils to soak into the wood and fill out the scratch.
• Finish the job by buffing the area with a soft cloth, building up a nice shine.

If you follow these simple steps, you should be able to remove even the most stubborn of scratches and restore your floor to its original beauty. If you are interested in learning more tips and tricks to care for your floor, or you have any additional questions about flooring in general, we invite you to contact us at 800-689-9006 or email us at [email protected]. Nobody knows floors like us!

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

Joe Zago, founder and President of The Carpet Guys has written an in-depth look at hardwood vs wood-look flooring options. This blog will answer many of the pro/con questions you may have about which type of flooring would be best for your home.

Different Types of Hardwood Flooring

There are two types of hardwood flooring, solid and engineered. Engineered floorings core is made of multiple thin layers of wood that are stacked on top of one another in a crisscrossed grain direction to help it gain more directional stability and resistance to expansion and contraction due to changes in humidity. These thin layers of wood are compressed together like the construction of plywood and then topped with a stained and protected top layer to showcase its remarkable beauty. Engineered wood, due to its very stable construction allows wider planks to be installed in Michigan and other variable climate states with far less chance of warping, cupping, or gapping than traditional ¾ inch thick solid hardwood.

Solid hardwood floors are constructed of one single piece of lumber all the way through. Although this is the most natural type of hardwood floor, it is the least stable and it is not recommended to install a natural ¾ inch thick hardwood floor with planks wider than 3.5 inches due to expansion and contraction with seasonal humidity changes which will most likely result in large gaps between the planks in the dryer winter months and often cupping, peaking, and swelling of the planks as they mash into each other as the boards expand during the summer months. Solid hardwood can be sanded down, stained, and refinished 2-4 times before needing to be removed and replaced whereas engineered hardwood can only be screened and refinished 1-2 times due to the thinner top layer. Natural hardwood, however, is much softer in most cases and easier to scratch or dent due to its natural properties whereas engineered hardwood is much tougher to dent and scratch due to its high density and high compression construction and can have much harder coatings baked on at high temperatures as opposed to natural hardwood having a liquid finish brushed on and then air-dried.

Laminate Flooring as an Alternative to Hardwood

Being that both options of flooring are very beautiful, natural hardwood floors, as well as engineered hardwood floors, are both very popular choices for Michigan homeowners. However, both options are prone to scrapes and scratching damage since wood is still soft and can be scratched by heavy foot traffic, pets, sliding chairs, and furniture being moved across it when cleaning. For this reason, laminate flooring was invented a few decades ago to solve the problem of fading and easy scratching. When laminate flooring was first brought into the market, it was a huge hit. Laminate flooring was literally flying off the shelves of just about every home improvement box store retailer however consumers soon found out that laminate flooring didn’t look or feel like real hardwood floors once they were installed. They often would be noted as making a hollow ticking sound when you walked across them. Laminate flooring was also extremely vulnerable to water damage from something as minute as a dog dish spilling or a glass of water falling on the floor.

Because of these vulnerabilities and characteristics, laminate flooring quickly became a trend that soon faded away to non-existence however the problems with natural hardwood flooring remained.

Laminate Made Better

Over the last 20 years, Mohawk Industries, Shaw Flooring, and many other well-known manufacturers have invested millions of dollars into the recreation and advancement of laminate flooring to finally come up with a solution to the expensive inefficiencies of natural hardwood and engineered flooring as well as overcome the problems with laminate flooring from the past. After many years of trial and error, millions upon millions of dollars spent on expensive research, development, and testing, laminate flooring is now the hottest selling hard surface flooring on the market and for very good reason. High-quality laminate flooring is now able to be made in 12MM thick planks which can withstand extremely heavy amounts of foot traffic and still maintain extreme durability. Laminate flooring is more than 10 times harder to scratch than natural hardwood floors since they can have an aluminum oxide coating baked on at temperatures that would be impossible for natural hardwood to withstand during the manufacturing process. Laminate woods are much more realistic looking than ever before, yet they remain for the most part, almost completely stain-proof and extremely scratch-resistant. New laminate flooring is also completely fade-proof in areas where natural sunlight through a glass door wall would often discolor and darken almost any natural hardwood floor in just a few short years thus causing a need to be sanded and refinished at a very high cost to the homeowner.

One of the greatest advancements to laminated flooring was the introduction and now perfection of waterproof laminate floors. Mohawk Industry mills a very special type of lumber from Loblolly Pine which is from the southeastern United States. The Loblolly Pine Tree grows in mostly lowlands and swampy areas and is great for laminate flooring due to the genes of the lumber which are very resistant to moisture absorption. Additionally, these new laminate planks are coated on all four sides with a waterproof wax bead within the locking joint which keeps surface water from penetrating between the planks and into the core of the board. For a demonstration video of Mohawk’s revolutionary waterproof laminate flooring follow this link:

Since Mohawk created its waterproof wood laminate flooring, many other manufacturers have also created other versions of high-quality waterproof laminate flooring options to refloor your home with. The Carpet Guys have several high-quality laminate flooring options to choose from. With these great advances in flooring technology, you can now refloor your living space with confidence knowing you can put down a beautiful natural wood looking floor without the worries of the past. The Carpet Guys have been rated for 9 consecutive years as the best place to buy flooring in Michigan by the reader’s choice awards.

Why Should You Consider Laminate Flooring

Thank you Joe Zago for contributing this great article on hardwood and wood-look options to refloor your home with. If you’re interested in any of the amazing flooring types that Joe recommended, please Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form.

The post Hardwood vs. Wood-Look Flooring Options appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

When it comes to day to day living, you’ve probably learned just how well gravity works. Between the kids’ juice box remnants all over the family room, and the red wine stains from your last party, your flooring is a checkerboard showcasing your lifestyle.

If it’s time to install new flooring, and you’re shopping for a carpet that will last, chances are you’ve come across manufacturers that promise stain resistant carpeting. In some cases, they even have names like Stainmaster attached to their product line. Stain-proof carpeting; it’s just what you need.

But do the claims really live up to the hype?

Let’s start with carpet durability

Before we even begin to discuss stain resistant carpet, it’s important to understand durability first.

When you’re looking for a carpet that can keep up with your lifestyle, pay close attention to what the carpet is made of. It’s stain resistant qualities are most influenced by the materials used to make it.

That includes the fibers, the backing, and the padding. Many people focus on the fibers only, then select the cheapest padding they can find. The two are created to work together. The padding actually adds the structural support to ensure your carpet has a long life. When you skimp in one area, the wearability will be impacted.

What matters in carpet fibers? A variety of things. Don’t just look at the color and pattern to make your final selection. Most manufacturers will give you several comparable factors to look at as you’re making your final selection.

• Face weight – the weight per square yard of carpet
• Total weight – face weight plus the weight of the backing
• Density rating – this looks at the height of the fiber strand and factors that into how durable the carpet is
• Wear rating – this is a subjective rating, often created by the manufacturer. While you can use it for evaluation, it’s more difficult to compare over many brands.
• Twist level – this is the number of twists in a one-inch strand. In most cases, higher twists mean a tighter weave, adding to the durability.

All of this can help point you in the direction of carpet that will be a good addition to your home. But there’s also something more that can assure you don’t have unsightly stains from the moment of your first spill.

What is stain resistant carpet?

Now that you know a little bit more about durability, it’s time to understand how this all fits together to create a stain resistant carpet. Stain resistance starts with all of the attributes we mentioned above. It also depends on what the fiber is made of. (We’ll get more into that in a minute.)

Many years ago, people began experimenting with all kinds of materials. Of course, they started with natural products like cotton and wool. But as they learned how to create things in a lab, they quickly discovered that some things are more durable than others.

When you make carpet out of synthetic materials like nylon, it creates a smooth texture, stands up better to water and stains, and isn’t damaged as easily by common problems such as mildew or even pests. That made nylon zoom to the top of carpet manufacturers’ wish lists, and they quickly made it their go-to product for making carpeting.

With an added step, they give carpets a chemical coating that makes the fibers stand up better to certain types of spills. It makes it more difficult for dirt and debris to embed in the fibers. It makes liquid spills sit on the top longer, creating a quick cleanup that’s barely noticeable, if at all.

Of course, this has been morphing over time. Today’s stain resistant carpets are a lot better than what was on the market a decade or two ago.

That means you’ll find a variety of manufacturers, each putting their spin on things. You can find new names promising you a variety of different benefits for your home.

Where Stainmaster fits into everything

Within every industry, there’s usually a leader. A brand that becomes synonymous within the industry itself.

Kleenex did that with tissues.

And Stainmaster did that with stain resistant carpet.

Stainmaster is one of the most recognizable brands of carpet. It also has one of the best warranties within the industry.

Keep in mind that not all dealers can offer Stainmaster carpet. If you’re specifically looking for that brand, find someone who sells the product line.

Stainmaster uses one of the highest quality materials for its carpeting, Nylon 6.6. It’s reinforced with Teflon – yes, that’s the same material you’ll find on your pans, the product that helps repel grease and grime. Because Stainmaster uses this same technology, the carpet fibers avoid most of your daily living messes. It makes maintenance easier, and keeps your carpets cleaner, longer.

Are there other choices?

Like all things, Stainmaster isn’t the only choice you can make and still have stain resistant carpet. For many homeowners, they don’t want to focus just on nylon.

While nylon is one of the most popular materials for carpets, manufacturers realize that different homeowners want different things.

For some, nylon is a lab-made product. It’s made from synthetic materials. If you’re looking for products to make your home a little more eco-friendly, nylon simply won’t do.

Luckily, there are wool carpets for these homeowners. Wool doesn’t have the stain resistant coating sprayed onto the fibers. Instead, wool has a natural resistance to certain types of stains. Wool does a great job of protecting the fibers from many kinds of spills, including certain oils. If your kids spill their juice boxes, you’ll be able to soak it up. And if someone drops their hotdog, and ketchup splatters across the fibers, you’ll be able to remove that too.

But there is a catch; wool is more expensive than synthetic-based carpet. Keep in mind, every carpet has its own limitations. You know your family and lifestyle best. If you bring us what your daily actions are and what your flooring usually faces, we can help you finalize what product would hold up best.

Are you ready for stain resistant carpet? 

Like every flooring choice out there, if you want to install stain resistant carpet, there are many different products available.

Start by bringing in your wishlist. We can match them to brands and manufacturers, and help you make the right choice for your home.

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

The Installation

This is Step 8 – The Installation, in our blog series of 10 Easy Steps to New Flooring.  Be sure to check out the other detailed steps in this series (below).  We want to guide you through the process!  With The Carpet Guys, there’s no reason to hesitate with a new flooring purchase.  It’s easy and affordable.  Here’s how we make the installation better…

The People Who Install Our Flooring

When Joe Zago started The Carpet Guys 10 years ago, one of his very first installers was Brett L.  Brett’s crew, which included his son, was well-liked!  They were friendly, prompt, professional, knowledgeable (I know this because I asked a lot of questions) and made tear out and install look so easy.  Fast forward to today, Brett is still working for The Carpet Guys and his son has his own installation crew.  A company doesn’t retain that type of loyalty if it isn’t a good company to work with.  We hire the best crews in the business and make sure they want to stay.  That’s one reason we can give a Lifetime Installation Warranty.

Hardwood, Luxury Vinyl or Laminate Installation

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Once the floor is prepped, the installer decides if it is a floating, nailed or glue-down installation. Some floating installations require an “underlayment”.  Underlayment acts as a “padding” to the hard surface material.  It provides a moisture barrier, it reduces noise and helps even out slight subfloor imperfections. Some products have their own underlayment built into the product.  A floating installation is where the flooring product is not glued or nailed down.

No underlayment is used in the nailed or glued install methods.

Remember, flooring installation is a major home renovation.  Typical and power tools are used.  This includes a small table saw for trimming boards and possibly a nail gun with a small compressor.  This is not a place for small children or pets.  For their safety, keep them away from the area being installed.

Don’t be surprised when the installer does not line your
hard surface flooring flush with the wall. 
All flooring expands and contracts with temperature and moisture
changes.  There will be an expansion
gap along all solid obstructions (like walls or cabinets) to allow for this
expansion.  Your moldings or quarter
round will hide this gap (see transitions).

Sheet Vinyl or Carpet Installation

For carpet, the installer will check to make sure your previous tack strip is in good condition, or they will lay down new tack strips.  A reminder that tack strip is a narrow piece of wood with tacks pointing upwards.  Again, this is not a place for bare feet, small children or pets.  Please keep them away from the installation area for safety!

Next, they will bring in your product.  It comes in large rolls that may span your entire room.  This is one reason that we recommend “Flooring Before Painting”.  The backing on a roll product is very stiff.  In order to minimize seams and make stretching the flooring better, they use the largest piece they can for your space.  Rolls are approximately 12 feet wide, so they can install them in a space that is 11’7” or less (they need extra flooring for stretching).  If a seam is necessary, the installer will place it in a very low traffic area or under your furniture.  They use a seam-iron to glue the seam together with special glue tape.

Why is Power Stretching So Important?

When it’s time to stretch, we are one of the only companies that use power stretching.  A power stretcher doesn’t use electricity.  It uses leverage to stretch the carpet and alleviate the chance of wrinkles.  Carpet will expand and stretch with traffic and usage.  This causes wrinkles.  When stretched properly carpet wrinkles are less likely to develop down the road.  Another reason we can provide a Lifetime Installation Warranty.  Then they will trim any excess flooring and tuck it under the drywall.

It’s a very similar installation for sheet vinyl, though they do not need to stretch it.  Also, glue is used instead of the tack strip.  First, glue is applied to the floor. Then, the sheet vinyl is placed.

Transition Pieces for Flooring Installation

Finally, the installer places your moldings and transition pieces, as needed.  The transitions used depend on what type of flooring you have.  If you want more information on these transitions, check out our buying guides, like our Laminate Buying Guide.

This is the installation process.  Hopefully, by breaking it down, our customers will feel confident in what’s going to happen with their flooring installation.  If you are not currently our customer and you are now feeling like you want to be, Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form.  We are happy to help with any of these steps that you are ready to take!

Check out these other easy steps to new flooring:

1. Free Design Consultant
2. Measuring Your Space
3. Making Your Installation Appointment
4. The Installer Calls
5. Installation Preparation
6. Moving Your Furniture
7. Rip Up and Haul Away Old Flooring

The post Step 8 What to Expect from The Carpet Guys appeared first on The Carpet Guys.