A Guide To Buying The Right Carpet

Want to add style, color, and comfort to your home? Look no further than carpet. It brightens up any room. It softens hard spaces. It takes away the chill on a cold winter morning. What could be better than all that?

Homeowners have many reasons they select carpet for various rooms throughout their homes. Yet deciding to install carpet is the easy part; the difficult part comes with the selection process. Where do you begin when so many choices are presented to you? Styles, patterns, materials, thickness, color – the decisions seem to go on and on. Wouldn’t it be better if you had a guide to buying the right carpet before you stepped onto a showroom floor, something that would help you understand what to buy even before you started looking?

The good thing is we have that guide. When you’re ready to buy the right carpet, we have the perfect solution for you.

What terms you should know before you shop

Buying new carpet isn’t something you’ll do a lot of in your life. Carpet manufactured today is designed to last 5 to 15 years, depending on the quality, the padding used, and how well the carpet is maintained. It’s easy to get confused by the terminology, especially as new concepts enter the marketplace.

Backing – the material used to back the carpet and reinforce stability.

Density – this refers to how close the fibers are woven together into the backing. You’ll find this detailed as ounces per cubic yard. The higher the density, the more durable the carpet will ultimately be.

Fiber – fiber is one of the most important factors for durability. It’s the material used to create the yarn.

Pile – pile refers to the length of the yarn and the way it’s attached to the backing. You’ll have loop pile or cut pile to select from.

Twist – with a cut pile, the twist comes from how many times the fiber is twisted together on themselves. Higher twist counts, in general, mean better performance.

Weight – face weight refers to how much fiber is used, whereas total weight refers to the backing and the yarn.

Of course, there are many more terms that refer specifically to type, style, and various manufacturing processes. When you have a question, just ask.

Evaluating your room use

When you shop, the first question a flooring consultant will ask you is what room you’re looking to add carpet to. Why? Because that shapes the direction they’ll suggest for what type of carpet handles best.

Not all carpet is designed for every room in your home. You wouldn’t install delicate carpet in a high-traffic office space. Nor would you install commercial grade carpet in a baby’s room. The more questions a consultant asks, the more they’ll learn about what carpet will work best for you.

• What room will the carpet be installed in?
• How much traffic will flow through that room?
• Do you expect a lot of entertaining in that room?
• How large is your family? Ages?
• Is their direct access from the outside?

The consultant isn’t being nosy; they are attempting to ensure you get a product that’s perfect for your needs and desires. By getting a detailed picture of how you’ll be living once the carpet is installed, they’ll have a better idea of choices to steer you to so you’ll be happy with your final selection.

Pile types

Pile refers to the style of carpet – how it’s woven and constructed. While every carpet starts as a loop pile, some loops are trimmed and become cut pile.

Berber – this is a loop pile with small tufts that stands up well under pressure

Frieze – tightly twisted fibers that give exceptional durability

Patterned – a combination of loop and cut pile used to create different looks

Plush – closely packed yarn gives carpet a smooth look and feel

Saxony – less dense than plush, but the fibers are treated with a heat process to make them stand up straight

Shag – long, loosely spaced fibers that present an informal look

Textured plush – patterned plush where yarn in varying colors and heights are used to create a textured look

Fiber types

Two things have the greatest impact on how well a carpet will handle throughout its life: pile and fiber. You’ll find carpet is made from two different categories of materials: natural or synthetic. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully.

Acrylic – a synthetic material that has many of the properties of wool. It’s durable and helps hide dirt, cleans well, and resists mildew.

Nylon – one of the most common carpet materials, nylon is durable and stain-resistant. Not all carpet is created equal, so it’s important to do your due diligence.

Olefin – the least expensive material, it’s synthetic and made to change out on a regular basis. You’ll often find this used in rentals so it can be changed out with frequency.

Polyester – dyes well, which makes this synthetic material popular when creating vibrant, fade-resistant colors.

Wool – a natural, hypoallergenic material that is very durable. It repels oils and stains, and is warm and comfortable underfoot.

Quality and Durability 

For most homeowners, quality and durability go hand in hand. Yes, you want to install carpet that will give you the longest life possible. Yes, you want it to look good for years. What should you know about today’s technology that will really make a difference?

Stainmaster – if you’re in the market for carpet, you’ve probably heard that phrase. It’s one of the most popular technologies that give carpet a long life. But what you might not know is there’s more to the technology than just avoiding stains.

Stainmaster also has:

6,6 Nylon Technology – a patented fiber technology that helps carpets avoid crushing, color fading, and abrasive wear.

TEFLON Protection – this is a superior soil resistance technology that separates dirt from fibers easier, and allows it to be vacuumed away.

Anti-Static Technology – if you’ve ever felt tiny zaps as you walk across carpet, you know it can be a shocking experience. Having anti-static protection does more to keep your expensive electronics save as you walk across your carpet and touch your devices.

Don’t assume carpets have protection. Ask. All carpets that feature Stainmaster technology should be clearly marked. Your flooring consultant should be able to direct you to the best manufacturers that not only offer the best technological advances in the industry, but also have superior warranties to back up their promises. 

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

Is there formaldehyde in flooring? The Carpet Guys want to educate our consumers so they can feel confident in the flooring purchases and installations they make.  Here is the information you need to know.

What is Formaldehyde?

Check out this article by the CDC for more information on what formaldehyde is.

Hard-Surface Flooring

Laminate, engineered hardwood, and vinyl are most likely to possess formaldehyde. Fortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), have put strict standards in place for all flooring manufacturers within the United States.  Formaldehyde is measured in “parts per million” (ppm).  The range for formaldehyde in normal air quality is 0.03ppm to 0.08ppm.  The standard upheld by the EPA and CARB under the TSCA Title VI Compliant Certification is 0.05ppm (link to EPA formaldehyde information). This is lower than the air we breathe regularly.  They impose the same standard on products imported into the U.S. Despite this, it is much harder to enforce outside our country.

What Does This Mean for the Consumer?

First, make sure you know where your flooring comes from.  Rest assured that The Carpet Guys proudly install products Made in America.

Second, if you have new flooring installed, give it time to air out.  New flooring off-gases most of its formaldehyde within the first 24-48 hours.  So, if you already have one of these types of floors, know that your home has probably already returned to normal.

If You Want to Minimize Formaldehyde Exposure

Unfortunately, we can’t eliminate formaldehyde in our lives completely.  Even plants and animals produce trace amounts of it.  Although, you can choose a flooring type with minimal amounts.  Hardwood and carpet have the lowest amounts of formaldehyde present (Low-VOC Carpet blog).  The Carpet Guys carry a large selection of carpet, in-stock, for next-day installation.  Also, if you want hardwood, give us a call at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form and one of our professional representatives will contact you.

The post Is There Formaldehyde in Flooring? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Laminate flooring is a fantastic option for those who want a real wood look and feel for a lower price, or for those who require added durability. If you aren’t sure whether laminate flooring is the right move for you, our laminate buying guide blog will cover everything you need to know.

This blog will include both the advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring, where you can lay laminate, different AC ratings, the best laminate flooring suited to your needs and many more factors that are important to consider.

 

The Benefits of Laminate Flooring

There are many benefits to laminate flooring. Below is a list of key advantages that you should consider when making the all-important decision on whether to buy:

Advantages

• Laminate is highly durable, and can withstand a large amount of foot traffic
• It is a great option if you’re looking for flooring to put in your bathroom or kitchen, as it does not absorb moisture as much as real wooden floors
• Laminate is affordable, and can look almost identical to real wood flooring
• With our click-lock fitting mechanism, laminate flooring is quick and easy to install
• Laminate is scratch and water-resistant, which makes it perfect for busy family homes, as well as bathrooms and kitchens
• Compared to real wood, Laminate is more hygienic and easier to clean, and only requires a regular sweep and the occasional damp mop
• The manufacturing process of laminate results in a highly durable and reliable flooring, with highly consistent results throughout each plank

Disadvantages

• Laminate flooring isn’t the real thing; if you’re looking for a 100% genuine wood flooring look and feel, you can only find that with real wood flooring
• Wood flooring tends to have a longer lifespan than laminate, as it can be sanded and refinished

 

Where Can You Lay Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a great choice for any room in your home. The strong durable surface, coupled with the wide range of styles of colours, provides a huge range to choose from. The easy click installation that we include on all of our laminate flooring makes the laying process much easier.

While laminate is great for any room, you need to make sure you use AC5-rated laminate for bathrooms; this is because this rating of flooring is able to withstand high amounts of moisture, due to its higher durability and rough, textured surface. AC ratings depend on which laminate flooring your looking at.

 

Laminate AC Ratings

To put it simply, AC ratings define how strong and durable the said laminate is; the higher the number, the stronger and more durable the flooring is. An AC4 rating is our most common rating with laminate flooring. Its also important to remember that a high AC rating doesn’t mean its the best laminate flooring you can choose from, the AC ratings of laminate all serve their own purpose that will be preferred by different people.

Laminate Flooring gets its AC rating by being put through rigorous testing. This is to determine how resistant it is to abrasion, moisture and a number of other different factors. 

AC ratings range from AC1 to AC5 – AC1 being the lowest score, with the laminate’s strength increasing with each higher rating. 

AC5-rated laminate is used more commonly in commercial areas like shops, this is because it can withstand a very high amount of pressure and foot traffic.

In order to receive an AC rating, the laminate has to pass each test. If it doesn’t, it will not receive a rating. For this reason, the AC rating is a sign of quality in laminate floors. The AC ratings can vary depending on which laminate flooring you choose.

 

AC1

Suitable for moderate traffic. Best suited to use in bedrooms or guest rooms.

AC2

Suitable for general traffic like Dining or living rooms.

AC3

Suitable for heavy traffic. Generally suitable for all areas, especially areas such as hallways.

AC4

Suitable for moderate traffic in commercial spaces. Think small offices, cafés or smaller retail outlets.

AC5

Suitable for heavy traffic in commercial spaces. Large department stores, public buildings and large offices.

 

Thickness Variety in Laminate Flooring

Thickness is an important factor to consider when deciding on which laminate flooring is best suited to you. A thicker laminate will provide a more real wood feel, the thicker depth also results in a more detailed etching. A thicker width can also reduce echo in your room.

A thinner Laminate Flooring may not include as many benefits, however, it is considerably cheaper.

Laminate flooring is manufactured between the thicknesses of 6mm and 12mm. Usually, a durable laminate floor is between 10mm and 12mm, however, if your subfloor is level and adequate, 7mm or 8mm is definitely an option.

 

What is The Best laminate Flooring For Me?

Laminate flooring opens up a range of different options that you wouldn’t be able to find with many other kinds of flooring. If you’re looking for a walnut appearance, a natural-toned wood look, or even a stone texture, we have the range to suit your taste.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a laminate buying guide without mentioning Grey Laminate. It has become a massive trend with interior designers and homeowners alike. Its natural-looking tone and colour help the flooring blend into any interior effortlessly.

 

Pricing

Compared to real wood flooring, laminate flooring is very cost-effective, which is a great option for those on a budget. Shown below is an example of our different ranges of laminate flooring based on price point. Ranging from low cost and budget-friendly to higher price ranges, there are various specifications to suit your needs and preferences.

Studio Grey	Cottage Dark Chocolate Oak	Supreme 12mm Highland Oak Titan
£8.74/m²	£14.99/m²	£23.99/m²
Read More	Read More	Read More
Add Free Sample to Cart	Add Free Sample to Cart	Add Free Sample to Cart

Conclusion

The best laminate flooring for your needs comes down to both personal preference, as well as overall practicality when evaluating how often the flooring will be walked on. Laminate flooring is one of the best replacements for wood flooring that you can get, both have their positives and negatives. However, laminate is getting closer and closer to the real thing, and can offer many advantages that real wood flooring may not be able to provide. Take the advice in this laminate buying guide to help you in your decision.

If you have any further queries or questions, be sure to call us on 03308 088 777 or leave a comment below.

The post Laminate Buying Guide: Which Laminate Flooring is Right for You? appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

As winter is approaching, it is very important to take extra care to look after your hardwood floor during the next few months.  Hardwood floors are a natural product and can become damaged and scratched if not looked after properly.  During colder and wetter months of the year it can be difficult to avoid the harsh elements from outside.  Read More

The Carpet Guys can help you stretch your dollar and get you the new floors you want. Don’t wait until you’re going to sell your home to make the renovations you always wanted. 

Don’t Think You Have the Time?

The Carpet Guys can install any in-stock carpet the next day.  We send our Design Consultants at a time that works for you, evenings and weekends included.  Our professional installation team will be ready to install on a day that you find convenient.  And most installations can happen in one day.  Time is no excuse for The Carpet Guys.

Don’t Think You Have the Money?

We will also give you a rebate if you refer your friends and family to The Carpet Guys.  That’s money back in your pocket to put towards your future renovations.

All-Inclusive Pricing!

Big box stores will charge you for all the things we offer in our all-inclusive pricing, like; design consultation, installation, old flooring tear up and haul away, moving furniture and our Lifetime Installation Warranty.  That’s money you save to put towards the flooring you want.

Don’t wait until you’re selling your home to change your flooring.  Let The Carpet Guys make all your floor covering dreams come true and start enjoying your new floors TODAY!  Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or you can fill out this Free In-Home Estimate form and we will contact you.

The post Stretch Your Dollar AND Get What You Want appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Looking for amazing savings on your interiors this Black November? Look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the best savings for your home, based on tips from Money Saving Expert and other leading price comparison sites.

 

Of course, we couldn’t look at Black November Deals without including the fantastic savings we’re offing across our entire flooring range. From Solid Wood Parquet to Laminate, we have up to 50% off – plus an extra 10% using code BLACK10. This incredible offer is valid until midnight on Black Friday.

 

Villa Harbour Oak Grey Laminate               Oxford Herringbone Vanilla Oak 

 

We’re also offering the same amazing deal on our sister site, Flooring Superstore; home to a huge range of quality Carpets and trendy Vinyl. No matter which room you’re renovating, we’ve got you covered.

 

Our Grass Direct brand caters for the garden too, with up to 50% off all of our artificial grass ranges, plus an additional 20% off using code BLACK20. Again, this offer is valid until midnight on Black Friday.

 

Now, where else can you save?

 

moneysavingexpert.com have published their top picks for Black Friday and Cyber Monday predictions based on last year’s amazing offers. To make life easier for you, we’ve picked out last year’s interior savings:

 

Amazon

Eight days of Black Friday deals – includes 1000’s of items including tech.

 

Littlewoods & Very

Discounts on electricals.

 

Matalan

Up to 50% off? On homeware and other ranges.

 

Next

Up to 70% off on selected home lines.

 

Morrisons

5 days of deals including homeware.

 

Apple

Free gift cards with purchases – last year up to £160 with MacBook, iMac, iPad etc.

 

Argos

Discounts across the range.

 

Debenhams

Up to 50% off selected departments.

 

Lakeland

Up to 50% off.

 

Selfridges

20% off across the website.

 

John Lewis

Price Matching, with offers on electrical and home.

Look out for dedicated Black Friday pages across the retailors websites, like this one from John Lewis. If the discount is not site-wide, the best savings are likely to be listed here. There could be extra savings coming up for Cyber Monday or additional offers worth noting too.

 

 

 

This year’s Black Friday lands on the 29^th November, however, the majority of these retailers are expected to start their promotions earlier – just like we have.

 

In order to beat the Black Friday rush, we have extended our savings throughout the month. Not only does this guarantee you the lowest prices throughout all of November, but also allows you to secure your stock ready for those Christmas renovations. We all love a good spruce up for family gatherings.

 

Other ways to save

 

Which.co.uk recommend that preparation is key to getting the best deals from Black Friday. Signing up to newsletters, checking your emails and researching social media will keep you ahead of the game in the Black Friday rush. They also advise keeping an eye out for Price Match Promises and to start your shopping early to avoid disappointment.

 

EmmaDrew.info has created a fantastic blog on ways to save money this Black Friday. Her top tips include setting a budget to control your spending, writing a list to keep on track of what you need, researching discount codes and monitoring price changes.

 

Let us know how you intend to save this Black Friday! Or get in touch with our flooring experts to take advantage of our amazing savings on 03308088777.

The post Beat the Black Friday Rush with Black November Super Savings! appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Stepping into a room that’s worn or out of date can be frustrating. Everywhere you look is a reminder that your room is in desperate need of a remodel. But where do you begin?

Sure, you can change the color with a can of paint. New decor is always fun to shop for. You’ve been dreaming of a new couch; you even have it picked out from a local store.

But in truth, you know where the real problem lies. Yes, the paint and new decor will do wonders for improving your mood. Yet it’s the flooring that’s the real problem. And replacing the entire floor is a much bigger – and more expensive – job than you ever hoped to take on.

Where can you cut corners? Should you try and live with your ratty old carpet another year? Should you attempt a do-it-yourself flooring project you can take on yourself? We get when you’re shopping for best flooring options on a budget, you look at it from all angles. And luckily, you have a lot of choices.

However, if you focus on the “budget” part of the equation, you could end up with cheap flooring. And if it’s too cheap, you could regret your decision almost from the moment you have it installed.

Before you get started on your flooring project, it pays to do a little research first. Spend some time learning all you can about the most affordable flooring options on the market today. Then consider your lifestyle carefully. Do you see where the two marry up?

The perfect choice for one homeowner might not be the best choice for another.

But when you finally select the right flooring for your needs, and you spend your money wisely getting the highest quality product you can, you’ll love your floors for many years into the future.

That also means you consider costs carefully, weighing the costs and benefits to determine the right flooring choice for your budget. It might mean putting off the project for a bit until you can afford what makes the most sense for your home and lifestyle. It might mean taking out a home equity line of credit. Only you can decide what’s right for you.

Flooring To Consider

If you have your heart set on one specific type of flooring, shop with that flooring choice in mind. Keep an open mind, however, as you talk to one of our flooring consultants about choosing the best product for your situation. Some flooring choices hold up better than others, especially in high traffic areas. And if you focus on price alone, you might wind up with a product that can’t handle under pressure. No matter what your budget holds, here are some of our favorite flooring choices for your home.

Hardwood

Rather than putting it at the bottom of the list, we’re listing it right at the top. We know homeowners all across the Front Range have hardwood at the top of their wish lists. It’s a great flooring choice because it’s beautiful, durable, and timeless – you simply can’t go wrong when you install hardwood.

The biggest disadvantage of hardwood is they don’t stand up well in certain circumstances. They warp if they’re exposed to moisture. They dent and scratch when not properly maintained. They can shrink and swell if they are subjected to varying temperatures.

That means they aren’t the best choice in your bathrooms or basement. If you have an active kitchen, another product may be a better choice. But in the living room and dining room, spending a little extra might be the perfect thing to do.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood looks like solid wood, but is made with layers to stand up better under pressure. It has layers of plywood, a thin veneer of natural wood on top, and a laminated top coat that makes it wear better than hardwood. It gives you the look of real hardwood at a more affordable cost.

Engineered wood can work well in the same spaces as solid wood. In addition, consider installing it in other rooms such as basements. For your main living areas, it’s regarded as the second-best choice.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is created in much the same way as engineered wood. Instead of a thin veneer layer, however, it uses a photograph under a clear plastic coating to create the final look of the product. That means laminate can take on just about any look, including stone, tile, or hardwood. And with today’s technology, the photograph is extremely real looking, often requiring even the best experts to kneel to see the difference.

Laminate comes in both tiles and planks, and you can install them without nails or glue. They float into place. Because they are easy to install, it makes a perfect do-it-yourself project – another great way to save money.

Laminate is a good flooring choice for high traffic areas. It’s also a good choice for basements. But avoid laminate where standing water might be a problem, such as in laundry rooms or bathrooms, as they can warp and crack.

Vinyl

Vinyl has come a long way from the flooring choices your parents installed. It’s considered resilient flooring, made from a flexible material that feels softer underfoot. It comes in several forms, including sheet, tile, and click-style planks that replicate the look of hardwood.

Vinyl is a tough material that stands up well to both traffic and moisture. If you’re looking for the perfect choice to stand up well in all conditions, comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, and simulates any look your desire, vinyl may be your choice.

How To Save On Flooring

Once you make a choice, it’s important to focus on quality rather than price. However, there are still ways you can buy the best flooring options for your home, and stick with your budget too.

Be flexible

Don’t go in with your heart set on specifics. Instead, be willing to look at alternatives. A flooring consultant can show you ways to get the look you desire and still stick with your budget.

Ask for samples

Don’t make a decision on the showroom floor. Instead, take a sample home and live with it for a few days. Do you like the color in all lighting conditions? Does it work well with the rest of your decor?

Install it yourself

Depending on the material you choose, there are flooring choices that are perfect for the do-it-yourselfer. You can save installation costs when you do the work yourself. That means you can get a higher quality product that will give you a greater lifespan. Plus, you’ll feel good every time you walk into the room, knowing you installed the best flooring choice for you.

If you’re thinking of taking on a home improvement project this year, it’s easy to find the  best flooring options on a budget. Stop by today, and we’ll help you find the perfect choice for your home.

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

Well, another year has flown by and once again the holidays are rapidly approaching, leaving so many things for most people to do and so little time to do it. And along with the holiday season comes numerous other considerations about everything that goes with this time of the year. Family gatherings, decorating, and sometimes large presents such as full-length mirrors, bookshelves, and vanity tables can all be a part of the season.

But what a lot of folks don’t always think about is the damage that can be done to the floors in their home with all of this activity. That’s why we wanted to offer up this simple list of 9 things that you can do to help minimize damage or scratching to your hardwood flooring when rearranging furniture or inviting scores of guests in and out of your home over the next few months:

1. Regular Cleaning

2. Use Door Mats

3. Keep Pet Nails Trimmed

4. Use Rugs in Common Areas

5. Use Felt Pads for Furniture

6. Take Off Shoes

7. Waterproof Tree Stand

8. Use a Boot Tray

9. Use Protective Coating on Wood and Tile

We thought these tips might help our friends and neighbors to keep their floors in the best shape possible going into the New Year. Nothing hangs over a person’s head more than having a lingering home improvement project waiting for them right after the holidays.

But if you do have any post-holiday (or any other time of the year) needs, just give Flooring.org a call at 800-689-9006. You also visit us online at flooring.org where you can get a fantastic look at all of the features and flooring options we offer. Our friendly and helpful staff is always here to assist you with whatever your home or property needs may be.

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

Are you thinking about adding engineered wood floors to your home? Congratulations, it’s a great choice.

There are so many reasons to love engineered wood flooring:

• It’s beautiful
• It’s durable
• It’s easy to maintain
• It comes in many styles and colors
• It’s the perfect flooring choice for busy households

And that’s just the start!

Like other flooring choices, if you’ve decided to install engineered wood, your goal probably includes a desire to keep them looking new for as long as possible. It’s a big investment; why not do what it takes to make them look as good as possible for as long as possible?

The good news is you’ve chosen well. Engineered flooring will stand the test of time if you do just a few things.

What is the best way to clean engineered wood floors?

One of the reasons homeowners love engineered wood is because it’s so easy to take care of. It has the look and feel of real hardwood, yet it’s more durable, which makes it even easier to clean.

Keep a vacuum handy. Then run over your engineered wood floors regularly with a vacuum picking up dust, debris, tiny crumbs, and other small objects your family tracks in or drops. Be sure the vacuum was created for wood floors. If it has a beater bar or a power rotary brush head, it has the potential to damage the surface finish.

You can also use a soft cloth to wipe away daily spills. The key is ensuring you don’t dig harsh objects into the surface. Avoid using brooms with stiff bristles, or applying pressure to sweepers that can push dirt and debris across the surface area. Once a floor is damaged, it can be difficult to repair.

We also advise to stay away from harsh chemicals when cleaning your floors. A lot of cleaning products on the market today can do more harm than good. A simple combination of vinegar and water makes an excellent cleaning solution. Just be sure your rag isn’t saturated when you apply it to your engineered wood, and it dries from the surface quickly. Moisture can be a big problem for engineered wood floors.

What does moisture do to engineered wood flooring?

There are two big problems that can shorten your engineered wood flooring’s life. The first is scratches and dents that impact the surface of the flooring. The second is damage from moisture and humidity.

Most Colorado homeowners think moisture and humidity isn’t a problem here in our dry environment. But every home has a potential problem of creating too much humidity, and having trouble with things like mildew, mold, and warping.

Think about our seasons for a minute. In the heart of the winter, it can get bitter cold outside. With temperatures falling below zero degrees, your furnace kicks into overtime. This dries out the inside of your home, including your flooring. Then in the summer, the rain begins. You introduce cooled air from your air conditioner. All of that can cause your flooring to expand and contract.

If your flooring was installed correctly, there is room for expansion. If not, there is potential for your flooring to warp and buckle.

The easiest way to prevent this is by monitoring your humidity levels. Invest in a humidifier if necessary. Avoid excessive water on your floors. Clean up spills immediately. If there is risk for spills, such as in the kitchen, invest in area rugs to keep spills to a minimum.

Can you steam clean engineered wood floors?

This is a popular question we get about engineered wood flooring. In one word, the answer is: no.

Steam cleaners are designed to clean flooring using two things – steam and water – two things that aren’t good for engineered wood flooring. The steam can force water into the cracks and below the surface layer, potentially causing more damage than any other type of cleaning.

If your flooring needs a deep cleaning, start by using a product approved by the manufacturer of your floors. Check on their website for recommended solutions, or give us a call. We’re happy to make recommendations.

If your engineered wood looks dingy and dirty even after cleaning, it might be time for  refinishing. While engineered wood can’t always be refinished like traditional hardwood planks, a high quality engineered plank may have the potential to be sanded and refinished more than once. Again, check with your manufacturer for guidance.

Can you polish engineered wood floors?

An engineered wood floor is different than traditional hardwood. Because the planks are built with different layers, it can’t be sanded down like conventional planks. The wood veneer layer is usually ⅛” to 1/16” thick, so sanding it down has the potential to destroy the look of the flooring. While buffing and polishing may be an option, keep in mind that you will be reducing the top layer of the product. Always check with manufacturer guidelines first. When in doubt, don’t impact the top layer of the engineered wood.

Are there other ways to protect engineered wood floors?

Want to make your rooms look fantastic, complement your decor, and protect your wood planks too? Consider area rugs for both protection and aesthetics.

While homeowners use engineered wood to create a luxurious atmosphere, area rugs help make it even better. In the places where you spend the most time, they can help protect the finish from scratches, dents, and moisture, ensuring your flooring looks good for years to come.

However, you can’t throw down any rug and expect it to work.

Start by cleaning the area thoroughly before you lay down a rug. If you place the rug over dirt particles, debris, or oil, it can cause irreversible damage that will be noticeable after you remove the rug.

Think functionality first. While a fluffy rug might be the perfect way to add warmth to a bedroom, you’ll want to keep a low profile in high traffic areas to prevent falls.

Be sure to use non-slip rug pads underneath. Never use rubber backs, as they can damage the finish on the floor. Choose a rug pad specifically made for your flooring material. This will help avoid friction between the rug and the flooring, and prevent movement that can damage both your floors and cause a tripping hazard for your family.

Then, let your design ideas flow. There are many different types of rugs on the market today. You’ll find one perfect to create the look and feel you’re trying to achieve.

One of the reasons people love engineered wood flooring is because it gives you the look of traditional hardwood, but in a more durable package. If you’re in the market for engineered wood floors, stop by today and see our complete line. You’ll love the way it looks in your home. 

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Here are some of the top flooring trends for 2020 according to The Carpet Guys.  The flooring in your home is the foundation for the decorating style of your rooms.  There are so many great styles to choose from in the coming decade that will accentuate your décor.

Lifeproof Flooring in 2020

Customers care about how their flooring performs in their busy lifestyles.  They want flooring that can stand up to the rigors of family, pets and high traffic.  New advances in flooring technology are allowing all the best flooring has to offer.  Waterproof laminates, sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl planks, and luxury vinyl tiles are available for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.  There are amazing, scratch-resistant, hard-surface flooring options for pet owners.  One of the new features in 2020 will be “trackless” carpet (carpet that doesn’t show vacuum or foot tracks). Look for more information on this new carpet style with The Carpet Guys in early 2020!

Making Flooring Your Own

Using Texture

Emphasizing texture is all the rage for trends in 2020!  For example, patterned carpet (using loop and cut strand variations within one style) adds texture and softness underfoot.  If laminate flooring inspires you, the trend is to have a hand-scraped, distressed, or reclaimed, high-definition finish.  All of these would look amazing with the new farmhouse or coastal decorating styles that are trending.

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Eco-Friendly Flooring in 2020

Equally important to lifeproof is what flooring is made of and how it affects the environment.  First, The Carpet Guys stock all the top brands of flooring that are Made in America.

Second, our Carpet pad is made from recycled foam (from the furniture and auto industries).  Third, we also recycle the used padding when we pull up your old flooring (just one of the free services we provide at The Carpet Guys).  For more information on our environmentally sound practices, check out our “Recyclable Carpet and Padding Products” blog.

So, if you’re in the market for any of the flooring trends for 2020, call The Carpet Guys.  With our entire showroom of samples, our Design Consultant will guide you to the best Lifeproof and eco-friendly flooring for your busy lifestyle. Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form.

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