Why Is Bamboo Flooring Eco-Friendly?

Looking for an eco-friendly flooring? Consider bamboo flooring. According to a new report, the worldwide market is expected to increase over 3.5 percent over the next five years, making bamboo flooring well over a billion-dollar industry.

Why? Because bamboo flooring is perfect for your home.

For many homeowners, they start the process by looking at bamboo as a great alternative to classic hardwood. And we agree – if you’ve always wanted oak or maple hardwood, you’ll love bamboo.

Bamboo offers so much more. We’re convinced that when you discover all the benefits of bamboo, they’ll move up to the top of your wish list. Here’s why.

Bamboo is eco-friendly

That’s what brought you to this article in the first place. Bamboo isn’t wood – it’s grass. Whereas trees can take decades to grow to maturity, bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth. Bamboo can be harvested every 5 to 7 years, and because it’s a grass, it simply grows back up again. That makes it a superior choice for anyone worried about what we’re doing to the planet.

Because you don’t have to remove the plant and start all over with a seedling, it begins growing again after every harvest. In some cases, bamboo plants can grow up to two feet per day, making it a perfect crop for farmers around the globe. But like everything, there are good and bad ways to approach this crop.

Harvesting bamboo actually makes the stalks healthier. That’s because removing the tallest plants lets the light filter down to those below it, giving them a chance to rise to their full potential.

When planted correctly, bamboo plants also help with land erosion. Bamboo has long root systems. They reach down and spread across like spider webs, helping create a strong base within the planted area. This helps in areas especially vulnerable to erosion, and can improve the surrounding area over time.

Bamboo also can generate as much as 35 percent more oxygen than an equal number of planted trees. This makes it a great crop to plant when trying to improve soil facing degradation from previous mishandling.

Not all bamboo flooring is created equal

If you’ve done your research in hardwood flooring, you know that only certain manufacturers offer sustainable growing practices. The same applies to the bamboo flooring industry. Be sure to do your research to ensure that your final bamboo flooring choice is harvested from well-managed forests.

Because of the popularity of this product, new fields are being planted around the globe. In some cases, bamboo fields are taking the place of other crops, which can have a negative impact on biodiversity. Bamboo isn’t as regulated as hardwood, so it’s important to do your part and look for quality manufacturers. For the most eco-friendly bamboo flooring, look for products marked with FSC-certification to ensure it meets proper code.

You can also work with flooring dealers that are proud members of the community, have high BBB ratings, and care about the quality of every product they put out to the marketplace. If you have a question about where a flooring choice is sourced, just ask.

Look for strand woven bamboo flooring

If you’ve ever read about bamboo performing poorly once installed, it’s probably because it was one of the first phases of bamboo flooring. Now, manufacturers produce strand woven bamboo flooring, which can be as much as three times harder than hardwood.

The flooring industry uses the Janka Hardness Test to rank the hardness of various types of wood floors. When you select strand woven bamboo, it tops the scale in hardness. It also has high tensile strength, which refers to how much force it takes to pull the material apart. No matter what you dish out, bamboo flooring keeps bouncing back. (Try that with some hardwood, especially the softer woods.)

Versatility

Now that you’ve read this far, it’s easy to see why many homeowners are selecting bamboo flooring over hardwood. Because it’s more versatile in every corner of your home.

With bamboo flooring, you can lay it in places where traditional hardwood isn’t an option. Want to install it in below-grade basements, for example? Or how about on a concrete subfloor? Not a problem. Bamboo flooring will perform well. Have a high traffic area you’re not sure will stand up over time? Bamboo flooring is a great choice.

Durability 

Because of bamboo flooring’s strength, it’s considered to be a highly stable option for your home. It does well in high traffic situations, and can withstand lots of action from kids and pets. If you’ve had hardwood flooring ruined by pets’ nails before, you’re going to love the improvement you’ll see after installing bamboo flooring.

Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Different manufacturers use different treatment processes. These processes can increase hardness, but they may also increase the brittleness and make the floors weaker by comparison. It pays to do your research and talk with a flooring consultant to ensure you install a high-quality product.

Bamboo flooring is one of the most stylish choices

Bamboo has many of the characteristics you associate with traditional hardwood. That means you can install bamboo and expect classic good looks in much the same way as you’d gain from hardwood. Like a golden oak stained hardwood? There’s a bamboo flooring choice for you. Want something more exotic – dark or light coloring? There’s a choice for you.

Keep in mind that while darker colors in hardwood signal the wood will be stronger and more durable, the opposite is true with bamboo. Bamboo is naturally a light tan color. To turn it dark, it has to go through a process called carbonization, which uses heat and pressure to turn the strands a dark, smoky color. This process weakens the bamboo and lowers the strength and durability.

Yet depending on which manufacturer you go with, there are many different options, a perfect one to suit your personality and match any decor.

Is bamboo flooring right for you?

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

If you have pets, you may think that hardwood flooring is not an option for your home. Pets and hardwood flooring don’t always mix, but this isn’t always the case. Some hardwood flooring choices are ideal for pet owners. To learn about hardwood flooring and pets, continue on with this blog post.

First, know your woods. Learn which woods are appropriate for pets and which are not. Soft woods are not compatible with pets because they are more prone to scratches and dents. Solid hardwood flooring is more durable and can stand up against the wear and tear provided by pets.

Once you’ve found the perfect solid hardwood for your home, you can now learn how to minimize damage. One way to minimize scratching is to cut your pet’s toenails. If you can hear your pet’s toenails touching the floor as they walk, it’s time for a trim. Your pet’s toenails should be short enough to where they don’t drag on the floor.

Another way to minimize damage is by laying down rugs and runners. A rug can help your home feel cozier, and it can also protect your flooring from scratches, dents, spills, and dirt. If you have a cat, consider putting a rug down by their litter box. Litter can scratch hardwood flooring, but a rug can prevent or reduce damage.

Accidents happen, so if you have a puppy or aging animal who has an accident on your flooring, minimize damage by tending to the accident as soon as possible. Clean their accident by blotting with a paper towel and then dropping a small amount of vinegar on the stain for several minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the stain, then wipe dry with paper towels. Ammonia can track your pet back to that area and they may repeat their accident.

Now that you know how to properly pick and care for hardwood flooring as a pet owner, you can shop for hardwood flooring at flooring.org! Visit our website to browse our inventory or give us a call at 800-689-9006.

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

Halloween is fast approaching and with it comes the scariest
time of year for flooring stains! 
Between holiday meals, New Year’s celebrations and Bowl Games, there
seems to be an increase in mishaps on your floors.  Someone drops a glass of wine, spills the
gravy or Fido has eaten something he’s not supposed to and regurgitates it
behind the sofa.  Here is how The Carpet
Guys recommend removing the most common stains from carpet.

How to Remove a Red Wine Stain

A bottle of wine is one of the most common gifts given to a
host or hostess.  If it ends up on your
floor, this is the process we recommend getting that wine stain out (make sure to
try blotting the stain with a clean, dry, white towel, working from the outside
in, and just using warm water first.  If
this doesn’t work, proceed accordingly.):

1. Using paper towels or a white towel, apply pressure to the stain to absorb as much liquid as possible.
2. Mix a solution of ¼ cup clear, liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 cup of water.
3. Apply detergent solution directly to a clean, white cloth and dampen stain, avoiding saturation.
4. Use small amounts of detergent solution, blotting frequently with a clean space on the cloth.
5. Do NOT rub or scrub carpet, ever.  It will damage the fibers and could void your warranty [see our previous blog on How to Maintain Your Carpet Warranty]
6. Continue using the solution and blotting until stain is removed.
7. Wet the stain with lukewarm water to rinse.
8. Absorb rinse fluid with a dry, clean, white towel or paper towels.
9. Repeat rinsing until all detergent has been rinsed.
10. If stain remains, try the next stain removal method for greasy, oil-based stains.

How to Remove a Grease or Gravy Stain

Uh-oh!  Little Jimmy
was passing the gravy boat to his uncle and it fell on the floor.  Here is how to get gravy and other types of
greasy, oil-based stains from your carpet:

1. Using a spoon, working from the outside in,
   remove as much of the gravy from the floor as possible.
2. Try the above methods first.  If that doesn’t work, proceed.
3. Mix 2 tablespoons of non-bleaching, non-sudsing
   household ammonia with 1 cup of lukewarm water.
4. Apply ammonia solution in the same manner as
   above, blotting with a clean towel to stain without saturating.
5. To neutralize the ammonia solution, mix ½ cup of
   white vinegar with 1 cup of lukewarm water.
6. Apply vinegar solution, rinse and blot like
   above.

How to Remove a Coffee Stain

I’ll never forget the scene.  Ten years ago, The Carpet Guys were installing new carpet in my basement.  The installers arrived early in the morning and I offered to make them coffee since I hadn’t had my own cup yet.  As I carried the coffee down to them, I tripped on my steps and dumped the coffee on my brand new, not even completely installed, floor!  I could’ve cried!  Fortunately, my installers knew exactly what to do to get this common stain out quickly:

1. DO NOT USE THE AMMONIA SOLUTION ON COFFEE, TEA OR URINE STAINS!!
2. Try the steps for the Wine stain removal and if that doesn’t work, proceed with the following steps.
3. Mix ½ cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of lukewarm water.
4. Apply the vinegar solution to the stain, blotting with a clean cloth as directed above.
5. Rinse with warm water afterward, also using the above process.

If after trying any/all of these processes, the stain persists or it is a large area, you may need to try professional cleaning.  The steam extraction process is recommended to maintain your warranty.  To find an approved cleaning solution or professional cleaner check out The Carpet and Rug Institute.

Another option if your flooring has too many common stains to remove or is looking worn from all your valiant efforts to maintain it is to have your flooring replaced.  The Carpet Guys can have your home updated and beautiful in time for you to host the next holiday meal or for your Superbowl party!  Just call 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate Form and one of our amazing sales support representatives will give you a call.

The post How to Remove Red Wine, Coffee, and Grease Stains appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Have you ever stopped to think about where all the products and materials in your home come from? Most of us no longer produce our own food, sew our own clothes, or build our own homes using materials we gather by hand from the surrounding area. Instead, we head to a local store, compare and contrast our options, then make the final selection based on our wants and desires.

Everything you use has to be sourced somewhere. And with millions – billions – of people looking for ways to stand out from the crowd and make their homes unique, it’s the forests that are paying the price.

What is sustainable hardwood?

Sustainable hardwood comes from sustainably managed forests and practices. When a person takes down a tree, they have a plan for doing so in the least damaging way possible. They are stewards of the landscape, replacing what they take down. They not only think about the tree, but also about watersheds, wildlife, and the ecosystem itself.

Sustainability also means thinking about the entire production cycle. It starts with the forest, but then quickly moves to production. Does the manufacturer have sustainable practices? How does the contractor enter this process? What happens to the hardwood after it’s removed from your home? It’s full cycle.

Yet before we consider end of life, we have to start at the beginning.

Where deforestation and sustainable forest practices are the worst

If wood is taken from an unsustainable source, it’s chopped down without thought about what it’s leaving behind. They don’t think about the bare area that’s left in its place. They don’t think about the repercussions on the environment. It’s all about profits in the now. And unfortunately, it may cost more than we can handle in the future.

One of the worst areas right now where deforestation is taking place in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. Over 3,000 square miles were destroyed during a one year period between 2017 and 2018 due to illegal practices. Couple that with the damaging fires that roared through the forests earlier in 2019. The Amazon is home to one of the largest number of different tree species in the world. When we lose it, it will be gone forever.

Or course, Brazil isn’t the only nation facing illegal deforestation practices. Second to Brazil, Peru has its own share of illegal practices. Bolivia, Indonesia, Russia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Sudan, and Nigeria all round out the list.

Think about this for a moment: less than one-tenth of the world’s forests are adequately protected from destruction. This is at a time when the demand for wood products is at an all-time high.

Our houses get bigger. Our demands for the latest and greatest furnishings is insatiable. We like to redecorate all the time, thanks to the wildly popular home improvement shows. But what is that doing to our future?

And more importantly, what can you do about it?

Pay attention to sustainable hardwood sources

Are you ready to have new hardwood floors installed in your home? It’s one of the most popular choices homeowners make across the Front Range. You’ll love the look, you’ll love the style. But more importantly, you’ll love how long they last. If they are well cared for, you can reasonably expect them to last for decades. That’s why it’s important to spend extra time ensuring that they are made from high-quality resources properly harvested and produced.

Here in the US, we have the Forest Stewardship Council designed to ensure every tree harvested is done so in an environmentally sound way. They have established a set of 10 principles and 57 criteria they apply to FSC-certified forests around the world. They ensure things like:

• Compliance with FSC rules and regulations
• Indigenous peoples’ rights
• Proper community relations and worker’s rights
• Environmental impact
• Long term management plan

Take the time and learn more about how we fit into this world. It will make you a better consumer and make you more resourceful at finding the right materials for your home.

What hardwood should you use for your hardwood floors?

Now comes the difficult part of finding the right hardwood to install into your home. How do you know you’re truly getting sustainable hardwood? How do you know it’s sourced from the appropriate places?

Unfortunately, you can’t just “trust” a reseller. Some dealers have unscrupulous selling strategies at best. Instead, it’s important to do your homework and verify you’re truly getting what you want.

You can do research online. It’s a quick and easy way to get results. We recommend staying on the Forest Stewardship Council’s website and using their shopping guide to help you begin your hunt for the right flooring for your home.

When you’re out shopping and looking at anything made from wood, pay attention to the label. Is it FSC-certified? If a manufacturer cares about quality and is doing what it should to manage forests properly, they will proudly display their markings directly on their products.

That’s also why it’s a good idea to stick with brand names. If a manufacturer is in business for the long run, they’ll do what it takes to ensure the trust of everyone that buys their products. They’ll pay attention to every part of the process, from where the product is sourced from to how it’s installed in your home.

If you’re looking for the best sustainable hardwood, keep these at the top of your list:

Bamboo – it’s not a wood – it’s actually a grass – but it acts just like hardwood and grows in a fraction of the time. As long as you select sustainably grown and harvested bamboo, it can be a wonderful addition to your home.

Oak – oak is one of the most popular wood choices because of its classic good looks. You’ll never tire of the way oak floors make your home look.

Mahogany – because a lot of mahogany comes from Africa and Brazil, it’s important to pay attention to the source. It’s one of the most beautiful resources you can put into your home.

Douglas Fir – this is a good resource because it’s sourced from around North America.

Before you start your final selection, have a conversation about sustainability first. It will lead you to the right choices for your home.

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

We love warranties!  It’s human nature to want to know when you
spend your hard-earned dollars on something, it’s going to last.  The Carpet and Rug Institute is the industry
standard that The Carpet Guys use to help us compile the best way to preserve
your carpet warranty.

Top 4 Ways to Maintain Your Carpet Warranty

1. Regular Vacuuming
2. Professionally Cleaning
3. Stain Maintenance
4. Professional Installation

Regular Vacuuming

According to the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), regular vacuuming is the number one step to maintaining your manufacturer’s carpet warranty.  As dirt and debris become settled on top of and within the carpet strands, a vacuum will pull these up before they have time to do damage to the fibers.  The CRI created a “Seal of Approval Program” and compiled a list of vacuums, cleaning products, etc., that flooring manufacturers recognize as acceptable.  Here is the list of Approved Vacuum Cleaners.  The Carpet Guys recommend the Kirby vacuum. Also, alleviate tracking dirt into the home by removing shoes at the door and walking through the home in socks or slippers (bare feet transfer oils that adhere to dirt.  Check out this blog for more info).

Professional Cleaning

CRI and most manufacturers recommend having your carpet professionally cleaned every 12-18 months, depending on use.  The preferred cleaning method is with a steam cleaning extraction process with no harsh chemicals.  They also have a list of approved companies that clean according to the CRI’s stringent standards.  Be sure to save all your receipts. Here is the list of Approved Cleaning Companies.

Stain Maintenance

The construction of carpet has improved tremendously in the last decade.  Nylon and polyester fibers can withstand the rigors of a busy household.  But you still want to clean up spills or stains as soon as possible.  First, you want to absorb as much of the spill as possible with a white cloth or paper towels.  Second, you want to use an Approved Cleaning Product.  Do not scrub or use a brush.  This will degrade the carpet fibers.  Manufacturers go a step further and offer their recommended “technique” for certain stains.  Be sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty for that information.

Professional Installation

All carpet manufacturer’s warranties require professional installation.  The Carpet Guys adhere to all the CRI 105 Carpet Installation Standards for Residential Carpet.  We are so confident that our installers will exceed the standards that we provide a lifetime installation warranty.

If you’re also looking for free furniture move and Free In-Home Estimate, Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897).

The post The Top 4 Ways to Maintain Your Carpet Warranty appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

What’s the most used, most remodeled room in a home? According to the National Association of Home Builders (HAHB), it’s the kitchen. NAHB data shows that 81 percent of remodelers requested work be performed on their kitchen, with the bathroom running in close second place.

Is a kitchen remodel in your future? Where do you start?

Why not start at the bottom … with your floors.

Your flooring sets the stage for your entire kitchen design. It creates mood, adds depth, can control the aesthetics of everything else you install in the room.

And while we know there are a lot of choices for you to consider, we think one of the best is ceramic tile. It’s simply one of the best flooring choices for kitchens.

Ceramic tile is made with inorganic materials like clay. That makes it easy to maintain, more durable, and less vulnerable to moisture and stains. But is it the right flooring choice for your kitchen?

1. Ceramic tile is beautiful

If you want options, look no further than ceramic tile. With today’s modern technology, there are infinite possibilities in creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Why is ceramic tile one of the best choices for kitchen flooring? Possibilities.

Ceramic comes in three formats: glazed, unglazed, and porcelain. Glazed is coated to provide better stain and moisture resistance. Unglazed is hard and dense and showcases a more natural look. Porcelain tiles are the hardest, densest tile available, with color going all the way through the thickness.

Ceramic tile is manufactured in sizes from one to twenty-four inches square. Don’t like square? Why not go with the newest entry: ceramic planks. They imitate the look of hardwood, making them a perfect choice for your kitchen.

Want a particular color or pattern? If you can dream it, you’ll find it … with ceramic tile.

2. Ceramic tile is durable

Ceramic tile is made from clay, fired in a kiln, and finished to provide a hard, durable surface.

A kitchen is tough on a floor – one of the toughest rooms in your home. But tiles can withstand as much as you dish out, and still look great in the process.

If the refrigerator leaks, your tile floors will still look great after the cleanup is completed. If it chips or cracks, keeping a few extra tiles on hand means you’ll be able to replace it and have your floors looking great again with just a little work.

Ceramic tile is truly the workhorse of the flooring industry, one of the strongest, long-lasting flooring choices you can make for your kitchen.

3. Ceramic tile is easy to clean

Ceramic tile is also one of the easiest flooring choices to keep clean. Sweep up daily dust, pet hair, and debris. Vacuum for a deeper clean. Mop as necessary. Unlike organic flooring choices like hardwood, ceramic tile won’t warp or curl with spills and moisture.

When properly installed, there isn’t a place dirt or germs can hide. You can even use heavy duty cleaners to keep it sparkling and looking brand new. Just check with your ceramic tile manufacturer for the perfect solution for your tile.

4. Ceramic tile is priced right

You’ve dreamed about solid wood floors in your kitchen. But the sticker shock is real, especially when you consider the maintenance it will take to ensure they look good for years to come.

That’s why more homeowners are turning to ceramic tile. You can find the right choice for you at any price point you desire. Depending on the quality, the style, and the composition, it can be one of the most economical kitchen flooring choices available.

5. Ceramic tile is healthier

When you think about everything you do in the kitchen, only one thing is for sure about any flooring choice you make: it will have to withstand a wide variety of activities. The knocked over water bottle. The spilled glass of wine. The pickle jar that falls from the fridge. The mess from a backed up drain.

But it’s more than that. How about the pet that sleeps at your feet? Have you noticed those furballs accumulating in the corners?

And what about pollen from outside, that lands subtly across your floor?

Allergens don’t have a place to hide or hover into with ceramic floors. They can easily be swept, vacuumed, or wiped away. And considering you spend most of your time in the kitchen, isn’t it nice knowing it won’t add into your allergy attacks?

6. Ceramic tile is easy to install

Ceramic tile does require special tools to install, and can be challenging to cut and fit into place, especially if you are a DIYer.

Yet installing ceramic tile can also be a forgiving DIY project, especially in smaller spaces.

And if you hire a contractor to do the work for you, you can have your project completed in a short amount of time. Ceramic tile doesn’t need acclimating as hardwoods do. And you can easily piece it around just about any cabinet, wall, or other hindrance you might have in place.

It’s easy to customize your kitchen with ceramic tile.

7. Ceramic tile is warm

Ceramic tile isn’t very good at retaining heat. In fact, it can stay rather cool to the touch, making it perfect for warm places.

Yet here in Colorado, ceramic tile is the perfect choice if you’re interested in installing radiant heating.

Ceramic tile is thin and mineral-based, giving it the perfect qualities for conducting heat. And because it contains no organic material, it won’t deteriorate if the hydronic system leaks water.

It heats up rapidly, and will even retain some of the heat for a short while after it’s turned off.

8. Ceramic tile is stylish

Have we mentioned that very little can beat the look of ceramic tile? That’s because there are an infinite number of ways to install it and keep it looking its best.

Go small, and create mosaic designs. Use decorative inserts and borders for a one-of-a-kind look. Change out colors and weave patterns in to suit your personality. Or use different shapes, such as hexagon, and let your imagination run wild.

We love ceramic tile and think it’s the perfect addition to any kitchen remodeling project you take on.

If you need a little inspiration, why not stop by our showroom today.

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

We often get asked, ‘how do I prepare my subfloor’ and it is a very important question.  If your subfloor has not been properly prepared and checked then it may cause damage to your wooden floor in the future. You should always prepare your subfloor before installing any wooden flooring, it should actually be seen as part of the installation process. Read More

This time of year can take a lot out of you, mentally,
physically and financially.  We want to
help you hold on to your money and still have the amazing holiday your family
dreams of.  Here are some ways you can keep
money in your pocket and still enjoy this hectic time of year.

Holiday Potpourri

Make your whole house smell like the holidays you remember
as a child by boiling a pot of all your favorite spices in water (Try: 2 apples
sliced, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 lemon slice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 4
cloves). The spices will evaporate into the air creating the potpourri that
takes you back to your childhood.  It’s
easy and doesn’t require anything other than being home to monitor it. Do this
every holiday season and you will create that same tradition for your children.

Save on Postage

Free ecards instead of mailing can save you money on cards,
postage and even time.  Just download a
free ecard app from your app store.  Most
ecard apps will allow you to utilize through Facebook, email, etc.  You can even upload pictures and create fun
layouts.

Homemade Gifts

One of the best ways to save money on gift-giving during the
holidays is to make gifts.  Homemade
gifts are much more personal and enjoyable because so many people can’t take
the time to make gifts.  Things like homemade
cookies wrapped in cute packaging, painted ornaments from the dollar store or
even “coupons” for babysitting or cleaning are greatly appreciated.

Holiday Decorating

If you’re interested in decorating for the holidays but don’t want to spend a lot of money, just add small touches.  Go to your local discount store and pick up some festive hand towels for the bathroom and kitchen.  If you put up a tree, make it small which will require fewer ornaments.  Fill your reusable soap dispenser with a festive color soap and use ribbon to make cupboards and doors look like packages. Check out our other blog For More Holiday Decor on a Budget.

Replacing Floors

Get a gift for the whole family to enjoy all year round…new flooring!  The Carpet Guys have the best deals for laminate, vinyl, hardwood, and carpet.  For the price of a cup of coffee a day you can have the floors of your dreams.  Financing makes it possible for you to keep your money in the bank earning interest and still have this amazing gift!  Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate Form and we will help you save money for the holidays.

The post How to Save Money and Still Enjoy the Holiday appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Looking for a new flooring option? Not sold on the same old hardwood floor?

There’s a new option for you … bamboo flooring.

If you haven’t considered bamboo flooring in the past, you may have heard and believed some of the rumors. It’s soft. It’s difficult to maintain. It won’t last as long as more traditional hardwood.

Don’t believe the rumors.

Bamboo flooring is one of the fastest growing materials in the flooring industry. For good reasons.

Let’s start with resale value.

You may or may not be planning on selling your home in the future. But even if it isn’t a thought, most of us like installing things that will bring us up to modern times. Sure, we want our own personalities to shine through. But we also want something that will last, and won’t look straight out of last century within a few short years of installation.

According to the National Wood Flooring Association, a poll they conducted asked real estate agents what they believe about houses with hardwood flooring:

• 99 percent say the house is easier to sell
• 90 percent say they can sell it for more money
• 82 percent say it sells faster than homes with other flooring options

And while type of hardwood is always a personal choice, one real estate agent stated that bamboo floors were at the top of the list for providing greater intrinsic value.

Bamboo flooring can help produce an easier sale.

Convinced you should take a second look at bamboo flooring?

What is bamboo flooring?

While we keep referring to bamboo flooring as a hardwood, it in fact, is not wood. It’s a grass. Yet because it doesn’t fit or resemble other flooring categories – tile, vinyl, laminate – it is slotted into the hardwood category because it looks a lot like hardwood.

What makes it even better than hardwood is its renewability. Because it is a grass, it grows very quickly. It can be harvested in as few as three years, cut down to be made into flooring materials. Compare that to some exotic woods that can take as long as half a century to come to maturity. It’s easy to see why this renewable resource is becoming so popular.

Processing

You’ll often hear bamboo flooring referred to as either horizontal or vertical, or strand-woven. It’s important to understand the difference.

If bamboo is cut either horizontal or vertical, it will give you a floor that looks like actual bamboo. During processing, bamboo stalks are sliced into strips. They are boiled to remove the starch, dried, and laminated into a board format. These boards are milled into planks to create strip flooring.

These stalks can be laid either horizontally or vertically into the board, thus creating either horizontal or vertical bamboo strips. Horizontal bamboo gives a greater impression of it looking like bamboo stalks, while vertical placement creates what is often referred to as tigerwood because of its streaks.

Strand woven bamboo flooring combines smaller pieces of the bamboo shoot and interweaves them with adhesive to make a stronger flooring product. Because the bamboo is pulped and mashed up, it can be formed into many different types of flooring, taking on a variety of appearances.

Durability

Because of the way bamboo flooring is processed, it is an extremely durable product that won’t change a lot over time. That means it’s an excellent choice for active households and high-traffic areas.

Because of the processing and the addition of adhesives to the final product, it creates a hardness factor that can easily compare to some of the more popular hardwoods. The Janka Hardness Scale puts natural bamboo somewhere around 1400. Compare that to Douglas Fir with a 660, or even red oak with a 1290.

It’s just as hard, if not harder, than the most popular hardwoods. It looks just as good as hardwood. And it can cost us to 50 percent less per square foot than some hardwood choices. All of that adds up to a flooring material that seems perfect for your home.

The downside of bamboo

It’s no wonder people are turning more to bamboo flooring than ever before. But before you dive in and add bamboo to the top of your list, there are a few things you should know and watch for.

Quality

There are several hundred different bamboo species, and not all of them are up for the job of becoming flooring. Yet that doesn’t stop some manufacturers from trying to pass it off as flooring.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that most bamboo comes from China. And not every manufacturer holds itself up to high business standards. As a result, many companies put profits first and product last. This causes quality issues to vary widely throughout the product lines.

If bamboo is harvested too soon, mixes toxic chemicals in with adhesives, or bonded with inferior material, it weakens the end product. This can lead to flaking, peeling, easier scratched or dented product line.

There isn’t a set standard for bamboo flooring that crosses the globe. Without set standards, buying bamboo is often buyer-beware. That’s why you should think carefully before you make your final selection, and find a reputable dealer who spends time sourcing from high-quality manufacturers.

Moisture

With set standards in place, every aspect of production would be carefully controlled. Because that isn’t the case, bamboo is produced in all kinds of factory conditions.

Even when properly processed, consistent moisture is important throughout the drying process. This is important to create a product that is stable and handles well over time. Once on the job site, it’s important to let bamboo acclimate to its new surroundings. Strand woven bamboo can take anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on the climate.

That’s why it’s important to select a contractor who understands bamboo. This isn’t just another hardwood. You can avoid potential problems if installation is done only after testing and gauged to be ready to install.

Chemicals

From a health perspective, it’s also important to focus on the entire manufacturing process. To create bamboo flooring, adhesives are mixed with bamboo pulp to create the final product. Some Chinese factories use things like urea and formaldehyde in glues, which are known to harm health. Not only do installers run a greater risk by handling the product, but off-gassing can also cause serious health problems for everyone in the household.

We can help you make the best selection

We don’t say all of this to make you afraid of installing bamboo flooring in your house. Instead, as Denver flooring experts, we tell you this to ensure you ask questions before you make your final selection.

Bamboo flooring is a popular choice for many reasons. We love the look and durability factor.

But to ensure you get a great product, don’t trust those “too good to be true” sales where you find material at a very low cost. Spend the time to get a high-quality product you’ll love for years.

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

Setting the perfect table isn’t something we do every
day.  Therefore, it’s nice to have a
reminder of what it takes to impress our guests.  Here is how to set a perfect table for those
special events according to The Carpet Guys.

Choose a Theme

To narrow down the very broad spectrum of the perfectly decorated table, chose a theme.  Being as specific as possible will help.  Not just “Thanksgiving” but what kind of Thanksgiving?  You can pick a harvest theme with bundles of corn, pumpkins, and fun-shaped squash.  Or choose a color scheme for your holiday like blue and silver.  Then you can use your everyday dishware but accent your place settings with colors or décor for your theme.

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Veer from the Formal Place Settings

If the table looks too formal (unless you’re having a black-tie event), it can make your guests feel uncomfortable.  Instead, go with a more layered effect.  Still, put your fork on the left and knife and spoon on the right.  Put your dinner plate, then your bread plate and your soup/salad bowl stacked in the center of each place.  Fold your napkin in a way that goes with your theme and put it in the bowl.  This will add a texture to a sometimes-benign table setting.  Glassware is often to the right of the plates but give some thought to creating convenience for your guests by putting glassware close to the drinks so they can serve their own as desired.

Table Centerpieces

Now that you have your theme picked out and your table set, you know how much space you have to work with for centerpieces.  For a small space, delegate a long, narrow platter or tray for your items because you will most likely have to move it when it’s time to bring the food out to the table.  This makes it easier to relocate if it is self-contained.  For a larger space, use narrow candles of different heights or short flower arrangements so that your guests can still see over them to converse. Want to know how to do this on a budget?  Check out our other blog How to Decorate for the Holiday on a Budget

New Flooring

Your perfect table needs to sit on the perfect flooring.  You’ve wanted to replace your flooring since you moved into that home.  The Carpet Guys have the ultimate financing options so you can have NEW FLOORING NOW!!  Our Design Consultant will show you all the options available in laminate, vinyl, hardwood, and carpet.  Our installers can install most contracts within one day so you can have it done in time for your guests.  Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) and prepare to WOW your family and friends at your special event!

The post How to Set the Perfect Table for the Holidays appeared first on The Carpet Guys.