Have a Family? You Probably Need Resilient Flooring

Resilient flooring. It sounds a bit vague; a catch-all phrase that can include all sorts of flooring products.

If you look up the term “resilient” in the dictionary, it means:

• Capable of returning to an original shape or position
• Flexible
• Able to recover readily

For many homeowners, that’s exactly what they are looking for when selecting a new flooring material. That’s why resilient flooring is trending upward in the marketplace.

Still, if you’re a homeowner in the market for new flooring, what does that really mean?

Resilient flooring explained

When you picture resilient flooring, you may think of flooring that:

• Is comfortable with a little give
• Bounces back no matter what your family can dish out
• Is easy to care for
• Continues to look good year after year
• Is easy to maintain
• Is a good value for your hard-earned dollar

Resilient flooring is all that and more. It has more “give” than you’ll find in hardwood planks, stone, or ceramic tile. It has more support than you’ll find with carpet. It has the physical strength and flexibility to withstand nearly anything your family can spill, throw, or drop on it. In short, it’s what many homeowners are installing right now as they remodel and renovate their homes.

Does it sound perfect for your home?

Types of resilient flooring

If you find resilient flooring interesting for installing inside your home, you’ll find several floor covering types available for consideration.

Vinyl

Vinyl encompasses a variety of different flooring products, each with its own benefits for including them inside your home. Considering vinyl makes up about 80 percent of the resilient flooring market, it’s worth digging in and learning more about if you’re looking for resilient flooring.

Vinyl composition tiles (VCTs) top the list for strength and durability, often used in commercial applications. It’s strong enough to stand up to the abuse it receives in healthcare, schools, and even supermarkets. It’s a low cost, durable option that many DIYers are turning to because of the strength of the product. VCT manufacturers often fuse VCT chips into large sheets before cutting them into smaller tiles, making for easier installation. These VCT chips contain things like natural limestone, color pigments, polymers, and filler materials. They require several layers of polish after installation to keep them from being susceptible to stains and water damage.

Flexible luxury vinyl tile (LVT) has increased in sales the last few years because of its incredible design capabilities. If you’ve had your eye on some of the most popular flooring options – granite, marble, stone, hardwood – and can’t justify the cost, LVT may be the right choice for you. The designs have become so well created, many guests can’t tell the difference between the LVT product and the real thing. It’s highly durable, and is water resistant. Maybe that’s what’s driving its current popularity – it’s user-friendly in homes with active families.

Rigid luxury vinyl tile is often called rigid core flooring, and provides all of the advantages of flexible LVT … plus a few more. If you’re looking for a product with underfoot comfort, look no further than rigid LVT. It combines a rigid surface plus a multilayer core that provides added warmth and better sound absorption. If you want even greater resistance to water, humidity, and environmental changes, rigid LVT ups what’s possible in a flooring product. Some manufacturers offer waterproof flooring – you get great looks and the benefits of standing up to standing water too. Just be aware that nothing can withstand a flood. While this product does well if your kids forget to mention the puddle of water on the floor, water damage can occur if the entire room floods, and the water seeps into the baseboards and down underneath the tiles.

Sheet vinyl has been around for decades, and continues to be a great choice for some rooms in your home. Today’s sheet vinyl typically comes in a 6-foot, 12-foot, or greater width roll that allows you to easily lay down flooring and provide excellent moisture protection. Today’s sheet vinyl is better than anything you may remember from your parent’s or grandparent’s home. It mimics the aesthetics of other popular flooring choices, such as hardwood or stone. It combines lasting performance, low maintenance, softness underfoot, and an economical way to bring beauty into your home. From laundry rooms to bathrooms, it remains an economical choice for many homeowners.

Linoleum

For some homeowners, they want to expand beyond vinyl and return to a flooring product that is more natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly. For those families, we love to recommend linoleum. Made from natural, rapidly renewable ingredients, it offers an economical choice for families looking for resilient flooring. Linoleum is made from linseed oil (derived from flax plants), and is combined with limestone, pine resin, cork, wood flour, and dye. It’s rolled onto a jute backing, and offers a flooring choice built to withstand heavy traffic, standing up to scratches, and more.

Linoleum comes in several types:

• Glue down tiles that require adhesive during the installation process
• Click and lock tiles that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, ensuring a secure connection between the tiles or planks
• Sheets are similar to glue-down vinyl, and are ideal for large spaces, such as halls and entryways

Rubber

While many homeowners rarely think of rubber when it comes to a flooring choice, that’s changing as rubber moves more into the mainstream. Yoga spaces, workout rooms, and home gyms are often fitted with rubber to create a softer space for your workout routine without losing its shape.

But don’t let the thought of being for gyms or workout spaces hold you back; we’re seeing people move it to playrooms, nurseries, children’s bedrooms, and even family rooms as they realize the benefits it brings.

Cork

A final product that homeowners are turning to brings a touch of eco-friendliness to the product. Cork comes in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Because it is harvested from the cork oak tree, it brings a sense of sustainability. Rather than harvesting the tree, cork is removed from the bark, meaning the tree can produce multiple times.

It’s softer than you’ll find with some of the more rigid resilient flooring options.

It’s sustainable, which can give it an edge if that matters to you.

It’s durable and easy to maintain. That alone makes it a great choice for any room in your home, able to withstand anything your family dishes out.

So what’ll it be? Which resilient flooring is right for you?

There isn’t a wrong choice. If we’ve listed it here, it has a number of benefits that can make it a great option for your home.

Resilient flooring is perfect for homeowners who want to strike a balance between comfort, cost, and durability.

How can we help you find the right resilient flooring to suit your needs?

The post Have a Family? You Probably Need Resilient Flooring first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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Parquet block flooring is a great addition to any home.  It has many benefits, and you will love the different patterns and styles that you can create.  Parquet block flooring is sure to add sophistication and character to any home. Read More

When you install new carpet in your home, it can reasonably last a decade or longer.

If you install it today, will you still love it ten years from now? Or will the color appear trendy, and the style be long gone?

When we invest our hard-earned money in decor, we want it to last as long as possible. More than that, we hope we’ll love it as much at the end-life as we did when we first picked it out.

That’s a lot to ask for any product. But it’s your dollars at work. How do you ensure you select carpet that will always be in style?

Fall in love with carpet – make it the right choice

One of the first things we do with new customers is to find out a little about their lifestyle. What are they looking for in flooring? Is carpet the best choice?

If you’ve had another flooring choice in mind and are settling for carpet, you may be disappointed with the results. But if you lean towards carpet because it’s something you really want, that’s where you’ll find a product you love.

Carpet works well in living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and entertainment spaces where you spend a lot of time as a family, and want warmth, comfort, and sound absorption as one of the qualities. Imagine movie night as a couple; carpet helps muffle the sound from surrounding areas, keeping the noise away from kids’ bedrooms.

Carpet isn’t designed for high-traffic situations. You wouldn’t want to place it in entryways, bathrooms, or kitchens. Carpet has a tendency to mold and mildew when exposed to moisture. Humidity from daily showers, or constant spills in a kitchen would wear down carpet long before its time.

What room are you considering? Is carpet the best choice?

Modern carpet styles

When most homeowners settle on installing carpet in their homes, they usually have a desire for one of two options.

Wall-to-wall carpet allows you to add carpet to completely cover a room. You’ll feel the warmth as it covers the subfloor completely, adding an extra layer of insulation.

Area rugs also offer warmth and protection, without being a permanent addition to your aesthetics.

Here in Colorado, carpet is often chosen to add warmth, mitigate noise, and help lower utility bills in the winter. If you’ve ever stepped out on a cold floor on a winter morning, you’ll appreciate the aesthetics of what carpet provides.

Step into a flooring showroom, and you’ll discover popular colors, patterns, and styles. If it’s currently available, it’s in style.

But the question might be: How long do you want it in style? Are you planning on selling your home in the future?

Bring your answers in when you finalize your selection. We can use it to guide you to the right selection.

As flooring experts, we often recommend a few tips to ensure it stays in style for years to come:

• Select mid to short pile carpeting. This always stays in style, and will never become the “shag” carpet of tomorrow.
• Choose neutral colors. If you look back over time, you’ll find neutrals never go out of style. If you think of colors like oranges and greens, you can date them back to specific decades. Beiges, tans, and other neutral colors will be just as classic in ten years as they are today.
• Stick with subtle patterns with low contrast. If you want a pop of color or anything more complex, do it with accessories that are easier to change out.

Getting down to the most important carpet choices

What makes a carpet classic, gives it longevity, and ensures it never goes out of style? Many homeowners would tell you it’s carpeting that continues to maintain its quality year after year.

That doesn’t come from color, patterns, or plushness. Instead, it comes from selecting a carpet that will wear well year after year.

Natural fibers will always be in style. Wool tops the list of natural fibers, and is known for its wearability. It holds dye well, and cleans up easily. If you’re trying to be a little more eco-friendly with your purchases, wool is the way to go. Many homeowners are moving towards wool carpet because of its warmth and durability. While it has one of the longest longevity marks in the carpet industry, it may pile occasionally – think of your favorite wool sweater.

Synthetic fibers are created in a lab, and offer you a variety of benefits. Acrylic replicates wool, and resists stains and sun bleaching. Nylon is one of the most popular because it resists stains and static electricity. Polyester is another popular choice that handles well in direct sunlight. Olefin is a great choice in high traffic situations.

With longevity in mind, it’s also wise to go beyond the carpet you select. Padding is primarily meant to give your carpet the support it needs as you live on it. It adds protection to everything you do. From walking to enduring all your home environment can dish out, it’s the padding that sets the stage for how well it will perform overall.

Is it time for you to fall in love with carpet again? 

Congratulations! You’re remodeling your home. You’re leaning towards carpet, and you’re wondering if it will always be in style.

Keeping up with the latest furnishing trends can be an exhausting job. Home improvement stores are designed to push what’s the latest trend. In order to do that, they have to select something new every year.

But if you watch the design sites, or take in your favorite show on the home network, you’ll discover what they continue to show over time are trends that you can live with.

Neutral will never go out of style. Neither will classic good looks.

If it’s an appealing color to you, something you look at repeatedly, there’s a good sign you’ll be in love with it tomorrow, and continue to love it for years to come.

Wall-to-wall carpet will never go out of style. Neither will quality. Err on the side of selecting high-quality, and it’ll never lose its appeal.

Whatever choice you fall in love with today, you’ll be in love with it tomorrow too.

How can we help you finalize your selection?

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Are you remodeling or renovating your home? Hardwood flooring is often a logical choice for the main living spaces. Homeowners all across the Front Range love the classic looks hardwood offers.

Yet classic hardwood doesn’t make sense for every homeowner. That’s why manufacturers have created many different options: engineered hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl planks.

You know solid hardwood doesn’t make sense with your lifestyle. You’re leaning towards engineered hardwood. But something else is weighing on your mind.

Is engineered flooring good for the environment? Is engineered hardwood sustainable?

Many people question the sustainable practices of using hardwood flooring. It can be detrimental to the environment, chopping down trees that took decades to grow. Is engineered hardwood a better solution?

What is engineered hardwood? 

While solid hardwood flooring is constructed from a solid piece of wood, engineered hardwood is constructed in layers. It uses a relatively thin layer of wood veneer bonded over a premium quality plywood layer. It gives it classic good looks as well as durability.

The best engineered hardwood floors are created from up to nine layers of plywood core for flexibility and stability. While it may not last as long as traditional hardwood planks, a good quality product will give you up to 30 years of life, and be able to be refinished several times before it needs replacing.

Because it’s easier to handle, it’s also more do-it-yourself-friendly – if you’re looking for a DIY project, engineered hardwood may be the better choice. With a lower cost than traditional hardwood, it’s often the better choice.

What makes engineered hardwood more natural than solid hardwood?

Engineered hardwood planks are still made from wood. Instead of a solid core, it’s created in multiple layers.

While solid hardwood is created from freshly harvested trees, engineered hardwood planks are created in more ingenious ways. They are still natural wood flooring, created from the environment with all-natural products. The veneer consists of real hardwood. The core is produced from plywood or fiberboard, all of which are natural wood products.

Yet because they aren’t solid hardwood, they can be created in many ways. Often, plywood and fiberboard are created from recycled or leftover wood byproducts, eliminating waste in the manufacturing process and creating a more sustainable product.

Does engineered hardwood use fewer trees? Yes! Solid hardwood planks must be cut from the heart of the tree, which can create leftover materials. Engineered wood only has a thin veneer that sits on top of plywood or fiberboard. This means less traditional wood is used in each plank production, and ultimately requires fewer trees to be cut down for the same level of production.

What does sustainable harvesting mean?

Without healthy forests, our entire way of living may be at risk. More evidence is pointing to needing forests for proper global diversity.

Many manufacturers realize this, and have set up sustainable businesses to put these ideas into practice.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an organization dedicated to achieving better practices with the use of our forests. This ensures they are properly managed for ecosystems and habitats, as well as giving the world the products and resources it needs and desires.

By checking for the FSC label, you’ll ensure the engineered hardwood you purchase is FSC-certified. That means it’s sourced from forests that are managed responsibly, while helping to protect wildlife habitats and ensuring zero deforestation.

When a manufacturer uses this label, it means they are part of the bigger picture of creating sustainable, eco-friendly measures. Because engineered hardwood doesn’t require the same core hardwood product as traditional hardwood planks, it ensures companies can use more of the materials they harvest, which means less wood to cut down. This can preserve older growth forests, and encourage healthy forest regeneration.

What about indoor air quality?

With all we’ve been through the past few years, many homeowners are paying attention to the products and materials they bring indoors, ensuring they won’t create an unhealthy environment.

Wood is a carbon-neutral product, which means it has low environmental impact throughout the life of the product. Of course, you have to consider all of your options carefully. Look closely at the manufacturer – do they work hard at sustainable business practices? It also requires you to look closely at the dealer you do business with – do they use sustainable methods when installing and replacing the flooring?

Wood floors are one of the most popular options because they are also one of the most hypoallergenic. They are created from sustainable, low-VOC materials. And because they are easy to clean and maintain, they won’t attract dust and debris like other materials. A simple swipe of the broom each day will keep the dust bunnies away.

Pay attention to the entire production process. If engineered hardwood flooring products state they are low or no VOCs, it means they won’t release harmful toxins into the air before, during, or after production. Ask about installation, and choose a chemical-free installation method that won’t introduce other toxic chemicals into your air supply. Every little bit helps in creating a clean indoor environment.

Will they last?

One of the biggest benefits of solid hardwood is its longevity. Because you can sand them down and refinish them multiple times, it’s less waste overall. They can realistically last 50 to 100 years, depending on the quality of the product and the care it’s given over its lifetime.

While engineered may not offer that level of longevity, they can still be a welcome addition to your home for several decades with the proper care. That means if you invest in a higher quality product in the beginning, you can expect to keep them in your home for years, even if you choose to remodel or renovate other furnishings in the future.

Fewer replacements, less waste, lower costs – all of that may be just what you’re looking for. Add in environmentally friendly products too, and you may decide engineered hardwood flooring is the perfect choice for you.

Is engineered hardwood flooring right for you? We can help. Stop by today and see our complete selection of engineered hardwood flooring products. We’ll help you find the perfect look for your home.

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If you are looking for a wooden floor with warm tones then you probably want something that will add a touch of richness and depth to your room.  There are so many different types and colours of wooden flooring around, that it can sometimes be an overwhelming choice. Honey and caramel shades can often add warm tones.  The colour of the wooden floor is usually determined by the species of wood.  However, most wooden floors are made from Oak, and then have a colour stain added.  This gives you even more choice, or you could buy an unfinished floor and add your own colour stain. Read More

Replacing the style of flooring that already sits in place is usually exciting, but may be a bit overpowering, too. There is certainly no shortage when it comes to materials, colors, and patterns that are readily available to consumers. Both hardwood and laminate flooring are extremely sought-after products nowadays. Flooring.org provides the information below in order to assist you in your goal of purchasing the more beneficial option for your situation and need.

Differences in Pricing

Hardwood flooring is more costly in price than laminate. Keep in mind that although you will be shelling out more cash, going with a hardwood floor ensures a significantly longer lifespan; therefore, for the approximate $4.00 to $8.00 per square foot for hardwood as opposed to around $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot for laminate, you can enjoy your flooring for a lifetime. Remember, since prices can vary immensely depending on what you ultimately choose, buying a premium laminate that closely mimics natural wood may not save you a considerable amount of money than if you did purchase real wood itself.

Appearance-Wise

Hardwood flooring undoubtedly beholds a stately and unmatched beauty. If you prefer to install laminate instead and do your research, you can find a slew of remarkable laminate in today’s market that does an amazing job of imitating the appearance of hardwood. State-of-the-art laminate flooring is capable of doing so by manufacturing an inconsistent design within the product itself in order to create an extremely realistic look.

Cleaning Methods

Maintenance is also an important concern among customers. Hardwood flooring is not as difficult to keep pristine as it was in the past as it can simply be swept or vacuumed on a regular basis. If you desire a thorough cleaning, utilizing a damp mop and a reputable wood cleaner is highly efficient at doing a terrific job. Contemporary hardwood flooring contains a polyurethane varnish that seals flooring and spares you from the process of waxing or polishing.
Laminate flooring can be swept or vacuumed as well in order to keep it looking great, but water needs to be applied sparingly. A damp mop with floor cleaner is ideal, but only with very little water. Avoid using a steam cleaner on laminate flooring as it will soften the glue situated underneath.

Longevity

Amazingly, solid hardwood flooring is capable of reaching 100 years of age, as routine care will allow it to remain lovely over the decades. Laminate typically lasts anywhere between 15 and 25 years.

Flooring.org furnishes clients with an impressive selection of quality flooring at fantastic prices. Please contact our accommodating staff at 1-800-689-9006 for additional information.

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Hardwood floors often top a homeowner’s dream list. They may envision them for years before finally remodeling and installing them throughout their homes.

Yet finalizing the decision is often the easy part. Then comes the decision process of what species of hardwood, what color of stain, and what flooring patterns to install.

Every plank of hardwood is unique. It comes with its own patterns, textures, colors, and designs. How you install it will ultimately determine its final look. It will create an aesthetic you’ll be proud to call home.

Not sure of what hardwood floor pattern to create? Have you always assumed hardwood planks are a “one size fits all” kind of choice? Think again. TYou can create many different patterns from hardwood, which will change the look of your room as it runs across the floor.

Straight

Straight hardwood floor patterns are considered the norm in the industry. It’s the most common pattern you’ll see when you walk into a home. That’s primarily because it’s the simplest and least expensive method for installation.

The hardwood planks are laid together side by side, parallel to each other along the length or width of your room.

This pattern creates a clean, contemporary design that enhances the look of the hardwood flooring material. It uses the hardwood most efficiently, sticking with the hardwood planks as they were initially cut and designed.

Diagonal

When you walk into a room, and the planks run parallel to the length or width of the room, your mind moves up to the overall aesthetics of the room. But when you install hardwood planks diagonal, you instantly notice a more unique, luxurious look and feel inside the space.

The planks are installed parallel to each other, but instead of being installed along the length or width of the space, they are laid at a 45-degree angle to the wall. This creates a striking visual effect that isn’t expected. It gives anyone who enters a moment to notice the floors time to pause and take in the beauty of the flooring.

This is perfect for any homeowner who wants something a little different, yet still wants to stick with the functionality of traditional hardwood, while efficiently utilizing the product.

Random

For an orderly, traditionalist homeowner, they might not be able to imagine flooring in any other way but straight. But for homeowners who desire to change things up a bit, random placement may be more your style.

You’ll still install your hardwood floor based on the length or width of your room. But instead of using the same planks in a repeating pattern, you’ll mix things up a bit.

Select planks in different lengths and widths. Mix the color of two different hardwood colors – light and lighter. Then install them in a varying pattern. This mixture of boards will give your room a more rustic feel. It’s customizable, allowing you to play with final looks and patterns, and create something uniquely your own.

Parquet

It should come as no surprise to discover that parquet flooring dates back to 16th century France. Parquet is derived from the French word “parquetry”, meaning “small compartment.” These wood floors used country estate marble and stone, which was difficult and expensive to replace. The most famous comes from a single room in Versailles, created by Louis XIV. The parquetry is distinguishable by large squares laid on a bias, with diagonal squares within.

Today, parquet flooring is distinguishable by a repeated geometric pattern, giving it a checkerboard pattern. You’ll sometimes find even more sophistication to the complex patterns within each square.

Cheap imitations have been created in recent times to make this expensive and incredibly detailed flooring choice easier to install. But it can never replace the sophistication of a truly original parquet flooring.

Chevron

This pattern is often referred to as diagonal because wood planks are laid diagonally, alternating direction across the space.

The chevron pattern is effective when each of the planks is identical in size and shape, and appears in columns going one direction. Then the next column is laid facing the opposite direction. The edges are always flush against one another, giving it a seamless look.

Herringbone

Close to the chevron design, a herringbone pattern uses the column sections laid on the diagonal, but mixes it up by placing them in a zigzag pattern. This makes the blocks appear to be stacked like a staircase rather than running flush from side to side.

This is a sophisticated installation challenge, not one meant for DIY projects. The more complicated a pattern, the more you should search out a reputable installer who has laid various hardwood patterns in homes before.

Basketweave

One of the most complex patterns for hardwood floors is the basketweave, consisting of both rectangular and square shapes. To install, it starts with two rectangular pieces laid down as a T-shape. Additional T-shapes are fed in on either side. The gaps will be filled with the square shapes.

This pattern is continued across the floor, resembling a basketweave then it’s completed. The basketweave design works well in mid-size rooms when you want to give an illusion of grader and space. This flooring works on optical illusion, pushing out walls and making the room seem bigger than it is. It can lend sophistication to long, narrow rooms such as a hallway.

Finishing work

While you might have a specific pattern in mind, custom hardwood flooring work can create something uniquely your own. Complete the project with hand-crafted molding. Or build a pattern around a medallion or centerpiece. Stick with hardwood, or build it around stone, metal, or glass for a one-of-a-kind look.

Note that any additional patterns or finishing work required for installation will only add more time to the job. If you need your final flooring in place by a certain time, it’s better to check in with a flooring servicer first. They can help you create a pattern perfect for your home, building a spectacular display that will add style and uniqueness that’s all your own.

How can we help you find the perfect hardwood flooring pattern to suit your needs?

The post Wondering How To Install Your Hardwood Floors? The Top Patterns Homeowners Love first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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It’s easy to fall in love with area rugs. They can bring a pop of color, changing the aesthetics at any time simply by rolling it into place.

Area rugs are such a part of room design, you’ll find them everywhere. They’re easy to change periodically without reinvesting entirely in a new floor. Or change them by the season – it’s a great way to freshen up a room.

Hardwood, vinyl, tile – area rugs work great on many different flooring surfaces.

But what if you don’t have a hard surface? What if you have wall-to-wall carpet in place? Can you place an area rug on top of carpet?

Can you put an area rug on top of carpet?

An area rug on top of carpet seems a bit redundant. But there are many reasons why it might be the perfect choice for your situation.

Renters often use area rugs to make their home cozier, and to bring their own personality into the space. Property managers often install the low-grade carpet that can wear out quickly. If it’s looking a little threadbare soon after you move in, why not ramp up the quality of your rental unit by adding an area rug into the mix?

Or maybe you own your home and you’re planning a remodel … eventually. Your carpet is a little worn down, but now isn’t the best time for a remodel. An area rug is the perfect way to upgrade your aesthetics without the major time and money commitment of a significant remodel.

Have a large room you’d prefer to divide into workable spaces? That’s a great reason for introducing an area rug. Place one underneath a dining room table and you have an instant eating nook. Use one underneath a coffee table, surrounded by a couple of chairs, and you have a quaint space perfect for intimate gatherings. If you can dream it, you can do it. Use an area rug as your inspiration.

Or maybe you just like change. You love your soft, plush carpet. But occasionally, you want to change things up a bit. You’re looking to make your home cozier in the winter. Or maybe fresher, airier in the summer. An area rug is just what you need to make it happen.

Whatever your reason for wanting to use an area rug over carpet works. It’s your home, your design, your aesthetics. If it works for you, go for it.

How to live with an area rug over carpet

When you lay an area rug down on a hard floor, it conforms to the surface below and creates smooth transitions as you move across the floor.

When you lay an area rug on carpet, you’re placing soft on soft. It’s much easier to catch your toe underneath the area rug, creating a dangerous situation.

While placing an area rug over carpet is possible, doing it properly is essential to avoid problems.

Preventing ripples

When you place a rug over carpet, it will naturally have a tendency to move around. How much movement you’ll get depends on the carpet and the area rug. Sturdier rugs may move and slip, while softer area rugs may ripple and fold in on itself. Regardless, an area rug will shift with a soft surface underneath unless it’s properly anchored into place.

Wrinkling can occur when you step on one portion of the area rug and it shifts underneath the weight. It causes one side to move while another stays in place. You might see a “wave” as it moves to a new position.

The easiest way to solve this is by making your furniture work for you. If the area rug is creating a sitting area, use tables and chairs to anchor the rug’s edges into place. The aim is for weight to be placed on all four corners of the rug, to keep it tight and avoid having it be a tripping hazard.

Using a non-slip pad

If you’ve ever used an area rug over hardwood flooring before, you know there are non-slip pads for everything. Including adding an area rug over carpeting. They generally are referred to as carpet-to-carpet pads.

They are specifically designed to help keep the area rug in place over a soft surface, to help keep it from rippling as you walk over it through your daily activities.

Additionally, these carpet pads can help keep the carpet underneath the area rug safe from damage. As the area rug shifts and moves, it can damage the fibers of your carpet. With a pad in place, it gives an added layer of protection.

Their effectiveness varies greatly depending on the carpet you have in place and the area rug you purchase. This is why relying on an expert’s help to provide guidance can help you make a wise choice to ensure both safety as well as gain a long life from both your carpet and your area rug.

Finalizing your selection

Layering a rug over carpet takes a little more thought than just buying what you love in the store. You can’t just lay it down because you like it. It requires a little planning to make sure it works well overall.

Will any area rug do? We advise our clients to stick with high-quality fibers to ensure the best results over time. Going with a rubber-backed area rug can damage carpet fibers and allow moisture to build underneath. Natural fibers ensure breathability, keeping all layers of your flooring to remain safe over time.

Pay attention to textures

The texture of the carpet should work well with the surface of the area rug. A plush shag area rug with a Berber carpet might work. A low-profile rug and carpet will also work well together. Consider fibers that add depth, yet still stay in the same aesthetics to create natural flow.

Consider color palette

While you can’t do anything about the color of the carpet you’ll be laying the rug over, it should still be considered as you select the color of your area rug. Clashing colors and patterns will add more chaos to the room. If you have questions about getting hues and tones to match, a color wheel can be your best friend. It’s a great way to select shades that complement, never overwhelm.

Let rugs complement your decor

An area rug should always fit the aesthetics and personality of the room. Select a size that works well with the furniture it’s bringing together. Never select it just because you like the color. It should bring out a natural feeling in the way your room flows.

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Laminate flooring is really easy to keep clean.  All you need to do is keep up with a simple cleaning routine consisting of sweeping and mopping.  You will notice that most laminate floors are relatively durable, but you still need to keep on top of a cleaning routine to keep them looking fresh and new.  If you are not sure which products to use, or how often you should be cleaning, then you are in the right place!  Here are a few tips and some handy advice to keep you on track. Read More

Upholstered furniture adds a lot to the look of any home by making it cozy, warm and welcoming. However, it’s a big investment – recliners, sofas and sectionals can cost thousands of dollars. You’ll want to make sure to protect that investment by keeping your upholstered furniture clean. Here are some of our favorite upholstery cleaning tips that will keep your furniture ready to welcome family and friends all year long.

Vacuum Your Upholstered Furniture Regularly

Upholstered furniture should be vacuumed at least weekly, and even more often if it gets especially dirty (particularly if you have kids or pets). Be sure to vacuum under the cushions and in the creases in order to pick up all the dirt and debris – you never know what’s hiding in there! Oh, and don’t forget to vacuum the throw pillows, as well!

These days, vacuum cleaners come with an assortment of attachments that are perfect for cleaning upholstered furniture, such as upholstery tools (with or without brushes) and crevice tools. Do your furniture a favor and use them on a regular basis when you vacuum. 

Check the Information Tag

Did you know that most upholstery comes with a “manual”? That’s the little tag attached to the bottom of chairs or the back of sofas. Not only odes that tag contain information about the upholstered item (where it was manufactured, the manufacturer’s name, etc.), but it also has information about the upholstery fabric and its care. Here are some of the symbols you may see on the information tag and what they mean:

WS: Use a mild detergent with steam vacuum or dry-cleaning detergent.
S: Use a dry cleaner detergent only.
X: Use a vacuum only. Do not use water on upholstery as it may stain.
W: You can use water or a water-based solution on the upholstery.

Blot, Don’t Scrub

No matter how careful you are around your upholstered furniture, stains sometimes happen. When they do, make sure you blot them – don’t scrub them. Scrubbing the stains can loosen the upholstery fabric fibers, not to mention the fact that it can push the stain deeper into the fibers. Remember – blot, blot, blot!

You may also be tempted to add water to the stain in an attempt to remove it, but don’t.  The goal is to dry out the stain and keep the padding under the upholstery dry. Simply blot it with a dry, absorbent cloth instead. 

Get Your Upholstery Professionally Cleaned

If your furniture is especially dingy or dirty, or you have stains that just aren’t coming out no matter what you do, it’s time to get your upholstery professional cleaned. In addition to carpet cleaning services, we offer upholstery cleaning services in the Denver metro area. We take extra care with delicate fabrics and trim, and can make your upholstered furniture look like new again. We’ll also apply a fabric protector to further protect your investment. Contact us today to get your upholstered furniture clean and ready to welcome friends and family this holiday season!

Remember at A Personal Touch, we don’t cut corners, we clean them!

The post Our Favorite Upholstery Cleaning Tips appeared first on A Personal Touch.