Are Natural Rugs Good For Wood Floors?

When you install hardwood floors into your home, you’re making an investment into your future. Hardwood floors can last years – decades – making them something that can grow and change with you as you change out your decor.

Want to sell in the future? Not a problem. They continue to be one of the most in-demand flooring materials requested by homebuyers.

But if you have hardwood floors, to make them last, you have to care for them. Adding area rugs, especially to high traffic areas, can give them the protection they need. Plus, area rugs are a great way to bring a pop of color to your room, and add warmth and sophistication depending on which rug you choose.

That’s where you might get stuck. What type of area rug should you get? Are natural rugs good for wood floors? Does it matter?

Area rugs are used to protect the wood floors underneath. Get the wrong rug, and it could damage the wood and leave your floors marred.

What should you do?

Read on for a guide to help you select the right rug for your home.

Types of rugs

When you start shopping for an area rug, you’ll find they come in every shape, size, and material you can imagine.

The first place to start is by measuring your space. Are you looking for an accent in front of the kitchen sink, for example? Or are you looking for a large rug in the dining room, one to accent a dining room table built for a dozen people?

As you start to shop, it’s easy to focus on the size and the color. Those two items will ultimately determine how your finished room will appear. However, don’t ignore materials. The fiber used to create the rug is what adds longevity and functionality into your space.

Natural rug fibers offer something synthetic fibers don’t – they are created using natural materials.

Synthetic fibers may tout durability and state they add flexibility in the way the rug will handle over the years. Yet with synthetic rugs, you do need to watch what the material is made from. If it’s made from rigid plastic backing, it can easily scratch your hardwood floors.

Natural fibers are more flexible. They are made from natural fibers and often are interwoven with natural backing materials to make the entire rug easy to use and care for.

Jute

Jute is a popular choice in the natural rug category. It comes in earthy tones and can be woven into a variety of shapes and patterns. Jute isn’t known for softness, however. It’s maintenance-free, meaning you won’t need much work to keep it clean. But the stiffness of the fiber won’t feel good on your toes as you step out of bed in the morning.

For that reason, you’ll usually find homeowners placing jute rugs in places like hallways or foyers. Just be sure it has a softer, rubber backing, or you use a high-quality rug pad underneath to keep it in place and keep your hardwood floors safe from scratching.

Sisal

Sisal is another natural fiber that looks good and satisfies homeowners’ desires to stay with a natural fiber. Sisal is known to be strong, durable, and affordable. It’s an environmentally friendly material that comes from the Agave Sisalana plant. It comes in rustic tones, and makes a good addition to your home.

Sisal will hold up well to foot traffic. It’s a popular choice in hallways, entryways, and mudrooms. But like Jute, it isn’t soft to the touch, and isn’t something you choose to get down and lay or play on. Pay attention to the backing to ensure it stays safe on your hardwood floors.

Cotton

Cotton is known as a soft material that works for a variety of things, including area rugs. They aren’t known for their durability, but they do make fun additions to a room by being able to add a pop of color. Cotton rugs are usually pliable, can be easily cleaned, and in some cases can be thrown into the washing machine. Just be sure you pay attention to the backing or rug pad, as cotton can also be slippery when laid on hardwood flooring. It’ll be soft to the touch in the bedroom, but you don’t want to slide as you get up out of bed.

Wool

Wool may not be as budget-friendly as the other fibers listed above, but if you want a rug that wears well and will be a part of your home’s decor for years to come, you can’t go wrong with wool. They are a perfect way to bring texture and warmth to any room in your home.

Wool rugs have natural stain resistance, and can be a welcome addition to any place in your home. They’ll feel good underfoot as you hop out of bed in the morning, and handle well in living spaces where they receive a lot of foot traffic.

Silk

At the high end of the marketplace are silk rugs. In many cases, homeowners invest in silk rugs for their beauty rather than durability or practicality. They’ve been around for centuries, and well easily stand the test of time with proper maintenance. It gives any room a luxurious look and feel.

You’ll also find silk is often mixed with other fibers such as wool. That increases the price tag, but can create truly beautiful works of art.

Where to place area rugs

Wherever you have hardwood flooring is the perfect place to bring in an area rug. The reason they are in such high demand is because of their versatility.

You can put them to work – they can help keep your floors looking good if you use them in the kitchen or in an entryway.

You can use them for functionality – in a dining room, underneath the table is a great place to protect your floors from messes.

You can also use them for design – a gorgeous area rug will compliment your decor and high-end furnishings, just choose the perfect natural fibers for you.

It’s easy to get pulled in by color and size. More importantly, pay attention to the fibers used.

Fibers dictate longevity and how well the rug will function overall. Choose wisely, and you’ll bring in a great addition to your home that will last for years to come.

The post Are Natural Rugs Good For Wood Floors? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

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Are you finding that transforming your home is proving costly? Then you’ll be pleased to hear about our Big Bank Holiday Sale!  Working to budgets and promotions is a great way to save on renovation costs. If you’re planning on purchasing flooring as part of your renovation, then you won’t want to miss this bank holiday sale!

This bank holiday weekend, we’re giving you an extra 10% off site wide until 30th August 2021. So if you’re renovating on a budget, or even if you’re not, why not take advantage of our Big Bank Holiday Sale and save a few pounds on your journey to your dream home. 

 

We’ve got amazing deals on our flooring across our site, including our best sellers!

 

Best Seller Bank Holiday Sale Savings

 

Let’s take a look at some of our best seller savings and get the ball rolling for your house project.

 

EvoCore Light Meadow Oak

 

EvoCore flooring is one of the most innovative flooring types on the market today, with a tonne of amazing benefits including: 

 

• 100% waterproof
• Anti-slip surface
• Pet-friendly
• Durable and hard-wearing
• No glue needed for installation, due to its easy click-lock installation feature
• Real wood look and feel
• Scratch-resistant

 

This list is just a few benefits this amazing range of flooring offers. 

Our EvoCore Light Meadow Oak is one of our best sellers due to these amazing practical qualities combined with its stunning appearance. 

 

Its shades of sand and light browns, hits the neutral trend, and allows for a versatile setting to alternate interiors around over time. 

 

So if you have had your eye on this best seller, make sure you take advantage of our Big Bank Holiday Sale now!

 

Unfinished Parquet Oak Solid Wood

 

Our next best seller on the list is a natural beauty from our solid wood collection. Our Unfinished Parquet Oak Solid Wood flooring. 

 

This best seller makes for a stunning traditional statement piece, styles in a parquet pattern with striking wood knots and grains for authenticity. 

 

As this solid wood is unfinished you can reap all of the benefits of its natural appearance, and pattern whilst having the ability to further intensify with an oil or lacquer finish. 

 

This solid wood will stand the test of time, so your home will have added character for many years to come. 

 

If you want to make a statement with your flooring, then opt for this charming solid wood flooring, and save a few pounds with our Big Bank Holiday Sale. 

 

Herringbone Palazzo Oak Laminate

 

Another amazing flooring you have the option for big savings on, is our popular Herringbone Palazzo Oak Laminate. 

 

This beautiful herringbone design makes a great addition to both modern and traditional homes, regardless of lifestyle. 

Laminate has great practical qualities including:

 

• High durability 
• Easy to maintain 
• Scratch resistant 
• Stain resistant
• Hygienic

 

There is a reason this fantastic flooring is among our best sellers!

 

Grab yourself a bargain on this practical and stylish selection, and transform your home less. 

 

As you can see we have an amazing array of flooring types, styles and colours to suit any décor and aesthetic. There really is something for everyone, and we’re certain adding a great discount makes them all the more attractive when it comes to renovating your home!

 

Got questions surrounding flooring or our Big Bank Holiday Sale? Get in touch with a member of our team today.

 

The post Big Bank Holiday Sale – Wood Flooring  appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

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Let’s talk 2021 trends that have taken the interior industry not by storm, but by hurricane. In particular; New neutrals and the neutral interior trend. Where colour is concerned mustard is out and greige, and beige are in. Our Sister Brand Flooring Superstore has partnered with interior specialists, Baytree Interiors to help with inspiration when it comes to getting the style with this popular trend. 

Greige Is In

 

You may have been familiar with the grey trend that has entered the homes of millions over the last few years. Well, this neutral trend has evolved even further from your typical grey, to greige. 

 

Greige blends the popular interior colours of grey and beige, creating the perfect balance of cool chic tones, and warm inviting tones. Due to the neutral qualities of this trend, it is easy to introduce brighter colours or metals and woods to accentuate and accessorise with. 

 

This level of versatility is what has seen this trend become widely adopted by homes across the globe. 

 

Just look at this hallway inspired by the greige trend using Flooring Superstores Salvador Range. 

 

Introducing this trend in your hallway sets the tone for the rest of your home and can create a calm and welcoming space to invite your guests into. 

 

Using side tables, side boards, lamps and ornaments are the perfect way to set off your entrance hall. Baytree Interiors are stockists of some amazing options to match this trend. Their Scandi-inspired Nordic Collection Console Table effortlessly complements this decor. 

 

Go a step further and inject fascinating talking points with modish embellishments such as the Hudson Adjustable Large Table Lamp and Large Metallic Bamboo Lantern.  

 

Earthy Tones 

 

Earthy tones are another interior trend that won’t sound like they’re something new, and to be truthful. They’re not. The browns, the beiges, the pale greens have always been around. But not like this. 

 

When paired with the right furnishings, accessories and complementing design materials (e.g wood, metal) using these earthy tones can create a beautifully stylish and soothing environment to relax in.

 

Previously, neutral carpets have been a play-safe option. Primarily used as a base to easily pair with any design whilst bringing a comfortable homely tone to your space. 

 

Now, these neutral shades of carpet are very much a foundational aspect of your interior should you adopt this trend. 

 

When coupled with natural wood tones, easily introduced with furnishings such as coffee tables, side tables or even chairs, this can bring a luxurious aesthetic to your home. 

 

 

Flooring Superstore’s collaboration with Baytree Interiors demonstrates this design perfectly, using the Toffee Silk carpet from their Mont Blanc range, and the Live Edge Collection River Coffee Table from Baytree Interiors. 

 

Grey Is Still The Way 

 

Now we couldn’t leave this one out of the list. Whilst grey has been in for the last few years in interiors, in accessories, paints and furnishings and seems to be making its way out, where flooring is concerned, grey is still very much in. 

 

This is because like the rest of these neutral trends, it is extremely adaptable. You pretty much have free reign when it comes to the interiors that surround a grey flooring. 

 

So if you’re one for changing up your interiors frequently, a neutral grey flooring might be a great option to include in your design. 

 

 

The grey trend is perfect for those who enjoy a chic design. This pairing of Flooring Superstore’s Everest Satin Dream, with tasteful accessories such as Baytree Interiors’ Farah Collection Silver Coffee Table makes for a classy, contemporary result. 

 

And there we have it! The rundown on all things neutral in the interiors department. Hopefully we offered some home inspo, and at the very least introduced the word ‘greige’ into your interiors repertoire. If you have any questions regarding flooring, then get in touch with one of our experts today. 

 

The post In Partnership With Baytree Interiors appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Walnut flooring can look elegant and stunning in the right style of home. The dark and rich brown tones of Walnut can really transform your home by giving it a feel of luxury and sophistication.  Its elegance speaks for itself. Read More

Nothing adds flair to a home like accessories do. It’s an easy way to add your personality, bring in a pop of color, yet do so on a budget.

In today’s world, you can find anything with any budget in mind. Order online – they offer free shipping. Shop at your local big box store – do they have a deal for you.

But is it really a deal? If you want a new rug for your home, what constitutes quality? What’s the real difference between cheap and expensive rugs?

If you’re in the market for a new rug, it’s something you want to wear well and last for the foreseeable future. You don’t want it to look bad almost from the moment you bring it into your home. Cutting corners and going with the wrong rug may leave you sorry from the moment you bring it home.

Yet what’s the difference? How do you know a rug is high quality versus a rug that is inferior?

Shape and appearance

The most obvious way to tell the difference is by looking at it. You’ll be able to see the difference. Low quality rugs have irregularities or even flaws in the way they are crafted. The sides may be uneven, causing a square or rectangular rug to appear a bit lopsided. It may curl on the ends. You can even see it in the fibers.

High quality rugs are built to last. They lay flat and evenly on the floor. The edges won’t curl up or appear uneven when it’s laid into place. You can even tell it in the colors – choose a lower quality rug and it isn’t created from high quality fibers. That means it’ll wash out quickly as the sun seeps through your windows.

Quality … or quantity? 

Some of it also comes in knowing your personal style. Do you replace rugs with every new season? Or do you want furnishings that stand the test of time? With cheap rugs, you’ll be replacing them regularly. In short periods of time, they’ll show their wear, start to curl at the edges, and become problematic rather than giving your home value.

High quality rugs ensure they’ll last for years. Discoloration won’t take place, it’ll wear well no matter how much your family dishes out, and will be easy to care for. Vacuuming won’t pull at the fibers, and you’ll be able to clean it without destroying the rug.

Craftsmanship

A lot of rugs today are made in the factory. It’s mass production, rolling them out as quickly as they can. You’ll find these in big box stores, wrapped up and available in large quantities to the public. Everything about them was created for fast production, short life, and a way to increase sales.

A high quality rug is built to last by people that care about the product they’re creating. Rug making is a craft. People who make them tend to believe they are creating a work of art as opposed to just another rug.

The skill level of the rug maker, the rug-making process, and how long it takes from beginning to end will ultimately determine how much the rug goes for on the market. For handmade rugs, hand-knotted rugs are at the top of the list for quality. Hand knotting takes the longest for full production over flat-weaving or hand-tufting.

Flat-weaving uses a loom to weave fibers into intricate patterns and details. Hand-tufting is a process somewhere in between, where a craftsman uses a rug tool to push the threads back and forth through the backing to create the finalized product.

A machine-created rug will have a lot less character than higher quality rugs, and won’t bring the personality into your room in the same manner.

Color fading

What makes a rug look old before its time? Fading. You may have purchased the rug because of its bright colors and intricate designs, but will you be as pleased with it when the color fades away?

Fiber color is one of the easiest ways manufacturers use to cut costs. If they use lower quality dyes, they can lower production costs and increase profits. They also justify it in that it creates a more consumable market. If you have to replace your rug every year, it means more chance at vying for your business for them.

This isn’t just about vibrant colors. It impacts white rugs too. If the right color isn’t used, white can turn dingy, yellowing quickly as it adjusts to your home. You’ll quickly wonder where your white rug went.

Durability 

We’ve mentioned it before, but it’s worth talking about again. Cheap rugs aren’t built to last. They use synthetic fibers that are cheap to make and inexpensive to use. But they aren’t built to last. They aren’t soft, are coarser to the touch, and have fibers that break down quickly. It’ll show in the appearance in a very short time.

You’ll also notice the edges fray, they curl up and cause tripping hazards. This can be dangerous at best, especially in high traffic areas.

Character and personality

Homeowners often look for ways to bring their own personality into their homes. They want quality, furnishings that last and look good in the process. Imagine putting one-of-a-kind sofas and chairs on top of a mass-produced rug that’s fraying on the sides. The two don’t match.

Cheap rugs may have a temporary purpose. If you’re looking to create a fun space in a hurry, one that’s designed with a specific purpose in mind, a cheap rug may be the way to go.

But if you’re looking for longevity, you want this to be a part of your home’s furnishings for years to come, you won’t find that in a cheap rug.

For a high quality rug, you’re going to have to pay the price. Expensive rugs might seem like a good place to cut back on your home decor, but you’ll be sorry in the short run. High quality wins every time, especially if you’re building a home you can enjoy for years to come.

The post The Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Rugs first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Men and women alike are looking for great man cave ideas. It’s important for everyone in the home to have a space they can retreat to for comfort and relaxation. Even if it’s just to watch different T.V. shows, a man cave is a great idea!

There are many ways to trick out a man cave, and designing the space is half the fun of having it. Depending on your style preferences, designing a man cave can come with endless possibilities.

Choose a Man Cave Theme

Before you begin doing any renovations, make sure to map out your space completely. You want to make sure you know what you’re working with before starting. For a small space, decide what the man cave will be used for. If it’s for gaming, space for a comfy gaming recliner and screen are top priority. Or if you want space to watch sports with friends, seating will be a priority because flat screens can be mounted on a wall just about anywhere. With a large space, the skies the limit.

Here are a few man cave theme ideas you can use for your own or to spark inspiration:

• Vintage auto garage
• Movie theater
• All or a specific sport theme
• Hunting
• Casino
• Video gamer

Preparing the Space for the Man Cave

Once the theme has been chosen, prepping the space can begin. This is where you need to think about the look of the space itself or anything that needs to be done to the space. Ask yourself these questions before you make any decorative purchases:

• Do you need to waterproof the area (mainly pertains to basements or sheds)?
• Do you need new carpet or flooring?
• Are the walls going to be painted or have a different covering?
• What’s my budget?

Before decorating, we recommend Basement Waterproofing of Michigan for all your waterproofing needs. Remember, this isn’t just for dealing with that musty odor, it’s important to have proper moisture control for your health. Check out their Healthy Basement or Crawl Space Certificate for more information.

For walls and painting, we recommend 1-800-PAINTERS. They have some of the best painters in the business and can access your needs and work within your budget.

Let’s Get Decorating

Once the space is prepared and ready to go, it is time to get creative. To help give you an idea of what all man caves should have, take a look at these popular suggestions:

1. A Sign – Every man cave needs a sign letting people know that they are entering the man cave. Proclaim your space proudly, gentlemen.
2. Home Bar – A man cave without an area to hang out and have a drink simply does not feel complete. With a bar area, you can store all kinds of food and drink. Explore the options of custom fridges and kegs to enhance your bar. You can also easily put in a fountain for soda or a fun slushy machine.
3. Custom Table – Add a custom table to show off your personal style and taste. A Nintendo controller table is a great example for the gamer. Or a glass top storage table to show off your sport paraphernalia.
4. A Pool Table or Pinball Machine – Definitely a classic piece in many man cave scenarios. Everyone loves a good game of pool, and the table can be custom made to fit your liking. Or find an old pinball machine that goes with your theme.
5. Projector – If your television isn’t big enough, a projector is what you need. Make your own theater area for your sport watching or gaming by adding a screen or using white walls.

When it all comes down to it, the man cave is your space, so personalize it in the way that fits you best.

Does the Man Cave Need New Flooring

When it comes to man cave carpet and flooring for your special space, we have you covered. We have many styles and products to choose from. If you’re looking for a rustic hard surface that can hold up to your teams big win, we have lots of luxury vinyl and laminate. Maybe you want something a bit more cozy? Undoubtedly, our carpets installers are the best in the business and can install our top of the line memory foam pad under your carpet of choice. Book a free in-home estimate with The Carpet Guys (855-4-MY-GUYS) to see the best quality products for a price that fits your budget. Our complimentary Design Consultant can help bring all your man cave idea’s to light!

The post Man Cave Ideas appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Depending on the community you grew up in, you might use the terms carpet and rug interchangeably.

If you look up the words in the Oxford dictionary, rug is defined: a floor covering of thick woven material or animal skin, typically not extending over the entire floor.

Look up the word carpet, and it’s defined as: a floor or stair covering made from thick woven fabric, typically shaped to fit a particular room.

For many in the flooring and design business, the differences come from moveability. Rugs can be picked up and moved around freely. Carpet is tacked down and is meant to stay in place within a particular room.

The term rug seems to have a Scandinavian origin. The word was first used somewhere around the 15th century, and typically described a small floor covering no longer than six and a half feet. One of their most tell-tale characteristics includes being bound at the edges. It is also free to move around for transportation and maintenance.

The term carpet comes from Latin, being used the first time in English around the 13th century. Its translation means “coarse cloth” or “tablecloth”, where it remained until the 15th century when it moved permanently to being used as a floor covering. Carpets are usually characterized by their size, the fact that they can be stretched into place, and once installed, are fixed in one place.

Which one is best for you?

The pros and cons of rugs

When you think of home design as modern, artistic, with a touch of personality, rugs automatically pop into the picture. That’s because the sky’s the limit when it comes to what is possible with rug design.

Because they are smaller in size, artists can be more creative. Bright colors, vivid patterns, and even different shapes can all play into your decor. Instead of being the base for a room design, rugs can actually be a part of the decor.

Since they are smaller in size, they are easier to clean and maintain. Spilling red wine may still cause a problem, but in general, the smaller size makes it easier to react quickly. If it’s washable, you can throw it into the wash. You can pick it up and bring it to a professional cleaner where they can work on the stain.

This isn’t good just for the occasional party stain. It’s good for deep cleaning too. Rugs sit on the floor, which means they’re more prone to picking up things like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other contaminants your family tracks in. Whatever enters usually settles on the floor. That can include dirt, grime, even mildew over time. With a rug, you have the ability to move it around and clean it in the best way suitable for your needs.

Want even more flexibility with your decor? Prefer to change out the look and feel based on seasons or holidays? Rugs make it easy. Move a few pieces of furniture aside, lay down the new rug, and you have an entirely new look and feel inside your home! It can be a fun and inexpensive way to add variety and pizzazz to your home’s decor.

While the benefits of using rugs inside your home are many, there are a few downsides as well.

Because rugs aren’t tacked into place, they are more likely to be a tripping hazard. This is where quality comes into play. It can also be a problem for the elderly, or for people with mobility issues.

You’ll never get the same look you can achieve with wall to wall carpet. If you want softness and warmth, carpet can’t be beaten.

Rugs are also better suited for colors and patterns. Why get a rug with neutral tones … leave that for carpet.

The pros and cons of carpet

The great news with carpet is it looks good in many rooms throughout your home. Want warmth in the bedroom? Look no further than carpet. Want softness in a kid’s playroom? Carpet is the perfect choice.

Homeowners turn to carpet for many reasons. Here are just a few.

First up, carpet is a good floor covering when you have small imperfections with your subfloor. Have a subfloor that isn’t quite level? Looking to hide imperfections? Carpet maybe your choice. That’s because it’s secured to the floor with glue, cement, or tacking, with thick padding located underneath. This padding is designed to increase longevity, provide softness, and provide support as you walk across. Slight changes in the subfloor won’t be noticed with this flexible material.

Carpet also has an ability to tie the look and feel of your rooms together. It can create unity throughout your home as one solid color flows from room to room. And because homeowners tend to stick with more neutral colors, it can be a good base for whatever personality you want to instill into the space. Whatever your color theme, whatever your personal color palette, today’s carpet manufacturers have designed something you’re sure to fall in love with.

Carpeting also provides warmth to your home. If you’ve ever stepped on cold tile on a winter morning, you’ll appreciate being able to dig your toes into the warmth of carpet fibers. It also has the ability to hold warmth closer to feet level, meaning you’ll be more comfortable overall.

Want noise reduction? Carpet provides that too. That can be especially important in multilevel homes where you spend a lot of time on all levels. Hard surfaces can cause echoing, meaning the noise can filter to all levels. With small children who sleep at various hours, or adults that work night hours, this can impact your daily behavior.

Carpet isn’t without a few cons. One of the biggest issues is the ability to clean it. You can’t pick it up and throw it into the washer. That means when spills occur, acting quickly will be your best course of action. Carpet on the floors may alter your behavior. You’ll have to vacuum and clean it more often. It may even cause you to restrict certain activities from taking place – outside parties instead of inside gatherings.

If you want natural products, and have a concern for eco-friendly choices, you’ll have to pay attention to the fibers you select for your carpet. Off-gassing can be a concern with synthetic materials. Work with a flooring dealer if you’re looking for a safe, natural carpet.

Thinking of changing up your flooring? Will you add a new rug, or is new carpet more your style? Either way, both give you creative ways to add color, style, and personality to your home. In the end, whichever you choose, you’ll love the results.

The post What’s The Difference Between Rugs and Carpet? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

If you are considering changing the flooring in your home but not certain if you should select carpeting or hardwood, flooring.org presents several important reasons why hardwood flooring is the smarter option.

Why Choose Hardwood?

With all the available options when it comes to flooring, the decision can seem quite overwhelming. Carpeting has been popular over the years but it has its drawbacks. Carpet retains debris and germs that can emit a stale odor. Furthermore, unsightly stains and an overall worn appearance are difficult to prevent from occurring over time. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, offer a number of important advantages over carpeting.

Ease of Cleaning

Hardwood floors are simple to keep clean and sanitary which helps in fostering a healthy environment. Unlike carpet that traps dust and debris, hardwood flooring does not catch refuse. This feature causes hardwood to be a wise choice for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.

Durability

Longevity is another fantastic reason why investing in hardwood floors is a smart decision. Hardwood flooring is able to be sanded, re-finished, and repaired in order to look as good as new. In the event that pits and depressions occur, these imperfections are able to be rectified without much difficulty. Since the flooring is installed in compact segments, replacing a specific area if needed can be easily accomplished.

Innate Beauty

Hardwood floors radiate an aura of luxury and class. There is an abundance of styles, designs, and shades right at your fingertips for selection. Besides from your own enjoyment of viewing your appealing new floors, hardwood flooring is a huge plus that adds value to your home if you ever decide to sell at some point. Prospective buyers are drawn to homes that contain hardwood floors because of their lovely allure.

Flooring.org has a wonderful selection of hardwood flooring available to customers. Our products are top-notch in quality and priced affordably. We may be reached by calling (800) 689-9006. We hope to conduct business with you in the near future.

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

Whether you’re building a new house, or remodeling one you’ve lived in for years, the best place to start is from the ground up.

Flooring is the starting point for most interior projects. Without a good base, your room won’t function as you had hoped. Without the proper flooring in place, you may be disappointed with the results.

For many homeowners, carpet is the most logical choice. While people across the Front Range prefer hardwood for living spaces, carpet is still one of the leading flooring choices for other rooms throughout the home. Carpet still accounts for over 48 percent of the flooring market, making it a great choice for your needs.

If you’ve decided to purchase carpet, the first choice you’ll make is type. A quick search brings up many options: acrylic, nylon, polyester, wool. If wool carpet has shot to the top of your list, congratulations. It’s a great choice for people looking for green options, wanting a natural flooring choice, and are truly looking to invest in luxury carpet.

If you’re ready to dive a little deeper and learn more about wool carpet, let’s look at the reasons to keep this natural material at the top of your list.

What are the advantages of wool carpet?

Durability

Before you consider wool as an option, think about all the things you demand from carpet. Chances are durability tops the list.

Once installed, we want it to last for a long time, and to look good in the process. The last thing we want is buyer’s remorse almost from the moment we install it.

Wool carpet is manufactured from short lengths of wool taken from sheep. Think of all wool goes through – it protects sheep from the heat of summer and the coldest days of winter. It’s hardy no matter what conditions sheep face out in the fields. When converted to fiber, those same factors continue forward as they are turned into fiber.

Because wool fiber has a naturally coiled structure, it maintains well over time. Synthetic fibers try to imitate it, but they can only duplicate it for so long. That’s one of the biggest reasons wool carpet can last for decades if properly cared for, while synthetic carpet has a much shorter lifespan.

Wool carpet also handles better under pressure. Have lots of heavy furniture that will sit on top? See lots of foot traffic throughout your home? Wool carpet bounces back time after time. It springs back continually, and retains its original qualities much longer.

Cleanability

One of the biggest things homeowners worry about when it comes to carpet is how easy it is to maintain. If it attracts dirt, is easily stained, and is difficult to keep clean, carpet can become an eyesore quickly.

If you’ve ever had those thoughts, push them aside if you invest in wool carpet. Sure, it will require regular maintenance. Vacuuming periodically will ensure it always looks good and stays clean. An occasional steam clean (according to manufacturer’s guidelines) will pull the deep dirt up, and ensure your carpet continually looks good.

Homeowners enjoy the lasting results of wool carpet because it holds its color well. It also fades less than with other carpet materials such as nylon. That means if it occasionally gets hit with the Colorado sunshine, you’ll have less chance of the color fading over time. That makes sense when you think about the chemical makeup of wool. It’s a protein-based molecular structure that readily accepts color and holds it well. You’ll find wool carpets in a wider range of colors and patterns, giving them the highest level of aesthetic appeal you’ll find on the market.

Environmentally friendly

The reason more homeowners turn to wool carpet than any other is because of its natural qualities. Wool is an effective insulator – sheep do well in all kinds of weather. Wool’s insulating properties will be noticeable no matter where it’s installed. In winter, it’ll hold heat closer to the floor, making you feel warmer. It also naturally absorbs water vapor from the air, which helps with moderate indoor humidity, which naturally occurs in the summer as you run your air conditioner.

Here in Colorado, that also gives you an added benefit of wool’s moisture absorption properties – it reduces static electricity. If you’re tired of feeling those static shocks in this dry climate, wool carpet may be the perfect choice for your home.

It’s also biodegradable and recyclable. That means when it’s reached the end of its lifecycle, it won’t end up as long in the landfill like other carpeting choices.

Flame-resistant

In case you need even more advantages for making wool carpeting your choice, consider it’s also naturally flame-resistant. It has a higher ignition point than other materials, which is the temperature where it combusts and burns. That makes it less of a risk factor than synthetic options. If matches, cigarettes, sparks, wood-burning, or other factors are a part of your home, this pushes wool carpet to the top of the list. You’ll often find wool carpet in commercial applications like airports and casinos because of this feature.

What are the disadvantages of wool carpet?

Sold on wool carpet? Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to understand the few disadvantages it has.

Cost

The biggest issue for some homeowners is cost. Wool carpet is priced according to the source of wool. Overall, that puts it at the higher end of the spectrum. It typically costs twice as much as synthetic carpet such as nylon and polyester.

Cleaning

While wool carpets have a lot of advantages for clean up, it is important to note that the messier the spill, the more it can sink into wool carpet. Oily or greasy spills can quickly penetrate the fibers, and once there, be there permanently. It’s important to jump on all spills immediately to ensure they don’t set and be there for life.

Shedding

Wool fiber tends to shed over time. Wool is woven into yarn that ultimately creates carpet pile. These short strands lie on top of the carpet, and can be easy to catch as your kids play, pets run across it, or you move heavy items back and forth. That can cause piling, which can accumulate quickly if you don’t pick it up. Luckily, a lint roller will easily remove them, but it can cause you additional work.

Is wool carpet a good investment? Yes. We consider wool carpet to be the top of the line luxury carpet you can bring into your home.

How long will a wool carpet last? When well cared for, wool carpet can last for decades.

Are those reasons enough for you to push wool carpet to the top of your list? 

The post Pros and Cons of Wool Carpet first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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