Why Do Floors Creak

If you’re wondering why do floors creak, we can help.  It doesn’t matter if you have carpet, hardwood or vinyl, all floors may creak at some point.  There are a few reasons why this happens.  We will cover some of them here.  Read on to find out more.

Old Hard Surface Flooring

It is expected to hear creaks when walking on century old hardwood flooring.  Over time, hard surface flooring expands and shrinks with humidity and temperature changes.  This is normal for all things in your home.  When this happens, it creates gaps in the flooring.  These gaps create friction when rubbed together.  That rubbing together happens when someone walks across a floor.  The difference in weight placed on one or two boards causes them to move into the space of another board and thus, creaking.  This process happens faster in environments that have drastic temperature and climate changes within a short period of time.  For example, some northern regions of the United States have cold winters and hot, humid summers.  Or further south, where hurricanes and tropical storms cause severe humidity increases that will cause boards to expand.

Sub-Floor Issues

Just like discussed above, those environmental changes also affect the sub-floor.  The sub-floor is ordinarily made from plywood.  Plywood is a manufactured product where thin layers of wood veneer are glued together while alternating the direction of the grain of wood with each layer.  This allows for strength and stability as a base layer.  The flooring of choice sits on top of this layer of plywood.  When temperature or humidity levels change, this can warp the plywood.  As the plywood warps one way, and the top layers of flooring warp another, it causes gaps between the layers.  When pressure is put on that gap, the rubbing of the 2 layers causes floor creaking.  Unfortunately, over time, this constant friction can deteriorate the sub-floor.

Poor Construction

One of the least common reasons for a floor that creaks is because of poor construction.  During the rough construction phase of a home, the sub-floor is screwed into floor joists.  This anchors the plywood to the “bones” of the home.  The flooring will sit on top of this sub-floor.  If someone misses the joist when screwing from above, that portion of the sub-floor may not be properly adhered to the joist and will cause squeaking. If the screw goes in at an angle and catches only a portion of the joist, that screw will become loose with the expansion and contraction of the joist wood and will also be a catalyst for creaking.  This is especially prevalent in new homes with floor creaks.

Whether you need to replace old flooring or have your sub-floor checked, The Carpet Guys have qualified professional installers that can help.  Our teams are experienced in all sorts of creaking floor corrections.  If you’re looking for some quick fixes, check out our blog How to Fix Squeaky Floors.  Otherwise, call 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or go online to set up a Free In-Home Estimate.  One of our knowledgeable Design Consultants will come to your home and assess your flooring needs. Make sure to tell them you want floor creaks corrected so they can put it on your contract.

The post Why Do Floors Creak appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

These days, if you decide you want to install wood flooring in your home, you have a lot of options. You’ll find row after row of traditional hardwood in all sorts of sizes, colors, and styles.

You’ll also find something more. Luxury vinyl tile now comes in planks you can drop into place, click together, and have a do it yourself floor in a matter of hours. Take a look at porcelain tile – yep, it’s also mimicking hardwood flooring.

It’s everywhere.

It can also leave you confused.

When you initially started shopping, you were sold on the benefits of laminate flooring. Is it still something to consider? Is laminate a good choice for today’s home?

What is laminate flooring

What made laminate a popular flooring choice in the past still holds true today. Laminate flooring looks like hardwood, but offers you many other benefits, including easy maintenance and an affordable cost.

Laminate flooring looks like hardwood planks. But instead of being crafted from solid wood, laminate is created in several layers and fused together for durability.

• Wear layer – this top layer provides strong protection against all your family can dish out including stains, scratches, and fading.
• Design layer – this can either be a thin veneer or a high-resolution photograph that mimics the hardwood styles you love.
• Inner core layer – this provides stability, durability, sound absorption, and moisture resistance. It’s made from a high-density wood fiberboard.
• Bottom layer – the backing layer, it offers protection against moisture, damage, and warping.

In general, you’ll find laminate flooring comes in two separate types.

Engineered wood – laminate is often referred to as engineered wood because of the multiple layers pressed together to create one board. The core layers can be as many as twelve layers of fiberboard pressed together for strength. The veneer, or top layer, is a very thin piece of natural wood that gives it its classic good looks. The term engineered comes from creating a plank with the looks of traditional hardwood, yet pressed together with many other benefits that can give you durability and longevity without the high price. Depending on how thick the top layer determines how many times you can sand and refinish the floor.

Plastic laminate – unlike engineered wood, plastic laminate is completely created in the lab, with the design layer being a photograph to mimic the look of natural wood. The other layers closely resemble those used in creating engineered laminate.

Thanks to technology, laminate looks closer to the real thing than ever before. But it does so at a fraction of the price. It’s tougher, easier to maintain, and resists things like scratches and dents. That makes it a good choice for busy families with pets and kids. Its lower cost also means you won’t worry as much about the action that occurs throughout your home.

What to consider when choosing laminate 

When a lot of people think of laminate, they remember stories from years before when it had a hollow sound. Technological advances have made high-quality laminate even better than it was before. Of course, that means you’ll have to wade through the products to find the best laminate your money can buy.

There are several things to consider when selecting high-quality laminate.

Purpose

Especially here in Colorado, hardwood tops the list of flooring choices for homeowners. But if you’ve owned hardwood before, or are leery because of what you’ve been reading about hardwood’s upkeep, laminate might be a better choice for you. Because of its multi-layer design, it gives you the look of hardwood with better wear factors. That means it’s a good choice for all the rooms in your home. If you haven’t had good luck with hardwood in your basement, for example, (and hardwood is rarely recommended for basement settings), you’re going to love the look of laminate flooring.

Location

What makes hardwood difficult to maintain in places like the kitchen or basement gives laminate a distinct advantage. When selecting laminate, be sure to read all manufacturer’s guidelines based on the location you’ll be installing it in. Often, it requires a certain underlayment to give it added durability and strength.

You can also look for laminate products exclusively made for high traffic areas. Look for the terms “high pressure” and “direct pressure” laminate. Direct pressure laminate is created from four layers used together with anywhere from 300 to 600 pounds of pressure. High pressure adds a fifth layer of craft  paper treated with a resin that increases the strength. This makes it even more durable in high traffic situations, and makes it suitable even for commercial applications.

Thickness

You’ll find laminate comes in a variety of thicknesses, usually between 7mm and 12mm thick. If you select thicker laminate, it does a better job covering uneven areas in your floor, and creates a texture and feel of real hardwood. Thicker is also better for sound absorbing qualities. Word of caution: some manufacturers state the thickness of their flooring by including the underlayment, while others do not. Keep this in mind when comparing two floorings.

AC rating

Laminate flooring also comes with an AC rating (Abrasion Criteria) to help you determine the durability of the product. AC ratings are from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. You’ll find most residential laminate applications come with an AC rating of 3 or 4. A 3 would make it suitable for busy areas of your home, including the kitchen, while a 4 rating will add extra stability, making it more sustainable for places like bathrooms and the basement. A rating of 1 or 2 should be used in light traffic areas such as bedrooms.

Installation

While hardwood can be fussier with the installation process, you’ll find laminate is easier to install. Have a do it yourself attitude? You can easily install laminate, especially if you pick a floating floor with click-and-lock technology that makes snapping planks into place a breeze. Remember, laminate does need an underlayment unless the flooring comes preinstalled with an underlayment layer in place. You will need a saw for edgework and ensuring all planks fit comfortably into place.

Are you ready for laminate flooring installed in your home? Depending on your needs, it can still be the perfect choice for every room in your home.

The post With So Many Options, Is Laminate Still a Good Choice? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Deciding what flooring to install inside your home can be a challenging task. But if you’ve settled on ceramic tile, the decisions have only begun.

Ceramic tile is a popular choice for today’s homes. It’s durable, easy to clean and maintain, and can give any room a fresh new look. Plus, you’ll find endless opportunities when you start making your final decisions. The designs, styles, shapes, textures, and colors available can match any decor.

What is ceramic tile?

Ceramic tile is one of those concepts we’ve all heard of, yet when you try to define it, you might be puzzled.

Ceramics are traditionally made from clay. You might be familiar with it when shopping for dishes, pots, or other earthenware. It’s created by baking or firing clay in a kiln. (As a side note, ceramic tiles are fired at 1400 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to porcelain tile, which is created at 2300 degrees.)

Today’s ceramics are made from a formula of water, sand, and clay. When combined with grout, which is placed between the tiles when they are laid into place, it can create a hard surface that provides years of enjoyment.

You’ll find ceramic tile comes in two major categories: quarry tile, which uses natural clay or shale pulled from the earth, and a handcrafted tile made by compacting clay dust.

Ceramic tile also comes in different grades:

Grade 1 – usually placed on walls

Grade 2 – used for residential flooring

Grade 3 – used for light to moderate foot traffic

Grade 4 – for commercial use

Grade 5 – for heavy foot traffic

Of course, you can mix and match, depending on your desires. Installing a commercial grade tile in your home may provide better results, especially if you have an active household. When in doubt, talk to one of our sales associates who can help you finalize your decision.

What does ceramic tile look like?

Because ceramic tile can take on any look, and is available in many different formats, it’s often one of the best choices for your home. Having trouble agreeing on what flooring to install in your home? Often, homeowners can agree that ceramic tile is the perfect way to blend everyone’s needs and desires.

That’s because ceramic tile manufacturers can create almost any look when developing the finalized product. Circles, squares, hexagons – you’ll find many shapes. While the majority is square or rectangular, if you have something special in mind, we can help you find it.

In some places, like the bathroom – you may choose to create elaborate designs with small mosaic tile. For use in main area living spaces, why not try one of the latest design trends and use large tiles. Ceramic tiles come in standard 6, 8, or 10 inch squares, or try large sizes like 12×24, 24×24, or even 12×48 inch tiles. Each creates a unique look in your area, depending on your wishes.

What about ceramic tile types?

Not every ceramic tile is meant for use as flooring. Pay attention to the type to determine how well it will wear. Typically you’ll find ceramic tile labeled as:

Glazed – glazed tiles are coated with a protective finish to protect the design underneath. They can be shiny and glossy, or come with a matte finish perfectly paired for natural stone designs. Glossy may be chic and perfect for wall designs, while a matte finish may work better in larger spaces and for flooring.

Wall tiles – this is where you’ll find perfect choices for showers, backsplashes, and other accents throughout your home. You’ll find your most variety in wall tiles because they can add personality anywhere you desire a pop of color. They are more fragile than other tiles, and can’t handle daily wear on the floor.

Floor tiles – these are specifically designed for use on the floor. Usually with a matte finish, they provide anti-slip qualities that make them function well over time.

It’s important to note the composition of the finish. This will tell you how well the tile will handle in different situations, which can be especially important in kitchens, baths, and other areas where moisture might be a problem.

Tile density will give you an idea of the strength – how well it handles under pressure.

Moisture absorption refers to the amount of moisture the tile can absorb. A dense tile repels rather than absorbs moisture. This indirect relationship determines what tile is best in each situation in your home.

• Non-Vitreous – these are tiles that absorb 7 percent of more moisture. They handle well in indoor situations
• Semi-Vitreous – they absorb from 3 to 7 percent moisture. They are for indoor use only.
• Vitreous – they absorb less than 3 percent. They are frost-resistant, but cannot handle extreme conditions, which may cause them to crack.
• Impervious – they have less than .5 percent moisture absorption, and can be used outside.

What’s underneath the tile

When you select your flooring, it’s good to keep in mind that all flooring sits on top of a subfloor, and will only do as well as the subfloor was designed.

Very rarely are subfloors “perfect.” It’s hard to make them level, or create a perfect place for flooring to reside. Depending on what is underneath ceramic tile can cause a hollow sound. This does not impact the integrity of the tile. But it can impact the sound quality, especially in larger rooms.

Because tile is often considered a “cold” flooring, here in the Rocky Mountains it’s a perfect choice to combine with radiant heating. It conducts heat well, warms up quickly, and is a perfect way to heat your home from the ground up. Many homeowners wouldn’t have anything else in their bathrooms because of ease of use. If you’ve been thinking of expanding these qualities to other rooms in your home, this may be the perfect reason to do so. You’ll love the results.

Is ceramic tile the perfect choice for your home?

Now maybe the right choice to make the change, and bring ceramic tiles into your home. They look good in any room, can add ambiance and classic good looks in a wide array of sizes, colors, and shapes.

Is ceramic tile right for you?

The post Don’t Buy Ceramic Tile Before Considering This first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Cleaning your wooden floor is straight forward and simple.  Wooden floors are hard and flat, so there is nowhere for dust or dirt to hide.  This makes them very hygienic and easy to clean. You will, no doubt, want to keep your wooden floor looking fresh and tidy.  We would recommend that you adopt a simple cleaning routine. Read More

This August or early September most children will be returning to in-person schooling.  After having kids home for over a year due to the pandemic, your home’s flooring needs to be replaced.  What better time than August to schedule your flooring replacement?!  Check out The Carpet Guys Back to School Sales.

I Need New Flooring in 2021

Picture this…the kids have been struggling for the past 8 hours on the computer for school.  Now, they have energy that needs to displace.  Unfortunately, it goes into every room in your home.  They haven’t been able to play their after-school sports.  They couldn’t go to Girl Scouts or Robotics or even the park.  As creative as we have tried to be to entertain our children, our home is worse-for-wear because of the pandemic.

The Carpet Guys have the solution for you!  Call us now to schedule your installation to capitalize on our Back-to-School sales.  Replacing the flooring in your home while the kids are back to school means that you will get to enjoy them longer.  Don’t wait until you’re ready to move.

What are the Back to School Sales

As low as $50.00 a month with financing for qualified customers. Or up to 53.5% off your flooring installation.  If you’re looking to get all your rooms replaced and upgraded, for 4 rooms or more, we have reduced the price to $12.88 per room, per week*.  Also, if you choose a flooring product we carry in-stock, you may be able to have installation next-day.

We also have a large selection of remnants in all colors and styles for an even lower price point.  Come visit our warehouse to see all the options you can choose from.

What Else do You Get

With our already low prices, you also get the White Glove service.  This includes:

• Free In-Home Estimate
• Complimentary professional Design Consultant
• Move your furniture for free
• Free lifetime installation warranty
• Many, many more

Call 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) now!  Or go online and schedule your Free In-Home Estimate.  We are excited that the country is returning to normal after the pandemic.  And look forward to giving your floors the boost they need after a long, hard year.  You deserve it!

*Some restrictions apply. See sales consultant for details.

The post Back to School Sales appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Are you on the hunt for new flooring for your home? Most homeowners start out with a list of features they’re looking for. Your’s may look like this.

You want:

• A beautiful floor
• One that wears well with all your family can dish out
• One that’s easy to care for
• Adds value to your home
• And won’t look shabby just a few weeks after being installed

You’re not sold on hardwood. Carpet is off the list. But what else is there?

Maybe it’s time to learn more about rigid core flooring.

What is rigid core flooring? 

Rigid core flooring is an engineered vinyl floor that has enhanced construction for durability and stability. A rigid core will be a solid plank with less pliability, and provides more strength when installed underfoot. It’s an improved version of the traditional vinyl flooring you may have grown up with.

Think of it as marrying vinyl and wood flooring together to give you a dynamic flooring product you’ll be proud to display in your home.

When you start shopping for rigid core, you’ll find manufacturers carry several different rigid core vinyls. The difference is in the construction.

WPC – wood plastic composite

If you’re still in love with hardwood, yet want something that will stand up better to wear and tear, WPS rigid core flooring may be the solution. WPC vinyl uses wood pulp, plasticizers, and a foaming agent to create a waterproof core built for strength and stability.

WPC is fabricated into a multitude of looks and designs, making it design friendly based on your needs. It has an easy click into place installation that is perfect for the DIY market.

WPC is also one of the most budget-friendly vinyl floorings on the market. If you’re thinking of sheet vinyl to save on costs, take a look at WPC – the options may be just what you’re looking for.

SPC – stone plastic composite

Think of SPC as a step up from WPC. It’s engineered luxury vinyl that combines limestone and stabilizers to create an extremely durable flooring option. It offers a 100 percent waterproof option, and combines it with a sturdy core that holds up well to scratches, dents, and other daily wear marks.

SPC has a sturdier core, which gives it an advantage if your home undergoes a lot of changes during the year. Do you have a damp, cold basement in the winter months, followed by a hot humid location in the summer? SPC stands up to it all and looks great in the process.

SPC also has a dense core and thickness, meaning it offers comfort if you stand on your feet all day. Pay attention to the core, and you’ll find one with an upgraded comfort factor that will give you noise control at the same time.

Hybrid – this has been produced with laminate and vinyl features

Manufacturers are constantly moving new products to market. As they develop new materials that are stronger, more durable, and look better than previous flooring products, they introduce them as a new option for your home decorating needs.

One of the latest technologies is a hybrid vinyl flooring. It gives you what you love about laminate, married with the best attributes of vinyl.

You’ll find hybrid rigid core often has a commercial grade wear layer that is scratch resistant and can stand up to high traffic situations.

The design layer is the same realistic layer you’ll get with laminate, and can be upgraded to both classic and exotic looks. Love scraped hardwood? Not a problem with hybrid rigid core.

It also comes with a waterproof core, giving you flexibility in where it’s installed.

Is rigid core vinyl flooring good?

It’s vinyl. Still having trouble with that concept? A lot of homeowners start out that way when they first start researching rigid core flooring.

And we get it. If you grew up with traditional vinyl flooring, it’s hard to move past that traditional sheet vinyl mentality.

Rigid core vinyl flooring is nothing like its predecessor. It’s emerged as one of the leading flooring choices in residential and commercial applications. In fact, today’s rigid core can mimic wood, stone, and other flooring products so closely, even experts have to take another look to see that it’s not “real.”

You get the look you desire, without having to sacrifice on ease of use. Who wants a beautiful floor when you have to spend time each day keeping it that way?

Rigid core flooring gives you the benefits of both. And it does it very well.

If you’re looking for traditional flooring – hardwood or stone, classic looks that stand the test of time – you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find many representations from a variety of manufacturers.

Maybe you want to change things up – how about exotic hardwood? You’ll have choices here too. How about an African acacia, or a Brazilian tigerwood? The variations in the wood will leave you breathless. And what’s even better is you won’t have to chop down a tree to achieve it. Hardwood is harvested from resources that can take decades to produce. But because rigid core is created using manufacturing processes, it doesn’t put environmental concerns at risk.

If you love a more rustic look, you’ll find that too. Hand-scraped, reclaimed, or brushed looks are easy to find when you look at rigid core.

It even goes a step beyond and offers you the look of stone – without the weight or the cost. In fact, you can find just about any look you desire. The latest concrete look can be achieved easily using standard plank style installation.

Want to learn more about rigid core flooring?

The best place to start is by stopping by and taking a look at the rigid core flooring we offer. We can show you the difference between the different materials, help you narrow down your selections, and even allow you to take a few samples home to determine which is right for your needs.

Want to do it yourself? Or do you prefer to let a contractor handle the job? We can help with that too, no matter which method of installation suits your needs.

We can also share with you our extensive knowledge about different manufacturers and product lines – something you won’t find at the big box stores. We’ll help you find the right flooring for your needs, and ensure you’re happy with your purchase long after it’s initially installed.

What are you waiting for? Get started with rigid core flooring today.

The post Understanding Rigid Core Flooring first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

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Just picture it: Summer is here, the kids are in and out of the garden trampling in wet muddy footprints from the pool and grass, and you’re following along with a mop wondering if your floors can handle this amount of pressure. In this blog we will cover some of the best flooring types for busy family homes that will easily cater to your little one’s antics.

Engineered Wood Flooring  

 

First on the list is engineered wood flooring.  Engineered wood flooring combines multiple layers of timber with a solid wood veneer. Designed to allow for wood expansion, engineered wood is compatible with underfloor heating systems and boasts a high moisture tolerance level. 

 

Thanks to the solid wood veneer, engineered wood flooring displays all the stunning looks of solid wood at a fraction of the cost. Available in an array of wood species, colours and finishes – there’s a range to compliment every home and budget!

Thanks to its robust design, the nature of this flooring means it can easily withstand the pressures of a busy family home. Spills, heavy traffic, toys, pets. Whatever your worries are, this flooring can cater to the demand.

 

Not only that, engineered wood is easy to clean. Unlike solid wood, engineered wood is less susceptible to water damage and is water resistant to a degree. 

 

To clean your engineered wood a lightly wet mop with clean water and floor cleaner will do the trick! 

 

If you’re wanting to introduce that luxurious solid wood feel to your home but your lifestyle conflicts with being able to meet the demands, don’t worry! Engineered wood allows you to have the best of both worlds. 

 

So you don’t have to worry about anything with this durable contender. From practicality right through to maintenance, it’s perfect for your bust family home. 

 

EvoCore

 

This next family friendly flooring should be high on your list of options to consider. EvoCore is an innovative flooring range that is in a league of its own in the flooring market. 

 

EvoCore Flooring is the most versatile flooring range that we offer. Providing maximum protection from moisture, stains, dents and scratches, as well as  temperature fluctuations. Our EvoCore ranges are designed with many factors in mind to provide a great option for all areas of the home, including high-risk areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

 

If you’re a parent or even a dog owner, we’re sure these benefits are music to your ears!

 

Thanks to EvoCore’s durable and waterproof qualities, it’s easy to clean. So when those inevitable spills or muddy footprints appear, you can easily clean them away with peace of mind that your flooring will stay intact. 

You’ll also be pleased to hear that EvoCore comes in a wide variety or amazing ranges. Each of these offering their own perks, designs and styles. So there is something for everyone when it comes to fitting the interior of your home. As well as being perfect in the practicality department. 

 

Laminate

 

Next on the list is laminate flooring. This flooring often gets the reputation that it isn’t the best of quality when it comes to practicality with flooring. However, that couldn’t be more wrong. 

 

Laminate flooring has actually come a long way and is one of the most popular flooring options. It comes in different AC ratings. This judges the laminate flooring based on its ability to resist against abrasion, impact and stains. All the things you need to consider with your flooring when living in a busy family home. 

 

The higher the AC rating, the more durable the flooring. Laminates of AC4/5 make amazing additions to family homes thanks to their practicality. 

 

They’re easy to maintain, available in a wide range of colours and styles, replicate real wood for a fraction of the cost, resists moisture, scratches and wear and tear. 

So you can have a stunning real wood appearance, with all the practicalities needed in a flooring for it to stand the test of time in your family home!

 

There we have it, some of the top performing flooring for busy family homes. If you have any more questions regarding flooring, get in touch with one of our advisors today!

The post Best Floors For a Busy Family Home appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Oak style LVT flooring is a great choice for anyone who wants a natural looking floor that is durable and waterproof. You will get an authentic looking floor, with added benefits of versatility which can be used throughout your home. If you are looking for Oak style LVT then you have a wide range to choose from. Read More

On the heels of the United States 245^th birthday, there’s a feeling of American unity and strength.  The pandemic made us realize just how self sufficient our country needs to be.  What better way to help support the economic regrowth of our country than to buy American-made goods and services?!  The Carpet Guys can help supply some of the best flooring products made in the USA.

July 4th, 2021 marked the 245th birthday of America as we know it today. We forget that we are babies in the eyes of the world. Yet, financially we have grown to a first world power and have built our economy on grit and competitiveness. The recent lock down reminded us just how fragile it is. Spending our money in our own communities will keep us thriving. And even more importantly, manufacturing goods in our country brings in even more from around the world. The following are companies that manufacture products in the U.S.

Mohawk Industries is Made in the USA

Located in Calhoun, Georgia, Mohawk Industries boasts the world’s largest flooring company.  They manufacture all flooring types.  Their SmartStrand technology is one of the most popular American-made carpets. When visiting their website, your toughest decision will be choosing just one. In addition, there’s a “Made in USA” filter you can put on their soft or hard surface search results. The Carpet Guys carry many styles and colors in-house.

Phenix Flooring is Made in the USA

While their carpet is made in The United States, many of their laminate and vinyl flooring is, as well.  Phenix is owned by Mannington Mills, headquartered in Salem, New Jersey. One of the most cutting-edge flooring features is Microban Antimicrobial Protection. Amazingly, it protects against the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. It remains 99% cleaner than untreated surfaces. Since the Covid-19 Pandemic, it’s wise to look for this attribute.

Click to see how carpet is made in an American-made flooring manufacturer: How carpeting is made, Inside look at carpet production

Engineered Floors are Made in the USA

Engineered Floors products are manufactured and headquartered in Chatsworth, Georgia.  They create all their own yarns in-house. This allows the flooring to be dyed before weaving.  Pure Color technology means the color is throughout the carpet.  Unlike many carpets that are stamp dyed only on the surface of the fibers.  A completely American manufactured flooring from inside out!  Check out our blog “Carrots, Radishes, and Carpet Dye” to learn more about the carpet dye process.

Shaw Flooring is Made in the USA

Shaw Floors is one of the top producers of flooring in the United States.  Because Shaw makes carpet and hard surface products, they provide virtually any flooring type to its retailers.  Shaw is proud to be American made to help the nations economy. As well as Mohawk, Shaw Industries sells flooring abroad. In essence, bringing those international dollars into the U.S. This is significant as we scramble to recover from the Pandemic’s economic shut down.

First, write down your style preferences from the websites above. Then, get a price at your Free In-Home Estimate with our complimentary Design Consultant.  Furthermore, The Carpet Guys carry many styles and colors in our warehouse. This means next-day installation! Obviously, we care about keeping our hard-earned dollars in our country.  We buy from all the top American made brands. In addition, we employ the best installers in Southeast Michigan.  Don’t hesitate to contact us at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) if you have any questions.  Let’s work together to rebuild our nation!

The post Made in the USA appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Basements can be a challenge for installing new flooring. You want the latest trends. You want something modern and stylish. But it’s the basement; you know not every flooring will work well.

Style isn’t everything. You care about the product too. Is it safe? Is it considered a green product? Is there such a thing as eco-friendly flooring that works well in the basement?

If you’ve done any kind of research on eco-friendly flooring products, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Carpet’s always an option, and you can easily find natural fibers the fit well into the green category. But if you’ve done any research on the adhesives used to hold carpet in place, you know they can be anything but eco-friendly.

And then there are laminates. They give you the look you’re craving, many tout to be made exclusively from recycled materials. But if you dig a little further, you’ll find articles that state laminate is high in off-gassing, which isn’t something you choose to bring into your home.

What are you to do?

Let’s talk about the structure of your basement floor

Before you start considering different flooring materials, it’s important to understand the structure of your basement.

Living here in Colorado means your basement undergoes a variety of conditions. It can be cold and dry in the winter, followed by moisture issues in the summer as we move into warm air and lots of water seeping into the ground around you. The ground is almost like a sponge, taking in everything from outside conditions. If you live in an older home, the foundation wasn’t poured and installed up to today’s requirements, so it might not do a great job of preventing moisture from seeping through.

Before you consider which flooring material is right for you, ensure you have the foundation to install the flooring first. Work with a contractor to ensure the floor is level, clean, dry, and humidity levels remain relatively constant no matter what the weather is like outside.

What flooring do you currently have down?

Many homes here in the Denver Metro area have concrete basements. That means you’ll be using concrete as your base.

One current trend is to use a concrete floor as your flooring choice. It’s an eco-friendly option, and is a natural flooring surface that wears well over time.

This isn’t the concrete you currently see in parts of your basement. It’s not natural, untreated concrete in dull, drab gray. You can find concrete tiles that come in beautiful colors and stains. Or use a color treatment on the concrete you already have in place. Just be sure to watch the chemicals and stains you select to ensure they’re eco-friendly too.

Yet concrete isn’t for everybody. It may be a current trend, but is it something you truly want?

There are other options.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile is made mostly from clay and sediment. They are fired into all sorts of shapes and sizes, and come in a rainbow of colors and patterns. If you can dream it, you can find it with ceramic tile.

Clay is soft before being fired. Manufacturers add a variety of products into the process to ensure they can stand the pressures of daily use. Look specifically for flooring tiles that handle well in basement conditions. They should be waterproof and stand up well in moist and humid conditions. Many use ceramic tile in bathroom designs, which is a testament to how well they can do under intense moisture situations.

Natural stone

Love the look of tile, but want something even more natural? How about natural stone.

Natural stone refers to a variety of different materials, including:

• Granite
• Marble
• Limestone
• Travertine
• Slate
• Sandstone

Because they’re quarried, they are some of the most eco-friendly materials you can install into your home. Just be sure you pay attention to how they are manufactured. Many natural stone tiles start out porous and absorbent, making them risky for installing in a basement. If you use a stone sealer and install a water barrier layer underneath the stone, they can be good additions to a home.

Floating floors

Instead of talking about a specific material, let’s talk about installation. Floating floors are unique in how they are installed because they aren’t permanently attached to the subfloor. Instead, they click together and hold in place. This makes it easy enough for a do-it-yourselfer to install.

Not all floating floors are suitable for all a basement can dish out. But there are many options for you, depending on what you’re looking for. Options include:

• Carpet tiles
• Cork flooring
• Bamboo flooring
• Laminate
• Engineered hardwood
• Sheet vinyl
• Luxury vinyl tiles and planks

Likewise, not every floating floor can be considered eco-friendly. If this sounds like a good option for you, it’s important to do your research. Many flooring manufacturers understand homeowners want the best of both worlds, and offer an array of products to suit their needs. Clearly define your goals and wishes, and come in prepared to see a variety of options. Then you can choose what works best for you.

The good news is with many of these floating floor options, they can be waterproof or highly water-resistant. The key is ensuring the product is properly sealed. Pay attention to manufacturer’s claims and what their warranties state.

How do you know if a product really is eco-friendly?

With so many labels and promises on products these days, it can be difficult to know what to believe. Does the word “natural” mean anything? What about green label? Or even the term “eco-friendly?” Is it all true?

Unfortunately not. Manufacturers know consumers shop with certain words in mind. They use them freely, even if there isn’t backup to support it. And because laws don’t exist for all processes involved in labeling things with these misleading words, it’s up to the consumer to determine what’s best for their needs.

The UL, a global safety science leader creating principles surrounding company compliance for quality and sustainability, has come up with an entertaining article entitled Sins of Greenwashing, which points out directly what’s happening within the industry.

If you truly want an eco-friendly flooring option for your basement, the best place to start is by coming into our showroom.

We can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re in the market to do it yourself, or want us to handle the job from beginning to end, we’re here to help you find the perfect flooring to suit your needs.

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