Vinyl Flooring Gives You the Opportunity to Have Luxurious Floors

Changing out your flooring is an easy way to enhance the feel of your entire home. An upgrade to wood flooring especially can make rooms feel more refined and spacious. If solid wood or real tile isn’t in your budget, vinyl is a fantastic option that won’t break the bank while still looking spectacular! It is versatile and totally customizable! Read on for our suggestions on how to choose the best option for your space.

Vinyl comes in several types and multiple styles so that you can customize it to fit your home! Tiles are a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens. You can mimic grout lines that look real. A texture will help make your tiles look like a high-end stone to really enhance your space.

Sheets of vinyl will give you the look of hardwood flooring without the pain of cracks and crevices you’ll often find with wood. They’re easier to clean and can be more hypoallergenic since dust and dirt don’t have anywhere to hide.

Planks are ideal if you’re in need of a waterproof seal. They are similar to engineered and plan wood as they click into place with no glue! The planks simply sit on top of whatever flooring you already have.

Vinyl isn’t just for flooring! Since it comes in so many shapes, it’s also great for baseboards and molding around your house. The material makes clean up a breeze and it’s much cheaper to add crown and chair molding than using real wood.

If luxury is what you’re going for, there are high-end vinyl flooring styles that you can invest in. They also sit on top of your current flooring so they’re mess-free. Though pricier than other options, they are still cheaper than real wood and no one will be able to tell the difference!

Investing in vinyl flooring will save you money in the long run. They’re easier to maintain and don’t require repeated deep cleaning and sealing. Instillation is cheap and quick, and it’s easier to swap the flooring out if you want to change it up again in a few years!

If you’re ready to find out just how incredible vinyl flooring will look in your home, visit Flooring.org. Our wide variety of options ensures that you’ll be able to find exactly what you want at a price point you can afford! Give us a call at 1-800-689-9006 if you’d like to speak with some directly.

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Flooring with honey coloured tones running through can really add warmth and richness to your room.  Honey is a great alternative colour to the more traditional golden tones of Oak flooring, whilst still giving you a natural colour palate to work with. You will find that honey coloured flooring will match with most interiors, giving a war, and inviting atmosphere. Read More

When it comes to the definition of eco-friendly, the Global Ecolabelling Network says it well:

Eco is an abbreviation for ecology, the system of relationships between living things, and with their environment. Friendly implies beneficial, or at least not harmful. It should follow that the term eco-friendly, when added to services or products, indicates positive, or at least not harmful, effects on living things.

And there is a good reason for homeowners to be concerned. The EPA has shown indoor pollutants can be two to three times more toxic than outdoor levels. Because we spend up to 90 percent of our time indoors, that can be of great concern. And toxic chemicals exist in many of the things you use every day. Did you know:

• Asbestos can hide out in old roof or flooring tiles
• Benzyl benzoate is a common insecticide
• DEHP is commonly found in PVC pipe
• Formaldehyde is in pesticides, building materials, textiles, cosmetics, and more
• Parabens are in abundance in personal care products
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are in a variety of products used throughout your home

VOCs are especially concerning because of the many places they exist. They impact your health in many ways, causing eye, nose, and throat irritation in the short term, to cancer, kidney damage, and nervous system problems in the long term.

In the past, flooring often was filled with harmful VOCs. Pollutants from new carpet installation, for example, could fill the air with hundreds of VOCs. That new carpet smell isn’t just telling you it’s new; it could be dangerous for your health.

But times are changing. The more aware we become about harmful chemicals and less healthy eco-friendly flooring choices, the more conscious we become with both manufacturing and installation practices.

Maybe you want hardwood – it’s the number one flooring choice here in the Rocky Mountains. But part of you is questioning: is hardwood eco-friendly? Is it a sustainable, environmentally friendly option when it comes to installing in your home? Read on.

The first thing you should know about eco-friendly hardwood

If you’re looking for eco-friendly flooring, keep in mind it’s not all about the actual product you bring into your home. It starts at origination, how sustainable the wood source is from the beginning.

In 2008, the US banned timber shipped in from illegal sources. Of course, that doesn’t stop unscrupulous marketers from trying to sell illegal wares. That puts some of the burden on you to ensure you know where your final product is sourced from. Reputable flooring dealers only work with manufacturers with sustainable business practices. Ask questions before you buy; high quality flooring dealers will be happy to share with you the differences.

You should also look for manufacturers with proper certification. Sustainable wood should carry the seal of the US Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC ensures forests are regrown, biodiversity is preserved, and resource quality is well protected. Sustainability certification relies on 57 separate criteria to ensure the forest is managed according to FSC standards.

What are eco-friendly hardwood flooring options?

Taking all of the above into consideration, here are the most environmentally friendly hardwood choices you can bring into your home and use as wood flooring.

Bamboo

If we had to pick one hardwood flooring product to top the eco-friendly list, it would have to be bamboo. And what makes that even more impressive is bamboo isn’t a hardwood at all.

Instead, bamboo is a regenerating grass that takes only three to five years to harvest. Compare that with up to twenty years needed for most other softwoods used in floor production.

When you harvest bamboo, the roots are self-generating, meaning they start growing once again. You can get multiple crops from the same plant. Try that with any softwood or hardwood producing tree. That gives bamboo an additional edge in renewable technology.

And just like different species of trees will give you different types of wood, bamboo is versatile with hundreds of different choices. It’s not a “one size fits all” product line. You’ll find a variety of colors, styles, patterns, and textures to suit every personality.

Cork

Cork is sourced from the cork oak tree. Instead of cutting down the tree and using it as a resource, cork comes from the bark. Harvesters remove the bark of the cork tree, leaving the tree in place. The bark will regenerate about every three years, without harming the tree itself.

That makes cork a great eco-friendly addition to your home. It’s made from organic and renewable materials that are biodegradable, and recyclable. If you’re paying attention to lifespan, that throws the weight in favor of cork because of its sustainable qualities from beginning to end.

It also has properties that don’t come with other types of hardwood.

• It’s soundproof. Want to put it in a music room? It’s a good choice. Have people who work all hours of the day? This can add quietness where you need it most.
• It’s a great insulator. Remember the coldest day of the year? Cork naturally feels warmer underfoot.
• It’s comfortable to walk and stand on. And that can be a big deal if you deal with back pain.

What’s more, cork produces stunning results in flooring. And with today’s technological advances, you don’t have to worry about it scratching, denting, or wearing down quickly. Cork can create a beautiful ambiance for years to come.

Oak flooring

While some homeowners look for reclaimed or repurposed hardwood, and use that as flooring for their homes, we would be remiss not to mention oak. Oak has long been the most popular type of wood flooring. That means there are an abundance of resources creating oak planks, and many of them putting a lot of resources into ensuring it’s a sustainable, eco-friendly product.

If you’re installing your dream floors, oak flooring can be a good choice. If you look carefully at the manufacturing process, care for your flooring well, it can last for decades. Pay attention to how the manufacturer manages their forests, and only select products with the FSC label. And if and when you’re ready for new flooring, be aware of what happens to the product when you pull it out. Can it be repurposed rather than ending up in the landfill?

When you’re ready for eco-friendly hardwood flooring …

Be aware you have choices.

Don’t rely on “sales” online, or your local big box store giving you a good deal. They buy in bulk, and it’s rarely a “good deal.”

Instead, take the time to study your options. Learn all you can about the product you’re installing into your home. It’s the only way you’ll be 100 percent satisfied with your purchase.

The post Finding and Living With Eco-Friendly Hardwood Floors first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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There are things that can be done when dealing with flood damaged carpet.  Whether it is cleaned, repaired or replaced, let The Carpet Guys help.  Here are some suggestions of how to deal with your carpet after the recent stream of rainstorms that is plaguing the state of Michigan.

How to Clean Flood Damaged Carpet

The first thing to do is stop the water from entering the home.  We recommend calling a professional waterproofing company and have the home inspected.  We work with Basement Waterproofing of Michigan because they have a long-standing history of waterproofing success and knowledge.

Once the water has stopped coming into your home, you can begin the cleaning process.  For carpet, pull up the carpet around the room to get air to the pad.  This is the place where mold and mildew will grow if water sits.  Use a dehumidifier and large fans to dry the space as soon as possible.  You may need multiple devices depending on the square footage of the water-logged space.  Once all the flooring and pad are dry, lay the carpet back in place and have it professionally cleaned.

Can Damaged Carpet be Repaired?

If there wasn’t a lot of water, or it was able to be dried up quickly, some types of flooring may be repairable.  It is not recommended to replace a section of carpet in a room.  Even if using the exact same color and style, the carpet changes based on sun exposure and wear and tear.  It will be very noticeable if you replace a small piece. The pad can be replaced. Once damaged by water, this is where mold and mildew may grow.  This would not be noticeable since it sits underneath the carpet.  Unfortunately, there is no other way to “repair” carpet once it’s damaged.  Replacing the flooring would be recommended.

Call a reputable restoration company to get an unbiased opinion whether the carpet can be repaired or should be replaced.  There are two companies that The Carpet Guys consistently work with because they are responsive and professional:  Rainbow International Restoration or 360 Fire & Flood Property Restoration. 

Should I Replace my Carpet?

If the carpet is going to be replaced, we recommend that you have your basement waterproofed before having the new flooring installed.  You don’t want to put money into your new floors only to have them water damaged again.

Once the flow of water into the home has been abated, The Carpet Guys can replace the carpet.  If it only happened in one room, the carpet in that room can be replaced without a noticeable difference in the other rooms.  We recommend replacing the pad as well. The pad is what absorbs the most water.  Once the installer pulls up the old carpet, they may decide a new subfloor is necessary depending on the amount of water damage.

The Carpet Guys knowledgeable and experienced installation teams can make the unfortunate situation of flood damaged carpet an easy replacement process.  Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or schedule a Free In-Home Estimate online and we will take care of all your flooring needs!

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It sounds too good to be true.

All you have to do is buy the carpet, and the company will install it absolutely free. You’ll never find a better offer, they say.

Of course, once you start reading the fine print, you start seeing where they make their money.

• The price they quote for carpet in the ad is the cheapest carpet made. If you “upgrade” after signing on the dotted line, you’ll pay an exorbitant price.
• What they consider to be room size and what average rooms really are equate differently.
• Extras start adding up quickly. You’ll pay for every “problem” found. And these problems will start adding up in price.

Nothing is ever free. You’ll always pay for it somewhere. Which is why it’s better to do your homework early, and ensure you’re working with a reputable company, which offers high-quality prices, and installs it in such a way for you to enjoy it throughout its lifespan.

What everyone wants from carpet

Quick: What’s the most important benefit you’re looking for as you select new carpet? If you’re like most people, two factors come to mind.

• Durability
• Beauty

Why install a flooring into your home if it doesn’t stand the test of time? It’s important to have flooring easy to maintain and keeps up with your busy lifestyle.

It’s equally important to love the carpet you install. If you hate it from day one, aren’t happy with the look and feel, compromised in any way to put functionality over beauty, you’ll never really like the way it looks in your home.

In general, we walk up to specific carpet samples because they fit our personalities. We like the color. The pattern works with the decor. It seems soft and luxurious. Looks pull you in, but it’s the durability that will push the selection over the top.

What makes a carpet durable?

Just like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, durability can often be described in a similar fashion. What’s durable to an empty nester living in an urban dwelling may not be considered durable to a family of six with two cats and a dog.

Durability is determined by starting with a few questions.

• Where am I going to install the carpet?
• What is the area used for?
• Who uses the space regularly?
• What look am I trying to achieve?

Share your answers with the sales associates you’re working with. The more they know about your demands, the more they can help you choose carpeting with a balance between durability and beauty. To help you select the right carpet that will have you loving your carpet from day one.

There are many ways to find durability.

Start by looking at the manufacturer. In some products, no-name brands aren’t a big deal. With carpet, that isn’t necessarily so. The reason certain manufacturers are well-known is that they’ve been in the industry for years. They care about the products they create, are on the cutting edge of technology, and are always looking for ways to improve their product lines.

A carpet’s durability is measured in several ways: face weight, tuft twist, and density rating. We usually suggest looking for carpet somewhere in the 34 to 40 ounce face weight range, with a tuft twist of 5 or more. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends installing a carpet with at least a 3,600 density rating, with 5,000 or higher in high traffic areas.

I’m ready to shop. Now what?

One of the biggest reasons people fall out of love with their flooring choice is because they don’t do enough homework first. This isn’t something you’ll be able to replace easily if you hate it. For most homeowners, once a new carpet is installed, it’s something they’ll live with for years to come. That alone is reason to slow down and ask a few more questions before you start to shop.

Where will I be installing new carpet? This may seem like a moot point – you’re shopping with a room in mind for a reason – but it is something to consider before you shop. Are you looking for one room – a bedroom – or an entire home? If you’re selecting one room, it allows you to get more specific with your options. When you include several rooms, it’s important to shop with the most active room in mind. If a carpet can stand up in your family room, it’ll look good in your bedroom for years to come.

How much are you willing to spend? It’s easy to walk into a showroom and fall in love with a luxurious carpet. But when you see the price, it can impact your decision making skills, and increase the potential of buyer’s remorse. Set your budget early. Leave a little room for adjustments. And don’t forget about padding and labor costs. If you leave room in your budget for incidentals, you’ll be satisfied with your final selection before it’s ever installed.

What about longevity? People shop for a rental home differently than they do a family home. Will you be moving in a year? Or are you trying to find a carpet that will last for years to come? Knowing your choice early can help point you in the right direction of which carpet to choose.

What about fiber? Carpet is made from several different types of fiber. Depending on which you choose will impact wear, maintenance, and longevity. Options include:

Nylon – the most resilient carpet fiber, but it must be treated with a stain protector from time to time to keep it functioning well.

Polyester – this fiber is stain-resistant and soft to the touch. Plush carpet often falls in this category. However, it’s harder to maintain and won’t last as long as other options.

Olefin – an inexpensive option that resists staining, fading, and mildew. It’s a good choice for high traffic areas.

Wool – if you’re looking for a natural option, wool is an excellent choice.

What about style and color? With everything else in mind, now it’s time to pick colors, patterns, and styles that suit your personality and needs. Bring in color charts, paint samples, and pillows. When you’re down to a few selections, bring them home and see how they look in the room. Live with them for a few days and see them in different lights.

Choosing the right carpet shouldn’t be a difficult process. If you start with a bit of knowledge before you make your final decision, you’ll enjoy the process and love the results.

How can we help you select the right carpet for your needs?

The post Don’t Buy Carpet For Your Living Space Without Considering This first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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Want to save money on carpet? Have a small space that needs carpet? Maybe your solution lies with carpet remnants.

There’s a lot of myths online about what carpet remnants truly are. Some think they are defective products. Some believe they are old, outdated, and out of style.

What carpet remnants are is leftover carpet.

Carpet comes in large rolls. When customers buy a particular carpet style, technicians take from the roll in proportion to what they need. Eventually, they come to the end of the roll, and what’s left is known as a remnant.

Because a carpet dealer doesn’t want to leave this particular style out for homeowners to consider, only to be disappointed when there isn’t enough to complete their entire job, they bring it to the back warehouse where it is sold as a carpet remnant. Carpet dealers often have a variety of remnant options, if you ask. Smaller dealers may purchase them directly from carpet manufacturers to have a selection on hand.

The pros of buying carpet remnants

If you’re in the market for a carpet remnant, you’ll find two big advantages: cost and convenience.

Because dealers can’t sell smaller carpet pieces at full value, they discount the remnant left at a lower cost. It depends on the size of the remnant as to how low the discount will go.

You’ll also be able to shop today and bring your purchase home with you as soon as you complete the transaction. You won’t have the normal wait time associated with special orders, and you won’t have to wait for a staff member to make the final cut to your specification. It’s a great way to complete a DIY project quickly.

The cons of buying carpet remnants

The biggest disadvantage of shopping for carpet remnants is the lack of selection. If you’re looking for a specific style, fiber, color, or pattern, you’re going to have to visit a lot of locations to get what you’re looking for. Chances are you’re going to settle on something that doesn’t meet your specifications perfectly.

Even if you are flexible in what you’re looking for, you’ll still be limited to what is currently on hand. Depending on the size of your area, you’ll have to ensure the remnant fits your specifications and fits without piecing it together.

Some stores may be willing to further cut down a remnant based on your needs. Some will be willing to sell a portion of the remnant, while others may have a “take it as is” policy. Remnant shopping usually works best when you have a lot of flexibility with what you’re looking for.

Why people shop for remnants

People usually shop for remnants for one of a few reasons.

First, they are looking to put carpeting down in a place that is seldom used. They don’t care as much about durability as they do making the space presentable.

They may be looking to spruce up a small space for a short period of time. Maybe they’re moving soon. Maybe they like change and plan to change out the carpet frequently. Maybe it’s a rental property with plans of frequent turnover.

They may also be looking for a small amount of carpet. Less is better in this situation to avoid having to piece a section together.

Finally, remnant shopping can also bring out creativity. How about piecing different colors together for a unique look? Or slicing it up to make an area rug? If you’re nervous about adding color in a big way, piecing together remnants may give you what you’re looking for inexpensively.

What you may not know about remnants

If you work with a large enough dealer, they may house remnants based on their current inventory. They know precisely what roll it came from, understand all the details such as manufacturer, brand, and name. They have the label to share with the full details of the remnant you’re investing in.

Other smaller dealers buy remnants from a variety of places, and may not fully understand the details of the remnant. They can make an educated guess based on their time in the industry. But without the label, it’s just a guess. You’ll never fully understand what you’re buying, type of fibers, or the details about durability.

One of the biggest downsides to investing in a carpet remnant is the lack of warranty. Remnants are most often sold “as is.” That means you don’t receive a warranty on the product, and you’ll deal with any after installation defects on your own.

Warranty really is important if you’re concerned with longevity and having the carpet piece look good for an extended period. If you’re simply looking for a cheap carpet to cover your floor for a short period of time, the warranty may not be a breaking point. However, the more traffic the room receives, the longer you plan on leaving it in place, warranties can be an important part of the installation process.

Final tips for purchasing carpet remnants

If you shop for a carpet remnant, be sure you know exactly what you’re looking for. Measure, then measure again. In most cases, sales will be final, so it’s important to have exact measurements to select a piece that suits your needs.

You may not have a great selection, but if you’re looking for a neutral carpet to finalize the decor, or for something to “get by” for a short period of time, this might be the perfect way to add carpet into your home.

You can also find deals if you’re willing to extend your search. Have a special need? Talk directly with a flooring associate. They can watch for your specifications and let you know when additions make it into their warehouse. They often have the inside track to getting you exactly what you need, on your budget and schedule.

Is carpet remnant shopping for you?

The post What You Should Know About Carpet Remnants first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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When it comes to home renovations, there are a number of elements that come at a significant cost. Flooring is often one of them. Think about it; your flooring has to cover the entire area of your home. But it doesn’t always have to break the bank to achieve the desired aesthetic you’re wanting. In this blog, we’ll cover cheap flooring ideas that are alternatives to your expensive hardwood flooring. 

Laminate Flooring 

 

Where cheap flooring is concerned, laminate is a great option!

Laminate is renowned for being practical, budget friendly and excellently replicating real wood flooring in a wide range of colours and styles. So you can have a high performing floor at a low cost.

 

It is manufactured from multiple layers of high-density fibreboard (HDF). A digitally printed top layer covers densely-packed wood fibres to create a stable core. High-quality wood image is printed, which is often paired with authentic-feeling bevels and grains, to create a hyper-realistic wood effect. This has even extended to being available in tile designs too!

 

Benefits of Laminate

 

On top of being appealing from a budget angle, laminate offers a host of benefits that are practical to day-to-day life:

 

• Manufactured to be highly durable
• Easier and cheaper installation
• Scratch and water resistant
• Hygienic, easy cleanable surface.
• Realistic design
• Available in a wide range of styles
• Available in a wide range of budgets 
• Pet-friendly 

 

AC Ratings 

 

As previously mentioned, laminate is up there with being able to adhere to most budgets. Though there is still often the connotation that with laminate, whilst being budget friendly, quality is compromised. However, this isn’t necessarily true. 

 

When shopping for laminate flooring, you may encounter a term referred to as a “laminate AC rating”. Meaning “abrasion class”, AC rating describes a floor’s durability against a number of key factors. The higher the AC rating, the more durable it is. Whilst laminate with a rating of AC1 is only suitable for areas with little footfall, the higher AC5-rated laminate floors are robust enough for use in commercial buildings, such as busy retail stores.

 

Laminate AC rating determines how well a laminate floor copes within different environments.

In order to receive an AC rating, laminate flooring must go through rigorous testing. Known as the Taber test, the process assesses the flooring to measure its resistance. The AC rating is dependent on how it deals with a number of different stress points. Abrasion, stains, impact, moisture, heat and scratches are all factors used to produce a laminate AC rating.

To receive an AC rating, every aspect of the test requires a pass. If it fails even one, it receives an “unrated” label, meaning it misses the mark in terms of quality expected by both retailers and consumers.

So in reality, you don’t have to compromise quality at all. Making sure you know your stuff when it comes to AC ratings can help you with a steal – purchasing cheap flooring that supports the demands of any lifestyle. 

Saving Costs With Laminate

 

On top of laminate being relatively cheap to purchase for your packs of flooring, there are other cost saving benefits that come with choosing this cheap flooring option. 

 

Installation 

 

When it comes to your installation, the majority of laminates are available in a tongue and groove locking system. This means that installation is quick and easy, so the DIY method is welcomed. Alternatively if you’re hiring a fitter, this could save you on costs as you wouldn’t require the fitter for as long a duration.    

 

Laminate Styles 

 

Another way you can save money by purchasing laminate flooring is in the style department. 

 

Herringbone and chevron are traditional flooring styles turned trend, now a popular choice with contemporary interiors. 

With this being more of a classic design, it has typically only been available in your hardwood flooring options, however there is now a vast array of designs available in laminate. So you can save money, whilst still shopping in style! 

 

LVT Flooring

 

The next contender on the cheap flooring list is LVT. 

Luxury Vinyl Tiles, also known as Click Vinyl Flooring or LVT, are renowned for the ability to imitate high-end flooring designs to an impeccable standard. Built with multiple layers, this robust flooring not only looks amazing but is one of the toughest flooring options on the market too.

 

Benefits of LVT

 

As well as being a front-runner for a cheap flooring option for your home, LVT offers an abundance of benefits, from style, to budget, to practicality. 

 

• Available in a range of budgets
• Available in a range of styles
• Highly durable 
• Waterproof
• Slip resistant
• Provides warmth and cushioned feel underfoot
• Insulates sound
• Easy to maintain 
• Its innovative design makes it difficult to differentiate from real wood thanks to its textured finish 
• Easy to install
• Easy to replace individual tiles where any areas may be damaged
• The average lifespan is 25-30 years (depending on maintenance and traffic)

 

Saving Costs With LVT

 

Thanks to the amazing price points of LVT with some ranges being from around £8.99, you’re already getting a whole lot of bang for your buck when comparing the price to the benefits. 

 

However, that’s not the only cost savings you will find with Luxury Vinyl Flooring. 

 

Installation

 

One money saving method that comes as a cost benefit of LVT is its easy installation. Because LVT is available in click or stickdown options, the installation is a lot quicker in comparison to fitting real wood, ceramic or stone flooring. 

 

As a result of this easy installation, time and effort will be saved when fitting, so if you’re hiring a fitter, this may save you a few pounds. 

 

Furthermore whilst Luxury Vinyl Flooring is extremely durable, on the off chance that any damage occurs to the flooring,  you can easily replace the area the damage has occurred without ripping up your entire flooring. 

 

This is because Luxury Vinyl Flooring is fitted in individual tiled packs as opposed to vinyl roll. So no more worrying about paying to replace your entire flooring for one or two scuffs. 

LVT Styles 

 

In addition to the cost saving in terms of practicality, this versatile flooring is also ahead of the game with style. More importantly, these styles could be the difference between a large bill or a pleasantly surprising one. 

 

Similarly to laminate flooring, LVT has a wide range of styles available. From herringbone, to tile to chevron and your typical real wood effect. 

 

This means that you can achieve the looks of more expensive flooring options for a fraction of the price. Moreover, if it’s a real wood effect you’re wanting to incorporate into your design, then LVT’s ability to imitate this is second to none, thanks to its innovative design. 

 

It’s extremely difficult to tell the difference between real wood and LVT because of the textured finish and bevelled edges adding realism to the design. 

 

As real wood can be a large investment on its own when it comes to renovating your home, you don’t have to compromise on adding a real wood tone into your interiors thanks to luxury vinyl flooring. 

 

EvoCore Flooring

 

Next on the list is a flooring you may not have heard of, or if you have, you may not associate it with the word cheap… EvoCore.

 

EvoCore is one of the most innovative flooring types on the market and with good reason, not all of the EvoCore ranges are at the lowest of price points in comparison to other flooring types. 

However, EvoCore has expanded its ranges to hit a wider range of budgets, so that practicality, style and versatility is made more affordable. 

 

Our ranges offer diverse results whether you’re transforming your home or commercial property, with a range of styles and budgets to suit a variety of needs.

 

These exclusive ranges are designed with every lifestyle in mind. Whether you’ve got a house-full or populated office, you can add luxury, comfort and style to your space with EvoCore.

 

Benefits of EvoCore 

 

EvoCore Flooring provides many beneficial factors. Each range comes with its own additional benefits, however we have listed the standard benefits below. 

They ensure the best protection and resistance against both common and rare household and commercial activities. Below is a bullet-pointed list of each benefit that this range offers: 

• EvoCore is 100% waterproof
• Anti-slip surface
• No expansion or contraction when exposed to heat and cold
• Pet-friendly
• Durable and hard-wearing
• Easy installation
• Real wood look and feel
• Scratch-resistant
• Compatible with underfloor heating
• Hides minor subfloor imperfections
• Can be laid over existing flooring
• Eco-friendly

 

Saving Costs With EvoCore

 

Now that EvoCore has had such success in its initial ranges, it has continued to expand offering even more versatility. Through this expansion, we have been able to offer even more diversity in styles, practicality and budgets.

 

This is where it gains its place in this list of cheap flooring options. 

 

EvoCore Origins

 

EvoCore Origins is one of the more affordable ranges within the EvoCore brand, offering beautiful authentic wood designs for adding a natural warmth to your home. Featuring in-built underlay, home-wide suitability, high durability and a variety of colours and styles, EvoCore Origins is an ideal flooring for any home, with any lifestyle, and what’s more, it’s budget friendly. So you can have all of this without breaking the bank.

 

When coupling the fact that this flooring is at a lower price point already, with it having in-built underlay and easy installation. You’re saving money in not one, not two but three places. 

 

You don’t have to purchase your underlay separately, and you can also save money on installation fees due to the ease of its installation. You could even fit it yourself if you’re feeling confident and want to upskill in the DIY department!

 

Styles

 

If you had your heart set on introducing real wood flooring into your design, but the cost is putting you off, don’t worry. Similarly, to laminate and LVT, EvoCore Origins is outstanding when it comes to imitating real wood. Each plank incorporates a registered embossed true-to-grain real wood feel. 

 

So if you were wanting the warmth, and natural essence delivered by real wood, you can still achieve this for a lower cost, and more practicality. 

 

Amazing, right?   

 

To conclude, you’re not short of cost effective ways to save on your flooring whilst still achieving that desired real wood effect in your home. Flooring can be a large investment but with these options, it doesn’t have to be. 

 

For any questions regarding your flooring, please get in touch with one of our advisors who will be happy to help with any queries. 

 

 

The post Cheap Flooring – Replicate Real Wood On a Budget  appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Why does my floor look different after it’s installed?  A common question our Design Consultants receive after a customer has had an installation.  “The color is different.” “It’s too light.”  “It’s too dark.” And many more specifics.  The Carpet Guys can help explain why this happens.

Time of Day Changes the Look

One of the biggest changes that happens is time of day lighting.  One of the best things about The Carpet Guys is that we send our showroom of samples to your home, so you can see what the flooring will look like in your homes lighting and near the furniture.  Our Design Consultants are knowledgeable and helpful in finding the best flooring product for you household needs.  You get to choose the color based on what looks best right inside the room your reflooring.

If the appointment time the Design Consultant is in your home is in the morning, your grey laminate may look warmer with the sun rising into the room.  But when the installation is complete, it may be evening, and the flooring looks greyer under the artificial lighting.  We recommend giving yourself a couple of days before calling.  It may be that the flooring was chosen at a different time of day.

Flooring Looks Lighter When Installed

Often, the small sample of flooring on a board looks darker than when it is installed.  Once the flooring has been installed, it opens up in the room and looks lighter than what was chosen.  We recommend when you are choosing flooring from a sample, especially in a room with little to no furniture, choose something a shade darker than what you think you want to avoid it looking too light.

Empty Room vs. Full Room

Once in a while, when choosing from a small sample on a white board, a sample will look lighter.  When installation is complete, and all your furniture is back in the room, shadows from overhead lighting can make the flooring look darker than the sample. Just like when you paint, and the paint gets darker as it dries.  If you’re room is full of furniture, choose a shade lighter than normal so it doesn’t make the room feel darker once installed.

Direction of Vacuum Lines

When hard surface is installed (like laminate, luxury vinyl plank, hardwood, etc), the direction the planks are laid, will change the colors you readily see entering or exiting the room. Even carpet has a flooring “direction”.  Depending on the direction it’s brushed, the fibers look a different color.  This is most noticeable after vacuuming.  When our installers finish your installation, they vacuum the carpet to fluff the fibers and will recommend you vacuum every day for a week and then once a week afterwards (see carpet care and maintenance for reference.  This helps the fibers to sprout so it will look uniform.  Again, finish the weeks’ worth of vacuuming before calling because it may just need to open up.

The Carpet Guys professional Design Consultants are all trained on these phenomena.  And can help you decide between darker or lighter shades of whatever flooring you love!  If for some reason you are not COMPLETELY satisfied with your installation, don’t hesitate to contact us.  We want you to enjoy your flooring from the day you choose it from a sample board to the day you have it replaced.  If you’re looking for all the best colors, textures and styles, call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or schedule your Free In-Home Estimate today.  We can’t wait to help make your flooring dreams come true!

The post Why Does My Floor Look Different After it’s Installed appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Wanting to replace the flooring throughout your home? Having trouble deciding the right flooring for each room? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There’s an ongoing debate among homeowners as to which flooring choice is best throughout.

Living here in Colorado, you might be one of many who has jumped on the hardwood-only mindset. Coloradoans love their hardwood floors.

But does it make sense to install it throughout your home? For many people, a bedroom is their inner sanctuary, a place they retreat to for rest and relaxation. They want quiet, softness, warmth. And that’s hard to get with hardwood. Doesn’t carpet just make more sense in the bedroom settings?

Read on if you’re still in the debate.

Let’s start with hardwood

Hardwood is the flooring of choice, except for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where moisture is prevalent. Bedrooms are often no exception, especially if they are located right off the main living space.

And hardwood makes sense in a lot of areas in the home. The pros are hard to ignore:

Durability – hardwood is one of the most durable products on the market. When well cared for, it can last for years. And when it starts looking dull and scratched, simply sand it down and refinish it. A high quality wood floor can last for decades.

Ease of maintenance – especially with today’s technology, the surface material on your hardwood planks makes it easier than ever to care for. Use a broom or swiffer regularly to keep dirt and other particles off the surface. Vacuum weekly. A damp mop on occasion to remove any residue or spills. That’s it!

Natural surface – hardwood is one of the most natural surfaces you can install inside your home. If you care about going green and sustainability, look no further than hardwood. That also creates a hypoallergenic surface area too which can help keep sickness at bay. If you suffer allergies or asthma symptoms, hardwood flooring can be a great choice throughout your home.

Style and functionality – no matter what design personality you have, or what decor you plan on introducing into your home, hardwood is the perfect backdrop for it all. You can select hardwood flooring in all shades and colors, making it a versatile flooring choice that ages well as we move into the future.

All good reasons for installing hardwood throughout your home. But it still doesn’t answer the question: is hardwood right for the bedrooms?

Carpet in the bedrooms

Think about your bedrooms for a moment. What is the bedroom for?

A quiet place – with living rooms, family rooms, media rooms, and more, the bedroom is now a place where we retreat to for quiet time and sleep. That means unnecessary clomping across a wood floor can create heightened awareness, even anxiety as you’re moving around. Carpet muffles the sound and absorbs the noise, while adding ambiance you just can’t get with hardwood.

Warmth – here in Colorado, the temperatures can fall rapidly. Thirty degrees, twenty, ten. Even a few below zero days can leave you shivering at night. Those one in the morning trips to the bathroom can be miserable as your toes hit cold hardwood. But with plush carpet, the softness, cushion, and fibers underneath can make it just a bit easier.

Noise reduction – young children often retreat to their bedrooms for quiet playtime. But there’s nothing quiet about it if their toys consistently bounce off the hardwood. Especially in multiple story homes, you’ll notice every clunk and ping from underneath, making you wish for softness and padding of carpet to help damper the sound.

Safety – you’re more likely to be in socks in your bedroom. You’re more likely to be half asleep and not paying attention as you move around in the middle of the night. Slippery floors can be hazardous no matter what your age. Carpet provides better grip, and also a softer landing.

Do buyers prefer carpet or hardwood in bedrooms? 

When you install new flooring throughout your home, often, it’s with the understanding that you’ll be placing it on the market soon. Then the question becomes: do home buyers prefer hardwood throughout, or do they still like carpet in the bedrooms?

According to real estate agents, you’ll never go wrong with hardwood. Some buyers and homeowners love hardwood enough to weave it through every room in the home.

There are others that want softness in the bedrooms. These homeowners prefer plush carpet with ample padding for softness, warmth, and creating the cozy factor inside each bedroom.

Plus, when you have a multi-level home, carpet can help muffle sound. With active bedrooms upstairs, installing padding and carpeting can act as a noise reducer, helping make the activity less noticeable from underneath.

Is carpet in bedrooms outdated?

Let’s start with your gut instinct. After reading the above advice, if you’re still worried about a house full of hardwood, if you prefer softness and warmth in the bedrooms, listen to your gut.

In 2020, carpet sales fell, thanks to stay-in-place orders and few people thinking about remodeling. But even by the end of 2020, the market was starting to rebound. Carpet is and has remained the largest flooring segment, accounting for 48.4 percent of all flooring sales.

With so many choices, you can find carpet that complements any decor, and adds richness to the surrounding area.

If you’re really not sure what to do, how about a compromise?

Add hardwood throughout. And follow it up by adding area rugs to the bedrooms. To keep your room soft, warm, and comfortable, make sure the area rug is large and covers a lot of the space inside each bedroom. Place it under the bed, and have it extend beyond the bed on all sides. You should be able to step onto it as you get out of bed. With a large bedroom, you may also wish to place smaller area rugs in critical places throughout the room. At the sides of each bed for warmth as you rise, plus in front of dressing areas, or other spots you spend time.

Carpet or hardwood – which is the right choice for your bedrooms? There really isn’t a “best” choice. It entirely depends on you.

If you need a little extra advice, stop by today. We have the answer to your questions, and can help you make a well informed decision.

The post Carpet or Hardwood – Which Is The Better Choice For Bedrooms? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Wooden floor door bars are a great accessory that help you to close the gaps between doorways when fitting a floor.  There are a few different types to choose from depending on the type of floor that you have on the other side of the doorway.  Sometimes you will hear a door bar called a ‘threshold’, which is just another name for it.  We have a range of door bars including solid Oak door bars, and metal door bars. Read More