Which Vinyl Flooring Accessories will I need?

If you have decided to have a Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) floor, then you will more than likely need some vinyl flooring accessories to go along side the flooring.  Whether the accessories are to help you to fit the floor, add the finishing touches or help you to keep the floor clean once it is installed, we have everything you may need. Read More

The Carpet Guys have been in the flooring business for over 10 years.  As experts in the field, we frequently get asked all types of flooring questions.  But the things people don’t ask are often the most important questions that need answers.  We want to help you understand if bed bugs can live in carpet.

What is a Bed Bug?

A bed bug is a small, flat, reddish-brown insect that feeds on human and animal blood.  They may get their name because they tend to hide in crevices of bed frames, box springs, headboards, etc.  These tiny critters tend to come out only to feed.  They move slowly so they need to stay near their food source.  When they feed, they can leave a small, itchy bump like a mosquito bite.

How to Tell if You Have Bed Bugs

As expected, because they’re so small, it’s very difficult to figure out if you have bed bugs if you’re not a professional.  The most obvious sign is the marks they leave on the persons body after feeding.  Often it’s a line or cluster of small, itchy bumps on the skin.  Next, you can look for excrement left behind.  These would be tiny dark spots that look like dried blood on sheets, the bed frame, flooring, etc. (see image).

Can Bed Bugs Live in my Carpet?

Unfortunately, bed bugs can live in your carpet, especially if it is a shaggy style.  Since they are approximately the size of an apple seed, it’s easy for them to tuck between the fibers. If you have hard surface flooring installed in your home make sure you use rugs that are washable in hot water.  If you prefer carpet, get a dense, tightly woven carpet style.  It will be more difficult for insects to get between the fibers.  To learn more about carpet density check out our blog “How to Choose a Cozy Carpet”.  And be sure to vacuum regularly with a HEPA filtered vacuum.

If you suspect you may already have an infestation, we recommend contacting a local pest control company to exterminate professionally before having your flooring replaced.  They will give you a certificate that you can provide to your flooring sales representative.  And we carry all the best hard surface (laminate, LVP/LVT, sheet vinyl, engineered hardwood and hardwood) and high-density carpets to help protect your family.

If you want to be proactive and have your flooring replaced with a type of hard surface flooring or tightly woven carpet, The Carpet Guys have a wide range of options to choose from.  We can send a Design Consultant to your home to help you decide which flooring option would be best for your home and budget.  Call now 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form and we will get your new flooring installed! 

The post Can Bed Bugs Live in Carpet? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Are you in the middle of planning a remodel for your home? Are you dreaming of new carpets in the bedroom? Or maybe a plush carpet in the family media room?

Before you get excited about the color, the style, or the pattern, maxing out your budget on your selection, there’s another thing to consider: the padding.

Selecting padding isn’t about choosing the cheapest in stock. Not just any padding will do. You need to select one that works best with the type of carpet you install.

The purpose of carpet padding

How well your carpet performs in the years to come isn’t based entirely on the quality of carpet you install. It’s also determined by the padding.

Padding absorbs the impact of foot traffic. Without a high quality pad, the lifespan of your carpet is shortened. Padding is a shock absorber between the carpet and the subfloor. The more impact, the more damage is done.

Padding also muffles sounds, and adds a layer of thermal insulation. And that can be a big deal here in Colorado, especially on a cold winter’s night. Plus there’s something about digging your toes deep into a plush carpet on a cold morning. The softness just feels good, doesn’t it?

Padding can also protect your warranty. Some manufacturers actually require certain padding to maintain the warranty. If you don’t follow their guidelines, you might not have a warranty in place from the moment you install it.

Indentation testing and ranking

The purpose of padding is to take the abuse of foot traffic and give your carpet added protection throughout its lifespan. Manufacturers have set up ways to rate carpet cushion performance based on the density of the padding.

You might find rankings listed using a number of different terms:

• Indentation load deflection – LDL
• Indentation force deflection – IFD
• Compression load deflection – CLD
• Compression force deflection – CFD

All of these and more have been used to describe the test method for evaluating carpet cushion.

Essentially, what these methods do is evaluate the limits of the padding. A sample is taken and fed into a machine that applies pressure to determine the firmness, stiffness, and load-bearing capacity of the sample itself.

While they all have the same goal, their methods vary. That means you can’t necessarily evaluate one product to the next easily. Firmness affects performance. A higher quality padding means more comfort and better performance. It also helps your carpet last longer, and keeps it looking newer throughout its lifespan.

Another look at carpet pad thickness

We live in a world where bigger is better. If something is larger, thicker, or more expensive, we automatically assume it’s the best.

Not so with carpet padding. Thicker padding isn’t always the best for your situation.

Most carpets on the market today call for a pad that is 7/16” in height. However, that isn’t always the case.

If you choose to install a Berber carpet, for example, manufacturers may suggest moving down in height size for the padding. A thicker pad can have too much give, and cause movement underneath the carpet. This can cause damage to the carpet.

This is another reason to visit our flooring store, where our job is based solely on education and ensuring you get the most from the flooring material you select. Saying “yes” to internet deals, or choosing something from a big box store will allow a salesperson to sell you on what they have in stock. It might not be what’s the best for what you’re selecting, which means your giving up lifespan almost from the start.

Understanding pad weight

We mentioned pad weight is important in the ranking process, but it deserves a little more attention.

Density is typically measured in pounds. When you shop for a pad, you’ll most likely see it listed somewhere between 3 and 10 pounds. Most manufacturers suggest an 8 pound pad for best results. This gives structure and firmness underneath your carpet, and ensures wearability throughout the life of your carpet.

Padding weight will also change based on the type of padding you select.

• Foam – is usually between 2 to 5 pounds
• Frothed foam – 12 pounds or more for maximum durability
• Rebond – you’ll find it in the 5 to 10 pound range, but go with 6 or greater for maximum durability
• Memory foam – this comes with higher densities in the 18 to 22 range
• Synthetic – you’ll often find this rated in ounces instead of pounds. 40 ounces, would be right at 7 pounds
• Waffle rubber – this also is listed in ounces, many dealers prefer 90 ounces or more for maximum performance

Which padding material is for you?

Let’s look at each of the different types of carpet padding and discuss their pros and cons.

Foam pad – foam padding is at the bottom of the list. It’s often the least expensive, and you’ll likely find this included on deals – if a dealer offers free padding, this is most likely what you’ll get. This product breaks down quickly, and most likely won’t last more than 3 to 5 years. This can be good for temporary solutions, but for any longevity, it’s better to move into a higher quality pad.

Frothed foam – what separates frothed foam from standard foam padding is the way it’s manufactured. Foam has gas added to the mixture, which can create air pockets. Frothed foam is a much sturdier pad, and can and will last the life of any carpet you choose. It’s also at the other end of the cost spectrum, however, being one of the most expensive pads on the market.

Rebond – rebond is one of the most popular pads because it’s in the middle of effectiveness and price. You’ll find this handles well in many situations, without adding too much cost to your overall purchase. Pay attention to the warranty of the carpet you select, however, because not all carpets allow rebond padding to be placed underneath.

Memory foam – you are probably familiar with the way this feels from purchasing a mattress for your bed. It can be a great pad choice for longevity and standing up well in high traffic situations. Yet be careful with quality. Memory foam squishes down. Over time, that can impact the performance of your carpet. Be sure the two work well together before you invest in this type of padding.

Synthetic – synthetic pads are fibrous and aren’t very spongy. That makes these a good choice for Berber carpets and other natural fibers. Consider synthetic pads if your warranty directs you to this option.

Waffle rubber – this offers similar durability as rebond, but can be higher priced. It performs in a similar manner to rebond padding.

What other questions do you have about carpet padding?

The post Shop For Padding Along With Your Carpet first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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When you’re planning to sell your home, a lot of things go through your mind. You might be excited about the new property you’re purchasing, but you can’t forget to make your current home look its best.

So you slap on a new coat of paint. You fix the dripping faucet that’s leaked for months. You box up a few of your belongings to try and give it a clean look. But is it enough?

Take a second look at your flooring – it’s one of the most important features a new homeowner will look for. It makes a big impression from the moment they walk through the door.

Is the hardwood dull and scuffed? Is the carpet filled with stains? Does the vinyl look like it’s been there since 1982?

Why People Move

According to a study put out by the National Association of Realtors Research Group, 35 percent of US homeowners prefer to move to a new space rather than remodeling the one they’re living in. Think that number has risen as we adjust to our lives beyond COVID? We’re seeing movement everywhere as people relocate and find new places to call home.

When they walk into a home for the first time, curb appeal is everything. Some won’t even walk through the front door if it doesn’t “feel right” as they drive up. Once inside, modernization matters. Do they like what they see? Or do they start adding projects to their improvement lists? The closer the two meet, the more likely they’ll put a bid in on your property.

What People Want 

It should come as no surprise that when people enter a home, hardwood flooring will tick one of the first boxes off their list. Hardwood flooring has been in demand for years, and will continue to be there for years to come.

However, it’s not as simple as that anymore. Buyers like hardwood, but they also pay attention to functionality. Sometimes hardwood just doesn’t make sense. And that’s when buyers look for flow.

Have you ever walked through a house where there are different flooring choices in every room? You move from hardwood to tile to carpet, with vinyl thrown in for good measure. The transitions are all wrong. The colors don’t even match. It’s a hodgepodge mess. It just doesn’t work.

People want transition. They want a solid look throughout the home. They love to see hardwood in the main areas, including stairways and hallways. But if there’s carpet in the bedrooms? That’s okay. Consistency matters most. It has to make sense to how they see their lives operating if they were to move in.

And the worst thing you can have is two different hardwoods touching. If you installed hardwood in one room with hopes of adding on slowly, beware of how it looks as it moves from each section on. Again, it’s the puzzle piece layout that leaves a potential buyer with dreams of ripping it up.

Hardwood Flooring – Lots of Options

If you’re remodeling your home with the hopes of increasing resale value, it’s also important to pay attention to your market.

If you’re at the high end of the luxury market, you can better believe buyers will be looking for top of the line hardwood. Think exotic wood would turn a buyer’s head? There’s nothing like adding a product that’s hard to find into the mix, to help make the home unique and one of a kind.

If you do choose to install exotic hardwood, just be sure you do so in a sustainable way. Reputable suppliers will practice responsible and sustainable production, and will be aligned with organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council to ensure it remains environmentally friendly.

Another option may be to choose hand scraped hardwood flooring. This provides hand scraped planks that provide a retro or vintage look. Each plank will have its own unique look. When combined, it creates a look that many luxury homebuyers yearn for.

Not every home sits firmly in the luxury marketplace. That doesn’t mean there aren’t high quality products that give you beautiful results.

Luxury vinyl tile is one of the hottest flooring trends to come along. Maybe it’s because it’s easy to clean, easy to maintain, and offers you a waterproof flooring option you won’t find with traditional hardwood.

We think it’s also because of its good looks. Thanks to modern technology, today’s luxury vinyl tiles look so close to the real thing, even experts have taken a second look. They imitate some of the most popular flooring choices on the market, from exotic wood to stone flooring. You can find color choices at all ends of the spectrum. Want a wood floor as close to black as you can get? You’ll find it. Looking for a whitewash to brighten up your home? You’ll find that too.

Luxury vinyl tile offers a lot of what hardwood does, only it adds the waterproof part in it too. Plus you’ll find luxury vinyl tile is softer and warmer on the feed than traditional tile, and it’s slip resistant as well. You can install it in the bathroom and never give it another thought. Try that with exotic wood.

Your Flooring Should Make Sense

If you’re remodeling with the hopes of adding value to your property, you’re looking at it through your wallet. How can you improve the looks for as little hit to your budget as possible?

But a homebuyer looks at it as home. They want to move in and not have to think about flooring for a very long time.

Whether you’re thinking of installing carpet in the bedrooms or exotic hardwood throughout, the important part is creating a place that someone will want to call home.

Consistency is the first key. Don’t install new flooring in a couple of rooms because that’s all you can afford. Work within your budget restraints to choose a flooring that will give you results. It would be much more beneficial to select a lower grade material and refinish the entire home, then to install a higher quality in one or two rooms.

Second is quality. People look for options in a home that ensure they can move in and live with it for years to come. When in doubt, stick with neutral. This isn’t a choice for your home – this is about resale. And a homebuyer will be much happier with a clean, finished look that can look good no matter what their decor.

Carefully consider your options before making your final choice. While there isn’t one strategy that’s best, the right choice could make your home easier to sell, and bring in more money on the final offer as well.

The post What Flooring Adds The Most Value To Your Home? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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When you are looking for a new floor, your options will depend on which room it is going into.  Different rooms in a home have different features that you may need to think about, like: how busy is the room? does it have excess water? and where abouts is the room.  Below is a guide to the best flooring options for different rooms throughout your home. Read More

South East Michigan has the benefit of having cheap flooring within reach.  If you’re one of those people endlessly searching for cheap flooring, look no further!  The Carpet Guys can take care of all your flooring installation needs. Read on to find out more and where to find us.

We Carry Tons of Top, American-Made Brands, Styles and Colors

If you want inexpensive carpet in a beautiful pattern to bring texture to your bland room, The Carpet Guys carry many in stock styles to choose from.  We can provide you with a memory foam padding that will make your feet think you’re walking on a cloud when you get out of bed in the morning!  Check out our blog on How to Pick the Coziest Carpet

If you’re interested in having a wood or tile looking floor but don’t want the expense of installing hardwood or trying to find someone to lay tile in the winter…The Carpet Guys can show you a vast amount of wood and tile-like styles that are water resistant and scratch resistant.  A perfect flooring type for your kitchen or high traffic areas.  Check out our blog on waterproof styles we can provide.

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We Have Inexpensive Options for Conscientious Shoppers

Maybe you’re a family with lots of allergies and need a hard surface material that’s easy to clean.  Or you care about the environment and want to work with a company that recycles…The Carpet Guys can take care of you!  We have many styles and varieties of hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl planks and tiles for your allergy sufferers.  All these surfaces are easy to keep clean of debris and dust.

The Carpet Guys recycles most of the old padding we remove from your home.  We also carry carpet that uses recycled materials in its fibers. Check out our recycle blog for more information on our other ways of protecting the environment.

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Free In-Home Estimate for Pandemic Concerned Shoppers

Are you afraid to go to a showroom to figure out exactly what you’re looking for?  This pandemic has made lots of Michiganders interested in staying indoors…The Carpet Guys have a solution for that too!  We can send one of our professional Design Consultants to your home with samples to help you decide what flooring would be best for your busy household.  And, we carry carpet that has antimicrobial properties to help keep you and your family healthy and safe.  Check out our blog for more information.

If you’re interested in finding cheap flooring near you, you can visit us at any one of our showrooms in Troy, or inside our Meijer locations in Howell, Rochester Hills or Lenox.  We can also bring our showroom to you if you set up a Free In-Home Estimate at www.carpetguys.com/schedule or call us at 855-4-MY-GUYS.  The Carpet Guys are here to answer all your flooring questions!

The post Cheap Flooring Near Me appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

If you’ve ever picked up a tile and had thoughts of visiting your local pottery shop, there’s a reason for that. Most tiles you lay in your home are made from ceramic clay.

Visit a history museum and you’re likely to find tiles from bygone eras. The Chinese created tiles with stunning images painted on each individual tile. This art moved around the globe as trade developed and moved throughout the world.

Tile goes back in time at least 25,000 years. Romans made using clay tiles popular as a roofing option, while the Egyptians loved a white glass tile to adorn their homes.

https://www.thevictorianemporium.com/publications/history/article/history_of_tiles

Of course, there are very good reasons why tile flooring remains ever-popular for many uses inside the home. If you guessed “longevity” to be one of them, you’re correct. If people have been using them for centuries, there’s a good reason for that. It may be the deciding factor for you to install tile flooring in your own home.

Tile works well in many places in your home

One of the best reasons to consider tile is because it’s functional everywhere. Install it in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, even the family room, and you’re going to love the results. That’s because it’s one of the easiest flooring materials to maintain. When installed correctly, it can last for decades. And cleaning it means nothing more than an occasional mopping.

What’s more, you can make your home unique – tile comes in unlimited design potentials, including different colors, patterns, and styles. If you don’t like what you see, create it yourself. By combining different tiles together, you can weave a pattern that is uniquely your own.

Tile also works well starting on the floor, and moving up to the walls, countertops, backsplashes, and more. Some of the most gorgeous bathrooms and laundry rooms we’ve seen incorporate tile in a variety of ways.

Need inspiration? What better way to find it than with a search online. Create a pinboard on Pinterest, and let your imagination go wild. Pin all the sites and photographs you find that motivate you into action. Then when you visit with one of our design consultants, we’ll have a better understanding of what you’re looking for.

Tile is easy to maintain

In today’s world, we have a lot going on in our daily lives. Especially here in the Rocky Mountains, we love being able to come and go throughout the day, enjoying everything the great outdoors has to offer. Of course, that can mean tracking in mud, snow, slush, and other contaminants on any given day. And not all flooring choices are cut out for that amount of abuse.

Tile flooring makes cleanup easy. What’s more, it won’t stain and leave telltale signs of your outside life once you’re inside and ready to relax.

Because it’s a hard surface area, it needs an occasional sweeping to wipe away the dust bunnies and other loose debris. Spot clean as you spill, with an occasional mopping to ensure the entire surface stays clean. Depending on the color of your grout, you might need deeper cleaning with a brush between the tiles to ensure a uniform look.

If you spend a little bit of time keeping the surface clean throughout the year, it’ll mean less wear and tear over time. Clean grout holds its integrity, meaning you’ll have less chance of stains. It’ll also mean you notice when the grout is compromised, which can potentially allow water to seep underneath. Hairline cracks can allow moisture to penetrate down underneath the tile, and start to destroy the integrity of your flooring. Jump quickly, fix problem areas, and you’ll have a floor that’ll last for years.

Tile is great for the DIYer

Want to install the flooring yourself? Tile is one of the most forgiving flooring choices you can make. With small tiles, you can lay them into place, and learn as you go.

Of course, having tile in your home means you can have different levels of DIY projects. Allow a professional to install it the first time. Then keep a handful of tiles on hand for fixing as you encounter problems with individual tiles. Drop a pan and crack a tile? With a little elbow grease, you can lay the new tile into place – and keep your floors looking fresh longer.

Tile is great for keeping your home cool … and warm

When most people think of installing tile, they consider it to be a way to keep the home cool. That’s why you find tile flooring in homes across the southern US. But when temperatures dip well below freezing, many Coloradoans want warmer flooring – something you won’t get from tiles.

Or will you?

Tile is one of the best flooring choices to lay in place over radiant heating. That means your home will feel warm from the bottom up. Imagine walking on floors that are warm to the touch. How would that feel jumping out of bed in the morning?

Of course, you’ll also love the feel in the heat of the summer, when the temperatures climb over one-hundred degrees. We think that’s what makes tile flooring so versatile – and a great choice here in Colorado. What better way to cut down on your air conditioning use than to create an environment conducive to staying cool?

Tile can be a cost effective way to create a great living environment

Using tile for your flooring can save you money. It’s one of the few flooring choices that can last for decades, meaning you’ll have fewer replacement costs over time.

And considering its cost fluctuates from low to high, you can find a great look at a price that fits your budget. If you have an idea, one of our associates can help you find something to suit your needs and desires.

We also like the fact that with tile flooring, one mistake won’t cost you your entire floor. With a few extra tiles on hand, you can easily replace cracked, broken, or stained tiles easily and without a lot of fuss. This can add years to the life of your flooring.

So what’s your desire with your tile flooring? What look do you have in mind? We can help you achieve it, and have it installed in no time.

The post Is This The Year You Install Tile Flooring? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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There are many types of hardwood flooring available for your home, and it may be confusing when you are looking for hardwood floors for your kitchen, living room or bedroom. You may not be as familiar with engineered hardwood. Here is some information about engineered hardwood floors.

What Is Engineered Hardwood?

Hardwood flooring represents one solid piece of wood that is cut into strips for flooring. Engineered hardwood represents pieces of both hardwood and plywood that is layered on top of each other in thin strips.

Why Might Engineered Hardwood Be Good for My Flooring Choice?

First, engineered hardwood tends to be less expensive than traditional hardwoods, which may make it a more economical choice for you. Engineered hardwood may be the perfect hardwood choice for your large room, such as your living room or great room. Also, engineered hardwoods are great for people who are environmentally conscious. That’s because a lot of engineered hardwoods are made from recycled wood, or wood remainders, so that no piece of wood goes to waste.

Also, engineered hardwoods are more durable and stronger than traditional hardwood flooring. While traditional hardwood floors can be scratched or pitted, it is more difficult to scratch and pit an engineered hardwood floor. They are also moisture and heat resistant, which may make them a perfect choice for your kitchen or sunroom.

One of the best reasons to choose an engineered hardwood floor is because you are able to refinish it again if your taste or colors in your room change. This means an engineered hardwood floor can change as you change lifestyles, tastes, or remodels. If they are properly cared for, your engineered hardwoods can be with you for life.

When you’re ready to order hardwood flooring for your next project, you can give Flooring.org a call at 800-689-9006.

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Hardwood flooring is available in a range of different plank styles and widths.  Whether you choose a wide or narrow plank is purely down to aesthetics and your personal preference. However, the width of your flooring can have a bit impact on the space it is going into. Read More

There are many factors that go into figuring out how often you should replace your floors.  The Carpet Guys want to give you as much information as possible so you can decide if your ready to have us install your new flooring. Read on to learn more.

What Type of Flooring Do You Currently Have?

Replace Carpet

Carpet is the most frequently replaced flooring material. It’s recommended to replace carpet at least every 7-10 years.  It also happens to be the most inexpensive flooring type.  Depending on what type of carpet you have, may help you decide if it’s time to renew.  If your carpet is made of polyester fibers, it will better resist stains but will show foot traffic patterns sooner.  If you have a nylon style carpet, it will hold up to daily wear and tear but is more absorbent and will show stains and dirt more readily.  So, if you’re tired of looking at that coffee stain by the television, it’s time to replace!

Replace Hardwood

Hardwood is a fairly durable material.  Though it shows scratches and dents immediately, it can be resurfaced to a new luster.  Unfortunately, hardwood is susceptible to moisture and weather changes.  Over time, living in a region of the country that endures climate changes, the boards of your floor will expand and contract possibly leaving gaps and warping.  Resurfacing and replacement are an expensive endeavor with hardwood.  You may want to consider a more durable and less expensive option like Vinyl or Laminate.

Replace Luxury Vinyl Plank and Laminate

These types of hard surface flooring are extremely durable!  There are styles and types that boast waterproof and scratch-proof and can handle many different types of environments if installed properly.  If you’re looking for a flooring style that doesn’t need to be replaced often and is less expensive than tile or hardwood, this is the best option for you.  These types of surfaces can last up to 25 or 30 years, depending on how your household inhabits the space.

If you don’t know what type of flooring you have, or are ready for a change, The Carpet Guys can help you replace your flooring.  One of our expert Design Consultants will bring our showroom to your home and work with you to find the best flooring for your lifestyle.  Our installers can rip out your old flooring, haul it away and install your new perfect floors.  Why not make the change now, so you can enjoy them for years to come!!

Call 855-4-MY-GUYS or schedule a free in-home estimate at www.CarpetGuys.com.  Our representatives are standing by to assist you.

The post How Often Should I Replace My Floors? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.