The Beauty of Solid Oak Flooring

Solid Oak flooring is a really popular choice of hardwood flooring.  It will give you a timeless appeal that exudes character and charm.  The light brown and golden tones throughout solid Oak flooring will transform any shape or space. Read More

One of the best investments you can make in upgrading the look and feel of your home is by choosing new flooring. It’s the one thing that will catch the eye of everyone who walks into your home, give you a fresh, clean slate to work with when upgrading your decor, and add value if you decide to sell.

Homeowners today love high quality flooring. Here across the Front Range, that often means hardwood. But it isn’t the only choice you can make. Depending on what room you’re remodeling, many modern-day choices make your house look great. How about a high-quality carpet? Or luxury vinyl planks in the basement?

With so many choices out there, ready to add to your home’s personality, we have a few tips we offer our clients to help them avoid making mistakes when finalizing their choices. Instead of choosing a flooring simply because it’s always been at the top of your wish list, it’s what all the modern-day home improvement shows say you should install, we have other options for you to consider. If you install flooring for the wrong reasons, it can leave you with a serious case of buyer’s remorse.

That’s why we want to help you approach your final decision of selecting new flooring in a slightly different way.

Don’t buy flooring without a game plan 

This sounds almost too simple – what homeowner would buy flooring without a plan? Yet we see this happening all the time.

We suggest that homeowners shouldn’t fall in love with a flooring choice before they visit our showroom. Having a general idea of what you want is necessary. But there’s something even more important for you to consider first.

Pay attention to where your new flooring will be installed. What’s your lifestyle? How much activity happens inside that room?

Because a dining room that only gets used on major holidays will have entirely different needs than a family room where kids and guests and pets romp around in every single day.

Instead of focusing on finding photographs of your favorite flooring choice, focus instead on listing out your wishlist of what your flooring will endure.

• I want flooring that is durable enough to wear well with three kids under ten, and two large dogs that follow them everywhere.
• I want a soft flooring that we’re just as comfortable laying on as we are walking on.
• I want a sophisticated flooring that sets the stage for my decor.

These are ideas to help you get started with your own plans. Once you’ve made your game plan, then it’s time to shop. Come in with an open mind, and we’ll show you a variety of different flooring choices, and give you an idea of how well each can fit into your life.

You might be surprised at the results.

Don’t buy in a hurry

When you’re choosing new flooring, spend time evaluating your wants and needs. Never visit a showroom for the first time with the goal of making a decision and having it installed that week.

That’s when you make your poorest decisions. That’s when buyer’s remorse can kick in. And when you’re making a large investment, one that can be a part of your home for years – decades – to come, it’s worth spending time to weigh your options.

Do you want a light, medium, or dark tone, for example? Within each tone, you might find dozens of varying shades. Do you want a little more yellow in your brown? Or do you prefer a little more red?

As you start narrowing down your choices, it’s important to bring a few samples home. Lay them in the room where you’ll be installing it. View it morning, noon, and night, in all kinds of lighting conditions.

If you’re selecting hardwood, even after you make your final selection, you still shouldn’t install it right after purchase. Instead, hardwood needs to be brought into your home to acclimate for a few days before the installation process. That gives it a chance to become familiar with your home’s environment. It gets used to the temperature variations, and how much humidity is in your home. This will help protect it after it’s installed, decreasing the chances of warping later on.

Don’t forget about the subfloors

Homeowners often forget that flooring needs a strong base to look and act its best. Some flooring is more forgiving than others. If you place a flooring on the wrong type of subfloor, you’ll have nothing but problems down the road.

Carpet is forgiving because it’s flexible by nature. The backing of the carpet and the padding underneath can all accommodate small issues with a subfloor, such as one that isn’t perfectly level.

Try that with ceramic tile. Without a perfectly level subfloor, the tile will sit without a strong base. That means every time you walk on it, there’s a chance it can crack from the weight above. Without the proper support, an air pocket forms, giving the tile a chance to crack under the pressure.

While you may not realize your subfloor needs work before you pick out new flooring, it is something to consider as you shop, especially if you are changing from what’s currently installed. Going from carpet to hardwood, for example, may require additional work to bring the subfloor up to par. That can add extra time to the installation process, and require extra funding for the additional materials and labor.

Don’t start a DIY project if you’re not going to do it right

You’ve been spending a lot of time at home. It’s only natural to watch home improvement shows and want to step into the action too. But are you really up for the job?

We’ll help you select the right material, no matter what your flooring dreams are.

We’ll even give you pointers if you decide to turn a tile or LVT purchase into a DIY project.

But only you can know if you’re really up for the job. Saving money is a big plus, but a job well done will truly stand the test of time.

Are you thinking of choosing new flooring for your home this year? Start with a game plan. Then stop by and learn more.

We’re here to help you with all of your flooring needs.

Choosing The Perfect Flooring For Your Kids Room

Keyword: flooring for kids room

Summary: Remodeling your home to create more livable space for every member of the family? Choosing the perfect flooring for your kids’ room doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few suggestions.

If you’re remodeling your home, and upgrading rooms to make them more suitable for every member of your family, your starting point may not be the paint color or the decor. Instead, it might be what’s on the floors.

In a kids room, for example, it may have been a place they spent very little time prior to 2020. Now, they spend many hours a day attending school, doing homework, even attending Zoom activities. And it’s a place they still hang out on the weekends, looking for comfort and stress relief after a busy week of activities.

Before you select flooring for the kids room, realize you’ll have to take into account quite a few factors. Comfort, stain-resistance, and safety are just the start of what you’re flooring will endure. What’s your best choice to stand up to all of that and more? And be beautiful and stylish at the same time?

We help homeowners every day select the right flooring for their needs. Our top recommendations include:

Carpet

When it comes to making a space comfortable, carpet is still one of the most classic choices you can install. It’s durable, soft, and adds warmth into the space.

Plus, it adds an insulation factor into the room to help absorb sound. That can be an added bonus whether they’re spending an hour in gym class, or hanging out playing video games with their friends. When kids get a little rowdy, carpet is one of the best choices to have in place.

If you’re sold on the benefits of carpeting in your kids room, you’ll have a wide array of colors, styles, and patterns to choose from. We recommend paying attention to quality, and ensuring it’s stain-resistant. It’s the best way to protect your investment if the juice boxes go flying.

Nylon carpet will move to the top of your list because of the benefits it offers. Depending on which manufacturer you choose, you should also pay attention to the stain benefits. Have you heard of Stainmaster carpets? Each manufacturer offers its own level of protection. Compare and choose the right one based on your family’s needs.

Also, the more time your kids spend in their room, the more often you should vacuum it. One of the quickest ways to soil your carpet and create stains that won’t go away is to allow things to settle deep within the fibers. Regular vacuuming will ensure you pick up dirt, debris, and other contaminants quickly, before they settle into the fibers.

Hardwood

As you finalize your decisions on flooring, take into account the activities your kids perform in their rooms. Smaller kids may be on the floor playing, while tweens and teens may spend more of their time in a chair or couch. Depending on your lifestyle, hardwood may be the perfect choice for you.

Hardwood is easy to clean and tends to last longer than carpet. It makes it easy to wipe up messes, and you can pick up dust bunnies with just a swipe of a broom or mop. Many homeowners love to carry hardwood throughout the home, including into the kids rooms. If anyone in your home faces allergies or asthma, hardwood can be a great addition as it doesn’t collect animal dander, dust, pollen, or other contaminants.

Be aware that hardwood is durable, but it can be more prone to scratches. If your kids love to roughhouse with the family dog, or take game night to a whole new level, it’s something to think about before installing hardwood. If you do, you may wish to invest in an area rug to help cover the floor, and add furniture leg pads to chairs and other items they may pull around.

Laminate

If you love the idea of adding hardwood to your kids room, but are concerned about the upkeep and care, laminate may be a better choice for you.

Laminate may look like hardwood, but it gives you added benefits that make it worth a second look. It’s scratch-resistant, moisture-resistant, and wears well over time. Like hardwood, it’s easy to clean – just use a mop to keep the surface clean, and vacuum occasionally to pick up dust and debris.

Laminate comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. You’ll often find color choices even more in abundance from hardwood. If you have an idea, you’ll likely find a laminate choice to suit your needs. And like hardwood, if you want to soften the look or add a little warmth, place an area rug down to add a pop of color.

Luxury vinyl

One of the newest options we’ve seen going into kids rooms is luxury vinyl – either luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP).  LVT and LVP resemble some of the most loved flooring products on the market, but add the benefits homeowners want.

Luxury vinyl planks can resemble any style of hardwood you desire. Luxury vinyl tile resembles anything from marble to slate and more.

When you install luxury vinyl into your space, you’re adding a protective layer like no other. Many products on the market offer you waterproof solutions. That juice your kids spilled and forgot to tell you about? That wouldn’t be a problem with luxury vinyl.

Of course, you still want to clean up messes as quickly as possible. Deep-seated spills may still stain the top layer, depending on what it is. But in general, luxury vinyl offers a wear protection layer that gives strength and durability unparalleled to other flooring products.

Plus, it’s softer than hardwood, adding a cushion to every step you take.

What’s the right choice of flooring for your kids room?

There isn’t a right answer when selecting flooring for a kids room. There are ways to make it both beautiful and durable, a space where your kids love to spend time in.

Visit our showroom today and talk with one of our flooring experts about the right flooring product for your lifestyle. We’ll help you make the right selection for your needs.

The post Choosing New Flooring? Here Are 4 Things Not To Do first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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5 billion pounds of old carpet waste build up in the landfill each year! Yes, 5 billion! That is too much! Here at The Carpet Guy’s we love to do our part in making the earth a cleaner, healthier, better place to live. We recycle the old carpet and carpet padding! 

At The Carpet Guy’s we prepare the old carpet and carpet padding for recycle here in the warehouse. See how we handle carpet waste process here! Each week we are able to recycle 5 tons of carpet! We truly take pride in doing our part. 

The Carpet Guys don’t just recycle carpet waste, we offer top of the line recycled products that reproduce recycled goods into beautiful product. The Carpet Guy’s do not stop there. We wanted to be able to offer better, cleaner options for our customers as well. It would take hundreds of years for other fibers to decompose. At The Carpet Guys, we offer American made polyester carpet that can be recycled and reused. It feels great knowing that carpet that is in your home is also good for the environment. Lastly, the carpet padding we provide with our installations is also recyclable! 

Types of Environmentally Friendly Carpet

Our polyester carpet (P.E.T. Polyester) is made from recycled plastic bottles! This type of carpet is also more stain resistant than other carpets. It is also resistant to mold and mildew. This carpet is very versatile and non-allergenic. It’s perfect for any home, likewise we’ll rip out your previous carpet waste and haul it out free of charge.

In conclusion, The Carpet Guys offer a great polyester carpet that has both exceptional softness and color clarity.   

Furthermore to get rid of your carpet waste and call The Carpet Guy’s today to get a free in home estimate and help our planet at the same time! We provide American Made products at a fraction of the cost to our competitors. You can ensure that you’re in good hands at The Carpet Guys. We offer Four Year Interest Free Financing † as well as many other incentives through out the month. This helps you create the room you’ve always imagined without hurting your bank account.

The post Carpet Waste & Protecting the Environment appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

What do you think of when someone mentions waterproof flooring?

For years, the only choice you had was to install tile.

Head into bathrooms all across the world, and you’ll find tile is on display in a great many of them. We’ve gotten so creative with tile it’s used on the floors, then moves up to the walls, backsplashes, countertops, even ceilings.

You’ll find tile in outdoor living situations. It makes a good base for pools, spas, and patios.

You’ll also find it throughout the home, especially in warmer parts of the country. That’s because tile is naturally cool. Of course, you can place radiant heating underneath, and install tile anywhere. Tile is truly a versatile flooring that’s going to remain popular for years to come.

But here in Colorado, we love our hardwood. So the question becomes: what’s more important, looks or durability?

Luckily, you don’t have to choose anymore. Waterproof flooring comes in many different styles.

Pick your materials wisely

As a general rule, flooring products made from inorganic materials will be more waterproof than those created from organic materials.

Organic refers to any product made from a living, growing resource. Think hardwood, bamboo, and fibers. When any of these materials are subjected to moisture, they will eventually break down and decompose.

Inorganic materials come from products made in a laboratory. They come from refined chemicals, and are often created solely to stand the test of time. They are immune to damage from moisture, and will do well as long as the product is properly installed.

Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule.

Laminate is made with a synthetic surface that is inorganic. But the base layer is usually a fiberboard, which is made from wood fibers. While the top layer may stand up to small spills, anything large enough to seep through the cracks will quickly damage the flooring.

Pay attention to the entire product, including the base layer. You should also pay attention to how the product is installed, as glues, adhesives, and protection layers can also change the dynamics.

What choices are good for moisture?

Some areas need the added protection of waterproof flooring. Think:

• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Basements
• indoor/outdoor living spaces
• Saunas
• Pool rooms

Even your entryways or kitchen might need added protection from standing water and spills.

All of these flooring covers are one-hundred percent waterproof and can be used in confidence to stand up to moisture over time.

Sheet vinyl – still a great choice in some areas of your home. Roll it into place and it provides a waterproof surface with few or no seams to allow the water to penetrate.

Luxury vinyl – luxury vinyl is a step up from sheet vinyl. Luxury vinyl comes in planks or tiles – LVP or LVT – and is designed to resemble many of today’s hottest looks.

LVP, for example, comes in plank strips designed to resemble hardwood. It typically comes 7 inches wide and 48 inches long. They use click and lock technology that makes it easy to lay into place. Once joined, they provide a tight seal that stands against moisture and water.

Where luxury vinyl can fail is if the planks or tiles aren’t properly joined. If any gap is left between the planks or tiles, moisture can seep down into it. This is why it’s important to get the installation process right. While luxury vinyl is easy enough for a DIY project, be sure you know what you’re doing and can finish the project off correctly.

Vinyl tile – vinyl tile is similar to sheet vinyl, only easier to install because of its smaller shape. However, it also adds many more seams across the room, giving it more chances for water to seep down into the subfloor. Installed correctly, it can be a great waterproof flooring choice. Just be insure it’s properly installed and cared for over time.

Ceramic and porcelain tile – we’ve mentioned it before that tile is a great choice to add waterproof properties to your rooms. It’s worth repeating again because of the unlimited styles, patterns, and color choices.

Both ceramic and porcelain tile are waterproof by nature. Where its weakness lies is with the installation process. When installed, if not grouted properly, water can seep down and into the subfloor. And that’s where problems begin. For full protection, have a professional install your tiles, especially in places where water is an everyday thing – showers, countertops, pools, saunas, etc.

Want other choices?

If you need waterproof flooring, it’s best to stick with one of the options from above. But not all circumstances require waterproof flooring all the time. Can your room do well with water-resistance properties? What if the surface is waterproof, and it can stand up to water for short periods of time?

Engineered wood – engineered wood is made in layers, with different materials used in each layer. It has a sturdy base which gives it a more water-resistant property than certain laminate products. Pay attention to the protective layer placed on top. And as always, clean up any spills quickly to avoid potential problems.

Laminate – laminate is a composite product that is better at protecting against water than actual hardwood. Again, the base layer is made up of fiberboard which can be a problem if it comes into contact with too much moisture. Clean up spills quickly to avoid problems.

Linoleum – linoleum is made up of organic material, including linseed oil and wood flour. Regular sealing gives it a water-resistant quality, which means you’ll have to continually seal it to keep this quality in place.

Bamboo – people love bamboo because of its organic qualities. It doesn’t have heavy chemical or resin products. It’s a great way to bring a water-resistant product into your home, but keep in mind that it’s water-resistant, not waterproof. That means you should be conscious of where you install it.

Consider your options carefully

Before you make your final selection and choose a floor for a room in your home, weigh your options carefully. Waterproof flooring can mean the difference between replacing your flooring or keeping it looking and acting well for years.

If waterproof flooring is at the top of your wishlist, you’ll be amazed at the products available to you right now. Stop by today and let us show you your options, and help you choose the right product for your needs.

The post Waterproof Flooring – It’s Not Just Tile Anymore first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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The holidays are here again, and you may not be thinking about throwing a huge party right now, but we are. In fact, whether you are having a holiday party for a few people, or a huge feast for Christmas or New Year’s, have you thought about your floors? Whether your hardwood floors are fairly new or several decades old, you need to make sure they look their best over the holidays. Here’s some information about preparing your floors for the holidays.

Preparing for the Season

Your first step towards readying your hardwood floors is to keep them clean. Be sure that you are sweeping and dusting them regularly. If you wet mop your floors, be sure that you aren’t damaging them. The more dust you clean off your hardwood floors, the less likely they are to be scratched.

If someone spills liquid on your floor, clean it up immediately. That’s because liquid spills can warp and damage your hardwood floors. If you have children or dogs, you may want to use rugs or mats on your floors to protect them from damage.

Above all, protect your floors from scratches. That means don’t move your furniture without pads or completely lifting it off the floor. Also, be sure that your pet’s nails are clipped so that they don’t scratch the floor. Once your floors are damaged, it is difficult to repair them. If you have a shallow scratch, you need to look up products to fix shallow scratches, which you can find at many big box stores.

When you need to get a new look for the holidays, why not give Flooring.org a call at 800-689-9006, or you can also visit our website and order online at Flooring.org.

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

Solid Walnut flooring will give you a rich and luxurious feel to your home.  The deep dark brown colours can really help to transform any shape or style of room.  The elegance of Walnut flooring speaks for itself.  It really is a timeless and charismatic flooring that will last a lifetime if looked after and cared for. Read More

Here in Colorado, basements aren’t just an afterthought. Most of us consider our basement to be crucial living space, especially now as more of us are staying at home.

Your basement may be the perfect place to:

• Add another home office. With several of you working from home full time, the dining room table may be looking a little hectic. Why not divide up the space and give each family member a bit more breathing room?

https://pro-flooring.com/choose-the-right-flooring-for-your-home-office/

• Add school room. While attending school at home won’t last forever, there’s always a need to have high quality workspace for homework and other activities. The basement may be the perfect place to find that much-needed space.

• Add hobby space. Basements provide flexibility, and that can be a good thing as you’re building out your space. It might be perfect for an office today, and easily converted to an arts and crafts room in a few months.

• Add family space. Whether you’re looking for more space to have family game night, want to set up a pool table for weekend play, or just need a place for a table to put together a puzzle, you’ll find lots of room waiting for you in the basement of your home.

Yet basement space can be problematic when it comes time to decorate. As much as you love your hardwood on the main floor, hardwood won’t work below grade.

Increasingly, homeowners are looking at carpet tile as a viable solution. Why? Because they’re easy to install, affordable, rugged, and even simpler to replace.

Want a few advantages as to why we think carpet tiles may be the perfect solution for your needs? Read on.

Carpet tiles provide easy installation

Carpet tiles are so easy to install, they top the list of DIY projects for homeowners. Because they are boxed in smaller sizes, they are easy to lift and carry anywhere you desire. It also makes it easy to store – pick up a couple extra boxes to have replacement tiles for when you spill. It’s a great way to add longevity to your flooring.

When you’re ready to install, it’s as simple as peel-and-stick technology. If you make a mistake, you don’t have to worry about pulling up the entire flooring, just reposition the one tile you’re working with. You can even get carpet tiles in different sizes. That makes it easy to use no matter what size room you’re adding your flooring to. Because you buy only what you need, it can save money in the amount of carpet you purchase. Plus, there’s less waste as you are able to fit the carpet directly to your space, no matter what size room you have.

Carpet tiles are easy to maintain

Whether you select broadloom or modular carpet tiles, they both have similar cleaning requirements. Be prepared to vacuum them regularly to keep dust and other debris away from the fibers, followed by a deep cleaning periodically throughout its lifetime.

Yet carpet tiles offer something broadloom will never have: easy spot cleaning.

Have you ever spilled red wine on a beige carpet? Nothing can bring fear to a homeowner’s heart more than that. With a spill like this, homeowners instantly jump into action. But with carpet tiles, it’s not as big of a deal. If you can’t remove the stain, just replace the tile. You can do that no matter what damage is sustained by the tile. You won’t notice the difference like you would with broadloom because the flooring is already laid into place based on the squares. It’s perfect for active living spaces.

Carpet tiles are extremely durable

These aren’t the cheap, commercial-grade carpet tiles you might remember from your youth. Today’s carpet tiles are built with homes in mind. You’ll find carpet tile in all sorts of colors, patterns, thicknesses, and plushness.

Focus on the backing of the carpet tiles as much as you do the front. Some carpet tiles have added cushion, which can help absorb the impact of foot traffic as well as give you added protection of the carpet fibers from daily wear and tear. This means your carpet will last longer without the appearance of degradation.

Avoid hardback carpet tiles when looking for a basement flooring product. Your basement should be plush, comfy, and cozy. Remember, you can replace tiles individually, so investing in something that will add warmth and comfort will ensure you’re happy with the results for years to come.

Carpet tiles offer some water resistance

Carpet tiles are designed with a tight weave and strong backing. They’re made for high traffic areas, which means they’re created with durability in mind. While they aren’t completely waterproof, they do offer water resistance. They’re great for areas prone to moisture where they can withstand stains and spills.

Because basements are notoriously damp and cool, carpet adds a warmth that you could never achieve with tile or vinyl. That makes them perfect for places you’ll cozy up with the family, such as a home theater or game room. And if the unthinkable happens and you do have a water mess to deal with, you won’t have to replace the entire floor. Just the tiles impacted by the spill, the rest will stay firmly in place.

Economical, good looking, and sensible too!

Carpet tiles offer design flexibility

Let your imagination run wild with carpet tiles. They offer some of the greatest design flexibility on the market today.

That’s because you aren’t limited to selecting one product as you would with standard broadloom carpet. You can mix and match carpet tiles to create a unique look built just for you. In fact, it makes it even better for wear and longevity – you won’t be worried about matching dye lofts and print as you replace carpet tiles in the future.

Take a look at home design sites for ideas. Google things like “carpet tile designs” to come up with ideas. Then pin your favorites to your Pinterest board to help you when it comes time to stick your carpet tiles into place.

And when you need help, we’re here for you too. We can offer you ideas as well. Stop by our showroom and share your goals. We’ll give you a variety of options to choose from, and tools to help your selection process be even easier.

Our goal is to help you find the right carpet tiles for your basement project.

How can we help you?

The post Why Carpet Tiles May Be Perfect For Your Basement first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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Pantones color of the year for 2021 is a beautiful, sporty, shade of teal called Al Aqua. This color is fashion-forward on all aspects from active to fashion. Likewise, it’s a versatile color that can be both harmonious and electric to paint any room color.

Firstly, when designing a room with this color you can be bold and choose to paint an entire room, choose an accent wall, or even choose only accent pieces such as pillows, blankets, or chairs. For instance, choosing a remarkable piece that stands out in the room will go further. Choose a piece that draws individuals to the room.

After a year-long of researching, exploring, and studying, and discovering they have come up with this particular color. The cultural, art, fashion, and design influence from around the world helps create a color palette and trend for the next year to come! In the center of the color palette rests the color of the year.

Why Use Al Aqua for Paint?

Al aqua is a positive color with a futuristic feel. It is a bright color that triggers feelings of peace and clarity. This is an effervescent tone that can be used across genders.

If you are designing a room solely base on this years color trend and are questioning flooring options there are a few options for you. You have the option of using monochromatic tiles with the blue shades. This could be used as the accent in the room of your choice. Or you could use vinyl, or hardwood flooring in lighter shades. Lighter shades tend to bring more of the color out in the room for greater aesthetic pleasure.

No matter what route you choose, this color is bold and stands out amongst the rest. It will bring the most out of any room. It is time to get creative!

Let’s Start Your Room Renovation

Partner up with The Carpet Guys and our friends at 1-800-Painters to turn any room from drab to fab!

To find the perfect floors for the colors in your house be wise and call The Carpet Guys today at 855-4-MY-GUYS or schedule your FREE in-home consultation online now.

The post Paint Colors for 2021. Meet Color of the Year: AL AQUA appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Have you got children? Or even if you don’t, you’ve definitely seen this pesky sprite everywhere. The Elf on the Shelf; back each Christmas by popular demand. And with this demand requires parents around the globe to exercise their imagination and come up with scenes of mischievous antics this cheeky chap has gotten up to in their house overnight. Even if it means compromising beloved household feature like their stunning wood flooring.

Now we know what you’re thinking; ‘What is a flooring store doing talking about a Christmas Elf?’. 

 

Well, over the years we’ve noticed the amount of funny Elf on the Shelf ideas that incorporate liquids, sprinkles, toys, chocolate and more, and we can’t help but consider the clean up and protection of your flooring amongst all this fun. 

 

In this blog we’ll go through some of our favourite and funny Elf on the Shelf ideas for you to try out. And not only that, we’ll give you some elf-confidence in temporarily protecting your floor in the process. Now let the fun commence…

 

Why is Elf on the Shelf Bad?

 

First things first, so you know what you’re letting yourself into with one of Santa’s so-called helpers, you should know what makes him so naughty!

 

Buddy’s job is to arrive on December 1st and watch over your children’s behaviour on behalf of Santa Claus. Only Buddy has some behavioural quirks himself, and likes to get up to shenanigans whilst the children are fast asleep. 

 

Shenanigans you have to set up, and eventually clean up. And we’re here to help you with all of this.

 

If you’re feeling extra creative, and definitely extra brave, recent years have seen the introduction of a girl Elf on the Shelf. Buddy’s trusty side-kick, Sparkles. Twice the mess and twice the trouble. You’ll definitely have your hands full.

 

Flooring Funny Business 

 

Now there’s no use crying over spilt milk. But there is if you’re 7 and that spilt milk resembles the shell of a snowman, now melted on your floor by no other than Buddy the Elf.

 

And if you’re a parent, making sure you have the right type of flooring to proceed with this idea without damaging it, is key to making sure you’re not crying over spilt milk either. So let’s take a look at how you can execute this one whilst considering the protection of your floor.

 

This fun scene sees Buddy bringing the heat, and is an easy one to replicate with household items. 

 

All you need for this set up is: 

 

• Hair dryer
• Milk 
• Cereal 
• Orange fabric

 

First, spill a little milk onto the floor. Then using the cereal and orange fabric, create the facial features and buttons of the melted snowman. Sit Buddy nearby aiming a hair dryer toward the puddle. And you’ve got your melted snowman scene. 

 

Whilst this cheeky chap gets up to no good, he’s certainly not considering your stunning wood flooring underneath! So here’s a few tips for protecting your floor to keep in mind when setting up these tricks. 

 

When using liquids, try to set your scene up just before the kids will see it. 

 

If you have a solid wood floor, this is not resistant to water or other liquids, and may cause damage when left for long periods of time. When it comes to protecting your laminate, engineered wood, or EvoCore Flooring, whilst these have a better tolerance to water, spillages should still be cleaned up as soon as possible. 

 

Hopefully, you’ll get a helping hand from one of the kids, because Buddy certainly won’t stick around for this clean up!

Elf on the Shelf – Chocolate Chaos 

 

This next favourite of ours won’t be so favourable with the little ones, as Buddy the Elf finds his way into the Christmas chocolates. 

 

For this idea all you’ll need is a packet or box of chocolates and possibly a floor cleaning kit. 

 

Open the packet and position Buddy inside. Then spill some of the contents onto the floor leaving his trail of trouble behind. For added effect, add a little bit of chocolate around Buddy’s mouth. This will further confirm he’s the culprit and add to the mischief.

 

One thing to bear in mind is if you have an underfloor heating system under your beautiful laminate, engineered wood or EvoCore flooring, this may melt your chocolate props! Whilst this adds some authenticity to the act, this also adds to the clean up operation. 

 

To avoid this, ensure your underfloor heating system is not in use between setting up your scene and your little ones discovering their chocolate collection is a little lighter. 

 

If you happen to forget to switch off your underfloor heating system, don’t worry it happens! A microfibre mop with a spray of floor cleaner should do the trick. Mop that chocolate puddle away, and return your flooring to its pristine appearance. 

 

He’s Snow Angel

 

For this next one, a trip to the baking cupboard will provide Buddy with the ingredients he needs to cook up this snow storm!

 

 

A popular idea that comes with a lot of mess; The snow angel.

 

To complete this look you can go with a quirky set up and use sprinkles, or with the traditional snowy effect and use flour or icing sugar making sure to avoid baking soda!

 

Whilst baking soda would give the desired snowy effect, it can damage the protective finish of your flooring making it vulnerable to damage in the future. 

 

Once your youngsters have witnessed what Buddy has been up to overnight, a quick sweep up or hoover, will alleviate this mess.

 

If you opted for sprinkles for Buddy to wave his arms and legs around in, ensure to be cautious when running the hoover over them, debris can get caught in the wheels resulting in accidental scratches. We’d recommend using added attachments if your hoover has them – because protecting your floor and keeping it in it’s stunning condition is snow laughing matter.

 

Worry Free Elf on the Shelf Flooring Ideas

 

Though some of our favourite flooring ideas need to be executed with a little caution for your charming wood flooring, we’ve also come across some ideas that you can carry out without consideration. 

 

Elf-Isolation

 

Relevant to the times, this idea might give you a little bit of freedom from Buddy’s bad behaviour for a night or two. We call this one ‘elf-isolation’. 

 

 

Since Buddy has travelled from the North Pole, he will need to quarantine upon his arrival for everyone’s elf and safety.

 

Create a segmented area on your floor, this can be made with paper, card, or even a box to sit Buddy in. Create a letter from Buddy explaining why he’s self isolating and save yourself the mess for a night or two. 

 

Snowball Fight

 

Another idea that will have your mind at ease when considering your flooring, but have the rest of the toys in your house provoked, is Buddy’s snowball fight.

 

Don’t worry. This one doesn’t include real snow!

Cotton wool or paper are perfect for rolling into the shape of little snowballs. Create as many snowballs as you like and set them up near Buddy, with a note requesting a snowball fight.

 

If you want to get really creative, now would be a great time to bring in his sidekick, the girl Elf on the Shelf. You can then set up a snowball fight between the two of them. 

Or better yet! Gather some of the other toys in the house and set them a few feet apart from Buddy arming them with snowballs too.

This will set the scene of a good old fashioned snowball fight between your Elf on the Shelf and your child’s good old faithful friends. This should require no protection for your flooring. Though you may want to create a wall to shield the toys, we heard Buddy has a great throw!

 

Treat your’elf

 

 

This final idea is both a trick and a treat! With as many plastic cups as you can find, lay them out upside down with a treat for your children underneath one of them. 

 

Sit Buddy somewhere nearby with a note insisting they find the treat. Then watch as your children race to find their surprise from this naughty elf.

 

You have 25 days to fill with funny Elf on the Shelf ideas so we hope we’ve managed to inspire some naughty antics, and given you a tip or two on protecting your wood flooring in the mix. 

 

If you need any more tips on protecting your wood flooring, get in touch with one of our specialists now. 

 

The post Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas That Incorporate Your Flooring appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Staying in place for most of 2020 has turned many homeowners into DIYers. They’ve watched more home improvement shows, and started more projects than they ever imagined taking on.

Are you one of them? Do you walk throughout your home and see the possibilities?

If you’ve tackled any project these past few months, you probably realize that some projects are easier than others. Even if they look simple – painting, for example – it can turn into a nightmare quickly if you don’t know what you’re doing. To paint a room properly, you need more than a can of paint and a brush. Rollers, dropcloth, masking tape – and it’s not just the resources that are important. If they aren’t high quality, it can be almost as difficult as attempting the project without the tool.

So what about floating tile?

On the one hand, it seems like an easy task. If you’ve always loved the look of tile flooring, but are a little intimidated by gluing them into place as you work, this seems like the perfect solution. This gives you a chance to ensure things are in place before you add the grout.

But is floating tile really that easy to install? Is it something you should consider as you’re upgrading your home in the coming year?

What does the term floating mean?

Before we get into what floating tile really means, let’s start with the concept of what a floating floor is. Floating floors make the installation process easier. A floating floor can be made from any material – wood, laminate, ceramic, porcelain – and instead of being attached to the subfloor, the pieces are interconnected and support themselves.

This doesn’t mean that floating floors are any less stable than other types of flooring. Their support comes from within. They lie in such a way as to use each piece of the flooring, fitted together within the dimensions of the room, to provide a stable base.

While laminate and wood are created with grids to click-and-lock into place, ceramic and porcelain tiles don’t have the same ease of use.

How floating tile works

Tile has been used in homes for thousands of years. If you’ve ever been to a home improvement store, you know there are endless varieties of tile, in all sizes, colors, and patterns. If you can dream it, you can find a way to install it with tile.

But tile itself isn’t a DIY friendly option. A thin layer of mortar has to be laid into place, followed by a concrete backer board, and an additional layer of mortar connecting to the subfloor. This is time-consuming work. And because it dries quickly, which means it isn’t easy to move tile around after its set, it’s an art form that can take years to perfect.

That’s not something easy for a DIYer. Which is why another option was created.

It’s called floating tile because it’s not attached to the subfloor. Floor tiles are connected to a rubber base that interlocks with one another. This simplifies the installation and means there is no need to use a mortar base. It makes it easy to lay the entire floor through click technology, and only then do you come back and create a grout line in between.

Are you intrigued? Let’s weigh the options carefully before you decide to tackle tile installation in your home.

Advantages and disadvantages of using floating tile flooring

Like any potential flooring you choose for your home, tile has distinct advantages and disadvantages to using it. How you install it will also matter in how it wears over time.

Start by carefully considering your room and what you expect for the lifespan of the product. An outside living space has different requirements than a small bathroom in your master suite.

Advantages include:

• One of the most challenging parts of traditional tile is mixing mortar and troweling it onto the subfloor. If this process doesn’t create an even base, your tile won’t be stable when laid on top. Floating tile eliminates this process and makes installation easier.

• No more uneven grout lines. Have you ever walked on a floor where the lines vary greatly? That’s caused by a tile installer with lower skill levels, attempting to avoid cutting tile for perfectly uniform spacing. That’s never a problem with floating tiles.
• Floating tile can easily be installed over another existing flooring already in place. Have a hardwood or linoleum you’re dreading taking out? As long as it’s even, with floating tile, you can simply lay it into place.
• Floating tiles lock at the edges, meaning you’ll always have a smooth surface area. If the subfloor isn’t perfect with traditional tile, it can create catch areas on the edges where a tile may be a fraction higher than the one next to it. Floating tile can ensure your entire surface area is smooth and one level.

Disadvantages include:

• Cracks are more common with floating tile because of how they are installed. They don’t have the support of mortar and a concrete backer, which means more likelihood of air pockets underneath. Without this support, the weight of heavy furniture, or even a heavy person walking over it, may crack the tile.

• Floating tiles offer fewer options. If you truly want unlimited possibilities, and the ability to create and look and design you desire, your best bet is to go with traditional tile.

• Floating tiles cost more than traditional tiles. Because of the ease of use, you won’t be required to buy the same installation materials. But because of the construction of the DIY tile, they will run you more money than a more traditional tile.

• You’ll still need tile-cutting skills to create a uniform layout.

• Floating tiles are not as water-resistant as traditional tile. Grout is porous, and because there isn’t a concrete back holding the tiles in place, it gives more room for water to penetrate the grout and seep into the subfloor.

Is floating tile for you?

It all depends on your project.

Traditional tile is still the best way to gain the full results of a tile flooring. If you want water-resistance and a smooth floor that will last for years, hiring a contractor is still your best option.

But if you have a room where you want the look of tile in a DIY manner, floating tile can be a fun project for you to tackle.

What questions do you have about installing a new floor in your home?

The post Should I Consider Floating Tile as a DIY Project? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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