Caring For Your New Cork Floor

When people visit our showroom for the first time, in many cases, they have a product already in mind. They also have preconceived ideas about certain products, and how they will act once installed.

Let’s talk about cork floors for a minute. The idea of cork is one that many people would consider. Yet it’s also one where there’s a lot of confusion built in. Cork reminds them of the wine bottle stopper or a bulletin board they had in their dorm rooms. And that type of cork was anything but stable. If flaked away, cracked, and broke apart easily. Why would you ever want that in your home?

Yet when we show homeowners today’s cork flooring, they often give it another look.

If you love hardwood, you’ll love cork.

If you want a durable flooring, cork floors might be your answer.

There are so many reasons why new cork floors might be right for your home, it’s worth a second look.

Why install a cork floor?

Remember when carpet was the standard flooring of choice throughout a home? Not anymore.

We love carpet – we sell a lot of it. But here in Colorado, carpet stays popular in the bedrooms, possibly the home office, a family room, or in the basement. The main living space? Not so much.

That’s where we love our hardwood.

And there’s a good reason for that. Hardwood looks great. But hardwood has its own share of problems. And in some cases, cork flooring can be the answer.

Before you decide on your flooring, ask what you want in a floor. For many people, they define their flooring needs like this:

We want a floor that’s durable – especially if you have kids and pets, or entertain on a regular basis, durability might be at the top of your list.

We want a floor that’s pet-proof – if you do have dogs or cats, your floors take extra abuse. They run on it, dig their nails in for traction. They eat off the floor, and have an occasional accident.

We want a floor that looks great – that’s the reason you upgrade and install new flooring in the first place. Why install something if you hate the look?

We want a floor that offers resale value – if you move shortly after you install new flooring, you want to ensure buyers don’t turn around as soon as they enter your home because of ugly flooring. Will it grab attention and hold it? Will it add value to your home?

Is that how you would define your flooring shopping experience? A lot of homeowners do. Yet many remained married to hardwood. Until they dig a little deeper into their needs and desires.

Take a look at your current home environment. If you’ve never had hardwood before, is your home adaptable to installing hardwood? It’s not always as easy as it sounds. If your subfloor isn’t in the right condition, it might be an expensive endeavor to install hardwood.

Which makes some homeowners look for other options. And once again, cork floors can easily come out on top.

What cork flooring is

Cork flooring isn’t hardwood, and yet it is from a tree. Cork is taken from the cork oak tree. It’s sustainably harvested about every ten years, and then grows back again over time. It does not harm the tree, meaning it can produce cork again and again over its lifetime.

You’ll find cork flooring in a variety of choices. Whether you want a DIY project, or want it professionally installed, there’s a cork flooring style you’re going to love.

Floating cork floors are the newest in the marketplace. They simply click together and install easily. If you want something more traditional and more permanent by nature, you can glue the tiles into place. If you glue them down, you will have to ensure a proper subfloor is in place. But this is fairly easy to accomplish.

Cork is an antimicrobial product, meaning it’s a great choice for a healthier home. It’s also a great insulator, it can cut down on the noise that echoes throughout your home. Want a softer surface than hardwood provides? You’ll love your cork floors.

But one of the biggest reasons people love their new cork floors is because of how easy they are to clean.

Cleaning and maintaining your new cork floor

Just like hardwood flooring, with your new cork floors, spills can be your enemy. The faster you wipe it up, the less chance it will create a problem.

Keep dust, dirt, and other debris off your flooring by sweeping regularly. If these particles sit on the surface, you can grind them in, scratching the surface of the cork. Regular cleaning will keep these particles at bay, and be less of a threat to your flooring overall.

While you can use a vacuum, be sure it is set for hardwood floors. Most vacuums have a beater bar, which is perfect for carpet, not so good for wood. If you run a beater bar across your floors, it can scratch and wear through the finish.

At least once per week, run a damp mop over your cork floors to pick up and residue from spills and messes. Repeat based on your family’s needs and lifestyle. Make sure the mop is damp; wring it out, and wring it out again. The surface should never be allowed to sit damp or wet for long periods.

Be careful what cleaners you choose to use on the surface. Most commercial floor cleaners are too harsh for your cork floor surface. They can quickly penetrate through the surface and damage your flooring. Talk with one of our flooring representatives, or look at your manufacturer’s guidance to find a good product.

Vinegar and water isn’t a good daily solution, contrary to what you might find online. While it is a natural cleaner, if you keep the mixture too strong, it can be abrasive to the finish of the floor. Mix the two at a ratio of 10 to 1, if you are going to use it, and rinse several times to ensure there is no residue.

Thinking about installing new cork floors?

Stop by today and see our complete line of cork flooring. We’ll help you find the perfect product for your home.

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

When designing a new space, or renovating an old one, floors are rarely the first thing to come to mind. However, flooring is the one aspect of a space that you interact with on a constant basis every time you walk through the room and genuinely play a larger role than you think.

Deciding on what type of material to use for your flooring is a key aspect of designing a room, but there are a variety of options available. Two of the most popular choices are laminate flooring, a kind of interlocking paneling, and engineered hardwood, which consists primarily of actual wood. Determining which of these options best suits your needs requires some basic understanding of each, so let’s examine them further.

Laminate flooring consists of multiple layers of material that form planks. The bottom layer, also known as a backing layer, protects the subfloor and panel from wear and tear. Sitting atop that, the base layer provides structural support and is the thickest element of the plank. Above that lies the print and wear layers, which provide design appeal and surface protection respectively. These individual planks can be fastened together to create tight well-sealed flooring that rests on top of the underlying floor, creating a “floating floor”‘.

Engineered hardwood flooring is the successor to traditional hardwood, combining a variety of synthetic elements with real natural wood to give the best of both worlds. This flooring element rests atop a layer of solid hardwood, sandwiching plywood planks beneath a top layer of fine hardwood. That top layer is chosen for its beauty and appearance and is sealed with a protective layer of acrylic to keep it looking good for a long time.

To decide which flooring is best for you, its important to determine what your specific needs are beforehand. Laminates and engineered floors can both vary in price from relatively cheap to rather expensive, however, engineered floors tend to have slightly higher prices. Durability between the two types is similar, although hardwood is more susceptible to deep surface scratches.

Water resistance and susceptibility to water damage is a key concern for wooden floor owners. Significant strides have been made in the design of these wooden panels to combat the effects of water damage, but they can still be affected. Laminate floors are more resistant to water than their hardwood counterparts, but only on the surface. If water is able to seep into the sides or underneath, it can cause the tiles to swell and warp. Tiles damaged in this fashion must be replaced entirely, so laminate flooring is best avoided in rooms exposed to regular moist conditions, such as bathrooms. Engineered hardwood is slightly more susceptible to water damage on the surface, but its construction prevents it from warping in humidity and gives it a significant advantage over laminate in high-moisture areas.

No matter which type of flooring you are leaning towards, you can rest assured knowing that both options are at the height of modern technology and are far superior to traditional wooden floors of the past. If you have any questions about flooring options, we invite you to give us a call at 800-689-9006 or email us at [email protected]. We know floor like no one else and we’re happy to lend you a hand!

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

Selling your house can be both exciting and stressful, especially if it’s your first time. Regardless of why you decided to sell your home, there are a number of pitfalls you can easily fall into, making your home selling experience less than ideal. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the most common home selling mistakes people make so you can sell your home knowing you have your bases covered.

Underestimating the cost of selling your house

While you should ultimately profit from the sale of your home, many home sellers forget about the costs associated with selling a house. For starters, you should expect to use five to six percent of the total sale price of your home to cover the commissions of both the seller and buyer agents. For example, if you sell your home for $300,000 you could wind up paying upwards of $18,000 in commission.

Furthermore, this hefty cost doesn’t include possible concessions homebuyers might want you to make during the negotiation phase, such as making repairs suggested by a home inspector.

Not budgeting for your move

When you consider the moving process, you have two options: hiring a moving company or borrow your buddy’s truck and doing it yourself.

By hiring a moving company, rather than doing it yourself, you’re getting someone who will pack, move, and then unpack your belongings. This means that a full-service mover can be well worth the investment when you’re preoccupied with all of the other tasks associated with selling your home. Not to mention, when you hire movers your belongings are insured so you’re covered if anything breaks.

Selling a house you owe more on than what it’s worth

If you still have a remaining balance on your mortgage, you’ll most likely use a portion of the sale proceeds of your home to pay off the existing mortgage. Make sure you don’t owe more on your mortgage than what your house is actually worth or you won’t make enough money on the sale to pay off your mortgage. The best option is almost always to wait on selling your home so that it can build more equity. This way you can sell your home and buy a new one without having two mortgages at the same time.

Pricing your home incorrectly

If you price your home too high, your home may fall into seller’s limbo, sitting on the market for what feels like an eternity. On the other hand, if you price too low then you will likely sell your home quickly but you risk missing out on a significant amount of money.

The first step to understanding how much your home is worth is utilizing an online calculator. Afterward, meet with your real estate agent to discuss a good pricing strategy for your home. They will look at other comparable properties in your neighborhood that sold recently as well as bring keen insights into what the housing market is currently doing. Together, you’ll determine a good starting price as well as a pricing strategy that will incentivize buyers if your house begins to sit on the market for too long.

Skipping a pre-listing home inspection before selling your house

Selling a house is stressful enough, even when everything goes right. But if a homebuyer hires an inspector who catches an issue like mold, pests, or a cracked foundation, then your stress levels will multiply as you risk losing a potential sale entirely.

Given the affordability of home inspections, there’s not much reason to avoid them. Getting a pre-listing home inspection will put your mind at ease as you’ll either know that your home is in sound condition or you’ll be able to tackle problems before homebuyers have the chance to bring them up during the negotiation phase. If an issue does arise, you can either fix it or you can let buyers know and then make a concession during the negotiation phase by reducing the price of your home accordingly.

Not refinishing hardwood floors or cleaning your carpet

If you’re reading this at home, look down. How do your floors look? Even if they don’t look terrible, there’s a pretty good chance they’re starting to show their age. Since potential buyers are going to be inspecting every aspect of your home, you should start thinking of refinishing your hardwood floors and cleaning your carpet.

Whether you’re selling in Atlanta or Portland, the best time to have your carpet cleaned or hardwood floors refinished is right before you stage your home. Since you’ll already be moving most (or all) of your furniture to either a new home or a storage unit, this is a great time to get your floors done (like the floors above) and make them a selling point to potential homebuyers.

Not staging your home for a quick sale

The main point of staging your home is to allow potential homebuyers the chance to picture themselves living in your space. They get to see a home with furniture and art that’s arranged in a way that highlights key features of your home, rather than an empty house that echoes every sound. Staging your home pays off too as 21 percent of agents told the National Association of Realtors that staging a home increased its’ sale price by as much as 10 percent, making it a worthwhile investment.

Forgoing professional real estate photos

With the advent of cameras on smartphones, everyone likes to think of themselves as a photographer these days. Even though that picture you took of your dinner last week looked like it could be featured in advertisements, you’re still probably not ready to take your own real estate photos. A real estate photographer will make sure that your home looks great when you list it because not only do they have the equipment, they understand the angles that best sell a home.

If you have a large home, a stunning view you want to show off, or a large amount of land, you may also want to consider having aerial photos taken of your home. The views that drones are able to capture are impressive and can help show off your home in a way that will make sure it stands out from other houses in your area that are on the market. Even better, drone technology makes this option more affordable than ever before, allowing you to get a lot more bang for your buck.

Trying to sell a poorly lit home

You want to show your home in the best light, so take the time to really gauge the quality of your lighting by closing your curtains/blinds and looking at each room as though you’re a potential homebuyer. Make a note of any rooms that are poorly lit or just seem dark and then call an electrician so that you can have some additional lighting installed.

Even worse than a poorly lit room, however, is when the lights don’t work at all. Sometimes the light bulb is just burnt out, while other times the socket itself is in need of repair. Consider calling an electrician before you begin showing your home to make sure it’s shining its brightest like the one above. Potential buyers (and your bank account) will thank you for the investment.

Not making your home energy efficient

If you’d like to spend less on your utility bills, you aren’t alone. A study by the National Association of Realtors found that 33 percent of homebuyers see high-efficiency HVAC systems as an important factor when looking at a new home. If you have an older home, you should look into either retrofitting or replacing your HVAC unit altogether as your current system might be using a lot more energy than it needs to be. This will ensure that you have a system that is meeting your home’s needs, while also lowering your utility bill.

If you’re committed to energy-efficiency then there are a few extra things you can do. These options include making sure your home is properly insulated, ensuring that you don’t have any leaky air ducts, and buying a smart thermostat. Whichever route you pursue, having an energy-efficient HVAC system will make your house stand out from the competition.

Not cleaning your house before trying to sell it

Most of us would probably be lying if we said our homes weren’t overdue for a good cleaning, so don’t forget to check this box before listing your home for sale. There’s nothing more off-putting during a home tour than realizing the house is dirty, and potential homebuyers may wonder what else you’ve been neglecting. By hiring a professional cleaning company, you’ll guarantee that not only is your home spotless but that you’re going to make a great impression on homebuyers when they tour your house.

Not addressing the exterior of your house

Over the years, your home’s exterior has taken a beating from the elements. With everything mother nature throws at it every year, the paint on your home’s exterior and the stain on your deck have likely lost a bit of their luster. So before listing, be sure to pressure wash your house first. In addition to making sure your house looks its best in the listing photos, you will also enhance the overall curb appeal when buyers eventually show up for a tour.

In addition to pressure washing your house and deck, you can also take the time to pressure wash your garage door, fence, patio, driveway, and any walkways you may have.

You never got around to repainting

One of the first things a potential buyer will notice when they pull up to your home is the paint. If you want to make a good first impression, then you’ll need to ensure that your home is painted an inviting color and that the quality of your paint job is top-notch. While the job of repainting your house might take a few days, the value of painting your house before selling will be well worth the effort.  A recent study found that painting the exterior of your home has a 51 percent return on investment.

Don’t stop with the exterior though! We’ve all seen some pretty questionable color choices on the walls of homes. If you happen to have a lime green or bright purple wall, you’ll want to repaint them to be a more buyer-friendly neutral color. Doing so will make it easier for buyers to be able to picture themselves living in your home as it makes them think of your walls as a blank canvas.

Selling a home with a yard in need of some TLC

The other way to make a great first impression is by wowing potential buyers with your yard. Start by cleaning up anything that may be cluttering your yard, porch, or pathways (things like gardening equipment or a child’s bicycle). Then you can move onto mowing the lawn, weeding your garden, and planting some new flowers. If your yard has a damaged pathway, you may also want to think about fixing or even replacing it as well.

If these touch-ups seem like a lot to tackle while you’re trying to sell your home, don’t be afraid to hire a landscaper as the cost is well worth it. A study by Turf Magazine found that a home’s value tended to increase by as much as 10 to 12 percent after making upgrades to the landscaping.

You have mismatched appliances

Maybe your black stove died a couple of years ago and you replaced it with a brand new stainless steel one. Or maybe you swapped out that white kitchen faucet you always hated with a copper one that caught your eye. Either way, the result is mismatched appliances. While it won’t necessarily impact the overall sale price of your home, many homebuyers are going to find the mismatched color scheme off-putting, so consider making some changes before you sell – the kitchen below is great inspiration.

The best way to proceed is to decide which kitchen appliances are your favorite and base the color scheme off of them. So if that fancy new stove you bought last year is stainless steel, then make sure your other appliances are too. Luckily, many appliance manufacturers offer discounts if you purchase multiple appliances with them at once.

Lingering during a home tour

Nobody likes a lingerer, especially when they also happen to be the owner of the home you’re currently touring. If you don’t leave the home during a showing, then potential buyers feel awkward as they attempt to discuss what they like and dislike about the house. You also prevent your listing agent from being able to do their job to the best of their abilities as you’re naturally going to want to answer any questions the buyers have rather than leaving those questions to your agent. So instead of staying in your home during a showing, try taking the opportunity to go shopping, run errands, or visit some friends instead. Your agent will thank you.

Taking a Lowball Offer Personally

Regardless of your reasons for moving, the fact that you’ve probably lived in your home for years means that you have a lot of strong feelings attached to it. So when you receive a lowball offer, it’s natural to be offended.

Instead of walking away, send them back a counteroffer that you and your real estate agent think is fair. If they really are interested, then you’ll be glad you didn’t let your emotions get the better of you.

This article originally appeared on RedFin.

The post 17 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your House appeared first on A Personal Touch.

Can you get new carpet while pregnant?  Just like every pregnancy is different, every person is different.  When I was pregnant, both times, everyone gave me “advice”.  Some of it was helpful and others…didn’t apply to me. The Carpet Guys want to bring you all the information you need to make a good decision for you and your family.

Flooring and VOC’s

Almost all home products and furnishings have VOC’s
(volatile organic compounds).  VOC’s are
chemicals emitted as a gas into the air we breathe (check out this information from the EPA.gov). That new rocking chair, the new paint in the nursery,
even the pillow you bought to prop up the baby while you feed them contain
chemicals.  Often, even when something is
labeled as a natural fiber, stringent government regulations require most
things to be fire retardant.  This
chemical process, to make your all-cotton curtains safer in a fire, give off
VOC’s.

New flooring, including carpet, have VOC’s.  The majority of flooring’s VOC’s dissipate in the first 48-72 hours.  Some products, like engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl, and laminate, have smaller amounts of VOC’s than roll products like carpet or sheet vinyl.  This is because most of the chemicals have off-gassed during their manufacturing process.  Roll products are manufactured, then immediately shrink-wrapped for shipping, which traps the gases inside.

Carpet manufacturing standards have evolved immensely over
time.  Concerns with health and the
environment at large have forced our government to regulate with tougher
requirements. Reports indicate that carpet
emissions of volatile organic compounds,
are below recommended levels; meaning that carpets are much safer just in the
past decade.

Should I Have Flooring Installed Before or After Birth?

Again, every person’s household and situation are different.  If you just moved into a home where the previous owners had pets, and you can smell it in the flooring, you need new floors!  Did you know that pet excrement is considered a biohazard?!  No one wants their baby crawling on that.  Another reason to have your flooring replaced would be if there has been any water damage.  Mold doesn’t go away like VOC’s do unless it’s physically removed.  Mold spores in your home can cause several health problems.  The Carpet Guys recommend having new floors installed one-month prior to birth.

How to Have Carpet Installed While Pregnant

Keep these in mind when installing carpet during pregnancy:

• Make sure it’s Made-in-America – The United States government has strict EPA standards for chemical off-gassing.  The requirements are tougher on American products than for imported products.
• Ventilation – Open windows and use fans in the home during and after installation.  Create airflow for optimal dissipation.  Maybe sleep in a different room for a couple of days.
• Have a professional installer – A good flooring service with professional installers will understand your concerns and work within your parameters.  Ask if it’s possible to have your flooring cut prior to installation.  This allows the carpet to be removed from the shrink-wrap and aired out before it’s brought into your home.
• Make sure it’s installed weeks before baby arrives – Since most off-gassing takes place in the first 48-72 hours, have your floors installed AT LEAST that long before your baby arrives.
• Wait before returning to those rooms – If possible, stay out of the rooms being installed for about 3 days after installation.  Allowing the room to breathe will ensure yours and your family’s safety.

What is the Best Carpet for Health Concerns?

Here at The Carpet Guys, family is everything. With that in mind, we focus on installing carpeting that is healthy for your family, whether they’ve been born or not.  If you’re still concerned after doing your research, we recommend using Mohawk’s Air-o carpeting. The padding is attached, it’s hypoallergenic and VOC-free.

Not only do we carry the ONLY hypoallergenic soft-flooring in the industry, but we also cut all our roll products before they are delivered and can complete most installations in one day.  This gives them a chance to off-gas in our warehouse instead of in your home and will give you time to do other things before baby arrives.

If you’re interested in having one of our Design Consultants show you all that we have to offer in flooring or VOC-free Air-o carpeting, Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897).  Or you can fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form and one of our friendly representatives will give you a call.

The post Can New Carpet actually Affect my Pregnancy? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

A caramel coloured wooden floor can give a warm and inviting appeal to any room.  It is a timeless and classic choice, therefore, will never go out of fashion.  The welcoming tones of a caramel floor are easily matched to most styles and colours of interior décor, so making it a great choice for any room that needs revamping. Read More

Looking for the perfect flooring for your kitchen or bathroom project? Maybe it’s time to give resilient flooring another look.

Resilient flooring isn’t your mom and dad’s flooring choice. It’s come a long way since the vinyl flooring that stretched across the modern home built in the 1900s, thin, often with asbestos, and not very attractive.

Today’s resilient flooring gives you many different choices, vinyl being just the start. How about selecting natural materials such as linoleum? Maybe you want the good looks of hardwood without the fuss. That’s resilient flooring, and more.

Resilient flooring is available in three basic categories:

• Sheet – this is a great option when covering large spaces, as it provides you with fewer seams
• Tiles – this is easy to install and great for the do-it-yourselfer
• Planks – easy to fit together and provides a high quality flooring option

You’ll also find resilient flooring is available in several different installation processes:

• Glue down – an adhesive is applied to the subfloor before the flooring is laid into place
• Self-stick – tiles come with adhesive already applied to the back, simply put them into place and press down
• Floating – this uses interlocking planks that click together

What types of flooring are considered resilient flooring?

According to the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), only six types of flooring can be considered resilient:

https://rfci.com/

• Vinyl
• Linoleum
• Cork
• Rubber
• Asphalt
• Polymeric poured seamless floor

Polymeric is poured in liquid format, rarely in a residential area.

Asphalt hasn’t been used in residential surroundings for years.

Rubber is often considered a great choice for home gyms or yoga studios, but in general, is left to more commercial surroundings.

That leaves three – vinyl, linoleum, and cork – products used in home environments that meet all the requirements of resilient flooring.

Homeowners migrate to using resilient flooring because of several distinct advantages, including:

• It’s durable – when well cared for, resilient flooring can last for decades
• It’s flexible – it’s the perfect flooring for subfloors that are less-than-perfect
• It’s inexpensive – for budget-minded homeowners, resilient flooring is the ideal choice

Of course, resilient flooring has its own set of disadvantages too.

It’s soft and flexible. And while that can be good in certain situations, small pressure points like chair legs and high heels can indent and damage resilient flooring.

It can detract from the value of your home. Not every homeowner loves the look of resilient flooring. In higher valued homes, it can prevent a potential buyer from placing a bid. It pays to know your neighborhood, and understand the value of what you’re having installed.

Why vinyl may be the perfect resilient flooring choice for your kitchen or bathroom

Vinyl flooring comes in an array of products: sheets, tiles, and planks. They are made up of several layers:

• A top coat that protects the wear layer and adds sheen to the overall look
• A wear layer that safeguards the pattern layer
• The pattern layer that gives the vinyl it’s color, pattern, and looks
• The cushion layer that provides texture and give
• Fiberglass that gives the product its shape keeps it from rolling and curving
• A base layer that provides support to all other layers

Vinyl sheets were invented back in the 1950s and quickly became one of the go-to products to install in a home. Homeowners loved sheets because if its ease. It was easy for an expert to lay a vinyl sheet into place either loosely or glued down for a more permanent performance. It was soft and looked good at the same time.

Over time, vinyl tiles and planks were created for even more options, and quickly became a DIYer’s dream. Tiles and planks are harder and stiffer than sheets, which makes them easier for a DIYer to lay into place. Whether you glue them down or join them and float them over the subfloor, they can be an easy way to change up your floor in no time flat.

No matter which product you select, they can be a great addition to a kitchen or bath. Vinyl doesn’t mind messy spills; they are easy to clean up. If you drop a pot or a pan, vinyl can bounce back and look just as great as before. And because these are rooms where you’ll be cleaning more frequently, vinyl makes the process easy. It’s water resistant, meaning you can wipe up spills and messes without worrying about the condition of the flooring when it’s gone. Keep in mind that vinyl can be slippery when wet, so it’s still a good idea to have bath mats ready when stepping out of the tub or shower.

Why linoleum may be the perfect resilient flooring choice for your kitchen or bathroom

Yes, there is a difference between linoleum and vinyl.

Linoleum was first patented over 150 years ago. It’s a solid but flexible film formed over a layer of linseed oil paint. That makes linoleum a natural and biodegradable material, something some homeowners demand in their flooring choice. In addition to linseed oil, it can also include a host of other natural products, including pine rosin, limestone, cork flour, wood flour, jute, and coloring pigments. Because the coloring will stretch throughout the product, it won’t scratch away as it can with vinyl.

Linoleum isn’t as forgiving as vinyl. Linoleum must be installed over a smooth, level subfloor to ensure its success. If that can’t be assured, installing an underlayment may be needed to ensure its success. Linoleum typically is secured with a flooring adhesive; check manufacturer’s guidelines for specifications.

Linoleum isn’t as flexible as vinyl, and is harder to work with, especially in more challenging areas of your home. There are also fewer choices with patterns and colors, and gives off a yellow hue that will disappear when exposed to light.

But if you’re looking for a green solution to your flooring needs, it’s hard to beat linoleum. And it requires only a basic routine of sweeping and mopping to keep it looking good throughout the day. It also must be treated with a sealer periodically to keep it looking its best.

Why cork may be the perfect resilient flooring choice for your kitchen or bathroom

Cork is growing in popularity because it looks beautiful while providing high end durability. Cork is naturally elastic, making it a great flooring choice to stay soft underfoot and bounce back in certain circumstances. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice, perfect for households that want to go green.

Cork offers a wide variety of color and pattern choices. It is available as both planks and tiles. The texture of cork is dependent on how cork is laid together; small granules give it a more traditional cork look, or use larger granules for a more textured appearance.

You can even choose from different composition types. Want an even more environmentally friendly option? How about constructed from recycled wine corks? Or stick with an engineered cork flooring that can float or click into place.

Which resilient flooring is right for you? 

Are you looking at changing out the flooring of your kitchen or bath? Maybe it’s time to give resilient flooring another look.

It’s the perfect way to add beauty and aesthetics to your overall design, while creating an environment that’s easy to clean and is durable for years to come.

Stop by today and see our complete line of resilient flooring. You’re going to love the look.

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

Flowers, chocolate and cards; these are the common hallmarks of the holiday. So how do you find a gift that will stand out? The Carpet Guys have the answer. Give the gift of new carpet this Valentine’s Day!

Did you know an average of 150 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year? How about the fact that almost 40,000 Americans work for chocolate companies? That’s a lot of cards and chocolate.

Share the Love with The Carpet Guys

If you really want to surprise your special someone this year, get new carpeting installed in their favorite room.

Imagine the look on your partners face when you present them with new carpeting. Flowers and chocolate only last for a short time, but new flooring will give them a warm and fuzzy feeling for years to come.

Carpeting offers a ton of benefits such as:

• Cozy and comfortable (especially when cuddling on the floor)
• Noise reduction
• Protection against slips and falls
• A boost in your homes aesthetics
• Warmth through flooring insulation
• And much more

Stand Out this Valentine’s Day with New Carpet

Over half of the U.S. population celebrates the day of
love by purchasing a card. Rise above the norms and get new carpeting for your
significant other.

Book a free carpet estimate with us to see our amazing selection. We guarantee you’ll find the perfect style.

If carpet isn’t what you had in mind, you can still stand out with hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring. No matter what your flooring interests are, we can hook you up. Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897).

Happy Valentine’s Day! May your day be filled with love, happiness, and beautiful new floors.

The post Valentine’s Day: The Best Hugs come from Carpet appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Rip up and haul away the old flooring

This is Step 7: Rip up and haul away the old flooring, in our blog series of 10 Easy Steps to New Flooring.  We hope this explains the process of having new flooring installed in detail to alleviate any questions or concerns you may have.  The Carpet Guys make every aspect of your installation as easy as possible.  We want you to enjoy getting your new flooring.  If you’re just joining us, make sure to check out these links in the earlier part of the series:

1. The Design Consultant and Free Estimates
2. Measuring Your Space for Free
3. Making Your Appointment for Install
4. The Installation Call
5. The Installer Arrives
6. Moving Your Furniture

Remove the Moldings

The first thing the installer will need to do is remove all
the moldings around the room of your old flooring.  Though they will do it carefully, they cannot
guarantee they can retain all your moldings for reinstallation.  Unfortunately, this has nothing to do with
the installers so much as the age of your home.

If your home is older, the moldings become dry and brittle.  This happens because the molding goes through a heating and aging process, especially in the winter months when there’s added heat in the home.  As they remove them, sometimes solid wood moldings are salvageable.  If you have foam moldings, they may have lost integrity and break into several pieces.  Also, if there is a glued-down, vinyl wall-base there may be damage to the drywall.  The installer will do the best they can to minimize any damage so new moldings will hide it.

Remove Carpet

After all the moldings have been removed, they will start to pull your old carpet from the tack strip.  A tack strip is a four-foot-long, one-inch-wide piece of wood with angled tacks facing upwards.  This tack strip is what they “hook” the backing of the carpet onto to hold it in place.  Since the tack strip is along the perimeter of the room and doesn’t usually see wear-and-tear, it can sometimes be reused for the new carpet installation.  But, if the tacks have been crushed by the feet of a sofa over the past 10 years, they may need to be replaced.

“When I had my flooring replaced, the installers pulled up the old carpet and found hardwood underneath.  The hardwood was not in bad shape, but it was in my family room.  The place where my kids would wrestle on the floor.  Where I would sit and work on projects to spread out.  Where my dog would cozy up next to us watching tv.  I didn’t want hardwood in that room.  So, we still chose to carpet over it.  The installers were wonderful, making sure that I knew my options before they continued with the installation.”

– Current Carpet Guys Customer

There is no way to know what’s underneath old flooring until it’s removed.  First, they will cut the old carpet as they pulled it out into three-foot sections, roll it, and tape it.  Then, they’ll either load it into their truck to haul it away or they can carry it to the curb for trash pick-up.

Remove Glue-Down Floor

It’s not as easy as carpet to remove old, glued-down flooring. It will be very physical with scraping and pulling.  Once the subfloor is exposed they may find it needs work.  Again, they can’t know the condition of the subfloor until this point.  They may find mold if there was any water damage or seepage.  The subfloor may be bowed.  Which can happen from the home settling or moisture coming from the basement or crawl space.  Sometimes the installer can fix the floor. Or, you may need a contractor to do repairs before the flooring can be installed.

Sometimes, depending on what kind of flooring you’re having
installed, the new flooring may be float over the old, glued-down floor.

Remove Floor Tile

In a whole house flooring installation, it could take three men a full day to just rip up and haul away your old flooring.  This is a type of major demolition.  The Carpet Guys installers will impress you!  You won’t have to do anything.  A tough job like this can’t be any easier than just a phone call…855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897). You can also fill out the Free In-Home Estimate form and The Carpet Guys will send a Design Consultant to your home to answer all your questions if these blogs don’t help!

The post Step 7 – What to Expect from The Carpet Guys appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

It’s a tale as old as time. You’ve had hardwood floors since you first purchased your home. You love them. But lately, they’re looking a bit worn.

Like the scratches in the hallway from where the dogs love to play.

And the rough patch in the corner where you didn’t notice the standing water for days. You tried to buff it out, but now it just looks worn. It looks like raw wood, even a little warped.

So now you’ve reached a point when you’re wondering what to do. Should you refinish your old hardwood floors? Or is it time to replace them instead?

Most people buy hardwood with the intent to keep them forever. They say hardwood can last for decades, so you assumed it would be a one time purchase.

However, this might not be the best thing to do in your situation. How do you know?

Start with knowing your floors

Before you determine which way to go, it’s important to get to know your flooring a little better. If you laid your hardwood into place years ago, then you know the type of hardwood you have. But if you’ve recently moved in, or are upgrading a fixer upper, you have to figure it out before you decide what’s next.

The easiest way is to find a floor vent where you can pop it out and take a look at the construction of the floorboard. If it looks layered, it’s engineered. That means there’s only a small surface that can be refinished, and you’ll have to check with professionals to see if it’s possible.

Solid wood is typically ¾ to 1 inch thick. Different types of hardwood hold up better to continual sanding and refinishing. Pulling up a plank will help you get close and personal with the hardwood, separating it from the subfloor beneath. It will also allow you to bring it in so we can help you determine the quality of the wood itself.

Assess the hardwood floor damage

While certain types of damage can easily be removed, others completely ruin your floor. The last thing you want to do is to take the time and expense of refinishing the floor, only to have problems almost immediately after. The things that can ruin your hardwood include:

Rough wear and tear –Kids playing on the floor is normal wear and tear. Kids beating your floor with a toy is not. Spilling food on your floor and wiping it up quickly is normal wear and tear. Leaving red wine sitting for days is not. A lot of damage is simply caused by not using common sense.

Cleaning methods – You can’t use the same products you use to clean your bathtub or kitchen counters on your hardwood floors. Water, chemicals, and hardwood don’t mix. If your hardwood floors are allowed to sit damp for extended periods of time, it will quickly start to decay. At the most, use a very dry damp mop on occasion to pick up messes and spills. Use a swiffer or soft-bristled broom on a regular basis, or choose a vacuum designed for hardwood. If you need further cleaning, ensure you use a cleaner approved for your hardwood – check with manufacturer’s guidelines before using anything, as you could void the warranty.

Pets – Dogs and cats can be hard on hardwood floors. Their nails can create deep gauges that become irreparable over time. If you choose to have hardwood with pets, be sure to install hardwood that ranks high on the Janka scale. Brazilian walnut or maple, for example, are harder than other types of wood, and do a better job at withstanding scrapes and scratches. To reduce impact, be sure to keep nails short and trimmed. Consider laying rugs down where pets spend the most amount of time.

Lifestyle patterns – You should also assess the way your family lives. It’s a good idea to take off shoes as you enter. It can keep your house cleaner, and help you avoid tracking in dirt and debris. Does that leave your mudroom or entryways always taking the brunt of the mess? Then by all means, consider using a different flooring product in these areas that are more prone to messes. If you have a home with smaller kids, you may also have areas that are more likely to sustain messes. Are these areas that can be fixed by installing different types of flooring? Can you lay down rugs? Kids grow. Families change. If you can change your patterns in the short term, knowing you’ll enjoy what’s in place for the long term, sometimes your final decisions make sense.

Is refinishing your hardwood floors the right thing to do? 

A lot of people invest in hardwood flooring for the very reason it will last a lifetime. With refinishing, you can make the old flooring look new, especially when you’re ready for a change.

But ultimately, it comes down to making the right decision. As we’ve already discussed, a variety of things you’ve been living with have impacted your floors to the point where refinishing doesn’t make sense. If furniture or pets nails have dug so deep, you might not be able to sand or buff the damage out.

It also comes down to looks. With all of the new choices on the market today, do you want to stick with the wood planks currently in place? Today’s options include a wider variety of hardwoods, different stain possibilities, and even different plank size. Maybe you’ve wanted to explore exotic hardwood now that the kids have finally moved to college.

Sanding can’t remove water damage, especially if it’s seeped through the cracks and has impacted the subfloor. And if mildew or mold has filtered underneath, it’s time to start over with a clean slate.

You can only sand down wood so far before the structure is compromised. If it’s engineered wood, it’s only the top layer that can be changed. And if your flooring is still under warranty, in most cases, it becomes void as soon as you start the refinishing process.

Is replacing your old hardwood floors the right thing to do? 

Replacement is obviously your best choice is your current floor has been compromised. If there are issues you can’t fix, replacement is the only way to go.

It also makes sense if you are doing extensive remodeling. Are you restructuring the kitchen? Adding on a new room? To keep the flow of your home, replacing is the perfect way to create seamless transitions throughout your living space.

Another benefit is the benefit of having new flooring installed quicker than refinishing. Depending on how extensive the refinishing project is, you might have to move out of your home while sanding, buffing, staining, and adding the topcoat takes place. If you replace your old flooring, it takes far less time, meaning you can return to your lifestyle sooner. This can be especially beneficial if you’re upgrading for an event that will take place in your home.

Conclusion

So what’s the best route for you?

Will you be refinishing the hardwood floors in your home? Or is it time to look at alternative options?

No matter where you are in the decision process, one of the best steps you can take is by stopping by to consider your options carefully. We can make suggestions and show you ways to upgrade your old spaces and create a look you’ve been dreaming of.

How can we help you today?

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

When it comes to caring for solid wood flooring, little maintenance is required. However, to help you get the best performance, we’ve compiled this handy guide to give you some helpful hints and tips.

As a premium quality flooring range, solid wood is manufactured from a single piece of timber such as Oak or Walnut. Offering superior strength and durability, solid wood flooring not only looks amazing but will withstand the test of time too. 

Adding true authenticity and pure elegance to any room setting, solid wood flooring is a popular choice among homeowners. The ability to be sanded and refinished means you can restore or enhance its classic look. Renowned for add value to your home, wood flooring is a wise investment. 

Top 5 Tips to Care for Solid Wood Flooring

1. Check the room suitability before fitting
2. Regular maintenance will protect its longevity
3. Clean up spillages as quickly as possible
4. Avoid excessive sunlight 
5. Prevent scratches with felt pads, trim claws and no high heels!

Room Suitability for Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring is the marine of the flooring industry; manufactured from 100% natural hardwood, it will outperform its rivals on density, strength and longevity.

Coping well under pressure, solid wood is perfect for areas which experience a heavy footfall such as hallways and stairs.

However when it comes to excessive moisture, humidity or temperature fluctuation there are areas of the home to avoid fitting solid wood. We advise taking a quick peek at our room suitability chart before fitting. 

Regular Maintenance Regime for Solid Wood Flooring 

A regular cleaning routine will help keep your solid wood flooring looking perfect. However, it is important to make sure you’re using the right cleaning agent to protect your flooring’s finish.

Oiled flooring ranges must be cleaned with an oil-based cleaner to nourish the wood and preserve the finish. To be safe, we advise using specialist wood floor cleaners where possible.

Some household cleaning agents contain harmful chemicals which can affect the appearance of your flooring. Bleach, in particular, is a very powerful detergent with the ability to permanently deface your flooring, leaving a white film over the surface. If at all unsure, check the labelling or ask a professional before applying.

Our Complete Clean, Care & Revive Kit is made especially for real wood flooring. Watch the video to find out more about how it can help you get the best our of your floor!

Which Cleaning Agent is best for Solid Wood Flooring?

The Impero Universal Floor Cleaner is a great all-round specialist wood flooring cleaner, suitable for all solid wood flooring types. As a highly concentrated, natural detergent, it performs well on lacquered, oiled and unfinished flooring. 

How to Apply Cleaning Agent to Solid Wood Flooring

To achieve a professional finish we recommend using a flat-headed spray mop. 

Quick and easy to use, simply fill the liquid compartment with your Impero floor cleaner and squeeze the trigger to release.

The integrated spray system evenly distributes the cleaner for the perfect coverage, whilst the machine-washable microfiber cleansing pad makes easy work of capturing any stubborn dirt. Eliminating the need to carry additional equipment, the all in one spray mop takes the effort out of cleaning. 

Treating Spillages and Avoiding Excessive Water 

As previously mentioned, solid wood flooring does not deal well with water.

As the biggest threat to solid wood, it can cause the flooring to lift, warp or even crack. We strongly advise against fitting in a bathroom or kitchen due the high risk associated with these areas.

All spillages need to be tended to as quickly as possible. We advise using a dry microfiber mop (spray mop) as opposed to a regular string head. These will not carry excess water or drip across your flooring. 

Protecting Solid Wood Flooring from Excessive Sunlight 

Excessive sunlight can cause fading and discolouration of hardwood floors. Care should be taken to ensure your solid wood is not overexposed.

Blinds are the perfect solution; whilst serving their functional purpose they are also great for shading your flooring too. 

Preventing Scratches in Solid Wood Flooring

All wood flooring ranges are susceptible to scratches. Whilst some people think they add to the character, others will try their utmost to prevent them.

These simple steps will help you keep solid wood flooring scratches under control… 

Take caution

Particularly important when cleaning. Avoid the use of abrasive materials such as steel wool and scouring pads.

Be attentive when using the hoover too as debris can get caught in the wheels causing accidental scratches during use. We advise using a microfiber mop instead (also known as a spray mop) to avoid unnecessary damage. 

Remove the risk 

High heels and pet claws are two of the biggest causes of scratches on solid wood flooring.

Keeping pet’s claws trimmed and asking guests to remove their shoes will keep scratches at the minimum.

Extra protection

Felt pads are a cost-effective way of softening the impact of furniture on your solid wood flooring. The prevent the build-up of friction or accidental damage when moving. Door mats are also great for preventing excess dirt or debris being trodden across your flooring.  

Use a wood flooring wax

An appropriate wood flooring wax reduces the appearance of any scuffs or scratches, as well as give your flooring added protection.

Our Impero Elite Reviving Wax is perfect for use a couple of times a year to get the best out of your wooden floor!

Repairing Solid Wood Flooring

One of the beauties of solid wood is the ability to sand and refinish to remove any surface damage. Although, the number of times depends on the thickness of the solid wood plank. 

For less intense damage, wood flooring repair kits are available. As a more cost-effective solution, these contain hard wax sticks which are great for masking the damage whilst blending to your wood tone. 

 

When it comes to solid wood flooring care, there are many ways to get the best out of your floor. For more advice, call our helpful experts on 03308 088 777.

The post Solid Wood Flooring Care and Maintenance appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.