Can New Carpet actually Affect my Pregnancy?

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.

Maintaining your upholstery after it is cleaned is a simple, quick project that keeps your furniture looking great. At A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning, our professional carpet cleaners serving Denver have some thoughts on the best approach.

Pick the Right Fabric

Picking the right fabric for the right piece of furniture makes it easy to maintain your upholstery, and can actually help extend the piece’s lifetime. For example, upholstered furniture that sees heavy usage derives far more benefit from synthetic fibers than, say, vinyl. Also, if you have pets, you’ll want to pick fabrics that don’t have loose weaves or too much texture.

Protect Your Fabric

Before it ships from the manufacturer, upholstery fabric is usually treated with water and soil repellents, and an anti-mildew coating is applied. You can purchase additional fabric protectors from a store, but the best form of fabric protection is in fact prompt attention to spills. Even though the upholstery protectants will delay spills from being absorbed into the fabric right away, an immediate cleaning of the soiled area is essential. Spills should be blotted immediately and gently with a clean folded towel. If the upholstery fabric was pre-treated with a fabric protector blotting might be enough to completely remove the spill.

Before you blot, check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if you need a water-based or solvent-based cleaner. Also, it’s a good idea to test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before you apply it to the upholstery. In most cases, the best choice is to use a mild cleaning product applied with a soft brush. Move the brush in a circular motion to work the solvent into the fibers, and then vacuum the spill area when it’s dry.

If you’re unsure how a certain fabric should be cleaned, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions or contact our local carpet cleaners in Littleton.

Turn the Cushions

Periodically turning over your furniture’s loose cushions is a simple way to extend your upholstered furniture’s life. Akin to a tire rotation for a car, turning the cushions promotes an even distribution of wear and tear, and helps keep your cushions from developing indentations. And while you’re turning the cushions, give them a good fluffing to help maintain their shape.

Also, swap the position of your cushions so the cushion in a popular sitting place doesn’t get overused.

Vacuum

Another easy way to maintain your upholstery is by committing to a weekly vacuuming. This is an effective way to keep your furniture free of dust and pet hair, while also removing surface soil and preventing dirt from embedding in the fibers. Another option is to use a brush to whisk the dirt away. If you go this route, make sure you use a soft bristled brush so you don’t damage the upholstery.

Trust Our Experts

Along with frequent upholstery maintenance, it’s a good idea to contact our nearby carpet repair company for a professional upholstery cleaning every year or two. Don’t wait for your furniture to show visible signs of dirt and wear. The dirtier a sofa or chair gets, the harder it is to clean. Call us today at (720) 344-2870 for your free quote and consultation. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”

The post How To Maintain Your Upholstery After It’s Cleaned appeared first on A Personal Touch.

You can see what happened in your new home before you were there!  You walk in the living room and see where they walked toward the sofa and went around something; a coffee table or an ottoman, perhaps.  They were carrying something, maybe something sharp, and the red stain has already dried into the cream-colored carpet.  The Carpet Guys can fix that!  Read on to learn how to get new home floor ideas.

We all want a piece of the American Dream.  A good job, a dog, maybe a family and our own home.  That home is beautiful because it’s ours.  Maybe it has a big porch, or a finished basement or a large dining room so we can start a tradition of hosting family dinners for the Holidays.

When you buy the house and the old residents have vacated,
that’s when you see it.  The previous
owners’ entire lives in the shapes and stains on the floors and walls.  That red stain in the living room was when
their daughter decided to throw something at her annoying big brother.  Unfortunately, it was a cup full of Kool-Aid.

Walking into what’s supposed to be your bedroom now, you can
see where they had their bed in the outline in the bedroom carpet.  We call that a traffic pattern.  It’s the wear pattern left after thousands of
steps in a certain path. The Carpet Guys can help you make the house YOUR home.

Want some new home floor ideas?

We will bring the showroom to your door.  No need to leave your new house or waste time
trying to figure out which flooring is best. 
Our talented Design Consultants can guide you to the best flooring for
your new space that will best serve your lifestyle.

Most of our in-stock flooring can be installed next-day.  So, if you just moved in, you don’t have to bother emptying the boxes until your flooring is installed.

We also have zero-percent financing available where you don’t have to put any money down!  You CAN afford new floors.

And imagine how nice it will be when you all settle down to
pizza on paper plates, that first week in your new home with your beautiful new
floors!

We recommend that you have your walls painted after you install flooring.  Read our blog Should I Paint Before Installing New Flooring? to find out why.  Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form.

The post What Happened in Your New Home Before You Were There? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

When you decide to upgrade your flooring, there’s a lot to consider. If you already have carpet installed, it’s easy just to replace it with new carpeting. You know how it wears. You’re used to the maintenance. Why change it up?

Yet sometimes you’re ready for a change. Maybe you’ve been living with your current flooring for years, and it’s time for something new.

Do a little research and you’ll find many new products that could make a great addition to your home decor. Why not cork floors?

Why choose cork floors for your home

What do you think of when someone mentions cork? Wine bottles? Bulletin boards? Flimsy panels that chip away easily?

Put all of that aside. Cork flooring is becoming more popular than ever before because they’re durable, beautiful, and eco-friendly.

If you’ve always wanted a wood floor, consider cork instead. Cork technically is a wood flooring product. In order to produce cork flooring, manufacturers harvest cork tree bark. But unlike hardwood that requires the entire tree to be chopped down, cork bark is removed from the tree, with it growing back after several years of time. That means manufacturers can continue using the same trees again and again, for decades at a time. In fact, some cork trees can live as long as 800 years!

For homeowners trying to go green, this is the perfect product to consider for your flooring. It’s eco-friendly and sustainable, making it a great choice for your home.

What are the benefits of using cork for flooring?

In addition to being a sustainable, eco-friendly product, cork flooring has a wide array of benefits that make it an ideal choice for many homeowners.

Durable – people install hardwood because it stands up to the abuse your family dishes out each day. It’s no different with cork flooring. It resists scratches and cracks, and is water-resistant too. Of course, it won’t withstand flooding, or large puddles of water that go unnoticed. But if you care for it and wipe up spills immediately, you’ll love the way it looks.

Comfortable – homeowners love cork because it’s soft underfoot. If you stand for long periods at the kitchen counter, the softness can help alleviate back pain. That’s because cork has a natural cushion when compressed, it bounces back. That also makes it a great choice for aging in place. It looks just as beautiful as hardwood, but if someone falls, it has a bit more give. That cushion also provides a natural acoustic insulator, meaning you won’t have the noise factor associated with some laminates and engineered hardwoods.

Fire-resistance – in Colorado, fire-resistance can be a big deal. Cork only ignites at very high temperatures. And if it burns, it releases fewer toxins into the air than other types of synthetic flooring. Better for the environment; better for your health.

Health – speaking of health, cork is also a natural product, meaning it won’t have the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with other types of flooring. Cork is naturally resistant to mildew and mold, and has an anti-microbial product as well. Because it’s natural, it doesn’t off-gas when installed into your home. Just be conscious about the installation process, avoiding glues and adhesives that may negate the natural qualities.

Aesthetics – if you’re looking for a product that can go with all of your decor, last for years, and look great too, look no further than cork flooring.

Another plus … processing

One of the reasons cork is growing in popularity is because of its sustainability. Because the cork tree can live hundreds of years, it won’t impact the environment like other flooring choices.

But the sustainability of cork flooring stretches beyond growth and harvesting. The manufacturing process for cork also generates very little waste. That’s because the cork used for flooring is actually a byproduct of the cork harvested for wine bottles. The cork left over is ground finely and bound together to create cork flooring panels.

The manufacturing process is where textures, patterns, and colors all come to fruition. If you want the most natural, eco-friendly product available, talk with one of our sales team who can point you in the right direction.

Is cork a good choice for kitchen flooring?

Are you sold on cork? Ready to install it?

Still nervous about installing cork in your kitchen?

Don’t be. We find that cork flooring holds up well in most households. Of course, only you know your lifestyle, and what a typical routine looks like in your home. But we find most novice chefs really aren’t as messy as they imagine.

If you spill, wipe it up. Sweep your floors regularly to keep particles from grinding into the finish. Mop with a damp cloth regularly to avoid stains from penetrating into the flooring. And that’s it.

Just a little common sense goes a long way.

Plus, you’ll get the added bonus of having one of the softest flooring choices you can put into your kitchen decor. If you like to spend the weekends baking away, or love cooking dinner for the family, you’ll notice the difference on how well your body enjoys standing on cork flooring.

What are the disadvantages of cork flooring?

An article on cork flooring wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t tell you about the disadvantages. There are just a few.

Cork is susceptible to damage. Like every flooring, the rougher you are to the surface, the more it will show damage. If you don’t wipe it up, it has the possibility to stain. If you drop something hard, it might dent or knick the surface. If you wear high heels, you might puncture the finish. If you scrape something heavy across the floor, you might damage the surface. In other words, think about your actions before you do it.

Cork is soft, which means it can be dented. If you drop something sharp, you will be able to see it. If you place a piece of furniture on it with pointy legs, it may leave a mark. If you’re worried about indentions, consider placing support underneath the legs first.

Cork may not work with pets. Especially if your dogs love to run around the house playing chase. Every time they dig in for traction, they risk scratching the surface and leaving permanent marks.

Cork isn’t waterproof. While it can withstand the occasional spill providing you wipe it up quickly, it isn’t entirely watertight, especially with standing liquid. Cork can have optional sealants, which will increase water-resistance. But keep in mind that it can warp, curl, and discolor if water is a continuous problem.

Cork can fade. If your floors get consistent sunlight spilling across, discoloration may occur. Consider blocking sunlight with curtains or blinds. And if you have multiple hours of direct sunlight every day, it may be wise to consider a different flooring option.

Is cork flooring the best choice for your home? Only you can decide. But if you’re ready to see the latest options for cork floors, stop by our showroom today.

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