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When trying to find the best flooring prices in southeast Michigan, The Carpet Guys are your “Guys”!  We have maintained our low prices and we’re here to tell you what you get for that one low price.  Read on to find out more.

Who Are The Carpet Guys?

The Carpet Guys have been in business for over 11 years.  Joe Zago, the owner of the company, started going door-to-door to sell his few carpet choices.  He understands having nothing and built his company into the thriving business it is today.  The Carpet Guy’s team was all willing to sacrifice during the pandemic to get the installation vans rolling right away.  Now, we have hundreds of carpet, sheet vinyl, and hard surface (hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, and luxury vinyl) products stocked in our warehouse.  Joe also established the “Shop in Home” process for buying flooring.  He wanted his customers to see samples in the lighting of their own homes. They could match it to their furniture. This way, they would have perfect flooring and the best flooring prices. It was a huge success!

White Glove Service for the Best Price

Coined as our customer service mantra our “White Glove Service” means that you get everything you could possibly need for one low price.  If you go to other competitors or big-box chains, the hidden fees and upcharges are astronomical. Frequently, the person that comes to measure isn’t knowledgeable on flooring and misses important factors that may cause installation issues like a bowed floor or important transitions. For one low price, The Carpet Guys provide:

• Free In-Home Estimate by a professional Design Consultant
• No upcharge for measurements of the space to be installed
• Free furniture-move
• Rip up of old flooring and we haul it away
• Free lifetime installation warranty

While the world is recovering from the pandemic and companies are struggling to make ends meet, they are raising their prices.  Shipping, construction supplies, and even wages have increased because of Covid.  But at The Carpet Guys, we maintain our all-inclusive pricing and a vast selection of products.  We also have the best installers in the industry.  So if you’re looking for the best flooring prices in southeast Michigan, call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or click HERE for your Free In-Home Estimate.  We can’t wait to share our Carpet Guys family with you.

The post Best Flooring Prices in Southeast Michigan appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Resilient flooring has seen tremendous growth over the past two years for two reasons: the pandemic and the current housing market. As more people stayed at home, they looked around and discovered they needed different space. Whether they chose to move or remodel, one of the first places they started renewing was the flooring, and resilient floors just make sense in many situations. With an increase of more than 21 percent over the past year, that makes resilient flooring the industry leader.

Flooring is a multi-purpose product with many requirements, depending on what room it’s installed in. It should be durable to stand up to anything your family can dish out. It should be long-lasting – who wants flooring that needs replacing soon after it’s installed? It should also be attractive, matching your decor, and giving the room a sense of your personality.

More and more, people are finding that in resilient flooring.

What is resilient flooring?

Resilient flooring is an umbrella term that describes a variety of different flooring products, including rigid core, flexible luxury vinyl, vinyl tile, vinyl sheet, linoleum, rubber, and cork. It gets its name because it’s built to endure daily life, with the ability to spring back into shape under most situations. Depending on the quality, it makes a perfect addition to residential and commercial applications.

The Resilient Flooring Covering Institute (RFCI) originated in 1976 to bring the highest quality manufacturers of resilient flooring together and set standards for the industry. If you select a manufacturer that abides by RFCI guidelines, you can ensure the resilient flooring you choose is good for other reasons too. RFCI:

• Seeks out recycled or upcycled materials – manufacturers look for replenished natural resources, and can repurpose it at end of life too.
• Uses low emissions – they certify that their flooring produces as little off-gassing as possible.
• Prioritizes a low carbon footprint – reducing global impact is everyone’s business.
• Assesses durability – natural resources like wood have a global impact beyond production. RFCI manufacturers look for ways to impact the environment in a good way.

Types of resilient flooring

When many of today’s homeowners think about new flooring, the term “vinyl” might not be the picture of durability. It brings back soft, dated material used on your mom’s or grandmother’s floors. It yellowed, scratched, dented, ripped, and in general, doesn’t bring back fond memories.

But times are changing thanks to the introduction of luxury vinyl flooring. One of the leading resilient flooring options on the market falls into the vinyl category. This includes luxury vinyl tile (LVT), luxury vinyl planks (LVP), solid vinyl tile (SVT), and vinyl composition tile (VCT). You don’t have to go very far to find these products, as they seem to be popping up everywhere.

It’s not your only option. Linoleum has also made a comeback for homeowners looking for a natural product. Linoleum is a natural product created from linseed oil, wood, limestone, cork, and resins. You can find it in large sheets, glue-down tiles, or click-and-lock planks.

Cork is another option for homeowners looking for organic flooring. It’s made from thinly sliced cork from a cork oak tree. It’s considered an eco-friendly product because the cork is sheared from the trunk without killing the tree. The tree reproduces cork over and over again.

For gym, studio, or even garage settings, rubber is often a good option to create a soft, padded surface area. While rubber was once made from rubber trees, it is now mainly constructed from synthetic rubber.

Why homeowners rave about resilient flooring

Homeowners turn to resilient flooring for a variety of reasons. They often come in with specific problems they are trying to overcome:

• Cracked tiles
• Warped wood planks
• Ruined hardwood from flood damage
• Smelly carpet with mold and mildew embedded in the fibers

Resilient flooring offers style and personality combined with features homeowners love.

Durability – resilient flooring can be installed just about anywhere and will stand up to all a homeowner can dish out. It’s created with a combination of wear layers that are designed to minimize scratching, stains, and scuffs, as well as prevent wear and tear.

Maintenance – resilient flooring is easy to maintain. Its protective coating means you can wipe up spills with ease. Daily sweeping with periodic mopping is all you’ll need to maintain its good looks. Plus, its moisture-resistance and waterproof core means it can stand up in places where other flooring materials can’t. If you have moisture issues in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or basement, resilient flooring will be your flooring of choice.

Flexibility – with some flooring choices, paying attention to the subfloor can create headaches. Resilient flooring is capable of being installed over other products, and doesn’t need a perfectly level floor to create lasting beauty. You won’t find this cracking or pulling away with minor imperfections underneath.

Comfortable – while tile may be beautiful, it can be hard and uncomfortable if you’re standing on it all day. Resilient flooring is soft enough to take pressure off and provide comfort if you’re standing on it for longer periods of time.

Cost – you’ll find resilient flooring to be one of the most economical options for your home remodeling needs. If you have a budget in mind, you’ll find options well within your budget.

Looks – all you have to do is stroll down an aisle, and you’ll fall in love with the way resilient flooring looks. If you have a design in mind, you’ll find options with resilient flooring. Manufacturers understand the benefits of this product, so they’ve put more resources into creating options homeowners will love. Whether you have a specific style, look, color, or pattern in mind, you’ll find it with resilient flooring.

Is resilient flooring the right choice for your needs? 

The best place to start is by coming in and seeing your options. Start with a specific product, a color choice, or a design style. We’ll point you in the right direction to help you narrow down your choices. Take a few samples home and see them in your home’s ambiance. When you finalize your choice, you’ll be sure it’s the perfect one for you. 

The post Why Resilient Flooring Is Becoming More Popular first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

As a homeowner, you might spend time dreaming about your perfect kitchen. You see it in vivid color. You have specific details laid out in your mind.

However, once you make plans to remodel and create the kitchen of your dreams, it’s an entirely different story. Where do you begin?

One of the most important features of any kitchen is the flooring. With so many kitchen flooring options, starting at the bottom can help you lay the foundation for what you install in the rest of your space. It might not be as exciting as choosing cabinets or decor, but if you select the wrong floors, you’ll never be completely happy with your space.

The right kitchen floors have a big effect on the appearance. And, of course, how much time you’re going to have to spend in the kitchen cleaning. Kitchens are spaces where people congregate. Whether you’re grabbing a snack for the big game, or whipping up a five-course feast, spills are part of the process. That makes your final choice important for aesthetics, strength, and durability.

Do a search online, and you’ll find every flooring choice has an array of pros and cons. Here’s our list of recommendations on what we see homeowners installing in their own kitchens.

Hardwood

Whether it’s living in the Rocky Mountains, or simply built into Coloradan’s psyche, homeowners all across the Front Range have requested hardwood throughout their living spaces for years.

That’s because hardwood makes a great flooring choice, and has done so for centuries. Hardwood is durable, warm, stylish, and can stand up well to all that goes on in the kitchen. When laying hardwood in the kitchen, be sure to select a flooring product that is sealed and provides ample protection against moisture and spills.

While no hardwood will ever be waterproof, today’s manufacturers have made great strides in creating products that do well in a variety of situations. If your family is tough on floors, you might consider engineered hardwood or laminate.

Because hardwood has been popular for so long, you’ll find many different design options waiting for you. Current trends lean towards lighter finishes. You’ll find hardwood in colors like blonde and honey, as well as whitewash and grays. But if darker wood is still your thing, you’ll never be disappointed with deep walnuts and cherry finishes. They are considered classic and timeless, and stand the test of time.

You can also move into different patterns, or select hardwood that’s reclaimed, recycled, or has sustainability features. It’s driving the industry right now, and you’ll easily be able to create any look you’re going for.

Porcelain tile

If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, or you’re not sold on the features hardwood brings to the table, porcelain tile may be more suitable for your needs. It’s long been a popular choice for kitchen designers because of its resistance to damage and waterproof features.

Unlike ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are better suited for the needs of a kitchen. They’re harder than ceramic tiles, and depending on the sealant, can offer waterproof features to your design.

If you have a color, style, or texture in mind, you’ll find it with porcelain tile. Lay large tiles across your surface for a cohesive look. Or piece together intricate designs that showcase your personality.

The kitchen is often a place where friends and family gather. You can give the space added warmth by installing your porcelain tile over radiant heating. No more worrying about where vents and registers will be installed.

While porcelain tiles offer a lot to kitchen design, keep in mind that it’s one of the hardest surface areas you can choose. If you’re on your feet all day standing at the counter, you may notice it by the end of the day. That hard surface area can also be damaging to your glasses and dishes; they most likely will break if you drop them.

Vinyl

So you love hardwood, but are concerned with its durability. You’re not sure if it’s the right choice because spilling is second nature. You like the idea of porcelain tile, but you had in mind something warmer. Why not give vinyl a second look?

While you can still install sheet vinyl reminiscent of bygone years, today’s vinyl is anything but blase and dull. Often referred to as luxury vinyl tiles or luxury vinyl planks, this product looks so much like the most popular flooring choices on the market, even experts need a second glance. It’s designed to look like hardwood, marble, or stone. But it’s softer, more durable, and more comfortable than other surface areas.

Plus it’s waterproof. Yes, waterproof. Just be sure to mention it to your sales associate that waterproof features are high on your desire list. And if you’re trying to match other design features, you’ll have an easier time with luxury vinyl. The colors, styles, and patterns are almost unlimited.

Just keep in mind that with any luxury vinyl product, there is a shorter lifespan than both hardwood and porcelain tile. Hardwood can be refinished multiple times. And porcelain tile can withstand decades of use. Not so with luxury vinyl. But for the cost and durability, you’ll be impressed with the results for many years to come.

3 great choices … How do you pick which one?

Do you have a kitchen flooring choice in mind? Have you gravitated towards one, convinced it’s the right flooring for you? Then it’s time to shop.

But if you’re still debating between your options, ask yourself what the most important attributes are.

Do you want a long lifespan? Hardwood can be refinished multiple times.

Are you looking for a softer flooring choice? You can’t go wrong with luxury vinyl.

Or maybe warmth is important. Radiant heating under porcelain tile can leave your feet warm even on the coldest days.

How big is your budget? Vinyl is at the lower end, while hardwood costs can escalate.

Whatever flooring you choose, learn about maintaining it, and build a maintenance schedule into your normal routine. It’ll ensure your flooring looks its best from day one throughout its lifespan.

What’s the right kitchen flooring for you?

The post Redoing Your Kitchen? Consider One Of These Flooring Options first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

This is a more complex question than you might think. Choosing dark vs. light hardwood floors can depend on several factors including the size of the room, the availability of natural/artificial light sources, and what would complement your furniture. Discover some of the pros and cons associated with both colors of flooring.

PROS & CONS For Dark Colored Hardwood

The best aspect of dark-colored floors, aside from their sophisticated appearance, is their ability to mask many of the imperfections that build upon the floor. Since it’s already dark it won’t fade and if there are gaps between planks, they tend to be less noticeable on a darker hardwood floor. On the downside, it probably won’t hide the fur from your pets all the time. Neither will it obfuscate footprints or light-colored filmy stains. Dark colors on floors and walls also have the tendency to make rooms feel smaller.

PROS & CONS For Light Colored Hardwood

Lighter-colored woods tend to have a more modern appearance and they don’t shrink the size of the room psychologically. It might not hide imperfections as well, but you’ll be able to see them and clean them easier. The con to light-colored hardwood is that it might make your room too light, which could be great for a kitchen, but not so much for a den or bedroom. There also tend to be more furniture styles that blend in better with darker colored hardwood floors.

At the end, which color or shade you choose will depend on personal preferences and what matches the rest of your home. Eric Hurst and Flooring.org have been helping homeowners install and care for their floors since the late 90s, so you can count on us to guide you in the right direction on hardwood floor options. We have several featured varieties of flooring such as this darker variety, IndusParquet, as well as a lighter kind like this red oak flooring.

Learn more about Flooring.org by calling us at 800-689-9006. Thank you for trusting us with your flooring needs.

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

Smoked or natural Oak is a personal preference. If you are thinking of having a new Oak floor, there are some important decisions that you will want to make. One of the most appealing things about Oak is the way that it looks. With Oak you are getting a distinctive, classic and timeless floor covering that can last a lifetime if cared for properly.  The colour of natural Oak has golden, blonde and light brown tones running throughout.  A great alternative is smoked Oak, which gives a darker, richer brown colour. Read More

In the flooring industry, there are many misunderstood categories that confuse homeowners. They shy away from some flooring products simply because they don’t understand the name.

Engineered flooring falls into that category. Many picture ugly floors with a hollow sound, reminiscent of flooring used in homes long ago. Nothing could be further from the truth. You’ll find today’s engineered flooring mimics solid wood so well, even the experts have to take a second glance. It’s less prone to moisture damage, and is easier to maintain. If you’d rather spend time with your family than fussing over your floors, engineered wood may be the perfect choice to suit your needs.

What is engineered flooring?

Engineered wood flooring isn’t a solid plank, but instead consists of a wear layer and a stability core. It starts with a thin layer of wood on top, also known as wood veneer, and multiple layers of backing, which produces the core.

The thickness of the veneer and core depends on the product and manufacturer you select. Pay attention to the construction, as this will play the biggest role in longevity and how your flooring handles over time. Durable engineered flooring should have an overall thickness of ⅝ inch or greater, 3/16 inch veneer, with a core thickness of 9-ply or above. The core should be thicker than the veneer, giving it strength and durability. It should be constructed from the highest quality woods for the core, with each ply angled, so the grains run at a 90-degree angle to the previous level it is adhered to.

Most engineered flooring is mass-produced, which means it’s worth paying attention to the manufacturer you select to ensure the greatest care is given to the final product produced.

Because the surface of the veneer is applied in the factory, it can be one of the strongest wear layers on the market. They are often produced with five or more coats of tough polyurethane to ensure the veneer is well protected and can withstand anything a homeowner dishes out.

But is engineered wood flooring really better than hardwood?

Still skeptical? We get it. Many homeowners feel the same way when they first enter our store. Hardwood is a beloved flooring product, and the concept of engineered wood flooring has a lot of baggage attached.

Appearance – if you purchase a high quality product from a reputable company, you are very unlikely to be able to see the difference. In fact, few visitors will ever question its authenticity, with most people assuming engineered wood is traditional solid hardwood planks. It’s that good.

Durability – all you have to do is look at the warranty offered by engineered wood flooring products to know just how durable it is. Many of our top brands offer up to thirty years of protection, and stand behind their products in a variety of situations. They wouldn’t do that if they doubted their products.

Maintenance – if you’re already used to caring for traditional hardwood, you’ll love the fact that engineered wood is even easier. With it being less likely to warp and be damaged by moisture and spills, you can feel good about your decision to install it in places you may have been hesitant before. Worried about your hardwood in the kitchen? No more. While engineered wood still isn’t waterproof, the wear layer on most products means it will handle even better under pressure.

How is it different from laminate?

Great question. Engineered wood flooring has a wear layer veneer that sits on top and provides both strength and classic good looks once it’s installed. Laminate is constructed with a thin coating made to resemble hardwood. The rest is a high-density fiberboard that consists of a variety of wood fibers held together by resin. Engineered wood uses a genuine piece of hardwood as its wear layer. Laminate uses an image of hardwood topped off by a series of polyurethane coats.

While the aesthetics may be similar, the overall construction is different. And that results in a much higher quality product.

One of the biggest advantages of engineered wood over laminate is longevity. Engineered flooring can be restored by sanding it down and reapplying finishing coats to seal in the classic good looks. While you won’t be able to refinish the surface as many times as with solid hardwood, it still gives you several options. And with more manufacturers creating products in this industry, you’ll find countless colors, styles, and wood types to suit your needs.

Another reason many people turn to laminate over solid hardwood is the ease of installation. Laminate comes in a variety of installation methods, including click-and-lock technology, which makes it a snap for do-it-yourselfers looking for easy options. Engineered wood leans towards laminate as a do-it-yourselfers possibility. Because the planks are prefinished in production, you can find your product, bring it home, and install it the same day. Of course, if you don’t want to mess with the finishing work, and want to rely on a professional’s experience, we can help you with that as well.

Where can it be installed?

Engineered wood can be installed anywhere you’d lay hardwood into place … and more.

If you want to use radiant heating in your home, engineered flooring is the perfect choice. The thinner boards heat better than a thicker, more solid piece of hardwood. Use a floating floor to hover over the radiant heating tubing, and you won’t risk damaging the system located underneath.

If you’re worried about installing solid hardwood in your basement, consider engineered flooring instead. Because of engineered wood’s production, the boards are less likely to expand and contract as moisture levels change. Be aware that engineered wood is still wood, which means if your basement is prone to moisture and flooding, engineered flooring may not be the optimal choice. Take care of any spills, drips, or other moisture problems that put the boards at risk.

Is engineered flooring the right choice for you?

The best way to see your options is to stop by and take a look for yourself. You’ll find our complete line of engineered wood on display. Find a few samples, and take them home today.

The post Understanding Engineered Flooring and Why It May Be Best For You first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Alzheimer’s awareness is not something often thought about until it affects family or friends.  But The Carpet Guys don’t want to wait until it afflicts our loved ones.  We will participate in the fight to help patients, caregivers and find research to end this horrible disease NOW.  Check out what The Carpet Guys are doing to help with Alzheimer’s awareness.

What is Alzheimer’s?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.”  It can affect not only our older generations but also people under the age of 65. The symptoms are characteristically memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and can even include problems with walking, swallowing, and speaking.  To learn more about this progressive disease, check out the Alzheimer’s Association webpage HERE.

The Carpet Guys Bring Awareness

According to Joe Zago of The Carpet Guys, Alzheimer’s isn’t stopping, and neither are we. By participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s we are raising funds and awareness to advance the fight against this disease — funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research.

Families facing Alzheimer’s and all other types of dementia need us now more than ever — and with your help, we can be there for them.

Event Details

• October 30th, 2021
• Registration: 7:00am
• Opening Ceremony: 8:30am
• Walk: 8:55am
• Location: The Detroit Zoo
  • 8450 West 10 Mile Road
  • Royal Oak, MI 48067

How Can I Help Bring Alzheimer’s Awareness

The Carpet Guys are asking for donations to raise funds for this amazing cause.  Go to our Facebook page to donate by clicking HERE.

Or you can register for the walk and join The Carpet Guys family at the Detroit Zoo by clicking HERE.

You can also go to the Detroit event page HERE, to find out how you can donate your time for this amazing event.

Joe Zago, along with The Carpet Guys family have several causes that fall near and dear to our hearts.  But this is one that we can all agree needs to be addressed.  We look forward to seeing you at The Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

If you came here looking for help with flooring, don’t hesitate to contact us at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or schedule a Free In-Home Estimate HERE.

The post Alzheimer’s Awareness appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

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Looking to update your home this autumn? Before you do, let’s take a look at what is actually trending in the interiors and flooring department this autumn so you can update in style. 

We’ll look at some of this seasons favourites that are here to stay: 

 

• Rich Colours Paired With Dark Woods
• Warm neutrals
• Rusty orange

 

Rich Colours Paired With Dark Woods

 

This first trend is one that will add a luxurious depth to any room in your home. Using a rich colour palette, paired with darker wood floors, furnishings and accessories is the perfect way to create a sumptuous space. 

 

Painting your walls shades that have darker undertones: burgundy, deep greens and blues is the perfect way to provide the foundation of this interior trend. 

 

Now for the dark woods. Incorporating dark woods into your design is the perfect way to offset your interiors. 

 

These can be introduced through furnishing such as coffee tables, sideboards, the legs of your sofas, and your flooring!

 

Dark Wood Flooring 

 

When it comes to dark wood flooring, there is a wide range of options you can choose from to complement your rich coloured walls. 

 

As dark wood is in relation to a colour as opposed to a flooring type you’re not limited to just one type of flooring. Laminate, solid wood, engineered wood, LVT and EvoCore are all great options that will have a wide range of darker shades available to suit your design. 

 

EvoCore Nature Forest Oak	Villa Harbour Oak	Studio Coffee Oak Engineered Wood
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So you’re not limited to styles or flooring types to suit your needs and lifestyle. 

 

Warm Neutrals 

 

You may have been familiar with the grey trend that has entered the homes of millions over the last few years. Well, this neutral trend has evolved even further from your typical grey, to greige. 

 

Greige blends the popular interior colours of grey and beige, creating the perfect balance of cool chic tones, and warm inviting tones. Due to the neutral qualities of this trend, it is easy to introduce brighter colours or metals and woods to accentuate and accessorise with. 

 

This level of versatility is what has seen this trend become widely adopted by homes across the globe.

Flooring To Match This Trend

 

Lighter wood shades perfectly complement these neutral tones creating a beautiful warming space. 

 

EvoCore Design Floor Golden Fudge Oak LVT	Loft Natural Oak Laminate	Carpenters Choice Oak Engineered Wood
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You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding flooring options to match this interior trend.

 

Rusty Orange

 

This final trend is picked straight from the autumnal palette. Rusty orange. 

 

This beautiful colour has become a favourable tone to bring a splash of autumn. The warm orange tone, forces a cosy, warm and welcoming space. 

 

Just picture it. Shades of dark orange, the candles are on, the blankets are out. Simply stunning. 

 

This interior trend is achieved with using rusty orange walls and furnishings, coupled with natural wood accessories and flooring. 

 

Flooring To Match This Trend

 

Loft Golden Oak Laminate	Manor Natural Oak Engineered Wood	Hacienda Herringbone Engineered Wood
Add Samples to Cart	Add Samples to Cart	Add Samples to Cart

 

And there we have a round up of some of our favourite Autumn trends to jump on if you are renovating this year. 

 

If you need any assistance with your flooring, get in touch with one of our experts today. 

The post Autumnal Interior and Flooring Trends 2021 appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

As a homeowner, maintaining your home is part of homeownership. When it comes time to upgrade your floors, you have two choices: natural or synthetic.

Natural flooring choices are created from things occurring in nature. It includes materials like slate, granite, wood, and marble. Synthetic flooring is human-made, created and engineered from products found in a lab. It includes laminate, vinyl, ceramic, quartz, and some fibers.

All you have to do is look at a design magazine to tell what’s trending in current home design. While synthetic materials grew in popularity after WWII, natural flooring has made a comeback in recent years.

A lot of that comes from wanting to increase sustainability. Selecting materials that don’t harm the earth is only part of the equation. We care about our health, and pay attention to indoor air quality. We want flooring materials that will stand the test of time. We want products that are good for our homes, and look great doing so.

That’s why natural stone flooring continues to top design lists.

According to a report “Natural Stone Market by Type (Marble, Granite, Limestone, and Others) and Application (Flooring, Memorial Arts, Wall Cladding, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019–2026,” the global natural stone market is expected to hit $48.06 billion by 2026, an increase of almost 4 percent growth per year.

With more people remodeling, creating space at home where they can work and play, natural stone flooring is being included for a variety of reasons. Natural stone refers to various mined substances pulled from the earth to be used in home decor. Common natural stone flooring products include granite, limestone, marble, sandstone, slate, and travertine. While each of these substances makes for great flooring, they all have slightly different properties that react to daily usage in different ways. Before you make your final decision, it’s important to understand the different properties and select the one that suits your needs best.

As you shop for flooring, it’s easy to focus on what you can see – color, patterns, style. Yet there are other things you should consider before honing in on a particular product, to ensure it works well with your family’s lifestyle.

Water testing

If you’re thinking of installing natural stone, chances are it’s because of its durability. Whether you place it in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, the idea of not having to worry about moisture problems is appealing.

Yet different types of stone have different qualities that make some better where moisture is a concern. An absorption rating is given to natural stone flooring products to let consumers know how porous a material is. It’s a measure that can tell you the susceptibility to damage during freezing conditions, as well as the absorption rate in the case of liquid spills. It’s expressed as a percentage of weight change due to absorbed water. You’ll find natural stone classified as:

• Non-vitreous – this is the highest absorption level. They shouldn’t be used if dampness is an issue.
• Semi-vitreous – while they can handle some moisture, the more they are subjected to, the more maintenance they will need.
• Vitreous – this provides standard absorption and is considered appropriate for installing both indoors and out.
• Impervious – these products are resistant to absorption of liquids and are considered easier to maintain. You’ll find these products in commercial applications because of how well they stand up to wear and tear.

From the materials listed above, you’ll find sandstone is the most porous material, while granite will stand the test of time in high moisture situations.

Grading systems

While natural stone is known for its classic beauty, its long-term durability, and its lasting value, it’s important to select the right type of stone to suit your needs. When you start looking at flooring products, be sure to pay attention to their grading system. Grading systems will help you determine the quality of the product and how well it will stand up over time. Quality is usually referred to as:

• Grade 1 – high quality stone with uniformity throughout the product
• Grade 2 – may have minor defects and slightly irregular surface areas
• Grade 3 – highly irregular surface areas, making them appropriate for smaller applications, such as accent pieces or decorative applications

It’s equally important to pay attention to the indoor/outdoor rating. Some natural stones are better suited for handling outside surface areas than others. This is especially important if you’ll be carrying the look of a kitchen to an outdoor living space, for example. Here in Colorado, the natural stone must be rated to handle extreme temperature changes, as well as handle well in moisture where slipping can be a problem. Non-vitreous materials will absorb rain and snow, crack under pressure, as well as expand and contract from season to season. They aren’t suitable for outdoor use.

Types of natural stone

While you might have a specific stone in mind, it’s wise to learn all you can about the various materials before you make your final selection.

Granite – granite continues to be on top of flooring lists because of its durability. It won’t scratch or scorch, and stains are rarely a problem as long as it’s properly sealed. It’s easy to maintain as it hides dust and grime well. Granite also works well for bringing the indoors outside as you carry your decor from one location to the next. Its wide variety of colors and patterns gives you even more reasons to say yes to this flooring product.

Limestone – while not one of the more popular choices for home use, limestone is known for its durability. Its unique markings can create a beautiful living space. It handles similarly to marble and travertine,

Marble – marble says “luxury” in a way other stones can’t. Its smooth texture, high gloss finish, and dramatic veining can take center stage in any room in your home. You’ll find a variety of colors, although white marble remains one of the most popular. While marble is often chosen in kitchen and bathroom applications, keep in mind that it is a softer calcium-based stone that can dull and scratch from acidic foods and drinks.

Sandstone – sandstone provides a warm, earthy look and feel. If you’re focused on natural decor with a beachy feel, sandstone maybe your flooring choice. It’s sleek and uniform without a lot of variation. It’s relatively porous, so it can scratch and stain easily.

Slate – you’ll recognize slate by its fine grain texture. It comes in a variety of colors, with greens, reds, purples, blacks, and browns running through from tile to tile. Slate can be finicky depending on the product you install. Some can be easy to maintain and highly resistant to damage, while other products can be the opposite. It’s a good idea to test your product before finalizing your decision.

Travertine – travertine is formed by hot spring water moving through limestone and giving it its unique characteristics. It’s an ideal flooring for high moisture areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. While it handles well in wet situations, it’s also softer, much like marble. It can be scratched and etched from harsh cleaners and acids. If you use it in the kitchen, it may take additional maintenance.

What’s the right natural stone flooring for your home? Bring your questions into our showroom, and we’ll help you find your perfect choice. 

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If you want to know how to clean laminate floors, this is the blog for you!  The Carpet Guys can give you all the best tips on daily cleaning and also some deep-cleaning options.  Read on to find out more.

Do NOT Use Water on Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring is a wood by-product.  Water and wood do not mix.  If water is allowed to sit on laminate flooring it may cause damage, swelling, joint separation, and delamination.  Do not use steam mops on any hard surface flooring.  They push heated water into the grooves of the floor and can cause harm to the subfloor. Only use approved cleaning products by the flooring manufacturer so the flooring warranty is not voided. 

To learn more about Mohawk’s approved cleaners and processes, check out this link Mohawk’s RevWood and Wood Cleaning and Maintenance. It is also recommended to invest in a reusable, microfiber dust mop.  The removable, soft pad can be used for regular dusting of the flooring surface and can be used with approved cleaners and then machine washed.  Remember not to use fabric softeners when cleaning your dust mop pads because they will cause a build-up of residue on your floors.

For Daily Cleaning of Laminate Floor

For daily cleaning, use the dust mop mentioned above, a soft-bristled broom, or a vacuum with the hard surface setting (disengage the beater bar).  It’s important to keep the flooring clear of debris to avoid scratching the surface of your laminate.  Make sure to keep pet’s nails short and clean up spills immediately with a clean cloth.  If using a proper laminate floor cleaner, do not spray it on the floor.  Spray the cleaner on your dust mop or a clean rag and then wipe the surface. Do not use abrasive cleaners, oils, soaps, varnish, or other “shine enhancers”.  These could cause damage to the surface of the laminate and void your warranty.

Some other suggestions for the daily protection of your beautiful, clean laminate floors are:

• Install UV protective shades or blinds to the windows
• Use protective pads on feet of furniture
• Don’t drag heavy objects across the flooring
• Use mats at entry ways and rugs in high traffic areas
• Rearrange furniture periodically to allow your flooring to wear evenly

For Problem Areas

If there’s wax or gum, use an ice cube to make it hard and gently scrape it off the surface with a credit card.  Wipe the residue up immediately.  For stains like tar, markers, oil, or paint, use an acetone nail polish remover and a white, clean dry cloth.  Make sure not to allow any product to sit on the surface for long.  Most manufacturers also recommend maintaining proper humidity in the rooms with laminate. 30-50% humidity in the room is ideal.  The heat from the winter and humidity in the summers cause warping of the flooring over time.

If you don’t have laminate floors but are interested in the ease of maintenance they provide, call The Carpet Guys today.  We not only install carpet but also laminate, luxury vinyl, hardwood, and more!  Our experienced Design Consultants will bring samples to your home and let you know if laminate will work for your household needs.  Schedule your Free In-Home Estimate now at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or click HERE to schedule it online.

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