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The Best Place For Carpet Tiles

July 26, 2014 by

The Best Place For Carpet Tiles“The carpet in my main living area is in dire need of replacement. Its dirty, stained, and has worn spots in all the main thoroughfares. I really want to replace it, but now isn’t a good time financially. I don’t have the money available to put in a high quality carpet. I’ve seen carpet tiles, is that something I could consider?”

Carpet tiles do have a lot of pros:

  • They are easy to install
  • If you spill or have wear marks, you can simply replace a tile
  • The cost is low

But they do also have their share of cons:

  • There is a far smaller range of styles, fabrics and colors than wall to wall carpeting
  • Many contain nylon (static build up can be a problem)
  • Color batches can vary – make sure you have extras in the same dye lot to match your carpeting
  • Adheres directly to the floor – not advisable to fit to underlayment

For all of these reasons and more, the most widely used space you’ll find carpet tiles is in commercial locations. They make sense in an office situation where wear is a big concern. They are highly durable, and can be replaced easily when accidents happen.

Keep in mind that because carpet tiles are adhered to the floor – no padding underneath – carpet tiles will make the floor hard and uncomfortable for sitting or lying on. It may also create a colder environment, as it won’t allow the insulation barrier from the padding to come through.

That said, I have had some customers use them in very creative ways, using checkerboard patterns and mosaic designs with the different colors, styles and patterns available.

Ultimately, it comes down to preference and choice. The key is understanding what your final results will be before you take on this type of project. If you are okay with the cons and feel the pros outweigh the negatives, then by all means go for it! A house is as unique as its owners. If you’re happy with it, that’s all that matters.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Aging In Place Bathroom Flooring

July 23, 2014 by

As baby boomers begin to downsize and create the perfect home for their new lifestyles, the concept of aging in place is becoming one of the hottest topics in home improvement.

Aging in place design is the concept of creating a perfect living space for whatever health concerns you may have at the time. It provides a home where you can live as you age, and thrive no matter what health conditions come your way.

To start, at the very minimum a home must have all essential living space on one level, easily accessible by those that may need help in a walker or wheelchair. Kitchen, bathroom, living space and a bedroom must all be on one level and easily to navigate for it to be considered accessible.Aging In Place Bathroom Flooring

There are many features and upgrades you can add along the way to bring in all the comforts of home. Yet one of the most important places to start is at the bottom … with your flooring.

Lets start with the entry to the bathroom. As you age, tripping becomes a greater problem. To avoid tripping situations, its best to keep all flooring equal and with as little transition as possible when moving from one room to the next. Work to ensure thresholds keep the transition as smooth as possible, especially if you change from one flooring type to another.

Once in the bathroom, two things become top priority: falling and slipping. Your final flooring selection should be skid resistant, and be as user-friendly as possible when it comes to potential falls. A slippery surface can be deadly; talk with your flooring consultant about which materials would be best.

Vinyl and linoleum are two great products to consider because of their anti-skid texture, and their relatively soft surface for in case a fall does occur. Unlike tiles, vinyl and linoleum both offer a cushion backing, which can make any falls a little softer.

That said, tile can be a great addition as well. Tile does provide a harder surface area, but its versatility is unmatched. One of the newest features that is making waves in the aging in place request list is curbless showers. The tile is continued from the main bathroom layout into the shower stall, behind plates of glass, making the feature walk in or roll in friendly without the need to step up and around a basin. They can be constructed out of many different tile options, giving your bathroom a modern look for any age.

No matter what flooring you choose, combining functionality with looks and style has never been easier. Stop by today and see what your options are … you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Have Kids? Make Sure You Choose Carpets With These Features

July 19, 2014 by

They say having kids changes everything. And when it comes to your carpets, they aren’t kidding! Kids will cause new messes as fast as you clean up the old ones. They move from room to room faster than you can keep up with. And while hardwoods can quickly show their wear through dirt and scuff marks, carpets are a whole different story. If they create a big stain, you can spend hours trying to return it to its original condition.

Yet just because the thought of combining kids and carpeting can leave you overwhelmed doesn’t mean that there aren’t solutions. There are many ways to combine the warmth and style of carpeting with the active lifestyle kids bring in.Have Kids? Make Sure You Choose Carpets With These Features

When selecting a carpet, go in with an open mind and choose based on your activities for the room, not from a preselect list of things you like. For rooms with lots of traffic and lots of activities, consider the following:

Textured Carpeting

There are many popular styles of carpeting that bring texture into your room. These carpets are cut pile carpet with alternating twists of yarn that create a two tone appearance. By having a textured surface, it will cover footprints, track marks easier, and cover dirt more efficiently.

Frieze Carpets

The frieze style of carpeting is a cut pile with a very high twist level. This means that each strand of yarn is twisted so tightly, it actually curves on the ends. This feature creates a textured and durable surface that will minimize wear.

Berber Carpets

With a Berber carpet, the yarn tips are not cut. This makes it idea for hiding footprints and track marks. The tight weaves are perfect for high traffic areas that get a lot of wear and abuse throughout the day. Keep in mind that because this is a loop carpeting, it will snag easier if you play or work on the carpeting.

Keep in mind that looks should not be your first consideration when selecting high traffic carpeting. Instead, choose based on features, followed by the right look for your décor. In today’s marketplace and with today’s technology, there are many options to fit every lifestyle and every budget. The key is starting with durability first, followed by looks.

Also remember that what adds to the functionality of a carpet is underneath … the cushion. The cushion you choose should be just as durable and help extend the life of your carpeting.

Kids will be kids, which means they will be down on the floor. If you plan what’s best for them at selection time, your overall satisfaction will rise significantly because it will make your home a warm and inviting place.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Does Carpet Cushion Really Matter?

July 15, 2014 by

Does Carpet Cushion Really Matter?When its time to replace the carpets in our homes, we immediately consider a wide variety of things: style, color, pattern, thickness, durability. Yet one thing we don’t consider at all (at least until the flooring consultant asks us about it) is the carpet cushion.

Even though you can’t see the carpet cushion, it is equally as important as the carpeting itself. It’s the carpet cushion, not the carpet itself, that will ultimately determine how the carpet feels beneath your feet, and how well it will wear over the coming years.

Overall, carpet cushion:

  • Absorbs the impact of foot traffic
  • Helps extend the life of your carpeting
  • Helps protect your carpets against wear
  • Preserves the look and feel over time
  • Can improve sound and reduce noise in your room
  • Can make it easier to keep your carpets clean and maintain

Carpet cushion matters; but don’t think that the thickest pad or the most expensive one on the market is the best. There are many things to consider when purchasing carpet cushion.

Look for a cushion that is right for you. There are many levels of cushion – hard to soft – and the ultimate feel should be a personal preference, and a choice made depending on what room it will be placed in. Carpets in bedrooms may be soft and luxurious, versus a family room with high traffic may provide a little more support.

You don’t have to have the same cushion in every room in your home. Every room has its own needs and its own level of usage. Provide the right materials for the location.

When you have a choice, put your money into the carpet cushion instead of the carpet. People tend to stretch to purchase the best carpeting they can, then reduce the cost on the cushion. In reality, the opposite should occur. An upgraded cushion will extend the life of your carpets and make them wear better overall.

When selecting carpet cushion, don’t judge based on tiny squares of material. Place it under the carpet sample and walk on it. Take your shoes off and see how it really feels. You’ll be surprised at the differences, and discover very quickly just how important carpet cushion really is.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Choosing Laminate Floor Underlayment Is As Important As Choosing Your Laminate Floors

July 12, 2014 by

Thinking about installing a new laminate floor throughout your home? Great choice. It’s a beautiful, durable option that will last for years.

Yet making a choice about which laminate flooring to install isn’t your only choice; you’ll also have to consider what laminate floor underlayment is the right choice too.Choosing Laminate Floor Underlayment Is As Important As Choosing Your Laminate Floors

All laminate flooring requires an underlayment. It:

  • Adds to the comfort level
  • Serves as a moisture barrier
  • Helps even out imperfections in the subfloor

There are several different choices when it comes to underlayment, each with their own distinct advantages.

Standard Foam Laminate Floor Underlayment

This is the most commonly used underlayment. It is a thin foam padding available in different sizes. It does not offer a built in moisture barrier, and therefore requires an additional moisture barrier product is you feel your flooring area is at risk.

Combination Laminate Floor Underlayment

A combination laminate floor underlayment combines the thin foam padding of the standard option, with a moisture barrier built in to prevent moisture from seeping into the laminate. It’s a great choice if moisture may be a problem.

Vinyl Laminate Floor Underlayment

This is one of the easiest options for underlayment. It comes in easy to install tile format, and lays flat during installation. It also provides noise reduction features, though you must seal it if you want it as a moisture barrier.

Acoustical Laminate Floor Underlayment

Have an area where sound is a factor? Acoustical underlayment is a great choice. Its made from a variety of materials, including felt and cork, which can greatly reduce noise as its walked on. It can be purchased with or without a moisture barrier.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Is Travertine Tile Right For Me?

July 9, 2014 by

So you’ve decided on installing new tile in your home. Great choice. Tile is one of the most versatile flooring choices around. Yet now that you’ve decided on tile, what material is best for you?

How about travertine tile?

Travertine tile, made from travertine stone, has gained much respect in the decorating world. It is a softer stone, like limestone, yet because it is denser, it is considered to be a type of marble. If you have the desire to stick with a natural product that provides a wide array of earthy, natural tones, and will be durable for as long as you have it in your home, travertine may be the right choice for you.

Before you say “yes” and install travertine, learn a little more about the advantages and disadvantages to see if it’s the right choice for you.

AdvantagesIs Travertine Tile Right For Me?

Increasingly in today’s world, natural or earth-friendly choices give real estate more value. By installing travertine, you are adding value if and when the opportunity arises for you to sell your home. It’s a strong and durable material that often lasts longer than man-made materials, which gives it added benefits.

Travertine is one of the most versatile materials around. It can be used in any room in the house: kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms. It can be used on sink counters, tub areas, showers. It can also continue the flow to the outside, and cover decks, driveways, even pool areas.

Because of its strength and durability, you will even find travertine being used in tabletops and end tables. Its easy to clean, requiring no abrasive or acidic cleaners to keep it looking great all the year through.

Disadvantages

Travertine is a soft material. Which means it can be easily scratched and damaged in certain situations. If you have high traffic areas or areas with constant pet traffic, travertine can quickly begin showing wear and scratches. Travertine also absorbs moisture, which makes it a great selection for a bathroom, but not necessarily a great option when it comes to freezing weather. If you have an area that is constantly wet, followed by freezing cold, travertine can crack as it constantly expands and contracts.

Stay away from abrasive or acidic cleaners, as they can damage your travertine stone. Talk with your installer about the best way to clean travertine.

Travertine can be more expensive than other options. Because it is a natural stone, it comes from stone quarries and isn’t mass produced. You pay for its originality, and also keep in mind that no two stones are the same, which adds to its uniqueness.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Hypoallergenic Flooring

July 5, 2014 by

Do you dread the start of every season, knowing your allergies will kick up at some point? You’re not alone. Allergies are increasingly becoming more frequent throughout the population, and result in everything from mild discomfort to severe reactions.

If you or a family member are prone to allergies, you probably look a little closer at the things you buy or wear. In some cases, the things we have around us on a daily basis can either help or aggravate the situation. And if you haven’t looked down to your flooring as a major contributor, its time you did.Hypoallergenic Flooring

Selecting a hypoallergenic floor can provide you with daily relief. The key is finding the right flooring choice that blends beauty and style with the features to help you reduce your allergy symptoms. Here are the characteristics you should look for and great choices to consider.

Ceramic Tile

At the top of the hypoallergenic flooring list is ceramic tile. It’s the hardest of all flooring choices, which means its surface resists collecting dust, mold and debris that increase levels of allergens. Its easy to maintain and keep looking in top shape on a daily basis.

Cork Flooring

Cork floors are growing in popularity for a variety of reasons. The surface prevents dust absorption, which helps alleviate allergy symptoms. Its an environmentally friendly choice, free of toxic substances, which can help you breathe a little easier if some of your symptoms are caused from chemical reactions. Its also a naturally soft product, which means its comfortable under foot.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring has become one of the most popular choices in Colorado, and with good reason. Not only does it look good, its smooth surface will not harbor dust and allergens. If hardwoods are your choice and one of your motivators is to reduce allergy symptoms, be sure to talk with your flooring consultant when making your final decision. Certain hardwoods offer lower VOCs and are manufactured in a greener, more environmentally safe way.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has a smooth, hard surface that is perfect for reducing dust, allergens and the potential for symptoms. Be sure your laminate has tightly fitting joints so dust can’t accumulate within the cracks.

Linoleum

Linoleum has been a favorite for many years. Its smooth, hard surface resists both allergens and dust. Be sure to use low VOC adhesive at the time fo installation to ensure your floors remain hypoallergenic.

Carpets

When most people suffer from allergies, the first thing they think about replacing is the carpets. After all, its only logical that dust, mold and mites can hide out in the fibers and help trigger your reactions. Yet don’t let that common misconception guide you. There are many hypoallergenic carpet choices available, made with synthetic fibers more resistant to mold growth. If you choose carpet, also talk about installing a hypoallergenic pad at the same time.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Carpets, Tiles, Hardwoods: Making The Choice For A Flooring Expert

July 2, 2014 by

When it comes time to choose a flooring expert to help you install new flooring throughout your home, what should you look for? Should you look for a specific person with expertise in whatever style you choose – carpets, tiles and hardwoods all have distinct qualities, should they be niched in the individual choice? Or should you select someone that is an expert in all, helping you make the right choice for your situation?

While there really is no right choice for every situation, there are a few things to consider if now is the time you will be replacing the flooring in your home.Carpets, Tiles, Hardwoods: Making The Choice For A Flooring Expert

Have you made your final decision?

Some people know instantly the style of flooring they want. They’ve been dreaming about hardwoods, for instance, for many years, and now is the time they will have them installed. For others, the choice isn’t as clear cut. They know they want to replace the flooring, but they are open to ideas and options. They may have a few boxes on their checklist that need to be filled, but for the most part they are willing to look at a variety of things. In either case, a flooring expert well versed in many different types of flooring can offer great advice, and even provide you with things you may not have thought about before.

Do you look for trends or tried-but-true?

Flooring isn’t something you replace every year. Yet some people like changing things up more often, and are more open to looking at what is hot right now in the marketplace. Others prefer to stick with options that will last a lifetime, and look good no matter how often they change their décor. No matter what your tastes and style, a flooring expert can pretty quickly determine what options will meet your needs best. And in some cases, it may not be the flooring choice you had in mind when you entered. With new technology and new options all the time, by choosing a flooring expert that has many options for you to look at could actually give you a reason to love your flooring choice a little more.

Do you know what will fit your needs best?

You may have one type of flooring on your mind, but is that the best choice for you? Rather than going into a flooring store with one thought in mind, find a flooring expert that can help you start at the beginning and find the right choice for you. Flooring experts can ask questions to find out your lifestyle. They have experience in knowing which types of flooring choices work best in different situations. For instance, kids and pets make a big difference in wearability issues. Once they learn more about you, they can steer you towards a number of great choices, and help you make the right choice for you.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Making The Right Choice For Your Basement Flooring

June 28, 2014 by

As more people are deciding to stay in their home for a few more years rather than selling and moving up, the most obvious place to look for expansion is the basement. If your basement has been sitting unfinished, housing boxes and “stuff” for the last few years, why not turn it into usable space?

Finishing a basement can be exciting; it can also be a bit daunting. With so many choices, where do you begin?

Making The Right Choice For Your Basement FlooringOnce the designs are in place, the next most logical place to move is the décor; how will your finished basement look after its completed? Basements can be a wonderful addition in space; yet they can also cause unforeseen headaches if you don’t plan from the start. Basements present unique problems that you simply won’t have in the rest of the home. Between potential moisture problems, chilly air, concrete slabs and the potential for problems, it can be a lot to plan for when you’re making a selection that will look great and weather well in the process.

Basement flooring choices come down to three main areas of consideration: moisture, cold and budget.

The lower your basement is, the more susceptible to moisture it becomes. Here in Colorado, people rarely think of water being an issue. Yet any time your room is underground, you risk moisture coming into play. It can be tapped by hitting underground water sources. Or it can simply be a great place for water from irrigation and storms to accumulate if there are any foundation issues. In either case, if water gets in, the first place it will appear is on your basement floor.

Most basements are build on a concrete slab, which means your basement will receive coldness from two places: being underground and from the concrete up. Concrete is naturally cold, which means if you don’t use flooring materials to warm it up, your basement will be the coldest place in your home all winter long.

Keeping these two items in mind, certain products come to mind that are simply better for basements than other choices.

Laminate flooring is one of your better choices. You can have the look of hardwood flooring without the potential disaster natural hardwoods could be in the basement. Laminate flooring offers a very dense and thin cushion that insulates and quiets down the laminate sound of an engineered product. Make sure you work with a flooring consultant about your specific needs, as laminate flooring comes in many styles, options and with many qualities. Choose the wrong product and you may be facing problems sooner than you think.

Carpet is a good choice over a concrete basement floor because it breathes and will allow moisture emissions to escape. It has an insulating quality that will make your basement naturally warmer. Add a quality pad and you can easily create natural ambiance with the added benefit of warming up your room in the process.

Ultimately, your final selection should also come down to budget. There are many products today that will suit your needs perfectly. Come in today and let us help you find the perfect solution for your basement remodeling project.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Why Should You Choose Brand Name Flooring?

June 24, 2014 by

With some products on the market today, you can trust a generic format will be as good or similar as the product with the brand name. You probably have a variety of generic products in your household right now, and are just as satisfied with it as some of those name brand products you used to buy.

But with some products, its better to stick with the name brand. With flooring, there are certain advantages to going with a brand name rather than trying to save costs to go with something a little more obscure.Why Should You Choose Brand Name Flooring?

Selection

Probably the biggest reason to go with a brand name flooring company is because of selection. The biggest names in the industry will also offer you the biggest selections. Because that’s their business, they focus in on creating different lines of products, different colors, different styles and different weaves. They focus in on providing tried-but-true options that will never go out of style, and will give you the latest trends if you’re looking for something hip and up to date. They are always improving their lines to give you the latest in technology, and will stand behind their products because they have a reputation to live up to.

Innovation

Those tiny companies that sell generic flooring materials often have a variety of products and industries they sell in. In many cases, one industry feeds into another, meaning you may be getting a flooring product based on another product they offer. Their focus is on finding a use for every material they have, rather than creating the best, most innovative product they can. Brand name flooring companies are always looking for ways to improve their primary product – flooring. Which means they spend money on research and development to make their flooring a better product, give you more longevity, and be happier with the wearability factor that goes along with it.

Customer Loyalty

If a company specializes in flooring, they offer a wide variety of options to suit a variety of needs. Companies like Shaw and Mohawk know that if you love their carpeting, you may stick with their company when you choose laminate or vinyl. Or even when you’re ready to upgrade and replace your existing carpets. They work hard to build a product you can trust.

Warranty

If you choose a brand name flooring option, you’ll receive one of the best warranties in the business. They are proven companies that understand customer loyalty and how much their reputation plays into future sales. They honor their warranties to make sure you are happy from beginning to end.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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