Category: Flooring

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Proper Tile Flooring Care

Tile flooring enhances any room in a house. You can choose from many different styles, colors, and materials when you choose tile. However, you need to care for this flooring in the correct manner for it to retain its attractive appearance. Check out the following care instructions.

Know What Type of Care Your Floor Needs

You first must know how to take care of your specific type of tile before you can care for it correctly. Do you have glazed, stone, unglazed, soft clay or glass tiles on your floor? This is important to know, as the same cleaning agents do not work on all of them.

Glazed tiles should be cleaned with an all-purpose commercial or household cleaner that is oil free and approved for cleaning grout.

Stone and unglazed tiles take special preparations made just for this purpose. These cleaners have a neutral pH and remove oils, spills, and grease from these types of tiles without harming them.

Glass tiles call for a non-abrasive cleaning solution approved for use on glass.

Use the above list as your guide to which cleaners you should buy for your flooring. However, remember never to cleaners that contain bleach or acid on any tile flooring. In addition, do not use any oil-based, wax-based cleaners or sealants on the tile. Sealants are only for grout joints.

Cleaning Routine for a Tile Floor

  1. Sweep or vacuum your tile flooring on a routine basis and before mopping to remove all dust, dirt, and debris. Pay close attention to the grout lines to make sure nothing becomes trapped in them.
  2. You should mop once a week with the correct cleaner for your flooring. Refer to the list above to make sure you use the correct cleaner. Do not use scouring pads that contain metal on the tiles.
  3. Rinse the flooring with clear water after mopping it. Allow the floor to dry before walking on it as dirt will stick to a wet floor easily and you will need to mop all over again.

Follow the above care instructions and your tile flooring will stay attractive and in ideal condition. You want this flooring to provide beauty in your home for years to come.

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Luxury Vinyl Tile

Best Carpet Value has all the major brands in carpet, carpet tile, and a wide assortment in Luxury Vinyl Tile. All these fine suppliers trust us to carry their product because they know we have the experience and the expertise to help you make the wisest selection for your flooring needs.

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Proper Care for Wood Floors

wood-flooringWood floors are different from vinyl flooring and most floor cleaners are not safe for wood. Wood floors, if cared for properly, will just need a good dusting or sweeping for daily cleaning. The key is to make sure the floor is properly cleaned and polished. A good wood polish will cause a high shine that will help to repel dirt and dust, making it easy to sweep up and clean.

One word of warning, never use “wood furniture” cleansers and polishes on the wood floor. Most of these cause the surface to be too slick. Furniture polishes and cleansers are not meant for the types of finishes found on hardwood floors. Use only polishes, waxes, and cleaners meant especially for wood floors.

Another thing never to use on wood floors is water. It may seem like a simple quick clean up to dip the mop in water and sweep over the wood, but this will damage the floor. Wood floor cleansers are oil based, which helps to preserve and protect the wood.

Practice care when moving furniture. Wood floors will scratch easily. Always put soft pads under furniture or put a rug down and put the furniture on the rug. Consider the shoes that will walk across the floor and make sure they have proper soles. Shoes with metal or worn out soles should be removed before walking on the wood floor. The same consideration needs to be given to animals with nails. Keep the pets’ nails well trimmed and file off the rough edges.

Sweeping is okay on the wood floor but a vacuum with a hard flooring setting works best. Rather than a broom that moves dust and dirt around, the vacuum will suck it up at the source. Sweeping may cause scratches and dents in the wood if the dirt is too big.

Protect wood floors from sunlight by placing curtains or sheers over windows. Wood, like carpet, can fade with too much sun exposure.

Be sure to take a look at our wood flooring line.

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How to Extend the Life of Your Carpet

Good carpeting is not inexpensive and it is a large investment of both time and money. First there is the time it takes to search through the various choices until you find the carpeting that best suits your needs, budget, and taste. After paying for the carpet and installation, you still have to schedule the day of installation and wait some more. All in all it is not only expensive, but time consuming as well and it is a procedure that no one wants to repeat unless it is strictly necessary. This is one reason that everyone should know how to properly maintain and care for their carpets. Proper maintenance will keep the carpet looking its best for as long as possible, but many people don’t know that caring properly for their carpets will actually extend its life. Just a few relatively simple tips can prevent the need for replacing the carpet in the near future.

The most effective, as well as the easiest, way to ensure that your carpet lasts as long as it should is to keep it as clean as possible. Don’t walk on the carpet with the same shoes that you wear outdoors. Aside from the obvious issue of muddy footprints, whether your shoes look clean or not, there is always dust, sand, or other debris lurking on the soles of your shoes. Wearing house shoes or slippers is the best option when it comes to keeping your carpet clean. Even bare feet can leave behind oil that will get into the carpet and act like a magnet to attract dust and dirt particles.

Vacuuming on a regular basis is another thing that will lengthen the life of carpets. Even if you don’t wear shoes on the carpeting, dust particles float through the air and debris finds its way into the fibers of your carpeting. This is especially true if you have pets. Vacuuming at least every two days will keep the worst of these things from becoming embedded in the carpet. Dirt, dust, and other particles (no matter how small) are abrasive. As they embed themselves into the carpet fiber they damage the integrity and cause the fibers to break, fray, or mat down and walking on the carpet hastens the process. This also involves making sure that your vacuum is in good working order. No matter how often you vacuum, if the machine isn’t functioning properly, it can’t get the carpet clean.

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Choosing Pet-Friendly Flooring

Pets are an irreplaceable part of many homes today, yet those lovable little furballs can wreak havoc on floors, furniture and more. Sharp little toenails will scratch up your hardwood floors, and the occasional “accident” on your carpets will have you running for the steam cleaner. Since none of us are going to give up our pets any time soon, we’ve simply got to find a flooring solution that stands up to the rigors of pet ownership.

You’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of options for pet-friendly flooring. And you don’t even need to give up style for the sake of function! Numerous companies are now producing flooring that is both tough and beautiful, and we couldn’t be happier to hear it. Here are some of our favorite options.

Go Bare

Loads of homeowners are discovering the beauties of stripped down, stained concrete. Concrete staining and stamping is becoming super popular because you can achieve a huge range of looks – from faux hardwood to glistening marble – without any of the upkeep. This is one of the best flooring solutions if you have pets as it’s nearly indestructible but totally gorgeous.

Ceramic Tile

Of course, the next step up is ceramic tile. Tile is super tough, and it can take a beating from the biggest dogs and the longest toenails. It’s easy to clean up, and it’s stain resistant. If you live in a cold area, you’ll want to use plenty of throw rugs, but when the weather warms up, your dogs will love lounging on the cool floors.

Sheet Vinyl

If “vinyl” makes you think of high school hallways, think again. Vinyl flooring is seeing a major comeback as it’s not only super practical, but it has had a total style makeover. You can find vinyl flooring that looks like stone, tile, or even hardwood, so there’s no need to compromise the beauty of your home for the sake of your pet. Vinyl is a great pet-friendly solution because it virtually eliminates the click-clack of pet toenails on the floor. It’s a little softer than the previous solutions, and it’ll be warmer on your feet as well.

Laminate

Laminate has gotten a bad rep in years past. Maybe you’ve heard stories of laminate floors swelling and buckling, but don’t write this option of just yet. We’ve talked to many pet owners who absolutely love their laminate floors. Modern laminate is amazingly well-made, and it stands up to spills, scuffs and stains admirably. You’ll want to clean up any spills or “accidents” fairly quickly, but your floors aren’t going to be ruined just because a puppy decides to piddle.

Know What to Avoid

A few options may seem like good solutions, but be careful. Some natural materials like marble and stone are hard, but they’re porous. Pet urine and vomit can stain these surfaces, ruining your lovely floors – even if they’ve been sealed. If you’re not sure about a specific material, it’s always best to talk to an expert.

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Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring is where elegant meets practical. Innovation in 3D technology has produced a flooring product that is nothing like the dreaded linoleum, which yellowed and curled at the edges. High quality vinyl flooring can transform any room in your home.There are two types of luxury vinyl flooring: tiles that replicate stone and plank that imitates wood. You’ll have a choice of a smooth finish or attain a more authentic look with floor planks that are hand-scraped and ribbed. This will give the appearance of real wood and most people cannot tell the difference.

Affordable

You’ll no longer have to envy designer floors found in glossy magazines. Luxury vinyl is affordable. It is a whole new paradigm in design-ability for a fraction of the cost! You’ll literally find hundreds of styles that will complement your desired décor.

Durable

Luxury vinyl flooring is available that looks like ceramic tile, marble, bamboo and more. Behind the scenes, the manufacturer pre-treats the vinyl with anti-microbial and germ killing properties to make your home safer. You’ll have no more worries about pet accidents or spills as luxury vinyl is not damaged by moisture. Since it is totally waterproof you can install in your kitchen and bathrooms, confident your luxury vinyl flooring will last 20 plus years.

Sunlight won’t fade the coloring or make the surface weaker. It also resists burning or freezing. The secret of its resilience is found in the product’s layers that are fused together: Base layer is crafted from eco-friendly materials, making your luxury vinyl flooring impervious to moisture and dents. Top layer protects against mildew and mold and withstands stains and abrasions. Wear layer contains modern printing images that model genuine stone or hardwoods. It is made from urethane to heighten the durability of luxury vinyl.

Easy-Breezy Care

Maintenance couldn’t get easier! Just sweep, mop and you’re done.

Your resilient flooring is characteristic for “giving” when you walk on it, which presents a cushioning sensation that is not available with other types of flooring. It is also softer than hardwoods.

Installation

If you’re a DIY person, luxury vinyl is not difficult to install. Otherwise, you should probably engage a professional. Detailed instructions will be included with your purchase, but the process is pretty straightforward.

Be mindful that luxury vinyl is a thinner product than wood or ceramic tile. Alternatively, it’s thicker than regular sheet vinyl.

Remove old tile and sand down any bumps or humps in the subfloor since it should be installed on a clean and smooth floor. Don’t worry about leveling the floor; it simply needs to be smooth, not necessarily level.

Before you stick the vinyl planks down, lay them out on the floor to see if you’re happy with the appearance. Note: the backs of the planks are sticky. Try peeling the paper halfway back and hold the papered part as you match the plank edges. Press on the paperless part of the plank until it sticks to the floor. Then, peel the remaining paper to secure the rest of the plank to the floor.

Ensure you get the planks as close together as possible to keep water from seeping through any cracks. Then seal and caulk. You can buy caulk that matches your luxury vinyl flooring.

Now, stand back and admire your luxury vinyl flooring!

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Flooring Ideas to Make a Room Look Bigger

When you’re house shopping, a small room might seem cozy, cute and charming. Once you actually live in the home, don’t be surprised if that charming little room changes to claustrophobic. Interior Designers offer all sorts of options like brighter lights and a minimalist look to make a tiny room seem larger.However, it is the rare professional who suggests changing the flooring to make a room look bigger. Let’s us help you with that.

Bamboo Floors

Bamboo is trending due its sustainability and durability. Your bamboo floor will have a beautiful patina and add a touch of elegance to every room in your home. The natural color of bamboo is buttery, making small rooms appear larger. Another auspicious feature is that bamboo flooring does not require a lot of chemicals for proper maintenance.

All-in-all bamboo wood flooring is perfect for environmentally-conscious homeowners.

Parquet Floors?

Bamboo is in; parquet hardwood is out. Due to the small squares in parquet floors your small room will seem to shrink. You’ll immediately see the difference by changing outdated parquet flooring to wider planks of light oak.

Tiny Bathrooms

To make a little bitty bathroom appear bigger, choose large floor tiles. With fewer grout lines and grids, you’ll be surprised at how much the room opens up. Flooring experts suggest 12″x12″ or larger tiles. You can clean large tiles easier and the floor assumes a less messy look.

Go with white or pastel colored tiles to influence a more spacious look in a small bathroom.

Wide Plank Hardwoods

Wide plank hardwood is classic and classy. Sleek, shiny finishes are out of fashion. To achieve that desirable rustic chic appearance, have your installer lay the boards on the diagonal. This also creates an optical illusion that the room is larger.

The diagonal pattern is particularly effective in making space look wider in the older galley type kitchen. Don’t lay the planks lengthwise, it will make the constricted galley feel even narrower. Laying the planks widthwise adds depth to small rooms.

Is Dark Wood an Absolute No-No?

No! For instance, a roasted espresso colored hardwood floor can make a rich statement. You’ll just have to take extra care about walls, furnishings and accessories. By painting walls a pale color, more light will be reflected into the small room, giving the illusion of more space. Also, consider painting bookshelves, dressers, etc. the same color. This will make them appear as if they are blending into the walls and open-up littler rooms.

Floor Tile

If you’re into ease of maintenance, consider floor tiles. Cut stone or ceramic tiles add panache to small rooms. Have your professional installer mix rectangular and square tiles to make a profound visual statement of expanded space.

Select larger tiles as the smaller kind call for more grout lines and make your floor look too busy. A decorator’s trick is using grout the same color as the tile to provide an illusion of enhanced space.

To Carpet or Not to Carpet

Carpet is not prudent for small rooms. It closes in the space, making a small room even more claustrophobic. Wood flooring adds horizontal lines to the floor that appear to widen the small area. You can always accessorize with a colorful area rug.

Are you excited to try out our flooring ideas to make a room look bigger?

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Home Gym Flooring Buying Guide

Creating a gym within the home is an exciting undertaking; however, in order to create a suitable exercise area, it takes more than simply purchasing exercise equipment that is designed to facilitate the fitness requirements and goals that you have. You must also know what to look for when it comes to the flooring that will be used in your home gym. Essentially, the purpose of the flooring in the gym that you create in your home is to protect the main flooring from damage that may be incurred as a result of utilizing certain types of exercise equipment and to protect yourself while working out in the home gym. Home gym flooring assists in protecting you, and the overall integrity associated with your home. In this consumer buying guide, you will learn a few simple considerations that should be made in order to find the most suitable flooring for your needs.

Why Choose Special Flooring?

Before purchasing your home gym flooring, it is imperative to understand why you must choose special types of flooring for this type of endeavor. Below, you will find the top advantages to integrating a special form of flooring in your exercise room:

  • Most homes have carpet, wood, vinyl, or tile on the floors. When using exercise equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes, universal home gym units, and weights, the flooring in the home may become scratched, dented, splintered, and experience other forms of damage; however, by placing special flooring such as specially constructed hardwood flooring, laminate flooring and carpet tiles, you will be taking a step in protecting the home’s original flooring.
  • When exercising and working out the body, you may perform many movements that could result in loss of footing, slippage, and falls on traditional types of flooring. Special flooring on the home gym has the ability to reduce the opportunity for these complications to occur.
  • When working out in a home gym, it is imperative that you work to protect the bones, the muscles, and your joints. Traditional home flooring offers very little in the way of protecting these components of the body; however, home gym flooring often provides the cushioning that is necessary to offer this form of protection.

Firmness

The first consideration that should be made when purchasing home gym flooring is the firmness requirements that you have. While soft flooring is ideal for certain types of workouts, firmer floors are important for other types of workouts. For example, if you plan to utilizing weights and engage in stability exercises, you will not want to purchase soft flooring as it could place an exceptionally high level of stress on your body, which could enhance the opportunity for injuries to occur. If you plan to do dance workouts, cardio workouts, or exercises such as Pilates and even yoga, then, it will be best to opt for a softer floor. Before purchasing the flooring for your home gym, consider the types of exercises and workouts that will be performed in the room so that you may determine the firmness required in your flooring.

Traction Needs

The next consideration that should be made before purchasing the flooring for your gym is your traction needs while working out. Floor surfaces that are considered to be slippery may prove to be exceptionally dangerous when performing certain types of workouts, such as strength training. However, if you plan to do dance or aerobics, you may benefit from a floor that is a bit slick in nature, such as those composed of hardwood or laminate. If you plan to optimize your strength, rubber flooring and flooring such as carpet tiles may be your best option.

Price and Maintenance

The next, and final, considerations that need to be made when choosing flooring for your gym is the price of the flooring and the maintenance that is involved in caring for the floor. As with any type of flooring, you will be required to clean the flooring on a regular basis, replace components of the floor as time progresses, and engage in other activities that will help keep the floor in top shape. You will need to not only make sure you can afford to purchase the flooring, but that you are able to keep up on the needs of the flooring. The least expensive types of flooring that are the easiest to maintain are hardwood options, carpet tile flooring, and even specially-designed laminate flooring.

Conclusion

Selecting flooring for your home gym may prove to be a challenging endeavor; however, by focusing on the purpose of the flooring, the firmness of the flooring, the traction of the flooring, and the price and maintenance, you are sure to discover many options. There are many flooring types available on the market today that will protect your home, your body, and the equipment that you choose to place in your gym. Flooring choice is a highly personalized purchase as you will need to make your selection based on your needs, your home’s protection, and your protection.

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