Category: Flooring

How often should you get your carpet dry cleaned?

When was the last time you dry cleaned your carpet? Remember, the weekly or biweekly vacuuming doesn’t count. While it is a necessary practice, vacuuming only eliminates surface dirt and particles. It does not remove stains, tacky dirt and mud, and abrasive particles that ruin your carpet over time.

Unlike steam cleaning, dry cleaning does not introduce excessive moisture into your carpet. Moisture can encourage mould growth, especially if you don’t dry the fibres properly. Instead, the dry cleaning method removes dirt and stains and refreshes your carpet without exposure to unnecessary moisture. But how often should you get your carpets professionally cleaned? Here are a few pointers to help you decide:

Consider the number of people in your household.

The more people who use your home, the higher the chances of your carpet getting soiled often. A household with two occupants may not have the same carpet cleaning needs as one with five.

Thus, if your home has more than two or three people, dry clean your carpet at least once or twice every twelve months. Doing so will improve air quality and boost the overall appearance of the carpets and floor rugs in your home.

If you have children …

If you are a parent, you likely have seen your child spill a drink on the carpet or track dirt into the house from playing outside.

To keep the carpet clean and fresh, parents should clean high-traffic carpet areas every six to 12 months and professionally clean the entire carpet once annually.

If you have pets …

Pet owners typically require carpet cleaning more often, due to dogs tracking in dirt and grass, pets shedding, and any urine or accidents your pet may have on the carpet.

In addition to vacuuming at least twice a week, pet owners should clean high-traffic areas every three to six months and professionally clean the entire carpet twice per year.

5 answers to whether you should deep clean carpets

Why Deep Clean?

Vacuum cleaning is a great way to keep surface dirt off your carpets and floors. However, deep cleaning takes the process a step further and actually washes the carpet fibres and removes dirt that is hidden deep down inside the carpet.

How Much Effort is Required?

We have made it our duty to provide great deep cleaning products without having to double up the work. The effort needed to deep clean your carpets when using a BISSELL machine is as easy as vacuuming, and just as cost effective. Carpets can hold 450 grams of dirt per square foot. Deep cleaning your carpets and rugs will preserve their condition by removing fine debris and larger dirt particles from the very bottom, keeping them looking like new and smelling fresh.

How Often Should I Deep Clean?

Deep cleaning all depends on the amount of traffic in your home. We recommend deep cleaning your carpets and rugs at least twice a year, however, if you have pets, kids or a smoking habit, we recommend deep cleaning every quarter. This will keep your carpets grime free and in the best shape possible.

How Hard Is It To Empty the Tank?

As soon as your dirt reaches the ‘full’ line, it’s time to empty the tank. Simply remove the tank from the machine and empty the dirty water into the sink. Refill the tank with clean water and solution, pop it back in to the machine and you’re ready to go again!

Is Deep Cleaning the Same as Steam Cleaning?

No, steam cleaners such as the BISSELL Vac&Steam are used on sealed hard surfaces and create actual steam which is used to clean the surface. A deep cleaning machine such as the PowerWash™ Deluxe carpet cleaner is designed to get to the bottom of the dirt and remove it from carpets, rugs, stairs and upholstery with its 6 rows of DirtLifter™ PowerBrushes and removable water tank.

Deep cleaning is a great way to preserve your carpets for a long time, to prevent them from having to be replaced so soon. Carpet cleaning machines can cost the same as hiring in a professional but allow mums and dads to keep their carpets in tip top shape as often as they feel the need. Don’t call in the experts, be an expert yourself with your own deep cleaning machine.

Signs Your Carpets Need To Be Professionally Cleaned

The exact frequency your carpet needs to be cleaned varies based upon the type of carpeting, the amount of traffic it gets, and how soiled it becomes over time. Some signs that indicate the need for steam cleaning including:

#1. One Stain Keeps Reappearing

You noticed a nasty stain on your carpet, so you went to work cleaning it and as you scrubbed you watched with satisfaction as it disappeared. The next day you noticed the stain was back again, so you went to work cleaning it up… and then, the very next day, there it is again, just staring at you, taunting. Now what? Reappearing stains require professional carpet cleaning services.

#2. Your Carpet Has Lost Its Fluffy Look

Regular traffic smashes carpeting down and the dirt trapped within fibers keeps them held down. Eventually, carpeting starts to resemble a flattened cardboard box as opposed to a plush surface you want in your home. This flattened and un-fluffy appearance is a sign that carpets need to be deep cleaned. After cleaning carpet fibers, they should fluff back up.

But, at a certain point, the carpet is no longer salvageable. We are happy to asses your carpeting and let you know if steam cleaning will help, or if carpeting needs to be replaced. Regular cleaning helps prevent carpet from becoming so flattened down that it needs to be prematurely replaced.

#3. There’s Dust Trapped Inside

If a lot of dust enters your home through open doors and windows it is possible for your carpets to host pounds, literally pounds, of dust and dirt. If you notice big puffs of dust coming up out of your carpeting when you vacuum, or when you hit it with the flat palm of your hand, it’s time to have your carpets professionally cleaned.

#4. Your Carpet Has A Funky Odor

If your carpet smells stale or musty it needs to be professionally cleaned. Odors signify a buildup of impurities and possibly even mold spores, which can make you sick.

#5. Your Carpets Are Not Looking So Good

If your carpets have lost their original color or texture, or simply appear dirty right after you vacuum, it’s time to deep clean surfaces.

Some forms of nasty bacteria commonly found in household carpets include:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): This penicillin-resistant bacteria is especially common in households with athletes or occupants that regularly go to the gym. The nasty bug is commonly found in gyms and commonly gets brought home on clothing, shoes, and gym bags.

• MRSA loves cuts and can jump right in. A healthy person can carry MRSA for years and not even know it. It leads to red bumps that are painful and get worse with time, leading to fever and rashes. Certain cases of MRSA remain untreatable and can even lead to death.

• Campylobacter: Most common in the winter, this type of bacteria can lead to bloody diarrhea, stomach pains, and fever in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

• Fungi and mold: A few different types of fungi and molds live in carpeting, some of which cause allergies and can even be life threatening in the most serious cases.

• Norovirus: These bacteria cause nasty stomach flus, and can survive on your carpets for as long as 4-6 weeks just waiting to infect you.

• Micrococcus: This type of bacteria is known to cause skin infections, septic shock, meningitis, and even death.

How to Measure for Carpet

You will need to know how to measure a room for carpet in order to get a realistic idea of how much is required. It is one of the first steps before shopping for carpet to install yourself or providing installers with the needed dimensions. Making measurements most often applies to broadloom wall-to-wall carpet. Measuring a basic square or oblong area is easy, so long as you make allowances for doorways and entry stairs.

Tools and Supplies You Will Need

• Measuring tape or a laser distance measurer
• Calculator or calculator app
• Paper and writing instrument, or note-taking app
• Graph paper and a pencil, if you choose to draw your layout

Instructions

Most measuring tasks are easier done with two people if you are using a measuring tape. You can do it solo if you are using a laser distance measurer.

Measure Room Width and Length

• Lay your tape measure against the wall at one end of your room, and then extend it to the opposite wall. Or, use a laser distance measurer to find the measurement between the two walls. Note this number as the length.
• Do the same for the other two walls in the opposite direction. Note this number as the width.
•  

If your room is L-shaped, measure it as two separate rooms. Measure the long portion of the L as one room and the short portion of the L as another room.

Closets should be measured as their own separate rooms.

Measure Carpet for Stairs

When measuring an area that leads to stairs going down (such as a hallway or landing), be sure to measure around the nosing (the ledge at the top of the stairs). Hold your tape measure against the opposite wall (or halfway into a doorway), and wrap it all the way around the nosing until it touches the back (riser) of the stair below. Your carpet will need to be this measurement in order to wrap around the nosing.

Measuring for the stairs themselves involves special considerations such as the shape, size, and configuration of the stairs, as well as the direction of the pile and pattern motifs (if applicable).

Calculating Square Footage

You now have the measurements needed, with allowances for doorways and appropriate measurements for stairs included, to calculate the square footage of the room. Multiply the width of the room by the length of the room. Note this total.

Add a Little Extra

Once you have taken your measurements, you should always add a little extra to your requirements. This allows for walls that are not perfectly straight and gives you a bit of a safety net. When measuring, add about 3 inches to each piece of carpet you will need.

Find the Ideal Carpet for Your Home

Installing new carpet and not sure how much you need? Our Carpet Calculator will help you estimate the material and man-hours necessary to get the job done. Carpet replacement is a big job. With so many options to choose from, the process can be overwhelming. Below, we’ll break down some top considerations for choosing the best carpet for your home and lifestyle.

Carpet by Construction

Berber/loop carpet features large, uncut loops of fiber typically made from wool, nylon or olefin. Dense and highly stain resistant, this type is not recommended for homes with pets as their claws can snag fibers.

Shag/frieze is a durable, twisted, short-pile construction ideal for high-traffic areas. This is a popular commercial carpet option as its fibers curl in different directions and hide footprints.

Pattern carpet offers a combination of cut and loop pile, allowing for more texture and pattern options. The pattern looks as if it’s been cut into the carpet and usually features several tones from the same color family.

Plush carpet has a closely packed yarn construction that offers a soft, smooth surface that’s ideal for formal settings. Drawbacks include visible footprints and other markings.

Textured carpet offers a soft feel with a tight construction that helps resist soiling. Textured is the most popular living room carpet as it holds up to wear and tear.

Carpet tile, available in glue-down or peel-and-stick options, is made with an adhesive backing that allows for easy do-it-yourself installation.

How to fit your carpet

1. Clear the room: make sure all furniture has been removed and any ornaments on mounted shelves etc. are also removed. The clearer the room, the quicker the fitting.
2. Arrange the fitting: Choose a convenient time of the day for you. Try to be there, if you can. Otherwise try to have someone you trust, just to oversee the job.
3. Check whether the fitter will take up your old carpet and underlay. This may be a chargeable service.
4. Remove the old carpet if necessary

• Vacuum the old carpet to cut down on dust
• Use a pair of pliers to pull up the edge of the carpet, near any wall.
• Use a utility knife to slice the carpet into manageable strips
• Pull up the underlay with the carpet if you can. It may be stapled, but can be easily removed.
• Roll the carpet as you go along
• Place the rolled carpet out of the room
• Clean the floor with a vacuum or brush in order to remove any leftover debris

Carpet Flooring Prices:  Costs You Should Consider

Getting Started

Before shopping for carpet, it is important to set a budget and consider all costs involved. Walking into a couple stores and comparing cost per square foot will not provide the full picture. For accurate comparison shopping, it is important to know the estimated square footage of the room(s) to be carpeted, the cost of padding and installation, as well as any additional fees the retailers charge.

Measure The Space

The basic formula for Area is Length x Width. Turn odd areas into rectangles by multiplying the largest dimensions in both directions.

Rolls come in 12’ widths, so rooms with one dimension smaller than 12’ are easy to estimate. For example, in an 15’ x 11’ room, you will need 15 linear feet from a 12’ roll. Although you will only use 165 square feet (15×11) you will have to purchase 180 square feet (15 x 12).

For rooms where both dimensions are more than 12’, estimating becomes more complicated. If your room is 18’ x 22’, 22 linear feet of a 12’ roll will leave a 6’ strip uncovered. Although you could easily figure cut pieces to fill in the strip, the result may be less than attractive. The goal in installing carpet is to end up with as few seams as possible. Also, if you have a textured or patterned carpet, matching the pattern at the seams is vital for a polished look and may result in additional waste.

Leave the layout to the professionals. For the purpose of setting a budget and keeping salespeople honest, the rule of thumb is to figure the square footage of the room(s) and add 10% (multiply by 1.10). While the actual figure may be closer to the actual measurements or as much as 20% more, 10% arms you with a good estimate.

Don’t forget to include closets when you measure. And also, keep in mind that some carpet is still priced and sold by the yard. One square yard equals nine square feet. (3’x3’). To figure the amount of square yardage you need, divide the square footage by nine. And to convert a per-square-yard price to square feet, divide by nine.

Padding & Installation Expenses

Padding and installation may not be the beautiful, exciting part of the process, but they are vital to a successful carpet purchase. For more details as to why, refer to the padding and installation sections. Padding ranges from $.30 to $.60 per square foot, and installation adds another $.50 per square foot.

Some retailers will discount pads and/or square footage and may even offer one or more for free, but they are probably making up for it in product cost. When comparing prices between retailers, figure the total cost of carpet for your estimated square footage, then add the cost of padding and installation so you can compare apples to apples.

Additional Fees

At each place where you shop, ask about additional fees. Even after accounting for carpet, padding and installation, there may be more costs before reaching the bottom line. Shops commonly charge separately for carpet removal, dumping, product delivery and transition strips, for example, and trim like quarter round or base molding may need to be replaced.

Subfloor issues can also add costs to a flooring project. Consider having your floor inspected, especially if certain areas protrude or sag under foot.

Beware of deals that seem too good to be true. Companies that promise to carpet “any room” for an incredibly low price may charge far higher than average prices for additional rooms or for rooms larger than 10’ x 10’. Read all terms carefully.

Carpet cost based on durability and living situation

Maybe you don’t know what carpet material you’re going to buy yet. If that’s the case, you still know where the carpet will be installed and what you need out of it. Here are estimates on carpet prices based on different situations:

Apartment or rental: $1.00 sq.ft. ($9 sq.yd.)

Low-grade home: $1.50 sq.ft. ($14 sq.yd.)

Durable home: $4.50 sq.ft. ($40 sq.yd.)

Luxury home: $10 sq.ft. ($90 sq.yd.)

*these prices are for carpet only. padding and installation not included (these fees are covered below)

I could dedicate an article to each “situation” above, but it would bore you. Let’s cover a  few highlights and assumptions on each situation:

• Apartments and rentals’ typically will go with an inexpensive carpet for two reasons: it allows them to replace the carpet more often for new tenants, and it makes it less of a risk if a tenant damages the carpet.
• Apartment and rentals’ can get their square footage price closer to $0.50 per square foot with bulk orders and negotiating power.
• Low-grade home’ carpet is great for temporary situations, tight budgets, or rooms that aren’t used often. In high traffic areas, it will only last a couple of years. But if it’s a guest bedroom, it will last a long time since foot traffic is what destroys carpet.
• Durable home’ carpet is for the typical homeowner. They want a carpet that keeps its new appearance as long as possible. You can spend up to $10 sq.ft. here, but when you start going above $6-7 sq.ft., you start paying a lot for little improvement in durability.
• Luxury home’ is when you want a carpet that stands out. These carpets are often made of natural materials like wool.

Cut Pile Carpet

Cut pile carpets cost $1 to $12 per square foot. The name describes a process where the woven loops are all cut to the same height and tufted at the ends. The resulting appearance is dense and soft. This type includes four subcategories:

• Saxony or Plush: The most common type, this looks like a freshly-mowed lawn. It’s subject to fluffing or shedding, however, so it may last 5 to 10 years longer in low-traffic areas.
• Textured Saxony: This style features twists to create a permanent curl and resist lines and wear. It’s great for medium-to-high-traffic areas.
• Frieze: This yarn twists more tightly than textured Saxony, so it actually curls over. It creates a durable product that resists lines and works well in high-traffic areas.
• Cable: Known for its thicker and longer yarn, this carpet offers the softest comfort. However, it is subject to wear and matting, making it practical for low-traffic areas.Loop Pile Carpet

Loop pile carpet runs $1 to $5 per square foot. This style features uncut yarn. It is commonly used in high-traffic areas of homes and businesses. Since the loops connect to the backing on both ends, it is incredibly durable and resistant to lines. Products may include:

• multicolored threads to hide dirt and stains
• low-and-high-profile areas to add texture and concealment

Get a Rough Estimate of Replacement Flooring Costs

calculatoronhouseThere are 5 steps to getting an approximate idea of how much a new floor will cost. They will help you form a rough estimate on the replacement cost for a new floor. At the same time as calculating a rough estimate for yourself we recommend getting a free quote from a trustworthy professional installer as a comparison guide.

Step 1: Determine the Total Square Footage Required

Since all types of flooring are sold by the square foot or square yard, knowing how large the area is that you want to cover is the first step. You’ll need a tape measure to determine square footage. If you have a blueprint that shows dimension, it will save you from having to make the measurements.

Measure rooms one at a time. It’s easiest to measure rectangles, so if you have an “L-shaped” room, divide it into 2 rectangles and measure them separately. The length of the rectangle multiplied by the width equals the square footage. For example, a room, or section of a room, that is 20 feet long and 12 feet wide produces this formula: 20 x 12 = 240 square feet. If the flooring you are purchasing is sold by the yard, divide the square feet by 9. So, 240 square feet / 9 = 26.667 square yards.

Add up the square footage from all the rooms or room sections. That number will be the total square footage being covered.

Step 2: Add 5% for Waste

Trimming the flooring will produce waste. Most manufacturers recommend 5% for waste. If you’re installing the floor yourself and don’t have experience, you might consider adding 10% for waste. So, if the total square feet to be covered is 1,200, multiple by 1.05 for 5% waste and 1.10 for 10% waste.

1,200 x 1.05 = 1,260

1,200 x 1.10 = 1,320

Step 3: Know the Price Per Square Foot for the Flooring

As you’re shopping for floor covering, make notes on the price of the materials. The most common types of flooring material include carpeting, vinyl and linoleum flooring, natural stone flooring, solid hardwood, engineered stone flooring and laminate flooring. They range in cost from less than $2 per square foot for cheap vinyl, ceramic tile and carpet to over $8 per square foot for exotic wood and natural stone flooring.

Step 4: Know the Price of Installation

You’ve got to get floor replacement estimates from local flooring contractors to find out the price of installation per square foot. The cheapest flooring to install is carpet and laminate. Vinyl and wood flooring are in the middle. Ceramic tile, stone and concrete are the most costly.

Get several estimates to find the lowest prices in your area. If you use an estimate service, the contractors are pre-screened and their bids are usual very competitive because they know you are getting more than one.

Step 5: Put it All Together

Multiply material cost and installation cost by the square footage and add them together.

For example, let’s say you’re going to hire home flooring pros to install your new carpet rather than installing it yourself. Here’s how this looks when you’ve got 1,200 square feet to cover:

1,200 x 1.05 = 1,260 square feet of material needed.

Average price of carpet per square foot: $4.50

1,260 square feet of carpet x $4.50 = $5,670 for material

Installation of 1,200 square feet x $1.50 per square foot = $1,800 for installation.

Material plus installation, or $5,670 + $1,800 = $7,470

In our illustration, to cover 1,200 square feet with average carpet at average installation costs, you’d pay $7,470. If the flooring installer is going to remove old flooring and dispose of it, there may be additional costs for those services.

How to Choose Your Carpet

There are many considerations that go into the selection of a carpet. While color, pattern, and style are certainly part of the selection process, there are other things to consider as well.

• If you own pets, you may want to look at carpeting that can be easily cleaned or that is stain-resistant.
• Small children or busy households may also require stain-resistant carpeting, as well as stain-resistant carpet pads.
• Material is another consideration. Both natural fibers and synthetic are available, and both will wear differently over time.
• The height (or, depth) of the carpet is another thing to consider. Lower naps and Berber carpets are easier to keep clean, last longer, and don’t show as much wear. However, carpets with a deeper nap may be more comfortable underfoot.
• If the carpeting will be in direct sunlight, you will want to look for a UV-resistant brand to help prevent fading.
• If the carpeting will be near an entrance, stain-resistant fibers can help prevent discoloration over time.

YOUR GUIDE TO CARPET SELECTION: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE CARPET FLOORING

When you think of carpet types, it usually means the carpet material that is the most distinguishing element. There are majorly four types of carpet fibres:

• Nylon: This material is also the most durable and popular. It is known for its capability to resist soil and stay the same for many years. For high traffic rooms, this is the best kind that you should look for.

• Polyester: These have wonderful colours and textures. Known for having luxurious looks. It is harder to clean and less durable than nylon. It can be best used in low traffic areas or houses without kids and pets.

• Olefin: It is known for being inexpensive fibre, not as resilient as nylon. It might be damaged with excess exposure to sunlight. Often selected for high traffic sections like play areas.

• Wool: The appealing factor will be its resilience for stains, dirt, and dust. It is quite expensive as the fibre is durable and strong.

HOW CAN YOU DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF THE CARPET?

It’s better to know what entails a quality carpet material. Ask the salesperson these qualities before finalizing the carpet material.

• Face weight: This is usually the weight of the carpet measured in ounces. Check for all the factors along with the weight to determine the quality of the material.

• Density: It is determined by the thickness of the fibre and how they are packed together. A density rating of 2000 or more is what you should be looking for.

• Carpet twist number: This refers to several times the strands are twisted together when you measure it within the one-inch length of the fibre.

• Warranties: It is very important to understand what the manufacturer is offering in the name of warranties. Check for exclusions and texture retention in your warranty.

• Carpet style: Your carpet style plays an influential role in its performance. The styles include Saxony, frieze or cut-and-loop.

How to Choose Carpet Color

If you’re not sure what color of carpet to pick for your bedroom, living room, or hallways, fret not! Go with a dark shade to make the room seem warm and cozy or pick a light color to make the room appear larger

Picking Your Perfect Shade

Choose a light, neutral shade to make your space appear bigger. If you’re upgrading a small room, consider using a light-toned, neutral shade of carpet. This looks great in traditional homes and light carpet provides a sense of luxury. Attractive light shades include taupe and sand.

• You can also select beige, tan, or light grey carpet for a warm, comfortable option.
• This is a good choice for living rooms and offices, for instance.

Pick a dark-colored carpet to make the room look modern and comfy. In general, dark carpets make rooms look smaller and cozy. This is a great idea if you prefer a modern style and want your space to look warm and inviting.

• For instance, pick out charcoal, dark brown, or slate-gray colored carpet for a trendy bedroom or living room carpet color.

Choose a multi-colored carpet if you want to hide dirt and stains. If you have children or pets, you may be worried about them tracking footprints or leaving crumbs behind. In this case, select carpeting that has 2-3 different tones. This way, the stains or marks will be less noticeable.

• For example, go with a dark brown, medium brown, and tan blend to cover your living room floors. This way, you won’t notice pet hair, dirt, or debris as easily.

Select a brightly-colored carpet to create a personalized space. While colorful carpet is not for everyone, it’s a great way to add a unique touch to your space. Pick a blue, green, pink, or red carpet if you want to customize your bedroom, studio, children’s rooms, playroom, or den.

• Keep in mind that this may make your home harder to resell down the line, as not everyone loves colored carpet.

Variation: If you want to add some color but don’t want to commit to the entire floor, go with a neutral carpet and decorate with bright area rugs, throw pillows, and blankets instead.

THE OPTIONS – PILE FIBRE

Wool – Generally used for high-quality carpets, you’ll pay more for natural materials, but you’ll get a great looking floor covering that is made from sustainable fibre, is resilient and highly durable. It gets top marks for insulation, too – good for reducing heat loss and noise – and retains its appearance remarkably well. Wool also feels beautiful and soft underfoot!

Wool-mix – Some consider a mix of 80% wool, 20% man-made fibres (such as polyamide or polyester), as the best combination for an all-purpose carpet.

Polypropylene – This man-made carpet fibre is a popular choice, because it’s hardwearing and resistant to stains. It can be cleaned using a part-bleached cleaning solution, although always check with the manufacturer or retailer first. However, Polypropylene is flammable and not self-extinguishing.

Polyamide (also known as nylon) – Available in a wider range of hues and vibrant clear colours that can’t be reproduced in wool. A good all-rounder for family homes, good-quality polyamide or nylon carpets come with built-in stain-resistant treatments and score high marks for wearability.

Why Carpet is the Best Choice for Bedrooms

The debate between carpet and hardwood is alive and well, with hardwood seeing an increase in popularity in recent years. However, there are some places in the home that are just better suited to a soft floor covering than a hard one. One of the best examples of this is the bedroom. For most people, the bedroom is a cozy sanctuary from the bustle and activity of the rest of the home. The softness, quiet, and warmth of carpet often make it the best flooring option for this private oasis.

Quieter Space

Most people tend to prefer quiet when trying to sleep. No one wants to be woken up by the sound of someone else clomping through the bedroom. Carpet is quieter to walk on than hard flooring, and it helps to mask the sound of a partner walking around the room. This can be especially beneficial when partners have different schedules. Also, carpet absorbs sound—while hard flooring reflects it—reducing the noise of speech and other activity.

Warmer, Softer Step

Most people don’t enjoy waking up to an alarm every morning and having to leave the warmth of a bed. But it can make matters worse when your first steps are made into a cold, hard floor. By contrast, carpet provides a nice transition between the comfort of the bed and the reality of facing another day. At the end of the day, when your feet are tired and sore and you retreat to your bedroom, it’s nice to have a soft, cushioned feel underfoot. The softness of the carpet can be intensified by choosing a high-quality pad

The Safer Choice

Slips can happen easily, particularly if you’re half asleep. Stumbling to the bathroom in the middle of the night when you’re not quite awake could be hazardous on a hard, slippery floor. For kids’ rooms and nurseries, carpet is the logical choice. Young children are more prone to falling out of bed and will benefit from a softer landing place. And for babies who are crawling or learning to walk, carpet is much softer on the knees and much more forgiving during crash landings.

Easier to Breathe

With all the time people spend in the bedroom—albeit much of it sleeping—air quality is an important consideration, especially for people with asthma and allergies. Numerous studies over the past several decades have shown that carpet reduces the number of allergens in the air as compared to hard flooring. Carpet prevents allergens from becoming airborne by trapping them in the fibers of the carpet, helping to keep them out of the air and out of your lungs. Vacuuming the carpet then removes the trapped allergens completely.

A Possible Compromise

If you’re having trouble going one way or the other, perhaps the best solution is a compromise. You can reap many of the benefits of carpeting by using an area rug to cover a hard flooring in the bedroom. It’s best to have a large area rug that goes under the bed and extends beyond the bed on all exposed sides. If you prefer small rugs, create cozy spaces by placing a rug at each side of the bed (for stepping onto when getting in and out of bed in bare feet) as well as in front of a bench or other seating or dressing areas in the room.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Carpet

Stains in carpet

Are you covering up carpet stains with furniture and rugs when carpet cleaning fails to remove them? If your house is starting to resemble a minefield, it’s time for a carpet replacement. Most carpets come with a stain-resistant finish, but over time, the treatment fades and eventually leaves the carpet unprotected.

Wear and tear on carpet

Has your carpet seen better days? Are you putting rugs all over it to cover rips and tears, or rearranging furniture to cover defects? Are your kids scared to lay on it? Matted carpet, tears and significant wear on the main walkways are major signs your carpet is on its death bed.

Stinky carpet

If you own a pet or haven’t cleaned in a while, you may notice a lingering smell on your carpet, but the odor should be gone or noticeably diminished after a proper cleaning. If it doesn’t, this means that the odor has penetrated deep into the carpet fibers, the carpet pad or the subfloor, and it may even indicate mold and mildew growth.

Condition of carpet padding

Carpet padding is like the pillow under the case, the carpet is nothing but a layer of fabric without the padding. It helps support the carpet, working as a foundation and making it comfortable to walk and lay on. It buffers sounds and keeps a room quieter and even improves insulation.

Increased allergy symptoms

Often, older carpets catch and retain more allergens and particulate matter, which may cause your allergies to act up. If you notice an increase in allergies, one source may be your older carpet.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness: How to Choose?

How to Calculate Thickness

To find the depth of a vinyl plank you need to account for the protective wear layer, core, and the backing. To better evaluate your options you’ll need a basic understanding of how companies assemble vinyl planks. In-depth videos and diagrams explaining the process are available online.

What’s a Wear Layer?

The wear layer lies between the printed design and urethane finish. This layer is a key factor of how well your floors will hold up over time.

Cores and Bottom Layers

Some luxury vinyl planks have a solid wood plastic composite core or WPC. WPC does not contain actual wood. Instead, it’s made up of wood flour fused with thermoplastic and calcium carbonates. This type of flooring is free of phthalates and safer for your family.

Final Considerations

When shopping for vinyl plank; look at the warranty, core construction, wear level, and attached underlayment before making a final decision. Planks with added cushioning are warmer and quieter. Some products also feature built-in vapor barriers within the underlayment.

What mm thickness do I choose when I buy vinyl flooring?

Vinyl Flooring Thickness

Vinyl flooring comes in thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 8mm+. The biggest factor to keep in mind is that the thickness does not determine durability – the wear layer does. With that said, the thickness is an important factor to consider.

Type of Vinyl

With new advances in the vinyl industry, there are several types of vinyl floors that will impact your decision when it comes to thickness and durability. There are basic LVT’s and there are new, engineered vinyls. Floors with an engineered rigid core construction will have a more dimensionally stable core than a standard LVT.

Type of Subfloor

Your subfloor is also a very important part of choosing the thickness as well. If you have an even concrete subfloor, you can get a thinner vinyl flooring. This is because your subfloor is sturdy enough that you don’t need the extra support. However, if you subfloor is a thin, creaking hardwood, you should opt for the thicker vinyl for added stability and support.

Vinyl Flooring Wear Layer

The durability of vinyl plank flooring is determined by the wear layer. When shopping for vinyl plank flooring, pay also attention to the wear layer. Just like the thickness, the thicker the wear layer, the more durable the floor will be. Make sure to choose features of the flooring that’s right for you and your application, using the same questions posed above.

Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide

Why Vinyl Tile Flooring?

You’re missing out if you haven’t seen the latest advancements in vinyl tile flooring. Vinyl tile today is nothing like it was a decade ago. Today’s vinyl tile has the look and feel of real ceramic or stone tile, for a more economical price. This is why the popularity of vinyl tile continues to grow. The tile is waterproof, which means it can be placed anywhere in the house.

Why Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank is for you if you’re looking for an economical and durable alternative to hardwood floors. This flooring method has improved over the years to realistically mimic different varieties of colors and types of wood. Manufacturers have also taken steps to improve on how the planks feel, with added detail to its texture.

Why Sheet Vinyl Flooring?

Like vinyl tile and vinyl plank, sheet vinyl has also improved greatly over the years. Makers have created a flooring method that offers an accurate representation of its alternatives made from real wood or tile.

CONSIDER THIS WHEN CHOOSING A VINYL FLOOR

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY VINYL FLOOR?

All our vinyl floors are made to withstand all the trials of daily life. The wear-resistant surface protects against both nicks and scratches, is water tight and prevents stains from, for example, food spills. Just make sure you clean it – which is incredibly easy – so you’ll maintain a beautiful and practical floor for many years.

CAN I MIX AND MATCH DIFFERENT VINYL FLOORS?

Our many design choices mean you can mix and match however you like for interesting creations that suit your tastes. Choosing different floors that match is a simple way to create both harmony and variation in your home.

WHICH VINYL FLOOR DESIGN SHOULD I CHOOSE?

One of the best things about vinyl floors is the impressive variety of stiles to choose from – all with the same great qualities. This means you never need to worry about a design influencing where the floor can be laid. The only thing to consider is creating the harmony you desire. We offer both clean and more rustic vinyl floors with the appearance of wood or stone. See how they all look in our floor guide.

THE LUXURY VINYL FLOORING BUYING GUIDE

What is Luxury Vinyl Tile?

Luxury vinyl tile is a vinyl-based flooring material that is designed to mimic the look and feel of various materials such as wood, stone or ceramic. While it may seem unlikely to have luxury and vinyl in the same sentence, LVT is actually a high-end vinyl material, made better through technology. It’s good enough that it is now used widely in luxury homes and condos.

Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide

There isn’t really much of a difference when it comes to the basic composition of luxury vinyl tiles. Some manufacturers may infuse another material in the bottom backing layer but most stick to either vinyl on its own or a mixture of vinyl and limestone.

Luxury Vinyl Tile Cost

Ordinary vinyl is one of the cheapest flooring materials available. You can get a square foot for as little as a dollar or even less for vinyl sheets. This is one reason why vinyl was so popular until it was overtaken by laminate flooring.