In flooring & home improvement, as in many industries, a common misconception is the need to sacrifice beauty for reliability, performance for low-budget.

With Mohawk’s self-described revolutionary woods, RevWood & RevWood Plus, this is most certainly not the case! Designed by Mohawk to make homeowners, builders and designers rethink wood flooring altogether, RevWood is actually not what you may traditionally think of as wood. 

The Benefits of Mohawk RevWood & RevWood Plus

So if it’s not true wood, then just what is RevWood? Put simply, it’s an eco-friendly product that combines the beauty of real wood with the durability of laminate flooring. Let’s break down the benefits:

• Waterproof installation means that, unlike 100% real hardwood, RevWood Plus can stand up to spills and humidity without buckling, warping, or being damaged in any way. Note that RevWood Plus is waterproof, but regular RevWood is not.
• Resistance to stains, scratches & dents is built in to RevWood thanks to a durable wear layer and construction.
• Mohawk’s All Pet Protection & Warranty gives RevWood coverage against messes from any type of pet & pet-related accident, all the time.
• RevWood comes in a variety of trending colors and textures, each with distinctive wood knot and grain patterns. These include time-worn looks and planks in varying lengths and widths.
• RevWood & RevWood Plus are available at outstanding price points compared to their real wood competitors.
• Finally, Mohawk manufactures RevWood & RevWood Plus right here in the USA! 

How does RevWood work?

So RevWood Plus is essentially waterproof wood – but how? It’s the result of two main features – a click & lock tongue-and-groove installation with beveled edges and a water-repellant HydroSeal coating developed by Mohawk. The tightly-locking planks block moisture from entering through the sides, and the coating blocks it from the surface.

One final step – a perimeter sealing of 100% silicone – seals the deal on the cut edges of the floor.

This moisture-resistant surface also makes cleaning up a breeze. These are the first laminate floors on the market that can be safely wet-mopped without worry about peeling or damage to adhesives – because there are no adhesives required in installation!

How & where to use RevWood & RevWood Plus 

RevWood is perfect for any part of your home where you wish you could have hardwood floors, but where it just doesn’t make sense to do so. One of the key benefits of RevWood and RevWood Plus is that they can be installed on any level of your home, over nearly any type of existing subfloor.

Hardwood, being naturally porous and flexible, does not handle moisture and humidity well. In areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and even finished basements, it’s best to avoid installing real wood.

With RevWood, you get the look and feel of natural hardwood in a form that’s suitable for all of these areas and more. With so many great looks and textures from which to choose, you’ll find yourself with far more design freedom than you’d have with hardwood.

Learn more about RevWood & RevWood Plus on our website, or at one of our 10 convenient locations in the greater Miami area!

Congratulations! Your new resilient flooring is installed and looks beautiful! If the flooring you’ve recently installed new is RevWood, RevWood Plus, or SolidTech Luxury Vinyl Tile, from Mohawk Flooring, or Luxury Vinyl from COREtec, then you have resilient flooring.  This type of flooring is great for spaces where moisture is generally an issue. They are pretty simple to care for, but we have put together some easy tips + tricks to share with you on how to care and maintain them so that you can enjoy your beautiful flooring for many years to come!

Basic Maintenance + Care

To remove dust and loose particles from your RevWood + RevWood Plus flooring on a regular basis, use a soft bristle broom, a dust mop or a suction only vacuum cleaner.  Avoid a vacuum with a beater bar. For a slightly damp cleaning, apply Mohawk’s FloorCare Essentials RevWood Cleaner to a cotton or microfiber mop and wipe down your flooring.  We advise to avoid any wet-mop cleaning or using liquid cleaners.  Always remember to wipe up any excess water right away with a clean, dry cloth.

A dry mop is one of the best ways to take care of resilient flooring.

With your Mohawk SolidTech Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring, you may use a soft bristle broom to remove loose dirt.  Go ahead and use a damp-mop when needed but be sure to use a nonabrasive floor cleaner.

Lastly, your COREtec Flooring should be swept, dust mopped or vacuumed on a regular basis.  An occasional damp mopping is also suggested.  Be sure to wipe down your flooring with a clean dry cloth right after though.  If any excessive water is left, your flooring could expand.

Damage Control

When you have new flooring, it’s always key to know what to do when damage or stains could occur.  For instance, with your RevWood floors, if one of your planks is beyond repairing, you can use the Quick-Step UniFix Tool to remove and replace a damaged plank, on your own, in just minutes!  If your flooring becomes stained for any reason, (paint, oil, tar or markers for example) you can use an acetone-base nail polish remover.  You can also use an acetone-based nail polish remover on COREtec flooring stains, like; nail polish, paint, dye and permanent markers.

When you have furry friends running around, toddlers spilling their cups, family get togethers getting messy…with any spills that happen, make sure to wipe them up immediately!  Do not allow any standing water to remain on your flooring though as this may loosen the adhesive.

We love our furry friends – but they can make some big messes!

Dos and Don’ts

Here are some quick do’s and don’ts to CARE for your new flooring:

• DO add A Little Extra Protection! At each of the entrances of your home, place floor mats or doormats, so that they collect all of that dust, dirt, substances and moisture that can be tracked into your home and onto your new flooring!
• DO use protective pads under the footing of any heavy furniture
• DO use pieces of carpet face down under heavy objects to slide across your flooring
• DO spot clean and wipe up any spills immediately
• DON’T wear high heels on your resilient flooring
• DON’T use wax or polish
• DON’T try to refinish or sand your resilient flooring
• DON’T flood your floor with water or cleaner

Don’t cry over spilled milk! Wipe up those spills right away to minimize potential damage.

Avoid These Cleaning Methods

To keep your flooring in tip top shape, here are a few products NOT to use when cleaning your floors.

• RevWood & RevWood Plus: avoid wax, polish, soaps, shine enhancers, varnish and oils. Do not apply any cleaners directly to RevWood and we recommend not using cleaning machines like spray mops or steam cleaners or mops.
• SolidTech Luxury Vinyl Flooring: avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar.
• COREtec: never use vinegar, acetone or lacquer thinner to clean.

If you’re a pet-owner, you’re probably already all too familiar with the wear and tear that our furry friends can cause to your home over time. Scratches, stains, odors and dirt are all common pet-caused hassles that can be especially damaging to floors.

That’s why many pet-owners, whether they’re building or remodeling a home, are cautious about what type of flooring they choose to install in the areas in which their pets live with them.

Before you begin your search, there are 4 common concerns that pet owners should consider when searching for flooring for their next project.

1. Scratch resistance: How well does the floor resist scratches and other marks, commonly caused by dogs’ nails as they walk around?
2. Damage resistance: Does the floor have a natural resistance to damage from things like pet urine and other accidents?
3. Traction & comfort: Does the surface of the floor allow pets to move, walk, run, sit and lay safely and comfortably?
4. Durability & ease of cleaning: How easy is it to regularly clean the floor and return it to its original look?

So, with all of that in mind, which types of flooring fit the bill? You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that you have a lot of options when it comes to pet-friendly flooring.

Modern innovations have led to pet-focused technologies and warranties across the entire spectrum of flooring categories. We’ll dive into each one and give you our top product recommendations.

Pictured: Mohawk SmartStrand Forever Clean carpeting, available at Dolphin Carpet & Tile.

Pet-friendly carpet 

Many people prefer soft, warm carpet in their bedrooms, but it’s probably not your first thought when you’re trying to pick flooring for a home with pets.

Carpet is a soft place to lay, but it can be tough to clean and is prone to easy wear and tear. If you do opt for carpet, consider keeping it in low-traffic areas (such as bedrooms) where your pets don’t spend much time.

To help prevent staining in the event of inevitable accidents, we recommend these two very solid pet-friendly carpeting options:

• Mohawk SmartStrand Forever Clean: This carpet’s innovative fibers feature built-in protection from spills and stains, with 0% absorption. On top of that, Mohawk’s All Pet Protection & Warranty that covers all types of pets and accidents, all the time.

• Shaw Carpet with LifeGuard: Shaw’s cleanest carpet features a spill-proof backing that will help you contain all of your pets’ little messes and accidents. It’s protected from soil for quick & easy cleanup, and stays clean for healthier living at home.

Shop tile flooring from Dolphin Carpet & Tile now!

Pet-friendly tile

Tile is well-suited to homes with pets in the family. Its hard surface and dense makeup makes tile extremely durable and resistant to scratches from toenails.

Note that this isn’t true for all types of tile – specifically, you should avoid installing soft, porous stones such as marble. These are damaged far more easily than other types of stone or glazed ceramic tile.

Tile is also very easy to clean, as soil and pet hair sits on the surface. A routine sweeping, dusting or gentle vacuuming will pick up most solid debris. Wet mop as soon as spills or accidents occur, and you’ll be able to keep your tile looking and smelling as fresh and clean as the day you bought it.

The only significant drawback to having tile in a home with pets is that the surface is relatively cold and hard in comparison to most other types of flooring. You can solve this by laying down area rugs throughout your space, or a soft dog or cat bed or cushion.

Pictured: COREtec by US Floors, available at Dolphin Carpet & Tile.

Pet-friendly vinyl flooring

Vinyl is arguably the ideal choice for pet-friendly flooring. The list of benefits is long. For example, vinyl flooring:

• Is extremely affordable compared to other flooring options
• Can be installed anywhere in the home, on, above or below grade
• Offers great traction with realistic wood textures
• Comes in a variety of beautiful, natural designs that mimic wood and tile
• Is easy to clean and resistant to scratches and stains
• Does not trap or release allergens into the air
• Is comfortable and quiet underfoot

The main potential drawback to vinyl flooring is that it can be susceptible to water or other liquid damage. However, modern innovation has led to a number of waterproof vinyl options that are well-suited to homes with pets. Our top recommendations are:

• Mohawk SolidTech: This brand was specifically designed with busy family life in mind, and to withstand kids and pets running around. It’s 100% waterproof and easy to clean thanks to an engineered finish that also makes it resistant to stains, scuffs and dents. Install SolidTech in bathrooms or basements where real wood cannot hold up.

• COREtec by US Floors: Made with a 1005 waterproof core, each COREtec plank can handle spills, muddy footprints and more without ever warping or buckling – regardless of how wet they get! The cork underlayment also blocks out noise and insulates your home, making it a comfortable surface upon which pets can lay.

Pictured: Mohawk RevWood, available at Dolphin Carpet & Tile.

Pet-friendly laminate flooring 

Laminate is similar to vinyl in many ways. It looks like hardwood, is easy to clean, and it resists water and scratches well.

One drawback to laminate are that it often has a slippery surface that isn’t great for soft paws. You can avoid this by choosing a laminate with a scraped or textured surface. These floors are beautiful and are especially good for active or older dogs.

One product that fits the bill is the new Mohawk RevWood+. It’s made with natural wood, but is also completely waterproof. Affordable, durable, resistant to all types of damage and wear, and easily installed with click & lock joints, RevWood+ is a terrific option for pet owners who want the look and feel of real hardwood floors without the risk.

Now until October 18^th, 2018, save up to $1,000 on Flooring for All Pets at Dolphin Carpet & Tile. Special financing is available!

With Hurricane Florence still underway, the busier-than-usual 2018 hurricane season is officially upon us. If you were fortunate enough to be unaffected this time, you may be wondering what the future has in store.

Luckily, you don’t simply have to wait and wonder. You can take actionable steps now toward preparing your home for the worst. There are many ways in which you can prepare your home for hurricane season, and we’ve gathered together some of the more important tips we’ve gathered over the years living on the Southern tip of Florida.

1. Tighten the lid & secure your roof

Your home’s roof is its lid – underneath is the largest potential opening on your house, which is the last place you want to expose to wind and water.

If you’re re-roofing, it would be wise to invest a little extra in sealant for the roof deck, whether that be waterproof tape to place over the seams or full coverage with a waterproof membrane. Here in Florida, as in a few other states, we’re required to have our roofs attached to the walls of our homes with metal straps. In other places, roofs simply sit on top of homes, held down by gravity alone.

For existing roofs, ensure that all shingles and tiles are securely in place, with none cracked, damaged or missing.

2. Batten down the hatches & seal windows and doors

The next most vulnerable part of your home are the smaller openings – windows and doorways. Some simple protection can prevent breaching, and in some cases earn you a lower insurance premium. Check with your provider to see what measure you can take to lower your payments.

Some common ways to secure windows include:

• Clear plastic hurricane film: This is a non-intrusive way to hold your glass panel in place even if it shatters, and is extremely affordable. The downside? It’s not the sturdiest option.
• Plywood or other panels: This option is also inexpensive, and very effective at keeping your window in place. While you run the risk of blocking out all exterior light in the event of a power outage, you have options – panels can be made from various types of metal, fabric, or other composites. Just be sure to drill holes in advance so you can screw them in quickly!
• Storm shutters: Permanent shutters are your best option – they’re more attractive and can be used year-round, and can let in some light if needed. However, this is your most expensive option, so be ready to invest.

In addition to outer window coverings, invest in some high-impact glass if you’re able. These panes look and act like standard windows, with the benefit of being impact-resistant.

Secure your doors in the same way as you would windows – brace all glass panes, and make sure that they’re securely attached. 3 hinges are better than two, and no screws should be loose or missing.

Mohawk SolidTech flooring installed in a beachside home. These durable waterproof floors are ideal for standing up to ocean moisture and gritty sand.

3. Minimize flood damage with waterproof flooring

Flooding is the most common natural disaster, and can have one of the largest impacts on your property. As much as you do to secure roofs, windows and doors, you may be unable to prevent water from penetrating the interior your home – especially if you’re dealing with a high storm surge.

With that in mind, the best you can hope for is minimal damage to your home’s interior. One key consideration is your flooring – this is where water will sit and get absorbed, saturating past the surface and causing irreversible swelling, mildew and more.

You can minimize this damage with 100% waterproof flooring. A few such products are Mohawk’s SolidTech high performance flooring, Mohawk Revwood+ and COREtec by USFloors. These floors are each waterproof, stainproof, and come in a variety of detailed and realistic wood-look, stone and ceramic tile designs.

Mohawk was able to demonstrate how well SolidTech holds up against real hurricane waters during the unfortunate events of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. A Cooking School in Houston with SolidTech in its kitchen was flooded. However, after the storm the planks were removed, the subfloor underneath was cleaned, and the floor was able to be reinstalled, damage-free.

Taking the steps to invest in a waterproof floor today can save you a fortune on repairs in the future.

Mohawk SolidTech being re-installed after withstanding flood damage during Hurricane Harvey in Houston, 2017.

4. Declutter your outdoor spaces

Once you’ve done all you can to secure the interior and exterior of your home, you shouldn’t forget your yard!

If you’re aware in advance that a heavy storm is approaching, store or tie down any loose objects. This can include, but is certainly not limited to, any of the following:

• Lawn furniture
• Potted plants
• Children’s toys
• Doghouses
• Grills & BBQs
• Bicycles

Any of these can easily be picked up and tossed around by wind, creating deadly airborne missiles that can crash through windows and walls and create openings for water.

The same goes for loose tree branches – keep your trees well-trimmed. Clear any dead sections or broken limbs that could come loose and go flying. If needed, you may want to hire a tree removal service to ensure the job is done thoroughly. Finally, it’s a good idea to clear your gutters of any debris.

As much as you prepare your home, don’t forget to take care of yourself and your family. It may be wise to evacuate once you’ve done all you can to secure your property, and travel to an area more inland until the worst of the storm has passed.

Stay safe this hurricane season! – The Dolphin Carpet & Tile Family

As many know, tile is a very popular flooring choice, especially in areas like the bathroom and kitchen. But why?

This is because many types of tile have a protective layer resting over the material, making them resistant to water and stain penetration. Not to mention they are also naturally resistant to high humidity conditions, which can occur most in the bathroom and kitchen areas.

Although tile sounds like the go-to flooring option, it’s not perfect. If your home life involves heavy foot traffic, pets, kids, or the normal day-to-day clumsiness so many of us experience, it is possible the tile can get damaged. Here at Dolphin Carpet & Tile, we want you to have the perfect tile flooring, so here are some tips to protect your tile from damage.

1. Use grout correctly

When placing tile, you want to make sure that the gaps between the tiles are filled in with grout, or else the sharp edges of the tile will get chipped by shoes, paws, furniture, etc. In doing this, make sure the grout is fully level with the tiles so that it doesn’t have tile sticking out that could be easily chipped.

Another quick tip is to make sure you check the label & use grout with no sand component. This is because the sand in the grout could get loose, which could get picked up by feet and cause scratches on the surface of the tile.

2. Be careful with furniture

No matter what room you decide to put your tile in, it’s pretty much a guarantee that there is going to be some type of furniture going on top. Our best advice is to put furniture protectors on the bottom, whether it’s a table, chairs, cabinets, couch, etc. This will help prevent scratches, especially with chairs and smaller furniture that easily slides around.

Also, try to avoid placing anything too heavy on tiled areas. Sometimes objects are just way too heavy for the tile to handle, which can cause cracks.

3. Clean the tile regularly

Tile is best cleaned by sweeping and mopping. Vacuuming a tile floor can cause scratches. A quick scrubbing of the floors every now and then may get rid of visible dirt, but a lot of bacteria tend to flourish in the grout.

For pet owners whose pets have accidents on the tile, those accidents attract more bacteria. Therefore, pet owners with tile in their homes should stick to a more regular cleaning schedule.

4. Make sure you know the quality of the tile

As you are shopping for your tile, make sure you look for a good quality brand. Cheaper tiles are often able to be scratched, chipped and cracked much more easily than quality brands.

Lucky for you, here at Dolphin Carpet & Tile we know that life happens, and sooner or later your living style will take a toll on any floor covering, whether the floor is busy with high foot traffic or not at all. That’s why we only offer top quality brands and are more than willing to help you pick the perfect tile for your specific home life needs. Here’s an example of one of our top brands, Mohawk Floorscapes.

(Mohawk Bayou)

Whether it’s your first time purchasing carpet, or you just need help tracking down the perfect solution for your home, our sales team is happy to walk you through every step of the buying process.

Step 1: Determine your budget

Renovating and decorating your home is an important investment, and no one knows better than you what budget will work best for your needs. Provide your sales expert with your desired price range, and he or she will be able to lay out the options.

You’ll be able to compare the highest-end options to the cost-saving solutions we have to offer and make a choice that feels right for your situation.

Step 2: Learn about carpet

When you choose a carpet, it is important to understand your options when it comes to construction, fiber, and styles. Come with an understanding of your needs. For example, you may want a carpet with long-lasting durability. You’ll be able to choose between several synthetic fibers, including nylon and polyester.

Your sales expert will match your style preferences with a carpet that will suit your lifestyle. You may like the look of berber, but we don’t recommend it for families with pets due to its tendency to snag on nails and claws.

Whether you’re drawn to patterned, plush or textured pile, each is constructed differently with different weight and density that will impact its performance and function within the space you’re designing. Our team is knowledgeable about all the ins and outs of carpet that you’ll need to learn before making the best possible decision.

Step 3: Get a quote

You may have heard the old adage, “measure twice, cut once!” This holds true especially for carpet.

Once you’ve made a decision, it’s time to have your space professionally measured so that you can get an accurate price quote on the amount of carpet you’ll need to cover your space.

Step 4: Choose your carpet

Large families, pets, young children or single member households will all wear on carpets in different ways. As such, there are different carpets that will work better for certain households.

After you’ve learned about all the different carpet types available to you, narrowed down the best range of options for your lifestyle, and gotten your measurements & quotes, it’s time to select a carpet!

Step 5: Leave room for padding in your budget

Carpet padding provides critical support to ensure that your flooring remains intact and functions fully with minimal wear and tear. You do not want a padding that is too thick or thin, and the most expensive padding may not always be the best option for your specific situation. Padding can be manufactured with a variety of different materials such as rubber or foam. Our team will advise you to ensure that you select the padding that is perfect for the carpet that you’re going to be installing in your space. Padding may be an additional charge on top of the carpet you’re selecting, so we’ll work with you and discuss how different options will ultimately impact your budget.

From just an idea in your head to the reality of your new carpet installation, our team is here to guide you through each part of the carpet buying process. When you look to transform any space in your home with new flooring, it can be a considerable investment.  Our goal is to help you make the best decisions given your decorating ideas and budget. We look forward to educating you along every step of the way.

Your carpeting is an investment that you put tremendous effort into selecting, then caring for regularly. Then, within seconds, your pet creates a mess, a glass of wine is spilled, a shoe grinds in some grass, or a pen suddenly explodes.

Don’t worry, your carpet isn’t ruined – but you may not know the best way to remove each of these very common types of stains. We have the answers for you!  

When you are cleaning up a stain, the most important thing is to contain the stain. This is hard because liquid tends to run, but quick action will help. Just as important is to avoid the use of any toxic chemicals on your carpet before consulting with your manufacturer’s guidelines. Many customers ask, “Can I use ammonia, hydrogen peroxide or bleach on my carpet?” and the answer is always “no” – unless otherwise stated in your guidelines.  

1. How do you remove pet stains?

With a pet stain, you should first try to blot up as much of the stain as possible with a clean rag, towel or paper towels. If the stain has already dried, then you should use a damp cloth and lightly blot the carpet as the stain starts to lift. If discoloration remains, then you’ll need to conduct a deeper cleaning using a safe, recommended cleaning solution. This should lift the stain.

2. Getting a Wine stain out of your carpet

As with pet stains, blotting to remove a red wine stain is the best first step. With wine stains, it is very important to continually change out your rag so that the wine you have removed does not continue to stain the carpet.

Hosting a party that is already in full swing & need a quick fix? Check your manufacturer’s guidelines to see if spreading salt in the area is okay. Salt has been shown to absorb wine without causing additional staining and is easily vacuumed after your party is over. Once you have time to dedicate to removal, a 3 to 1 ratio of baking soda to water has been proven to be the best remedy for taking out wine stains as long as your carpet can handle it. Always test a small area or a sample piece of carpet first.  

3. What is the best way to remove a Grass stain?

Grass stains can be very difficult to remove. You first want to vacuum the area to remove any debris that could further stain the carpet. When grass is mashed into the carpet, it tends to break apart. You want to get each piece with a strong suction vacuum to avoid further staining. As with other stains, you should then blot with a warm damp towel. As long as it is recommended for your carpet, you can use a solution of water with bit of diluted dish soap on the stain to lift it out. The green pigment of grass can be removed using vinegar or rubbing alcohol – but again, only if listed in your recommendations. Try testing with a sample square before adding any of these chemicals to your carpet.

4. Can you remove an Ink stain from carpet?

Dried ink is by far the hardest stain to remove from a carpet. After very carefully blotting out any remaining wet ink, a strong detergent or cleaner is required. You want to test a small section of hidden carpet (a scrap would be best) before moving forward with any chemicals. Try using a very small amount of high quality stain remover or rubbing alcohol if your manufacturer recommends it. Make sure not to use too much liquid, lest you run the risk of further spreading the stain.

When you shop at Dolphin Flooring we work with you to determine the best carpet for your lifestyle. If you’re installing in a high-traffic area with an elevated risk of stains, we have stain-resistant options in many trending colorways that will work well for your needs. We can help you find the perfect carpet for your room to make inevitable clean-ups as easy as possible.  

It is never an easy decision choosing the appropriate flooring for the kitchen. With the amount of chaos that frequents this particular area of the home, it takes some real consideration before choosing between tile and hardwood flooring.

Some things to consider include durability, functionality and ultimately the flooring materials. Take a look at the following points before making a decision.

Things to consider

The most commonly used flooring materials in the kitchen space is tile and hardwood. Kitchens tend to be a room within the house that is used most frequently with cooking, baking, or activity happening within the room at least three times a day.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are times the kitchen is most commonly used, and we can’t forget about holidays. Get a floor that is durable enough to take the intensity of pie baking, turkey prepping and dish washing, with accidents and all.

The flooring ought to have the capability of withstanding the constant movement of multiple pairs of feet coupled with the durability to withstand the blunt force trauma of falling pots, pans, glass and cooking utensils, as well as hot coffee spills, boiling water spills, sticky egg yolk or syrup spills, sauce spills and any type of accident that you wouldn’t think would happen but does.

Whether it be because your kid distracted you, the dog bumped something, or you accidentally knocked into something, accidents are always bound to happen. Tile is capable of withstanding the abuse that might occur day to day, and hardwood has a great propensity to sustain damage. Both options are better to have than carpets and rugs in these areas as it is harder to get such accidents removed from and harder to endure all the commotion that occurs in the kitchen.

Warnings

Before you make your decision, you should be aware that Tile density and moisture absorption have an indirect relationship. The tile becomes stronger as weight or density increases, however as this happens, the amount of moisture the tile can absorb becomes less. Keep this in mind if you have a lot of clumsy spillers in the family.

Hardwood on the other hand will expand and contract due to moisture and temperature changes that can cause slight hairline cracks, slight height variations, or both. However, this is not considered a defect as you should understand that wood moves naturally.

For more helpful information, visit our website and checkout the ‘before you buy’ section under tile https://bit.ly/2H1EhB8 and hardwood https://bit.ly/2JekfZl for more things to consider in order to buy the floor better sustainable for your particular home life.

Style

When it comes to the decorative aspect of flooring, personal preference and taste can accentuate and sophisticate the kitchen space.

For a more relaxed, inviting and homely feel consider hardwood. The natural accents bring about a rustic and classical feel. Between the earthy wood tones and warm color palette hardwood adds a unique personality and feel to the kitchen.

Tile on the other hand is sleek, elegant and minimalistic. Where the dark, earthy tones of the hardwood provide a warm and inviting sense to the kitchen, tile illuminates bringing forth vibrance and energy. Accentuated by natural lighting, tile can provide a greater sense of space to a smaller kitchen space.

Time to choose

Choosing the flooring that is best suited for your kitchen doesn’t have to be stressful, it can be fun! Get in the decorative mood and picture the type of kitchen floor you want! Consider the materials that best suit your home life and allow for your personality to dictate the direction you choose!

Looking to furnish your home gym with just the right flooring?

Having home gym can be a great way to save time & money – it’s always open when you want it to be, and it’s a space to work on your fitness in private.

If you’re considering designing a home gym of your own, or simply looking to spruce up your current gym with new flooring, then you’ll want to choose floors that are just the right combination of safe and functional.

There are many options for gym floors, each with pros and cons.  You can tile a gym floor, put down industrial carpet, or even lay hardwood.  Your decision should be based on your space, the type of equipment you use, and how you want your space to fit into the overall design of your home.

Before you make a decision, consider the safety, durability, functionality & maintenance of different gym flooring options so you don’t have to take a leap of faith with your decision.

Safety

When you think about safety, consider the types of exercises are you going to be doing, how experienced you are, and the type of equipment that will be going into your space.

Carpet is one option. A rubber-soled cross-trainer shoe will have a sufficient amount of traction on a carpet surface, greatly lowering your chances of a tumble. Furthermore, the natural cushion of carpeting provides just enough of a barrier between your equipment and the ground to prevent damage.

Be sure to choose a carpet with a lower pile – too much cushion could also result in injury. Commercial or industrial carpet would be your best bet.

There are various hard surface flooring types that we also recommend. Hardwood, laminate & luxury vinyl all  offers a bit of give and can be easier to keep clean. They also feature an attractive, inviting look. You can pair wood flooring with rubber-soled rugs & mats that will grip the floor and give certain areas in your home gym a bit more cushion.

Durability

When considering the durability factor, you have options.

Carpeting provides just enough give in case a piece of heavy equipment is dropped, making it a solid choice. Tile, though durable as well, is also hard and rigid. One slip can cause a serious crack in the flooring, it may not be suited for spaces where you’ll be doing heavier weight training.

Typically your best option is a type of flooring that holds up to lots of movement and deals well with stains. A carpet with a thicker yarn construction will be able to hold up against the pounding and accumulation of sweat that’s inevitable when you’re getting your fitness on! You can also choose from a variety of luxury vinyl tile and laminate options that are designed specifically to resist stains of all kinds!

Both vinyl & laminate flooring are available in attractive wood looks that will give your home gym the warm and welcoming vibe you need to get motivated to sweat!

Functionality

Whether your exercise routine consists of cardio, weight training or calisthenics, you need to consider the functionality of your flooring. Carpet, unlike tile, is inviting. If your program requires you to get down onto the floor it has just enough cushion and support to provide some comfort.

Traditional ceramic can be cold, it is most certainly hard, and is generally much less inviting. A gym space should be a welcoming space to encourage you to work out often. Instead, opt for a softer laminate or luxury vinyl tile in the warm look of natural stone or hardwood.

You may also see real hardwood in your fitness center for aerobics classes, but this type of surface tends to wear easily and could require a special sub-flooring for safety, which adds to your overall cost.

Maintenance

After you have made your choice in flooring, maintaining the cleanliness will ensure an enjoyable fitness space.

To keep bacteria buildup to a minimum, start with a quality dust mop & vacuum cleaner. Weekly cleaning will stave off the accumulation of dust, especially if your routine includes exercises performed on the floor. Be sure to address the nooks and crannies in and around gym equipment as these hard to reach areas tend to accumulate the most amount of dust.

If you go with carpet, shampooing is a less frequent but equally important option. This will also keep any unwanted smells and stains from taking away from the overall experience of working out at home.

Conclusion

When it comes to furnishing your home gym, a carpet with a very short pile is definitely our top recommendation flooring for you. It is safe, durable, functional and relatively easy to maintain. If you’d prefer a hard surface, try a laminate, vinyl or hardwood paired with mats & rugs throughout the room. We carry all types of carpet, hardwood & area rug options to suit your fitness needs!

Ready, set, go! When you put your house on the market, it is like a race to the finish line. You want to sell your home in the shortest amount of time, for the best price possible. Why is it important to have interest and offers quickly? Because the longer your house sits on the market, the less appealing it becomes to buyers. Also, the more offers you inspire, the better your odds of getting close to your asking price. So, how can you increase your odds in this particular real estate sweepstakes? Take the time to spruce up and make a few key changes before you put your house on the market. Here are five quick fixes that can boost your home appeal for sale.

Declutter

As anyone who’s ever watched an episode of “Fixer Upper” on HGTV can tell you – clean, uncluttered spaces reign supreme. Did you ever notice when a house is unveiled on HGTV that there are no toys strewn about the floor, no stacks of magazines on the counter, no mismatched books sagging from shelves, and a minimal assortment of doo-dads, knick-knacks, and tchotchkes? Clear off your counters, unstuff your bookcases, corral toys, minimize collectibles, and remove about half of the contents of every closet.

Neutralize

Before you put your house on the market, you should try to create a somewhat “blank canvas” onto which potential buyers can then imprint their own ideas and style. A fresh coat of paint can give your home a clean, crisp finish and also neutralize your décor. And if hunter green carpeting was all the rage when you bought your house, you might want to consider replacing those carpets with a simple tan to neutralize and update your interior.

Lighten Up

Let there be light…and lots of it! Few things are more welcoming, refreshing, and appealing to home buyers than a home filled with natural light. Remove heavy draperies and window treatments. Have windows professionally cleaned. Install bright light bulbs and open every shade before showings.

Installing laminate flooring in new home indoor

Update Floors

Hardwood floors continue to be the buyer’s choice. If you have a house full of carpet, consider replacing some of it – particularly in “entertaining” spaces such as the dining or living room – with a solid surface such as hardwood or vinyl plank flooring. For spaces where you want to keep carpet – such as basements, bedrooms, or playrooms – examine your carpet. If it is a dated color (mauve?), or stained – replace it with fresh, neutral carpet to provide an immediate facelift. At a minimum, have carpets professionally cleaned, clean grout on tile floors, and polish hardwoods.

Don’t Forget Curb Appeal

First impressions are lasting. Home buyers will make a snap judgment about your home the minute they pull up in front of it. You don’t need to re-do your entire landscape. But, make sure the lawn is mowed and healthy looking. Cut back overgrowth on trees and shrubs – especially around windows and doors. Plant colorful flowers in beds, and fill flower pots with welcoming blooms. Clean off or put a fresh coat of paint on your door and put a new, clean welcome mat at the entry.