Comparing Carpet Fibers

There are four basic fibers that are used to manufacture carpets today, and they all have unique qualities and strengths. Better still, they all make excellent carpets. Ultimately, your choice should be determined by the characteristics that are most important to you and your home.

Although some carpets are made of blends, most are made entirely of one of the following four fibers:

Nylon Carpet Fibers
In overall performance characteristics, nylon is the most versatile of all fibers, providing excellent durability and flexibility in creating a variety of carpet styles. Nylon is the most commonly used carpet fiber and can be found in a wide range of both cut pile and loop pile styles. Nylon also has great color flexibility and uniformity, and many nylon yarn systems are exceptionally soft. Though not inherently stain resistant, most Shaw carpets made with nylon feature a stain-resist carpet treatment for protection against household spills and stains. 

Polyester (PET) Carpet Fibers

Polyester offers exceptional softness and color clarity, and is also naturally stain and fade resistant. Although polyester is not as versatile as nylon, Shaw’s carpets made of polyester fiber perform very well.

Polypropylene (olefin) Carpet Fibers
Unlike other fiber types, polypropylene will not absorb water, so it is solution dyed. Solution dyeing is a process in which color is actually built into the fiber when it is formed making the color an inherent part that cannot be removed from the fiber. This means the color will not fade, even when exposed to intense sunlight, bleaches, atmospheric contaminants, or other harsh chemicals or elements.

Polypropylene is normally used in loop pile construction in which there is less need for resiliency because it is not as strong as other fibers.

PTT (Triexta Polyester) Carpet Fibers

PTT (Polytrimethylene Terephthalate) is a polyester fiber, first patented in 1941, but it was not until the 1990s, when Shell Chemicals developed a low-cost method of producing high-quality 1,3-propanediol (PDO), the starting raw material for PTT polyester, that commercial production
of the company’s Corterra polymers was possible. Shaw introduced the first BCF PTT (Corterra) residential carpet in the United States in 2001. PTT features good resiliency and excellent inherent stain resistance. Recently, some manufacturers have begun applying a topical treatment to PTT carpets. While adequate for staining, PTT still attracts dry and oily soil substances, leading to premature wear in high traffic areas. For this reason, many oil-based stains are extremely difficult to remove.

Floor Cleaning Tips

It’s holiday party season, which means plenty of togetherness with family and friends. But for party hosts, it also means a lot of messiness to clean up after the guests have gone! Give your home a fresh start in time for the new year – or maybe just your next party – with easy holiday floor cleaning tips!

1. Cleaning Laminate Flooring

   Your laminate may resemble hardwood planks or natural-stone tile, but you still need to care for it as a laminate. The good news: Very few things will harm a laminate floor, says Bill Dearing, president of the North American Laminate Flooring Association. After all, the planks are constructed in sun- and light-resistant layers to maintain a like-new appearance for years. That said, it’s important to keep water from getting underneath the planks. Dearing recommends dry mopping or vacuuming the floor, making sure the machine is on tile mode (as opposed to carpet) so the beater bar is raised. Spot-clean with a slightly damp mop (or a wet Swiffer, since they aren’t sopping wet) when necessary. Dearing’s last bit of advice: Never polish a laminate floor. If the finish of a plank looks damaged, it’s best to replace it.

2. Cleaning a Cork Floor

   The same quality that makes this natural material so beautiful—its porosity—makes it very susceptible to water damage. Because it’s so absorbent, most cork flooring is sealed, but you still need to proceed with caution. “Vacuum often to prevent scratching, wipe up spills immediately, and wash cork floors once a week,” says Leslie Reichert, the Green Cleaning Coach. Reichert suggests skipping commercial cleaning products in favor of a vinegar-and-soapy-water solution: Place 1/4 cup vinegar in a spray bottle with 1 drop of dish soap and warm water. Naturally acidic vinegar works with the soap to break down dirt, cut through build-up and disinfect. Don’t shake the solution (that would create suds), just gently combine the ingredients in a spray bottle by rocking it back and forth. Spray the floor a section at a time and wipe with a damp microfiber mop as you go.

3. Cleaning a Hardwood Floor

   Hardwood floors typically have one of two finishes: polyurethane or wax. Not sure what you’re standing on? Rub your finger across the surface, says Meg Roberts, president of Molly Maid. If a smudge appears, the floor is likely waxed.
   
   Sealed wood floors typically have a urethane, polyurethane, or polyacrylic coating. This protects them from stains and water damage, says Roberts. To clean, simply mix ¼ cup of mild or pH-neutral soap (try Seventh Generation All-Purpose Natural Cleaner Concentrate) with water in a bucket. (Steer clear of acidic vinegar solutions, which can dull wood floors over time.) Then damp-mop (be sure the mop is wrung out very well), using a dry microfiber cloth to wipe up any excess moisture. Clean high-traffic areas like the kitchen once a week; for less-trafficked areas, mop once a month.
   
   If you have waxed wood floors, you’re off the hook—sort of. Since this type of flooring can be damaged by even small amounts of water, keep damp mops away from this surface, and instead sweep, dust mop or vacuum regularly.

4. Cleaning Bamboo Flooring

   Bamboo is sustainable, beautiful—and in some cases, softer and more prone to nicks and scratches than hardwood floors. Unless you have strand bamboo flooring—the hardest, most durable type available—be extra vigilant about regularly sweeping up dirt and debris. “Especially with the expense of bamboo, extra care should be used,” says Roberts, who uses a tennis ball to gently buff out marks. She uses the same cleaning solution on bamboo as on hardwood: mix ¼ cup of mild or pH-neutral soap in one bucket of water. Swipe across floor using a barely-damp mop, wiping up excess moisture with a dry microfiber cloth.

5. Cleaning a Linoleum Floor

   We’re not talking nearly-indestructible vinyl flooring (see the next section for tips on cleaning that surface). True linoleum is made from linseed oil, resin, limestone, wood fiber and cork dust, and colored with mineral pigments. Treat this resilient, natural flooring as you would cork, advises Reichert: Mix up a spray bottle of just a few drops of dish soap and hot water, then spritz a section of the floor at a time and wipe with a damp microfiber mop. The floor should air-dry almost immediately, but if it feels slightly sticky to the touch just swipe it with another clean, damp microfiber mop or cloth.

6. Cleaning a Vinyl Floor

   For weekly cleaning, use Reichert’s spritz-and-dry mop technique to keep tile floors looking fresh: Gently mix 1/4 cup vinegar in a 16-ounce spray bottle with 1 drop of dish soap and warm water. Spray the floor one section at a time and wipe with a damp microfiber mop as you go. For periodic deep cleans, she likes to use a steam cleaner to clean both tile and grout—the steam does the work of removing stains (and bacteria!), so you don’t feel like you got an extra workout right there in your kitchen.

7. Cleaning a Natural Stone Floor

   Whatever you do, leave the vinegar in the pantry, warns Kris Koenig, CEO of eco-friendly cleaning company Natura Clean, in Middleton, Wiss. Even a small amount of the acidic liquid could damage stone floors, as could bleach and ammonia. Instead, mop sealed stone floors with a pH-neutral, non-chelating cleaner that won’t react adversely to the minerals in natural surfaces. Koenig’s favorite is Naturally It's Clean Floors cleaner.
   
   If your stone tiles are unsealed, says Reichert, simply mop with a microfiber mop and hot water; chemicals would penetrate the stone. For stubborn dirt, use a steam cleaner.

8. Cleaning a Porcelain Floor

   For weekly cleaning, use Reichert’s spritz-and-dry mop technique to keep tile floors looking fresh: Gently mix 1/4 cup vinegar in a 16-ounce spray bottle with 1 drop of dish soap and warm water. Spray the floor one section at a time and wipe with a damp microfiber mop as you go. For periodic deep cleans, she likes to use a steam cleaner to clean both tile and grout—the steam does the work of removing stains (and bacteria!), so you don’t feel like you're getting an extra workout right there in your kitchen.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

Clay-base ceramic tiles are an ideal choice for kitchens, baths, basements, porches, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone areas. Floor tiles are extremely durable; water-, stain-, and wear-resistant; and easy to care for. An array of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes are available. Tiles larger than 12 inches square are currently the most popular choice.

All tile feels hard, but some types of tile are actually harder than others. The body of a tile, sometimes called the bisque or biscuit, is produced to meet a specific need or use. Although thickness is one gauge of strength, composition of the tile and the temperature and duration of firing also determine its strength. To help you determine whether the tile you are considering is appropriate for a particular location, check the tile's rating, as determined by the Porcelain Enamel Institute. Hardness ratings are as follows:

-- Group I, Light traffic. These tiles may be used on residential bathroom floors such as a guest bath where bare or stocking feet are the norm.

-- Group II, Medium traffic. These tiles are designed for use in interiors where little abrasion occurs. They are not recommended for kitchens, entries, or stairwells.

-- Group III, Medium-heavy traffic. These tiles can be used anywhere inside a home, including kitchens and baths.

-- Group IV, Heavy traffic. These tiles are very hard and can be used in homes or in light to medium commercial areas.

-- Group V, Extra heavy traffic. These tiles can be used anywhere.

-- Underlayment. To prevent chipping and cracking, tile must be installed over a firmly supported subfloor. Broken tiles cannot be repaired, but they can be replaced. Tile grout, if left unsealed, can be difficult to clean.

Q: What's the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile? I've been told they're the same, but I can't buy that. How are they different, and is one better than the other?

A: In general, porcelain tile is harder than ceramic and offers greater design flexibility. Although both are made from clay and other naturally occurring materials fired in a kiln, the clay used to make porcelain tile is more refined and purified. It's fired at a higher temperature and greater pressure, resulting in an extremely dense and hard material.

"Porcelain is proving to be a longwearing material that is really making its mark on the industry," says Tanya Woods, an associate kitchen and bath designer (AKBD) in Bloomfield, Michigan.

Porcelain tile is an ideal product for cold-weather climates where freeze/thaw conditions are a concern. Due to its low moisture absorption rate (.5 percent or less), porcelain is less likely to crack and is more impervious to stains.

"The term porcelain has become branded to some degree -- it is to tile as Kleenex is to tissue," Woods says. "But this does not mean all porcelain tiles are created equal."

When picking porcelain tile, it is best to choose one that has "through body color." Some tiles may have only a ceramic glaze fired over the body; if chipped, the white-, tan-, or red-clay base is exposed.

For safety in wet areas or in flooring applications where accessibility is a concern, look for a tile -- whether porcelain or ceramic -- with a high coefficient of friction. This property is measured on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the most slip-resistant.

"Porcelain also offers strong advantages when it comes to design," Woods says. "Due to its strong nature, many sizes are available from a small mosaic 1×1 to large slabs of 24x48 and many unusual sizes in between."

Porcelain can also be rectified -- cut to a precise size so all tiles are identical, allowing the tile contractor to set extremely tight grout joints.

Certain factors make installing porcelain tile a more difficult do-it-yourself project. Its density and hardness require a wet saw with a porcelain diamond blade. For proper surface adhesion, you should use a latex modified thinset mortar. For large-format porcelain tiles, a level substrate is needed to reduce lippage, or variations in height.

But the payoff of lasting beauty is well worth the extra installation requirements ."Notably, surface finishes, textures, patterns, and variation of color are very stylized and lend to porcelain's appeal," Woods says. "The tile industry has grown as a result of the introduction of porcelain tile, and it looks as though it's only going to continue to increase in popularity."

2019 Flooring Trends

The time has come! You’re ready to do that remodel you’ve always dreamed of or flip that house that’s been on the market for months.

It’s ‘OMG so exciting’ until you realize choosing a floor is, um, really daunting.

Except, it doesn’t have to be. The thing is, we tend to get overwhelmed by choices, not knowing which option will look the best, stay in style and hold up to the use and abuse of your entire household.

The truth is, it’s easier than you think.

We’re here to help you find the latest, greatest flooring trends and prepare to tackle new styles in 2019. There’s nothing worse than spending your savings on a new floor only to have it go out of style in less than 5 years.

Trends across hard surfaces (wood, tile, vinyl and laminate) are extremely consistent in 2019. Hard surface manufacturers continue to push towards replicating natural wood and stone flooring trends.

Carpet is kind of its own niche. But that doesn’t make it any less prominent in this year’s flooring trends.

In fact, carpet is still the most popular flooring option on the market, and like hard surfaces, manufacturers are making huge strides and technological advancements to produce never-before-seen carpet looks and trends.

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There are lots of flooring trends going on this year. If you’d like a glance at the 5 hottest flooring ideas, here’s a quick rundown.

1. Wood-look flooring. This isn’t new to 2019. Wood-look flooring in laminate, vinyl and ceramic tile has been hot for years now. In fact, it’s been the #1 flooring trend 2 years in a row now, with no end in sight.

2. Waterproof flooring. For years, tile was really your only waterproof flooring option. But! It’s 2019 – that means you can now purchase waterproof vinyl, laminate and even carpet. This new feature is a dream for busy homeowners, families and pet owners.

3. Textured flooring. Mimicking classic hardwood, you’ll see handscraped, wirebrushed and fully distressed floors in wood, laminate and more.

4. Environmentally-responsible flooring. Beyond looks, in 2019, homeowners want to know where their floor came from. Using natural, renewable, recyclable and home-grown materials is huge right now.

5. Blonde flooring. Don’t worry; gray is still big! Blonde is just also in and it’s making a huge splash. Light, airy, blonde flooring works with just about any decor and instantly makes your room look bigger.

Why Carpet is Better Than Hardwood in 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 simply 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.

Warmer, Softer Step

Most of us 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 carpet can be intensified by choosing a high-quality pad.

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. Obviously, 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. In addition, carpet absorbs sound—while hard flooring reflects it—reducing the noise of speech and other activity.

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 we 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 carpet by using an area rug to cover 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.

courtesy of The Spruce

What Makes Luxury Vinyl Such a Great Cost-Effective Option

Complete your home renovation project within or even under your budget by turning to us for your flooring needs. When it comes to affordable options, luxury vinyl can’t be beat. But don’t let the pricing affect your views on the quality. We have a large selection of luxury vinyl plank flooring that is not only beautiful, but incredibly durable.

Many customers don’t realize just how far vinyl floors have come in just the last decade. Advancements in technology have led to a more authentic look and feel in laminate, as well as improvements in its durability. Most people don’t look at new flooring until they have a renovation project, which could have been 10, 15, 20, or even more years ago. This means they haven’t seen the beauty and other benefits modern vinyl has to offer. So if you’re ready to update your floors, browse through our inventory and see what high-quality, affordable options are available.

When updating their spaces, many customers prefer to use hardwood floors. While this is certainly a great option, it won’t work for every room in the house. Bathrooms and kitchens, for example, have high moisture and humidity, which means other wood floors might warp over time. Not only that, but because hardwood doesn’t have a non-permeable surface, it is more susceptible to mold and mildew growth below the surface when high amounts of moisture are present.

That’s where luxury vinyl plank wood flooring comes in. It gives you the appearance and even the texture of real hardwood, but holds up better to moisture. Its protected surface not only protects against mold, mildew, and other allergens, but also makes it easy to maintain. There is a huge variety of colors, sizes, and grain patterns available.

Luxury vinyl is produced by fusing multiple layers of synthetic material together through a lamination process. A photographic applique is applied under a clear top layer, which means your floors look as close to real tile or wood flooring as possible.

One of the biggest benefits of vinyl flooring is its versatility. Its ability to mimic the look and feel of other flooring materials is what makes it such a popular option in many homes. And at our warehouse, you can see for yourself just how vast the selection is.

Luxury vinyl plank wood flooring is also a beautiful option for anyone considering a cost-effective whole-home makeover, or simple and elegant updates in the kitchen or bathroom. It’ll be hard for anyone who walks through your door to notice a difference between luxury vinyl and the real thing!