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The Right Product
At first, it's all about "The Look" you're trying to achieve. However, in the long run it's about how the product wears and how it looks and feels as it's used.
Several factors determine how well a carpet will wear and clean: its construction--stitches per square inch, number of twists, and the face weight (measured by the amount of yarn in one square yard). Other factors include quality and type of yarn, stain treatment, and methods of dying or coloring the yarn (some carpets may be cleaned with bleach and water!). Often overlooked but extremely important is the padding used underneath.
Wood flooring is always beautiful in a home. The species of wood used, the subflooring material underneath, and the care of the floor may all effect the durability and wear of wood flooring. Any wood floor may be scratched or dented, however, an advantage of wood flooring is that in most cases it can be sanded and refinished. We even have a commercially rated wood floor perfect for high-traffic areas and heavy-duty wear.
Laminate wood flooring has become very popular. It does not yellow or fade from sunlight, resists scratching, and is more resistant to moisture than solid wood flooring. While laminate floors cannot be sanded and refinished, some laminate products are engineered such that it may be possible to remove and replace a single board if necessary.
Ceramic tile and travertine, possibly the most durable floor products, are also used in many areas where water is a concern--particularly kitchens and baths. With ceramic tiles in those areas, it is important to consider a product that is anti-slip. The subfloor is extremely important in maintaining the integrity and life of the tile floor. Selecting an appropriate grout can also make the difference in an outstanding look to your floor.
Mid-range and upper-end vinyl products are beautiful when installed properly. A good, smooth subfloor is essential as vinyl magnifies imperfections of the subfloor beneath. Several vinyl products are engineered for installation over an existing vinyl floor, making installation much easier and removing the necessity and expense of tearing out and replacing the subfloor. Vinyl is perhaps the easiest to care for and clean, however, it will tear and scratch if heavy furniture or appliances are dragged across it. We even have a line of vinyl flooring that looks like wood. Its interlocking, floating system of installation is similar to the way laminate floors are installed and because it is solid vinyl it's waterproof, making it the perfect choice when you want the elegant look of wood in a bathroom or kitchen!
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