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Solution-Dyed Carpets

October 29, 2019 By creatingyourspace Leave a Comment

When shopping for carpet, you will come across many different styles, materials, loops, and colors. Carpets can all have added pros and cons, depending on how they are manufactured and what material is used to create the fibers. You may be interested in a natural material such as wool or go another route such as a synthetic carpet fiber like polyester. There are two types of ways that synthetic carpets are dyed. While how your carpet is dyed may not seem like a big deal to you, there are benefits that may interest you in purchasing a solution-dyed carpet. Let’s take a look!

Traditional Dyeing Methods

There are many ways carpets are dyed, but generally, the traditional way is through dipping the fibers. Fibers are created with a very neutral color like grey or beige. These fibers are created then ran through a dye to stain the fibers. While this process is very complex and can have different stages in the process, this is, traditionally, how color is added to fibers. Imagine an apple. When you see an apple, it has a red coat on the outside of it. However, when you cut a knife through the apple, you can reveal the true white color beneath the skin. This is how the traditional dyed method affects carpets.

Solution-Dyed

Carpets have been engineered to be constructed through synthetic materials. These materials can consist of liquid polymer compounds and chemicals being converted into fibers. Unlike the traditional method, where the fibers are dyed after the carpet fibers are created, solution-dyeing adds the color with the chemical compounds. This allows the fibers to be dyed pre-production and be the true color all the way throughout the carpet. The liquid is then fed through spinnerets and created into yarn to make carpet fibers. So, unlike an apple, you now have a carrot. If you cut the carrot in half, you will still have the orange all the way throughout the vegetable.

Added Benefits

While this can only be done with synthetic fibers, there are many added benefits to the process. The fibers hold the color through themselves. This makes them very difficult for color to fade from sunlight or foot traffic. They are also more stain-resistant since the fibers have already been fully stained. This makes it much more difficult for them to absorb a new stain. Some solution-dyed carpets can also be cleaned with very heavy-duty cleaning compounds such as bleach without color fading!

Whether you are looking for commercial or residential carpet, understanding some of the added value to solution-dyed carpet may help you in the decision-making process. While non-solution-dyed carpets are still excellent choices, this added benefit should not be ignored. For more insight on flooring and manufacturing benefits, make sure to subscribe!

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Filed Under: Carpet Tagged With: Carpet, flooring, floors, solution dyed

The Best Flooring Materials for Contemporary Homes

October 9, 2019 By creatingyourspace Leave a Comment

When searching for flooring materials for your contemporary home, there are a few options that stand out among the rest. They are the type of materials that are very desirable to homebuyers in the market for an up-to-date look that is move-in ready. If you want to be sure you have made the right choice, check out some of the best choices for contemporary settings.

Hardwood/Engineered Hardwood

Hardwood is one of those materials that has stood the test of time. These floors are endlessly versatile with a variety of furnishings and are valued for the quality look they bring to a living space. While more expensive and timely to install, hardwood floors are always going to be a good investment. If your budget is not as high as you would like, you could still achieve the look you want through the installation of engineered hardwood. Engineered hardwood has a thinner top layer of hardwood with additional wood layers fused beneath it. It is a quicker process to use the engineered version of this material, and you can still enjoy the warmth and class it provides to the room. In fact, there are very few engineered wood disadvantages at all.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is another excellent choice for a contemporary home that is always sought after by homebuyers. Tile gives the room a clean look and is easy to maintain. The variety of different types of floor tiles on the market today makes it easy for anyone to create a complementary look to any of their decor. Textures, patterns, and shapes can all be used to add a bit of customization to the space while still being able to enjoy the stain- and mold-resistance properties that it provides.

Carpet

Carpet is always going to be appealing for homebuyers who want a space to provide a warm and welcoming retreat from other more formal areas of the house. Carpet is an excellent addition to the living room or bedrooms. Its padding will provide comfort underfoot and help reduce noise, which is a desirable trait if you have children or pets. It is also a safe space in the event of a fall, so both young and old can feel secure when they are standing on a carpeted area.

All in all, contemporary designs can have a very versatile flooring selection. From carpets to hard surfaces, contemporary design is able to gracefully master any of these flooring types.

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Filed Under: Hard Flooring Tagged With: contemporary, contemporary home decor, contemporary style, flooring choices, flooring installation, floors

Understanding Your Flooring: Hardwood

May 8, 2019 By creatingyourspace Leave a Comment

Adding hardwood flooring is a luxurious upgrade that homeowners absolutely love.  The authentic nature is a timeless remedy that can transform any space. Not to mention, hardwood is highly praised for its raw beauty and elegance that it can bring to any atmosphere. While functionality, affordability, and durability can all be determining factors in your flooring, we want to help give you a better understanding of hardwood and see if it is best suited for your needs. Let’s take a look!

Hardwood floors are a very durable option for the home. They can be sanded and refinished several times and allow the flooring to continue to look brand new. That being said, be careful because softer woods like pine flooring will be more capable of scratching and gouging.
Different hardwoods will have different levels of scratch resistance. While no wood is scratch proof, you can find harder woods to prevent damage. And many of the best engineered wood flooring brands offer high-quality finishes that can likewise protect your floors.
While a quick spill on the floor is not going to be detrimental, wood and water are not compatible. Hardwood flooring can expand and contract with water causing boards to warp, crack, and split. Keep hardwood away from wet areas or basements where moisture may come through the subfloor!
Hardwood is not “typically” chosen for the comfort it offers. While hardwood is not considered soft compared to other types of flooring, it will add warmth and energy to the room. Hardwood is more of an investment on the beauty it adds to the space, not necessarily the comfort it adds.
If a stain penetrates the hardwood, it will be nearly impossible to remove. However, unlike carpet, you have more time before a spill will break into the flooring causing a stain. With hardwood, it is important to clean a spill as soon as it happens to prevent unwanted damage to the flooring.
Hardwood is a beautiful flooring. If you fear your animals or children may damage the floor, you should probably wait on the investment or put it in areas that will not see heavy use.
Hardwood is not the most expensive flooring, but it is a luxury flooring. Installation may require special tools and can up the cost. However, most types of wood flooring can increase your home’s real estate value and serve as a powerful home improvement to help move your home up on the market.
Hardwood’s beauty is unmatched. It is an incredible asset to any home. Not only does it increase market value, but it can last a lifetime with proper care.

Remember that not all hardwoods are the same. With engineered and solid floors, you may be able to get away with a little more in the right application (though there are some engineered wood disadvantages). Make sure to check with your flooring representative to see if hardwood will work in your home. For more insight on different flooring types, make sure to subscribe and check out more of our series!

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Filed Under: Featured, Hard Flooring Tagged With: flooring, floors, wood

Understanding Your Flooring: Carpet

May 6, 2019 By creatingyourspace 1 Comment

As most homeowners already know, not all floors are made equally.  From hardwood to carpet, every flooring option gives you a list of different pros and cons.  While aesthetics is an excellent quality in flooring, understanding which floor is best tailored to your needs is the most important aspect.  You would not want to put a floor in an environment if it is not suited for its traffic and lifestyle. 

With a variety of different flooring options on the market, carpet will always be an excellent option for any home. With so many diverse patterns, textures, styles, and looks, you can tailor any carpet to fit the design theme of your room. Not to mention, carpet is highly desired for its affordability and comfort. While functionality, affordability, and durability can all be determining factors in your flooring, we want to help give you a better understanding of carpet and see if it is best suited for your needs. Let’s take a look!

Generalizing all types of carpet is difficult.  Please note that some carpet will be more durable than others.  Different fibers and pile can all result in your carpet’s performance.  If you are looking for a more durable carpet, ask your flooring sales associate to direct you to one. Their expert knowledge of the product line will help you find one that is suitable for your traffic level and environment.
Your carpet cannot scratch; however, you may be able to tear your carpet with enough force.  Some carpet can also lose its resilience and bounce back which will show traffic patterns.
It is not recommended to install carpet in wet areas.  In doing so, it could lead to unwanted molding.
Carpet is considered one of the most comfortable flooring options available on the market. With the right padding, it is excellent for children in case of falls.  It makes the flooring a more comfortable surface to play on as well.  However, in case of accidents or spills, carpet may not be the best for recovering unwanted stains.
While many carpets are treated with premium stain resistors, carpet is not best for rooms you anticipate frequent spills or mishaps.
Carpet is soft, so this can make for a great play area for kids; however, stains and accidents can happen. If not treated promptly, the liquid can penetrate down to the pad, and this can lead to unwanted lingering odors in your home.
Carpet prices will fluctuate from low to high depending on what quality you invest in for your home.  If you are looking for a quick and affordable option, carpet is your best choice.  However, understand the “cheaper” you go, the less durable and longevity you will get from your carpet.

Remember, carpet can be made of different fibers, thicker pile, and even treated with different chemicals. This is a very general and broad view of carpeting. There are carpet solutions with higher durability, less comfort, and even more water resistance. Make sure to check with your carpet representative to discover which options may be best for you. For more insight on different flooring types, make sure to subscribe and check out the rest of our series!

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Filed Under: Carpet, Featured, Hints & Tips Tagged With: Carpet, flooring, floors, pro tips

Thanksgiving Wrap Up

November 25, 2014 By creatingyourspace

Here is a quick look at a few of our past Thanksgiving posts!  You’ll find decorative china patterns, how to prepare for hosting guest, how to prepare your floors for these guests, and the best ways to remove gravy stains from your carpet!

Design Inspiration: Blue and White China | From the Floors Up
Get Your Dining Room Ready for the Holidays! | From the Floors Up
Hosting Preparations for Thanksgiving | From the Floors Up
How to Remove Gravy Stains at Thanksgiving | From the Floors Up

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Filed Under: Seasonal & Holiday Tagged With: carpet stains, china, floors, gravy, holiday, hosting, patterns, ready for guest, summary, Thanksgiving

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