Happy New Years!

And the countdown has begun until the parties begin, the midnight chimes ring, and the fireworks start.  Because it is New Years Eve! 

What are your New Year resolutions?  How do you plan to get them to stick? 

In regards to this blog, my New Years resolution is to continue to improve the content based off your interests.

How do I plan on doing that?  I have polls already set up asking for feedback, plus there will be more down the road.  And, I really do want to hear from you so please use the comments form! 

Do you want to read about...

• extending the life of your floor (what issues do you have? what floors do you have?)
• how to choose the best floor for you (are you more interested in hardwood, carpet, rugs, laminate, tile, allergy-friendly floors, eco-friendly floors, etc?)
• home design (if this is yours, what is your biggest challenge and what's your favorite style?)
• insider information about flooring (is there a term you don't know? a myth/misconception/FAQ that you'd like to double check? something else?)
• would you like to see more content about the next step up from floors (counter tops, stairs, cabinets, furniture, etc?)
• what are you most interested in: flooring for the home, business, rental property, etc?
• did I miss anything?  What are you most interested in and would like to see me write about this new year?

Please comment and let me know!  I want to know what you think.

Happy New Years everyone!  I hope yours is full of hope, joy, peace, and opportunity.

The Truth About "Trackless" Carpet

Have you seen carpet that shows the path that the vacuum last took?  If you don't like that, then this is the post for you.

Shadowing Effect on Carpet created by the Vacuum

First of all, as a soft floor covering, there is no carpet out there that is 100% trackless.  However, there are carpets out there that show tracks less than others.

Now, the Shadowing Effect is what causes these tracks to show. This is caused by the carpet fibers to be brushed in a different direction than their neighbors causing the light to bounce off them differently.

The best style of carpet to hide tracks is Level Looped Carpet:

Loop Carpet

That is because looped carpets generally are very firm and the fibers are not as prone to movement when vacuumed or walked on.  This minimizes the Shadowing Effect created by such activity, hiding the tracks.

Cut and Loop Carpet:

Cut and Loop Carpet

Now, how well this particular style of carpet hides tracks is the ratio between loops and cut fibers.  Cut fibers are more susceptible to the shadowing effect created by being brushed one way or the other (hence vacuum marks).

However, there are Cut-Pile Carpets where the shadowing effect is not as noticeable: Frieze Carpets.

Frieze Carpet

With the classic Plush, or Cut Pile Carpet, all of the fibers are twisted in the same direction so the light bounce off them the same way.  In Textured Saxony's and Frieze Carpets, the fibers are twisted in multiple directions.  This creates a constant Shadowing Effect, which makes the Shadowing Effect created by foot prints and vacuum marks much less noticeable.

Classic Plush Carpet

Textured Saxony Cut-Pile Carpet

See the difference?  The Textured Saxony looks like it has flecks of different colors although it is completely one color.  This is caused by the different twist directions.

Flecks of color bring us to other features to take into consideration when searching for a carpet with minimal Shadowing Effect.

Like with the Textured Saxony, flecks of color mimic a constant Shadowing Effect and camouflaging the tracks created by vacuums, footprints, etc...

Another consideration is Color.  Well, more like the amount of color.  The darkest (and the lightest) carpets will show a greater level of Shadowing.  So stick with medium colors.

Now, if you insist on getting a Classic Plush Carpet but are still concerned about tracks showing, something you'll want to look for is a tightly packed, dense carpet.  The more the fibers can move, the more of a Shadowing Effect is possible.

Oh, whenever you're shopping for carpet the best test (for multiple reasons) is the Hand Test (Barefoot Test if you comfortable with taking off your shoes in public).  Brush your hand over a sample of carpet that you're interested in to see the amount of Shadowing that occurs.

Does this help?  What are your flooring pet peeves?

(My Favorite) Relax it's Lee's by Martha Bubert

“When the Lee’s carpet line was first designed for the members of Carpet One Floor and Home International, our customer’s requests were kept in mind. Their priorities were at the top of the list and Lee’s made sure no other carpet could come close. Not only does Lee’s have the most current styles and colors but it is the strongest, longest lasting, and most stain resistant carpet on the market.

“No matter which price point is chosen, Lee’s carpet protects you with a 120 Day Beautiful Guarantee, 25 Year Warranties against Wear, Soil, Installation Issues, and Stain. In fact, this carpet has a No Exclusions Stain Warranty, exclusive to our customers. With four times the amount of protection, the fibers repel liquids four times as long as other brands!

“Our ExtraLoc backing is stronger, more stable, and beats our competition when it comes to rot and mildew resistance. But our 25 Year Texture Retention Warranty is the most exciting because it insures our customers’ carpet will always look its best in the heavy traffic areas (including the hall and steps)!

“Here at Mercers, we want our customers to be as proud of their Lee’s carpet as we are so we take care of seams, loose steps, and& even re-stretch free of charge for up to 25 Years. Now it’s easy to see why I always start my Mercer carpet tour with the best: Lee’s!”

Martha Bubert is our in-house Interior Designer and Flooring Specialist of our Historic Downtown Westminster Showroom.

The Story of Berber: From Africa to Carpet

Berber carpet: most people think that means looped carpet.

But, that just shows how the use of certain terms can evolve over time, which is a process I find fascinating, don't you?

Berber, actually refers to an African Tribe that was made famous for their woven blankets.

See the flecks of color?  These came from the raw wool and other materials the Berber people used as the yarn for their highly prized blankets.

Now, for the connection.

Looped carpets were originally meant for high traffic areas (like restaurants) where soiling wasn't always able to be cleaned up immediately.  So they were made...

 ~ to be highly durable (not necessarily comfortable)
 ~ with flecks of color to help camouflage any soiling

The flecks of color are what earned this particular style of carpet the nickname of 'Berber Carpet'.

Now, since styles have changed and manufacturing processes have improved since then, not all looped carpets are flecked and not all flecked carpets are looped.

What features do you find most important when searching for carpet?  Stain resistance, camouflaging flecks, durability, softness - or something else?

(My Favorite) Relax it's Lee's by Joel Courchaine

“Lee’s has recently redesigned their whole line by updating the styles and colors and adding a high level of softness and superior strength. Lee’s is made with Evertex, a revolutionary fiber that offers more permanent stain protection than ordinary carpet. With a patented ExtraLoc backing, Lee’s will outperform any ordinary carpet.

“By being a Titanium quality carpet, Lee’s offers the best warranties in the industry. The reason why they can do that is they have been around for 150 years. This carpet has a 120 Day Beautiful Guarantee and 25 Year Wear & Texture Retention Warranties with Soil, Stain, and Installation Warranties for the life of the carpet.

“Now my favorite Lee’s carpet is Seize the Day because of the softness and thickness of it. My favorite Seize the Day color is Birdseye Maple, mostly because I like the name.”

Joel Courichane is the Manager of our Ellicott City/Columbia Showroom off of Rt. 40 or Baltimore National Pike.

Time Flies...

I can hardly believe it...

Exactly a year ago today, I posted my first blog post here.  Let's Talk About Floors is a year old.

It's definitly been a fun and interesting journey and I've learned a lot.  I hope that you've enjoyed it and learned something also. 

What did you enjoy the most so far?
It's been great to share my rich resources of information and ideas with you (and actually get proof that someone is listening - thank you to all who've commented!)

What would you like to see in the upcoming year?
I've started (and definitly will continue) to bring in other experts as well.  Who would you like to see featured?

10 Things to Think About when Preping for Guests

Rob Jones at the Build Direct blog has gathered "a few recommended features to think about when you’re dressing up that guest room in order to make it as comfortable as possible. Some elements are going to be a long-term commitment, which really just goes into increasing the visual impact of your home as a whole. But, I’ve also listed a few features which definitely falls under the “it’s the little things that count” file."

It's definitely a well thought out post with some good suggestions. (Hence why I'm talking about it here.)

Rob talks about everything from night lights to decor.  Do you think he's left anything off his list?  How do you get ready for holiday guests (or even unexpected guests)?

Read the post in it's entirety here.

Happy Holidays!

We're soundly in one of my absolute favorite times of the year.  The bustle, the family and friends, the good food, the warm fires...it all just creates a cheerful and welcoming feel in the air.  I hope you're enjoying the season as much as I am.

Are you proud of your holiday decorations? Great!  I'd love to see pictures!  Please either email them to me (and they'll be featured in an upcoming blog post) or share them on our Facebook page.

(My Favorite) Relax it's Lee's by Dwayne Unger

"Lee’s is for Living – it’s hard to improve upon the best, but that’s what Relax it’s Lee’s has done. Found exclusively at Carpet One International member stores, Lee’s has yet again raised the bar for all other carpets.

“Not only do they offer the most current styles and colors, but the ABSOLUTE BEST warranties. For the next 25 Years you do not need to worry about the Texture Retention, Stains, Soiling, or any Installation problems. The Texture Retention Warranty now covers steps and hallways, an industry first!

“If you upgrade to our new Healthy Living Installation,* the Texture Retention and Wear Warranties DOUBLE!! A 50 year carpet!!! Who says carpet can’t be a ‘forever floor’. The Stain Warranty is No Exclusions, throw whatever you want at these carpets and they WILL NOT stain or the carpet’s replaced for free*!!

“My personal favorite is the new Pearls of Wisdom in Wheatland. The tri-colored yarn twists mixed in make this a great choice for pet owners who are looking for a super plush carpet that will help hide some of everyday’s ‘living’ between vacuuming.

“*See me for details.”

Dwayne Unger is our Insurance and Commercial Flooring Consultant.

4 Enemies of Hardwood Floors (& How to Stop Them!)

Hardwood is my personal favorite choice for flooring.  The only room I wouldn't want to put it in is a full bath (see Enemy #3 for the reason why). 

Hardwood is a warm, stunning choice with limitless design options, so it's easy to create a floor that says "I'm Katlin's Floor".  Plus, I find it super easy to care for, once you know what to look out for.

Enemy #1: Dirt -

  ~ ALWAYS have walk off mats at entryways
  ~ vacuum regularly with a canister vacuum cleaner (no beater bar!)
  ~ you can also do a quick dust mop with a DRY terry cloth/microfiber


Enemy #2: Dust (note: these tips are also great for those with allergies) -

  ~ keep your air vents and filters clean to reduce dust in the air
  ~ vacuum your carpet and rugs regularly because they act like filters as well
  ~ take a look at Enemy #1 for additional considerations and tips
  ~ Air purifiers and filters (as long as they're kept clean) are great at keeping dust and other impurities out of the air


Enemy #3: Water -

  ~ NEVER put hardwood in a full bath

  ~ In rooms where spills are prevalent (kitchen, mudroom, half-bath, etc) use mats and/or rugs to catch any moisture that is tracked in or spilled

  ~ Also, consider engineered hardwood or bamboo as they are more stable in regards to changes in humidity levels (cork floors are also a unique option that has a similar feel to hardwood and is much more water resistant)

  ~ ALWAYS clean up spilled and pooling liquids immediately
  ~ Manufacturers suggest keeping humidity levels between 35 and 55% (humidifiers are great for this!)

  ~ NEVER ever use a steam cleaner on hardwood (same with laminate, cork, or bamboo - but they're great for ceramic tile and natural stone!)

Enemy #4: High Impact Points -

  ~ ALWAYS trim pet nails
  ~ Check the bottom of shoes for anything that might be lodged (like stones)
  ~ Take shoes off at the door (especially high heels)
  ~ Install felt pads or coasters on the bottom of furniture that is heavy (couches) or is moved around a lot (chairs)

For more details on the suggested tools, cleaners, and methods on taking care of your hardwood flooring visit our Hardwood Care Page and our Floor Care and Cleaning Product Page.

What's your favorite floor type and/or design?

(My Favorite) Relax it's Lee's by Kevin Bryson

Kevin is the Manager of our Historic Downtown Westminster Flooring Design Showroom at 26 West Main Street in Westminster of Carroll County, Maryland.

“Lee’s is for Living: This is the newest, strongest, and most stain proof carpet in the industry. Lee’s carpet has been around for a very long time, but now it’s made of the strongest and most stain proof fiber available: Evertex.

“This carpet has a 25 Year Stain Proof Guarantee and a 25 Year Texture Retention Warranty that even covers steps and hallways. This is the only carpet in the industry that covers steps. Also, Lee’s has a 120 Day Beautiful Guarantee that says if you don’t like your carpet for any reason, we will replace it, free.

“Lee’s has every style available in the line and the colors have been chosen by a top design firm so you know these are today’s colors and textures to make your design decisions easier. My favorite style and color is Ambassador Smokey Topaz because this is a very classy style and this color goes with everything.”

I'm Guest Blogging! "3 Steps to Make People Jealous...of Your Floors!"

On DoItYourselfDIY.com, I wrote a guest blog post about 3 easy steps to taking your floors from blah to fabulous.

"How would you like to get a ‘wow’ from that picky (can be also read as ‘snooty’) neighbor (could also be read as friend, relative, etc) when they walk into your home?


The best way to get a ‘wow’ is to pull together the design of your home and take it to the next level. And there are 3 basic parts to that: Color, Pattern, & Design Accessories (borders, inlays, trim, medallions, etc).

All the books (designers, bloggers, etc) out there talk about furniture, artwork, paint, architecture…But few to none talk about the floor.

The floor of a home is an important design aspect that is often over looked. People just want to cover the floor and make it look nice. They have no idea of what design options are available. Or they are worried about over doing it.
Fear no more! I’ve packed this blog post full of tips regarding the basic design elements and how they relate to flooring."

Read the rest of it here!

I'd love to hear what you think of it!

New Series: My Favorite Relax it's Lee's

We have a new Saturday Series!

What:
See what our sales people think of Relax it's Lee's carpet and what there favorite styles are!

When:
Saturday mornings, starting this Saturday (December 4th) around 10am for the next few weeks

This is your chance to get the inside scoop on one of our featured carpet lines and the personal preferences of our sales team!

Do you have a Relax it's Lee's carpet in your home?  What do you think about it?  How is it performing?