FAQ
Carpet
What is Berber carpet?
While many people commonly refer to loop style carpets as Berber, the term Berber means a flecking of color that originates from the natural flecking found in wool.
I am interested in a carpet with a formal look; which styles should I consider?
A Saxony carpet, with its plush velvet appearance, would be the perfect carpet style to achieve a formal look. A patterned carpet can also add style to a formal room.
What type of carpet would be best for an active household?
Areas in the home that experience a lot of activity, such as family rooms, hallways, stairs etc., would benefit from a durable carpet such as a textured, frieze, loop, Berber, cut pile and loop. Patterned carpet is also a good idea for high-traffic areas in your home. These styles will help disguise the appearance of footprints. If you decide to go with a solid color carpet, make sure to select a color that will minimize the appearance of dirt.
Will the color of my carpet look lighter or darker once it is installed in my home?
Typically, the color of your carpet will look lighter once it is installed. Most carpet selections are made from smaller carpet samples, so seeing the color in an entire room or home will make it appear lighter. This is especially true if the space has bare walls, windows, and lacks furnishings.
What is the “new carpet” smell that is present sometimes after carpet installation?
This odor usually comes from 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PC), a by-product of the latex binder used to hold the carpet fibers and backing together. The odor is not harmful and will go away within a few days.
Will removing my carpet reduce my allergy symptoms?
No. Removing carpet will not reduce the number of airborne allergens that produce allergic reactions in your home. In fact, removing your carpet may increase the number of airborne allergens, because other surfaces are not capable of holding allergens on the ground like carpet fibers. Regular vacuuming and routine cleaning will reduce the number of allergens in your home.
Carpet Padding
Does it matter what the carpet cushion looks like?
No. Once the carpet cushion (also known as carpet padding) is installed beneath the carpet, you will never see it again. The most important factor when shopping for carpet padding is its thickness compared to the carpet you will be installing.
Is the quality of my carpet cushion really that important?
If you select a cheaper carpet pad to save money, you may pay for it in the end by shortening the life of your carpet. Plus, you may be giving up some of the benefits that keep your investment looking and feeling good.
Is carpet cushion environmentally safe for my family and pets?
Most carpet cushions are made either from recycled materials, or materials that are recyclable. Many cushions also meet the Carpet and Rug Institutes Green Label for Indoor Air Quality, as they don’t emit hazardous levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Some carpet cushions contain antimicrobial treatments to fight against environmental elements such as odor-causing mold, mildew and bacteria.
What type of carpet cushion should I choose for my high-traffic areas, such as stairs and hallways?
In areas of high traffic select a thinner, denser carpet cushion to better protect your carpet from wear and tear.
What type of carpet cushion should I choose for maximum comfort?
Consider a thicker, plusher carpet cushion for a luxurious feel in bedrooms, dens and living rooms where comfort is a priority. Denser carpet pads will help your carpet look newer longer. Many carpet cushions are available that combine the best of both worlds; durability and ultra-plush comfort.
Is there any difference between natural and synthetic fibers regarding indoor air quality?
According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, no. All types of carpet have very low emission levels, regardless of whether they are made of natural or synthetic fibers.
Is it necessary to use a pad of some type under an area rug on my hardwood floor?
You might use a breathable rug underlay that is specifically designed for use on hardwood floors. Typically, these come in mesh or grid patterns and will help the rug “grip” your floor and hold the rug in place.
Flooring
What materials are best to use in a room meant mainly for active kids?
If you have a playroom or family room where kids like to run around and play, it’s a great idea to install flooring that is easy to clean, soft to the touch and features no hard edges. Carpet is thus often your best bet for a comfortable, functional flooring solution. In this case, consider looped pile or tightly twisted textures with stain resistance.
How do I transition different types of flooring from one room to another?
A threshold cover is used when there are height changes in flooring from one room to another. The flooring specialists at Di’s Floor Centre can discuss more decorative transitions, which can be designed depending on your specific flooring type.
How can I use flooring to make a room appear larger?
Installing tile on the “diagonal” and selecting lighter colors that have a relatively consistent texture will make a room appear larger. This is a great technique to apply when renovating smaller kitchens or bathrooms in a home you intend to sell, as it gives potential buyers a more spacious feel than the true square footage of the room.
Hardwood
Can I put hardwood floors in my bathroom?
Hardwood floors are not recommended for high-moisture areas. This would include a bathroom with a shower or a tub.
What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood flooring is made of solid pieces of wood from top to bottom. This is effectively a sanded piece of wood cut directly from a log.
Laminate
Can laminate countertops be repaired if scratched?
No. Laminate is a strong material, but it can be cut with a knife. Knife cuts can go through the color layer, exposing the brown underlayment. These types of cuts cannot be repaired. Use cutting boards when cutting on a laminate countertop.
Can a laminate floor be refinished?
No.
Tile
What floor covering would be most practical in a bathroom?
Tile, sheet vinyl, and luxury vinyl that is slip resistant.
If I drop something on my ceramic tile floor, will it break the tile?
Ceramic tile is a very durable flooring product when installed correctly. What will most likely happen is the item you drop will break and the tile will simply suffer a chip or crack.
Should I seal my grout?
Sealing your grout with a penetrating/impregnating grout sealer will help prevent moisture absorption that can cause stains. Sealing your grout will also make your regular cleanings easier. Grout sealer will need to be reapplied, so check the manufacturer’s specific directions to determine your grout maintenance schedule.
What is the difference between sanded and unsanded grout?
Sanded grout is used on tile with a grout joint width equal to or greater than 1/8 of an inch.Unsanded grout is used on tile with a grout joint width less than 1/8 of an inch and is recommended for use with polished natural stone products due to the narrow grout joints customarily preferred. Unsanded grout should be used for glass tile.
Vinyl
What type of rug can I use on my vinyl floor?
Use a non-staining vinyl-backed mat or a woven rug that is colorfast (see the manufacturer’s label on the rug you intend to use). We do not recommend using rubber or latex-backed mats because they can permanently stain your vinyl floor.
