anything else they can imagine. Meanwhile, ceramic tiles seem to be popular with pet owners. “Some hard surface products can be scratched, and that may be something that bothers some homeowners,” Titiner says. “So, perhaps a ceramic is better than a hardwood. For some people, it is the richness and beauty of porcelain and ceramic tile that helps make their house feel like a home.” Titiner’s advice to someone who is searching for new flooring is to not be overwhelmed by the choices. “With the help of a good local flooring retailer, you’ll be able to navigate through the choices,” he says. “Don’t settle for the ‘flooring of the month.’ This is your home, and you should make sure that at the end of the process, you are happy with what you purchased.” kc
board lengths are shorter, but the attractiveness of the wood comes from its rich color, which is similar to walnut. For those looking for more “green” flooring options, bamboo has become popular. “One of the most environmentallyfriendly products is bamboo flooring,” Titiner says. “It is a product that, because of its ability to be harvested approximately every six years, makes it a choice for many people. The key thing is that along with its eco-friendly nature, it has a very interesting look that many people like and is actually a very durable product.”
What’S NeW iN carpetiNG
Putting in hardwood floors may increase the value of a home for those thinking of selling, Titiner says. “But there still isn’t anything like jumping out of bed and having your feet sink into a nice, thick, plush carpet that wraps around your toes,” he says. “It feels so good.” Mohawk brand now offers SmartStrand, a carpet made with DuPont Sorona’s renewably sourced polymer, which is made in part from actual corn. It has a lifetime stain and soil resistance that is built in, not sprayed on, and it’s odor resistant. “SmartStrand yarns provide superior stain resistance for families,” Nelson says. “With the increase in gasoline prices, wool carpets can be a great value for those homeowners planning on staying in their home.” Wool carpets feel like naturally curly hair, Nelson says. They respond to foot traffic, have superior performance and are naturally flame retardant. Carpeting also brings warmth and comfort to whatever room needs a splash of color, and it can be good for kids and pets because so many are very durable and stain resistant, she says.
hardwood and tile designs are very realistic and give the impression of a natural product.” However, laminate flooring is still a big choice among buyers. It also can look like hardwood of all different styles and colors. According to the North American Laminate Flooring Association, laminate flooring gets its beauty from a photographic image fused beneath a protective layer, which makes it very adaptable to all kinds of designs and styles. Homeowners have many options in colors and styles when they choose laminate, including floors that look just like bamboo, floors with matte or high gloss finishes, and just about
LaMiNate, viNyL, tiLe hoLd their GrouNd
Luxury vinyl tile products are sometimes more popular than laminate floors, Nelson says. “Some of these products are floating applications,” she says. “So, the expense of tearing out an existing floor is saved when you are able to install over the former floor. The
4 Carpeting brings warmth and comfort to whatever room needs a splash of color, and it can be good for kids and pets because so many are very durable and stain resistant says Nelson. (Photo provided by Carlson’s Floors Inc.)
Don’t settle for the “flooring of the month.” This is your home, and you should make sure that ... you are happy with what you purchased. — Gary Titiner, president of Family Flooring America in St. Charles