What are the highest traffic areas in your home? Doorways, stairs and landings top the list. Many folks who prefer hardwood floors still choose carpet for stairs and landings. Hardwood is beautiful and durable– but also noisy. Adding carpet to your stairs can bring peace and quiet. But choosing carpet for your stairs differs from other areas in your home. Looks and style are essential, as are safety and durability. Do I Need Carpet on My Stairs? Carpeting your stairs makes sense for several reasons: Stairs are one of the noisiest spots … [Read more...] about What Carpet Is Best for Stairs and Landings?

There’s nothing like a clean and shiny hardwood floor. It looks terrific and feels fabulous on our feet. But hardwood is a natural product and can be susceptible to scratches, dents and gouges. You may be concerned about everyday scuffs or deeper gouges and dents from furniture and appliances. The good news is there are DIY and professional solutions for repairing and touching up your hardwood floors. How Can I Repair Surface-Level Scratches on My Hardwood? Superficial scratches are an easy fix. Options include: Try DIY waxing. Use a … [Read more...] about How Do You Repair Scratches or Gouges in Hardwood Floors?

Do you think of grandma’s orange shag when you think of textured carpet? We’ve got news for you. Textured and patterned carpets have come a long way. Today’s textures and patterns are sophisticated, elegant, and bold. After years of neutrals reigning, many style-savvy homeowners are ready for some fun and adventure. And 21st Century patterns and textures are a far cry from the kitschy looks of decades gone by. Which Rooms Work Best With Patterned Carpets? Today’s patterns and textures can work just about anywhere. However, some rooms invite a … [Read more...] about Is Patterned or Textured Carpet a Good Choice for My Home?

A high-quality hardwood floor is a thing of beauty. Hardwood is gorgeous and long-lasting: it can last 30 years or more if you take good care of it. Your hardwood floor may lose a little luster after years of wear and tear. Refinishing is an essential component of keeping your flooring in terrific shape. Refinishing protects hardwood from damage and keeps it looking gorgeous. But every time you refinish, you remove a tiny bit from the surface. So how many times can you refinish your hardwood before it’s time to replace it? What Does … [Read more...] about How Many Times Can I Refinish My Hardwood Floor?

Oriental rugs are one of the loveliest ways to accent a room. Their colors and designs are hard to top. They’re also expensive and delicate, so we want to take care when using them and cleaning them. Authentic oriental rugs are hand-woven, usually made of wool or silk. Some feature dyes that are not colorfast, so we need to be cautious. Finding a professional cleaning service with oriental rug expertise is your best bet. Do Oriental Rugs Need to Be Cleaned? Even in low-traffic areas, oriental rugs trap dust and microbes. They should be … [Read more...] about Should I Clean My Own Oriental Rugs?

A finished basement can add tons of living space to your home and boost resale value. But finding the right flooring can be a challenge. We know that in the basement, water and dampness are the enemy. So we want material that can stand up to moisture while looking terrific. We also need flooring that comfortably covers hard, cold concrete, so not every material we use on our main floors is an option. What Should I Consider When Choosing Flooring for My Basement? Looking at flooring for your basement? Here are some questions to help you … [Read more...] about What Flooring Is Best for a Basement?