A continuous filament Nylon is the toughest fiber and it has a “memory,” Ken Sprout described. This means it will spring back after being stepped on, somewhat easier than other materials. Another plus of nylon is, if it has a stainmaster treatment, it is built directly into the fiber, rather than simply spraying on the top of the carpet.
With a polyester carpet, the fiber is not as tough as nylon, but it is “naturally” stain resistant. Generally, the fiber accepts colors well and usually has a “softer hard” than nylon, according to Ken.
Olefin, otherwise known as Polypropylene, is also not as tough as nylon but it is like polyester. “This is as close to total stain resistance as you can get,” Ken explains. It is used a lot with indoor and outdoor carpeting and many area rugs.
If you’re looking for a specific carpet that can endure every day use and high traffic, Ken, in his years of flooring and carpet experience, would recommend “Anything Goes!” from Shaw. It is made of stainmaster continuous filament “tactesse” nylon. “Anything Goes! Has a ten-year no matting, no crushing warranty even on stairs. This is the only carpet made with a warranty on stairs for traffic.”

Ken Sprout says that yes, it does. Quality carpet cushion helps to prolong carpet life and keeps the carpet looking nice for a longer period of time. Some carpet warranties require a minimum thickness and density pad.

According to Ken, when a sharp or heavy enough object is applied, any surface will scratch; (a pet’s claws or moved furniture, are examples). The good news is that with real wood, there usually exists a way to hide or repair the scratch damages. Do not let a fear of scratching deter you from installing wood on floors in your home; wood adds real value. Wood floors can last for a hundred years or more in beauty and performance.
Laminate flooring cannot be as easily repaired and must be replaced when worn out or scratched severely.

Yes, wood is a product of nature; therefore, you will see variations from board to board in all categories. No two boards are ever the same.

Wood goes through a natural aging process called patina. Bright sunlight can also accelerate this condition. Moving area rugs or other items that may cause this effect from time to time is recommended.

It is actually personal preference. They both have advantages. For example, if you want to match the existing woodwork, you may wish to go with unfinished so it can be stained to blend with the woodwork. However, prefinished also has some great benefits: longer finish warranties, uniform stain application, and a cleaner environment.

• Laminate
• Ceramic
• Porcelain

Solid Surface

• Stone
• Quartz
• Cement

Although a great variety of glazed tiles are used for counter tops, manufacturers specifically recommend only specific tiles. These are usually double glazed or glazes fired at higher temperatures, such as glazes on vitreous and porcelain bodies. High-gloss glazes are not recommended because they will scratch under normal kitchen counter top use. Many owners will select these 'high-gloss' tiles for counter tops even though they are told "they will scratch," because they like the look and do not intend to use their kitchen on a regular basis. Mohawk includes specific references in our catalog for each product. Refer to Mohawk Product Catalog. Vanity Tops: Most tiles are all right to use, except the softest glazes, because of less abuse.

Solid Hardwood is just what it sounds like. It is usually ¾” thick of solid wood, but can be as thin as 5/16”. It is almost always nailed down when it is installed, but the thinner widths can also be glued down or floated (without nail or adhesive).

Engineered hardwood is made like plywood, but the top layer is always solid hardwood (i.e. Oak, Maple, etc.). The thickness can be as great as ¾”, but it is usually 5/16” or 3/8”. The purpose of engineered hardwood is that it can be glued down and can be installed below grade (i.e. the basement). Also, engineered hardwood will not expand and contract like solid hardwood. No matter whether solid or engineered, hardwood is maintained the same as they both have polyurethane finishes. For more information about how to clean and maintain your solid or engineered floors, see the Care and Cleaning section of the website.

Window treatments can be much more than a decorative item. They can make your home much more energy efficient. Keeping your blinds closed in winter can save heat and in the summer can reduce air conditioning use by shading out harsh sunlight. Blinds also help protect furniture and even flooring from fading due to harmful UVA/UVB rays from the sun.

Best of all, blinds and soft window treatments control light, privacy, and mood of the room by letting in lots of light for a bright and sunny look, or filtering light for a more subdued mood.

Actually, you do have other options, and they’re good ones! DuraCeramic is a composite of limestone and vinyl which looks like ceramic but it warmer to the touch and more comfortable underfoot. It comes in 16x16 tiles and can be installed with or without grout lines. Metroflor is another good option with an all vinyl product that has an aluminum oxide finish. It comes in 16x16 tiles and it grouted after installation. The Tru-Grout option does not allow stain penetration, which makes clean up really simple. Both floors are warmer and more comfortable to stand on.

At Indoor City, we recommend several things. First of all, you can change your hardware. If you want a less expensive adjustment, try a color change of paint and decoratives. You could also change your countertops or cabinets, or very easily add new light fixtures or add decorative lamps.

At Indoor City, we like to recommend a product called Konecto because we use it ourselves in our very own showroom. With an innovative lock-connect technology, Konecto floors are easy to install and equally simple to replace if it is ever necessary. Easy to maintain, Konecto is a no wax floor that is highly resistant to most household chemicals and stains. Therefore, this is a practical product that is built to perform and beautify your home and basement. Stop into our showroom today and ask about the durability and success of Konecto!