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How to Choose the Best Carpet for your Pet

Can pets and carpet exist in harmony? At Next Day Floors, we believe the answer is, “Fur-sure!” Just follow these five easy steps to make sure you’re choosing the very best option for your pet-friendly household.

1. Select the right type of carpet. Make sure to avoid loop carpet, where pet nails have a tendency to catch and pull at the carpet, creating a zippering effect. Berber carpet is a good example of the kind of carpet you should avoid if you have a pet.
2. Choose a brand of carpet that offers a stain-resistant line. Our carpets are protected from dirt and stains before they reach the carpet fiber.
3. Select a moisture-proof cushion. The number one benefit of carpet cushion is that it helps prolong the life and performance of the carpet. And a moisture or waterproof backing can help absorb liquids from pet accidents to stop them from reaching the concrete or wood subfloor.
4. Choose a carpet color or pattern that can help hide dirt and pet hair. To lengthen the life of your carpet, vacuum frequently to remove trapped pet dander and particles.
5. Place a pet bed on your pet’s favorite spot. If your furry friend has a particular patch of carpet on which they like to lay, it’s best to place a pet bed in this location so that oils from your pet’s fur are not absorbed into the carpet, creating a soiled area.

Have any additional questions about pet-friendly carpeting? Want to check out your options in person? Come visit us at one of Next Day Floor’s six Baltimore showrooms or schedule an at home appointment and we’ll bring samples to you.

Top 5 Reasons Hardwood Floors Can Help Sell Your Home

Did you know that hardwood flooring is the top request by homebuyers or prospective tenants when house hunting? A USA Today article using data from the National Association of REALTORS® found 54% of homebuyers were willing to pay more for hardwood floors – and for good reason.

Here’s why:

1. Hardwood floors add long-lasting warmth and beauty to any home interior. There’s something to be said when you walk into a room and see a gleaming hardwood floor.
2. They’re durable and easy to clean and maintain.
3. They help with allergies. The hard surface doesn’t hold dirt, which helps cut down on the amount of dust and other contaminants for people who suffer from allergies.
4. Traditional hardwood flooring is available in many colors and species. Oak is among the most common in the region, but with so many options, you’re guaranteed to find a wood that suits your home’s look and feel. Maple, Hickory and Brazilian Cherry are some other popular options.
5. Hardwood can be re-sanded and refinished to restore its luster, while other types of flooring may need to be replaced when damaged or as it nears the end of its lifespan.

If the cost of hardwood floors doesn’t fit into your budget just now, engineered hardwood is a cost-friendly alternative. Engineered wood is hardwood flooring that has been reinforced with multiple ply layers that are cross layered, glued and pressed together to provide extra protection, especially in high-moisture areas. Benefits of this structurally sound wood include durability and the ability to be installed in basements, as well as concrete flooring or below-grade installations. This wood will not buckle, gap or cup. It’s available in all the traditional offerings such as Oak, Cherry, Birch, etc.

Whether you choose traditional or engineered hardwood, installing these flooring options in your home can go a long way toward increasing its value, lifespan and overall beauty.

Have any questions or want to check out your options in person? Visit one of Next Day Floors’ six Maryland showrooms or give us a call at 1-800-916-6112.

3 Ways to Protect Your Flooring From Sun Exposure

Brighter days are ahead as we get closer and closer to the coming Spring season.  But while the gorgeous sunlight may be great for your flowers, it’s not so great for your hardwood flooring.

Hardwood floors are photosensitive. This means any direct exposure to sunlight can have an impact – causing either a fading or darkening of the floors. Some species of wood are more likely to react to sunlight than others, such as Brazilian Cherry, American Walnut or Tigerwood. The sun’s UV light can also react with the finish used to seal the floor.

So as a homeowner, you should take the proper steps to limit the amount of sunlight reaching your floors.

1. Shut blinds and curtains during the day. If you have blinds with horizontal slats, try angling them upward so that sunlight is directed to the walls and not the floors.2. Rearrange furniture and move carpets so different parts of the floor will be exposed to the sunlight and the floor won’t fade or darken too much in any one spot.
2. Use special window films or tints to help block the sun’s damaging rays. Trust a reputable window tint company to install a film over your windows that blocks 99.9% of ultraviolet rays.

Interested in more flooring tips from the pros or want to learn more about your hardwood flooring options? Check out the one of our six convenient Baltimore flooring stores.

Do Ice Cubes Really Remove Carpet Dents? We Put it to the Test.

Rearranging furniture can be a fun project that brings new life to a room. There’s just one problem as you stand on your plush carpet and take in your handiwork.

Dents.

Everywhere you look, there are impressions left in the carpeting – from the sofa, the coffee table, even chairs.

Fortunately, there’s a simple life hack that can eliminate those dents and even out your carpet.

Editor’s Note: We read about this handy tip on numerous sites. But we didn’t want to take anyone’s word for it, so we put it to the test ourselves using a Next Day Floors’ sample of Shaw Floors’ Natural Look carpet in Asian Sand. This carpet is stain resistant and has a 10-year quality assurance warranty. It has a high performance rating for withstanding foot traffic.

How it works

Cover the dented carpet area with ice cubes and allow the cubes to melt. This might be the hardest part! We started melting the cubes at 9:50 a.m. and it wasn’t until about 2 p.m. that the cubes finally melted. It may take even longer depending on various circumstances – but patience is key!

Once the cubes are melted, you can use a paper napkin to lightly blot the area and then use your finger or even a spoon to help gently lift up the carpet threads. Then let the area dry completely for another couple of hours, and “Presto!” the carpet dent has vanished.

Have any household tips that you apply to your flooring? Let us know in the comment section below!

The 2 Hottest Trends in Area Rugs – and How to Make Them Work for Your Décor

Whether you’re going for shaggy or sleek, area rugs can help add ambiance to any room while protecting your hard surface flooring from scratches and wear. These two current decorating trends focus on neutral-colored rugs as well as layered looks that blend textures, colors and styles.

Trend #1: The Layered Look

Consider layering two to three rugs to add creative flair to a room. Jute or sisal rugs make a great combo as do sheepskins and flatweaves. Consider placing a white sheepskin rug over a tan flatweave in your bedroom to create both a soft landing spot when you pop out of bed in the morning and a cozy, textured look. Many choose to layer a brightly patterned rug over a larger neutral base rug to help add a pop of color to a room. Always be sure your base rug is larger than the top rug when creating this look.

Trend #2: Neutral Tones

For those with an eye for the neutral palette, the choices are vast! Neutral rugs are available in a variety of textures, and help bring an overall balance and timeless appeal to a room. You can choose from tan earth tones to grays and silvers.

Whether you layer or go neutral, your area rug can be the perfect way to tie together the look and feel of your favorite room.

Want to see how these layered styles look in person? Come visit one of Next Day Floors’six locations in the Baltimore region.