From hardwood floors to carpet, no surface is immune to the holiday chaos. With some thoughtful preparation and a few clever tips, you can protect your floors from potential damage while still fully embracing the magic of the season.

Start with Strong Defenses: Floor Mats and Doormats

Picture this: your guests arrive, stomping snow, mud, and debris onto your welcome mat—or worse, your floor. A sturdy floor mat or doormat is your first line of defense against messes. Look for drainage mats to trap moisture and doormats with bristles to catch dirt before it makes its way inside. Place mats both outside and inside every entrance. Layering them creates a double barrier, ensuring debris doesn’t sneak in when guests rush to escape the cold. While they may seem like small additions, these mats can save you countless hours of cleaning and prevent long-term damage to your floors.

Protecting Hardwood Floors from Holiday Wear and Tear

Hardwood flooring is beautiful, but it’s also susceptible to scratches, dents, and spills. During the holiday season, the risk of damage skyrockets. Adding rugs in high-traffic areas like the living room and dining room not only protects your hardwood floors but also adds a festive flair to your décor. If you’re moving furniture to make space for a holiday party, use felt pads under heavy pieces to avoid scratches. A well-placed tree skirt can catch needles and sap from your Christmas tree, while a waterproof mat under the tree stand will prevent leaks. These simple holiday floor protection measures are great tips if you’re trying to shield your floors against Christmas trees, fallen ornaments, or the occasional holiday gathering.

Guarding Carpets Against Stains and Spills

Between wine spills, food crumbs, and muddy footprints, your carpeting faces endless threats during the holiday season. Consider using small rugs in dining areas to shield the carpet beneath from spills. Scheduling a deep carpet cleaning before and after the holidays can keep your carpets looking fresh and ready for all the festivities. For quick cleanups, having a plastic bag or small bin handy can be a lifesaver when accidents happen. Taking these proactive steps ensures your carpet survives the holiday season unscathed and looking its best.

Kitchen Floor Protection During the Holidays

The kitchen is the heart of holiday festivities, buzzing with activity as meals are prepped, cookies are baked, and drinks are poured. But with all that action comes the risk of spills, scratches, and scuffs that can take a toll on your kitchen floors. Whether you have hardwood, tile, or vinyl, taking steps to protect this essential space can save you from a post-holiday headache. Your festivities may vary, but there are plenty of holiday floor protection methods you can use to keep your floor pristine.

Start by placing a durable runner or area rug in high-use spots like in front of the sink, stove, or prep area. These rugs not only protect your floors from spills and scratches but also add a cozy, festive touch. Anti-fatigue mats are another great option, providing both floor protection and added comfort for those long cooking marathons.

Spills are inevitable during the holiday rush, so keep a microfiber mop or cloth nearby for quick cleanups. This prevents liquids from seeping into the flooring or creating stains that are harder to remove later. For added protection, consider placing felt pads under chairs and stools to minimize scuff marks from constant movement.

With a little foresight and effort, your kitchen floors can weather the season’s challenges and remain spotless, ready to shine for your next holiday gathering.

Holiday Floor Protection Must: Managing the Christmas Tree Mess

There’s no denying the charm of a real tree, but it can wreak havoc on your floors. Pine needles, water spills, and sap are just a few culprits. A decorative tree skirt isn’t just for aesthetics—it catches falling needles and shields your floor from sap and sticky residue. For those with hardwood flooring, placing a protective mat underneath the stand can guard against scratches and moisture. By regularly checking the tree stand for leaks and keeping the area tidy, you can enjoy the beauty of your Christmas tree without the stress of floor damage.

Flooring Options for Holiday-Ready Homes

If the holidays leave you pondering a flooring upgrade, consider durable options that can handle the hustle and bustle. Hardwood flooring is timeless and elegant, but it requires proper care to withstand heavy use. Tile floors are scratch-resistant and easy to clean, making them perfect for high-traffic areas like entryways or kitchens. Luxury vinyl flooring combines style and practicality, offering a durable solution for homes expecting a flurry of activity. These options not only enhance the beauty of your home but also provide peace of mind during the busiest times of the year. And remember, durable flooring isn’t just for the holidays—it’s an investment in your home’s long-term functionality and style.

Post-Holiday Floor Protection and Care: Cleaning and Restoration

When the holiday buzz finally settles, your floors often bear the brunt of the season’s celebrations. From pine needles and spilled eggnog to scuffed surfaces, it’s time to show your flooring some love. With a little post-holiday TLC, you can restore their beauty and ensure they’re ready for the year ahead.

Hardwood Floors: Begin by sweeping or vacuuming to remove any lingering debris, such as glitter, crumbs, or holiday tree remnants. Follow up with a gentle hardwood floor cleaner to restore its natural shine and protect against further wear. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water, as these can damage the finish or seep into the wood.

Carpets: Your carpet likely endured spills, foot traffic, and maybe even a dropped plate or two. Professional carpet cleaning can help remove deep-set stains, odors, and dirt that regular vacuuming might miss. For smaller stains, spot cleaning with a carpet-safe solution can work wonders.

Tile and Grout: Tile floors are holiday workhorses, especially in kitchens and entryways. Tackle dirt buildup by scrubbing the grout lines with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent or using a grout-specific cleaner. A quick mop will refresh the tile’s shine, leaving your floors looking brand new.

Post-holiday floor care doesn’t just preserve appearances—it protects your flooring investment for years to come. A little effort now can make a big difference later!

Conclusion: Keep Your Floors Festive and Flawless

The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and making memories, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of your flooring. With a little forethought and a lot of heart, you can keep your floors looking their best while fully embracing the season’s festivities. Whether it’s strategically placing rugs to catch crumbs during a lively family dinner, using a tree skirt to shield your hardwood from falling pine needles, or deep cleaning your carpet after the last guest has left, every small effort helps.

It’s also worth noting that caring for your floors during the holidays can make your post-season cleanup much easier. With the right precautions, you’ll spend less time dealing with scratches, stains, or wear and more time cherishing those holiday memories. And if the season leaves you inspired to refresh your flooring altogether, consider exploring durable, stylish options tailored to your needs.

Ready to ensure your floors are holiday-proof and ready for every occasion? Schedule an at-home appointment with Empire Today®. We are here to guide you, offering solutions that combine functionality, beauty, and peace of mind. Let us help you create a home that shines not just during the holidays, but all year long.

The post How to Protect Your Floors During the Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Why Flooring Matters in a Small Bathroom

Let’s face it—small bathrooms come with their own set of challenges. Limited floor space, minimal natural light, and cramped quarters can make even the simplest bathroom remodel feel like a massive task. But here’s the good news: the right flooring can make all the difference. It can maximize your valuable floor space, reflect light to brighten up the room, and create a cohesive look that ties the whole space together.

Plus, bathroom flooring isn’t just about looks. It’s also about durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance. After all, a bathroom floor has to withstand daily wear and tear, from steamy showers to the occasional splash of water. So, let’s dive into some small bathroom remodel ideas that’ll help you choose the best flooring for your space.

Best Flooring Options for Small Bathrooms

When it comes to small bathroom remodeling, not all flooring options are created equal. You’ll want to choose a material that’s not only beautiful but also practical for a small and often humid environment. Here are some top contenders:

1. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a superstar when it comes to small bathroom remodels. Why? Because it offers the look of natural stone or wood, without the high maintenance or cost. LVT can be waterproof, durable, and incredibly easy to clean—a must for any bathroom. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek, modern look or a more traditional vibe, LVT comes in a variety of styles that can suit any bathroom design.

One of the best parts about LVT is its ability to mimic the appearance of more expensive materials, like marble or hardwood, at a fraction of the price. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners looking to achieve a high-end look on a budget. 

2. Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

When you think of bathroom flooring, ceramic and porcelain tiles likely come to mind—and for good reason. These materials are classic choices for bathrooms, thanks to their water resistance and durability. But just because they’re traditional doesn’t mean they’re boring. Today’s ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a wide array of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing you to create a floor that’s uniquely yours.

One of the biggest advantages of ceramic and porcelain tiles is their ability to handle moisture. These tiles are naturally water resistant, making them ideal for a bathroom environment. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to clean—just a quick wipe, and you’re done. Whether you opt for large-format tiles to minimize grout lines or intricate mosaic patterns to add visual interest, ceramic and porcelain tiles are a solid choice for any small bathroom remodel.

3. Natural Stone

If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your remodel, natural stone flooring might be the way to go. Materials like marble, travertine, and slate offer a timeless beauty that’s hard to match. Natural stone brings a unique, organic feel to a space, with each tile offering its own distinct variations and patterns.

However, it’s important to note that natural stone can be more porous than other flooring options, meaning it may require regular sealing to prevent water damage. It’s also typically more expensive than materials like LVT or ceramic tile. If you want the look of natural stone without the hefty price tag, consider opting for stone-look vinyl.

4. Engineered Wood

Love hardwood but terrified of what your bathroom moisture could do to your flooring? It might sound like a recipe for disaster, but engineered wood is actually an amazing alternative to the natural version. Unlike traditional hardwood, engineered wood is made with a plywood base that’s designed to resist moisture, making it a viable option for bathrooms.

Engineered wood offers the warm, inviting look of real wood, with the added benefit of being more resistant to humidity and temperature fluctuations. This makes it a great choice for those who love the look of wood but need a material that can stand up to the challenges of a bathroom environment.

5. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is another option worth considering for a small bathroom remodel. It’s affordable, easy to install, and comes in a variety of styles that mimic the look of natural wood. It may come as a surprise to see laminate flooring recommended for a room that will experience high moisture and frequent splashes, but many laminate products are water resistant or even fully waterproof, making it an excellent potential choice for bathrooms. 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on style, laminate flooring could be the perfect fit. Just be sure to choose a laminate that’s specifically rated for use in bathrooms to ensure it holds up over time.

Design Tips for Small Bathroom Flooring

Choosing the right flooring is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly make the most of your small bathroom remodel, you’ll want to consider a few design tips that can help maximize your space and create a cohesive look.

1. Go Light and Bright

In a small bathroom, light colors are your best friend. Lighter flooring can make a space feel larger and more open by reflecting natural light and reducing the appearance of shadows. Consider choosing a light-colored tile or LVT to brighten up your bathroom and create an airy, spacious feel.

2. Play with Patterns

Just because your bathroom is small doesn’t mean you have to play it safe with your design choices. Consider using patterned tiles or arranging tiles in a unique layout to add visual interest to the space. For example, herringbone or chevron patterns can add a sense of movement and dimension to a small bathroom floor.

3. Consider Large-Format Tiles

It might seem counterintuitive, but large-format tiles can actually make a small bathroom feel bigger. By minimizing the number of grout lines, large tiles create a more seamless, continuous look that can help expand the perceived size of the room. Plus, larger tiles are easier to clean—always a bonus in a bathroom.

4. Don’t Forget About Maintenance

When choosing flooring for your small bathroom, it’s important to think about maintenance. Some materials, like natural stone, may require regular sealing to keep them looking their best. Others, like LVT and ceramic tile, are more low-maintenance options that can be easily cleaned with a simple mop or cloth.

Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining your bathroom floor, and choose a material that fits your lifestyle.

Bathroom Flooring Installation: DIY or Hire a Pro?

Once you’ve chosen the perfect flooring for your small bathroom, it’s time to think about flooring installation. While some homeowners may feel comfortable tackling a bathroom flooring installation as a DIY project, others may prefer to hire a professional to ensure the job is done right.

If you’re unsure about your abilities or simply want the peace of mind that comes with hiring a pro, it’s worth considering professional installation. Empire Today® offers comprehensive installation services, ensuring your new bathroom floor is installed correctly and efficiently.

Transform Your Small Bathroom with the Right Flooring

When it comes to small bathroom remodel ideas, flooring is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The right flooring can enhance your bathroom’s design, make the space feel larger, and stand up to the unique challenges of a bathroom environment. Whether you choose the durability of LVT, the classic appeal of ceramic tile, the luxury of natural stone, the warmth of engineered wood, or the budget-friendly nature of laminate, your bathroom floor should reflect your style and needs.

Empire® offers a wide selection of flooring options that are perfect for small bathroom remodels. From guidance to professional installation, we’re here to help you create the bathroom of your dreams. So, what are you waiting for? Schedule an in-home appointment to start on your bathroom transformation today!

The post Small Bathroom Flooring: Your Guide to Transforming Tiny Spaces appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Not Matching Flooring Type to Your Overall Needs

Aesthetics will almost always be a top criteria when shopping for new flooring, but it’s important to not let your style desires overwhelm your practical needs. Durability and maintenance requirements should always be top considerations when selecting the types of flooring for the common rooms in your home. And, of course, adhering to a budget is a major part of the equation. Each of these factors carries a different significance to each shopper, and to maximize your long-term happiness with your new floors, it’s critical to find the products that check all the boxes on your list. Here are some common scenarios flooring sales professionals see:

• Hardwood and high traffic: You may have your heart set on genuine hardwood floors, but you need to be realistic about whether they are a good match for your home. Have pets or active kids who run though the house in their soccer cleats? A laminate flooring for a wood look with added scratch resistance or engineered hardwood to handle potential scratches and scuffs will likely be a better option, without giving up your style goals.
• Carpet in heavy traffic areas: As a way to save some money, you may be considering carpet for a heavily trafficked den or hallway. But even the most durable, stain-resistant carpet can quickly begin to show wear in extra-busy households. Instead, you may be able to find an affordable laminate or vinyl plank that fits your style wants and can better handle the traffic.
• Tile in large spaces: You might be in love with the easy maintenance of porcelain or ceramic tile in a large living space, but that tile can make the space noisier and colder than you’d like. Depending on your durability needs, the right carpet or a vinyl plank floor may be a better option.

Bottom line: consider your needs both from durability and style standpoints, then weave in budget realities, too. There’s likely a perfect type of flooring for your unique situation, but sometimes it’s easy easy to overlook it by focusing on a single aesthetic characteristic you’ve fallen in love with.

Flooring Mismatches

If you’re choosing new flooring for just one room, you’ll want to consider the existing floors that will be staying in the home. Generally speaking, most interior designers will caution against installing too many different types of flooring in a home—especially in adjacent rooms. For example, if you have a tile foyer that connects to a hardwood-floored hallway, which in turn leads to a den whose floor is done in a plush carpet, the overall space might have a patchwork look. Not only can this undermine an otherwise beautiful, cohesive design scheme. mismatches like this can often be a turn-off to prospective homebuyers. Two different types of carpet butting up to each other is another situation that interior designers might caution against.

While interior design is all about personal taste and bending the rules, there are always common guidelines that are worth sticking to. In general, a smaller home should have fewer types of flooring installed throughout its space to keep things looking well thought out. In fact, sticking with one dominant floor throughout most of the home may even help make a small rooms look bigger. This suggestion mainly applies to each level of a home, as different stories offer a natural separation between flooring types.

Forgetting About Tomorrow

We know it’s easy to get caught up in the vision you have for your home today, but it’s also important to consider tomorrow’s needs—especially if you’re shopping for your forever home. A child or a new pet a few years down the line could drastically change your flooring needs, and going back to the flooring drawing board in a couple years is something you’ll want to avoid. If any major life changes are on the horizon, even years down the line, they’re worth thinking about when floor shopping now.

Choosing Trendy When It Doesn’t Work

Sometimes the hottest flooring trends of the day just don’t fit your situation. You should never feel like the current popular option is the right floor choice for your home. More and more interior design today is transitional, merging traditional and contemporary elements. Contemporary design trends are always changing, but you’ll find many classic flooring options never really go out of style, even if they do slightly decline in popularity. These stalwart styles could be exactly what your home needs.

Attempting DIY Flooring When You Really Can’t Handle It

Flooring installation is best left to experienced professionals, for a variety of reasons. In addition to having honed their installation skills through in-depth training and constant practice, pros need to be up to date on building codes and other industry best practices that you might not find in a DIY book or blog. If you decide to give it a go on your own, you take on all of the responsibility for any installation errors. While some mistakes may only be visual, others can result in floors that are dangerous or more prone to premature wear.

For most homeowners, the cost of hiring a flooring installer is worth the added peace of mind in knowing the installation has been done by a licensed professional who carries the appropriate insurance and qualifications to perform the work.

Considering new flooring for your home and want to make sure you avoid the mistakes common to first-time shoppers and do-it-yourselfers? Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate today.

The post Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Floors appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Whether you prefer sticking to tradition or chasing the latest trends, affordable flooring is not as hard to find as you might think. Here’s where to start based on what look you want to achieve. 

Get Realistic Wood-Look Floors Without the Cost of Hardwood

For many years now, hardwood floors have been the fan favorite when it comes to sophisticated flooring. Nothing classes up a room like the clean look of white oak or the richness of a cherry wood floor. But, of course, that upscale aesthetic usually comes with a price tag to match. What many homeowners don’t know is that they can get a designer look without the designer price, thanks to modern affordable flooring options that accurately mimic the look of real wood. 

Laminate Wood

Though it’s not a solid hardwood, laminate flooring is made in large part from wood materials, lending it a real wood feel when you touch or walk on it. The photorealistic surface gives it the high-end look of real hardwood, while a robust wear layer and dense backing provide impressive durability. That trio of features makes it an impressive replacement for real wood, and because it’s easy and inexpensive to manufacture, it’s still quite an affordable flooring option. 

Vinyl Plank

Vinyl flooring is another wood-look floor option that has taken the design world by storm in recent years. What was once a last resort flooring consideration only talked about in hushed voices has now become an affordable flooring product at the forefront of the industry, thanks to advancements in design that have greatly improved its look and feel. Like laminate, vinyl plank flooring is not only resistant to scratches and stains, but is also highly water-resistant—and in many cases completely waterproof. Vinyl plank presents another more affordable flooring choice when compared to hardwood, while still providing a realistic wood look and texture.  

Porcelain Tile

When you think of wood flooring alternatives, tile is probably not the first product that comes to mind. But today’s modern wood-look tile can give you the style you’re after—plus the high resistance to moisture and mold that tile is known for—while still being more affordable than most real hardwood floors. Similar to laminate and vinyl plank flooring, wood-look tile uses a highly realistic wood grain image to simulate the look of hardwood. But below that is the durable ceramic or porcelain tile that has been used in homes for ages.  

And don’t think that tile should be restricted only to rooms that deal with heavy moisture, like the bathroom and kitchen. With a variety of stylish and functional options, wood-look tile can fit well in just about any area of your home.   

Modern Trends in Affordable Flooring

A common question that comes up when considering the affordable option of many stylish products is something along the lines of “Okay, but does it actually look nice?” Essentially, many people equate affordability with a low-quality product and a compromise in style, and they fear that any affordable floors in their budget will look dated before they’re even installed. But we are here to say unequivocally that yes, you can get beautiful, affordable flooring in all of the same on-trend styles as today’s high-end products. Here are a few trends you can use to modernize your home at a lower cost than hardwood. 

Add Space to the Room with Wide Planks

If you have a small room that you wish looked larger, it’s a good idea to go big with your planks. In addition to giving your home an authentic, rural aesthetic, wider wood planks are often chosen because they create the illusion of a bigger space. However, this sought-after look comes with a price; in the category of genuine hardwood flooring, the wide plank products tend to be the most expensive. But thankfully, those on the hunt for a more affordable flooring option can find the wide plank style in laminate, laminate vinyl plank, and even tile flooring. 

Get a More Natural Look with Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood is popular for both its eco-friendliness as well as its unique character. There’s no denying the natural, warm look and feel that the material can give your home. And although you might think that a flooring material has to be made from wood to get the distressed wood look, you can duplicate that character in a non-wood material. Finding affordable rustic flooring is easier than you think—the style can be found in both vinyl plank and wood laminate products. 

Bring a Sophisticated Touch with a Matte Finish

While glossy finishes on wood and tile are perennially popular, matte and satin have become increasingly sought-after finishes. Not only does a matte finish give a sophisticated touch to your home, it makes it easier to maintain a tidy look. Dents, scratches, and dust don’t appear as readily on a matte finish as they do on a glossy floor. Easy maintenance and style create a perfect combination for functional flooring. 

Get Distinctive Flooring with Pattern Carpet

While it might not be as popular as it was in the 70s and 80s, carpet is still a classic, practical choice for many rooms in your home. With its soft and warm touch, it’s a perfect way to add comfort to a bedroom or living room while still being stylish. One of today’s most popular styles of carpet is pattern carpet. Constructed with a combination of cut and looped fibers, it uses variations in the fiber structure to create visual patterns. Pattern carpets are a popular affordable choice for living rooms, studies, and other rooms that demand a certain level of sophistication when the budget doesn’t allow for a genuine hardwood floor. 

Choose Trending Tones

Whether you go with carpet or a hard surface, the visual tone of your flooring can make a huge difference in your overall design scheme. Choosing an affordable floor product won’t limit you on this front—you can find all of today’s hottest hues in budget-friendly options.  

Dark and Moody Tones

Dark floors give a chic and edgy look to your home but usually come at a cost. The style is often achieved with fine hardwood or stone flooring materials, but plenty of affordable options exist. Look for a dark wood laminate floor or a luxury vinyl tile that mimics marble. 

Neutrals: Grey and Greige

A color everyone seems to love lately is gray, and it appears to be here to stay. Its popularity is thanks mostly to its ability to match almost any interior design scheme imaginable, while still helping make rooms feel brighter. Because it’s such a popular choice, multiple gray options are available in every category of affordable flooring. Greige is another neutral flooring “must have” that has come to the forefront in recent years. A mix of grey and beige, this tone makes it easy to coordinate your flooring with other décor and gives your home a modern touch. 

At the end of the day, modern style does not have to come with a big price tag. You can get most of today’s hottest design trends for your home even if you’re on a tight budget. Floors tend to take up a massive chunk of the average renovation budget, and by shopping wisely and choosing affordable flooring alternatives to high-priced products, you can save a pretty penny. Feeling overwhelmed by all of the available options? Start updating your home by contacting Empire Today®. Schedule a Free In-Home Estimate to start shopping for modern, affordable flooring for your home. 

The post Modernize Your Home with Affordable Flooring appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

The web is filled with blogs and videos of seemingly easy flooring ideas. But while many DIY home improvement jobs are relatively easy to take on and can save you money, doing flooring yourself requires specialized knowledge and tools, can be very labor intensive, and will likely take much longer than you expect. Plus, an incorrectly installed floor can actually decrease your home’s value.  Here are a few reasons to consider hiring a professional contractor instead of attempting a DIY flooring project.   

Mistakes Are Common in DIY Flooring Jobs 

Despite all the resources available on installing floors yourself, it’s easy to make mistakes—especially if you aren’t familiar with proper flooring techniques. For example, did you know that you’re supposed to start in the middle of the room and then work outward when laying tile? Finding this starting point can be a dark art for the beginner—and if you get the first piece wrong, you’ll end up adversely affecting the entire project, leaving you with floors that appear crooked in relation to the room’s walls. 

If you make a mistake with your DIY flooring job, you’ll be forced to either live with an unsightly floor or spend extra money fixing it. Flooring mistakes that go unfixed can also decrease the value of your home. Do you know how to transition between rooms and flooring types? Are you aware of the proper underlayment or padding for each flooring type?  A professional flooring installer knows how to avoid common flooring mistakes, ensuring your new floor looks great from the start and is built to last. 

Purchasing the Correct Amount of Flooring Can be Tricky 

It can be difficult for do-it-yourselfers to decide exactly how much flooring to purchase. Measuring multiple rooms may seem simple enough, but professional installers will know to consider the “waste factor,” which accounts for seams, transitions, and cuts in corners and along walls. These are things that can be difficult to calculate if you’ve never installed flooring before and they increase the likelihood that you’ll order the wrong amount of flooring. If you end up with too much flooring, you may not be able to return the excess, which would be a waste of money. And if you order too little upfront, you run the risk of not being able to find more when you need it, or end up with products from a different batch that doesn’t quite match the flooring you’ve installed. 

A professional has the knowledge, experience, and even specialized software to accurately calculate the correct amount of flooring to buy before the job ever begins. Trusting a professional from the beginning means avoiding the extra costs, delays, and stresses of figuring out how much flooring you’ll need. 

Do It Yourself Flooring Requires Specialized Tools 

The home improvement jobs best suited to doing it yourself are those that require a minimal amount of specialized equipment. Want to give your walls a refresh? You can get that done with little more than a paint roller and a drop cloth. But many of the tools needed for installing floors are highly specialized and require time to learn. Some, like carpet stretchers, can only be found at specialty stores. Others, like tile wet saws, will be expensive to purchase or even rent. Planning on installing multiple types of flooring yourself? You’ll need a different set of tools for each of them. And unlike buying a new drill or saw for a small home improvement project, you’re unlikely to ever use these flooring tools again. Rather than spending a chunk of your budget on tools you’ll only use once, and may not even know how to use properly, let a professional who’s equipped and experienced with all the right tools do the work for you. 

Disposing of Your Old Flooring is a Job Itself 

One aspect of flooring installation many do-it-yourselfers don’t consider is the removal and disposal of the old flooring. Removing old flooring is a labor-intensive task, sometimes requiring its own special tools. It’s also easy to accidentally damage your walls or subfloor while doing so. And most flooring materials can’t just be thrown out with your curbside trash, and will instead require a rental dumpster or junk removal service—which are additional costs you’ll have to factor in. 

When you hire professional flooring installers, they’ll have the tools and know-how to tear up old flooring efficiently and safely, without damaging your home. And when you hire a professional flooring company like Empire Today®, removal and disposal of old flooring materials is included in the comprehensive price quote. Plus, Empire® has also implemented a robust carpet recycling program, which ensures that much of the carpet and padding we remove from customers’ homes and businesses gets recycled—keeping millions of pounds of these materials out of landfills every year. 

Hiccups are a Given in Any DIY Flooring Home Improvement Task 

Like any home improvement job, a DIY flooring installation is bound to be plagued by a variety of unpredictable hiccups. Lots of these issues will be things that do-it-yourselfers aren’t prepared to handle and won’t be able to find a simple solution for by searching online. For example, if you find out that your subflooring is damaged, you may not know how to repair it—and there likely won’t be a one-size-fits-all fix for it anyway. If you attempt to repair subflooring damage, it’s essential to know that any subflooring installation mistakes may make installing new flooring on top more difficult.  

Similarly, using the right underlayment, floor leveling compounds, and padding is crucial, and can make or break the aesthetics and quality of your flooring job. If you don’t properly install the correct underlayment, or you spread your mortar too thick, your DIY tile job can crack after installing flooring—even with normal use. If your floors are not perfectly level or properly connected to the surface below, you could end up with wood floors that are plagued by squeaks and visual flaws.  

Avoiding these problems, or knowing how to work around them when they arise, is something that comes with the depth of experience that a professional installer has. They’re the things you only learn with lots of time, often by making mistakes in the first place—and they’re usually not easy to fix with just an internet search. 

Professional Flooring Comes with Quality Assurances 

One of the biggest benefits of having a professional install your flooring is simply how worry-free it will be, because major DIY tasks like installing new flooring can be infinitely more stressful than most weekend warriors expect. Trying to juggle a DIY flooring project with your day job, taking care of family, and regular day-to-day tasks can be truly overwhelming. Letting the pros handle the work means you can focus on all the rest of the important things happening in life, instead of stressing about a messy house and whether you’ve installed things properly. Trusting the pros means you’ll get peace of mind knowing a quality job was performed by a company that stands behind its work.   

Professionals Will Get the Job Done Quicker than DIY Flooring

All these potential pitfalls mean that a DIY flooring project will likely take significantly longer than when left to the professionals, keeping parts of your home in a messy state of semi-installation for an extended period of time. How many nights and weekends do you want to have to devote to your flooring project? A professional crew can install flooring in an entire home in as little as a single day, freeing up your time for everything else in life. Of course, there are some who revel in the challenge and look forward to spending their free time with hands-on tasks. But if you’re not up for spending countless hours on your hands and knees, or running to the hardware store, a DIY flooring job might not be your best option. 

Empire® Makes Getting New Floors Easy with Professional Flooring Installation and an All-Inclusive Price Estimate 

 Overall, when it comes to something as important as flooring, it’s best to leave the installation to the pros. Not only will you save time, energy, and possibly money, but you’re more likely to end up with floors that look as good as you hoped, and that will last for many years to come. You can get your flooring quickly and conveniently when you Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate with Empire Today.  

The post 7 Reasons Hiring a Pro is Better than DIY Flooring appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Don’t Count Out Quality

Shopping for affordable carpet doesn’t mean you have to skip out on quality. Whether the flooring is expensive or budget-friendly, having durability, easy maintenance, and comfort is possible. Take our Tailor Made pattern carpet for example. It’s not just an affordable, yet distinct option. It’s durable, stain-resistant, and even pet-friendly, making it fully equipped to handle busy households.

Assess Your Home’s Needs

The most important thing to consider is your home’s needs. Are you looking for functionality or style? Does the space have low or high traffic? Do you have pets or kids? While you can find less expensive carpet with good quality, you can also avoid paying for features you don’t necessarily need. Why pay for pet-friendly benefits if there is no pet in your home?

Consider the Fibers

Known for its durability, nylon is a popular choice for carpets. However, it can be more expensive than other synthetic choices. Instead, choose a less expensive fiber for your carpet. Enhancements over the years have made polyester a durable yet, typically, less expensive fiber. Not only can polyester be a more budget-friendly option, but it’s naturally stain-resistant! Knowing your fiber options will not only help you find affordable carpet, but a durable style that’ll last.

Get a Packaged Deal

Aside from carpet, paying separately for padding and installation can add to your financial hassle, and stress! Empire Today makes getting new floors easy for you. When you schedule your in-home appointment, a flooring professional will give you an all-inclusive price for your entire project that includes the cost of the flooring, padding, materials, and installation. Call for your free in-home estimate!

Consult a Professional

You’d like to believe no one knows your home as much as you do. Yet, finding affordable carpet to fit your budget and household can become tricky. If you want to avoid a mess, it’s always best to ask the professionals. Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate and have a flooring professional help you find the perfect affordable carpet for you and your family.

The post Styling on a Budget: How to Shop for Affordable Carpet appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

1. Climate at Home

Climate can have a dramatic effect on your flooring and home. Floors such as hardwood and laminate can buckle and warp when faced with high humidity. Consider a porcelain tile wood look or vinyl plank, if you live in an especially humid climate.

Because tile naturally has a cold touch, it may not be a great option if your home is in an area with cold temperature. Consider carpet to add a warm touch to your home.

2. What Rooms Need Remodeling?

Whether it’s the living room, bedroom, or even your kitchen, each room in your home has a unique function. Bathrooms and kitchens are high-moisture spaces and you will need flooring that won’t buckle or warp when faced with water. Your bedroom is a place to relax, you might want soft carpet for comfort.

In addition to knowing your room’s personality and needs, think about what function your room will serve. A family room with high foot traffic calls for something more durable.

3. What’s Your Lifestyle?

Your lifestyle is another important factor before you begin floor remodeling. Kids and pets make a difference in the type of flooring you choose. Consider your hobbies and daily activities as well. Do you host parties? Cycle? Run? It will be easy for your floors to get dirty from guests or mud you’ve tracked in your home. Having stain- and scratch-resistant flooring will make your life much easier.

4. Different Types of Floor Remodeling

After considering climate, rooms, and your general lifestyle, you need to figure out which floor is right for your home. While this can be a fun and exciting step, make sure you weigh your options with the long-term benefits in mind. Hardwood may have a timeless look, but it can still be damaged if it is exposed to moisture. You may want to opt for waterproof flooring like vinyl plank or laminate to achieve a realistic wood look.

If you were thinking of carpet but are hesitant because you may have pets or allergies, don’t cross it off your list just yet. Instead aim for carpet that is specially made for your lifestyle, like the hypoallergenic and odor-reducing HOME Fresh carpet available at Empire.

5.  Floor Remodeling with Existing Décor

Flooring plays an important part in your home décor. The best flooring choice blends into your existing décor, creating a continuous look. If you have modern furniture, you may want to opt for a modern trend, such as wide planks. If you have a more traditional décor, traditional floors tend to be a better match.

You also want to consider neutral colors. A nice grey or greige floor can blend in easily with your décor’s color scheme.

In the end, floor remodeling should be easy. The climate, room, lifestyle, floor type, and even existing décor all play important roles in making the right floor choice for your home. For even more insight into choosing the right floors, Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate to speak with one of our knowledgeable flooring professionals.

The post 5 Things to Consider to Make Floor Remodeling Easier appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

1. Shop for carpet with built-in stain protection.

Scotchgard 3M, R2X® Protection, and Stainmaster® make it more difficult for puppies to leave permanent stains, odors, and soiling.

2. Always check for “pet urine protection” labels on carpet samples.

Some brands will have different names for it. This can help keep accidents and odors on the surface for easy clean-up, rather than deep in the fibers where it can turn into a tough stain.

3. Scratch, stain, and moisture resistance goes for hard floors, too!

Check for tough protective coatings such as aluminum oxide on flooring samples. This can defend floors with most scratches, stains, and moisture.

4. Aim for darker colors for carpet.

Although it is possible to have a lighter carpet color if you own a pet, having darker or multi-colors can make cleaning and your life in general much easier. Why? Stains tend to stand out more on lighter colors, which can be an eyesore for you and your guests if not cleaned properly.

5. Grooming is everything.

When’s the last time your dog’s nails were trimmed? Long, jagged nails can cause scratches to hardwood and laminate if overlooked.

6. How resilient are your floors?

Dogs tend to follow their own pre-determined paths over and over and over again. Durable laminate, hardwood, or  vinyl flooring are great for heavy foot traffic.

7. Avoid loop carpet.

Even if your dog keeps those claws trimmed, you may want to avoid looped carpet, as nails at any length can snag and rip it easily.

8. Pattern, frieze, and textured carpet can help hide dirt.

Sometimes, it’s nice to not have to clean up immediately. Certain carpet styles conceal crumbs and flecks of dirt better than others.

9. Don’t let sleeping dogs lie.

Not only is sleeping on a hard surface uncomfortable, but a dog’s dead weight could leave an impact on your floor over time. Find a comfy dog bed large enough for the pup to stretch out on!

10. Time to chow down? Use a feeding mat.

Puppy eating and drinking manners are a little different from ours. Opt for a feeding mat beneath the water bowls to avoid standing water on your floor.

11. Floor mats can keep mud and dirt at bay.

There’s no avoiding a little mud or dirt in the house, but strategically placed mats at every entryway and long hallway can make a huge difference.

12. Consider tile or vinyl entrance ways.

Taking the mat concept a step further, tile or vinyl is a lot better next to the backyard door than wall-to-wall carpet. It adds a buffer for liquids, mud, and dirt.

13. Keep bones and toys in one place when you can.

Bones and doggy toys can be pretty heavy! If they’re being knocked off a couch or dropped from a decent height, bad things could happen to your floors.

14. Drink on the edge of the table?

That’s just asking for a tail-whipping! Pets are just like kids in a lot of ways. Lots of sudden movements, not much grace. Keep drinks in hand or away from edges to avoid messes!

15. You can never have enough clean towels.

If you are constantly “acting fast” cleaning up spills left and right, make sure you have a steady supply of towels strictly for the dogs.

16. Where there’s a will, fur will find a way.

While cleaning up shedding, use mops, brooms, and vacuums without the beater bars to avoid scratching your floors.

17. Regular vacuuming is a must.

On both carpet and hard flooring, vacuum twice a week in high traffic areas. Once a week is fine for “pet-free” rooms.

18. Don’t be afraid to deep clean.

Use manufacturer-recommended products for carpet, wood, laminate, vinyl, and tile alike. Absorb stains as much as possible with a towel to remove excess moisture. Avoid abrasive scrubbing. Steam-mops and heavy machinery are not recommended.

19. Hire a professional cleaner once a year.

To keep your floor looking fresh longer, consult a professional cleaning service through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. They can get out the doggy bits your deep cleaning missed.

20. Above all else? Be prepared!

Accidents will happen. Don’t panic! If you have soap-free cleaners, mops, clean towels, and a vacuum on hand, you’re already halfway there. Most stains and soils can be avoided if you act fast and thoroughly.

Dogs and flooring can peacefully exist. It just requires a little more effort to keep your floors looking their best. If you need any help figuring out what dog-friendly flooring would be best for your  home, Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate now!

The post 20 Ways Dogs & Flooring Can Peacefully Coexist appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Fans

Using fans instead of the air conditioning is obviously a great way for keeping the house cool and saving a pretty penny. But did you know that the direction your fan is going can also improve how cool your home feels? Studies show that when your fans are circulating in a counter-clockwise direction, it will feel cooler. This is due to the fact that for some reason, the counter-clockwise fan motion makes the room feel more natural. It feels similar to the wind from outside.

Open Windows at Night

Humans tend to sleep better at night when it feels colder. That usually means we all end up turning down the air conditioning to a very low level. Instead of doing that, try opening your windows before you go to bed. The breeze will come inside and make you feel just as comfortable as you do when you turn the air conditioning down.

Leave Doors Open

For proper circulation in the home, leave doors open for a good balance of air flow. Even if it’s a room you don’t use often or it’s a room that you prefer having the door closed in order to hide whatever mess is there, it’s still better to leave all the doors open. Closed doors can lead to overly warm rooms and overly cold rooms. Temperature balance helps cool the entire home.

Close the Blinds During the Day

If you aren’t home during the day, close the blinds before you leave. The sunlight streaming in all day long will only make it more difficult to cool down once you get home. There are tons of blinds and shades that are designed to keep your house at a reasonable temperature.

And there you have it! Hopefully these quick trips help keep your home cool and comfortable when temperatures are high. And if you ever need help with your flooring or blinds and shades, we’re here to help. Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate with our experts whenever you need us.

The post Tips for Keeping the House Cool This Summer appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

A lot of people associate Empire® with strictly carpet. And rightfully so – we’ve been pumping out commercials with carpet in the spotlight since the late 1970s. But did you know we’re also prolific with hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl flooring?

If you have one of these hard floors in your home, then you know that it takes more than just a quick sweep to keep them looking clean. In part two of Empire’s Spring Cleaning Series, we present Advanced Flooring Care.

Respect Wood & Wood Looks: Proper Hardwood & Laminate Cleaning

Cleaning hardwood or laminate flooring properly doesn’t require a Master’s Degree in the Custodial Arts. But you should know that wood can change over time if you clean it with excessive water or harsh chemicals.

1. Eliminate Dirt and Dust
   Dirt and dust are easily managed with a gentle dust mop or low power vacuum, especially in high traffic areas. Stickier messes like dried mud or syrup can be softened with an ice cube and removed with a dull plastic scraper or moist cloth. The key is to be gentle! You wouldn’t want to scratch up your laminate or hardwood flooring with aggressive scrubbing.
2. Act Fast with Standing Liquids
   Accidents are likely to happen, so be prepared to wipe up spills with a clean, non-abrasive cloth at a moment’s notice. Wood and water do not mix well, so the sooner you wipe standing liquid up, the better.
3. Hire a D.C. (“Designated Cleaner”)
   No, this doesn’t mean you need a cleaning service. It’s recommended that you only use floor cleaner designated for hardwood or laminate. Follow the instructions on the bottle and never over saturate. Too much water or cleaner can cause wood flooring to buckle and/or separate. If you are using a mop, make sure the pole isn’t making contact with the floor. And we recommend staying away from steam mops or buffing machines, as they can both damage your wood or laminate floor.

The Vinyl Resurgence: Luxury Vinyl and Sheet Vinyl Cleaned Right

The nice thing about cleaning vinyl flooring is you don’t have to worry as much about water as you do with wood. It’s no coincidence, then, that luxury vinyl and sheet vinyl remain a popular flooring choice in bathrooms and kitchens. Here are some tips for cleaning vinyl.

1. Clean Often, But Gently
   Remove loose dirt with a soft bristle broom. If you prefer to vacuum, disengage the beater bar and use a “bare floor” setting to help avoid damage to your vinyl.
2. Use Mopping Sense
   It’s recommended that you clean vinyl daily with a damp mop. Highly abrasive scrubbing tools, steamers, and buffer machines are not recommended (unless you want to risk bubbles in your floor, or bent corners). For smaller spills, a soft white cloth or eraser are typically the best choice on vinyl.
3. No Rough Stuff
   Avoid detergents, abrasive cleaners, and “mop and shine” products. These can coat your vinyl with a dull film. Ammonia and bleach should never be used with vinyl floor. The key is to use a non-abrasive floor cleaner designated for vinyl and follow the directions carefully. For intense stains such as paint or nail polish, isopropyl alcohol can work wonders.

Avoid Trial and Error When Cleaning Tile Floor

Tile has an unmistakable beauty that brings elegance to virtually any room. Especially effective in main foyers and master bathrooms, tile flooring deserves a little extra attention when cleaning it to preserve its natural, earthy feel.

1. Mop with a Purpose
   Clean your ceramic or porcelain tile with a damp mop (steam mops are also not recommended) once a week. High traffic areas may require daily attention. And please hold the detergent or soap – these products can dull the surface of your tile.
2. Keep Mud at the Door
   Place mats are your friend! Keep moisture and mud near the door and off your new tile (something tells us you won’t mind enforcing this one…).
3. Protect Your Floor
   Have you considered floor protectors? They’re relatively inexpensive and can help protect your tile from deep scratches. Affixing felt or similar pads to table and chair legs can save you a lot of frustration later.

New flooring is a wonderful investment for a lot of reasons, but we love it because it is typically easy to maintain. As you check more items off your Spring Cleaning list, be sure to devote extra attention to cleaning your lovely floors.

And if you’re not thrilled with the way your flooring looks even after a deep clean, it’s time to Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate to see hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl options in the comfort of your own home. Give us a call today!

The post Spring Cleaning Series: Advanced Flooring Care appeared first on Empire Today Blog.