FAQs
Questions our designers are often asked during your first visit to our showroom
GENERAL FAQs
Is there a flooring that hides paw prints and snack crumbs better?
There are a few options that do wonders at camouflaging everyday kid and pet messes, saving you from constantly chasing crumbs and prints. Textured or patterned tile, wire brushed or hand-scraped hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, or a high color variation or pattered LVP. Sticking to color choices that are not too dark or too light will also help.
My kids love ‘floor skating’ in socks—what flooring makes that less dangerous?
For safety, skip slick options like polished tile or hardwood and go for textured LVP or laminate with good traction to avoid those slip-and-slide moments!
What flooring is best if my cat likes to ‘dig’ on the floor?
Cats love to scratch and paw at surfaces! Laminate, LVP or tile hold up well against curious claws. They can stand up to moderate “digging.”
Why do I see footprints after mopping?
Some floor cleaners leave a residue on the floor's surface, which retains footprints. This is particularly visible on dark floorings. Make sure you vacuum or dust mop before cleaning. Ensure the water-to-cleaning product ratio is correct. Before each cleaning, make sure you start with a clean mop. Once you’ve finished mopping, dry the floor with a good microfiber cloth.
I installed LVP in my basement. I chose to install it myself because I was trying to save money. A few months ago I started seeing this crusty crud stuff coming up between the planks. I’d clean it off but then it came back. I have no idea what it is and I don’t have a water leak.
This is a sign of a moisture issue. Moisture is coming up from your concrete slab and creating mold that is pushing up through the locking joints. The LVP needs to be pulled up, and a vapor barrier should be laid over the slab. Then, reinstall the LVP planks.
CARPET FAQs
My toddler loves crayons—can I install a carpet that repels coloring?
While crayon-proof carpet doesn’t exist (yet), stain-resistant options can help. Or try washable area rugs over your main flooring to contain your mini-Michelangelo!
Can I install a carpet that ‘absorbs’ the sound of barking?
Carpet can dampen some noise, but barking is a tough one! For a quieter home, try using a noise-reduction underlayment that will reduce the impact of sound, whether from a barking dog or vibrations that pass into the floor.
Can I use outdoor carpet inside to make my floors more ‘dog-friendly’?
Outdoor carpets can work inside, but indoor-outdoor rugs are often more pet-friendly, stain-resistant, and softer for indoor use.
My kids spill drinks daily—can I put a waterproof layer under my carpet?
There are carpets that have waterproof backing that prevents spills from soaking through to the pad, making it easier to manage in high-traffic areas like playrooms. The goal is to stop spills from reaching the carpet pad because once that happens, there’s always a chance of that spill stain showing back up on the carpet.
Is there a way to remove coffee stains from my carpet?
Blot as much as possible with a dry cloth, then apply a vinegar and water solution or a carpet stain remover. Avoid rubbing, as it spreads the stain. But before applying any cleaner or natural solution, you should always read the carpet manufacturer’s recommended product care maintenance solutions.
How do I remove mud stains from carpet after it’s dried?
Let the mud dry fully, then vacuum up as much as possible before using a mild carpet cleaner to lift the remaining residue. Make sure you are using the manufacturer’s recommended carpet cleaner for your particular style.
How do I get wax out of my carpet without making it worse?
Put a paper towel, paper bag, or tea towel over the remaining wax. Use an iron on its lowest temperature setting to gently press down on the towel for about 10 seconds. Repeat until all the wax is absorbed.
How can I get the pet urine smell out of my carpet? I just bought a house and had the carpets professionally cleaned, thinking that would take care of it. The smell came back a few days later.
Unfortunately, the urine has most likely soaked into the pad. If that’s the case, then you won’t be able to get rid of the smell. You’ll need to remove the carpet and pad. Next, you’ll need to inspect the subfloor. If the urine has soaked into the subfloor, depending on the condition, you may be able to encapsulate it with an odor barrier primer. If the subfloor is visibly soaked and dark in color, we suggest removing it and installing new before you have the new carpet and pad installed.
HARDWOOD FLOORING FAQs
If my child spills glitter glue on hardwood, will it stay forever?
Glitter is notorious for lingering, and glue can bond to wood quickly! For such incidents, a quick clean-up with a hardwood-safe cleaner is key.
Can my cat’s litter box live on hardwood without causing damage?
Hardwood can be affected by moisture and odor, so the best place to put the litter box is on a mat or in a tiled area that’s easier to clean.
Can my fish tank damage my hardwood?
A small spill here and there won’t be a disaster, but a broken tank could mean water damage. If possible, place a spill tray underneath. Even if you place the tank on water-resistant flooring like LVP or laminate, if the tank were to be compromised and water ran between the wall underneath the flooring, it would damage the LVP or laminate. Remember, LVP and laminate are only water-resistant from the top, not the bottom.
Can I use a hair dryer to dry spills on hardwood?
Although technically possible, the heat could warp or crack the wood if applied directly. Instead, gently blot spills with a towel and dry naturally or with a fan.
Can I polish out dull spots on my hardwood floor?
Dull spots can often be improved by applying a hardwood polish designed for your floor’s finish. But depending on the finish, hardwood polish may not work. Avoid oils or wax unless recommended, as they can lead to build-up. Make sure that you are following the manufacturer’s suggested care and maintenance guidelines. A good rule of thumb is to vacuum and dust mop your floors in between deep cleanings. Deep cleaning floors with dirt and dust not removed first, will leave a residue that makes your floors look dull.
How do I get pet urine out of hardwood?
Blot the area as soon as possible, then clean it with an enzyme-based cleaner designed for hardwood. For set-in stains, you may need a professional to sand and refinish the area.
Is there a way I can hide the scratches on my hardwood floors?
Go nuts to fix scratches on most wood floors, no pun intended! Break a whole nut in half and gently rub it onto the scratch. The high oil content found in walnuts helps seep into the scratch to mask and heal it. For lighter wood floors, you may find that hickory or pecan nuts do the trick a bit better. You can also try an almond stick. We recommend not to use sharpies and if you use a stain pen, make sure you are choosing a color that best matches your hardwood color.
Can I install hardwood floors in my bathroom?
Yes, you can but you should know that solid hardwood is temperamental in moisture-filled areas. Meticulous maintenance will be required to keep it in good and healthy condition. A great alternative is engineered hardwood. It is much more forgiving to humidity and many styles are now made with a water-resistant barrier on top.
LAMINATE (Wood Core Flooring) FAQs
I applied a wood polish on my laminate-engineered wood floors and now the floor looks like it is cracking. What can I do to fix this?
Firstly, you need to figure out if you have laminate or engineered wood floors. Those are two different products. If you have applied a hardwood polish to laminate flooring, it’s likely that they are ruined. If the floors are engineered wood they may be repairable. Call a trusted floor cleaning professional to come and take a look at them before applying any other chemicals to them.
Is there a way to fix the buckling in my laminate floor?
Buckling often results from excess moisture or an unknown leak where the water has moved underneath the laminate. Remove baseboards around the affected area to give the floor room to settle, ensure the room has proper humidity control, and check for potential leaks. There is not much you can do for a laminate floor that is already at the stage of buckling.
Why do I see footprints after cleaning my laminate floor?
Some floor cleaners leave a residue on the floor's surface which retains footprints. This is particularly visible on dark floorings.
I found a laminate I love! I want to put it throughout our whole house but I’m nervous about putting in the bathrooms. Is that possible?
Absolutely! Most laminates today are water-resistant from the top, much like LVP. The key to ensuring no water damage will occur is to install it properly and not allow water to sit for longer than 48-72 hours.
TILE FAQs
Can my dog’s nails scratch my tile, or will it eventually file them down?
While tile is pretty scratch-resistant, it won’t serve as a nail file! For pet nails, it's best to stick with regular trims.
What should I do if my tile grout is cracking?
Hairline cracks can be filled with grout caulk or sometimes the grout can be scraped out and regrouted. However, more significant damage might mean the grout needs to be completely replaced. Cracking could also signal movement issues in the subfloor, a water leak, or a bad installation. Best to call a professional to have it looked at.
How can I get hair color off my bathroom tile floor?
First, try using warm water and mild dish soap. If that doesn’t work mix baking soda with either vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Create a paste, then apply it to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and wipe it clean.
How can I remove makeup stains from my brand-new marble bathroom vanity?
Apply a paste made from baking soda and a small amount of acetone, let it sit for 24 hours, and then rinse thoroughly with water; if the stain is stubborn, you may need to repeat the process and consider resealing the marble once the stain is removed.
Many homeowners ask if Magic Erasers® can be used on porcelain or if they will damage ceramic tile.
The good news is that they can be safely used on ceramic and porcelain tile, so you have nothing to worry about if you plan on using them this way.
Can I use vinegar to clean the dirty grout in my shower?
The acid in vinegar can penetrate the pores of grout and break down the sealants that prevent staining. Over time it weakens and will deteriorate.
Can I get new tile installed over my old tile?
Yes, this is possible to do. However, there are several things to consider first. If you have cracked tiles, we recommend not to tile over them. One negative that people don’t think about is the increase in the height of the floor area, potentially causing issues with existing baseboards, door frames, transitions with adjacent rooms, and fixed cabinetry.