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The Top 5 Reasons To Choose Ceramic Tile

The Top 5 Reasons To Choose Ceramic Tile

As the Chicago tile flooring experts, Home Carpet One is committed to helping our customers make the right flooring choices for their homes. Ceramic tile has long been a go-to material for high end bathrooms and kitchens, but savvy home owners know that new tile can be a smart investment for any room. Here are the top five reasons to consider ceramic tile for your next flooring project.

1. Design Versatility

Ceramic tile is available in countless colors, textures, and sizes, so the possibilities are practically limitless. You can mix and match tiles of various colors, finishes, and shapes to create a unique pattern that complements your home and expresses your personal style. Even a small space can make a big impression when outfitted with vibrant ceramic tile flooring or wall covering. There is certain luxuriousness about tile that other flooring materials simply can’t match, and no other material can be used in such a diverse variety of applications.

2. Value

New ceramic tile flooring will increase your home’s value, and because it lasts practically forever, you can enjoy your investment for as long as you stay in your home. Should you ever decide to sell, you can count on a significant return on your investment, even years down the road. Ceramic tile is uniquely durable, easily withstanding years of abuse from muddy boots, heavy furniture, or whatever comes its way. This makes ceramic tile the perfect choice for high-traffic areas like entryways and kitchens.

3. Easy Maintenance

Kitchen spills and muddy paws no longer pose a threat when you have ceramic tile flooring. Ceramic tiles resist dirt, stains, scratches, and other damage, making them practically maintenance free. Even big messes are easy to clean with some soapy water and a mop. Tile is also an excellent choice for keeping a clean and healthy home. Unlike other flooring options, ceramic tile is inhospitable to mold, dust mites, and bacteria. It doesn’t just look clean, it actually stays clean!

4. Water Resistance

Unlike carpet and hardwood flooring, ceramic tile is practically waterproof. While wet boots, dripping umbrellas, and sopping towels can strike fear into the hearts of homeowners with wall-to-wall carpeting, you can rest easy when you have ceramic tile flooring. Some ceramic tiles are even designed to provide traction for wet areas like showers, pool decks, hot tubs, and outdoor patios.

5. Eco-Friendliness

Ceramic tile is a natural and environmentally friendly choice. Unlike many hardwood flooring products, ceramic tile does not threaten unsustainable resources. It provides the same sense of earthen palpability and timelessness that you get from a fine piece of pottery, and it can be made from all natural materials. And because ceramic tile flooring rarely needs to be repaired or replaced, it doesn’t generate waste like other flooring materials that need to be disposed of and replaced every 10 years.

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Understanding Rug & Carpet Pattern Direction Guide

Understanding Rug & Carpet Pattern Direction

When shopping online at Home Carpet One, we will always default to running the direction of the pattern that our images show (lengthwise). If you would like to change the direction of the pattern, please reach out to us before making a purchase.  Read on for more details about pattern direction! What is pattern direction on area rugs, stair runners, and carpet?The direction of the pattern plays a crucial role in how area rugs, stair runners, and carpets with patterns look in your home. Pattern direction refers to the orientation of the design, such as chevrons or geometric shapes on the carpet.      Which direction do patterns typically run? Typically, patterns on a rug, a stair runner, or carpet are aligned parallel to its length. For example, a rug with a linear pattern like Danube (pictured below) has its stripes run vertically or lengthwise.    When and why would I want to change the pattern direction? In some cases, it might be preferable to change the direction of the pattern to maximize material, which tends to be more cost-effective, and/or avoid a seam. For example, if you were ordering a 12x15 area rug, it might make sense to change the direction of the pattern to save on material (and cost).    What do I need to do in order to request a pattern direction change? If you have any questions about pattern direction, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help!  

Effective Ways to Cleaning Carpet Spills & Removing Stains Guide

Effective Ways to Cleaning Carpet Spills & Removing Stains

As a trusted Chicago carpet provider, we at Home Carpet One know a thing or two about keeping carpet looking its best. Our customers are always asking for the best way to clean up spills and get rid of stains, and the truth is, it depends on what you spilled and how long the stain has had to set. There’s more than one effective way to clean stains, and of course some stains (pet accidents, red wine) are more common than others (Pepto Bismol, for example). When it comes to cleaning carpet stains, trial and error can be risky, and some products that claim to be safe for carpets can end up doing more harm than good. Between Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day, we get lots of customers calling in asking about how to get rid of chocolate stains in carpet, so we thought we’d offer some advice on the subject. One of the best options is to use a non-flammable dry cleaning solvent or spot removal solution. When using a solvent, be careful not to pour it directly onto the carpet. Instead, apply the solvent with a clean cloth, sponge, or gentle brush. If the solvent reaches the backing of the carpet, it can damage the latex that connects the primary and secondary backings, so exercise caution. There are several acceptable solvents out there, including Capture, a brand that we carry at Home Carpet One. If you don’t have a solvent on hand, you can use a solution of liquid dishwashing detergent and water. Use one cup of warm water and no more than a quarter teaspoon of detergent. Using a stronger concentration can damage your carpet. Never use bleach detergents designed for automatic dishwashers, as these will almost certainly leave permanent stains and can destroy fibers. Also avoid laundry detergents. Although it may seem sensible to use laundry detergent on carpet, these detergents often contain fluorescent dyes than can dye the carpet fibers. If you do use a detergent solution, rinse the area thoroughly afterward to remove potentially harmful detergent residues. Another option is to use a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts of warm water. This simple solution is generally effective and is less likely to cause color changes than other common solutions such as ammonia solutions. If none of these methods solves your problem, you can always call a Chicago carpet cleaning professional. Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and powerful cleaning products that can remove stains too stubborn for conventional methods. As with any stain, chocolate stains can become more stubborn with time. If you aren’t successful in removing the stain yourself, do not hesitate to bring in the big guns as soon as possible.
Carpet Pad 101: Picking the Perfect Carpet Pad for Your Floors Guide

Carpet Pad 101: Picking the Perfect Carpet Pad for Your Floors

When it comes to installing new carpeting, area rugs, or stair runners, the carpet pad (also known as carpet cushion) you choose can make a big difference in comfort, durability, and overall performance. There are several types of carpet pads available, each with their own unique benefits and best use cases. In this article, we'll explore some of the top carpet pad options to help you select the right one for your home. Healthinex Memory Foam Pad  Description: The Healthinex Memory Foam Carpet Pad is a 3/8 inch thick, 10lb high-density foam pad that conforms to the shape of your feet for incredible comfort. It has a breathable moisture barrier and built-in anti-microbial protection. It’s our most popular carpet pad at Home Carpet One Use cases: Wall-to-wall carpet, hallway runners, and stair runners of any construction Benefits: Incredibly comfortable, waterproof, sound absorbent, and lowest VOC emissions of any pad Example product for this pad: Hera Carpet   Healthier Choice Memory Foam Pad  Description: The Healthier Choice Memory Foam Carpet Pad is a 1/2 inch thick, 10lb high-density foam pad that conforms to the shape of your feet for incredible comfort. It has a breathable moisture barrier and built-in anti-microbial protection. It is a thicker option than Healthinex, but isn't suitable for looped or woven carpets Use cases: Wall-to-wall carpet, hallway runners, and stair runners that aren't looped or woven Benefits: Incredibly comfortable, waterproof, sound absorbent, and lowest VOC emissions of any pad Example product for this pad: Hera Carpet   Ultra Magic Pad Description: Ultra Magic Pad is a 3/8 inch thick, 8lb bonded foam pad that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Wall-to-wall carpet that is not machine woven or hand loomed Benefits: Comfortable, sound absorbent, and made from 100% recycled materials Example product for this pad: Favorite Path Carpet   Luxury Pad Description: Luxury Pad is a 7/16 inch thick, 6lb bonded foam pad that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Plush wall-to-wall carpet Benefits: Comfortable, sound absorbent, and made from 100% recycled materials Example product for this pad: Jazzy Carpet   Felt Pad Description: Felt Pad is made from compressed wool or synthetic fiber that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation. It has a firm feel that is required for woven carpets, stair runners, and commercial projects Use case: Hand loomed and machine woven wall-to-wall carpet, hallway runners, and stair runners Benefits: Comfortable, durable and mold-resistant Example product for this pad: Addington Carpet   Super Move Not Pad Description: Super Move Not Pad is made of synthetic fibers with rubber, non-slip backing that extends the life of area rugs while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Area rugs Benefits: Comfortable, sound absorbent, and no slip Example product for this pad: Ashford Area Rug   Tred Mor Pad Description: Tred Mor Pad is a 1/4 inch thick, dense pad made from compressed synthetic fibers that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Commercial or high traffic carpet Benefits: Extremely durable, resists mold and moisture, and long-lasting Example product for this pad: Grand View Carpet   Recap No matter if you're installing carpet in a high-traffic living room, creating a custom rug for a cozy bedroom, or covering your stairs, the right carpet pad can make all the difference. From supportive memory foam to water-resistant rubber, there are plenty of options to meet your needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions as you review the different carpet pad choices available.
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