​There are many different kinds of carpet made up of different fibers and materials, and each has varying pros, cons, and qualities. Most people are used to hearing about polyester or nylon when shopping for carpet. Today we’re going to look at a revolutionary fiber you may have never heard of: Mohawk’s Triexta. On March 20, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially announced a new fiber for carpet. They named it Triexta, and it is similar to polyester. Triexta was invented by DuPont, and is produced under the brand name Sorona.
 
While Triexta is similar to polyester, there are some differences. Unlike polyester, Triexta fibers are not made with large amounts of petroleum. Triexta is made with rapidly renewable corn glucose in place of petroleum (up to 37%). This means less gas-offing of VACs from your carpet, making it better for your home. While polyester tends to have more of a sheen, Triexta, like  nylon, has more of a matte finish. Triexta is also highly stain resistant and does not absorb moisture. In fact, it is often used in clothing labeled as “dry fit.” In addition, Triexta resists color fading and exhibits superior softness. Triexta has thus found its way into the flooring marketplace most prominently with Mohawk’s SmartStrand carpet, making it one of the most durable, luxurious, and stain-resistant carpets on the market.
 
You may not be used to hearing the term “Triexta,” but now you know it’s a very renewable high-performance carpet fiber. Triexta is used in one of the best carpets on the market: Mohawk’s SmartStrand. To see all the options SmartStrand has to offer, click here, or stop by our showroom.

If you own a business, you know the effect a first impression can have, whether you’re a retail, medical, or service-based establishment. People are drawn to and enjoy being in a business that is clean, comfortable, and appealing to the eye. Flooring plays a big part in that aesthetic, but in addition to looking good, businesses experience a lot of traffic and need durable flooring.
 
Commercial flooring is often thought of as generic and bland. There hasn’t always been a wealth of options for durable flooring that could meet a business’s needs and be stylish. These days though, there are a lot more options as the flooring industry is revolutionizing flooring to be both durable and beautiful.
 
A go-to for commercial flooring is often carpet or carpet tiles. One of the many brands we offer is Mohawk’s ColorStrand SD which is equipped with colorfastness to sunlight, atmospheric contamination, and harsh cleaners. It’s also great against stains with its Protection Plus Soil and Stain Resistant Technology. ColorStrand is guaranteed not to wear more than 10% of its surface pile weight for the life of the carpet (it lasts!), and it’s also equipped with Weldlok Plus backing. Weldlock Plus is an advanced, high performance backing system designed to provide long-term carpet durability while delivering sustainable benefits. ColorStrand SD is also an easy, direct glue down or stretch in installation. To see more of the ColorStrand line, click here.

Most of us are familiar with shag carpet, characterized by having a deep thick pile, giving it that shaggy look. Shag carpet has been around longer than most realize, dating back to Ancient Greece. Of course, this style of carpet was very popular in the 60’s and 70’s, then it experienced a sort of “fall from grace.” Now, once again, shag carpet is experiencing a new birth in the design industry. So, what happened?
 
Shag carpet got a bad reputation thanks to the design trends of the 60’s and 70’s. During that time, everyone was experimenting with their artistic, adventurous side which brought us many cool things but not so much in the interior design world. You've probably been in or seen a home from that era with hideous, bright-colored shag carpet, maybe even in rooms it should not have been in like the bathroom. Unfortunately, this is what people often think of when they hear the words “shag carpet.” In addition to these pre-conceived notions working against it, shag carpet also has a fairly high pile and not a high twist level in strands (long strand carpet is very durable with high twist levels, not so much with a lower twist level). Its thick strands make it easily crushed and damaged and very hard to clean. Do these facts mean you have to give up on the plush softness, comfort, and texture shag carpet brings to your home? No. While you can still purchase shag carpet in today’s styles and colors, another option to consider is frieze carpet; it’s basically the new shag.
 
Frieze carpet is generally constructed of thinner fiber strands than traditional shag carpet. Frieze is characterized by long fibers that have high twists, contributing to its durability. A standard carpet strand is most durable on its side not its top, so frieze’s long, high twist strands that lay on their sides make for a very durable carpet. The long, loose strands also help to conceal stains which make it perfect for high traffic homes.
 
Frieze carpet comes in just about any color you can think of. It’s commonly found in multi-colored designs which heightens its ability for hiding stains, making it perfect for homes with kids, pets or high traffic areas. Frieze carpet adds a plush warmth, texture, and style to any home, whether you have it wall-to-wall or as an area rug. Also, frieze is great for stairways because it's long fibers hide seams and also give added traction underfoot for safety.
 
The “shag” or frieze carpet look is enjoying a massive resurgence in home design. Carpet manufacturers continue to up their game with gorgeous patterns, designs, and colors in this style. Stop by our showroom today to see our selection!

It's a new year, and you may be thinking about a workout room for your home. Or, if you're a gym owner, you may be getting ready for an influx of customers making good on resolutions. 
Running, jumping, dancing--whatever physical activity you enjoy--it and your equipment can be rough on your floors. Whether you need flooring for your workout room, play room, or commercial building, you’ll want something that can stand up to the challenge. Centaur Flooring is just what you need.
 
Centaur Systems offers surfaces specifically designed for you to dance, train, play, or workout on at home, in studio, or in a fitness environment. Let's take a look at some of the selections and features.
 
Boflex: a floating, engineered, pre-finished, hardwood sports floor perfect for the dance studio or ball court.            
 
Sportweave Interlock: non-woven modular carpet tile designed to withstand heavy traffic; perfect for basements, playrooms, offices etc. It’s anti-microbial, moisture-resistant, and easy to install with interlocking tiles.
 
Triple Threat: ideal for multi-purpose floors or any space that requires a wood look with the durability of vinyl and rubber. It is hygienic, comfortable, quiet, and ergonomic.
 
Elite: one-inch footed tiles designed to provide superior cushioning, support, durability and superior noise and shock absorption. The tiles are easily installed and can be easily replaced if damaged. Perfect for free weight or exercise rooms, basements, and pool decks.

Sound reducer: Centaur doesn't just do flooring. They also sell sound reducer that can be installed underneath the flooring of your choice. This is perfect for areas that need classic flooring with sound reduction, like a weight or cardio room.
 
These are just some of the awesome active floor coverings Centaur provides. Weather you need floors for a commercial fitness center or just your personal fitness space, Centaur Floor Systems has excellent choices for any activity. Stop by our showroom to see our selections, or give us a call at (256) 231-0008. You can also learn more at centaurfloors.com. 

Despite the rise in popularity of hard surfaces, many people still love the coziness of carpet in their homes. While flooring trends come and go, carpet is still a favorite. Let's look at some classic and trendy carpet styles.

Before choosing a style, you need to consider the use and abuse your carpet may take. If you have an active family or pets, make sure to get a strong carpet made from a resilient material like Nylon and that is outfitted with pet stain and soil resistance. Carpet with level loop pile is a durable choice that resists crushing and matting because the bristles are uncut loops. Cut pile is the most popular choice and is durable because of the type of fiber used, the density of the tufts, and the amount of twists in the yarn.

When people think of carpet, they generally picture a low pile (height of the bristles) carpet that is a classic, neutral color that coordinates with pretty much any décor. Carpet can be a neutral backdrop or a focal point for your space. Beiges, light browns, and even some grays are great neutrals. If your room décor doesn’t have too many textures, you can also choose a neutral colored carpet with mixed colors to help hide stains.

For those that want carpet to speak up a little more, colors and patterns are back in style. Subtle hues in earthy greens and blue tints can give your room a pop of color. Textured and patterned carpets speak volumes in large or open rooms and are effective ways of adding style. Patterned carpets can be beautiful focal points for neutral or contemporary décor and are great for hiding stains. Adding a patterned carpet runner to stairs not only provides traction but also elegance and style. When using patterned carpet throughout a room, it's best to choose more neutral colors and simple patterns so the room doesn’t feel busy.

Carpet tiles were once relegated to commercial buildings because they are very durable and easy to change out if stained or ruined. But now, they have become a popular choice for the home and can be found in many colors and patterns. Carpet tiles are very good choices for basements or play rooms. It’s easy to get creative with fun looks, and they’re easy to replace if damaged. A popular design choice with carpet tiles is to border the room with hard surface flooring and cover the rest of the floor in carpet.

Carpet is still a favorite for comfort in the bedroom. Frieze (or shag) carpet with its high pile fibers provides excellent softness underfoot. Now you can even make your frieze carpet the focal point in your bedroom because you can find this style of carpet with subtle patterns!
​
Keep in mind how your carpet will function in your home, the traffic flow it will endure, and the style you’re looking for. Color is important to your overall décor, but so is pile length and feel. For more information on selecting carpet, visit our website, or come by our showroom to talk with a flooring specialist.
 
 

Everyone needs their own space, a place to get away and have things just the way they like them. This is especially true for children whether they’re newborns or teens. Let's look at some design tips for fun and functional space for kids of all ages.

Every room begins with a good foundation: beautiful and functional flooring. Kids’ rooms and playrooms take a lot of wear and tear. For flooring that stands up to messes and high traffic, your best bet will be WPC, LVT, or stain-resistant carpet. Highly recommended products are Mohawk’s SolidTech WPC, Mannington’s Adura Max, and Mohawk’s SmartStrand Forever Clean carpet. SolidTech and Adura Max are completely waterproof and come in a variety of wood and tile looks to suit any décor. WPC flooring is also a softer surface than traditional wood or tile. If it’s carpet you’re looking for, the softness, stain resistance, and durability of SmartStrand is unequaled. Whatever flooring you choose, choose a style that can “grow” with the room as your child ages.
 
Organization and easy access will be your best friend as your child grows from cradle to college. You don't have to have a big space to stay organized; just use your space wisely. If you can’t go out, go up with wall hooks, floating shelves, or shelves with slide-out containers. Buy multipurpose furniture pieces like a storage ottoman, combination dresser/changing table, and crib that converts to a full-size bed. Utilize any empty spaces (like under the bed) for pull out baskets or tubs to organize and store everything from toys to extra linens.
 
As needs and styles change, make the transition into your child's next stage of life smoother by picking furniture like convertible cribs or daybeds and using neutral paint colors. Your child's favorite color will likely change almost weekly, so it's best to choose a neutral paint color and use accent pieces, wall art, bedding, and personal mementos to bring in bright colors, patterns, and individual style.
​
When designing your kids’ spaces, remember that style and function need to go hand-in-hand. Keeping your flooring and paint color neutral and utilizing multi-functional furniture provides a great foundation for changes in needs and personal style. Pulling all these together to create a timeless look will allow the space to grow with your child. 

Floor covering has come a long way in recent years in regard to durability. Still, our floors take a lot of wear and tear from everyday living, and regular care and maintenance is required to keep them in good shape. Let's look at some helpful tips for taking care of two kinds of popular flooring: carpet and vinyl.

When it comes to carpet care, we generally think of vacuuming and the occasional professional cleaning. It’s best to have a vacuum with a brush roll setting to better capture dirt and shedding. Professional cleaning is needed to keep dirt and spills from building up and may be part of your warranty requirements. For more on cleaning specific stains, click here.
​
In addition to regular vacuuming and cleaning, there are other carpet maintenance tasks that help keep it fresh and beautiful. Furniture and heavy objects often cause depressions or indentations from resting on carpet for long periods of time. To remedy this, move your furniture occasionally. Be sure to work the carpet pile that is indented back into place using your fingers or the edge of a spoon. Also use furniture gliders or cups under the legs of heavy furniture.

Fluffing and shedding (this is the balls of carpet fluff you see sitting on the surface of your carpet) naturally occurs with newly installed carpet. With regular vacuuming, most shedding will gradually disappear within the first year after installation. When new carpet is installed, there may be an odor caused by installation materials or the removal of old carpet pad. Ventilation with fresh air is recommended, and windows and doors should be opened with the HVAC turned on for 48 to 72 hours.

Shifting gears to vinyl, vinyl flooring is very easy to care for, and it stands up to spills and scuffs. A daily sweeping to keep the dirt and grit from accumulating and a weekly mopping are sufficient to keep most vinyl in good condition. For general cleaning, it is recommended that you use the manufacture’s cleaner for your brand of vinyl. For example, Mannington Vinyl Floors have their own Rinse-Free Cleaner.

Other helpful tips for vinyl:
*Use floor mats at the entrance doors.
*Use floor protectors under furniture such as tables and chairs.
*Any rugs should not have rubber or latex backing, this can discolor vinyl.
​
With today's durable floor coverings, care and maintenance can be a breeze. Always be sure to follow any specific manufacturer instructions and clean up spills and messes promptly. For more on floor care, be sure to visit our website at shopabbey.com.