
At our store, it’s rare for a day to pass without hearing a "floor story" that makes us cringe:
~ A customer hosted a holiday party, only for someone to wear stilettos and indent their entire hardwood floor!
~ Someone tried a new "miracle" shine product on their laminate floors, and now the surface is all hazy and streaked!
~ A client had brand new LVP floors installed in her kitchen, then got a new refrigerator. When the delivery company moved the fridge into place, the vinyl was scratched!
And these are just a few examples. While all new flooring products come with protectants and are marketed as "scratch-resistant" or "stain-resistant," they are not immune to damage. The truth is, nothing is 100% damage-proof!
Here at Enhance, our job is to guide you in choosing the best flooring for your needs. Every home is different, and what works for one person might not be the best for another. When customers ask, "What’s the best floor?" the answer is never the same. There are five different answers for five different people. Sometimes, it's about finding the right balance between what you want and what you need.
Here’s a quick guide to some common questions:
- What floor is the easiest to maintain? Porcelain or ceramic tile is a great option. LVP and laminate are also low-maintenance choices.
- What floor is the least expensive? Carpet is your most budget-friendly option.
- What floor gives you the most return on your investment? Wood flooring, without a doubt, provides the highest return.
- What floor feels the best underfoot? Carpet offers the softest, most comfortable feel.
- What floor is best for kids and big dogs?Laminate and LVP are durable and scratch resistant. Tile is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, dents, and stains. It's also easy to clean and won't absorb spills.
With so many variables and choices available, there’s no "one-size-fits-all" solution. Our goal is to help you find the perfect floor for your lifestyle and home!
Next, we’re going to share some DO's & DON'Ts for different types of flooring. Reading through this list may help you pinpoint factors that can tip the balance between what you need and what you want.
PRO TIP: When selecting new flooring, always take samples home and try them in the rooms where you plan to install them. Observe how they look at different times of day, with the drapes open and closed, in both daylight and nighttime lighting. We highly recommend living with the sample in your space for a few days before making a final decision!
If Carpet Is Your Choice:
- DO consider upgrading your pad. A standard 8-pound rebond pad is included at Enhance, but we offer several upgrade options for enhanced comfort and practicality.
- DO treat stains or spots immediately. Spills happen, so clean them up as soon as possible to avoid lasting damage.
- DO vacuum regularly. Dirt and grit wear down carpet fibers and the backing, leading to damage from the inside out.
- DO use the correct vacuum cleaner, set at the right height for your carpet. Beater bars should not touch the carpet; instead, they should create a wind tunnel effect that pulls dust and dirt up and out.
- DO have your carpet professionally cleaned regularly with hot water extraction. Many manufacturers require proof of regular cleaning for future warranty claims, so save your receipts.
- DO rearrange furniture periodically. This helps dissipate furniture marks and evens out traffic patterns.
BONUS TIP: Many people think going barefoot on carpet is best, but it's not. Your feet naturally release moisture, which transfers to the carpet and attracts dust, dirt, and dander. Over time, this buildup can soil your carpet. Instead, wear socks or clean, rubber-soled shoes. While shoes may track in dust or mud, they leave behind dry soil that’s easier to vacuum. A pair of indoor slippers by the door can help keep your carpet looking its best—just slip them on when you come inside!
For Hardwood Floors:
- DO expect color and grain variations, as wood is a natural material.
- DO keep your hardwood floors free from grit, one of the biggest enemies to wood floors.
- DO clean hardwood floors with manufacturer-approved products, avoiding waxes or harsh soaps.
- DO use felt pads (like Flexi-Felt pads available at Enhance) on the feet of your furniture to prevent scratches.
- DON'T install hardwood in areas prone to excessive moisture. Don’t leave damp items like wet towels or bathing suits on your hardwood floors.
- DON'T allow stilettos or cleats on hardwood floors; they can cause significant damage.
- DON'T expose your wood floors to direct sunlight, as it can cause fading.
If You’re Considering Laminate or LVP:
- DO clean up spills immediately to prevent damage.
- DO sweep, dust mop, and damp mop with the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products.
- DON'T use mop-and-shine products or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface.
- DON'T use rolling casters on LVP or laminate. Instead, use chairs with felt tips to prevent scratches.
If Tile Is Your Style:
- DO use stain-resistant grout to minimize staining.
- DO remember that while tile is durable, it isn’t indestructible. It can still be chipped or cracked.
- DON'T worry about the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile. Both are great choices for indoor residential use.
Rules That Apply to All Floors:
- DO clean up spills as quickly as possible to prevent stains and damage.
- DO use protection on the feet of furniture to avoid scratches.
- DO use only the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products to protect your flooring.
- DO buy extra flooring when you install it, in case you need it for future repairs.
- DON'T invest in new flooring without considering your window treatments. Direct sunlight can fade carpet, bleach wood floors, and cause some luxury vinyl to curl at the edges.
- DON'T use the wrong vacuum for your floors. For example, vacuums with beater bars can scratch and damage hard surfaces, so make sure your vacuum is suitable for your flooring type.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your floors stay beautiful and last for years to come!
From Susan in Marietta:
"We could not be happier about our experience with Enhance Floors. From the moment we stepped into the show room to the installation, they were attentive, helpful and efficient in helping us select our carpeting. I can't say enough about the installers -- courteous hard workers who left the house looking like they'd never been there!"
Thank you, Susan. We take pride in the service you receive in the store and in your home. Enjoy your new carpet!
Wonderful World Of Window Treatments
Here are a list of dos and don’ts when it comes to hanging your drapes. With these tips, you’ll have window coverings that offer the most benefits and look good at the same time.
Do: Hang to Work with Your Window
If you have a sliding window, you don’t need to have traditional draperies. Consider using an asymmetrical style, hanging from the side that the windows open. The idea is to get the window and drapes to open in the same direction, creating a flow and ease when using your windows throughout the year.
Other types of windows benefit the most from symmetrical-hanging drapes. Work with the window and the flow of the room to your advantage.
Don’t: Place Furniture Nearby
You want the view of the drapes to be seamless and flawless. That means avoiding furniture that will cover the drapes. This is especially important if you have children or pets.
Cats love to climb and they can reach your draperies in Federal Way off the back of couches or on stools. Children will be able to grab and when they’re at the crawling stage, they’ll grab anything. The last thing you want is for the drapes to fall down.
Do: Work on the Pleats
Not all drapes have pleats. If yours don’t, you can skip this point. However, if they’re meant to, you’ll want to make sure they sit properly. You’ll likely need to work on the pleats before you hang the drapes. Use small sewing pins for hems to help keep the pleats in the right place. Once the material is trained, you can then remove the pins and they’ll sit properly again.
Have drapes that are too long for your window? You’ll also want to work on the pooling at the bottom.
Do: Get a Larger Curtain Rod
Try not to skimp on the curtain rod. You need this to be larger than your window and larger than the full area your drapes will cover. The ends of the rod should stick out at the sides, unless you have a rod that specifically curls around and back into the wall to create a full cover effect.When your curtain rod is too small, the drapes will fall off. They also won’t pool and pleat properly when open and you’ll crease the material.Take time to look at the placement of your drapes. How are they going to hang and what look do you want to achieve with them? This will affect how you physically hang your drapes and the types of pleating and pooling steps you take pre-hanging.