Fred Callaghan Flooring

Carpet and Flooring Center

Click to Call

Blog

Karastan Carpet Sale Coming Soon!

By

According to Karastan, carpet is perhaps the most important element to consider when transforming a living space. It can influence a decorating plan, change the mood of a room, and inspire new ideas. Here are a few design tips to consider when selecting carpet.

Color

Color can set the mood within a space, so it is typically the best place to start your carpet search. Think of the purpose and color scheme of the entire room. Consider what colors catch your eye in design magazines, fabric swatches and window treatments.  You will begin to find yourself drawn to certain shades, so start a list so you can express your personal taste and style.

Pattern

Patterns can be tricky, so choosing the right pattern is essential for a well-designed space. Pattern can visually stretch the dimensions of space and define areas within your home.  For example, floras or geometric patterns can give a room instant personality.  Choose a them and build your room design from the floor up.  Furnishings and accessories should both compliment and coordinate well with your carpet choice.

Texture

Texture is directly related to how wonderful your carpet feels and it will also determine the appearance of your carpet.  The texture of your carpet, whether rough, soft, thick or smooth, will add to the overall collection of textures in a room.

Starting April 25, Fred Callaghan will be having a sale on ALL Karastan carpets.  Be sure to stop by and talk with one of our experienced Karastan carpet designers. Fred Callaghan Carpet & Flooring is an authorized Karastan Carpet Dealer.

What Are Good Flooring Options for Your Basement?

By

Basement Flooring

When it comes to choosing basement flooring, there’s good news. There are many kinds of flooring okay to install in a below-grade basement.  Most professionally installed types of flooring should stand up to damp conditions and high humidity.

Exceptions are solid hardwood flooring and laminate flooring made with a fiberboard core that hasn’t been treated for moisture resistance. Both types of flooring absorb moisture and will warp and buckle.

That still leaves you a lot of basement flooring options, such as ceramic tile, engineered wood, rubber and laminate flooring made with a moisture-resistant plywood core.

But basements can still be troublesome. A concrete basement slab is porous and prone to moisture and water vapor migrating up through the slab. While the flooring itself may be unaffected, you’ll need to make sure that you’re not creating a haven for mold and mildew to grow underneath your basement flooring.

Here are a few good options to consider for your below-grade basement.

Ceramic tile is the designer’s choice, with tons of colors and styles. It’s unaffected by moisture and goes directly onto concrete that’s smooth and free of cracks.

Engineered vinyl flooring gives you the warmth and beauty of real wood with the stability and moisture resistance of laminate construction. Check to make sure the type you choose is rated for below-grade basements.

Carpet is generally the least expensive option so if budget is your top priority this may be a good option for you.  Carpets are flexible, so they can work over all types of sub-floors.  Carpets are also softer and warmer than hard surfaces and work well on steps.

Rubber flooringor interlocking gym tiles are a great option is you want to create a gym in your basement, which has become more and more popular.  Rubber floors are nicely cushioned and also a good choice for basement playrooms.

Be sure to stop by our showroom and talk with one of our design specialists about your next basement flooring project.

What Is Backsplash Tile & Where Should You Put It?

By

 

Kitchen Backsplash Tile

Backsplashes are an expanse of material that usually sits on bathroom or kitchen wall between the countertops and cabinet. Done well, today’s backsplash designs can be a beautiful accent for rooms in your home by completing the interiors of your space with interesting patterns, colors and designs.  Ideally you will want to install a backsplash during your kitchen or bath counter installation. It is best to work with a professional for this type of project.

What are common types of tiles to use for a backsplash?

The most common tiles use for a backsplash are ceramic, porcelain, stone, marble and sometimes even glass.  You should be mindful that not all tiles will cost the same. Tiles are priced by square foot and the cost can vary depending on the type of material. Shopping smart can give you the look you want at a price that’s comfortable for you. Here are a few types of tiles to consider for your backsplash project.

  • The look of marble for less: To mimic the look of expensive marble go for a glazed porcelain tile, with high gloss coated over its surface for shine.
  • Porcelain and ceramic tiles: These types of tiles have many options to make your kitchen traditional to contemporary. With endless designs and options – you’re sure to find a tile that makes your kitchen unique.
  • Stainless steel and natural stone: This material offers a wealth of warmth to your kitchen space. Used together, these materials can create one of a kind looks.
  • Mosaic tile: Mosaic tile packs in smaller patterns and seemingly offer more bang for your buck. Depending on the range of materials – this can be an easy way to turn your kitchen space into a work of art.

Where is the best place to install a backsplash?

Most kitchen backsplashes will be on back walls surrounding sinks and stoves serving both an aesthetic appeal as well as a functioning component to protecting your walls from stains and damage.

In the bath, a backsplash can be added behind toilets and sinks, surrounding showers and even as a functional design element enclosing a sunken tub.  Recently there has been a trend to install a backsplash on a ceiling to define a shower alcove and prevent water damage.

Working with the design professionals at Fred Callaghan Carpet & Flooring will keep your project moving smoothly and help you find your design style.  Give us a call to make an appointment or stop by our Showroom to take a look at the many options available.

Hardwood Flooring Helps Home Resale Value

By

Hardwood Flooring Helps Home Resale Value

 

Homeowners are sometimes hesitant to upgrade when it’s time to sell. After all, you won’t be living there much longer, and home remodeling efforts only increase home values by 57% of the average project’s costs, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value report.

But think again, sellers. The cost of inaction can be far greater than the small loss you’ll incur on any home-improvement projects. Making small upgrades over time can serves a actually really help a seller.  You don’t don’t to break-the-bank alterations, either. A simple update to your color palette can go a long way. Getting stuck in time with your home isn’t a smart move and is rarely rewarded financially when you finally sell your home. In fact, not keeping up with current trends may cause your house to linger on the market longer. As a result, you’ll likely have to pay ongoing mortgage, maintenance and staging costs.

Hardwood flooring: It’s what buyers want.

According to HGTV, the top request of homebuyers and renters when looking for a home is hardwood floors. In fact, a study of homebuyer preferences by USA Today using data from the National Association of Realtors found that 54% of homebuyers were willing to pay more for a home with hardwood floors.

Installing hardwood floors can cost between $9 and $12 per square foot, compared with about $3 to $5 per square foot for carpet — so some homeowners opt to install hardwood floors only in some rooms rather than throughout their home. However, carpet typically needs to be replaced if it becomes stained or worn out. Good quality carpet can last about 10 to 15 years, while hardwood floors can last forever.

The return on investment for installing hardwood floors will vary according to your market and other factors, but hardwood flooring can often help your home sell faster.

According to Kiplinger.com 87% of buyers want this feature.

Hardwood flooring offers a cleaner look, is easier to maintain and is more durable than carpet, which needs to be replaced every eight to 10 years. Hardwood can be refinished periodically and lasts a lifetime.

Sellers on a budget may want to buy engineered wood flooring (which is a hardwood veneer wrapped around several layers of plywood, fiberboard and hardwood). The cost to install 120 square feet of engineered wood flooring is $1,239 — about 15% cheaper than pure hardwood flooring.

 

Be sure to stop by our newly expanded Showroom and a take a look at our latest selection of hardwood flooring.

 

 

 

 

 

What Is The Best Floor Tile For Your Kitchen?

By

kitchen floor tiles

 

 

Tile flooring is a natural choice for kitchens. Tile is hard, durable, and water-resistant and shrugs off stains. Plus, it’s beautiful—your kitchen flooring ideas will blossom when you look through the huge array of styles, shapes and colors available.

Kitchen floor tile comes in three primary types: porcelain, ceramic and stone. Prices of each type run the gamut, from $2 to $100 per square foot, based on a report from the DIY Network.

Types of Kitchen Tile Flooring

Ceramic and porcelain tile are both made from clay mixtures fired at high temperatures to produce a hard, durable tile. Both come either glazed or unglazed. However, there are important differences.

Porcelain floor tile has sand added to the clay mixture and is made with heat and pressure to produce a tile that’s harder, denser and less porous than regular ceramic tile. It’s a good choice for high-traffic areas, kitchens and bathrooms. It’s tough enough to be used outdoors in any climate.

Glazed porcelain tile has a glass-like coating applied during firing that produces a colored surface. Unglazed porcelain has color added to the clay mixture so the color and pattern is carried all the way through the tile. Any wear or scratches won’t show on unglazed porcelain.

Porcelain tile can be difficult to install and requires special tools and should be installed by a professional installer.

Regular ceramic floor tile is sometimes called “non-porcelain” to clearly differentiate it from porcelain. It’s softer than its porcelain cousin and glazed to create a hard wear surface in virtually any color. Because it’s softer, it’s easier to cut and install, but it is recommended to use a professional installer. Although it’s more porous than porcelain, the glazing creates a surface that’s impervious to kitchen spills and splashes.

Stone floor tiles are made from natural stone including slate, granite, limestone, travertine, and marble. Most stone tiles are porous and need to be resealed with a quality stone sealer every two to three years.

Stone can be polished or honed. Polished stone surfaces are slippery when wet, but the polishing lets the full beauty of the stone show through. Honed stone tiles provide more traction but have a less vibrant look.

While tile can be a great choice for kitchen floors, the hardness that makes tile so desirable as a kitchen floor surface can sometimes be a drawback.  If you are a serious cook be sure to wear comfortable shoes or use a floor mat at the work center, i.e sink, range ,cooking because standing on tile for long periods of time can tire out legs and strain your back.  Tile is also cold on bare feet and if you tend to be clumsy in the kitchen, dropped dishes, mugs and glasses will break on impact.

With today’s many designs and tile selections to choose from you are sure to find the best option to suit your kitchen.

Be sure to stop by our newly expanded Showroom and a take a look at our latest selection of tile for your kitchen project.