General Questions
What should I do to prepare for new flooring installation?
If removing the existing floor yourself, make sure it is completely removed and the subfloor is clean and ready for installation. If you prefer to have our installers remove your existing flooring, make sure the area is clear of all valuables and furniture. Disconnect and move all appliances, electronics and computers. Prepare an area for the installers to store and cut flooring materials and make sure they have access to a power source.
Where can I find warranty information for my new floor?
All warranty information can be found on the manufacturer’s website. It is highly recommended to register your new flooring as soon as it is purchased and installed.
Who is "Abbey Carpet"?
Abbey Carpet & Floor is comprised of 800 floor covering showrooms across the United States and Canada. We offer the finest in floor covering products and exclusive warranties along with the buying power of a national chain. But unlike most other chain stores, every Abbey Carpet & Floor showroom is locally owned and operated which provides the “hands-on” attention that you deserve.
Carpet Questions
How often should I vacuum?
Carpet should be vacuumed at least twice a week to remove dust and soil particles. If the entire house can’t be vacuumed that often, at least do the high traffic areas twice a week or more. If not vacuumed frequently, the fibers may become dull and carpet will look matted.
How often should I clean my carpet?
A professional steam cleaning/hot water extraction at least once every 18 months is required to maintain your warranty.
How do I remove stains?
- Try to clean up spots and spills as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.
- Most carpet stains can be removed by using a carpet stain remover, however it is recommended to test in a discreet area first.
- Always blot stains, never scrub or brush them. Vacuum the entire area after cleaning up a stain.
- This link offers cleaning solutions for various types of stains and spills: https://www.stainmaster.com/carpet/care/stain-removal
- Refer to the manufacturers warranty if stains cannot be removed.
Why is my new carpet shedding?
It is common for new carpet to shed for up to 6 months after installation. Typically, it is caused by cut fibers left from the milling process. Frequent vacuuming is recommended to lessen the shedding and will not affect the carpet life or appearance.
How can I get rid of the odor or "new carpet smell"?
- Get rid of the odor by opening doors and windows to ventilate the rooms.
- Vacuuming will help as well.
Hardwood Questions
What is the difference between engineered and solid hardwood?
Solid hardwood is just as the name describes, solid wood all the way through. Engineered hardwood is made from layers of wood stacked and glued together under heat and pressure. The result of this process is a more dimensionally stable product, as it is more resistant to moisture and humidity level changes.
Can hardwood be installed anywhere in the home?
Solid hardwood is not recommended for high moisture areas like bathrooms or porches. It also cannot be installed in basements because of the moisture coming through the concrete. However, engineered wood can be installed below grade if it is a floating installation and the concrete is clean and dry.
Can an engineered floor be refinished?
Depending on the thickness of the hardwood top layer, the floor can be sanded and refinished one to two times. Although, 95% of hardwood floors are never actually refinished. With the high quality finishes that are offered and the extensive process that refinishing a floor entails, damaged areas are often removed professionally.
How can I find out the hardness of a certain species of wood?
Refer to the Janka hardness scale for measurement of resistance to denting and wear. Here is a direct link to the Janka harness scale: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janka_hardness_test
Is hardwood suitable for people with allergies?
Common allergens and asthma triggers found inside almost any home include dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Reducing the places where allergens can settle and hide, along with regular cleaning and maintenance, improves the air quality in your home and can reduce common symptoms.
Tile Questions
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Ceramic tiles are generally made from red or white clay and are fired in a kiln. They are finished with a durable glaze which gives them their color and pattern. These tiles can be used on both walls and floors and are softer and easier to cut than porcelain. Ceramic tiles are usually suitable for very light to moderate traffic and generally have a higher water absorption rating making them less frost resistant.
Porcelain tiles are composed of fine porcelain clays and fired at much higher temperatures than ceramic tiles. This process makes porcelain tile more dense, less porous, much harder and less prone to moisture and stain absorption than ceramic tiles. For these reasons, most porcelain tiles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. Porcelain tiles are also harder to cut due to their density and hardness.
Can tile be installed anywhere in the home?
Tile is extremely versatile making it possible to be installed anywhere, although certain types are recommended for each application. For example, through-body porcelain tiles are suggested for outdoor and high moisture areas because they are less porous than ceramic tiles. This makes them frost resistant and less likely to chip or crack.
How soon can a newly installed tile floor be used?
The adhesive used to set floor tile takes about 24 hours to dry, therefore the floor should not be walked on for that amount of time. Also, It is strongly advised not to use a tile shower for at least 7 days to allow ample time for the grout to cure before it gets wet.
Vinyl Questions
What is the difference between sheet goods and vinyl tiles?
Sheet vinyl is generally manufactured in a 12 foot wide sheet with a color or pattern printed on the surface and finished with a scratch and stain resistant wear layer. It is a very flexible material making it commonly used over a subfloor that is subject to movement or is not completely level.
Vinyl tiles are individual squares or rectangles that can be installed and grouted much like porcelain tile. They range in thickness and density and give the floor a more realistic tile look as well as a warmer, more resilient feel.
Do vinyl floors require any maintenance?
Most vinyl is coated with an aluminum oxide wear layer, making it extremely easy to keep clean. Regular sweeping or vacuuming and cleaning with an appropriate cleaner will keep the floor looking great for a long period of time. Few vinyl floors are available with a high gloss finish, but if that is the case, apply a vinyl floor polish to restore shine. After several applications of polish, the floor may need to be stripped and re-polished.
Laminate Questions
Can laminate be installed anywhere in the home?
Just like hardwood, laminate is not recommended for high moisture or humidity areas such as bathrooms. Laminate is installed as a floating floor, so it can be installed below grade as long as the concrete is clean and dry. If laminate is installed in a kitchen or entryway where it is exposed to limited moisture, be sure to use rugs and wipe up any standing liquid as soon as possible to avoid swelling and buckling.
Is laminate more durable than hardwood?
Laminate is made of a particle board or fiberboard core which is pressed under high pressure making is more resistant to dents and scratches.
The top layer is coated with aluminum oxide giving it extra protection.
Is there a hollow sound where laminate floor is used?
Since laminate flooring is usually a thinner type floor you may notice a little more noise when walking on them. To help reduce excessive noise there is a foam or cork underlayment installed underneath. Quality underlayment pads not only protect the laminate flooring from subfloor conditions, but also act as a cushion and sound blocker.
Can damaged boards be replaced?
Since laminate is installed as a floating floor, the planks can be removed starting from the last ones installed, back to the damaged board to replace it. The boards can then be reinstalled.
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