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510-428-2828
©2010 Straus Carpet
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Frequently Asked Questions
I see you have bamboo flooring. Isn't there a danger of formaldehyde gassing from that kind of floor?
What is the difference between linoleum and vinyl?
Is furniture moving included in your price?
Do we need to Scotchguard the carpet after the first steam cleaning?
What makes one carpet more expensive than another?
What determines whether I need new underlayment prior to installing my new vinyl or linoleum floor?
Why shop at a specialty retailer instead of a big box store?
Is there such a thing as soundproof pad?
I see you have bamboo flooring. Isn't there a danger of formaldehyde gassing from that kind of floor?
We carry only Terragren flooring which uses water-based coatings and solvents and doesn't produce dangerous off-gasses. While it's true that most bamboo flooring is made with formaldehyde, stick with Terragren and you'll be fine.
What is a Berber carpet?
Named after the Berber tribe in Morocco, Berber carpets are looped carpets that incorporate more than one color. While the Berber's handloom their individual rugs, carpet manufacturers produce these carpets in different widths. While 12-foot widths are the most common, many manufacturers make 15-foot width carpets. This can be a distinct advantage for a customer because a Berber carpet is more difficult to seam and the wider width accommodates a larger room without seaming. The reason Berbers are more difficult to seam is that rows of loops have to be cut and then put back together. This makes the seam more noticeable.
What is the difference between linoleum and vinyl?
About $40 per square yard. Linoleum is an all-natural product and is manufactured in Europe. It is 2 meters wide (6 feet, 7 inches) and seams must be welded together using a torch and welding rod. Installers should be certified by at least one manufacturer of linoleum so that a customer can feel confident knowing that the installation will be performed correctly. Linoleum does not come with a "no wax" finish and must be maintained by the customer for the life of the product. Linoleum comes with marbleized patterns and mostly in muted tones. An exception is Forbo's Vivace linoleum that has bold colors in swirling patterns
Vinyl is a petroleum product and comes either 6 feet or 12 feet wide. It may be heat-welded, but a chemical sealer may also be used. Almost all vinyl is "no wax" and is very low maintenance. Many patterns are available in vinyl, including those that look like stone or slate. New technologies even allow for textures within those patterns to more closely replicate natural products.
Is furniture moving included in your price?
No, we list that as an additional item. We do not know what type of furniture you have until we come to your home or office and we base our charge upon the degree of difficulty. Pianos, sofa beds, and hutches take much more work than a dining room table and a set of chairs. Since we do not charge for estimates, please call us to measure and assess your needs.
Do we need to Scotchguard the carpet after the first steam cleaning?
No, the nylon carpets are all treated with some form of stain resistance and a topical application will not enhance protection in any way. Wool carpets should not be Scotchguarded as they will discolor.
How do I figure square yards?
Take the square footage and divide by 9. This is the exact amount of square yards and does not allow for seaming. If you want to get a little closer to the amount of carpet you will actually need, take the square footage and divide by 8 1/2.
What is an inlaid vinyl?
Inlaid vinyl is manufactured with the pattern extending from the surface to the backing. Most vinyl is printed and backed using what is called a rotogravure method. Inlaid vinyl is made using vinyl chips of color in a stencil pattern and heating those chips until they bond into a single material. This dense, heavy, and durable material is then coated with '' no wax'' layers to insure long lasting shine. Inlaid vinyl is more difficult to install than rotogravure vinyl and is not a do-it-yourself item if seaming is involved.
What makes one carpet more expensive than another?
When buying a nylon carpet, the determining factor is the weight of the nylon. Simply put, the more nylon in a square yard, the higher the price. Different types of patterns can also add to the price, but if two carpets are being compared and they are of the same type, the one that is heavier will cost more.
If nylon is compared to polyester, nylon will be more expensive because it is a more expensive fiber to produce. Nylon has "memory" and polyester does not.
What determines whether I need new underlayment prior to installing my new vinyl or linoleum floor?
The new vinyl or linoleum will telegraph any imperfections of the floor over which it is installed. If the existing vinyl is in good shape, floating the floor with quick drying cement is adequate to eliminate transferring of the old pattern into the new vinyl. If the existing floor is asbestos, quick drying cement is also the correct solution for floor preparation.
If the existing underlayment or vinyl is uneven, new underlayment is called for. We recommend ACH plywood because it is finished on one side and does not have any knotholes.
Do stair rods work?
Stair rods are decorative only and do not hold stair runners in place. They are attractive in the right setting, but can look ostentatious on the wrong staircase.
Are remnants a bargain?
Always. If you have a small area to cover in either carpet or vinyl, remnants will always cost less than if you ordered a particular product. A room of carpet or a kitchen/bathroom amount of vinyl is always available as a remnant and if a pattern or color is to your liking, the financial advantage is great. If you measure your room first and then go shopping, you'll know if the remnant you like will fit the area.
Why shop at a specialty retailer instead of a big box store?
Service and experience are the strongest reasons for shopping at a store such as ours. We take the time to listen to your needs and then show you the materials that will work for you. We have worked in flooring for decades and know style, color, and design. Whether it is commercial or residential, budget or high end, we will help you from beginning to end and take full responsibility for your job.
Is there such a thing as sound-proof pad?
Yes, there is. There is one pad that is rated to cut 22 decibles of sound and may be used commercially or residentially. This is the best in the business. While it is not cheap, it is far less expensive than sound insulations that are sprayed or laid between floors. It is used in schools as well as apartments and condos. If noise is a problem, this is a wonderful solution.