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Do you love the feel of carpet but stress about the upkeep? Water damage, stains, and spills can be reasons for families with kids and/or pets to not consider carpet. Those concerns are valid with most carpet varieties, but they do not apply to SmartStrand. Developed by Mohawk fifteen years ago, SmartStrand brings maximum comfort while eliminating all the worries about upkeep. At our Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring showrooms, you can feel and see the SmartStrand difference and find the right variety for your space. 

What Sets SmartStrand Apart?

SmartStrand is marketed as “The Softest, Most Durable, Easiest to Clean Carpet on the Planet™.” This product really delivers as promised.

• Permanent Stain Resistance–SmartStrand is equipped with 100% stain resistance that does not wash off or wear off over time. This protective coating is ideal for busy families. Your family can now eat snacks outside the kitchen without worries about the carpet. 

• No Moisture Absorption–The fibers in SmartStrand were specially designed to provide 0% moisture absorption. With no moisture absorption, your carpet is completely safe from spilled drinks and pet accidents. 

• Safe–SmartStrand meets the OEKO-TEX standard 100, promising that the materials are free from harmful chemicals. You can feel completely comfortable that your flooring is safe for your pets or your little ones laying on it. 
• Pet Accident Warranty–SmartStrand was designed with pets in mind. The company stands behind its product so confidently that they provide a warranty covering all pets and all accidents. Even if you have a puppy working on their housetraining, this carpet can handle it. 

SmartStrand is easily maintained with regular vacuuming. Professional carpet cleaning every 12-18 months will ensure the best appearance. If you have a spill, gentle blotting with water is often sufficient for removing the stain. Because this is a specially designed product, we recommend only treating your carpet with products approved by The Carpet and Rug Institute of America. If you are interested in learning more about SmartStrand, visit Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring today!

Laminate flooring was developed in the late 1970s and gained popularity in the ’80s and ’90s. Initially, they were marketed to homeowners as a less expensive flooring choice to mimic hardwood. The earliest varieties of laminate were not especially convincing due to their plastic-looking finish. Over the years, laminate flooring has improved significantly. The finished look of laminate can effectively mimic hardwood flooring at a reduced cost. If you are considering laminate flooring, our showrooms at Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring have a variety of laminate samples so you can see their quality for yourself. 

What to Love about Laminate

• The Price–Including installation, laminate flooring costs half or two-thirds of the price of hardwood. The price difference can be quite significant if you install flooring throughout your home. Even if you attempted your own installation, laminate costs between $1-5 per square foot compared with the average hardwood square foot cost of $3-7 dollars. 

• The Durability–Laminate is resistant to scratches, stains, sunlight, and impact. Ideal for busy homes with kids and pets, this floor can withstand toys driving on it and pet toenails scratching it. Laminate flooring endures the wear and tear of daily life well. 

• The Ease of Installation–Because laminate is a floating floor, no nails, staples, or glue are needed. The planks are designed to click together and lay on top of your existing floor or subfloor.

• The Appearance–The plastic coating that used to give laminate away is long gone. Today, high-resolution images are used to create laminate, so the result is compelling. Beyond the appearance of the planks, they also have a convincing grain and texture. 

Laminate deserves the popularity and hype it has enjoyed in more recent years. The benefits are powerful, and the drawbacks are limited. If you place laminate throughout your home, be aware that laminate is not intended for wet spaces. One disadvantage of laminate is that when laminate has standing water on it, the high-density fiberboard begins to break down and expand. Laminate flooring cannot be repaired, so water-damaged laminate must be replaced. Therefore we discourage using laminate flooring in places such as your bathroom. 

Come visit our showroom today if you are ready to fall in love with laminate! Our Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring team is standing by to help you find the right variety for your space.  

From stunning stone to authentic wood finishes, luxury vinyl tile offers a wide variety of aesthetic choices to suit any home style. Luxury vinyl flooring has gained popularity steadily since the early 2000s and has quickly become a staple of the flooring industry. At Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring, we have luxury vinyl tile in our showrooms so you can see the quality for yourself. Vinyl flooring has been improved significantly since its introduction in the 1970s. This flooring is no longer just the “bargain” flooring choice, but it is appreciated for many other qualities. If you are considering flooring to place throughout your home, luxury vinyl tile has many benefits to consider.

• Convincing and Beautiful Appearance–Luxury vinyl tile comes in a large selection of finishes to mimic wood, stone, marble, and porcelain. The attention to detail is truly incredible because each tile has a convincing variation and grain. When you place the tile throughout your room, the tile will have the visual variability of the material it mimics. 

• Waterproof Quality–Did you know that luxury vinyl tile clicks together and creates a seal to keep water above the surface of the floor? Flooring types, such as hardwood, that are less than ideal in wet spaces, can now be used in bathrooms and kitchens when you choose a luxury vinyl tile with a similar appearance. Hardwood flooring throughout the home has been a popular and desirable design choice for many years. Luxury vinyl tile helps you achieve this look without the risk of damage in wet spaces. The waterproof quality is also helpful for households with children and pets, making spills and accidents no big deal. 

• Easy Maintenance–Hardwood flooring is known for its beautiful finish, but it requires special products and care to maintain. Luxury vinyl tile is simple to maintain for a busy household. LVT can be swept and vacuumed to keep it clean. Additionally, the finish on LVT is stain-resistant, so they are well-suited for life’s everyday messes.

• Durability–Beyond the waterproof quality, luxury vinyl tile is also scratch-resistant. Luxury vinyl flooring is sealed with a tough finish to help it endure heavy foot traffic. Vinyl is more robust than other flooring, such as porcelain or hardwood. Whether you are looking for flooring to handle your pet’s toenails or the daily traffic from your kids, LVT can handle your home’s daily traffic. 

With all the choices, there truly is an LVT solution for every home. We would love to show you the possibilities for your space. Visit one of our Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring showrooms to see and feel the quality of our luxury vinyl tiles today.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has become a top flooring choice for homeowners looking for beauty and durability. Wood flooring is a timeless choice, but it does require maintenance and upkeep to preserve its appearance. For homes with pets or children, wood flooring can feel like a constant liability, surrounded by the fear of scratches, spills, and accidents. Luxury vinyl plank comes in a variety of plank widths, colors, and finishes to mimic any type of wood flooring you are envisioning. At Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring, our showrooms are stocked with different types of LVP, so you can see and feel the planks for yourself. When you are deciding on your luxury vinyl plank, you should consider the overall style and color palette of your home. 

LVP Textures–Part of creating the illusion of hardwood flooring is getting the texture right. There are different texture choices to mimic the wood grain and the imperfections of real wood. Some of these texture choices include:

• Hand-scraped–No piece of wood is exactly alike, so hardwood planks are all unique. When floors attempt to mimic wood but have repeated planks, the overall look will not be as convincing. Hand-scraped LVP planks have unique long scrapes on each plank, making it difficult to tell them apart from real wood after installation. 

• Wire-brushed–Using subtle wire scratching on the surface of the planks, they appear to showcase real wood beneath. The overall finish is smoother than a distressed or hand-scraped variety of LVP.

• Distressed–Floors with this finish look as if they have experienced life and all its wear and tear. The surface of the LVP will have knots, burns, scrapes, wormholes, and other imperfections, which will give the appearance of age. This style floor is ideal if you own a restored or historical home or if you prefer a traditional, antique vibe.

• Embossed–Floors that are embossed are less convincing faux woods. They only look like wood from the thin top of the plank. If a plank gets scratched, the illusion is lost. Embossed planks have the appearance and texture below the top surface to better achieve the look and feel of wood. 

• Beveled Edges–Having beveled edges on your LVP will present a more convincing appearance. The definition between each plank will mimic the depth of traditional hardwoods. If you desire to achieve further definition of each plank, you can choose painted beveled edges.

 

LVP Colors–Did you know that traditional hardwood planks are different colors based upon the tree they come from and the finish placed on top? LVP comes in varieties to mimic each type of tree used for hardwood flooring. If you are trying to determine which LVP tree type suits your home design, consider the benefits of each one:

• Oak–Highly popular, sporting a warm light brown color and straight wood grain patterns. Oak is an understated, versatile style that suits everything from farmhouse chic to contemporary style of homes.

• Pine–Greater color variability and known for its knotty rustic accents. Pine is suitable for diverse spaces from a rustic log cabin to a modern office building. 

• Acacia–Distinct wood grain with occasional knots in texture. Acacia wood is a rich color

• Maple–Available in light to medium shades. Maple is a classic style that is clean and boasts a creamy finish.

• Walnut–Rich deep color and a bolder wood grain pattern. Walnut is used for traditional and contemporary spaces.

• Hickory–Lighter hue and gentle wood grain. Hickory is known for its natural character.

 

With today’s design process it can be hard to tell the difference between hardwood floors and vinyl solutions. If you are ready to explore the possibilities with LVP, we can help! Come visit one of our showrooms today to see and feel the quality of both real hardwood and vinyl! Whichever you desire, our team at Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring can help you find the right fit for your space.

The kitchen is not the only place going bolder with tile. After enjoying several years of popularity, white subway tiles are giving way to more colorful choices in the bathroom. Regardless of the style of your home, you still can achieve a bolder tile when paired properly with your decor and color palette. At Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring, we are proud to be more than just a flooring company. We are passionate about interior design and helping our customers achieve their vision. Our showrooms are stocked with a wide variety of tiles, so you can see and feel it for yourself. We also have samples available if you want to see the tile in your space and lighting. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the choices, consider the following tile trends to see if any of them reflect your style.

• Grid-Style Tile using High Contrast Grout– Although 4 x 4 tiles are not a new concept, they are being utilized in new ways with the grout choice and grid installation. This trend blends the nostalgia of a classic tile with a modern spin. This tile can be used wherever you have classic decor or highly modern designs. Bear in mind that your overall design depends on the other elements in your bathroom.

• Patterned Tile Paired with Patterned Wallpaper–Since bold tile choices are en vogue right now, restraint in patterns and colors is not necessary. Patterned tile and wallpaper give the bathroom depth and complexity. You could choose to do a monochromatic combination if you wanted to try this trend without being too bold. In fact, black and white patterns tend to combine well together, achieving a more neutral, modern look. 

• Single Color Tile–Using one color of tile may not seem that bold or unique, but the execution of the tile is what really determines the intensity. Choosing a bright color will be a focal point in your space, especially if the rest of the bathroom is neutral. This trend can also be used beyond the floor, tiling from floor to ceiling in the same single color. 

• Matching Tile and Grout–Contrasting grout is often used to draw attention to the pattern, shape, or color of the tile. By matching the tile and grout, the focus becomes more on the texture and the matte color. This trend can be further enhanced by staying within the color palette to embrace a monochromatic palette and by choosing contrasting decor or accents to create interest. 

• Varying Grout Widths–Beyond the color choice, grout is often overlooked when considering the creative choices in a bathroom. Did you know that if you install grout with varying widths, you can create a unique pattern? This is true even if you are using a classic tile. In fact, including variation in grout width is one way to be dynamic with your style without worrying about a tile becoming dated. Creatively using a classic tile with grout is a wise choice because the result can fit with any style of home, from farmhouse rustic to modern minimalist. 
• Stacked Tile–The traditional tile laying pattern is an offset or staggered arrangement. Stacking tile creates a completely different look even if you are using a traditional tile. Stacking can be laid either vertically or horizontally. Both directions could even be used in the same bathroom. For example, one tile could be vertically arranged until the pattern reached the midpoint of the wall. Then, you could choose a different color of the same tile and run it horizontally the rest of the way to the floor (perhaps even onto the bathtub). The end result of stacking looks very clean and classic, yet noticeably unique. 

No matter your style, your bathroom can be dramatically transformed by using tile effectively. Selecting your style can be challenging. At Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring, we have stylists to help you find your style and vision. Come visit our team at Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring! We would love to help you achieve your vision.

In addition to making your kitchen more functional, a tile backsplash adds a stylish statement. Tile is easy to wipe clean, making it an ideal barrier for your walls from the spills and splatters of everyday cooking. There are a wide variety of tile choices to suit each unique kitchen. In 2022, hexagon tiles have grown in popularity along with darker colors, such as black, dark blue, and dark green. Patterned and mixed metallic tiles are also stylish choices right now. The classic look of subway tile is still popular, but some homeowners are beginning to venture beyond the basic white to include bolder colors. If you are considering tile options for your kitchen, our style experts at Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring can help. We can show you all the options at one of our showrooms and help you imagine the possibilities for your space. 

Styling with Subway Tile–Although the white, classic subway style is a popular choice, there are other bold subway options to be considered. In fact, there are many color choices available that could add a bolder focal point for your kitchen. One of the great things about subway tile is the fact that it can be placed in different patterns, allowing for a more personalized look. If you are looking to infuse your unique style into your kitchen space, you could include a contrasting grout and tile color combination in your design. Another way to infuse your style into your kitchen is by adding a recessed accent shelf. Even if the backsplash is the traditional neutral subway tile, a recessed shelf could add a pop of color with glass tiles in a different pattern. At Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring, we want you to be completely satisfied with your design. Therefore, if you would like to see your tile choices next to your existing cabinetry, we have samples available to help you visualize the possibilities. 

Tile Mosaic Tips–From the cabinetry to the counters, the floors to ceiling, your kitchen has many straight lines. Choosing a hexagonal tile mosaic can help break up the linear overload and improve the visual appeal. Tile mosaics can be made from glass, porcelain, marble, or ceramics. Beyond adding dimension to your kitchen, they also provide an easy clean-up after cooking. 

Choosing the Right Tile–Tile should work harmoniously with the other elements of your kitchen, such as the walls, cabinetry, counters, and floors. In every kitchen, there should be visual focal points. This can be accomplished in many ways. Some homeowners choose a bold cabinet color and pair it with neutral counters, walls, and floors. Others paint the walls a bold color and then choose neutral counters, cabinets, and floors. Tile can be a great visual focal point in your kitchen and can be accomplished in unique ways. For example, you could pick a tile that incorporates your wall color, cabinet color, and countertop color to create an attractive aesthetic. An all-white kitchen can be improved with a bold kitchen tile choice, a backsplash, or a full accent wall. 

Whether you are redoing your whole kitchen or just adding a kitchen tile backsplash, our style experts at Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring can help you find the ideal tile to enhance your kitchen’s function and beauty.

Hardwood flooring has a long lifespan when properly maintained. Depending on the materials, installation and wear and tear, they can last anywhere from 10 – 100 years. Our flooring team at Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring compiled a list of the most common signs that your hardwood flooring may need to be replaced. We can guide you through the process of finding your next floor when that time comes.

Most Common Signs

•       Moving or Creaking Sounds—Does your house sound like something out of a horror movie when you walk around? Over time, wood planks can start to rub against each other or the subfloor, making creaky sounds. The wood planks could be creaking just because of age, but the creaking can also indicate a structural problem. Moving boards can happen when your floor has been damaged by water or your foundation is cracked. If you see any swelling or dipping in your floors, you likely have serious structural problems.
•       Significant Scratches or Surface Damage—Life can be rough on your floors. If you have pets or children in your home, this can be even more true. A few small scratches happen and will likely add to the character of your floor. If the scratches are unattractive, deep, or stretch across a large portion of your floor, you may need to consider a replacement. Deep scratches that cut past the finish of your floor could open your floor up to water damage if a spill occurs. Some damage may be resolved with refinishing and staining, but this only works for surface-level wear and tear.
• Popped Up Nails—Discovering a nail head with your barefoot is very painful. If you see one or two popped up in your home, those nails are probably not a big deal. When nails pop up across long stretches of your floor, you should consider if a replacement would be wise.
•       Water Damage—Water damage is the top fear of homeowners with hardwood flooring. Engineered varieties of hardwood are more resistant to water, but all varieties of hardwood can be susceptible to water damage, warping, staining, etc. Sealing or staining your hardwood flooring properly should protect your floors from everyday spills, but plumbing issues, flooding, roof leaks, or other major water issues could cause serious damage. Since water damage can cause your hardwood planks to warp and separate, refinishing your damaged floors will not work.
•       Lots of Refinishing—The ability to refinish instead of replace is one of the appealing benefits of hardwood flooring. The process starts by sanding down the hardwood planks and then applying a new layer of sealant or stain. Your floors will look  new as the process resolves minimal surface damage and discoloration. Refinishing is also a great option when you are changing decor and need a different wood flooring shade. Your wood planks are only so thick, so there is a limit on how many times you can refinish them before replacement is necessary. If your floor has been refinished many times, the floorboards may be too thin, and you may need to explore new hardwood flooring.

If your hardwood floors have seen better days, reach out to Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring. We have a large variety of hardwood options in our showrooms. You can feel the woodgrain and see the finish options for yourself. Regardless of the type of hardwood you choose, we can ensure a proper installation to maximize your investment. 

A new year is a time to start fresh. Updating your floors can be a great New Year’s resolution for improving your home. The flooring trends of this year are exploring traditional materials with a new flair. Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring stays on the cutting edge with access to the best quality flooring choices to keep your home in style. If you are considering revamping your floors, consider following one of these exciting trends that will impress now and for the years to come.

•       Bleached Flooring—Lighter colors can make a room appear more spacious and open. Many homeowners are choosing light flooring to pair with white walls, cabinetry, counters, and tile to create a clean look. Bleached wood uses a whitewashing technique to remove the natural or artificial stain on the wood. The result is an ash white floor color with the charm and natural quality of wood grain. This flooring style could fit with any decor, but we anticipate it will be especially popular for country chic homes.
•       Smoked Flooring—Using a smoking chamber process with ammonia, smoked flooring achieves its signature color and appearance. The wood flooring pieces will vary in coloration, but they will be darker than natural wood flooring and retain their woodgrain. The smoked appearance highlights the beauty of the wood and elevates the look of your space. We expect this trend will be popular for homes with an industrial or upscale rustic style, but it could be utilized in any type of home.
•       Wooden Floors Laid in Patterns—Hardwood flooring is a classic look that fits any decorating concept. If you enjoy wood flooring but are looking for something a little more unique, consider having your flooring laid in a pattern, such as herringbone or chevron. Patterns wood planks have become popular as an accent in kitchens and bathrooms especially.
•       Black and White Tiles—Tile as an accent has gained popularity as a way to blend vintage with modern style. Black and white tile flooring is often utilized as an accent in bathrooms or the kitchen.
•       Bold Graphic Tiling—If you are looking for a modern and unique way to use tile, consider graphic tile in your living room. You can create a large mosaic pattern that becomes the focal point of the room. Monochromatic mosaic tiles have become popular for homeowners wanting to make a bold statement with their flooring.
•       Natural Flooring—There is a certain tranquil quality in natural wood flooring. Keeping it simple with a natural wood color has become a way that homeowners reconnect with nature. Paired with white or light-colored walls and indoor plants, natural flooring can help create an outdoorsy feel in your inside oasis.
•       Barn Wood Tile Flooring—Faux wood flooring took off in 2016 and has not lost any momentum since then. Barn wood tiles mimic the characteristic weathered look and color variation of actual barn wood planks. The directional finish on the tiles makes it very difficult to distinguish between the tile and real barn wood. Barn wood tile delivers the desired appearance paired with easy maintenance. This flooring type captures the ideal warm rustic feeling.
•       Weathered Flooring—The distressed look for flooring can highlight the vintage or rustic look of a space. You could choose to have a wood floor weathered using an artificial aging process or choose a concrete tile with a weathered wood look. The worn look communicates a historic vibe, yet it works surprisingly well with contemporary decor styles.

If you are ready to imagine the possibilities for your floor, schedule a consultation with Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring. We can show you samples of all these trends and help you find the right one to suit your taste.

The holiday season is a wonderful time to have family and friends over to visit. More friends and family coming over means more foot traffic on your floors. Before you let yourself turn into a grinch over your family tracking dirt, sleet, or snow into your home, take steps to safeguard the investment in your floor. Resurfacing a hardwood floor or hiring a professional carpet cleaner can add up quickly. Our floor team put together some tips to maintain your floors through the hustle and bustle of the season.

•   Set Up a No-Shoe Zone—You could choose to set up a sign notifying your guests of your no shoes in the house policy or let them know when they arrive. Any guest in your home should be willing to be courteous and abide by your wishes. You could even let them know in advance and recommend them to wear their most festive socks.
•   Use a Welcome Doormat—With a wide variety of colors and styles available, you can choose a welcome mat that furthers your decorating scheme while helping you keep your home clean. There are even doormats with scraping features to help capture dirt, moisture, and debris off your guests’ shoes. Any welcome mat will help clean your guests’ shoes to some degree. Since dirt, debris, and moisture can damage your floors, taking this simple step to minimize the impact is wise. Mats outside of your doors and along the halls will help protect your floors and limit your maintenance.
•   Clean and Prepare your Hardwood Floors—Before your family arrives, clean your floors, and apply a coat of floor polish. The floor polish will help prevent scuffs, shoe marks, and scratches from heavy foot traffic. If you observe any small scratches after your floor endures holiday foot traffic, you could use a repair kit or color matched pen to hide the damage effectively.
•   Keep up with Your Cleaning Throughout the Holidays—When you have guests in your home, your floors will still get messy even if your guests are wiping their shoes on the mat or going shoe-free. Instead of waiting for your guests to head out, do light spot cleaning while they are there. Spills, stains, and dirt are less likely to damage your floor if dealt with quickly. Plan to sweep daily, mop once or twice per week, and vacuum twice per week to keep your floors under control throughout the holidays. After your guests leave, you could schedule a professional carpet cleaning to ensure that they are properly deep cleaned.

Happy Holidays from our Kemp’s Dalton West Family! We hope you enjoy warm and wonderful moments with your friends and family.