Bob explains that the carpeting pattern in the basement may look like wall-to-wall carpeting, but actually it is Binvetec carpet tiles. Instead of being made up long rolls, the tiles are non-adhesive squares. The pattern on the tiles is designed so that any way the tile is laid, a pattern is created. The system is flexible to allow freedom for creative design.
In this segment, Bob looks at the click-together beech flooring from Kahrs in the key hall. Gary Johnston from DuPont meets Bob in the media room to discuss new innovations in carpeting. The homeowner chose carpeting for its comfort level, which is ideal for a media room. Gary explains that DuPont Stainmaster is ideal for such a high-traffic area because its advanced Teflon repel system keeps the carpet 40 percent cleaner. Gary goes through the installation process and points out the carbon core in each tuft of carpet that cuts down on static electricity, not unlike a miniature lightning rod.
Carpet tiles, also known as carpet squares or modular carpeting, are easily installed side-by-side to create a smooth, carpeted floor that looks just like wall-to-wall carpeting.
Kathy Ireland tells Bob about her Shades of America carpet collection. With a more focused color selection and more descriptive color names, Shades of America makes it easier for busy moms to decorate and choose colors. The carpet fiber is 100% nylon and it comes in four styles - essential plush, essential platinum, essential gold and essential silver - which refer to the density of the carpet. The SoftBac Platinum backing is much softer and more pliable and gives the carpet a wonderful foundation. Another feature of the carpet is that it has R2X, a stain and soil resistant treatment developed by Shaw carpets. Next Jim and Kathy meet up with installer Jim Walker. Jim informs Bob this carpet is one of the most installer-friendly products on the market. It has great dimensional stability. The SoftBac grabs the tack strip and holds it very firmly. Jim is installing the carpet over a prime urethane pad.
Ryley meets with Tom Denzel of Coronet Carpeting to install carpet in an upstairs bedroom, where Tom shares some tips and tricks for carpet installation.
Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. One of the wonders of the modern age, vacuum cleaners, range in price from $60 to almost $2,000. What s different about them? It s a matter of choosing the right tool for the job. There s a lot of hype about the ability of vacuums to eliminate pollen, mold spores and other allergens. The fact is that most allergen particles are big enough to be handled by any vacuum, whether it says HEPA or not. The key is the vacuum s emissions: what comes out the back end. Bagless models are attractive for those of us who forget to buy the bags or just would like to throw less away. But, for allergy sufferers, they may not be the best bet. You still need to empty the dust chamber into a trash bag at some point, and even if you do this outside, you still come into contact with some dust. Other factors to consider are the sorts of surfaces your vacuum will have to clean. Most do well on bare floors. But if you have carpets of varying pile heights, you ll want to be able to adjust your machine. If you have mostly carpet, you ll probably want to consider an upright model. If pet hair is an issue, you ll need to compare models on that basis. Canister models are generally easier to handle. Some European canisters are easier on the ears than most. But statistically, canister models are also more prone to needing repairs than uprights. Once you ve decided which features are important for cleaning your home, there are good bets in every price range. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008
Bob Vila and project architect Michael Pierce brainstorm ideas for this small condo with a great view of Biscayne Bay. The condo, a collection of closets and closed spaces, is a pearl in the oyster, just waiting to be opened up. The interior is dark because of the closed space and the navy carpeting that absorbs rather than reflects the light that enters. Pierce suggests bringing the outside in and creating an open loft appearance if the tenant board allows. He also advises flattening the popcorn ceiling to make it smooth like the roof of the balcony so it will reflect more light. Pierce's outlook for this small space is a theme of light and views.