The problem with showers…and the right fix…

OK, so what is all the fuss about getting a custom shower?  It is a fair question, not without merits.  A custom shower is an investment, and it is not one to be taken lightly.  Did you know that in comparison to a rain forest, your shower receives more water on a yearly basis?  In fact, the dishwasher in your home probably does not process as much water as your shower.  Given these facts, ask yourself how much it is worth to ensure you have the right materials first and, not least importantly, the right technician second.

Have you ever seen an improperly assembled, custom shower?  When you do, you will never forget it because behind the wall is a black, nasty mess.  If you are on an upper floor, the first people to realize you have a leak will be the people below you, but if you live on the ground floor, you stand a good chance of never knowing it unless the mold starts infiltrating the inside of the shower or you decide to replace the existing tile.

You may wonder how anyone can install a leaky shower.  The correct answer is that no one installs a leaky shower if they do it right!  Properly installed, a moisture membrane prevents all water from penetrating the surrounding walls and touching the studs.  The problem some tile mechanics have is that they never learned to properly prepare a shower for tile.  Many installers continue to believe that the materials used in the shower are actually waterproof when in fact they are not.

Most installers believe that concrete board and backer boards are waterproof.  This is an extreme misconception.  The boards are designed to stay together in water and not fall apart, but they absolutely do not keep water from passing through it.  There are a few water proof boards on the market.  Georgia Pacific makes one call Denshield, and it actually has a moisture membrane on the front of the board.  When you use the other boards though, you have to install a moisture barrier between the board and the studs.  Many installers are ignorant of this fact.

Another tool for you to think about is a shower system.  Shower systems are sold and marketed by certain companies to integrate with your tile in any set of circumstances.  The two main ones that I know of are Schluter Systems and Wedi.  Since our work involves Schluter extensively , I will spend my time talking about it.

The Schluter System comes with a preformed tray to place in the bottom of the shower.  Since one of the hardest tasks for an installer is providing the proper gradient to the drain in order to prevent puddling, Schluter Systems rectified this with a pre-sloped pan.  You would not believe the amount of people who overlook the necessity of a pre-slope underneath the normal shower pan.  In fact, since it is not part of the building code in some parts of the country, it is not done at all most of the time.  The pre-slope that I am talking about actually includes filling the place where the shower is located with a sloped bed of rocks or cement prior to the plumber’s installation of the rubber pan.  The rubber pan actually sits on top of the bed, and once the pre-slope is installed, water actually will run down the face of the pan into the drain.  Done without the pre-slope, the water will sit in the pan creating a moist donut shaped area around the drain where fungus and mold will love to hang out.

Once you install the tray, the Schluter kit comes with a special integrated bonding flange for the drain as well as a slip in drain that is square for ease of integration into the tile floor.  Once the tray and flange are in place, the installer simply applies the Kerdi on the walls, floor, and curb to produce an orange looking shower before tile goes in.  The key to the entire system is Kerdi which is an orange polyethylene film bonded to a layer of fleece on the front and back.  The fleece provides a bonding surface to stick to the wall and to stick to the tile.  The polyethylene layer provides 100% water tightness, even in an overlap situation.  Schluter tested their system with a four to six inch overlap and documented no seepage; therefore, they do not require you to use entire sheets of Kerdi at one time.  You simply seal it by overlapping the sheets a minimum of four inches.

Once the Kerdi is installed, the shower is ready for tile.  Place the tile in position, install the drain, grout the tile, and you are ready to take a shower.  The Schluter System really is the best on the market.  For more information on Schluter Systems, visit www.CarpetOnePanamaCity.com or www.schlutersystems.com.  Sign up for more information and to be on our mailing list.

You can buy these products at Carpet One Floor & Home which is an authorized reseller of Schluter Systems.

Installation Professionals—Five Diamond Professionals, Carpet One Floor & Home® |Panama City,FL

Our installers undergo regular training to achieve the highest levels of technical and customer service expertise.  In fact, check around, and you will see that our store has the only certified installers in Panama City, FL.  It is not because we are satisfied with what we do that our people achieve excellence--it is because we care about doing more for our customers.  We demand the best from each installer, and we match their skills with each job to ensure the best possible performance.  When new products come out, we ensure proper training is received, and we pass on the newest industry information and standards to ensure that the customer receives the very best possible job the first time, every time.  Come in our store, and you will see for yourself the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our Installation Team on our Wall of Fame.

Carpet One Floor & Home® |Panama City,FL

Flooring Basics Area Rugs from Carpet One

Fashionable. Functional. Versatile. Area rugs serve a wide variety of purposes in home décor. They can be used to tie the look of a room together much as a scarf pulls an outfit together. They can help define separate spaces within a larger room or add a touch of warmth and color to a hardwood or tile floor. They can also serve as a link between rooms. And these are just some of the possibilities.

Because they serve such a wide variety of roles, area rugs come in all shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. Be it wild or subtle, extravagant or simple, these rugs are an easy way to express your decorative flair.

While there's no installation per se, larger area rugs usually require the movement of furniture. The amount of care needed to help maintain the beauty of these rugs will vary according to rug's material and construction as well as the specific usage.

Recommendations
The first rule of choosing an area rug is to understand that really are no rules per se. Since much of the selection process is based on your own personal taste and sense of style, we simply offer some general guidelines instead.

Size Guidelines

• Room size rugs should leave a border of 18" to 24" on all sides.
• Dining room rugs should measure at least 4' longer and wider than the dining room table, so chairs will not fall off the rug when pushed back from the table.
• Hallway rugs should leave be approximately 2" to 4" narrower and 18" to 24" shorter than the hallway.
• Other area rugs will vary in size according to need.

Design Guidelines

• Try using different patterns that use some common colors in the same room for a coordinated look that is also fresh.
• Don't get boxed in by traditional rectangular or square rugs. Consider oval and round shapes as a way to inject new life in a room.

Wear Guidelines

• Consider traffic patterns, exposure to spills and other wear factors when choosing area rugs.

We have a huge selection of area rugs in varying sizes, styles and colors. Fill out the form below and we'll contact you to set up an in-store appointment to help you find your perfect rug! Or, simply stop by the store at your convenience. Click here for directions

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Flooring Basics Area Rugs from Carpet One

Fashionable. Functional. Versatile. Area rugs serve a wide variety of purposes in home décor. They can be used to tie the look of a room together much as a scarf pulls an outfit together. They can help define separate spaces within a larger room or add a touch of warmth and color to a hardwood or tile floor. They can also serve as a link between

Fashionable. Functional. Versatile. Area rugs serve a wide variety of purposes in home décor. They can be used to tie the look of a room together much as a scarf pulls an outfit together. They can help define separate spaces within a larger room or add a touch of warmth and color to a hardwood or tile floor. They can also serve as a link between rooms. And these are just some of the possibilities.

Because they serve such a wide variety of roles, area rugs come in all shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. Be it wild or subtle, extravagant or simple, these rugs are an easy way to express your decorative flair.

While there's no installation per se, larger area rugs usually require the movement of furniture. The amount of care needed to help maintain the beauty of these rugs will vary according to rug's material and construction as well as the specific usage.

Recommendations
The first rule of choosing an area rug is to understand that really are no rules per se. Since much of the selection process is based on your own personal taste and sense of style, we simply offer some general guidelines instead.

Size Guidelines

• Room size rugs should leave a border of 18" to 24" on all sides.
• Dining room rugs should measure at least 4' longer and wider than the dining room table, so chairs will not fall off the rug when pushed back from the table.
• Hallway rugs should leave be approximately 2" to 4" narrower and 18" to 24" shorter than the hallway.
• Other area rugs will vary in size according to need.

Design Guidelines

• Try using different patterns that use some common colors in the same room for a coordinated look that is also fresh.
• Don't get boxed in by traditional rectangular or square rugs. Consider oval and round shapes as a way to inject new life in a room.

Wear Guidelines

• Consider traffic patterns, exposure to spills and other wear factors when choosing area rugs.

We have a huge selection of area rugs in varying sizes, styles and colors. Fill out the form below and we'll contact you to set up an in-store appointment to help you find your perfect rug! Or, simply stop by the store at your convenience. Click here for directions

rooms. And these are just some of the possibilities.

Because they serve such a wide variety of roles, area rugs come in all shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. Be it wild or subtle, extravagant or simple, these rugs are an easy way to express your decorative flair.

While there's no installation per se, larger area rugs usually require the movement of furniture. The amount of care needed to help maintain the beauty of these rugs will vary according to rug's material and construction as well as the specific usage.

Recommendations
The first rule of choosing an area rug is to understand that really are no rules per se. Since much of the selection process is based on your own personal taste and sense of style, we simply offer some general guidelines instead.

Size Guidelines

• Room size rugs should leave a border of 18" to 24" on all sides.
• Dining room rugs should measure at least 4' longer and wider than the dining room table, so chairs will not fall off the rug when pushed back from the table.
• Hallway rugs should leave be approximately 2" to 4" narrower and 18" to 24" shorter than the hallway.
• Other area rugs will vary in size according to need.

Design Guidelines

• Try using different patterns that use some common colors in the same room for a coordinated look that is also fresh.
• Don't get boxed in by traditional rectangular or square rugs. Consider oval and round shapes as a way to inject new life in a room.

Wear Guidelines

• Consider traffic patterns, exposure to spills and other wear factors when choosing area rugs.

We have a huge selection of area rugs in varying sizes, styles and colors. Fill out the form below and we'll contact you to set up an in-store appointment to help you find your perfect rug! Or, simply stop by the store at your convenience. Click here for directions

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Flooring Information from Carpet One

Flooring Information You Can Rely On

Quality flooring is the hallmark of a refined home. We are committed to bringing our customers flooring information about the finest brands in the widest selection of colors and styles available to fit your specific flooring needs. Turn to Carpet One Floor & Home to deliver the look you desire at a price you can afford.

If you are in the market for new flooring, look at Carpet One Floor & Home for flooring information solutions. Carpet One Floor & Home has been in business for over twenty years and with over one thousand locations throughout the United States and Canada there is sure to be a Carpet One Floor & Home near you to suit your needs. As the name implies, Carpet One Floor & Home is a retailer of carpet but we also have flooring information on hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, resilient flooring and area rugs. Not only does Carpet One Floor & Home provide quality flooring but we also pride ourselves in superb customer service.

Carpet One Floor & Home's dedication to excellence is evident in our customer service policies and convenience. If you are one of the many who don't have time to shop several different stores, rest assured that you are getting flooring information that includes the best possible price for both the flooring and the installation. You can even get samples, purchase your order and schedule installation without ever coming into the store, an incredible convenience when shopping for carpet, tile or hardwood flooring.

First, you need to determine which flooring options will best suit your room. You can pick out samples of tile, carpet, vinyl or laminate flooring and place them in your home to see how they would look. Once you make a decision, their flooring professionals will come into your home for a free estimate and an accurate measurement. Their professionals are highly trained and experienced so you can expect a professional installation of the flooring you choose. In addition, all Carpet One Floor & Home's flooring is 100% guaranteed. If you are not satisfied with the installation of your flooring, Carpet One Floor & Home will replace it completely free of charge.

Pricing is a factor in everything and Carpet One Floor & Home has you covered there. Because of our size, we have enormous buying power with some of the largest carpet, tile, hardwood and other flooring manufacturers in the world. The savings then gets passed on you for the best value in flooring solutions. You can even get financing options to ensure you get the flooring of your dreams and it's easy on your budget.

There are over one thousand convenient locations throughout the United States and Canada, we are sure to have a store near you. However, you can also choose carpet, tile and hardwood flooring by contacting the store and speaking with a design professional who will help you navigate the process of choosing the ideal flooring for your home.

When looking for flooring information you want the best selection possible all in one place. Carpet One Floor & Home delivers. For carpet you can choose from a variety of styles and designs. Hardwood flooring is available in various grains and wood choices. Laminate and ceramic tiles can be found in different colors and patterns. For those high traffic areas, resilient flooring is the ideal solution and no matter what you choose, area rugs are a great accent pieces.

For the best in flooring options, price and quality, Carpet One Floor & Home is the answer. Not only will you get an abundance of choices, it's backed by a guarantee that will ensure your satisfaction. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service and will assist you in picking out the flooring that is best for you.

Below is a list of some of the products and services Carpet One Floor & Home offers. Products and services will vary by location.

Information on Types of Flooring

Area Rugs

Bamboo Flooring

Carpeting

Ceramic Tile

Concrete Flooring

Congoleum Flooring

Cork Floors

Hard Wood Flooring

Laminate Flooring

Linoleum Floors

Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Commercial Flooring Information

Commercial Flooring

Commercial Flooring Installation

Residential Flooring Information

Residential Floor Installation

Bathroom Floors

Kitchen Floors

Flooring Services Information

Floor Tile Installation

Hard Wood Flooring Installation

Flooring Underlayment

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Green Select…For the Environment |Panama City,FL

Carpet One Green Select
Helping protect our environment is everyone’s business!
At Carpet One, we care about more than just floors. We care about the community and its environment. We know there are lots of things we can all do to make them cleaner, greener, and healthier.
Today we face numerous environmental challenges, including global warming, energy deficiency and the depletion of our natural resources. Though we may not see the effects today, we must always be thinking to the future.
Our Green Select initiative represents our commitment to making our environment better through our relationship with our communities, our customers, our suppliers and our employees. One key example is our Green Select Labels. We’re continually working with our vendors to produce flooring that meets our strict eco-friendly standards.
To earn a Green Select label, the product must currently be recyclable, contain a minimum of recycled material and/or be made from a natural, sustainable, quickly renewable resource. A key example is our Montado Cork flooring. Beautiful and durable, MontadoTM is 100% natural cork flooring made from a naturally sustainable resource, so it’s good for the environment.
Look for other exclusive Green Label flooring at Carpet One, including Mirror Lake laminate. Plus, ask about green select tips to practice every day. Join us in trying to protect our environment.
Working together we can make a difference.

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The Beautiful Guarantee™ for Ceramic Tile

Our Titanium, Platinum, and Gold SelectAFloor™ exclusive ceramic tiles carry The Beautiful Guarantee™ Replacement Warranty. If at any time after installation and during the terms of The Beautiful Guarantee™ Replacement Warranty you wish to change your new ceramic tile product for a different SelectAFloor™style or color, your Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer will replace it free with another SelectAFloor™ style or color of equal or lesser value from the same ceramic tile display. Should you wish to replace your flooring with a SelectAFloor™ ceramic tile product upgrade, you may do so by paying the difference in retail price. No monetary compensation will be paid if a lower priced ceramic tile is selected.

This is a one-time only replacement. Simply call your Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer within the time frame of the warranty and indicate you wish to choose another SelectAFloor™ ceramic tile product from the same display originally purchased under The Beautiful Guarantee™Replacement Warranty. This is a replacement warranty and does not apply to matters covered by other warranties.

Replacement includes material and labor (removal of old floor, disposal,and reinstallation). Labor to move furniture, permanent construction(built-ins such as cabinets and bookcases), equipment, or electronics is the responsibility of the customer.

No replacement will be made with respect to ceramic tile product that has been subjected to abuse, improper maintenance, vandalism, alteration, or damage caused by smoke, fire, flood, wind, lightning, or any other casualty event. This warranty applies only to the original purchase of a Carpet One Floor & Home® style ceramic tile product that has been professionally installed by a Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer or Carpet One Floor & Home® authorized independent installer.

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Flooring Basics Tile

Versatile. Beautiful. Distinctive. With its wide range of materials and colors, tile's offers endless possibilities for creating your vision for a room. In addition to it's variety of decorative design options, tile is very durable and easy to maintain.

There are a number of common tile materials, which each offer their own unique characteristics. Natural stone, such as granite or limestone, is naturally formed so no two pieces are exactly alike. This helps create floors that are elegant and distinctive floors. In either glazed or unglazed styles, ceramic tiles are a popular choice for attractive, long-lasting floors. Glass, mosaic and metal tiles provide opportunities for fresh creative expression in flooring design.

While it requires careful installation, tile is a preferred choice for high traffic areas, like entranceways, and places where moisture is an issue, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Recommendations
Durable, easy to maintain, and water resistant, tile flooring offers a number of advantages for use in practically any room in your home and even outside. While the choices are nearly limitless, there are a few key things to consider.

Natural stone tiles
Granite —its high density resists bacteria and moisture, which makes it ideal for kitchens, outdoors and high traffic areas.

Marble —not as tough as granite, it's best suited for bathrooms and lower traffic areas.

Limestone — this softer stone is decoratively versatile, but not recommended for high traffic areas.

Slate — Naturally slip resistant, it's hard and durable which helps make a good looking, long lasting floor for any room.

Ceramic, Glass and Metal
These tiles are all versatile and can be used in a variety of rooms, although glass and metal are primarily recommended as accents.

Tile floors are heavy, so it's critical to make sure the sub-flooring is sturdy enough to support the weight. In addition, tile floors can also be chilly (not a bad thing in warm climates) and sometimes slippery.

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