1. If you already have wood floors, pamper the floors and your furry friend by laying down rugs of organic fibers—like sea grass, coir, and sisal—that will shake off abrasive dirt and look natural on hardwood.

2. Stainmaster carpeting is always a great option for pet owners.  Stainmaster is specially formulated to resist stains from absorbing into the carpet fibers. Area rugs can also be made from this pet friendly carpet, and Coles can have it ready for you in days.

3. Another great pet-friendly option is vinyl flooring.  Vinyl resists moisture and can be taken up easily if you do ever need to replace it.

4.  Laminate is also a good choice for the pet conscious customer because it is a durable scratch and stain resistant surface.

5.  If you really desire real wood floors, there is still hope!  Bamboo is an eco-friendly and stain resistant alternative. Wood can also be sealed to slow down the absorption of liquids and add some strength to its delicate surface.

Wool is a natural fiber that has been used as a source of comfort for thousands of years.  In fact, there is no other fiber quite like it.  Floor coverings made of wool offer may natural advantages.  The wool fibers are crimped and give carpeting a built-in resistance to crushing. The wool fibers are also naturally flame retardant which keeps your home safer.  Aside from these impressive abilities, wool also offers excellent sound and heat insulating properties.  Click here to read more about how wool actually creates a healthier environment by absorbing harmful contaminants from the air.

Aside from its many health and safety benefits, wool feels incredibly comfortable.  The outer cells of the wool fiber repel water, while the inner cells absorb moisture giving it warm and cozy qualities.  Wool works beyond the floor, retaining and releasing moisture during periods of high or low atmospheric humidity to make your entire home feel much more comfortable. So, as you search for your warm sweaters and blankets, consider wrapping up your floors in the toe curling comfort of wool.  Few materials are as natural, healthy, safe, beautiful or more cozy than wool carpets and rugs.

Looking for an easy way to change the look of your home in time for the holidays?  When it comes to area rug sizes and shapes, the details & different options can oftentimes be overlooked. There are now many shapes available other than rectangles, but many people do not think of these alternative shapes when shopping for a rug. Here are some things to take into consideration in order to find the area rug shape that will not only best suit your room, but enhance the look of your overall décor.

Rectangular area rug shapes are the most common, and are a traditional, versatile choice. They can work in almost any room, and can help in making a room appear larger.

Square area rugs, like rectangles, are versatile enough to work in most settings. However, they give a more balanced look because of their symmetry, and can make more of a statement.

Round area rugs are a great solution for rooms of an unusual shape. They also work well with round dining tables, as long as the rug is large enough that the chairs can be pushed back without landing off the rug’s edge.

Oval area rugs are the pairing between the organic feel of round rugs and rectangular. They work in the same instances where you would use a rectangular rug, but add more interest, and elongate the space they’re put into.

Hexagon, octagon, and free-form shaped area rugs are not very common, but are very unique and eye-catching. They capture attention and create a dramatic effect in foyers, under dining tables, and on stair landings.

Runners are elongated versions of rectangular area rugs, which are perfect for hallways & stairways. They “lead the way” visually, creating a natural path along a set area, & often making spaces appear longer.

Colors and designs can turn your barren stone or empty wood floors into something that has life and vibrancy. Besides being used outside the front door, entry rugs can be placed at other entrance points around the house such as the backyard and garage.  You can also use rugs in your kitchen in front of the sink, or even under your dining room table for a touch of elegance.

Try placing rugs in any other high traffic areas of your home to prevent any wearing on your floors that lie beneath the rug.  Area rugs serve a more utilitarian purpose aside from decoration.  By placing rugs at every entrance, you can greatly reduce the amount of floor cleaning you do.  If everyone in your home works together and wipes their feet on the rug, you’ll notice a lot less dirt in your home which means less scratches and dust on your floors.

Another way to protect your floors is by placing an area rug pad underneath your rug.  This will prevent the rough backing of your rug from sliding around and scratching your floors. Coles has your basic area rug padding available, as well as an upgraded pad that provides cushion as well as protection.  Rug padding not only protects the floors beneath an area rug, but the area rug itself.  Area rugs are a beautiful way to liven up your living space, but always remember to protect the floors beneath to ensure years of satisfaction.

The well-crafted construction of sisal area rugs makes them extremely stain-resistant, and their fiber content makes them more resistant to flame, as well. The quality of their construction also helps to absorb sounds, making them a great option for placement above wood floors. All these traits considered, it’s easy to see the appeal of sisal rugs as a great investment piece in your home.

Sisal rugs date back many centuries, and are common in places such as Egypt, Florence, Mozambique, and South & Central America. The hard vegetable fibers characteristic of sisal make it a strong material for weaving ropes and mats- stronger than other plant materials like jute, hemp, and flax fibers. This sturdiness and longevity has helped sisal area rugs remain successful and popular throughout the ages.

Join us Thursday, December 3^rd 2009, from 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Location: Coles Fine Flooring

1170 W. Morena Blvd, San Diego, 92110

(619) 276-5140

The evening will include:

• Recognition of Guardian Angels
• Silent auction
• Karastan premium rug raffle
• Adopt-a-Family auction
• Hors d’oeuvres
• Cocktail and deluxe martini bar

Below are just a few of the over 100 items that will be available for bid at the Angels Among Us Silent Auction:

• 7-day cruise for two to Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico or Canada
• One week stay at a romantic Costa Rican villa in Playa Hermosa Bay
• 50 bottles of wine from around the world
• Big Bertha Diablo Driver, WH XG #1 Putter 5” and Stand Bag from Callaway Golf Company
• Two all-day adult ski passes to Park City Ski Resort and private ski lessons

Tickets: $40/person or $75/couple

Tickets can be purchased via:

• Email to bhowe@ymca.org
• www.yfs.ymca.org/english/angels.html
• At the door (day of the event)

All proceeds benefit runaway and homeless youth, current and former foster youth, and families throughout San Diego County. Learn more about YMCA Youth & Family Services at www.yfs.ymca.org

Lasting Durability

Hardwood floors can last for 100 years or more with the proper care. Wood floors are the most durable flooring there is. Grape juice can easily be washed up. Cats can’t tear them up. Hardwood floors maintain their charm and classic grace for centuries. What carpet can say that?

Warmer than laminated floors

Hardwood floors are also much warmer than laminate, which can be cold to the bare feet. Hardwood has a natural warmth. With its thousands of pores, wood has a natural ability to retain heat, especially in the winter. Plastic laminate simply doesn’t last, cracking and falling apart after only a few years.

Cleaner than Carpet

Carpet can grow mold and mildew. Carpet is a virtual breeding ground for dust mites and sucks up animal dander, pollen and other harmful allergens that can antagonize sensitive noses. Unlike carpeting, hardwood floors can be easily cleaned with a mop, clearing out any contaminants. Hardwood floors are especially great for people with allergies because they don’t absorb the things we are allergic too.

All it takes is the occasional sweeping and mopping to keep hardwood floors continually clean. It’s a lot easier to mop a hardwood floor than spraying and cleaning a carpet, which makes hardwood ideal for people with pets and kids. Once a carpet is peed on or stained upon, even carpet cleaner is only so effective as the carpet often carries some sort of permanent stain or odor. Kids and pets may scratch or gouge a hardwood floor, but you’ll actually find this gives character to the floor. If smoothness is a big issue for you, the hardwood floors can always be sanded for a cleanly smooth surface. You can refinish hardwood floors for the perfection you seek.

Carpet is also made of chemicals and plastics, which can be a health hazard for pets, babies and small children. The carpet can be accidentally eaten, causing bad health problems. Sometimes, even breathing in the plastic carpet fumes and sitting on the carpet can cause a small percentage of ingestion. Incremental amounts of the chemicals used to make carpets have been found in the cells of people.

Hardwood Floors match everything

Hardwood flooring easily accentuates any décor, whether your house is contemporary or traditional. They have a timeless appeal and a beauty that never goes out of style. You can’t say the same about 1970s shag carpeting. Great for living rooms, dining rooms or bedrooms, hardwood floors look great in any room in the house. You can even use them in kitchens and bathrooms for a classical appeal, although you might want to choose a special wood for high moisture areas. Talk with your seller for special, non-absorbent wood for areas that might receive a high amount of water.

Add a Throw Rug for Comfort

If you really like the feeling of carpet and spend a lot of time sitting or lying on the floor, you can always decorate the hardwood floor with a rug. A nice throw rug can add the charm and comfort-level of carpet, but are easier to clean. They also contain fewer chemical contaminants. You can get rugs especially designed for people with allergies.

Classical charm is always in style

Above all, hardwood floors present a historical charm that never goes out of style. There’s a warm feeling to the classical appeal of wood, and it’s easier to maintain than a carpet. If you have an older home that already has carpet, it may be worth tearing it up and refinishing the hardwood floor. It can add value to your home as well as personable charm. You’d be surprised by the low cost maintenance, and you’ll never have to worry about stains again.

Product: Sultan

Best Over: Hard surfaces (wood, laminate, vinyl, tile & stone)

A foam-based pad with a waffled texture- Sultan is our most basic non-slip pad for hard surfaces.

Product: Cush-n-Hold

Best Over: Hard surfaces (wood, laminate, vinyl, tile & stone)

A thicker version of Sultan, Cush-n-Hold is one step up in regards to cushioning. This is our best seller in rug padding!

Product: Super Movenot

Best Over: Carpet, tile & stone

This reversible pad has 2 sides, making it versatile enough to use on carpet, or tile surfaces. The textured, fibrous side should be laid face down for carpet. The rubberized side should be laid face down for tile & stone. This product will also prevent telegraphing of the grout lines through the rug.

You can also buy our readymade remnants. We have hundreds of bound remnants at our San Diego & San Marcos locations ready for you to take home today, offered in an array of colors, textures, and sizes- from doormat to full sized area rugs.

Of course, Karastan also considers the patterns found on rugs made in India, China, and throughout the world. Many tribes still practice their traditional weaving patterns, creating breathtaking works of art. Those rugs are then made into contemporary area rugs by Karastan to bring that touch of traditional beauty into your home.

Explore:

• Handscraped Wood Floors
• Parquet Wood Flooring
• Marble Tile Flooring
• Armstrong Laminate Flooring

Karastan Area Rugs: Standards And Quality

Karastan has been making quality area rugs since 1928, when Marshall Field noted that the loom technology of the day had come to rival expensive, handmade rugs in quality and design. He founded Karastan area rugs, which came to be the standard known throughout the industry. Karastan rugs come in a variety of colors and designs, but they are far more durable than their hand-woven counterparts. While most contemporary area rugs need to be hand-cleaned and rarely recover if something is spilled on them, Karastan rugs can be cleaned so easily and with such good results that industry experts are amazed.

In 1933, Karastan set up a rug at the World’s Fair in Chicago. But they didn’t just let people see the rug. They invited every single person at the Fair to walk over it. By the time the rug was taken up, more than 5 million people had left their mark on the rug. Covered with every type of filth from food stains to dust to wear and tear, the rug was almost unrecognizable. Karastan then did a test: they washed one side of the rug, while leaving the other side untouched and dirty. When the cleaning was finished, the washed side was as good as new.