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What is a runner? A carpet runner is a piece of carpet that runs the length of an area leaving a surround of exposed flooring (usually floorboards) as opposed to being fitted to the sides. Similar to a rug, runners are normally used on stairs or in corridors rather than in rooms. How are runners made? Runners can be purchased as a pre-made product, or some carpet manufacturers will create a runner to order particularly for stairs. Alternatively runners can be custom-made out of any carpet. This option allows for total flexibility of choice, not only the perfect material, but also in the edging detail and colour used. To prevent fraying, the edges of a runner need to be bound in some way. The traditional method is whipping, where yarn is stitched around the edge of the carpet. Modern methods use a cord (similar to a rope) which is fixed to the edge using a special technique or a tape which comes in a huge variety of materials from cotton to leather. How would a stair runner work? The planning and fitting of a stair runner can be a complicated process depending on the stairs involved. Thought needs to be given to how it will meet with the existing flooring at the top and bottom of the stairs, the exact width of the runner and how it will run through any turns or corners. Stair rods are a common feature of a runner, although it should be noted that they are purely cosmetic and so can be added at a later date. At Grimley Flooring we can help plan and install the perfect runner. Our expert advice will guide you to choosing a balanced and natural look, whilst our wide range of edging options can find the perfect finish.
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This week we are looking at a few common questions that are asked on a regular basis and their answers.
What is Polymer Degradation?
Many man-made flooring products such as carpet, vinyl, LVT and laminates contain polymers. When those polymers start to degrade (break down) it can result in a number of changes to the flooring. The most common of these changes is the discolouration of your flooring, but it can also cause the floor to change shape or even wear prematurely. Carpet pile is measured in ounces per square yard. As we moved to metric some carpet manufacturers started to use the modern equivalent of grams per square meter, but quickly discovered that 40oz is a lot easier to remember than 1360g!
It is very convenient (or more likely a coincidence) that carpets are made from either Man-made materials or Natural materials, meaning the two can be reviewed together for the purposes of an A-Z!
What is LVT?
LVT, or Luxury Vinyl Tile, is a premium quality product available as either a plank or a tile and a variety of design/colour options. A knee kicker is the tool used by a carpet fitter for stretching a carpet. Sometimes known as a stretcher, this tool applies tension to a carpet allowing it to be hooked tightly onto grippers for a neat installation.
The choice of product will determine if and how many joins there might be in your new flooring. Where the product comes in a single length (carpet or vinyl) joins are less common, but are still needed if the area is larger than the width of the product, or if thresholds are not desired. Some floors, such as wood or LVT, are designed to be joined almost endlessly. Here we look at what a join means in different materials and the advantages and disadvantages.
An Inset Mat is a door mat which is recessed into your flooring so it is level. Often seen with a trim, this mat helps to protect your surrounding flooring by trapping dirt and moisture from your shoes (or four-legged friends).
For our August Competition we are giving away a bottle of bubbly delivered free to our lucky winner!
All you need to do is book and complete a consultation appointment for new flooring to be entered into the prize draw. |
