12/22/2011
I opened the new package of smartstrand samples today and found the rumors to be true. Somehow, this "next generation" of SmartStrand IS softer. That would have been enough to capture my attention, but the second thing I noticed was two new styles that are "flecked" with color. Perfect! It's just what I have been asking for for the last few years. Mohawk also fixed some gaps in their warranties: Most notable to include Pet problems, and stairs.
The only flaw I found was in their new "grading system." On the back of the samples I found a sliding scale, but it's not a scale of bad to good, rather good to perfect. This through me off as I quickly noted a product to score a '7' out of '10', and thought that was equal to a 'C' grade. What a terrible score to put on a sample (my first thought), and, let me be the judge of that (my second thought). I hate when companies grade themselves, or at least, post their grade on a sample.
All things being considered, I love what Mohawk has done with this new ULTRA SMARTSTRAND.
IQ Floors Link SmartStrand Ultra
From Mohawk's Press Release:
Dec. 1, 2011— Mohawk is broadening its successful SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® product platform to further differentiate the industry’s most innovative carpet. SmartStrand® Ultra™ with DuPont™ Sorona is the only carpet with built-in stain and soil resistance that will never wear, wash off or diminish over time, and SmartStrand Ultra is only for Mohawk aligned and independent retailers.
“The success of SmartStrand has been phenomenal, but it’s time to take it to the next level and create a SmartStrand product platform exclusively for Mohawk’s aligned and independent retailers,” said Tom Lape, president of residential and commercial at Mohawk. “SmartStrand Ultra reinforces the ultimate in performance and gives the local retailer a real, competitive edge.”
Lape says the most current trend-driven designs will be exclusive to the SmartStrand Ultra brand, and therefore only available to Mohawk aligned and independent retailers. Mohawk is introducing numerous new SmartStrand Ultra offerings at the Solutions 2012 convention, which include the most sought after patterns and textures that today’s consumers demand.
“These are superior offerings and they will drive traffic to the local retail flooring store,” added Lape. “Today’s consumer is savvy about fashion and design, but she is value-focused, so she will not sacrifice stain and soil resistance or durability. SmartStrand Ultra is the perfect way to satisfy all of her needs.”
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
IQ Floors website
http://www.iqfloors.com
I'm looking for html suggestions or general advice on optimizing the site. I'd also like general thoughts, criticisms, etc. on how I can make the site better.
http://www.denvercarpetstore.com
I'm looking for html suggestions or general advice on optimizing the site. I'd also like general thoughts, criticisms, etc. on how I can make the site better.
http://www.denvercarpetstore.com
Monday, December 12, 2011
Nylon vs Polyester Carpet Fiber
I have posted numerous articles and videos about the ongoing dispute over carpet fiber. It seems, however, that they always come across as pro-polyester and anti-nylon. This is not my argument, though.
My main objective is for consumers to buy a good carpet in whole, which means looking at more than just fiber. A great density is the ultimate benchmark in quality carpets, followed by twist, fiber, color, and construction. The majority of the time, this will be engineered with Nylon carpets, especially Stainmaster Nylon.
That being said, however, not all Nylon carpets are good carpets. If you have a good fiber, but not enough of it, or that fiber is twisted poorly, or spun together instead of a continuous fiber, then you have a good fiber but not a good carpet.
Think of it like a car engine. Which is better: a V-6, or a 4-cylinder? Most people in their minds think the V-6. However, a 4-cylinder is cheaper, gets better gas mileage (better for the Earth), and is generally regarded as one of the more reliable engine types. On the other hand, you wouldn't put a 4-cylinder in my truck, as even the V-6 wouldn't pull a toaster, I need the V-8.
Just like car engines, there is a correct "carpet" for you, but there is a lot more to consider than just fiber.
http://iqfloors.com/
nylon or polyester
My main objective is for consumers to buy a good carpet in whole, which means looking at more than just fiber. A great density is the ultimate benchmark in quality carpets, followed by twist, fiber, color, and construction. The majority of the time, this will be engineered with Nylon carpets, especially Stainmaster Nylon.
That being said, however, not all Nylon carpets are good carpets. If you have a good fiber, but not enough of it, or that fiber is twisted poorly, or spun together instead of a continuous fiber, then you have a good fiber but not a good carpet.
Think of it like a car engine. Which is better: a V-6, or a 4-cylinder? Most people in their minds think the V-6. However, a 4-cylinder is cheaper, gets better gas mileage (better for the Earth), and is generally regarded as one of the more reliable engine types. On the other hand, you wouldn't put a 4-cylinder in my truck, as even the V-6 wouldn't pull a toaster, I need the V-8.
Just like car engines, there is a correct "carpet" for you, but there is a lot more to consider than just fiber.
http://iqfloors.com/
nylon or polyester
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Wrinkling and Carpet Restretching Causes
I noticed something a few years ago that has largely gone unexplained.
There is a direct correlation between carpet wrinkles (carpet that is buckling and causing "waves") and humidifiers and/or swamp coolers.
Several years ago, my last carpet showroom was a huge square building with no AC. I purchased a commercial size swamp cooler to try and cool the place down. The building was 3300 square feet with 24 foot ceilings. It was cooler immediately.
The week after I started using the swamp cooler, wrinkles began to appear, then grow (the carpet was stretched in over a year before). I noted the wrinkles with the manufacturer and made my own assumption: I knew the installation was done correctly, because I did it; so the cause had to be a manufacturing defect such as delamination, or an environmental issue.
Since then, I have noticed that every consumer claim with me regarding wrinkles has had one thing in common: swamp coolers.
The reason for the post is simple: heavy use of a humidifier or swamp cooler can cause damage to carpeting, as well as furniture and cabinets. There is a certain level of humidity that your home and health require, but above that level, or an inconsistent level, can lead to problems such as wrinkling.
There is a direct correlation between carpet wrinkles (carpet that is buckling and causing "waves") and humidifiers and/or swamp coolers.
Several years ago, my last carpet showroom was a huge square building with no AC. I purchased a commercial size swamp cooler to try and cool the place down. The building was 3300 square feet with 24 foot ceilings. It was cooler immediately.
The week after I started using the swamp cooler, wrinkles began to appear, then grow (the carpet was stretched in over a year before). I noted the wrinkles with the manufacturer and made my own assumption: I knew the installation was done correctly, because I did it; so the cause had to be a manufacturing defect such as delamination, or an environmental issue.
Since then, I have noticed that every consumer claim with me regarding wrinkles has had one thing in common: swamp coolers.
The reason for the post is simple: heavy use of a humidifier or swamp cooler can cause damage to carpeting, as well as furniture and cabinets. There is a certain level of humidity that your home and health require, but above that level, or an inconsistent level, can lead to problems such as wrinkling.
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