Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Carpet or Hardwood

Getting new floors is an exciting step — it can completely change the look and feel of your home! But if you’ve never been through a flooring installation before, you might be wondering: What actually happens during the process? At Baldwin Family Flooring, we want you to feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. So we’ve put together this simple guide to show you exactly what to expect during your flooring installation — from start to finish. Step 1: Preparing Your Home Before installation day arrives, a little preparation can go a long way. We’ll talk you through everything you need to do, but here’s a quick checklist: Move furniture: We recommend clearing the room ahead of time. (Don’t worry — if you need help, we can arrange assistance!) Remove fragile items: Take down wall art, curtains, and anything breakable to protect them from dust or accidental bumps. Plan for pets and kids: Installation tools and materials can be dangerous for little ones. It’s best to keep pets and kids away from the work area Getting your space ready helps us work faster and keeps your belongings safe. Step 2: Delivery of Flooring Materials Depending on the type of flooring you're installing — hardwood, carpet, vinyl, tile — materials might arrive a few days early. Fun fact: Some materials, like hardwood, need time to "acclimate" to your home's temperature and humidity. This helps prevent issues like warping later on. We’ll give you a heads-up if any special preparation is needed! Step 3: Removal of Old Flooring Next up: out with the old! If we’re tearing out existing flooring (like old carpet or tile), we'll handle the removal carefully and cleanly. Sometimes removing old flooring reveals surprises like minor subfloor damage — if that happens, we’ll walk you through any extra steps needed to fix it before the new floor goes down. No guessing games — we keep you informed at every turn. Step 4: Prepping the Subfloor The subfloor is like the foundation for your new flooring. Before we start installation, we make sure it's: Smooth Level Clean Dry This step is crucial because it makes sure your new floors look great and last for years to come. Step 5: Installing Your New Floors Now for the exciting part — installation day! The exact process depends on the material you’ve chosen: Hardwood and vinyl planks are usually clicked or glued into place. Carpet gets stretched, trimmed, and secured. Tile is carefully laid out and set with grout. Our experienced team works efficiently but carefully to get it done right. We take pride in neat seams, tight fits, and flawless finishes — because we know the little details make a big difference. Step 6: Final Touches and Clean-Up Once your new flooring is installed, we handle all the finishing touches: Baseboards and trim go back into place Seams and edges are sealed if needed Floors are cleaned and ready to show off We believe a job isn't finished until everything is spotless — no dust, no leftover scraps, no mess for you to deal with. Step 7: Walkthrough and Care Tips Before we leave, we’ll walk through the finished space with you to make sure you’re absolutely thrilled. We’ll also give you easy tips for keeping your new floors looking beautiful — whether it’s how to clean hardwood the right way or how often to vacuum your new carpet. Our goal isn’t just to install flooring — it’s to make sure you feel 100% happy with the entire experience. Ready for Your Flooring Makeover? At Baldwin Family Flooring, we make the flooring installation process simple, smooth, and stress-free. From the first consultation to the final walkthrough, we're right there with you — treating your home like it’s our own. Contact us today to schedule your free flooring consultation. Let’s create a space you’ll love to walk into every single day!

Hardwood floors are a timeless investment that brings warmth, beauty, and value to any home or business. But to keep them looking their best for decades, proper care and maintenance are essential. At Baldwin Family Flooring, we understand the pride you take in your floors—and we’re here to help you protect them. Here’s your ultimate guide to caring for hardwood floors, packed with expert tips to preserve their natural beauty and durability. Why Proper Hardwood Floor Care Matters Hardwood floors are durable, but they aren't invincible. Everyday wear and tear, moisture, dirt, and even sunlight can take a toll over time. Regular care and preventive maintenance not only enhance your floors’ appearance but also extend their lifespan, helping you avoid costly repairs or premature replacements. Daily and Weekly Care Tips A consistent cleaning routine goes a long way toward keeping your hardwood floors in top shape. 1. Sweep or Dust Daily Use a soft-bristled broom or a microfiber dust mop to remove dirt, dust, and grit. These tiny particles can act like sandpaper and scratch your floor's finish if left unchecked. 2. Vacuum Weekly Use a vacuum designed for hard surfaces (without a beater bar) once or twice a week. Vacuuming pulls up fine debris from cracks and seams that sweeping might miss. 3. Mop Carefully While hardwood floors need occasional mopping, too much water is their enemy. Lightly dampen a microfiber mop with a hardwood floor cleaner—never use a soaking wet mop or steam mop, as excess moisture can cause warping. Protective Measures to Keep Floors Beautiful Taking proactive steps can prevent a lot of common hardwood flooring problems. 1. Use Floor Mats and Rugs Place mats at entrances to trap dirt and moisture. Area rugs in high-traffic zones protect floors while adding style. (Just be sure the rugs have non-slip pads that won’t discolor your floor.) 2. Protect Against Furniture Scratches Attach felt pads to the bottom of chairs, tables, and sofas. When moving furniture, lift instead of dragging to prevent gouges. 3. Maintain a Consistent Indoor Climate Hardwood naturally expands and contracts with humidity changes. Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% year-round to minimize gaps and cracks. 4. Minimize Sun Exposure Over time, UV rays can fade or darken hardwood. Use blinds, curtains, or UV-filtering window films to protect your floors from direct sunlight. What to Avoid When Caring for Hardwood Floors Even well-intentioned cleaning efforts can damage hardwood if you're not careful. Avoid: Harsh chemicals like ammonia or vinegar Wax or oil-based soaps unless recommended Wet mops or steam cleaners High heels or cleats that can dent the floor Deep Cleaning and Professional Care In addition to regular upkeep, professional deep cleaning is key to maintaining your floors' luster. At Baldwin Family Flooring, we recommend: Deep cleaning once or twice a year to remove embedded dirt and rejuvenate the finish Recoating your floors every few years to restore shine without full sanding Full refinishing only when necessary (like if the wear layer is significantly damaged) A professional assessment can determine the best course of action to keep your hardwood floors looking brand new. Trust Baldwin Family Flooring for Your Hardwood Needs From installation to maintenance advice, Baldwin Family Flooring is your trusted partner for all things hardwood. Our team of experts is here to help you get the most out of your investment—because beautiful floors deserve expert care. Contact us today to learn more about hardwood floor care services, refinishing options, or to schedule your free consultation!