A Lifetime in Flooring: How Experience and Quality Installation Make All the Difference
When I think back to my first experience with flooring, I have to take you all the way back to 1977. I was just thirteen years old when my uncle showed up at my folks’ house, needing an extra pair of hands. That day marked the beginning of my lifelong career in flooring.
The First Job: A Crash Course in Flooring
That evening, we had a major job ahead of us. It was seven o’clock at night, and we had to prepare an entire apartment complex for new flooring. The grand opening was just a couple of days away, and there was no time to waste. My first tasks? Stripping the old flooring, laying down the padding, and rolling out the carpet to ensure it was ready for installation the next day. It was tough, hands-on work, but I took to it immediately.
Over the next several years, flooring became a constant part of my life. After school, on weekends, and throughout summer vacations, my twin brother and I found ourselves working alongside my uncle, learning the ins and outs of the trade. During the late 1970s, Colorado Springs was experiencing a boom in new home construction, and we had more than enough work to keep us busy.
Flooring and Fitness: A Dual Benefit
Not only did flooring work teach me valuable skills, but it also kept my brother and me physically fit. Between football, wrestling, and flooring installation, we were always active. If we weren’t at practice or playing a game, we knew where we would be—on-site, rolling out carpets and installing flooring for new homes.
The Importance of Proper Flooring Installation
Over the decades, I’ve learned one of the most critical lessons in flooring: while the material is important, the installation is just as—if not more—crucial. A poorly installed floor can make even the highest-quality material look second-rate.
Take carpet installation, for example. One of the most common issues homeowners in Arizona experience is carpet developing rolls and ripples long before it should. This prematurely ages the carpet, making it look worn and unattractive. The main culprit? An improper stretch during installation.
In Arizona, many homes have concrete slab flooring, unlike the wood subfloors common in Colorado. Carpet installers sometimes struggle to get a full stretch on a concrete slab because too much tension can pop the tack strip out of the floor. A skilled installer knows how to work around this issue, ensuring a tight, smooth carpet that won’t ripple within a year or two. One effective technique is using double tack strips along the outer walls, which provides a stronger hold and allows for a better stretch.
Quality Workmanship Makes All the Difference
At the end of the day, a great installer can make even an entry-level carpet look fantastic, while a poor installation job can ruin even the most luxurious flooring. Experience, attention to detail, and proper technique all play a significant role in ensuring the floor not only looks great but lasts for years to come.
If you’re looking for an expert who understands the ins and outs of flooring—someone who has spent decades perfecting the craft—you can give me a call anytime. I’d be happy to help you make the right flooring choices and ensure a top-quality installation.
Matt
📞 480-590-6818
