Brintons Carpets – Residential & Commercial in DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland

Style + 200 years of craftsmanship + unsurpassed quality

Enjoy the rooms scenes and pattern highlights below. Then enjoy our service when you choose our in-house design and installation expertise. If you mouse-over the images, you will see the style name. Email us with any questions.

At Alexandria Carpet One & Commercial Carpets of America, we are pleased to count Brintons fine carpets among our best offering. From the Officer’s Club at a local military base, country clubs in the area and many fine homes, we have worked with Brintons materials to produce stunning, classy results that will endure.

The following information is from Brintons:
Brintons has been weaving carpets in Kidderminster for over 200 years and remains a family-owned British company.
From selecting the best raw wool to hand finishing, a Brintons woven carpet is born of over two centuries of experience and the skill of around 2000 people. It marries the latest technology to one of man’s oldest and most-favoured materials to create a truly luxurious product. William Brinton began weaving carpets in Kidderminster in 1783, and Michael, the current chairman, is the sixth generation of the family to be involved in the company.

Woodward Grosvenor, which became part of the Brintons Group in 2003, has also been synonymous with quality flooring for over two centuries. From wool-rich plain and patterned carpets, to textured plant fibre floorcoverings, the combination of elegant design, timeless style and quality materials has meant that Woodward Grosvenor have been able to create a high standard of floorcoverings that look and feel great for years and years.

Brintons carpets are finished by hand

Chosen by experts

MGM Grand casino in Las Vegas
His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen
Oriana and Aurora cruise liners,
Hong Kong airport

Brintons carpets are selected by the world’s major interior design practices for their beauty, and their ability to withstand thousands of pairs of feet a day.

Luzern custom carpet creations in Northern Virginia, DC & Maryland

And the above piece is just the beginning.

In addition to the Majestic, Heritage and Newport Collections, Luzern offers complete and total flexibility through Custom Rug Creation. Take any of Luzern’s wall to wall patterns, and by adding a simple border, bring an elegance to any design in the shape of an area rug. Wall to wall designs will come alive with a new vibrancy, giving you the freedom to fit any pattern in any room the way you choose.

We have an array of examples of Luzern’s craftsmanship in our showroom.

Email, call 703-370-0000 or stop by to review them with us.

All the best,

Chris

 

Northern Virginia, Maryland & DC Carpet Remnants – Wools, Nylon, Stainmaster, Polyester & More

Carpet remnants in DC, Alexandria, Arlington news: Just in – 30 rolls of woven wools from Karastan priced at $2.79/ft and several Stanton and Nourison rems priced below $5/ft. These are fantastic deals!
Revised message: It’s a few months after I wrote that line and 10% of the Karastan remnants are left. My remnant pile is now very low and I’m ordering more today.
Email for more information.
Looking for the most complete selection of in-stock carpet remnants in the Northern Virginia, DC-Metro area? Well, I can’t easily fit pictures of our 3 warehouses full of carpet and hard surface flooring into one blog post, but here are some snapshots to give you an idea. We stock plush, textured, nylons, polyester, olefin, wools and more. Some manufacturers include: Karastan, Godfrey Hirst, Stanton, Nourison, Mohawk, Milliken, Shaw, Masland, Fabrica, Dixie, Bigelow, Interface, Atlas, Lees, and more.

Here are some price savings examples:

Wools by Stanton and Nourison normally $9-15/ft

In-stock at $4.99 and lower.

Plush StainMaster Nylon carpet normally $3-5/ft

In-stock at $1.99/ft and below.

Stop by… we’re right off 395 at 430 S. Pickett Street.
Email or call for more information.

All the best,

Chris

Email or call  703-370-0000

“Grown Green” – Natural flooring from Sisal, Coire, Seagrass & more

Flooring can be made from a seemingly endless variety of materials – synthetic fibers, used wood from old buildings, recycled auto glass… even leather.  It’s refreshing to be able to offer flooring from the “greener” side of the aisle. Today I’m refering specifically to the Fibreworks line. As an industry leader in natural fiber carpet, many of their products are labeled as “Grown Green.”  This means they are “grown by, sustained in, and bio-degrade with nature”.  From my perspective, they’ve made it quite simple to fulfill the needs of a client looking for natural materials for any of a number of reasons. This is especially important when working on a project with LEED certification as the goal, or if one prefers to use natural materials in the home for health or earth-friendly reasons.

Natural fiber products can be described as those made from plant, animal, and mineral sources. The Fibreworks line consists of several natural fiber products that meet their standards of Grown Green and my standard as a go-to line. Here is a breakdown of materials used and description of each:

Sisal
A durable plant fiber harvested from the mature leaves of the agave sisalana plant. The sisal fiber is extracted from the leaves through a process known as decortication, in which the leaves are rolled and crushed until only the fiber remains. The fiber is then dried, brushed, and baled. Because most weeding is done by hand, no pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used in sisal production.
 

Jute
The fiber is collected from the skin, or bast, surrounding the stem of the plant. Jute matures and is harvested in about 4 months. The stalk is cut off close to the ground, tied into bundles and soaked in water for 20 days. The fiber is then stripped from the stalk in long strands, washed in clear water and hung to dry. After 3 days the fibers are gathered into bunches and are ready for market. Jute is a Grown Green fiber that is free from pollution and completely biodegradable. It used to be the primary component of all broadloom carpets until “action back” came to the fore. Finer carpets still use a jute backing, however.

Coir
The fiber is extracted from the skin of the coconut fruit. The ripe fruit is harvested and husked. A curing process then takes place, allowing the coir fiber to be separated from a residue known as pith. The fiber is cleaned, dried, and spun into bundles to be used as yarn. The remaining coir pith is combined with other organic materials and used as compost in soil treatment.

Seagrass
A plant fiber from thick, rigid reeds that are non-porous and smooth to the touch. The reeds are harvested, dried and spun into yarns. The yarns are woven into rugs creating great textural patterns. Seagrass is not dyed and comes in its natural color which will change with age.

Wool
An animal fiber sheared from the hairy coat of a sheep. It is luxurious and soft to the touch. Wool carpets and rugs are completely natural, and much preferred over petroleum based carpet products such as nylon. Wool is naturally durable, renewable and biodegradable.

Many of Fibreworks products also contain natural carpet backings. Some of the most common backings include jute, natural latex, and natural rubber. Natural rubber and latex backings are extracted from the Hevea rubber tree and contain a mixture of more than 200 natural proteins. Unlike synthetic latex, natural latex is not produced by chemical polymerization.

For all questions or comments about natural flooring, give me a call or send an email. As a LEED AP and someone who just cares about the environment and our energy independence, it’s my pleasure to talk with you.

All the best,

Chris

Chris is our Residential Group Manager & a US Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional

 

More information:
Because Fibreworks floor coverings are woven from natural fibers, they have normal irregularities that are considered part of their charm. Variations in weave and shading, for example, create a distinctive, interesting character that makes natural fiber floor coverings unique. What you won’t find anywhere is a perfect natural fiber floor-covering.

Expect these common irregularities:
A few ‘plugs’, i.e. fibers that have been tied off during the manufacturing process.
Some irregularity in the ribs: some will be closer together, some farther apart.
Slight bowing and variation in loop size, particularly in Taj, Palm Tree II, Colony and Cheyenne collections. We allow up to 2″ bowing on Natural Fiber Broadloom Carpet and Bordered Area Rugs.
Visible installation seams, especially in patterns that are difficult to seam (e.g. Herringbone, Panama and Diagonal).
Color changes: All natural fibers eventually return to their original colors. Bleached products darken over time, and colored fibers fade – so avoid direct sunlight on natural fiber rugs.
Expansion and contraction: The hydroscopic nature of natural fibers means that they adjust to environmental conditions. They’re constantly moving! If broadloom (wall-to-wall) floor covering is purchased, it should be loose-laid for 24 hours in the room in which it will be installed, and at the temperature it will typically experience. This will let the fibers get used to their new surroundings. Customers often try to install carpeting as soon as they get it, only to find that they have to tell the installer to come back 24 hours later!
Color variance: showroom samples may not match current inventory. Call for current dye lot cuts. Dye lot differences are more significant with Natural Fibers than with synthetic ones.

Customer’s Responsibility: It is your responsibility to inspect the goods before any cutting, fabrication or installation occurs. Under no circumstance will an allowance be made after the goods have been altered.

Fibreworks Bordered Area Rugs are made from Broadloom Carpet. Cuts are generally made by following the valley of the ribs and along the ‘buried’ thread. Rugs can be slightly out of square due to the natural imperfections of the roll.

Ribs of pattern can be horizontal or vertical due to the size of the rugs or the material. In some areas backing may not extend to the edges of the rug to achieve exact size.

For Indoor Use Only and should not be used in areas where moisture is present or ventilation is inadequate. Never use steam or wet shampoo cleaning methods. For outdoor use, try we recommend the Lanai Collection or Cabana Collection

All the best,

Chris

Island Colours Collection

Paradise Retreat Collection

Tropical Sands Collection

Coastal Classics Collection

Siskiyou® Collection

Cascade Collection

5 Meter Sisal Collection

Seaside Resort Collection

Botanical Blends Collection

Seagrass / Mountain Grass/ Tulip Grass

Cheena® Collection

Straw Blends

Coir Collection

Coir

Jute Collection

Taj Collection

Jute

Reflections Collection

Wool Blends

Mirror Reflections Collection

Wool Blends

Park Avenue Collection

Wool Blends

Malta Collection, Carre Collection

Cumberland Collection, Luster Collection

Tiffany Collection, Semi-Worsted Wool

Fifth Avenue Collection

16′ 4″ Wool

Madison Avenue Collection

16’4″ Wool

Diamonds Collection

Wool

Pieterdam Collection

Wool

Wellingford Collection

Wool/Chenille

Cotillion Collection

Wool Shag

Zanzibar Collection

Wool Shag

Nostalgia Collection

Designer Shag

Lanai Collection

Indoor/Outdoor

Cheyenne Collection

Leather

Durango Collection

Leather (Hairy)

Retiring Collections

Various Collections in Transition

Why use a CFI installer for your project?

Well, if you are considering wool carpet, you have even more reason. Read the following from Wools of New Zealand:

One of consumer’s primary concerns when purchasing carpet is the installation process. And for good reason. A qualified installer can extend a pleasant carpet purchase into a successful installation with expert measuring, seam placement and pattern alignment.
Because wool lends itself to more intricate patterns and textures, a higher degree of skill is required for most installations.

To protect the image of your store, Wools of New Zealand recommends the use of a certified Master Installer from the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI).

This non-profit organization certifies installers according to individual skills. By passing rigorous written and hands-on testing, installers can qualify for the following levels of certification:
Residential I– Lightweight base-grade, tufted carpet
Residential II – Berber, dense-cut pile, patterned carpet
Commercial I– Lightweight, base-grade
Commercial II – Double Glue Installations, patterns
Master Installer – Excels in Residential II and Commercial II skills.
CFI Master Installers have at least seven years experience and are skilled in the seaming and hand-sewing of sisal, woven and specialty carpets.”
Wools of New Zealand encourages its retailers to get their local installers certified and we have done just that. After 37 years in business, you can count on us and our certified Master Installers to get your project installed properly and professionally. And we guarantee it!

Now that we’ve established that, here is a link to some fun facts about sheep:

Sheep Facts
For all questions about wool carpet and its eco-friendly qualities, feel free to call or send an email.

All the best,

Chris

Virginia, Maryland, DC Shop At Home Carpet, Bamboo, Hardwood Flooring Service

by Chris Moline, LEED AP

Relax and let us come to you.
Are you interested in a Shop-At-Home appointment for carpet, tile, hardwood or laminate flooring? If you have a pretty good idea as to what you’re interested in, we can bring samples within that range to your home. The convenience can’t be beat because our Shop at Home service brings the showroom to your home!

If you’ve ever been to a showroom and brought the sample home only to find the color looks completely different, I can help.

Email me and you’ll be on your way to a very user-friendly experience.

Forget about traffic and shop barefoot!
Working around your schedule, you’ll be able to  match samples to your room, lighting and style.

In fact, color is crucial in making a flooring decision and, more often than not, the decision is not final until the samples are seen in-home, where lighting is as it will be and existing furnishings can be matched more exactly.
The business I had for over 10 years was built on the shop-at-home principle and it helped my customers save time and ensure they’re making the right choice by making it in the area where their new flooring will be installed.
If you think you may be interested in an appointment, give us a call or send me an email to set one up.

Know that you have the resources of a nation-wide company and a large, local showroom behind you.
You can start your process shopping at home, then come to our store to see all of the many available options.
We also offer all financing options and the best guarantees in the business as a Carpet One store.

All the best!

Bamboo carpet – soft, eco-friendly & durable

Soft. It’s the last thing you’d expect from a bamboo rug. In fact, many do not know that bamboo can be fashioned into rugs. And that’s ok. But the fact is, it’s actually softer and silkier than traditional shag rugs made from wool or synthetic fibers.
Now, it’s a blend, but of two natural fibers – 80% bamboo and 20% cotton.

And how does it hold up against allergies? Bamboo yarn is naturally hypo-allergenic and has minimal shedding characteristics. Furthermore, only non-toxic, azo-free dyes are used to produce brilliant colors.

Email or post a comment for more information and we’ll be sure to get right back with you. And, if your are working on a project pursuing LEED certification, one of our staff LEED AP’s can assist you.

All the best,

Chris

Viscobond carpet underlayment… memory foam for your feet

Have you seen the TempurPedic mattress commercials? Well, I’ve got one of their mattresses and I love it. Know what could be better? How about one for your feet!
I’ve got that too!
In fact, as I step out of my office each day I step onto a wonderful wool carpet by Godfrey Hirst, installed over ViscoBond memory foam cushion. It feels… fabulous and it’s not because of the carpet, although the carpet is exquisite.
Following is a primer on carpet cushion in general. We hope it helps and look forward to talking with you about any flooring project you may be considering.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CARPET CUSHION:
Why is Quality Cushion Important?
Cushion, not your carpet, plays the largest roll in determining how carpet feels when you walk on it, and helps maintain your carpet’s original appearance. It also affects your carpet’s warranty in that most wear and texture-retention warranties are void if you choose the incorrect pad.

How Does Cushion Work?
Cushion absorbs foot traffic and makes carpet feel better, last longer. Better quality cushion blocks moisture, fights stains and odors, minimizes sound transfer between rooms, provides thermal insulation and increases air flow between the floor and your carpet for better, more efficient vacuuming.

Will Cushion Protect My Carpet From Wearing Out?
Today’s carpet rarely wears out. Selecting the correct cushion helps resist “uglying out” due to premature matting and crushing – and now soiling and staining.

How Do I Know What To Buy?
Decide based on comfort, performance and a warranty that’s right for you. Typically, softer, luxurious cushion is found in living rooms or master bedrooms, and cushion with more support is used for certain precision-loop (berber) carpets and areas with active use.

Who Determines What’s the Best Cushion – The Manufacturers or My Retailer?
You do, and we can provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Place different cushions under a piece of carpet you plan to buy. Walk on it. Cheaply made cushion just doesn’t feel good underfoot. Next, check out the warranty and the extra functions like moisture barriers and odor and stain control.

What About These New Spill and Odor Technologies, and How Effective Are They?
Spill and odor fighting capabilities are the latest advancements in carpet cushion. Leading brands include Odor-Eaters®, Arm & Hammer® and STAINMASTER®. They are exceptionally effective, and they work for the life of your cushion. We carry them.

Every day we answer questions about pad for many different applications. Feel free to call or email and you can be sure you’ll get the best information.
All the best,

Chris – Email

PET Polyester carpet – eco-friendly flooring options

PET carpet has been in use since 1991 and is going strong. Some people, however, still run into the crusty old salesperson who remembers the terrible polyester carpet of the 70’s and 80’s that would crush flat within days of installation. This is not the same material and it’s a shame that some people just can’t get over the past.
First, check out the graphic below to see how it’s made.

PET fiber has been in use for a few years now.  In fact, this fiber is exciting in more than one way.
It’s softer than nylon.
It’s green – made from recycled soda and ketchup bottles.

That story alone (the soda bottle story) usually grabs attention faster than anything else. Imagine a carpet made from 100% post-consumer waste. Of course, this is the fiber and not the backing, but it’s still something to get excited about.

The above image shows the steps in the process:
A – used soda/water bottles are collected
B – they are cleaned and ground into chips
C – the chips are sent to
D – the extrusion processor that turns them into
E – bales of yarn ready to be turned into
F – carpet!

Here are some of the advantages of PET fiber
Superior resistance to soils & stains.
Superb abrasion and wear resistance.
Bright coloration with excellent colorfastness.
Soft feel.
Fibers with static control.
Low moisture absorption.
Over 150 million yards installed since 1991.
Competitively-priced – more face weight for your money.
I get a lot of inquiries about this process and how the fiber holds up over time. Feel free to leave a comment or send an email.

Chris – Email

Local flooring/carpet company & homeowners insurance claims

If you’ve had to file a homeowners claim that includes floor replacement or repair in the Northern Virginia/DC metro area, we want to talk with you. For years we have worked with many providers to undo some unfortunate accidents in local homes. We are well-versed in working with many different companies and have a streamlined process that includes quick turnaround, guaranteed labor and special pricing for you. We are also an EPA Lead-Safe certified firm.
If you have chosen to find your own flooring contractor, I’m sure you’ll like what you see when you visit us.
We are ready to work with you to get your home back in shape quickly so you can get back to enjoying your home and your life.

All the best,

Chris