Nike “Training Ground” Gym Flooring – Install Yourself in DC, VA, MD

Nike “Training Ground” Gym Floor Rubber Tile with “Nike Grind” sales in Washington DC, Alexandria VA.

Get the best flooring for your home gym/workshop in the Northern Virginia, DC metro area, from the best brand in the business – Nike.
Nike is the top brand in the athletic equipment and apparel, developed Training Ground with Nike Grind, for use in home gyms and fitness centers.

Engineered to protect hard surface floors in high use areas such as home gyms, workout areas and utility spaces, Training Ground with Nike Grind is a resilient, interlocking tile system you can install yourself. 
Colorful Nike Grind flecking gives this rubber tile flooring a high-tech appearance perfect for any home gym.
Because of the variety of colors of Nike footwear there is variation in flecks (that are made from Nike Grind) dispersed throughout these rubber gym floor tiles. No two tiles will be exactly the same and no two cartons of tiles will be identical.
Training Ground tiles are made in the U.S.A. using recycled materials: approximately 65 percent post-consumer tire rubber and 25 percent pre-consumer Nike Grind rubber. The interlocking tile system is easy to install, with no adhesives required.

Each package of Training Ground includes nine 2’ x 2’ x 6mm tiles, enough to cover 36 square feet.
Training Ground’s slip resistant interlocking tiles will:
– keep weight training and aerobic equipment in place during workouts
– provides cushioned comfort underfoot for intense training sessions
– reduce sound transfer.
Training Ground’s unique modular design allows for custom fitting in any location. Unlike some fitness flooring tiles that lock you into limited sizes and restrict where you can use them with pre-made corners and boarders, Training Ground lets you create an endless array of shapes and patterns to suit your needs.
Training Ground is built to last with superior construction for a lifetime of use. The precision cut interlocking joints are engineered for toughness and will not pull apart.

Go Green
Unlike many products made today, Training Ground with Nike Grind was developed to be environmentally sensitive.
To that end, Training Ground products are made from nearly 100% premium-grade recycled materials: almost 65% post-consumer tire rubber, approximately 25% pre-consumer Nike Grind rubber, and 10% material to bind the recycled content together.

We stock this unique product and can deliver to you. If you want to pick it up at our Alexandria, VA showroom, you’ll receive a discount.

Christopher Moline, LEED AP

CMoline@CarpetCCA.com
703-212-6383

Karastan Carpet new styles and fashion in Alexandria, Arlington, Northern Virginia & Washington DC

I’ve just returned from a private Karastan event in Colorado Springs with rolls of woven wool carpets, area rugs and the latest wall-to-wall (broadloom) styles from Karastan’s designers.
Here is the link to our online catalogue.
Here is the list of new tufted styles:
Karastan style: Boston Common – Colors: Plaid Chic, Ancient Passage, Inviting Glamour
Chic Luxury – Grande Renaissance, Kenwood, Villanova
Newport Grande – Latigo Shores, Mooncrest, Personal Luxury
Elegance – Fine Vision, Modern Masterpiece, Delicacy
South Tide – Grand Canal, Rustic Elements, Surf City
Seaside Romance – Luxury Getaway, Dream Trip, Exclusive Resort
Summer Mist – Tidelands, Ocean Road, Cape Otway
Coastal Beauty – Palm Haven, Shore Club, Coconut Grove
Libertine – Sumptuous Hand, Delightful Memories, Imperial Comfort
McKenna – Eclectic Touch, Smart Mix, Plaza Station
Beachfront Estate
Distant Shore
Exotic Charm
And here is the list of Karastan’s latest introductions in their woven line:
Pointelle – Metro Weave
Wool Crochet – Woolscape
Lino – Linen Reflections
Variegato – Stria Expressions
Rivero – Roschfield
Savion – Fiorello
Cobble Bay – Stone Path
Cobble Ridge – Stone Hill
Cobble Shore – Stoney Brook

If you happen to visit our remnant room in Alexandria before the stock rolls of fabulous wools I just purchased are gone, you’ll get fantastic deals on Grosvenor, Chalkstripe, Chelsea and Johansen.

All the best,

Chris

Chris Moline, LEED AP

Coping With Allergies & Asthma magazine and our HLI/Healthier Living Installation system in Alexandria/Arlington/Washington DC

Our exclusive Healthier Living Installation system, HLI, is being received with open arms by clients concerned about asthma and allergies and other IAQ-related issues (Indoor Air Quality).

If you want a coherent system without gimmicks, one that makes sense across the board, talk with us about HLI. IAQ – Indoor Air Quality – is incredibly important, especially for those of you suffering from asthma and allergies.

Please watch the video and let us know what you think.
Email Chris

Here is more information from the Asthma & Allergy Foundation:

Allergy and asthma control begins at home. Many people with allergies stay indoors when outdoor air is full of pollen and spores. But dust mites, animal dander and even cockroaches can cause problems indoors.Eight out of 10 people in the UnitedStates are exposed to house dust mites, and six out of 10 are exposed to cat or dog dander. Cockroaches cause allergic reactions among people who live in the inner cities or southern parts of the United States.Controlling the air quality in your home, office and car can reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. What Size Are Allergens? Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma symptoms in some people. Allergen particles are carried in the air, but they will settle onto furniture and floor surfaces. They vary in size and are measured in microns (also called micrometers). The larger the particles, the faster they will settle out of the air. Pollen, dust mite and cockroach debris are larger and settle out of the air more quickly than molds or animal allergens. You will notice many higher-end filtration systems reference micron size in their packaging and advertising. Is Indoor Allergy Control Possible? With aggressive cleaning, you can improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms. First, remove the source of as many allergens that you are sensitive to as possible. This includes pets, carpets, overstuffed furniture, stuffed toys, non-encased mattresses and pillows and bedding not washable in hot water. There may be more allergens on surfaces than in the air. Surface allergens can be put into the air easily by disturbing them by sitting or dusting, for example. Remove shoes and use entryway mats to control entrance to your home. Will Air Cleaning Devices Help? The best way to improve symptoms is to eliminate the source of the allergen from the home whether that is the pet or a heavily mite-infested upholstered chair. The next best step is to take measures to decrease the exposure to the allergen. Other important measures are to increase the circulation of outdoor air into the home and to reduce the humidity as much as possible. Reducing humidity decreases dust mite and mold growth. Air conditioners help reduce the humidity as well as prevent the exposure of outdoor allergens. You can reduce the number of outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold from entering the home by keeping windows and doors closed and the air conditioner set on recirculate. Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that charge the airborne particles. The particles are then attracted to charged metal plates or household surfaces. This type of air cleaner is less effective even at the beginning and can rapidly lose its efficiency unless regularly maintained. What Can I Do to Reduce Indoor Allergens? Control dust mites. Keep surfaces in the home clean and uncluttered. Bare floors and walls are best, particularly in the bedroom where you spend one-third of your time. If you must have carpet, throw rugs that can be washed or low-pile carpets are better. The single most important method is to put zippered allergen impermeable or plastic covers on all pillows, mattresses and box springs. Encasing mattresses works better than air cleaners to reduce allergy symptoms. Every week, wash bedding, uncovered pillows and stuffed toys in hot water (130 degree F.) to kill mites. Vacuum once or twice weekly. Keep in mind, though, that vacuuming will not get to dust mites deep in carpets and mattresses. Vacuuming also puts dust in the air. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or special double filter bags if possible. If you have allergies, wear a dust mask while doing housework. Use a damp or treated cloth for dusting. Leave the house for several hours after cleaning it. Prevent animal dander. Most doctors suggest that people allergic to animal dander not keep household pets with feathers or fur. To test the affect of pets on your allergies, go on a long vacation away from areas where pets have been. This is preferable since pet dander can stay around a home for months even after the pet is gone. If that is not possible, remove the pets from your home for at least two months and thoroughly clean all surfaces including walls and woodwork. Monitor your symptoms. If you still want pets, bring a pet into the house, measure the change in your symptoms, then decide if keeping the pet is worthwhile. If you decide to keep a pet, bar it from the bedroom and keep the door closed. Cover vents with dense material like cheesecloth. Because animal allergens are sticky, you need to remove the animal’s favorite furniture and replace wall-to-wall carpet with bare floors or at least a low pile carpet. A better option is to choose a pet without fur or feathers. Some people, though, also have been known to be allergic to lizards such as the iguana. Prevent entry of pollen by keeping windows and doors closed. Air conditioning in warm weather is best and also helps control dust mites by reducing humidity. Change filters often in window units. Avoid mold spores. Reduce moisture around the bathroom, kitchen and other water areas of the home. Dehumidifiers will help reduce both mold and dust mites. Limit yourself to a few house plants. Fix all leaks and other causes of damp areas. Clean moldy surfaces. Rid the yard of moldy firewood and piles of leaves and weeds. Control cockroaches. Do not leave food or garbage uncovered. Use poison baits, boric acid and traps rather than chemical agents that can irritate rhinitis and asthma. Important Points: If you have allergies, use aggressive cleaning to get rid of the allergen sources.In particular, rid the bedroom of as many allergen sources as possible.

All the best,

Chris –Email

Chris Moline, LEED AP

Our buddy “Blondie” the 195 lb Rottweiler comes to the office for a Friday “Big Dog” visit

Every time Arianna brings him in, we all have fun with this big guy.

If you want to know how a floor will hold up to a big dog… a really big dog, just ask Arianna or any of our gang and we’ll be happy to help. I’ve got a 75-lb German Shepherd and many different types of flooring in my home, all of which perform differently “under paw.”
The cork in the kitchen and sunroom really hides spots and takes a beating. The newly-refinished oak in my living room does well as long as I keep area rugs around to absorb the “Scooby” effect when my pup takes a corner fast.
The laminate in my Florida room has never shown a sign of an issue.

But, I say this because I’ve chosen each floor very carefully, knowing how I, my wife, three very active kids, and our big pup live.
All choices reflect a higher-end level of quality combined with some pattern to mask wear and spots.

It’s worked out very well.

All the best,

Chris

Using Skype video for a virtual flooring showroom tour and product selection

I’m embedding a video from YouTube here and… I’ll apologize… it’s sideways, but you’ll get the concept.
I took my trusty laptop and used an external USB webcam to Skype my wife at home.
She’s looking to re-do the flooring in our laundry and furnace rooms (I don’t ask why, I just do:)
Instead of having her come all the way to my office and Alexandria showroom, I asked if she’d be open to video conferencing with Skype video.
Since she’s quite cool and tech-savvy, she said, “Yes!”

The images were nice a clear and she was able to narrow down to three of thousands of selections.
When all was said and done, I asked her if she liked the process.
What was the verdict?
She absolutely LOVED it.

I hope more clients will as well, because we’re sprinting into the 21st century and having a blast 🙂

All the best,

Chris

Tigressa – Soft Style, the softer, stronger carpet fiber

Tigressa carpet (and we have it here in the DC Metro-Alexandria area) is the newest of soft fibers are taking over the carpet segment of the flooring industry. I see the demand for soft fiber every day in my showroom and we’ve tailored our offerings to reflect the desires of our clients with measurable success in many ways. In fact, I’ve replaced flooring in the showroom to showcase the softest, most advanced fibers available.
Now I can’t wait to get my paws on Tigressa!
So, what makes Tigressa carpet tick? There are actually twice the number of fibers per square inch compared to standard nylon carpet.

“The key to Tigressa’s strength is a type of nylon that holds the twist better and longer, which allows the carpet to hold its new appearance much longer than other carpets.” explains Charlie Dilks of Carpet One. “Tigressa’s soft feel means our customers no longer have to choose between soft and strong.”

More information coming on this exciting new fiber available exclusively from Carpet One.

All the best,

Chris

Flooring Sales, Installation, Repair in Washington D.C.

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

Shop at home carpet, hardwood, vinyl, tile, pergo, laminate – Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland.

Shop At Home Flooring Service. Serving the DC metro area for nearly 40 years.

Hi, I’m Chris. Are you interested in a Shop-At-Home appointment for your flooring? If you have a pretty good idea as to what you are looking for, 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!
Email me and we’ll get you on your way to a very user-friendly experience.

Working around your schedule, we will help you 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.
All the best!

Chris Moline
Residential Group Manager
email
703-370-0000

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

Horses That Heal, Horses For Heroes & Wounded Warriors – an organization worth supporting

At Commercial Carpets of America and Alexandria Carpet One, we routinely support organizations that do good.
This one, however, is close to my heart as my oldest son benefits from the use of horses in specialized therapy.  
With the rise in the number of children diagnosed with conditions in the autism spectrum, this type of therapy shows promise, but it benefits more than just that segment.
According to Maryland Therapeutic Riding, using horses for therapy is a growing and widely-accepted treatment for rehabilitating a range of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.
Conditions served include: cerebral palsy, spina bifida, neuromuscular disorders, post-traumatic brain injury, autism, ADHD, and cognitive disorders.
Riders experience increased self-confidence and improvement in strength, balance, coordination, attention span, language and social skills.
As a former Marine who lost friends in the line of duty, I truly believe in supporting those that make it back home in need of help.
Ever seen a Marine cry?
Just watch me next time I’m down on the farm… and those are happy tears, my friend.
I hope you enjoy the following videos and consider supporting these worthwhile causes:

NBC Nightly News Video on Maryland Therapeutic Riding.

YouTube video of Lee Greenwood performing God Bless America and God Bless The USA at the 2010 Live On The Farm fundraising event for MTR.

Horses For Heroes
Horses That Heal – Maryland Therapeutic Riding
NARHA – North American Riding for the Handicapped Association

All the best,

Chris

Martha Stewart endorses SmartStrand carpet… a green choice and a great endorsement

Click HERE to see the video

I’ve said it myself, but it looks like Martha has more clout.  In the video, you see Martha actually pour red wine onto the carpet and blot it out… that’s taking a chance. Between Martha Stewart and HGTV’s endorsement of SmartStrand fiber, I can understand why we are so busy selling this great carpet.
Not only is it incredibly stain-resistant, it’s quite green, requiring much less energy to produce than its nylon contemporaries. I’ve installed a large section in my showroom and it’s held up amazingly well. Stop by and check it out!
All the best,

Chris