[dp000]

We are ready to replace the original low-quality carpeting that was in our spec house when we purchased it 5 years ago. Any recommendations for replacement? And, if so, recommendations of where to purchase? Recommendations of installers?

Also, recommendations of where to go for pavers and installation?

All feedback greatly appreciated.

[LittleDog]

We've used Reedy Carpets in Leesburg on a couple of occasions and found them very good to work with. They're on 441/27 just after the Ramshackle Cafe.

John

[ladylake1]

Some things to consider. Hardwood requires constant climate control I've been told. Had carpet throughout and eventually it had to be stretched and stretched and stretched. Have tile now and happy with it. If prone to falls, tile may not be the way to go but it is easy to keep clean and gives illusion of more space. No experience with laminate but those I know who have it are satisfied.

[dsnrbec]

We replaced our carpet with laminate in the main living area and master bedroom. We love it! It's a breeze to take care of and the newer laminates look almost identical to pre-finished wood. We used Great Lakes Carpet & Tile and were extremely pleased with their service.

[Sparky-30]

As far as stretching carpet repeatedly, if having carpet installed ask them to send someone over with a "Power Stretcher" which is a long metal tube with the back end or foot goes up against the baseboard, and the front part or business part is like a kicker except bigger with huge teeth for gripping, the installer will crank down the handle on top and pull the carpet away from tack strip on the other end of room getting the most stretch, he only has to do that on each side of room, he can use the kicker for the rest. You may have to pay extra for it, but its well worth it, a kicker is only good for 10 ft. or so. Also mention to them you want the room "Double stripped" which is 2 rows of tack strip side by side, will get a much better install.
ALWAYS GOES WITH NYLON ONLY CARPET AND AT LEAST 50 OZ.

Ret. floor man

[REDCART]

DSNRBEC, We have a 5 yr old CYV and over time we've noticed spots on the carpet which we suspect may be bleeding through the carpet from the cement slab. We're planning to replace all of the carpet in the DR\LR for the same reasons you mentioned. Do you know if they routinely put down a vapor barrier or membrane underneath the laminate floor?

George

[swrinfla]

When I built my house, I ordered wood and ceramic tile. Partly (mostly) because that's the kind of flooring I'd been used to.

But, PLEASE note this: if either of you have any sort of breathing problem, your situation may be exacerbated by your carpets. "Stuff" tends to settle into carpets, and may bother folks!

A number of friends who are challenged breathers have determined that wood/laminate and/or tile makes for a more friendly atmosphere. Most have ripped up the Villages-standard capeting and replaced it with wood, laminate and/or tile.

And, I've observed that any of the three are generally one h*** of a lot easier to maintain!

SWR

[ijusluvit]

We love hardwood floors and area rugs. Engineered hardwood properly glued down over the concrete slab is, in my opinion, the best floor available for TV homes. Our first job was done by Great Lakes. They were good, but expensive. We then went to Lowes. Not only was their high quality flooring much more reasonable, but their installation was excellent and less expensive. We've shopped carefully for nice area rugs at bargain prices. What we ended up with is terrific looking floors, the softness of carpet and surfaces easy to keep clean. It's worth it!

[jannd228]

Originally Posted by swrinfla

When I built my house, I ordered wood and ceramic tile. Partly (mostly) because that's the kind of flooring I'd been used to.

But, PLEASE note this: if either of you have any sort of breathing problem, your situation may be exacerbated by your carpets. "Stuff" tends to settle into carpets, and may bother folks!

A number of friends who are challenged breathers have determined that wood/laminate and/or tile makes for a more friendly atmosphere. Most have ripped up the Villages-standard capeting and replaced it with wood, laminate and/or tile.

And, I've observed that any of the three are generally one h*** of a lot easier to maintain!

SWR

If you have any type of allergies, put in laminate or tile and forget the carpet. I found out the hard way about living in a humid area and rugs.

[JohnN]

abc - anything but carpet,
I agree about the engineered flooring, or tile, would be my choices.