Daycare.com Forum
Mister Sir Husband 09:20 AM 07-01-2013
So I had my daycare space measured for carpet today, and will have installed soon. My question is what kind? They have industrial carpeting that will last forever, but doesn't come in a very wide selection and isn't very thick... or just normal carpet in a wide variety of colors and styles. Its being installed over concrete so a pad is happening either way. Any suggestions?
Cradle2crayons 09:22 AM 07-01-2013
I hate carpet but if I had to pick for a daycare it'd be commercial with a pad.
butterfly 09:26 AM 07-01-2013
Is this a home daycare or center? I would do commercial in a center and a residental carpet in my home. That way if I ever quit doing daycare, I'd have a carpet I could live with. 
I too like to have some hard surface for some areas of the daycare - for eating/craft area. I have 1/2 carpet and 1/2 vinyl tile in my home daycare. I love it. The carpet is in the toy/nap area only. It's so much easier to clean up that way.
Congrats on the new flooring.
I too like to have some hard surface for some areas of the daycare - for eating/craft area. I have 1/2 carpet and 1/2 vinyl tile in my home daycare. I love it. The carpet is in the toy/nap area only. It's so much easier to clean up that way. Congrats on the new flooring.
Blackcat31 09:28 AM 07-01-2013
I also HATE carpet, but if I had to choose some, I'd make sure I got the kind that is looped and not shag, as well as a pattern or print that hid dirt and stains easily and above all else, I'd make sure it was scotch guarded to protect it from spills and stains.
Mister Sir Husband 09:32 AM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by butterfly:
Is this a home daycare or center? I would do commercial in a center and a residental carpet in my home. That way if I ever quit doing daycare, I'd have a carpet I could live with. I too like to have some hard surface for some areas of the daycare - for eating/craft area. I have 1/2 carpet and 1/2 vinyl tile in my home daycare. I love it. The carpet is in the toy/nap area only. It's so much easier to clean up that way.
Congrats on the new flooring.
It is a home daycare, and the area is my basement. I do have a separate area upstairs for naps, but crafts and such will be in basement. This wasn't a finished area when we bought the house, and if it wasn't for the daycare may not have ever been finished. I walled off some of it for our personal storage and such, and the remaining area is for the kids.Is this a home daycare or center? I would do commercial in a center and a residental carpet in my home. That way if I ever quit doing daycare, I'd have a carpet I could live with.
I too like to have some hard surface for some areas of the daycare - for eating/craft area. I have 1/2 carpet and 1/2 vinyl tile in my home daycare. I love it. The carpet is in the toy/nap area only. It's so much easier to clean up that way. Congrats on the new flooring.
Jewels 09:36 AM 07-01-2013
I would look up "smart strand" carpet, thats what I have and it is guaranteed stain proof, the stuff is so nice, everything that has been on this carpet has came out, and you know what I use to clean it...bleach and water, it is carpet that you can clean with bleach, I also have it professionally cleaned 4 times per year, I've had it for 3 years and there is not 1 stain anywhere, I have it on my stairs in the living room and in my bedroom, the pad underneath is also one of the waterproof pads, in my dining room I have wood, kitchen is tile, and my playroom are those rubber tiles. but I love carpet in my comfort areas.
daycarediva 09:38 AM 07-01-2013
BERBER and something in a neutral shade.
Honestly though, I have all hardwoods, and would NOT do carpeting ever again if I had the choice. I do love my area rugs for cozy areas and to define spaces, but that's it. Today alone I had a kid dump green sand and pea gravel out of his pockets, pee, paint, and a LOT of food to clean off the floors.
Honestly though, I have all hardwoods, and would NOT do carpeting ever again if I had the choice. I do love my area rugs for cozy areas and to define spaces, but that's it. Today alone I had a kid dump green sand and pea gravel out of his pockets, pee, paint, and a LOT of food to clean off the floors.
Blackcat31 10:31 AM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
BERBER and something in a neutral shade.
Honestly though, I have all hardwoods, and would NOT do carpeting ever again if I had the choice. I do love my area rugs for cozy areas and to define spaces, but that's it. Today alone I had a kid dump green sand and pea gravel out of his pockets, pee, paint, and a LOT of food to clean off the floors.
I love area rugs....they allow you to change your color scheme or décor at anytime and if they get dirty beyond cleaning, you can just roll them up and toss them out and get new ones.... for a lot less than professional carpet cleaning. BERBER and something in a neutral shade.
Honestly though, I have all hardwoods, and would NOT do carpeting ever again if I had the choice. I do love my area rugs for cozy areas and to define spaces, but that's it. Today alone I had a kid dump green sand and pea gravel out of his pockets, pee, paint, and a LOT of food to clean off the floors.
Patches 11:32 AM 07-01-2013
If you're not dead set on the carpet, I would get laminate or hardwood flooring with area rugs. I hate carpet and would hate it even more for a daycare
EntropyControlSpecialist 11:34 AM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
BERBER and something in a neutral shade.
Honestly though, I have all hardwoods, and would NOT do carpeting ever again if I had the choice. I do love my area rugs for cozy areas and to define spaces, but that's it. Today alone I had a kid dump green sand and pea gravel out of his pockets, pee, paint, and a LOT of food to clean off the floors.
I have all tile in my daycare rooms and this is what I do. BERBER and something in a neutral shade.
Honestly though, I have all hardwoods, and would NOT do carpeting ever again if I had the choice. I do love my area rugs for cozy areas and to define spaces, but that's it. Today alone I had a kid dump green sand and pea gravel out of his pockets, pee, paint, and a LOT of food to clean off the floors.
LOVE rugs for the centers and circle time area.
Unregistered 11:38 AM 07-01-2013
I would not get berber. When I checked for new flooring we were told berber will get caught and snag in the wheels of play cars and other toys, also snagged by pets paws.....once snagged, will continue to snag and fray.
Lowes offers Stainmaster carpet with a great warranty.
Lowes offers Stainmaster carpet with a great warranty.
sly red cid 11:39 AM 07-01-2013
beware of berber if one loop gets pulled it can run(like stockings) with continued pulling by kids.We have green with salt and pepper color commercial grade in our toyroom.But need new flooring everywhere else and can't decide what to go with...it will not be carpet though.
Mister Sir Husband 11:54 AM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by Patches:
If you're not dead set on the carpet, I would get laminate or hardwood flooring with area rugs. I hate carpet and would hate it even more for a daycare
Unfortunately, carpet is my only real option. The floor is currenty concrete, and mostly smooth, but being a basement isn't perfectly level. Hardwood is way out of my price range, laminate might be possible but would be kinda wavy as the floor surface does vary a bit. I'm leaning now towards a commercial grade carpet in a darker color, and then area rugs a bit softer (and in some cool colors) in a couple different spots on top. This allows me to roll up and move the smaller rugs as needed, and the commercial grade stuff can be scrubbed at will to remove any visible stains.If you're not dead set on the carpet, I would get laminate or hardwood flooring with area rugs. I hate carpet and would hate it even more for a daycare
Blackcat31 12:06 PM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by Mister Sir Husband:
Unfortunately, carpet is my only real option. The floor is currenty concrete, and mostly smooth, but being a basement isn't perfectly level. Hardwood is way out of my price range, laminate might be possible but would be kinda wavy as the floor surface does vary a bit. I'm leaning now towards a commercial grade carpet in a darker color, and then area rugs a bit softer (and in some cool colors) in a couple different spots on top. This allows me to roll up and move the smaller rugs as needed, and the commercial grade stuff can be scrubbed at will to remove any visible stains.
Have you considered using a leveling agent that would make your floor completely level? Unfortunately, carpet is my only real option. The floor is currenty concrete, and mostly smooth, but being a basement isn't perfectly level. Hardwood is way out of my price range, laminate might be possible but would be kinda wavy as the floor surface does vary a bit. I'm leaning now towards a commercial grade carpet in a darker color, and then area rugs a bit softer (and in some cool colors) in a couple different spots on top. This allows me to roll up and move the smaller rugs as needed, and the commercial grade stuff can be scrubbed at will to remove any visible stains.
It's super easy to use. You basically mix it up, pour it out and let it self-level and wait for it to cure. Usually overnight and viola` your floor is 100% level.
We recently built a new house and our concrete didn't turn out as level as we'd hoped in a few areas but self leveling concrete was a super inexpensive and simple fix.
We have laminate flooring (floating floor) but in all honesty, I would never do laminate again....we are switching over engineered hardwood but still floating as our house is slab on grade and the concrete is heated.
You can google videos of how people do this and it is rated a "beginners" level so it is pretty easy.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...=0&FORM=NVPFVR
Willow 12:15 PM 07-01-2013
Another vote for the smartstrand. Ours is like a short shag and is awesomely soft but incredibly durable. We still don't have a single stain on it and all sand/dirt comes up out of it leaving it looking brand new every single day.
I don't like Berber because we have pets (dogs and cats can easily snag nails in that stuff and rip them right out of their pads) and it holds sand in it like no other.
I would not get commercial carpeting even with pad if you plan to have any kids under the age of say 2 or so in your care. It's just not shock absorbant enough and imho looks far too industrial. An industrial look would definitely be a turn off for me personally.
I used to scotchguard and it's a great idea if you anticipate a bunch of messes being made on it, but we only eat and do crafts at the kitchen table, everyone washes up when they're done and I don't play the potty training game, so I haven't had it don't in awhile.
I don't like Berber because we have pets (dogs and cats can easily snag nails in that stuff and rip them right out of their pads) and it holds sand in it like no other.
I would not get commercial carpeting even with pad if you plan to have any kids under the age of say 2 or so in your care. It's just not shock absorbant enough and imho looks far too industrial. An industrial look would definitely be a turn off for me personally.
I used to scotchguard and it's a great idea if you anticipate a bunch of messes being made on it, but we only eat and do crafts at the kitchen table, everyone washes up when they're done and I don't play the potty training game, so I haven't had it don't in awhile.
MNMum 12:36 PM 07-01-2013
We are finishing our basement (this week!) and we went with a "pattern" carpet. It is a mixture of loop and strand. We got a stainmaster. We shopped around, and talked with people at Menards, Lowe's, and Home Depot. But we ended up going with a local flooring company. One thing I know for sure - you can go with a cheaper carpet - but always get the thickest pad, especially over concrete (which is what we are doing as well).
asinhome 01:03 PM 07-01-2013
I was a flooring person before doing this If I were doing mine I would do a vinyl plank tile. The are about $5 per sf but if you at all handy you can do it yourself, super durable, stain resistant, clean up is super easy. A few brands are Karndean, Armstrong, Mannington. It is called luxury vinyl tiles. For carpet I too would do a Smart Strand Sorona. Stain proof and super soft. A loop style (berber) would perform better but a cutpile will be less of an issue with pulls and running. If you do go with a loop style you can always cut a pulled loop close to the backing and dab with a little superglue to keep it from running and avoiding kids from grabbing. Good luck!
If I were doing mine I would do a vinyl plank tile. The are about $5 per sf but if you at all handy you can do it yourself, super durable, stain resistant, clean up is super easy. A few brands are Karndean, Armstrong, Mannington. It is called luxury vinyl tiles. For carpet I too would do a Smart Strand Sorona. Stain proof and super soft. A loop style (berber) would perform better but a cutpile will be less of an issue with pulls and running. If you do go with a loop style you can always cut a pulled loop close to the backing and dab with a little superglue to keep it from running and avoiding kids from grabbing. Good luck!
Cradle2crayons 01:11 PM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by Mister Sir Husband:
Unfortunately, carpet is my only real option. The floor is currenty concrete, and mostly smooth, but being a basement isn't perfectly level. Hardwood is way out of my price range, laminate might be possible but would be kinda wavy as the floor surface does vary a bit. I'm leaning now towards a commercial grade carpet in a darker color, and then area rugs a bit softer (and in some cool colors) in a couple different spots on top. This allows me to roll up and move the smaller rugs as needed, and the commercial grade stuff can be scrubbed at will to remove any visible stains.
You don't need level floor for laminate. You simply get a moisture barrier to out down on top of the concrete. The laminate floats.Unfortunately, carpet is my only real option. The floor is currenty concrete, and mostly smooth, but being a basement isn't perfectly level. Hardwood is way out of my price range, laminate might be possible but would be kinda wavy as the floor surface does vary a bit. I'm leaning now towards a commercial grade carpet in a darker color, and then area rugs a bit softer (and in some cool colors) in a couple different spots on top. This allows me to roll up and move the smaller rugs as needed, and the commercial grade stuff can be scrubbed at will to remove any visible stains.
JoseyJo 01:17 PM 07-01-2013
We love our laminate! We have a really wavy floor (there is a crowning lump in the hall that is probably 2 inches high and a foot wide!). If you go that route go with something w/ a 25+ year warranty so it is more study and durable. We use a Eureka Steam mop to clean/sanitize it daily and it looks as good as it did 5 years ago when we got it put in.
Cradle2crayons 01:21 PM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by JoseyJo:
We love our laminate! We have a really wavy floor (there is a crowning lump in the hall that is probably 2 inches high and a foot wide!). If you go that route go with something w/ a 25+ year warranty so it is more study and durable. We use a Eureka Steam mop to clean/sanitize it daily and it looks as good as it did 5 years ago when we got it put in.
We have some not so level spots too. Our laminate floats perfectly. And we didn't skimp on the barrier under it since we have a conventional foundation and 100% humidity here!! Love love our laminate!!We love our laminate! We have a really wavy floor (there is a crowning lump in the hall that is probably 2 inches high and a foot wide!). If you go that route go with something w/ a 25+ year warranty so it is more study and durable. We use a Eureka Steam mop to clean/sanitize it daily and it looks as good as it did 5 years ago when we got it put in.
In the past I've had new carpet, vacuumed it twice a day, steam cleaned it etc. then a few years later we had a hurricane and had to pull up our carpet. In just a few years we had accumulated embarrassing amounts of gunk that LOOKED clean on the outside and was cleaned constantly. Bt under it was nasty. Getting rid of carpet completely was the best thing we ever did for our allergies!!
LK5kids 03:51 PM 07-01-2013
The house we bought for chid care had Berber, and it's holding up great. No snags what-so-ever. still looks good too
JoseyJo 04:01 PM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by Cradle2crayons:
We have some not so level spots too. Our laminate floats perfectly. And we didn't skimp on the barrier under it since we have a conventional foundation and 100% humidity here!! Love love our laminate!!
In the past I've had new carpet, vacuumed it twice a day, steam cleaned it etc. then a few years later we had a hurricane and had to pull up our carpet. In just a few years we had accumulated embarrassing amounts of gunk that LOOKED clean on the outside and was cleaned constantly. Bt under it was nasty. Getting rid of carpet completely was the best thing we ever did for our allergies!!
DH's allergies are why we got the laminate in the first place. It was before we started the daycare. We got the more expensive barrier too- it helps a lot with sound. It is really nice to be able to walk through and not wake up the littles when they are napping. We have some not so level spots too. Our laminate floats perfectly. And we didn't skimp on the barrier under it since we have a conventional foundation and 100% humidity here!! Love love our laminate!!
In the past I've had new carpet, vacuumed it twice a day, steam cleaned it etc. then a few years later we had a hurricane and had to pull up our carpet. In just a few years we had accumulated embarrassing amounts of gunk that LOOKED clean on the outside and was cleaned constantly. Bt under it was nasty. Getting rid of carpet completely was the best thing we ever did for our allergies!!
Lots of kids these days have allergies/asthma and many a parent has commented during the interview that they liked our low-fabric environment. We used foam puzzle mats (the thicker 3/4 inch kind) instead of throw rugs and don't have any fabric furniture in the dc area. It's really great when potty training too- no one likes cleaning up an accident but it is sure easier when all you have to do is wipe it up, spray with bleach sanitizer and wipe it up again.
Cradle2crayons 04:57 PM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by JoseyJo:
DH's allergies are why we got the laminate in the first place. It was before we started the daycare. We got the more expensive barrier too- it helps a lot with sound. It is really nice to be able to walk through and not wake up the littles when they are napping.
Lots of kids these days have allergies/asthma and many a parent has commented during the interview that they liked our low-fabric environment. We used foam puzzle mats (the thicker 3/4 inch kind) instead of throw rugs and don't have any fabric furniture in the dc area. It's really great when potty training too- no one likes cleaning up an accident but it is sure easier when all you have to do is wipe it up, spray with bleach sanitizer and wipe it up again.
Amen. Except in my case wipe it up, sanitize with Odoban, and wipe again DH's allergies are why we got the laminate in the first place. It was before we started the daycare. We got the more expensive barrier too- it helps a lot with sound. It is really nice to be able to walk through and not wake up the littles when they are napping.
Lots of kids these days have allergies/asthma and many a parent has commented during the interview that they liked our low-fabric environment. We used foam puzzle mats (the thicker 3/4 inch kind) instead of throw rugs and don't have any fabric furniture in the dc area. It's really great when potty training too- no one likes cleaning up an accident but it is sure easier when all you have to do is wipe it up, spray with bleach sanitizer and wipe it up again.
JoseyJo 05:59 PM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by Cradle2crayons:
Amen. Except in my case wipe it up, sanitize with Odoban, and wipe again
I LOVE odoban! We have to use bleach water to sanitize here in Ks per licensing- they don't allow anything else, but I use Odoban for my household Amen. Except in my case wipe it up, sanitize with Odoban, and wipe again
craftymissbeth 06:49 PM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by JoseyJo:
I LOVE odoban! We have to use bleach water to sanitize here in Ks per licensing- they don't allow anything else, but I use Odoban for my household
I can't find where it specifies what sanitizer we have to use. Actually, I scanned the whole regulations document and bleach isn't mentioned at all. I do use a bleach solution, but if you're wanting to use something else, I'd ask licensing. My licensor never asked how I sanitize, just if/how often.I LOVE odoban! We have to use bleach water to sanitize here in Ks per licensing- they don't allow anything else, but I use Odoban for my household
JoseyJo 07:03 PM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by craftymissbeth:
I can't find where it specifies what sanitizer we have to use. Actually, I scanned the whole regulations document and bleach isn't mentioned at all. I do use a bleach solution, but if you're wanting to use something else, I'd ask licensing. My licensor never asked how I sanitize, just if/how often.
Hmmm, l'll look into that!I can't find where it specifies what sanitizer we have to use. Actually, I scanned the whole regulations document and bleach isn't mentioned at all. I do use a bleach solution, but if you're wanting to use something else, I'd ask licensing. My licensor never asked how I sanitize, just if/how often.
craftymissbeth 07:21 PM 07-01-2013
Originally Posted by JoseyJo:
It's in there- we just got new regs this last year about it. I will try to find it and add it to this post. (sorry for the hijack by the way!!)
Yep, sorry to hijack! I was getting ready to order some Odoban and def don't want to if it's not allowed here It's in there- we just got new regs this last year about it. I will try to find it and add it to this post. (sorry for the hijack by the way!!)
Ok I've found it.. wow that's crazy... that's not in my paper copy my licensor gave me!
What I found regarding bleach only pertained to sanitizing diaper changing pads, but I didn't see anything regarding sanitizing anything else. Maybe you could point me towards that reg?
Also, I ow remember that she did ask what I was going to use to sanitize the changing table and I told her Clorox wipes. She said that was fine
Hmm.. anyway, sorry to hijack!
JoseyJo 07:35 PM 07-01-2013
I have been looking it up since I posted- I found an email from my licensor saying to go by this: http://cfoc.nrckids.org/WebFiles/App.../AppendixJ.pdf
It says that we can used any EPA approved cleaner as long as we follow the label to sanitize or disinfect. Good to know!
I also found out that Odoban is not food-surface safe!! You have to rinse with water after sanitizing a food surface. I did find info on one that is food surface safe, green, non irritating, and hospital grade- It's called Vital Oxide. Anyone used or heard of that??
It says that we can used any EPA approved cleaner as long as we follow the label to sanitize or disinfect. Good to know!
I also found out that Odoban is not food-surface safe!! You have to rinse with water after sanitizing a food surface. I did find info on one that is food surface safe, green, non irritating, and hospital grade- It's called Vital Oxide. Anyone used or heard of that??
JenNJ 05:35 AM 07-02-2013
I bought the mac daddy of carpet pads with a moisture barrier built in (literally the kids bounce if they fall down) and a CHEAPO residential carpet. It is neutral color. I have an area rug under the table where the kids eat and do crafts. It was $37 at Kohl's.
I did it that way becuase the padding is the most important part. I will replace the carpet itself every 3-5 years because of the wear & tear, germs, dirt, gunk, etc. but the padding has a 20 year warranty.
Also, I will say that my neighbor owns a carpet and fabric cleaning business, so we get it done fairly often. 5-6 times per year.
I did it that way becuase the padding is the most important part. I will replace the carpet itself every 3-5 years because of the wear & tear, germs, dirt, gunk, etc. but the padding has a 20 year warranty.
Also, I will say that my neighbor owns a carpet and fabric cleaning business, so we get it done fairly often. 5-6 times per year.
AmyKidsCo 04:25 PM 07-02-2013
We inherited berber when we bought our house 14 years ago. I'm sure it was the cheapest available because they put it in when they wanted to sell - and we know people go cheap then.
In all those years I've only had 2 snags despite 6 kids, 4-6 cats, and daycare from day one. Both times I glued the snags down with hot melt glue and haven't had a problem with them since, even when I steam clean.
I have a full size steam cleaner and Little Green Machine, and use Shaklee Basic-G for my sanitizing and disinfecting, even on the carpet. (I assume it works...)
In all those years I've only had 2 snags despite 6 kids, 4-6 cats, and daycare from day one. Both times I glued the snags down with hot melt glue and haven't had a problem with them since, even when I steam clean.
I have a full size steam cleaner and Little Green Machine, and use Shaklee Basic-G for my sanitizing and disinfecting, even on the carpet. (I assume it works...)
Unregistered 04:46 PM 07-02-2013
Originally Posted by Mister Sir Husband:
Unfortunately, carpet is my only real option. The floor is currenty concrete, and mostly smooth, but being a basement isn't perfectly level. Hardwood is way out of my price range, laminate might be possible but would be kinda wavy as the floor surface does vary a bit. I'm leaning now towards a commercial grade carpet in a darker color, and then area rugs a bit softer (and in some cool colors) in a couple different spots on top. This allows me to roll up and move the smaller rugs as needed, and the commercial grade stuff can be scrubbed at will to remove any visible stains.
You can do vinyl. It's cheap and easy to put down and you can then do the throw rug thing. They come in rolls like carpet and you just cut it down. Unlike tile, it'll mold to your floor. Unfortunately, carpet is my only real option. The floor is currenty concrete, and mostly smooth, but being a basement isn't perfectly level. Hardwood is way out of my price range, laminate might be possible but would be kinda wavy as the floor surface does vary a bit. I'm leaning now towards a commercial grade carpet in a darker color, and then area rugs a bit softer (and in some cool colors) in a couple different spots on top. This allows me to roll up and move the smaller rugs as needed, and the commercial grade stuff can be scrubbed at will to remove any visible stains.
If you do end up with carpet, try do NOT go too dark! Black, browns, dark reds will show every single crumb and dust particle ever!
Familycare71 08:44 PM 07-02-2013
Originally Posted by asinhome:
I was a flooring person before doing this If I were doing mine I would do a vinyl plank tile. The are about $5 per sf but if you at all handy you can do it yourself, super durable, stain resistant, clean up is super easy. A few brands are Karndean, Armstrong, Mannington. It is called luxury vinyl tiles. For carpet I too would do a Smart Strand Sorona. Stain proof and super soft. A loop style (berber) would perform better but a cutpile will be less of an issue with pulls and running. If you do go with a loop style you can always cut a pulled loop close to the backing and dab with a little superglue to keep it from running and avoiding kids from grabbing. Good luck!
I have the luxury vinyl and love it!! I wonder if I could get smart strand bound into an area rug?? Hmmmm I was a flooring person before doing this
If I were doing mine I would do a vinyl plank tile. The are about $5 per sf but if you at all handy you can do it yourself, super durable, stain resistant, clean up is super easy. A few brands are Karndean, Armstrong, Mannington. It is called luxury vinyl tiles. For carpet I too would do a Smart Strand Sorona. Stain proof and super soft. A loop style (berber) would perform better but a cutpile will be less of an issue with pulls and running. If you do go with a loop style you can always cut a pulled loop close to the backing and dab with a little superglue to keep it from running and avoiding kids from grabbing. Good luck!
Laurel 08:33 AM 07-03-2013
I have wood laminate in most of my rooms except I didn't want it in the daycare room. I have carpet. It is multicolored so doesn't show stains. I also bought a home carpet cleaning machine which isn't hard to use...especially if my husband does it, lol. I just want the crawlers to have something soft to crawl on. Also laminate is wonderful but noisy. We also get it professionally cleaned from time to time. I am definitely going to look into the smartstrand when I need a new carpet. I've never heard of it but it sounds wonderful. I think your idea to use area rugs over it is good too. I was thinking of doing the same thing.
I have laminate in my dining room and have arts and crafts in there and just let a box of colored pencils or blocks drop. Loud after a while!
Just things to consider.
Laurel
I have laminate in my dining room and have arts and crafts in there and just let a box of colored pencils or blocks drop. Loud after a while!
Just things to consider.
Laurel
Willow 12:43 PM 07-03-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
You can do vinyl. It's cheap and easy to put down and you can then do the throw rug thing. They come in rolls like carpet and you just cut it down. Unlike tile, it'll mold to your floor.
If you do end up with carpet, try do NOT go too dark! Black, browns, dark reds will show every single crumb and dust particle ever!
I have both medium and dark brown carpeting, neither have ever stained!You can do vinyl. It's cheap and easy to put down and you can then do the throw rug thing. They come in rolls like carpet and you just cut it down. Unlike tile, it'll mold to your floor.
If you do end up with carpet, try do NOT go too dark! Black, browns, dark reds will show every single crumb and dust particle ever!