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PMC University
Flooring, cabinets and countertops are key elements to the visual impact of your home and help to define your style. You can explore the many possibilities and find a creative and beautiful solution for your home. The goal is to enjoy the selection process and confidently choose products that will live up to your expectations. By educating yourself, evaluating your lifestyle, and creating realistic expectations, you can make choices that will give you lasting satisfaction.
Also check out The PMC Difference.
 What You Should Know About Cabinets
Beautiful cabinets are a major selling point for any home. The cabinets you select for your home reflect your personal taste and create a system of organization.
There are two basic cabinet construction styles: traditional-overlay doors and full-overlay doors. This describes how much frame you see between the cabinet doors and drawers. With traditional-overlay doors, the majority of the frame shows, which reduces the size of the openings for drawers and doors. With full-overlay doors, only a small amount of the frame shows. Doors and drawers are usually spaced within a quarter inch of each other creating a clean look, increased storage and easier access.
There are two basic types of cabinet door styles: paneled and flat. A flat cabinet door is simply an even-surfaced panel with no additional detail. Paneled cabinets can incorporate different styles such as recessed, raised, arched or cathedral.
Cabinets are available in many different species of wood, colors and finishes.
Oak - Oak is the least expensive hardwood and is known for its strength and predominate grain pattern. The striking grain pattern ranges from straight grains to arcs. The natural oak colors range from light tans to deep reddish browns. When finished with a light colored stain, noticeable differences in color will be evident between the open and closed grain areas of the wood. A darker stain will provide a more uniform appearance. Oak is durable and forgiving of nicks and bumps, making it an ideal cabinet wood.
Maple - The smooth, even graining of maple makes it a clear design choice for any room. Maple is a finely grained, exceptional hardwood. Maple's natural colors range from creamy to light blonde tones to dark reddish-browns. As with other wood species, darker stains will reduce the natural wood color variation. Maple will display some wavy, curly or bird's eye characteristics. It may reveal occasional dark mineral streaks and cross-grained worm tracking. Please keep in mind that these markings are natural in the wood and are not considered to be defects.
Cherry - Cherry is the hardwood of choice for fine furniture and is known for the warm, rich and inviting look it creates. Cherry is a closed grained hardwood with occasional pin knots and fine grain variations appearing as curls and waves. The natural color of cherry ranges from a pale yellow sapwood to deep reddish brown heartwood. Staining reveals subtle variations and colors, which typically darken over time.
Hickory - Hickory is a very tough, dense hardwood, making it an extremely durable cabinet material. It is known for dramatic color variation, ranging from deep reddish-brown heartwood to pale-white sapwood. Darker stains moderate the color variance in hickory. Unlike with other hardwoods, wood selection for hickory cabinets does not attempt to minimize discrepancies in wood color tones. Knots and streaks are considered an inherent aspect of the charm of hickory cabinets.
Thermo-Foil - This finish allows white cabinet doors to exhibit the same fine styling and detail usually found in solid wood doors. Thermo Foil finishes are extremely durable and easy to clean. The finish found on the front of white cabinet doors is produced when a PVC molded plastic is bonded to a pre-machined care material using heat and pressure. The core of a white Thermo Foil door is medium density fiberboard with a white melamine back.
 What You Should Know About Carpet
Because carpet is manufactured in widths of 12', 13'6" or 15', seaming is necessary for the complete installation of your carpet. Seam visibility will vary with each type of carpet. The seam will be made as unobtrusive as possible, but an invisible carpet seam is not possible. Low profile carpets such as looped Berbers and patterned carpet have very evident seams, and these are not considered to be a defect. These types of carpets are very popular for their durability and fashionable styles. The visible seams vary depending on the texture and color of the product as well as the lighting in the room. Keep in mind that visible seams are minimized once furniture and window coverings have been added. Additionally, bending of the carpet on stairs can sometimes expose the backing of the carpet. This greatly depends on the type of carpet selected and the color.
The larger fiber manufacturers generally offer a variety of stain and soil protection, anti-static control, fade resistance, and texture retention warranties. The higher the quality of carpet, the longer your warranty lasts or the more coverage you receive. We highly recommend, at a minimum, that you get some type of stain and soil protection on your carpet.
Fiber type is another decision. Nylon is regarded as the premier carpet fiber for its performance in stain resistance, soil resistance, durability and styling options. 75% of carpet sold today is nylon. There are other choices such as olefin, polypropylene, polyester and wool that may have benefits in certain areas. However, nylon rates the best overall in all categories.
Many floor areas may be subject to a lot of traffic, so it is important to make your selections wisely to ensure your lasting satisfaction. Understanding all the options available to you is the key to your satisfaction.
Terms you should know:
- Face weight - More ounces per square yard is better
- Twist - Higher twist helps resist crushing & matting
- Density - Higher density improves comfort and performance
Cut Pile Styles
- Velvet/Saxony - This style of cut pile is achieved when the tufts of yarn are sheared to a low, smooth pile height. The carpet is typically very dense, creating uniform color and a very formal look.
- Texture - This popular style offers a smooth, level finish, but the yarns have more twist, which creates a less formal look and minimizes the appearance of footprints.
- Frieze - The yarns in this style are tightly twisted to create a curly, textured appearance. This style also minimizes the appearance of footprints and vacuum marks and is extremely durable.
- Shag - The yarns in this style are even longer, creating a soft, comfortable, casual appearance. As with Friezes, footprints and vacuum marks will not be noticeable on shag carpets.
Loop Pile Styles
- Level Loop - In this style, all the loops are the same height. The dense, firm surface of a loop pile carpet makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Berbers - many of today's popular Berber styles are level loop styles with speckles of darker color on a lighter background.
- Sisal - this style is similar to Berbers, but has more of a woven look, similar to a basket weave.
- Patterned Loop - The yarns in this style are also looped, but they are at two or three varying heights. The various heights can be arranged to create a wide range of patterns and textures.
Cut Pile/Loop Blends
- Level Cut Loop (LCL) - LCL carpets beautifully blend loops and cuts in varying heights for dramatic, unique patterns.
Precision Cut Uncut (PCU) - PCU styles mix cuts and loops of the same level, generally creating geometric or pin-dot designs.
 What You Should Know About Countertops & Wall Tile
Selecting the products for your countertops and backsplashes is an important and exciting process that will greatly impact the look and feel of your new home. The possibilities are endless with the number of options and design choices that are available to you.
Laminate - Laminate countertops are available in an abundance of colors, textures and patterns. They are known for their easy maintenance and affordability. Laminates are typically a resin impregnated paper that is bonded to plywood or fiberboard substrate. Laminate will show scratches, particularly in dark colors. Over time, laminates can de-laminate and/or break or chip. Try dressing your laminate countertops up a bit with a decorative tile backsplash.
Natural Stone - Granite is the most popular of the natural stones selected for decorative backsplashes and countertops. Granite is known for its timeless performance and beauty and is a great way to increase the value of your home. It comes in an extraordinary palette of colors ranging from subtle to dazzling intensity. Granite countertops in monochromatic shades of black, white and gray fit the latest high-tech and high-function kitchens, while warm earth tones are at home in traditional and country kitchens. Some of the granite colors exhibit "movement" or a pattern like a wave of color. Granite is formed from magma, which eventually cools and crystallizes to form a very hard rock consisting of primarily quartz and feldspar. The Earth is constantly revealing ever-new variations of the age-old material. Granite is one of the top choices for high-use kitchens since it is highly heat, stain, and scratch resistant.
As an alternative to granite, other natural stone such as marble, limestone, sandstone, shell stone, travertine and slate are available. Each stone has its own limitations and areas of usage. A popular choice for a decorative backsplash would be granite tile installed on the diagonal, or a beautiful natural stone or ceramic decorative liner.
Tile - Due to its endless design options, durability and easy maintenance, ceramic/porcelain/natural stone tile is often a popular choice for countertops and decorative backsplashes. It can make a statement when paired with laminate, solid surfaces or granite. Tile is available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, patterns and finishes. Tile finishes range from matte to high gloss and some are more suitable for specific areas of your home than others. Scratches tend to be more noticeable on a high gloss tile, making them more suitable for the bathroom or for a decorative backsplash instead of the kitchen counter. The use of listellos or decorative liners can greatly enhance the look of your kitchen or bath. Tile is heat-, stain- and scratch-resistant, but can chip if hit with heavy objects.
Solid Surface - Solid surface products are the newest and one of the most popular countertop and wall tile options. We offer an array of countless designs and color options in countertops, integrated sinks and backsplashes. Solid surfaces are known for their durability, easy maintenance, and their ability to be renewed. Solid surfaces are smooth and nonporous and will not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria. Solid surfaces withstand heat better than ordinary surfacing materials; however, hot pans directly from the cook top or oven can damage the surface. Always use a hot pad or trivet to protect the surface. Try enhancing the beauty of your solid surface material by adding a decorative tile or natural stone backsplash.
 What you should know about Window Coverings
Window coverings are one thing that new homebuyers frequently overlook when purchasing a new home. It is important to keep in mind that your new home will require some sort of window coverings for privacy and additional temperature and light control. They are also an easy way to add the finishing touches to your home.
 What You Should Know About Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors have always been a popular choice for adding a beautiful, warm and natural touch to your home. They can also increase the resale value of your home. There are several different species and constructions to choose from. Manufacturers offer a wide range of hardwood types from the more common red oak, maple and pecan, to more exotic varieties such Brazilian cherry and bamboo. Each type of hardwood has its own natural characteristics that enhance the beauty of the product, so natural variations in color, texture, grain, and appearance are to be expected and are not considered defects. When looking at hardwood samples you will see that some species are more predisposed to this than others. For example, the more pronounced grain of oak would never be mistaken for the more subtle grain of maple.
Generally speaking, there are two types of hardwood floor construction. Solid wood is milled from one piece of wood. Solid wood construction is generally used when installing over a wood subfloor where the hardwood will be nailed to the subfloor. Engineered wood consists of three or more layers in a cross-ply construction and is generally used in basements or over slab concrete. Engineered hardwood planks contain two to five layers or "plies" that vary in thickness, which in turn give these products dimensional stability. They can be screened several times and sanded up to two times to rejuvenate your floor's appearance and performance.
Another hardwood floor expectation is that moisture and temperature changes will cause the floor to expand and contract depending on the season. These changes can sometimes produce hairline cracks. Additionally, slight height variations in the wood are also considered normal.
 What You Should Know About Natural Stone Flooring
Natural stone will make an elegant statement wherever it is installed in your home. It is a luxurious product that will enhance the appearance and increase the resale value of your home. No other material lasts longer or looks more sophisticated, making it a top choice for floors, fireplaces, kitchen counters and bathrooms.
It is important to understand that the sample of stone in the model homes or Design Studio will not look exactly like the stone installed in your home. In fact, it may have completely different veining patterns, texture and color variations. No two pieces of marble, granite, limestone, travertine or slate are alike. All natural stones start out as giant pieces of rock that are removed from the earth and are then cut into thin slabs. As you look at stone samples you will see irregular markings, lines, veins and crystallizations. These markings are not cracks or imperfections, but rather part of the beauty of natural stone. Different stones have different levels of hardness and porosity.
 What You Should Know About Tile Flooring
Tile has been used for thousands of years as a durable and attractive building material. Ceramic and porcelain tiles have become one of the most popular finishing materials for floors, countertops and walls. Tile can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, foyers, family rooms, dining rooms, and even bedrooms in warmer climates. Tile is an important design element suitable for practically any room and virtually every surface. There are a number of different sizes, colors and styles available to decorate your floors. You can be creative with your tile by having it installed in a diagonal pattern, or using a variety of sizes that can be installed together to create a beautiful pattern. You can transform a functional area into something special by adding a decorative edge to a countertop, staircase, floor or border.
Ceramic tiles are man-made products that are colored and sectioned into individual dye lots during manufacturing. There will be slight color variations between dyelots. Some ceramic tiles that are made to look like natural stone have variation intentionally. Factories have developed a unique screen, texture and pattern to produce individual designs for each tile within a series. These processes are applied to create looks from highly textured slate to smooth exotic marbles. Virtually any style, motif or visual that you've ever dreamed of can be found in decorative tile. Embossed relief tiles are widely available and are beautiful and imaginative.
One of the trends in the past year has been the growing popularity of porcelain tile. Low porosity makes porcelain tile very durable and stain resistant.
While you are reviewing ceramic tile, you will find that there are various types of finishes, each fulfilling a different need. There are various gloss levels, surface textures and composition glazes. You will also have decisions to make in selecting grout colors. Do you want a contrasting grout color that creates a checkerboard appearance? Or do you want the grout color to blend with the tile color to create a more uniformed look? Be aware, grout colors can also vary from sample to sample and when being mixed on site for installation.
 What You Should Know About Vinyl Flooring
Sheet vinyl products have greatly improved over the years in construction, style and maintenance, but they are still susceptible to scratching or denting. Sheet vinyl manufacturers offer different levels of vinyl with a variety of patterns to choose from. Some of the most popular are patterns that are inspired by nature, including patterns that replicate the beauty found in natural materials.
There are two basic types of sheet vinyl materials you should know about. "Printed" vinyl is achieved through a process of printing a photographic image on the material and then adding wear layers for protection. Different products offer different levels of wear layers. "Inlaid" vinyl has an altogether different construction. Vinyl with Inlaid color is built from the backing up, and involves the layering of millions of tiny colored granules. This type of vinyl is thicker and stronger, making it a wise choice for high traffic areas.
Sheet vinyl products are produced in 6' and 12' widths and, like carpet, there may be seams in the layout of your floor. Certain patterns are better than others for hiding seaming. For example, a pattern emulating natural stone with several colors and varying detail will disguise a seam better than a white and beige square pattern.
When considering sheet vinyl, note the types of finishes available. Finishes range from high gloss to matte. Generally speaking, the lower the gloss level the more forgiving the floor will be to the daily wear of foot traffic.
Understanding your lifestyle will make the task of selecting your vinyl that much easier. When trying to determine how durable a vinyl you may need, take into consideration your household's daily activities. For instance, if you are considering vinyl for a laundry room with heavy foot traffic from the garage, select a high quality inlaid vinyl for durability and easy cleaning.
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