Protect Your Floors This Summer: 6 Smart Tips to Keep Hardwood Looking Its Best in Waco

August 26, 2025

Your hardwood floors work hard all year—but summer in Waco brings extra foot traffic, more sunlight, and a few unexpected threats. Whether it’s muddy shoes from weekend adventures at Lake Waco or open windows letting in dust, your floors need a little extra attention this season. At H&R Carpet, we’ve helped local homeowners care for their hardwood floors for decades, and we’re sharing our top warm-weather tips to keep them looking great.


1. Use Entry Rugs and Take Off Shoes

Summer means sandals, sneakers, and sometimes bare feet with dirt and grit in tow. Protect your floors by placing rugs at all main entry points. This small step traps debris and reduces scratches. Make sure to shake out rugs regularly and avoid rubber backing, which can trap moisture and dull the finish.


2. Keep Floors Free of Sand and Grit

Even if you’re not headed to the beach, dust and small particles can build up quickly. Sweep or vacuum several times a week using a soft-bristle broom or vacuum designed for hardwood. Grit acts like sandpaper underfoot and can leave fine scratches if not addressed promptly.


3. Spot Clean Spills Right Away

Between pool days and backyard BBQs, summer brings its fair share of drips and sticky messes. Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe up spills immediately—never let liquids sit. Avoid soaking your floor or using harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage the finish.


4. Use Window Treatments to Block Direct Sunlight

Sunlight is beautiful, but it can cause uneven fading and discoloration over time. To protect your floors, close blinds or install light-filtering shades during the brightest parts of the day. H&R Carpet offers custom window treatments that look great and help reduce UV damage in sun-soaked rooms.


5. Rearrange Furniture and Rugs Occasionally

If you notice lighter spots near your windows or rugs leaving outlines, it’s time to mix things up. Rotating furniture and rugs throughout the summer prevents uneven fading and gives your floors a more consistent appearance. It also gives you a chance to clean underneath areas that often go untouched.


6. Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperatures

Your air conditioner does more than keep you cool—it helps protect your floors. Sudden temperature swings from open windows or blasting cold air in one room can cause minor surface issues or shift boards slightly over time. Keeping your home at a steady, comfortable temperature helps maintain the integrity of your hardwood flooring.

Hardwood floors are one of the most beautiful and valuable features of your home. By following these simple steps during the summer months, you’ll keep them looking their best year-round.

If you’re considering upgrading your hardwood or exploring new flooring options, request a free estimate today. Let’s make your floors summer-ready—and stunning for years to come.

Bathroom with blue-green tiled walls, white sink, gold fixtures, toilet, and sunlight streaming in.

Tile Size & Shape Guide: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Kitchen, Bathroom, or Backsplash in Waco

August 26, 2025
Choosing tile isn’t just about color or material—it’s also about scale, proportion, and impact. The right tile size and shape can visually expand a room, draw attention to key features, and improve how a space functions day to day. Whether you’re upgrading a bathroom floor or designing a bold backsplash, understanding your options helps you make a confident choice. This quick guide breaks down the most popular tile sizes and trending shapes by room to help you find the best fit for your home in Waco and the surrounding areas. Popular Tile Sizes by Room Bathroom Floors: Tile size makes a big difference in smaller rooms like bathrooms. These sizes are top picks for style and function: 12” x 24” – A sleek, large-format option that reduces grout lines and feels modern 6” x 24” – Great for wood-look planks, especially in rustic or spa-inspired spaces Mosaic (1”–2”) – Ideal for shower floors due to added grip and easier slope for drainage Kitchen Floors: Kitchens need tile that holds up to traffic but still looks clean and polished. These sizes offer versatility and visual appeal: 12” x 12” – Timeless and budget-friendly, easy to work into any design 18” x 18” – Creates a sense of openness in smaller kitchens 6” x 36” – Long, narrow wood-look tiles are trending for warmth with durability Backsplashes: Smaller tiles or sheets add visual interest behind sinks and ranges, helping tie your design together. 3” x 6” – Classic subway tile that never goes out of style 4” x 12” – A modern take on the subway look with cleaner lines Mosaic sheets (1”–2”) – Available in hex, penny round, or mini squares for creative layouts Popular Tile Shapes & Patterns Tile Shapes: Beyond size, the shape of your tile sets the tone for your entire design. H&R Carpet carries ceramic, porcelain, metal, and glass tile in today’s most sought-after shapes: Subway – Simple and timeless Hexagon – Adds texture and works well on floors or walls Penny Round – Playful, especially for backsplashes or accent zones Square – Classic and great for checkerboard or grid layouts Arabesque – Decorative and ideal for vintage or global styles Plank – Mimics hardwood and enhances length in narrow rooms Installation Patterns: How your tile is laid can change the entire look of a space: Herringbone – Eye-catching for backsplashes or entryway accents Stacked (straight lay) – Clean, minimal, and modern Offset (brick/running bond) – Hides imperfections and feels familiar Basketweave – Elegant, especially for bathroom floors Diagonal – Great for making tight spaces appear wider How to Choose What’s Best for Your Space Tile isn’t one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to consider: Room size: Larger tiles help open up tight rooms by reducing grout lines Maintenance needs: Fewer seams = less scrubbing Your home’s overall style: Traditional homes may lean toward brick patterns or squares, while modern spaces shine with planks or large-format tiles Need help deciding? H&R Carpet’s design experts are here to walk you through your options and help you select the best size, shape, and material for your home. Let’s Find the Tile That Works for You From bathroom floors to eye-catching backsplashes, the right tile makes all the difference. We carry high-quality porcelain and ceramic tiles in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and styles to suit every room in your home. Explore more on our tile flooring services page or stop by our Waco showroom to see what’s possible. Ready to get started? Request a free estimate today and let’s create something beautiful.
Person installing wood-look flooring with a mallet in a room.

DIY vs. Professional Flooring Installation: What Waco Homeowners Need to Know

August 26, 2025
Installing new floors is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home—but deciding how to get it done is a whole different story. Should you roll up your sleeves and tackle it yourself, or call in the pros? If you’re in the Waco area and thinking about new floors, this guide from H&R Carpet will help you weigh your options and avoid common pitfalls. The Allure of DIY: What You Gain—and What You Risk There’s a certain satisfaction in saying, “I did it myself.” If you’re handy, patient, and working with click-lock vinyl or laminate, a DIY flooring project might feel doable. You’ll potentially save on labor costs and work at your own pace. But the DIY route isn’t without risks. Without the right tools or prep work, you can run into major issues: Uneven subfloors that lead to buckling Gaps or misaligned planks Voided warranties if products aren’t installed correctly Unexpected costs from mistakes or wasted materials It’s not just about laying down planks—it’s about precision, moisture barriers, trim work, and knowing how to handle unique spaces like stairs or oddly shaped rooms. The Benefits of Professional Flooring Installation Hiring professionals brings more than peace of mind—it brings results. At H&R Carpet, our expert installers bring years of experience, specialized tools, and the know-how to handle even the most complicated floor plans. Here’s what you gain: Precise measurements and clean cuts Proper subfloor prep and moisture protection Fast, efficient installation with minimal disruption Guaranteed workmanship and product warranties Our team also handles removal of old flooring, transitions between rooms, and detailed trim work—so you get a polished finish from edge to edge. Hidden Costs to Watch for in DIY Projects DIY flooring can look budget-friendly at first glance, but small missteps add up fast. Consider: Tool rentals or purchases Extra materials due to cutting errors Subfloor repairs you didn’t plan for Time lost (especially if it drags into evenings and weekends) And if a mistake damages the flooring? You may end up buying the same materials twice. Why Choose H&R Carpet for Flooring Installation in Waco We’re more than a flooring store—we’re your local partner in home improvement. For over 30 years, H&R Carpet has helped Waco-area homeowners choose and install floors that match their style, budget, and needs. Our full-service approach means we help you every step of the way, from product selection to professional installation. Family-owned and trusted in the community In-house installers with years of hands-on experience Clear, upfront estimates—no guesswork Showroom selection that fits every home and lifestyle Whether you’re renovating a single room or your whole house, we’ll help you do it right the first time. Ready to Get Started? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Visit our Waco showroom to explore flooring options in person or contact H&R Carpet to schedule your professional installation. Let’s make your flooring project smooth, stress-free, and built to last.