4 Steps to a Dry Basement

Northwest Iowa has been blessed with plenty of rain the past few days. Unfortunately, all that moisture has led to some flooded basements including part of the lower level of our showroom.

We know that we’re all in this together and we want to make ourselves a resource to you during this time.

Follow this check list after experiencing flooding: 

1. Make sure your sump pump is working

A sump pump is the first step in getting the water out of your basement. If your sump pump stopped working, restoring it will be imperative to the process of removing water and drying out your basement.  Consider keeping an extra sump pump on hand—we’ve heard plenty of stories of people who’ve been running two pumps to keep the water out.

2. Check your flooring

The next steps will be different depending on the type of flooring you have:

In some cases, Carpet can be salvaged even if it is completely saturated. Remove it and store it until it is completely dried and can be laid again. If the carpet pad is saturated it will retain moisture and will need to be disposed of and replaced. 

If wood or laminate floors experience any moisture they will most likely need to be replaced.

If vinyl floors are glued down they can likely be salvaged when dried with fans.

Ceramic floors are the best option for flood prone areas and can be easily dried with towels and fans.

3. Dry the area

With a working sump pump and flooring taken care of, it is time to hand dry. Using a shop vac, towels and squeegees, do your best to get any excess water out of your basement. 

4. Use fans and dehumidifiers 

Set up fans and dehumidifiers to continue the drying process until all excess moisture is out of the area.   This will also help remove the moisture from baseboards and drywall. 

If you’ve taken these steps and you are still having issues, it may be time to replace your floors.  At Vander Berg Furniture & Flooring, we’re committed to providing you disaster relief assistance and are offering a disaster discount. We’ll pay a visit to your house and work with you to find the best solution for your situation.  Call 712-722-3286 today and ask for Loren or Jeff for additional assistance.

Ranting or Raving: You Decide

We're starting to think that summer is just about here...but is that really possible since it was snowing two weeks ago?  Well, either way, it's time to mix things up a bit. 

We ran through the store with Shirley this week to show off a few new pieces and ideas that will dare you to push your designs to the limit.  So, whether you believe that we're ranting or raving, here we go!

These great industrial metal framed mirrors have a natural rope hanger that hangs on a medallion hook.  Hang them in pairs or groupings for greater impact.

These exciting new tiles are a mixture of glass and stone.  Consider them instead of the classic small square mosaic to add interest to your bathroom or kitchen.

Notice the tree limb hanging above the bed?  It adds some great drama and texture with the hanging glass votives.  This can go a long way and is a lot more interesting than the classic fabric canopy.

This isn't your grandmother's curio cabinet!  With a great piece like this you can add both style and accessories while displaying your favorite collections.
 

Finally, consider these great wire candle holders, but mix it up a bit by flipping them upside down and converting them into light fixtures.  A grouping of them at varied heights will add variety and interest to any space.

How to make a statement: with Metal

Looking for a way to make a statement in a room without being permanent or even predictable? Check out our new metal sculpture wall art that was recently purchased at market. 


There aren't too many pieces that allow you to play with texture and sheen without a big commitment for color in a room. Finally something that will even have broad masculine appeal. Consider a new look for Dad's office on Father's Day or use it to create the ultimate man cave. 

If you're looking to make a more modern statement; we have something special.  Be sure to stop by the store or check out our display at the Centre Mall!

Spring Design Tips

Bring Spring Inside:

Grab your favorite vase or bucket and fill it with stones and water.  Clip a branch off of your favorite flowering tree and stab it into the stone.  From there you can attach your special photos to the branch with colorful ribbon to the branches.

Pastels aren’t just for nurseries.  Take an afternoon to paint your powder room a soft aqua color and throw some pastel petal pillows on your sofa.

Or Leave Spring Outside: 

Line your patio with lanterns filled with blooming plants.  This will bring life to your patio and guests will enjoy the fresh new feel throughout the season.

Spring (if it ever officially arrives) is a beautiful time of year to witness the creation coming to life.  There’s something beautiful to be captured about every season, so get outside or take the outside in, but be sure to enjoy spring!

Corn, Carpet and Making a Difference

What if we told you Vander Berg’s offers a carpet made out of corn?

Your first thoughts are probably “I don’t believe it!” and “That must be some pretty uncomfortable carpet.” 

However, you would be wrong in both instances. SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona renewably sourced polymer is not only made up of 37% renewable resources, it is also the softest carpet on the market.

SmartStrand carpet is brought to you by Mohawk and Dupont and is just one of the products Mohawk is using to help preserve the environment. This carpet has a unique field to floor process. First, corn is planted and grown around the nation. Next, it is harvested and sent to Loudon, TN where it becomes a key ingredient in DuPont Sorona renewably sourced polymer. Finally, DuPont Sorona is spun into fiber which is then used to make SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona carpet. 

Using just seven yards of this carpet in your home saves the energy and resources equivalent to one gallon of gas. The total savings reach up to 10 million gallons in one year. 

Not only will this carpet lower your carbon footprint, it also features a lifetime stain resistance warranty, durability and softness. It really is the next generation of luxury carpets.  You can now enjoy a stylish and comfortable carpet while knowing you’ve played a role in sustaining our natural resources.

For more information visit Mohawk’s website here.

Or, contact Loren for a quote today by emailing loren@vbfurn.com