Carpet:
>My carpet is 23 years old.  I bought the best nylon I could afford at
>the time, as I wanted it to *last*.
 
It has sure done that, so well I have a hard time justifying replacing
it.  But I'm tired of the color (although it's now *in* again) and the
pad is shot.  I was talked into a rubber pad, huge mistake.  It has
dried out and crumbled.
 
The new generation of carpet scares me.  Carpeting is now chemically
treated to resist stains, dirt, water, etc.
 
Treated with Teflon, the very same stuff used in non stick cookware that
has killed more pet birds than I care to think about, including one of
mine many years ago, before we *knew*.
 
Well, now I know, and it will take a LOT of convincing before I'll put
something on my floors that is unsafe.
 
For now, my choice is leaning towards a non shiny sheet vinyl, coved.
There are some very nice ones out there, they don't scream
kitchen/bathroom *only*.
 
Some have a wood look, although I haven't seen any I really liked.  I
do like the no seams idea, and room/area rugs can really make it have
a warmer, cozy look.
 
Consumers Reports has a recent article on floor coverings if you want to
read more.
www.consumerreports.org
 
Ardith
[Posted in FML issue 5327]