Hard wood flooring remains a popular choice in home decorating. The warmth and beauty of hardwood adds to the value of your home. You have a variety of choices in colors and styles of wood. There is an option for every home from traditional to contemporary.
Choosing Hard Wood Flooring
You have several choices in styles for the overall look of your hardwood floor.
o Plank style flooring material is wide and resembles several strips of wood together in one plank. The planks are between three and six inches wide. The benefit of planks is the installation is a bit faster, since the planks cover a wider area than individual strips.
o Strips are smaller, up to three inches wide at most. These are beneficial for making the room appear larger.
o Solid flooring is one large piece of wood. These vary in thickness and are a custom made floor. They can be refinished many times over the life of the floor.
o Parquet floors are squares of hardwood that resemble ceramic tiles in size. Some are glued and others are nailed down. The squares can be arranged in a geometric design for a unique look.
Your other major choice in hardwood flooring is to get one that is unfinished or come pre finished. Pre finished floors come with a factory finish. These are very popular and easier to install. However, they are more expensive. Many find the additional price worth the money, as it saves time in staining and sanding.
Unfinished flooring must be finished after the floor is installed. You stain and coat the wood with urethane to protect the finish. The sanding and finishing process takes several days. You need to allow sufficient time for the surface to cure at each stage in the process before sanding. The floor must be sanded after each stage of the finishing process. Floor sanders can be used for this process.
Installing Hard Wood Flooring
Proper measurement is essential when ordering materials for your room. You will need a saw to cut the planks of wood to fit around corners and through doorways. For a more professional look, remove all the baseboards and trim before you start. Replace these after the installation is complete. The seams should be staggered as the planks are laid.
Before the installation process is started, be sure the subfloor is level. This should be done for any floor including hardwood, bamboo flooring, cork flooring or pergo flooring. If the floor isn’t level, use asphalt tiles to level it prior to beginning the installation.
Special paper can be used under the hardwood to avoid squeaking sounds when you walk on the floor. The planks should be nailed through the subfloor and into the joists for a stable floor that won’t move. Start the installation in the center of the room and move outward for the best, most even look.
Once the floor is laid, it needs to be sanded. Floor sanders can be rented through home improvement centers or any store that rents tools. Sand the floor evenly and don’t stay too long in any one area of the room. This can cause uneven spots.
Keeping Hard Wood Flooring Looking its Best
The care needed depends on the finish on your particular floor. Refer to the manufacturer’s directions regarding the care of pre finished floors. If your floor is finished with urethane, sweep a few times each week to remove dirt and dust. Wipe spills with a damp towel, but don’t use a very wet mop. This can damage the floor.
If the floors are waxed, you will need to buff occasionally and wax the floor. Using area rugs and door mats can help keep the floor from becoming very dirty. Protect the wood with pads on the legs of all your furniture. This will help prevent scratches and damage to the wood.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Best Commercial Flooring Defines
The interior of a firm defines the taste of the company and flooring plays an important role in giving an aesthetic look to the place. The moment you step in a company, it is the flooring that catches your sight. Just imagine the mesmerizing look of the flooring that takes your breath away. You would opt for best commercial flooring designs to lend a classy touch to the interiors as well periphery of your office. Best commercial flooring helps you in using the latest designs and this can express the theme of the office.
It is always better to select the flooring designs according to the colors of the walls and ceiling. The matching colors of the flooring or a slight contrast will lend a smart look to the entire office. Everybody gets amazed at the interiors and outer looks of the company. It is the best commercial flooring that unleashes the beauty in designs. Best commercial flooring includes the latest and trendy deigns that takes care of the sophistication to be maintained in the company, in terms of interiors and outer looks.
In selecting the best commercial flooring, you should take care of the designs that match with the idea of the office. There are a variety of designs and styles available in the market. You can select from a wide range of hardwood, linoleum, luxury solid vinyl, vinyl composite tiles, carpeted, ceramic tile, granite, marble, solid vinyl and many more. The basic thing is to give a designer look to the office. Best commercial flooring is meant to give your office a stylish look.
Best commercial flooring has cutting edges that are smoothly finished to give a desired effect. These floorings are installed with the help of adhesives, wall base, weld rods and other fixing materials. Well, the best commercial flooring is fixed with such perfection that it looks wonderful. The flooring of the company has to match the entire ambience of the company. In this way, the interiors of the company will get a wholesome effect. It is the décor of a place that gives meaning to the company. Best commercial flooring designs can earn you lots of praises.
Everyone wishes to buy the best commercial flooring within the allotted budget, so that they can give an elegant touch to the ambience. A variety of designer best commercial flooring is available within the range to give you an affordable and aesthetic feel. Moreover, it is the era of designer floorings that catches attention and calls for appreciation. Architects and interior designers need to have a good taste that can be applied to your office. They have to be abreast of the latest trends and styles in the market and work efficiently to give a stylish touch to your office.
Flooring is an integral part of a company or any business outlet and it has to be elegant in style. Best commercial flooring is meant to upgrade the standard of your office. Installing the best commercial flooring is not only necessary, but its proper maintenance is also mandatory for preserving the shine and grace of the flooring. Best commercial flooring unfolds most excellent designs that can work wonder for your office.
It is always better to select the flooring designs according to the colors of the walls and ceiling. The matching colors of the flooring or a slight contrast will lend a smart look to the entire office. Everybody gets amazed at the interiors and outer looks of the company. It is the best commercial flooring that unleashes the beauty in designs. Best commercial flooring includes the latest and trendy deigns that takes care of the sophistication to be maintained in the company, in terms of interiors and outer looks.
In selecting the best commercial flooring, you should take care of the designs that match with the idea of the office. There are a variety of designs and styles available in the market. You can select from a wide range of hardwood, linoleum, luxury solid vinyl, vinyl composite tiles, carpeted, ceramic tile, granite, marble, solid vinyl and many more. The basic thing is to give a designer look to the office. Best commercial flooring is meant to give your office a stylish look.
Best commercial flooring has cutting edges that are smoothly finished to give a desired effect. These floorings are installed with the help of adhesives, wall base, weld rods and other fixing materials. Well, the best commercial flooring is fixed with such perfection that it looks wonderful. The flooring of the company has to match the entire ambience of the company. In this way, the interiors of the company will get a wholesome effect. It is the décor of a place that gives meaning to the company. Best commercial flooring designs can earn you lots of praises.
Everyone wishes to buy the best commercial flooring within the allotted budget, so that they can give an elegant touch to the ambience. A variety of designer best commercial flooring is available within the range to give you an affordable and aesthetic feel. Moreover, it is the era of designer floorings that catches attention and calls for appreciation. Architects and interior designers need to have a good taste that can be applied to your office. They have to be abreast of the latest trends and styles in the market and work efficiently to give a stylish touch to your office.
Flooring is an integral part of a company or any business outlet and it has to be elegant in style. Best commercial flooring is meant to upgrade the standard of your office. Installing the best commercial flooring is not only necessary, but its proper maintenance is also mandatory for preserving the shine and grace of the flooring. Best commercial flooring unfolds most excellent designs that can work wonder for your office.
how Sanding Wooden Flooring Can Help?
Wooden furniture care helps to keep the furniture looking as good as possible for as long as possible. Sanding may help to keep wooden floorboards looking clean and new so it is certainly worth considering.
Getting wooden flooring in a house can bring so many different benefits, with the most visible benefit obviously being that it can look great in any room.
Many people decide to have either wooden floor boards or wooden laminate flooring in their homes. It could be that you have just got rid of your carpets after many years and realised that the floorboards are not too bad and with a bit of careful restoration they could be used for the room in the house. A lot of people didn’t think that the floor boards they had would look good but by cleaning them up and preparing them, you can either leave them like they are or you can treat them and even paint them.
Sanding Down Wooden Flooring
If you want to keep the floor boards in your house as part of the new look and they are in a bad condition, one thing that you need to do is to sand them down. It can be extremely hard work but by doing this it helps to smooth them down and it can even make them look better too.
The very thought of sanding the floor down can put people off, but it is better than spending lots of money on a contractor doing it for you. If you do not want to do it by hand then you can buy electronic sanders to help you with the task in hand. Whatever method you decide to use, at the end of it you should have nice flat and smooth looking wooden floor boards.
Wooden furniture care is always important and if you have just bought new floor boards or laminate then you will need to take care of them in order to keep them looking good for as long as possible. However something that you should take note of is the state of the floor boards beforehand. Sanding them first may not be a good idea, especially if they are seriously cracked and if they have too many splinters sticking out. If the floor boards are ok to be sanded then you can carry on with the task ahead.
If you are using a manual sander for the first time then make sure that you read the instructions beforehand and take the necessary health and safety precautions too.
Wood furniture care comes in many different forms whether it is looking after pre existing furniture or even new furniture. If you have new wooden furniture, clean it regularly and use the right products for it to avoid causing any damage in the long run.
Getting wooden flooring in a house can bring so many different benefits, with the most visible benefit obviously being that it can look great in any room.
Many people decide to have either wooden floor boards or wooden laminate flooring in their homes. It could be that you have just got rid of your carpets after many years and realised that the floorboards are not too bad and with a bit of careful restoration they could be used for the room in the house. A lot of people didn’t think that the floor boards they had would look good but by cleaning them up and preparing them, you can either leave them like they are or you can treat them and even paint them.
Sanding Down Wooden Flooring
If you want to keep the floor boards in your house as part of the new look and they are in a bad condition, one thing that you need to do is to sand them down. It can be extremely hard work but by doing this it helps to smooth them down and it can even make them look better too.
The very thought of sanding the floor down can put people off, but it is better than spending lots of money on a contractor doing it for you. If you do not want to do it by hand then you can buy electronic sanders to help you with the task in hand. Whatever method you decide to use, at the end of it you should have nice flat and smooth looking wooden floor boards.
Wooden furniture care is always important and if you have just bought new floor boards or laminate then you will need to take care of them in order to keep them looking good for as long as possible. However something that you should take note of is the state of the floor boards beforehand. Sanding them first may not be a good idea, especially if they are seriously cracked and if they have too many splinters sticking out. If the floor boards are ok to be sanded then you can carry on with the task ahead.
If you are using a manual sander for the first time then make sure that you read the instructions beforehand and take the necessary health and safety precautions too.
Wood furniture care comes in many different forms whether it is looking after pre existing furniture or even new furniture. If you have new wooden furniture, clean it regularly and use the right products for it to avoid causing any damage in the long run.
Outdoor Flooring Materials – Ipe / Brazilian Walnut
Ipe Wood is known by many names: Ipe Brazil, Amapa, Cortex, Guayacan, Flor Amarillo, Greenheart, Madera Negra, Tahuari, Lapacho Negro. It has a number of trade names: Ironwood™, Pau Lope™ & Brazilian Walnut. These are commercial names given to Ipe lumber by large Brazilian exporters.
Trade Names for Ipe lumber, include not only Ipe wood, but also a number of other similar species like Cumaru (Dipterix odorata) and Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata). "Ipe lumber" can be used in somewhat of a more generic fashion, rather than a singular biological description. Ipe wood is often clustered with other woods that share similar characteristics.
Uses: Ipe is prized for quality furniture and decorative veneers, and because of its' strength and durability, is used in boardwalks, decking, porch floors, tool handles, turnery, industrial flooring, and textile mill items to name a few.
Description: Ipe Heartwood is typically reddish brown, sometimes with a greenish tinge, often with lighter or darker striping. Sapwood is much lighter white or yellow usually removed at the mill, although small strips along the edge can be present. Ipe hardwood has no distinctive odor or taste. Ipe wood products contain no added harmful chemicals, so it can be used near water without potential contamination.
Durability: Heartwood is very resistant to attack by decay fungi and termites, it has the durability and strength of teak, for a lot less money. The US Department of Agriculture and Forestry rates Ipé as "Very resistant to attack by decay, fungi and termites."
Fire Rating: a "Class A" fire rating, the same rating given to concrete & steel.
Preservatives: Finishes applied on an annual basis can be used to hold Ipe's original color. If it has been allowed to gray, Ipe can regain most of its’ original appearance with a treatment of Penofin.
For more information on Ipe/Brazilian Walnut decking tile, please visit www.OutdoorFloors.net, a leading distributor of outdoor flooring, decking materials, and pre-made modular patios.
Trade Names for Ipe lumber, include not only Ipe wood, but also a number of other similar species like Cumaru (Dipterix odorata) and Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata). "Ipe lumber" can be used in somewhat of a more generic fashion, rather than a singular biological description. Ipe wood is often clustered with other woods that share similar characteristics.
Uses: Ipe is prized for quality furniture and decorative veneers, and because of its' strength and durability, is used in boardwalks, decking, porch floors, tool handles, turnery, industrial flooring, and textile mill items to name a few.
Description: Ipe Heartwood is typically reddish brown, sometimes with a greenish tinge, often with lighter or darker striping. Sapwood is much lighter white or yellow usually removed at the mill, although small strips along the edge can be present. Ipe hardwood has no distinctive odor or taste. Ipe wood products contain no added harmful chemicals, so it can be used near water without potential contamination.
Durability: Heartwood is very resistant to attack by decay fungi and termites, it has the durability and strength of teak, for a lot less money. The US Department of Agriculture and Forestry rates Ipé as "Very resistant to attack by decay, fungi and termites."
Fire Rating: a "Class A" fire rating, the same rating given to concrete & steel.
Preservatives: Finishes applied on an annual basis can be used to hold Ipe's original color. If it has been allowed to gray, Ipe can regain most of its’ original appearance with a treatment of Penofin.
For more information on Ipe/Brazilian Walnut decking tile, please visit www.OutdoorFloors.net, a leading distributor of outdoor flooring, decking materials, and pre-made modular patios.
Kitchen Flooring Options
Currently, anything goes concerning kitchen floors. In the old days, there were basically two choices, tile and linoleum. Today, we see hardwood, linoleum, cork, laminate, and many different types and style of linoleum.
Let's start by looking at what does NOT work well for most people's kitchen floors.
Cork flooring is all the rage today, but it's not a very good choice for kitchen floors in most cases. Although its surface is treated, it is just too porous, and if you have kids or a dog rummaging through the kitchen on a regular basis, forget about it. It is not durable. In other parts of the home cork flooring is very popular and it's very easy to install. In most cases, snapping squares together is all that is involved.
Marble tiles are beautiful but still a better choice for bathrooms. Smooth / or polished marble is very brittle and not durable. Marble is a rock, but most people don't realize how brittle it is, and at up to $15 per square foot it's too expensive to replace if something happens. "Tumbled marble" looks great, but it's far too porous for the kitchen. As you could actually spill coffee and wine on polished marble, it's not a good idea for tumbled marble that does not clean up as well and can absorb stains. Breadcrumbs would find their way into every nook and cranny too.
Some types of hardwood; Be mindful of the seams between the hardwood planks. Wide seems and gaps will collect crumbs which may be cleaned via shop vac, but heaven forbid something sticky gets down in the cracks. If you are looking at hardwood for the kitchen, choose hardwood that goes together with the smallest seams possible.
What selections work best in the kitchen:
Laminate flooring used to get a bad rap, but it is highly improved today. Laminate, actually a "picture" of real wood, will fool quite a few people today, and the layman cannot distinguish between laminate and real hardwood. Laminate is absolutely our # 1 choice for large families and those with pets. Your kids can slop jelly bread on the floor, the dog can overturn it's dish, and your husband can drip paint all over the floor and most laminates will laugh it off. Before you turn you nose up at laminate, go out there and see what's available. You will be pleasantly surprised.
The old stand-by, tile. Most tiles are either ceramic or porcelain. "Porcelain" does not mean the tile looks like your smooth white toilet. It comes in all the shapes and sizes of any other tile. All you need to know is porcelain is much more durable that terra cotta or ceramic tile and will pass the bowling ball test. If you drop a bowling ball on ceramic tile, several will crack and need to be replaced, where porcelain will probably be just fine. You will find porcelain to be about 25% more expensive than most ceramic tiles though.
Tile cleans up very well with the exception of the grout lines. Grout lines are a stain and dirt magnet. Make sure you double seal your grout lines, and clean and reseal them every 2 or 3 years. Unlike your tile, your grout will eventually absorb stains. Clean grout lines will give the kitchen a very clean and polished feel while grungy grout can be a dark cloud over your kitchen.
We are putting hardwood in both categories because some will work in the kitchen. 3/4 inch hardwood, or engineered hardwood can work just fine in the kitchen if the seams are very tight and you don't mind a few inevitable scratches and nicks. The final word on hardwood is its "hardness." Most hardwoods are compared and ranked against "oak" or "red oak" as a measure of hardness. Make sure you buy a hardwood that is no softer than oak if you have an active family. For example, dog scratches will plague all but the hardest of hardwoods.
Finally, let's look at linoleum flooring. OK, a top New York City interior designer still will not be caught dead using laminate, and it gets a bad rap. However, like laminate "hardwood" flooring, it is very much improved. Unlike laminate, linoleum won't fool too many people, often designed to look like ceramic tile, but noting beat's it in terms of cleanup and durability. If you are putting your money into a granite countertop and new appliances, a linoleum floor is just fine, and will last for many years with minimal effort. As the cheapest option, it will be there for you if your budget is squeezed.
Let's start by looking at what does NOT work well for most people's kitchen floors.
Cork flooring is all the rage today, but it's not a very good choice for kitchen floors in most cases. Although its surface is treated, it is just too porous, and if you have kids or a dog rummaging through the kitchen on a regular basis, forget about it. It is not durable. In other parts of the home cork flooring is very popular and it's very easy to install. In most cases, snapping squares together is all that is involved.
Marble tiles are beautiful but still a better choice for bathrooms. Smooth / or polished marble is very brittle and not durable. Marble is a rock, but most people don't realize how brittle it is, and at up to $15 per square foot it's too expensive to replace if something happens. "Tumbled marble" looks great, but it's far too porous for the kitchen. As you could actually spill coffee and wine on polished marble, it's not a good idea for tumbled marble that does not clean up as well and can absorb stains. Breadcrumbs would find their way into every nook and cranny too.
Some types of hardwood; Be mindful of the seams between the hardwood planks. Wide seems and gaps will collect crumbs which may be cleaned via shop vac, but heaven forbid something sticky gets down in the cracks. If you are looking at hardwood for the kitchen, choose hardwood that goes together with the smallest seams possible.
What selections work best in the kitchen:
Laminate flooring used to get a bad rap, but it is highly improved today. Laminate, actually a "picture" of real wood, will fool quite a few people today, and the layman cannot distinguish between laminate and real hardwood. Laminate is absolutely our # 1 choice for large families and those with pets. Your kids can slop jelly bread on the floor, the dog can overturn it's dish, and your husband can drip paint all over the floor and most laminates will laugh it off. Before you turn you nose up at laminate, go out there and see what's available. You will be pleasantly surprised.
The old stand-by, tile. Most tiles are either ceramic or porcelain. "Porcelain" does not mean the tile looks like your smooth white toilet. It comes in all the shapes and sizes of any other tile. All you need to know is porcelain is much more durable that terra cotta or ceramic tile and will pass the bowling ball test. If you drop a bowling ball on ceramic tile, several will crack and need to be replaced, where porcelain will probably be just fine. You will find porcelain to be about 25% more expensive than most ceramic tiles though.
Tile cleans up very well with the exception of the grout lines. Grout lines are a stain and dirt magnet. Make sure you double seal your grout lines, and clean and reseal them every 2 or 3 years. Unlike your tile, your grout will eventually absorb stains. Clean grout lines will give the kitchen a very clean and polished feel while grungy grout can be a dark cloud over your kitchen.
We are putting hardwood in both categories because some will work in the kitchen. 3/4 inch hardwood, or engineered hardwood can work just fine in the kitchen if the seams are very tight and you don't mind a few inevitable scratches and nicks. The final word on hardwood is its "hardness." Most hardwoods are compared and ranked against "oak" or "red oak" as a measure of hardness. Make sure you buy a hardwood that is no softer than oak if you have an active family. For example, dog scratches will plague all but the hardest of hardwoods.
Finally, let's look at linoleum flooring. OK, a top New York City interior designer still will not be caught dead using laminate, and it gets a bad rap. However, like laminate "hardwood" flooring, it is very much improved. Unlike laminate, linoleum won't fool too many people, often designed to look like ceramic tile, but noting beat's it in terms of cleanup and durability. If you are putting your money into a granite countertop and new appliances, a linoleum floor is just fine, and will last for many years with minimal effort. As the cheapest option, it will be there for you if your budget is squeezed.
Fit Your Own Laminate Flooring Step By Step
Installation preparations : 1.1 - Acclimatisation of the panels; Before starting the installation the flooring has to be brought into the room where it will be installed or in a room with the same climate condition. The acclimatisation will be carried out as following: in sealed unopened boxes for a time period of at least 24 hours flat laying with at least 50 cm distance to the walls at a room temperature of at least 18°C at a floor surface temperature of a minimum of 15°C at a relative humidity between 40% and 65%
1.2 - Installation direction; flooring looks its best when the flooring panels are installed parallel to the light coming in through the windows. The only required installation direction is if you install flooring over hardwood flooring boards. In this case you have to install the flooring at a 90 degree angle to the existing hardwood flooring boards or apply a hardboard or plywood sub floor.
1.3 Planning the first row; After determining the best layout of the flooring and the starting wall, measure the width of the room and divide it by the width of the flooring panels to determine the number of rows and the width of the last row. If the last row is determined to be less than 60mm wide, it should be adjusted by cutting the first row lengthwise.
1.4 Planning of expansion gaps; Since laminate flooring is made of organic materials, it is subject to certain movement behaviours (shrinkage/expansion) due to changes in climate conditions. It is necessary to leave gaps of 10mm for the expansion in all parts of the structure i.e. walls, doorframes, stairs, around pipes.
1.5 Planning of transition mouldings; through the shrinkage and expansion behaviour of the flooring you have to install transition mouldings in the following areas: at all door throughways at all passageways single room length and/or with more than 10 m (33 ft)
The Installation Process:
Check all panels for possible damages/defects. Ensure you understand the difference between the tongue and the groove on the panel. Begin installing the first row from the left-hand corner of the room with both tongue sides of the panels pointing towards the wall. Place spacers between the edge of the flooring panels and the wall to provide the correct space for expansion.
Connect the second panel to the first by indirectly tapped using a hammer and push block, thereby joining the boards’ headers. Mark the last panel in the first row to the required length (place tongue to tongue) and cut. Start the second row with the off cut from the last panel of the first row. Always make sure the off cut is at least 500 mm long, if not then cut another piece which is greater than 500mm long. Start all subsequent rows with the off cut piece from the previous row. Connect the second row to the first by placing the interlocking end of the new panel at an angle to the previously installed panel and then lower it into a horizontal position to lock then indirectly tapped using a hammer and push block, thereby joining the boards’ headers.
Attention! A floor is considered level if the deviation height is less than 2mm over a distance of 2.5 linear metres. Deviations above this level must be levelled out before laying the underlay.
Expansion gaps and expected movement with laminate floors It’s imperative all floors must have an expansion gap of 10mm around the entire perimeter of the floor and all fixed points within the area of installation. Without this precaution the floor will move and have nowhere too go. This can cause extreme levels of pressure pushing upward and outwards, thus lifting the flooring.
1.2 - Installation direction; flooring looks its best when the flooring panels are installed parallel to the light coming in through the windows. The only required installation direction is if you install flooring over hardwood flooring boards. In this case you have to install the flooring at a 90 degree angle to the existing hardwood flooring boards or apply a hardboard or plywood sub floor.
1.3 Planning the first row; After determining the best layout of the flooring and the starting wall, measure the width of the room and divide it by the width of the flooring panels to determine the number of rows and the width of the last row. If the last row is determined to be less than 60mm wide, it should be adjusted by cutting the first row lengthwise.
1.4 Planning of expansion gaps; Since laminate flooring is made of organic materials, it is subject to certain movement behaviours (shrinkage/expansion) due to changes in climate conditions. It is necessary to leave gaps of 10mm for the expansion in all parts of the structure i.e. walls, doorframes, stairs, around pipes.
1.5 Planning of transition mouldings; through the shrinkage and expansion behaviour of the flooring you have to install transition mouldings in the following areas: at all door throughways at all passageways single room length and/or with more than 10 m (33 ft)
The Installation Process:
Check all panels for possible damages/defects. Ensure you understand the difference between the tongue and the groove on the panel. Begin installing the first row from the left-hand corner of the room with both tongue sides of the panels pointing towards the wall. Place spacers between the edge of the flooring panels and the wall to provide the correct space for expansion.
Connect the second panel to the first by indirectly tapped using a hammer and push block, thereby joining the boards’ headers. Mark the last panel in the first row to the required length (place tongue to tongue) and cut. Start the second row with the off cut from the last panel of the first row. Always make sure the off cut is at least 500 mm long, if not then cut another piece which is greater than 500mm long. Start all subsequent rows with the off cut piece from the previous row. Connect the second row to the first by placing the interlocking end of the new panel at an angle to the previously installed panel and then lower it into a horizontal position to lock then indirectly tapped using a hammer and push block, thereby joining the boards’ headers.
Attention! A floor is considered level if the deviation height is less than 2mm over a distance of 2.5 linear metres. Deviations above this level must be levelled out before laying the underlay.
Expansion gaps and expected movement with laminate floors It’s imperative all floors must have an expansion gap of 10mm around the entire perimeter of the floor and all fixed points within the area of installation. Without this precaution the floor will move and have nowhere too go. This can cause extreme levels of pressure pushing upward and outwards, thus lifting the flooring.
Where To Buy Flooring?
Do you know where to buy flooring without the headache and the annoying, pushy salesman?
The challenge to figure out where to buy flooring can be very stressful and time consuming. Have you looked all over the internet and Google to compare pricing, quality and service? You can purchase almost any flooring right from the comfort of your home without driving all over town having to deal with sales people that sometimes try to sell you something totally different than you are looking for. This article will explain the advantages of buying flooring online and where to buy flooring online.
If you already know what you want, great. If you have any questions or not sure exactly what you want you can talk to a consultant by calling the 800 phone number on the website. You can then order through their website without giving a person your credit card number. The dilemma on where to buy flooring can be quick and simple. These top flooring sites have free shipping and great discounts on some products.
I know how hard it is to chose the perfect flooring for your home, as I have sold flooring for 4 years and have had to decide on what flooring I would install in my own house. I have also had 15 year of experience installing flooring to go along with selling for a total of 19 years in the flooring industry. Some things to consider when choosing your new floors, one that looks good and has style, durability, how easy it is to clean and adds comfort to your home.
Flooring is one of the most expensive investments you have in your home so make sure you take your time and know exactly what style you want for each room once you know where to buy flooring.
Do you know what takes the most abuse in the home or business? Flooring of course, one of the most underrated things we buy! Therefore, you want to find low priced, quality flooring. We bring in pebbles, dust, soil, grease and on and on... Most of us have pets, kids and dirty welcome mat's full of little rocks outside the front and back door. If people would keep these clean daily it would help tremendously on keeping out the dust and dirt.
If you are looking for a clean environment hard surfaces is the best choice compared to carpet which collect germs from spills and stains. Think about it for a second, we walk out on the grass, sidewalk, etc... collecting dog do do and all that, lol. Then we walk right into our homes carrying all these germs and smearing them into the carpet where it is harder to get out.
Floor types: - Laminate Flooring - Hardwood Floors - Cork Flooring - Bamboo - Carpet - Sheet Vinyl - Vinyl Tile - Ceramic Tile - Rubber Flooring
If you are still trying to figure out where to buy flooring and you are annoyed with the driving from store to store and all the confusion just look online. This process could take you 15 - 45 minutes or whatever . The benefits are saving time and gas money, plus you can compare prices very easily right here, right now.
The challenge to figure out where to buy flooring can be very stressful and time consuming. Have you looked all over the internet and Google to compare pricing, quality and service? You can purchase almost any flooring right from the comfort of your home without driving all over town having to deal with sales people that sometimes try to sell you something totally different than you are looking for. This article will explain the advantages of buying flooring online and where to buy flooring online.
If you already know what you want, great. If you have any questions or not sure exactly what you want you can talk to a consultant by calling the 800 phone number on the website. You can then order through their website without giving a person your credit card number. The dilemma on where to buy flooring can be quick and simple. These top flooring sites have free shipping and great discounts on some products.
I know how hard it is to chose the perfect flooring for your home, as I have sold flooring for 4 years and have had to decide on what flooring I would install in my own house. I have also had 15 year of experience installing flooring to go along with selling for a total of 19 years in the flooring industry. Some things to consider when choosing your new floors, one that looks good and has style, durability, how easy it is to clean and adds comfort to your home.
Flooring is one of the most expensive investments you have in your home so make sure you take your time and know exactly what style you want for each room once you know where to buy flooring.
Do you know what takes the most abuse in the home or business? Flooring of course, one of the most underrated things we buy! Therefore, you want to find low priced, quality flooring. We bring in pebbles, dust, soil, grease and on and on... Most of us have pets, kids and dirty welcome mat's full of little rocks outside the front and back door. If people would keep these clean daily it would help tremendously on keeping out the dust and dirt.
If you are looking for a clean environment hard surfaces is the best choice compared to carpet which collect germs from spills and stains. Think about it for a second, we walk out on the grass, sidewalk, etc... collecting dog do do and all that, lol. Then we walk right into our homes carrying all these germs and smearing them into the carpet where it is harder to get out.
Floor types: - Laminate Flooring - Hardwood Floors - Cork Flooring - Bamboo - Carpet - Sheet Vinyl - Vinyl Tile - Ceramic Tile - Rubber Flooring
If you are still trying to figure out where to buy flooring and you are annoyed with the driving from store to store and all the confusion just look online. This process could take you 15 - 45 minutes or whatever . The benefits are saving time and gas money, plus you can compare prices very easily right here, right now.
Various Choices in Flooring, Carpeting and Rugs
People often spend much on their home's interior design and furniture but neglect to pay attention to their flooring, carpeting and rugs. You should be aware, however, that your flooring, carpeting and rugs have a huge impact on the total look of each room in your home. It can completely ruin the effect you want to achieve or it can greatly enhance your space. You should, therefore, make sure that you have the appropriate flooring, carpeting and rugs for each of your rooms. It is best to consult the experts in these things because you will find such a wide variety of choices to decide on.
Where else can you find the experts but in a very reputable supplier of flooring, carpeting and rugs such as Carpet One Floor & Home? Their sales personnel have been trained intensively and extensively to become highly knowledgeable and to be able to provide clients with the appropriate choices in flooring, carpeting and rugs based on the needs and preferences they express. These experts even know what additional questions to ask to elicit other choice factors which you may not have thought of before.
Flooring comes in hardwood, tile, vinyl and laminate.
Harwood flooring can be of solid hardwood or engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood can be bought in strips or flanks. Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is made of three to five layers of hardwood bound with laminate. Engineered hardwood is more stable and more moisture resistant than solid hardwood. If installed and sealed properly, both solid and engineered hardwood flooring are stain resistant and do not absorb spills. They only have to be mopped and vacuumed for maintenance.
Tile flooring can be availed of in natural stone, ceramic, glass and metal.
Natural stone tiles can be made of limestone, marble, slate or granite. The softest among these is limestone which is usually used for decorative purposes only. Marble is also not very strong and is suggested for areas with minimal human traffic. Slate is found to be more durable and is slip resistant even in areas that are often wet, such as poolsides and patios. Granite is considered the most durable and dense. It can, therefore, take on high traffic. It also resists moisture and bacteria.
Ceramic tiles can be glazed, unglazed or in mosaic form, and is also durable. Glass and metal tiles, however, are only best used as accents.
Vinyl flooring can be availed of in no-wax, urethane and enhanced urethane variants, and can be bought as tiles or as sheets. The oldest variant is no-wax vinyl. It is not very durable, though. Urethane vinyl resists stains and scuffs better and requires low maintenance. Enhanced urethane vinyl is the newest variant and is most resistant not only to scuffs and stains but also moisture and harsh household chemicals. Enhanced urethane vinyl can be used even in bathrooms and only needs sweeping or mopping for maintenance. It comes in various designs, some of which look like hardwood or natural stone flooring.
Laminate flooring can also look like hardwood, natural stone or tile but is more durable and, ironically, more affordable. It is resistant to moisture, scratches, stains and fading.
On top of your flooring, you can choose to add carpets such as broadloom carpets and wool berbers, or rugs. Carpeting may also be layered with rugs. You can choose from among Oriental rugs, runner rugs, area rugs and round rugs.
With the expert help of the sales personnel from Carpet One Floor & Home, you can surely make the right choice in flooring, carpeting and rugs. They also supply solid warranties that will protect your purchase. Furthermore, your purchase will include both delivery and impeccable installation services. All you need to do is enjoy your new flooring, carpeting and rugs.
Where else can you find the experts but in a very reputable supplier of flooring, carpeting and rugs such as Carpet One Floor & Home? Their sales personnel have been trained intensively and extensively to become highly knowledgeable and to be able to provide clients with the appropriate choices in flooring, carpeting and rugs based on the needs and preferences they express. These experts even know what additional questions to ask to elicit other choice factors which you may not have thought of before.
Flooring comes in hardwood, tile, vinyl and laminate.
Harwood flooring can be of solid hardwood or engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood can be bought in strips or flanks. Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is made of three to five layers of hardwood bound with laminate. Engineered hardwood is more stable and more moisture resistant than solid hardwood. If installed and sealed properly, both solid and engineered hardwood flooring are stain resistant and do not absorb spills. They only have to be mopped and vacuumed for maintenance.
Tile flooring can be availed of in natural stone, ceramic, glass and metal.
Natural stone tiles can be made of limestone, marble, slate or granite. The softest among these is limestone which is usually used for decorative purposes only. Marble is also not very strong and is suggested for areas with minimal human traffic. Slate is found to be more durable and is slip resistant even in areas that are often wet, such as poolsides and patios. Granite is considered the most durable and dense. It can, therefore, take on high traffic. It also resists moisture and bacteria.
Ceramic tiles can be glazed, unglazed or in mosaic form, and is also durable. Glass and metal tiles, however, are only best used as accents.
Vinyl flooring can be availed of in no-wax, urethane and enhanced urethane variants, and can be bought as tiles or as sheets. The oldest variant is no-wax vinyl. It is not very durable, though. Urethane vinyl resists stains and scuffs better and requires low maintenance. Enhanced urethane vinyl is the newest variant and is most resistant not only to scuffs and stains but also moisture and harsh household chemicals. Enhanced urethane vinyl can be used even in bathrooms and only needs sweeping or mopping for maintenance. It comes in various designs, some of which look like hardwood or natural stone flooring.
Laminate flooring can also look like hardwood, natural stone or tile but is more durable and, ironically, more affordable. It is resistant to moisture, scratches, stains and fading.
On top of your flooring, you can choose to add carpets such as broadloom carpets and wool berbers, or rugs. Carpeting may also be layered with rugs. You can choose from among Oriental rugs, runner rugs, area rugs and round rugs.
With the expert help of the sales personnel from Carpet One Floor & Home, you can surely make the right choice in flooring, carpeting and rugs. They also supply solid warranties that will protect your purchase. Furthermore, your purchase will include both delivery and impeccable installation services. All you need to do is enjoy your new flooring, carpeting and rugs.
The Importance of Flooring in Design
Flooring forms the base of any interior scheme and with the many choices available it can be easy to get carried away and forget about the practical aspects that need to be taken into consideration. By their very nature floors are subject to the most use and therefore need to be able to stand up to knocks, spills and furniture not to mention human and animal traffic. Purchasing a cheap floor may save you money initially but it will not last long, looking worn and tatty before its time. Flooring really needs to be viewed as an investment and there are a number of options available to suit all levels of budget. The first thing to decide upon is whether to go for hard or soft flooring.
Tiles are a type of hard flooring and are available in a wide range of natural and man-made materials. Ceramic tiles, mosaics, slate and marble are just some of the choices available and each come with their own pros and cons. The main advantage of tiles is that they are extremely hard wearing and if well maintained will last a very long time. As they are waterproof they are well suited to areas such as bathrooms and utility rooms and being easy to clean are also ideal for kitchens. However, tiles can be cold underfoot and can be slippery when wet so are not suited where older people or children are present. If they have an intricate pattern they can be difficult to fit as well as being expensive and semi-permanent. They are also noisy and require other softer surfaces to reduce the amount of echo in a room.
Wooden floors are also classed as hard flooring but being softer than tiles they are also warmer underfoot. With the huge range of natural tones available they can help create a warm and homely feeling and although they can be noisy, if ‘sprung’ it can help to reduce noise and add bounce to the floor. The downside of wooden floors is that they are usually manufactured from softwoods and therefore can dent easily especially by the heels of shoes. Wooden floors are therefore best suited to rooms that do not receive heavy wear such as bedrooms.
Carpets are classed as soft flooring and by their very nature create a sense of warmth and comfort. They can feel luxurious underfoot and are good for hiding stains and dirt. Heavily patterned carpets however, can make a room seem smaller and will date easily. Plain carpets on the other can make a room seem larger by creating a sense of space. As well as being warm, carpets also help to reduce noise whilst providing insulation by guarding against heat loss through the floor.
In addition to the above there are many other types of flooring available such as natural flooring including jute and seagrass as well as concrete flooring. The key is to understanding what function the room or area that the flooring is to be laid on will be used for and selecting the appropriate finish for that purpose. Once you have decided on that you should always choose the best quality that you can afford.
Tiles are a type of hard flooring and are available in a wide range of natural and man-made materials. Ceramic tiles, mosaics, slate and marble are just some of the choices available and each come with their own pros and cons. The main advantage of tiles is that they are extremely hard wearing and if well maintained will last a very long time. As they are waterproof they are well suited to areas such as bathrooms and utility rooms and being easy to clean are also ideal for kitchens. However, tiles can be cold underfoot and can be slippery when wet so are not suited where older people or children are present. If they have an intricate pattern they can be difficult to fit as well as being expensive and semi-permanent. They are also noisy and require other softer surfaces to reduce the amount of echo in a room.
Wooden floors are also classed as hard flooring but being softer than tiles they are also warmer underfoot. With the huge range of natural tones available they can help create a warm and homely feeling and although they can be noisy, if ‘sprung’ it can help to reduce noise and add bounce to the floor. The downside of wooden floors is that they are usually manufactured from softwoods and therefore can dent easily especially by the heels of shoes. Wooden floors are therefore best suited to rooms that do not receive heavy wear such as bedrooms.
Carpets are classed as soft flooring and by their very nature create a sense of warmth and comfort. They can feel luxurious underfoot and are good for hiding stains and dirt. Heavily patterned carpets however, can make a room seem smaller and will date easily. Plain carpets on the other can make a room seem larger by creating a sense of space. As well as being warm, carpets also help to reduce noise whilst providing insulation by guarding against heat loss through the floor.
In addition to the above there are many other types of flooring available such as natural flooring including jute and seagrass as well as concrete flooring. The key is to understanding what function the room or area that the flooring is to be laid on will be used for and selecting the appropriate finish for that purpose. Once you have decided on that you should always choose the best quality that you can afford.
Wooden Flooring Is A Good Choice For Your Home
Wooden flooring has been around for a very long time but is still growing in popularity in recent times. More and more people are turning to wooden flooring as an alternative to traditional carpet or tiles and there are a lot of reasons why.
The first reason is the cheapness of wooden flooring. No matter what your budget may be you should be able to find products in your price range. Pure wooden flooring to match the traditional decor of an older home can be very expensive but prices start from a few quid per square metre for cheaper alternatives that may look as good such as laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is made to look like wooden flooring but is made from cheaper materials, as it is man made it also comes in a wide range of colours and sizes so you can be guaranteed to find something to match the style of your room whether it be a living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom or hallway.
The second reason wooden flooring is such a good choice is because it is easy to fit. A little bit of DIY knowledge, a bit of hard work and some patience can reap fantastic rewards. Carpets or tiles may need the help of an expert to be installed but wooden flooring can be attempted by most home owners with good results. Mistakes are easy to rectify as the pieces used are so inexpensive and buy purchasing a few extra panels when choosing your wooden flooring, if you make a mistake you can just insert another panel.
A third reason why laminate or wooden flooring is so popular is because it is hard wearing and very easy to clean. Spillages can be wiped away much easier than on carpet and if you have a major accident which results in floor damage then the damaged panels can be replaced whereas this would normally result in an entire carpet replacement and this of the cost and inconvenience that could cause.
The first reason is the cheapness of wooden flooring. No matter what your budget may be you should be able to find products in your price range. Pure wooden flooring to match the traditional decor of an older home can be very expensive but prices start from a few quid per square metre for cheaper alternatives that may look as good such as laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is made to look like wooden flooring but is made from cheaper materials, as it is man made it also comes in a wide range of colours and sizes so you can be guaranteed to find something to match the style of your room whether it be a living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom or hallway.
The second reason wooden flooring is such a good choice is because it is easy to fit. A little bit of DIY knowledge, a bit of hard work and some patience can reap fantastic rewards. Carpets or tiles may need the help of an expert to be installed but wooden flooring can be attempted by most home owners with good results. Mistakes are easy to rectify as the pieces used are so inexpensive and buy purchasing a few extra panels when choosing your wooden flooring, if you make a mistake you can just insert another panel.
A third reason why laminate or wooden flooring is so popular is because it is hard wearing and very easy to clean. Spillages can be wiped away much easier than on carpet and if you have a major accident which results in floor damage then the damaged panels can be replaced whereas this would normally result in an entire carpet replacement and this of the cost and inconvenience that could cause.
Redefining Floor Installation
Nothing seems more classy and suave than shiny hardwood flooring. It can give your house the look and feel you have always dreamt of. The warmth provided by these floors is unmatched. These floors are available in many varieties, color and texture. Hardwood floors are highly durable and last quite long with right maintenance and care.
Types Of Hardwood Flooring
There are basically three types of hardwood flooring available namely, Long Strip, Solid and Engineered.
Long strip is made up of three piles of wood laminated to each other. These planks are usually 8 feet long and 8 inches wide. They are flexible and can be glued, stapled, floated or nailed down to fit any space.
Solid floors are obtained from the tree as an unfinished log. These are quite sensitive to climatic changes especially humidity and not much environment friendly.
Engineered hardwood flooring is made of many piles of pre-finished or even unfinished woods laminated together. The main benefit is that these are not disturbed by climatic changes.
Points To Keep In Mind
Only a good and reputable hardwood flooring contractor must be chosen. Before settling for one, it is important that you keep certain points in mind:
* Reputation: It matters the most than anything else. Checks for the track record, number of years spend in the business and also, take the opinion of past clients. This will definitely help you in choosing the right contractor.
* Material: Some contractors keep their price lower but use inferior quality materials. Make sure you get your work done by a contractor who strikes a healthy balance between the two elements of price and quality.
* Insurance: The contractor must provide you with liability insurance. It is very important and you must choose it.
* Payment: Many hardwood flooring contractors charge a lot from their customers in the name of extra taxes and charges. It is important to make the total payable amount clear in the beginning before getting your hardwood flooring installation work done.
* Lead Time: It becomes difficult to carry on with regular household activities with repair and flooring work going on inside the house. It is therefore, important to fix the lead time.
* Variety: There are various varieties available like Tacoma hardwood flooring, red and white oak flooring, American cherry and hard maple to name a few. Your hardwood contractor must have many choices to offer.
Apart from all these considerations, you should also ask your hardwood flooring company about regular maintenance, warranties, cleaning procedures and varnish methods.
Maintenance Is An Absolute Must
To keep that Seattle hardwood floor shining as ever, it is important to take proper care on a regular basis. You can use simple household items like vinegar, lemon and the like to clean your flooring on a day-to-day basis. When proper and detailed repairs are needed or if you cannot manage the work yourself, you can easily take the help of a professional company. There are many hardwood floor refinishing companies that can help you in this. It is important to understand that wood flooring is not as tough as marble and stone. It looks extremely aesthetic but at the same time requires care as well.
Types Of Hardwood Flooring
There are basically three types of hardwood flooring available namely, Long Strip, Solid and Engineered.
Long strip is made up of three piles of wood laminated to each other. These planks are usually 8 feet long and 8 inches wide. They are flexible and can be glued, stapled, floated or nailed down to fit any space.
Solid floors are obtained from the tree as an unfinished log. These are quite sensitive to climatic changes especially humidity and not much environment friendly.
Engineered hardwood flooring is made of many piles of pre-finished or even unfinished woods laminated together. The main benefit is that these are not disturbed by climatic changes.
Points To Keep In Mind
Only a good and reputable hardwood flooring contractor must be chosen. Before settling for one, it is important that you keep certain points in mind:
* Reputation: It matters the most than anything else. Checks for the track record, number of years spend in the business and also, take the opinion of past clients. This will definitely help you in choosing the right contractor.
* Material: Some contractors keep their price lower but use inferior quality materials. Make sure you get your work done by a contractor who strikes a healthy balance between the two elements of price and quality.
* Insurance: The contractor must provide you with liability insurance. It is very important and you must choose it.
* Payment: Many hardwood flooring contractors charge a lot from their customers in the name of extra taxes and charges. It is important to make the total payable amount clear in the beginning before getting your hardwood flooring installation work done.
* Lead Time: It becomes difficult to carry on with regular household activities with repair and flooring work going on inside the house. It is therefore, important to fix the lead time.
* Variety: There are various varieties available like Tacoma hardwood flooring, red and white oak flooring, American cherry and hard maple to name a few. Your hardwood contractor must have many choices to offer.
Apart from all these considerations, you should also ask your hardwood flooring company about regular maintenance, warranties, cleaning procedures and varnish methods.
Maintenance Is An Absolute Must
To keep that Seattle hardwood floor shining as ever, it is important to take proper care on a regular basis. You can use simple household items like vinegar, lemon and the like to clean your flooring on a day-to-day basis. When proper and detailed repairs are needed or if you cannot manage the work yourself, you can easily take the help of a professional company. There are many hardwood floor refinishing companies that can help you in this. It is important to understand that wood flooring is not as tough as marble and stone. It looks extremely aesthetic but at the same time requires care as well.
Flooring New look
You want to give a fresh new look to your classic wood flooring and you have zeroed in on hardwood floor refinishing Seattle. You have made the perfect choice! The beauty of wooden floors is that they increase in value over the years and new technology of maintenance has made it easier for the homeowners to renew their floors.
Hardwood floor refinishing in Seattle WA offers a range of flooring services for their customers. If you want a new wooden floor or repair the existing one you don't have to go on a hunt to locate stores. There are hardwood floor installation in Seattle WA that provides the most durable, hypo-allergenic, and elegant flooring which combine timeless beauty with warmth and value.
The Beauty Of Wooden Floors
Wooden floors give you value, beauty and elegance which no other floors can match. It never goes out of style with the changing interior design fashions. Realtors will tell you that houses with wood flooring sell faster and at higher rates than houses with other kinds of flooring. It is a great value for the money.
Solid wood flooring is easy to maintain and durable. It holds warmth unlike other cold flooring material. It does not breed mold and mildew so cleaning is easier. Hardwood floor repair in Seattle WA takes care of your floor, as the latest techniques are available to restore and mend and retain the beauty your valuable investment.
Wooden floors are ecologically friendly as old woods are reused to make floors and last for many years without need to change. Non-toxic cleaning products are used to maintain the floors. These floors offer a natural sturdiness and reliability that lasts for decades.
Services
Hardwood floor refinishing Seattle offers a range of services for your wood flooring. Repairs, installation of new floors, refinishing existing floors by sanding with the latest dust free equipment, restoration by brightening and scratch repairs are among the services offered.
Hardwood floor installation Seattle is very customer oriented and focused. They are in constant communication with their clients and they ensure that the work is supervised and completed from start to finish. Being in the business of floors for many years, guarantees value for your money. The quality of material used is the best and you the customer will be sure of being satisfied with their work.
Hardwood floor installation Seattle WA has a variety of wooden flooring available for individual selection and choice. Unfinished, prefinished, engineered wood flooring and solid hardwood flooring are some of the varieties available.
If you need to refurbish your floors, hardwood floor repair Seattle use the best and latest equipment to mend your floors, which will renew your wood floors and give it a fresh new look.
Caring For Your Wood Flooring
When it comes to wood flooring you need to have professionals install it as it needs a moisture barrier between the subfloor and flooring. Use a quality wood that will stand up to the traffic in your home. Don't install wood floors in bathrooms as it will retain moisture.
* Do not use regular household cleaners, water or ammonia to clean your floors.
* Use felt under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
* Avoid using high heels and boots with heavy heels on the floors.
* Use cotton rugs and mats in high traffic areas to protect the floors.
* Clean up any spills immediately with a dry cloth.
* Vacuum clean to maintain cleanliness.
* Don't let direct sunlight fall on your floors.
* Never drag furniture over your floors.
* Periodic waxing and buffing is required for some floors.
Hardwood floor refinishing Seattle ensures the long life and beauty of your wooden flooring and gives your home a rich and stylish look that is long lasting.
Hardwood floor refinishing in Seattle WA offers a range of flooring services for their customers. If you want a new wooden floor or repair the existing one you don't have to go on a hunt to locate stores. There are hardwood floor installation in Seattle WA that provides the most durable, hypo-allergenic, and elegant flooring which combine timeless beauty with warmth and value.
The Beauty Of Wooden Floors
Wooden floors give you value, beauty and elegance which no other floors can match. It never goes out of style with the changing interior design fashions. Realtors will tell you that houses with wood flooring sell faster and at higher rates than houses with other kinds of flooring. It is a great value for the money.
Solid wood flooring is easy to maintain and durable. It holds warmth unlike other cold flooring material. It does not breed mold and mildew so cleaning is easier. Hardwood floor repair in Seattle WA takes care of your floor, as the latest techniques are available to restore and mend and retain the beauty your valuable investment.
Wooden floors are ecologically friendly as old woods are reused to make floors and last for many years without need to change. Non-toxic cleaning products are used to maintain the floors. These floors offer a natural sturdiness and reliability that lasts for decades.
Services
Hardwood floor refinishing Seattle offers a range of services for your wood flooring. Repairs, installation of new floors, refinishing existing floors by sanding with the latest dust free equipment, restoration by brightening and scratch repairs are among the services offered.
Hardwood floor installation Seattle is very customer oriented and focused. They are in constant communication with their clients and they ensure that the work is supervised and completed from start to finish. Being in the business of floors for many years, guarantees value for your money. The quality of material used is the best and you the customer will be sure of being satisfied with their work.
Hardwood floor installation Seattle WA has a variety of wooden flooring available for individual selection and choice. Unfinished, prefinished, engineered wood flooring and solid hardwood flooring are some of the varieties available.
If you need to refurbish your floors, hardwood floor repair Seattle use the best and latest equipment to mend your floors, which will renew your wood floors and give it a fresh new look.
Caring For Your Wood Flooring
When it comes to wood flooring you need to have professionals install it as it needs a moisture barrier between the subfloor and flooring. Use a quality wood that will stand up to the traffic in your home. Don't install wood floors in bathrooms as it will retain moisture.
* Do not use regular household cleaners, water or ammonia to clean your floors.
* Use felt under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
* Avoid using high heels and boots with heavy heels on the floors.
* Use cotton rugs and mats in high traffic areas to protect the floors.
* Clean up any spills immediately with a dry cloth.
* Vacuum clean to maintain cleanliness.
* Don't let direct sunlight fall on your floors.
* Never drag furniture over your floors.
* Periodic waxing and buffing is required for some floors.
Hardwood floor refinishing Seattle ensures the long life and beauty of your wooden flooring and gives your home a rich and stylish look that is long lasting.
Quick Step Laminate Flooring - Choosing And Caring For Your Laminate Floor
One of the attractions behind laminate flooring is the fact that it is easy to care for and has a long life span, but there are many choices of flooring available so pickling the right one can be a tough decision, do you buy cheap and go for the budget bargains or do you pay a little more and get a quality product that will stand the test of time.
It's also important to look for the best supplier possible. Here it's important to consider that word-of-mouth reputation is very important even if you're shopping for an on-line supplier, and that means that you need to be sure of the company that you've selected.
Get An Email Address and Phone Number
It's great if you can ask friends or colleagues or even family members for references and you need to remember that the best flooring suppliers will also have complete customer service capabilities. That means when you're dealing with an on-line retailer, you need to be sure to get both an email address and a telephone number so that you can contact the supplier whenever you've got any questions.
Quick Step Laminate Flooring
While the experts agree that quickstep laminate flooring is an excellent choice and is appropriate for almost any room in the house. It's this versatility that makes it one of the most popular flooring products on the market, but like any other kind of flooring this particular brand also needs to be cared for to preserve its looks and finish for as long as possible, so there are three important steps that you should look at so that the your laminate flooring stays in the best shape for as long as it is down.
Get To Spills Quickly
First off, it's important to remember that no matter what gets spilt on a laminate floor you should make every effort to clean it up as quickly as possible. Although this kind of floor is both tough and durable it will stain under extreme circumstances, and you want to be sure that you use a damp soft cloth and wipe spills quickly.
Protect High Footfall Areas
Whilst quick step flooring is hard wearing as a further safeguard, the experts recommend that you put down throw rugs in certain high traffic areas prone to high wear and tear and also where you might experience a little water spillage like kitchens are bathrooms.
Sweep Regularly
It's also a good idea to sweep these floors on a regular basis and after fitting laminate flooring you want to be sure to use some kind of dust mop to ensure there's no accumulation of dust or grit. Whilst dust and grit settles into the pile of regular carpet with laminate flooring it has nowhere to go so stays on the surface. Minute grit particles can cause micro abrasions which can dull the floors surface quite dramatically over time.
Follow these simple tips and your quick step flooring will give you years of enjoyment in any room of your home
It's also important to look for the best supplier possible. Here it's important to consider that word-of-mouth reputation is very important even if you're shopping for an on-line supplier, and that means that you need to be sure of the company that you've selected.
Get An Email Address and Phone Number
It's great if you can ask friends or colleagues or even family members for references and you need to remember that the best flooring suppliers will also have complete customer service capabilities. That means when you're dealing with an on-line retailer, you need to be sure to get both an email address and a telephone number so that you can contact the supplier whenever you've got any questions.
Quick Step Laminate Flooring
While the experts agree that quickstep laminate flooring is an excellent choice and is appropriate for almost any room in the house. It's this versatility that makes it one of the most popular flooring products on the market, but like any other kind of flooring this particular brand also needs to be cared for to preserve its looks and finish for as long as possible, so there are three important steps that you should look at so that the your laminate flooring stays in the best shape for as long as it is down.
Get To Spills Quickly
First off, it's important to remember that no matter what gets spilt on a laminate floor you should make every effort to clean it up as quickly as possible. Although this kind of floor is both tough and durable it will stain under extreme circumstances, and you want to be sure that you use a damp soft cloth and wipe spills quickly.
Protect High Footfall Areas
Whilst quick step flooring is hard wearing as a further safeguard, the experts recommend that you put down throw rugs in certain high traffic areas prone to high wear and tear and also where you might experience a little water spillage like kitchens are bathrooms.
Sweep Regularly
It's also a good idea to sweep these floors on a regular basis and after fitting laminate flooring you want to be sure to use some kind of dust mop to ensure there's no accumulation of dust or grit. Whilst dust and grit settles into the pile of regular carpet with laminate flooring it has nowhere to go so stays on the surface. Minute grit particles can cause micro abrasions which can dull the floors surface quite dramatically over time.
Follow these simple tips and your quick step flooring will give you years of enjoyment in any room of your home
How Make Decisions on Flooring, Carpeting and Rugs
All sorts of residential units, such as condominium units, apartments, townhouses and even palatial mansions, use flooring, carpets and rugs. This is possible across the board because flooring, carpets and rugs come in various styles, from the most basic to the most opulent. They can be used to coordinate with any interior design look, from shabby chic to modern minimalist to ornate elegance. In fact, you can change the look of any room in the house without changing your furniture or paint if you simply change your flooring, carpets and rugs.
The aesthetic impact of flooring or carpets and rugs is indeed undeniable. More than that, however, flooring, carpets and rugs are also functional. It is actually very important that the appropriate flooring, carpets and rugs are used in relation to the function of an area. Otherwise, you could actually create hazards for people. Fortunately, the available options in flooring, carpets and rugs include not just a wide variety of looks but a wide choice of functional characteristics as well. When in doubt, you can always ask for professional advice from your dealer.
In the area of flooring choices, most people seem to have a marked preference for hardwood, tile, vinyl and laminate flooring.
When considering hardwood flooring, you will have to weigh your options between solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. You can buy solid hardwood flooring in strips or planks that will then need to be sanded then stained. Solid hardwood flooring is customized by the customer with his preferred color for staining. Engineered hardwood flooring is created by fusing together and laminating several layers of real wood. Both solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring should be properly installed and sealed in order to be protected from spills and stains. Simple mopping and vacuuming done regularly will maintain both types of hardwood flooring.
When considering tile flooring, you will have to weigh your options among natural stone, ceramic mosaic, glass and metal tiles.
Natural stone tile flooring comes in the form of granite, slate, marble and limestone tiles. Granite tile is the strongest and most dense, is antibacterial and moisture resistant. It is the best choice for kitchens and areas with high traffic. Slate tile is also strong and is slip resistant even when wet. It is the best choice for bathrooms and pool sides. Marble tile is slippery and should not be used in areas with high traffic. Limestone tile is soft and is best used mostly as an accent tile for decorative purposes, much like glass and metal tiles.
When considering vinyl flooring, you will have to weigh your options among no-wax vinyl, urethane vinyl and enhanced urethane vinyl. Enhanced urethane vinyl flooring is the latest innovation and is therefore superior to the other two. It resists moisture and harsh household chemicals, and can even be used in bathrooms. Only regular sweeping and mopping are necessary for maintenance. Vinyl flooring is available in many designs and colors, including some that mimic the look of natural stone or hardwood flooring.
When considering laminate flooring, you only have to choose the design and color you prefer. There are also available designs that mimic the look of natural stone flooring or hardwood flooring. Ironically, laminate flooring is more durable while being less costly. After all, laminate flooring resists moisture, warping, staining, scratching and fading.
Instead of flooring you can use carpeting. You could also layer carpets over flooring. Your choices include broadloom carpets and wool berbers, among others.
Rugs can also be used over either flooring or carpeting as runner rugs, area rugs and round rugs. Oriental rugs are the most popular.
There is a wide choice of flooring, carpets and rugs at Carpet One Floor & Home
The aesthetic impact of flooring or carpets and rugs is indeed undeniable. More than that, however, flooring, carpets and rugs are also functional. It is actually very important that the appropriate flooring, carpets and rugs are used in relation to the function of an area. Otherwise, you could actually create hazards for people. Fortunately, the available options in flooring, carpets and rugs include not just a wide variety of looks but a wide choice of functional characteristics as well. When in doubt, you can always ask for professional advice from your dealer.
In the area of flooring choices, most people seem to have a marked preference for hardwood, tile, vinyl and laminate flooring.
When considering hardwood flooring, you will have to weigh your options between solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. You can buy solid hardwood flooring in strips or planks that will then need to be sanded then stained. Solid hardwood flooring is customized by the customer with his preferred color for staining. Engineered hardwood flooring is created by fusing together and laminating several layers of real wood. Both solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring should be properly installed and sealed in order to be protected from spills and stains. Simple mopping and vacuuming done regularly will maintain both types of hardwood flooring.
When considering tile flooring, you will have to weigh your options among natural stone, ceramic mosaic, glass and metal tiles.
Natural stone tile flooring comes in the form of granite, slate, marble and limestone tiles. Granite tile is the strongest and most dense, is antibacterial and moisture resistant. It is the best choice for kitchens and areas with high traffic. Slate tile is also strong and is slip resistant even when wet. It is the best choice for bathrooms and pool sides. Marble tile is slippery and should not be used in areas with high traffic. Limestone tile is soft and is best used mostly as an accent tile for decorative purposes, much like glass and metal tiles.
When considering vinyl flooring, you will have to weigh your options among no-wax vinyl, urethane vinyl and enhanced urethane vinyl. Enhanced urethane vinyl flooring is the latest innovation and is therefore superior to the other two. It resists moisture and harsh household chemicals, and can even be used in bathrooms. Only regular sweeping and mopping are necessary for maintenance. Vinyl flooring is available in many designs and colors, including some that mimic the look of natural stone or hardwood flooring.
When considering laminate flooring, you only have to choose the design and color you prefer. There are also available designs that mimic the look of natural stone flooring or hardwood flooring. Ironically, laminate flooring is more durable while being less costly. After all, laminate flooring resists moisture, warping, staining, scratching and fading.
Instead of flooring you can use carpeting. You could also layer carpets over flooring. Your choices include broadloom carpets and wool berbers, among others.
Rugs can also be used over either flooring or carpeting as runner rugs, area rugs and round rugs. Oriental rugs are the most popular.
There is a wide choice of flooring, carpets and rugs at Carpet One Floor & Home
Flooring, Carpeting and Rugs You Need
Flooring, carpeting and rugs are needed in any type of dwelling. Whether you live in the most basic apartment or the most luxurious mansion, you can find the specific types of flooring, carpets and rugs appropriate for every room in your home. They come in such a wide range of looks that you can even makeover any room by just changing the flooring, carpets and rugs even if the paint and furnishings remain the same.
Flooring, carpets and rugs are not just decorative elements. In fact, flooring, carpets and rugs are functional elements of a room. It is, therefore, imperative that the flooring, carpets and rugs used in any area are suitable to the use of that area. If not, flooring, carpets and rugs could even be hazardous.
The types of flooring that are in high demand are hardwood, tile, vinyl and laminate flooring.
With hardwood flooring, there is almost equal preference for solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. Solid hardwood flooring is bought in strips or planks that still have to be sanded and stained. Every customer can customize solid hardwood flooring with the preferred shade of stain. Engineered hardwood flooring is made of layers of real wood fused and laminated together. Solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring have to be properly sealed after installation. This provides protection against stains. Hardwood flooring maintenance consists only of mopping and vacuuming.
With tile flooring, the most popular are natural stone, ceramic mosaic, glass and metal tiles.
With natural stone tile flooring the most common choices are granite, slate, marble and limestone tiles. For kitchens and high traffic areas, granite tile is best because it is the strongest and densest while being moisture resistant and antibacterial. For bathrooms and pool sides, slate tile is best because it is strong and slip resistant even while wet. Areas with high traffic should not have marble tiles because this is slippery. Limestone tile on the other hand is soft and is more suitable as a decorative accent, as with glass and metal tiles.
With vinyl flooring the options are no-wax vinyl, urethane vinyl and enhanced urethane vinyl. The newest variant, enhanced urethane vinyl flooring, expectedly also has the most advanced features such as resistance to moisture and harsh household chemicals. It can be used even in bathrooms and only requires sweeping and mopping for maintenance. You can choose from many designs and colors of vinyl flooring. It can even look like natural stone or hardwood flooring.
Laminate flooring also comes in various designs and colors. It can also look like natural stone flooring or hardwood flooring but while being much more affordable it is actually even more durable since laminate flooring is resistant to moisture, warping, staining, scratching and fading.
Carpeting can be used to completely replace your flooring, or carpets can also be partially layered over your flooring, depending on the effect you want to achieve. Among the most popular options are broadloom carpets and wool berbers.
Rugs are often layered on top of flooring or carpeting. There are runner rugs, area rugs and round rugs. Oriental rugs are in high demand.
If you need advice in choosing the most appropriate flooring, carpeting and rugs for your particular needs, you can consult the experts at Carpet One Floor & Home
Flooring, carpets and rugs are not just decorative elements. In fact, flooring, carpets and rugs are functional elements of a room. It is, therefore, imperative that the flooring, carpets and rugs used in any area are suitable to the use of that area. If not, flooring, carpets and rugs could even be hazardous.
The types of flooring that are in high demand are hardwood, tile, vinyl and laminate flooring.
With hardwood flooring, there is almost equal preference for solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. Solid hardwood flooring is bought in strips or planks that still have to be sanded and stained. Every customer can customize solid hardwood flooring with the preferred shade of stain. Engineered hardwood flooring is made of layers of real wood fused and laminated together. Solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring have to be properly sealed after installation. This provides protection against stains. Hardwood flooring maintenance consists only of mopping and vacuuming.
With tile flooring, the most popular are natural stone, ceramic mosaic, glass and metal tiles.
With natural stone tile flooring the most common choices are granite, slate, marble and limestone tiles. For kitchens and high traffic areas, granite tile is best because it is the strongest and densest while being moisture resistant and antibacterial. For bathrooms and pool sides, slate tile is best because it is strong and slip resistant even while wet. Areas with high traffic should not have marble tiles because this is slippery. Limestone tile on the other hand is soft and is more suitable as a decorative accent, as with glass and metal tiles.
With vinyl flooring the options are no-wax vinyl, urethane vinyl and enhanced urethane vinyl. The newest variant, enhanced urethane vinyl flooring, expectedly also has the most advanced features such as resistance to moisture and harsh household chemicals. It can be used even in bathrooms and only requires sweeping and mopping for maintenance. You can choose from many designs and colors of vinyl flooring. It can even look like natural stone or hardwood flooring.
Laminate flooring also comes in various designs and colors. It can also look like natural stone flooring or hardwood flooring but while being much more affordable it is actually even more durable since laminate flooring is resistant to moisture, warping, staining, scratching and fading.
Carpeting can be used to completely replace your flooring, or carpets can also be partially layered over your flooring, depending on the effect you want to achieve. Among the most popular options are broadloom carpets and wool berbers.
Rugs are often layered on top of flooring or carpeting. There are runner rugs, area rugs and round rugs. Oriental rugs are in high demand.
If you need advice in choosing the most appropriate flooring, carpeting and rugs for your particular needs, you can consult the experts at Carpet One Floor & Home
Ceramic Tile Flooring
Tile is a naturally beautiful material that has been used in homes for centuries. Typically, tile has a high resistance to wear and tear, and when installed properly can last as long as the homeowner does. Below are descriptions of the varieties of tile.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is made by the firing process in a kiln and glazed to produce a clean finish. Ceramic is resistant to water and staining, making it easy to clean and maintain. The most popular choice of ceramic is the classic subway tile which has stood the test of time and continues to be installed all over the world.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is made exactly like ceramic tile but is fired at higher temperatures. This creates a harder material and one that resists water penetration. Porcelain tile can be made to resemble natural stone more than a ceramic can and is more economical than natural stone. For this reason, porcelain has become the most popular choice of tile flooring in recent years.
Granite Tile
Granite tile is a very hard stone that is resistant to water and staining. Granite exhibits uniform color variation and when polished it shines like no other material. Granite tile is a popular coice for counter-tops and showers due to the resistance of water and the ease of cleaning.
Natural Stone - Marble, Travertine, and Limestone
These natural stones all have similar characteristics and qualities. They are soft, porous, and vary in color and style from tile to tile. Also, calcium grains streak the surface on most of the tiles. These qualities make natural stone tile common to bathroom floors and walls, shower wall, kitchen floors and back-splashes. The soft feel makes for a warm touch and creates a homely feeling to a room.
Natural Stone - Slate
Slate is perhaps the most colorful and unique natural stone. Slate tile exhibits the most natural look by having large variation in color and roughness on the surface. Slate is very soft and consists of multiple thin layers. The rough surface is great for traction, making slate tile installed mostly in entries, foyers and mudrooms.
Natural Stone - Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone that is a cross between granite and slate. Maintaining the hardness and durability of granite, it also portrays the wide color variation and roughness of slate. Quartzite tile is a relatively new product and is become more popular and used in the same applications as slate tile.
Archway Contracting provides free in-home consultations for all types of remodeling projects. Based out of the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area, serving the entire suburban community. Services include professional installation of all types of finished flooring such as tile, laminate and hardwood. Complete service of bathroom remodeling from design to completion. Reis Grams owns and operates Archway Contracting. Over 13 years experience in the industry, call or email today for a free estimate.
Visit the website at http://www.archwayflooring.com
Archway Contracting services the entire Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area. This includes, but isn't limited to the following cities: Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, Minneapolis, Roseville, White Bear Lake, Hugo, Forest Lake, Woodbury, Champlin Park, Maple Wood, Chaska, Minnetonka, Edina, Bloomington, Richfield, Eagan, Elk River, and more.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is made by the firing process in a kiln and glazed to produce a clean finish. Ceramic is resistant to water and staining, making it easy to clean and maintain. The most popular choice of ceramic is the classic subway tile which has stood the test of time and continues to be installed all over the world.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is made exactly like ceramic tile but is fired at higher temperatures. This creates a harder material and one that resists water penetration. Porcelain tile can be made to resemble natural stone more than a ceramic can and is more economical than natural stone. For this reason, porcelain has become the most popular choice of tile flooring in recent years.
Granite Tile
Granite tile is a very hard stone that is resistant to water and staining. Granite exhibits uniform color variation and when polished it shines like no other material. Granite tile is a popular coice for counter-tops and showers due to the resistance of water and the ease of cleaning.
Natural Stone - Marble, Travertine, and Limestone
These natural stones all have similar characteristics and qualities. They are soft, porous, and vary in color and style from tile to tile. Also, calcium grains streak the surface on most of the tiles. These qualities make natural stone tile common to bathroom floors and walls, shower wall, kitchen floors and back-splashes. The soft feel makes for a warm touch and creates a homely feeling to a room.
Natural Stone - Slate
Slate is perhaps the most colorful and unique natural stone. Slate tile exhibits the most natural look by having large variation in color and roughness on the surface. Slate is very soft and consists of multiple thin layers. The rough surface is great for traction, making slate tile installed mostly in entries, foyers and mudrooms.
Natural Stone - Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone that is a cross between granite and slate. Maintaining the hardness and durability of granite, it also portrays the wide color variation and roughness of slate. Quartzite tile is a relatively new product and is become more popular and used in the same applications as slate tile.
Archway Contracting provides free in-home consultations for all types of remodeling projects. Based out of the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area, serving the entire suburban community. Services include professional installation of all types of finished flooring such as tile, laminate and hardwood. Complete service of bathroom remodeling from design to completion. Reis Grams owns and operates Archway Contracting. Over 13 years experience in the industry, call or email today for a free estimate.
Visit the website at http://www.archwayflooring.com
Archway Contracting services the entire Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area. This includes, but isn't limited to the following cities: Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, Minneapolis, Roseville, White Bear Lake, Hugo, Forest Lake, Woodbury, Champlin Park, Maple Wood, Chaska, Minnetonka, Edina, Bloomington, Richfield, Eagan, Elk River, and more.
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