Wednesday 29 April 2009

Choosing the Best Flooring For Your Basement

Basement flooring can make all the difference when you remodel your basement living space. Although you're pretty much free to choose any type of flooring materials you like for the upper stories of your house, the basement presents different challenges which must be met using appropriate materials. Since you are laying this flooring over a porous concrete floor, you need to have flooring that will withstand moisture without developing mold, mildew, and musty smells. There are still many delightful products on the market which are perfect for basement applications.

For starters, you need to consider whether you really need to add another floor covering over your existing concrete floor. Contrary to popular misconceptions, concrete floors don't have to be cold, damp, and unappealing. You can buy colorful concrete overlays which can be used to paint warm, interesting designs on your concrete floors. You can basically create any look you want to achieve by using an overlay, and the material will be resistant to moisture. Having an overlay installed will run you between $3 and $7 per square which is considerably less expensive than wood floors or carpeting. This material has the advantages of being durable and very easy to maintain.

Although carpeting is not recommended as flooring for basements, if you prefer the look and feel of carpeting, there are brands on the market that will resist the moisture often found in basements. However, you don't want to use any type of carpeting unless the moisture in your basement is under control. Excess moisture will rot all carpet fibers given time. Synthetic fibers will hold up better under basement conditions than jute-backed carpets will. Another plus is that most basements don't have a lot of exposure to sunlight which will fade synthetic carpets.

For obvious reasons, real hardwood flooring isn't a good choice for basements. Real wood works out better when conditions are dry and stable. There are a variety of faux-wood products available, however, which will suit your purpose much better. These look like the real thing, but they cost less to install and will require less upkeep.

Visit http://www.betterbasementideas.com for more ideas on basement makeovers including cost effective basement room ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_W_Smith

Tuesday 28 April 2009

Floor Clock: A Classic Necessity

Living in a four-wall apartment isn’t actually living. You hardly have any space for yourself, and your guests usually sit on your bed. You decide to move to a new place. You go to a broker and voila! You get yourself your very own house. It’s new and it’s finally yours. No more rent. However, the problem is a new house is new territory. There isn’t much in it except the wallpaper and the pipes that have been replaced before you decided to buy it. You definitely have to furnish it with some of your old furniture as well as some new ones.

You want to jazz it up, make it look classy. This isn’t the old box apartment that you once had. This is a beautiful place you now call home. You want to impress family and friends as they come for a visit. You want them to marvel at the simplicity and the elegance of your living room, for example. A beautiful hardwood floor clock should complement your home.

Functional Yet Ambient

When you have visitors over, you don’t send them to your bedroom or to your study. You have coffee and cake with them in the living room. Sometimes, by judging the living room, you will most likely know how it is like in the whole house. Filling it with so many things is not necessarily the case, as it is with making it as bare as possible.

Your living room is like the window to your house’s soul. Like any other room in the house, it should be both functional yet ambient. You could double it up as the family room as well as the entertainment room. It may be filled with the necessary gadgetry, but it should also possess a tad of class. A floor clock should be the icing on this cake. A floor clock provides functionality and a certain mood for your living room, but also harmony with all the other furnishings.

Make It A Personal Project

There are some people who can’t be bothered with designing their home. They hire interior designers to design their homes for a fee. To other people, it is the other way around. They’d rather do it themselves, rather than have some stranger design it and get the “feel” of their house all wrong, despite all their instructions. They want to mix and match and check out what things go for them by seeing already existing designs from other people’s houses or in showrooms. If you do this, you shouldn’t get carried away as well, or else the results will be disastrous. Don’t have too many themes, nor make it too negligible.

Make it a personal project. You know your taste better than anyone and you know what kind of theme you prefer in your very own living room. You can have a Greek-inspired floor clock, a Japanese coffee table, or a Persian rug. What you have to remember when designing it is that, you’re trying to design your living room, not make a showroom for IKEA. You should feel comfortable and at home in your own living room. That is the reason behind personalizing your own interior design, right? So don’t go overboard with the floor clock.

Ceramic Tiles - Revamp Your Floor and Wall Tiles

The ceramic wall tiles have increased the beauty of several households and commercials. They have been used as a decorative material, since several years. You can find these decorative tiles in several monuments and temples. Their shine and luster adds on to the grandeur of these beautiful places. Hence, people have started utilizing their versatile colors and designs to construct a unique tile layout for their homes.

The ceramic tiles have several advantages that make them suitable for designing your kitchen and bathroom walls or floorings.

Abrasion Resistance: Ceramic tiles are highly durable which makes them suitable for an area that is prone to high stress or strain. These tiles are highly suitable for kitchen floors that witness high foot traffic.

Water Resistant: These tiles are highly suitable for areas that are prone to spills of water. Hence, these tiles don't get deteriorated and provide great service. Therefore, they are ideal as floor or wall tiles.

Fire Resistant: Ceramic tiles have a non-combustive composition which makes them resistant to heat and temperature. Hence, you can utilize them as kitchen wall tile installation.

Dirt Resistant: These tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Hence, all you need is an effective cleansing agent and a soft scrub that can clean the stains without any difficulty. Therefore, you need to maintain a regular cleanliness regime to maintain the beauty of your floor and wall tiles.

Permanent Color: These tiles maintain their beauty for a long time. There everlasting color and texture makes them suitable for decorating outdoor walls and floorings.

Hence, you should utilize the extensive features and beauty of ceramic tiles to decorate your household surroundings. The wall tiles and floor installation can bring a refreshing change to your contemporary home decorations.

So, bring the change now by installing ceramic wall tiles in your homes.

About the Author:-
Jason Colling is a renowned writer, who has written articles on various interior designing techniques related to floor decor. His articles focus on various uses of porcelain tiles , wall tiles
kitchen tiles and adhesives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Colling

Monday 27 April 2009

Bamboo - Stronger Than Any Other Floor Covering

If you go for an alternative to hardwood for flooring, bamboo flooring is the perfect for you. The popularity of bamboo flooring is increasing day by day for its stylish look and also for the environment friendly materials used presently. Renowned manufacturers like Columbia flooring, Mohawk flooring and Armstrong flooring offer this item.

Manufacture of Bamboo floor covering

Almost like steel it is very strong and sturdy. Bamboo is much strong than any other objects used in low-priced floor covering and thus perfect for flooring. Bamboo flooring is more comfy to step on than the stone flooring and also stronger than linoleum flooring. You will have almost the same density, feel and weight, like real hardwood in this material.

Floorboards can be made of hard bamboo or be an engineered item. Engineered item means a combined product made of bamboo and another type of wood blended together. Mostly an engineered product contains a plywood core with a bamboo surface. Like all hardwoods the bamboo can also be painted and given a cover of urethane.

Bamboo floors are set up like other hardwood floor coverings. They are most often fixed or attached to the sub flooring. Like laminate flooring modern products are made in this fashion where the pieces lock together and form a floating floor, which doesn't require fixing or attaching to the sub flooring.

To set bamboo floor, the sub floor needs to be in level prior to putting in place. When it isn't level, then asphalt shingles should be utilized to make a perfect level. Confirm that the sub floor material is entirely dried up and there is no damp, which could damage the floorboard.

Bamboo Flooring: Ecologically receptive

People are becoming anxious about the reduction of the hardwood forests in this world. Lots of tree groups take generations or years to grow up, such as oak walnut. No adequate amount of replanting is there and still when new trees get planted, they can't grow up fast to fulfilling the necessity. Hard work is being made to stop the deforestation of forests.

This tree grows much quicker than any tree used in manufacturing wood floor covering. It takes maximum five years to become full-grown. New shoots start to grow almost instantly after harvesting and this comes about automatically and no replanting is required.

Maintaining Bamboo floor covering

Take out dust and debris with a dust mop or broom. Also make a solution using water and vinegar having 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar to clean this bamboo floor. When cleaning, use a slight damp sponge and dry the floor immediately with a mop up. You should never allow the bamboo floor to get soaking wet, since this can spoil the floor.

Sunday 26 April 2009

Granite Tiles - The Light Givers That Bestow Quality on Floors

The deep reaches of the earth form the birthplace of the rock that the world calls granite and the surroundings in which this rock is created are hot and melting with lava being the godfather.

Granite is one of the widely used materials for making tiles, due to being extremely tough and hard. This is the reason behind granite tiles being extremely durable and long lasting.

The tiles market has tiles being made out of materials like ceramic, limestone and porcelain but they are all 'an inch less' from the pinnacle of durability that is a common feature of granite tiles.

These tiles are used in a variety of ways by being fitted on floors, walls belonging to rooms, kitchens and wash rooms. Hence, the usage of granite tiles is quite a diversified one.

Counter tops also harbor the benefits of granite tiles and, therefore, these tiles have become into products that have a diversified market comprising of many niche markets.

All the major countries in this world have their tiles markets with the granite tiles sector being a revered one. This feature is a common one with all the markets and there are number of reasons for this.

One of the reasons becomes clear when one considers the quality of the tiles. Granite tiles are created with the habitual feature of quality and rich finishes. These tiles are normally the result of an extensive level of research being conducted by their makers. Hence, the result is visible in the form of tiles that are nothing less than fantastic creations.

Being made of granite is, however, not the precursor of mundane and stagnation for these tiles. On the contrary, they are available in many colour choices and also with different surface finishes.

The creative aspect is now being included in the creation of these tiles and this can be seen when one looks at the choices that are present. Hence, the makers of granite tiles are vesting their toils with a creative mindset and this is leading to a new generation of granite tiles. The tiles sector is, therefore, being vested with a range of tiles that is giving the feature of diversity, a new look altogether.

About the Author:
Jason Colling is a renowned writer, who has written articles on various interior designing techniques related to floor decor. His articles focus on various uses of porcelain tiles, granite tiles, natural stones and adhesives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Colling

Friday 24 April 2009

A Few Flooring Ideas

Whenever people start remodeling, they want to replace their flooring. Today it is important to consider not only style and cost, but also whether or not what you are doing is safe for you in the home and also if it is damaging ecologically.

The first thing you need to do is check out your existing flooring. It may not need to be replaced at all. Hard flooring can be refinished, stained, pickled, antiqued, or painted for a new look without cutting down more trees.

However, if you do have to replace it, consider using cork flooring, since it is durable, uses no toxic adhesives, comes in many colors and designs, and is comfortable to walk on. And cork is easily renewable.

Carpeting collects dust mites, mildew, and pet dander, all of which are difficult to remove. It is bad for people with allergies, and is often made from synthetics which are not good for the environment. Carpet tiles are worth considering, since they can be easily replaced, one at a time, if damaged or stained. Another bonus is that they can be installed without using a professional installation service. Often these are made from recycled materials.

If you still insist on carpeting, please consider not using carpet padding. Not only are you paying more for the purchase and installation of this padding, but you also are shortening the life of the carpet. So there is more material being used, more chemicals, shorter carpet life, and it is harder to clean, since the padding is like a sponge, absorbing and collecting dirt and stains and odors that are almost impossible to reach without using even harsher chemicals.

Lisa Mason is a freelance writer with a specialty in Internet content and SEO articles. She has written thousands of articles, hundreds of ebooks and thousands of website pages and related content. She has also authored her own books and works as a consultant to other writers, Internet marketers and Internet businesses.

Lisa Mason, Professional wordsmith for hire: gamer, wife, mother, entrepreneur, published poet, co-owner of game guides company (http://www.liti4.com), public speaker and Internet business consultant. You can learn more or follow Lisa's blog from her website: http://www.freelancewriter4hire.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason

Sports Flooring - Make the Right Choice

Indoor or backyard sports facilities are a pleasure to have in any house. Besides helping you and your family to stay active and healthy, these also enhance the appeal of your home. Before you install artificial flooring in your home, however, consider your requirements. Do you want to build a home gym in your home or backyard? Or would it be a basketball/badminton court in the backyard complete with all the facilities possible? Once you have a clear picture of your requirements, it is time to pick the right flooring.

If you chose to build a home gym, go for rubber flooring. There is simply nothing else available that can compete with rubber in this case. You can go for long, 3.5" thick rubber flooring, that you can roll out like a carpet. Buy additional rubber mats and put them in places where you may drop heavy dumb bells or bar-bells repeatedly. Rubber is great for absorbing punishment and for muffling the sound produced by dropped equipment. If you perform maintenance occasionally (around once a week), then you can look forward to getting 5-6 years of good service from your rubber floor.

When the floor gets dirty, simply mop it with water and let it dry. The additional mats may get frayed sooner than the floor itself, but these come cheap and are easy to replace. These floors and mats come in various colors, such as, black, green, red, orange, etc. and patterns, such as, diamond, ribbed, checkerboard, or even plain flat. Thus these can match your home décor perfectly.

If you are looking to put up a sports court in your backyard, choose the surface material carefully. A basketball or badminton court will benefit from synthetic turfs. These turfs come in various colors, such as, green, orange, brown, and a host of other colors. The turf can even be emblazoned with the logo of your favorite sports team or just about any picture, thus giving you a personalized experience. These are waterproof, fire retardant, and highly resistant to regular wear and tear. When it gets dirty, you can simply hose it to wash it clean. Unlike natural grass, synthetic turf prevents the growth of insects and mites, and thus stays safe for even children.

Sports flooring can be an ideal way to add value to your house. If you do choose to sell the house in future, well-maintained sports flooring will boost the market value of the house to a great extent. Above all, it is great for creating a personalized space in the house, just for you and your family.

If you are looking to put up a sports floor in your backyard, snapsports is the right place to contact.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathleen_Chester

Thursday 23 April 2009

Options In Travertine Floor Tiles

Travertine flooring is a type of stone flooring. It is one of the most popular stone flooring types. Travertine is well liked for its unique look that comes mostly from how it was formed.

Travertine is formed when minerals dissolve in ground water and become deposited at the ground surface through water sources. As it forms gases get trapped and leave pits and craters in the stone which gives travertine its unique look.

Travertine is know for being long lasting and consistent. When it comes to stone finding consistence can be difficult, but most travertine is consistent and easy to use as a flooring choice.

The different colors of travertine flooring range from a darker brown to a light, almost white brown. Sometimes the stone may contain veins or specks of other colors.

The main differences in the types of travertine stone is the color and the finish. As mentioned, there are a range of different colors, mostly browns, whites and gold. The color is defined during the formation process. Also, there are going to be variances in the stone in regards to veins and speckling of coloring. When the travertine flooring is made it cut from a large piece of travertine, so to get the best color consistency a person would want to get all their flooring from the same batch. However, as mentioned, travertine is rather consistent in its coloring, so even if a person needs to select their flooring from a couple different batches they should still be fine.

There are four finishes that are most common with travertine flooring. Travertine flooring can be polished, honed, brushed or tumbled. The finish will basically determine how the surface will look in regards to shine and texture.

A polished travertine floor tile is going to be the most shiny and smooth. A honed surface is going to have a matte look to it, but it also has a smooth surface. A crushed surface is not going to have as much shine and it will have a slightly textured surface. A tumbled travertine floor tile is going to be a highly textured surface with the least amount of shine. The most popular choice is usually the honed travertine floor tile.

Travertine floor tiles can also be cut differently to give them a different appearance and style. Travertine is usually cut with the grain, but there are also cross cut types, which are cut against the grain. The type of cut will result in more texture to the tile.

The look of a travertine floor tile is also altered sometimes by man. When a company prepares the floor tiles, by cutting them and choosing the surface type, they may also fill in holes or craters in the stone with an epoxy to make it smooth. Other times the texture is left and the tile is sold as it was cut.

Travertine flooring is a very durable stone flooring choice when compared to other more fragile choices. Other stone flooring has a higher risk of being broken or chipped. People choose travertine because it can stand up to the demands made on flooring.

Travertine flooring does require some maintenance and regular care because of its natural design. However, it is worth the time taken to care for it because of its unique look and natural beauty.

Travertine flooring is an expensive choice, but it adds a beauty that is unmatched to any home. It is unique and it is natural, which makes it a popular choice. Travertine flooring is something that a person can use inside and outside. It can be used almost anywhere in the home.

Sources:

ww.findstone.com

ww.bohemianrange.com

www.guide4home.com

www.builddirect.com

Monday 20 April 2009

10 Reasons Why You'll Love Bamboo Flooring

Thinking about a new floor, but can't make up your mind what kind of material you want to use? Why not branch away from the obvious and go with something unique that you'll love and admire for decades? Bamboo flooring is the obvious answer in so many ways:

1. Bamboo is comparably inexpensive. While not the cheapest thing on the market, for the durability, natural warmth and beauty you'll find with bamboo floors, the price is more than reasonable. Plus it's less expensive than hardwood, but just as attractive.

2. Bamboo stays beautiful for decades. It is manufactured to be exceedingly tough in high traffic areas and every other room of your house. The layers of compression and sealant make the flooring tough enough to last forever and polished enough to look sharp for decades.

3. Bamboo is naturally water repellent. The plants are naturally water repellent, although not waterproof. The finish process makes the material even more impenetrable although you shouldn't let water stand on bamboo for hours, just in case.

4. Bamboo comes in a huge variety of colors and tones. You're not limited to a handful of colors when you choose bamboo. The floors are made in a rainbow of shades ranging from white to almost black with every tone in between.

5. Bamboo is made of weeds. In Asia, where the vast majority of this flooring product is made, it is considered a weed. It's extremely fast growing and often encroaches on farmland. Farmers regularly cut it back and burn the cuttings, but now, as much as possible, manufacturers turn those weeds into floors instead.

6. Bamboo is extremely durable. A very hardy plant, bamboo floors are no different. The material is as hard or even harder than a hardwood, but is far less likely to scratch or dent.

7. Bamboo is a decorator's dream. If you love to play with design and style in your home, you'll love bamboo floors as a backdrop. A mix of a formal style resembling traditional hardwood and a hip, urban look, bamboo lends itself naturally to any design scheme, be it country, modern, or eclectic.

8. Bamboo floors are made ecologically. Not only are the stalks used in production simply weeds that regrow to maturity in an astonishingly short amount of time, the process used to create the finished materials take into consideration ecological factors as well.

9. Bamboo complements any style of home. If your home is a quiet sanctuary or a noisy, vivid hub of activity, it is a natural fit. In a home of peace and solitude, the clean planks offer tranquility and cleanliness. In a rowdy home, they offer a great place for dropped backpacks, muddy dog feet, and even soccer cleats.

10. Your friends don't have it. Bamboo isn't new to the market, but it's relatively unknown outside of informed design circles. It's very likely your friends have never heard of bamboo flooring. When you install yours, you'll always have bragging rights for introducing your family and friends to a truly fabulous flooring alternative.

Discover more reasons to absolutely love bamboo flooring by visiting bambooflooring.biz and get additional tips on installation and care as well as bamboo floor buying advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wills_Thomas

Sunday 19 April 2009

Protecting Your Floor With Wood Finish

If you have wooden flooring then you may have noticed that it does not take much for the floor to become damaged and worn. However, with a little added protection you can easily help to stop this damage and keep your wooden flooring looking as good as new. One way to do this is to add a finish to the floor and that will help to protect it from any wear and tear as well as potential environmental damage.

The Different Types of Wood Floor Finish Products Available

There are different types of wood floor finish products available to purchase and each one has its own requirements as to how to keep it looking good afterwards. Also not all finishing products are the same time wise either. Some will take longer to apply than others and so when you actually do go on the lookout for a product to suit you, make sure that you do keep this in mind.

Generally people tend to turn towards the penetrating sealer which is used to penetrate the wood’s surface. It has a slight satin type finish and the reason it is so popular is because it is extremely hardy and it will last for ages no matter whether there is a lot of people walking over it or not with just one coat. However if you do have a lot of people coming and going where the flooring is going to be, it would still be a good idea to add a second coat just in case.

In order to place this second coat on properly, it would be a good idea to first do the initial coat and let it dry. Then use a fine steel wool to gently and slowly buff the surface of the floor. Only do this gently as otherwise you will take the first layer off and that is not what you want! After you have made the layer smooth, it is then that you should apply the second layer and let it dry thoroughly before anybody walks over it.

Of course not everybody has a large time gap in which they can leave the floor to dry so if that sounds like you then you will be pleased to know that there is a fast drying option available for you to choose from as well as a normal drying option.

If you do not want to try the penetrating sealer then there are other varieties available. The ‘Surface Finish’ range is also fairly good and the polyurethane is also particularly popular. This would be ideal if you were placing the flooring in the kitchen or the bathroom for example as it has a high tolerance for moisture. You can choose to purchase these surface finishes in either a high gloss option or a matte option; it all basically depends upon individual preference.

Overall all of the different types of finishes are different and it would be a wise idea to do a little research before actually purchasing one for your home. Some will show imperfections more than others for example and some look slightly glossier than others. So look around and decide upon where you are having the wooden floor and what protection it might need. That way you will end up with a wood floor finish which will last for years to come.

Friday 17 April 2009

Floor Preservation: Steps In Water Damage Restoration

The most basic step in upholding water damage restoration is by simply transferring your valuables and furniture to an elevated area. Since water damage usually occurs in your home basement, by moving your things to the top floors, you will be able to decrease the damage caused by flood water. Even if you your basement flooring is water-proof, this doesn't mean that the valuables you have sitting on the floor will be safe from water damage. Aside from this, the wood or concrete beneath the flooring could possibly incur water damage as well. Hence, restoration work will still have to be implemented.

Since such damage can lead to total floor replacement, water damage restoration is a cheaper alternative for homeowners to fix their basement flooring. It is best to consult with a professional service so that you can have an accurate estimate of the extent of the damage and how much it is going to cost.

On the other hand, if you are faced with a flooded basement floor, do not wait until the professionals to arrive at the last minute. The simple task of mopping the water damaged area will help in decreasing the exposure of the floor to destructive elements. If your floor reaches the point of corrosion, you may have to completely replace your flooring which will lead to greater expenses. If you have a wooden floor, be sure coat it with the right chemicals to prevent it from rotting and becoming brittle. Moreover, if you have marbled or tiled flooring, you will need to scrub it with industrial cleaning products to clean out the stains and prevent it from discoloring. For those who are planning on building a house with a basement, the more practical choice would be to have concrete flooring so it can withstand water damage.

These simple steps can guide you in successfully implementing water damage restoration by yourself. Although it may seem like a daunting task, you just need a little patience and perseverance to accomplish the cleaning process. If ever the job gets too difficult to handle, do not hesitate to call on the professionals to help you out. Do not force the issue because this can lead to further damage in your homes. Even if you may have to shell out more money by hiring the services of professionals, this will still be a well-worth it investment since it will restore your house back to the way it was.

About the Author

Richard Barthallo reports on issues affecting homeowners for Water Damage Restoration and Water Damage Restoration

Article Directory: http://www.articlerich.com

Green Flooring Tips

Going green on your floors is not just good for the ecology. If anyone in your family has allergies, it will benefit them as well. Our carpeting is a magnet that attracts dust, bugs, dirt and toxins. This is especially true of wall-to-wall types. Instead of using all those resource destroying synthetic fibers, use area rugs made from natural, easily replenished materials that are stitched instead of glued.

Wood floors should only use easily restocked woods (FSC-certified) which are not endangered, or bamboo, which, when harvested properly, simply continues to grow without interruption. Any hard flooring should use recycled glass, stone or wood.

Recycled wood not only stops the forests from being depleted, but also has advantages for you.

  • Older woods from older trees have a tighter grain; are harder and denser than new wood.
  • The well-used appearance gives the wood floor a more distinctive look. The hand finishing is noticeable.
  • It will cost you up to 50 % less.
  • It lowers the rate at which landfills are being filled.

Bamboo is a sustainable material because it grows so quickly in the wild, providing a constant and plentiful supply. With reasonable caution cutting the bamboo does not damage the host plant. Properly dried bamboo rarely breaks, cracks or splinters. It can be used for hard flooring, area rugs, indoor and outdoor mats, countertops, walls, furniture, molding, cutting boards, place mats, and much more. It is less expensive than hardwood flooring.

Natural linoleum , when made of linseed, cork, tree resin, limestone, and jute, is biodegradable, non-toxic, and less expensive than wood.

Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork Oak tree, and is very durable, as well as a good insulation. The cost is similar to that of hard flooring.

Lisa Mason is a freelance writer with a specialty in Internet content and SEO articles. She has written thousands of articles, hundreds of ebooks and thousands of website pages and related content. She has also authored her own books and works as a consultant to other writers, Internet marketers and Internet businesses.

Lisa Mason, Professional wordsmith for hire: gamer, wife, mother, entrepreneur, published poet, co-owner of game guides company (http://www.liti4.com), public speaker and Internet business consultant. You can learn more or follow Lisa's blog from her website: http://www.freelancewriter4hire.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason

Tuesday 14 April 2009

How Kennel Flooring Can Benefit Your Pets

Comfort is not the prerogative of human beings. When we have pets living in the house with us, it is our duty to see that they are as comfortable as we are. This is more so when pets happen to live in kennels outside the house. Living in kennels can be a huge problem when pets are subjected to extreme temperatures. The good news is that today we have access to kennel flooring which takes these things into account. Kennel flooring is usually resistant to scratches, easy to maintain and even easier to install.

The best part about kennel flooring is that it is made from a material that is fibrous in nature. This means that all you need to do is to lay it inside the kennel. You do not have to take the trouble of sticking it with glue and waiting for it to dry before you can start using it. In other words, any home owner can install the kennel flooring. Since this kind of flooring is resistant to scratches, rough use is perfectly okay with kennel flooring. The best part about this flooring is that it is very amenable to cleaning, so that all you need to do is to put it under water and the dirt will be washed away in no time. Again, extreme temperatures will not affect kennel flooring. Thus, it is both relaxing for your pet as well as easy on your pocket.

You will find another type of kennel flooring called kennel decks which are also very convenient for use. The peculiarity of these decks is that they are a bit higher above the ground so that in winter the surface remains warm and during summer circulation of air prevents the deck from being too hot. Maintenance is again not a problem as these decks are made from plastic that is very superior in quality. This is another reason why it is resistant to the problem of fading that can be seen in inferior types of flooring. Since the decks are made from a material that is not slippery, the safety of your pets is also ensured.

A third type of kennel flooring called mats is again good in quality. Residing on this floor will be a luxurious experience for your pet. Mats are made from a material that is non-absorbent and rubbery. This will guarantee a great feel for your pets and at the same time it will not allow the surface to remain wet or stink. An additional feature of these mats is that you have a choice when it comes to the thickness of the flooring. This means that if your pet lives outside the house, you do not need to worry as you can get thick flooring for your pet. The best part about mats is that there are smaller versions of mats available in the market that can be used by you when travelling with your pet.

Kennel flooring is very crucial to establish a healthy atmosphere for your pet. If your pet stays out most of the time, kennel flooring will ensure that your pet is living in a beneficial and happy environment.

Adam Peters is the editor of some internet magazines on similar subjects. Learn more about floor bamboo and kennel flooring at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/flooring/bamboo-flooring.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Peters

Applying Concrete Stains - How to Organize a Flooring Redesign

Applying stains to an existing flooring can be a breeze, or it can be an uphill battle. It all depends on how you organize the staining process. For example, if you just bought a house, you want to be sure that you apply the stains and sealer before everything else. Make sure the process is completed before the furnishing gets in. Otherwise, you will find it more difficult to redesign the flooring.

But most homeowners want to apply the chemicals in their existing homes. So how should they go about organizing the stain application process? Here are some quick tips.

1) Storage concerns.

In the house, there is existing furniture, which gets in the way when staining the flooring. So this needs to be addressed immediately. In most instances, it is almost impossible to move all the furniture out of the house. Fortunately, there is a work around solution. Simply plan your work carefully, and you never have to move all the furniture out. One way to solve this problem, is to work on one room at a time. Move the furnishing into the adjacent room, and complete the work for one room first. Let the stains and sealer dry completely, then move the furnishing back in. Now, it's time to work on the other room.

This process is a little slower, as you have to let the flooring dry completely before you can work on another room. But it helps to break the work down, making it easier to focus on one room, and then on another. You may even end up with much better results than you initially expect.

The other alternative, is to find a temporary storage space (e.g. a garage, backyard, or a neighbor's house) and store all the furniture there for a day or two.

2) Drying time.

If you use quick drying stains, you only need a couple of days to apply the stains and sealer. Don't buy traditional stains that require more than 24 hours to dry. That will set you back by another 2 to 3 days. If you are renting storage space, you may end up having to pay more.

3) Having the right tools.

You will need some clean rags or paint brushes to apply the stains. For the sealer, all you may need is a spraying tool. The tools you need depends on the type of products you buy. So speak with your product vendor to make sure that you have the right tools. Paper towels often come in useful if you want to wipe off excess substances. Newspapers can help protect the work area.

4) The right amount of stains and sealer.

Ensure that you have adequate amount of stains and sealer to save yourself from having to revisit the stores again.

5) Monitor the progress.

As you let the stains dry, monitor the progress. Apply another coat if the first coat appears patchy.


Monday 13 April 2009

Vinyl Floor Care And Maintenance

Vinyl flooring is a popular type of flooring for a number of reasons. It comes in a variety of styles, it is affordable and it is durable. If you have vinyl flooring in your home you should read this article for some quick tips on how to maintain it.

Vinyl flooring actually requires little maintenance but it still requires some level of care to make it last. First off, it should be swept several times a week to remove dirt and grit. This material will wear the floor when it is walked on and will shorten its life if not removed often. At least once a week you should then mop your vinyl flooring. Use a cleaner designed for vinyl floors or a mild household detergent. To mop the floor mix up your solution and mop a layer onto your floor. Let it dwell for a minute and then mop it up. Allowing it to dwell will help it break down and absorb soil. Follow this up with a rinse using a mop bucket full of plain water to remove any residue for a floor that will stay cleaner longer. Place fans on the floor to speed up the drying if you need to put the floors back in use quickly. That is about all there is to the cleaning. If you choose to use a cleaner with a built in polish or protectant be sure to check with your manufacturer to make sure that it will not damage your finish.

Obviously no floor is maintenance free but vinyl is about as close as you will get. That being said, there is still some maintenance that needs to be done. Just do this little maintenance and you will have a floor that will last and beautify your home for many many years.

Friday 10 April 2009

Wood Stains Can Help Improve the Value of Your Home

Everybody knows that wood is generally classified as soft or hard wood. Hardwood tends to be more expensive, since they are more durable. When a property valuer assesses a home, the materials and overall look and feel of the home is taken into consideration. The market value of the property is ultimately affected by the demand in the marketplace. In other words, the more buyers who are interested in your property, the higher the value. So if you have expensive hardwood in the house, you are likely to get a higher valuation.

But what if the hardwood in your house looks old due to age? In that case, can you still get buyers to be interested in your property? Remember, there is always the question of perceived value. So you definitely need to find ways to improve the appearance of your home.

Make every effort to improve on the look and feel of the house. The more attractive the interiors, the easier it is to attract buyers. Many homeowners put this off because they think that overhauling the appearance of the home is a costly affair. But this is not necessarily true. It can be as simple as adding some wood stains to the existing flooring.

First of all, what are wood stains?

Wood stains are color concentrate that you can apply to existing flooring to improve on the appearance and to increase the lifespan of the materials. After applying the product, the flooring will look like new. It is logical to assume that a house that looks new is easier to sell than a house that looks old.

Applying wood stain is not a new method. But many industry experts know that wood stains can be very time consuming and difficult to apply. It involves applying the stain with a cloth, and then wiping off the excess. This process can take a few days. Therefore, despite knowing that this method can increase the value of their property, they still put it off.

Fortunately, a new product in the market, known as Beer Wood Stains, has the ability to take the hassle out of the application process. This product allows the homeowner to apply the stains just by using the right spray attachment. That means no more wiping and cleaning is needed.

Once sprayed, the stains dry in just a few short hours. The floor is then buffed and sealer can be applied immediately. Your job, as the homeowner, is completed. The entire process takes only a few hours. In other words, just by putting in a few hours of extra effort, you could be raising the value of your home by several thousand dollars. For sure, that is a substantial return on investment for any homeowner.

In addition, the colors that you choose can help enhance the overall look and feel of the home. You can choose between standard or designer colors. If your primary goal is to appeal to a wide audience, choosing a standard color may be a safer choice. However, if you want to achieve a more unique and exclusive look, try using a designer color.


Wednesday 8 April 2009

Real Wood Floor Installation

Real wood floor installation – how is it done? Using the latest techniques, its is possible to easily and efficiently fit, clean and restore wooden floors in a great cost-efficient way. Now it is possible to turn old, worn and abrasive wooden floor surfaces into stylishly and cleanly polished wooden floors that look like they come right out of the shop. We will look into how wooden floor fitting can be done best.

The best method of conducting a wooden floor fitting is by using state-of-the art fitting and sanding machines. The wooden floor sanding machines used to carry out wooden floor sanding in have seen many advances over the years, and the newest technologies allow for a virtually dust free floor sanding service to the customer. Also it's by far the most cost-effective solution to conduct such a modern and highly-polished wooden floor sanding installation.

The finishing work is done by using the absolute best quality wood sealers and a wide variety of colours mean that all customers can have exactly what they desire. Anyone interested in hiring a company in order to restore and sand their wooden floors are advised to take a look around town and on the internet for the best possible solution. People in need of a wooden floor maintenance operation have to be patient and compare both prices and services to come to a decision.

It is very important to make sure all the technicians are highly skilled craftsmen who have been working with wooden floors for a very long time. Only by selecting the best team and company for the job, customers can have confidence in both the workmanship and punctuality. A good company can't allow any bad recognition or any dents in their reputation, so keep that in mind. When you are unsure of the total costs of the operation, it is interesting to note that many companies offer a free quotation beforehand to evaluate the work needed.

It is also extremely important that wooden floor fitting companies use the very best equipment and the latest technology to perform a wooden floor sanding. The expert of choice in this case a floor sander, who will always look for the best solution in every situation. Floor sanders use very heavy floor machines since these machines give the best possible finish.

Floor sanders first have to evaluate the lipping in the wood floors. If there is much lipping then the wooden floor must first be sanded at 45 degrees to remove any unwanted lippage in the floor. When this has been done, floor sanders try to smooth out every bump they encounter and dispose of any scratches or dents in the floor. A sanding machine uses various sanding belts to get the smoothest end result.Then, a rooler or applicator is used to seal the wood and complete the process. In the end – when done well – professional wooden floor fitting will give a fantastic end result and deliver wooden floors with an incredible durability.

By: Daniel Lafferty

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Monday 6 April 2009

Eco-friendly Hardwood Flooring

Choosing hardwood flooring can be overwhelming. There are endless suppliers out there, each offering a variety of hardwood flooring options. There's solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, unfinished, pre-finished, wide plank, antiqued, distressed, hand-scraped. And it's available in maple, oak, cherry, alder, birch, fir....in what seems like a thousand different color options and ten different finishes. Now, add to that the desire to make your flooring "Eco-friendly" and you're probably ready to leave the sub floor exposed and forget the whole thing. Fear not. There are plenty of flooring manufacturers who practice responsible flooring manufacturing methods including sourcing their raw materials from responsibly managed forests.

Mercier Hardwood Flooring: As one of the largest flooring producers in North America, Mercier makes products that are widely available through flooring retailers. The company has been certified by three independent forestry groups: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative for its products as well as chain of supply and manufacturing methods. Not only does the wood come from managed forests, the varnish used on their refinished hardwood floors gives off zero formaldehyde emissions, exceeding LEED standards. Visit Mercier's website to find a retailer near you.

Kahrs: A Swedish company with operations around the world, Kahrs selects suppliers who have been approved by either the FSC, PEFC and/or the International Tropical Timber Organization. During the fabrication process, waste is minimized as the leftover timber cuts are used to heat heat homes located near the factories and the resultant ash is used as fertilizer for forests. Visit Kahrs' website to find a retailer near you.

Torlys: A Canadian company, Torlys supplies hardwood flooring is engineered and pre-finished. The benefits of engineered hardwood are: 30 times more flooring can be produced from a single tree, while wood is sourced from responsible managed forests. The floor adapts to weather and humidity changes better than solid wood. The floor can be installed by the homeowner as it snaps together, it can be walked on during installation, and disassembled and reused up to three times. Visit Torlys website to find a retailer near you.

Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring: If you're after a more weathered or antique look, reclaimed flooring is another option. Look for companies in your region that specialize in using reclaimed wood. This is a particularly "green" option as the wood used is usually sourced from local barns that are slated to be torn down. Floors have a beautiful antiqued look to them, as scratches and weather marks are usually left on the planks.

Cathy Rust writes a weekly column featuring new products from countertops to flooring, energy efficiency and green building products and services. Go to http://blog.homestars.com for more articles. HomeStars.com is a free website where you can read and write reviews on home improvement companies in your neighbourhood. http://www.homestars.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cathy_Rust

Saturday 4 April 2009

Bamboo Flooring Review - Pros and Cons of Bamboo Floor

Bamboo, which is actually considered a grass instead of a tree, grows much more quickly than most types of hardwood. Usually the bamboo is harvested between three and six years. Compare that to hardwood trees which can take anywhere from 40 years to 120 years to mature. That's a big difference obviously and is the main reason it is considered such a good Eco friendly option to hardwood.

Another reason bamboo is liked by environmentalists is because the bamboo requires very little pesticides and fertilizers. Pesticides and fertilizers can pollute the land and waters where the forests are managed. However, the manufacturing process of bamboo flooring can result in byproducts being dumped into local rivers and streams. So, it's very important to make sure you are buying bamboo from a reputable manufacturer. Two of the top manufacturers are Teragren and Ecotimber.

One of the problems with bamboo flooring is that the product comes from countries where there isn't much regulation. Again, this is why you want to look for well known and respected brands. Another thing to check for is whether the product passes the standards set by the Federal Stewardship Council, or FSC for short. The organization certifies forest management.

Look for bamboo that is older than just a year or two. The best bamboo will be harvested every five or six years or longer, which makes for a better product because it will be more durable, hard and dense.

A positive aspect of bamboo is the fact that it does better is areas that are exposed to water, whereas hardwood flooring does not do well when exposed to water. Also, the better quality bamboo is harder than many hardwoods, is stain and scratch resistant. Because bamboo is water and stain resistant, the floors are easier to maintain and clean. Using a wet mop on a bamboo floor is OK, while it is not with most hardwood floors.

One of the cons of bamboo is that there are basically only two types of colors: a natural light yellow hue and a darker caramelized tone called amber. However, it is possible to stain the natural planks with many different colors.

Make sure you have an experienced floor installer to handle your job if you choose to use bamboo as sometimes floating a bamboo floor can be difficult. Overall though, installing isn't a problem and will make you happy to use a product which isn't hurting the environment.

Tim Phelan is a concerned citizen when it comes to the environment.
He's also been involved with managing websites for several years, one of which has more information about bamboo flooring

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Phelan

Thursday 2 April 2009

How to Tile a Floor - Laying Floor Tiles

Ceramic floor tiles look great and provide a hardwearing, waterproof surface for a kitchen, hall or bathroom or conservatory.

However, although it must be said laying floor tiles isn't a job for the complete novice a competent amateur do it yourself enthusiast should be able to tackle laying plain ceramic or quarry floor tiles.

Firstly take your time and work carefully and methodically remembering that the key is preparation and planning.

Make sure your surfaces are suitable; the surface must be smooth, level and dry. Any existing wooden floorboards should be covered with 12mm (1/2in) exterior grade plywood sheets screwed down to form a level working surface. Concrete floors are of course the perfect base but before you commence work check that there is a damp-proof course. If not you should have one installed before starting work. You will need to fill any rough, ragged or uneven areas in the concrete with a self-levelling compound.

Plan the layout of your tiles so you know where they will all go before you even think about laying the first one. It is best to lay them out in the room to see how it will look. Pay close attention to corners, fitted cabinets, baths and toilets etc. You must remember that the tiles need to be laid out so that any part tiles do not show up in highly visible areas. Laying floor tiles around those areas where cuts are necessary is the trickiest part of tiling but if you take your time, measure and cut carefully, you should be able to get excellent results.

As already stated the secret of successful diy tiling is to spend time working out the tile positions - this is called setting out. First mark the mid-points of the longest wall and that is most visible from all the others and repeat for the adjacent shorter wall. Make chalk lines from each of the marks you have made so that you have a pair of lines that cross. . These lines should be perpendicular to each other. A chalk snap line is an inexpensive way to "draw" a long line between two points, when a ruler is not feasible. First, shake up the chalk inside the snap line tool (or add chalk if it doe not have any). Then, hook one end of the chalk snap line to your beginning point. If you have a well-functioning chalk snap line, you can slowly play out the line without using the crank. If the line plays out with difficulty, then be sure to use the crank to reduce the strain on the line. The way to get an accurate chalk line is having the chalk line pulled very tight when you snap it, as the more tension is on the string when you pull it up the more precise the line will be when you let go. Make sure the line is firmly resting against the floor surface. If there is any gap between the line and the surface, then it will not work. Hold back the line one inch as if drawing back the string for a bow and arrow. Let go: that is your "snap." Once you have completed this, make two marks with a pencil outlining the most central tile where the two perpendicular reference lines intersect.

Once you have completed this task layout some of the tiles along the perpendicular lines and observe if they run out in a way that will limit cutting. Once this is completed, remove the tiles and prepare for the actual installation.

Laying floor tiles or any diy tiling can be quite a daunting prospect and it's quite easy to make a complete mess of it. For complete peace of mind if you do not feel confident about tackling the work yourself call in professional tiling contractors.

Calling in a professional to help with your tiling work might not be as expensive as you think. If you would like to get a better idea of the cost of professional to help with your tiling jobs visit http://www.lptiling.co.uk Having problems with Laying floor tiles? Why not contact us now, we can help.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Potter

What Can Modern Floor Lamps Do For Your Home?

Modern floor lamps can help to add extra style to a room as well as making the most out of open and empty space. There are various different designs to choose from so it should be easy to find one which you like.

Decorating a house can be hard work, but after it is finished it is certainly worth it. You could have repainted all of the walls, ripped out old appliances etc but it can sometimes look bare after all of this. Adding extra features to the room after it has been decorated helps to make the room look complete. With all of the added extras you can use like furniture, something that can add extra class to the room is modern floor lamps.

How Can You Benefit From Using Modern Floor Lamps?

It is amazing how much difference using a floor lamp can make when adding it to a room. A room could have been feeling empty or it could have too much space and it helps to make use of this space in a good way. They can also add extra light into the room when it is dark and they also help to improve the mood of the room.

What Type Of Lamp Should You Use For Your Home?

There are many different types of modern floor lamps out there which cater for everyone’s differing tastes and needs. You may want a tall lava lamp for one of your rooms and for another room you may want a tall floor lamp to add extra sophistication. They can come in so many different styles and colours which makes it easier to find one that you like. Some people may like wooden ones whilst others may go for aluminium or metal ones. It is entirely up to your own personal taste.

What should you consider when buying a modern Floor Lamp?

To make the most out of your room, making the right decision is imperative. If you bought any old floor lamp, you risk making the room look unbalanced or slightly off. So by taking the time to find the right lamp makes it all worth while. Try considering a few of these pointers when choosing a modern floor lamp:-

 How much space do you have for the lamp?

 How tall do you want the floor lamp to be and will it fit in the room properly?

 Will the style of the floor lamp suit the décor of the room?

 How much do you have to spend on the lamp

 How often will you use it? Is it there for decoration to the room or do you need it?

The benefits of a floor lamp are clear to see and that is why getting the right one can make the world of difference.

Andrew Caxton enjoys writing about lighting for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Find more publications about modern floor lamps at his website.

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