Install a New Tile Floor Over Your Old One

One of the biggest objections many homeowners have about installing a new tile floor in their homes is the mess that tearing out the old floors cause. If the thought of ripping up your old floor is giving you nightmares and is what is preventing you from installing a new tile floor, a new Italian tile-Kerlite-may be the solution you have been seeking. Kerlite is a very thin tile created to install over the top of the old tile floor.

Numerous Benefits

This revolutionary tile brings several benefits to the table when considering installing a new tile floor. Since it omits the need to rip out your old floor, it alleviates your home from turning into a construction zone as far as the dusty mess that ripping up an old floor can bring. Because the tile is installed over your old floor, it also makes installing the new floor faster and easier, which means less down time or off limits areas in your home. It can also save you the cost of having to have your tile installers tear out and remove the old tile and the debris.

In addition, the thinness of the tile does not have an adverse effect on the height of your floor. The tile was intentionally created to be thin, yet durable, so that when it is installed over old tile, there is not a noticeable difference when looking at or walking on the floor. Finally, the cost for installing this tile runs about the same as any other tile, so there is no added cost for installing the new floor on top of the old one.

One Drawback

The only aspect of the tile that may cause you to pause is the price. Each tile is more expensive than traditional tile, but the money you save on tear out, and the hassle and mess you avoid may be worth the added expense. It may also be worth finally being able to walk on the new floor of your dreams.

Versatile Flooring Inc. brings over 30 years of combined experience in providing quality floor installation and kitchen and bathroom remodeling to South Florida. We are dedicated to providing skilled work and superior customer service to each client we have the privilege of serving. Your house is your home and we enjoy creating floors, kitchens and bathrooms you're proud to share with your friends and family. Versatile Flooring Inc. is the exclusive installation company for National Ceramics. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carlos_Regueira

Harmonics Flooring - Reasons They Could Be the Obvious Choice

Putting up a new construction is a true challenge when it comes to selecting the right materials for the structure. Various aspects like the costs, designs and variety crowd our mind and making decisions at each stage becomes a rueful experience.

If you are at the stage of deciding on the flooring, one obvious choice you could make is that of Harmonics flooring that comes with the following advantages:

Affordability

Fitting the entire construction cost within a certain budget is always a dominant thought in the mind. The financial burden of overshooting a budget is many and has a long term impact on our lives. So, affordability is one main criterion that makes Harmonics flooring appealing to many.

Durability

If you are thinking that keeping affordability as the main point, you are limiting yourself to a solution that could prove costly at a later stage, you are absolutely wrong. Harmonics flooring comes with 35 years of guarantee. They are treated well and are resistant to stains and any other damages. All you have to do from your end is ensuring that you have the receipts kept handy just in case you hit a problem within the warranty period.

Limited, but Impressive Designs

One major factor that leads us to delay in our decision is the wide variety. The greater the variety, the greater will be the need to spend time to take in all suggestions and weigh the pros and cons. With this kind of flooring, the collection may be limited compared to the others, but the collection is so impressive that you will have no reasons to crib. Your decision making procedure stands simplified and you also will get the best.

Versatile

The choice of materials depends to a great extent on the look and feel you want to give each room in your building. While some prefer a rustic look, some may want the modern look, yet others might choose the contemporary look. Whatever be your choice, Harmonics flooring is so versatile that it will blend with any look and simply enhance the effect effortlessly.

These easy to install floorings can be worked on by you instead of heading out to search for professionals to do the job for you. This makes you less dependent on others and you can also save in terms of costs.

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

Beat the Winter Chill With Electric Floor Heating

Radiant heating has become very popular in the recent years over other traditional methods of heating like baseboard heating, forced-air heating etc. And among its many forms, electric heating is the most preferred option whether it's under floor heating or above floor. And why not, it is the most effective form that you can get maximum results with the bare minimal energy losses. This is great in terms of money saving, as well as beneficial for the environment in general. It is also good news to people with heat allergy symptoms, as in this form of heating no air escapes through the ducts.

Electric floor heating can be carried out in many ways viz; by using electric radiant and also by using radiant floor wires or mats. The advantage of using electric heating is that it offer comfort in the heating of the home by providing true radiant heat and not just heating the air that surrounds them.

Electric floor heating are great options while undergoing new construction or remodeling and in projects of any size. This type of heating proves very profitable in areas with low electricity prices.

What exactly are Electric radiant floor? Well, they are nothing but a method of heating where electric cables are built into the floor. And the heat thus generated exudes warmth in the room, or desired area.

The other Underfloor heating or radiant floor option apart from electric heating is the hydronic radiant floors that use water. The process involves allowing hot water to pass through the PEX tubing which gradually warms the room.

Logging online to avail the best radiant floor services is a smart idea. And the reasons are many: you can find the one that apply specifically to your home or office. You can also avail premium discounts, as most of the websites offering electric floor heating services have this option for their online clients.

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

Acoustic Flooring - 10 Things to Look For

Acoustic flooring can make your home quieter. If you want to reduce the noise in your home, then perhaps you're considering floating flooring as a way of achieving this.

Here are 10 things to look out for when choosing acoustic flooring.

1. Why do you need acoustic flooring? Perhaps you're in the process of building a home cinema room, want to reduce the noise of your washing machine or dishwasher, or perhaps you play a musical instrument and want to play more often without disturbing the rest of the household.

2. Is it for a new build or a refurbishment? Most flooring products are designed for either new builds or refurbishments, so you will need to check the products you are considering are suitable. Some floating floors are suitable for both build types.

3. You'll need to be aware of the UK Building Regulations Part E, which cover the acceptable levels of noise in buildings. If your project doesn't meet these regulations, then it won't pass the relevant inspections.

4. Airborne noise is the noise that travels through the air, such as music, or voices. If you want to play your music loud, then you will want good airborne sound protection.

5. Impact noise is the noise created by something impacting against something else. A vibrating washing machine, or footsteps on the stairs, is classed as impact noise. If you wanted to play your drum kit loud, or want to reduce the amount of noise on your stairs, or in upstairs rooms, you'll be looking for flooring that insulated impact noise.

6. Flanking transmission is the sound that passes through walls and floors. This is the sort of noise that can annoy neighbours. In a new build or a refurbishment, you will need to make sure that the noise can't travel too far between rooms.

7. Structural boards can be used as part of the floor itself, and can be used with the existing joists.

8. Special noise reducing joist treatments can be used with structural boards so that the amount of noise heard or felt is minimised. In addition, special insulation can be used with the joists so that the vibrations are reduced as much as possible.

9. Overlay boards are ideal for fitting over an existing wooden, or concrete floor, and can help to dramatically reduce the amount of noise between floors.

10. If the acoustic flooring easy is to fit then you might be able to do it yourself, depending on your skills and experience. If you're not sure you can do it, then make sure that you get it done professionally, so that you know it has been fitted properly, and will give you the protection you need.

Now you know what to look for when choosing acoustic flooring, if you want to make your home quieter, what's stopping you?

Tag : floor,flooring,floor tiles,hardwood floor

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

Taking Pet Stains Off of Hardwood Floors

No matter how great your pet is and how much you love him, there will be times when he will mess on your floors. It doesn't matter whether you have a dog, a cat, or a hamster, and even if you've thoroughly trained them, it's going to happen once in awhile. So how do you keep your hardwood floors looking great when they get difficult pet stains?

It's especially true that older pets and those left alone for long intervals can have accidents. If these accidents happen on hardwood floors, you can have a lot of trouble removing them. If you catch the stains soon enough, they'll be relatively easy to move with the right cleaning. Old, dried-on stains are going to present a greater dilemma, although they can be removed if you're prepared for a bit of hard work.

One of an animal's basic instincts is to mark out his territory. This means that if you once had a pet that left stains on the floor, a new pet will try and follow suit. Therefore, it's essential that you remove all pet stains from floors in order to keep your new pet from smelling them.

Fresh pet stains are easier to remove, because they have not yet had time to be completely absorbed into the floor. There are special stain-removers on the market which you can buy. Just make sure that the product you select isn't one that is going to damage the finish of your floor. The other tools you'll need to eradicate the stain are paper towels, warm water, and white vinegar.

Using the materials outlined above, here is what you need to do:

* Remove all standing urine by blotting the area with a paper towel.
* Use white vinegar and scrub the entire area to reduce stain and odor.
* Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
* Blot totally dry with paper towels. Remaining liquid could cause the floor to warp.
* Apply stain and odor remover to keep your pet from going there again.

Getting Rid of Old Stains

Most likely older pet stains will have already seeped down into the wood flooring as well as the sub-flooring. What you need to do in order to see how deep it went is to sand the stained area until you get to a point where it isn't stained any longer. If the stain has gone down below the floor surface, then the entire stained section of floor will need to be removed. Depending on how much damage was done, you may have to refinish the entire hardwood floor.

A stain that has been there for a number of years has allowed urine and odors to penetrate the sub-flooring. If you're carefully you might try using commercial bleach on the area. Make sure you have gloves and know what you're doing before trying this, though. If you've had to sand stains out of the floor, resurface the area with shellac-based primer.

Tag : floor,hardwood floor,floor installation

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

How to Decide on Flooring For Your Home

One of the easiest and fastest way to change the look of your home is by changing the flooring. There are so many choices out there that can be tailored to your needs and pocketbook. In this article I will give you some tips for choosing new flooring for your home.

First, you must establish a budget. After you have set a price range that you can spend you can begin to see what is offered at those price points.

Second, you must evaluate your needs. Stop and think where this flooring is going and how much wear and tear it will receive. If the flooring is going into a living room or spare bedroom that receives little traffic one type of floor is possible, but if it is going into an area that Whether you have children or pets that is something else that is very important to consider when choosing your floor. If you have old people in your home that have devices with wheels you may also want to take that into consideration.

Third, today floors that are hypo- allergenic have become quite popular. With so many people suffering from allergies some families have decided to go with wood or tile floors instead of carpeting.

Fourth, if tile or hard wood floors are what you want, but are too expensive there are many synthetic choices available that give you the look of the real thing but at a much cheaper price.

Fifth, whatever flooring you choose make sure you decide on one that works well with the colors and theme of your home. Keep in mind whatever you choose you will be living with for quite awhile.

Lastly, as with most anything you do I suggest you check with an expert to see if you are making the right choice for your home. It is better to know the downsides of any flooring before you have spent good hard earned money to have it put in your home.

Tag : floor,floor tiles,floor covering,hardwood floor

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

Cheap Hardwood Flooring Can Add Instant Value

With the housing market the way it is, now is the time to pick up housing at unbeatable prices. You might be a first time home owner or just looking to add a rental property to make a little extra cash; either way you cannot beat the price you will pay for a home right now. A lot of inexpensive homes might need just the right touch ups to get you in. It can start with the floors and right now there a lot of companies out there selling cheap hardwood floor.

You can get great deals on oak, birch, and pine in the present market.Although I prefer cheap hardwood flooring to anything else, you can get some unbelievable carpets right now, too. Carpets can give you the warmth that you are looking for in the cold winter months, but it will not be as durable as hardwoods. If you are looking to add warmth with hardwood flooring, you might want to consider just adding rugs or throws in areas where it is needed.

This can give you the extra appeal you are going for as well, for a relatively inexpensive price. These touches can add instant value to a home and draw in potential renters with the attractive look.If cheap hardwood flooring is not appealing to you, you might also consider laminate flooring. It is an even cheaper alternative that can be more durable than carpeting and give you the look of the oak or pine hardwood flooring.

This is great for that first time homeowner, when expenses can add up relatively quickly in a fixer upper. I believe you will be satisfied with the look that you get when you add a few rugs here and there. In all, it is probably the cheapest alternative and it still adds value.If you do plan to put in cheap hardwood flooring, you can add more appeal with a little slate or marble accents in areas such as entry ways or fireplaces. With small amounts, you are not having to add a lot to the cost and it can have a dramatic effect.

You might even want to consider an environmentally conscious choice in choosing cork flooring. Cork comes from trees that grow extremely quickly. This can give you a great look as well. Whatever way you choose, you cannot go wrong in this market. It is the perfect time to buy that house to make your home.

Not sure which flooring is for you? Learn about the different wood and vinyl floors on the market today including more info on discount hardwood flooring options.

Tag : floor,flooring,hardwood flooring,floor covering

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

Can You Wax Bamboo Floors?

All bamboo floors on the market come with a surface finish, with ceramic and aluminum-oxide being very popular for its scratch resistance and durability. As with hardwood floors, mixing surface finishes with wax finishes is not an option, but does it make it impossible to use wax on a bamboo floor?

The common answer would be, don't use wax if you can afford to maintain and recoat a surface finish. Another advice you will often hear is, never use wax on top of the surface finish. It's all valid, of course, but depending on the type of bamboo floor, you can actually use wax if you really must do so, but it's not as straightforward as you might have imagined.

It takes as much as sanding off the original finish and refinishing the floor with wax. It's the same procedure that is followed for wood floors. Keep in mind that once done, you are unlikely to be able to switch back to a surface finish ever again. The wax seeps into the bamboo and layers underneath, so even a thorough resand on a solid bamboo floor might not remove all the wax.

Another issue is that once you go the wax way, you will have to rewax and buff the floor regularly to keep it in top condition, just like with a wood floor. A factor that may deny you the chance to switch to a wax finish is the type of bamboo flooring. Sure, solid floors are always good candidates, but with the special chemicals and processes used in the making of some strand woven and engineered bamboo floors, you'd be better off asking the manufacturer for advice. I won't even mention the expensive hand scrapped floors who require completely specialized sanding and refinishing if you're to keep their original look.

When it comes to visual appearance, you will most likely notice a change, especially to a natural bamboo floor. Carbonized floors color may be less affected, but it depends on the level of carbonization and the wax brand you're going to use.

As you might have guessed it, once wax goes in contact with the floor, your warranty would be void and gone. Take serious consideration before taking such a decision and if there's any chance to avoid the use of wax, please do so.

Tag : floor,bamboo floor,hardwood floor,floor tiles

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