Concrete Flooring Can Be an Inexpensive Option

When one thinks about concrete flooring, the immediate thought that comes to mind is something that is not so good-looking or clean. The immediate thought of a grey colored flooring does not really appealed to the human mind as a choice for regular flooring in their residences. However, once printed right, these type of flooring can be a very good option be it commercial or for residences. After giving the proper treatment. One can actually make the concrete floor look like marble, and also get that fine polish that is usually seen on a marble flooring. There is also the option of painting the concrete flooring, which is not available on other types of flooring. If this method is applied, then the cost of construction would come down to a fraction of any other type of flooring available.

There are many new stains available in the market that can be mixed with the concrete mixture to get different types of colors, shades, textures and designs. These stains are available on the basis of different themes as well. In the living room and these themes are pretty handy and can be used to get the likely effect that is made available using other types of flooring. The difference can be very negligible and visitors can often mistake the concrete to a marble flooring if they are not informed about it. All that matters is for individuals to go ahead and first select the team and then get the right stains for their concrete flooring project.

In terms of strength and durability, concrete flooring is one of the toughest that is available in the market. These flooring will last for a long time and does not require a lot of maintenance and can sustain a wear and tear for longer duration of time. Due to this factor, they need not be replaced, or modified for at least 10 to 15 years once they are done. This is the biggest advantage of such flooring. Moreover, it is an inexpensive solution that is available to the common man in terms of flooring options. On the other hand, the environment also says healthy when one uses such flooring in their residences. This can be compared to a carpeted flooring, which requires continuous dusting and vacuum cleaning. These are additional costs that are associated with a carpeted flooring. However, this is not the case with concrete flooring. Such kind of flooring can be easily dusted mopped, cleaned and wiped in little or no time at all. The instances of germs settling down on flooring are minimal. These can be cleaned instantly as well, when compared to the other types of flooring.

In terms of the color combination s available, concrete can be easily stained a bit different colors and beautiful textures that are available in the market. As it that resembles marble stone after the final polishing is done. This is a very good choice for those who want a different material or a different look at an affordable cost. When done properly concrete flooring can provide different textures and shades and have their spectacular effect in the living room, or any other surface that it is used for. This is the duty of concrete flooring, however. Not many people have realized this aspect and that is the main reason why these kind of flooring is not a popular choice yet. However, it is already popular for garage flooring.

Adam Peters is a syndicated columnist on different resources. Read at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/flooring/garage-flooring.html more articles about garage flooring.

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

7 Eco-Flooring Facts You Need to Know

You can find many large home improvement stores slapping an eco-friendly sticker on a wide array of flooring products. Are these labels legit? Are these flooring options really eco-friendly? What is the best choice for your home? What the heck is eco-flooring anyway?

The following is 7 Things about eco-flooring you need to know before you buy.

1. Eco-flooring is good for your home and your health, not just the earth. The days of picking out a chemically filled carpet, tile, or treated hardwood floor are getting passé, and fast. Sure those options remain. But, many people agree; Eco-flooring isn't just the newest thing, in many respects, it's the greatest. Innovations in manufacturing, design, and materials have led to a more unique blend of choices that look great and are also eco-friendly.
2. Eco-flooring is a phenomenal value. Thanks to these looks, features, and new innovations, one could argue that in just a few years, eco-friendly flooring might be the preferred choice in the majority of homes. With sustainability and the environment becoming not just hot political topics, but an important part of the decision-making process for millions of people, eco-flooring products are not going away. Due to rising competition in this fast growing market, prices are not as out of control as you might expect.
3. Look before you leap. Don't be fooled by pretty pictures in the catalogue, or even seeing a single plank at Lowe's or Home Depot. Remember, the tech gods created photo editing software for a good reason, to cover flaws, drawbacks, and the truth. Even that single plank at the lumber store doesn't take into consideration what a completed floor will look like. Take some time to go on home improvement websites. Ask the salesperson, "What can I expect this floor to look like in 3, 5, 10 years?" Or, I have dogs, cats, and pet pigs...can this floor handle pets?" The answer to those questions should impact your overall decision.
4. Don't forget maintenance! Imagine how nice it will be to finally own a green floor. Then imagine how you'll feel a year later when you're, once again, getting ready to maintain it. A good floor should be seen and not constantly serviced. Here's some things to look out for... Cork flooring is known for its sensitivity to light. It can also be permanently damaged by heavy objects. So, if you have dogs, cats, or are the type of person who moves around their furniture a lot, be wary. That's just one example. Bamboo flooring, while renowned for being eco-friendly offers a pretty mundane look. Also, because bamboo usually isn't allowed to mature fully before it's made into flooring; don't be surprised if it ends up cracking or not holding up well after a few years of use. Search for complaints, reviews, and problems of both bamboo and cork flooring to learn more about the drawbacks before you fall for the pretty pictures or buy strictly because of the eco-flooring label. If you find that you can live with and/or deal with the cons and want to strictly consider the pros of these flooring options, then you will have made an educated decision worth sticking by...which leads to...
5. Search for the Good and most definitely, the Bad. You can't ignore facts. While bamboo, cork, and hardwood flooring are renewable resources, they have their drawbacks. These drawbacks can sometimes outweigh the fact that they might be eco-friendly. For instance, bamboo might be cheap and readily available, but the great percentage of bamboo has been made with formaldehyde filled glues. If you're not familiar with this poison, governments across the world caution against its use due to scientific studies that link its use to various cancers that affect the respiratory system. As already discussed cork has maintenance issues, but nothing compared to bamboo. As for regular hardwood flooring, while the look is varied and natural, hardwood has been known to cup, crown, and have limited install options. These factors can make people turn away from them, but if you read on, you'll find out that there is hardwood flooring that doesn't have these problems.
6. Don't underestimate hardwood. People who make up their minds about hardwood flooring are looking in the past. There is a huge international push for sustainable practice that produce hardwood flooring that is truly eco-friendly. There is flooring that has come from managed forests as well as innovative eco-flooring like Staybull Flooring that uses reclaimed strips of hardwood. These strips are then, using formaldehyde free glues and a proven green floor finish, made to produce a green floor that is actually stronger than hardwood, bamboo, and definitely cork. Miraculously, these floors also resist cupping, cracking, and warping. This brand of eco-flooring is basically manufactured like bamboo, but without the bad chemicals, and offers greater variety of looks to match your unique taste. As you can see, with innovations like that, you can't overlook hardwood when it comes to eco-friendly flooring.
7. Never settle. Don't ever let anyone or any sales person pressure or guilt you into buy any one brand or type of eco-flooring option. It's your home. While not belittling the environmental aspect of this sector of the flooring industry, it's still YOUR money. And, YOU are the only one who has to live with your new floor. Let's face it, you don't want to buy a floor you'll end up regretting. Sure, you'll always be able to tell guests and neighbors that your floor is environmentally friendly. But, deep inside, if you hate your floor because it doesn't fit your lifestyle, then what good is it really?

When it comes to may eco-flooring options, the more research you do, the better you will feel about the choice you make.

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

Choosing the Right Flooring For Your Home - Rubber Flooring - The Choice For the Future?

There are many new flooring options today. In the past your choices were limited; now you can even get rubber flooring. It is a long-lasting choice that may be the right one for your home.

What is Rubber Flooring?

Rubber flooring can either be made from natural rubber or from petroleum-based synthetic. It comes in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. For large rooms, you may want to use sheet flooring; for smaller rooms consider interlocking tiles. You can either start with a bare floor or install it over pre-existing floors.

Benefits of Rubber Flooring

The main benefit of rubber flooring is that the floor is springy and quite durable. It can help reduce the possibility of injuries from standing in one place for long periods. It also reduces static electricity and bacteria, which makes it a great choice if you have small children. Because of its springiness, they won't be injured as easily if they fall.

Which Type Do I Get?

The basic choices for rubber flooring are large sheets of rolled rubber or smaller, interlocking tiles. Tiles can be used to create a one-of-a-kind design that matches your home and decor. Another thing to consider is whether or not you want to use an adhesive; it's required for sheet flooring.

Where Can I Find Rubber Flooring?

If you're considering rubber flooring, you may have to do a bit of research. Start with the local flooring stores and ask them if they have any. If not, ask them if they know where you can find it. Online is also another place to look when searching.

How Much Is It?

The initial outlay needed to buy and install rubber flooring may seem a little steep, between $3 and $10 per square foot. The cost over the life of the flooring more than makes up for the initial price paid. It is extremely durable and easy to care for.

Can I Install It Myself?

If you are reasonably competent at do-it-your-self projects, there shouldn't be any problem in completing this one. You'll want to start with a perfectly smooth sub-floor finish, or the adhesive won't work. Most manufacturers provide a fitting guide to make installing it easier for homeowners.

How Do I Care for It?

One of the benefits of rubber flooring is its ease of care. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using cleansers. Regular sweeping is also recommended. See - it really is easy!

Rubber flooring can be a great choice for any homeowner. It is easy to maintain and can last 30 years or more with proper care. It may just be the perfect flooring choice for you.

Would you like to install quality flooring, but have a limited budget? Ezra's website on cheap flooring will help you to locate good discount flooring for your home. Find out where to buy quality rubber flooring at the lowest price.

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

Update Your Home With Flooring Wholesale

Nothing completes the home quite like beautiful flooring. It brings the home together and can offer more flexibility in terms of decorating or expanding a room. If you're interested in updating your home with hardwood floors or carpeting, purchasing wholesale may be an option for you. By shopping for flooring wholesale, you reap the benefits of quality flooring selections at lower prices. Shopping online offers the greatest selection, which means you can choose between a variety of flooring options, as well as the color, style and level of quality.

At first glance, shopping for flooring wholesale may seem to be the most economical option for your home. While this is often the case, there are also other costs to factor in that will drive up the total price of your project. For example, prices don't include shipping and handling, which can sometimes cost almost as much as the flooring itself. Also, when purchasing wholesale flooring, you may be sent the floor selection in bulk, which means you'll have to do the work yourself. Saving on the cost of labor from an outside company certainly has its advantages, but you'll need to know how to do the labor on your own.

With laminate flooring, doing the work yourself is a viable option. Most styles of laminate use a snap-and-lock installation process that involves snapping the pieces together. Others use an adhesive that is moistened and then sticks the boards together. Purchasing laminate flooring wholesale is a great way to save on the cost of flooring, while being able to install the wooden boards yourself. Although solid wood is a bit trickier to install, some selections can be installed on their own as well.

With carpeting, the installation process is more difficult and includes lots of cutting and precise fittings underneath the base boards. Carpeting can also be difficult to ship, as the weight is very heavy and can drive up the total cost of your flooring project. Fortunately, buying carpet flooring wholesale comes at an extreme value, which means you can get your materials for a modest cost. If you don't know how to install carpeting, consider hiring a contractor on an individual. This will be less expensive than going through a carpet company and also give a private contractor work.

To shop for wholesale flooring, the internet is your best tool. By searching online, you can compare prices and shipping costs, finding the best value for your money. Be sure to keep quality in mind, as manufacturing companies are vague on the quality of their flooring selections. For example, laminate comes in many styles and the thicker the boards, the better class it is. It will be more durable, resistant to scratches and nicks, and also have a wood-like sound when walking on it. Cheaper selections will be thin and have a hollow sound, one of the staples of traditional laminate floors.

With carpeting, there are two construction types: Cut pile and loop pile. With cut pile, the carpeting has a smooth and even look to it and is available in a wide selection of colors. Higher end carpets will hide footprints and vacuum marks, as well as be thick and feature longer pieces of carpet. If possible, request a sample from the wholesale company to determine the quality level. Peel back the carpeting to see how hard it is to get to the backing, as this will determine its density.

Loop pile carpets on the other hand, loop together the strands of carpet, giving it a unique look. Berber is an example of a loop pile carpet and this type of flooring is strong and durable, a great choice for high traffic areas. While loop pile carpets aren't available in as many color selections, there's still a broad natural color palette to choose from.

When you've determined the right flooring wholesale company to work with, you can order your flooring selection in bulk quantities. You'll need the square footage of the entire room and remember to overestimate, as wholesale flooring can be discontinued at any time and isn't available in small "extra" quantities. Most companies will have a minimum square footage you can purchase. If you're lucky and have a wholesale retailer in your area, check with the company to see if you can pick up the flooring to save on shipping costs.

Overall, buying wholesale flooring is an excellent choice for updating the home without spending a lot of money. This option is especially helpful for do-it-yourself homeowners on a budget.

Tag : flooring,home,wholesale

Best Reclaimed Flooring Options: Antique Heart Pine, Oak and Douglas Fir

Reclaimed flooring is the most affordable and stylish flooring option available to homeowners nowadays. Interior decorators and home design experts always recommend reclaimed wood flooring because they add beauty and grandeur to your floors. The warm worn beauty of antique lumber on your floor is quite attractive and appealing to the eye.

The Internet is the best place to find reclaimed wood flooring deals. There are some good online shops that sell reclaimed wood furniture and offer affordable flooring options to their customers. They have a wide variety of wood options for flooring, including vintage and antique flooring. The wood used in vintage flooring is salvaged from reclaimed timbers, decking and joints to create a coveted vintage appeal to your home. Both antique and vintage wood floor have a wide range of reclaimed wood options to choose from. These include Heart Pine, Antique Oak, Douglas fir, Elm, Hickory and Barn flooring.

Types of Antique Wood Flooring

While there are many types of antique wood options, Heart Pine, Antique Oak and Douglas fir are some of the best reclaimed wood candidates to adorn your floors.

Antique Heart Pine:
The antique heart pine is known for its elegance and style. This flooring option is free from any imperfections or knots as it is characterized by its "perfect" grain pattern. This reclaimed flooring option comprises of decayed resistant premium heartwood and comes in variety of shades, including splendid red and amber hues. The timbers are usually available quarter-saw and not flat-sawn. You will have to buy the product in widths from 3" to 7".

Antique Oak
Antique oak is simply reclaimed oak flooring, which is a mix of northern Red and White Oak. It is also known as thoroughbred reclaimed Kentucky oak flooring. Very few online shops sell this type of antique wood flooring. The name is derived from an equestrian farm in central Kentucky where a large oak fence surrounded the farm. The wood salvaged from the oak fence is used for flooring and furniture.

Rustic Douglas Fir:
This antique reclaimed flooring option is full of rustic character and is characterized by saw marks and nail holes, making it look as antique as any other reclaimed wood. The rustic Douglas fir is actually reclaimed wood salvaged from many areas, including grain elevators in the eastern Montana prairies. The specialty of rustic Douglas lies in its name. It gives a rustic floor and a great antique look. Hence it can be an ideal choice for your wood flooring option.

Tag : floor,flooring,pine,oak,douglas fir

Is There More To A Kitchen Floor Than Vinyl And Tile?

You may think that the most used component of the kitchen would be an appliance however in fact it is your kitchen floor! Choosing the right kitchen floor depends on several factors all of which need to be considered in order to find the perfect flooring material for your space.

It is wise to start by answering a few key questions:

How busy is your kitchen? Is there a lot of traffic?
How much do you want to spend?
What flooring products are available for kitchens?
What is the durability of each product?
What designs are available? What are your flooring measurements and how much material will be required?

When designing your kitchen, it is vital to include appropriate flooring materials that keep durability, style and re-sale in mind. Whether you are designing, remodeling or re-designing your kitchen research on kitchen flooring plays an enormous role as there are several materials to choose from. Unfortunately some of the hottest flooring products today are often overlooked in kitchen design when in fact they are entirely practical and gorgeous too!

Bamboo Flooring

Beautiful and exotic this renewable product is very comparable to hardwood in style, feel and strength making bamboo a fantastic surface to be considered in your kitchen.

Cost - Generally the cost of bamboo can vary from $3.00 sq to $9.00 sq installation not included. Production expense is higher with respect to engineered and stained bamboo flooring therefore increasing cost for the consumer.

Maintenance - Cleaning is relatively simple requiring light mopping and sweeping. Beware that sweeping is very important as these floors can scratch. Dirt, sand, and other granular particles under foot can make good opportunity for damage.

Bamboo is an extremely strong and versatile plant that is actually classified as a grass. It grows rapidly where shoots reach maturity in 5-7 years. At that time the plant actually benefits from the harvesting of those shoots.

If you are concerned about harvestation and its affect on wild life, Panda bears actually feed from of a different strain of bamboo which is located at a much higher altitude than that of bamboo used for flooring products.

Cork Flooring

This marvelous material does not end with bottle stoppers. Cork is a fabulous flooring material that even your kitchen will love. The cellular structure of cork is comprised of millions of air sacs essentially meaning that 50% of this flooring material consists of air!! Cork is another excellent consideration for your kitchen space.

Cost - Cork tiles and planks are priced reasonably starting at $4 for basic tiles where price increases with planks and stains.

Maintenance - Depending on the type of finish you have chosen for your floor maintenance will vary. Wax finishes generally require waxing at least once a year certainly something to maintain. Polyurethane will scratch if those floors are not swept. So keep those floors clean with regular sweeping and dry mopping and the results will be less wear of your finish.

Unlike other natural wood flooring products, cork is obtained from the bark of oak trees generally located in the Mediterranean. The cork oak tree is remarkable as its bark can be harvested every 9 years without cause of any damage to its existence or that of its environment. The best cork is reserved for our other partner in the kitchen as our beloved wine bottles require stoppers. Bottle stoppers account for 60% of the cork market but where there is demand for perfect corks there must be waist. Cork flooring is made from that unwanted material making this flooring product another fabulously environmentally conscious choice for your kitchen floor.

Cork also holds many benefits with respect to a healthy environment in any home. Suberin, the waxy, natural substance found in cork also plays a role in cork’s resistance to mold and mildew. Cork flooring is antimicrobial and has been proven to be insect resistant as well.

The cellular structure of cork also makes this flooring material an excellent choice for people who suffer from back problems or injury.

Linoleum Flooring

Unfortunately linoleum seems not to be the product that comes to mind when remodeling or designing a kitchen as it brings with it old memories of sterile hospital and school hallways. So many new and exciting modifications have been made to more commonly used flooring materials that linoleum is often overlooked. In fact this 100 year old flooring material still has what it takes and is making a huge come back! Here’s why!

Cost - Linoleum is a fairly expensive product. It compares with that of high-end vinyl and hardwood generally at $4.00 a square foot and can be much higher. Sheet linoleum also requires professional installation at an additional cost. However its’ resistance to wear and tear, and its’ life expectancy makes this product a leader in cost effectiveness.

Creative arrangements and various tile hues make linoleum a designer’s dream. Great designs and patterns can be achieved with linoleum where your floors can truly become a personalized work of art.

Maintenance - Sweeping and light mopping makes linoleum extremely easy to clean.

Another area in which linoleum excels as a material for your kitchen floor is in the health department. Linseed oil is a natural ingredient found in linoleum flooring. Its presence allows for linoleum to succeed as being a naturally antimicrobial floor. As linseed oil oxidizes it prevents bacteria such as Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococus Aureus from breeding and multiplying. Other flooring receives chemical agents in order to achieve the same affect however these agents will wear off over time. No matter the age of linoleum or the finishing that it may receive, this product will always remains antimicrobial. It also repels dust, and dirt which is why this product is commonly used in hospitals and schools.

So when it comes to choosing the right material for your kitchen floor, why limit yourself to traditional choices. Do your research and select a floor that best suits your needs as well as your style!

Published At: www.Isnare.com
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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

Laminate Hardwood Floor Installation - 7 Reasons For Laminate Floor Solutions

A laminate hardwood floor installation rips out all the high-maintenance management and warping woes that accompany real wood flooring projects. Flooring frustrations are replaced with easy-care, authentic wood looks and textures that are a snap to install. What are the seven main reasons behind the phenomenal growth in do-it-yourself laminate hardwood floor installations?

Reason 1. Laminate Hardwood Flooring Installations Happy Over Any Sub-Floor

There is no need for an expensive and time-consuming tearing up of the sub-floor. Glueless laminate hardwood floor installations can be done with confidence and success over virtually any existing type of flooring. This includes vinyl, tile, concrete and real wood strips. The only exceptions to the rule are carpeting and real hardwood on concrete.

Proper preparation of the sub-floor is vital, however. The surface needs to be absolutely smooth and even. Sand down all peaked joints and other bumps. Use a filler material for any holes or uneven areas. Make sure that the floor is spotless. Any bit of gravel trapped under your new floor, will eventually become an eyesore.

Reason 2. Laminate Hardwood Floor Installations A Long-Term Investment

With today's technology, the core and wear layers of laminate flooring are of a superb quality. Floors are treated to be highly moisture resistant. The aluminum oxide finish of the wear layer ensures maximum protection against scratches, fading, scuff marks, and stains. Many manufacturers include warranties of between 15 and 30 years. By choosing a quality decorating and interior design product for your floors, and following installation and maintenance instructions carefully, you will be ensured of stylish, elegant looks for years to come.

Reason 3. Care-Free, Calamity-Free Flooring For Your Family Home

No overloaded parent has time for finicky floor care day in and day out. With a laminate hardwood floor installation, you will lighten the cleaning load significantly. A mop and brushless vacuum take care of most chores. When necessary, a damp mop is used for a quick wipe. Flooring manufacturers supply dedicated cleaners for tougher spots. If there is a mishap with lipstick or paint, acetone nail polish remover should take care of it instantly. Always check with your flooring supplier to make sure that any cleaning process or solution complies with your warranty conditions. If you deviate from the guidelines, you may void your warranty.

Reason 4. Banish Allergies And Asthma With Laminate Flooring

If your kids suffer from dust-related allergies, new floors may offer the solution you are searching for. No matter how diligent you are with cleaning, carpeting remains a dust-trap. By replacing the flooring surfaces of your home with laminate hardwood floor installations, you will minimize your family's exposure to the offending, irritating particles. The hard, smooth surface is easy to keep spotless. There are no fibres that are reluctant to give up their share of dirt. A quick wipe with a damp mop takes care of the dust problem in a jiffy.

Reason 5. Easy-To-Install Project For Home Remodeling Rookies

Laminate hardwood floor installations are a snap with the latest click-'n-go engineering. No more sticky, messy, frustrating and apprehensive adhesive struggles. Even the most 'unhandy' amateur handyman can tackle these glueless flooring projects with confidence. There is no need to call in the services of a professional hardwood flooring contractor. You can successfully install a new, ready-to-use floor within about a day. As long as you make sure that you don't have problems with moisture in the sub-floor, and are able to follow the manufacturer's guidelines closely, you should be able to complete the installation on your own.

Reason 6. Tempting Authentic Real Hardwood Grains And Textures

From Pergo Flooring, to Armstrong Flooring and Bruce Hardwood Flooring now include every real wood grain under the sun. Shadings vary from light and airy to the rich, warm hues of the darker woods. Textures are as close to the real thing as possible. Planks are now even beveled to give the appearance of real wood planks. A laminate hardwood floor installation can now come with rustic, weathered looks.

Recently the ranges have been expanded to include a variety of realistic ceramic tile and stone tile finishes, complete with grout lines. Every type of decorating or interior design project is catered for, from old-world to contemporary. The flooring planks can be matte or may present a gleaming, shiny face to the world. Thanks to innovative technology, the days of plastic and fake-looking laminates are long gone.

Reason 7. Much To Do About Mishaps On Laminates

If you have kids and pets you will fall in love with laminates. No only will you have far fewer worries about crayon stains, puddles, and other potential flooring fiasco's, you will know that in the event of a major accident, a section of flooring can replaced with ease. As long as you keep an unopened box or two of flooring planks in storage, you will be equipped to re-do an area of flooring in no time. Whereas a damaged carpet has to be replaced completely, a laminate hardwood floor installation allows you to handle the inevitable family mishap with a smile.

Have a bit of decorating and interior design face-lift fun by joining the laminate hardwood floor installation crowd!

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=155379&ca=Home+Management

Tips On Fitting Wood Flooring

When you install wood flooring there are things that you should know prior to and during the installation to be sure that you have the best fitted floor possible.

- To prepare your flooring you first must be sure that the sub-floor is dry, flat, and smooth. You should use an underlay or a barrier over the concrete first. If you have radiant heating in the flooring then you should be extremely careful and follow instructions per the radiant heating guides and by the flooring guide so nothing gets damaged. The flooring panels should be left in the room that they will be installed for over 48 hours so they can acclimatise to the temperatures of the room.

- When you lay laminate planks you will stagger them. The first row of flooring will be full sized planks. The second row will include 2/3 planks and the third row will include 1/3 planks. The joints of the planks should remain greater than 8" from one another. You should also repeat the patterns of the wood grain every 20 planks.

- When you decide on the direction of your laminate floors you need to think about the incoming natural light from outside. The planks should run parallel to the light coming in from the windows or any glass doors that are in the room. In any installation, the starting wall that you begin the installation should be as long as possible.

- When you are installing your laminate flooring be sure that you have enough. You should expect to have at least 10% of the flooring go to waste. This is because when you cut the planks you might damage a few and some may already be damaged. Other pieces of planks may not be usable. So when you purchase your laminate flooring, don't buy exactly enough to cover the floor or you will probably run out of planks.

- It is recommended to leave a 10mm gap around each of the planks. This is called an expansion gap because wood expands from temperature changes and humidity. When wood is exposed to warmer temperatures, humidity increases, and other issues, then there must be room for the wood to expand or when the planks do push outward they will buckle.

- You should also remember that the first line that you lay is the most important. The first line is the longest and must be totally straight. If the first line that you lay is not straight then you should not continue. You should pull the line up and start over. Poor alignment can cause problems with residue getting caught in the grooves of the planks. Mouldings can be glued or nailed to the wall only and not to the floor.

- You can install laminate flooring on stairs but remember on stairs you must use regular wood glue and the mouldings should be nailed. Laminate flooring should not be installed in areas that are controlled like porches or patios. You should also never install laminate flooring over carpet. Be sure to remove carpeting prior to laying down the flooring.

You should follow these few simple steps when you are installing laminate flooring to ensure the best installation possible.

About The Author

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For laminate flooring, he recommends Completely Flooring, one of the UK's leading suppliers Quick Step Laminate Flooring: http://www.completelyflooring.co.uk

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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

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=175403&ca=Home+Management

Installing Hardwood Flooring Over Concrete and Wood Sub Floors

Expansion & Contraction of Hardwood Flooring

"The flooring shop said to leave 10mm for solid wood floor expansion at the walls...now the boards are lifting off the floor." Ill informed advice like this often leads to floor problems. Many flooring sales people unfamiliar with solid wood flooring assume expansion is the same as laminate flooring. In reality that 10mm is not enough for solid wood flooring.

What Is An Expansion Area? Why Do We Need It?

Expansion areas are spaces left around the perimeter of rooms, against fixed objects such as columns, thresholds, hearths, skirting boards, and other stationary items built or secured into the framing structure of the home. Even though Hardwood flooring used is no longer living and breathing it still reacts to moisture changes in the environment. The cells in the solid wood will take on or absorb moisture when the relative humidity is high, or when exposed to water. Expansion takes place, and the hardwood grows, for lack of a clearer term, across the grain (width) of the plank (see below, not all will react this way). Conversely when air moisture levels decrease, moisture content evaporates, shrinking of the solid wood will occur.

When we say spaces, they are defined as installing the hardwood flooring up to and away from the fixed objects. For example; "we recommend at least 15mm small to medium area-18mm expansion on larger areas at the skirting board or wall if new skirting to be fitted."

Hardwood flooring can react to the presence of moisture. In the dry winter heating months, moisture can leave the wood flooring causing the floor to contract slightly in size, which can leave slight gaps between each floor board. In the summer months when the humidity is higher, the hardwood flooring will expand and the gaps will disappear. If there is too much moisture in the subfloor it will cause the wood planks to cup, or buckle. Nearly all problems related to hardwood flooring are due to improper installation and sub floor preparation. This is why it is important when installing hardwood flooring that you follow the correct recommended installation methods by the manufacturer.

Direct Glue Installations

A direct glue installation requires the use of a flooring adhesive applied directly onto the subfloor (never directly apply to the boards). This method can be used on concrete and wooden subfloors. When done correctly this is the most stable method for fitting solid wood flooring as the elastic flooring adhesive allows the floor to expand and contract with no problems.

If you are laying over a concrete subfloor you will first need checked the concrete moisture, if the floor has a moisture content of over 4% then either wait until the sub floor dries to meet this level or use an appropriate moisture barrier, we recommend Sika Mb Primer to ensure no damp rises up into your new floor.

Also note that new concrete slabs require a minimum of 60 days drying time before covering them with a wood floor.

All Concrete sub-floors must be dry, smooth, level and free of structural defects. If the concrete sub floor is uneven we recommend using sika latex self leveling compound to level the subfloor. The concrete must also be free of contaminants i.e. paint, oil, wax grease, dirt and curing compounds (the reason for this is that you need the self leveling compound to bond to the sub floor).These may be removed chemically or mechanically as your local hardware store and they will sell you the correct floor cleaner, but do not use solvent-based strippers under any circumstances. The use of residual solvents can create problems with the bonding of flooring adhesives. It is important to ensure a proper bond between the adhesives and concrete and wood panels.

If you have a wooden subfloor you will need to lay a plywood base over the existing floor boards (we recommend using 4mm -6mm exterior grade plywood and screw down every 15cm along the edges and at 20cm intervals throughout the rest of the board using the 1 inch deck screws) before installation, this will then give you a smooth and level surface for you to install you hardwood flooring onto.

You will need to leave a 15mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room for large areas over 6 meters in length we recommend 18mm expansion gap. To maintain this gap during installation spacers are provided in the kits. After you have installed the hardwood floor you can cover this expansion gap with scotia or new skirting boards The 15mm expansion gap also needs to be left in doorways where the hardwood floor follows through from one room to another we sell on this website a full range of door profiles available to match your floor.

Nailed Down Installations

Nailed down installation is the traditional way to install hardwood floors and can be done either directly onto wooden subfloor or on a concrete subfloor with the use of battens. When fixing battens onto concrete you will need a power-actuated nailer to drive through the battens and fix directly into the concrete, firstly lay out polyethylene moisture sheet then plywood over the battens to create a new sub floor. We recommend 12mm exterior grade plywood and 2inch x 4inch battens. Lay battens around perimeter at ½ inch from the wall, leave ¼ inch gap at each end. Position the first batten so its centre is 16 inches from the outside edge of the perimeter batten. Lay out the remaining battens across the area 16 inch intervals. Always check you battens are level using a level gauge you may need to use cedar shims to level out dips in the concrete, slide the shims under the battens until level. (If in doubt we recommend consulting a professional fitter for this method).

Wooden Subfloor

Hardwood floors can be nailed into existing wooden subfloors such as floorboards or plywood but not into chipboard floors as these are not strong enough to hold the nails. The floorboards must be in good condition and level if not it is advisable to lay 6mm exterior grade plywood down first.

To avoid creaking, check over the subfloor and securely fasten any loose floorboards. For added soundproofing it is also advisable to use a standard foam underlay.

When you nail down a solid wood floor you use a Porta Nailer to drive a nail at a 30 degree angle through the tongue and into the subfloor. Porta Nailers can be hired from any good hire shop but are expensive to buy.

Again you will need to leave a 15mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. To maintain this gap during installation spacers are provided in the installation kits.

After you have installed the floor you can cover this expansion gap with scotia or new skirting boards.The 15mm expansion gap also needs to be left in doorways where the floor follows through from one room to another; we sell full range of door profiles available to match your floor on this website.

WASTAGE

When ordering your new floor we recommend you allow for some wastage due to cuts a professional fitter would add on an extra 2%-5% of flooring needed to finish a job. We recommend non professional fitter should add on 5%-10%.
for futher information visit our website where you can also buy the wood flooring online at http://www.ukflooring4less.co.uk/

written by Mr David Kitto http://www.ukflooring4less.co.uk/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Kitto

Hardwood Flooring: How to Keep Wood Floors in Top Shape

If properly maintained, hardwood floors can beautify a home for decades, adding warmth, character and value to your house. When neglected, however, wood flooring can deteriorate and quickly begin looking shabby. In order to get the most possible life out of your flooring, and to preserve it for generations to come, apply the following techniques for proper care and maintenance.

Clean Up Spills Right Away

Lingering spills can cause damage to your wood flooring. To protect your floor, clean up spills right away using a dry cloth. Avoid pushing down as you soak up spilled liquid; the pressure will only make the stain enter deeper into the wood grain. Rinse out your cloth often, and wring it out well before returning to the spill zone. After you're done, dry off the area completely with another clean cloth. Repeat this process if any sticky residue remains.

Lastly, if these techniques are not working for certain stubborn stains, call a hardwood flooring contractor who will know the best ways to remove blemishes without harming your flooring.

Place Rugs Purposefully

Every hardwood flooring contractor suggests shielding your flooring by putting rugs at entrances and in high- traffic areas. Interior and exterior rugs capture dirt before it can scratch your wood flooring.

Religiously Apply Furniture Protectors

Felt furniture pads protect your hardwood floors by preventing scratches. A wood floor may be refinished to remove scratches, but this is an expensive, time-consuming procedure best entrusted to a professional hardwood flooring contractor. The more diligent you are about applying felt protectors to your furniture, the fewer scratches your wood flooring will sustain.

Sweep Consistently

Sweep wood flooring every other day to remove dust, dirt and other debris. Unless you have dust allergies, a broom is the best choice since it won't scratch your floors. If you do suffer from allergies, suck up dirt with the soft-bristle attachment on your vacuum cleaner; this will reduce the amount of allergens that are kicked up, and it minimizes the chance that vacuum wheels will cause scratches.

Prevent Water Damage

Because water is one of wood flooring's worst enemies - it can cause the wood to warp as well as stain - it's important not to wet mop your wood floors, no matter how much you may be tempted. When in doubt, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. For example, laminate flooring can be designed to look like hardwood floors; sellers of laminate flooring typically do not recommend cleaning with water. If you come across a particularly hard-to-clean stain, check with a hardwood flooring contractor for safe cleaning methods that won't blemish your hardwood floors.

Basement Flooring - Save Money With Secondhand Or Abandoned Product

Many people may not be aware that there are tremendous discounts in second hand product or slight defect product that you can use for flooring in such areas as the basement, spare bedrooms, garages or other extra rooms in your home. This article will look at a couple of suggestions you might use for saving money when you take on your next basement flooring project.

By visiting your local mom and pop flooring company in the town that you live in - You may discover that they have lots of over ordered product or product that was refused because it didn't have the right colors or something. This flooring would work perfect for your basement remodeling project.

Left behind or refused flooring, may even be first-rate flooring or high quality that they're willing to sell for a low price, because it is simply stock that they will not be able to sell easily.

Another great resource is to check with local contractors, remodelers or flooring installer's in your home town. They also may be in the same situation where they have ordered product and gone out to install it and may discover that they have measured wrong and have a large supply of material left over. It's a good possibility that this material is already paid for, and so anything that they can sell it for is money back in their pocket.

Another great way to get discounted flooring for your basement flooring project would be to run ads in the paper looking for used or discarded flooring material. Many people that are doing their own projects will have large sections of flooring that really are not too bad, but they simply want to get rid of it because they're adding a new look to the room.

For more information on flooring try visiting http://flooring-solution.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful flooring tips, advice and resources to include Basement Flooring and more.

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

The Type and Design of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is very helpful to make whichever concept of home become more appealing and looking great. There are many benefits of utilizing this flooring which create several homeowners are turning into this kind of flooring. This flooring will assist you to find the look and feel of the hardwood flooring, ease of care, ease of installation, and also it has the aesthetic appeal.

Laminate flooring installation is by far simple and easy, without a lot of needed preparation work.

This easy and simple installation technique is probably one of the most interesting points of flooring. It only needs a few hand devices and a little understanding of how to use them. Unlike lots of other types of flooring, the laminate flooring installation doesn't require whichever gluing. On one occasion this kind of flooring is in place, it can be utilized directly. It is also simply sweeping off the dirt and wiping off a few left over fingerprints. The floor is then ready to add appeal and warmth into the room.

The quality of laminate flooring is quite great and its cost is running from the cheapest. If you desire to use the best materials of it, it means that you will pay more money for it and also get the best quality of flooring.

Picking the Right Floor for Your Room

The design and type of the flooring can be found to fit into any decor of your room. You can get lots of colors and wood patterns, from light to dark wood patterns to lots of of the newest and brightest colors.

Its reasonable price and its stability are become the most interesting points of laminate flooring. The outer layer, which is the most discernible portion of the floor, is laminated onto the top layer of the substructure. People are more likely to utilize this type of flooring since they realize that they will acquire lots of benefits from it.

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

How To Install Bamboo Flooring Over A Wood Sub-Floor

Please note, because of the differences in installation methods, this article covers installation over a wood sub-floor. This article also assumes you have selected your grain and color of flooring.

Tools Required:

1. Chalk Line

2. Rubber Mallet

3. Hand Saw

4. Plastic or Wooden Spacers (1/4”)

5. Pneumatic Flooring Package (air compressor and hose, gun mallet and staples)

Note: This package can be rented at most rental centers. Make sure you get the correct staples for the gun. The staples may look alike, but it is important to get the proper gauge that fits the gun.

Preparation:

Remove shoe moldings and make sure the sub-floor is even, clean, dry and smooth. Sanding may be necessary in order to obtain smooth, even surface. If sanding is needed, make sure the floor is completely cleaned of dust and debris afterward. Also, if you notice any floor squeaks, correct them now by securing the sub-floor to the joists as needed. Door jambs may also need to be cut so planks will fit under them to create a finished look. Simply place a piece of flooring against the jamb, mark it and cut the jamb at the line.

Once you have received your flooring, it must first be allowed to acclimate itself in the room in which it will be installed. Flooring should be removed from its boxes and stored in the room it will be installed in for a minimum of two days, preferably three to five days before installation. This will let the floor adjust to the room’s humidity and temperature. Because of natural variations in the flooring, it is recommended you layout the planks to get an idea of how you want them arranged before making any cuts or nailing any boards down.

Installation:

It is recommended that you install flooring parallel with the longest wall of the room for the best visual effect. Measure the width of a plank from this wall and add 1/4” to the measurement. Next, at this spot, snap a chalk line across the room to mark where you will begin flooring. This 1/4” is important to provide expansion/contraction room for the flooring.

Arrange the first row with the groove for the flooring facing the wall. Also, begin placing spacers between the flooring and the wall. Spacers should be inserted approximately every 12 inches and at each joist. This gives you a firm base to install against, but ensures you maintain your 1/4” gap. This starter row should be nailed to the flooring joists underneath the sub-floor. The edge of the flooring which faces the wall (groove edge) may be face nailed since it will be covered by shoe molding after installation. The other edge should be secured by blind nailing with the pneumatic gun approximately every ten inches, no closer than 6 inches. Also avoid nailing to close to the end of a board to avoid splitting the board.

As you begin your next row, make sure your board joints are staggered. In other words, no two ends of adjacent rows should meet. You can achieve this by cutting off 6-8 inches of the first board in your next row. This varying board length is not only for visual effect, but is also essential so as not to weaken the floor.

Tip: Make sure you match tongue to groove as you lay each row. Otherwise you will create very unsightly gaps and an uneven floor. Also, use a scrap piece of floor braced against the piece you are installing and tap against the scrap piece with the rubber mallet to work the flooring into place.

On the last row, blind nailing by hand will be necessary since the pneumatic gun will not fit. As a last resort, the last row can be face nailed in lieu of blind nailing.

Finishing Up:

Once all the flooring is has been laid, replace the shoe moldings and give the floor a final sweep up. Now it’s time to bring back in furniture, rugs, etc. and your room remodel is complete.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=23398&ca=Home+Management

Tips on Laying Laminate Flooring on an Uneven Surface

Laminate flooring has become a remarkably popular flooring option for many homeowners not only because of its stylish finish but also because of its low maintenance quality. Laminate timber flooring is amazingly durable, is available in such a wide variety of styles, colours and finishes that it is easy to find one that suits any taste or decor.

Laminate flooring is simply a plank of composite wood with a layer of resin on top that has been imprinted to appear like a real timber finish. Laminate timber flooring is much cheaper than hardwood timbers and requires less maintenance to keep up its great appearance.

Most laminate flooring systems are relatively simple to install using its simple tongue-and-groove locking system. As this flooring is usually a floating floor system, this means it's connected to each other plank, but not attached to your walls or floors. It is vitally important when you are planning to install your own laminate flooring to prepare the floor surface correctly before you lay your flooring.

If you have existing flooring already installed, remove it completely. If you previously had carpet, then pull it up and dispose of this and the old underlay padding beneath it. Take particular care to remove any tack strips around the edges of the room that would have secured the old carpet in place. Some floors may need to be scraped back to remove any excess padding or other items stuck to the floor.

Be sure to clean the floor thoroughly, either with a vacuum or a stiff bristled broom. Once the floor is clean and clear of debris you will be better positioned to determine if the floor is even or not.

When installing laminate timber flooring, it is important you create a floor surface that is as even as possible. Laminate is quite thin, so any imperfections or bumps will be noticeable beneath your flooring. Without taking adequate care to level the sub floor beneath your floating floors, you may find the floorboards may dip or bow in areas that are uneven.

If you have a concrete floor and you notice that the surface is uneven or pitted with holes or other imperfections, you can skim on a layer of thin set to create a flatter surface. This thin set is like a very fine gypsum underlayment that you simply pump over your existing floor and level out using a spirit level to ensure your screed layer is evenly spread across the floor. Once this has set, you will be left with a very smooth level surface that will be ideal to install your laminate onto.

However if you have a plywood subfloor, you may need to spend some time repairing any damaged sections you find in the plywood. Plywood can absorb moisture and break down over time, which then causes the damaged section to bulge, creating an obvious bump in your floor. In order to repair sections of plywood subflooring, you may need to cut out the damaged section and replace with new plywood.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For tips on installing your flooring, he recommends Completely Flooring, one of the UK's leading suppliers of Laminate Flooring.

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

Bathroom Flooring: Making Choices in Flooring

Picking out flooring for your home is always a bit tricky. There are so many different factors to take into consideration when looking into what is right for your home. It is also important to realize that each room needs to be considered separately when making flooring decisions. It is important that each factor be taken into consideration and ranked by importance then a determination can be made on what flooring is right for your home.

For instance, if you're budget is the most important consideration than hardwood throughout your home is obviously not really a viable option. The same is true for safety. If you need assistance from a walker to move about your home it is not wise to think about flooring option have a large gradation between them. An example of this is linoleum to shag carpet the threshold would create a sizable difference making it hard to maneuver a walker. It is best if you have special issues to take them into consideration BEFORE the new flooring is in place.

Another thing I like to remind people is to gauge the amount of traffic that will be on any given floor. Bathroom flooring and kitchen floors remain the most highly used areas within households. It is important to use materials that can withstand the wear and tear of your household traffic while maintaining the original look and feel. Laminate squares might be okay for a house without a lot of traffic but in a house that maintains a constant flow they the squares will begin to separate overtime.

Special conditions may also exist in certain rooms. For Instance, it is important that kitchen and bathroom flooring are moisture resistant. Getting out of the tub onto a carpeted floor is going to create mold and mildew underneath the carpet surface sooner rather than later. My parents have always had a carpeted kitchen and dining room. It is always in need of a cleaning especially with six grandkids and a grandmother that loves to make cookies with sprinkles.

It is important that the flooring type fit all of the conditions the room and home owners present. Remember that just because one floor works in a certain room for one homeowner it might not be the right product for you. Different households create different situations. It is important to look into your needs before spending money on flooring.

Flooring options are so wide and very in material, style, color, durability and cost. Determining the needs of your family before you install flooring materials will help save you money in the long run. Really looking at your needs might make you realize that it is worthwhile to save up for a more durable, but more expensive option like hardwood. Or it might make you realize that you really need to create unity throughout your home and are ready to do that using a different variety of materials within the same color family. Flooring is one area that can really make or break a home's feel so make sure you choose something that is consistent with your homes look and feel.

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

The Dangers of Flooring Surfaces

Every day, we spend at least an hour in the bathroom. That fact highlights the importance of spending some time to make your bathroom flooring not only functional but also safe. Many people do not realize that bathroom flooring can be very dangerous when wet. According to the National Safety Council, slips and falls are the single largest cause of Emergency Room visits. A high-risk environment can be created when a floor becomes wet, especially in an environment such as a bathroom which is subject to excess water. Because such risk exists, steps should be taken to ensure floors are treated to reduce risk of slips or falls.

A safer floor for your bathroom does not necessarily mean few types of flooring available to you. Most flooring surfaces can be treated to ensure slip and fall resistance despite texture and material choices. There are a variety of styles available in the market and to make the right choice you need to know the options available to you. Choosing your ideal flooring will also depend on the kind of look you want to give to your bathroom. Let's discuss some of the types of bathroom flooring available so that you can match them with your preferences.

Marble Floors

Marble flooring has undoubtedly become very popular primarily because of its beauty. It has an elegant appearance and a generally tough resistant surface. Marble flooring, however, does run on the expensive side and while durable, its sheen does not hold up well in heavily trafficked areas. Moreover, its feel is generally harder and colder than other flooring options. Ultimately, marble floors can be extremely dangerous when wet, but there are solutions.

Quarry Floors

Quarry flooring is one of the most in-demand floor types due to its elegant appearance and durability. In addition to being durable, Quarry is relatively inexpensive, and easy to clean and maintain. Quarry tile is made of clay and usually has a rougher finish than most pressed out ceramic tiles. Because quarry is unglazed, it must be sealed to resist against stains and moisture. Predominant colors of quarry are earth shades of red and orange. Again, quarry floors can be a real hazard when wet.

Ceramic Floors

Ceramic floors have become one of the most popular choices for bathrooms just like other rooms in the house. Ceramic is long-lasting, comes in a wide variety of designs and stands up well to high traffic. Some downsides, however, are that ceramic is difficult to install, it is susceptible to chipping and cracking, and it is generally harder and cooler to the touch than other floor types. Additionally, ceramic tile is highly slippery when wet.

While each of the flooring types mentioned above has varying levels of moisture resistance, none of them are slip-resistant and pose a real danger when wet. As an alternative, you may also want to consider going for a surface treatment for your flooring to prevent it from being slippery. SURE STEP, a floor and tub treatment by Interlake Chemicals is an excellent solution. No matter the material you choose for your bathroom flooring, it is important to remember that a wet floor presents a hazardous environment. To increase the safety of your bathroom, a surface treatment can be a life saver.

Interlake Chemicals offers the most comprehensive line of safety chemicals. SURE STEP treatment by Interlake Chemicals International Limited makes the treated floor absolutely non-slip, and thus extremely safe. SURE STEP by Interlake Chemicals works in dry AND wet floor conditions, and is backed by a company guarantee of up to 5 years.

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

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.

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