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.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing - For The Faint Of Heart

Are your beautiful hardwood floors not so beautiful anymore? Maybe they just need a refinishing job. It can be a daunting task, but here are some ideas to make it a little easier.

If your hardwood floors are in dire need of refinishing, get a few estimates from professionals. You may be surprised at the figures. You'll want to sit down when they tell you it will cost you $1200 to have your living room redone. You could carpet over it for less, but doesn't carpeting over beautiful hardwood floors seem, well, wrong?

Contrary to what you may have heard, the finish doesn't take days and days to dry. It’s quite simple actually. Go to your favorite local home improvement store, Lowe’s, Menard’s, Home Depot or other. Rent a sander. You'll need a drum sander, a belt sander or both. They will explain to you how to use the machine and tell you what kind of sand paper to purchase. They will also tell you what kind of stain and finish to get. Make sure you also pick up some dust masks because you will have saw dust everywhere.

The sanders are very easy to use. They're a bit on the loud side. The key is to keep it moving at all times. Do not stop or you will get a divot in your wood. Think of it like a clothes iron. You need to keep it moving or you will burn your clothes. Same deal with the sander. It creates a lot of heat and you will burn or dent your floors if you hesitate in one place too long.

You will feel like a Zamboni driver smoothing out your surface. Word of caution, you do need to maintain control of the machine at all times. It is self propelled, like a lawn mower or a basset hound on a leash. When you power it up, hold on to the machine tightly. Don't be afraid of it and after a few passes, you'll start to even have fun.

First you need to remove the old finish, base coat, color, and top coat. You may opt to forgo the color (stain) and just use the nature color of the wood. You will still need to apply a finish to it.

There are basically two types of floor finishes: one is oil-based and the other is water-based polyurethane. Oil-based is available in a satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish. Satin works well on floors because it hides small flaws and lets the natural beauty of the wood show without a bright shine. Oil-based also produces a warm amber look that gives you the traditional glow of wood floors. Water-based polyurethane dries clear and resists yellowing. Water-based also dries quicker.

Make sure you let each coat thoroughly dry before applying the next; same as you would nail polish. Give your floor at least 24-36 hours before moving furniture back on it. It will continue to harden in the first couple of weeks.

Don't be overwhelmed. Instead of looking at refinishing your hardwood floors as a humungous job, look at it as giving your room a manicure, one step at a time. You'll also save yourself as much as $1,000 by doing it yourself.

Tag : floor,hardwood floor,floor refinishing,floor tiles,wood floor

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Cleaning Bamboo Flooring - Simple Yet Effective Techniques

Now more than ever, bamboo flooring is becoming more popular because it provides homeowners with a relatively low-maintenance option to other types of wood flooring. This type of flooring is able to save a significant amount of time and many people are now looking to it for home remodeling projects. Whether a homeowner or someone looking to remodel, there are some simple things that can help make it easier for cleaning bamboo flooring.

First, if nothing else, make sure to avoid letting water sit on top of the flooring. This is similar to wood flooring and although bamboo flooring is generally resistant to moisture, this does not mean that it absorbs moisture without showing some side effects. You can use a damp cloth or mop to wipe it but avoid anything that might be sopping wet. Beyond avoiding a lot of water on the surface, a simple broom or vacuum will go a long way. Simple sweeping or using the extra attachment to collect dust and particles will keep the floor clean (and pleasing to the eye!)

One important thing to note is that a bamboo floor should not be cleaned with the same cleaners that are used on other surfaces like wood or even man-made materials like tile. The bamboo will not react well to the chemicals that are in the cleaners and will probably take some of the shine off of the floor. On a related note, standard waxes and other polishes that are appropriate for wood floors will not work well on bamboo floors.

Lastly, there are some other things that you can do to keep your floor looking good. First, try to avoid wearing high heels or other items that can leave small dents in the floor. Similarly, if you need to move around heavy things on the floor, place small pads underneath the legs of chairs, sofas, or tables, as these have the potential to leave scratches or other damage on the floor.

Tag : floor,floor tiles,bamboo flooring,wood floor

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

Bamboo Flooring Cost - The Benefits Far Outweigh the Actual Costs!

Remodeling the home can be a great way to increase the value of your home and one of the things you may want to consider is to refinish an older floor or to even consider putting in a new floor. One of the types of floors that has grown in popularity is bamboo flooring. While there are a variety of reasons to choose this type of flooring, cost is an important consideration. Bamboo flooring has been heralded as a reasonably priced alternative to traditional wood flooring. Part of this is because bamboo grows much faster than most trees and as a result, can be harvested and turned over sooner.

Since it can grow faster than a traditional tree, it qualifies as a "green" material. By being able to replace itself at a more rapid pace, farmers are able to take advantage of this and grow more product. For buyers, it means that bamboo flooring is also typically priced lower than many other types of high-end flooring. More importantly, it also means that homeowners who are interested in remodeling can look to bamboo as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional tree flooring.

In addition, bamboo can be installed with more ease than most wood flooring. This can be important if you are trying to calculate how much it may cost to install flooring, as labor costs can often eat up a significant portion of your budget. Additionally, bamboo flooring tends to require lower maintenance, which will save both time and money. By handling moisture better than many other materials, it will save money over time by requiring less preventative care. Its ability to resist many insects, also means less money spent on fumigation and other extraneous costs. Overall, a bamboo floor can provide a great alternative to other materials!

Tag : floor,flooring,bamboo flooring,wood floor,hardwood floor

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

Bamboo Flooring Pros and Cons - The Advantages and Disadvantages

Due to its charming appeal bamboo flooring is rapidly becoming popular. Bamboo flooring looks more attractive due to the presence of marks created at the nodes of the bamboos which have a bit darker color than other parts. Though bamboo flooring can be a great choice for many people, it always pays to study the advantages and disadvantages associated with them before you go for one.

Points in favor of bamboo flooring:

Tough and long lasting : Even though bamboo is not solid due to the hole inside, it is quite sturdy and tough. Compared to other hardwoods bamboo is tougher. It does not wear out easily and scratches and holes are not easily created on bamboos.

Damp proof : Bamboo does not absorb moistures and spills can not damage it easily. As such for the floors of kitchens and bathrooms it is preferred to other hardwoods.

Nature friendly : Use of bamboos is quite preferable from the point of view of nature friendliness. The trees from which we obtain hardwoods take almost 50 to 100 years to mature while a mature bamboo can be obtained within 5 to 7 years. Moreover bamboos can be grown to get regular supply of it thereby saving a lot of trees in the nature from being cut.

Can be cleaned easily : Bamboo floors can be kept clean without much effort just by sweeping daily and using a mop once in a week.

Arguments against bamboo flooring : Floating of bamboo floors sometimes turns out to be almost impossible as such before installation of bamboo flooring the restrictions associated with it must be studied.

Some people have witnessed that bamboo floors break down quite easily than other hardwood floor. Before you go for bamboo flooring you must consider its pros and cons so that you can make a well thought out decision.

However, the people who use bamboo floors have generally found that bamboo hardwood floors can be kept cleaned easily, can be installed easily and are eye-catching and tougher than other hardwood flooring materials. Bamboo floors are being preferred by more and more people as they last quite longer than other hardwood floors. The number of people opting for bamboo hardwood flooring is rising day by day and this trend is expected to continue in future.

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

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

Floor Tiles - Cover Your Home

Are you considering on having some Floor Tiles installed in your home? Well, that is a rather great choice. It is elegant, economical, and best of all, efficient and easy to clean. There are a few things you may need to keep in mind when selecting tiles to be installed for you to have the best outcome there could possibly be in this sort of flooring. There are different kinds of Floor Tiles; the most common ones are made from porcelain, ceramic or stone.

First off, you must be able to distinguish Floor Tiles from wall tiles. They make look exactly the same and you may get inclined to the design of wall tiles as they often have great designs. You must always keep in mind that having wall tiles installed on your floor may look great but may not be safe and may not withstand the same amount of wear and tear of a floor over a wall. Floor Tiles are thicker and are often given a finish which is greater in safety to walk on.

Cleaning is a breeze when it comes to Floor Tiles; especially if it was finished with gloss and treatment. You can mop it and sweep it as you please without having to worry about the stains or liquids to set in. If your concern is the possibility of scratches on the surface due to the weight of the fixtures and furniture in the room, you could always use non-slip and scratch free tapes on the base of the furniture so you can move it freely without having to worry about damaging the surface or hiding furniture marks.

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

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

Tips to Keep Your Bamboo Floor Clean and Beautiful Forever

Once we install a bamboo floor in our home or office, the next thing to think about is how to keep it clean. Compared to traditional wooden floor, bamboo floor takes very less effort to keep it maintained. However, one should know how to keep the beauty and strength of the floor intact for a long time with little effort. The main issues associated with the cleaning of bamboo floor are dust, shoe-marks, stains and scratches. There are several types of cleaning equipment and agents available for cleaning the floor.

Even a little bit of dust on the floor affects the beauty and glow of the floor. Especially, if the floor is of dark color, dust particles are easily visible. Therefore, it is very essential to remove the dust from time to time. People should always keep door-mat, clean the mat regularly and try to keep the floor dry. Even a little moisture on the floor leads the dust to stay there only and eventually leave dirty marks.

The second factor responsible for making dirt and scratches on the floor are the shoes. Some types of shoes are not suitable for wearing on bamboo floor. Some shoes with the design on the bottom for extra grip may lead to accumulation of dirt and mud inside the sole. High-heels shoes leave scratch marks on the floor, which is the dirtiest mark and can not be removed. To avoid any damage to our bamboo floor we have to ensure than our shoes are either removed outside or properly cleaned before entering the floor.

Stain is the next big issue, which may damage the floor if not taken care of at a right time. Any kind of stain should be removed at a sight with the help of specialty equipment and a stain removing solution suitable for bamboo floor. We should use soft clothe or a little wet mop to clean such stains otherwise cleaning vigorously with a hard substance may only end up leaving scratch marks on the floor making it look even dirtier.

When it comes to the scratches on the floor, furniture plays an important role. Moving heavy furniture here and there carelessly is an invitation to big, ugly scratches on the floor. We should try to avoid unnecessary movements of the tables and sofas to keep the problem away in the first instance. Or if we find moving furniture as a part of cleaning, then we can put small piece of a pad or cardboard or have furniture with small wheels so that they can easily slide without harming the floor.

Ultimately, we need to follow the instructions given by the supplier for proper cleaning of the floor using proper equipment and solutions. We should strictly avoid some cleaning agents like wax or non-alkaline cleaners to keep our bamboo floor clean and even more beautiful forever.

Tag : floor,bamboo floor,flooring,hardwood floor

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

Floor Tiles - How to Effectively Install Them

If your house is new or is under renovation, you will definitely need to install new tiles for your floor to give it a fresh and elegant look. And a well-planned design and good installation have an important part in completing this project. Think about this, you may spend large sum of money for buying tiles with nice designs, however, if you installed them incorrectly, they will just look cheaper than they are really worth. So, you really have to pay extra attention with installing your floor tiles at home.

If you want to achieve the best look for your home, keep these things in mind when installing floor tile:

1. Be sure that you have a rough draft of the tiling pattern to use. When preparing the rough draft, use the actual dimensions of the tiles and the area to be tiled. After you have estimated the required number of tiles needed, add a few more in case there will be breakage during the installation process.

2. Next, make certain that the area to be tiled is clean. You can also level the floor first by cementing the floor. Leveling the floor will avert any tile breakage when they are already in place. Or another option to level the floor is to place plywood on the floor and then mount the tiles on them.

3. Once you have set everything up and you're ready to lay the tiles, begin in the middle of the room and continue laying the tiles down in the direction of the walls.

4. When you realized that the tile is too big to fit in a particular space, you can simply cut them using a tile cutter.

Lastly, after you have laid all the tiles, you must seal all the joints between the floor tiles. This will prevent stains and dirt from getting in the tile spaces. If you will follow these tips, you will definitely achieve your desired look for that particular space.

Tag : floor,floor tiles,floor installation,flooring,hardwood floor

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

Choosing the Right Kitchen Flooring

Kitchen flooring may not offer as good of investment as when you are redoing your cabinets or counter tops. However, it is still an important factor when remodeling any kitchen project. There are some important things that you need to consider before taking on any project for deciding what material you want to use.

When you're working in and around the kitchen preparing a meal for the family - you may be prone to drop heavy cans, knives, bowls, or other sharp utensils and objects that may cause damage to your kitchen flooring.

You may want to consider some type of laminate surface that is done in section so that if you do damage a small section you can replace it easily. You may want to consult the people who are selling you the product on how successful people are with replacing small sections of the certain flooring that you're considering.

The other option to replace sine section would be to do a simple repair. Again you would want to consult with the manufacturer or the company that your purchase in the product from to find out what types of repair materials and how difficult the project will be.

If you remember back a few years to the 60s and 70s many homes would have the builder install indoor outdoor carpet in them. The idea was that this carpet surface could be cleaned up easily or vacuumed - it would also create a warmer feeling to bare or stocking feet. However it wasn't long before people started having moisture problems and stains were always a problem when dropping food on the indoor outdoor kitchen flooring

Tag : floor,kitchen,flooring,hardwood floor

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

The Benefits of Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is gaining much popularity all around the world since it is cheap, elegant and environment friendly. Let's now look at some points to think about why one should consider using bamboo flooring for his home and what is it that you need to look for while installing it.

You find bamboo which is a kind of grass in most of the areas of Southeast Asia from where it is exported for converting it into flooring. Before it turns out into a material for flooring, it is treated thoroughly so that you can remove all the bugs and insects which might have been in it and also to strengthen the bamboo and make it more durable.

In a period of four to five years, a bamboo grows to maturity and not only this, once harvested it regenerates itself. This is very unlike to other trees that need so many years before they can gives us enough material that can made use for any purpose.

Bamboo flooring can be found in different colors of your choice however many of the well-known colors would be the ones that are close to wood so that we can give the same effect of coziness and warmth. Bamboo flooring is very cheap since it is available very easily and it the re-growth rate is also fast and hence can be afforded by anyone. But, one should get a minimum warranty for 15-20 years on the bamboo flooring since it is much durable and can be maintained easily.

Not only that the amount to be spent on bamboo flooring is less, it also has different qualities and types available. You get for what you pay and therefore don't scrimp on the floors if you wish to have them last for a least of 20 years. Look around and research for best deals on the best quality of available bamboo flooring in the market.

Helpful Tips

When you invest for your home specially for your floors, it is necessary to take all the required measures to make sure you get the right product and hence you need not deals with replacing the floors or repairing it which would cost you both money and time. Performing a little research would take you a long way and give a long term peace of mind at the end.

Searching online would be the best place to start with your research. However, if you buy online, make sure that you don't end up paying a lot for shipping charges. You might also be not able to see things actually or feel the quality and color of the bamboo till the point it comes to your door. Bamboo flooring would be the future in terms of budget, looks and very importantly making sure you have a safe and clean environment for many generations to come. So, the bamboo decorating ideas outlined here for your home or office should be very welcome as well as trendy.

Tag : floor,bamboo flooring,hardwood floor,floor installation

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

Seven Steps to Installing Hardwood Laminate Flooring

Once you have all your tools, acclimatized your bamboo hardwood laminate flooring boards and have a perfectly level sub floor, you are ready to start installing your laminate floor. The main seven steps to doing this are:

1. Determine what direction the laminate boards will lay. Usually if there is a great deal of light coming from outside through a door or window, the planks lay in a direction away from the light.

2. The first board laid with one end against a wall and one side against an adjacent wall. Place plastic spacers that come with the boards between the board and the walls. When finished laying the bamboo laminate flooring, these will be removed and the space will give the flooring room to expand if necessary.

3. Fit the end of a second board into the the end of the first board, again placing spacers between it's side and the wall. Use the hammering tool you will have received with the boards to lightly hammer each board into the next. Continue to do this until there is not enough room to place a board between the end of the last board and the approaching wall. Measure the distance between the end of the last board and the approaching wall and cut a board to this length (less the size of a spacer). Then place this cut down board into the end of the last board laid and place spacers at the end of the newly laid board and between it and the wall. There's your first row laid.

4. Use the off cut from the last bamboo laminate board as the first board of the next row, if the off cut is long enough. If it is not long enough, then start the second row with a standard board beginning from the end that you finished the first row with. The aim here is to have the ends of the boards in each row staggered so that they do not line up.

5. Use aluminium mouldings to finish off boards that end in a doorway leading outside or into another room that has a different floor covering. These can usually be bought at your bamboo hardwood laminate flooring retailer. Similarly, you can use moulding to connect laminate flooring in doorways between rooms where both rooms have laminate flooring. Alternatively, you can continue the same boards from one room into another but this can be tricky. Sometimes it requires shaving down the tongue in a tongue and groove system so that a board on one side of the door will easily slide straight into a board on the other side. Note that the only way to do this is to have both boards running along the doorway, not through it.

6. Continue with this until the entire floor has been covered with bamboo hardwood laminate boards. Then remove the spacers.

7. If you already have skirting boards and the flooring has been laid up to them, then you will use moulding to cover the gap between the flooring and the skirting boards. Otherwise if the flooring has been laid up to the bottom of the walls, then you will now install skirting boards to cover the gap.

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

Things to Know If You Want to Install Tile Flooring

Tiles can add a fresh twist to an old, boring floor. There are practical tips, however, on how to install tile flooring properly. Below are some of these practical tips.

1. Making Cuts On the Cutter Board

You need to know how to do this because you will need to cut tiles unless your floor is the perfect size for the tiles that you have. More often than not, there will be spaces in which the regular tile cannot fit in.

2. Cutting Around Faucets, Jams and Wall Plugs

People might get scared about doing this task but once you see it being done, you will realize that you can do it as well. Self tile flooring is usually a home improvement project so that means there are faucets and wall plugs already in place.

3. Using the Tile Nippers

Learning how to use tile nippers will literary cut down on the job time in half. This is a critical tool that you need to learn how to use because failure to do so might ruin your tile flooring project.

4. Installing Backer-Board

The backer board is an extremely important part of the tiling process. It may seem easy to perform because all you have to do is to hammer it down on the floor. However, there are a lot of do's and dont's on how to do this process and knowing these things will save you from having to uproot anything off the floor.

Not knowing how to do the previously mentioned things when you want to install tile flooring might lead you to a lot of broken tiles and wasted money.

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

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

Rubber Floor Mats Do More Than Just Keep Your House Clean

Do you ever notice the rubber floor mat by your front door? If you are like most people, you probably do not even remember all the times that you've used a rubberized floor mat in your life in order to clean off your feet. Many people do not appreciate the wonderful ability that rubber-floor-mats have to help keep your house clean.

The majority of rubber-floor mats are relatively inexpensive and do a great job at keeping homes clean, businesses clean, and are able to minimize the amount of dirt and other substances that get tracked into a building. It has become very popular for most people to have some kind of rubber floor "welcome" mat outside of their front door. This is because seeing a rubber-floor-mat encourages people to wipe the dust and grime from the bottoms of their shoes before entering your home.

Businesses make use of industrial-sized rubber-floor mats for the same purpose: To keep the workplace flooring clean of all debris. Most blue-collar jobs that require a lot of physical labor actually mandate that rubber floor mats be placed throughout the building in order to help keep their workers safe. If you ever inspected the work area of most fast-food restaurants, you would have noticed that there are plenty of rubber floor mats. The reason that rubber-floor mats are used by most fast-food restaurants is to ensure the safety of their workers.

Often times people will have a rubber-floor mat in their kitchen area in order to ensure stability. You surely do not want to slip in your kitchen while carrying a hot dish or pan of food. Therefore, in order to help prevent yourself from slipping up, it is recommended to lay down some rubber flooring. Not only does a rubber floor mat provide good accident-prevention in the kitchen and help keep work-spaces clean of debris, but it also has the ability to help you from getting your car dirty.

If you have ever taken the time to look down at the flooring of your vehicle, chances are that you quickly were able to notice the rubberized floor mat near the driver's side, as well as in the co-captain seat. The reason that automotive manufacturers give you a vehicle with multiple rubber-floor mats inside is because they want you keep the inside of your car clean. Having high-quality rubber floor mats added to your car can really help maintain your vehicle and prevent dirt granules, pebbles, and mud from ruining the interior of your carpeting.

There are certain types of rubber-floor mats that are more effective at trapping dirt than others, so it is recommended that you look into buying the most effective and durable floor mats for your home, business, and vehicles. Since rubber floor mats are very low-cost, you can buy a lot of good quality ones for a fairly low price. Do some internet research and read up on the latest reviews in order to find a rubber floor mat to best suit your needs.

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

Super! You've Chosen Bamboo Flooring, But Here is What You Don't Know

You've decided to use environmentally-friendly bamboo flooring in your home, and you've made a great choice. After all, everyone is going green these days, and bamboo flooring is an excellent step in that direction. You can, however, take your decision just a little further by opting for strand-woven bamboo flooring.

Now if you're wondering exactly what strand-woven bamboo is, you aren't alone, because the material is relatively new to the market. It is made from bamboo strips being woven together and then covered with a special adhesive. The bamboo product is then put under extreme compression until the adhesive dries and the material becomes stablized. Once that happens, this eco-friendly material can be cut into desired sizes of boards and planks. Since it's made of the pieces of bamboo that are left over in the making of standard bamboo planks, you're actually using flooring that's been made of what would have been wasted bamboo.

Why Strand-Woven Bamboo?

If you take the time to do some research about strand-woven bamboo, you'll find that it makes an exceptionally-sturdy material for floors. It is so tough that you'd be hard-put to find anything else that could meet its durability in high-traffic areas of your home. Since bamboo plants grow so quickly, there's no danger of the supply of the material becoming depleted. It cleans up so easily that generally all you'll need to do is run over it with a dust mop. When it does need to be cleaned more thoroughly, all it takes is a solution of vinegar and water which means you won't be introducing chemicals into the environment to maintain it. Strand-woven bamboo also has a longer lifespan than regular bamboo flooring, because it is more resistant to moisture.

Other benefits of installing strand-woven bamboo flooring include:
* It's free from allergens.
* It can be sanded down and re-stained just like the more-expensive hardwood flooring.
* It's a money-saver in that it will retain its finish longer than more traditional types of flooring.

What Makes Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring Last So Long?

To start with, bamboo is a durable, water- and damage-resistant material. By processing it into strand-woven bamboo, both the these qualities are multiplied. Bamboo also has the ability to expand and contract well in heat and cold which helps your flooring stay in top condition for many, many years.

After you install your strand-woven bamboo, it will only take a bit of elbow grease to create truly awesome-looking floors for your home. Another point worth mentioning is that many brands of strand-woven flooring are made without formaldehyde, and that's what you want to look for. Otherwise, if your home doesn't have adequate ventilation, you have the potential for becoming ill over a period of time. However, when your floor is finally finished, you'll be able to relax and be proud of what you've accomplished. The new look will amaze even you.

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

Concrete Floor Paint And Vital Preparation

Preparation is important when applying floor paint. You can only expect a surface to stay in place, if its substrate is permanent. If the substrate crumbles or moves, your surface and floor paint will move with it. After 40 years of application practice, flooring experts have developed application preparation procedures that minimize the risk of substrates moving. Floors that are new are especially vulnerable and require extra preparation before painting the floor. While a new concrete floor is dusty for the first couple of years while the latent of concrete on the surface are kicked, walked, or driven off. The latent must be removed before quality topcoats are applied; or the topcoats will move with the latent as they break free from the substrate.

Cleaning first with a high pH or alkaline degreaser attacks oil and grease contaminants while moving the floor pH higher will do wonders for the floor paint finish. And afterwards you put on a low pH acidic cleaner that attacks minerals, rust and other particles. That makes your pH jump 10 points or better to shock contaminants loose from substrates. An acidic cleaner should have detergents, rinse agents and water softeners blended into it so that it is formulated to do the best job possible. It is very important to bring the pH back to normal 6.5 or 7 pH after cleaning, using a scrub rinse.

If you have ever tried to run your fingers across your car after pressure washing it; you know that it still has a thin layer of road film on it. That is because surface tension holds even high pressure from penetrating the road film. You must break the surface tension with contact during all three steps of cleaning. The more aggressive the contact the better for removing concrete latent, small particles of concrete that are ready to break of to become that endless dust coming off unquoted concrete floors.

You should be careful relying on retail store clerks alone, to help you with a floor that will be used for the next 10 to 20 years. Now a day’s factory-direct kit of materials including step-by-step instructions and a 24/7 online help are now on hand. With these resources, you can put quality floor paint down in your garage that will last for many years. Like with a car finish, you may get some scratches and marks, but likewise a car finish, a little touching up can keep the floor paint looking good for many years.

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Engineered Hardwood Flooring Can Save Money Without Sacrificing Style

Hardwood floors are a look that never goes out of style. It is something that adds immediate value and class to your home. Of course, this new rich look is going to cost money, but there are ways to trim some of these costs, especially if you are going to do the installation yourself. One such measure is to use engineered hardwood flooring.

If you are thinking that engineered hardwood flooring is the laminated flooring that you sometimes see in restaurants, you are way off base. These are real wood planks that have already been finished and are ready for installation.

Two things that take up a lot of time when you install a floor are the sanding down and the staining and finish application. These are also the two areas that a lot of DIY'ers can make the most mistakes. Avoid wasting time and money by using the engineered hardwood flooring instead of the standard flooring.

Using this product also eliminates the need to hire a professional. If you have ever laid down flooring before, you should have some basic knowledge and can look on the internet for some quick lessons on the best way to lay down hardwood floors. Something else to consider is that you can use the floor right away instead of having to wait days for the finish to properly dry.

If you have an area of the house that you are going to be installing hardwood floors and it is prone to mild exposure to moisture, engineered hardwood flooring is a much better choice than standard hardwood floors. Because of the way it is treated, it is more likely to hold up to these conditions over say a Maple wood floor that you install and finish yourself.

When you are deciding how to install the floor, you can do it normally where the nails will show but be flush to the floor or you can choose to hide them since the floor is already finished and you do not want to risk harming the finish during installation. To do this, you will need to use a technique called blind nailing or even possibly gluing them down. Either way will allow you to keep the pristine look of the wood.

While this product itself will have a higher price tag on it than unfinished product, you need to take the time and error factors into consideration of the pricing. You are saving a ton of time and run no risk of messing up the finish and having to bur more wood or make costly repairs.

As you look at the small mistakes that can cost significant money in replacement or repair, engineered hardwood flooring starts to make more and more sense. Think about a bubble popping up because you didn't stir the solution properly. A small mistake, but it can cost you a lot of money when you do it. If you have little experience in this type of work you are better off playing it safe and using the prepared product to work with.

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

How to Find High Grade Flooring Material at Discounted Prices

There are some wonderful ways to find discount flooring material, if you're looking to add a new look to a playroom or spare bedroom. The great thing about finding discounted flooring is that you can actually find high quality grade material if you know who to contact. This article will highlight some possible ways on how you might be able to get a great buy on high-grade flooring material.

Local contractors
The first place to start is with your local phone book. If you browse through the various different carpet installers or contractors in the Yellow Pages - You just may find that they have high-grade overstock flooring material that they have ordered from a previous job that they're willing to sell at a very nice discounted price.

Local retailer
Another great way to find high-grade flooring would be to contact your local flooring retailers and see if they have any closeout items for sale. Sometimes the higher end stuff does not move as quickly so you may be able to find some older stock that they're willing to discount.

Color selection
The main drawback in buying overstock flooring material is that you may not find the exact style that you are looking for. This is probably not the best way to go if you're looking at a main living room. However if you are looking to redo a spare bedroom or playroom, yet would like some high-quality product at a price that may even be better than lower to medium grade material this is a great way to go.

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

What Type of Flooring Would Be Perfect For Your Home?

There are many choices when it comes to flooring for your home. You can choose from carpeting, rugs, hardwood floors, laminate, and tile. The style you pick depends largely on your personality and the room it will go in as there are advantages and disadvantages to each.

Carpeting is a great, traditional flooring choice for any home. It's great because it can have a lot of your personality. There's different styles, like shag, and it comes in any color under the sun. Carpet is also soft and inviting, making it wonderful in a bedroom or living room. Carpet, however, can be very difficult to clean and maintain. You'll need to vacuum often and shampoo the carpet when it becomes dirty. Too bad a stain and it may have to be replaced. Carpet obviously is a bad choice for kitchens and bathrooms where water damage and spills will destroy it.

Hardwood floors are all-around a great choice for homes. They're durable, easy to clean and easy to install. They look wonderful in any room. The main disadvantage of hardwood floors can be the price, although it's usually worth it considering the long-lasting quality.

Rugs are a nice way to accent the floors in your home and can be laid down over hardwood, tile or carpet beautifully. Rugs at plenty of personality and can accent a room, adding charm, warmth or sophistication. Rugs also help to cover up damage on the floor underneath, such as stains. They're also fairly affordable.

Laminate floors are becoming very popular and can be ordered to look just like authentic hardwood floors or tile. Laminate floors are affordable, very easy to lay down and can give the look of a more expensive floor. They're also very easy to maintain. The downside of laminate floors is they don't last very long.

Tile floors, lastly, are great in bathrooms because they won't be damaged by water and are easy to mop up.

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

Eliminate the Challenge of Finding a Flooring Contractor

If you're considering a remodel on your home or office then you may be faced with hiring a flooring contractor in the near future. This article will look at a couple of things that you might want to consider before you go out and get that first set of bids.

The first thing that you want to do when hiring anybody to install flooring in your home or office is to put together a good plan. The more homework that you do before you start calling flooring contractors the better off you're going to be in the long run in getting quality and competitive bids.

If you know what type of flooring material that you want to install in your home or office you're on your way. Now that you know what type of surface you're going to be installing you can get equal bids from each contractor. If you're not sure what type of flooring that you want to install in your home or office you can always visit a local home improvement store and get some great suggestions.

Word-of-mouth is always a great way to find a reputable flooring contractor, however, you want to make sure that the person you're asking for the reference does not have any kind of commissions or anything built into the referral.

Just because your friend or neighbor down the street happened to use one certain person for their last job does not mean they'll be right for you. You also want to check with that contractors other references, as they may be friends or have some sort of connection with that neighbor or friend that they did the job for.

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

Anderson Flooring Versus Laminate

Hate laminate? You are not alone. So does The Anderson Company. Anderson hates laminate for good reason - it's in the business of producing beautifully polished, hardwearing hardwood floors. Laminates fake the appearance of wood, at the expense of misled consumers who have no idea of the many benefits they are missing out on.

Not Anderson.

The company originally collaborated with the U.S Navy; and it's first innovation was a method for devising plywood so flexible and strong it can be used for boat hulls. After the company came up with parquet blocks that can be fitted over concrete (a feat that was unheard of in the day), it started producing full-length planks that performed just as well as parquet under damp conditions, and are equally durable. From there, the company perfected its construction of engineered floors.

Enter Anderson flooring.

Hardwearing and effortlessly beautiful, Anderson flooring is famous for being produced under one of the tightest quality standards in the industry. Anyone who has ever used the material can easily distinguish it from the other names on the market. Why? Well, the company uses solid oak core, instead of softer woods. And, while solid oak is much more expensive, it's also more durable and is exceptionally harder. The difference pays off because in a Janka Ball Hardness Test, the company's planks beat oak lumber in all meters but one.

So the next time you get any renovation or construction work done, skip laminate. Why fake it when you can easily get the real thing? With Anderson flooring, you get real hard wood that's soft on the pocket.

Considering your Anderson flooring options? Wendy Hubble is an expert on Anderson flooring and a contributing writer of Flooring Central. Check out the website for more info on how you can slash 80% off the price of your discount hardwood floor

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

Laminate Wood Floors - Are Laminate Floors a Good Choice?

Laminate wood floors are a better option than hardwood floors as it does not stain, fade and dent with long time use. In addition to this, it is more scratch and water resistant than hardwood. When you select your laminate, be sure to look at the traffic and use of independent regions, as different laminate types may be required.

It is better to use entry level laminate wood flooring for regions with light traffic. This flooring comes with a warranty ranging from 10 to 15 years. However many people expect too much from this flooring, and think that it will perform well under heavy traffic conditions and still look good. On the contrary, entry level floor that is subjected to high traffic tends to show signs of wear and tear within 3 to 5 years of installation.

Laminate wood floors are best on floors with paraffin wax.

Laminate floors have cores of different ranges where the thickest core is very stable, is less vulnerable to buckling and sounds more like hardwood when walked on. Water repellent chemicals are used for treating good quality cores which also helps in resisting swelling due to excessive moisture.

It is better to use laminate wood flooring on floors with paraffin wax impregnated joints. This is because the paraffin wax works like water repellent which prevents topical water spills from penetrating its core.

Though this looks like a good choice for use in bathrooms and kitchens, it is better to check on the warranty of the flooring as some laminates are not suited for use in bathrooms and kitchens. Laminate wood flooring is a great flooring option if you are looking for a rich and natural look at a home friendly price.

If you are thinking about installing hardwood or laminate flooring, be sure to take a look at the tips on installing hardwood floors.

You'll also find some great tips on cleaning hardwood floors.

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

Making Your Flooring Match Your Life

With the myriad of flooring options available, it makes sense that some are more effective than others with certain lifestyle choices. When deciding on a new floor selection, be sure your choice is the perfect match.

Carpet
Carpet is a relatively inexpensive choice for a basic option and it is a uniform color in most cases that suits just about any home. Carpet does trap dirt, dust and allergens, even with a powerful vacuum, so after a certain amount of time your carpet will need to be replaced. If you are sensitive to dust or have pets, carpet will hold on to dust mites and dog hair making it a challenge. Carpet is insulating, however and soft underfoot making it a good option for homes with children or where you prefer a quiet interior.

Marble and Stone
Marble and stone, such as granite or travertine, are beautiful and speak of wealth and grace. However, they are hard underfoot and very expensive to install. Stone options are beautiful in homes that are open and airy with a modern or classical feel. But homes designed to be comfortable, traditional or casual will likely feel at odds with a stone floor. Families with small children will also have difficulties with a stone or marble floor as it is not ideal for running and playing throughout the house.

Tile
Tile is less expensive than stone and is easier to maintain. Not as formal as marble, tile is suitable for any style of home as you have so many different options available in color and styles. Tile is wonderful in homes with pets as hair and dirt are easy to sweep up, but small children might not be able to play as comfortably as you would like and the hardness of the floor underfoot might be a concern if you stand for long periods of time.

Laminate
Laminate has a similar appearance to hardwood flooring or tile, but is a manufactured product designed for a quick and easy installation and very easy maintenance. Laminate is popular in homes with pets and with children as it scratch resistant and doesn't trap dust and or pet hair and allows for very easy clean-up. For formal homes, the less expensive styles of laminate might not be ideal as they might show up as too informal. The top forms of laminate, however, have an almost indistinguishable wood-like appearance and would be at home in any style of home.

Hardwood
Hardwood floors are made from planks of hard wood which means they are beautiful in any home, but require more upkeep than some of the other flooring options. The wood is prone to scratching and denting, but can be refinished to repair any damage whenever you like. Wooden flooring can be expensive, but it is an option that lasts for centuries and is ideal for virtually any sort of home. Homes with small children and dogs might opt for distressed or especially hardy forms of hardwood, however, to avoid damage from something as simple as dog claw scratches as pets walk around.

The author is a flooring specialist that regularly contributes to a variety of online blogs, corporate websites and home decor magazines. Discover more information about laminate flooring by visiting laminateflooringco.com with additional advice provided on obtaining cheap laminate flooring.

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

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

Anderson Flooring - 5 Tips to Make Yours Last Longer

You know your Anderson floor can easily outlive you, but what would it hurt to give it a little tender loving care every now and then? Why not give it a longer lease on life? When you do, you can reduce the rate at which floors naturally begin to show their age.

Below are some tips that will help you preserve the beauty of your Anderson flooring. They're easy to do, and won't take more than 5 to 10 minutes of your time.

1. Remove spills straightaway. Use a soft material to wipe it off.

2. Never damp-mop or wet-mop your floor. This will damage the flooring and void warranties. You don't want that to happen, do you?

3. Avoid liquid or paste wax, oil soaps, and household cleaners that contain lemon oil, silicon, ammonia, or tung oil. These ingredients will have a negative effect your floor's ability torecoat.

4. Put protective pads under furniture legs, especially heavy ones. This will reduce the dents and scratches furniture usually makes on floors.

5. Position rugs on pivot points and high-traffic sections of the house, and be ready to rearrange these rugs every so often. This will help ensure your floors age evenly.

Remember, you have wood for a floor. Wood ages, so help yours age with grace. Anderson flooring is durable, beautiful, and strong. But if you put it through so much use and abuse, it may not last as long as expected. Give your floor some tender loving care, using the tips I've shared above. You won't regret it, especially when you see the results on your flooring.

Considering your Anderson flooring options? Wendy Hubble is an expert on Anderson flooring and a contributing writer of Flooring Central. Check out the website for more info on how you can slash 80% off the price of your discount hardwood floor!

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

Mezzanine Floors - The Different Kinds

Mezzanine floors - also known as - an intermediate floor that is placed between the main floor of an establishment and the other levels. It is not actually counted to be a floor - but more of a low ceiling that projects from a part of the construction. Numerous of the more average forms of mezzanine floors are balconies in older theaters and church buildings.

There are numerous various forms of mezzanine floors that are produced from materials such as structural steel, stainless steel, and cold rolled steel. These materials will determine how and where the floors will be utilised and built and the amount you will need to pay for them.

The structural steel floors are suited for column spacing. They are produced with an open web bar joist that makes it easy to extend electrical conduits and water pipes through it. It will likewise offer you much more space to work making it a simple job and one that will not take long to build.

If you want to utilize something that is cheaper to make then it would be better to employ the structural steel. The only problem with this material is that it is much heavier then the others - which makes it a much larger floor and it has an increased measure of dead load when compared to the other floor types. Only distinct types of buildings are able to handle this floor.

The cold rolled steel are made utilising sheet metal - which makes them much lighter then the structural steel. It has a nice simple finish that gives it a nice visual aspect and best to utilize in a more public building. Though they might be lightweight they do have the ability to handle vastly heavy loads though it does have specified column spacing.

Stainless steel is one of the most costly types of mezzanine floors that you have the power to buy and only has a little quantity of column spacing to it. It is for the most part utilized in a plant that is used for food processing and for individuals who need a large measure of space to work.

Learn what Mezzanine Floors Are and the various Mezzanine Floor Accessories that you can purchase to complete them.

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

How to Select the Best Bathroom Flooring For Your Home

Bathroom flooring is one of the essential elements of a renovation project. When choosing the type of flooring to use, it's important to consider the pros and cons of each type, in relation to your other bathroom remodel ideas. The following tips will help offer some insight into the advantages and disadvantages of the different bathroom flooring options available.

• Tile-Bathroom tile is the most popular and, probably, the most practical choice available. Tile is durable, moisture resistant, and available at some very economical prices. There are also wide varieties of colors, borders, trim pieces, and mosaic accents to choose from. Going with tile, however, is not the end of the decision process. There are several different types, shapes and sizes. You must make the choice between clay, porcelain, or stone and decide on the best size, such as; 2x2, 4x4, 12x12, or larger. As you can see; there are options available to fit any need or décor.
• Wood-Whether or not to use wood flooring in a bathroom is a decision that should be given careful consideration. While it is beautiful and can be durable and long lasting; excessive and extended exposure to moisture can be harmful. Before making this choice; evaluate the pros and cons of each choice in relation to your situation. Solid hardwoods, while beautiful and extremely durable in other parts of the home; are more susceptible to the effects of water than other types of wood. If you choose this option; make sure the floor is properly installed, leaving no gaps or cracks for water to penetrate, control moisture with the use of bath mats, and protect the surface with more frequent coats of polyurethane finishing. If you choose to go with a laminate; use a top grade with a protective top layer and avoid excessive or standing water, which will destroy the bottom layer. Engineered wood, which consists of a top layer of real wood over a plywood base, is the most durable and best option if you decide to use wood in your bath.
• Vinyl-Sheet vinyl or tiles (VCT) may be the best option available when it comes to bathroom flooring. While being extremely durable and moisture resistant, it's also available in a wide variety of colors and patterns and is extremely economical. The main drawback for most homeowners is they believe it looks cheap. However, in recent years, manufacturers have introduced some very attractive products that make it worth giving vinyl a second look.
• Carpet-Most everyone in the flooring or building industries (myself included) will advise you to stay away from carpet in the bathroom. The combination of fabric and water is a recipe for disaster. If, however, you've made up your mind to use it; there are some advantages. Many people like it for the warmth and comfort on the feet, the relatively low cost, and the ease of replacement. If you decide to go this route; use a 100% olefin, indoor outdoor for the best resistance to moisture and use bath mats or rugs to control water exposure.

For more help with bathroom remodeling ideas; go to http://www.yourselfhomerepair.com/bathroomremodelingideas.html

Install a beautiful, professional looking tile floor in your bath. For more information; go to http://www.yourselfhomerepair.com/bathroomtiling.html

Glenn Whitehead is a former general contractor with over 25 years experience in the construction industry in Houston, TX. He is currently the webmaster of YourselfHomeRepair.com, a do it yourself home repair and improvement site with how to articles, tips for finding contractors, and help preparing contract documents

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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.

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