Archive for 'Flooring'
The 2nd Most Common Home Flooring Project: Vinyl Flooring
Posted on 06. May, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Vinyl flooring is a great alternative to many materials, such as wood and carpet. Commonly seen in commercial settings because of its durability. Vinyl flooring is simple to install and resists both scratching and moisture. This is in sharp contrast to wood flooring that may warp and crack from water damage, or show scratching from abrasions. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, can keep a perfect appearance for several years with next to no maintenance. Even when damage or wear occurs, the floor can be very easily refinished with little cost. Damaged tiles can be removed without much trouble as well.
Hardwood flooring provides an attractive aesthetic appeal, but cannot maintain its finish when faced with moisture and high traffic. Vinyl flooring can provide the same aesthetic appeal without the upkeep problems typically seen. Vinyl manufacturers today have broad selections of durable products, as well as a variety of appearances. Vinyl flooring can be easily manufactured to appear like wood flooring, or any other surface for that matter. Manufacturers such as Armstrong produce vinyl flooring with a keen eye toward appearance and durability.
High quality Armstrong vinyl flooring is produced that has the same grain and texture as hardwood. The Armstrong Hi-Definition printing process produces surfaces that look exactly like hardwood. Best of all, vinyl tile is very easy to cut and fit around corners and other obstacles. This makes vinyl tile flooring extremely flexible. Add to that its affordability, and vinyl tile is an excellent choice for any flooring project. This is especially true with flooring that must stand up to a lot of traffic.
Check with any number of vinyl tile manufacturers, and you will find that the tiles are available in an amazing array of styles, shades, and colors. Vinyl tile is not only durable, but incredibly broad in its selection as well. Vinyl tile allows the designer to imitate almost any material without worrying about the subsequent maintenance issues. Armstrong is one of the most well known names in the vinyl tile business. Employing over 12,000 workers, Armstrong is a widely respected vendor in the vinyl tile market. With cutting edge printing technology, Armstrong has an emphasis on quality and longevity.
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The Advantages of Bruce Flooring
Posted on 03. May, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
When cost effectiveness and simple installation are needed, Bruce flooring provides an excellent line of products from which to choose. With interlocking tile products to choose from, Bruce Flooring is a favorite of “do it yourself” consumers. The interlocking technology used in Bruce flooring products forgoes the need for messy and expensive adhesives. With interlocking tiles, the customer is able to lay out the flooring themselves, most likely saving thousands in the process.
Bruce flooring offers a broad selection of all types of flooring. The Bruce flooring hardwood lineup makes a huge number of options available to the consumer. With a vast array of products to choose from, Bruce flooring can help you realize a broad range of designs. Hardwood flooring is a great addition to any home, and adds an immeasurable degree of value to the residence. Hardwood flooring can endure for many years if properly cared for over the ensuing years. The primary concern in hardwood maintenance is the problem of water damage. Moisture that wicks up from the subfloor can rot out a hardwood floor.
Preventing the exposure of the hardwood to moisture is the chief concern in maintenance. Prompt clean up of spills and regular cleaning is an important part of keeping a hardwood floor intact. When spills begin to bead up on hardwood floors, this can be a sign that the finish of the floor needs to be replaced. Be sure to do this soon, because the water damage can spread very quickly after the finish has worn away. Cupping and crowning that results from water damage can be difficult and costly to repair, and requires time consuming sanding and planing. Areas that see drastic changes in temperature can also put a strain on hardwood flooring.
Laminate flooring is a wonderful option when potential water damage and a tough climate make hardwood less viable. Made to resist water damage, laminate flooring will look great for years with very little maintenance. Pressure sealed against moisture from both the top and the subfloor, laminate flooring looks great for years. Best of all, laminate flooring is frequently made to look just like hardwood. This is wonderful when the elegance of a hardwood is desired, but the upkeep issues involved are not as desirable. Luckily, Bruce Flooring provides a great selection of both types of flooring.
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Slate Flooring for Residential and Commcercial Establishments
Posted on 28. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Slate flooring is a wonderful option for both home and business, giving designers a unique and flexible material to employ in their home. Slate has many benefits, including its affordability and resilience. Slate flooring has a very fine molecular structure, giving it a resistance to moisture. Spills should be very easy to clean up, as slate will not absorb the moisture. Slate is also exceptionally resistant to stains and dirt. Simple care should keep a slate floor clean without too much trouble.
Due to the wide range of sources for slate in the natural world, it can be found in a spectrum of shades and colors. Slate flooring is available in anything from dark charcoal shades, to vibrant reds or greens. Consumers also have a wide range of patterns to choose from when it comes to slate flooring, giving each floor a unique look. The cleft texture of slate flooring makes it incredibly tough, resisting scratches and wear. The slate texture also provides a safe surface that won’t become slippery, making it a great choice for in the kitchen or work areas.
The combination of good stain resistance and anti-slip properties make slate one of the greatest all around kitchen appropriate flooring materials available. As well as to its affordability, slate flooring benefits from a wide range of unique patterns to choose from. Glosses can also be added to slate flooring, bringing another dynamic to its uniqueness. Laying out slate flooring can be done without professional assistance, but it requires a good deal of time as well as tools. A diamond bladed saw will be required to cut the tiles. Thinset must also be purchased along with the tile, which is used to fasten the tile to the underlayment.
With a smooth concrete surface, no underlayment may be needed. With hardwood subfloors, or cracked concrete, an underlayment of concrete will be needed to begin the installation properly. It is essential that the correct thinset be used with particular tile sets. The thinset bonds the tile to the underlayment, and if done badly the floor can eventually begin drifting. Be sure to have a large bucket and something to clean up mortar that spreads across tile surfaces.
Before laying out slate flooring, check out the packaging of the slate. Tiles can frequently end up broken after arriving at the store. If any are broken, be sure that replacements match the original tile.
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How to Find Discount Flooring
Posted on 26. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Discount flooring can be a great way to get a new or older home renovated quickly and affordably. Although discount flooring used to mean substandard materials that looked poor, there are materials available today that are both appealing and cheap. Hardwood flooring and expensive carpeting are no longer necessary to achieve a great look in the home or in a commercial setting. There are a number of manufacturers that specialize in quality discount flooring today.
For some of the greatest flooring on the market, look to suppliers that can provide vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring is a revolutionary product that makes quality affordable. Both very affordable and flexible, vinyl flooring can work in almost all environments while providing a great looking surface. Vinyl flooring has been in use in the commercial sector for several years because of its affordability and quality. Floors with a great deal of traffic demand a tough surface that won’t suffer under frequent abrasions. Vinyl flooring provides just the durability needed to resist the abrasions of everyday high traffic levels.
Vinyl flooring is also very resistant to stains and water damage. Pressure sealed against water damage, vinyl flooring keeps water out both from spills and from the subfloor. The pressure sealed flooring will not absorb stains either, and as long as the spill is cleaned up promptly, it will leave no trace. When vinyl flooring begins to lose its finish, it can be easily restored with a buffing or refinishing of the surface. This is an extremely simple surface to care for, and does not require the sanding sometimes needed with a wood floor.
Wood flooring can add a great deal of value to a home, but it is also expensive and high maintenance. Wood flooring has a tendency to warp with water damage and moisture exposure. The flooring is also susceptible to expansion and contraction as time passes, eventually leading to cracks in the surface.
Vinyl flooring does not have these upkeep issues, and with its interlocking tile system, damaged tiles can be very simply removed and replaced.
Carpet can sometimes be an affordable solution, but it is also susceptible to suffering damage over time. Moisture and stains tend to be absorbed into the carpet, causing the surface to become dingy. Carpets can also be damaged simply by high traffic over time, becoming frayed and torn in places.
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Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Home
Posted on 23. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Finding just the right kind of flooring for your home is a very important process that requires a decent amount of time and money. There is no single answer as to what kind of flooring is best, as each type caters to a unique need. Hardwood can help to establish a stately and beautiful appearance, while carpet provides a warmer feel.
Tile and stone flooring provides the home with a greater degree of durability in flooring. Deciding which kind of flooring is right for your home requires knowing what the flooring must withstand.
When children and pets are in the home, a more rugged type of flooring may be the best choice for the home. While carpet provides a great surface that retains warmth and comfort, it does not work as well when children and pets are present. A laminate or tile surface provides greater resiliency when put under these circumstances. Carpet, although it provides warmth and comfort, also takes on moisture and dirt. Without regular cleaning, carpet has a tendency to become very dirty. Carpet may also take on an odor after a while if it is not given regular maintenance. With appropriate cleaning, however, carpet can be a great choice.
Should you settle on carpet, be certain to select one that has a deep pile. Deep pile carpets are tougher on stains and water damage, and resist stains more effectively. Carpet has the advantage of comfort over hardwood, which can be rough and cold. Hardwood can provide a great surface that is both aesthetically pleasing and durable. Although not as diverse as carpet, hardwood can come in a variety of species and shades. Maple and oak are more traditional, while cedar provides a rustic feeling that is great in some homes.
Moisture is a big problem for hardwoods, although some are designed specifically to provide greater protection against this. With a hardwood floor, it is important to avoid frequent spills and excess moisture. Doing so will extend the life of the hardwood for many years, and prevent warping and buckling that can occur otherwise. Regular cleaning is an important part of hardwood maintenance, but harsh chemicals and large amounts of water should not be used. Professional cleaning services must normally be contracted to handle with cleaning carpets.
Tile and stone flooring are a great choice for garages or kitchens. Water, spills, and scuffing are not a problem with these tough surfaces.
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Home Flooring Installation Projects
Posted on 19. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Hardwood flooring installation can be a difficult and time consuming task, but if you feel comfortable giving it a go personally, you can end up saving quite a bit of money. Properly installed hardwoods can last for several years, even under moist and humid conditions, such as in a bathroom. With a little planning and a step by step plan, as well as plenty of time, hardwood flooring installation can be accomplished without expensive professional services.
Moisture is the number one enemy of hardwood flooring. Moisture can eventually lead to the warping and cracking of the surface as it expands and contracts. This does not imply, however, that hardwood flooring cannot be used in humid circumstances. Hardwood flooring simply requires a little maintenance in order to work well under these conditions. Installing hardwood with an asphalt felt should provide a great degree of protection against rotting and warping of the hardwood. Take 15 pound asphalt felt, and put it over the subfloor in overlapping sections. The felt should be secured with a staple gun.
Leave a little space, approximately half an inch, between the asphalt felt and the wall. A baseboard or base shoe will be secured in these smaller spaces between the flooring and the wall. The initial three boards of the flooring should be placed by hand. Board lengths are normally random, so portions of the flooring should be set out as a test before nailing down. When the first boards are placed, the rest can be set with a flooring nailer. This will make it simpler to do an accurate job of laying out the flooring.
When the new flooring results in an uneven surface, you can employ a reducer to create a level meeting point. When getting ready to put down a hardwood floor, be certain to safely store the wood. Placing the wood outside where it can get wet will lead to warped and cracked flooring that does not fit together. If the flooring must be stored outdoors, be sure to protect it with a waterproof tarp. This can prevent any moisture from causing permanent damage. Do not transport wood flooring in an open bed when weather conditions could give rise to rain or high humidity.
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Cork Flooring is Becoming Increasingly Popular in Residential Homes
Posted on 16. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Cork flooring has seen a boom in popularity in the residential market, providing both durability and comfort. Although a somewhat pricey option when it comes to flooring, cork has many benefits that make it a great investment. Cork is harvested from cork trees in several Mediterranean countries, and the trees only yield a crop once every nine years. This creates a limited supply for a material in high demand. Cork flooring is comparable in price to ceramic tile. The many benefits of a cork floor, however, make cork an attractive option.
As the bark of a long lasting tree, cork has natural properties that make it resistant to moisture, insects, and wear and tear. Cork is also made out of over 90% air, allowing it to absorb shocks gently, while also quickly rebounding to its original shape. This ability gives cork flooring great resiliency, allowing it to cushion those standing on it while also remaining level. As tree bark, cork flooring is also very tough against moisture. Unlike a normal hardwood floor that may lose its shape when wet for extended periods, cork flooring can keep its shape without cracking. Easy maintenance and clean up of spills will maintain cork flooring in prime condition for many years.
A cork floor will maintain its beautiful finish for several years, given simple maintenance such as sweeping and mopping. Suberin, a natural compound within cork, works to keep the cork intact. The compound is also fire resistant, and does not emit any toxic emissions when burnt. The soft air containing structure of the cork also allows for great noise cancellation, absorbing noise instead of bouncing it as hardwood is prone to do.
With little maintenance, cork flooring is known to keep for many years, as it has in public buildings for a long time. As cork flooring has become more and more popular, the styles available have also grown. Cork flooring today can be purchased in a wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns. Cork flooring can usually be installed by either gluing down sections, or using interlocking segments known as a “floating floor.” Interlocking panels are slightly more expensive, but you will save on installation costs, as well as improved general durability. Cork flooring is a wonderful alternative to hardwood, and is found today in many affordable styles.
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Traditional Wood Flooring in the Home
Posted on 13. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Wood flooring can add a great traditional touch to any home. For an addition of class and traditional value, hardwood flooring is a great option. A high quality maple or oak wood flooring can add tremendous value to a residence, while also building a base for an elegant atmosphere. Hardwood flooring can be found in almost every imaginable color and shade. Finding the right wood flooring for your home can be a little overwhelming, but the process is very much worth the time. Although carpet is definitely an alternative, wood flooring has a traditional appeal that pushes up home values like nothing else.
The first step to take is to assess the value that hardwood can add to the home. Regions that undergo severe weather conditions and change temperature extremes every season, hardwood may have a tendency to crack and split with expansion and contraction. High humidity is also a significant problem when considering wood flooring. Excess moisture can wick up from the subfloor and into the wood through spills, leading to warping and buckling over time. Crowning and cupping are issues associated with moisture exposure, and be an expensive problem. When a floor crowns or cups, it bows out of shape, most frequently in the middle of the floor. This can result in a floor that must be replaced or sanded down to restore its level surface.
Once you have done the research and concluded that hardwood is the best solution for you and your home, there are many products and manufacturers from which to select. Maple and oak are typically seen in older homes, while cedar is a species that provides a more relaxed feel. A higher gloss finish will result in a more reflective surface, while a lower gloss fits in with a more subdued atmosphere. The thickness of the boards is also crucial when determining the best hardwood. Thicker boards will be more durable and more resistant to moisture.
Moisture is a big problem for hardwood flooring. Avoid exposing wood flooring to moisture as much as possible. If storing wood flooring outdoors before installation, be sure to cover it with a tarp in case of any precipitation. Clean up spills on the wood flooring immediately in order to prevent eventual warping and cracking. If water beads up on the surface of the flooring, it is time for another coat of finishing on the flooring. Protect your investment, and wood flooring can last for generations.
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Not as Common, but There are Gym Reflooring Projects Out
Posted on 09. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Not as Common, but There are Gym Reflooring Projects Out There
Gym flooring must be flexible and tough to withstand the demands of heavy weight and high impact seen every day in sports facilities. Gym flooring should be able to absorb an impact, while also remaining rigid enough to remain stable under heavy loads. This is a demanding situation for most flooring products, but there are many rubber flooring products manufactured with just these needs in mind. The best gym flooring will provide a level surface, but also be able to muffle the sound of a falling weight.
Commercial Mats and Rubber is a large manufacturer of gym flooring, with many products designed for sports facilities. Commercial Mats and Rubber’s Diamond Mega Plate tiles are engineered to work in tough conditions and absorb noise, while also remaining rigid under extremely heavy loads. Better yet, Diamond Mega Plates are solid 4×4 tiles that fit together easily, requiring no toxic glue or chemicals in order to install. The Diamond Mega Plates should remain perfectly in place without any need for adhesives. The rubber used in the construction of the Diamond Mega Plates is designed to remain intact under very heavy weight, and will not tear or fray under these loads.
Commercial Mats and Rubber’s Best Flex Flooring is another excellent avenue for gym flooring. The Best Flex flooring is designed to hold up to heavy loads without ripping or tearing. The product is also available in a wide variety of colors and textures. Just like the Diamond Mega Plate, the Best Flex flooring fits together without need for glue, and simply locks together. In addition to its toughness, both flooring types are given a great traction surface that prevents slipping. This makes Best Flex perfect for gyms, where flooring that is tough, safe, and appealing must be used.
For those on a tighter budget, Commercial Mats and Rubber sells the Gym Dandy flooring solution. Gym Dandy provides an anti-slip surface that is easy to clean and fire retardant, but also easier on the wallet. Commercial Rubber is holding a sale at the moment on colored texture tiles, making them a more affordable option for some buyers. The overstock sale makes 3/8″ interlocking fleck color tiles available for $10.99 per tile before shipping. The tiles are very simple to lay down and require no toxic or flammable adhesives. This provides a great surface that is both healthy and environmentally friendly.
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Plannning your Kitchen Re-flooring Project
Posted on 05. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
The kitchen can be a challenging area to provide flooring for. On one hand, the flooring must be comfortable enough to stand on for long durations. On the other hand, however, the flooring must be resistant to stains and a high level of foot traffic. The right kitchen flooring requires little maintenance and can keep up with the demands placed on it by a modern kitchen. Spills and accidents will inevitably happen on a fairly frequent basis, demanding reliability and durability from flooring that is installed in the kitchen area. To prevent serious upkeep issues and future expenses, it pays to install the right kind of flooring to begin with.
Wood flooring has long been used in the kitchen, but it can lead to high maintenance costs. Wood aborbs moisture, causing it to warp and crack over time. When a wood floor absorbs too much moisture it can end up crowning or cupping, producing an unsightly and uneven surface. The only solution to this problem is to sand down the bowing section, or to go the expensive route and replace the floor. Neither of these are very attractive options, and involve many hours as well as thousands of dollars. While a properly finished and maintained wood floor may not be as susceptible to these issues, wood flooring is definitely more likely to break down because of these problems.
More reliable options include slate and ceramic tile. Tile and slate do not absorb moisture, and do not suffer from warping or cracking. As fairly rigid materials, they undergo little expansion or contraction.
Slate and ceramic flooring can be found in a multitude of styles. Slate and ceramic flooring are very resistant to slipping, making them a better surface to use in the kitchen as well. Hardwood flooring can become slick, especially if it has been exposed to moisture. When using slate as a kitchen surface, purchase a product with a low gloss to keep the safety of its great traction.
Laminate flooring is a great alternative to both wood and slate. To achieve that hardwood look without all the associated upkeep problems, laminate flooring can be a wonderful alternative. Laminate flooring is easy to install, affordable, and very resistant to both water damage and stains.
Laminate flooring is also engineered to work under heavy loads and traffic. The kitchen is a high stress area for flooring, and should be given flooring that will withstand as much. Choosing the right kind of flooring will result in a lifetime of great quality and low maintenance.