Home FlooringThe Essential Guide to Home Flooring Simply put, the flooring in your home will be used more than any other surface. In addition, flooring is a very important element in your home décor - adding style and beauty to your home, and tying everything together for an integrated look. You'll want to consider choices that will enrich your home, last a long time, remain stylish, and express your own taste. Flooring can add character and charm to any interior setting. The best feature of current flooring options is the wide variety of types, colors, styles, and materials from which to choose. On the other hand, all that variety can get very confusing, so it makes sense to approach your flooring decisions by first looking at the function of the specific room you're going to floor. Keep in mind that selecting a style and material for the flooring really depends on your décor (fashion) and what room you will be using it in (function). After you determine the function of the room, you will be able to narrow down the type of flooring that will go best with that room. Let's begin at the entryways to your home. Whether the front hall foyer, the laundry room, or a mudroom off the kitchen, these are the places where steady traffic brings dirt, moisture, salt and just about everything else into your home. Any stains or wear-and-tear are going to be far more evident here, so choose a sturdy material that can withstand a lot of abuse. Vinyl or laminate are good choices, as they hold up well in high moisture areas. For more formal entryways, choose ceramic tile or even wood parquet. Keep in mind that a well-placed area rug not only traps dirt and moisture, but also adds style and warmth. Next, move into the living room and family room. These two rooms are usually the focal point for family activities, and also the areas you are most likely to entertain guests. Here you want flooring that is more formal, yet comfortable. The ideal solution for these rooms is carpeting, which has styles and fibers that range from the very formal to casual. Another good choice, hardwood floors add elegance and warmth, and again an area rug helps to soften the room. The dining room is often an extension of the living room, but with a difference. There is always the concern of food and liquid spills, so you need wear-resistant and stain-resistant flooring. Fortunately, most carpet styles now offer stain and moisture resistance, so that the same carpeting used in the living room can flow through to the dining room. Another option is the durability of wood, laminate, or tile in the dining room. Now let's move into the kitchen, where there is usually high foot traffic, food spills, and generally more cleaning required due to cooking. In addition, this is an area where you want to minimize the possibility of slipping. Wood laminate, vinyl, or linoleum has traditionally been the best choice in the kitchen. Recently, ceramic tile has gained in popularity, but keep in mind that tile is harder on the feet, and can be colder in the winter months. On the other hand, ceramic tile makes a dramatic statement in the kitchen, and works in both contemporary and traditional homes. Bathrooms are area where your flooring must be washable, non-slip, and waterproof. Waterproof flooring is a must for those sink, toilet and bathtub overflows. You can choose vinyl, ceramic tile, and even some of the newer laminate and wood products that are specifically designed to hold up in high moisture areas. Again, area rugs add a soft touch, and are much easier to clean than wall-to-wall bathroom carpeting. Be sure any area rugs or mats are non-slip. Finally we come to the bedrooms, where the furniture and coordinating fabrics may take precedence over the flooring. Because foot traffic is less of a problem here, stains and wear are minimal. Carpeting is the traditional choice in bedrooms, but wood or laminate floors can also be a good choice, again enhanced with matching decorative area rugs. The key is to choose neutral flooring that doesn't distract from the room décor. You want to be able to change the colors and textures of your bedroom as often as you want without having to change the flooring as well. In general, choose your flooring to follow the function of the room, but always keep in mind that your house is not a group of separate rooms, but a home. So whatever your flooring choices, be sure to blend them with the style of your home, and the overall decorating theme of your furniture and accessories. When purchasing flooring for your home, first consider the two most important things: durability (stand the test of time) and cleanability. In addition, you'll want to consider material, quality, color, performance, texture, and price.
Laminate floors are incredibly durable, easy to care for, and come in a wide variety of realistic stone, tile, and wood flooring designs. If you love the look of real hardwood but are concerned with the upkeep then laminate floors are the answer. You can choose from natural colors, dark wood grains as well as warm or cool color tones to compliment any room decor. Many hardwood plank designs are offered, including rare, exotic wood species. Stone and tile patterns will give you the elegant look of tile, but without the concerns about grout cleaning or cracking tile. The beautifully rich textured finishes make these floors a great solution for most areas in the home. Laminate flooring is a tongue and groove interlocking flooring system that rests on top of the existing substrate. It attaches directly to plywood, concrete, sheet vinyl flooring, hardwood flooring, or virtually any other flat hard surface, aside from carpeting. The versatility makes installation of laminate flooring very Do It Yourself friendly. Visually, the most common designs for laminate flooring are wood-grained, marble, or stone. The flooring sections typically come in planks of length, but less often can be found in square tiles. Laminate floors come in two brands - glued and glueless. Glueless floor planks interlock with a simple joint lock, usually made of aluminum or fiberboard. With the newest "preglued" products, the tongue is wiped with water and the planks click together. The water activates the glue, which acts as the joint lock. Glued laminates are joined with a special, water-resistant glue placed between the tongue and groove. Most manufacturer's carry their own preferred glue product. The amount of glue used varies also. In some instances, a small dab in a specific location is all that is needed. In others, the entire groove is filled and the excess glue that oozes out is wiped away. Laminate floors offer several benefits that make them the choice flooring material for many homeowners. For the do-it-yourself homeowner most laminate floors have a specialized, glueless, tongue and grooved locking system that makes installation a snap! No messy glues to apply and easy to fix, in case you make an error while installing. Laminate floors are never secured directly to the subfloor, instead they are floated over the subfloor. This allows laminate flooring to be used over a wide variety of subfloors, including wooden subfloors, existing floors, and even concrete slabs. Laminate flooring comes in several different forms: 1. Glueless laminate flooring Note: Most laminate floors require a plastic underlay sheet (4 mil poly) be installed directly underneath the laminate planks or tiles. This helps the floor float freely over the subfloor. Another option is to add a vapor barrier or noise reduction underlay before installing the laminate flooring. 3. Glued laminate flooring 4. Pre-glued laminate flooring Keep in mind, you generally need to get the floor boards into the room you are going to install it in and then take off the plastic packaging to allow the boards to adjust to the minor fluctuations in the humidity levels in the room. That way when you do the installation, the laminate floor boards would already have had that opportunity to acclimatize. Plastic laminate floors are extremely durable. However, they cannot be refinished or recoated once they are scratched or worn. Another down side to laminate flooring is that the pattern is mechanically printed - meaning many or all of the boards are identical, giving a somewhat unnatural appearance.
General daily maintenance requires vacuuming, sweeping, and dust mopping. Most major laminate flooring manufacturers also have their own cleaning kits with instructions. In addition, generic cleaning solutions are also available to clean laminate floors. Most kits contain a terry cloth mop and a spray-on cleaning solution. The cleaner is sprayed onto the mop-head and then the floor is wiped clean. It is very important that you follow the maintenance schedule of the product you purchase. Laminate floors are fade, stain, burn, dent, dent, and scratch resistant. However, it is still possible that you may end up with a scratch, "nick" or dent that will require repair. Even though Laminate flooring is very tough, it is not "bullet proof". The first and most difficult method is to replace the affected board(s). All manufacturers have instructions on "How to replace a board". This will require some tools, patience, and skill. "Glue-less" laminate floors should be the easiest when board replacement is required. To replace a board you must follow the specific instructions of the manufacturer of the flooring you are installing, or hire a professional. If you decide to hire a professional installer, make sure that they follow the instructions as well. Major manufacturers also have cost effective "touch up" kits available for small scratches or dents. These kits may include acrylic or latex putty, wax pencils, or crayons. The best way to keep your laminate floor looking its best is to understand its limitations. You must follow the maintenance techniques and schedules of the flooring you purchase. Do not mop any laminate floor with soap or water. You should also use floor protectors (felt or other) under chairs and other furniture on the flooring. Laminate flooring is a very durable flooring option, but it can be damaged. With proper care, you will enjoy your laminate floor for many years to come. In many cases laminates come with a 10 to 25 year manufacturer warranty. Wood Floors " Unfinished wood flooring: " Pre-finished wood flooring: " Solid wood flooring: " Engineered wood flooring: " Acrylic impregnated wood flooring: Hardwood vs. softwood: Hardwood trees include ash, elms, oak, maple, walnut, hickory, mahogany, and walnut. Woods grown in tropical climates are generally hardwoods. Hardwoods have shorter fibers compared to softwood. Some hardwoods are evergreen. Softwood trees include pines, spruces, firs, and cedars. Softwoods are evergreen and have longer-length fibers than hardwoods. The yew is one of the few types of softwood that is native to the UK. There are a number of softwoods (yew) that are harder and tougher than many hardwoods. Softwood flooring is a great option for homes designed around a casual, rustic, country atmosphere and adapts to most environments. In addition, they make excellent floors In general, hardwoods are more durable and more resistant to damage from impact. However, if you maintain your softwood floor, it should last just as long as a hardwood floor. Patterns - Straight is the most common pattern. It consists of wood strips laid parallel to each other along the length of the room. It's also the least expensive pattern because less wood is used and installation is quicker. Wood Floor Finishes Surface finishes are the most popular. This is a stain then a top coat of polyurethane. They are durable, resist moisture, and are easy to keep clean with minimal maintenance. Direct or indirect sunlight can change a wood floor's finish. However, the modern urethane finishes tend to slow down color changes more effectively. They are generally available in high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte. They remain on the surface of the wood and form a protective coating Then we have the penetrating stains. They penetrate the wood to provide color and form a protective seal. A wax coating on top gives a sheen that can be maintained with additional applications every so often. However, water-based cleaning products should never be used to clean floors finished with penetrating stains. Instead use cleansers specifically designed for wax-covered flooring. Even the hardiest wood floors get scratches and can easily be repaired by applying a new coat of wax and then buffing. Custom Finishes - By definition, custom means performed to individual specifications - not restricted to factory selects. Custom finishing of wood floors is performed in the home on the completely installed new floor, or to refurbish a previously finished floor. Custom finishing permits the decorator and owner to select from a full range of color, surface types, shines, and sheens. Staining the floor is optional. You may want to just put on the protective finish and let the natural color of the wood show through. However, modern wood floors can be just about any color or shade you want. Keep in mind that different kinds of wood respond differently to stains. Here are some options: " Natural is "wood color" at its most basic form. These kinds of stains have very little pigment, so the natural wood can show through. Wood Floor Maintenance: A good rule of thumb for minimum care is to vacuum and/or dust mop weekly. A damp mop can be used for spills, and when necessary general cleanup on floors which have non-waxed polyurethane or a similar surface finish. When traffic areas of surface finishes begin to show significant wear, screening, scuff sanding the finish surface, and re-coating an entire floor is the least involved choice for maintenance. Keep dirt off the floor. Use dirt-trapping, walk-off mats at all exterior doors to help prevent dirt, grit, and sand from getting inside the home. Throw- rugs or small sections of carpet just inside the entrances are also recommended. Keep door mats clean. In kitchens, use area rugs at high spill locations and at work stations such as stove, sink, and refrigerator. Cotton is generally the best fabric since it is easily washed. Mats with a smooth backing, i.e. rubber or vinyl, may trap water beneath. Finishes and certain chemicals in wood oxidize and are affected by ultra violet light sources. This may cause the wood and finish to change color and develop a patina or aged appearance. To avoid uneven appearance, move area rugs occasionally and drape or shade large windows. Put fabric glides on the legs of your furniture; they allow furniture to be moved easily without scuffing the floor. Clean the glides regularly. Some furniture may require barrel type roller casters as ball type casters may cause damage. Grey, non-marking rubber casters are the best. Avoid casters made of hard materials like metals or hard plastics. Vacuum regularly, as often as you vacuum carpets: a brush attachment works beautifully. Sweep or use a dust mop daily or as needed, but do not use a household dust treatment as this may cause your floor to become slick, dull the finish, or interfere with re-coating. Wipe up food and other spills promptly with a dry cloth or paper towel. Use a slightly moistened cloth for sticky spills if necessary, and then wipe the floor dry with another cloth or paper towel. Keep heels on shoes in good repair, especially high heels. Heels that have their protective cap missing or worn away exposing the steel support rod will dent any floor surface, even concrete. Prolonged cycles of contracting in dry winters and expanding in humid summers may cause squeaks in your hardwood floor. Air conditioning in summer and humidifying in winter will prevent extreme cycles. But squeaks are easily repaired. To silence a squeak, try applying liquid wax, powdered soap, talcum powder, or powdered graphite between floor boards that are rubbing together. If that doesn't do the job, drive two-inch finishing nails through pilot holes near both edges of the board, then hide the hole with matching color putty or wax. Bamboo Floors Because it a natural and highly renewable material, bamboo is also a great choice for home builders interested in helping the environment. Quality bamboo flooring is usually 25% harder than Northern Red Oak and more dimensionally stable. It is less likely to swell or shrink due to its ability to handle extreme or fluctuating temperatures and humidity. This means floors are less likely to cup or bow as the moisture content of a room changes from season to season. During the manufacturing process the product is treated to prevent insect and mildew damage and to conform to both residential and commercial fire prevention standards. Most manufacturers produce this product prefinished, ready for installation whether nail down or glued directly to a concrete surface, as it is an engineered product. Maintenance for this product is the same as most prefinished wood floor products, using manufacturers suggest spray cleaner and mop on occasion, with frequent sweeping and/or vacuuming. Bamboo flooring is becoming increasingly popular for many reasons: - Comes in planks and is installed just like engineered hardwood floors.
To keep your bamboo flooring looking its best use a good quality dust mop, soft bristled broom, soft bristled vacuum cleaner, or wood floors mop kit. If possible, obtain the manufacturer's mopping recommendations Spills and track dirt can be cleaned by dust mop or a lightly dampened mop. When using a dampened mop, be sure to dry floor immediately. In addition to cleaning with water, it may be necessary to clean your bamboo flooring with a good quality wood cleaner such as TilePro-Wood & More or a like item. Multi-Clean Hi Trac Wood Floor Cleaner & Maintainer is good to remove soil or black heel marks. Do not use: wax, steel wool, scouring powder, or abrasive cleansers. To help guard against scratches and dents, place protective pads under furniture legs and chairs. Lift furniture when moving, instead of sliding across the bamboo surface. Be sure to clean shoes and entry mats well. Gravel, rocks and debris can get stuck in the bottom of shoes and scratch the finish of your bamboo floors. Be sure that spiked heels are rubber guarded. Vinyl Floors There is a variety of vinyl flooring materials on the market today and the techniques used to install them. Vinyl flooring is made by pressing various fillers, such as ground-up cork and wood dust, along with pigments, into a binding material, usually linseed oil and resins. It's manufactured in rolled sheets or as one-foot-square tiles. Both are available in two categories: rotogravure vinyl and inlaid vinyl. Rotogravure vinyl has a knobby texture with patterns and colors printed on the finished side only. Inlaid vinyl has the pattern and color throughout the entire material. This allows inlaid vinyl to be more durable and easier to clean. Vinyl comes in a vast variety of colors and styles, is easy to maintain, and is relatively inexpensive. Performance characteristics can be broken into several key areas: There are several disadvantages to vinyl: Quality vinyl flooring has a clear, protective wear layer for durability and to help in repelling dirt and spills. Vinyl is applied over a flat, smooth, clean surface such as plywood, wood, concrete, or an older resilient floor. (Because older resilient floors or their adhesives may contain asbestos that is dangerous when airborne, leaving an old floor in place and covering over it is common practice.) Vinyl Floor Maintenance Never use abrasive cleaners or solvents on your vinyl floor. In fact, Ivory soap is a great cleaner for vinyl floors: it' gentle and rinses clean, leaving no sticky residue behind. No-wax vinyl floors are treated with a surface coating of polyurethane, so the shine can be maintained without waxing. However, even no-wax surfaces will accumulate many tiny scratches over time. Try washing the floor well to renew the shine If this doesn't do the trick, you can apply a water-based self-polishing wax or a specially formulated vinyl finish. Scratches in vinyl can't be removed, but they can be hidden. Rub the scratch with a cloth moistened with floor wax. Continue rubbing until the scratch disappears. To remove scuff marks, smear a drop of baby oil over the mark, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe the scuff away with a soft cloth. You can also spray WD40 onto a towel and rub the mark. Whichever method you choose, be sure to rinse the floor with water afterward, as these solutions can leave the floor slippery. Cork flooring can be a viable alternative for almost any room in the home. Being a natural product if finished in color or left natural, it will show variations in characteristics, tones, and shades from tile to tile. Cork flooring is installed much like a hardwood floor in that once installed, a urethane coating is applied. The majority of cork planks and tiles have a specially designed, tongue-and-grooved, moisture-resistant inner core to secure the planks or tiles together, similar to laminate floors. It is manufactured in tiles and planks in natural unfinished cork, waxed cork, resin-reinforced waxed, and vinyl impregnated cork in many colors including natural shades. They can be glue-downed and/or floated over a wide variety of sub-floors, including wood, concrete slabs, and some types of existing floors. Cork floors are also offered with a glueless interlocking system for faster, no-mess installations. Although you can buy cork floors unfinished that require finishing at the jobsite, many cork floors are offered with a special vinyl topcoat to help protect the cork and make easier to clean. The newest development is a non-toxic oil finish that can be walked on immediately and can still be refinished. It is important to remember that cork is a natural product and will fade in direct sunlight. Cork will generally yellow with age and cork floors will react to changes in relative humidity and heat. Wet mopping is never recommended and may cause the seams to swell. Cork Flooring Benefits: Cork Flooring Durability: Natural cork is a fire inhibitor, not spreading the flame. Cork also does not release any toxic gases on combustion.
Never wet mop. Waxed cork needs occasional rewaxing and buffing. After a few years when the finish starts to wear off, lightly sand the floor and reapply a new coat of urethane. Your floor will last for several decades.
Tile has a natural, handcrafted look that's durable and easy to care for, works well in areas with high foot traffic, and it's especially suited to entry areas where water and dirt enter the house. Tile is unique, is natural, and creates a tone for a room that is both classic and authentic. Tile may be machine-made or, in the case of high-end custom tile, handmade. Common sizes of square tiles are 4, 6, 12, and 18 inches. Specialty tiles, decorative strips, and mosaics (medallions) pre-arranged on a mesh backing (typically 12 by 18 inches) add to this mix. When shopping for tile, you'll discover two distinctive types: ceramic and porcelain. 1. Ceramic, the most common, is made of clay baked in a conventional kiln. Ceramic tile may be either glazed or unglazed. Unglazed tile, such as quarry or terra-cotta has an earthy, natural look. Glazing gives a tile better resistance to water and stains and makes the surface look brighter and more vibrant. But glazing can also make tile slippery, so when intended for an area where this might be a problem such as the bathroom, kitchen or outside patio area, it pays to choose a texture that is slip resistant. Ceramic tile is a natural product made of clay, minerals, and water designed and formed into shapes. The tile's strength is determined by the body's thickness and structure. Today's manufacturers are able to produce a wide selection of colors, shapes, sizes and textures. Larger tiles, strips and borders are being used more frequently. Porcelain tiles are also ceramic tiles typically made with "porcelain" clays that have specific properties. Because porcelain tiles have a low water absorption, they are usually frost resistant - although, not always. Porcelain tiles are more expensive than Ceramic tiles. There are both glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles - it is important to know the difference, as the glazed variety is usually a little easier to clean. Typically, glazed porcelain tiles have filled in microscopic holes that could be present in the unglazed tile. On the other hand, unglazed porcelains may have better slip resistance. Unglazed porcelain tile is also known as "through body" - i.e. the color on the top goes all the way through. Even in extreme applications, these tiles tend not to show wear as the porcelain is quite durable (harder than granite) and the color goes all the way through. The range of options is tremendous - glazed and unglazed floor tile, glazed wall tile, glazed ceramic mosaic tile, porcelain tile, quarry tile, and stone products. Benefits of Tile Floors Disadvantages of Tile Floors Because tile is heavy and brittle, it can crack unless properly supported. Before installation, a rigid, sturdy base must be prepared. Fundamentally, this base must be very strong, flat, and inflexible. Floor joists must be able to support the load-and any additional live load - on the floor- without deflecting. Above the joists, plywood or lumber subflooring covered with a layer of concrete makes an ideal substrate (tile can be bedded directly in this concrete). Another option is to apply sturdy plywood over the joists and cap this with a layer of cement backerboard. Tile can then be set in place with thinset mortar. The spaces between individual tiles must be grouted. Grout is porous and will absorb water and stains unless it is sealed. Silicone grout is often used in mildew-prone locations. Tile Flooring Cleaning Never use an ammonia-based cleaner on a tile floor, and never use wax. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water to help remove any leftover residue. If needed wipe dry with a clean towel to remove any film. The following is a wonderful home-made solution that works great on tile floors: A grout sealer (non-epoxy) should also be applied twice a year to protect the grout from staining. Garage Flooring Paint is an affordable and useful means of finishing a garage floor. There are three basic types of paint for concrete - latex, oil and epoxy. 1. Latex is by far the most widely used. It has excellent adhesion properties, allows water vapor to escape (prohibiting delamination - separation into constituent layers) and is the most user-friendly to apply since it cleans up with water. Most latex concrete floor paints are designed to be applied directly to raw concrete. The first coat serves as a primer, the second offers a full, uniform finish. 2. Oil-base paints offer a harder, shinier finish. Unlike latex, oil-base porch paint should be applied over a coat of oil-base concrete or masonry filler-primer. Application is similar to latex, but mineral spirits are used for cleanup. Thin the primer slightly using mineral spirits. This will enhance the penetration and improve the bond. Once dry, the finish coat can be applied. 3. Epoxy or epoxy-polyurethane paints are the most durable and longest lasting. They are more expensive and more difficult to apply. Epoxy paints generally consist of two separate products which, when combined, create a chemical reaction that results in an above-average bond and an abrasion-resistant finish. Epoxy floor finishes are available in a host of solid colors or randomly seeded decorative variegated color chips, and can include an integral nonskid finish. Unfortunately, no matter the quality of the paint, how thorough the surface preparation, or how well the paint was applied - latex and oil paints will usually peel when subjected to hot automobile tires. And although epoxy paint forms a bond with concrete, a moist slab and hot tires can be an incompatible combination. Vinyl mats and epoxy and plastic floor tiles have made their way onto the scene and are receiving acclaim for their ability to provide all of the benefits of a painted floor with none of the drawbacks (except that they can be pricier and, depending upon your skill level, might require professional installation). A vinyl floor mat is excellent when it comes to price and ease of installation. Grease stains and cracks on a garage floor can be made to disappear in about 30 seconds with a vinyl floor mat. The mat does not require adhesive and is rolled out into the space. Vinyl mats come in many sizes and colors and can be cut to fit or overlap, depending upon the size of the garage. Some mats are designed with an integral grooved surface that will easily shed water. If you want to be the envy of your neighborhood and you have the budget, consider modular plastic interlocking floor tile or a quartz-based floor tile. Both can be installed by the do-it-yourselfer, although the modular plastic system is less complex. The modular plastic flooring system consists of individual tiles that snap together to cover all or part of a garage floor. Though moisture can seep between the individual tiles, the system "floats" atop the concrete floor, and the underside of the tiles have a honeycomb construction so as not to inhibit the natural fall built into most garage floors. The plastic system is sturdy, impact- and stain-resistant and is available in a host of colors. If you want a bit of European influence in your garage, consider tile. You can be a real trendsetter by installing a new quartz-based garage floor tile. These systems claim to offer the same chemical, impact- and stain-resistance as roll-on or towel-on polymer floorings, but are significantly less likely to experience blistering that results from hydrostatic pressure. As with other types of tile, quartz-based garage tiles are individually set in thin-set mortar and the joints are finished with a trowel applied grout. However, like the floor tile, the grout consists of a porous, quartz-based material that allows moisture to escape - and keeps a secure bond. Each 12 inch by 12 inch tile has a cushion back (for impact-resistance) and a tough skid-resistant surface for low maintenance and durability
It is imperative that your surface is clean and penetrable. Absorbed oil must be completely removed. Set-in grease may continue to rise to the surface even after a thorough cleaning. After cleaning, allow a few days for the surface to dry. If the grease or oil stains re-appear, clean again. Before application or stain or coatings, a test of the concrete moisture level should be made. Duct tape a 3 feet x 3 feet piece of landscaping plastic to the floor and check for condensation on the underside after a few days. If moisture is present, it is not recommended to apply most types of coatings. Quality floor coatings should offer a warranty. The warranty typically covers only replacement of the product if the coating peels or blisters from a properly prepared concrete floor. Warranties can range from a few months to several years. Note that many do not cover staining, discoloration, or blistering due to prolonged contact with items such as gasoline, transmission fluids, or brake fluids. Always check warranties carefully.
The floor is the setting for your furniture and possessions. The color and texture of your floors will have a dominant effect on your overall decorative scheme. Select a light color to make a room appear larger. Rich, darker tones will absorb available light and create a warmer, more intimate environment in a large room. A small pattern will work well in small rooms. However, a larger pattern can actually expand a room visually. Busy or large-scale floor patterns may overpower the rest of the room, especially if the room is small and the furniture is plain. Keep in mind that plain-colored flooring show up marks more quickly than floors with a patterned surface. One of the best ways to help protect your new flooring is to make sure you have good quality chair protectors on all furniture legs. From time to time you should check the condition of the protectors and replace when they become rough or worn. Note details like the junctions between different types of flooring or between walls and the floor, and be aware of the transition from room to room or level to level. Consider whether your new floor will have continuity with the other flooring in your home. No matter what type of flooring you choose, the easiest way to keep it clean and long- Make sure you have high quality, effective mats at all exterior entrances because the less that gets tracked in, the less you have to clean and the longer your floor is likely to last. Consider the cost of installing the floor as well as the purchase price of materials. Most retailers will be willing to estimate your costs with or without installation. With the exception of area rugs, which are really floors on floors, flooring is a relatively permanent fixture so choose carefully when planning a room. Consider the practical aspects such as cost and the extent of use in different areas, as well as personal style preferences. Experiment in each room with sample swatches and tiles before making a final decision. Does the old flooring really need to be removed? Wood and laminate often can go right on top of existing flooring, meaning no additional preparation costs. Vinyl, linoleum, cork and tile, on the other hand, frequently cannot. Carry, do not drag or push furniture across the floor. Keep any pets' claws closely trimmed. Place a drip pan under potted plants, but allow airflow underneath. Install curtains, blinds, or window tint to prevent UV faded areas. Always follow the recommendations of your flooring manufacturer. Their advice along with some common sense will save you time consuming and costly repairs, and let you enjoy your beautiful new floor for many years to come Most homes today use a variety of flooring options. Each room serves a different function, so the flooring material you choose should match each room's function and style. If you have under floor heating (radiant heating) it is compatible with most types of hard flooring such as ceramic, stone, and well seasoned hardwood. When selecting flooring for each room keep in mind: cleaning ability, durability, longevity, moisture resistance, and allergens. Before buying flooring, take detailed measurements of the room and create a scale drawing, if possible. Take these with you when you go shopping. Your flooring specialist will use this information to provide you with the most attractive and economical installation solution As you select your flooring it is helpful to understand which materials will accommodate each room's function, as well as knowing your personal preferences. The decision process takes time. Understanding your options will help you make good functional and decorative choices for every room in the house. |