House Improvements

The Different Types Of Basement Flooring

There are many reasons why you may be looking into replacing or upgrading your current basement flooring. You may wish to convert your existing basement space from a storage area to a recreational room for your family to spend time together. You may want to install a working wet bar and a big screened television to football parties on the weekend. Or perhaps you would like to have a guest room available for when company drops by. Whatever the particular plans for your cellar happens to be, there is a plethora of flooring choices available for purchase on the market today.
Before shopping for or installing basement flooring, it is always a good idea to bring a professional in to examine your cellar for moisture. The most common sub flooring used today is concrete, which comes in direct connection with the earth. This is why getting your basement checked for moisture accumulation is imperative to the proper functioning of the new flooring you wish to have installed. Once you have determined whether or not your current concrete flooring is properly sealed and ready for a new layer, you can move forward.
The most general flooring choices being used in a basement setting are often installed throughout the rest of the home. Hardwood and laminate flooring, carpet and tiles made from porcelain or ceramic are all popular choices for basement flooring. Depending upon your specific aesthetic goals and design aspirations, which flooring you choose to utilize really comes down to taste. Again, as long as your concrete sub flooring is sealed and you do not live in an area that is exposed to continual flooding, you have a pretty wide selection of flooring. However, if your region is prone to excessive rain, perhaps finishing your current basement concrete floors is the best option for you. For many who find themselves in this situation, painting lends an affordable and easy solution. For those seeking a fancier method of sprucing up their basement floors, stenciling or painting on a faux finish are two other options.
An economical basement flooring option is vinyl or linoleum. These two types of cheaper flooring come in one of two ways: on a roll or in pieces. When found on the roll, a special adhesive is used to attach the cut piece of flooring directly onto the cellar concrete. This same type of adhesive can be used on tiles that do not already have a sticky back. Tiles with sticky backs come pre-measured and once the piece of paper is removed from the underside, they can be applied to a clean surface. A benefit to using the pre-measured sticky back tiles is they oftentimes can be adjusted once or twice before permanent placement, which gives some room for error.
More expensive options that include hardwood and tiling are not suitable for every home. However, the aesthetic value added by these types of flooring is almost unmatchable by other contenders. Hardwood floors must be installed in extremely dry basements …

Home Improvement Contractors

Hand Sculptured Wooden Flooring – Information

In case you are thinking to set up fresh flooring in the house or at your work place then wooden floor is probably the best and very famous option available in the market. There are different kinds of wooden floors that you can select from such as the likes of laminate flooring and solid floors etc. Many of the customers are interested in buying the hand sculptured wooden flooring because of its many qualities like the antique and beautiful appearance of these floors is very famous all over the world.
In case you are thinking to buy hand sculptured wooden flooring, you can decide accurately how distressed the flooring should be. In this way you can give your own customized appearance to the wood flooring. In case you are looking to have a floor for the home that appears to be very ancient and old then that is absolutely not a problem at all as hand sculptured flooring can be customized whichever way the consumers want to. You have got all the choices available and you may design the flooring as such that it will look exclusive and match the furniture and design of your house as well.
When you have bought this kind of flooring for the house then do not worry at all as this floor is absolutely strong and would not break even if a dining plate falls on its surface. These floors are durable and last for years and years.
Coming to the purchasing part of the hand sculptured wooden floors; First of all you are required to analyze the environment and climate of the place where you reside before deciding the kind of flooring you want to buy. Some of the flooring providers offer both natural wood and laminate wooden hand sculptured flooring. You need to do proper research and examination before making the final buying decision; otherwise you may end up buying the wrong wooden floor for your house. As it is handmade, so it takes a little more time and cost to make such kind of wooden floors. That is the reason why their price per square foot is a little higher as compared to the machine sculptured wooden floors. However the beautiful appearance of these floors and the customized look that they bring to the house makes you think that it is worth spending extra cash on the hand sculptured wooden floors.…

Basement Remodeling

Prepare Your Home For Resale By Replacing Outdated Flooring

When preparing a house for a sale, many homeowners choose to take on some remodeling projects to make their home more appealing to buyers and increase its resale value. If you are preparing your home for resale, you want to be sure you are choosing improvement projects that will give you the best return on investment. One of the first improvements you should consider is replacing your old or out-dated flooring. This will make your home much more attractive to potential buyers, and has the second-highest ROI, after repainting.
Just like clothes, hairstyles, or any other aesthetic statement, flooring styles can go in and out of fashion. Chartreuse linoleum and deep shag carpet are no longer in style, and potential buyers will be unimpressed by outdated flooring. These days, natural looks are in. Hardwood flooring and tile are very popular, and high-quality vinyl flooring realistically imitating these looks at a fraction of the cost is also in vogue. Even if your flooring is not out of fashion, if it is old and no longer in good condition, you should replace it before attempting to sell your home.
If you floors are covered in carpet, find out what is underneath. If the carpet is covering hardwood flooring, pull up the carpet and have the hardwood refinished for an entirely new look. Hardwood flooring is easier to clean and maintain than carpet, and is very stylish. If cement or plywood lie under your carpet, however, it will probably not be cost effective to replace all of the carpet with hardwood flooring unless you are planning to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the new floors.
If you cannot afford to replace the flooring in your entire house, there are still some steps you can take to prepare your home for resale. If you have hardwood floors, have them refinished or stained to give them new life. If you have carpet, have it professionally cleaned. Another option is to replace the flooring in just one or two rooms, such as the kitchen and living room. No matter what your budget, there are many flooring improvement options to help you prepare your home to be sold.…

Remodeling Contractors

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring

For a number of different reasons, wood flooring is probably the most popular type of flooring amongst homeowners today. While it can be quite expensive, hardwood flooring adds a certain level of comfort and warmth to practically any room. Some of the negative aspects of hardwood flooring include its vulnerability to damage including stains, scratches, and more. Overall, it can be a pain to maintain and clean on a regular basis.
Vinyl plank flooring is a newer type of flooring that offers many of the advantages of hardwood floors, but at significantly reduced prices. There are also some other key advantages that vinyl plank floors have over hardwood floors that make it an attractive option for anyone who wants that classic wood floor look without the hassles and high price tags.
You can find vinyl plank flooring in a wide variety of wood grain sizes. This gives you the ability to pick out a grain size that closely matches your preferred choice of wood. In addition, it is available in an array of shades resembling cherry, oak, mahogany, maple, or any other wood of your fancy. In fact, it does such a good job mimicking these natural woods that oftentimes you would not be able to see the difference between vinyl and wood flooring.
Probably the biggest advantage of vinyl flooring is how cheap it is. The cost for this type of flooring will generally fall within the range of 1 to 4 US dollars per square foot. Another great advantage of these floors is that it is extremely durable and water resistant. Its ability to effectively repel water allows you to use it in your home’s kitchen or bathrooms. It is also resistant to the cracking and scratching that you will often find with natural hardwood floors.
There are a few disadvantages to vinyl flooring that you should consider as well. Since your average vinyl plank is not nearly as thick as natural wood planks, oftentimes you will need to install an additional sub-flooring before installation. You also have to be quite careful when it comes to cleaning vinyl plank flooring. Certain types of solvents and cleaners can actually damage these floors so you need to find cleaners that are specifically designed to clean vinyl floors without damaging them.
Flooring is one of the most noticeable and important aspects of any home. Therefore, choosing the right flooring is a very big decision that you want to get right. Before you decide to install vinyl plank flooring, you will want to learn about its advantages and disadvantages so you can make the right purchasing choice.…

Remodel Kitchen

Hardwood Flooring Installation

In most homes carpet is a thing of the past. New homes and many older homes have hard wood flooring. This option of all types and colors are flying of the shelf in home improvement stores. Recent studies have shown that carpet can hold pet dander, dust and that will aggravate allergy suffers. Vinyl linoleum can be easily scraped and scared. Linoleum does not have the durability of other types of flooring.
Some a large number of homeowners have turned to this as another type of covering. The maintenance on this type is less than that of carpet. These only require mopping as opposed to vacuuming and shampooing. Hardwoods also add value to any home.
Hardwoods come in any color or finish that is desired. There are local stores that specialize in flooring as well as internet sites. After choosing the type of wood for your home, it is time to find someone to install it. A carpenter or installation specialist can lay the floor in place as it should be. A do it yourself can install their own hardwood flooring. This is a lifelong investment. The right covering will make an old home look brand new.
If you desire a pattern in the floor, it is best to let the installation person to lie this. A cheaper type to install is to laminate. A new one can be installed in a day. Some specialists may ask to bring flooring a day or two earlier so that the wood will expand in the new atmosphere.
After installation, it is time to maintain the wood floor. This type can be scratched and scraped as furniture is moved over it. The floor must be cleaned and moped. If it is an unstained floor, it will need to be stained to the color that the homeowner will like. After this it is time to set back and enjoy the new changes.
A realtor can access and let the homeowner know how much value is added with a specialized or customized installation. This is an expense that will give the homeowner a great return. This type adds charm and warmth to any home. Unlike carpet, this is a durable investment that will last for years to come. With the proper maintenance, generations to come can see the beauty of hardwoods installed today. So opting for this type might just be a mighty good step.…

Bathroom Remodel

Laminate Flooring Vs Hardwood Flooring – What Should You Choose?

It’s come to that time. You want to upgrade the flooring in your home and you’re weighing up the options. You don’t want to bother with carpeted floors because they’re a nightmare to maintain, love gathering dust, fleas, and dirt, and just don’t have the modern feel that wooden flooring brings.
Your options have boiled down to laminate flooring and hardwood flooring because they both achieve that modern look you’ve always wanted. However you’re torn between the two and want some advice. Well, welcome to this article, where we’ll look at a couple of key differences that may help you reach a conclusion.
The price
Price is often an important factor when making a purchase of any kind. If money is no object then you may as well skip to the next section. However, if you’re part of the price conscious majority, then you should know that laminate flooring is much cheaper than hardwood. Typically, it will cost you twice as much to install hardwood flooring over laminate flooring. Sometimes, it can cost even more than this.
Installation
Now, depending on how much of a handy man (or woman) you are, will influence whether you choose to take the DIY route or enlist the help of flooring specialists. If you like DIY, then you’re going to have an easy ride with laminate flooring. Most laminate floors are designed to be easy to install, with no need for nails, and in most cases, no need for glue.
Hardwood, on the other hand, will require a particular level of expertise for a pain-free installation. Unless you really know your stuff and are a genuine handy man or handy woman, then you should use a professional for installing a hardwood floor.
Longevity
The longevity of your flooring will be another important consideration when you’re weighing up your options. Well, in this department, both flooring types are pretty good. Both laminate and hardwood floors can last for decades if looked after. However, laminate floors tend to be a little more resistant to scratching and fading than their hardwood companions. Nonetheless, a slightly faded and scratched hardwood floor can add a little personality and character to your home. So, in that respect, it is really down to your personal choice.
The looks
As expensive as it can be, there is no denying that hardwood flooring looks beautiful. It really brings that natural yet modern feel into your home. Although laminate flooring can also do its bit at making your home look tidy, hardwood flooring wins hands down in the aesthetic department. If you’re one that likes to impress, then hardwood flooring will be the sensible choice.…

Bathroom Renovations

How to Choose the Right Carpet Flooring For Your Home Or Office

Choosing the right carpet flooring for your home or office is a decision that requires some serious thought. There are actually quite a few things that should be taken into consideration that will enable you to get the right carpeting for your needs.
There are two basic style of carpeting-loop pile and cut pile. Loop pile and cut pile are the two most common and popular carpet styles, yet each have their own unique benefits. Loop pile carpeting has individual strands of yarn that are brought through the backing of the carpet two times, which creates a rather small loop.
The cut pile carpet, on the other hand, has the loop cut toward the top of the strand, leaving tufts of yarn that stand pointing straight up. This style of carpet is generally more durable that the former. Some examples of cut style carpet are shag, textured, saxony, and velvet carpets. Loop pile carpet examples include berber, cable, or sisal. For high traffic areas, loop pile is generally the right choice to make.
And what about the material? There are many ways to go, and each carpet choice has its own benefits and drawbacks. See which may work best for you…
If you are in the financial position to purchase wool carpeting, it will be your best bet. There is simply no man made carpet fiber that can even come close to the durability, terrific look, and great feel of wool carpet- which can also last for thirty years or more.
Acrylic carpeting is actually pretty close to wool on many ways, which is why it is often referred to as man made wool. It is resistant to moisture, fading, mildew, crushing, and staining. Even thought it seems very durable, it is not recommended in high traffic areas.
Olefin is an inexpensive carpet choice that is perfect for both indoor or outdoor carpeting. Olefin is colorfast and strong which makes it one of the easiest carpets to maintain and clean. This kind of carpet can get crush, so it is not great in every situation.
For high foot traffic areas, nylon is usually going to be the best choice to make. Many people shy away because of the price of nylon compared to other synthetics, but it is cheaper than wool and yet very durable and long lasting.
Use these tips to choose the absolute best carpet for your home or office needs. Carpeting is a great flooring choice that can look great and last for many years.…

Basement Remodeling

Help the Environment by Choosing Cork Flooring

Cork flooring comes from the bark of the cork tree. It is considered sustainable flooring, because the floor material is derived from bark that grows back quickly. In addition to being eco-friendly, floors made out of cork bring a fresh, modern look to any room of your home. Unlike hardwood, cork does not take years to grow back so you can feel good about using this flooring in your home.
Cork comes in different shades as manufacturers of this flooring tint it with various stains and finishes. You’ll find that cork flooring is very durable not only because of its natural composition but also because the floor tiles or planks are coated with a high tech coating that imparts incredible durability and sometimes a shiny or glossy finish. You can also get untreated cork, and cork floors that have a low sheen clear coating for protection.
To find the best value, comparing different flooring choices can help you narrow down the vast selection. You want to get a floor that is easy to install, meets your needs for performance and durability, is good for the environment and that fits your sense of style. Also, your price range will need to be considered to ensure you don’t pay more than you can afford.
There are so many reasons to select cork as your floor material. As previously stated, this type of flooring is beautiful. It looks exotic in any room and gives a breezy look to the area. It is easy to care for, and can stand up under heavy foot traffic thanks to the protective coating. There are different shades to match different room color schemes including the natural shade, which is a textured medium brown shade that goes with everything.
Cork flooring can make all the difference in your home. It looks stylish and modern and does not have a negative effect on the environment. It is one of the most ideal flooring materials for any household who wants to go green while keeping their personal style intact. And, there are different price ranges so you don’t have to pay a fortune for these fantastic benefits.…

Renovation House

VOC Free Flooring

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These are carbon based chemical compounds that vaporize under pressure. You may have seen or heard the words,” low VOC’s, or no “VOC’s describing different floor coverings, underlayments, and or adhesives. VOCs cannot be seen by the naked eye. They also aren’t detectable by odor as they don’t smell. But they are extremely hazardous to your health! Side effects are headaches, coughing, pneumonia, fatigue, asthma attacks, and have been linked to several others.
You may ask, “Where do VOCs come from?” Some options, like vinyl flooring, are made up of them. In wood flooring products like bamboo and laminate, VOC’s usually come from the adhesives or other additives. In such cases, it is possible to find VOC free products, so long as the manufacturer has not used VOC-emitting glues or finishes. With regard to plywood subfloors, there are alternative materials you can use, or you can investigate sealants to keep the gases from escaping into your living area… Wow, what a big risk it would be to have this in your home!
VOC’s are commonly found in most flooring materials, dry cleaning solvents, paint thinners and gasoline. Whether you know it, or not, VOCs pollute the air inside your home, causing poor air quality. If it seeps outdoors, it’s likely to damage groundwater and soil. These are very important factors to remember when you are shopping for flooring for your home. Make it a safe place for you and your family always read the labels for VOC free, or low VOC contents.
Carpet is a good example of high VOC exposure. Within the first few days of carpet installation it holds bacteria, and dust. A suggestion would be to keep your house well ventilated, open windows and doors during installation to lower the VOC’s.Other examples are Cork, Bamboo, and Vinyl flooring. All of them use some type of adhesive to install, it is a must to read your labels to check the VOC level, or use water based polyurethane. An alternative would be to use recycled hardwood flooring. This is actually a good “Green” way to go; otherwise they would be left to rot. Why waste wood that adds character to your home and is also VOC free?
Reclaimed wood flooring offers a truly distinctive choice when it comes to wood floors. Reclaimed and recycled wood reduces the demand for new wood and helps to conserve our forests and moderate the potential impacts of incremental logging upon the environment. Using recycled or salvaged wood is a socially and ecologically responsible decision. Hardwood flooring does not collect dust unlike carpet; this alone will cut down the VOC level. It is a quick fix with a dust mop, and you are dust free. This makes it a very healthy and logical choice for your flooring needs. The quality and life span of using solid wood out weighs carpet, or any laminated flooring option by a long shot. By sticking to low VOC, or VOC free flooring …

Bathroom Renovations

Installing Hickory Hardwood: Considering Hand-Scraped Flooring

Its attractive appearance of reddish heartwood and cream-colored sapwood captures your eye and grabs your attention. Yet, beneath that beautiful appearance, hickory hardwood is durable – one of the most durable domestic species, in fact. With a Janka scale rating of 1820, hickory offers excellent density, but its strength can be a detriment. Why? Coupled with closed, rough grain, hickory hardwood is difficult to machine, sand, and finish. For adding this product, what options do you have?
Prefinished is extremely practical across all species. When it comes to adding a full floor of hardwood, the planks just need to be added without finishing. In a day, you can place all of your furniture back into the space. On the other hand, prefinished products, hickory and other species, come with a limited set of stains, and if you have a particular look in mind, the existing options may not reflect your vision. Additionally, adding a stain or finish tends to make newer flooring blend in better with existing materials.
Unfinished with an alternative approach. If you have a specific look in mind, you’re willing to go through the rigors and unconventional techniques to installing hickory. What does this entail? For sanding, go with a belt sander. As you sand with the grain of the wood, change from an 80-grit belt to 120-grit for smoothing out the surface and 220-grit for any finishing touches.
For staining, the pores must be opened or closed. In its natural state, hickory produces a blotchy patina. A wood conditioner fully closes off the grain, after which a stain can be added on top, while water-popping opens it, making the wood more receptive.
Hand-scraped flooring. A textured surface of natural character marks and manual distressing makes hand-scraped flooring the perfect choice for a rustic look. Added to this, the texture camouflages any blotching resulting from an applied finish. This way, hand-scraped hickory flooring allows you to add the distinct red and white look and include a stain of your choosing.
Yet, keep in mind that not all hand-scraped flooring is identical. Products tend to be divided between classic and rustic hardwoods. Classic is considerably smoother, with texture carved into the surface. Rustic, as the name implies, is characterized by knots, mineral streaks, and graining. Beyond these two basic classifications, hand-scraped hardwood is distressed through a combination of scraping, aging, or a darker stain. Floors, after an unfinished hardwood is added, can even be custom distressed before a finish is applied.…