In many cases, eventually concrete slabs and floors need to be leveled in order to eradicate flaws and unevenness that tend to develop over time. Floor leveling is needed to improve the cosmetic appearance of the slab or in the case that you have decided to add a floor covering to it.
When it comes to finishes for wood flooring, surface finishes tend to be quite popular, in that they are durable, water-resistant, and require minimal maintenance. These finishes are blends of synthetic resins and are designed to remain on the surface of the wood to form a protective coating.
Once a homeowner has installed radiant heat in one room, they're more likely to want to heat other floors in their home. Not only do you save cost in heating your home because you're saving energy, but radiant floors have a wow factor that can raise property values.
For many pet owners, having hardwood floors can simplify cleaning their home dramatically. Rather than having to constantly rent carpet cleaning machines to get rid of the aroma of wet dog, you may only have to sweep your hardwoods to remove pet hair and dander.
Did you know? In the typical kitchen, flooring often carries as much visual weight as the cabinets. That’s why vinyl flooring upgrades have such a dramatic impact on your kitchen’s overall appearance, because when you change the flooring, you change how the entire space looks.
Wondering about the most popular options for hardwood flooring? There is a lot of variety out there, but beyond aesthetics, the main differences in hardwoods are durability and price. Some of the most common hardwoods on the market include: white oak, cherry, red oak, pine and hard maple.
Did you know that one of the most dramatic changes you can make to the interior of your home is to have your hardwood floors refinished and restored? This is one of the best ways to open up a room and give a whole new look to your decor.
If you already have epoxy floors but would like to upgrade to a more resistant and longer lasting flooring option, it is an easy fix. Since epoxy sits on top of the surface, it is relatively easy to scrape off.
There are some types of flooring that must not be installed below grade, which includes laminate and hardwood, due to potential damage from moisture.
Most experts agree that the average hardwood floor needs to be refinished (meaning re-sanded and recoated) around every 10 years. The specific time frame will depend on several factors, including the durability of the wood species and the wear and tear your floor sees with daily traffic.
One of the benefits of epoxy flooring is that it is fire retardant. In fact, most epoxy flooring types contain pigments that actually expand when subject to extreme heat. This expansion then creates a protective barrier, which can last until the fire is put out naturally or until firefighters arrive.
Vinyl flooring is waterproof, which means spills and liquids don't cause damage, but it also means there are other benefits. The waterproof surface keeps moisture from building up, which means you don't have to worry about mold or mildew causing problems.
Epoxy flooring is usually installed in a number of coats that result in layers of protection. It's available in multiple formulas for different applications. The biggest difference between them is the thickness and durability of the finished product.
Molding serves several purposes on hardwood floors, depending on where it is used. Quarter round is used along walls to hide the natural gaps between the flooring and the wall; t-molding is used between flooring and carpet of the same height to change the direction of the flooring pattern, and around doors and thresholds.
Did you know that for optimal efficiency, radiant flooring heating systems are able to work in zones? This allows you to heat different areas of a home at different temperatures, thereby saving you money.
If your floors are slightly cupped on their surface side, they can be sanded flat during refinishing. However, if the cupping is severe, or the boards have separated from the subflooring, the problem planks will need replacing before refinishing.
It’s important that a subfloor be level before hardwood floor planks are installed. Otherwise, the floor might be uneven and the planks may fail to match up. Not only can this be unsightly, but over time it can results in boards that become prematurely loose.
Stone can't be regrown? Why is it considered an environmentally-friendly option for flooring? Because stone is natural and lasts for generations. It doesn't have to be continually cut out of a quarry, and it can be recycled.
Do you ever worry that something as simple as a customer spilling a drink that another customer doesn’t see could lead to disaster? While we can’t do anything about potentially stained shoes, we can help you decrease the likelihood that a spilled drink will create a slip hazard.
In Europe, people would use mint as a room deodorizer by throwing it on their floors and walking over it. In early North American homes, people would sometimes spread sand across the floor, also as a room deodorizer.
While marble counters can be cleaned with plain, warm water, you can also use specialty cleaners. Look for formulations that are designed to remove grease, oils, and stains. If your counter is sealed, find one that acts to reseal the surface every time you clean.
Have you been putting off the installation of radiant flooring systems because you don’t know which type is right for you? Whether you’re most interested in electric or hydronic systems, we’re always here to help you understand your options and decide which is the best fit for your home.
Hard flooring is made of many flooring materials that include concrete, ceramic tile, glass tiles, and natural stone products.
Unless you are experienced in working with ceramic or porcelain floor tiles, laying this type of floor is not recommended for the weekend handyman. Marking lines, floating floors, and working with mortar and grout require the level of expertise that comes with repeated installation.