Flooring Archives - Page 48 of 58

Flooring, Tile Floors
January 17, 2016

Fix or Replace Your Cracked Ceramic Tile

Nothing says old and outdated more than a cracked tile in the middle of your room. Whether its on your wall in the shower, or on the floor in your kitchen, that small little crack can quickly escalate, and not only provide you with an eyesore, but also with the potential to further the damage.

Is there a way to fix a broken tile and not have it stand out amongst the rest? Is it possible to repair? Or is the only way to have your wall or floor look shiny and new once again to replace it all and start with new?

In many cases, fixing your cracked ceramic tile is possible.

Where is the crack located?
Some cracks are easier to fix and not have it noticeable. Is the crack in the middle of the kitchen floor? Is it next to a wall? Is it center stage in your shower stall? Evaluate where the cracked tile is and how noticeable it will be when fixed.

Do you have extra tiles?
Whenever you install tile, make sure you hold on to a few extra for replacing cracked and damaged tile in the future. This provides you with an exact match, color and size.

Do the tiles match up with the rest of the surrounding area?
Tiles aren’t always in the same color stock, or of the same size as its counterpart. If you have a spare tile you can use for replacement, align it and see how it will look if the swap is made. Happy with the look? Then its easy to replace.

Is there damage behind the crack?
How long has the crack been in place? Where is the crack located? In many cases, a crack can lead to bigger problems. For instance, a cracked wall tile in the shower can allow water to penetrate behind the tile and seep into the wallboard. Even the tiniest of problems behind one tile can quickly escalate behind many more.

Are your tiles dingy and dull?
How long have your tiles been in place? Years of wear and tear can leave them dull and dingy. Replacing a cracked tile with one from the original die lot can quickly escalate the wear and tear. If tiles are well worn, replacing one will only show off the wear. It may be time to replace and try something new.

Are you ready for a new look?
Have you hated your blue shower for years? Is the tile in your kitchen more of a pain than an enjoyment? A cracked tile may be the best “excuse” you’ve had to try something new. Come in and see the many new options in today’s flooring, and you’ll quickly find a new look that’s perfect for you.

Flooring, Tile Floors
January 10, 2016

Creating The Perfect Shower With Tile

Looking to create the perfect master retreat? Why not start the process by creating the perfect shower?

No bathroom renovation is complete without an overhaul of the shower. And today, showers aren’t just about simplicity and a quick way to shower off. Instead, they range from simple elegance to over-the-top options that can leave you with a spa-like feeling anytime you choose.

And while you can dress up your shower with fixtures and décor, it’s the tile that will set the stage. You can select from many materials, sizes and finishes to coordinate your final look. Stay traditional, or move towards the trendy.

Subway Tile
Think bathroom tile, think classic 4×4 square tiles. For many people, that’s the case. But with so many options, consider moving to a different size to add personality to your personal space. Try a 3×6 subway tile in glazed white with a contrasting color to add a spark. While these tiles tend to bring out a traditional look and feel, when combined with other options can create a thoroughly modern look. For instance, use in conjunction with mosaic, stones or glass tile for color and appeal.

Glass Tile
Glass tiles have taken on a life of their own in recent years. From small, transparent mosaics or larger, shimmery tiles, you’ll find many options to match your décor. Glass tile is usually suitable for walls, trim, back-splash areas and as accent tile. Use it dress up shelving in your shower, frame your fixtures, or simply accent the overall look and design. The small multicolored mosaic tile patterns provide both textural and visual interest to any area of your bathroom. While many think square or rectangular tiles when considering glass, move towards newer, more vibrant sizes like glass pebbles for an interest addition to your design.

Natural Stone Tile
Nothing says elegance more than natural stone tile. And when considering it for a bathroom shower, there are many different possibilities. Natural stone tiles come in many sizes, shapes, styles and colors. Go with a light natural undertone, or select a darker, dramatic style that will add to your contemporary design. Whether you choose porcelain tile that looks like stone, or move to natural stone tiles and slabs, the varied shades of color will add a soothing natural touch to your space.

Updating your bathroom shower this year? Select shower tile to create ambiance, and start the process today by seeing all of the options we have for you. Stop by today.

Carpet, Flooring
January 6, 2016

Cleaning Christmas Tree Sap From Your Carpet

The holidays are over. The trimmings are tucked away for another year. Yet after everything is packed away and the Christmas tree is out the door, what do you do about your carpet?

Nothing says Christmas like the smell of a live Christmas tree. Yet sap on your carpets may have you wondering why an artifical tree isn’t a better way to go. Yes, live Christmas trees are often one of the most magical decorations you put up in your home. But the leftover sap can quickly become a nightmare.

Sap is sort of like removing chewing gum. There are a few ways you can handle it. You can harden it and chip it away. Or you can dissolve it and remove it.

1. Rubbing alcohol is a product that can help dry out sap and allow you to break it off your carpet fibers. Soak a paper towel or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol, then blot the sap gently. Don’t rub. Repeat as needed. Allow to dry and pick the sap from the fibers.

2. Ice works in the same way you would use it to remove gum from your hair. It will take longer to harden sap, as it melts away during the process. Use as much ice as necessary to harden sap, then pick the sap from the fibers.

3. Just like dishwashing detergent can remove the toughest stains from your dishes, it can work with sap as well. Apply a small amount to the carpet fibers, testing a small area first. Massage the detergent into the fibers with a warm, damp cloth. Continue until the sap is loosened and removed. Make sure you return and remove detergent from the fibers, as detergent can attract dirt.

When searching the Internet, you’ll find all kinds of alternative methods for removing sap from carpeting. Peanut butter, mayonnaise, and other greasy items can help break up the sap, but it can also leave a greasy mess in it’s place. If you have additional concerns or have a tough time getting the sap out of your carpet, it may be time to call in the professionals.

Have you tried any other methods for removing sap from carpeting with good luck? We’d love to hear them.

Carpet, Flooring
January 2, 2016

Choosing The Right Carpet Tile Size For Your Office

Is this the year to replace your office’s carpeting to give it a fresh look and feel? The best place to start is by considering your options.

Carpet tile is often the perfect choice for offices. Yet carpet tile specifications can range in many different sizes, shapes and measurements. You’ll find everything from narrow carpet planks to large tiles and rolls. How do you know which is the best for your office conditions?

Today’s carpet tiles typically come in three sizes: planks that are 12in x 36 in, and 24 in and 36 inch squares.

As a general rule, the larger the tile, the lower the installation cost. Installing a room full of 36 inch squares will require less time applying adhesives, removing backing tape, and laying each tile into place than its plank counterpart.

However, larger tiles are heavier, bulkier, and more difficult to maneuver. For large office spaces, they may be the perfect option. Yet for smaller offices that require more intricate placements, they may require more work. Also consider storage space if you choose to keep extras on hand.

With every install there will be a certain amount of waste when laying carpet. The size of your carpet tiles will determine how much waste you will incur. Smaller carpet tiles are more likely to fit without the need of excessive trimming. This is especially true with smaller offices, conference rooms and hallways. If you have unusual room sizes, plank carpet tiles can also offer you flexibility and maneuverability.

Smaller carpet tiles make it possible to create a range of different patterns. Planks are growing in popularity because their thinner shape means more opportunity to create unique and innovative designs.

With today’s installation techniques, seam visibility is becoming less of a concern. When choosing carpet tiles, remember there is no right or wrong size. When it comes to creating an engaging, attractive look for your space, your choices are many. And the best place to start is by viewing your options. Give us a call today.

Carpet, Flooring
December 31, 2015

Avoiding The Hidden Costs Of Carpet Installation

Having new carpet installed in your home? Nothing can freshen up a room more than new carpet.

As it’s being installed, the last thing on your mind is when you’ll need to replace it. Yet if you don’t take certain precautions from the beginning, that time may come sooner than expected.

Want to extend the life of your carpet for as long as possible? Keep these hidden costs in mind as you work with your carpet dealer to find the right carpet for your home.

Moisture
What room are you laying carpet in? Basements are traditionally difficult rooms to control. You may be laying directly onto a concrete flooring, or have water and moisture problems at certain times of the year.

Many carpet manufacturers offer a low relative humidity rating on their standard carpets. Many conventional water based adhesives can break down in high moisture environments. If you know your room may be subjected to higher humidity levels or even occasional water spills, choose wisely before you install.

Removal and Delivery
Many homeowners automatically assume that purchasing new carpeting means they’ll also receive removal of old carpet and delivery of the new carpet as a part of the service. In some cases, both services will be charged as a fee. There is a time factor for pulling up old carpet, removing it from your home, and priming the floor for the new carpet to be installed. Naturally this process takes both time and money. Yet if you don’t ask about it at the time of purchase, this “hidden” charge can take you by surprise. Make sure you review all charges ahead of time; it’s up to you to ask.

Carpet Size
Carpeting comes in a variety of sizes, everything from small carpet tiles, to large rolls in roll widths of 12 feet, 15 feet, and 13 feet 6 inches, in order of availability. Choose the wrong size and your installer will have to cut and fit different pieces into place. Instead, ask about width before you make your final selection. Choosing a carpet that provides seamless coverage from one end of your room to the other not only makes installation easier, but will provide better wearability overall.

Good Deals
We’ve all seen them; those commercials that promise several rooms in your home carpeted for one low fee. What they don’t share with you are the hidden fees, and they will materialize quickly in the final bill. It takes time to remove old carpet. It takes resources to remove old carpet from your home. And with a wide array of manufacturers and products available, there is only one way to guarantee a low price for that “good deal” price; choose the cheapest carpet possible.

Carpeting should be your choice, your style, your needs. And let’s face it, your bedroom has different needs than your basement. When you’re ready to find the perfect new carpet for your home, get started by choosing a carpet dealer you can trust.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 22, 2015

How To Silence A Squeaky Floor

The kids are asleep. Everything is quiet throughout the house. And then you step on it; that squeaky spot. The squeaky floor that seems to echo down the hall.

You’d give anything to fix it. But that would require an expensive housecall from a contractor. It’s easier to live with the squeak. Or is it?

If you’re tired of the squeaky floor in your home, there are a few easy, inexpensive workarounds you can do that will help eliminate the sound.

Insert Shims Into Gaps
If you have access to the floor from underneath, you can easily find and fix the problem. Have someone walk on the floor or stairs from above while you watch where the sound and movement is coming from . If the culprit is a gap between the subfloor and a joist, place a shim into the gap. Apply some wood glue and slide the shim into the gap until it’s snug. Don’t force it. If you push too hard you’ll make the gap wider. By taking up the small space with a shim, you’ll stop the bouncing between the wood taking place, and the noise should stop. This works on stairs as well.

Use Construction Adhesive
Sometimes a gap will run the entire length of a joist. This can allow constant friction between the joist and the subfloor. Apply a small amount of construction adhesive along the joist and work it into the gap until the squeak stops.

Fix A Warped Joist
Occasionally joists can warp or deteriorate. If this happens, you will find a space between the subfloor and the joist. To fix the problem, nail a block of wood along the joist to add stability to the area impacted. Apply construction adhesive along the top of the wood to create a solid connection between the two pieces of wood. You can also screw it to the joist for stability.

Quiet Multiple Joists
Occasionally you’ll have more than one joist contributing to the noise. To quiet them, nail or screw a 2×8 block of wood between them. Insert the blocks at around the midpoint. Apply construction adhesive along the edges to keep them tightly in place.

Lubricate Floorboards
While many squeaks can be eliminated by working from the bottom of the floor, in some cases you may have to work from the top. You can also try this method if you don’t have access to the joists and subflooring from below. If wooden floorboards are causing the problem, pour a powdered soapstone or talcum powder between the boards. Then place a soft cloth over the boards and work the lubricant into the cracks. This should reduce the rubbing that takes place between the pieces of wood, and reduce the squeak. Repeat as needed. Vacuum up any remaining powder.

Flooring
December 19, 2015

Choosing Flooring For A Wine Cellar

Remodeling your basement? Maybe it’s time to build in the wine cellar you’ve dreamed of.

Most wine cellars are built in the lower level of a home, usually a basement. In many cases it will be built on a cement slab. Concrete will need to be sealed and a vapor barrier applied. This is especially important if refrigeration will be installed to maintain a constant temperature and humidity level. And if concrete is your base, it can limit your flooring choices.

First, consider the weight of your cellar. A typical rule is 500 bottles weigh in at approximately 2,000 pounds. Your flooring should be sturdy enough to hold a full cellar without worrying about stability.

Wood Flooring
Wood flooring can be used if you are not installing it directly onto concrete. You will have to have a subfloor in place. A sealed hardwood has been a mainstay in industry wine cellar construction, and will be a good choice to last for years. You can also choose a variety of wood borders to accentuate the look and feel of your cellar. Choose different types of wood to complete the look.

Cork Flooring
Cork is a natural, durable, sustainable material that works well in many conditions. It is an excellent thermal and acoustic insulator, and is resistant to mold and mildew. If treated with a moisture protection system, it will create a watertight seal between the joints, and will hold up against spills or frequent mopping.

Tile Flooring
Tile is one of the sturdiest flooring choices available. And because the colors, styles, sizes and patterns are almost limitless, you can create any look you desire. You can choose soft and subdued. Or go bold and choose painted tiles to incorporate wine motifs into your finished design.

Stone Flooring
Slate, marble, travertine, or even brick can make a bold statement in your cellar. Because of the natural textures, your look can be bold and random, or a well thought out pattern. Stone will need to be grouted and sealed to provide you with a maintenance free floor.

If this is the year you add a wine cellar into you home, stop by today to start the planning process from the bottom up. Your personality will begin with flooring, let us help you find the perfect choice to express who you are.

Flooring
December 12, 2015

The Best Flooring For Your Holiday Parties

Are the holiday parties coming to your house this year?

The basic essentials to hosting a great holiday party include a great location, plenty of food, lots or drinks, friends and family in abundance, and a reason to celebrate. What could be a better reason than the holidays. Yet sometimes in the middle of all the festivities can leave your flooring in bad condition. As both children and adults know, a spilled drink or a dropped plate of food can easily cause stains and damage to just about any kind of floors.

The best way to prepare for potential accidents is to find the best flooring before your party is here.

When deciding on your flooring, take into consideration two factors: practicality and preference.

Laminate is durable, easy to clean, and gives you the availability to have any look without having high costs.
Vinyl flooring is one of the most durable flooring choices available. It works very well in kitchens, bathrooms and high traffic areas.
Tile and stone flooring offer many benefits, including its durability and impact resistant factors.
Hardwood flooring continues to be a top choice because of its versatility and great looks.

If one choice stands out, keep in mind there are many different ways to achieve the look you desire. Talk with a flooring consultant about your options and how to bring your favorite looks into your home.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 9, 2015

Is Your Hallway In Need Of A Flooring Upgrade?

Thinking of replacing the flooring in your home? For many homeowners, they start the process by wanting a big change. They want a new look in their kitchen. Maybe hardwoods in their living space.

Yet in some cases, the boldest statement you can make is by upgrading the flooring in your hallways and entryways. These are the most heavily used (and abused) areas of your home. Even subtle changes to these areas can leave your home looking its best now and for many years to come.

What are some of your options?

Ceramic tile – with vast amounts of options available, you can create any style or pattern you choose. Ceramic tile is one of the most versatile flooring choices around for heavy traffic areas.
Stone tile – stone tile can create a powerful, dramatic effect wherever it is installed. Light colors can help create the illusion of open spaces, while dark colors can add depth and warmth.
Vinyl tile – the perfect choice when looking for a classic yet modern appearance. Vinyl comes in many styles and colors, and can mimic just about any look you desire.
Rustic stone – if you are looking for a dramatic, natural look that has a slightly rougher, and more primitive feel, look no further than rustic stone.
Hardwood – with many different styles and types of hardwood, there is a perfect choice to match your living style.

Choose flooring that matches the theme and décor of the rest of your home. Blendability is key. Because this is usually a smaller project than a full floor restoration, a hallway or entryway is an upgrade that is budget friendly while giving you a lot of bang for your dollar. It’s a great way to upgrade your home and increase the property value without a lot of hassle.

Find out today how a hallway flooring choice can give your home new life. Stop by and see the many options available to you.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 2, 2015

How To Find Out What Wood Your Floors Are Made From

Moved into a new-to-you home lately and wondering what kind of wood your floors are made from? You can often tell what type of wood simply by looking at it. Many species – oak, pine, fir – are easily recognizable.

But it also goes beyond. From looking at the surface, you can’t tell if a floor is solid or engineered, which is an important factor if you are considering sanding and refinishing it in the future. Moreover, a quick look may leave you thinking you have one type of wood, when in reality a stain has given it the appearance of another.

To get an accurate assessment of the wood flooring you currently have installed, it may take a little work.

Determine if your floor is a softwood or hardwood by pushing your fingernail into the surface. It will make a dent if it is a softwood such as pine or fir.

Find an inconspicuous part of the floor – in the corner or under a cabinet – to scrape the finish off of part of the board. This will remove stains or paints and get down to expose the original board.

Determine if the boards are solid or engineered by examining a cross section. This works well at a threshold or transition. You can also pry off a baseboard and use a mirror between the boards and wall to determine if it’s solid.

Once you’ve reached the core wood sample, use online wood guides to help pinpoint the type of woods used in your home.

Oak is the most common type of hardwood used throughout the US.

Maple is slightly harder than oak, but often has light graining and a smoother, sleeker look.

Pine is softer and more easily dented. But does have character and is used a lot in older homes.

Fir is a beautiful vertical grain that was used a lot around the turn of the 20th century.

If you have questions about your current flooring, the best way to find out more is to stop by. We can help you determine what is currently installed, and the best way to move forward to create the perfect look for your home.