Reasons to select engineered wood flooring

A number of homeowners prefer using hardwood flooring due to its aesthetic appeal and high durability. However, the main concern with hardwood flooring is that it can be quite difficult to install as a ‘Do-it-yourself’ (DIY) project. It is for this reason that a professional flooring installer needs to be called to install hardwood floor, thereby adding to the total cost. On the other hand, laminate flooring offers a cost effective and ‘easy to install’ alternative to hardwood flooring, but it is not real wood.
For homeowners who want a cost effective and durable alternative to hardwood, engineered hardwood flooring would be the ideal option. Engineered hardwood is a combination of real finished wood on top and non-finish plywood underneath. This additional layer of plywood is laid in a cross-way pattern, thereby providing support to the main wood top and enhancing its durability.

The choices available in the engineered hardwood category are almost identical to those available in the solid hardwood category. Some of the most popularly engineered hardwood options include Hickory, Oak, Bamboo and Maple. This wide variety ensures that homeowners are able to select an option as per their specific requirements.
Another major advantage of engineered hardwood is that it is pre-finished, i.e. it has already been sanded and sealed. This means that the floor can be used as soon as it has been installed. On the other hand, unfinished solid hardwood requires sealing prior to being used, thereby increasing the installation time.

One area where engineered hardwood scores more than laminate flooring is that it can be sanded at a later stage. Engineered hardwood can be easily sanded a few times in case scratches or stains develop on it. However, since engineered flooring has low tolerance for any mistakes during the sanding process it is recommended to avail professional assistance.
Although, wood flooring is not recommended for high moisture areas like the children’s bathroom; engineered hardwood flooring can be easily installed in low-moderate moisture areas. This feature makes engineered hardwood ideal for areas like the basement and the bathroom. Relative to other wood flooring types, engineered hardwood flooring would offer high durability in such areas of the house.
Hardwood flooring typically requires to be nailed to the wooden sub floor for maximum effectiveness. However, there are a number of other installation methods available for engineered hardwood flooring. Along with nailing the engineered hardwood floor, it is possible to either glue it or to use it as a floating floor. These installation options make engineered hardwood an ideal option for ‘DIY enthusiasts’.
Finally, engineered flooring is naturally warm and does not result in unwanted noise as is the case with a few other flooring options. It is also possible to install a radiant floor heating system beneath the engineered flooring, thereby providing high value.
Although engineered hardwood flooring can be more expensive than laminate, it provides high value in the long run. Not only can it be sanded a number of times, it is more resistant to moisture than other hardwood flooring options.

Make your Backyard safer with Invisa Outdoor

Avoid Dangerous Slips with InvisaTread® Outdoors. Comply with California Title 24 – Chapter 31b.
Swimming pools can pose serious safety hazards. Whether in a backyard, or at a public pool, the risk is the same. Combining an area that is constantly wet with a playful environment, the risk of slipping around the pool is usually not the first thing on your mind. How often do we hear parents and lifeguards yell NO RUNNING ON THE DECK!!!!?. The risk of a slip and fall accident around a pool can be decreased. InvisaTread® Outdoors has been formulated to do just that.
In order to help reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents around pools, California State has mandated that many areas be built and maintained up to code. California Title 24- Chapter 31b requires that pool areas be “Slip Resistant”. The code states that Slip Resistant areas must have a surface Coefficient of Friction (COF) greater than 0.60. Chapter 31B requires that hard to maintain areas such as depth markers, decks, concrete, ladders, diving boards and pool floors be slip resistant. Areas treated with InvisaTread® Outdoors will maintain increased slip resistance and carry less risk of slip and fall accidents. Most surfaces treated will have COF greater than this mandated .60 measure; however, they will not just be up to code when dry, they will remain up to code when WET. InvisaTread® Outdoors is a simple and safe solution to California Title 24 Chapter 31B. With a quick application, InvisaTread Outdoors can help provide treated areas with the state-required amount of Coefficient Of Friction (COF.) when wet. InvisaTread Outdoors gives you the safety you need within a matter of minutes. InvisaTread® Outdoors is simply peace of mind in a bottle.

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Laminate Flooring Advantages and Disadvantages

Laminate flooring is fast becoming a preferred choice of most of the homeowners. If you are contemplating to install this flooring in your home, it is advisable that you know all about it. Like any other flooring option, laminate flooring also has its share of advantages and disadvantages. Knowing about these will help you make an informed decision.
The biggest advantage of laminate flooring is its toughness and durability. Irrespective of the amount of foot traffic, it can stand all the wear and tear without any scratch. In addition, laminate flooring is also resistant to stains and impacts. Unlike wood and marble, the laminate flooring does not fade when exposed to sunlight; thereby retaining its original look. Moreover, laminate flooring is the easiest to install and can be conveniently done by ‘do-it-yourself enthusiasts’ in no time. Laminate flooring is primarily available in the form of ‘snap together flooring planks’ which can easily be installed without any need for nailing, stapling or gluing to the sub-floor.

One of the biggest assets of the laminate flooring is its resemblance to real wood. The texture and color of the laminate flooring is of such high resolution that it is difficult to differentiate whether it is real wood or laminate. Moreover, unlike wood, laminate flooring does not contract or expand. Another important advantage of laminate flooring is its versatility. It can be installed over any substrate, be it wood or concrete. This makes it a preferred choice for homeowners, especially those who are looking for durable flooring option. It is also an affordable flooring option, compared to its other counterparts such as marble or hardwood; which can be quite expensive.
Along with these advantages, there are certain disadvantages which do not make laminate flooring an ideal flooring option. A major flaw of laminate flooring is its susceptibility to moisture. Laminate is made from ‘High Density Fiberboard’ (HDF) which can be damaged by moisture. On prolonged exposure to standing water the HDF breaks down and expands; the only solution to this problem is replacement. Once damaged, it is hard to repair and replacing the flooring in such cases is always an expensive option. Hence, if your house is susceptible to moisture, you need to avoid installing a laminate floor.

Another disadvantage of laminate flooring is that though it is recommended for “do-it-yourself enthusiasts”, it still requires some amount of skill. Along with having all the necessary instruments and skill to install it, you need to exercise some patience. The installation needs to be done properly where the initial and the final phases of installation are the most important as well as difficult. If the installation is not done properly, the place looks untidy and unappealing. Laminate flooring also tends to be quite slippery which can sometimes result in serious injuries.
Therefore, it is advisable to gain ample information on laminate flooring before going in for it. Weighing all the pros and cons of laminate flooring will help you make a wise decision.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Tileware Promessa Series Brochure

Integration offers endless opportunities for the tile community. Innovation has just begun, TileWare is in the process of engineering new and creative applications. Each iteration expands the usefulness and function of tile and primes the industry at large for growth. Let’s embrace the connection with inventive surfaces and cover the world with TILE.
Values for Tile Professionals
FlooringSupplyShop is pleased to introduce an installation system designed and engineered specifically for tile mechanics. Traditional hardware installation requires drilling, compromising tile installations. Now, with the PermaTile™ System, tile mechanics have a clear advantage: a simple installation system that adds value to the tile professional and their specialized skill set.
Attach To, Not Through Non-penetrating, Non-intrusive Systems

It’s Time to Integrate
Is it possible to experience a modest revolution while integrating tile and hardware? The answer to that question, from TileWare’s perspective, is a definitive YES! These two industries have been separated long enough; it’s time for a comprehensive solution, one that will serve both tile and hardware communities alike.
New Solutions for Old Problems
The hardware industry has been asking tile professionals to drill through finished tile surfaces in an effort to attach all types of accessory applications. These archaic methods have been met with little opposition, even though the tile industry has developed significant advancements in both tile and mortar systems. This truth is specifically relevant when mechanics try to drill through solid body porcelain that has been engineered for density and hardness.
From a tile installation perspective, drilling into finished tile work will most certainly create problems. These problems translate into cracked tile, pierced plumbing, damaged electrical wiring and, most significantly, waterproofing violations.
TileWare, through its PermaTile™ System, offers an innovative solution to obsolete installation methods that require penetration and intrusion into tile and mortar.
PermaTile™ Fasteners
The first non-penetrating, non-intrusive tile fastening system

This high quality, stainless steel fastening component will attach with unprecedented strength to wall surfaces with latex modified mortar. This system provides a solution that is simple and measurably strong. PermaTile™ Systems will end unnecessary damages resulting from drilling finished tile work.
• Will not violate waterproofing, plumbing or wiring no more drilling
• Mortar-based fastening system
• Non-corrosive stainless steel fastener
• Over 10X the strength of standard fastener
• Tested by TCNA (Tile Council of North America)
• Designed specifically for tile applications by tile installers
• Will work with all standard tile products and thicknesses
Promessa™ Series Baskets
Our baskets have a distinctive look and one touch demonstrates their fine quality. All baskets are designed to fit a broad style palette and will work with any tile motif and pattern.
• Accessories that stay firmly mounted, even with everyday use
• Solid brass
• Each model is easily interchangeable
• 5-year finish warranty
All models are available in all finishes.
Watch the step by step Video installation – Tileware Promessa Series Brochure – Step by Step Installation Instruction

Installation Procedures for Promessa Series Baskets

Installation Procedures for Promessa™ Series Baskets

STEP 1 Determine Basket Location
Step 1 Procedures:

• Determine the wall surface where the PermaTile™ Fastener should be located.
• Apply thin-set mortar with no less than a 1/4″ x 3/8″ notch trowel.

Warning: Use only latex modified mortars that meet ANSI A118.4 performance standard

STEP 2 Understand PermaTile™ Fastener
Step 2 Procedures:

• Prepackaged plastic thumb screws should not be removed until after grouting.
Technical Fact:
• Each PermaTile™ Fastener is constructed from high quality, solid stainless steel materials.
• The welded fastener is equipped with 8-32 internal thread studs.

Warning: Each threaded stud is covered with a plastic thumb-turn screw to prevent thin-set mortar from corrupting thread. Do not remove until after grouting.

STEP 3 Install PermaTile™ Fastener
Step 3 Procedures:

1.Press the PermaTile™ Fastener into the combed thin-set mortar at the predetermined location.
2.Key thin-set mortar into the back side of tile to ensure proper contact and adhesion.
3.Adjust as necessary, setting stud directly on tile edge.
STEP 4 Notch Tile
Step 4 Procedures:

1.Mark left side notch location.
2.Mark right side notch location.
3.Using an angle grinder, remove enough material allowing 1/16″ of adjustment side to side and up and down.

Warning: Notches and holes should not exceed 3/8″ in diameter to ensure ferrule has sufficient surface area during mounting.

STEP 5 Install Notched Tile
Step 5 Procedures:

1.Key thin-set mortar into the back side of tile to ensure proper contact and adhesion.
2.Press tile into wall and adjust as necessary.
3.This completes the fastener installation portion. Continue setting all other tile, allowing proper cure time as specified by thin-set manufacturer.

Warning: Do not proceed with accessory installation until after thin-set mortar has met minimum curing requirements specified by manufacturer.

STEP 6 Install Ferrules
Step 6 Procedures:

• Immediately proceed to accessory mounting after grouting is completed.
• Simply slip ferrules over studs.
• Included with each basket assembly are 2 ferrule styles. Each style contains two pieces.
Technical Facts:
• Ferrule Styles
• Standard Wall Ferrules are 7/16″ in length and will work with all tiles 1/4″ to 7/16″ in thickness.
• Thin Wall Ferrules are 5/8″ in length and will work with all tiles thicknesses under 1/4″ in thickness.
STEP 7 Install Basket Accessory
Step 7 Procedures:

• Each basket accessory is drilled with 2 countersunk holes that will match stud locations.
• Simply insert 8-32 stainless steel screw through hole in basket and attach to threaded stud.
• Using a 6” phillips head screw driver, attach screw firmly to basket accessory. Observe in photograph that the screw driver is situated under top rail to avoid scratching.
• After basket is installed, use a level to determine if basket is level. Adjust physically with your hands, after which re tighten screws.

Warning: Make sure screw and stud are parallel to avoid cross-threading. Turn carefully, cross-threading will require fastener removal.

STEP 8 Install Decorative Plugs
Step 8 Procedures:

• Included with each basket assembly are 2 decorative plugs. Plugs will cover drilled holes for screw attachment.
• Place plug over exposed hole and press to insert. Ease of installation requires that all prongs evenly enter drilled hole.
• Installation complete.

Watch the step by step Video installation