Flooring Options for which you dont need an expert

A common practice seen nowadays is that most of the homeowners have started doing repair, renovation and up-gradation of their homes on their own. Homeowners are less dependent on the experts for these jobs as the market is flooded with products that are easy to use, irrespective of the skill set they possess. A common task which has gained immense popularity among DIY enthusiasts is floor installation. Proper floor installation is vital to enhance the aesthetics and render a completely new look to the abode.
There are several flooring options available in the market, amongst which there are few that are easier for homeowners to install. The flooring options that most of the homeowners opt for while doing installation on their own are laminate, engineered wood, cork and vinyl.

Laminate flooring is generally chosen by DIYers as it is quite simple to install. Most importantly, it does not require removal of the old flooring, which is quite time-consuming. Laminate flooring is popularly known as floating floor as it floats above the floor and is not permanently attached to it. These are available in a wide range of choices that suit the budget and preference of almost every homeowner. Besides, laminate flooring can be engineered to resemble wood or stone flooring that are quite time-consuming to install as well as expensive in comparison to the floating flooring.

Another flooring option that homeowners often choose for their homes while doing the installation themselves is the engineered wood flooring. These come as tongue and groove installation system that is extremely easy to install and does not demand any expert guidance. Homeowners have to install this flooring over an underlayment that is mostly rubber-foam. This type of hardwood flooring is considered durable and comprises three layers. The wooden cross-band is sandwiched between the veneer bottom layer and pre-finished hardwood exterior layer.

Cork flooring has also gained immense importance as a preferred DIY flooring option as it is not only easy to install but offers various advantages as well. It is soft, long-lasting and natural insulator, along with being resistant to irritants like mold and mildew. Besides, homeowners can render a unique look to their flooring with the help of numerous stains and finishes. Many homeowners think twice before using this flooring option as it is one of the most expensive flooring options. However, it is one of the flooring options that actually add value to the house and is thus considered as a profitable investment.
With the coming of vinyl flooring in the floating floor format, vinyl sheet flooring has become one of the preferred choices of DIYers. Homeowners just have to lay the dimensionally correct sheets and install shoe molding at the meeting point of the wall and sheets. This is so simple that every homeowner can install vinyl flooring over the old flooring without any hassle.

Thus, homeowners who wish to change the look of their house, but do not want to spend money on seeking professional help can do this easily by installing floor on their own.
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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.
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Bamboo as an effective flooring option

Bamboo flooring is fast gaining popularity as a flooring option due to the various advantages offered by it over other flooring material. Although bamboo flooring is a variety of grass and not wood it still displays characteristics similar to hardwood. Some of the factors that account for the popularity of bamboo flooring are its strength, moisture resistance, durability and environment friendly nature.
Floors made out of bamboo are generally considered to be stronger than hardwood due to their high fiber rating. Properly cured bamboo floors have very high tensile strength and offer high durability. Along with high durability and high tensile strength bamboo also offers high moisture resistance thereby enabling you to maintain your flooring without any maintenance worries.
Bamboo flooring can generally be installed more easily as compared to other flooring options. One of the easiest ways of installing bamboo flooring is by using the floating floor method. This method involves fitting the bamboo planks together like a puzzle without the use of any adhesives. This not only ensures that the flooring is installed quickly, but conveniently as well. Thus, homeowners can finish their bamboo flooring job themselves without the help of a professional contractor.

Bamboo flooring is also ahead of a number of other flooring options, on count of its style and finish. From light colors to different grain sizes, bamboo flooring can match almost any interior décor. Although bamboo is generally found in light colors, dark bamboo flooring can also be found easily. Furthermore, bamboo flooring is found in high gloss finish, matte finish as well as semi gloss finish. Such a wide range of options to choose from ensures that different rooms can be decorated with different types of bamboo flooring.
Another benefit of bamboo flooring is that it is a green flooring material. As compared to hardwood, which takes 15-20 years to mature, bamboo matures in less than 3 years. This makes bamboo a readily sustainable flooring material. Furthermore, the entire bamboo plantation does not need to be uprooted to create flooring material. Only part of the entire structure is taken, thereby making it environment friendly.
Even though bamboo flooring is hard and durable it is more comfortable to walk on as compared to hardwood. This feature makes bamboo flooring ideal for areas such as the kitchen where you are required to stand for a long duration of time.

Along with other numerous benefits, bamboo also acts as a highly adaptable and flexible flooring material. Bamboo can be laid over a wide variety of sub floors, thereby removing the hassles of preparing the sub floor prior to the installation.
Although bamboo offers a number of benefits most homeowners refrain from using this option due to its high cost. However, bamboo flooring is available in a wide range and in different price range, thereby making it easier for you to choose from. Furthermore, the option of self installation makes this flooring option much affordable and cost effective as compared to other options that require the services of a professional contractor.
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Wooden Flooring Nature trail

Remember the joy of climbing those verdant oak trees in your childhood? Well, now you can bring in the same innocence in your life and relive those wonderful moments with the help of wooden flooring! It will bring all the blessings of nature right inside your home and also add tones of elegance to your interiors. Wooden floors come as a welcome break from the traditional flooring materials available in the market and lend a discernible allure to the interiors.
Wood is one of the most precious gifts from nature and has a unique appearance owing to the presence of natural grains and colors. It is perfect as a flooring material due to its sturdy nature and poetic appearance. However, it is a care intensive product and requires a proper maintenance both before and after installation. Proper care will protract the longevity of wooden floors and ensure that it keeps on shining for a longer duration giving you a shining floor that looks as if it was installed yesterday.

One of the most popular variants of wooden flooring is the engineered wood which can be customized as per your requirements. To get the most out of a wooden floor it is important to pay attention to the installation of these floors. An inspection of the floor is the first step in installation which will ensure that the entire installation process can be carried out smoothly. If there are any problems with the acceptability of the material then you should look for proper substitution. In case there are any doubts do not hesitate to take the advice of a professional installer.
It is also equally important to ensure the condition of the sub floor before installing the hardwood floor. The sub floor should be able to meet all the requirements which a typical flooring site demands. The use of filler and putty stick is the normal procedure while installing wooden floors and hence should be accepted. Care should also be taken to ensure that an extra waste factor should be added to the square footage amount depending on the layout.
Installation of hardwood flooring will vary according to the environment and surface and hence should be carried out in the proper way. For instance, in a new construction the hardwood floor should always be the last item to be installed. Similarly while installing hardwood floor over radiant heated floors take care that the hardwood material is Oak, Hickory or Walnut etc to ensure complete safety of the heated floors.

Following the proper installation guidelines will ensure that your hardwood floor is ready to handle all the challenges of the modern house. Proper care and maintenance of the floor will ensure that it has a long life. Caring for wooden floors is no rocket science and all you have to do is follow the basics. Keeping the floors free from spills as much a possible will maintain its natural glow. You can use a damp cloth to clean the spills as soon as they happen. Even if the stains are tough like paint, ink etc make sure to use only a soft material like a nail polish removal which won’t leave behind any residues. Clean the floor periodically with certified cleaners will also protract the life of the interior wooden floors.
A few external factors like relative humidity etc also determine the performance of ma wooden floor and ensuring proper conditions will ensure that your floor have a longer life. A relative humidity level between 45 and 65% throughout the year will minimize the natural contraction and expansion of the wood and take proper care of the floor. A shining wooden floor will blend in perfectly with your furniture and create a simply outstanding effect!
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Tips to clean laminate flooring

Laminate is a popular flooring option due to the fact that it is highly durable and has appealing aesthetics. A typical laminate floor consists of a top wear layer, a printed image of hardwood and an inner layer of fiber board. The effective composition and construction of a laminate floor makes it one of the easiest flooring options to take care of and to maintain.
One of the most effective ways of keeping a laminate floor clean is by understanding its limitations. Although laminate is a tough material that is not easily stained or scratched, there are certain items that could significantly damage your laminate floor. Water puddles, abrasive cleaning solutions and wax are some of the items that can damage your laminate flooring and can cause it to lose its finish. Further, rearranging furniture and pets with untrimmed nails can also scratch the laminate surface. Therefore, it is important to protect your laminate flooring from these items in order to ensure high durability.

It is important to keep the laminate flooring free from dirt and other impurities; therefore you should mop it with a dry cloth, or vacuum it regularly. However, one of the common problems faced by people is that of dirt getting trapped in between the seams of the laminate floor. It is therefore advised to mop or sweep in the direction of the seem to ensure that no dust or impurity gets trapped in between. You can also damp mop the laminate floor occasionally in order to restore its shine. However, excess moisture can cause the laminate to swell so it is important to be careful while mopping the floor with a damp cloth.
In case you spill high staining substances, such as wine, coffee or orange juice, on your laminate floor you should immediately wipe it off the floor. In order to remove such tough stains you can use acetone based solutions such as nail polish remover on the laminate. However, such chemical based cleaning solutions can discolor the laminate so it is important to test the cleaning solutions on a hidden portion of the flooring first.

Another effective cleaning idea for your laminate flooring is to use a solution of vinegar and warm water. This is an inexpensive and a natural way of removing tough stains from your laminate floor. For maximum effectiveness you can use this solution by spraying it from a bottle and cleaning with a mop.
In case of scratches or dents to your laminate flooring you can purchase a touch up to maintain its finish. A typical touch up kit would consist of either a filler material or crayons & color pencils. When used properly, such touch up material can easily hide the damage to your laminate floor, and can maintain its finish and durability.

With a little care and effort it is easy to ensure that your laminate flooring looks like new for a long duration of time. Laminate does not require much maintenance and care, and is therefore preferred over natural wood flooring by a number of individuals.
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How to improve the effectiveness of your hardwood flooring

Most people are opting for hardwood flooring over traditional wall to wall carpeting due to the various benefits offered by it. Some of the advantages of hardwood flooring include its longevity, easy to clean nature and its aesthetic appeal. Further, due to the longevity of hardwood flooring, the resale value of your house will also increase significantly.

Apart from the numerous benefits that are offered by hardwood flooring, you can take a few steps on your own to enhance its effectiveness. One of the first steps that you can take in order to ensure maximum effectiveness out of your hardwood flooring is to install it properly. There are numerous methods through which you can install a hardwood floor such as nailing or gluing it. It is always beneficial to consult an expert to get an idea about the best way to install hardwood flooring in your house.

Hardwood floors have a natural warm and cozy look, and wood is an effective insulator. You can further enhance the insulation properties of your hardwood floor by taking two steps; adding extra insulation and installing a floor heating system. Extra insulation can be added in the form of wool, cellulose, wood fiber boards and plant fiber boards. An extra layer of insulation will ensure that heat does not escape from the floor, thereby keeping it warm and cozy. You can also opt for an effective under-floor heating system to enhance the insulation properties of your hardwood flooring. An under-floor heating system will further enable you to save on your energy bills by not only heating the floor but the entire room as well. This will let you turn down your main thermostat a few degrees, thereby resulting in significant savings on electricity.

Regular cleaning and shining of your hardwood flooring will enhance the longevity of your hardwood flooring. You can use high quality varnish or vinegar regularly to shine your hardwood floor and to ensure that it remains shiny and smooth all year round.

Protecting your hardwood flooring from direct sunlight and denting is essential to keep it looking attractive for a long period of time. Portions of your hardwood floor that are exposed to direct sunlight will get discolored easily, in order to avoid discoloration you will need to keep your curtains closed or place a rug over such areas. In order to avoid denting on the floor you will need to provide padding under heavy furniture; also, you must avoid dragging objects over hardwood floors.

Finally, moisture is the biggest enemy of hardwood floors and excess exposure to it can lead to serious mold problems; for this reason, applying a waterproofing chemical is necessary, especially in areas where exposure to moisture is unavoidable.

Although hardwood floors are aesthetically attractive and long lasting, they require constant care and maintenance. By following the above mentioned steps, you will be able to ensure that your hardwood flooring remains attractive & strong for a long time to come.

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