The Must-Have Flooring Tools

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There has been an increasing trend among homeowners to opt for the ‘Do it Yourself’ task regarding home renovation. Some of these DIY home renovation tasks include flooring, painting and grouting, among many others. These DIY tasks not only demand homeowners to possess a particular skill set, but also require them to have requisite tools.
Possessing adequate tools is necessary to accomplish the task properly. Having necessary tools not only reduce the efforts and stress, but also ensure perfection in job. Moreover, a badly done home renovation defeats the sole purpose of doing DIY, which is to save money. This is so because a badly done DIY task would result in incur of expenses for repair and correction. Hence, homeowners who wish to indulge in DIY home tasks should have all the necessary tools required for successful completion of the job.

One of the most commonly chosen DIY tasks by homeowners is flooring and that too tiling of the floor in particular. While installing tiles at home, one of the most common problems faced by them is lippage. This problem occurs when the tiles are not uniformly set to form one flat surface. As a result, the aesthetics of the house is adversely affected and also lippage may result in cracking or breaking of the tiles. For this, homeowners can opt for the Tuscan Leveling System which ensures that the tiling is done perfectly without any lippage. This leveling system has been designed for DIY enthusiasts and can be used by homeowners with any skill set. Another tool that proves useful while tiling is the tile spacer that facilitates straight grout lines. The uniform finish renders a neat look which enhances the appearance of the place.
In addition, homeowners can also purchase the Primo Bucket Brush, which takes the hard work and mess out of cleaning buckets, saving a lot of time, money, and water.The Bucket Brush is designed to use a ½” portable drill to provide the power. Not only does the Bucket Brush save time, it saves the environment. Mixing buckets can now be used over and over again before they ever end-up in landfills.
Homeowners doing flooring on their own must also possess tools like tile cutters, tile saws, diamond hole saws and undercut saws. In addition, they can purchase straight edges, trowels, grout floats, diamond blades and stone fabrication products. The grout grabber tool, polishing pads and Montgomery degree pitch level tool are few of the other tools that homeowners should have.

Besides these specific tools, there are several other tools that the homeowners must possess to ensure proper completion of DIY flooring tasks. The most important among them is the safety gear, which includes knee pads, gloves, eye gear and respiratory mask, among others.
Homeowners should ensure that they possess all the tools before initiating any DIY project. However, before going on a shopping spree to purchase flooring tools, homeowners should first make an itinerary of the tools that are actually required. This would help avoid purchasing something that is not required and also ensure buying tools that are necessary.

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Raimondi Tile Spacer Leveling System

The most important as well as the most daunting aspect of setting tiles is to achieve perfect leveling. A common hindrance faced while setting larger format, thicker tiles as well as un gauged and thin tiles is the uneven floor foundation, which makes leveling all the more difficult. As a result, tiles that seemed leveled during installation often have unevenness in the height, once the thinset or adhesive cures, which is unappealing. This can, however, be overcome with the help of ‘Raimondi Tile Spacer Leveling System’ that ensures perfect leveling of the tiles. Fabricated using quality raw material, these spacers are durable, cost effective and easy to use. Not only does it result in proper leveling of the tiles, but also facilitate the tile setting process.
Achieving a smooth level surface, the Raimondi leveling spacers can be used for tiles with varied dimensions. For a tile thickness of minimum 1/8", maximum 1/2", a minimum 3/32" joint is required, which at times is difficult to achieve. However, with the help of the spacers it is no longer a daunting task and can easily be accomplished in just few minutes. Depending upon your requirement, you can select amongst the different Raimondi leveling system kits that include leveling wedges, spacer clips and installation pliers.

One does not have to be a well-qualified professional to use the Raimondi leveling spacers. These spacers are quick and easy to set & remove, and homeowners can do it on their own, without any professional guidance. In case you plan to install tiles on your own, you can make use of these spacers for proper leveling of the tiles. After spreading the tile adhesive, you need to insert the support underneath the tiles on all the sides. In case of larger and thicker tiles, it is advisable to use two support instead of one, on all four sides. Once properly done, set the tiles over the adhesive, and to strengthen the bond you can beat it with a rubber mallet. Next, you need to insert the wedges into the support, which can be easily done by using the special traction-adjustable pliers. However, you need to exercise caution not to pass the breaking point. After the tile adhesive sets and cures, the leveling support needs to be removed, which can be done with the help of special traction-adjustable pliers or rubber mallet. Instead of using these tools, you can easily remove these supports by simply kicking them with your feet, but make sure to beat parallel to the joint.

Not only is the Raimondi leveling spacer easy to set and remove, but has various other features that have made it a preferred choice of many, especially tile installers. Consuming less time and effort, it holds the tiles firmly in place. One does not have to worry about the voids or coverage as the Raimondi leveling spacer enhances the adhesion of the thinset to the tiles. Rather than pulling tiles from the thinset, these are pushed into it, which is easier. Since it is quick and easy, it greatly improves the overall quality of the tile installing project.
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Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Effective tools for a DIY enthusiasts

Certain things are more comforting for a ‘Do It Yourself’ enthusiast than completing a home renovation project without any professional assistance. DIY lovers, although enthusiastic about completing a project all by themselves require proper tools and resources to effectively complete the job at hand. A trip to the local hardware store can get you access to a number of different tools and equipment; however, selecting the right ones can be a difficult job.
Bathroom renovation is one of the most complex DIY jobs since any complications in tiling or waterproofing can result in significant damage to the surrounding areas. It is for this reason that tools such as Pro Pan, ready to tile shower pans and Quick Kirb are widely used in a bathroom renovation job. Pro Pan and ready to tile shower pans come with a standard slope of 1/4” inch per foot, thereby ensuring a perfectly sloped shower floor. Further, Kirb perfect offers an easy solution to building a shower curb, thereby ensuring that water does not spill outside the shower area.
Tiling & grouting is another job that can create a problem for people who prefer to complete their home renovation job themselves without any professional help. Tiles have to be placed at an equal distance to smooth transitions. Further, the grouting job has to be completed in an effective manner so as to ensure proper sealing, and that the water does not seep through the grout. This job can be effectively completed by using tile spacers and grout caulk thinset. Further, DIY enthusiasts can also find a variety of tile trims that can add an appealing look to the tiling of a room.

One of the common problems faced by people while installing stone or ceramic tiles is that of lippage. This not only disrupts the aesthetics of the room but can also result in cracks in the tiled floor. This problem can be easily solved by using the revolutionary Tuscan leveling system. Using this system will ensure a perfectly level tiled floor and will also make the tiling job easy and convenient.
Be it a job for carpentry, landscaping, or plumbing, a number of DIY enthusiasts find it difficult to find that perfect level pitch. An effective slope level indicator can prove to be more than handy in measuring and correcting the slope level of a place. Such slope levels are ideal for use by roofers, contractors, carpenters, engineers and most importantly by ‘Do It Yourself’ enthusiasts.
Finally, safety is an issue that concerns most people before they embark on their DIY endeavor. Certain safety tools such as a face mask, gloves, knee pads and clean up bags are essential in order to successfully complete a home renovation project.
Therefore, it is prominent that there are a variety of choices of tools for a DIY enthusiast to select from in order to successfully complete a home improvement project. Proper tools and equipment will not only help in timely completion of a job but will also ensure that it is completed in an effective and proper manner.
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Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Laminate vs. Hardwood: Take it to the Floor

It is the dilemma that has taken place in millions of homes across America and the globe: “I want a beautiful look for my home, but I also don’t have tons of money to spend.” There was a time when you couldn’t have your cake and eat it too. The emergence of laminate flooring for homes over the last twenty years has made that elegant look affordable. But what is the difference between laminate and hardwood flooring? Is one really better than the other? Let’s take a deeper look and see what we can find.
Hardwood flooring is, as the name implies, made of solid wood throughout. Flooring aficionados and decorators have always dinged hardwood for its susceptibility to moisture and it’s price. The flooring industry has an answer for this: Engineered hardwood flooring. Engineered hardwood flooring has a hardwood veneer surface constructed of cross-laminated layers of wood. By contrast, laminated flooring is a “picture” of wood that is attached to a fiberboard composite. This lies beneath a clear finish of melamine. This makes it much less expensive while giving it a similar look to hardwood. Before making your choice, there are four questions you should ask yourself.

What happens to it when it gets wet?

Traditional hardwood floors are very sensitive to changes in humidity and moisture. If you have pets that are not house-trained, you would do well to stay away from the hardwoods. I wouldn’t recommend them for kitchens, bathrooms, or anything below grade either. If you have a kitchen or bathroom that you just have to have hardwoods in, go with the engineered hardwood. It requires a moisture barrier to be laid down first, which eliminates this problem. Many, but not all, laminate floors are water resistant. This provides even more protection for your floor.
Winner: Laminates!

How easy is it to install?

Laminate floors are a project that most any do-it-yourselfer can handle on their own. They are installed as a floating floor, and many varieties simply click together and lock in place. Engineered hardwoods are not as easy to install, but can still be done by someone with a degree of skill. Professionals in most cases should install hardwoods. That being said, I know people who have installed hardwoods themselves and their floors look great. I guess it just depends on your confidence in that area.
Winner: Laminates!

How long will they last?

Both hardwoods and laminates are fairly long lasting. Hardwoods do tend to scratch and dent much easier than laminates. That means the claws of your dog or house cat, ferret, tiger, or any other pet will cause damage to your new floor. Laminates however are susceptible to chipping. Hardwoods can fade if placed in areas of direct sunlight. Laminates do not fade and are stain resistant. Hardwoods can be refinished to look like new again. Significant damage to laminates may require the entire floor to be replaced. Also, laminates are usually given about a 20-year life span. Because of the ability to refinish your hardwood floors, they can last you a lifetime.
Winner: Hardwoods!

How great will they look in my home?

Let me tell you this. I have had both, I have seen both, and I have installed both. I can tell you unequivocally that hardwoods look better. Maybe this is because laminate flooring is just a picture of wood. Maybe it is the fact that hardwoods allow for a variety of wood grain patterns while laminates repeat their pattern every five boards. Maybe it is the authentic “old- timey”: look. Whatever it is I would wager that if you surveyed ten people, nine of them would say that hardwoods look better. Winner: Hardwoods! And the champion is…neither. It is kind of a draw. Laminates are cheaper, slightly more durable and offer a similar look to hardwoods. However, hardwoods last much longer, increase the value of your home more, and look better than laminates. You should probably consider your budget, and what your long-term flooring needs are and make your choice. You really can’t go wrong either way.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com