Archive for the Flooring Category


Adding Warmth To A Room With Wool Area Rugs

08/19/2010 10:42:00 AM

One of the quickest ways to add warmth to a room is to use wool area rugs. More and more people are turning to woolen rugs to add warmth to their homes and one reason for this is because they also feel luxurious under your feet.

As woolen rugs are made from animal coats, the warmth that is contained within the room is fantastic. Sheep wool tends to be the most common material used, but you can also find goats wool rugs too. An advantage to a woolen rug is that it is also moisture resistant. Therefore if you do manage to spill something onto it, you won’t have to worry too much about it soaking through. You also won’t have to worry about keeping the rug clean as it is also fairly soil resistant. This makes them great for high traffic areas.

Design and Affordability

You should find that when you search for wool rugs, they are actually quite affordable. This is because they are so popular so many stores fight to offer competitive prices. If you want the most affordable rugs then you should search for machine woven ones. The hand woven ones will be the most expensive.

There are many different designs available from plain white wool to bright, vibrant colors. No matter what your tastes you should be able to find a wool rug to suit you.
For the best results you should consider placing a woolen rug in the living room and the bedroom. These are the two rooms that you want to make the most homely. Most wool rugs will give a contemporary and luxury feel to a room.

Overall woolen rugs are fantastic for adding warmth to a room. To avoid making the room look too lively you should stick to natural colors. Shop around both online and offline to find the perfect wool area rugs to suit your home.


Polished Concrete Flooring

08/7/2010 12:49:00 AM

There are several reasons why polished concrete floors are considered are considered as the best choice for both commercial and residential areas. It can also be used for highly industrialized locations such as a warehouse, a vehicle repair shop. You can also use it in a restaurant, kitchen, or even in your garage. There are various colors and designs too so you can put a personal touch to it. All you have to do is to apply a sealer. This is going to penetrate and harden the concrete. With this, the sealer can protect the concrete floor inside and out. After the application, the floor looks stunningly beautiful with a glossy sheen in it.

One of the main benefits of concrete polishing is that it remains very glossy for a long period of time. There is no need to apply another layer of was again. When polishing, you have the option as to how much sheen do you want to put into the concrete floor. In addition to this, no additional coating should be applied which needs high maintenance in the long run. If you want to clean the surface, all you have to do is use a wet mop. You might need to dust it once in a while to keep it clean.

Concrete polished floors are also very durable and fire-resistant. It is also non-allergenic . It can also resist any damage caused by extreme weather changes and other substances which include moisture, mildew, chemicals or even humidity. The moisture will not remain inside too. More than that, it can tolerate or resist any kinds of stains, marks and spills.

When it comes to affordability, polished concrete floors are very cheap. Furthermore, it is not necessary to spend too much money for its maintenance. In fact, it is one of the most popular choices for people who in solar residences. The concrete can absorb the extra heat from the sun and it will discharge it during the night. Because of its shiny surface you do not need any extra lighting on your new floor either.


Easy Area Rug Decorating

08/4/2010 2:48:00 PM

Decorating with area rugs is a quick, easy, and often times, inexpensive way to dress up a room or add some flair. Rugs can add color and warmth, or create focal points to define a room. Many home owners are using more hardwood, laminate, or tile and inexpensive area rugs can help to protect these types of flooring from excessive wear and tear. Another great benefit of decorating with area rugs is that they can be readily moved or replaced for a quick change.

Things to Consider When Choosing Rugs

• Size

Obviously, the size of the room will dictate the size of the rug you choose. If you want the rug to cover most of the floor, a good rule of thumb is to have the same amount of bare floor on all sides of the rug. If the room is an irregular shape; i.e. a closet or fireplace sticking out into it, try to have the same amount of bare floor on two parallel sides. The amount of space left between the rug and wall is recommended to be at least three feet. This space allows any inward-opening doors to open and close easily. For conversational settings, such as a living room or den, try to not let more than two feet of rug extend out behind the furniture. For bedrooms, the same amount of floor should be visible on two or three sides. In dining rooms, the rug should extend eighteen to twenty four inches beyond the table. For those who don’t feel like doing any measuring, typically a ten- by- eight foot rug will work in most living and dining rooms. For smaller areas, a six-by-nine foot or a six-by-four foot rug should suffice.

• Color and Design

When choosing colors and/or designs for your rug, keep in mind what it is you want the rug to accomplish for the room décor. Will the rug be a compliment to the room as it is or will the room be redecorated around the new rug? Consider any drapes or furniture in the room the rug will occupy. If they have lots of patterns, use a rug with little or no visible pattern. If the opposite is true, oriental rugs with elaborate patterns, can bring life to the room.  Is there a theme to the room, and if so, will the rug be the focal point? When choosing a rug to be a focal point, consider one with a central medallion, a popular design for many oriental rugs. When choosing the color, remember the basics. If you want the room to appear larger, pick lighter colors. To make the room more intimate, a darker color will do. If the room will receive a lot of foot traffic, consider a neutral colored rug.


Characteristics of Large Plank Flooring

08/2/2010 5:13:00 PM

When installing wood flooring, homeowners reach a compromise between quality and cost in an attempt to stay within their budget. Large plank flooring consists of a type of floor panel which has a classic look and is quite cost effective. When compared to hardwood flooring, especially exotic varieties, this type of wood is a viable alternative for individuals who want quality at a modest price tag.

Plank floors are created from wood which has been previously used. Not only does this result in floors with character, it is much safer for the environment when compared to clearing forests for new materials. Woods that have been sitting for years in antique homes can be recycled and returned to their original beauty. Centuries old fallen tree trunks can be exhumed from swamps and cut up into perfect plank pieces. Wood that has remained under water for this long absorbs color from the surrounding water, creating uniquely colored natural wood.

Floors with these wood panels installed exhibit a classical American style that can be tailored to a rustic or antique appearance depending on the final finish. Unlike some woods which have little character, large planks often contain beautiful grain and knot holes. Much if not all of this wood is recycled, leaving nail holes and other subtle characteristics from its previous life. These types of features can be artificially created on new wood, but risks weakening the structural integrity of the planks. Large wood planks are manufactured from various wood species such as maple, pine, cedar and oak. Oak flooring is popular for its rich color and durable characteristics. Plank flooring is limited to hardwoods, as they are the only type of wood which can withstand mild impacts, shoe scuffing, and other abuses caused by constant use. New flooring can be installed and ready to use within a few days.


Another Reason for Choosing Wood Flooring

07/22/2010 1:04:00 AM

When the opportunity presents itself, more often than not, people will choose to install wood flooring in their homes. While ceramic tile is gaining popularity, particularly in those areas with warmer temperatures, there is an appeal to walnut, maple or solid oak flooring that is simply unrivaled.

The Janka Rating Scale lists hardwoods based on how dense they are, and one of the reasons that oak, in particular, is so popular is that it falls mid-way on the list. Some locations, those with high traffic and frequent abuse, require an extremely dense variety, but for most homes, the level of hardness found in oak is more than sufficient. Too dense a variety loses the grain patterns that are so prominently displayed when oak is stained. Of course, too soft a wood might look good but would create considerable maintenance issues.

Although how good a floor looks and how well it holds up to traffic are certainly prime motivation factors, there are other reasons for choosing to install hardwood flooring. Homeowners are increasingly choosing to rip the carpeting out of houses and replacing with wood or tile because of what has been learned about the health advantages for those with breathing issues.

In the United States, alone, asthma affects the lives of nearly 20 million individuals. Sufferers with this chronic lung disease experience attacks of not being able to breathe that are brought about by not only environmental and seasonal factors, but also by seemingly harmless allergens found in almost every home. The more common ones include mold, pollen, dust, insect droppings and pet dander. Keeping the home as clean and free of these triggers as possible is vital. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to remove them from carpeting, no matter what type of cleaning system is used. Many have discovered that the only effective method is to remove the carpet.

As you admire your new oak or walnut floor, you can feel good about the choice you made. Hardly anything adds more market value to your home than hardwood flooring, and you have taken a positive step toward protecting the health and well being of the members of your family.


Taking care of Hardwood Floors

07/8/2010 5:11:00 AM

Hardwood floors are one of the most popular surfaces for people looking to redecorate their homes. They provide a unique look that can’t be easily re-created by other types of flooring and a combination of interesting colours that adds to any decor. Wood floor will vary depending on how it is treated beforehand and some of the strongest types can be quite expensive. But for the price, you get a product that can stand up to many years of use in even the most high-traffic areas of your home.

If you are looking to replace the floor of your entire house, it’s probably best if you hire a professional installer to do the job properly. But if you’re only in need of a slight repair then changing one damaged plank may be enough. In these cases all it takes is a couple of hours and some flooring supplies to lay a new piece of wooden floor in place. The great thing about putting in a new board is that you don’t necessarily have to worry about color matching. It’s impossible to get uniform wood flooring, and you might get a unique pattern that accentuates your old floor. So you should fully expect color variations and even welcome them as a special feature that you can’t get with other flooring.

The easiest thing to do when getting hardwood flooring is to get the most expensive type that comes pre-stained and finished. While it will be obviously more costly, you can also save a lot of time and effort with cleaning. Properly treated floors are good at resisting stains these days and the old problems of rot and mould are much less likely. As always, you will want to clean spills as quickly as possible with something like a Shark steam cleaner and limit the exposure to water. But overall, you’ll find that new flooring lasts longer than ever and the higher cost of new wooden planks will pay for itself after several years.


The Variety of Area Rugs

07/3/2010 4:37:00 PM

Area rugs have a way of adding just the right touch to a room that brings the rest of the room’s furnishings together in a perfect blend. They can add color and life to an old dreary setting, brightening up the environment and making it come alive. They can also help bring a subdued touch to an already bright setting, rounding out colorful furniture, pictures and other accessories with down to earth neutral tones. Your home can be the decorative showpiece you desire as well as convey the ambiance you want it to convey for your family and friends by choosing the appropriate floor rug for any occasion.

Large decorative floor rugs are especially made to enhance a room’s décor by either accentuating the present room’s furnishings with their bold patterns and designs, or by becoming an outstanding focal point in the room and matching the rest of the furnishings around the color and design of your rug. Smaller floor rug pieces can be strategically placed in various rooms in your home or in separate areas within a large room, to add color, style and finesse to the environment.

For long hallways, attractive runners that will match existing wall hangings or plant fixtures are available in a variety of designs, colors and weaves. You can choose from contemporary designs such as checks and geometric designs or go with the more traditional styles. Colorful flowered area rugs are available for dining rooms and kitchens to add cheer and luster. By using your imagination and artistic expression you can come up with your own original and innovative decorating ideas that will not just reflect your personality and tastes, but that will add beauty, comfort, and style to your home.

By searching for floor rugs online on the internet, you will be able to find additional help and information regarding area rugs to help simplify your search for the rugs you desire.


Industrial Carpets

06/30/2010 1:26:00 AM

Industrial carpet can be used anywhere. They are used for apartments, offices, factories, hotels, theaters and convention centers. They give a beautiful appearance to any property.

The advantages of using industrial carpets is some people just like to feel it under their feet. The floor is kept alot warmer in winter. It adds beauty and style, soften slips and falls, reduces noise and wears well. An other advantage is its ability to improve air quality. It is beneficial in trapping allergy-causing particles. Industrial carpet is a remarkably durable and practical floor covering. It is generally less expensive than other floor coverings as well. It also sreves as a neutral backdrop that compliments other furnishings. Using this carpet is ideal for your home, office, outside under a canopy and on a front porch.

Installing industrial carpet can be done in two ways. Double glue-down and direct glue-down. Double glue-down means that there is a cushion installed beneath the carpet. You need to clean the floors before you start laying out. The room should be between 65 and 95 degrees. Fold the cushion and apply the adhesive to the floor with a trowel. Smooth the cushion with a roller. Cut the carpet to proper length leaving 3 to 4 inches extra. For both applications, use a light weight roller and roll over the carpet. Trim the excess. Roll a second time 12 hours after you install the first time.

Many textile plants make carpet yarn. They will make their own yarn and twist it into different colors. There are many different styles and materials that go into this yarn. Du Ponts makes carpet so alot of yarn made in these textile mills go there so they can put this together to make carpet. Everything has to be done just so, from dying to twisting and how many plys there will be like 2-ply or 3-ply and 4-ply.

As i said earlier this carpet will make your home or office that much more beautiful. Having carpet really does give your place style. It wears well so you won’t have to worry about it for a long time either. Keeps your house warmer and keeps your allergies down. Investing in new floors make you happy as well as your customers. It will make a statement like nothing else.


  • Great Floor Plan Book

    This book is one that we always keep in our library for reference. With 560 pages of floor plans, home ideas, and many full color photos it is a great resource.
  • Measuring House Foot Prints and Utility Lines

    Having a measuring wheel on hand when you are in the planning stage of laying out home dimensions, driveway lengths, and utility access is really handy. This is the model that we keep in our truck.
  • Take A Compass With You

    Taking a compass to a building site with you will help you to determine which way the home should be pointed to take advanage of sunrises, sunsets, southern exposure, and views. Also having a GPS on hand is a good idea to give you an idea of elevation, especially when snow load is a concern. This is the model GPS that we have used for three or four years.
  • Out Building Construction Book

    This book I purchased for my husband when we first got into construction as a gag gift. Little did I know that it would be used for multiple buildings around our home.