Enjoy Plush Luxury When Installing Carpet Flooring in Vancouver, Canada Homes

Posted on 16th February 2011 in Carpet Flooring
carpet flooring
by Lance McCord

Enjoy Plush Luxury When Installing Carpet Flooring in Vancouver, Canada Homes

Pampered Luxury Awaits

Make a definite statement installing luxurious carpet flooring. Vancouver, Canada homeowners realize carpeting a house helps reduce noise levels while providing a warm path to travel about from room to room. Discriminating consumers throughout the world choose to pamper themselves in lavished comfort choosing this particular type of flooring. Vancouver consumers are just as discriminating when it comes to choosing high-grade quality carpeting that not also enhances a lifestyle, but improves a home’s value as well.

What is Carpet Flooring?

Carpet is a general term used to describe all types of fabric-based but loosely laid flooring. Vancouver possesses many sources where carpets can be easily examined and purchased. However, the term “carpeting” or “carpet flooring” may refer to a type of fabric-based material that is attached directly to the floor. It is usually fabric woven or felted that is either knotted or glued to a choice of base weave. The term “wall to wall” has been commonly used referring to covering an entire room surface area or throughout a home with this type of carpet. Vancouver homeowners will usually hire a professional installer to produce a seamlessly appearing, wall to wall coverage from many different carpet flooring choices.

What Carpet Flooring Choices are Available?

Before making a choice of carpet flooring, Vancouver homeowners must make sure to take the time to examine and research what is available. Carpeting comes in many options that include features such as style, fiber texture, color, grade and more. Making the most appropriate choice can be confusing when it comes to selecting flooring. Vancouver potential buyers should examine styles including Frieze, cut and loop, Berber, Saxony and others. Styles have several different variations when it comes to function, durability, pattern and texture that also need to be considered. Personal tastes and overall home decor theme may additionally dictate influences when choosing carpet flooring. Vancouver carpeting buyers also need to determine the various fiber options associated with a purchase since many grades of quality are available. Each has a distinct look and feel with the most expensive, and popular, fiber used in carpet manufacturing being wool. More affordable choices include polyester or polypropylene plus nylon, hemp and possible straw substitutions.

Wool is the Standard

Wool has outstanding features making it the most popular choice for carpet flooring. Vancouver homeowners should know that it is far superior to synthetics such as nylon because its matting and crushing resistance are very high. Plus, nothing compares to the soft feel underfoot although nylon can come close. However, gaining this extra level of luxury and comfort requires some specific maintenance knowledge about this carpet. Vancouver carpeting owners should know wool might abrade and stain easily, especially when exposed to bright sunlight where it will turn yellow. Nylon, while maybe not as luxurious as wool, is mildew resistant and possesses adequate resistance to abrasion and does offer good resilience. Olefin, known also as polypropylene, can be a great choice for heavily trafficked areas such as a basement or playroom, because it can generally resist moisture staining, abrasion and fading being an economical selection for carpet. Vancouver families that do a lot of living on the home floor should consider Olefin as a carpeting solution. Choosing polyester will provide stain-resistant carpeting, but it does not hold up well under heavy traffic.

Take a little time to conduct some self-education about the variety of choice available when selecting carpeting flooring. Vancouver homeowners have several local sources that will help provide enough working knowledge about carpeting, so any consumer can make a better informed buying decision that can easily be walked upon.

Find out more about carpet flooring Vancouver. Get more information on carpet Vancouver and flooring Vancouver.


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How To Fit Solid Wood Flooring

Posted on 9th February 2011 in Solid Wood Flooring
Solid Wood Flooring
by timber_floors

How To Fit Solid Wood Flooring

How to fit Solid Wood flooring

It is important to start any flooring installation by firstly planning out the room and deciding where to start. Many rooms offer what at first appear to be very complicated situations to overcome. Don’t worry too much about these, all situations have a solution which are covered in this section, alternatively further information can be found in the handy hints and tips section.

Planning:-

When first presented with a room or area which is to be fitted with Solid wood flooring some key factors will help you to decide where to start your installation. Door ways, shape of room and locations of main window are all factors to take into consideration as well as the subfloor (existing floor which is to be covered with Solid wood floor) here are some rules and suggestions:-

Rules –

When laying Solid wood flooring on top of existing floor boards always lay the planks at 90 degrees to the floor boards

It is important not to end up with a piece of flooring at the end of a row which is less than 5cm in length or to have the last row less than 5cm in width. To avoid this measure the room’s width and length and divide the results by the dimensions of the flooring being installed. It may then be necessary to start the first row with a half plank or even to cut the width down to accommodate the area

An expansion joint will need to be inserted into any floor area which is larger than 8m in length or in width, in effect creating two floor areas

Acclimatise the boards in the room they are to be laid in for a minimum of 48 hours. The room should have a relative humidity of between 45% – 65% and a temperature of between 18C – 20C

Suggestions –

It is generally accepted that the best visual effect when installing Solid wood flooring is to lay the boards in the direction of the light source; so towards the main window (not forgetting rule 1 above)

It is also suggested that the floor should run along the longest wall of the room giving the best overall effect. (again take note of rule 1 above)

When laying a floor across a door way it is best practise to start at this point and work back into the room

Installation guide:-

Once your planning stage is complete it is time to prepare the room starting with the subfloor. It is vital that the subfloor is in optimal condition to allow the new floor to perform as expected and help to maintain its longevity

Subfloor preparation –

The main factors to consider are the smoothness, dryness and overall levelness of the floor. If the subfloor is uneven then the new floor will not last long as the pressure on the joints will cause the boards to separate

For concrete floors make sure that they are dry (it takes approx. 1 day per 1mm of wet concrete to be considered dry enough for a Solid wood floor to be installed). The relative humidity of the floor is also vital it should not exceed 85%

For wooden subfloors, ensure there is no movement in the floor. Any loose floor boards should be nailed or screwed securely in place. WBP (water and boil proof) ply can be used over existing floorboards to provide a suitable subfloor surface

All floors must be smooth and level

Finally all debris must be cleaned and the surface of the subfloor must be free from dust and other contaminants

Installation Techniques:-

There are three main ways to install a Solid Wood floor,

Secret nailing

Gluing directly to the subfloor

Installing the Solid wood onto a self adhesive underlay

All of these methods are perfectly acceptable methods of installation for a domestic application, each method has its benefits and draw backs. It is often the subfloor which will help to determine which installation is best suitable.

Installing the floor planks – Secret nailing –

Secret nailing a wooden floor is a method usually chosen when the existing subfloor is wood or when installing directly to joists. Solid wood flooring should have a minimum thickness of 21mm if it is to be fitted directly to joists.

It is possible to use the secret nail technique when the subfloor is concrete or screed. A damp proof membrane (DPM) needs to be placed over the concrete followed by an 18 – 24mm WBP plywood sheet.

Start the first row by loose laying the boards parallel to the wall allowing a 15mm expansion gap. Begin by resting the fitting wedges up against the wall to give you a 15mm gap. This is vital as the Solid boards will expand and contract after installation and if this gap is not present the floor will lift and buckle in the room. The wedges are removed after installation is complete and the gap is covered with either skirting or beading

At the end of the first row you will undoubtedly need to cut a board to length. A good way to measure the length of the board required is to rotate the loose board by 180 degree (facing upwards) so that the tongue is facing the tongue of the previous row. Rest the board next to the first row then mark and cut the boards to size.

(NB. When cutting Solid flooring ensure that a new blade is used)

Once you are happy with the alignment, ‘face nail’ the boards into the subfloor at intervals of 250-300mm or onto every joist. Face nailing is nailing through the top of the planks into the subfloor, counter sink the nails and fill in the dimples with wood filler.

Depending on the tools used and the width of the flooring installed, it may be necessary to face nail two or three rows before secret nailing can begin.

Continue laying rows of planks down ensuring that you keep the 15mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Stagger the boards so that the end joint of each row is further than 150mm apart (brick bond)

Keeping the nails at a distance of 250 – 300mm, secret nail the planks into the subfloor. Secret nailing is a method where planks are secured through the tongue of the boards at a 45 degree angle and counter sunk to allow the groove of the next board to fit tightly. Mechanical nail guns are the best way to achieve professional results and make installation a lot easier.

The final row can be measured and marked to size using the following technique; firstly place the board to be marked directly on top of the last row laid. Place another plank on top of the loose plank but this time have the top plank pushed up against 15mm wedges against the wall to give you the correct measurement allowing for expansion. (be careful not to move the board to be marked) now draw a line along the edge of the top plank marking the board underneath.

The last few rows will also have to be face nailed as there will not be enough room for secret nailing.

Installing the floor planks – Direct gluing –

Direct gluing is a suitable method of installation when fixing on top of a concrete or screed subfloor. One benefit is that the overall height of the new floor is kep to a minimum as there is no need to install an 18mm WBP plywood base. It is also suitable over existing wood floors which are suitably flat and firm.

The subfloor must be flat, firm and level; if necessary a levelling compound may be used. It is important to remember that all subfloors must be dry.

A liquid damp proof membrane must be laid first and allowed to dry.

Using a suitable wood flooring adhesive apply an even coat to the subfloor. A notched trowel held at between 450 and 900 is the best method for this.

Start the first row by laying the boards parallel to the wall allowing a 15mm expansion gap. Begin by resting the fitting wedges up against the wall to give you a 15mm gap. This is vital as the Solid boards will expand and contract after installation and if this gap is not present the floor will lift and buckle in the room. The wedges are removed after installation is complete and the gap is covered with either skirting or beading

At the end of the first row you will undoubtedly need to cut a board to length. A good way to measure the length of the board required is to rotate the loose board by 180 degree (facing upwards) so that the tongue is facing the tongue of the previous row. Rest the board next to the first row then mark and cut the boards to size.

(NB. When cutting Solid flooring ensure that a new blade is used)

After two rows have been successfully installed weigh them down while the glue sets. Any glue which has seeped through to the surface should be removed immediately.

Continue laying rows of planks down ensuring that you keep the 15mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Stagger the boards so that the end joint of each row is further than 150mm apart (brick bond)

Tension straps may be used to hold rows tightly together whilst the glue sets.

The final row can be measured and marked to size using the following technique; firstly place the board to be marked directly on top of the last row laid. Place another plank on top of the loose plank but this time have the top plank pushed up against 15mm wedges against the wall to give you the correct measurement allowing for expansion. (be careful not to move the board to be marked) now draw a line along the edge of the top plank marking the board underneath.

Installing the floor planks – Self adhesive underlay –

Solid flooring can also be laid as a floating floor using a self adhesive underlay. The boards are adhered directly to the underlay which holds the floor together. This method can be used for all subfloor types (following the rules set out above that subfloors be flat, firm and dry) the benefits of the self adhesive underlay is that the room can be used immediately with no drying time required for glue to set.

Lay the underlay at 90 degrees to the direction of the boards ensuring that there are no gaps between sheets but equally important is that the underlay does not overlap. When using the underlay over concrete, first lay a DPM with the edges overlapped by 20cm.

Peel back the foil from the underlay by the width of 2 ½ planks and fold over.

Using the supplied spare foil, lay this over the exposed adhesive surface of the underlay with enough surplus foil facing the wall to fold back over the top of the underlay

Place the fitting wedges up against the wall to give you a 15mm gap. This is vital as the Solid boards will expand and contract after installation and if this gap is not present the floor will lift and buckle in the room. The wedges are removed after installation is complete and the gap is covered with either skirting or beading

Position the first row along the wall and wedges allowing for the expansion gap and ensure that this is perfectly straight. (if the first row is not perfectly straight the entire floor will be ruined) At the end of the first row you will undoubtedly need to cut a board to length. A good way to measure the length of the board required is to rotate the loose board by 180 degree (facing upwards) so that the tongue is facing the tongue of the previous row. Rest the board next to the first row then mark and cut the boards to size

(NB. When cutting Solid flooring ensure that a new blade is used)

Now lay a second row, this will help to stabilise the two rows whilst the foil is removed as well as help to provide a straight line

Once you are satisfied the rows are straight and tightly fitted, peel back the loose foil sheet which will expose the adhesive underlay to the solid wood flooring thus holding the boars in place.

The loose foil may now be discarded. The remaining attached foil will be your work area where new rows will be rested on until you are happy that they are tightly fitted.

Continue to fit the rows down and peel away the foil to fix the boards into place.

The final row can be measured and marked to size using the following technique; firstly place the board to be marked directly on top of the last row laid. Place another plank on top of the loose plank but this time have the top plank pushed up against 15mm wedges against the wall to give you the correct measurement allowing for expansion. (be careful not to move the board to be marked) now draw a line along the edge of the top plank marking the board underneath.

Obstacles –

There are various obstacles you will come across when installing any flooring. The trick is to identify these at the beginning and plan when to tackle them. You do not want to end up at an obstacle where you may need to remove some flooring you have already installed to enable you to deal with the situation.

Door frames are inevitable as almost all rooms will have these. It is necessary to remove a section of architrave and door jam to allow the Solid to be fitted under them, thus hiding the expansion gap away from sight. To do this you will need to place a piece of underlay and an upturned board against the door frame. Using a long saw pressed against the Solid floor begin to cut into the door frame. Make your cut until you reach the wall behind the door frame. Do not worry about cutting into the skirting as the beading will cover this. Remove as much of the door frame as possible so as to allow the right expansion room for the Engineered.

Measure and mark the Solid to fit and then install. When faced with a room where there are doors on both sides of a room and the Solid is installed across the door way it may be necessary to use glue to fit a board at one of these doors. As it is impossible to install the board at 30 degrees and still slide it under the architrave you will need to remove some of the locking joint on the previous row.

Remove the lip along the tongue of the long edge using a sharp chisel. Apply glue to this edge. Slide the board to be fitted under the door architrave and then pull it back into place along the previous row.

Radiator pipe covers can either protrude through the floor or from the wall. If they are floor mounted then the Solid will need to be cut around the pipes with an expansion gap. Measure and mark the position of the pipes on the Solid board and cut the holes out using a 32mm spade drill bit. This should allow for the 15mm pipe and an expansion gap. Then remove the excess Solid to allow the board to be placed against the pipes. The area of Solid removed should represent a keyhole shape. Keep the off cuts of the Solid as these can be glued back into place once the plank is installed.

Real Wood Flooring FAQs brought to you by the flooring experts at Wood Flooring 2U

If you would like any further information on solid wood flooring, engineered wood flooring, laminate wood flooring or advice on how to install a wooden floor, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, our knowledgeable team would be more than happy to help.


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Wood Flooring. Reclaimed Vs. Old Growth Wood. Northern Va, Antique/Reclaimed Wood Floor Specialists. Madera Floors

Posted on 7th February 2011 in Wood Flooring

Wood Flooring. Reclaimed Vs. Old Growth Wood. Northern Va, Antique/Reclaimed Wood Floor Specialists. Madera Floors

 

In the wood flooring industry, the term ‘old growth’ continues to be the subject of interpretation and controversy. At Madera Floors we make it our business to know more about wood than any other company, and to educate our customers so that they can make more informed purchasing decisions. We frequently address questions about ‘old growth’ trees, especially in relation to reclaimed timber. In fact, we have talked with many consumers who thought the terms meant the same thing and were misled into thinking their old growth flooring was the same as our antique reclaimed flooring. Here we define some of the terms and address questions surrounding the mystery of ‘old growth’.

Old Growth refers to established forests that, up until the time trees are cut, have had little or no disruption. Advocates of cutting old growth timbers suggest that pruning selected trees is good for the forest. We disagree. Old growth forests maintain themselves through a natural process that does not include cutting into the delicate fabric woven by nature.

How Old is “Old” Growth? The actual age that determines “old” growth varies depending on the specie, but it refers to the age at which a tree has reached its maturity. For an eastern white pine, it is between 130-150 years, while many of the hardwoods reach maturity at 80 years. But, what is most important is that at maturity and thereafter the old growth tree is still contributing to the ecosystem in which it lives.

Virgin Growth refers to dense stands of various species of hardwood or pine trees that are indigenous to their habitat; they have never been harvested. Many virgin forests are protected, but tragically there are also many that are still being cut today for purposes that include mass-produced wood flooring. Essentially, virgin timber is old growth that has never been cut, while old growth may or may not be virgin timber.

Reclaimed Wood is also referred to as Antique wood, and for us the terms are interchangeable when describing the wood we use to make our floors. We agree that old growth flooring is beautiful; however, we prefer to reuse this majestic timber that was originally cut to build structures that have shaped our history in the United States and in interesting places all over the world.

“Deconstruction” is the core of the reclaimed wood industry. The emphasis is on utilizing materials that have outlived their usefulness and would otherwise be demolished, discarded or left to decay. Deconstruction helps to close the resource loop that we now realize is so valuable in this world of finite resources.In recycling this precious material there is a significant positive environmental impact.

Deconstruction differs from ‘demolition’ in that it is a painstaking process involving the selective dismantlement of building components. We work with experts who carefully manage dismantling projects to preserve the grand dimensions of the beams, posts and floor joists; this will be reflected in your floor as we work to maintain the superior widths and lengths of these ancient timbers.

Demolition, on the other hand, is unfortunately the more common method of taking down a building. Implosion or ‘wrecking-ball’ style demolition is relatively inexpensive and offers a quick method of clearing sites for new structures. Consequently this process results in significant waste and unusable material.

For more information please visit our website at

www.maderafloors.com or our blog www.maderafloors.blogspot.com

Thanks

Madera Floors is a state of the art wood floor company which serves all of Northern Virginia, Maryland and D.C. We are growing to encompass a staff of highly trained craftsmen who execute each job skillfully and meticulously.


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What Is The Cost Of Laying Laminate Flooring?

Posted on 1st February 2011 in Laminate Flooring
Laminate Flooring
by Rubright

What Is The Cost Of Laying Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring differs in price for the type of flooring that you decide to purchase but not so much in the cost of the installation. Factors that weigh on the prices of laminate flooring may include warranties, durability and many more.
The type of the laminate flooring that you decide to install in your home is ‘what will be the major factor of your price range’. Laminate flooring can be commonly found for as little as £4.99p per square meter up to anything around £18.00 per square meter. You might even pay more money if you wanted extra features. There are different types of laminate panels depending on the amount you expect to be ‘walking over’ the floors. Laminate flooring is much cheaper for a home than it is for a place of business. The main reason for this is because the flooring designed for homes is not as durable, as homes do not withstand the type of traffic that a department store does. If you are purchasing the flooring for a business there are several types of flooring you might select which will also depend on the amount of traffic that you expect to have. Businesses should expect to pay a much higher rate for laminate flooring than if installed in a home.
Another factor that will impact the price of your laminate flooring is if you are looking for a long warranty. You can also find laminate flooring that includes a lifetime warranty. When you decide on flooring that is guaranteed for life then you have to expect to pay more money for the panels. If you don’t care about the security of a warranty then you can pay a very small amount of money per square meter.
When you are considering laminate flooring, you are not only purchasing the panels for the floors, you also have to consider that you must purchase underlay for the panels, which is very important when it comes to fitting the flooring. Laminate flooring usually includes only the planks. It does not come in a package with the underlay and the panels.
When you are making a decision on laminate flooring and looking at the prices you must also consider the quality. You are saving a lot of money using laminate flooring than you would with most other types of flooring. Therefore, it should be worth it to choose quality laminate panels, as these will last a lot longer. They are easy to install and you don’t have to hire someone to install them for you. However, the quality, value, and a warranty should be considered.
The cost of laminate flooring can vary greatly. Your purchase and decision will depend on the amount of traffic that you expect and the durability of the panels needed for your flooring. You should also consider warranties and any other issues that you might have. Be sure to shop around for your flooring but don’t forget about quality when you consider the cost. It is important to remember; by spending out a little more in the first instance will save you money in the long run!  
Benefits of Engineered Flooring
Engineered flooring is a modern flooring material that imitates traditional hardwood floor boards. This looks exactly like its traditional counterpart but has many advantages over the traditional flooring system.
Engineered flooring is a composite material made up from several layers of medium or high density fibreboard or plywood with an upper layer of genuine hardwood. The core of this flooring (the fibreboard or plywood layers) are constructed by stacking the individual layers or ply’s in the opposite direction of each other this provides strength to the flooring but also eliminates expansion or contraction.
It is available in a wide variety of natural timbers such as the traditional red and white oaks, maple and ash and now exotic hardwoods from all over the world are being used. With the wide variety of different timbers available home owners will be able to find an engineered flooring product to suit their individual tastes or to compliment their decorating scheme.
The main benefits of engineered flooring include:
§ The ability to use engineered flooring in areas where traditional hardwood cannot be used such as damp areas or places where the floor would be exposed to radiant heat. When exposed to moisture or radiant heat traditional boards warp or cup; the core of the engineered flooring is constructed with the individual ply’s laid in opposite directions which ensures the flooring will not enlarge or shrink when exposed to changes in humidity.  
§ Most are fully finished (coated), this means that you do not have to sand and coat before use. When you install engineered flooring you can literally move the furniture back in and be using the room again in a matter of hours.  
§ It is generally easy to lay making it a perfect DIY project and saving you money on installation.  
§ Engineered flooring can be nailed, stapled or glued down or installed as a floating floor. A floating floor only requires that a moisture barrier, usually a foam underlay is placed on the existing floor and the engineered flooring is laid directly onto it – no sticking down is required. This allows the option that the floor can easily be removed and taken away if you move home etc, and also makes replacement of any damaged boards a relatively easy task.  
§ It looks exactly the same and offers the same rich warmth and ambiance to a room as traditional hardwood flooring, but is generally considerably cheaper than the traditional boards.  
§ Some are constructed with a thick upper layer or wear layer that can be sanded and refinished in the future to remove wear and renew the flooring.  
§ It is available in many different timber species, sizes, styles and grain patterns. There is an engineered flooring solution for every taste and decorating need.
This flooring is growing in popularity for many reasons and is being used in preference to solid wood due to its durability – the fact it will not warp or cup, even when laid in a basement or other high moisture area or when exposed to radiant heat. It is easy to lay and when installed looks exactly like traditional hardwood floors.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Laminate Flooring?
When you have laminate flooring it is important to know the proper ways to clean and maintain the floors. When you properly take care of your laminate flooring it will last for many years to come and you will be surprised how long it maintains the new and beautiful look.
Laminate flooring is very low maintenance and long-lasting. There are only a few simple things that you need to do to ensure your floors stay clean. You can dust mop and vacuum your laminate floors with a soft brush to remove dust, dirt, or grit. A damp cloth will not damage the laminate flooring panels. However, when you use anything damp on the laminate flooring, do not use too much water and be sure to dry the floor thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth. If you do have a spill on your laminate floors then you should immediately blot them up with a clean, dry cloth, sponge, or paper towels. Excess liquid tracked in by feet or spills should not remain on the flooring for long periods of time and be cleaned immediately.
To prevent damage to your laminate flooring while you are cleaning you should not use soap-based detergents, abrasive cleaners, or any other type of cleaners on laminate flooring. There is no need for it and chemical products will only damage the flooring. You also should not use steel wool or scratchy scouring pads when you are cleaning because you will damage the laminate panels. These panels do not need wax or polish as these products will also cause damage. You should also never steam clean laminate panels.
There are also other ways you can maintain your flooring to ensure a longer life, such as:
§ Placing a doormat outside so any sand and grit picked up is not bought inside.
§ Using only colourfast carpeting and pads on your floor surfaces.
§ If you wear high heels then you should avoid walking on the surface. High heels and other sharp objects are the biggest problems for scratching the laminate panels.
§ Furniture legs can also be damaging and you can avoid this by putting pads underneath the legs of furniture to avoid scratching.
§ When you move furniture you should also lift it entirely and never drag it across the surface of the floor.
§ The less you arrange the flooring in the home, the less you have to worry about scratching. However, you must rearrange the furniture occasionally because furniture will cause indentations if sitting in the same place for too long.
§ There is no reason to treat your floors with a sealant after you install them because the panels already have sealant on them. You don’t need to use lacquer or any type of refinishing product on your floors. These products will only cause damage.
§ When you clean and maintain your laminate flooring if you practice just a few simple things, then you can ensure a longer lifetime of your floors and they will maintain the beautiful look for many years.
Tips on Fitting Wooden Flooring
When you install wood flooring there are things that you should know prior to and during the installation to be sure that you have the best fitted floor possible.
§ To prepare your flooring you first must be sure that the sub-floor is dry, flat, and smooth. You should use an underlay or a barrier over the concrete first. If you have radiant heating in the flooring then you should be extremely careful and follow instructions per the radiant heating guides and by the flooring guide so nothing gets damaged. The flooring panels should be left in the room that they will be installed for over 48 hours so they can acclimatise to the temperatures of the room.  
§ When you lay laminate planks you will stagger them. The first row of flooring will be full sized planks. The second row will include 2/3 planks and the third row will include 1/3 planks. The joints of the planks should remain greater than 8″ from one another. You should also repeat the patterns of the wood grain every 20 planks.  
§ When you decide on the direction of your laminate floors you need to think about the incoming natural light from outside. The planks should run parallel to the light coming in from the windows or any glass doors that are in the room. In any installation, the starting wall that you begin the installation should be as long as possible.  
§ When you are installing your laminate flooring be sure that you have enough. You should expect to have at least 10% of the flooring go to waste. This is because when you cut the planks you might damage a few and some may already be damaged. Other pieces of planks may not be usable. So when you purchase your laminate flooring, don’t buy exactly enough to cover the floor or you will probably run out of planks.
§ It is recommended to leave a 10mm gap around each of the planks. This is called an expansion gap because wood expands from temperature changes and humidity. When wood is exposed to warmer temperatures, humidity increases, and other issues, then there must be room for the wood to expand or when the planks do push outward they will buckle.  
§ You should also remember that the first line that you lay is the most important. The first line is the longest and must be totally straight. If the first line that you lay is not straight then you should not continue. You should pull the line up and start over. Poor alignment can cause problems with residue getting caught in the grooves of the planks. Mouldings can be glued or nailed to the wall only and not to the floor.  
§ You can install laminate flooring on stairs but remember on stairs you must use regular wood glue and the mouldings should be nailed. Laminate flooring should not be installed in areas that are controlled like porches or patios. You should also never install laminate flooring over carpet. Be sure to remove carpeting prior to laying down the flooring.
You should follow these few simple steps when you are installing laminate flooring to ensure the best installation possible.

To find out more about laminate flooring then please visit www.comfyzone.com


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A video step by step guide to installing laminate flooring. Everything you need to know about how to install laminate floors. Presented by BuildDirect. www.builddirect.com
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Laying Reclaimed Wood Flooring In Your Home

Posted on 31st January 2011 in Sold Wood Floors
sold wood floors
by stacy michelle

Laying Reclaimed Wood Flooring In Your Home

Having reclaimed wood flooring adds something special to your home, bringing authenticity to an older home renovation, or instant ambience with a rich patina for new construction. There are also a number of advantages to having a wood floor, beyond the conservation aspects of using reclaimed boards when laying the floor. For those who are seeking authentic reclaimed wood flooring, there are some really great products on the market today.

About reclaimed wood flooring

Reclaimed floors are simply floors made with repurposed wood. When an older home is being restored or refurbished, wood floors that are in keeping with the historicity of the structure are generally seen as more desirable than a modern floor which may take away from the character of the home. If you have an older home, you may also want to do any reno-work to the home in such a way that your work is in keeping with the character and period of the home. In this instance, the use of reclaimed wood is a good option to achieve an authentic finish.

The benefits of a wood floor

Wood floors are a good option if you require something which is durable and which adds to the appeal of your home. A wood floor can be easier to keep clean than carpets, as it is finished with a durable coating which protects the wood from stains and spills that would typically ruin carpet flooring. When choosing wood there are different types of wood, with hardwood being the most beautiful and wear-resistant. The downside of this is that it is more expensive, while pine flooring although slightly less hard is often less expensive. Ultimately, when choosing a type of reclaimed wood for your home, the type of wood already in your home may influence what type of wood you choose. The one surprising trend is the emergence of engineered reclaimed flooring.This involves a process where a thick layer of actual reclaimed wood flooring is bonded to multi-ply wood sheet.This greatly reduces the cost of the reclaimed wood flooring, and also results in a greater yield of the antique flooring.

Where to find materials for reclaimed flooring

There are a number of sources for reclaimed floor materials. If you are going to arrange to have the floors laid, but find the materials yourself, then you may want to look for materials being sold from schools, churches and other larger, old buildings that are undergoing refurbishment. The advantage of finding materials from larger buildings is that there may be more longer lengths of wood which can be cut to fit. However, it may be nearly impossible to find a company willing to mill the flooring for you as all reclaimed wood has to be hand inspected to remove metal from it.the old nails etc will cause major damage to the milling equipment.Alternatively, you may find it simpler to speak with a company that specializes in reclaimed wood flooring. You may also find that if you discuss the option of using recycled materials that are in keeping with your home, the company laying the floor may also be able to source the materials for your home improvement project.

With a bit of planning, it is possible to find the materials you need to ensure you have an attractive and authentic wooden floor. The sourcing of materials to achieve the look you desire is often much simpler than you may imagine. Finding a professional who is familiar with laying reclaimed wood flooring may also help you when it comes to acquiring the materials to carry out home renovations and improvements.

For gathering more info about reclaimed wood flooring or about wood floor, please check out these links.


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Add grandeur to your house with Amtico Flooring

Posted on 25th January 2011 in Amtico Floors

Add grandeur to your house with Amtico Flooring

Are you wondering how to add beauty and grandeur to the overall appearance of your place? If yes, then Amtico flooring can be the practical alternative for your needs. In today’s time, flooring is the most important part of any interior’s design. Finally, it is getting the well deserved recognition and attention amongst business houses and personal house constructions. Professional designers have introduced their latest ideas and concepts into flooring designs. Today, everybody is in search of perfect blend of color, texture and functionality of his home floors. Right kind of commercial flooring is highly essential to give more polished look to any place, be it your office room or kitchen.

Indisputably, Amtico has become the leader in the field of floor designing and materials. It consists of PVC that looks like real wood or stone and is considered as a revolutionary product for flooring. This wonderful PVC product is water, slip and dent resistant and suits all the areas within a house. It offers a comprehensive selection range in the latest and natural wood flooring designs. Once you decide to get Amtico floors for your place, then you don’t have to worry about the long-term maintenance. Such floors possess tough abrasion resistant surface to repel stains and reduce the cost of maintenance to a great extent. The best part is that it’s an ideal choice for wet places like bathrooms and shower rooms.

If you are looking for new flooring in your house then Amtico tiles are the best option. It is experiencing soaring popularity all around the globe, since it provides quality home flooring. No matter what are your flooring requirements, Amtico will surely meet all your needs. Nowadays, an extensive range of such flooring is available at cost-effective prices. Choice is all yours! You have to choose the perfect way to decorate a place and add value and sense of style with highly attractive flooring designs.

Indeed, it is essential to select the right kind of flooring for your house to improve the overall appearance. Flooring is equally important as much as the painting of your walls and furniture. High quality materials and latest technology are used to provide a natural look with Amtico spacia. Different types such as modern, traditional, basic and funky designs and styles are available to fit into your bill. Interestingly, you can use different combination of colors to give a personal touch. Put your mind at rest, since such flooring materials come with a long-term warranty and durability. Almost every organization has a department of customer services to resolve your issues related to flooring information and problems.

As you know, the internet has become home for everything! Thus, it is advisable to browse through internet to find out the best Amtico suppliers in your vicinity. Rest is assured that it will enhance the overall look of your place. Online purchase of desired materials can help you save hefty amount of money. Get the professional help to maximize the chances of getting benefits.

Christine R. Mercado is the author of this article on Amtico. Find more information on Amtico Flooring here.


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Quick Step Laminate Flooring – Choosing And Caring For Your Laminate Floor

Posted on 23rd January 2011 in Quick Step Laminate Flooring

Quick Step Laminate Flooring – Choosing And Caring For Your Laminate Floor

One of the attractions behind laminate flooring is the fact that it is easy to care for and has a long life span, but there are many choices of flooring available so pickling the right one can be a tough decision, do you buy cheap and go for the budget bargains or do you pay a little more and get a quality product that will stand the test of time.

It’s also important to look for the best supplier possible. Here it’s important to consider that word-of-mouth reputation is very important even if you’re shopping for an on-line supplier, and that means that you need to be sure of the company that you’ve selected.

Get An Email Address and Phone Number

It’s great if you can ask friends or colleagues or even family members for references and you need to remember that the best flooring suppliers will also have complete customer service capabilities. That means when you’re dealing with an on-line retailer, you need to be sure to get both an email address and a telephone number so that you can contact the supplier whenever you’ve got any questions.

Quick Step Laminate Flooring

While the experts agree that quickstep laminate flooring is an excellent choice and is appropriate for almost any room in the house. It’s this versatility that makes it one of the most popular flooring products on the market, but like any other kind of flooring this particular brand also needs to be cared for to preserve its looks and finish for as long as possible, so there are three important steps that you should look at so that the your laminate flooring stays in the best shape for as long as it is down.

Get To Spills Quickly

First off, it’s important to remember that no matter what gets spilt on a laminate floor you should make every effort to clean it up as quickly as possible. Although this kind of floor is both tough and durable it will stain under extreme circumstances, and you want to be sure that you use a damp soft cloth and wipe spills quickly.

Protect High Footfall Areas

Whilst quick step flooring is hard wearing as a further safeguard, the experts recommend that you put down throw rugs in certain high traffic areas prone to high wear and tear and also where you might experience a little water spillage like kitchens are bathrooms.

Sweep Regularly

It’s also a good idea to sweep these floors on a regular basis and after fitting laminate flooring you want to be sure to use some kind of dust mop to ensure there’s no accumulation of dust or grit. Whilst dust and grit settles into the pile of regular carpet with laminate flooring it has nowhere to go so stays on the surface. Minute grit particles can cause micro abrasions which can dull the floors surface quite dramatically over time.

Follow these simple tips and your quick step flooring will give you years of enjoyment in any room of your home.

Quick step laminate flooring is a modern and robust alternative to traditional flooring and carpeting, and one that will last for many years. Visit ==> blingyourkitchen.co.uk to view our extensive range of quality flooring and kitchen worktops


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What Exactly is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Posted on 20th January 2011 in Engineered Hardwood Flooring

What Exactly is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Nowadays, people prefer engineered hardwood flooring instead of hardwood flooring that is natural. The reason for this is that the construction of engineered hardwood flooring gives it features that are not to be seen in hardwood flooring that is natural. Engineered hardwood flooring is able to resist moisture more and is less expensive.

There are a number of differences in the construction of engineered flooring and natural flooring that is constructed completely out of hardwood. Hardwood that is used for engineered flooring is found in the top layer. The kinds of hardwood that are used for engineered hardwood flooring include bamboo, teak, ash, pine and oak. The top layer gives engineered flooring similar visual beauty like the natural flooring. A core layer is glued below the top layer. This core layer has layers of affordable and replenishable wood. These layers might be high-density or medium density plywood or fiber wood. The number of layers that make up the core differ as per the flooring manufacturer. A majority of flooring manufacturers make use of three wood layers in the core. But there are many flooring manufacturers who are starting to construct layers of core that will have about 5 to 7 wood layers. More wood layers are being added to the core as the extra layers make the engineered flooring even more durable. If there are extreme weather changes, traditional flooring that is natural tends to contract and expand to the extent that it will warp or buckle. Engineered flooring has a core layer that enables it to contract and expand without warping or buckling like the natural flooring. This implies that flooring is not affected much by conditions of the environment. It would be a preferable choice as compared to flooring that is natural. An engineered flooring could be installed in a damp or humid basement unlike a natural one. Such a type of flooring could even be fixed over a system of radiant heating without it suffering any kind of damage. If natural flooring is fixed over the heating system, it would shrink, cup or buckle. Engineered flooring could be fixed as a floating floor. In other words, it could be installed on a surface without making use of nails or glue. Such a floor would let you have flooring that does not have any gaps between the panels. For installing engineered hardwood flooring, a vapor barrier has to be placed between the floor and the surface.

A locking system of groove and tongue helps to install the engineered hardwood flooring as a floating one. Here, the hardwood planks have to be clicked and locked together. As you can see, engineered hardwood flooring can be fixed very quickly. If the owner of the house is moving, the hardwood planks can be taken apart easily and taken into the new home. The system of locking makes it easy to replace damaged planks. Don’t you agree that engineered hardwood flooring is cool?

 

 

Eli Jones Director of Sales & Web Marketing Wood Flooring Deals


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Few words about Karndean flooring

Posted on 20th January 2011 in Karndean Flooring

Few words about Karndean flooring

When it comes to select flooring for home, office, building, or shopping mall, then it becomes too difficult to conclude that which one should be selected. Actually, it becomes difficult because today, we have various coloring options for wall and doors but when we talk about flooring then we have very limited textures like wooden, marble, concrete, etc. That is why taking decision about flooring sometimes become a headache, as matching it with wall colors and doors texture is not so easy. But, now with Karndean flooring this problem has been resolved.

Karndean flooring is a type of vinyl flooring and is completely synthetic in nature. This flooring is available in form of tiles and plank instead of traditional sheets. It comes in various designs that imitate traditional flooring types like wood, timber, concrete, marble, stone, slate, etc. Karndean flooring is found most happening when you want to give your floor the finishing of traditional wood or timber but the area does not suit for that. For example, you want your bathroom floor to look like as wooden flooring has been done but if you do wooden flooring then it will not be so durable because of its contact with water most of the time. But, with Karndean flooring, you can complete your this wish, as it can be best implemented in kitchen, bathroom, and balconies.

While laying down Karndean flooring, you must take care about the precautions required for its quick and successful installation. If you are not used to with laying down floor then consult someone who is professional in laying down Karndean flooring. This flooring follows easy laying technique on sub surface but there are certain things that must be taking care of before starting the process of implanting the Karndean flooring. Mentioned below are the points that must be considered for successful and stunning implementation of this vinyl flooring:

Make it sure that there will be no bumps and lumps on the surface because if there will be bumps or lumps then tile or plank may get broken or may not set properly.
Make it sure that the sub surface is clean and dust free. Implementing Karndean flooring is not possible if the surface will be dusty.
Make it sure that no sharp object is available beneath the surface.

These are some points that must be considered while implementing Karndean flooring. After you have designed the floor with this flooring, apply roller on it to let it stick to the surface.

Aaron Ace is a renowned interior designer who has had more than 20 years in the industry. His most prolific achievement has been his bold usage of tiles as an integral part of interior design, and is responsible for bringing about awareness regarding the benefits of using tiles. Know more about tiles and Karndean flooring.


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Solid Wood Flooring in the Home

Posted on 17th January 2011 in Solid Oak Wood Flooring
solid oak wood flooring
by Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden

Solid Wood Flooring in the Home

A solid wood floor can add warm tones and a stunning finish to any room. Constructed with pieces of solid wood they have tongue and groove sides so they can be easily connected together. Each piece has a different grain which combines to form a unique look whenever it is used. There is a huge variety of solid wood floors available with many types of wood species, colours and widths available at hardwood flooring suppliers.

The most popular option is oak wood flooring. Europe and America are both the main consumer and producer of this type of hardwood flooring. Oak is available in various types including red, white and European oak, each with their own hardness, grain and colour characteristics.

A cherry wood floor is another popular choice due to its striking grain markings and solid composition. Like other wood floors it is highly resistant to damage. Over time cherry wood flooring darkens from a pale pink colour to warm dark red tone

Exotic hardwoods can give a room a unique look are now readily available at major hardwood flooring suppliers. They can be found for sale alongside other classic real wood flooring such as maple, oak and ash. Real wood flooring can be purchased in pre-finished or unfinished styles. When laying unfinished wood flooring the product can be recoated many times to increase its life and make it last considerably longer than other flooring options.

When laying solid wood floors, begin with a flat, dry and solid sub floor such as concrete, wood or cork. Carpet is not suitable as a sub base and must be removed. Any deviations in level should be rectified with suitable floor filler. A plastic barrier to stop moisture is recommended for floors that are being installed on concrete or in damp areas. Harwood flooring should also be allowed time to acclimatise before it is set down by leaving it the room for several days. For a bathroom wood floor contact you local flooring supplier for suitable product support.

If you are using a wood floor sub base the solid wood floor should be installed at right angles to the original floorboards to aid strength and stability. An expansion area around the perimeter of the room is also recommended to allow for contractions and expansions throughout the winter and summer months. This expansion gap can be covered with skirting boards or a cover strip.

Solid wood floors are tough and hard wearing and by taking care of them their life can be prolonged. Keep gravel, dirt and grit at bay by using a doormat outside and inside the front door. Regular sweeping and vacuuming will take care of any dirt that does settle on the floor and will reduce scratches and everyday wear and tear. Avoid wearing stiletto heels on solid wood floors and if possible only wear indoor shoes or slippers on its surface.

Nothing comes close to the finish that can be achieved with a solid wood floor. By installing solid wood flooring the value of a home often increases and it can give a home the edge over similar property on the market. Solid wood floors are stain resistant and do not trap dust so are especially good for allergy sufferers. There is a wide range of tones, styles and prices on the market so whether you are looking for a cheap wood floor or the ultimate in hardwood flooring, you are sure to find the right match for your room.

Rami Nseir is a consultant for UK Carpets Direct who are specialist UK suppliers of hardwood flooring & laminate floors.


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