Many homeowners view the purchase of real wood flooring as an occasion to express their artistic nature and decorating ideas. Because hardwood flooring is quite popular and many people prefer this type of flooring to the alternatives, it can add value to and increase the desirability of a home, which is very important in today's market. Not only do hardwood floors add to the overall beauty and value of a home, but it also provides additional benefits to homeowners that they may not even realize.The durability and longevity offered by wooden flooring is another excellent benefit. Hardwood flooring can last a hundred years or longer if the floor is cared for properly, such as keeping the floor free from water or moisture and sweeping or vacuuming regularly. This benefit alone makes the purchase of a hardwood floor a wise investment. Although tile can offer some durability, carpet cannot offer the same longevity and durability as wood flooring. In addition, because hardwoods are highly durable they can withstand even high traffic areas. While it can be dented or scratched, repairing hardwood flooring is often a simple process. Therefore, with appropriate maintenance, this type of flooring can retain their beauty and luster for many years.Easy maintenance is another of the many benefits of a hardwood floor. Hardwood flooring does require sweeping and or vacuuming on a regular basis. Keeping the floors free from dirt and grit will help maintain the floor's shine. When the floor's finish becomes scratched, the floor will appear dull so it is important to minimize scratching by keeping dirt and grit to a minimum. Mopping the hardwood flooring with a cleaner made specifically for hardwood flooring will also help protect the floor's finish.These cleaners have a neutral pH so as not to harm the floor's finish. Using water on hardwood flooring is not recommended as this may dull the finish, harm the floor's sealant and allow water to soak into the hardwood flooring causing warping. Even if warping does occur, the damaged boards can be replaced. In addition, if the hardwood floor's finish does become damaged, the finish can usually be repaired.Because hardwood floors can be easily cleaned they are more hypoallergenic than other types of flooring, especially carpet. Whereas pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and mold can get trapped in carpet fibers, wood flooring is sealed and does not retain moisture or other particles that could aggravate allergies. It has also been suggested that better indoor air quality is another of the benefits. Even when carpet is vacuumed or steam cleaned, all of the particles trapped in the fibers of the carpet cannot be removed. This can create an unhealthy living environment, especially for those individual who suffer from allergies. Wood flooring has been recommended for families with small children and pets because they are believed to be a healthier alternative to carpet.Installation of flooring is a fairly simple process, especially for those individuals with experience. The floor is made to piece together in such as way as to create both a uniform and stable fit. Homeowners can choose between finished and unfinished hardwood flooring. Finished flooring requires no additional work, such as sanding and staining, once installed.Unfinished hardwood does require sanding and staining, which could be completed within a short period of time. Both types of hardwood flooring are excellent options for any type of home. While this type of flooring may be a more costly upfront investment than tile, carpet, laminate or other flooring option, the benefits of a hardwood floor certainly outweigh the costs. It generally only costs a few more dollars per square foot than other types of flooring. When the value, health benefits and aesthetics that a hardwood floor brings to a home are considered, it seems to be the best and most practical option. With so many styles and colors from which to choose, homeowners should be able to find the perfect hardwood flooring to meet their needs and their budgets. Source

Stains are a part of our everyday lives, especially when we consider the different types of flooring options in our homes. You should know that all floors are at risk of getting stained, no matter how careful you are. With food and beverage spills, kids' activities, pet messes, and foot traffic along with regular wear and tear, your flooring will take a beating. However, there is no reason for you to fret over these stains as long as you are aware of the many ways you can combat them. Here are some great ideas for removing stains from various flooring options.Hardwood• If you have children in your home, you have probably already had to face an instance where one of them has used a permanent marker on your floor. The best remedy for this is to apply a dab of toothpaste on the affected area. The stain can be gently rubbed out using a damp cloth for the best result.• Another common problem of hardwood flooring is water stains. They can be easily characterized by a slightly smoky white coloured patch on the surface of the floor. The first thing to do in such a case is to cover the affected area with a non-abrasive and dry cloth. Next, use a hot iron and go back and forth over the area for 3-5 seconds at a time. Once you have done this, use denatured alcohol to dampen a cloth and gently rub the areas where the stain is still visible.• You can soak a cotton cloth with hydrogen peroxide to treat general stains. All you need to do is place the cloth on the stains for about 2-5 minutes allowing time for the peroxide to get soaked into the wood. This can help bleach out any stain.Vinyl• Various stubborn marks and scuffs can be removed from vinyl flooring simply by wiping them with a cotton cloth using isopropyl alcohol.• For stains that may result in discoloration such as fruit juice, wine or tomato juice, bleach is the best choice. Use a 1:4 bleach-to-water ratio to dilute the bleaching agent and soak a cloth in the solution before laying it over the stain. Allow it to sit in its position for an hour at least. Bleach may take a bit longer to work but is sure to get rid of any type of troublesome stain.• A paste of oxalic acid powder with water can be made to treat rust stains on vinyl flooring. Use a damp cloth to rub the paste on the stain. Ensure that you wear rubber gloves before handling the solution as it is highly acidic and can cause harm to your bare skin. You should also make sure that the room is well-ventilated. Once you're done, rinse the area well with water.Stone and Tile• Flooring professionals have been using muriatic acid for a long time to clean some of the toughest stains on tile and stone flooring since it works best. It's a heavy duty cleaner so users must wear a respirator and rubber gloves while using it. Also, make sure the room is well ventilated. Use a 1:5 muriatic acid-to-water ratio and dilute the solution. Apply it to the stained area using a toothbrush. You must make sure that you have cleaned up all the solution once you're done.• Grout between tiles is very common. A mixture of shaving cream and lemon juice can be put into a spray bottle and sprayed on the grout. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes minimum. Using an old toothbrush, the grout can then be scrubbed.• For gum stuck on a stone or tile flooring, try freezing it with an ice cube and gently scraping it away.Stains of any kind of flooring can be any homeowner's worst nightmare. These outlined tips are sure to cover a large variety of scenarios although it's relatively easier to prevent stains from happening in the first place. Source

Vinyl tile is an easy and affordable DIY project that can see you enjoying your new vinyl floors in less than 48h. Self-adhesive vinyl tiles make a great choice for flooring on your kitchen, bathroom or any room, mimicking the look of ceramic and stone tiles but at a much lower cost. Applying self-adhesive vinyl tile is easy, and requires no specialist knowledge besides a bit of familiarity with other DIY projects.PreparationTo install self-adhesive vinyl flooring you will need a surface that is flat, dry and clean. They can be installed over concrete but you may need to use a self-leveling floor filler to ensure the subfloor is totally flat. If you are installing over wood or old, undamaged vinyl, sand away any uneven surfaces and fill in cracks or low spots with a suitable material. Clean the floor in-depth, removing all dirt and grease or remains of adhesive with suitable products, and wait until it's perfectly dry. Some people choose to hire heaters to dry the room thoroughly if it's not a well-ventilated area of the house.While doing this, leave the new self-adhesive vinyl tiles inside the house, so the glue sets to the environment it will be installed on.MeasurementsTo ensure a professional looking installation, you will want to start laying vinyl tile from the centre of the room and not from a wall. The easiest way of finding the centre of the room is to draw a chalk line between the middle points of each of the two pairs of opposing walls. In order to make installation look perfect you want to make sure there's more than half a tile left on the tile that is going to be touching the all.If you plan on using differently coloured tiles to create a unique pattern, you should consider laying them down now without removing the paper from the back of the tiles. This will allow you to perfect your design, and you can use the chalk stick to raw guide lines.Installing Self-Adhesive Vinyl TileOnce your guide lines are set, you can start installing vinyl tiles. Peel the paper backing from a self-stick vinyl tile, place it in the centre starting point and press it into place. Lay the next tile right next to the tile edge of the already installed one, and keep doing this until the row is finished. If you need to cut a tile to fit against the wall, you can use a utility knife to cut it. Once all the room is covered in tiles, a rolling pin can be used to ensure the tile is evenly glued to the underfloor. Source

Nightclubs are well-known for their hot dance floors and cool bars. When deciding on nightclub floor plans, there are a lot of decisions to be made regarding the placement of specific locations within the nightclub itself. There are certain elements that must be included in those plans no matter what type of nightclub is being built.Nightclubs Need a Bar Area Nightclubs must have a bar area for patrons to enjoy. Plans for a new nightclub must include plenty of space for a bar and seating for the bar's patrons. The bar should be in close proximity to the dance floor so that thirsty dancers won't have far to go to enjoy refreshing alcoholic beverages. This needs to be taken into account when deciding on the placement of the bar in the plans.Nightclubs Must Have a Dance Floor Every nightclub must have a dance floor. The nightclub floor plans should include square footage for the dance floor area. This area needs to be large enough to accommodate dancers, dance contests, or any other event that could possibly take place inside the nightclub.Nightclubs Need Smoking Areas Many of today's nightclubs do not allow smoking in certain areas such as on the dance floor. In that case, the floor plans should include a space for smokers to use. Some nightclubs have an outside porch or terrace for smokers while others designate a small space inside the club for smoking patrons.Some Nightclubs Have Restaurants Some nightclubs also have restaurants inside their doors. If that is the case, the nightclub floor plans will need to include space for a kitchen area as well as seating for the restaurant's patrons. The plans will need to separate the spaces used for the restaurant, bar, and dance floor.Nightclub Themes The theme of the nightclub being built will also determine the type of plans needed. For instance, a nightclub with a Vegas theme in Las Vegas might need to have extra square footage in the plans to accommodate slot machines or poker tables. An exclusive nightclub may want to find floor plans that include private rooms for VIP guests or private parties.Leasing or Building a New Club Depending on whether the nightclub building is being built according to new plans or using an existing space, nightclub plans may have to be altered. If the nightclub is being housed in a new building, any plan may be followed and built to the correct specifications. If a nightclub is being housed in a leased space or in an existing building, the floor plans may have to be altered to suit the existing building.Nightclub floor plans need to meet specific requirements depending upon the theme of the nightclub and the requirements its owner sets. Different plans will suggest varying locations for the placement of the bar, restaurant, dance floor, and smoking area. Plans will also vary based on square footage needs. There are a lot of choices when it comes to planning for a new nightclub. Source

Flooring a new home or renovation is no small task, and getting the right type of flooring is an important decision. While carpet may be replaced every few years the likelihood is that wood, tile or laminate flooring will remain in place for ten years or more.Hardwood flooring, engineered wood, tiles and even stone have their place but are both expensive and have challenges in terms of durability, cost and warmth; so are not practical for many families.Laminate has been a popular choice of flooring for the past couple of decades, it is generally inexpensive when lifespan is taken into consideration, looks good and can be fitted by those proficient in DIY.Another type of flooring that most know by the two largest brands of Amtico and Karndean is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). Luxury Vinyl Tile was traditionally a dry-back product, stuck down with adhesive onto high grade plywood or smoothed concrete sub-floors. Today LVT is available in click, with an installation similar to most laminates making it easier to fit. Most flooring specialists would still recommend the glue down product as it is viewed as more robust, and generally works out cheaper than its click counterpart.Luxury Vinyl Tile is, as a rule of thumb, more expensive than laminate flooring but while the two best known brands are on the higher priced end of the market there are hundreds of other brands and manufacturers to choose from at every end of the spectrum.While laminate flooring can be cold under foot, Luxury Vinyl Tile is warmer, can provide excellent texture and is not limited to wood planks but can provide durable and more practical stone, marble and tile effects. For many the most important characteristic of LVT flooring is that it is waterproof. While laminate is made up of layers of wood or particle board, LVT consists of layers of PVC with a high definition print. Because of this it is structurally more stable and water ingress will not cause it to swell or warp, making it not only ideal for dealing with spills but able to be used in bathrooms and kitchens meaning one type of flooring could be used throughout an entire house. The technology of some of the more advanced Luxury Vinyl Tiles and plans allows them to be embossed and textured to follow the natural grooves, waves and knots that would be found in real wood, stone or tile. Laminate boards although thicker from top to bottom generally have thinner wear layers, whereas LVT boards and tiles can have not only domestic but commercial guarantees from 5 to 20 years.While fitting of laminate and LVT can be done by a competent DIY person, laminate is a little more forgiving. Luxury Vinyl requires a sub-floor which is smooth and flat, small bumps or imperfections that would be hidden by laminate, if large enough, will show on a Luxury Vinyl floor making sub-floor preparation, and the associated cost, higher.In summary, both laminate and LVT have benefits over wood, tile and stone flooring as well as over each other.Laminate is: Generally cheaper than other types of flooring Relatively easy and cheap to install Stain resistant Relatively hard wearing Easy to clean (although care must be taken to get it too wet) However suffers from some drawbacks: Can be cold under foot Does not handle water or moisture well Is limited to wood effect Has a lower wear layer Luxury Vinyl Tile is: Warm under foot Provides excellent and realistic texture Offers stone, tile and wood effects Can be customised to create borders and designs such as herringbone, basket weaves, chevron, and more Thicker wear layer making it more durable Easy to clean Waterproof But does have some drawbacks, including: More involved or expensive fitting costs Generally more expensive than laminate (although cheaper ranges are available) Does not deal as well with exposure to flame Source

A family room is a space in your home where everyone in the household can gather to relax and spend some quality family time together. Creating a beautiful family room that is also welcoming and comfortable can often be a challenge. Don’t forget these 8 essentials when you’re creating your beautiful family room. 1. Plenty of Seating Make sure there are enough comfortable seats for everyone in the family plus a few guests. If you don’t have a lot of space, try a sectional or keep some comfy floor pillows on hand so you can always welcome everyone in. 2. A Warm Glow There’s nothing like gathering around the glow of a fire on a cool spring evening. Whether you already have a traditional wood burning fireplace or you opt for an electric or gas burning model. 3. Table Tops A large coffee table is a must for family games. Keep the accessories light and easy to move so you can quickly clear space for a family gathering. 4. Soft Underfoot Soft carpet or a soft area rug are a must have for a family room. When you’re ready to relax your toes will want a soft place to land. And a soft floor is more inviting for kids (and adults) who may want to sit on the floor. 5. Color Pick a color that makes the entire family feel at ease – like this year’s trendy indigo blue. Think about how you want to feel in the space. Blues and greens can be relaxing but yellows and oranges can be fun and energizing. 6. Storage Make sure there’s a place in your room to stash all the family activities – games, DVDs, books and magazines – so they’re out of sight when you’re not using them but readily available when it’s time to relax. Built in cabinets or tables with drawers are great options. 7. Out of Reach Especially if you have little ones, keep breakable accessories out of reach. That doesn’t mean they need to be out of sight, though. Choose high shelves to display any breakable accents. 8. Plan for the TV Instead of avoiding it or pretending it won’t be a part of your space, go ahead and plan a place for the television. A custom built in shelf or a piece of furniture specifically designed to hold a TV will help keep it from being an eye sore.

Carpet tiles, specially for home and residential use are a practical alternative and as such are gaining ground for the home flooring market. There are numerous suppliers and brands and being used not only in America, but Europe and the rest of the world as well. This is because of their versatility, design possibilities and ease of installation (with corresponding cost savings).One of the main benefits is that with carpet tiles you can easily replace the floor or individual tiles and even remodel creating a new look in no time.Carpet squares (modular carpets and carpet tiles are the same) are durable, easy to replace and give the room a homely atmosphere. There are now even tiles that need not be glued to the floor, but by simply placing then, tight against each other, they are laid down and keep firmly under their own weight resting on the ground.Carpet floor tiles have the advantage that they can moved quickly around to make the space comfortable and in case of a mishap to be replaced quickly.They still have the benefits of normal carpet providing warmth, sound insulation and as the backing, of higher quality than normal carpet, is an integral part of the tile, there is no need for extra padding - this reduces both the cost of the extra padding and the cost of installation.You will find tiles that come in a variety of sizes, typically 18 inches x 18, and 40x40 or 50x50 square cm as well as in other forms and in many different colors and qualities.Self-Adhesive Carpet TilesSelf-adhesive carpet tiles are extremely cheap, depending on the quality you are looking for. On the back is an adhesive coating with a film about it. When laying simply remove the foil and stick the tile.Self Laying Carpet TilesStill relatively new are even lying carpet squares. They have a special, heavy coating on the back - usually made of PVC. This makes them more stable and strong.Numerous Design OptionsIn all types of tiles, there are countless design possibilities. There are being made in a wide variety of materials, from needle felt, nylon yarn, coconut, sisal and other natural fibers. Variety also goes beyond the color and color based designs as they are also produced with different textures that go from loop pile to cut pile and a whole series of combination's including yarn height differences in the same tile.The forms are no longer just square. You are spoiled for choice with different geometric shapes such as rectangles, pentagons, and many other designs. This provides endless design options, especially as it allows you to create your own designs with the colors. (Still squares are easier to install and place together).CareTheir most outstanding advantage relates to the care. Murphy's law usually has a lot to say when it comes to carpet, as in "if the glass is full, it will spill on the carpet." When it does happen and the worst comes to the worst, you just change the individual tile. So it is always a good idea to stock up with a few individual tiles.Normal care is the same as in carpet rolls. Regular vacuuming and cleaning. Overall, carpet tiles are easier to clean and more durable than a deep-pile carpet. Source

For a number of different reasons, wood flooring is probably the most popular type of flooring amongst homeowners today. While it can be quite expensive, hardwood flooring adds a certain level of comfort and warmth to practically any room. Some of the negative aspects of hardwood flooring include its vulnerability to damage including stains, scratches, and more. Overall, it can be a pain to maintain and clean on a regular basis.Vinyl plank flooring is a newer type of flooring that offers many of the advantages of hardwood floors, but at significantly reduced prices. There are also some other key advantages that vinyl plank floors have over hardwood floors that make it an attractive option for anyone who wants that classic wood floor look without the hassles and high price tags.You can find vinyl plank flooring in a wide variety of wood grain sizes. This gives you the ability to pick out a grain size that closely matches your preferred choice of wood. In addition, it is available in an array of shades resembling cherry, oak, mahogany, maple, or any other wood of your fancy. In fact, it does such a good job mimicking these natural woods that oftentimes you would not be able to see the difference between vinyl and wood flooring.Probably the biggest advantage of vinyl flooring is how cheap it is. The cost for this type of flooring will generally fall within the range of 1 to 4 US dollars per square foot. Another great advantage of these floors is that it is extremely durable and water resistant. Its ability to effectively repel water allows you to use it in your home's kitchen or bathrooms. It is also resistant to the cracking and scratching that you will often find with natural hardwood floors.There are a few disadvantages to vinyl flooring that you should consider as well. Since your average vinyl plank is not nearly as thick as natural wood planks, oftentimes you will need to install an additional sub-flooring before installation. You also have to be quite careful when it comes to cleaning vinyl plank flooring. Certain types of solvents and cleaners can actually damage these floors so you need to find cleaners that are specifically designed to clean vinyl floors without damaging them.Flooring is one of the most noticeable and important aspects of any home. Therefore, choosing the right flooring is a very big decision that you want to get right. Before you decide to install vinyl plank flooring, you will want to learn about its advantages and disadvantages so you can make the right purchasing choice. Source

When it comes to snacks, we Americans are nuts about nuts. Peanuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios, macadamias, hazelnuts-these are some of the favorite nuts that we munch from time to time. Oh, of course, the list would not complete without walnuts. But aside from giving us tasty nuts, the walnut tree is also a source of valuable hardwood. The walnut wood is used in almost every imaginable way. Walnut doors, cabinets, ceilings, walls, workbenches, and flooring are beloved by Americans. Indeed, one of the best ways to enhance a house's interior is to install it with walnut flooring. When it comes to attractiveness and beauty, no other wood flooring beats walnut. With its smooth, rich dark brown color, walnut flooring makes an interior look very elegant and impressive. But the thing is this: walnut for flooring is expensive. You would be very lucky if you find a shop that is dealing walnut flooring for less than $5 per square foot. On top of that, walnut flooring is difficult to install. If you are planning to save money by installing walnut flooring by yourself, then you should think twice. You can damage the flooring if you do not have the proper installation tools and experience. Damaging your precious walnut floor is not an option. So you really would need to hire a professional to do the job. And do you know how much the charge is? Well, normally the charge will be around $8 per square foot-but it can be higher than that. Let us say that you want have walnut flooring in a room with an area of 12x12. The flooring installer's charge is $8 per square foot. So that means that you will have to spend more than a thousand dollars just on the installation alone! That is really costly these days. But there is a solution to this problem. You can give your interior or room an elegant and impressive walnut wood look for an affordable price. How? Well, you can just get walnut laminate flooring. Walnut laminate flooring is made using high-tech machinery and top quality materials. It looks the real thing that most folks would not notice that they are not walking on laminate flooring. And the great thing is that it costs way lower than real walnut flooring. You can get quality walnut flooring in laminate for $3 per square foot. Worried about additional installation charges? Well, here is another bonus: you can install walnut laminate flooring by yourself and save more money. Laminate flooring is easy to install-even folks with minimal DIY skills can do it. And that is not all. With laminate walnut flooring, you can be sure that your flooring will not suffer that faded look that real walnut flooring is prone to. What about those ugly scratches and dents that walnut flooring suffer from through time? Well, you will not get those with laminate flooring-laminate is abrasion and dent resistant. Another great thing with laminate flooring is that your kids will be safe with it because it is slip-resistant. So, if you are looking for an elegant and impressive look for your interior, then walnut laminate flooring would be the perfect choice for you. Shop online now and get your walnut laminate flooring for a very affordable rate. Source

When you're ready to update your home's interior design with luxurious new flooring, it is important to make an informed, stylish and timeless decision. The modern homeowner is wise to invest in flooring trends that will stand the test of time. Today's latest, lasting trend in flooring involves creating unique and stylish patterns using vinyl composition tile. Vinyl composition tile or VCT comes in a variety of colors and hues and can be placed into patterns, evoking a variety of design trends from modern to timeless. And, VCT's makeup makes it the ideal choice for impressive charm that's as durable as it is stylish. This huge trend in flooring is incredibly versatile and is making its way into every style home. It can be a fun, inexpensive and easy way to incorporate character and unique variety into any residential space.With help from a professional flooring expert, you can create patterns such as chevron, checkerboard or diamond for the bathroom, laundry room or kitchen. Local flooring specialists have helped to make this trend come to life in many area homes and have put together a rundown of what makes it so popular as well as some of its amazing benefits.Vinyl composition tile makes a wise investment for the overall value of your home. As patterned layouts became more popular, so has the idea of creating something custom. Just the word "custom" already makes your home sound expensive. When you see a well thought-out custom flooring layout, it is clear that someone has put thought into conceptualizing the design. And, if you don't have the eye for design, a design expert can help you choose and crate a VCT pattern that will not only look great, but actually enhance the overall look of the room.With patterned VCT you also get durability in tandem with style; it's really the best of both worlds. VCT can stand up to a high amount of foot traffic and heavy use while still projecting style and elegance.There sure is a lot going on when it comes to layout and patterns right now. From, chevron to plank to checkerboard; people are getting ultra creative when it comes to the layout of their floor. While you'll still see plenty of traditionally laid floors, many newer, updated and trendier homes will showcase patterned floors, often with custom patterns. And, no matter what color or brand of flooring matches your unique home, a pattern can still be created to fit right in with your décor. Source

Opting for the best flooring contractor for your flooring project is the first step in the process. For best results, your flooring must be installed properly. Even if you know how to use a trowel, you should hire a contractor instead, especially if your project is complicated. If you want to call a professional, we suggest that you follow the 5 tips given below. Read on to know more.1. InsuranceFirst of all, you should make sure the installer is insured and licensed. It's not a good idea to go with a contractor who has a general license only. Insurance is also important if you want to be on the safe side in case of an accident.And if the contractor has no license, you will be held liable in case of an accident. Based on the laws in your state, make sure the contractor enjoys worker's compensation as well.2. ExperienceExperience is the second most important factor when hiring a flooring contractor. Online reviews will tell you a lot about a contractor's experience. Before you hire an expert, don't forget to consider their reputation as well.For instance, if you need to install vinyl plank floor, make sure the professional has relevant experience to perform a great job.3. Cost Before you hire the professional, don't forget to ask questions about all of the costs associated with the project. Also, you should ask about the payment schedule and any other costs that may incur during the work.It's much better to get bids from multiple installers, which will give you a pretty good idea of how much the project will cost you.4. ProcessIf possible, you may want to get detailed information from the installer about the process. For instance, ask them if they require the furniture to be moved to another room. And find out if they can do it for you for free. If they can't do it for free, don't forget to ask about the extra costs it requires.It's also a good idea to ask how long the project will take. This way you can rest assured that the work would be completed in a timely manner.5. Warranty Lastly, you should find out if the installer offers any warranty on their services. Ideally, the contractor should provide a separate warranty for the flooring installation. Typically, flooring products come with a lifetime warranty that covers disintegration, cracking, curling, tearing and ripping, just to name a few.So, it's much better to ensure that the contractor offers warranty on their services. This is important if you want to ensure your job will be done well, and that you won't end up wasting your money.In short, if you are going to hire a flooring contractor, we suggest that you follow the 5 tips given in this article. This will help ensure you make the right choice and that your money will be spent wisely. So, don't forget to follow these tips before you start your search for a professional. Source

Karndean vinyl flooring is one of the most exciting new floorcovering options available in the market. Karndean creates vinyl planks and tiles that realistically simulate natural materials such as Wood, Stone, Slate, Ceramic and Marble. With recent breakthroughs in technology, these luxury vinyl planks and tiles look so amazingly real it will surprise you.These floors are very different from sheet type vinyl. As the floor is installed piece by piece, it gives a handcrafted look just as hardwood or real tile floors would appear. Karndean also manufactures these tiles and planks with semi random patterns so there are no repeating patterns to cause the floor to look cheap or like standard vinyl resilient flooring. A unique feature of Karndean is the coloring of the floors. Slight changes are made to the vinyl coloring to give a slight random color difference. By doing this, the floors look like the real thing and there are no dye lot issues if you ever need to replace a plank or tile. There are six distinct reasons why Karndean luxury vinyl tiles and planks are considered by many to be the perfect floor.1. Karndean vinyl floors are stain proof against pretty much everything except petroleum based spills. This includes everything from red wine to pet urine. 2. These vinyl tiles and planks are waterproof as well. If you have a leak in the kitchen or bathroom, the water will not damage the vinyl. This is a very distinct advantage over true hardwood flooring and laminate. If you have a leak under the dishwasher, and you have hardwood or laminate, you will have to replace part or all of the floor at a huge expense. With Karndean, the worst case is you may have to have the floor reinstalled. 3. This flooring is hypoallergenic as well as mold and mildew resistant. 4. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles are very hard to scratch compared to laminate and hardwood. If you have pets, you absolutely cannot install a better floor than luxury vinyl. 5. Karndean tiles are almost impossible to chip or break when compared to ceramic, slate, stone and marble tiles. If you drop something heavy on them it may cause a slight indentation. Of course if you have real tile, it will probably crack or chip and will have to be replaced. 6. Cleaning is a snap. Dust mopping regularly and an occasional damp mopping is all that is needed. There is never a need to reapply any finishes or buffing needed.Now that you know why Karndean is so close to perfect, what are some of the styles that are offered? There are 6 different series offered from Karndean.1. The Van Gogh lines has 22 variations of Wood planks. Almost every color and species imaginable are available. 2. Art Select vinyl from Karndean has 11 options to choose from between simulated Wood planks and Limestone modular tiles. 3. Da Vinci is one the more popular styles for luxury vinyl tile. With over 33 selections of tiles ranging from 16 inch to 12 inch in Ceramic, Slate and Sandstone you can find about anything you desire. Wood planks are also part of the Da Vinci series. 4. Knight tile has 33 choices of tiles and planks. Terra Cotta, Marble, Slate, Stone and Wood round out Knight tile. 5. Karndean's Michelango line is a unique product line of tiles for a distinct décor. There are 12 products including Italian Mosaic, Spanish Pebble and even a Metallic tile. 6. Renoir is the last series of vinyl plank and tile flooring from Karndean. Renoir has 13 different types of Wood, Slate and Concrete tiles. Source

Critics of the laminate flooring industry often argue that laminate floors look artificial. The first floors that rolled out in the market during the early 80s may indeed have that obvious synthetic look. Yet technology has greatly increased since then. Now, laminate manufacturers have found a way to make laminate floors look real.One of the realistic looking laminate floors out in the market are made by Westhollow. Relatively new to the laminate industry, Westhollow has nevertheless managed to capture the attention of homeowners across North America. The reason behind this is that Westhollow flooring, particularly their wood laminates, look and feel real.What makes Westhollow wood laminate flooring is the fact that the manufacturer have found a revolutionary way to incorporate 90% wood into the finished laminate floor. Yes, that is right: Westhollow laminate floors are made from 90% wood. So, it is not surprising that it would look and feel exactly like real wood. It retains the natural and elegant pattern that is commonly found in wood floors. And here is another amazing thing with this company's flooring: it feels exactly like wood.Most homeowners are aware that wood floors cost. How about a flooring material made from 90% wood? Well, Westhollow wood laminates are affordable. You can buy hand-scrapped Westhollow oak wood flooring for as low as $1.49 per square foot. On the other hand, real hand-scrapped oak wood flooring costs about $5 per square foot.But what about installation? If Westhollow laminate and wood floors are made from 90% wood, would it require professional installation? Well, the answer to that is a very big NO. Just like any other laminate, you can do the installation by yourself. You do not need to spend more than a thousand dollars to hire a floor installer. Even if you are not good with your hands, you can Google for easy-to-follow installation guides, or you can search YouTube for installation videos.Another great thing with Westhollow floors is that they do not require the same maintenance needed for real wood floors. You do not have to buy waxes or floor buffers. You can just clean their floors with a clean cloth.Saving a lot of money is not the only thing that you will get with Westhollow floors. You can also be assured that they are of superior quality. Just like any other laminates, their floors are durable. Laminates from this manufacturer are also resistant from moisture and large accidental spills. You also do not have to worry about your kids slipping on their wood laminate flooring; they knows that safety is a top priority in any household, so they have designed their floors to be slip-resistant.Skeptics may argue that if Westhollow wood laminates are made from 90% wood, then it would necessarily follow that Westhollow's floors will suffer from the common affliction of wood floors: fading. The argument may sound logical. But it is definitely fallacious. Why? Because, just like other floor, their laminates are virtually resistant from fading.So, Westhollow makes flooring that is affordable, realistic, durable, and safe. But is it stylish? Absolutely! They have a fantastic collection of chic floors that will certainly enhance the beauty of your home. Source

The right saw blade for cutting laminate flooring like Pergo is not the one that came on your saw, or any other miter or table saw that's sold. One common misconception is that an original equipment blade is good for just about anything. Another is that laminate flooring is wood: it's not.Let me relate a true story to illustrate the results of these mistaken ideas.The flooring contractor working at the house I was renting was using a nice DeWalt bench-top table saw, with a standard DeWalt blade on it. It might have been the original, an exact replacement or maybe a step up in tooth count, but apparently he thought a DeWalt saw needs a DeWalt blade. A crazy idea, when there are so many other aftermarket brands that are a lot better.Anyway, I watched in horror as he tried to cut a piece of laminate flooring, lengthwise. I could smell the smoke and hear the scream of the blade from a distance, and from closer I could see the sparks flying. And the saw was straining just to cut through that thin board.Why? That blade was shot, duller than a butter knife. And I'd guess it was that way from about the third or fourth cut on laminate flooring he made with it. Keep in mind, this was a professional contractor, using a blade that was ready for the dumpster.Different Materials Call For Different BladesYou see, laminate flooring will destroy a wood cutting blade with alternating top bevel (ATB) teeth in no time at all. The sharp points on this type of blade can't handle anything that hard - they dull quickly and those tips are what the blade uses to cut cleanly through wood.Another thing that happens is, when the glue that holds the flooring together gets hot from using a dull blade, it sticks to the sides of the carbide tips and gums them up. Obviously, that makes the cutting even harder for the saw.There are many different types of saw blades, designed for cutting different materials. If you just make sure you're using the right type before starting your project, you'll get much better performance out of your saw and make the job go much better.Now, what kind of blade should be used for cutting laminate flooring? I'll give you a hint: most laminate flooring brands have aluminum oxide in their makeup. And the material itself is about as hard as metal. Source

Vinyl composite tile, also known as VCT, is a material preferred by many contractors and builders for floorings and walls. If you look at the floors and walls of new or newly renovated hospitals, schools, warehouses, factories and other commercial and industrial establishments, you will realize that most of them use VCT.Although VCT is popular for commercial and industrial uses, there is no reason for you not to use this type of material for flooring at home. In fact, more and more households in the country are making use of vinyl tiles as an alternative to conventional flooring materials. In order to help you decide whether vinyl is best for you, check out the comparison between vinyl and other types of flooring materials.Vinyl composition tiles are popular because they are not only affordable, but they are strong and durable as well. The average life span of vinyl tile flooring, particularly the one that is made of the highest quality, is around 15 years. For something that costs $2 to $5 per square foot, this can really be a good deal.Besides, vinyl floor products that are sold in the market these days can be made to imitate the texture and appearance of most traditional materials. Furthermore, VCT comes in different colors, designs and styles. Whatever the motif or design of your home is, you will surely find a tile that will perfectly fit the look of your home interior.It is without a doubt that wood is more durable and stronger than vinyl tiles. Even if you buy the most expensive VCT, well-maintained wood will still outlast the VCT when it comes to lifespan. Besides, wood flooring is also elegant and timeless. However, wood is very expensive, at least three times the price of ordinary vinyl. Wood can also warp or bend due to water damage.When used for years, you will also see expansion and contraction of wooden materials. With VCT, you will not have a problem with water damage because this material is resistant to moisture. In case some areas of the vinyl flooring are chipped or damaged, you can easily replace the affected areas.Carpet flooring is another preferred type of flooring in the US. This is also inexpensive and it comes in different designs and colors. However, carpet is quite difficult to maintain.With vinyl composite tile, you will not have this problem. Cleaning and maintaining VCT flooring can be very easy and convenient. Source

Style your kitchen with the right tiles - this will help you make your kitchen look good - and also protect the floor of your house from damage. The kitchen is a room that requires extra protection for its floors because of the kind of work that the room is used for. There is the constant danger of stains and damages caused by heavy falling utensils and so on. Your floor tiling has to be durable and long-lasting and easy to clean. The Kinds of Kitchen Tile Flooring Available in the Market Today There are many kinds of kitchen tile flooring that you will find in the market today - different materials can be found at different price ranges - each of these materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is easy enough to read up on the different materials available and choose the perfect material for your kitchen tile flooring. Glazed and Unglazed Tiles Firstly, there are glazed and unglazed tiles; the glazed tiles can be cleaned very easily and do not stain as often as unglazed tiles. All you need to do is run a mop soaked in warm water with a mild detergent solution across them from time to time. The problem with glazed tiles is that they are very smooth and therefore can be quite slippery. This is dangerous, especially if the kitchen area is prone to water spillage or if there are young children in your home. To avoid this, you could choose unglazed tiles over glazed ones. Unglazed tiles will prevent the floor from being slippery and have an aesthetically pleasing textured surface. Then again, unglazed tiles will not be as durable as glazed ones - they will be relatively more prone to damage because they are not protected by that extra layer of glazing. Different Kinds of Tiling Material Natural materials for kitchen tile flooring include porcelain, quarry, pebble and stone. These ties are textures, rough and durable - and also, relatively more expensive. They offer a great authentic look to your kitchen and give it that extra classiness that you might be looking for. Porcelain and ceramic is easily chipped and damaged - and one needs to replace the tiles often. A good idea would be to use glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles for your kitchen tile flooring - although you would have to be careful on the smooth surface. The other kind of material that you might want to use for your kitchen tile flooring is linoleum, vinyl, laminate or plank. These are manufactured in different styles - and each design makes them look like a different material from what they are - with stylized textural patterns like wood or stone or marble or mosaic. They are comfortable to walk on, easy to clean, difficult to slip on and convenient to use as kitchen tile flooring. However, they do not look as authentic or as stylish as natural materials, although they are available in different styles, colors and price ranges. They are usually much cheaper than the other kind of tiling - but they require immediate cleaning of spillage because they are not stain proof. The surfaces are easy enough to clean but stains are difficult to remove and the tiling can be dented by wear and use. It is easy enough to find the right kind of kitchen tile flooring for your home once you have decided what advantage you prioritize over all others - look through the immense numbers of websites available online for kitchen tile flooring and choose the tiles that will suit your kitchen the best. Source

Kalu Interiors brings you behind the design of this beautifully modern condo in Vancouver, Canada. Check out how the designers made the most of a small space by keeping it functional while still feeling spacious. What were your needs for this space? Being a Condo, every square inch is essential… Therefore, we needed this Living Room to serve a multitude of functions. From entertaining, lounging, television watching, or just curling up with a book, while being able to also provide additional storage and a space for overnight guests. This Living Room wears a lot of hats! Were there any challenges designing this space? A standard condo-sized space, with a variety of levels and depths from the ceiling transitions, and bordering column, and 2 varied depths of full-height windows, there were no lack of challenges for this space. Though, taking the architectural set-backs, and working with them, we were able to achieve a functional space that still felt spacious. By incorporating built-in storage in the bench, custom shelving and paneling, and the addition of a fireplace w/ 3-sided viewing, and a mirror against the window to provide the illusion of more space, all while taking advantage of the bulk heads w/ incorporating recessing lighting, everything about this room is custom wall-to-wall, and lacks no wasted space or light! Do you have any special considerations or requirements when creating the room? When approaching Living Spaces, it’s so important to consider how the room will be used. Both for small and large groups when entertaining. By orienting seating groupings, and providing a communal center to the space, you’re able to create the perfect conversational setting. By also incorporating separate pieces versus singular large items, you also have the flexibility to re-configure the space depending on how it’s being used. How does the flooring play into your design? Flooring is key, as like anything, you build from the ground-up! By starting with a beautiful bright, light and neutral white oak plank flooring, and by opting for a longer and wider plank, we’ve provided the illusion of expanse and space, in otherwise relatively tight quarters. Layering is also key, so by adding texture with a tone on tone wool and silk rug for the Living area, we can achieve a luxurious, soft, and layered look in this space! While also helping to define the area. Why did you choose these colors? For gloomy Vancouver days, it was essential to us to maintain a bright environment, capitalizing on the natural light form the expansive floor to ceiling windows, with white walls, mirrors, and white oak accents, we could achieve a neutral and bright palette to evoke a sense of calm and luxury. Then also allowing a canvas for the contrast of accents to really sing, such as the matte black tables, rich gold accents and art, and vibrant natural greens. What is your favorite aspect of this room? The Fireplace Wall… Here I was able to achieve so much, with such simple elements. By building the entire feature wall to wall, and floor to ceiling, but breaking it into sections, we’ve achieved a wall which provides ambiance with the fireplace, practicality with the television, shelving for display of personal possessions, a mirror to reflect the view and light, and lighting incorporated throughout to let this wall really stand-out in the space! What surprised you the most? Though I developed the design in order to fulfill so many needs and functions, I was not certain all would be achievable in such a small footprint. So upon completing this design of the space, I really shocked myself with how much I could pack into this Living Room! BY also keeping some items as separate pieces such as doubling-up the coffee tables + stools, we can re-configure the seating and serving arrangements in so many ways, conducive to our everyday use or when entertaining! Interior design by Kalu Interiors | Photography by Provoke Studios Award winning interior designers Phyllis Lui & Aleem Kassam are the principal designer duo for Kalu Interiors. For more than a decade this Vancouver based design firm has become known and focus on creating thoughtfully curated interiors that enhance and inspire how you live. The firm provides bespoke design services for clientele throughout Canada. kaluinteriors.com

Vinyl is the world's second largest-selling plastic, and for good reason. Vinyl is low cost, high performance and versatile which makes it a top choice for many industries including communications, health care, aerospace; and of course home flooring. Statistics show that the production of vinyl flooring rose by 6.1% between 2011 and 2012, which would point to a significant rise in the demand for this kind of flooring. In addition to this, vinyl exports are up 1.9% in the past year alone, as well as vinyl continuing to edge out traditional wood to occupy 68% of the overall home applications market. It is not just vinyl in general that has seen tremendous growth over the past decade or so. Vinyl plank flooring is now a top choice for many households in the United States and beyond, owing mainly to the low cost, durability and versatility of this type of flooring. Before settling on vinyl as your ultimate flooring option, it is first important to discover the benefits and problems with vinyl plank flooring. Like all other types of flooring, vinyl isn't all together perfect. There are some downsides that would be worth looking at before making the all-important flooring decision. The Advantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring There are a number of notable advantages of vinyl plank flooring over other types of flooring. It is these advantages that have lead to the soaring popularity of vinyl for home flooring applications: Cost Factor: Vinyl planks are created to mimic the look and feel of real wood, but cost only a fraction of the price. Telling the difference between vinyl and real wood flooring is difficult especially to the untrained eye, which means that homeowners can enjoy the aesthetics of real wood without breaking bank. Grain Dimension: Vinyl plank flooring is also designed with a huge variety of wood grain sizes that would otherwise be difficult to find in traditional wood. You can simply choose the grain dimension that match your specific preference of solid wood and that is easily incorporated into the home's decor. In addition to this, there are many different shades that mimic oak, maple, cherry and other types of wood. The design options here are literally limited to your imagination. Durability: Vinyl flooring is one of the most durable types of flooring on the market; definitely more durable than real wood. This kind of flooring is great for high-traffic areas in the home, and is hardly susceptible to scratches, bumps and other defects as is common with real wood floors. In addition to this, the flooring is water resistant, meaning that it can be installed practically anywhere in the house including sensitive areas such as the kitchen or basement. Installation: Vinyl plank flooring is some of the easiest flooring to install in any kind of space. Although it is recommended that you get an expert for the job, do-it-yourself enthusiasts with the appropriate knowledge and experience can easily install the flooring without the additional cost of calling in an expert. Installation can be done quickly, professionally and smoothly with little or no mess or wastage, which is more than can be said for hardwood flooring. Comfort: Vinyl planks are comfortable underfoot and can be installed in high traffic areas. The planks also add an extra layer of insulation, making it a good option for additional sound proofing. The floor also doesn't create noise underfoot as is the case with real wood floors. Maintenance: Vinyl is extremely easy to maintain, and only needs a vacuum followed by mopping with a damp cloth or mop. The flooring also doesn't easily stain, which makes it great for homes with pets and small children. Refurbishing: A few touch-ups may be needed over time to restore the floor to its original condition. The advantage with vinyl planks is that they can be replaced easily and cheaply. You don't have to take out the entire flooring to refurbish it, all you need to do is work on the problem areas and your floor will be back to its former glory. The Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring As with any other types of flooring available on the market, there are a few downsides to vinyl planks. No flooring is 100% perfect, which is why it is important to understand both the benefits and problems with vinyl plank flooring before making a decision: Durability: Although vinyl is durable and able to withstand chips and warping, the floor is still susceptible to scratches. These can begin to show over time especially in high traffic areas, so a little extra care is needed to maintain the aesthetics for as long as possible. Fading: Vinyl planks have also been known to fade over time especially when exposed to direct sunlight. This therefore makes it a bad choice for outdoor applications. Installation: Because the vinyl isn't nearly as solid as natural wood planks, a sub-floor will need to be installed before the actual vinyl planks. Aesthetics: although vinyl does mimic the look of real solid wood, it is still vinyl. This is obvious especially to the trained eye, which can be a problem for some home owners. Cleaning: You need to be careful when cleaning vinyl plank flooring as there are certain cleaners and solvents that may damage the floor. You want to use cleaners that have been manufactured to specifically cater for vinyl flooring. Final Thought It is extremely important to look at the benefits and problems with vinyl plank flooring. It is only after carefully considering both sides that you can be able to make an informed decision on whether or not this is the flooring for you. Despite the downsides, vinyl planks are still an incredibly good option for home flooring applications. The disadvantages can easily be ignored given the many advantages of this type of flooring. The cost factor is the most important advantage, as not everyone is able to afford real solid wood floors especially given the current global economic situation. It is important to explore other options before settling down on a single one. Flooring is crucial to the home's aesthetics, and is one of the first things that people see when they walk into a home. That being said, a lot of forethought and consideration is needed when making this all-important decision. Source