Choosing a type of flooring can be a daunting task. There are several varieties – wood, ceramic, stone, vinyl, carpeting and many specialty materials. Within each broad category, there are literally hundreds of choices. Fortunately, narrowing them down is a simple matter of attending to a few basic guidelines. For most, especially do-it-yourselfers who are [...]

Hardwood floors are among the most beautiful and durable of flooring materials. But there are so many kinds it can be difficult to choose one. The first criterion is whether to elect to get pre-finished or unfinished hardwood. In days past, unfinished was definitely the way to go. It was easier to select a type [...]

Hardwood floors are popular for good reasons. They’re durable, attractive and easy to care for. Hardwood floors can last a hundred years or more with proper care. Many modern manufacturers feel comfortable giving a 50-year warranty on the hardwood flooring they sell. Their confidence is justified. Look at homes from the turn of the 20th [...]

The exact procedures for installing tile will, of course, differ from one type to the next. But there are several things in common between them. Preparation As with any do-it-yourself project around the home, preparation is often 80% of the effort. That’s true in spades where installing a tile floor is the project. Laying down [...]

Laminated floors were once the poor man’s option. Made of cheap wood layered over plywood, they looked as cheap as they were. No longer. Laminates are now stylish, durable and yet still relatively inexpensive. They can emulate hardwood, ceramic and other forms of flooring, such as natural stone. A laminate is constructed from layers. In [...]

Wood, ceramic and vinyl are highly popular flooring materials. But there are many other options available, some as old as building itself, others representing the latest in high-tech materials science. Sandstone Sandstone has been used in buildings for thousands of years. In ancient structures it often formed sturdy walls that lasted for centuries or longer. [...]

Sub-flooring is just what the term sounds like: material underneath the surface you walk on. It may be concrete, or plywood, or several other types of material. Unfortunately, even the most robust sub-floor material can become cracked or mildewed. Water can become trapped between the floor and the sub-floor or between the top surface and [...]

Throw rugs, along with area rugs, run the gamut from cheap nylon ovals to nearly room sized Persian rugs costing thousands of dollars. Which is right for you depends, of course, on your budget and the particular space you want to cover. Flatweave throw rugs are often used in Japanese homes where they provide both [...]

Spills happen. Carpets get stained. Even everyday use will soon enough create a carpet that needs to be cleaned. Is there anyway to do that without spending your days caring for carpet? Fortunately, yes. An ‘emergency kit’ of club soda, vinegar, ammonia and some needed application tools is a good idea. Everyone sometimes runs out [...]

Hardwood floors represent a substantial investment. But they will reward homeowners with decades of beauty and wear only if they’re properly maintained. Fortunately, that requires only a modest effort. Preventing the gradual erosion of the surface is the most important first step. Dirt and small pieces of rock or sand are the most likely culprits [...]