DIY Home Improvement Tips » Flooring

Bathroom Flooring: What Not to Do

James Halpert — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:58:21 +0000

Bathrooms are one of the most difficult places to buy flooring for as well as one of the most difficult places to install flooring with all the intricate cutting required around fittings and plumbing. Here are three essentials to avoid when it comes to bathroom flooring:

1. Avoid Carpet

The bathroom is a place where you are often in bare feet but it is better to avoid carpet. Although carpet would be the most comfortable flooring it is not resistant to water damage and it will quickly get dirty. If you have carpet around a toilet it is likely that hygiene is not up to scratch because carpet is impossible to keep as clean as hard flooring. If you do choose to have carpet be sure to use a rug around the base of the toilet which can be frequently washed and a bath rug for mopping up excess water when you get out of the bath or shower.

2. Avoid Slippery Surfaces

The bathroom floor can get very wet and this means that you can easily slip and hurt yourself. This matters however old you are but be particularly careful if the bathroom will be used by young children or the elderly especially those who are infirm or unsteady on their feet. The easiest way to combat this problem is to use non-slip or slip-resistant floor tiles or vinyl. You will find tiles which are made especially for bathrooms and you can also buy non-slip rubber mats if you already have a floor where this is an issue.

3. Avoid Hardwood

Although hardwood flooring looks beautiful it should not be used in a bathroom as it is a natural material which can be damaged by water. If you like the look of a solid hardwood floor your only alternative would be to install quality laminate to get that look. Some laminates are made for bathroom use but you need to check the label to make sure before buying as a lot of cheap laminate flooring is not resistant to water damage.

Oak Flooring Advantages and Disadvantages

James Halpert — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:40:29 +0000

The beautiful appearance of oak flooring is what typically sways most homeowners. The elegant yet very durable qualities of oak make it the number one choice of wood flooring worldwide. Similar to all other types of flooring, oak floors have many advantages and disadvantages that may change your mind one way or another. Prior to purchasing or installing any type of flooring, you should take ample time to find out as much as you can about each type of material. Synthetic materials used in the making of products like engineered oak flooring or oak laminate flooring have revolutionized the industry giving homeowners double the options when it comes to choosing wooden floor materials. The manufacturers of such synthetic products vouch that their products are more durable than the real thing and most are so sure of their products that they even offer a money back guarantee to consumers that can prove otherwise.

One of the top advantages to investing in wood flooring is that it can immediately add beauty and value to your home. Solid oak flooring that is has been accurately installed and well maintained can last a very long time and make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Wood floors have a luxurious sheen that reflects light and helps to bring out other attractive qualities within a home. Structural and architectural components will stand out better if the floors lack imperfections. Stains and wear on carpeting is quite noticeable but the natural coloring and design of oak floor materials create an illusion that makes blemishes blend in and become less noticeable.

The main disadvantage to owning wood floors is that they need constant upkeep. Stains, scratches, and cracks need to be fixed in order to keep the floors in good condition. Furniture should be placed on padding to prevent scratching. Area rugs should be installed in areas of high traffic to prevent wear and tear. Oak wood finish is something that will wear down much faster if left untreated and in areas of high traffic. Many times the damaged is not noticeable until furnishings are moved around or taken out of a room. Direct sunlight can also cause fading of wood materials but again the damage happens over a long period of time and is not noticeable until a room is emptied out.

Most floor materials need constant cleaning and maintenance is order to stay looking new. Special cleansers and tools are needed to keep a floor clean. Investing in the right tools and supplies for your type of floor is also an investment in maintaining the value of your home. Some materials cost more to purchase but last longer and require very little maintenance while other are the exact opposite. Carefully weigh all of the options before you visit a store.

Adding Mosaic Tiles in Outdoor Spaces

James Halpert — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:51:51 +0000

Outdoor decorating may take you to places you never expected to go including the wonderful possibilities of uses for mosaic tiles. Tiles intended for outdoor use should be make of either ceramic or glass because they are the most colorful and versatile. By installing ceramic or glass mosaic tiles you can in fact bring much needed color and design into what is mostly a green landscape. Mosaic tile can be used in many ways in outdoor areas including as flooring, table or chair cover, and even in decorative art. Tiles can be used to decorate a circular piece of wood or a water fountain. There really is no limit as to the amount of uses that tiling can give you in outdoor decorating. When looking for projects where you can add mosaic tiling, search the intern first for the many mosaic tile patterns that are already available. If you cannot find one that you like, you can always create your own.

Using glass mosaic tile is probably best when the tiles are used to create items like sun catchers or bird feeders. On the other hand, ceramic mosaic tile is best for covering hard surfaces like concrete walkways and patio floors, or clay flower pots. You can choose to cover the entire space with tile or you can use the mosaic glass or ceramic tiling as accent pieces within a different type of treatment.

When shopping for your tiles make sure you purchase in bulk whenever possible because it can save you a bundle on your projects. Use the internet to find retailers that sell in bulk. Most online stores carry a wide variety and many times it is much larger than the selection of local stores. Use the internet as a source for finding projects that incorporate tiling to give you an idea of where you can start in your landscape decorating. You can also look around your home for patterns or color combinations you have already used in design. It is easy to mimic a patter in tile but you will have to take your time and be patient. Tiling takes time to dry unless you choose a quickset type of adhesive.

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosenwald/

Commercial Carpet Squares Make Great Floor Treatments

James Halpert — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:05:09 +0000

There are many ways to enhance the beauty of your home but none are as effective as the type of floor treatment you choose. Commercial carpet squares may not be your first choice but the materials are typically more durable than squares that are intended for home use. Carpet squares come in all kinds of textures, colors, shapes, sizes, and materials to choose from. You can create a simple pattern that is both colorful and interesting or you can create a complex design that can easily become the focal point within your space and something people will remember when they come to your home. The great thing about carpet tile squares is their versatility. The squares can be installed onto just about any kind of surface including walls. If one tile should become damaged or stained, it can easily be removed and replaced without disturbing the rest of the tiles.

FLOR carpet squares are one of the top brands on the market today. The company is well known for their quality products and easy to install kits. FLOR created FLORdots which is a strong adhesive designed to keep the tiles held in place without the need for glues, padding, and especially nails. Each FLOR carpet square is specifically designed so that you can mix and match colors, patterns, and textures so you can create your own unique art piece. You can choose to cover the entire space with the adhesive carpet squares or create runners, door mats, and rugs to add style and color into the spaces in your home.

When shopping for carpet tiles whether you choose commercial grade or not, make sure you choose quality over style because the floor treatment in a home must be able to withstand high traffic day after day. Your investment in a floor product must be one that will last a long time or one that can be easily fixed should the treatment begin to show wear, stains, and damage in the high traffic areas. Some companies offer a warranty or guarantee should their product wear out or become damaged before a certain time frame. This is something worth looking into especially if you plan to cover a large area.

Create your Own Epoxy Garage Floor

James Halpert — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 03:49:31 +0000

Most garage floors are made of concrete. It looks nice in the beginning. But, it does not take long for the floor to start looking oily. Then, the inevitable cracks and chips start to show. Not only does it look shabby, but it can ultimately be a safety hazard. All you have to do is catch your foot in a crack, and you will be down for the count. So, if you want to keep your entire house looking nice, including your garage, you may want to consider your own epoxy garage floor. Although you can hire someone to do the job for you, you can save a lot of money and do the job yourself. A kit will come with everything you need. If you can read directions and know how to use a paint roller, you will not have any trouble creating a nice floor.

Step by Step

Garage floor finishes do not magically appear. But, if you are willing to follow the directions, step by step, you will have a professional finish on your floor before you know it. First, if the floor has been painted in the past, you will want to scrap away the chunks that are still left. So, get a few paint scrapers, and get the family involved. Once the floor is finished, maybe you could plan a party to celebrate all the hard work and show off the finished result. After you have all of the yucky paint off, it is time to do your best to fill the cracks and chips with a special compound. You can smooth it out, so the surface of the garage is fairly even. The fun part is getting the paint roller to put a coat of your favorite color on the floor. You can also add chips of color, to give it a little pizzazz and texture. Finally, it is time to put on the epoxy garage floor coating. It will seal in all of your hard work; and seal out the weather and inevitable leak of oil.

Like the Professionals

You have decided that preventing damage to your floor is a lot cheaper than hiring a contractor to build a new floor in the future. But, you are not quite sure what you need. You want it to look like the floors at a convention center car show. You want a garage that looks like something the professionals would be proud to own. If that is the case, you are probably thinking about epoxy garage flooring. When you are done, the finish is so beautiful; it looks like you polish your floor. In fact, you will need to add a little texture in the color coat, or you might as well have your own personal skating rink. It will end up being a great way to show off your awesome automobile or use for extra living space. It could easily become one of the favorite rooms in your house.

Keep Out!

If you have nice garage flooring, the only way to make sure it stays that way is to put a sign up that says: “Keep Out!” Of course, this plan of action is neither practical nor logical. What good is having a nice garage, if you never use it? Instead, it should be such a wonderful garage that it is an extension of your living space. It should be so nice that you can use it for a guest room, when your teenager has a sleepover. Epoxy garage floor coatings are the perfect solution. The finish will probably be glossier than your kitchen floor after a good waxing. With many colors to choose from, you can select just the one to reflect your personality, whether it is a steel gray with black flecks or an awesome red that your neighbors can see from miles away. But, you should remember the flecks. You will need some texture, unless you like the feeling of walking on glass. Your professionally glazed floor will look totally awesome! But, it will also repel the liquids and oils that are notorious for ruining a garage floor. However, the best part is that you will have a floor that looks like a million bucks; but, you did it for yourself!

Garage Floor Mats: the Multipurpose Answer

James Halpert — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:54:52 +0000

Do you have a lovely home, but your garage leaves a lot to be desired? Is the concrete cracked and chipped? Are there oil stains all over the floor that are impossible to clean up? Do you wish you could do something to make your garage much nicer, so you can spend time working on cars, use it for extra family storage, maybe put a home office in the corner, or some other use? Unfortunately, you are strapped for the time and money to make your garage one of the best rooms in your home. You need a quick solution to a really yucky problem that will not put you in the poor house. What you need are garage floor mats. In fact, you will find the mat so easy, you will likely discover additional uses for this quick and easy garage flooring.

Quick and Easy

When the floor in your garage is a mess, but you would like to make it a place to hang out, you may want to consider purchasing a garage floor mat. Installation is a breeze. Chances are you will be totally ready to use your new garage surface in no time at all. The mats simply roll out to cover up all of those cracks and greasy stains on the floor. You may need to cut along the edges to fit a corner or something, but the rest is easy. If you want to cover the entire floor, you can overlap the mats along the edges. Alternatively, you can purchase adhesive strips to secure the mat in place. When you are done, your garage can become the family multipurpose space. It will be easy to clean debris off the floor, and it will save a fall, when water and melting snow would have made a puddle on the floor.

The Pet Protector

You may be thinking about getting a mat for a garage surface protector, but have you ever considered the idea of pet protector? A mat is good for more than just parking your car. If you have a pet that spends time out in a run or an outdoor kennel, you can use a small garage flooring mat to create a nice floor for your dog. It will keep puddles from forming, when those paws are wet. It will also make a more pleasant solution to chaining the dog outside when company comes to visit. You can make it a little home away from home, instead of a place that seems more like a punishment. You can keep your pet safe and comfortable at the same time.

Work Out

Are you an avid exerciser? Do you wish you had a place to work out that did not require a membership to some fitness center or spa? Do you have exercise equipment tucked in the corner of your bedroom or stored somewhere? Why not use rubber garage flooring to convert your cement basement into a workout area? You can roll out a mat to cover the cold floor and create your own private oasis for those great exercise routines. The mat will provide a non-skid surface. In addition, if it is made to support your parked car, it will easily handle being under an exercise bike, tread mill, or any other equipment you may use to stay in shape. Of course, if you can convert an area in your basement for exercise, it will also be cooler to work out in the summer.

Home Improvement Plus

Garage floor coverings are awesome for home improvements. In about the time it takes you to roll out a rug, you can have a garage floor that is not oil stained, cracked, or chipped. When poor weather usually means a slippery surface waiting to cause a fall, the rubbery mat will keep you on your feet. Down in your basement it can be a great addition to a workshop area or exercise room. But, you can find even more uses for garage mats. You can cut them to fit any area where you need a non-skid surface. A trailer or truck beds are two simple ideas. If you have any small pieces left over, you can even use it to line your child’s little red wagon. Garage floor covering and mats are as versatile as your imagination will allow. For example, it would work on your patio or poolside to give your family a safety edge. You can be safe, improve the value of your home, and make life a little more comfortable with floor mats.

Snap to It with Garage Flooring Tiles

James Halpert — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:31:10 +0000

Have you ever thought of your garage as one of the nicest rooms in your entire house? Why not? Is it because of the cracks and chips in the cement? Is it because of those old and nasty oil stains that will not come up, no matter how hard you scrub? So, what are you going to do about it? Are you just going to throw your hands up in the air, store all of your junk in there, and hope you leave enough room from the car? Come on! Use your imagination! Your garage can easily become an extension of your living space, and be useful to every member of the family, if you can fix it up nice. So, you need to literally snap to it with garage flooring tiles.

A Family Affair

Garage floor tile is so easy to install, the whole family can do it-and have fun at the same time. With all of the bright colors available, you can create your own design. The tiles simply snap together. All you have to do is line up the edges to get them in line, and then step on the tiles to snap them in place. Alone, you can probably complete an entire 2 car garage is 2-3 hours. With help, it will go even faster. Chances are it will be so much fun; you will probably be disappointed when you have finally snapped the last tile in place. Now your floor will look so nice, you might hesitate to park the car in the garage. But, do not worry. The tiles are meant to withstand up to 5,000 pounds per square inch. Even if one does develop a problem, it is easy to snap it out, get a replacement, and you are good to go.

Do not Stop There

The awesome tiles you just finished snapping together may be called garage floor tiles, but do not stop there! Now that you know how easy they are to install, you might want to put some on your deck or your gazebo. If you have a pool in the back yard, they are a colorful solution to that wet concrete. You will not have to worry so much about taking an unexpected dip in the pool. Brighten up your patio with tiles. Maybe you have a weight or exercise room that could use a little sprucing up. Why put up with that cold concrete in your basement, when you can have a pretty floor that will encourage you to be energetic and visit the favorite room in your house. Garage flooring tile is very versatile and has many uses, if you can imagine them.

An Ounce of Prevention

You have a nice house and finally the garage you have always wanted. For years you have parked your car in the driveway, or on the street, and just hope against hope that the elements or a thoughtless driver would not mess it up. But, as good as that garage looks today, you know it will not be long before it looks like a mess, especially if you like working on your own car. It also will not be long before rocks and debris in the tires will start wearing away at the cement. Before you know it, you will have cracks and divots to content with, along with the oily patches. What you need is vinyl garage flooring. Not only will it protect your floors, but it will look great, and give the family added traction, when they get out of the car.

Common Sense

Garage floor protection for your home is only good, common sense. Have you priced concrete lately. You do not want the expense of fixing your floor, when it becomes to oily stained, cracked, or chipped up because of rocks in your tires. If you want your garage to be a place to hang out while you work on the car, to access extra pantry storage, have a private work area for your business or crafts, or a place for family to gather, during an outdoor picnic, you will want to keep the floor in pristine condition with vinyl tiles or other floor protection that will prevent damage to the floor, or cover up the damage that is already there. You can actually make it one of the best rooms in your house.

Garage Floor Covering Made Easy

James Halpert — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:26:25 +0000

Have you ever gone online and checked out some of the cool garages people have enhanced with their own hands? You might be surprised how wonderful an average garage can look, after the cement floor has been protected against cracks, chips and chemical stains that will never come out. In fact, the garage will look so cool; you might see how it can become a favorite room in the house. Some people park their car on one side and turn the other into a mini office, large pantry, and more. You can even turn it into a temporary guestroom, if your teen is having a sleepover. It takes not time at all to clean and make it as nice as any other room in your home. Although it sounds good, you may be thinking that you do not have the talent to have a really fabulous garage. But, you might be pleasantly surprise, because garage floor covering made easy can be accomplished by anyone who can play with Legos or push a paint roller.

Roll Baby Roll

If you can roll out a rug or a hunk of carpet, you can put down something in your garage to make it look nice and maintain the integrity of the cement surface. Plus, you do not have to break your piggy bank, or invest a lot of time in home improvements. You can opt to purchase a garage floor mat. The size depends on your personal needs. You can purchase a mat the size of your car. Alternatively, you can even find a rubber surface on which to park your motorcycle. But, you may want to overlap the mats or use adhesive tape to secure the rubber, and make it a wall-to-wall adventure. Whatever you choose, you can transform your garage in a matter of minutes. So, roll baby roll!

Made to Last

When protecting the surface of your floor is the main goal, you may want to select vinyl garage flooring. It may come in the form of mats or tiles, but it is a proven material for being durable and a great deterrent against absorption of oil and other chemicals. It is easy to clean. If the flooring gets messy with debris or stain causing materials, all you will need is a wet/dry vacuum or a good old garden hose. Have at it.
Although it does not seem like it initially, vinyl garage floor is meant to take quite a beating and still look great. It is designed to take up to 5000 pounds, which should be well above the weight of your car. It is made to last and to adequately protect your floor for years to come.

Price Check Please

In today’s economy, it only makes sense to check the price of everything, before you make a purchase. For example, even if you have been blessed enough to buy a house, you are not made of money. You might have bought a fixer-upper, because you are handy around the house. However, you are going to have to be frugal and careful with your home improvement selections. For example, if you are interested in improving your floor and preventing any further damage from the elements and use, you might want to check out garage floor coatings. Of course, you can pay someone else to do the job. But, if you can push a paint roller, you can purchase a kit and do the job yourself. You will receive instructions on how to obtain a professional finish in a step by step process. You might even be lucky enough to receive a video example of do-it-yourself garage floor coating. It will save you a lot of money and look great when you are done.

Colorful and Fun

If you dread finding something to protect your garage flooring, maybe you are not looking in the right places. Are you worried about having to pay a contractor to get the job done? Why should you have to spend even more money to have a protected floor, when you can get the materials and do it for yourself? When you are done, you can have great flooring that is both colorful and fun. What you need is garage floor tiles. It is a great way to improve your garage. The process is easy enough; you can get the entire family involved. If you can snap Legos together, you can line these vinyl tiles together and snap them in place. In a few hours, you can have an awesome garage that will look worthy of displaying and protecting the most valuable car on the planet. So, pick your pattern, get the family together, and snap to it!

Protect your Property with Garage Floor Coating Products

James Halpert — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:11:06 +0000

You have a nice house with a great garage attached. But, you know it will not be long before the flooring in that garage begins to show signs of wear. The inevitable oil stains, the cracks and the chips will make it look old and gross over time. With the rocks that get wedged in the tires and the temperature changes, it is to be expected. Even if you are meticulous about keeping the garage clean, you cannot stop the certain blemishes that will start showing up. You need something that will help prevent the natural wear and tear on the cement. You need something that will repel oil and other chemicals that will mess up the floor. You need garage floor coating.

A Bit of History

When you are considering how to protect your floor, the last thing you are probably thinking about is history. But, if you are looking for a name brand of garage floor sealant, then you might be interested in the history of Rustoleum garage floor coating. Captain Fergusson was fishing in an old rusty boat. He tried to stop a barrel of fish oil from spilling. Unfortunately, some of the oil hit his deck. To his amazement, the fish oil stopped the spread of rust on his boat. The next thing you know, he is trying to find a formula of sealant that will protect boats and stop corrosion. Fortunately, he finally came up with a mixture that did not reek of fish after it dried. Today, Rustoleum garage coatings seal out the oils and chemicals that will really make a mess of your floor, while making it crack and chip resistant.

Explanation Please!

So, what is Epoxyshield garage floor coating? What makes it so great? Of course, you are going to want the answer to these questions, before you invest in a sealant for your garage. Epoxyshield protects against the auto fluids that will ruin your floor. The sealant will repel gasoline, anti-freeze, oil, salt from the roads, and hot tire damage. If you know how to use a paint roller, you can apply this protective coating all by yourself. In the kit, you will receive a professional cleaner to get your floor ready. Then, you roll out the floor coating and add the chips to give it a little pizzazz and texture at the same time. It saves you money, because you do not have to hire a contractor to replace your floor, when it gets too nasty. You can easily do something to prevent the breakdown of the cement before it happens.

A Sure Thing

If you want to protect your floor from UV rays, salt from the wintery roads, chemical fluid leaks, rocks that can chip, or temperature changes that will cause it to crack, you need a sure thing. You need epoxy garage floor coating. You can pick one of many brands. But, epoxy has the reputation for sealing out the elements and wear and tear of everyday use. You need something that already has the reputation for being dependable, and yet it is easy to apply. You do not want to have to go to the expense of hiring someone else to do the job, if you can save money and do it yourself. Plus, you want the option to choose the color and texture you want to make your floor look superb. Not only will you have a great garage in which to park your car, you will have an extra room to use for storage, shelter for an outdoor family gathering and more. Once you find the right epoxy for your garage, and discover how easy it is to apply, you may want to do the same for your basement, deck, patio, and more.

Saving Cents

The main purpose for garage floor coatings is to save you some cents, in the long run. Over time, every garage will be subject to chemical fluid leaks, the weather, and normal every day wear and tear. You should do what you can to prevent those problems, in order to keep your garage looking nice. It can actually become a nice extension of your living space. In fact, you can use the same type of sealant to protect any other cement surfaces on your property. Imagine having a basement floor that is glossier than the one in your kitchen. You can turn that cold, dark room into a nice place to hang out. It will not have to be just for storage or the laundry. So, start with garage floor covering. See how easy and affordable it is, before you move forward in protecting the rest of your property as well.