You can decorate your house any way you want, but if you don't show any love and care for your floors, even the most expensive and the most elegant furniture will not shine. Can you imagine walking to a place where there is absolutely no treatment for the floors? It is unheard of, isn't it? When it comes to home renovation, floor treatments should never be overlooked. But what kind of floor décor is the right choice for your house?
Let's say you have little kids. You would probably do better with carpet in the living area and bedrooms. While carpets protect your kids from getting hurt when they fall, they also get dirty easier when the kids constantly spill something. Some dogs for example do not like walking on hardwood floors or tiles. For carpeted areas, it is better if you have a good steam cleaner handy.
When decorating the floors, the first thing one should consider is the floor's visibility. By this, we mean getting the full potential of your floor, not just showing it off. Can you think of a kitchen floor covered with carpet for example? Or a living room with linoleum floor? It is because they are not useful for those spaces.
Hard wood or faux wood floors are great for bedrooms and living rooms. They come in different shades and shapes. If you opt for these but are worried about the installation costs, with a little bit of research and a good guide book, you can do it yourself. This is not as hard as you think.
One of the newest trends in home décor is the polished concrete. Many apartment and studio floors nowadays are treated with polished concrete. This used to be the option for workshops and busy stores. But not anymore. Because of its ease of maintenance and high durability as well as the modern, industrial look and feel, many people are opting for polished concrete floors.
If you are looking for ways to give your floor a facelift, if the old carpet doesn't look clean anymore no matter how much you steam clean it, or the hardwood floors lost their shine and are full of scratches, first take into account your household's conditions and how your floors respond to these conditions. What is best for a specific area in your house? If you like your existing hardwood floors but are worried the kids or pets can damage them, you can either buy large size rugs, or temporarily go with a cheaper carpet to cover the wood for a few years. You can also rent floor scrapers and polishers from a local hardware store and do the maintenance yourself.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in general contractors Orange County CA, Irvine home improvement and Orange County flooring .
Showing posts with label Orange County Flooring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orange County Flooring. Show all posts
Friday, March 8, 2013
Friday, December 28, 2012
Pergo Flooring
Pergo Flooring is a decorative laminate that has been used in countertops, paneling, and other intricate projects. Pergo was introduced in Sweden in the 80’s and gained in popularity all across Europe. Pergo Flooring came to the US in 1994 where it became the leading supplier. Pergo was out front in research and it paid off. It wasn’t long before Pergo Flooring made its way into kitchens because it proved to be more than 20 times stronger than the original laminate.
As you search for flooring, you’ll find that you’ll have endless options in Pergo Flooring including a number of wood appearances that will match your other décor. Price varies and the more pricey options you choose will cause the price to rise. However the price is still lower than many exotic wood installations.
Of course there is no such thing as an indestructible floor and you must be cautious when you move heavy objects across Pergo Flooring. Felt protectors work well when it becomes necessary to move appliances or furniture across it. When you install Pergo Flooring near entrances, they advise you to use mats, rugs or other floor coverings to reduce the risk of tracking in gravel that will scratch your floor.
You can easily accomplish general maintenance by using dust mops or hard surface attachments on your vacuum cleaners. You’ll never want to wax or refinish it, and if the floor gets damaged, a Pergo endorsed installer will be able to replace the individual planks or tiles.
You’ll find numerous tile and planking options and many customers with basic do-it-yourself skills can install their own flooring. The tongue and groove method of installation makes Pergo Flooring easier to install and that will reduce the cost significantly. However the edges, end moldings, and sawing takes more skill and you may need to hire a professional to complete the job.
Pergo Flooring provides installation training to service professionals specifically for their flooring. The pieces fit together similar to paneling and fencing installation and is not difficult to learn the technique.
The Pergo Flooring Company warranties their product, and sometimes when a DIY improperly installs the flooring, the warranties are affected. To be sure your floor has been installed correctly hire a Pergo Endorsed Installer and you will be guaranteed a flawless beautiful installation. An extended service warranty for your Pergo Flooring is also available that will add risk-free years to your Pergo Flooring.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Mission Viejo home improvement and Orange County flooring.
As you search for flooring, you’ll find that you’ll have endless options in Pergo Flooring including a number of wood appearances that will match your other décor. Price varies and the more pricey options you choose will cause the price to rise. However the price is still lower than many exotic wood installations.
Of course there is no such thing as an indestructible floor and you must be cautious when you move heavy objects across Pergo Flooring. Felt protectors work well when it becomes necessary to move appliances or furniture across it. When you install Pergo Flooring near entrances, they advise you to use mats, rugs or other floor coverings to reduce the risk of tracking in gravel that will scratch your floor.
You can easily accomplish general maintenance by using dust mops or hard surface attachments on your vacuum cleaners. You’ll never want to wax or refinish it, and if the floor gets damaged, a Pergo endorsed installer will be able to replace the individual planks or tiles.
You’ll find numerous tile and planking options and many customers with basic do-it-yourself skills can install their own flooring. The tongue and groove method of installation makes Pergo Flooring easier to install and that will reduce the cost significantly. However the edges, end moldings, and sawing takes more skill and you may need to hire a professional to complete the job.
Pergo Flooring provides installation training to service professionals specifically for their flooring. The pieces fit together similar to paneling and fencing installation and is not difficult to learn the technique.
The Pergo Flooring Company warranties their product, and sometimes when a DIY improperly installs the flooring, the warranties are affected. To be sure your floor has been installed correctly hire a Pergo Endorsed Installer and you will be guaranteed a flawless beautiful installation. An extended service warranty for your Pergo Flooring is also available that will add risk-free years to your Pergo Flooring.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Mission Viejo home improvement and Orange County flooring.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Thinking About Reflooring?
Thinking about replacing the flooring in your home in order to add more vibrancy to your home or perhaps a little resale value? This is the type of project many homeowners often consider after they've repainted the interior of their home, added new window décor, replaced countertops in kitchen's, and even put in new showers and bathtubs. Some homeowners will even consider replacing the flooring in their home as part of a new furniture plan.
Before replacing the flooring in your home however it's important to review and consider several things. The first and perhaps most important among these things is your budget. Many homeowners often make the mistake of diving headfirst into a reflooring project without giving much consideration to their budget. Much like a child's eyes that are bigger than their stomach when they visit a restaurant, a homeowners eyes may be bigger than their budget when they begin considering putting in stained wood flooring or marble tile into one or more of the rooms in their home. Keeping your head out of the clouds and your feet firmly planted on the ground in front of your bank account will help you determine what types of flooring you'll be able to purchase and how many rooms you be able to re-floor.
The next thing you should consider prior to beginning a reflooring project is the rooms themselves. Questions like, "how often are these rooms used" and "what type of flooring will stand up best to foot traffic in that room" are good questions to start with. Homeowners who simply begin re-flooring a room without considering the type of foot traffic those rooms see and the types of abuse the the new flooring might have to endure will often be faced with a mandatory reflooring project within just a matter of years, sometimes less. Not only does the traffic take its toll on certain rooms but so do things like pets, children, spills, and even food stains. You can further determine what type of flooring will work best for any particular room by considering things like leaks, moisture, exposure to direct sunlight, and even appliances. Not all types of flooring support heavy appliances so it is wise to select flooring that is both resilient and supportive.
The next thing you should consider is installation. While many homeowners may elect to lay down new linoleum, tile, or carpet, the job itself can be arduous and time-consuming for inexperienced individuals. There are also intricacies of each job that many do-it-yourselfers will overlook. Things like requirements for subflooring, removing old staples and baseboards, as well as some safety issues related to any re-flooring job can and should be addressed by someone with experience. This is why it's a good idea to consider hiring a professional re-flooring contractor. Professionals bring with them not only experience but professional grade tools and even advice for homeowners who feel lost during the initial planning phase of the reflooring project.
When properly prepared for and completed by experienced hands reflooring of a home adds something new to look at, resale value, and is something for homeowners to be excited about. You'll be amazed at how your new flooring changes the atmosphere in a particular room and makes it all the more easier to spend time in said room as well.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County flooring specialist, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego flooring specialist.
Before replacing the flooring in your home however it's important to review and consider several things. The first and perhaps most important among these things is your budget. Many homeowners often make the mistake of diving headfirst into a reflooring project without giving much consideration to their budget. Much like a child's eyes that are bigger than their stomach when they visit a restaurant, a homeowners eyes may be bigger than their budget when they begin considering putting in stained wood flooring or marble tile into one or more of the rooms in their home. Keeping your head out of the clouds and your feet firmly planted on the ground in front of your bank account will help you determine what types of flooring you'll be able to purchase and how many rooms you be able to re-floor.
The next thing you should consider prior to beginning a reflooring project is the rooms themselves. Questions like, "how often are these rooms used" and "what type of flooring will stand up best to foot traffic in that room" are good questions to start with. Homeowners who simply begin re-flooring a room without considering the type of foot traffic those rooms see and the types of abuse the the new flooring might have to endure will often be faced with a mandatory reflooring project within just a matter of years, sometimes less. Not only does the traffic take its toll on certain rooms but so do things like pets, children, spills, and even food stains. You can further determine what type of flooring will work best for any particular room by considering things like leaks, moisture, exposure to direct sunlight, and even appliances. Not all types of flooring support heavy appliances so it is wise to select flooring that is both resilient and supportive.
The next thing you should consider is installation. While many homeowners may elect to lay down new linoleum, tile, or carpet, the job itself can be arduous and time-consuming for inexperienced individuals. There are also intricacies of each job that many do-it-yourselfers will overlook. Things like requirements for subflooring, removing old staples and baseboards, as well as some safety issues related to any re-flooring job can and should be addressed by someone with experience. This is why it's a good idea to consider hiring a professional re-flooring contractor. Professionals bring with them not only experience but professional grade tools and even advice for homeowners who feel lost during the initial planning phase of the reflooring project.
When properly prepared for and completed by experienced hands reflooring of a home adds something new to look at, resale value, and is something for homeowners to be excited about. You'll be amazed at how your new flooring changes the atmosphere in a particular room and makes it all the more easier to spend time in said room as well.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County flooring specialist, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego flooring specialist.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Orange County Flooring: Things To Consider
So you decided that your home is in need of some new flooring. Perhaps it's the flooring in one of your bathrooms or maybe even the flooring in the kitchen or living room. Regardless of where you believe new flooring is needed there are a multitude of things to consider and just as many decisions to make.
Like all other home improvement projects it's a good idea to the very least consult with a professional contractor. Flooring contractors can advise you on what will work best in your home given the climate it resides in, the foot traffic it sees, and any potential abuse it might have to endure. A professional can also help homeowners rework their project so that it's workable with their budget.
Not long after a contractor has been found and hired, homeowners will need to begin looking over the many different types of flooring available for their home. Some homeowners will have a specific type of flooring in mind even before hiring a contractor but will have to make some compromises after their initial consultation and realizing that, that type of flooring may not be suited for their home or for the environment that it resides in. Among the many different types of flooring for a home are tile, linoleum, carpet, hardwood flooring, and even marble. Selecting flooring that not only complements your home but will be resistant to environmental hazards is the first key to success in such a project.
After flooring is then selected a contractor and his/her team can begin work on the actual project. Though there are some homeowners who prefer to tackle a project such as this themselves, the details and intricacies of such a project really necessitate the hiring of a contractor. A contractor will take precise measurements and will begin cutting and forming your new flooring at the very beginning of a project. After this portion of the project has concluded new flooring can be laid down and then set.
You will need to keep in mind that different types of flooring will require different types of installation and different times for setting. A good example of this is tile. While installing and setting tile usually doesn't take more than a day or so, it can't be walked on for 1 to 2 days after that. Furthermore a contractor will need to return and pour in grout once the tile cement has dried, rendering that floor inaccessible for another day or two.
Once your new flooring has been set it's a good idea to carefully examine your new flooring for flaws or any other issues. This is a good idea because once a contractor finishes the project they may require you to sign some paperwork acknowledging that the job has been completed to your satisfaction. Finding flaws after signing paperwork means you'll have to pay for that contractor, or another, to come back and fix the problem.
Once the project has been completed to your satisfaction and all paperwork is then signed you'll be surprised at just how much more warm and welcoming your new flooring makes the room it resides in. So big is the change that it's not uncommon for individuals who have new flooring put in to return to the same room for further remodeling. New flooring can pave the way for new furniture, new window decor, and even new paint. How far you take such a project is up to you.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County flooring, Orange County carpet and Orange County hardwood flooring.
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Like all other home improvement projects it's a good idea to the very least consult with a professional contractor. Flooring contractors can advise you on what will work best in your home given the climate it resides in, the foot traffic it sees, and any potential abuse it might have to endure. A professional can also help homeowners rework their project so that it's workable with their budget.
Not long after a contractor has been found and hired, homeowners will need to begin looking over the many different types of flooring available for their home. Some homeowners will have a specific type of flooring in mind even before hiring a contractor but will have to make some compromises after their initial consultation and realizing that, that type of flooring may not be suited for their home or for the environment that it resides in. Among the many different types of flooring for a home are tile, linoleum, carpet, hardwood flooring, and even marble. Selecting flooring that not only complements your home but will be resistant to environmental hazards is the first key to success in such a project.
After flooring is then selected a contractor and his/her team can begin work on the actual project. Though there are some homeowners who prefer to tackle a project such as this themselves, the details and intricacies of such a project really necessitate the hiring of a contractor. A contractor will take precise measurements and will begin cutting and forming your new flooring at the very beginning of a project. After this portion of the project has concluded new flooring can be laid down and then set.
You will need to keep in mind that different types of flooring will require different types of installation and different times for setting. A good example of this is tile. While installing and setting tile usually doesn't take more than a day or so, it can't be walked on for 1 to 2 days after that. Furthermore a contractor will need to return and pour in grout once the tile cement has dried, rendering that floor inaccessible for another day or two.
Once your new flooring has been set it's a good idea to carefully examine your new flooring for flaws or any other issues. This is a good idea because once a contractor finishes the project they may require you to sign some paperwork acknowledging that the job has been completed to your satisfaction. Finding flaws after signing paperwork means you'll have to pay for that contractor, or another, to come back and fix the problem.
Once the project has been completed to your satisfaction and all paperwork is then signed you'll be surprised at just how much more warm and welcoming your new flooring makes the room it resides in. So big is the change that it's not uncommon for individuals who have new flooring put in to return to the same room for further remodeling. New flooring can pave the way for new furniture, new window decor, and even new paint. How far you take such a project is up to you.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County flooring, Orange County carpet and Orange County hardwood flooring.
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Monday, October 10, 2011
Orange County Flooring, Orange County CA Flooring
Orange County Flooring, Orange County CA Flooring
Search Through Pre-Screened & Pre-Approved Specialists!!We are the only website that focuses on providing trusted home improvement service providers only for Orange County. We have a team whose only job is to search the county for the finest Home Improvement companies and connect them with home owners who are looking for a trusted, reliable professional service provider.
START YOUR SEARCH TODAY FOR AN ORANGE COUNTY FLOORING SPECIALIST
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Orange County Hardwood Flooring Types & Species
Deciding which type of wood flooring you're going to use in your home can be a difficult decision if for no other reason than the sheer number of different species of wood available is staggering. Moreover you've got to take into consideration not just the aesthetics of the wood but its durability, stability, and how easily that would can be sanded, cut etc.The actual hardness of a specific type of wood will help determine just how well it stands up to wear and tear in your home. Each piece of wood used for flooring carries a hardness rating which is known and used by Orange County flooring contractors. A wood's "Janka" rating tells the contractor and the homeowner whether or not a specific type of wood will work as flooring in a home. Generally speaking softwood like conifers, and even Douglas firs as well as pines are much softer and are better suited for homes that don't see a lot of foot traffic. On the other hand more durable woods like oak and hickory can stand up to years of foot traffic and abuse before the need to either repair or replace it arises.
While an Orange County flooring contractor might recommend hardwood right off the bat for your project you'll want to keep in mind that soft woods are usually much more affordable than hardwoods so finding that middle ground is key. You don't want to give up too much beauty but you also don't want to give up to much stability or workability either.
Another issue Orange County flooring contractors will bring up when helping you to decide what type of wood flooring to purchase is the dimensional stability of the wood you've got your eye on. This issue is even more important for people who live in areas where humidity levels change dramatically from season to season. Mahogany, cherry, teak, and even walnut are examples of wood flooring with good dimensional stability. Also keep in mind that engineered wood floors offer great stability while solid wood floors generally don't just because of how they're constructed.
Here are a few types of woods that are commonly used for flooring. Feel free to refer to this section when you're trying to determine the durability, stability and aesthetics of wood flooring.
Red Oak: Red Oak has a reddish hue and is a hardwood with a course open grain. It has good durability as well as good workability. A very solid all-around good choice for floors.
White Oak: White Oak is actually a bit of a misnomer as the wood itself is a light brown hardwood also boasting an open grain as well as a durability and workability comparable to a Red Oak.
Maple: There's a white-ish to light reddish brown tint to this hardwood that makes it great for almost any home. Maple also has a closed but uniform grain but is difficult to saw due to its density and does not stain well either.
Brazilian Cherry: This exotic hardwood has a reddish tone, and interlocked grain, an excellent hardness.
White Ash: White Ash is typically a light to dark brown hardwood that's generally found with straight open grain and good workability.
Douglas Fir: Douglas for is a softwood with a predominately straight grain. Color wise it's light to yellowish brown and has good workability though it should never be over sanded. This type of wood flooring can also undergo dramatic color change if exposed to the sun.
Looking for an Orange County Home Improvement Specialist? Then look no further. My Home Improvement Club Orange County pre-screens local Orange County contractors and providers. Get FREE bids on all your home improvement projects.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
Orange County Flooring Tips: Resilient Flooring Buying Guide
When an individual is looking to redo the flooring in their home there is a wide variety of resilient flooring types available for purchase. The different types all have their pros and cons and it behooves an individual to speak with an Orange County flooring contractor before moving forward with any flooring purchase. This is because resilient flooring is made from vinyl, linoleum, Cork, polyurethane, rubber, and various asphalt composites and an individual will likely need help choosing one that's right for their home. Though all of these can be very resilient and durable vinyl is by far the most common and the most resilient of the group.Though settling on the type of material to use in their new flooring can be difficult, individuals will be happy to know that all types of resilient flooring are available in a huge variety of colors, patterns, and even surface textures. Additionally many of these are come with a protective service layer that shines naturally negating the need for waxing.
Individuals looking to putting new flooring in their homes should first speak with an Orange County flooring contractor in order to get an idea of what they need and how to proceed. A flooring contractor once hired can apply all of these types of flooring to a wide variety of surfaces in the home. These surface include plywood and concrete and many others as long as the surface to which the flooring is being applied is flat and sound. Moreover many resilient types of flooring can be applied over wood or even old linoleum.
If an individual is looking at one of the aforementioned types of flooring they do need to understand that while durable these types of flooring do tend to show their age after a number of years. Generally speaking flooring contractors recommend that these types of flooring be replaced every 10 years or so.
Fixing a Discolored Vinyl or Resilient Floor
Although the aforementioned types of flooring have no need for floor wax many individuals still use floor care products which include wax to help brighten the shine of their vinyl, linoleum, or other type of resilient floor. The drawback to this however is that when wax builds up over time these types of flooring can become discolored. Individuals needn't worry however as the problem is easily remedied. A simple solution may from white vinegar and water will be strong enough to remove wax build up yet remain gentle enough to leave these types of floors undamaged.
Looking for an Orange County Home Improvement Specialist? Then look no further. My Home Improvement Club Orange County pre-screens local Orange County contractors and providers. Get FREE bids on all your home improvement projects.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Orange County Hardwood Flooring: Wood Flooring Buying Guide
There are a lot of different types of wood flooring available for purchase. Knowing which one is best for your home and for your budget isn't always easy even with the help of an Orange County flooring contractor. There are a number of other things to consider as well before you purchase any wood flooring and this article will help shed some light on those things.Wood Flooring Construction
The first thing individuals will need to know is that wood flooring comes in two basic types. These types are solid and engineered construction. Solid wood flooring feature strips or wide planks that are composed of just one type of wood. Traditional parquet flooring tiles are an example of just one type of solid wood flooring.
In contrast to solid wood flooring, engineered wood flooring strips and planks have a surface covering multiple layers of plywood and sometimes dashboard or particle board. While solid wood flooring can be sanded down and refinished multiple times, engineered wood flooring is far less susceptible to temperature changes as well as the effects of moisture which makes for a much easier installation.
As your Orange County flooring contractor will likely tell you, is a type of subfloor that you have that will play a part in dictating whether or not you should buy solid wood or engineered wood flooring. The plywood subfloor allows for multiple installation methods. These methods include nail down, staple down, glue down, and floating. Concrete subflooring is on the other hand requires that engineered wood products be applied via glue down or floating installation methods only. When you're dealing with a concrete subfloor and these two installation methods you definitely want to consult and work with a Orange County flooring contractor.
Wood Species & Grade
When it comes to wood species and quality it's important to remember that there are differences not just in appearance, like the human grain of a wood, but it's stability, hardness, and ruggedness. You also need to be aware of how the wood you are interested in will respond to things like standing, kneeling, and even finishing, again not all species of wood are the same and some are more workable and durable than others.
Another thing individuals need to remember when looking at wood flooring is the actual grade of the wood they're looking at. Generally speaking would grade refers to the amount of manufactured and natural marks in the wood. In order to get a grasp on this you can speak with an Orange County flooring contractor who can show you a wood grade rating scale.
The majority of wood flooring these days, be it solid or engineered, comes with some type of protective finish that reduces wear and tear. Though unfinished wood flooring is still a viable option these days, prefinished wood flooring saves individuals a great deal of time and effort as they will not need to sand, stain or finish the wood themselves. Unfinished wood flooring however carries a certain charm and workability that prefinished wood flooring does not.
Perhaps best of all, at least as far as individuals are concerned, wood flooring is available in myriad of varied designs. Individuals however should strive not to get too carried away and pick only that wood flooring which helps bring out the natural feeling of their home. There are some types of flooring that bring an old world feel to a home while others have a stained look to them or sport vibrant colors. Again, if you're having difficulty in choosing one that does your home justice, be sure to consult with an Orange County flooring contractor.
Looking for an Orange County Home Improvement Specialist? Then look no further. My Home Improvement Club Orange County pre-screens local Orange County contractors and providers. Get FREE bids on all your home improvement projects.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
Orange County Home Improvement Tips: Linoleum Flooring
More often than not linoleum floors are mistaken for vinyl flooring and sometimes vice versa. What many a layperson does not realize however is that linoleum is a vastly different when compared to vinyl. While vinyl flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride which is a type of plastic that's derived from oil, linoleum is made from linseed oil, pine residues, wood flour, granulated cork and patterned limestone. All of these ingredients are compressed into a layer of jute which gives linoleum its look and durability. These natural ingredients also make linoleum an environmentally friendly choice. It is for these reasons that many Orange County flooring contractors recommend linoleum to those who not only want to save money but want to make smart choices well.In addition to the natural ingredients in linoleum, the flooring has a natural resistance to bacteria as well. This trait alone makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas or areas where moisture can build up rather quickly. This is why you often find linoleum in children's rooms, kitchens, and quite often bathrooms. One of the distinct downsides to linoleum flooring however is that it is a hard type of flooring meaning it reflects sound rather than absorbing it.
Another big plus that you get with linoleum is its wide variety of colors and patterns. Moreover linoleum is sold in both 6 and 12 foot wide rolls as well as 12 inch square tiles. More often than not it is priced by the square yard rather than the square foot and install costs range anywhere from $6-$40 per yard.
Another reason Orange County flooring contractors often recommend linoleum to homeowners is because the color in the material easily shines through even the thickest dirt and grime and it makes it easy to clean and repair as well. For a scratched or damaged tile the application of some simple wood glue with shavings from a scrap piece of linoleum can fix the problem. It's for this reason alone that many foreign contractors recommend homeowners have a few extra pieces of linoleum on hand.
Another big bonus with linoleum is the fact that sub floors don't need to be that strong though they must be smooth. Installing linoleum is very similar to installing vinyl sheet flooring but there is a special adhesive used for linoleum floors. During installation of linoleum floors they will need to be covered with coats of acrylic sealer and once dried will suffer no ill effects from water.
Looking for an Orange County Home Improvement Specialist? Then look no further. My Home Improvement Club Orange County pre-screens local Orange County contractors and providers. Get FREE bids on all your home improvement projects.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Orange County Flooring: Laminate Flooring Buying Guide
Laminate flooring, which originated in Europe, is extremely effective at imitating wood, tile, stone as well as several other materials. This is because the surface of laminate flooring is an extremely detailed photographic image overlaid with a transparent and very durable plastic laminate. So good at imitating these other materials is laminate that only a professional Orange County flooring contractor will be able to find imperfections when they touch grout joints or scan it for imperfections.
The construction of laminate flooring is actually fairly simple. The material is made from a melamine/aluminum oxide/fiberboard composite product usually with medium density. Once this is all mixed together a backing layer is added to prevent moisture seepage which in time can damage floor planks.
Although some Orange County flooring materials are less expensive than others no other material can compete with laminate flooring in terms of affordability. Most laminate flooring costs anywhere from $3-$6 per square foot installed which makes laminate flooring less than half the costs of all of the materials.
Homeowners and Orange County flooring contractors whom select laminate flooring as their preferred choice of material will not only get a great price but will have a number of different popular brands to choose from. These include Pergo, Wilsonart, Formica, Shaw, Armstrong and of course Mohawk.
Orange County flooring contractors regularly buy laminate flooring in 15 x 15" and 24 x 24" square tiles. They're also purchased in thin 8 x 47" tongue and groove plank like strips that are about 3/8 of an inch thick. Almost all types of laminate flooring are designed to be used with an adhesive or are made to snap together along interlocking edges. Most are also made to install over a thin foam pad, the pad acting as a moisture barrier and minor cushion.
In order to use laminate flooring effectively the room in which it is to be installed needs to have a flat smooth base such as vinyl, plywood, tile, or hardwood flooring. As you might have guessed laminate flooring cannot be installed over carpeting and it's wise to apply a vapor barrier before placing laminate flooring on the slab.
Regardless of which brand of laminate flooring you or your Orange County flooring contractor might purchase, they will all come with complete installation instructions. The layperson or average homeowner must follow these directions implicitly if they are to take on the reflooring task themselves though it is recommended that they hire professional for help with the project. Laminate flooring, before being laid onto a slab, needs to sit in a room for 2 to3 days so as to give it time to acclimate to the rooms environment.
Laminate flooring should be cut using only a power saw and strong light glancing across the surface should be avoided in order to minimize the visibility of seams between plank style flooring. This can be done by running your laminate flooring perpendicular to doors and windows.
For homeowners or Orange County flooring contractors who plan on installing laminate flooring in a bathroom, particular care must be taken to joint seal the edges of planks according to the instructions that come with the material. Doing so will prevent moisture from seeping in between or below to the floor planks.
When dealing with laminate flooring homeowners need to remember that over the course of time ground in dirt can cause small scratches in the material so it's wise to keep laminate floors as clean as possible and cleaned as often as possible. Regularly going over it with a dust mop or vacuum can prevent a lot of damage while a damp mop or damp towel does the job even better though water needs to be removed from the flooring promptly as to avoid saturation. Never use abrasive or scouring powders or waxes on a laminate floor as this can cause deep scratching and the need for expensive repairs or replacement.
The construction of laminate flooring is actually fairly simple. The material is made from a melamine/aluminum oxide/fiberboard composite product usually with medium density. Once this is all mixed together a backing layer is added to prevent moisture seepage which in time can damage floor planks.
Although some Orange County flooring materials are less expensive than others no other material can compete with laminate flooring in terms of affordability. Most laminate flooring costs anywhere from $3-$6 per square foot installed which makes laminate flooring less than half the costs of all of the materials.
Homeowners and Orange County flooring contractors whom select laminate flooring as their preferred choice of material will not only get a great price but will have a number of different popular brands to choose from. These include Pergo, Wilsonart, Formica, Shaw, Armstrong and of course Mohawk.
Orange County flooring contractors regularly buy laminate flooring in 15 x 15" and 24 x 24" square tiles. They're also purchased in thin 8 x 47" tongue and groove plank like strips that are about 3/8 of an inch thick. Almost all types of laminate flooring are designed to be used with an adhesive or are made to snap together along interlocking edges. Most are also made to install over a thin foam pad, the pad acting as a moisture barrier and minor cushion.
In order to use laminate flooring effectively the room in which it is to be installed needs to have a flat smooth base such as vinyl, plywood, tile, or hardwood flooring. As you might have guessed laminate flooring cannot be installed over carpeting and it's wise to apply a vapor barrier before placing laminate flooring on the slab.
Regardless of which brand of laminate flooring you or your Orange County flooring contractor might purchase, they will all come with complete installation instructions. The layperson or average homeowner must follow these directions implicitly if they are to take on the reflooring task themselves though it is recommended that they hire professional for help with the project. Laminate flooring, before being laid onto a slab, needs to sit in a room for 2 to3 days so as to give it time to acclimate to the rooms environment.
Laminate flooring should be cut using only a power saw and strong light glancing across the surface should be avoided in order to minimize the visibility of seams between plank style flooring. This can be done by running your laminate flooring perpendicular to doors and windows.
For homeowners or Orange County flooring contractors who plan on installing laminate flooring in a bathroom, particular care must be taken to joint seal the edges of planks according to the instructions that come with the material. Doing so will prevent moisture from seeping in between or below to the floor planks.
When dealing with laminate flooring homeowners need to remember that over the course of time ground in dirt can cause small scratches in the material so it's wise to keep laminate floors as clean as possible and cleaned as often as possible. Regularly going over it with a dust mop or vacuum can prevent a lot of damage while a damp mop or damp towel does the job even better though water needs to be removed from the flooring promptly as to avoid saturation. Never use abrasive or scouring powders or waxes on a laminate floor as this can cause deep scratching and the need for expensive repairs or replacement.
Looking for an Orange County Home Improvement Specialist? Then look no further. My Home Improvement Club Orange County pre-screens local Orange County contractors and providers. Get FREE bids on all your home improvement projects.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Orange County Flooring Materials & Floor Coverings
Though there are many fine carpets available for both existing homes as well as those currently being constructed, carpet is no longer the preferred material when flooring is considered by both homeowners and Orange County flooring experts. Carpeting the home remained extremely popular up until the 1970s when other materials such as hardwood flooring, ceramic tiles, and stone tiles became the preferred flooring materials. These materials are still the preferred choices for anyone who's adding a new floor to their home.
With new materials having been made available for flooring, homeowners have also seen some materials become commercially available that were once only used in office buildings, lobbies, and banks. Materials like granite and marble with their more formal look and feel can bring to life to any room or entryway to which they're applied. By the same token homeowners have also seen more rustic stone materials once used only for decorating vacation cabins and backyard patios become more commercially available. With so many different materials now available many homeowners and Orange County flooring experts often utilize a combination of different materials to add a sense of contrast to and give rooms a vivacious look.
For a great number of years hardwood flooring meant that strips of oak or maple would be installed in a traditional labor-intensive process. This process included the sanding and applying of multiple coats of highly protective finishes but that's no longer necessary as engineered wood removes much of the cumbersome inconveniences of installing wood flooring. In fact many woods now come stained and finished and are easily maintainable.
With so many different types of materials available for your floor it can be difficult to decide which one to go with. Of course if you're working with an Orange County flooring expert or contractor he/she can help you determine what works best for your budget as well as for your home. Things to consider are a materials durability, comfort, ease of installation, and its ease of upkeep or maintenance. It's also advisable to take your time when considering which material to use. Visiting a home improvement store with your Orange County flooring contractor will help you get a better idea of what works best for you. He/she will also be able to show you which materials are most resistant to stains, moisture, heat, and foot traffic. You'll want to make a decision based on not only what will look great in your home and what you can afford but what will last the longest and serve your home best.
You will want to be sure that the flooring you select is compatible with the style and decor of your home so that there are no sharp contrasts which can be difficult on the eyes. A good example of this is hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are very suitable in something like an old-fashioned kitchen while laminate strip flooring generally works well with a more contemporary family room. Foyers can be made to look stunning by having Slate laid down and if your home has a southwestern look it might be wise to choose a flooring material like terra-cotta tiles.
When it comes to large-scale Orange County flooring, it's best applied to large rooms while small rooms often call for more delicate approach. For example, large tiles can appear to overwhelm and consume a small room whereas small mosaic tiles will look much too busy in a large room. Before you purchase any materials in bulk for your project be sure to purchase a few samples of the material you're interested in and lay them on the floor to gauge their effect. Sometimes things look better in our minds and on paper than they do in action.
As mentioned previously a contrast in textures sometimes added interest or as part to room that was otherwise dull. When working with tile an experienced Orange County flooring contractor, textures can be expressed through different styles and finishes while stones can be honed, tumbled or even polished to create a myriad of appealing looks. Carpets on the other hand offer the widest assortment of textural choices and should always be considered as a possible choice for your new floor.
All types of Orange County flooring material come with their own set of design accoutrements. Some common ones are borders, medallions and even inlays for wood and tile. In some cases the grout between tiles can also be used as a design element as a way to bring out the vibrancy of a room. An Orange County flooring expert might even recommend using accent pieces to break up a large expanse or highlight/define an important area within a room.
With new materials having been made available for flooring, homeowners have also seen some materials become commercially available that were once only used in office buildings, lobbies, and banks. Materials like granite and marble with their more formal look and feel can bring to life to any room or entryway to which they're applied. By the same token homeowners have also seen more rustic stone materials once used only for decorating vacation cabins and backyard patios become more commercially available. With so many different materials now available many homeowners and Orange County flooring experts often utilize a combination of different materials to add a sense of contrast to and give rooms a vivacious look.
For a great number of years hardwood flooring meant that strips of oak or maple would be installed in a traditional labor-intensive process. This process included the sanding and applying of multiple coats of highly protective finishes but that's no longer necessary as engineered wood removes much of the cumbersome inconveniences of installing wood flooring. In fact many woods now come stained and finished and are easily maintainable.
With so many different types of materials available for your floor it can be difficult to decide which one to go with. Of course if you're working with an Orange County flooring expert or contractor he/she can help you determine what works best for your budget as well as for your home. Things to consider are a materials durability, comfort, ease of installation, and its ease of upkeep or maintenance. It's also advisable to take your time when considering which material to use. Visiting a home improvement store with your Orange County flooring contractor will help you get a better idea of what works best for you. He/she will also be able to show you which materials are most resistant to stains, moisture, heat, and foot traffic. You'll want to make a decision based on not only what will look great in your home and what you can afford but what will last the longest and serve your home best.
You will want to be sure that the flooring you select is compatible with the style and decor of your home so that there are no sharp contrasts which can be difficult on the eyes. A good example of this is hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are very suitable in something like an old-fashioned kitchen while laminate strip flooring generally works well with a more contemporary family room. Foyers can be made to look stunning by having Slate laid down and if your home has a southwestern look it might be wise to choose a flooring material like terra-cotta tiles.
When it comes to large-scale Orange County flooring, it's best applied to large rooms while small rooms often call for more delicate approach. For example, large tiles can appear to overwhelm and consume a small room whereas small mosaic tiles will look much too busy in a large room. Before you purchase any materials in bulk for your project be sure to purchase a few samples of the material you're interested in and lay them on the floor to gauge their effect. Sometimes things look better in our minds and on paper than they do in action.
As mentioned previously a contrast in textures sometimes added interest or as part to room that was otherwise dull. When working with tile an experienced Orange County flooring contractor, textures can be expressed through different styles and finishes while stones can be honed, tumbled or even polished to create a myriad of appealing looks. Carpets on the other hand offer the widest assortment of textural choices and should always be considered as a possible choice for your new floor.
All types of Orange County flooring material come with their own set of design accoutrements. Some common ones are borders, medallions and even inlays for wood and tile. In some cases the grout between tiles can also be used as a design element as a way to bring out the vibrancy of a room. An Orange County flooring expert might even recommend using accent pieces to break up a large expanse or highlight/define an important area within a room.
Looking for an Orange County Home Improvement Specialist? Then look no further. My Home Improvement Club Orange County pre-screens local Orange County contractors and providers. Get FREE bids on all your home improvement projects.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Orange County Flooring 101
Know Your Budget
Homeowners looking for the most economic solution will want to select carpet as that's generally the least expensive way to go. Vinyl flooring is another inexpensive option that should be considered if you're working on a small budget and don't care for carpet. Those operating a larger budgets will be able to choose from things like wood and stone as well as other natural substances. For those individuals operating on a smaller budget who favor the look of wood or stone but don't have the bank account for it should consider laminate flooring. Laminate flooring will provide homeowners with the same look at a fraction of the price.
Think About Use
Replacing or upgrading flooring isn't as simple as removing old flooring and then replacing it with new flooring as homeowners will need to take a number of things in the consideration before deciding on what material to use the new flooring. Of course hiring a professional Orange County flooring expert will take that responsibility off a homeowners shoulders and place it upon shoulders that have experience in that sort of thing. You or your Orange County flooring expert will need to determine if the material for your new floor will work in a given room. A good example of this is moisture prone areas in a home. Wood flooring isn't ideal for those types of areas nor is it ideal for high traffic areas in the home. If a homeowner has children laminate flooring might be an option to seriously consider as it's one of the toughest materials out there. You will want to keep in mind however that the durability of vinyl varies from manufacturer to manufacturer so you'll need to be choosy or enlist the help of a professional. Additionally it's important to keep in mind that wood flooring scratches and tarnishes though it can be refinished and carpet does wear though until it is thoroughly worn it is incredibly soft and supportive.
Installation
Some types of floors are easier to install than others and this is especially true of wood floors. Orange County flooring experts consider laminate flooring the easiest as it floats above the subfloor and requires no glue or any other type of adhesive. Stone floors are job that must be tended to by experienced hands and while it might be tempting to lay stone flooring yourself this can result in added costs and even injury. When it doubt contact an Orange County flooring expert.
Looking for an Orange County Home Improvement Specialist? Then look no further. My Home Improvement Club Orange County pre-screens local Orange County contractors and providers. Get FREE bids on all your home improvement projects.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
Orange County Flooring: Floor Structure
When dealing with different types of floors there are two types. The first being wood frame raised floors and the second being floors are built on concrete slabs.Beneath a raised finished floor there is normally some type of subfloor present which is supported by joints, beams, posts and in houses with multiple stories, bearing walls. Joints are typically solid or diagonal and act as a bridge providing extra support to a floor. In contrast a slab is just flat thick surface made from concrete and then poured onto the ground.
If you are installing new Orange County flooring or looking to make repairs to an existing floor you will definitely need to know what type of subfloor you have. Having in Orange County flooring expert on by your side during the installation process or just prior to it can ensure that the installation is handled and completed properly. Furthermore a flooring expert can help you determine exactly what type of subfloor you have and lay out a plan that deals with that floor type correctly.
Looking for an Orange County Home Improvement Specialist? Then look no further. My Home Improvement Club Orange County pre-screens local Orange County contractors and providers. Get FREE bids on all your home improvement projects.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.
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