Flooring Choices

When it comes to home improvement, one of the more cost effective ways versus a more intensive renovation that will bring new life to any room and add value to your home is to upgrade your flooring. Renovating your floors with a hard surface such as with popular hardwood floors is one of the most commonly selected home improvement options. There are many styles and types of hardwood to flatter any room in the house. Since they are easy to care for, long lasting, and can be recycled, hardwood floors are a satisfactory choice. Bringing elegance to your decor, hardwood floors can turn your house into a home. From traditional species like pine, oak, or maple to more fashionable cork and bamboo, or sourcing reclaimed wood, options run from the environmentally-friendly to those with unique characteristics that add a special touch. There are also many types and styles of wood floors from engineered or solid and parquet or strip that will suit your budget and styling needs.

With minimal care, even in high traffic areas, they can be maintained so that they keep looking new. Eventually with years of wear and tear, solid hardwood floors can also be refinished and brought to looking brand new again. Hardwood floors can be installed anywhere in your house, on concrete, plywood, or over existing floors (not recommended however, as it adds weight to your joists).

Some Install Tips

Think of yourself as handy? Installing your own hardwood floors is time consuming, but ultimately a gratifying project that once you get the hang of it, is pretty straightforward. When you are deciding where to start your install, use a focal point of the room, such as a mantel. Before laying the first board, draw a line to use as a reference point. In this installation, a manufacturer's recommended underlayment is placed on top of the subfloor.

All wood subfloors must be screwed in place before you install. While you are doing this, use a level to insure that floor is even throughout. After the subfloor is installed, make sure that the surface is sanded and smooth. Once the subfloor is in place, sanded, smoothed or filled to provide a level, even surface, installation of the boards can begin. Some manufacturers recommend using a foam underlay that is placed on top of the subfloor and underneath the new floor. This helps minimize creeks and noise from the new floor.

Level the first row of planks with the draw line to make sure that all following planks will be aligned.

Before you nail in the planks to the subfloor, map out the area like a jigsaw puzzle. Fit the boards, making sure that the planks fit together and they are staggered with at least 12 inches between one another.

Blind nailing tongue-and-groove boards hides nails. Nails should be driven through one board's groove, and hidden by the next parallel board. With other installs, nails are hammered through the face of the board, a process called top nailing. Planks can be glued together as well.

If DIY is not for you, knowing how to choose the right flooring company is helpful. When selecting a flooring company, make sure installation is offered according to your schedule. Flooring installation should be where you need it and when you need it, and some companies offer next day installation. Home improvements shouldn't be an inconvenience. Your flooring company should have a commitment to and be recognized for customer service and for standing behind their products and installation.

Quality products sold at low warehouse direct pricing is a good sign your flooring company of choice is focused on keeping prices competitive while still offering top name brand products. It is recommended that you choose your flooring where you use your flooring - at home. The best way to select the right flooring is in the home itself, with the assistance of a qualified sales representative. The flooring company you select should offer free, in-home sales appointments.

If you prefer a softer surface for your home, or want hardwood only in some rooms and carpet in others, it's helpful to know about what your options are. Purchasing a new carpet for your home is not an easy decision and can be a large investment. There are several options that you will need to consider such as types and colors. Depending on the types of carpet you choose, you should be able to find the perfect one for nearly any setting.

Types of Carpeting

Cut Pile is one of the most popular types of carpet. The textured cut pile is less resistant to crushing than other types of carpet. Cut looped carpet fibers create a cut pile with yarn bundles standing straight. Pre-shearing cut pile several times creates a luxurious appearance.

Loop carpet is a favorite in many houses, condos and apartments for high-traffic areas. It is also called "level loop" because it is made of loops that are all the same height. The loop heights are high and uncut, creating a level, tougher surface that is much more resistant to wear and tear, to footprints and streaks from vacuuming. Another popular type of carpet in homes is cut and loop. This carpet uses different heights of loops, cutting some and leaving some uncut to create different textures and patterns. Cut and loop carpet is used for lower-traffic areas, as it does not hold up to streaks and marks. It is, however, a supple, more attractive carpet, making it perfect for living areas.

A Saxony style carpet is very comfy and elastic, although the display can be deceptive. This appearance is developed by rigidly crafted twirls of thick twine that are fused with heat. Since Saxony is made from thick threads, it is heavy, warm and a popular selection for your home. Berber carpets however, are becoming more popular than any other type of carpet. Berbers eliminate any footprints and vacuum tracks. Berber has a thicker surface than most other level loop pile carpets for high durability. Because the loops are thicker and higher, they tend to keep dirt and become damaged from snags. Velvet carpets can provide a more elegant look, where each tread will appear. Velvet carpet is shredded several times to develop a satin-like shimmer. It is created and designed with shapes and colors to accent your home and personal taste.

Whether it's new hardwood or carpeting, upgrading or renovating the floors in your home will certainly achieve a drastic improvement, making each room feel more comfortable and look more stylish.

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