Tile floors for your home - the distinctive and durable approach.

Have you ever wondered why we call the houses we live in as ‘Sweet Homes’? We will tell you why, our residence is named by ourselves as the sweet home since this is the place that not only possess infrastructure, walls, doors, windows, roof etc. but also it is fully occupied with the essence of love. The love which the parents have for their children, the love which the children hold for their parents, the love for guardians, the love for pets, and to much of love for everything. Your sweet home always remains bright and lively, is one of your intense prayers from the Almighty. Thus to let it stay distinctive and durable you need to think for the perfect flooring option for it.

It is significantly stated that the best way to floor your house in order to make it appear pulsating, appealing and sturdy; tile flooring is an ideal and supreme choice. Tiles highly contribute to the finish and immersion of the floor and also make it strong and rigid enough to last un-tampered for decades. There is no doubt with the fact that your next two generations will also find your tile flooring in an appropriate and non-fatigue manner if the quality of tile utilized was acceptable. Tile flooring eminently works to replace the carpets from the house which is a fruitful deed since carpets are the root cause of dust hoardings over the floor. Dust pollution is a severe and unconditionally fatal menace which can initially make you allergic and cause asthma and related ailments in its ultimate application.

Tile flooring is not only healthy for the surface but also it is a shield and luster for the walls, ideally of the kitchen, bathroom and the laundry room. One should get tile flooring for their ‘sweet home’ if they want to keep it sweet for many ages.

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Species of Hardwood: Red Oak

Description of Red Oak Flooring
Red Oak is not as fine as White Oak and has a rougher feel due to the larger pores. Depending on the sawn boards the grain can have a plumed or grainy appearance, low figuring, tight patter, or a flake appearance that is also known as tiger oak.

Red Oak has a distinct reddish tones, hence the name. The wood is stiff, dense and is durable but not as much as White Oak. It is easier to finish than the white Oak since it is also softer, which also makes it easier to work with when you are nailing it down.
The pores on Red Oak Flooring make it suitable for staining to your favorite tones.

Benefits of Red Oak Flooring
The greatest advantage is the natural red color. Any room that spots this color looks classy and fit for a king. When you want a home that looks like a classical home, then Red Oak Flooring is the best for that old fashioned feel.

Red Oak is also strong and can withstand heavy usage. You can be sure that you will get several years for service from it without any major maintenance. However, due to aging and usage, it can tend to lose its red luster, but this can easily be corrected by applying hardwood polish.
Red Oak is also hypoallergenic and therefore a good addition to homes that have children.

Potential Disadvantages of Red Oak Flooring
Most hardwoods are difficult to maintain and red oak is no exception. Red Oak cannot be exposed to excessive moisture. This can cause serious damage to it which may lead you to change the flooring even before it gives you the required service period.
How to maintain Red Oak Flooring
One should avoid dragging things on the floor or excessive rough treatment. Given that it is not as strong as the white variety, more caution should be exercised. It is important that you wax the flooring every couple of months. This wax polish also helps to protect the wood from moisture and spillages. Should any spills occur, all you have to do is mop it up.
Installation of Red Oak flooring

Depending on the kind of base that you have you can choose to use prefinished hardwood, unfinished red oak or the engineered red oak. Red Oak is easier to work with and its pores make it easy to stain. If you want to have a high gloss finish it may be necessary to use pore filler on these pores before you do the finishing. Prefinished wood is ideal if time is a factor and engineered flooring is best for concrete based houses. If you want to match new flooring to an old one then the unfinished flooring is usually the best.

Price of Red Oak Flooring
Red Oak ranges in price from $2.25 for unfinished to $10 per square foot for prefinished. One may consider this a little on the higher side but given the fact that it will probably outlast your lifespan, then it is a wise purchase.


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info for this blog post from :http://www.hardwoodflooringinfo.net/page/2/

Hardwood flooring for your home

A lot of home owners and interior decorators are setting a new trend with beautiful hardwood flooring. There are many reasons to go with hardwood floors, such as the permanent value they add to your home, the easy care and easy cleaning, great style and durability and they’re natural and safe for the environment too.

The cost can vary depending on whether or not you can find discounts or can buy it wholesale. If you know a building contractor or hardwood floor contractor, they may be able to help you get a nice discount where they buy their materials even if you do it yourself. Installing hardwood flooring in your home should be considered a long-term investment that will hold its value, or even increase the resale value of your home, well surpassing the installation cost of the hardwood floors.

After all, wood is wood, and what can be more ecologically clean than natural wood planks after very little chemical processing? For the healthy minded, there are much lower levels of chemical emissions from natural wood products. The cost of hardwood flooring depends on what type you choose.

Many of the hardwood flooring retailers and manufacturers offer good discounts if you have a lot of square footage. If you’re thinking about a do-it-yourself project and you’re handy with tools, you can learn how to install hardwood flooring with a few of the proper tools like sanders, nailers, or nail guns, etc. which you can easily rent or borrow. However, keep in mind that if you fail to properly install your hardwood floors, it can be a very costly mistake. Some benefits of using a professional contractor to conduct the installation is that you will know that it will be installed correctly and if you select the right installer then they often provide a warranty on their instllation services.

Some of the most popular hardwood floor manufacturers include Johnson, Regal, Bruce, Shaw, Mohawk, Mannington and Armstrong. There are also other manufacturers but make sure to do your research to learn the quality of their product.

Besides the floor coverings that have been traditionally used in the past, there are now many new styles and materials of flooring to choose from that can definitely add to the style of any room. Hardwoods can give a room an expensive and high quality finish that’s usually only connected to higher-end apartments and designer homes. But first of all you need to find a reputable hardwood floor company to help design and create the type of flooring that you want, unless you’re experienced enough to forge ahead.

Most hardwood floors almost never need replacement and can add thousands of dollars to the value of any home. And hardwood flooring is the healthiest choice for interior living, especially if you have children in the home.

And with today’s advanced wood flooring stains and finishes, cleaning your wood floors has never been easier. If you’re looking for a great way to improve the look, the durability and the value of your home, hardwood floors are definitely the way to go. And wood is a wonderful natural resource that is both renewable and recyclable.

At Your Door Floors flooring store
Burleson, TX
http://www.atyourdoorfloors.com
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Home Remodeling Forecast for 2012

With the housing industry still lackluster, many people are staying in their homes longer than usual rather than trading out for a new one. However, with lending still tight and decreasing home valuations, some people are finding it hard to get a remodeling loan. Here is an excellent article from Mark Newman of Remodeling Magazine on the outlook of the home remodeling industry for the upcoming year:

Home Remodeling to Remain Weak Through First Half of 2012

Thanks to a lackluster economy and a housing market that continues to limp along from quarter to quarter, home improvement spending will remain tepid through the first half of 2012, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released today by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

These new numbers echo the last set of LIRA data released in July, which projected remodeling activity could be down as much as 4% through the first quarter of 2012. The latest data indicate that there will even be a slight decline in home improvement projects over the next several quarters, which will likely prompt belt-tightening among most, if not all, remodelers.

“There’s a lot of volatility in the market with a bit of random, non-seasonal bouncing around,” says Kermit Baker, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center, adding that the “bouncing around” is due to replacement projects that are typically weather-related, and those numbers are getting mixed into the data. “It’s weak enough that the noise sort of dominates from what the trend is. Our indicators tell us that the trend is flat when we were hoping there would be a more clear sense of a recovery.”

Homeowner Reticence

As for how long this lackluster market will continue, Baker says to count on a fairly bleak outlook at least until the middle of 2012. “After that it’s a little too early to tell,” he says. “We’re not seeing anything that would indicate a dramatic turnaround. Quite frankly, it depends on what the economy does over that period.” Key indicators will not only include consumer confidence but also any periods of sustained job growth or a more stable housing market.

Baker adds that in terms of remodeling projects, homeowners are holding off because the equity that a new addition or an updated bathroom would bring to their homes would be negligible at best, especially considering the current market. “There’s just not a sense that if they invest in any home improvement projects that it would increase the value of their home,” he says, adding that financing is still difficult to obtain. “There are enough economic headwinds present that are keeping back any more significant growth.”

For remodeling to see a significant uptick, it’s really going to take a sharp increase in consumer confidence in the economy and housing market. “If you live in a market where prices are trailing down, it’s a more difficult decision to pull the trigger on that upscale remodeling investment,” Baker says. “You’re going to do the roofing and siding stuff that you need to do but the discretionary stuff is a harder sell in this market. It’s going to take some sense that things are getting better. And there’s enough uncertainty that people don’t feel that way at present.”

One of the big problems on the home building side is the amount of distressed housing inventory that’s available and is much cheaper than new homes. To that end, Baker says there’s tremendous remodeling potential for these homes because the owners are investing in remodeling them for resale to the tune of several thousand dollars. “That’s a pretty serious chuck of change in terms of potential for the market,” he points out. “There are some sectors that are doing well but there’s enough nervousness that’s holding [the market] back.”

One of the reasons for the state of the industry is largely due to the types of projects that were popular in the boom years but are not as prevalent during lean times, mainly upscale additions and high-end kitchen and bath remodels. “[These projects] were driving the market, and that’s the piece that’s still relatively weak,” Baker says. “Most of the other pieces have come back pretty well. This last block hasn’t quite fallen into place yet. As the economy recovers I think it will, but there’s enough nervousness that a lot of people are foregoing that piece at the moment.”

Here is a link to the original article:
http://www.remodeling.hw.net/economic-conditions/home-remodeling-to-remain-weak-through-first-half-of-2012.aspx

Brian Heltzeljavascript:void(0)
At Your Door Floors flooring store
Burleson, TX
http://www.atyourdoorfloors.com

Hardwood Flooring cleaning tips!

The Do's and Don'ts of Hardwood Flooring Care

Hardwood floors are best when maintained because it keeps its original state. Aside from its strength, durability, and its benefit our health, it also has an ageless quality. Which means the more you take care of it, the more it will look beautiful even as it age. Maintenance of hardwood floor is the easiest there is in all the flooring types.
Do
 Know the type of finish your hardwood floor has, use the proper maintenance for that finish.
 Regularly sweep the floor to remove dirt.
 Use professional hardwood cleaner to keep its luster.
 Clean sticky spots with damp towel or sponge then dry it immediately using a dry-mop or cloth.
 Clean water spills immediately using dry cloth.
 Protect floors from heavy furniture by placing glides made of felt or fabric.
 Lift the furniture if you can to prevent scratch.
 Use rugs on areas where you are to expect water spills.
 Be aware that high heels can cause dents, rubber shoes with deep threads can have gravels stuck in to that may cause scratch.
Don't
 Let the floors be exposed in direct sunlight, use curtains or drapes
 Use vinegar or any solution containing acids.
 Move heavy objects without a rug or padding beneath it.
 Use upright vacuum with beater bars, it will scratch the floor.
 Mop the floor with water, it will ruin the floor finish and cause the wood to warp.
 Treat the floor with cleaning solutions not made for hardwood, ask for professional help first.
 Use dust treatments not made for your floor type.
 Repair the gaps by your own either, let the professionals do it.
 Wax urethane floors.
How to Clean Hardwood floors every day
1. Sweep the floor to get rid of dust and other particles.
2. Vacuum the floor edges and other hard to reach surfaces.
3. Buff the floor using a dry cloth, rub the floor gently and in circular motion. Use floor cleaners recommended by the manufacturers to make it shiny and protected.

Just obey the do's and don'ts of hardwood floor care and everything will be perfect. Keep in mind to protect your floors from dirt, abrasive and sharp objects, and water because this will degrade the quality of the floor. If you are remodeling and have plans to put hardwood floors, do not place it in areas where you expect the floor to be wet at all times. A good location is in the living room to keep acoustics in, and in the bedroom so it's less messy compared to carpets. It is ok to install hardwood flooring in your kitchen, providing that you stay on top of cleaning your floor and prevent any pooling of water.

At Your Door Floors
http://www.atyourdoorfloors.com
Putting On The Fix
http://www.puttingonthefix.com

How To Remodel Your Kitchen

How To Remodel Your Kitchen: 5 Tips

Kitchen remodeling is putting your creativity in mind to work. Do not make it look like everyone else's kitchen. Make it unique, make it stand out, unleash your true self.

Although kitchen improvement is an arduous task, it's worth the hard work. To lessen the burden, here are the things that need to be done for kitchen remodeling:

Things to do:
Select a theme.
Of course your old kitchen theme will work just fine but since you are planning for kitchen improvement, you will have the chance to make it look better.

Pick a kitchen layout

L-shape
Shaped like a letter L, containing a very flexible layout design. We can place anything in any area using this layout and the space between storage, cooking, and preparation area is close enough for an efficient work space.

U-Shaped
Layout is shaped to form a letter "U". It has adequate counter space, and an efficient working environment.

Island Option
Designed to meet modern homes because there are plenty of counter space and prevents traffic within the working area.

Galley Kitchen
Most preferred layout for smaller kitchen space. Appliances are close to one another so its perfect if only one member of the household cooks.

Tips:
1. Keep It Simple
The kitchen is designed to be a working area so avoid any clutter. Do not decorate furnish it with useless items as this will only hinder the efficiency of the kitchen.

2. Spacious and Clutter-free
Kitchen layouts are for different kitchen spaces. Choose a layout fit for your kitchen space. The Island layout looks functional and is an effective working space. But it will just be a clutter if installed on small kitchen spaces.

4. Use whatever you have
Our goal is to remodel, not to construct a new kitchen. Make use of old materials like wood, metal, plastics. etc and turn it into a new one. One good example is to repaint and fix old kitchen cabinets to use with your kitchen remodeling.

5. Hire contractors
Although it may be a good idea to do it alone, contractors still does it better. They are experienced in doing these jobs and can put your ideas into reality.

Why go for kitchen improvement?
Simple. For increased productivity. How can you work well in your old kitchen when you hear cracks on floors, holes in the ceiling, and a very dark room. Additionally modernization keeps us away from obsolete kitchen methods, ideas, and design to give way to a new and improved kitchen.

The goal of kitchen improvement is not only for aesthetics but for improved functionality. Before you decide if your kitchen needs it, plan about it first. Will it increase productivity in the kitchen and lessen your cooking time? Is it different with the current theme of your home? If yes then it's time for to remodel your kitchen.

For the latest in tile selections for your kitchen remodel, contact At Your Door FLoors.

At Your Door Floors flooring store
http://www.atyourdoorfloors.com

How to Find the Right Contractor for Your Remodeling or Flooring Job

How to Find the Right Contractor for Your Remodeling or Flooring Job

Contractors can make or break your remodeling job. So it's best if you choose the most appropriate contractor for the job. So how can we get your perfect contractor?
1. Check within your area, experts for the remodeling job. You can check for local trade associations too. List them all up.
2. Check your listed contractors if they have complaints. A good way to check for it is to look it up in your local Better Business Bureau office. To be sure, call the agency the contractor is licensed to double-check the contractors record. Remove those that have a proven history of complains.
3. Prepare the questions to ask with the contractors. Call every contractor left on the list then set up an appointment. Ask all the questions you prepared, what he has in the local building community, and his experience in remodeling. Additionally, ask if he had done similar home remodeling job as yours, ask about the estimate initial cost for the plan, and how long will the project take. Don't forget to ask his contact information so that you can contact him immediately if he's hired.
4. After the interview, further shorten the list by crossing out contractors that are not fit for the job. Check the credentials of the remaining credentials. See if he is in a remodeling association by contacting the organization for verification. Ask his references about performance of the contractor(how he utilizes the budget,how he was able to complete the project in time, etc).
5. Compare information you have gathered to all the remaining contractors. The best way to select a contractor fit for the job is the contractor should have a proven record of success. Pick a contractor that can turn your visions into reality.
6. Get a contract to your chosen contractor so remodeling can begin. Pay attention to every detail he said specially on the work that he is agreeing to do with you. Once satisfied sign the contract.
Additional Tips:
As much as possible, look for remodeling contractors within your area.
Some contractor offers are way too good to be true, if you encounter one, immediately cross them out in your list.
If you want long-term results, don't get too tight with your remodeling budget.

Contractors are like the fishes in the sea. There are so many of them, different kinds with different functions. To get what you want, you need the right net for it.
Arnel Y. Colar is a freelance writer, expert in Home Improvement. He writes articles for PuttingOnTheFix and AtYourDoorFloors.
Putting On The Fix is a remodeling company that specializes in bathroom and kitchen home improvement projects. They service the Dallas and Fort Worth metro area. At Your Door Floors is a flooring store that sells and installs floor materials like tile, hardwood, carpet and laminate.
If you are in need of an excellent and guaranteed service from professionals at a price that is within your budget, visit their websites at http://www.puttingonthefix.com and http://www.atyourdoorfloors.com. Free consultations are also available.

Brian Heltzel