From the Floors Up

Question 10 In the Series Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring

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Today we are answering the last  question in the 1o part series: Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring.

Question: Won’t it be cheaper if I buy my floors and install them myself?

Answer: It certainly can be cheaper to install flooring yourself, but there are a few things to keep in mind about the overall decision.

Some flooring installation require specialized tools. These tools can be expensive to buy and / or complicated and dangerous to use if you are not familiar with them.

If a floor type such as ceramic tile is installed improperly, often the only way to repair it is to remove the floor and start over in which case you end up buying the material twice! In other cases, it can cost more for a professional to repair damage done during a DIY installation that it would have to have it professionally installed from the beginning.

Improper installation techniques can also result in the warranty being voided.

If you are typically a handy person and are comfortable with tools, a do it yourself installation may be for you. Just be sure to weigh all of the possible consequences before making that decision!

Question 9 In the Series Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring

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Today we are answering the ninth question in the 1o part series: Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring.

Question:

Should I use the same floor that my mother/neighbor/best friend used because it sure looks good in her house?

Answer:

You should only have the same floor as someone else if you have the same floor plan, on the same lot, with the same lifestyle, the same taste and the same budget. Not a likely situation, right?

Choosing the right flooring for your home depends on a variety of factors such as:

  • Room size and layout
  • Amount of light available in the room
  • Lifestyle (kids, pets, elderly parents)
  • Amount of time you plan to spend in the home
  • Personal design style and taste
  • Style of the home
  • Budget
  • Activity planned for the room
  • Other design elements in the room such as wall color, furniture, art, etc.

It can seem like such a good idea when you see a floor in someone else’s home that looks really nice and to just assume that because it works for them that it will work for you. You may very well need or want the exact same type of flooring as someone else, but please be sure to consider the factors above before making that decision and also be sure not to expect the floor to look exactly the same in your home.

Avaire Interlocking Floating Porcelin Tiles

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That’s right – you read it correctly….. interlocking floating porcelain tiles.

Avaire, made in Omaha Nebraska, began with a vision 5 years ago to provide consumers with a floor that is much easier to install than traditional, difficult and time consuming methods and a floor that will perform much better when faced with inevitable and natural structural shifts and environmental changes. After extensive research and testing, their vision because a reality with Avaire interlocking floating porcelain featuring their patent pending SnapSys Interloc technology. They are determined to provide the most user friendly, highest quality and best performing floor products.

These real porcelain tiles are designed utilizing the most advanced screen technologies available. What does this mean to you? A real, natural looking stone product at a remarkable price! Also, the installation process is faster and easier. The installation system floats rather than being fixed to the subfloor. (the tile is permanently bonded on an interlocking tray and rubberized base)  This eliminates the need to purchase thin set or backer board that can release dust into the air and allows for easy replacement of tiles should you damage a tile after it is installed. AND YOU CAN GROUT THE SAME DAY saving you time and getting your living conditions back to normal faster. You can even install over existing floors keeping your existing floors out of the landfill or remove it and reuse it later.

If that’s not enough, the tiles are less moisture absorbent than traditional tile which makes it easier to clean.

For those of you that didn’t stop reading at “….which makes it easier to clean.” to go purchase these tiles you may be wondering what the catch is. Are there different styles? Colors? Sizes?

There are different collections giving you a variety of colors,sizes and styles to choose from with 15 coordinating grout colors and transition and trim pieces to complete the job.

Interested in seeing the product? You can order samples here or locate a dealer here. To see what others are saying about Avaire, check out their testimonials. To learn more about their warranty, click here.

If you have used this product in your home or office, send us some pictures and let us know how easy the installation process was!

Carpet Maintenance Quick Tips

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Why is it important to maintain your carpet? What is involved in maintaining carpet? Here are some quick tips to carpet maintenance.

Carpet that is properly maintained:

  • Should last 10-15 years
  • Will look great for its full lifetime
  • Help improve indoor air quality
  • Help adhere to your carpet warranty
  • Prevents you from having to replace prematurely

Three simple steps for proper carpet care – According to the Carpet and Rug Institute:

  1. Vacuum at the right frequency with a CRI-approved vacuum.
  2. with products that do not damage the carpet or cause it to resoil quicker.
  3. Professionally deep clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime.

Preventative Maintenance:

  • Take your shoes off before entering your home
  • Use walk off mats at every entrance
  • Change your air filters (the less dust there is in the air, the less dust that can fall on your carpet!)

Take care of your carpet and it will take care of you (and the environment!)

Things to consider before beginning a flooring project

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There are many things to consider when you are planning a flooring project. There is more to it than selecting a sample, setting an installation date and enjoying your new floors. Below are a few things to consider before beginning a flooring project. Your local retailer will more than likely review these items with you, but it’s best to know as much as you can in advance so that there are as few surprises as possible!

How long is it going to take to complete?
Changing your flooring out can be a bigger deal than you think. If floor prep is involved, that can take time to dry or set up before installing the new floors. Also to consider, the time it will take to remove the old floors. Be sure and not plan parties or events too close to the installation date of your new floors – that will ensure a delay will happen! Unforeseen circumstances can happen with any type of home project.

What areas are adjacent to the desired area?
It is important to consider what floors are adjacent to an area receiving new floors because of the transition height. For example, if you are installing a wood floor next to a vinyl floor there is a height difference that will need a transition strip to address the difference in height. Also to be considered are the heights of the doors. If you are installing a thicker product than previously installed, the doors may need to be trimmed to allow for this height difference.

When will the floor be ready to walk on?
Just because the floors are being installed one day, that doesn’t mean they can be walked on the same day. Ceramic tile, for instance needs time to “set” before being walked on. Other arrangements may need to be made in your home. An example of this may be if you are tiling your kitchen – you may need to make plans to eat out the night the floors are installed!

Will other areas/items be affected?
If you are remodeling a bathroom or replacing existing flooring you may need to consider things like toilet removal and replacement as well as wood trim removal and replacement. Some flooring contractors prefer to have a plumber remove and reset the toilet. This can be an added expense. Another added expense can come with the removal and replacement of wood trim. Often, when wood trim is removed it can splinter or the paint can chip off. This may involve the need for a painter to come in and touch up any areas where paint has been chipped or wood has been damaged.

Care and Maintenance
If you are receiving new floors, do you have the proper care and maintenance products to maintain and care for your new floors? So many people think they can just use whatever they used on their last floor or whatever is under the sink. It is very important to use a care product that the manufacturer recommends or that is approved for your flooring type.

An informed consumer is a happy consumer! Be prepared for all that is involved in a project such as replacement of flooring. These hints and tips will allow you to have a smoother, more pleasurable experience with fewer surprises!

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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