From the Floors Up

How to Seal Natural Stone Floors Yourself

By Leave a Comment

Do you love your natural stone flooring? No doubt, selecting the right flooring that best complements your home was challenging. Now that you have settled on a flooring material, it is time to protect your investment. Unlike traditional flooring materials, natural stone requires special attention so that it keeps its natural glow. Since stone floors are especially vulnerable, you will need to apply a sealant to ensure that it stays intact.

Hiring a flooring expert to do the job for you is excellent, but if it is not in the budget, it is something you can complete yourself. To help, here is how you can achieve professional results when sealing your natural stone floors:

Materials 

  • Stone sealant that has been manufacturer-recommended for your specific stone floors 
  • Vacuum cleaner 
  • Cloth 
  • A soft bristle brush 
  • Residue Remover 
  • Pair of gloves 

Begin by Cleaning

Before you begin sealing your stone floors, you will have to conduct a thorough cleaning of your floors. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust, and be sure to get the corners as well. Next, use a mild cleaning solution to clean the floors further. Instead of using a mop, dip a cloth into the solution and wipe the floors until they are spotless. Just remember, using harsh materials during the cleaning process can erode the natural stone. Instead, use a residue cleaner to remove stubborn stains. After you have cleaned the floors, you will need to make sure the floors are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Select Your Sealant

Next, it is time to select a sealant that is right for your natural stone floors, and that fits your personal taste. The sealant should be derived from fluoropolymer technology. Make sure you purchase a sealant that is compatible with your stone flooring. For example, do you want to achieve a glossy or matte finish? There are sealants on the market that can provide you with either look.

The Type of Stone Matters

What type of stone flooring are you utilizing? Because the sealing method is mainly dependant on the stone type. Terracotta, limestone, and sandstone should be sealed before it is installed, and tile grouting takes place. Apply sealant to the front, back and side surfaces. Marble, travertine, and granite have to be sealed at the top and edges. These stone types can be sealed after they have been laid and grouted.

Applying the Sealant

While wearing your gloves, you can apply the sealant solution with a paintbrush to the floors. To create a polished look, apply the sealant in the same direction. Just remember that the sealant needs a couple of hours to cure.

Voila, you successfully sealed your natural stone floors! You can expect the sealant to last for at least five years before you will need to redo the process. If you have any questions, please leave us a comment.

Measuring for Flooring and Its Variables

By 2 Comments

Many companies will come out and measure before installing flooring – this is not because you are naïve and do not know how to measure a room. In fact, it is to ensure they order enough flooring for your project. Every room will come with its own variables, and in many situations, you need to know more than the square footage of a room. While linear footage can help give your flooring company a general idea, there are still many variables to consider. Here is a brief look at why measuring flooring can have many variables:

Carpet

When carpet is manufactured, it is typically created on a large roll. These rolls are traditionally 12-feet in width and can be up to 300-feet in length. The size of your room determines how much length you will need. So, if your room is below 12 feet in width, you will just order for the length.

  • Example: 11×11 Bedroom will call for a 12×11 roll of carpet
  • Example: 10×14 Bedroom will call for a 12×14 roll of carpet

However, what happens when you have a room that is 16×14 can completely change the equation. A room over 12-foot will need to be seamed. Carpet is directional, which means it needs to run the same way to be installed correctly. So, a room that is 16×14 could be complete with two 12×16 piece rolls; however, there would be a substantial amount of wasted product! So, these areas are created by making cross seams.

Carpet can also be calculated out differently depending on how many rooms or the shape of the rooms being done. Some rooms may be L-shaped. There are several variables that can go into the exact measurement needed for carpet.

Tile, Hardwood, & LVP

Prepackage flooring that comes in boxes can be a little simpler to figure out the measurements. If a box says it contains 27 square feet of material and you are doing a room that is 100 square feet, you will need four boxes. Unfortunately, the problem arises when you have an area that is just over a box amount. Let us say you have a box of LVP that covers 20 square feet, and your room is exactly 100 square feet. Would this mean you need five boxes of LVP? Not quite because you need to calculate waste. In these situations, you will most likely need to invest in six boxes of flooring. Also, some products may come damaged from the manufacturer with a broken tile or a splintered piece of hardwood. Calculating a little heavy is always a safe bet.

If a company asks to come out and measure, it is best you have them do so to help keep your quote exact. With many variables from transitions to installation, a trained eye is best. This can help assure that you are getting just the right amount of flooring.

Are You Thinking of Using Mosaic Tiles?

By Leave a Comment

Do you find yourself looking at your kitchen and bathrooms and realize they need special attention? If so, or your taste and style have changed, mosaic tiles are a great place to start jazzing up your dated home design!

If you have a plain ceramic tile backsplash and plain ceramic tile shower enclosure, they tend to become dull and lifeless over time. Mosaic tiles can transform your home’s surfaces into an artistic canvas that pops with style and boldness! There are so many options available, and mosaic tiles are the perfect choice to liven up your design style.

When shopping for mosaic tile, there are various materials to choose from, like porcelain, slate, and glass. We are going to concentrate on glass mosaic tiles due to their versatility and multiple advantages shown below:

Numerous Options are Available

Your local tile stores will have a large assortment of glass mosaic tiles. They are available in almost every color and various styles. Some will have a metallic look, and others will look like mirrors.

Visual Appeal

Glass mosaic tiles have a luminous, mirror-like look or a translucent, pearl look that creates a stylish, high-end design look. Do not overlook upgrading your current lighting to enhance them and play off the reflection of the new tiles.

Design Flexibility

Glass mosaic tiles do not have only to be used in kitchens and baths. These tiles can be used in conjunction with wood, metal, and stone elements in various applications. Many pieces of wall artwork or furniture pieces contain these fabulous jewels that push the piece over the top. They can do the same for your home.

Durable, Easy Maintenance & Environmentally Friendly

Glass mosaic tiles are strong and resistant to most chemicals. They are easy to clean and maintain because of their smooth, non-porous surface. They do not stain while dirt and grease can be wiped away quickly with a cloth. Plus, many glass mosaic tiles are eco-friendly and recycled tiles.

Drawbacks

Glass mosaic tiles are often more expensive than ceramic and slate tiles. Depending on the pattern, the maintenance is more – due to a detailed pattern when installing.

What are your thoughts on glass mosaic tiles? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

Exterior Stone Siding Options

By 1 Comment

If you are looking for a more luxurious siding option for your home, consider adding stone. This is more durable than traditional wood or vinyl siding and is quite elegant. There are several different stone sidings to consider adding to your home. Here are the most commonly used and some expectations that come along with them.

Solid Stone Siding

Utilizing solid stone siding is a way to keep your siding the most authentic. This siding is not manufactured or compressed and is delivered in its most legitimate form. The drawback homeowners typically face with this product is its weight. While these stones can create an absolutely stunning appearance, the weight of the rocks can affect the cost of product, labor, and delivery. However, if you are interested in this product, it is an extremely durable and beautiful exterior investment for your home.

Cultured Stone Siding

On the other side of the spectrum is cultured stone siding. This is a much more common option for homeowners due to the manufacturing process, eliminating some of the negative effects of solid stone. You can save money on weight and delivery as well as an installation with this option. These stones are created with cement replicas of stones that are still very durable but significantly lighter.

Polyurethane Faux Stone Panels

Do not let the word “faux” push you away from this look. Polyurethane faux stone paneling comes in very realistic replicas. Though not real stone, this process of composing polyurethane creates a very sturdy and dense mimicking stone. Being much lighter, it is easier to install and less expensive for delivery. These come in panels, which makes installation less costly as well. If you are considering stone, look into this fantastic alternative to create the look at a more affordable cost.

There are many different options to consider when siding your home. Stone is truly an eye-catcher that can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal. If you are considering this option, look into the many different styles, kinds, and variations to see which is best tailored for your home and budget. For more exterior home insight, make sure to subscribe!

What Is Schluter Systems?

By Leave a Comment

Schluter Systems® is an innovation of the future. Wherever you want tile in your home, you can use Schluter. This underlying tile protection is a remarkable discovery and proves to be one of the leading choices for consumers. Schluter Systems® is incredibly durable and practically indestructible without taking away from the beauty of your floors. If we do not have you intrigued yet, imagine it working with an array of endless designs, colors, textures, and sizes for you to choose. This easy-to-maintain protectant is an excellent investment for your home, and we are here to share why.

Versatility

Upon being absolutely remarkable, Schluter Systems® has exceptionally versatile products. From your bathrooms to your kitchen, Schluter can make your home a luxurious escape. They have changed the industry with their ground-breaking design. You can use the Schluter System in your shower without having to worry about the growth of mold or tile cracking. Schluter has reduced the water and vapor penetration that leads to mold growth in showers. Can you imagine being able to have stunning tilework without having to worry about the potential hazards like mold or cracking? 

Not only is it perfect for your bathrooms, but you can expand the luxury into the rest of your home with heated floors. One of the significant drawbacks of tile is having cold feet, but not anymore. You can have the luxurious look of ceramic or stone tile while having your feet heated and warmed. 

Maintenance

Schluter Systems® has made maintaining their products simple and easy for consumers. Since tile floors are one of the easiest floors to maintain, you can have ease of mind with this extraordinary product. 

Durability

The durability of Schluter Systems is one of our favorite features. Recently, owning tile floors that look like wood has become a popular trend. Now, you can have the gorgeous look of wood with exquisite durability. There is no need to worry about spilling water because Schluter Systems® is exceptionally durable and waterproof. This feature makes having Schluter Systems® in any room more feasible and captivating for consumers. 

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!

Recent Comments

Subscribe

Enter your email address to receive new post notifications via email.