The flooring you choose can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your home, so you need to select flooring that will give your rooms the bespoke style and comfort you want.
You should also think about practical considerations when choosing flooring. For instance, it may be important for you to have flooring that can be easily cleaned or flooring that is highly durable and will last a lifetime.
One option that you’ll undoubtedly want to consider is hardwood flooring. Though, before you start searching for hardwood flooring options, you should know the following seven things.
If you want a highly durable floor, hardwood flooring is your best option.
Unlike softwood flooring, the trees that are grown for hardwood flooring grow much slower, which results in the wood being much denser and stronger than softwoods.
So, hardwood flooring will last a very long time and will require less maintenance than other flooring options. Though, the precise durability will vary by tree species.
2. You Can Choose from Various Types of Hardwood
Oak is widely considered the best hardwood for flooring, due to the fact that it’s very hard and has amazing aesthetic appeal. People also like to use oak flooring in combination with stylish solid oak furniture.
But there are a number of different hardwoods that you could choose for your flooring, so spend some time familiarizing yourself with the different types to see which would suit your home best in terms of visual appeal and practicality.
You could select solid hardwood floors like maple or cherry, which are often popular choices, or you could go for hardwood like ash, walnut, or mahogany.
Hardwood is a moderately warm type of flooring material and it stays at a fairly even temperature throughout the different seasons.
Furthermore, hardwood is compatible with most underfloor heating systems.
4. Hardwood Can Make Noise
One of the few drawbacks of hardwood flooring is this: you may occasionally experience problems with squeaks in the floorboards.
Sometimes, hardwood can even make noises that are loud enough for anyone in the room beneath to hear.
However, if you use underlay padding like foam or cork, you can resolve this potential issue.
5. You Can Choose Either Solid Hardwood or Engineered Hardwood
When shopping for hardwood, you’ll see both solid hardwood and engineered hardwood are available.
The former is, as you’ve probably guessed, completely solid wood. As such, it can easily be sanded and refinished many times. Though, it can be susceptible to changes in humidity.
Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of real hardwood on the surface but it has layers of other wood, usually plywood, underneath. That layered approach gives the flooring excellent stability. Also, some engineered hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished, but only once or twice.
6. You Can Choose Unfinished or Prefinished Hardwood
You also have a choice when it comes to the finish of the hardwood you use.
If you want to stain the hardwood to create a unique hue that matches the colour scheme of your room, you’ll need to buy unfinished hardwood flooring.
Also, unfinished hardwood flooring is a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms because the finish of the flooring will penetrate and seal the floorboards’ seams to help stop water from seeping between the boards.
The other option is prefinished hardwood flooring, which comes already sanded and sealed. If you want to lay your flooring quickly, prefinished hardwood flooring is a good option.
7. Hardwood Flooring Can Vary Greatly in Price
The cost of hardwood flooring will vary depending on the type of hardwood you choose, the amount you need to buy to cover your space, and the company you buy from. It’s worth shopping around to get the best deal for your needs.
This week, hear how to replace two small windows with a large one and learn why cold weather can make propane less effective. (PC Photography, Getty Images/gmnicholas, Getty Images Signature)
Note: Audio from the latest episode of “The Today’s Homeowner Radio Show” is available Sundays after 4 p.m. CST.
Hour 1
Hear how to install laminate flooring around a door jamb, repair cracks in plaster and more.
Installing Laminate Flooring Around Door Jambs
To install laminate flooring around door jambs, you’ll need to trim the jamb with a saw so the flooring can slip under it. (Ocskaymark, Getty Images)
A caller asks: “How do you cut laminate flooring to fit neatly around door jambs in a cased opening between two rooms?”
Most of the time, you’re not cutting the flooring, but you’re cutting the bottom of the jamb where it hits the floor.
A tool called a jamb saw is perfect for doing this. It’s like a circular saw, but the blade is turned 90 degrees so you can easily slide it into the jamb. You can rent one of these from a home center.
If you don’t want to rent a jamb saw, you can take a scrap piece of the flooring and put it on the subfloor against the jamb to get its exact height. If there’s any type of underlayment that goes under the laminate flooring, put that under it as well.
Then, use a reciprocating saw or a hand saw to cut a little bit off of the jamb so the flooring can slip under it. The thickness of the blade should leave enough room for the laminate flooring to expand and contract.
If you see a crack in your plaster, don’t panic! Small cracks can be repaired fairly easily. (Courtesy of Wes Burchell)
“What’s the best way to repair this old plaster wall?
Working with plaster is a little like working with drywall, but the final finish can be tricky to match.
The first thing you need to do is scrape out the crack using the pointed tip of a can opener. What you’re doing is widening that crack into a v-shaped opening to hold more plaster compound. Make it at least a quarter-inch wide.
Then, vacuum the dust out of the crack and clean the surface around it with a damp towel to remove any dust.
Then, you use joint compound or patching plaster to fill in the crack.
Once the crack is patched, prime and paint it to match the rest of the wall. With any paint repair, don’t just paint the repair area. Spread the paint out at least a couple of feet in each direction.
Hear a caller’s Simple Solution suggestion: how to replace two small windows with a large one, and more.
Simple Solution Suggestion
The effervescent action of denture tablets loosens buildup in a drain and makes it easier to flush away. (LdF, Getty Images Signature/laymul, Getty Images)
Diane McClaskey in Missouri has a potential Simple Solution suggestion for cleaning a sink drain.
After removing the pop-up stopper, add six to eight denture cleaning tablets to the drain, and add just a little water. Wait to let the cleaning begin, and add a little water as needed until clean.
The effervescent action will help to break up any dirt or grime and leave your sink sparkling clean!
So why would this work? The main ingredient in denture cleaning tablets is sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda.
Replacing two small windows with a large one is a great way to let in more light and improve your home’s curb appeal. (PC Photography, Getty Images)
A caller wants to replace two small windows with a larger one in her living. There’s a six-inch wall in between the windows, and she was told she needed to put in a header.
“I don’t know how to do this. Can you explain please?” she asks.
When you take a window out, you need to replace it with something to fill that void. A header basically is a 2-by-4 to a 2-by-12. A header spans horizontally above the window to support its weight. This prevents the ceiling joists, roof rafters, and anything above that might be bearing down on the window from sagging.
However, it’s a very tricky project. First, you have to access that area, and that’s done by cutting the drywall or plaster away from the inside above the upper part of the window opening so you’ll have room to cut out whatever’s there and put in the new beam.
Unless you’re very good at carpentry work, I suggest calling a professional to do this. The last thing you want is any sagging on the window down the road.
A professional can also ensure the new window is sealed properly to avoid drafts and energy loss.
Call your local home builder’s association and ask for their recommendations.
Can Cold Temps Damage a Propane Tank?
Cold temperatures can cause propane to become less effective. (gmnicholas, Getty Images Signature)
A caller says: “I have a backup propane tank that I store in my garage. It’s been there for over a year. I can’t get my grill to start with it. Does storing the tank for that long in a cold garage damage it?”
In order to keep propane in a liquid state, it has to be stored under pressure. Cold temperatures can cause the liquid propane to condense, which can then decrease the pressure inside the tank.
Propane turns to a liquid at -42 degrees C; if it gets that cold or colder, the pressure inside your propane tank will drop, eventually reaching a point where it is too low to effectively light a grill or other appliances, according to Lansing Ice and Fuel.
Bring it inside and let it warm up and check the level of gas. When in doubt, take it to get it refilled.
In the future, to keep the pressure higher, keep the tank at least 30 percent full at all times, and use a small insulated frame shelter to protect the tank from colder temperatures.
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Simple Solutions
Using a power drill to wrap nylon string around a spool will speed up the process and lessen the likelihood of tangles. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Fast and Neat Way to Wind String onto a Spool — A spool of nylon string can be used for many things — general crafting, fishing and hunting, and laying mason lines.
The string is easy to unwind off the spool, but it’s not as easy to get back on after you’ve used it. Winding it by hand back onto the spool can lead to tangles and uneven distribution. And eventually, you’ve got an unusable mess that you have to cut up. Here’s a much better, and faster, solution:
Take a screw and drive it through the end of the plastic housing that the spool is on. Then, chuck it into a drill.
Turn on the drill to the lowest setting, and just like that, you can now use the power of the drill to put the line back on the spool.
It only takes a few seconds to wind the nylon string back onto the spool! As you’re winding up the nylon string, slowly move it back and forth along the spool. This way, you don’t overload one side or the other, and the string winds up neatly every time.
A toilet bowl cleaner’s spout makes it perfect for pouring into grout lines. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Inexpensive Alternative to Commercial Grout Cleaners — If you have tile in your home, chances are you’ve spent some time cleaning grout. While there are several grout cleaning products on the market, you might have something in your home right now that works just as well — toilet bowl cleaner.
Regular old toilet bowl cleaner that comes in a squeeze bottle can clean grout! Toilet bowl cleaner contains bleach, so it will not only lighten grout stains, but it will also kill any mold or mildew.
Plus, toilet bowl cleaner is cheaper than grout cleaner.
Have you decided that it’s time to change the flooring? Do you think more modern and durable flooring would fit your house better and make your life easier? Are you looking for a way to boost your property’s resale value?
Homeowners know that floors play a significant role in how homes look because, together with the walls, they act as a canvas for the rest of the interior design. However, over time they become more damaged and deteriorated due to external factors like animals, water, or accidents. From one homeowner to another, we tell you that if you find yourself with lousy flooring, you shouldn’t think twice before replacing it with a new shiny one. You can hire a professional to install it or transform it into a DIY project. No matter what you decide, this is the ideal moment to remodel the flooring before its state worsens and becomes dangerous.
Have a look around the house to determine the kind of flooring that would enhance its design. You can replace your existing flooring with many other types, but before heading to the showroom or ordering it online, try to figure out what flooring would complement the existing interior design. Besides the look, you should also decide the budget you’re working with because a tight budget will allow you to pick from a limited range of options. Once you know how much you can spend, several options are available. Let’s discover the most popular ones.
Wood floors
Hardwood floors are one of the most popular choices among homeowners because they’re timeless and durable. However, not everyone can afford to install hardwood floors because they’re more expensive than the other options. Suppose you want to replace the flooring in a small space like your bedroom, an office, or a hallway, you could opt for the laminate alternative because it’s also durable and looks great, but it’s more affordable than hardwood.
Laminate floors
We already mentioned laminate floors as a worthy alternative to hardwood. They’re another popular type of flooring because they have a vinyl surface and a printed layer. If you prefer a modern look, installing a laminate floor is the best solution because it offers the same feel as hardwood but comes in a wider variety of models, and you can match it to any decorative style.
Carpeting
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution, carpeting is the best option because it’s quite affordable, smooth and soft to the touch. It’s a good idea for homeowners with small children or pets because it prevents injuries due to its thickness and softness. Carpeting offers high durability and comfort if you opt for high-quality materials.
Vinyl
Vinyl or stone are also great flooring options because they’re durable and available in a wide range of shapes and colours. Depending on the material you pick, vinyl can be expensive. However, it’s the ideal solution for a high-traffic space like a bathroom or kitchen.
If you still don’t know which type of flooring to install, here are some factors to consider in the process.
Traffic
Some areas of your home receive more traffic than others and require sturdier flooring to prevent damage in the long run. In an average house, the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and hallway experience the highest amount of traffic compared to the bedrooms, office, or laundry room. The more intense the traffic in a room, the more versatile and durable the flooring should be. In addition, the rooms with the highest traffic require frequent floor cleaning, and it’s best to install flooring that makes it easy to clean and care for.
Durability
Flooring is a home investment because it boosts home value and improves the quality of life. Before picking a flooring option, think about the life expectancy of each type of flooring and decide which one better fits your needs. Vinyl, laminate, and tile flooring are the most long-lasting options and are more durable than other products.
If you have pets or children, look for flooring that withstands damage and extra scuffing because they won’t go easy on it. Also, you might want specific rooms of the house to feature flooring made from tougher materials. Kitchen and bathroom flooring should be water resistant because it’s regularly exposed to moisture and spills.
Room size
It might be surprising to find out that the level and size of the room play a paramount role in the type of flooring you use. Larger rooms usually contain larger pieces of furniture and require more extensive care and maintenance. It’s best to install a low-maintenance flooring solution like laminate or vinyl to clean it easily. For a small room, you should look for light-coloured flooring to make the space feel airier and create an impression of openness.
Adaptability
If you haven’t decided on furniture and decorations, pick the flooring that adapts to any home décor style. Before ordering flooring, think about how your house and life will look in the next five or ten years. In case you plan to have a child or adopt a larger pet, adaptable flooring will help you upgrade it to fit your new needs.
Maintenance requirements
How much time and effort do you intend to put into caring and maintaining the flooring? Do you have time to clean and wash it several times a week? Each flooring option requires a specific kind of vacuuming, polishing, scrubbing, and sealing. As a busy homeowner, you should install easy-to-clean and low-maintenance flooring.
Ready to install new flooring?
Now that you know what types of flooring you can choose from and the factors that impact your decision, you can start researching what the actual process of replacing the old flooring with a new one implies.
Keeping a clean house and carpets is challenging at the best of times but adding children and pets makes keeping on top of things seem impossible. This can create stress and even conflict for parents who often are also working alongside trying to maintain a household. Carpets are often a casualty of the daily household running, being walked on, spilled on, and laid on by humans and pets alike. As a result, carpets are seldom even a consideration, let alone a priority amidst the chaos of life. Between muddy shoes, toddler dinners, sick puppies, and sticky sweeties, carpets take a beating from the average family. But maintaining them need not be a stressor, and with a bit of time and effort, you can keep your carpets clean and have great flooring that can stand the beatings for years to come. In addition, your bank balance will be grateful that you’ve avoided replacing your carpets.
Of course, different carpets and fibres need special care, so always check your manufacturer’s notes to maintain your specific carpet type before adopting any intensive cleaning regime. This is especially important for anything with multiple colours of pattern that have the potential to run. Consider:
Are your carpets made from natural or artificial fibres?
What colour are they, and will any cleaning products affect that?
What style is the carpet, and how deep is the pile?
Are they designed to be dry, steam, or wet cleaned?
To get you started, we’ve added some ideas and tips below to help keep your carpets in shape. But as mentioned, some cleaning tips only apply to certain carpet types, so check yours before you start with any chemicals or more natural cleaning agents.
The first carpet cleaning idea is all about prevention. If things don’t get so dirty, there will be less to clean. Of course, a mess is unavoidable with kids, but setting ground rules that are followed will yield results. Carpet-considerate household rules might include:
Remove all shoes as soon as you come through the door
Have indoor-only slippers for the cooler months
Eat only in a particular area
Only lidded cups are to be used in carpeted rooms
Make a mess on any flooring, and it must be cleaned immediately (or let the adults know)
No doubt you can think of more for your house – whichever you decide, these simple rules will go a long way to keeping your carpets in shape.
Use Rugs & Doormats
Having easily cleanable and easily removable floor coverings is an excellent option in a busy household. This may include doormats outside to catch dirt and debris at the front and back doors before it comes into the house. A thin rug under the pet door does the same job. Rugs and mats and other easily removable floor coverings, on the other hand, can be taken outside for shaking or beating, which can get a lot of the dust and debris that gathers on them out. Always ensure that any removable floor coverings you use are non-slip or appropriately secured to prevent tripping hazards.
Easy Stain Removal Steps
Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash
The most crucial step in stain removal is not to let it sit. Cleaning a mess immediately is the best way to avoid it becoming a stain that causes long-term damage. It sounds so simple, but it’s an effective strategy, as once the stain sets, it’s much harder to clean.
Never rub a spill or stain. Always blot the spill to draw out as much as possible with a towel or paper.
Depending on the substance spilt, baking powder may do the trick to draw it out – especially good if a nappy-less baby has had a whoopsie on the carpet. Baking soda helps draw out the urine smell. Let it sit for a while to absorb, then vacuum it all up, followed by a spray with some white vinegar and a rinse with warm water. Once again, don’t rub; dab.
For mud and the like, dishwashing detergent to one cup of warm water can help. Then, use a cloth soaked in the solution to blot the mud stain until it’s gone.
Have a good carpet cleaner available for everyday messes, especially the likes of spaghetti sauce or chilli.
Making sure to do a carpet shampoo every couple of months will help maintain your carpets and eliminate any lingering stains.
Substances like peanut butter and chewing gum are easy to remove by rubbing ice until it’s frozen. After freezing, the substance can be pulled off the carpet without smearing.
Get Professional Help
Sometimes there is nothing more liberating than throwing your hands up and deciding cleaning is not your bag. This is normal, especially with the busy modern lifestyle, family, and work commitments. A professional cleaning contractor can make all the difference to your life and schedule, ensuring the everyday cleaning is done, including dishes, kitchen and bathrooms, along with the big chores like carpet cleaning, stain removal and hard to get jobs like oven cleaning.
Life can get on top of you, and no matter how hard you try, there are never enough hours in the day to get to all the chores – like carpet cleaning. So, give a company such as Grease Gone a call when you need help or would like a regular domestic cleaner to lighten your load. With their dedicated cleaners on hand, you’ll have a sparkling clean house and never have to worry about ruined carpets again.
There is nothing quite like coming home to a clean house – even if, you know, the kids will mess things up a little while later. Free your time and reclaim your stress levels with a regular deep clean; all you need to do then is the everyday bits in between, which will seem much more manageable with professional help on the rest of it.
If you have tile in your home, chances are you’ve spent some time cleaning grout.
It’s impossible not to end up with dirty grout. Everyday foot traffic and occasionally spills leave behind stains that can be hard to clean.
And while there are several grout cleaning products on the market, you might have something in your home right now that works just as well — toilet bowl cleaner.
That’s right — regular old toilet bowl cleaner that comes in a squeeze bottle can clean grout!
Toilet bowl cleaner contains bleach, so it will not only lighten grout stains, but it will also kill any mold or mildew. Plus, toilet bowl cleaner is a lot cheaper than grout cleaner.
Toilet bowl cleaner is perfect for cleaning grout because of its small spout and thick gel consistency. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Just squeeze it directly into the grout joints. Because it has a gel consistency, it fills up the joint lines and stays put.
Once the lines are saturated in toilet bowl cleaner, let it set for a good 30 to 40 minutes or so. Then, scrub them with a stiff-bristled.
Want to use less elbow grease? Convert a standard hand scrub brush into a power attachment for your drill! Just watch How to Clean Tiles Faster Than Ever to learn how.
After you’re done scrubbing, wipe the surface clean with a microfiber cloth to absorb the cleaner. You can come back later with a little water to clean up the excess toilet bowl cleaner.
Once you’ve cleaned it to your liking, seal the grout lines to keep them cleaner for longer.
