Archive: Flooring & Ceiling

Installing Hardwood below Grade

Flooring in home is categorized into three parts: below grade, on grade and above grade. Below grade means the flooring is installed below the ground level of the home. This area is prone to absorb moisture from several sources like leaks in plumbing works, water run off and similar other factors. For such areas it is advisable to avoid the use of hardwood flooring as the moisture will degrade hardwood and cause decay of the flooring.

People who like to make use of hardwood flooring should opt for engineered wood floor. Engineered wood is suitable for below grade installation and has capacity to resist moisture up to certain extent. But it cannot be protected from decay from conditions like flooding. It is consisting of many layers of real wood and plastic laminated between it. To increase the stability, the layers of wood are placed above one another at right angle.

Is It Possible to Level a Bathroom Floor?

The method to be used for leveling bathroom depends on whether there is some space available below the bathroom like sub floor or basement. If this is the case then leveling of bathroom flooring is easy but if there are no space then self leveling products has to be used. The second method is very easy and saves lot of time but it is costly as compared to the first. Only one bag of sack mix will not do, so order in considerable amount to get the work done properly.

After completing the leveling, wonder board or hard backer has to be installed. To prevent the damage done by moisture, make use of felt roofing to create a barrier for moisture between the floor and board. After use of roofing belt, install chicken wire into the mud, then put more amount of mud and level the flooring. Once this is done put tile on the bathroom floor and your flooring work will get completed.

Caring For Hardwood Floors

Hard wood floors are a common household design for many homes. They not only function effectively but also provide aesthetic value to the home. To make these benefits last, homeowners need to take god care of the hardwood floors. Caring for the floor goes beyond the daily cleaning. Daily cleaning should be carried out using a soft bristle broom or dust mopped or can be vacuumed so as to remove grit and dust from the surface.

Homeowners need to know the type of flooring and finish they wooden floor has and rely on the specific instructions availed by manufacturers. They should avoid dragging furniture and leaving water and other spills for long because this will damage not only the finish but the wood itself. Close curtains and blind or use sheer drapes to prevent the sun damaging the floor and also avoid using oil soaps as they will build up and create problems when you need to put a maintenance coat.

Floor design

nullThere are a huge variety of floor designs available in the market that will amaze you with their fashionable look and amazing texture. Lets look at some of the options in floor design:

Natural stone floor: Marble and limestone are widely preferred for floor designs. They are expensive and need no extraordinary maintenance as such. Their look is pristine, calling for appreciation.

Hardwood floor: Hardwood flooring is a common type floor design that has bettered in every respect. They come with a durable coating that may last for almost 20 years!

Ceramic tiled floor: Being less expensive and easily installable, these are always preferred for flooring. Available in a wide range of least absorbent, most absorbent and semi absorbent, these tiles have great patterns and colors that match the interiors of your home.

Different types of floorings can really transform your home. To give a cozy look, you may even place carpets and area rugs in different shades of color.