Choose Luxury Vinyl for Your Home

Craving for the perfect blend and functionality flooring for your home? Consider the luxury vinyl plank flooring from F&F Floor Covering & Carpet, it is more durable than the other types

If you are looking for a kind of flooring that has a perfect blend of style and functionality, a luxury vinyl plank is the only choice.

Most luxury vinyl plank flooring has a ribbed, hand scraped or finish with registered embossing, which is very much impressive.

A smooth finish is also available although the one with registered embossing can be more realistic, which gives the plank a more wood look and style by adding texture to go along with the color and wood species.

Luxury vinyl plank is not only fashionable but is also more durable and tougher compared to hardwood and laminate floors. It can handle scratches and water issues well.

If you are planning to use luxury vinyl planks in your home, choose the best type because not all are created the same. Consider purchasing those that are thick to be sure these are long-lasting, water proof, hypoallergenic, and with a built-in mold and mildew inhibitor.

Luxury vinyl planks can be installed using these two methods – predominate and self-adhering.

Predominate makes use of a full spread adhesive. But installing this can be hard and a little tricky hence it is not recommended as a do-it-yourself project.

In self-adhering, the planks stick to each other, not the floor. But not all manufacturers offer this kind of planks. Only Konnecto, Armstrong Luxe, and Amtico have available types.

Since the predominant method of installing luxury vinyl planks is not recommended as a do-it-yourself project, you need to hire a company who can do the installation for you.

In Henry County, there’s only one-floor specialist who can do it for you – F&F Floor Covering and Carpet.
F&F Floor Covering and Carpet is a one-stop shop for all of your flooring needs – from luxury vinyl planks and tiles to carpets, hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl.

As the company celebrates over 50 years of flooring services in the Henry County area and surrounding counties, it is offering you the best selection of flooring products from well-known manufacturers such as Artisan Mills Flooring, Armstrong Flooring, Beaulieu, Bruce, Dream Weaver, Harris Wood, Mannington, M S International Inc., Shaw Floors, Tarkett, Tuftex and US Floors.

F&F Floor Covering and Carpet is serving clients in Atlanta, Newman, Conyers, Covington, Stockbridge, McDonough, Griffin, Monticello and Macon.

Contact us for a free estimate.

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Why Have Carpet in Your Home

Carpets sold today are far more different than the ones available a few years ago. For one, the designs and styles are far more luxurious than before. And there are more available types today, thanks to new technologies that made us more updated with the modern world.

This is the reason why most homeowners prefer to use carpet in their homes, especially in the bedroom.

We need to have a good night’s sleep so we can wake up feeling energized. And since we spend a lot of time in our bedroom, it is important that the room is comfortable and cozy, particularly the flooring.

Soft floors can create a more serene environment. It gives us a feeling of comfort, contentment, and relaxation.

At night, we sleep on a soft and warm bed. But it may be a shocking feeling to step on a cold hardwood floor the moment we wake up. That’s why carpet can be a good choice for your bedroom’s flooring.

Carpet flooring is all the more recommended in children’s bedrooms because kids tend to become restless when they sleep and are prone to falling. You can sleep soundly in the other room knowing that your kids are safe while they sleep.

But perhaps one of the most logical reasons why carpets are the better choice in bedroom flooring is that it doesn’t wake you up even if someone is clomping through the room because carpets absorb noise. Hardwood tends to produce an echo of your footsteps which may wake you up in the middle of the night.

Carpets are safe too. Even if you slip, you will surely feel no pain because carpets act like cushions.

You can also use carpets in any other areas of the house where children usually converge to prevent accidents, especially if there are infants around.

For a safer home, change your flooring into carpets. And at F&F Floor Covering & Carpet, you can choose the carpet that best suits your style and home.

When it comes to carpet, F&F has you covered. From installation and removal to restretching, you can count on it to turn your home into a wonderland.

F&F Floor Covering carries quality brands of carpets from well-known manufacturers. There is Beaulieu which offers fabulous patterns and colors of carpets in nine collections that have been designed with today’s active lifestyles in mind.

Beaulieu knows that carpet is the ultimate in comfort, the perfect foundation on which to build your room.

Your house is full of distinct personalities so Dream Weaver is out to provide you with the choices you deserve to ensure that each room of your house has exactly the right carpet.

Shaw Floors offers more than 300 styles and color combination of carpets. You can style your home in contemporary elegance, classic beauty, and durable design.

There are so many carpet designs and styles that you can choose from F&F Floor Covering. Call now for a free estimate.

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Laminate is a Cheap Alternative

Laminate flooring, also called as floating wood tile, is a kind of flooring material that is made up of four layers that are fused together through a lamination process, hence the term “laminate.”

The four layers of laminate flooring include balance layer, core layer, thin layer and wear layer.

The balance layer, which is the bottom part, rests on the subflooring and has moisture resistant properties while the core layer is the thickest layer which is made of high-density fiberboard.

The thin layer is where the pattern is printed while the wear layer is also thin in nature and is made of melanin resin that protects the pattern and the plank itself.

These layers undergo a high-temperature and high-pressure process to form a laminate sheet. This sheet is then cured and later cut into strong, stable and attractive planks.

Laminate flooring can either be direct pressure laminate and high-pressure laminate.

Commercial clients usually go for high-pressure laminate since it is stronger and much more durable, although a little expensive. But the money is worth spending on this type of flooring is sure to last long. That’s why some homeowners also use this kind of laminate flooring.

But talking about prices, laminate flooring is still the best choice since it is far cheaper than hardwood flooring.

If you are going to use laminate flooring for your house, choose the thicker ones because they absorb sound better and you will literally feel walking more on a solid floor.

Aside from being less expensive, laminate flooring is also durable, hygienic because several brands contain the antimicrobial resin, easy to maintain and easy to install. You can even install the flooring yourself.

But if you are planning to change your flooring into laminated ones, avoid stressing yourself from doing the installation yourself. You can always hire a professional installer who knows exactly how to do it.

And when it comes to laminate flooring, F&F Floor Covering and Carpet has you covered, from sales to installation. You don’t have to worry about how to go about the process of installation because F&F is an expert on this.

If you purchase a laminate flooring with one layer that is substandard, expect to have a flooring that can’t withstand wear and tear. But at F&F Floor Covering and Carpet, you are assured that what you will buy is of top-most quality because the company carries laminate flooring brands from well-known manufacturers.

Buy the best laminate flooring materials from F&F Flooring, your one-stop shop for all of your flooring needs. Join the company as it celebrates over 50 years of service to clients in the Henry County and surrounding counties. Call now for your orders.

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Why You Should Choose Carpet

Carpets sold today are far more different than the ones available a few years ago. For one, the designs and styles are far more luxurious than before. And there are more available types today, thanks to new technologies that made us more updated with the modern world.
This is the reason why most homeowners prefer to use carpet in their homes, especially in the bedroom.
We need to have a good night’s sleep so we can wake up feeling energized. And since we spend a lot of time in our bedroom, it is important that the room is comfortable and cozy, particularly the flooring.
Soft floors can create a more serene environment. It gives us a feeling of comfort, contentment, and relaxation.
At night, we sleep on a soft and warm bed. But it may be a shocking feeling to step on a cold hardwood floor the moment we wake up. That’s why carpet can be a good choice for your bedroom’s flooring.
Carpet flooring is all the more recommended in children’s bedrooms because kids tend to become restless when they sleep and are prone to falling. You can sleep soundly in the other room knowing that your kids are safe while they sleep.
But perhaps one of the most logical reasons why carpets are the better choice in bedroom flooring is that it doesn’t wake you up even if someone is clomping through the room because carpets absorb noise. Hardwood tends to produce an echo of your footsteps which may wake you up in the middle of the night.
Carpets are safe too. Even if you slip, you will surely feel no pain because carpets act like cushions.
You can also use carpets in any other areas of the house where children usually converge to prevent accidents, especially if there are infants around.
For a safer home, change your flooring into carpets. And at F&F Floor Covering & Carpet, you can choose the carpet that best suits your style and home.
When it comes to carpet, F&F has you covered. From installation and removal to re-stretching, you can count on it to turn your home into a wonderland.
F&F Floor Covering carries quality brands of carpets from well-known manufacturers. There is Beaulieu which offers fabulous patterns and colors of carpets in nine collections that have been designed with today’s active lifestyles in mind.
Beaulieu knows that carpet is the ultimate in comfort, the perfect foundation on which to build your room.
Your house is full of distinct personalities so Dream Weaver is out to provide you with the choices you deserve to ensure that each room of your house has exactly the right carpet.
Shaw Floors offers more than 300 styles and color combination of carpets. You can style your home in contemporary elegance, classic beauty, and durable design.
There are so many carpet designs and styles that you can choose from F&F Floor Covering. Call now for a free estimate.

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Choose Carpet for a Cozy Home

Carpets are one accessory that can add beauty to your home. They would also tend to help keep your environment warm during cooler months.

If correctly installed and properly cared and maintained, carpets can last around 20 years. It can be used either indoor or outdoor.

Carpets come in a lot of designs, styles, colors, and types. And new materials and techniques have been used that made today’s carpets more durable against wear and tear of the modern world.

As a homeowner, you should carefully select the best carpet that would complement the overall look, style, and design of your house.

Almost all carpets are made with synthetic fibers, nylon, and olefin (polypropylene). But the majority of homeowners choose olefin since it can be used both indoor and outdoor though others also prefer synthetic carpets since they are easy to maintain.

Synthetics are often blended for added durability and ease of maintenance. Among the most common synthetic carpets used today are made from acrylic and polyester.

As to the styles of carpeting, the most popular one available today is the cut pile since it can be cut to any length depending on the client’s preference.

Some homeowners also prefer loop pile carpeting because it is easy to maintain though needs to be vacuumed regularly to prevent soil from getting inside the loops.

Meticulous homeowners often prefer patterned loop carpets because they can create any design, which is usually geometric in nature.

But those who are on a tight budget usually choose Berber carpeting because it is relatively inexpensive and is stain resistant. This type is also best for high traffic areas in the house because it is durable.

Still, others choose the loop and cut pile carpets which create an informal and cozy look, and the more luxurious type plush or velvet.

To make the carpet more durable, an underlying pad should be installed to make the carpet more comfortable while helping reduce wear and tear.

But whatever type and design of carpet you want to install on your house, you need the help of a company who has expert installers and a wide range of carpets to choose from.

You can install the carpet yourself but it may not be as good as what you expect so better hire a professional installer.

F&F Floor Covering & Carpet carries all the carpet designs and styles that can certainly add a more luxurious look to your home.

When it comes to carpet, F&F has you covered — from installation and removal to re-stretching, they can do it all. Contact F&F Floor Covering & Carpet now for a free quote.

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Pick tile to give your home a luxurious feel

If you have a beautiful house, you won’t surely feel ashamed of inviting your friends to come over for a party or to have an afternoon coffee break. This is not to sound boastful, but it feels good to have invested in a house that you dreamt of having ever since.
It’s pretty normal to do improvements or renovations on your house even if the interiors and exteriors still look okay. After all, you are spending your own money for it, not from anyone else.
If you are planning to have a house makeover, make sure to change your home’s flooring to a more beautiful and luxurious type. The flooring is one part of the house that can easily catch attention from anyone who comes in.
And if the existing tiles of your house are not that attractive anymore, change them with top-of-the-line styles and designs from F&F Floor Covering & Carpet, a one-stop shop for all of your flooring needs.
Tile flooring is durable and cost effective. It’s a long-lasting investment that all homeowners should consider when constructing or renovating a new house.
When damaged or broken, tiles are easy to repair and replace.
Tiles come in so many different sizes and colors. The ceramic type has been proven to last a lifetime, adding a resale value to your home. And tiles can match any home design, décor or motif.
Tiles can also go with another flooring too, imaginably creating large open spaces into smaller living areas.
When it comes to tiles, F&F has you covered. It carries different types and styles of tiles from well-known brands.
You can choose NextFloor Carpet Tiles from Artisan Mills Flooring, which is available in different collections – clouds, invincible, continuum, streamline, development and progression.
Or you may prefer luxury vinyl tiles from Armstrong Flooring and Mannington, which are beautifully designed and durable.
You can also choose the easy and versatile carpet tiles from Beaulieu, which will give you the comfort of a carpet but with the convenience of individual tiles.
MS International has a wide assortment of tile colors and choices such as granite, marble, travertine, porcelain, slate, limestone, onyx, ceramic, quartzite and sandstone, which are available in unique shapes and patterns.
But Shaw Floors has great collections of tiles with sleek styles in a variety of colors and patterns, making you watch every step you make on the floor.
Whatever tile color and style you want for your house, you can get it from F&F Floor Covering & Carpet.

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What Are the Benefits of Carpet Flooring?

here are many benefits of using carpet flooring instead of other types of floor coverings available on the market today. The main benefit is comfort, a carpet or a rug adds an area where you can walk in light shoes or even bare foot with ease. The softness of carpets compared with other forms of floor coverings is obviously their main unique selling point.  However there are other benefits of using carpets when decorating a room such as the ability to add light and mood by choosing colors and patterns to compliment furniture, wallpaper and lighting. 

Other Floor Coverings Available

There are many other options to consider when considering whether or not to use carpet flooring in your home such:

• Laminate Flooring
• Rugs & Carpet Runner Flooring
• Ceramic Tile Flooring
• Vinyl Flooring

All of these floor surface options have their own benefits in terms of their environmental impact, ease of installation and of course cost. Some people prefer to have natural floors in their homes such as varnished floorboards. Though this option is attractive to look at, it suffers in terms of being cold to walk on and does not retain heat as well as carpet flooring.

Fitted Carpets Flooring

If you choose to decorate your home with carpet flooring you have several options available to you. You can choose to have fully fitted carpets, lay a large carpet in the center of the room with areas around the edge not covered by carpet or choose to use carpet runners in areas of the room. The flexibility of carpets as a flooring solution allows you to design your room how you want it, so if you want to make a feature such as a dining table or a fire place the main focal point, you can use carpeting to lead the eye to those areas of the room.

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Tile Flooring Ideas: Giving Your Floor Personality

With advancements and innovations in home design as well as expanding creativity and style, tile flooring ideas now go beyond the bathroom and the kitchen. In the more traditional days, tiles were only used in rooms with a lot of moisture, traffic, rough and tumble. Now, you can use tiles to beautify your living room, make your bedroom more dramatic and so on. With tiles having so many different textures, colors and designs, the possibilities are also endless for tile flooring ideas. 

You can go with one kind of tile when you want flooring that is durable and beautiful. You can also mix and match different materials too. Together with your imagination and creativity, you can create a flooring design that’s unique to your home and give the rooms of your house a great personality, your personality. To make sure you utilize the wide selection of tile flooring ideas, you have to know about the various kinds of tiles that you can work with to install on your floor.

First, you have porcelain tiles. These tiles are made by firing at high temperatures. They are also very dense and moisture resistant. You can purchase porcelain in a variety of shades and colors. Porcelain tiles are the most expensive though but with them you have tile flooring ideas that can mimic stone and other materials.

You also have ceramic tiles. This kind of tile is the inexpensive way to achieve the look of granite or marble floors. They can give the effect of having water on your floors that’s oh so dramatic. Another kind of tile you can use as flooring is metal tile. These are either industrial gratings or stainless steel. If you want your floor to have the look of brass, bronze or steel, this is the one to go for. You can mix and match this tile with other kinds of tiles to accent the floor and create a point of interest in the room.

One of the most traditional flooring ideas to go for is using terracotta tiles. You can get a handcrafted look for your floors with this kind of tile. You can use it in the regular square shape or get ones in octagon shapes, etc. Put a picture on your floors with mosaic tiles. You can make a pattern or lay them out randomly for a unique design. Lastly, you’ve got glass tiles. These can be used as tile flooring ideas to give a quality finished look to any room.

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Discover the Excellent Quality of Luxury Vinyl Planks for Your Home

Whenever someone is considering doing a makeover on their home, inevitably, one of the first places they look at to start with is the kitchen. It is the one room that can literally be made over “out of the box”, with the help of cabinet fronts, countertops and even flooring able to be purchased directly from a home improvement warehouse on the cheap. The thing is, however, that not all reasonably priced flooring available in those boxes are durable enough for the kitchen, let alone any other room in the house. Luxury vinyl planks, on the other hand, are just as reasonable in price, and even more durable than any flooring tiles you can get on the cheap. 

Best Suited for High Traffic Areas

More resilient than even some vinyl tiles, luxury vinyl planks are perfect for any high traffic area in your home, even beyond the kitchen. Anywhere that sees a lot of traffic on a daily basis, from children to pets, and especially anywhere that has the chance of being scuffed, scratched, and having all kinds of things spilled on it, just cries out for this versatile new product to be installed.

Very resilient and known for its ability to bounce back from any damage caused to it, this plank flooring is quickly becoming a popular alternative to laminate floor materials and even vinyl tiles. Heavy objects will not hurt it, as it does not buckle or warp easily, and keeps the floor looking new no matter how long it has been there. It is also highly stain-resistant, and will not absorb any liquids spilled on. This makes quick cleanups a snap, without having to use any harsh chemicals that could mar its shine. Just wipe and go, from spaghetti to mud to wine, no problem.

Easy to Install

Unlike linoleum or laminate floor materials, and even some other kitchen flooring, vinyl planks do not require you to completely remove the old flooring before installing the new. As long as the surface of the old floor is reasonably level, the vinyl planks can be cut to size prior to installation, and secured in place with simple adhesives.

To finish the look, have some base molding put in place to cover the seams between the flooring and the wall, and you are good to go. The adhesive used dries quickly, and your new floor can be installed within the hour by professionals, and even the most ardent do-it-yourself hobbyist will not be spending the entire day laying tile, unless he wants to.

Easy On the Eyes and Easy To Maintain

Unlike other flooring options on the market today, like wood planks and ceramic tiles, vinyl planks require very little in their care and upkeep. Generic cleaning supplies that do not contain a lot of harsh chemicals or bleach will do for mopping purposes, and will even give you a chance to go green in your selections. You cannot degrade its stain-resistance unless you put a lot of bleach or other chemicals to use. Other than the occasional mopping session, a broom or dust mop will do just fine for keeping it clean.

Best of all, no one will know that it is luxury vinyl planks unless they either touch the surface, or you tell them. You can get these vinyl floors in whatever style you choose, and they can be made to look like anything from hardwoods to stone and even marble, if you wish. They do not look fake like some laminates might, and your home gains a whole new look in the process. And, thanks to their low cost and durability, you can have them installed in any room you wish to upgrade for far less than the real thing.

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The Benefits of Laminate Floor Cleaning

There are more than a few reasons why the use of laminate flooring has caught on so quickly, among them the easy installation, its durability and its ease in maintenance and cleaning. Most floors are warranted from between 10 to 25 years, depending on the brand, and by using a few simple tips on cleaning a laminate floor, it can turn out to look as good as new during the lifetime of the warranty and beyond. While laminate flooring may present the impression of being made of hardwood, it is important to remember the construction when using the tips on cleaning a laminate floor.

Laminate flooring is made simply by using three or more layers of fiberboard impregnated with resins and waterproofing chemicals f or strength and the resistance to water damage and staining. The outer layer is basically a thin applique, which is what gives the flooring its visual appeal. For tips on cleaning a laminate floor and to facilitate it retain its luster, understanding the surface qualities can reveal how easy it can be to maintain. 

The outer layer can be without difficulty scratched and keeping sand, gravel or other small, harsh particle off the floor is one of the main tips on cleaning a laminate floor. Using a vacuum cleaner or a soft padded broom can also keep the surface from becoming scratched, creating a dull finish. Using throw rugs at entryways can help capture most of these, but in the event some do get through the rug, they will need to be promptly cleaned.

While laminate flooring is intended to be waterproof, wet mopping can in fact cause damage to the floor. Further tips on cleaning a laminate floor include not using any type of abrasive cleaners, scrubbing pads or sandpaper on the surface as it will scratch the surface. Even small particles of dirt will also create tine cuts and grooves that can quickly fill with dirt and make the floor dull and lifeless.

Many people also places furniture pads under heavy furniture to prevent scratching, but with today’s laminate materials it is not always required. On the other hand, placing a pad under furniture or not scraping it across the floor will add to the floor’s life. Among the tips on cleaning a laminate floor take account of regular dusting in addition to the vacuuming, but the vacuums with a brush should not be used. The dirt should be vacuumed up and not moved around by a beater bar.

An ancient proverb argues so as to “cleanliness is next to godliness.” Undeniably, this saying could apply to our clothing, our vehicle, or our home! Keeping our investments clean help prevents unwanted substances and bugs from appearing. If we sporadically maintain products from the moment we purchase or install them, they can maintain the same appearance for several years or even decades. Especially, floor cleaning, such as laminate floor cleaning, remains as one of the most difficult items to maintain in our homes. Nevertheless, caring for a floor properly will help maintain a new appearance, increase its life, and prevent damage.

The very first step in laminate floor cleaning actually requires no cleaning. As soon as you enter your home, make it a habit to remove your shoes. The undersides of your shoes contain some substances that you had treaded over outside, including dirt, oil, and bubble gum. In addition, the base of your feet contains oils, so it is sensible to wear socks or slippers inside your home.

Preventing unnecessary substances from being tracked on your floor will make laminate floor cleaning exceedingly more easy. Before mopping the floor, sweep the surface.

Subsequently, before you begin your laminate floor cleaning, get ready a mixture of 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar per each gallon of water. In the past, you may have used vegetable oil on your floor. If that is the case, then increase the ratio to one cup of vinegar for each gallon of water. Vegetable oil cleaners should be avoided as they leave deposits onto the wood flooring. This will ultimately destroy the sealant.

Why is vinegar strongly recommended? As we know that water has alkaline, this can create water spots on wood floors. The vinegar functions as a neutralizer of the alkaline, drastically reducing water spot damage. At the present you are prepared to start your laminate floor cleaning. Dip a towel in the mix and then wring out the extra liquid. You will not call for a mop and you will not need to rinse, when cleaning laminated floors. Plainly use the towel to clean the floor. If the flooring requires aeration, do that.

An interesting issue has just developed in the realm of laminate floor cleaning. Some producers of laminated wood floors now put forward that ammonia be used as a cleaner for their floors. Ammonia is utilized to get rid of wax from floors, and could actually have the same effect on the majority of laminated floors’ sealants. Laminated floors are some of the loveliest floors set up in homes. Doing periodic, proper laminate floor cleaning can put together your wood floor look as if it were just installed!

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Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring – Important Things You Need to Know

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is considered by many to be the perfect blend of style and functionality. Current styles by major manufacturers have never look better and more realistic. Luxury vinyl planks also offer in many cases a more durable and tougher floor than other options such as hardwood and laminate, especially when it comes to handling scratches and water issues. If you are one of the many consumers considering luxury vinyl wood looking planks, there are several things you will need to know when choosing your floor. 

Not all luxury vinyl flooring planks are created equal. There are quite a few differences between construction styles among the major manufacturers. Backing systems can vary between brands. Some luxury wood vinyl plank floors have residential warranties and others have a commercial warranty as well. Other differences include is the vinyl plank water proof or water resistant? Is the plank UV stabilized to prevent fading? Does the luxury wood vinyl plank you are looking at have a built in mold and mildew inhibitor? Also, some major manufacturers even certify their luxury vinyl to be hypo-allergenic. You can also compare thickness as a relative concept for durability. The basic, entry level products start at around 2 mil thickness progressing up to 6 mils. The key thing here is that not all luxury vinyl planks are built the same.

Price can vary extremely among styles and brands. Prices can range from $.99 per square foot to $5.00 a square foot. If your budget is limited and you need to go with a cheaper, entry level luxury vinyl that’s fine. Just make sure that the price point you are paying matches the thickness and wear layer of the product you are looking at. You will see 2 mil products discounted in the lower range and work up from there. The important note to remember here is to make sure that you are comparing apples to apples while shopping a specific price range.

Luxury vinyl planks have two basic installation methods. The predominate method is using a full spread adhesive. This is the most common type of application and is not recommended as a do it yourself project. The other installation type is a self adhering type. Do not confuse this with peel and stick. Peel and stick are a lower grade of vinyl and will almost always come up and usually have to be replaced within 3 years. The peel and stick types stick directly to the floor. The true luxury vinyl planks that are self adhering, stick to each other, not the floor. These luxury vinyl planks usually have a lip on two edges and a recessed lip on the other two edges that have a factory applied glue. You use the lips to glue the tiles together and not the floor. Currently Konnecto, Armstrong Luxe, and some styles by Amtico are the only valid offerings with this type of self adhering, do it yourself installation system.

There are several finishes available in luxury wood looking vinyl planks. A smooth finish is what most consumers are familiar with. However, you can get a more realistic floor by using a plank that has a ribbed, hand scraped (simulated) or finish with registered embossing. These finishes give the plank a more wood look and style by adding texture to go along with the color and wood species. If you haven’t seen a sample of a luxury flooring vinyl plank with registered embossing, make sure you check one out before you make a final purchase, it’s pretty impressive.

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7 Tips for Making Your Carpet Floors Last

Extending the life of your carpet floors not only keeps your home looking enticing, but it ultimately saves you money, as replacing carpeting is quite expensive. According to carpet suppliers, how well you maintain your flooring will aid in determining how often you will have to replace it.

Along with following any care recommendations from your local carpet company, here are some tips for maintaining its appearance: 

1. Don’t scrimp on padding. Padding not only makes carpet floors more comfortable to walk or sit on, but it also absorbs most of the abuse your carpet gets subjected to. Any time you replace your carpeting, you should also buy new padding; otherwise, you may void the warranty on your carpet floors. Ask for assistance from your carpet company when choosing the right type of pad for your carpet floors.

2. Get a quality vacuum cleaner. Make sure your vacuum has strong enough suction to collect the small grit and debris buried deep within your carpet floors. This will help prevent it from tearing due to a worn-down backing and pile.

3. Protect your flooring with carpet runners. A runner is perfect for protecting your carpeting in areas with heavy foot traffic. Runners not only add class to your home décor, but they also collect dirt as it gets tracked into your house. Your local carpet company is a great resource for finding runners to suit your home design.

4. Get regular professional cleanings. Regular visits from your local carpet cleaning professionals can also help maximize the life of your carpet floors. The pros have top-notch equipment that gets rid of all the dirt and grime missed by regular household vacuums. If you’re on a budget, contact your carpet suppliers or carpet company to see if they rent out their professional equipment.

5. Ban shoes. You can help protect your carpeting by banning shoes, which contain oil and particles that can damage your flooring.

6. Do not allow bare feet. Just like shoes, bare feet can damage your carpet floors over time. When in direct contact with carpeting, the natural oils on your skin actually attract dirt and cause the fabric to deteriorate more quickly. To minimize the impact on guests, keep a shoe rack and a basket of house slippers by your front door.

7. Clean stains immediately. If you leave a stain unattended over time, it will grow larger and harder to remove. Make sure to get a stain removal guide from your carpet suppliers for the type of flooring you are getting. You can also consider using items such as commercial cleaning solutions for carpets (just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions), household carpet shampoos for small spots, or a professional carpet cleaner for tougher stains.

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The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Floors For Your Home

Hardwood floors have become one of the most popular features that new buyers look for in a home. Although there are many people who want hardwood floors in their home, there are some definite advantages as well as disadvantages for these types of floors. 

There are many different types of hardwood floors that are available, from different makes of wood to different patterns and installations. There are even unfinished hardwood flooring planks that allow for the individual to pick out the exact stain they want on the floor instead of simply choosing a pre-made color. When it comes to choosing this type of flooring, one must look at all the pros and cons that comes along with it.

Pros of Hardwood Floors

One of the biggest pros about hardwood floors is the look. Almost every homeowner will agree that hardwood flooring is beautiful and much more attractive than carpet or tile. As mentioned, you can buy flooring in a variety of different woods such as oak, cherry, and even bamboo.

It’s much easier to match furniture to hardwood than carpet as wood is a neutral that goes with any type of style of furniture that you may want for a room. Also, if you do decide to redecorate a room with hardwood floors, you can easily change the style and the floor will still match unlike some carpets and tiles that may only match with certain themes and styles.

Another pro about hardwood flooring is that it is very low maintenance when it comes to cleaning. A simple vacuuming or sweeping with a duster every few days will help to keep them clean. Once a month or so, you can take a wood cleaner to the floor and use that as well if you want them to keep their shine. Also, if anybody in your home has allergies, hardwood floors are much cleaner than carpet and can cut down on allergies.

With hardwood floors being so popular, it may be easier to sell your home if you have hardwood instead of mostly carpet. Most home builders and contractors consider hardwood floors an upgrade, so you may find that you can increase the price of your home simply by having hardwood.

Cons of Hardwood Floors

The biggest drawback that stops people from putting hardwood in their homes is the price. Real hardwood flooring, not the laminate stuff, is expensive. If you do not know how to install the flooring yourself, you will also have to call a contractor to install it, which can cost you a great deal more.

If you have pets, you may want to think twice about hardwood flooring in your home. It can easily be scratched by a cat or dog’s claws. There is nothing worse than having a beautiful hardwood floor and having scratches all over it from your pet. This goes for high heeled shoes as well since they can leave dents and scratches in the floor too.

If your hardwood floor is on the ground level of the home and your house is on a slab, you may find that that hardwood flooring is much colder than carpet. This is a con for those people who live where the winter months get cold. You can work around this by placing rugs over the hardwood, but then you don’t get to see the beauty of the wood as much.

Lastly, if you have small children or babies who may be playing on the hardwood floor, you may want to think twice about the flooring as a play area. This type of flooring is much harder than a soft carpet and can be tough on crawling babies and those attempting to walk and will be falling quite often.

Like any type of flooring, hardwood has both pros and cons. It is up to the homeowner to access their own situation to see what the best choice is for their house.

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3 Tips on How to Clean Tile Floors in Less Time

Have you wondered about how to clean tile floors in less time than what it takes you to clean them now? Many people make it a long and dreading experience when it does not have to be. They also forget the small things that they can change that will make their tiles last longer. This does not have to be you because if you follow these three easy steps, you will learn that it is easy and not as bad as we thought. 

Step One

Sweeping and moping is the number one thing that if you are not used to, will have to get used to. Make sure that your floor is free from dirt and other debris. This simple cleaning should be exercised on a regular basis to maintain cleanliness and brightness of your floors. Sweeping at least every other day and moping at least once a week will help maintain your floors clean and filthy free. There are so many solutions that are being sold today, so basically you can pick any that you like.

The problem is not the solution, it is usually more like the time between this clean and the last one. When you do these two things more frequently you are removing build up and will not have a huge mess to clean up like if you would if you went weeks without sweeping or moping.

Step Two

A lot of people dismiss the reality that they can help maintain the floor and have it looking its best by taking some preventative measures. You can be conscious of keeping certain things off of your floors so that they not just look good, they last longer. Being mindful to not wear sharp shoes all over your floors is a start.

Many women walk around the home in their heels and sometimes mess up the tiles as well as the grout, so removing your pointy shoes that are digging in the tile is a great idea; Likewise, when moving furniture around it is best to use moving pads that will help with sliding large, heavy furniture across your tile.

Step Three

Placing rugs in common areas is sometimes forgotten. You don’t just want rugs for decorating your home, but you can use them to help your tiles as well. Placing them outside your front door or any other place where people are in an out will help from getting debris on your tiles.

If you were wondering how to clean floors and maintaining them you should now see that it is not that hard. Just a little dedication to sweep and mop more consistently and taking some preventative measures will allow you to have beautiful, clean floors, dent-free.

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Choosing Ceramic Tiles – What to Know

If you are going to buy ceramic tiles for a ceramic tile backsplash, floor tiles, wall tiles or even ceramic tiles for ornamentation there are specific factors to know in choosing which tile is best for your application. Not all tiles are created equal and the differences can determine if your ceramic tiles will hold up to the use you are putting them. 

For example, low fire tiles or tiles that have only been through a bisque firing are generally less expensive but not nearly as durable as high fired tiles. Even if the tile has been glazed, it may still have only gone through one firing and very possibly only a low firing so the fact of it being glossy and colorful is no indication that the tile has the durability of a high-fired tile. Greenware – ceramics that has dried but not been fired, can be glazed with a low fire glaze and fired to a comparatively low temperature.

Such a cermic tile would not be suitable for certain applications. For example if you intend to use the tile for a backsplash, counter top or tabletop you will need a very durable tile that will hold up to frequent cleaning and in the case of a countertop or tabletop, some hard use too. Stoneware clays are the most suitable for this sort of use. Stoneware is normally fired to about cone 6 (around 2200 degrees F) and is very strong.

But in your inquiry, don’t stop with what kind of clay the tiles are made from. Glazes vary enormously and even so-called ‘food-safe’ glazes can leach out chemicals, stain and lose their color. Many manufactured tiles are poorly made and will not hold up to the uses they are marketed for. Of course, there are many quite excellent manufactured tiles too so you need to inquire to be sure. That information however may or not be readily available.

The kind of ornamentation of the ceramic tile is important too. For a ceramic countertop or tabletop, the tiles should be flat. For a backsplash the tiles can have low relief but high relief will be difficult to clean and is not generally advised.

Fireplaces, murals, mosaics and facades can be either flat, have low relief or high relief and low fire glazes are OK in these applications. Be careful though with areas that will get much use, such as around a fireplace where logs will be placed or fireplace tools will be used. Low fire tiles and glazes can crack or chip much more easily than stoneware and high fire glazes. Also, if it is an area that will require frequent cleaning, high relief may prove troublesome.

For ceramic walls in dry areas not subject to much physical contact most any type of tile and glaze is adequate. For wet areas flat tiles, low relief tiles or even high relief tiles can be used so long as they are not in a hazardous place that a body can inadvertently come into contact with them. A large frog leaping out from your shower wall at body height is probably not a good idea.

Obviously, porous tiles are not good for wet areas. So long as the tile is vitreous – has been fired to maturity such that the crystalline structure is unified – the tile or glaze is OK, however the joints between the tiles will need to be sealed. Again, the best bet here is a high fired stoneware tile with a dependable glaze.

Flooring presents other challenges, and opportunities. Clearly floor tiles must be durable so high fire stoneware is the best choice. Any kind of relief is not advised as uneven surfaces can be difficult to walk on, especially for the aged. An additional consideration with flooring tiles is slickness. A glossy glaze on a floor is not recommended. A heavily textured glaze or a matte glaze is best.

Outdoor use in cold climates demands high fired tiles and dependable glazes, especially if on horizontal surfaces. Low fire and even porous tiles can be used outdoors in cold climates if on or in a vertical surface. But you are still better off with a frost proof tile in cold climates.

Finally, there is the issue of a ceramic tile being food-safe. Many decorative ceramic art tiles are used as serving trays for a variety of hot and cold foods and it is important that these not leach out chemicals. Even a glaze said to be food-safe often is not.

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Vinyl Flooring – Is it For You?

Composition

A vinyl floor is a resilient plastic flooring consists of several layers: the base, a protective layer of fiberglass, the design and finish.

The durability of vinyl depends on the thickness of the layer and the strength of the substrate. 

An additional coating increases the scratch and wear resistance.

Aesthetic possibilities

Vinyl is avaiable in countless colors and designs, and can imitate other floor coverings (eg tiles, hardwood…) and original fantasy designs. Even designs that seamlessly merge figures are possible.

Maintenance

A vinyl floor is very easy to maintain. Weekly vacuuming and regular washing with a detergent that is designed for vinyl floors is sufficient.

Placement It can be placed almost anywhere in your house,even in wet areas ( provided the adhesive is non water soluble) and still look like a million bucks.

Thickness

The vinyl is available in thicknesses ranging from 1 to 3.5 mm and in widths of 2, 3 and 4 meters wide. Remember that a heavily loaded floors require stronger and thicker quality than less heavily loaded floors.

Advantages of vinyl flooring

*Broadest Range of Colors and Designs

If you want to mimic the look and texture of natural materials such as wood, stone or pottery, or if you prefer a design that is only possible with modern printing technology, vinyl flooring offer the widest range of designs and colors in any story category.

* An Excellent Buy

If you are a dealer then the price-earnings ratio of the vinyl sheet is one of the best deals on apartments in comparison to other floor coverings.

* Accommodation and Resistance Under Foot

Compared with other hard surface flooring, it is easier to stand on the vinyl for long periods.. Its resiliency is more forgiving with vessels or objects that fall to the ground. The comfortable vinyl structure suitable for children and more flexible joints of the elderly.

* Low Maintenance

Vinyl requires minimal maintenance, much less than any other category of flats.

*Water Proof

The sheet vinyl does not absorb liquids, making it ideal for any room in the house, especially bathrooms and kitchens. It also has fewer joints than vinyl tile, so there are fewer places for water accumulation and dirty.

* Be installed anywhere

The vinyl can be used below, at or above ground level on most subfloors (except carpet).

* The vinyl sheet is 6 ‘or 12’ feet (1.8 m or 3.6 m) wide, which creates an installation with more uniform appearance.

* Sound absorbing effect

* Never feels cold

Disadvantages of vinyl flooring * Less durable than some other floor coverings (eg tiles, linoleum,…)

* Large differences in quality, make sure that the quality of the floor are adapted to use

* Not Increase the Value of Housing

The sheet vinyl is less likely than natural flooring products to improve the monetary value of your home.

* More easily scratched or Open

The finest vinyl is more susceptible to open and other sustainability issues.. For high use areas vinyl is best to install thicker and of better quality.

* It’s not as Friendly to Other flooring (laminate vinyl tile without adhesive)

For working people, the vinyl sheet is not very complicated to install, but it requires precision and preparation. The subsoil must be prepared to make it smooth, flat and dry before putting on the floor. After placing the floor, seal the joints can be difficult.. When a board is required, installation is best left to a professional.

* Should allow for expansion and contraction

Subfloors shrink and expand with changes in temperature and humidity.

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Proper Ways of Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Nobody really wants to clean. But in order to maintain the original quality and form of the items in our home, regular cleaning is required. 

Technology has certainly made it easier for us to handle the cleaning tasks that we have in our everyday life. However, when it comes to cleaning hardwood floors, no technology can replace the glory of manual cleaning.

Character and elegance are the main reasons why homeowners choose to install hardwood floors in their house. If you are interested in hardwood flooring, you also have to know the proper ways to clean it to maintain its elegance.

Wood is a beautiful, natural and stylish decorating material. This material is also highly susceptible to damages such as scratches and accumulated dirt. We may be under the impression that we are cleaning hardwood floors surface but in reality, we neglect to check the gaps and cracks of the wooden flooring. Here are some ways that you can properly clean your hardwood flooring:

1. Aside from sweeping the wooden floor, use a fine brush to remove the dust and small pebbles that are stuck between the cracks and gaps of the floor. This requires extra effort because you have to check every possible gap or crack.

2. Avoid over using cleaning agents to prevent subsequent damage to the wood. Mildew is the primary cause of damage on the wood. However, over usage of harsh chemicals that eliminates mildew can also become the source of the wood’s degradation. Take it easy on applying cleaning agents because it can deteriorate the wood as well.

3. For finished hardwood, it is strongly suggested that you use an 8″x14″ mop with a rotating head so that cleaning hard to reach corners becomes an easy task. For heel marks, use only damp cloth to avoid damaging the finish of the hardwood floor.

As a matter of fact, cleaning hardwood floors is very easy if done correctly. All you need is caring, consistent and correct maintenance to prevent any damage from happening. Cleaning is one way of avoiding the costly repairs and maintenance of the flooring. Besides, cleaning is a virtue that every member of the family should learn. Preserving the value and appearance of the floor is something that can be achieved if the whole family cooperates.

Aside from cleaning hardwood floors, there are also some things that can be done to avoid damage on the floor. You can place area rugs or mats in every entry point to collect dirt and prevent it from being stuck in the wooden floor. Tiny particles such as pebbles are like sandpaper that scratches your floor. Always remember to shake out the rugs and mats regularly so that the accumulated dust would not be stuck on the floor.

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Cleaning Tile Floors – Tips on How to Do it Fast and Easy

You’re a full time working mom with a busy career plus household chores, kids and homework to worry about every day. After a busy day at the office and home, the only thing you want to do is collapse on your coach or bed. Unfortunately, you are usually faced with the job of cleaning tile floors at the end of the night. You can lessen the time and effort you put into cleaning tile floors by taking preemptive measures and following some resourceful cleaning tips. 

The first step to avoid getting dirt on your tiles in the first place is by providing floor and door mats at strategic locations. Place the mats or rugs in high traffic areas of your home like the front or back entrance. Runner rugs in hallways are also good. Mats and rugs don’t need to be cleaned every day. A soiled mat isn’t as bad to look at as stained and muddy tiles. Moisture and dirt on your tiles can also cause mold buildup and damage to the tile and grout. The mats can capture the dirt before they get to the tiles.

Accidents happen in the kitchen all the time. It is something we all have to live with. Spilled milk near the fridge, flour all over the counters and floors, a pitcher of grape juice breaks and a pool of purple liquid spreads quickly on your beautiful ceramic tiles. Your grout turns from white to lavender, you let out a shriek of horror thinking you can never get that stain out. Avoid wiping the liquid but instead blot it out with a piece of cloth. This prevents the liquid from spreading and staining a bigger portion of your floor. Blot the stained portions with the damp cloth until you get most of the stains out. You have to act quickly because some tiles and especially grout are porous and absorb liquid.

If you have just purchased a previously owned home with neglected tile floors or you simply never had enough time or energy cleaning tile floors yourself, then you may have a major problem getting your floors back to spic and span condition. Lackluster floors will not give a good impression to your guests. Even you yourself will have a hard time looking at soiled ugly tiles in your home. But, what can you do if you really don’t have the time or resources to get make them spotless? Maybe it’s time to call in some professionals who are experts in cleaning tile floors.

This will lessen your headaches and give you time to do other things like shopping or spend the day at the spa. The best time to have your tile floors cleaned is when you are out and the kids are at school. You can also have it done on a weekend while you take the kids out for some quality time together. If the floors are in really bad shape then the contractors may have to replace some tiles and re-grout. All it takes is to dial a number and your tile worries can be handled by someone else.
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