With the Grain » flooring

Tips For Cleaning Wood Floors

Jenn Greenleaf — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:25:10 +0000

If you’re new to having a hardwood floor, you’re likely wondering how to keep it clean without causing damage. There are a number of safe and effective ways to clean a hardwood floor without ruining its finish or causing other types of damage.

Here are some links to lead you:

Remember; above all else, wipe water and other liquid spills immediately. No matter how much cleaning you do, if the spills aren’t taken care of right away, they will cause damage. Good luck!

Cleaning Carpets Seasonally

Jenn Greenleaf — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:45:45 +0000

Following a hot and dusty summer, particularly for those of you with a dirt driveway, it is always a good idea to get out a carpet cleaner and give your carpeting a good washing. If you have children, this is probably already part of your seasonal routine.

Here are some links about caring for your carpets:

Not only does cleaning your carpets and rugs keep your home clean, but it also cuts down on allergens and other issues that arise (particularly if you are a pet owner). Try to clean rugs as each season passes for the best results.

Tools for Floor Refinishing

Jenn Greenleaf — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:07:41 +0000

Refinishing flooring is a big job and may be more involved that a weekend home improvement project. In order to refinish a wood floor, you will need the following tools:

Flooring buffer
Random vibrating sander
Edge sander
Paint scraper
Shop vacuum
Lamb’s wool applicator
Pole sander

Depending on how large or complex the job is, the need for a drum sander may be in order. If questions arise regarding the specific tools needed for specific jobs, then consult with a contractor, an experienced do-it-yourself’er, or a home improvement specialist. Don’t forget necessities like ear protection (equipment is very noisy), a dust mask, and eye protection.

Basement Flooring Options

Jenn Greenleaf — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:40:51 +0000

For those interested in remodeling their basements, choosing what type of flooring can be tricky. You want to ensure moisture does not damage the floor should a flood occur, but you also want something that is esthetically appealing. Here are some options to consider:

Linoleum or vinyl: there are a slew of options available now in comparison to past years. Not only can you find linoleum and vinyl that looks like wood flooring, but it is also available in a range of faux stone options as well.
Ceramic or porcelain tiles: this option is extremely popular because tiles clean up very well, and are easy to maintain. Also, there is little worry when if a basement flood occurs.
Carpeting: while this option provides a warm and plush option, it is not recommended unless measures are taken to prevent basement flooding. If all of these measures are properly addressed, then carpeting works great.

If you are unsure what type of flooring is best for your basement-remodeling project, consider working with a contractor or a friend (or family member) who is experienced with these types of DIY installations. Good luck!

Carpet Tiles Galore!

Jenn Greenleaf — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:14:19 +0000

Choosing flooring options is never easy, particularly if you are starting from scratch and have no idea which direction to go in. For those of you who are looking to enhance an existing floor, such as hardwood or tile, consider using carpet tiles. Here are some benefits to using carpet tiles:

They are easy to install
You can change out the placement whenever you become bored with the pattern
They are easy to keep clean (simply lift the dirty carpet tile, clean it, and then put it back into place)
They are an inexpensive alternative to choosing a large area rug and facing the possibility of changing it out again in the near future

Head to your local home improvement super center, or surf the web, to learn more about the many colors and patterns available for carpet tiles. Consider choosing a bold or daring patter mixed with some neutral blocks to add drama to your space.

Carpet Squares

Jenn Greenleaf — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:27:32 +0000

After experiencing a basement flood last Friday night, I started researching alternatives to the wall-to-wall carpeting we had in one of the bedrooms down there. We had to cut that out of the room, as well as the carpet pad, because it (of course) soaked the three inches of water up like a sponge.

What did I find? Carpet squares with an adhesive backing.

I’m not saying the water won’t make these squares wet by any means. However, I am saying carpet squares are a lot more economical to replace should the need arise. Also, they are a lot easier to get up off the floor and dry out. Most home improvement super centers carry these little dandies, and they come in a wide variety of colors and styles. That is what I will be getting to replace the carpeting when the time comes!

Use of Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Jenn Greenleaf — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:34:00 +0000

It seems like whenever you turn on a home improvement show, or a home decorating show, use of hardwood floors is highly recommended and incorporated into designs. This is for a variety of reasons including the wood floor’s durability, it’s beauty, how wood floors reduce allergens, and how easy they are to maintain.

More and more, there are also those teaching how to use reclaimed wood flooring in green designs. Those who are environmentally conscious are particularly interested in this flooring option, therefore learning about its use seems second nature. Here are some links to guide you:

Something about using a piece of wood, or several pieces of wood, that has a history is particularly appealing. What was this wood used for before? How many people over the years have used this wood, or walked upon these planks? It’s very interesting!