The Best Tips for Choosing Flooring

Evaluate the Space in your home

When we talk about evaluating the space, it is a good idea to outline what spaces or rooms within your project that you will be choosing flooring for. Whether it is the bathroom, kitchen, or living room, it is important to know which room you will be looking for new flooring in because this will assist in determining what type of flooring will last longer based on certain factors. Those factors could be considerations of whether it will be subjected to spills or water often or the size of the room regarding echoes or extra sound that could be experienced.

Evaluate the Function before Choosing Flooring:

As part of evaluating the spaces for new flooring, you will also need to outline what the function of the space will be and what you or your family may do in the space over time. Identifying the function will help you narrow down your search for the right products and understand which flooring options will definitely not work for space. Some ways that understanding the functions of the room can help is to assist in the understanding if the floor choice needs to be water resistant, easy to clean, durable, just to name a few. Get more tips for flooring choices from our friends at the Home Depot.

Before Choosing Flooring – Do your Homework

Once you have defined the space and function, next steps will be to start researching the different flooring options available on the market today. Whether it is hardwood, ceramic tile, porcelain, carpet, or laminate flooring, understanding the properties will in the end narrow down your search for the right flooring that will last within your home and bring your satisfaction in your final choice. For example, choices for a bathroom due to the water that will be spilled or moisture content of the room would possibly lean you towards a ceramic or porcelain tile as they would not be as susceptible to water spills as hardwood or laminate may be. Try this tips for choosing a floor from This Old House.

No matter what your preference may for flooring, it is important to conduct your research before you choose a flooring option for your space. Remember that this is a big decision for your home and lessen the stress of the project and choose the smooth ride over the rough one. Ask yourself all of the questions before starting your project, plan, and research your flooring options based on function and aesthetics. Keeping these things in mind will help you choose the right flooring moving forward and keep you satisfied with your choice over the years.

For more home flooring ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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How to Transform Your Interiors with Travertine Tiles

Image Via: Travertine Info

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Travertine can be the Perfect Flooring Choice

Choosing from the colossal variety of flooring options, that have flooded the market can become very overwhelming, especially when both aesthetic and monetary values are at stake. Amongst the plethora of flooring choices, the one ‘megastar’ that you cannot help but notice is the, Travertine Tile. A perfect alternative for both high and low traffic areas of the house, these tiles hallmark easy maintenance, great aesthetics and high durability.

Image via: Lapis Design Partners

Amenities & Great Aesthetics

Homeowners, sometimes look at completely restyling their homes in a pocket cordial budget, without having to change everything about it. It can be ascertained that just by re-looking at the flooring, one can meet both the above mentioned criteria. Travertine Tiles, bear a unique age-old charm, that subtly infuses the feeling of eternal existence into a space, all within the reaches of a decent budget. Thus, by just redoing the flooring you can uplift the aesthetic quality of your space. Additionally, the vast array of color choices, extends the opportunity to pick and choose as per your mood and the requirements of your surroundings.

Image Via: Travertine Info

Versatility in a Durable Floor Material

When used indoors, Travertine Tiles induce a sense of warmth into the decor and merge seamlessly into any space, whether it is contemporary or traditional. When used outdoors, in patios and balconies, these tiles can be patterned into numerous  compositions to match the landscaping and complement your foliage and when bedecking pool sides and water bodies, these naturally salt and chlorine proof tiles are a good option for durability and blending with your interior application. Travertine Tiles, are essentially the most budget cordial flooring option, engendering the same durability as other natural stones. Its charm, vast array of color options, non-slip texture, heat resilient qualities, innate versatility, ease of installing and production, all make it a very favorable choice for your homes. These tiles are a long time investment, the kind that will stay for ages to come.

For more flooring tips on Stagetecture, click here.

There’s a right way and a wrong way to install flooring substrates. Sometimes mistakes don’t cost you anything at all and other times they can cost you several hours and potentially several hundred dollars. This has never been more readily apparent than when you’re remodeling your home. The old adage of “measure twice, cut once” isn’t popular with construction projects without a good reason. Even DIY projects that should be simple have a way of getting out of hand if you aren’t careful. Schluter Ditra is a waterproofing membrane used under your tile or stone flooring that can have you tearing it up and out in frustration if you install it incorrectly.

Image via: Tile of Spain USA

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What Could Go Wrong?

If you’ve noticed that your tile or grout is cracking, the fault may be with the way that your substrate was installed. Even though Ditra is one of the most commonly used membranes for floor tile installations, you have to make sure that you install it correctly or else you’ll have a host of problems to contend with later. Two things you’ll want to make sure that you do with Ditra are pay careful attention that you fill in the cavities/waffles properly and make sure that you install it over an approved substrate. While there is much more to correctly installing Schluter systems, those two are the most important to make sure that your remodeling project is a success.

If you don’t fill in waffles the right way, the tile won’t be properly supported and the Ditra tile won’t lock properly, which in turn causes you to lose the bonding properties of Ditra. You should also make sure that you use the flat side of the trowel and spread thinset in each direction over the Ditra, which will make sure that all of the waffles are filled in.

Image via: Italy Tile

The Importance Of Improved Substrates

You’ll find that as long as you use the right substrate applying Ditra will be much easier. Most of the bare substrates you can find in a house are approved substrates, including plywood. Bear in mind that linoleum is not included on the list of approved substrates.

There are a number of resources that you can use to help you with your Ditra installation, including an instruction book and a flash video. With so many tutorials and easily accessible instructions, there’s really no way that you can install Ditra incorrectly unless you’re making a conscious effort to. The most important instructions to bear in mind are to use an approved substrate, use an unmodified thinset mortar, fill in the waffles the right way, buy the correct trowel to use and get the right coverage.

If you decide to have a professional install your Ditra for you, make sure that you do your homework before hiring them. Get in touch with their former clients to see how they liked their services and ask if they would recommend them. If not, you may find yourself having to go back and set the tile yourself after finding that the contractor didn’t do a good job. Even if you decide to do the job yourself you should still take your time and make sure that you know what you’re doing.

For more flooring options on Stagetecture, click here.

If you’re an eco-friendly individual and you like rugs, you’ve probably considered purchasing a natural rug before. There are many options to choose from but sisal rugs seem to be the most popular and trending. The reason being: they are durable, require minimal maintenance and look great in just about any room. Regardless, there are a few things to consider when making a purchase decision.

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Determine which sisal rug is best for your home:

First, it’s important to figure out where the rug will be used. From there it’s a good idea to decide on the size, weave pattern and shape. A great way to decide these features is to design your own custom rug.

Because sisal carpet does not build up static or trap dust, maintenance is a breeze. A once over with any standard vacuum will do the trick. However, if your sisal is placed in an area where liquids can be easily spilled, further treatment may be necessary. If so, a fiber sealer can help prevent liquid absorption and dry-cleaning powder will remove any accumulated stains.

Image via: BHG

Sisal rug benefits:

There are also a number of benefits associated with owning sisal rugs. Because of their dense atomic structure, sisals damper noise by absorbing vibrations. Meaning they can reduce sound between levels, especially if placed on hard, tiled floors. Another cool capability is that sisal rugs can be woven with softer materials, such as wool to reduce roughness. And, sisal rugs are completely biodegradable, so they can be thrown out or recycled once they’ve run their course.

For more flooring and carpet ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

A recent study discovered 70 percent of homeowners are planning a remodeling or renovation project and expect to spend upwards of $3,500 to finish the job. Chances are that a large chunk of money is set aside for flooring. No matter what flooring you want, the cost of replacement it can be staggering. If your budget is tight, but you don’t want to skimp on style or quality, there are many clever and unexpected ways to save on several flooring varieties.

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Be Realistic

You may dream of installing travertine, marble or an exotic hardwood throughout your home. Unfortunately, your budget is only enough for laminate and linoleum. When it comes to installing flooring, it’s important to create a budget and stick with it. Also, keep in mind the specific room and its function. For instance, you probably want to keep carpeting in your bedroom.

Surf the Internet

You’ve wandered the aisles of every flooring provider in your area but cannot find what you’re looking for, or more importantly, an amazing deal. The Internet might not seem like the obvious choice when it comes to flooring, but there are many amazing deals there. Purchasing flooring direct from the manufacturer is another option. In many instances, you can save 50, 60 or 70 percent because you’ve cut out the middle man.

Look for Discounts and Remnants

If you’re covering a small area, inquire about any laminate, hardwood or carpeting remnants at your local home improvement store or floor covering dealer. Remnants are the leftover chunks of flooring, such as the end of a carpet or linoleum roll. In many cases, the seller is so motivated to make room for new inventory that he just might discount the remnant as much as 80 percent. However, don’t expect to recarpet your entire home on remnants. Most of the time, the pieces are large enough to cover a small bedroom, foyer or bathroom.

Image via: Teres 58 Domus

Skip Professional Installation

Many flooring retailers offer free installation if you purchase a set amount of product. However, in most instances, you’ll be expected to pay out of pocket to have it installed. There is another cost-saving installation option: perform the work yourself. If you don’t have the basic tools or expertise to perform the job, ask someone like a friend or family member for help. Laminate and hardwood aren’t difficult to install and require only basic tools. All you need for carpeting is a knife and a knee kicker, which can be rented from many hardware stores. However, if you’re installing expensive, natural flooring, it’s best to leave this delicate procedure to the professionals.

It Never Hurts to Ask

Your locally owned carpet or flooring showroom might not offer the best prices in town. However, aside from service, these institutions can offer you something the big-box retailers never can: a chance to negotiate the price. Once you locate the ideal flooring choice, don’t be afraid to ask if it is the best price. Even if the seller refuses to discount the sticker price, you can still offer to pay cash for a two- to three-percent discount. This will often cover the potential fees charged to the seller by his merchant service for using your credit card.

You might get discouraged by the search for inexpensive and quality flooring, but don’t give up until you find the ideal product for your home and lifestyle. If you continue to struggle, remember to ask for a discount, look for remnants and hit the clearance aisles to find an amazing deal.

Rose Jefferies is a guest blogger and contractor who recommends COIT to her clients. Whenever Rose is ready to spruce up her home’s appearance, she also looks to COIT Carpet Cleaning.

For more flooring options on Stagetecture, click here.

Rugs don’t only look nice but they add warmth to your house as well. We show you how rugs add comfort underfoot, create a cosy and beautiful atmosphere and support your home insulation. 

Rug Sizes and Styles

Warm up your home over these winter months by using a lusciously soft rug. They come in a selection of styles, sizes and depths. Pick a modern, traditional, plain or patterned rug but first you must consider the size of your room and decide on how much of the floor you want covered. Most importantly, use the decor to determine what rug design will compliment the room and help form a seamless look throughout your home.

A variety of cheap rugs from Carpetright mean you can find the rug that suits your taste whatever your budget. Unlike carpet, rugs can easily be moved around, so if you tend to change the look and feel of your interior frequently, a rug can be easily moved from one room to another!

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Bedroom Ideas

Soft rugs are ideal for bedrooms, especially if you have vinyl or laminate flooring. Place one for when you step out of bed so that you can feel the lusciously soft fabric of the warm rug underfoot. Did you know that even a small cosy rug can add warmth by covering a part of the floor and minimise the chill?

Also, bedroom rugs are versatile and enable you to add colour and character to any room, so be sure to inspire and create a focal point in a room where you spend a third of your life. We therefore know that you don’t even need to compromise on style when you have the practicality of a comfortable rug.

Warm Shaggy Rugs

Preparing your home for winter could mean a simple purchase of a soft shag pile rug that is superb at preventing a draft in your home. With shaggy rugs available, you can add extra warmth and comfort underfoot without contradicting your interior design. You can even merge your new rug with your furniture in order to create a consistent overall look in your home.

Inspire your family and guests and be smart this winter with simple floor covering. It is because rugs are affordable that you can replace it more frequently if the need ever arises, which means you have peace of mind as well as a beautiful warm home.

If it is cold outside, why not stay indoors? Shop from the comfort of your own home and visit www.carpetright.co.uk!

For more flooring options on Stagetecture, click here.

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Creative Uses for Cork in Your Home’s Interiors

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Corks can make a difference in your home. Aside from aesthetics, you can also lean on its functionality. These are vital features that anyone would like to have for their home items. Corks are used for do-it-yourself projects because they are easy to cut and shape according to the blueprint. Here are some of the creative uses of cork in your home:

Cork flooring

The best thing with cork flooring is its safety. The cork is basically fire-resistant and will only react if very high temperature is present. Another great feature is its comfort. Corks act as cushion underfoot while walking or running. It provides a natural warmth and noise absorber. The durability of cork flooring is superb. It resists abrasions and cracks better than other materials.

Cork Vases

This is a great decorative item at home. Cork vases will bring out the natural looks of your interior plant or flowers. Best of all, these vases can also serve as a mini bulletin vase board. You can pin a paper message on the vase easily without damaging its looks. Cork vases can extend the life of your plants by absorbing moisture.

Cork boards

Well, there’s no doubt that cork boards are so important in the office and at home. You place all important reminders like your monthly bills, letters, incoming family events or assigned tasks for each family member. This piece of board can save you from having problems brought about by forgetting. You can also place your greetings if someone at home is celebrating his or her birthday.

Corks are environment-friendly. It is a renewable material and all natural. Take a closer look at these cork materials you can use at home and see the difference.

For more home interiors ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you’re someone who has been doing some research on how to give your home a “green upgrade”, you’ve probably read about how important it is to install a programmable thermostat, to get a low flow showerhead and to add some double-pane windows. All of these things can help to reduce the amount of energy that you use on a daily basis. Yet, when it comes to décor, you may not have taken out the time to consider the fact that you can also be eco-friendly with your interior designs, including your flooring.

As it relates to making “green décor” decisions, it’s about finding materials that are used responsibly and as it relates to your floor, there are many different kinds of options to choose from.

Image via: Panache Interiors

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We will share five of them with you below:

Cork floors.

One kind of flooring that is beautiful, unique and yes, eco-friendly is cork flooring. Not only is it sustainable, durable and well-insulated, but it’s also reasonably priced. Some other real perks is that it’s lightweight and fire and water resistant. The main thing to be cautious of with a cork floor is that it’s not really a good support for very heavy objects. This means that if you want to use it under some cherry wood furniture (for instance), there’s a good chance that it could get damaged.

Bamboo.

Another visually attractive option is bamboo. It also has a bit of a distinctive look, plus it’s strong. Being that bamboo does resemble the appearance of hardwood, it’s becoming a favorite of those who like wooden floors because unlike (certain kinds of) wood, it’s a highly renewable resource that is much cheaper to buy. Before going with this option, the main thing that you should do some research on is if it is sustainable enough for your particular liking.

Wool carpet.

If you like carpet, there is an eco-friendly kind that we recommend you looking into. Wool carpet is highly durable and is top-notch as it relates to quality. The main things to keep in mind is that it’s really expensive to install, plus if you have a home with kids or pets, you might want to take into (serious) consideration that wool carpet is known for trapping in moisture.

Linoleum.

A kind of flooring that has been around for years is linoleum. The reason why it tops the list of many eco-friendly enthusiasts is because it’s made from materials such as wood flour, tree resins and cork dust. The perks that come with this kind of flooring are many including the fact that it’s water resistant, biodegradable, long lasting and really affordable. The only real “con” with linoleum is that there are very limited options to choose from.

Image via: Kristin Petro

Reclaimed wood.

If you simply love the look of hardwood floors, consider using some reclaimed wood. It’s strong and comes in many different styles, plus is really sustainable. If you’ve looked online for some eco-friendly wood flooring, then you might have happened upon a company in Australia known as Bamboozle Wood Flooring. Websites that feature this option reveal that reclaimed wood is just as beautiful as traditional hardwood flooring. Sure, it may be a bit on the pricey side, but when it comes to aesthetics and increasing the property value of your home, it’s certainly worth it.

For more flooring options on Stagetecture, click here.

Finding the right flooring for your home can be a challenge. Today on DIY Saturday we are going to find ways to help you decide on the right flooring for your bedroom. The winter is the perfect time to install flooring because labor could be cheaper and installing a warm flooring may save you on your energy bill! Take a look at this video to give tips for choosing a flooring material. Then see examples from cork flooring to linoleum and carpet. See which ones are right for your bedroom.

Image via: Jauregui Architect

Link to video –> Choosing the best flooring

You Tube video – How to Choose the Best Flooring

Out of so many options and so many criteria to consider, choosing the right type of flooring for a home can be quite difficult. The choice varies based on the space the flooring is for, the kind of materials you like, the members of the family and their age, the amount of foot traffic, etc.

Image via: Jordan Lotoski

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However, the task seems becoming a bit easy when you have to choose for a particular space for a particular season. Bedroom is such a place that many people use only for sleeping. However, this is not true for all the families, especially for those who have children or pets in the house. Now, take a look at these flooring options that can ensure warmth and comfort for your family during this winter:

Cork Tiles

Cork tiles are a great flooring option during this winter season, especially if you have children aged under six years. It gives warm feeling under feet and is soft enough for your toddlers’ heads and knees. Cork tiles are not too expensive and are suitable for noisy areas because of their sound-absorbing quality.

Carpets

Because of the warmth and color patterns it offers, carpeting is the most regular type of bedroom flooring. A wall-to-wall carpet can be a good option for a bedroom given that it is a less traffic area and is located far from any entrance from outside. Moreover, you are likely to step on it with barefoot. So, the carpet will less likely to get damaged or worn out fast.

Image via: Feel the Home

If you want to have something that is warmer, softer, and more flexible than the regular carpet fibers, you had better use wool carpet. These natural fiber-made carpets are more acceptable, as they are anti-allergic and free from emitting harmful gases.

Rugs

Area rugs can be used on the top of other flooring options to add warmth. If the bed is not located at the center of the room, you can use small rug on any side of the bed. Otherwise, you should use a big rug that covers an equal amount of space on both sides of the bed. On top of existing rugs, you can use throw rugs and runners. They will let you to start your day with a soft touch under your feet if you place them on both sides of the bed.

Linoleum

Another option to make your bedroom radiate with warmth is linoleum. Its hypo-allergic properties and availability in various colors make it a good choice for bedroom flooring. It can coordinate with almost any décor with vibrant, subtle colors and different patterns.

Image via: Houzz

Whichever flooring option you choose, just make sure that it perfectly fulfills your needs. Use these helfpul tips to ensure your bedroom is kept warm and toasty this winter!

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Your floor carries a heavy load at home. This is why choosing the right flooring should not be taken for granted and needs proper planning before purchasing. In deciding what type of flooring, you have to consider the durability, installation, materials and maintenance. But the more crucial decision would be the type of materials you choose for your flooring and your lifestyle of your family.

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Before making the decision, take time to think about being environmentally friendly. Here are a few green flooring options to consider:

Cork

Cork flooring started as a by-product from surplus or scrap from the wine cork industry. The popularity of cork tile flooring increased not because it comes cheap but due to its resiliency. This type of flooring is tolerant to dropped dishes and very comfortable to stand on. Cork also features stain and fire resistance which makes it low in maintenance and more safe. Other notable characteristics of cork floors are the ability to absorb sound and resistance to soak up moisture.

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Bamboo

As you know, bamboo is a fast growing type of grass that is so abundant and looks like wood. It is remarkably durable and can last for a long period of time. There are three distinct bamboo patterns available for your home floors: grain, horizontal and vertical grain. You can also choose between natural and caramel shades.  One of the best features of bamboo is its cool and cozy effects on your home. It absorbs heat and is hard-wearing.

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Linoleum

People often refer this material to vinyl flooring but these two materials are different from each other. Linoleum contains no vinyl and is made from flax seed by-product which is the linseed oil. It is a mixture of sawdust, powdered cork, minerals and pine resin. Although it is a bit expensive than vinyl, you can count on its durability, low maintenance and more importantly biodegradable. But linoleum gained recognition with its antibacterial properties especially when used in healthcare facilities.

Getting the best flooring for your home is one of the major decisions you have to make. You should take some time and be aware of your options. Remember, a healthy home environment is priceless! Use these green flooring ideas to choose the right one for your home and the environment.

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