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Most of us would think of something from the past: dirty, worn and in dire need of replacement when we hear the words linoleum flooring. The first images that probably pops up in most people’s brain is a grainy brownish-yellowish images of their grand parents having coffee in the old diner.

Well, as part of our green posts to commemorate Earth Day this month, this post will try to set the fact straight about linoleum flooring and dispel about some myth about linoleum flooring.

“Lin” + “oleum”

Linoleum is a biodegradable product. It is made up of all natural materials which makes it an environmentally sound flooring choice. Based on its patent year, linoleum has been around for 150 years.

Invented in 1863 by Frederick Walton by combining linseed and oil, hence the name together with other natural products like powdered cork, resin, limestone, ceramics and wood flour pressed together in a sheet. The earlier linoleums did not have colorants or stains and basically had the natural patterns from the manufacturing process.

 

Some appreciated the authenticity of these patterns while others find it a little too bland and common to make any room where it was installed stand out. This is one of the reasons why linoleum, despite its natural beauty and endurance became a second choice, next only to vinyl flooring. The good news is that recent technological developments have made it possible for linoleums to have more colors and hues.

Linoleum and Vinyl, which is which?

After World War 2, with the introduction of synthetic and oil based vinyl flooring, the popularity of linoleum began to wane. This is largely due to the fact that vinyl was easier to mass produce, hence they are cheaper, they come in a wider color range, while linoleum required a little maintenance, vinyl offered far less.

Both vinyl and linoleum flooring come in sheets and tiles, installation can be done by a professional or DIY, depending on the skills you you have, as well as time and tools.

One major difference is in the colors of the flooring solutions – linoleum’s colorants are included in the mixture before it is pressed into a sheet or tile. This makes the colors and patterns more vibrant over the years.

Designs on vinyl flooring surfaces is printed on top and sealed with a sealant coating after the sheet has been manufactured which makes it prone with constant exposure to sunlight and daily wear and tear.

Cleaning Tips

Linoleum is fairly easy to clean. A regular sweep with a damp mop after vacuum will suffice. Since linoleum is sensitive to acidic cleansers, be sure to check cleaning materials you use in order not to damage the flooring’s surface.

Also keep in mind that waxing might be necessary to keep the floor shiny, this usually requires once or twice a year. Be sure use the recommended wax stripper for your product before waxing and check that tools won’t scratch or damage the surface to make sure your linoleum flooring will last longer.

Though the surface is generally waterproof, be sure to prevent prolonged exposure to water and clean out stains using the proper materials.

Laminate flooring and engineered hardwood deem to always be going head-to-head against each other when it comes to the best floor covering in terms of factors like durability, design and cost. During a home renovation, many people get confused on which is the better one: use laminated planks or the engineered one which is a form of hardwood. Homeowners are often faced with questions like: which one best serves my purpose; which one costs cheaper; and which one will last longer?

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To help you arrive at a sound decision, keep reading and learn about their differences and other characteristics so you’ll know which one will perfectly suit your needs.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is a combination of wood materials, paper and other synthetic materials combined together through lamination – pressed together to form single durable board or more appropriately, plank. A protective and stabilizing underlayer is put at the bottom to make it sturdier and on the top layer, a sheet printed with the design is added before the shiny, strong and protective topmost layer to give it a more appealing and realistic appearance. The top layer can be textured to make it more realistic. It is also designed to keep the image inside protected from sun and water damage.

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This type of flooring material is one of the best-selling floor covering material  all over the world because of its beautiful decors that can mimic both wood and natural stone, not to mention the easy installation process at a fraction of the cost of these materials that it imitates.

What is engineered hardwood?

 Engineered wood is like a sandwich. It is a combination of 1/16 to 1/8 inch of top wood and rough

Plywood underneath. It is a total 100% wood. The underlying plywood is placed perpendicular to the wood pattern of the top wood to make it stronger than a regular wood plank. It also has a number of wood varieties to choose from such as oak, cherry, pine, mahogany and maple and because of its construction, most builders agree that hardwood engineered flooring is better than solid hardwood and it is recommended for all around flooring.

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What are the pros of using laminate over engineered hardwood flooring?

There are many things you can think of why you have to choose laminate flooring instead of engineered hardwood and some of these are:

• Laminates flooring planks cost less that engineered hardwood.

• They are easy to install. You can finish a room as large as 300 square meters in a single weekend. It has easy click and clock design. Or, you may also want the one where you need glue for easy construction.

• They are inherently shiny and require minimal maintenance. They can easily be vacuumed to take away the dust. They are also stain-free.

• They are perfectly cut. Unlike real hardwood planks which have different cuts and require a professional measurement and cutting procedure, laminates have flawless pieces.

• They are moist-resistant. If you love the wooden appearance of the floor yet you live a very humid region, laminates are the answer to your dreams. They do not absorb moisture because of the resin cover over them.

What are the pros of engineered wood over the laminate flooring?

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Although, laminate flooring may have many advantages, it does not mean that engineered wood fall short on this list. Here are the reasons why you should love the engineered hardwood flooring:

• They are genuine wood. Anybody can feel that is the real thing and what is not. Engineered hardwood is 100% pure wood. The beauty of the authentic may be imitated but, cannot be completely copied by the laminates.

• They feel smoother and softer under your feet. Real wood feels warmer than resin.

• They are less slippery. Real wood are naturally non-slip surfaces.

• They have high resell price. Have you heard of reclaimed hardwoods? You can do this too, with your engineered wood floor planks.

• They can be sanded off. Scratches over the floor surface develop over time. You can make your wood floor look like new by sanding it again. Laminates cannot be sanded. Any scratch over the resin surface may require it to be replaced.

Every home has its own ambiance as anyone living in it has his or her own lifestyle and preferences. now that you know more about laminate and engineered hardwood flooring, choose wisely and have fun!

Linoleums is one of the good flooring choices around especially if you are looking a home improvement project that’s quick and easy to do, affordable, trendy and good for the environment. Oh, yeah! Linoleum is all of the above and more!

In a previous post, we have debunked myths surrounding this great flooring material that has been around for quite some time and well, there is a reason why it never quite got out of the picture.

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Linoleum flooring is flexible. It can be installed above and below grade. You just have to be mindful of your subfloor and moisture when you are putting it somewhere where there is direct exposure to water.

Aside from that, linoleum comes not just in timeless neutral shades but they are now available in hip and trendy designs and a wider range of color, texture and thickness. If you are a DIY-er, this definitely gives your creative soul plenty of room to breathe.

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Like any project or investment, especially with home improvements, we want to make sure it is well taken care of so we not only make the most out of it but we also make and share beautiful memories with it. In order to help you best take care of linoleum flooring, we have gathered some basic tips on how to clean and maintain linoleum floors.

Cleaning Linoleum Floors

Since linoleum is made of natural components like linseed oil, cork dust and other starchy particles, extreme scrubbing is not a great idea as it may dent and scratch the flooring’s surface. Though linoleum can endure some heavy thorough cleaning, it will have to be done sparingly.

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On a daily basis, its enough for you to do the following to make your linoleum covered floor squeaky clean:

1. Remove dirt, debris and other dust particles with a broom, dust mop or a vacuum. Though we would recommend a dust mop to be sufficient and capable.

2. Afterwards, make an appropriately light solution of water and cleaning agent – whether it’s soap, detergent or a manufacturer-recommended one and work it with a mop to remove debris built-up and dirt lodged into the linoleum surface.

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3. Begin from the farthest part of the room, regularly rinsing your mop in the solution given the size of the room and the degree of dirt, and go towards the exit.

4. Be mindful when wiping exit and entrance areas as they are more prone to dirt. You might also consider having some door mats and runners in place for protection.

Maintaining Linoleum Floors

At least once a month, or at least when you think your floors needs it most, have your linoluem flooring deeply cleaned.

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• By deep cleaning we mean  having as much furniture covering the surfaces turned or removed from the room and the following the steps mentioned above.

• After which using a wax stripper or making an ammonia and boiling water solution to remove the wax and reveal bare linoleum surface using a mop.

• Let the surface wax and apply fresh wax to protect the surface before moving furniture back in.

There you have it. Simple and doable steps to clean and maintain linoleum flooring.

Ceramic tiles are easy to maintain and they are also very durable. They come in different shapes, sizes and colors so anyone is sure to find a design that perfectly goes well with their preferences and needs. These are just some of the advantages of having ceramic tile flooring.

The most repair you would do is having to replace a tile should it get broken, cracked or severely damaged. For the most part however, it will be cleaning most of the time and regrouting once in a very long while.

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Yes, the grout on your ceramic tile flooring tend to look dirty, ugly and worn over time so you’d need to have it replaced to make your floors looking brand new.

So how to regrout ceramic floor styles? Here are some quick, easy and useful steps:

1. Choose the right type of grout. There are basically 2 types of grout: sanded and un-sanded. The sanded ones offer more strength and hence, it is recommended for spaces larger than ⅛ inches. If its smaller, then use an un-sanded one. This will make it easier for the grout to be applies and penetrate smaller spaces. Also, since the gaps are smaller, you won’t be needing the additional tensile strength offered by sand. Regrouting marble tile flooring however changes that rule since the and will severely damage the marble floors beyond repair, though the tiles should have been installed with less than ⅛ gaps, it won’t do you no harm to be mindful of these things. Finally, be sure to have the right color of the grout to match your tiles. If you were able to save some of the old one, then check if it has an expiration date or if its still suitable for use. Another neat trick is to chip off a piece of the old grout or take a photo of the floors and bring it to your local hardware store or home improvement shop.

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2. Clean and remove old grout. Clear away the old grout using an oscillating multitool that you can either rent or purchase from your local hardware shops. Two things to keep in mind if you plan to clear the old grout yourself; one, be sure you know how to use the tool and two, that the blade is sharp enough to do the job. Grind away following the old grout line, make sure to go as deep as the tile’s thickness. Next, sweep or vacuum and lightly mop to remove the dust. Using a small hammer and chisel set gently chip of remaining bits and pieces of grout. Note the word: gently. We are going to take out the grout and not the tiles. Sweep off the dirt and wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol. If there needs to be any repairs or replacements, this is the best time to do it.

3. Apply the grout. Following manufacturer instructions, mix the grout with the right amount of water in a small plastic tub and stir well until you achieve the right consistency – it has to be smooth: not too crumbly and not too soupy. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and stir again before application. Using a rubber grout float, force the mixture into between the tiles. Swipe the grout in the direction of the gap and force it in. Work from one area within your reach to another. Avoid stepping on freshly applied grout to prevent it from gouging out. Occasionally stir your grout mixture to avoid it from drying out. If you are working on a rather large space, mix small portions of the grout to avoid it from drying up. Dried up mixtures should be discarded as using it might compromise the quality of your work.

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4. Clean it up. Once you’ve finished applying the grout, allow 10-15 minutes for it to dry. Be sure to check the entire floor and make sure the grout is applied evenly and that there are no sections where an excess amount is bulging out. Be quick to scan and immediately remove any before the grout dries up. Use a spatula or a wooden stick to scrape them off. Also using a squeegee, non-corrosive rug or a foam sponge, wipe off excess grout on the tiles. Rinse the sponge often as you work from one section to another.

5. Add the final seal. Allow the grout to cure following manufacturer’s instructions. This is usually about 24 hours. Then apply a penetrating seal on the grout’s dried surface using a spray bottle or a sponge. This will protect the grout further and make it less prone to molds and mildew. Be sure to quickly wipe off excess sealant on the tile surface as they may cause staining.

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Painting your floors is one of the cheapest, quickest and easiest way to update the look of any of the rooms in your home. Compared to walls and ceilings, we often notice the floors because while we rarely look at them, we often feel them.

One of the main advantages of painting floors is that they are applicable to any floor – whether its wood, stone or concrete. Once the paint cures and sets, it’ll also require less maintenance compared to other floor coverings like wood that will require yearly staining and tiles that needs regrouting. Finally, minor damages are repairable and it takes only a fraction of the costs of other flooring materials.

ashleyannphotography.com

If you are convinced that you want to paint your floors and do-it-yourself while you’re at it, keep reading to know more.

Whether it’s wood or concrete, its best to know if your subfloor is suitable for painting. So, can your existing floors be painted?

In general, laminate, vinyl and linoleum may not be painted. Paint is commonly recommended for concrete and hardwood-based flooring.

Painting Wood Floors

Historically, wood floors are the first ones to be painted as far back in the 1700s mainly for aesthetic reasons. While the last few centuries have waned its popularity, painted wood floors are making a comeback because of certain innovations and of course, economics. There are different varieties and shades of paints available making it possible to create visually satisfying patterns and designs and its not that costly to be creative.

When it comes to wood floors, try to find out about the type of hardwood flooring you have, the paint recommended for it and the type of finish it has. Be sure to re-sand the surface to remove the old stain and finish before applying the paint. Ensure that sufficient sanding is done – meaning all of the existing finish and stain is removed and you are left with nothing but bare wood flooring. A word of caution when sanding though, try not to put too much weight on the machine and do not focus on a specific area for too long as it may cause an uneven surface afterwards.   Test the paint on a small location first to check if its compatible with your wood flooring.

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This is very important. If you have painted floors that ages back to 1970 or earlier, its best to have professionals handle paint removal or, if possible, have the old painted flooring replaced because paint before 1970 has lead which is highly toxic. Exposure to lead can cause serious illnesses.

Painting Concrete Floors

Compared to wood floors, there are some tests you need to do if you have concrete floors. First of these if the moisture test that determines if paint can tolerate moisture on the concrete’s surface. To test if there is excessive moisture, cut a piece of plastic crap, about 2×2 inches and place it on the concrete to be pasted securing and sealing all the edges with a duct tape. Leave it for 24 hours if you find that there is water inside or that the plastic wrap is damp, the floor cannot be painted. Consult local contractors to help you fix the problem.

The second test is the porosity test. This is to identify if the concrete has a coating finish that needs to be removed. to do this test simply sprinkle water on the concrete floors surface. If the water droplets get soaked up by the concrete then we are all ready to start painting. If it remains on the surface then we need to have that coating removed.

Clean and clear

Whether you are working with concrete or wood flooring remember to clean it up pristinely after the finishes have been removed. There should be no dust, debris and residue left in order to achieve a smooth and welcoming finish.

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After sanding be sure to sweep or vacuum the surface and wash it with detergent or soap and allow to dry for 24 hours at least. If washing is not possible then thoroughly mop and re-mop until the surface is squeaky clean before applying paint.

Tune in to our next post for more tips and ideas.

Concrete floors, sturdy and versatile. Gone are the days that decorators and homeowners shunned away from bare concrete flooring. Recent trends have made concrete not only in fashion but also reasonable flooring choice among home builders and DIY enthusiasts.

Cover ‘em up with other flooring products: area rugs and carpet tiles, paint and stickers they offer a cheap alternative than usually high-end markets occupied by natural stones and even hardwood. All it takes is a little effort and considerable amount of imagination.

All throughout our DIY flooring series, you heard us use the phrase “make sure the concrete subfloor is even…” and yada-yada. So today, we take a break from our installation posts and go over how to level concrete floors.

Whether or not you want your concrete slab as a subfloor or the main floor, continue reading and you’ll find useful tips below on understanding some cold hard facts about levelling concrete.

First, sweep and vacuum the concrete floor then grab a level bar and check the entire room. For slightly high spots, use a scraper or buff with heavy grit paper. Vacuum or sweep again till all the dust is removed before checking.

Use a framing square or even a piece of straight, flat lumber and mark all the  low and high points on the concrete floor.

For the larger bumps, better rent a grinder and make sure you know how to operate the tool and gear up for safety. If you’re not familiar with it, better contract to services of professionals. Also remember to cover furniture to protect them from getting scratched by debris from the grinder.

Work on the high spots you’ve marked earlier and grind it down till the bumps are gone and leveled with the flooring.

Sweep or vacuum the floor and check if you were able to even the lumps and bumps. Go back on some spots as needed.

For the low spots, prepare the levelling compound according to manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the dame with a trowel and work on small amounts as the compound hardens easily.

With all the varying features and styles of laminate flooring how do you pick the perfect one that will meet all your needs and add value to the space where it’ll be installed? Below are some basic tips every consumer should consider when shopping for the perfect laminate flooring, we have categorically split them into 2: design and function. These 2 elements are essential to finding the right one for your flooring needs.

The Perfect Laminate Flooring: Design Element

One of the reasons you might have chosen to install laminates over other flooring solutions is because its one of the most cost-effective. Chances are most of us will rather do the design of the room or we already have in mind what we like a particular space to look like. We assume a designer or stylist is no longer necessary and that’s the spirit, trust your own creative genius. However should you find yourself lost in the sea of choices you have, keep these pointers in mind:

• Keep a particular in color family in mind and automatically eliminate the ones you don’t want to narrow the choices down. You can be bold in choosing the colors: they can contrast or blend with all the fixtures in the room.
• The size of the room or the effect you want to achieve is another important consideration in terms of style. Darkly colored laminate floors tend to make a room look smaller and light ones give it a more spacious appeal.
• Traffic is another thing to consider on the stylish side as lighter easily appear dirty or worn compared to dark hues. If you have canines or felines, a good move is getting laminate flooring the same shade as their fur to conceal pet hairs.
• Bring a picture of the room, an object in the exact shade you’re looking for when you visit the store and show it to the salesperson or design professional if they have one as they may be able to make intelligent suggestions and even provide you with additional information.

The Perfect Laminate Flooring: Function Element

Aside from aesthetics, function plays an important role when choosing the right laminate flooring, here are some important areas to ponder upon before buying:

1. Locking Systems. Most laminate flooring products available today have click-lock systems that makes them very easy to install and a perfect DIY project. However, be sure to check the quality of the locking system before buying. The pieces should lock perfectly: no gaps and planks should lay flat and even. No piece should be higher than the other.  Tongue and grooves should be thick and must have uniform thickness as this determines the strength and stability of the locks.

2. Surface Texture. Yes, texture is more of a function than design. While texture initially imitates the feel of the material the laminate is replicating, texture lessens slippage and makes the floor ideal for little kids or the elderly.

3. Wear Layer. This is probably the most important aspect of laminate flooring. Durability at a lower cost is the promise every manufacturers make but in most online forums, you’ll see unsatisfied customers naming companies or products that failed to deliver on that promise. Traffic is something constant that floors will face daily so be sure to get the appropriate kind of wear layer for your flooring needs.

4. Core and Thickness. The core provides stability and thickness makes sure your hardwood- or stone-looking floors wont feel hallow and empty underfoot. Normally, those 10 to 12 mm thick ones provide a more solid feel compared to thinner laminate flooring.
5. Backing & Edges. While these two might seem more compatible with the design element, they serve a more functional purpose. The edges should be seamless and should lock properly to make sure floors stay in place and accidents don’t happen. Backing on the other hand should be non-toxic and moisture tolerant to avoid rotting or growth of molds underneath.

Some final notes:

Aside from form and function, the perfect laminate flooring should also be competitively priced. Check from different stores and see what they have to offer. Its not bad to bargain, in fact its even smart to think of ways to save on costs.

Learn about each stores after sales service and warranties. Since laminate flooring is durable but not indestructible, knowing product warranty can probably help you over time.

Cleaning and upkeep should be another concern since laminate flooring can’t be refinished after they’ve been worn, knowing how to best protect them is probably one of the best bets anyone can have in getting the best out of their perfect laminate flooring.

One of the reasons why laminate flooring is very popular is because it’s low on maintenance and quite easy to clean.

Before plunging in ahead and dragging that wet mop with your favorite cleaning solution across laminate flooring, be sure that you’ve read the warranty and cleaning instructions from the manufacturer or store and checked if there are restrictions or recommended cleaning products to preserve the beauty of your floors.

However, should there be limited information about them, we have gathered some common  ways of cleaning laminate floors:

1. What materials do you need?
   1. • broom w/ soft bristles and a dustpan or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush
      • mop – make sure its soft to prevent abrasion; this is to get stains and dust or debris residue off
      • microfiber cloth to wipe the laminate floor dry
      • water and vinegar or any cleaning product the product manufacturer recommend

2. Dust ‘em off! First step is to get off as much dust and debris as possible. Nothing beats good old fashioned sweeping with a broom and a dustpan to  get the job done. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to make it easier.

3. Then take the mop and wet it with the recommended or other appropriate cleaning products. If there are none is recommended, then going natural is the way to go. Get a bucket and fill it half full with warm water and add 2-4 tablespoons of vinegar and use the solution to wipe the laminate floor clean.

4. You can then wipe the cleaning solution to rinse the floor and get off any residue that might leave any unwanted markings when they dry. Some leaves the vinegar to dry since the smell doesn’t last long but some wipe it off to prevent it from wearing the laminate surface.

5. After rinsing the laminate floors, wipe it dry with microfiber or terry cloth, this is also another way of ensuring that excess water or cleaning solution does not seep in between the planks.

Regularly clean your laminate flooring not just to prolong its useful life  but mostly so that your home will always have that welcoming feel. It would also help to take precautionary steps like putting doormats and area rugs near the doors and bathrooms. Wiping spills immediately, not dragging heavy furniture or sharp objects on the floor and putting protective pads under the foot of chairs, furniture  and other objects.

Okay, now you’re finally beginning to get settled, your beautiful hardwood flooring has been installed, your home has now become warmer and more inviting. Now with everyday wear and tear comes the most important question: how do I keep my hardwood floors clean and at its best all the time? This is a common concern among homeowners who has hardwood installed on their floors, the beauty came with a hefty price tag after all.

While manufacturers know best, they most probably handed you over everything you need when you bought the flooring materials. It could be that you forgot the instructions or don’t have the time to get the exact same products they recommend most of the time, don’t fret. Hardwood is generally easy to maintain.

The goal is to keep them shined to perfection but before you drag a wet mop across that beautiful wood, consider first the following:

Begin with the finish.

The thing with hardwood is that it’s not the type of the wood that determines how to best clean or maintain the flooring, its the type of finish.

• Most newly installed hardwood are finished with either urethane, polyuerthane or polyacrylic sealants making them water and stain resistant and therefore easier to clean: just sweep and mop and you’re done.
• Another common finish are those that penetrates or gets soaked into the wood. Also known as oil-treated, these types needs more pampering and protection usually paste or liquid wax does it.
• While they are considered finishes, lacquered, varnished or untreated floors are not resistant to wear and moisture unlike the first tow we mentioned. Untreated hardwood should be taken care of the same way oil-treated ones are.

To quickly determine the finish of your hardwood, simply rub your fingers across the floor. If doing so left your floors smudge-free then its surface sealed. If you created a smudge then it is oil-treated.

Cleaning surface-sealed floors: some dos and don’ts

This type is usually the high-gloss ones as polyurethane leaves some sort of plastic finish on top of the hardwood flooring. What’s great about it is that its hard wearing and enhances the durability of the hardwood.

When cleaning treated or finished hardwood, be mindful and think before you wipe or scrub as some materials might be harmful and might compromise if not cause damage to those gorgeous floors.

For surface-sealed floors, using oil, wax or furniture sprays is generally not advised. Oil leaves residue which can only draw dust and debris in. Wax makes refinishing difficult and furniture spray makes the floor really slippery. Abrasive and alkaline products is another no-no as they will dull the hardwood’s luster.

Again, the best way to clean hardwood floors is to do it the way the guys who installed them told to and with the products they recommend. If this product is hard to find, stick with products whose ingredients are  not specifically ruled out by your warranty as this might void the agreement.

You can also go for products which have a neutral PH. Remember to maintain a routine cleaning schedule and add protective and preventive measures for your hardwood floors.

Cleaning penetrating-seal-treated, oil-treated, varnished, lacquered and untreated floors

Before re-applying wax, remember to remove wax residue or build up on your hardwood floors first using a manufacturer-recommended product or mineral spirits from your local hardware.

Apply paste or liquid wax compatible to your floor. Liquid wax is easier to apply but it leaves a thinner coat compared to past wax making it less effective in protecting your hardwood. Avoid using products that specifically say that they are water- or acrylic-based as they might leave your floor with white marks or smears.

A must before wax application is making sure that the hardwood floors’ surface have been cleaned and dust and debris is removed either through simple sweeping with a broom or vacuuming.

Make wax application and sweeping a routine  and after wax has been applied buff your floors to perfection. Remember to buff in the direction of the wood grain for a better luster and again, take preventive steps to protect your hardwood flooring.

What preventive steps to take?

We cannot over emphasize the importance of taking preventive steps in preserving or prolonging the life of your hardwood floors.  Its really not that complicated, you can do much just by following these simple rules:

1. Make sweeping a habit. Dirt and dust can damage the finish of your floor, regardless what it is, aside from the fact that it neither looks good or feels good underfoot. To prevent build-up regular sweeps of once or twice a day would be a good practice.

2. Meet mat. Yes, doormats can do preventive and protective wonders for you. Some research suggests that by putting doormats in the right places or high traffic areas, 80% of dirt does not get dragged into the room.

3. Wipe up. As soon as wipes or spills happen, act fast and wipe them immediately. In cases that substances which might be corrosive to the finish gets spilled, try blotting it to minimize the damage.

4. Be wise when you accessorize. Make sure whatever you put on the surface of the hardwood will not cause it to scratch or stain. Over time you might get bored with plain wood or might want to accent a specific area with rugs or make it more functional by adding a different type of flooring. Before putting anything on top of your hardwoods, ask flooring professionals first if it can harm or stain the floor.

Natural stone tile flooring are timeless pieces that is a statement of elegance and stability. They also come with a hefty price tag so we ought to be rather careful and check out all possible factors that will affect the quality of our home and our chosen natural stone flooring.

To be honest these buying guides did inspired a new series to help shoppers and homeowners know more about natural stone flooring. We’re planning to put it up in the next few days, just watch up for it. In the meantime this part 4 of of our series and we’ll look into the different factors to consider when buying natural stone flooring,

This kind of flooring have long been associated with the well-to-do members of society and somehow, that is still true today. They offer not just luxury but also history.

When buying natural stone flooring consider these two main factors: finish, color. Consistency might be a little harder to achieve since these types have very unique patterns based on the true nature of the material itself. Variation even in the slightest degree is something that should be anticipated.

Common natural stone flooring products available are:

Granite – composed mostly of quartz and feldspar, this is the hardest among natural stones second only to diamonds. They are durable and versatile and has different uses all around the home.

Scratch proof, stain and water resistant, they come in different colors and is low on maintenance.

Marble – is another material that has classic elegance and timeless endurance. This metamorphic rock has been used in ancient civilizations as a medium for arts and crafts as it is soft enough to be worked with tools yet hard enough to withstand exposure to the elements.

Slate – is a naturally slip resistant material suitable for both indoor and outdoor use for both commercial and residential purposes. Its mainly composed of shale, marine silt and other minerals giving in a unique layered texture.

Limestone –  formed in the seabeds made up of marine skeletal fragments and corals, this i dubbed as “young marble” but it is not as hard as marble and is actually considered as a soft stone.

Travertine – a member of the limestone family, it has a porous appearance and rich textures. They are available in smooth filled finished or finished in their natural porous state for a more rustic look and feel.

Sandstone – are slip-resistant and extremely durable flooring materials though they may look frail. They are also warmer compared to other natural stone tiles.

While there are different type of natural stone flooring choices and we will be coming up with a series on that in a week or 2, here are some basic pointers to keep in mind when buying granite, marble, travertine, sandstone or limestone flooring products:

1. Absorbtion Rating – defines how porous is the natural stone flooring material. The more porous or absorbent the product is, the susceptible ti is to getting stained and cracking during cold weather. There are 4 types of absorption ratings:

• • Non-vitreous – the highest level of absorption. An important thing to keep in mind that tiles with this type of rating should not be installed in moist or damp areas.
  • Semi-vitreous – though these type is less absorbent than non-vitreous tiles, be be careful because the more liquid this type gets exposed to, the more maintenance it requires.
  • Vitreous – is the standard absorption level ideal for flooring tiles in mid traffic indoor areas.
  • Impervious – resistant to liquid absorption and is easier to maintain. Recommended for  high traffic commercial use.

Don’t let the terms confuse you. Granite is considered as waterproof, while sandstone is the most porous and marble, travertine, slate and limestone has medium absorption rates.

2. Grade – is simply a system retailers use to rate the quality of materials: size, shape thickness and overall condition of a tile can be graded. Grade 1 or A is commonly the top grade – with the least defect if not entirely perfect.

3. Coefficient of Friction – refers to the measure of how slippery a material is. This is very important when buying natural stone flooring if you have specific traction needs. In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require at least a 0.6 dryness coefficient.