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There are probably some things you’ve been dying to know about hardwood floors. Given the factors like cost, installation and maintenance, plenty of individuals are really hesitant and careful in deciding if hardwood is the answer to their flooring needs.

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Given the factors above makes the decision very hard, what complicates and prolongs the process is the fact that there are more than a dozen myth surrounding hardwood flooring, quite plenty that we might have to put the ones about engineered hardwood flooring entirely in another post.

So here are the common myths about hardwood flooring

Myth #1: Hardwood flooring is expensive.

True that hardwood flooring is more expensive than other contemporary floor covering like ceramic tiles, laminate planks or vinyl. However, bear in mind that hardwood flooring is an investment that adds not only aesthetic value to any property but a scalable amount on that property’s monetary value.

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Hardwood offers warmth that ceramic flooring lacks, authenticity and versatility that laminate flooring do not offer and it is made from natural resources from a very highly regulated industry to ensure compliance to environmental rules and sustainability that is not the case with vinyl flooring.

The cost should not be seen as a negative thing but a serious factor to consider once the decision to install hardwood flooring has been made.

Myth #2 You can’t install hardwood flooring anywhere.

This is perhaps one of the most pervasive myth about hardwood flooring. You can install them just about anywhere except of course below grade and anywhere where there is direct exposure to water and moisture.

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Other than that, yes, hardwood flooring can be installed in kitchens and even bathrooms, provided of course they are well finished and protected from wetness and leads. They key here is prevention and maintenance – keeping the flooring surface dry and clean all the time and ensuring you avoid dropping sharp and pointed objects whenever working in the kitchen.

Remember that hardwood flooring aren’t made just to be beautiful, they are designed to withstand everyday use, including heavy traffic.

Myth #3 Fading and discoloration is a sign of defect.

Well , not really. it is possible that the original finish is exposed to sunlight and its not UV protected. It is also possible that this is a natural reaction or property of a particular type of variety of hardwood. Remember that hardwood flooring changes with age and reacts to changing seasons as well.

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Be sure to know everything about the kind of hardwood you are getting if you are having them installed, or learn its history if you already have an existing one. The best way to preserve hardwood flooring is through maintenance and its quite hard to do that if you are not aware of what you are dealing with.

Myth #4 Hardwood flooring can be installed DIY.

Well, you, me and just about anybody else can, however results are not guaranteed. First off, you need just the right amount of experience when installing this type of flooring. Remember that more that decor, hardwood flooring is both an investment and a home improvement so be sure whoever’s gonna do the installation know what they are doing.

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Consider the cost of the material and the trouble any delay in the installation process might cost. Also include repair and corrective expenses for that matter. Then think of the tools you might need to buy or rent out should you consider this a DIY project. Given the need to ensure that the subfloor is prepared accordingly and that each plank or board is installed secured and measured and cut properly clearly spells out that if you have not done this before, now is probably not a great time to try.

Myth #5 Prefinished hardwood flooring is better than onsite finished ones.

This is one of the things prefinished hardwood sellers are telling us. Being finished before the product hit the store shelves, we are made to believe that prefinished hardwood flooring is better because its finished “industrial grade” something that will take time and effort and perhaps even special tools if you attempt to do it onsite.

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On the other hand, professional flooring installers and contractors will tell you that its best to have an onsite finish to ensure that scuffs and tiny damages incurred during installation can be handled and covered with an onsite finish.

Yes, both kinds of finishes have their respective selling points and buyers and homeowners can decide based on their personal preferences and needs. However, keep in mind that any good finish, whether its done on- or off-site will last depending on the floor’s usage and maintenance.

Demystifying engineered hardwood flooring is one great idea since most people have often confused it with the likes of laminate flooring. The term in a way greatly differentiates engineered hardwood flooring from plain hardwood or solid hardwood flooring when the two are more closely related than laminate flooring.

Unlike laminate flooring that only uses a sheet of print and textured with grains, engineered hardwood is real hardwood reinforced to make it more stable and hence, more durable than the hardwood it was sourced from.

Below are some myths and less  known facts about engineered hardwood flooring:

Myth #1 Engineered hardwood flooring is fake. Its not real wood.

As mentioned earlier, this is perhaps the biggest misconception about engineered hardwood flooring. When someone hears of engineered hardwood for the first time, they can’t help but think of something well, synthetic.

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This however is not true because for a fact, engineered hardwood is real hardwood. It is constructed using several plies of plywood with a hardwood veneer on top and bound together.

Myth #2 Engineered flooring is not as durable and enduring as solid hardwood flooring.

Now this is another hoax since engineered hardwood is more of an upgraded hardwood and not an imitation. Its designed to eliminate certain areas where we have problems with solid hardwood flooring.

One is that it is more stable and has less chances of breaking or chipping unlike solid hardwood. It is also has lesser expansion and contraction when seasons change, has a higher tolerance of moisture and less prone to cupping. Its surface is more even and holes and other damage can be removed to make the grain patterns more seamless.

Myth #3 Engineered hardwood flooring is not DIY-friendly.

On the contrary, no. Like other flooring choices, engineered hardwood flooring comes in planks that uses click-lock technologies so it is very popular among do-it-yourself enthusiasts. Its rather easy to install and can be used as a floating floor or nailed and locked to the subfloor depending on one’s preference.

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Aside from that, since it is constructed to handle moisture better than traditional hardwood can, it can be used for below grade installations, as in basements and in bathroom areas that does not have direct contact with water.

Myth #4 Engineered hardwood flooring can’t be refinished.

Technically, not all of them can. When buying your engineered flooring, the key is to get the ones with a thicker veneer layer since the thin ones can only be refinished one time because another one would reveal the tongue and grooves.

Those with a thickness of 2mm or more can be refinished and those below 0.6mm can’t.

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Whichever you get, the key is to maintain your engineered hardwood flooring very well to keep the need to refinish them to a minimum. Wipe, sweep, vacuum and buff regularly and take preventive measures too, to prevent damage, stains and scratches.

Myth #5 You can’t install engineered flooring just about anywhere.

Yes, you can. Its beautiful, highly durable and available in just about any variety of hardwood so there are a lot of options in terms of design. Ease of installation and durability also makes it work not just for basements and bathrooms but also in apartments and rentals – since you can make it a floating floor that you can drag along with you when you decide to move out.

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It is sold finished or prefinished. Prefinished ones have what manufacturers call an “industrial grade” finish while the ones finished onsite have a thorough one, so its really up to one’s preferences which will work best for his taste and the design that he wants to achieve.

Cork is one flooring material we feel strongly about. Known for its resilience and durability, warmth, beauty and hypoallergenic properties, how could you not want cork flooring at home or at work?

Cork flooring has been around and used for over a century now. Since it is sourced from the cork oak trees’ bark, and the industry itself being a highly regulated one, cork flooring is one of the greenest and most sustainable flooring solutions available.

Just like hardwood, linoleum and other flooring materials, cork floors are haunted by certain myths that needs to be clarified. Here are some of them:

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Myth #1: Cork, just like hardwood flooring means dead trees.

Like we mentioned above, cork is one of the most sustainable flooring solutions available. This is because only the bark of cork oak trees, Quercus suber, are harvested to make cork flooring. The removal process is carefully done by hand and the cork oak tree can grow back the bark in five to seven years time. A matured cork oak tree can grow its bark back for the next 170 years.

Oftentimes, the flooring is made from leftover or residual materials from bottle corks. So this great flooring itself, is already an eco-friendly one that moment it was manufactured!

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Myth #2: Cork flooring is soft, dents easily and is not durable.

Yes, indeed cork is soft but the denting part isn’t entirely true. You see, cork flooring is made up of air pockets and another thing you should know about cork is that it has a sort of memory retention. Whenever someone drop something on the cork floor, the dent may be very visible at first but eventually, the material will go back to its original shape and the visible dent would have vanished.

One quick trivia is that some of the very old flooring we have around in really old buildings is cork – most of them remain untouched from the original installation. Its natural composition resists decay and wards off parasites and insects. How’s that for durability?

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Myth #3: The only benefit of cork flooring is warmth and softness.

Untrue! Aside from warmth and softness that is way, way better than hardwood, cork flooring is also a great insulator – keeping you warm during the winter and cool in the summer. Bamboo and other wood -based products are only neutral in this scale.

Speaking of insulation, cork is also a great sound-proofing material making it ideal for studies, offices, libraries and bedrooms. Professional recording studios make use of cork to suppress noise.

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Myth #4: Cork absorbs moisture and is a haven for bacteria and mildew.

Another false belief about cork flooring. Remember we told you earlier, cork’s natural composition resists decay? Cork possesses a naturally occurring substance called suberin that fights off bacteria and decay and repels insects and parasitical materials. Like bamboo, cork flooring is hypoallergenic.

One thing to watch out for is the installation process, ensure that edges and seams are sealed thoroughly. Openings and spaces in between the seams is a good breeding ground for mildew so make sure that all the right measures are observed during installation and repairs are done when accidents and other similar unforeseen incidents happen.

We’ve looked and revealed several flooring myths surrounding some popular flooring choices including hardwood, engineered hardwood and carpets and today we will talk about another favorite because of its variety in terms of color and design choices.

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Ceramic tiles is popular among homeowners because it offers its own unique kind of charm. Indeed its not as warm as wood or as soft as carpet but the variety and how it allows one to be really creative with design and layout makes up for most things that’s missing in these cold colored and textured tiles that comes in both glossy and glossy finishes.

Aside from variation, another advantage of ceramic tile flooring is the cost – compared to natural stone flooring like marble and granite, it is significantly less expensive. However, just like other flooring materials, there are myths surrounding ceramic tiles and some of them are:

Myth #1: Ceramic tiles does not offer versatility.

Quite the contrary, ceramic tiles come in a wide variety. There are different colors, sizes and textures to choose from. They come in glazed and unglazed finishes which adds more options. Ceramic tile flooring mimics both natural stone and hardwood making it possible to achieve any effect you desire for your property.

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Color plays an important role in creating the perfect room and you can use different shades of ceramic tile flooring to achieve a certain degree of drama or classic elegance with deep dark shades or a modern, roomy interior with light shades.

Myth #2: Ceramic tiles are hard to maintain.

Absolutely untrue. Unlike other popular flooring materials that require special treatments and solutions for cleaning, ceramic tiles need only a regular sweep and occasional wipe to keep it pristine, shiny and looking brand new.

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Compared to laminate, the color stays the same with ceramic flooring regardless of its exposure to the elements and everyday wear. One thing to keep in mind though is ensuring that appropriate cleaning materials and solutions are used to preserve and prolong the grout. One common practice is to grout and regrout the ceramic tiles after installation.

Myth #3: Ceramic tiles are expensive.

There are a lot of factors that affect the prices of ceramic tiles, however compared to typical natural stone flooring like marble, travertine and granite, ceramic tiles will definitely give you more value for your buck.

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The most expense you are going to incur is when you choose to install it the first time since its more advisable to hire professional contractors that doing it yourself, especially when you have no experience.You save yourself the trouble and the need to have the tools as well as using them.

Myth #4: Ceramic tile are not durable.

Ceramic has been used for several hundred years not just for its beauty and versatility but also for its durability. The process of manufacturing ceramic tile flooring adds more to its durability. While it’s clear that the material is not indestructible, there are certain things you can do to make sure you fully harness the durability: correct installation, even spacing and right subfloor preparation are some of important things to keep in mind.

In order for us to make good decisions about getting the best and most practical flooring that suits our needs we have to be aware of the different characteristics of available flooring solutions. Knowing includes both the facts and the fiction.

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Carpets, whether in the form of carpet tiles, area rugs or wall-to-wall carpeting is one popular flooring that some homeowners are very skeptical of buying because of the mixed beliefs that surround them. These myths causes us to shy away from what can otherwise be a comfortable, stylish and affordable solution to our flooring needs.

Myth #1: Carpet is comfortable and kid-friendly.

Well, indeed it is soft, cushiony and comfy, that’s the carpet promise whether they are wall-to-wall carpeting, carpet runners, area rugs or carpet tiles. Ultimately, comfort is the key distinguishing advantage of carpet.

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However, it depends on the environment. If your backyard or patio is a garden of landscaped with pavers but not really cemented or tiled, then your carpet flooring would be your worst nightmare – with all that dirt, dust and mud. Not only does is call for a lot of maintenance, it is also an invitation for allergies. Since kids are more likely to frolic under the sun or run under the rain straight right in your home to your carpeted flooring.

Myth #2: Carpet is bad for those with asthma and other allergies.

Contrary to this belief, research show that carpet fibers actually help prevent allergies and asthma by trapping and immobilizing potential allergens into the flooring helping you breathe easier. They key is to ensure that cleaning is done regularly and remove all the dirt and debris together with all the allergens.

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Regular sweeping or vacuum together with periodic hot water extractions is a great way to make your carpeted flooring extra kinder to those with allergies. Smaller items like door mats, carpet runners and area rugs can also use some washing.

Myth #3: Carpets and area rugs are not trendy and outdated.

True that the release of other modern flooring solutions had a great effect on the decline of the carpet market share but recent technological advances have also enabled carpet manufacturers to go head to head  and offer a wide variety of trendy and fashionable selection of carpets.

We have carpets of all sorts, sizes and shapes ranging from traditional wool to more unusual recycled materials like plastic. That’s right, plastic. Plus there is now a wider color scheme to choose from not to mention the different textures for different tastes and purposes.

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Carpet tiles are also available as a cheaper, easier-to-install and friendlier substitute to wall-to-wall carpeting. Truly, if you run out to do a quick search it really wouldn’t be quick at all.

Myth #4: Carpets are health-hazards.

Well, this is if you are not careful where you buy your carpeting from. True there are manufacturers out there who are reckless and have disregard for the buying public and used harmful chemicals like VOCs in producing their goods.

So make sure to check out the the company before you buy – where the product is manufactured, if they complied with standards and product reviews is a great way to make sure you are not only getting the best value for your buck but ensuring your family’s safety as well.

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If you moved in into a home where the carpet has been preinstalled in the property, check for records and background information just like you would with other fixtures or installations in it.

Myth #5: Carpets are not green.

This is largely related to the previous item and can be easily disproved especially nowadays that natural fibers as well as recycled materials are being used to make carpets. However, using recycled or sustainable materials alone is not sufficient to say that the product is indeed environment friendly.

The manufacturing, transportation and distribution of the carpets is one thing to consider. Sure its made from sustainable resources like bamboo fibers but it was made by a company from China. Imagine the carbon footprint from the fuel it burned to get it to the US or Europe.

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However, it you are buying from a local manufacturer who used recycled plastics or composite materials and the quality of the product and the way it is constructed is in line with environmental policies then that’s totally green!

Bamboo has been highly regarded as a sustainable and ideal flooring solution mostly because of its strength and abundance. However as ancient and mystical, this mighty grass is, there are some things that need to be set straight when it comes to bamboo flooring.

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Here are some common misconceptions about this tough grass:

Myth #1: There are limited options in bamboo flooring.

Variations in bamboo flooring come in different ways, from the available design options and shades as well as the type of installation – nailed, glued or floated. There are also variations in plank sizes that allows you to get creative.

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Myth #2: Bamboo flooring is frail and easy to damage.

This is wholly untrue because as frail and flexible the bamboo shoots seem like, the sturdier they are. Bamboo, the plant does not resist the wind. Instead it sways and flexes with it without breaking.

Further, processed bamboo flooring ranks high in the Janka Hardness Scale having tensile strength that not only rivals but exceeds some of the most common hardwood flooring used at homes and commercial establishments.

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Myth #3: Bamboo flooring is expensive.

This would depend on the brand or product specification. However, most bamboo flooring available are reasonably priced and in general costs less than most commonly used hardwood floors and certainly cheaper than natural stone tiles.

Myth #4: Bamboo is flooring difficult to manage.

This is not true at all. Since bamboo is harder than hardwoods, you worry less about it getting scratched or dented. It also works well with wet and dry weather and has a great tolerance of moisture.

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It requires basic sweeping and wiping, occasional wax and depending on your finish and flooring’s thickness, staining and refinishing might be optional. However bamboo flooring is quite durable so, with proper maintenance, this will not be necessary anytime soon.

Myth #5: Bamboo is  flooring not green.

For the most part, some people against the use of bamboo flooring says that the transportation of the materials from warmer areas and the far east burns excessive amounts of fuel and emits a large amount of smoke and fumes into the atmosphere. It is the means of transport that needs to be regulated and not the the manufacture of flooring itself.

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In terms of sustainability, bamboo is certainly one of the most sustainable ones since bamboo shoots grow on their own without the need of farming and the plant can reach its maturity within 5-7 years unlike oak hardwood that needs another 60-80 years before it grows matured and ready for harvest.

Myth #6: Bamboo flooring is unhealthy.

Critics also claim that formaldehyde treated bamboo is associated with a wide variety of illnesses. However, illnesses can be expected if excessive amounts of these chemicals are mixed with the flooring materials. Remember that there are standards in place and that the product should have been checked before its sold. Ensure that you are getting your bamboo flooring from a reputable manufacturer.

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Myth #7 Bamboo flooring is waterproof.

As mentioned earlier, bamboo is not only hard but also has a very high tolerance for water and moisture but keep in mind that like other wood-based products, bamboo flooring is not waterproof. So make sure that you avoid constant and prolonged water exposure as it will affect the quality and longevity of your bamboo flooring.

Tiles are functional and decorative at the same time. They can easily brighten up the house with its color and texture, or in an opposite case, add some needed drama. On the floor or in the back splash, tiles certainly affects the over-all design of your house. Other than floors, tiles can also be used on the walls and sinks. A perfect mix and match of tile colors will not only create different world of surprises for everyone at home but will leave most of your guests with a pleasant delight.

Guidelines for choosing the right floor tile

Tiles are generally pricey and will take some amount of effort to install. The toll it will take on your budget and schedule should be enough for you to consider some questions and ensure that you are getting the most in your flooring investment. Here are some things to think about in order to find the perfect tile for your home.

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• Where will you use it? Will you use it in the kitchen? Living room? Toilet and Bath? Carport?
• What is the theme you wanted to create?
• How strong you need your tile to be?
• Does it fit your budget?
• What is the size of the room?
• How do you want the installation should be done? In pattern? Large or small squares? Would there be some distance in between the tiles?

If you can figure out the answers to these questions, you may pick the tile of your choice. Of course, it will be wise not to settle and decide based on these questions alone. Scout for some free professional advice and other not-so-costly available resources like promos in your local stores and online resources.

Proper placement of the tile

Different styles of tiles have appropriate placement. The  challenge to the homeowner is know where to use them. The sole determinant of this is functionality.

Here are the list of tile styles and their proper place in your house:

• Glass Tiles. They are used as decorative in the kitchen and bath walls. Sometimes, they come in multi-color decorative design which filters away the light from the outside to give a dramatic effect inside. If you use them in your kitchen, do not worry if they get splashed with oil and soup. They can easily be wiped away. In fact, this is what it is built for- easy cleaning. Aside from kitchen  back splash, glass floor tiles are now widely used for bathrooms. They are elegant and inexpensive as well as nature-friendly.

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• Ceramic Tiles. A popular and widely used-alternative to natural stone tiles, ceramic comes in various shapes, colors and designs that will certainly allow for plenty of possible flooring layouts. They are also durable and easy to maintain that makes them an ideal flooring solution for the kitchen, living room, bathroom and the basement.
• Natural Stone Tiles. These are the tiles that are sourced from natural stones. There are a number of these type of flooring tiles and you bet they have higher tag prices than wood and ceramic tiles. Some of the popular ones used today are: granite, marble, travertine, slate and limestone. Like ceramic tiles, they are ideal for just about anywhere in the house except in places where there tends to be a lot of water and moisture. For areas that are generally prone to wetness, slate is the top pick because of its anti-slip properties.
• Carpet Tiles. Oh yes! Not all tiles are created equal. Carpet tiles have gained popularity over the traditional wall-to-wall carpeting. This is very popular among offices and other places where only muffled sounds are tolerated. They are cheap, easy to install since most of them comes with adhesive on their backings already and what’s more is that they are easier to maintain -washable and easier to replace compared to their older and more popular counterparts. Carpet tles are ideal for use in bedrooms, home office, studies and studio.

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• Composite Tiles. Another type of tiles that is slowly making waves are composite tiles. Much like the more popular composite decking materials, composite tiles are made from recycled products like plastics that makes use of what’s generally considered waste. They are cheap and durable and ideal for outdoor use.

Picking the perfect tile for your home needs several considerations and it is very important that you think each one through to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck.

Continuing with our list of the best flooring choices for each room in the house, here are a few more ideas you might want to think over before deciding on what’s the best flooring material is for you. This is something you need to look into before buying a new home or taking up that new home improvement project, especially if you are planning to do-it-yourself. It also a good thing to know even if you have decorators doing it for you, at least you have an idea on what they will be talking about.

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4. Dining Room

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Dining room area flooring has to be elegant and formal enough yet at the same time have that casual freedom to accommodate grown ups having their boss over and the family just enjoying a home cooked meal. Carpet seems to be a healthy choice since it offers comfort to tired feet and toes and it can muffle sounds. The downside however is that it will be prone to stains to you might want to consider alternatives to wall-to-wall carpeting like area rugs or carpet tiles. Also think of the colors carefully and pick out something that will not easily show stubborn stains. Hardwood and laminate flooring is also a great choice of the best flooring for the dining area since it looks pretty and well, feels comfortably warm compared to stone, tiles or concrete. Again, just be quick to clean up spills and well, be careful  not to drop something sharp enough to scratch.

5. Bathroom

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Bathrooms used to be dominated by tiles and vinyl since they bear with water better than bamboo, cork and wood-based flooring in general. Again, depending on your needs and preferences, you can make a combination work and you might even want to try up and coming materials like recycled glass. Yup, recycled glass is now a choice of the environmentally conscious and those who want to make a statement. The surface is finished in a way that it prevents slips and well, its glass so it appears pretty in the light.

6. Bedroom

Now, this is where traffic is not so much of a problem and well, its more of making it more personal and comfortable. Traditionally, bedroom flooring includes wood-based products and carpeting. For kids bedrooms where carpets can pose a problem, especially for children with respiratory problems and allergies, a good alternative is cork since its hypoallergenic. Its also durable enough to stand kids running around, easy to maintain and does not place so high in the price tag meter. Further, its a good insulator and naturally muffles and suppresses sound which makes it ideal even for grown ups who have work spaces in their bedrooms or those who prefer to lay down with a good book.

7. Basement

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Since this is basically that part of the house most exposed to moisture and in extreme cases even flooding, most of us tend to overlook how we can best use our basement – aside from the traditional washing area and workshop. Well, if you prefer to keep the concrete, it doesn’t have to be bare. Adding some paint for color can actually bring in more light and warmth in your basement. If you’re not so much of a painter, then try floor decals and stickers. If you want a more conventional looking basement, then have tiles installed and you can from there.

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Now that you’ve read the best flooring choices available for each room in your house, its time to plan – ask yourself (better yet, a professional for their recommendations) and be sure to cover all possible grounds and doubts you might have, after all, the best flooring for your home is more than just a decor or home improvement. It is an investment in the quality of your experience at home and an investment in your property.

Finding the best flooring for your home is possible. There are a number of things you need to consider to identify which is the best flooring that suit your needs and getting to know your flooring needs is actually the best place to start since different areas in the house have different purposes. Next to these purposes, identify the activities you have in mind in each area as this will definitely tell you the amount of traffic to expect, exposure to the elements like water and sunlight. These may seem trivial but no doubt, are important factors in knowing which of the different available flooring solutions is the best option to buy.

Then, next and perhaps, the most important thing to think about in making your best flooring project a reality is the cost. Yes, the amount of money needed not just to buy the flooring material but also the cost of installation and maintenance. Finding the best flooring does not end with the material alone. It also has to be functional and practical and there’s no best way to test practicality other than the cost.

Below are some rooms and some ideal flooring solutions for each and why.

Entryways

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In general, there’s no need to have special flooring for entryways and hallways. They can have the same material you have in one room or another, as long as it transitions okay. However, keep in mind that just like stairs, these places receive considerable amount of foot traffic and often is subject to more dirt and grit dragged in by our footwear. What we need to be aware of is protecting the best flooring we want to install by exposing it less to harmful materials like dirt which can scratch the flooring surface and moisture which can cause watermarks and stains. For these areas, we recommend having some area rugs and carpet runners to help protect flooring inside the house.

Living Room

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This is perhaps the crowning glory of most homes. If you have an average-sized house, then it is more than likely that you entertain guests and do some family bonding activities in the living room. If this is the case we can expect a moderate to heavy footfall on this room and in general, it is a combination of both beauty and function. If you intend to stay in the property for a number of years and want to make a worthwhile investment in it, then get hardwood flooring for the living room. Sure, hardwood can cause a burden in the pocket but the beauty, comfort and classic sassiness it will bring is definitely worth it. However, if you have money to spare and there’s somewhere else the kids can play and the boys can watch their game, then you might want to invest in natural stone flooring then add some touch of style by accentuating it with carpets or area rugs. Should you have limited space and budget or have some pets and tots roaming around, then natural stone might not be the best idea. If this is the case, opt for wood-based products or more softer but durable flooring solution.

Kitchen

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Kitchens are definitely the busiest and most used of all the rooms in any property. The kitchen floor is prone to spills and things getting dropped. So for safety reasons, the best flooring has to be slip-proof and second, it has to be something that’s easy to clean to make the area more hygienic and appealing. For the kitchen it is not uncommon to have traditional tile flooring and hardwood with area rugs to soften it out a bit. Cork flooring is also not a far cry from the conventional and for a busier kitchen, vinyl is recommended for the daily wear and tear and so is laminate flooring.

Be sure to watch out for our next post for the rest of the list.

A partial or full basement is actually an undiscovered goldmine.If a property has one, homeowners only need to tap into their inner creativity to transform that damp and musty area usually condemned for perpetual storage in to functional living space where fun activities for family and friends can be conducted. Turn it into a spare bedroom, a bar or an entertainment room, the possibilities are just endless.

Often, we are misguided that the belief that our basement flooring is just plain unmanageable which is why we condone that extra space to be left with very little use. Below are 7 myths about basement flooring revealed:

Myth #1: Concrete basement floors are damp and cold.

In the earlier years of concrete construction, maybe. These days most building codes require contractors to install a vapor barrier on concrete slabs to block moisture migration. There is also the option for in-floor radiant heating which can be installed prior to poring of concrete slabs.

There has also been a significant increase in upscale homes opting for decorative internal concrete flooring.

Myth #2: Floor coverings are better and cheaper than decorative concrete.

Decorating concrete floors can cost just as much as carpets or laminate flooring, however the difference is in the floors’ life expectancy. Concrete will far outlive most if not all other types of available flooring materials. Not only that, concrete will outdo any floor covering material when it comes to enduring natural elements like water and will not be prone to cupping, warping or even decay.

In short, over time homeowners will get more than their investment in decorative concrete flooring. Compared to other durable and  high end flooring products like natural stone and ceramic tiles, concrete is significantly cheaper and is normally considered an alternative.

Another advantage is maintenance, decorative concrete only requires occasional sweeping and damp moping.

Myth #3: Carpeting is warmer and more inviting than concrete.

Technically, this is not a myth. It is true that carpet is warmer as for being inviting, it has to stand the test of the elements. Maintenance and the carpeting’s reaction to below grade environment. There is an ever present risk of it being a breeding ground for molds, mildew, dust mites and other allergens.

Some new form of carpeting might also have hazardous emissions that may not be well-suited to basements, especially if they are not well-ventilated.

Myth #4: Cracks in concrete are inevitable and we must cover them up.

Cracks is something that will naturally occur in concrete and unless they pose danger and raises some structural issues, you don’t necessarily have to cover them up. For some, these cracks can even give more appeal and character to concrete basement decorative flooring. They give a more rustic feel to the room.

However if find them as eyesores, there are polymer-modified cement-based overlay can easily cover and hide them. These are also suited for treatment.

Myth #5: Concrete basement flooring, especially decorative ones are slippery.

And so are vinyl and ceramic tiles. While adding a high gloss finish might reduce the traction of decorative concrete flooring this can be easily corrected by mixing a non-slip additive to the treatment or finish before application.

Myth #6: Decorative concrete flooring has limited colors compared to carpet, vinyl or wood laminate flooring choices.

This is really a myth. Decorative concrete flooring offers great versatility in terms of designs and colors – stamped, stenciled, coated, dyed, etched or painted, the possibilities are just endless.

Creating unique and beautiful decorative concrete flooring is possible and at the same time economical and durable. Just be cautious when using paints and other materials as basements may have poor or limited ventilation and fumes might be hazardous.