Crucial Do It Yourself (DIY) Home Improvement Tips

The Home Improvement industry is steadily booming in India. People are now willing to spend on improvising their households. They feel that their home is a reflection of themselves. According to stats, there has been a considerable rise of house renovations and improvements in the year 2016 and expected to rise in 2017. Almost 75% is spent on furniture and fixtures while 25% in home decor.

Home improvement cannot be done haphazardly, it requires proper planning.  Everything needs to be organized which would include even the worst case scenarios and their solutions. Some of the basic crucial steps for home improvement tools are:

1.           Plan

Planning is a crucial and most important step for home improvement. One needs to have an idea regarding the areas that require improvement. Log all the details in a dairy, including measurements, your preferred layout and what you visualize for your space. Also, understanding your space is essential. Your ideas and layouts should be feasible to the measurements. Researching on ideas is vital.

2.           Budgeting

The second important step is budgeting. Every improvement or restoration will require an estimated expense. Planning the budget would help one understand which areas require more resources and your money can be managed more effectively.  Always try and keep a buffer of 15-20% for unexpected expenses.

3.           Prioritizing

After the crucial step of planning, you should have a list of areas that would require improvements. Certain areas may require immediate attention to prevent damage. Hence, prioritizing comes into the picture. Immediate restorations can decrease the level of severity and cost at that instance. If certain restorations are avoided now, they could increase the overhead cost next time. Prioritizing will help in effectively managing time and budget. For prioritizing, the POSEC method can be used.

POSEC Method stands for Prioritizing by Organizing, Streamlining, Economizing and Contributing. It works as:

•            Prioritizing responsibilities according to priority and available time.
•            Organizing according to priorities
•            Streamline tasks that need to be done (even if you don’t like them)
•            Economize tasks that are not as important
•            Contribute to help the contractors, if hired.

4.           Pinterest and YouTube is your friend

Researching your projects will help you dodge certain mistakes. Pinterest and YouTube are the places where one can find many Do-It-Yourself (DIY) guides. Also, try reading certain books and magazines related to home improvement. On Pinterest, you can browse through numerous images to get practical ideas for your household.

5.           Find the right contractor

One needs to find a reliable Contractor Directory for handling their household projects. For hiring a contractor, one needs to do research and also perform background checks.
Certain steps for hiring a contractor could be:

•            Asking for peer feedbacks
•            Research on the contractor
•            Ask for references
•            Get quotes from various contractors and tally

6.           Save Money

Saving money on certain improvement projects would help one to invest in other minor home improvement projects. Spending it wisely is the key. More should be spent on replacing items that are hard to replace by yourself. Splurge on items that are beneficial to you and the household.
A good idea is to go and scout for your own furniture. This would help you get bargains and select your choice. Another option is checking for discounts and order over the internet. One can also save money by doing certain tasks by themselves by watching YouTube videos.

7.           Match your home décor with furniture

Choosing the colour for your wall or furniture is up to you. Nowadays, people don’t always prefer matching colour. They like to add a splash of colour even at home. So, the colour choice is basically decided by you. Also, another option would be to mix designs and provide the house with an elegant look.

8.           Plan for future upgrades

Through planning, you would know exactly where future improvements can take place. This would help you to analyse and save along the way. These future upgrades should be integrated with minimalistic changes to the current design.

9.           Consultation

Home improvements need to be perfect as you invest a lot of money. In certain instances, feel free to consult licensed tradespeople. Any work related to plumbing, electrical or structural changes should be consulted with a professional before undertaking. You can even hire an architect or designer for the initial layout sketch.

10.        Follow the instructions

While doing any Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project, keep all the right information handy. Follow all the instructions carefully to get the right outcome in the end. Also, ensure that you have the correct tools present with you. Ensure that you have complied with the appropriate safety measures.

Author’s Bio
Akshay works as an Interior Designer with Lalco Interiors and he is in love with his job. Thinking up interesting home décor ideas and helping clients implement them is what makes him tick. You can catch up with Akshay and his team and indulge in one of their beautiful home décor pieces for your home at Lalco Interior.

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If you’ve ever experienced the feeling of stepping onto a cold tile floor after a warm shower, you will know it can be a bit of a shock to the system. Change that cold tile floor to a heated floor and the soles of your feet are delighted by a sensation like no other. Here are just four reasons why buying heated flooring from Flooring Supply Shop is one of the best investments you can make for your home.

Our Heated Floors Are Extremely Affordable

While the cost of installing heated flooring was once a very expensive project, many heated floors are now electrically powered and what’s more, you can install them yourself. EasyHeat Warm Tile Elite Mats are super thin floor mats that warm stone and tile floors and are a fraction of the price of traditional heated floors. They are also easier and quicker to install than conventional floor warming mats. EasyHeat Warm Tile Elite Mats are suitable for installation in bathrooms, kitchens, entries, sunrooms and more.

Our Heated Floors Use Less Energy

Our Radiant Floor Heating systems are proven to reduce energy usage compared to other forms of heating, keeping energy costs to a minimum while also delivering exceptional comfort. EasyHeat products in particular, also have extremely low EMF and such levels are comparable to standard household products such as televisions, mobile phones and refrigerators.

Our Heated Floors Are Suitable For Most Rooms

Although typically installed in the bathroom, the great thing about heated flooring is that it can be installed in almost any other room, providing they are fitted with appropriate flooring. If you have hardwood floors in one of your rooms for example, the changed in temperature may cause gaps in the wood. Choosing porcelain tiles, for example, means you can install heated flooring without any concerns and without sacrificing styles. Many people install heated floors in kitchens, bedrooms and basements, where it tends to get drafty.

Our Heated Floors Don’t Make Any Noise

One of the great things about the heated flooring we sell is its ability to deliver heat without noise. Both SunTouch Radiant Floor Heating and EasyHeat Radiant Floor Heating products will go unnoticed in your home in terms of noise. Of course your boiler is likely to make noise, but for many people, that’s hidden away in the basement or behind a cupboard where noise cannot be detected.

Our Heated Floors Are Out Of Sight

Whereas with traditional floor heating, heat emitters often restrict furniture placement, with a Radiant Floor Heating system, the floor surface is what emits the heat. By choosing SunTouch Radiant Floor Heating or EasyHeat Radiant Floor Heating products, you won’t need to compromise the aesthetics of your rooms, since you can place furniture wherever you would like.

You can check out our SunTouch Radiant Floor Heating and EasyHeat Radiant Floor Heating products for more information

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Step by Step Guide to Refinishing your Bathtub

Whether you love do-it-yourself projects or are on a budget and need to do some refurbishing on your own, it`s not hard to refinish a bathtub and you`ll be surprised that you can get it done in a reasonable amount of time. Pretty soon you`ll have a beautiful new tub that will bring new life to your bathroom. It can be a focal point, or you can blend the tub with paint, tile, linens and d?cor that tie the entire room together seamlessly.

Materials:

Abrasive tub cleaner
Paint
Epoxy
Abrasive cleaning pad
Paintbrush
Paint roller
400 to 600 grit wet sandpaper

Step 1
Before doing anything else, you need to clean your tub. Remove any non-slip materials with degreaser. Use a scrubber to thoroughly wash the tub and remove all debris, dirt and other items. Don`t worry about scratching the tub because you won`t be able to tell once your refurbishing project is finished. Rinse the cleaning fluids from the tub once you`re finished so that your paint has a prime surface to adhere to.

Step 2
Sand the tub using 400 to 600 grit wet sandpaper. This serves a couple of purposes. It gets rid of any leftover cleaner on the surface and it gives the new coating a solid place to stick. Make sure you get wet sandpaper because it`s much easier to wash away as you work.

Step 3
Mix the new paint for the tub with epoxy. Make sure the two are very well combined. Look for a kit that makes it easy to combine the correct ratio of paint to epoxy so you don`t damage your tub or have to start the project over. A kit is also a great way to make sure you buy the proper type of paint so you don`t mistakenly end up with something that doesn’t hold up well to contact with water. These kits come in several sizes, allowing you to get just as much product as you need to get the job done.

Step 4
Use a paintbrush to apply the paint to the surface of the tub. Paint in one direction only and apply several thin coats rather than one thick one. Allow an hour or so of drying time between each coat.

Step 5
Use a coordinating color of caulk and apply an even line around the tub, making sure to get the corners. Smooth the caulk as you go to get an even looking appearance. Wait a day or two before using the tub to be sure the paint and caulk is completely dried.

Tips and Tricks
Before getting started with your bathtub refinishing project, it`s a good idea to protect the other surfaces in your bathroom so you don`t have damage or costly repairs to deal with. Put a drop cloth over the toilet and the floor surrounding your tub. That way, if caulk or cleaner splashes or drips, clean-up is easy and you won`t mistakenly ruin something else. Remove all towels, rugs and wall art from the bathroom as well. This will keep them out of the way and protect them from damage.

Once you`re done with the tub refinishing, replace the bathroom essentials, or shop for new items to go with your new and beautiful bathtub. Shop online or in stores for new linens,  wall art and decor items that will make your bathroom look stunning in no time. Consider a new color combination, such as gray and yellow, blue and coral or white and gray to give your bathroom an elegant and classy look. All of these choices look great with a bright white bathtub.

Copyright © 2013 FlooringSupplyShop.com

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After months of preparation, dedication and hard work to prepare for this exciting day, FlooringSupplyShop is delighted to officially announce the launch our newly designed website. The new site launched on Oct 20th, 2013, and is located at the same address: www.flooringsupplyshop.com
That’s right folks, we took a dose of our own medicine.

At FlooringSupplyShop.com  our goal for the new website is to provide our visitors with an extremely user friendly website. The new innovative site will offer more functionality and easier navigation with more in-depth information about our DIY home improvement products.

The new site is completely fluid, fully responsive and fits all types of browser resolutions. It also has a touch-friendly mobile navigation menu.

So, whether you are “just looking” or you are seeking more specific details about a one of our Ready to Tile Benches to use or maybe seeking more information regarding the difference option building your own shower, we are here to help you learn more as we strive to give the most updated information and offer great learning tools for different types of guests that visit our site.

When you have a few minutes, please review our new site. You will feel the commitment, the passion, and dedication of everyone in the FlooringSupplyShop family. We would appreciate your thoughts on how our efforts have resonated with you.

We hope you like our new website. If you experience any problems using it or if you have any suggestions, please contact us at contact@flooringsupplyshop.com

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Flooring can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your house, provided it is appropriately installed. Right installation of the flooring is as important as choosing the right flooring material. Nowadays, people are increasingly opting for floating floor. Floating floor, a misnomer, is actually a floor installation method, which is wrongly confused by many as a type of flooring material. In floating floor, the flooring material generally consists of planks, which are installed without being glued, stapled, or nailed to the subfloor. Instead, of being fastened to the subfloor, the planks are joined to one another; allowing the floor to ‘float’ over the surface underneath.

Homeowners can choose amongst the different types of floating floors; such as the ‘glue together’, which is an older version of floating floor. The glue together floating floor is assembled with the help of appropriate adhesive and pressure applied on the planks, to bind it together. Another version of floating floor is the ‘click together’, which is also referred to as ‘enter click’ or ‘tongue and groove’. In this, the edges of the planks are so designed that these easily click together, when combined and tapped on the edge toward one another. This does not require the use of any adhesive, making installation hassle-free and time-saving. The latest as well as the fastest floating floor option is the ‘lock and fold’ system, which requires neither tapping of the planks nor sticking them with glue. In this type of floating system, the planks are attached with the help of a special milled interlocking system.

The rising popularity of the floating floor is due to the various benefits it offers. The biggest advantage of choosing floating floor is that it is convenient and hassle-free, which saves both effort and time. This installation method is so easy that the flooring of the room can be completed in just a few hours; irrespective of whether the installer is amateur or experienced. In addition, the floating floor is available in a wide range of material, such as hardwood, linoleum, bamboo, cork and plastic laminate. Depending upon their preferences and budget, homeowners can choose amongst any of the available options.

Floating floor is an ideal choice for areas with high humidity or moisture problem. Most of the flooring options are affected by fluctuations in moisture and humidity. Wooden planks, for example, tend to contract when humidity is low and expand when humidity is high; thereby causing gaps and buckling, respectively. In contrast, since the floating floor is not fastened to the underlying surface, it contracts and expands as one complete unit without giving rise to gaps or buckling. Besides, spacers are left alongside the walls to allow for expansion.

As floating floor is generally available as planks, homeowners only need to replace the damaged ones, rather than change the whole flooring. As a result, homeowners tend to save significant amount of money. Additionally, it is less expensive than most of the other flooring choices.

Owing to all these benefits, floating floor has become a preferred choice of more and more homeowners.

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It’s early in the morning and you’ve just opened the curtains to bring in the bright new day. Or perhaps the snow is falling softly outside as you snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa at your window seat and take in the view. Windows have been around for hundreds of years, and while their basic purpose has not changed, they have gone from being a necessary “hole in the wall” to a significant element of design.

What is the definition of a Window? According to Webster’s dictionary, a window is an opening, usually framed and spanned with glass, built into a wall for light and air. We still use windows for this fundamental purpose. Properly placed windows can provide cross ventilation and eliminate the need for artificial lighting during the day. Most people have at one time or another been in a dark, dreary room that simply needed the light of a window. Current national code requires that the glazed area of the windows (that is the glass itself) equal 8% or more of the square footage of a room.

Windows can range widely in style and cost. If you prefer contemporary styling, you may choose to go with a casement style window (a unit that either cranks out to the left or to the right). A more traditional style is the double hung unit (a unit that slides up and down). Other styles include horizontal sliders, awnings, and transom windows. A window manufacturer can provide detailed descriptions of the various styles available. The styles are as plentiful as the prices are varied. Of course, you can mix and match units. For example: in your kitchen you may desire a casement unit above the sink because they are easier to open reaching over the counter; however, adjacent to the kitchen, in a gazebo shaped breakfast area, there is no reason you should not consider using double-hung units.

Let’s take a closer look at the two most popular units, the casement and double hung window. There are pro’s and con’s to both. The casement offers full ventilation when opened where the double-hung only gives about half. However, if you have a group of casements units overlooking your deck or patio, be aware that casements take up exterior living space. So be careful at parties; open casements can be very painful when walked into. Probably the best part of double-hung units is many new models tilt in for easier cleaning, where as the casement does not offer a similar feature.

Whether you are building new, adding on additional space, or renovating a room in your home, the windows you choose should play a major role. When looking at windows for your new project, look carefully at the hardware, is it well manufactured? Plastic hardware may provide a more contemporary look, but also tend to break sooner. Open the windows at the showroom, do they operate easily? Do they offer a good warranty on the unit as a whole? Most manufactures should cover the windows for at least ten years. Check the energy efficiency (insulation value) of the particular units you are interested in. I recommend a minimum insulation value of R-3. Most units nowadays carry an insulation value of at least this, and very often it is higher. Overall, examine the quality of the unit on the interior as well as exterior.

You will find that the cost of windows is quite significant, but you get what you pay for. You want your windows to last 30 to 50 years, therefore they need to be constructed from good quality materials and made to last for long time. If you skimp on quality, you may have problems in as little as 5 years. Depending on the number of windows your project calls for, you should plan to spend approximately 5%-10% of your entire building budget if you are adding on or building a new home. This percentage is higher for smaller renovations.

Windows provide much more than light and air today. A properly designed window can make or break the mood of a room. Today’s windows should be treated as an integral part of the design and NOT JUST A PIECE OF GLASS.

Article provide by
designconnection.com

 

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Home Improvement scenarios have appreciated excellently over the years. The need for balanced home improvement has insured great levels of professionalism in the process. As a house owner you need to make certain considerations before even starting a home improvement process. The time at hand, the budget and the technical specifications play a major role in home improvement procedures. You need to maintain equilibrium in all aspects to ensure that all the criteria are met. So, let us discuss certain key areas and elements that need to be looked into for a balanced home improvement.

The Budget: Undoubtedly, the budget plays a huge role. You must always keep the monetary considerations in mind before you decide on the home improvement process. This helps you get a clear cut perspective on the key areas of your home that need improvement. The budget justification of these areas is also the key. Firstly, you can always specify a gross budget. Then you can specify the vital aspects of home improvement. Lastly, cross check whether the budget fits your home improvement demands. Such thorough analysis will help you eliminate the unwanted home improvement needs that might arise out of random sampling.

Use of Resources: Effective and efficient use of resources is the key. It is important that you know your house well. You must have good knowledge of your household goods and the durability factor involved with them. A reasonable analysis helps you know the actual need for change or make over in all the relevant areas.

Integration of the Elements: Integration of certain elements can bring a sense of uniqueness to the home. A good balance of the elements can help any room feel more inviting. Try wood and houseplants to invoke the feel of earth and air. Plants are especially good because not only do they look nice, they actually improve the quality of the air. Candles are great to bring fire’s warmth into a room, as is a fireplace. And a gorgeous fish aquarium or tabletop fountain provides the soothing energy of water. This is one example that presents a blend of exceptional budgeting and efficient utilization of resources.

Renovation: “Renovate” is the key to any home improvement project. You should always know the longevity of all our home belongings. This helps you judge the span of your home improvement project and the time specification you can have. The thin line that separates the need to renovate and the need to change can make a vital difference to the cost of any home improvement project.

The Exteriors: With all the potential improvements you can make to the interior of your home, it’s easy to neglect the outside. But the outside of your home is the first thing people see. If you live in a wood home, make sure the paint is fresh and un-chipped. Paint the shutters a new color to give your home renewed interest. Flower plantation and tree swings can add a great charm to your garden. Installing a pool or hot tub is also a good idea. Not only will you get the benefits of having your own place to splash around in, your home will be worth more if you ever decide to sell it.

Flooring: The flooring or the baseline of the homes makes a lot of difference. These days you have options to choose from. You can always try the new eco-friendly floor heating options available in the market. These not only keep your floor warm in winters but make sure that the heating is balanced in accordance with the outside temperature. They also serve as the best home improvement tasks when it comes to balancing. The amount of energy saving that they do as being substitute to floor heaters is phenomenal.

I hope these details help you get the right and balanced home improvement.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

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One of major decisions that every homeowner needs to make is to choose the right flooring material for their home. The wide variety of flooring options, make the decision all the more daunting. However, choosing brand name flooring material, over generic flooring options, proves beneficial for homeowners in several ways. Although, homeowners may have to pay little more for these branded products but it is worth spending the extra money as brand name flooring products are durable and cost effective. Once installed, homeowners can enjoy the benefit of good durable flooring, for years to come.

Branded products are beneficial in every way, as it offers better quality, guarantee and material which is durable. The leading brand names offer customers a wide range of options, including different materials such as marble, hardwood, tiles and laminate flooring. These are available in wide choices of colors, patterns and styles, which make it easier for the buyer to choose from. Moreover, the brand names ensure quality. Whatever branded flooring material you buy, would come with assured quality, which is worth all the investment. In addition, one of the biggest advantages of branded products is that all these flooring options are durable. With proper maintenance and care, the branded flooring options are long lasting which increase the overall value of the house. A company becomes a brand only when it offers quality and durable products, which eventually earns them a broad clientele. Hence, if you choose a brand name, you can be rest assured that the product is of high quality which will be long lasting.

The leading brands in the field constantly carry out research & development, in order to produce new and innovative products. The options available to the customers increase manifold with the introduction of new & useful products. Companies also offer customized solutions to incorporate the specific requirements of their customers. Moreover, with the increasing competition, companies strive to offer better quality products at lower rates, which eventually saves customers significant amount of money.

In addition, branded products last longer, and the flooring does not demand frequent repairs. Good quality branded products makes the flooring strong & durable to withstand greater foot traffic without fading and staining. With the use of branded products the maintenance cost for flooring decreases, which add on to the savings for the customers. An important reason why customers should opt for branded products is because these products come with a warranty. For the sake of their reputation, big brands of the industry ensure to provide quality products that prove beneficial to the customer.

Owing to all this certain companies have become household names and leading brands, whose products can be bought by customers with surety of quality and durability. Hence, in case you are contemplating with the idea of purchasing flooring for your home, consider buying brand name products. Though you may have to pay a little more for these branded products; it will save you time, effort and money as these lasts longer and offer value for your money.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

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Like other parts of the house, hardwood flooring also requires maintenance. Over the years, with constant wear & tear the floor starts losing its luster. Though, a lot of people resort to changing the flooring when it starts to wear down; this however is not an advisable option.

One of the most effective ways of dealing with worn out flooring is by buffing it. One can easily use buffing for refinishing the floor, so that it looks as good as new.

Instead of replacing the old hardwood flooring with a new one, most homeowners prefer buffing the flooring, which saves them time as well as money. Using harsh chemicals is not advisable as it will actually harm the floor by either staining it or affecting its natural sheen. Buffing on the other hand is safer and can help keep the fresh look of the floor, as if it was new. Moreover, buffing can be easily done on every type of flooring, whether it is marble or hardwood, with the help of a buffing machine. In case of carpet flooring, one can use the brush attachment instead of pads in the buffing machine; which effectively cleans and scrubs the carpet thoroughly.

It is a process, which can easily be accomplished by DIY enthusiasts. Whatever may be the type of floor you wish to buff; it should first be dust mopped and cleaned thoroughly. Next, you need to install the buffing pad and set the speed of the machine at 1-2 ft. per second. Move the machine in a straight line, overlapping each pass by 2-4 inches. You need to buff the floor till the required gloss is achieved. Similarly, repeat the whole process in other areas of the floor as well. Check the pads, and change them in case they have become dirty or worn out. After buffing is complete, dust mop the floor and follow it by wet vacuuming. Make sure to clean all the equipment, before storage.

Although it is easy, there are certain things that one needs to take care of while buffing the hardwood floor. Replace worn out pads as it can cause scratches on the floor. You need to select the appropriate pad and solution for the type of floor to be buffed. It is advisable that you evenly spread the solution over the particular section of the floor, and buff the area two to three times for best results. While buffing the floor, you must ensure to start from the end of the room, moving backwards, so that you do not step on the cleaned floor.

You will need to apply three different solutions, namely stripping, wax and polish solution. Though using a floor buffing machine is not very difficult; it is advisable to exercise caution since the buffing machine is quite big in size.

Flooring is the most essential part of any house and hence, requires utmost care. By just following some of the simple measures mentioned above, you can have a clean, shiny and durable flooring.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

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Hardwood floor is increasingly becoming one of the most preferred flooring choices amongst homeowners; as it greatly enhances the appearance of the house. Along with adding to the aesthetic appeal of the house, it also increases the value of the property. Hardwood flooring is durable as well as easy to maintain and install. Moreover, this versatile flooring option easily blends with any kind of décor, whether traditional or modern. However, just like other flooring options, hardwood flooring comes with its own set of assets & setbacks. Some of these problems can easily be rectified by homeowners themselves, while others may require professional assistance.

Many hardwood floor surfaces develop cracks or splits after few years which make it unpleasant to look at. This can easily be repaired with the help of angled nails, which secures the two pieces together. In order to hide the blemishes, you can cover it with some wood putty. The DIY enthusiasts can accomplishes this task easily within no time. Another common damage caused to the hardwood floors is the development of gaps between the wooden planks. This is mainly because of the nature of wood, which tends to expand in case it gets wet and shrinks when it dries. Over a period of time, this expansion and contraction causes gaps. Generally, this process is seasonal, where the change in weather and humidity causes the opening and closing of gaps. However, in case the gap is much and does not close on its own, you can take help of a professional who can tighten up the hardwood floor and solve this problem completely.

Moisture can also lead to another problem, sagging or warped hardwood floor, which needs to be addressed immediately. Another problem which may bother several homeowners is the cupped floors, also known as wash-boarding. The edges of the planks rise up across the width of the wooden strip, while there is a depression at the center. This is also caused due to moisture imbalance and the center of the board sinks down if the humidity is more on the bottom of the wooden strip than on top. All these problems require you to solve the humidity problem and balance its level to help the surface return back to normal.

In addition, many homeowners face the problem of buckling, which happens when the hardwood floorboard warps and lifts up from the subfloor beneath. There are several reasons which may cause this; hence it is advisable that one calls a professional for opinion so that the actual cause can be identified and appropriate measures can be taken to fix the problem.

Hardwood flooring may also experience minor problems such as scratching, staining or loose planks. In case of scratching or staining, you can easily find a solution in several touch-up kits that are readily available in the market. In case of major scratching, which can spoil the appearance of the floor; it would require refinishing. In case of loose planks the problem can be rectified by nailing it to the subfloor, which is quite easy.

Hence, these simple measures along with regular sweeping and cleaning helps in easy maintenance of the hardwood flooring.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

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Homeowners are increasingly choosing wood as a flooring option for their home. Wooden flooring is not just durable but adds to the aesthetic appeal of the house. In addition, it is also a great insulator which keeps the house warm and comfortable. However, in order to maintain the attractive look of the wooden floor it requires to be ‘sanded and sealed’ from time to time.

Over a period of time, the wooden floors develop scratches, dents and cracks; which tarnish the visual appeal of the interiors. However, such an unpleasant scenario can be avoided by proper sanding and sealing.

Sanding is the process of removing the upper layer of the wooden floor with the help of an abrasive material. Prior to sanding the floor, it is advisable that the defective nails are tightened and cracks are sealed. Proper sanding ads shine to the wooden floor, bringing back its initial rich appearance. Sanding the wooden floor is performed with coarse sandpaper initially, followed by a finer one. The coarse sandpaper removes the gross crudeness and imperfections, leaving behind scratches, which can be removed with the help of finer sandpaper. For a smoother finish, one can use floor polisher or disk sander as well. Proper sanding removes the scratches and stains on the floor.

After the wooden floor has been sanded, it is coated with a layer of wooden floor seal. Sealing is an important process which protects and enhances the life of the wooden floor. It can be done by putting a protective layer of an appropriate sealant. It is advisable not to choose cheap and inferior quality seal as it requires frequent re-sands which results in greater expenses. Quality seal, on the other hand, protects the floor by offering a stain resistant layer which can last years through proper maintenance. The protective sealant layer offers stain resistance, prevents water seepage, protects from dirt particles as well as keeps mold and mildew at bay.

The most important benefit of sanding and sealing, if done properly, is that it provides a whole new look to your floor. The refinishing results in visual magnificence making it look like a newly installed flooring. Due to this, more and more homeowners are resorting to sanding & sealing instead of installing a new floor, which can be time consuming as well as expensive.

Though it can be done by hand, most of the homeowners use electrical machines as these are easily available in various stores. However, before you choose to do this job on your own, you must realize that it requires patience and demands time, apart from money. You can always take professional help to perform this job if you don’t feel confident enough to do it yourself.

Sanding and sealing your wooden floor is highly essential and must not be overlooked. Not only does this process, enhance the visual appeal of the floor but also provides longevity to it. Therefore, if your wooden floor needs a facelift, then you must get it sanded and sealed either yourself or through a contractor.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

The post Benefits of Sanding and Sealing your Hardwood Floor first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

Amongst all the different flooring options available in the market, hardwood floors are undeniably the most elegant flooring option which adds an aesthetic look to the whole place. Moreover, the hardwood flooring can be installed anywhere, including kitchen, hallway, dining room and living room. These are increasingly being used in residential and commercial buildings. Amongst the different types of hardwood floors such oak, maple, pine, fir or birch; cypress and hickory are the most unique flooring trends of today.

Cypress has become quite popular among homeowners; it resembles knotty pine with better natural tone. These are available in delicate cream and soft brown shades, sometimes with hints of green. Over time, the natural darkening and aging of the wood occurs giving it an amber or honey-colored appearance. In addition, the knots and swirls gives it a more natural and unique appearance. The cypress hardwood flooring beautifully compliments the decor of the house, including any type of furniture or color of the interior. Harder than red oak flooring, cypress hardwood flooring is durable and can easily withstand heavy wear without any damage.

This hardwood flooring option has become the foremost choice of homeowners who want to give a warm and rustic country look to their dwelling. The rustic country look has gained popularity in remodeling old homes as well as in new construction in the past decade. The availability of Cypress hardwood flooring in a wide range of cream and brown tones with so many knots makes it the ideal flooring choice for this effect.

Moreover, the natural darker knots and striations in the cypress wood, makes it a good option for high traffic areas as the scratches and dents, if any, get camouflaged with the wood’s natural patterns. As a result, it easily hides abrasions and stains, unlike other glossier floors. Furthermore, cypress has also become a favorite choice of many hardwood flooring contractors, they find it easy to work with, since it is easy to sand and cut cypress wood.

Another popular choice is the hickory hardwood flooring which is available in a wide spectrum of colors. These are available in almost whites, to tan, and from soft brown to rich dark brown tones of the heart wood. Installing different shades together can produce quite vibrant, unique and dramatic looking hardwood flooring, which easily compliments any kind of decor. As a result, it prevents homeowners from worrying about fixtures and furniture clashing with the flooring. Next only to mesquite wood flooring, it is the second hardest domestic wood species used for hardwood flooring, and proves quite durable and cost-effective over other hardwood flooring such as oaks and maples. Similar to cypress hardwood flooring, hickory can also be used in any part of the house, such as the den, bedroom, living room or family room, giving the place a whole new look.

Hence in case you are building your new home or remodeling the old one and are looking for a good flooring option, choose the cypress or hickory hardwood flooring to give your place a royal and elegant appearance.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

The post Cypress and Hickory Unique Hardwood Flooring Trends first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

Flooring is probably the most important part of a home since it can significantly affect the aesthetics of the house. Furthermore, flooring serves a number of practical uses as well; therefore it is important to carefully select the flooring for a room for maximum effectiveness. Different flooring types have their own pros and cons, and you should weigh these pros and cons according to your requirements before making the final decision.

Some of the different types of flooring options include laminate, hardwood, ceramic, stone and carpet. These flooring types generally differ on points such as their aesthetics, durability, ease of installation and cost. There is no fixed rule on which type of flooring should be installed in a particular room. Generally, a few specific features of a flooring type make it ideal for a particular room in the house.

A bathroom is a high moisture area that requires durable and water resistant flooring. It is for this reason that ceramic and stone are considered as ideal flooring options for the bathroom. Ceramic and stone are not only durable and water resistant, but are available in a wide range of colors and designs as well. Linoleum is another option that can offer similar durability and aesthetics as stone or ceramic, at a lower cost.

The kitchen area in the house is also affected by moisture, therefore ceramic or stone flooring can be installed in the kitchen as well. In case you are contemplating on installing hardwood flooring in the kitchen you should select a highly durable wood. Laminate flooring would be the ideal choice for you, if you want the look of a hardwood floor, with added durability. However, irrespective of the flooring option selected by you it is essential to ensure proper insulation for maximum durability.

Since your bedroom is your personal space, you should select a flooring option that would feel good under your feet. Plush carpet flooring would be ideal to make your bedroom more comfortable and cozy. In case you do not want to install ‘wall-to-wall’ carpeting, a carpet tile would be an ideal option. Carpet tiles will offer the same comfort as a wall-to-wall carpet, and offer ease of installation as well.

Basement is one area of the house that causes the most worry amongst homeowners regarding the flooring to install. One of the reasons for this stress is that since this area is not used on a daily basis, people refrain from spending a lot on its flooring. However, one of the cheapest and the most effective options for the basement is concrete. Not only is concrete staining easy to install, but is highly durable and moisture resistant as well.

Although there is a plethora of flooring options available in the market, specific features of some make them ideal for a particular room in the house. You should carefully consider these features, as well as your budget and requirements to ensure that you select the right flooring option for different rooms.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

The post Finding the right flooring option for different rooms first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

Most people refrain from undertaking a DIY project since they neither have the expertise nor the tools to complete it in an effective manner. Further, the fear of expensive repairs and maintenance in the future in case the project goes wrong also deters a number of prospective DIY enthusiasts. However, the current economic slowdown has forced people to look at different ways to save money, and DIY projects instead of hiring a contractor as one such option.

Although there is no comparison between a DIY enthusiast and a professional contractor in terms of the experience and availability of resources, one factor that makes DIY project more attractive is the cost attached to it. What you would be charged by a professional contractor would be significantly higher as compared to what you would incur if you completed the job yourself. This financial motive is one of the biggest reasons why the current slowdown has resulted in an increased number of Do It yourself enthusiasts.

Although financial motive is important, the sense of achievement involved with completing a job is something that is characteristic of a DIY project. The fact that you get to call something your own is what attracts most people to completing a job themselves rather than hiring a professional contractor.

One of the most important benefits of hiring a professional contractor is the years of experience and the resources that they bring into a project. You can easily check on the references provided by contractors to know about the previous work done by them. Further, professionals have all the tools and equipments that would be required to complete a job. Although a DIY enthusiast cannot match up to the experience levels of a professional contractor, it has become very easy to get access to high grade tools and equipment in an affordable manner.

Be it tiling, carpentry, or a plumbing job; you would require a specialized set of tools to complete the task at hand. Without the right resources you would not be able to achieve the right finish; thereby resulting in future repairs and maintenance costs. However, you can easily find highly effective tools and resources such as the grout grabber, Pro Pan, Kirb perfect, tile sealers, Tuscan Leveling System and trowels on the internet. These resources will not only make your job much easier but will result in a much more defined and finished look to your renovation work.

Although the financial slowdown is what is forcing people towards Do It Yourself projects, it is not as easy as it sounds. A DIY work gone wrong can result in more repairs and maintenance expenditure than what a professional contractor would have charged. It is for this reason that you should properly analyze the job at hand and should be prepared with the right tools and equipment before starting your project. A properly completed DIY project will give you a sense of achievement and will save you on a lot of financial expenditure.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

The post The increasing popularity of DIY projects in the current slowdown first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

As an owner of your new house you must have surely planned a unique appearance for your entire home. One area where your unique style can be displayed is your bathroom.

The concept of designer bathrooms is gaining popularity around the world today.  Modern day bathrooms are a blend of utility and creativity and are a focal point for today’s home buyer.  When designing your bathroom you want  to create an effect which transcends the boundary between natural and artificial elegance.  Your shower area is one space where you can begin to make this a reality.  How you ask?  By adding a ready to tile shower bench!

A shower bench is a great idea for many reasons.   It offers a way to use your shower as a personal retreat to sit back and relax.  A bench allows you to replicate the effect of a spa in your bathroom and wash away all the worries under the stream of warm flowing water.  With the development of sophisticated shower columns a bench is almost a necessity in your bathroom as it offers a completely refreshing experience.

The most commonly found shower benches are the free standing ones which can be easily lifted.  Folding shower benches have  been used in the past, but in recent years built in shower benches have gained a lot of popularity.  These benches have a great load bearing capacity and also blend in perfectly with the architecture of the bathroom.  The shower seats are ready to tile and can easily be added to your existing shower.

Our ready to tile shower seats offer a few distinct advantages. They are made from heavy duty high-density expanded polystyrene or metal which give them a superior load bearing capacity and reduces the chance of breakage. They are also treated to make them  water resistant so that there is no requirement for additional waterproofing at the time of installation. Granite or marble models offer an elegant look and add real value to your shower.  These are just some of the reasons why a ready to tile shower seat is a smart buy.

The installation process of shower seats has also been revolutionized over the years.  Modern shower seats can be installed easily as they are very lightweight.  The triangle shape helps them get fitted easily into your shower and also blend perfectly with the bathroom. These seats are perfect for places where the walls are plumb.  A normal leveling of the wall will ensure that the shower seats can be installed easily.

The current trend in bathrooms is out with the old and in with the new.  The insights of some of the most renowned designers like Antonio Bullo and David Chipperfield are lending a bright new concept to bathrooms.  A shower is no longer just a bathing area but your own personal space which can help you unwind and relax.  So stop standing in that old, tired looking shower.  Add a ready to tile shower bench and relax in elegance.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

The post Ready To Tile Shower Bench: Comfortable Elegance first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

Hardwood Care & Maintenance

Protect the natural beauty of your Hardwood flooring

A few simple maintenance steps will help protect your investment and keep your Hardwood flooring looking like new.

For cleaning, make sure you…

• Use a damp cloth to blot spills and spots as soon as they happen. For tough spots, such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink, tar, or cigarette marks, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth, then wipe with a damp cloth. Always avoid allowing liquids to stand on your floor.

• Sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor regularly with the hard floor attachment (not the beater bar) to prevent accumulation of dirt or grit that can scratch or dull the floor finish.

• Occasionally wipe the floor with a damp mop or cloth. Periodically clean the floor with R2X Hard Surfaces Flooring Cleaner from Shaw’s line of floor covering care products.

While cleaning is easy, there are a few things to avoid:

• Don’t use oil based, wax, polish, or strong ammoniated or abrasive cleaners.

• Don’t use steel wool or scouring powder.

• Don’t wash or wet-mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent, or any other liquid cleaning material. This could cause swelling, warping, delamination, and joint-line separation, and void the warranty. Don’t use any type of buffing machine.

Other routine care instructions:

• For spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

• For tough stains, use R2X Hard Surfaces Flooring Cleaner.

• Do not use any type of buffing machine.

Use protective mats

Good quality entry and exit mats will help collect the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that can otherwise be tracked onto your flooring. Do not use rubber- or foam-backed plastic mats as they may discolor the flooring. To prevent slippage, use an approved vinyl rug underlayment.

Use floor protectors on furniture

Use floor protectors and wide-load-bearing leg bases/rollers to minimize indentations and scratches from heavy objects. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector should be.

Maintain relative humidity level

• Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 45 and 65% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of wood.

• Heating Season (Dry): A humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage due to low humidity levels. Wood stove and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions.

• Non Heating Season (Wet): An air conditioner, dehumidifier or periodically turning on your heating system can maintain humidity during the summer months. Avoid excessive exposure to water during periods of inclement weather.

Avoid sharp objects

While your Hardwood floor is one of the most wear resistant floors on the market, sharp or pointed objects can damage it nonetheless.

Watch your feet

Don’t walk on your flooring with stiletto-style heels, spiked golf shoes, or cleats. They may cause indentations in your flooring.

Watch your pet’s feet

Keep your pet’s nails trimmed to keep them from scratching your flooring.

Rearrange your rugs and furniture

Periodically rearranging your area rugs and furniture will allow the flooring to age evenly. UV sunlight will soften the tone of different species of hardwood to varying degrees.

Protect the floor when moving

Use a dolly when moving heavy furniture or appliances. But first, put down a sheet of quarter-inch plywood or Masonite to protect the floor. Never try to slide or roll heavy objects across the floor.

The post Hardwood Care & Maintenance what and how first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

Los Angeles, CA – www.flooringsupplyshop.com., the online distributor of International Flooring Center, Inc., has announced that it has engaged Blanke Corporation … as its distributor for the Flooring system Products market in California.

flooringsupplyshop.com will sell and provide customer support services and tech support for Blanke ’s complete line of Blanke UNI-Mat PRO, Blanke PERMAT, Blanke ULTRA-DRAIN, Blanke Transition’s, Blanke AQUA SHIELD, Blanke DRAIN Mat and more including Customer support and tech support.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Motti Vaknin President of International Flooring Center, Inc. / www.flooringsupplyshop.com. Said: “I am exciting Blanke Corporation flooring system line. They have the most professional flooring product line with a full range of solutions for the tile industry, that can provide major advantages for our customers.”

Mr. Motti Vaknin, President of International Flooring Center, Inc. / www.flooringsupplyshop.com, said: “International Flooring Center, Inc./ www.flooringsupplyshop.com is pleased to represent Blanke Corporation in California. We are confident that this will be a successful relationship. knowing and testing Blanke’s product for over 2 years, we trust the product, and our customers would love it, now we will be able to deliver our full line of Blanke florring systemt quickly to our customers.

Not like Schluter system Blanke product are superior and pass the Tile Council of North America testing

With their Online Store International Flooring Center, Inc. / www.flooringsupplyshop.com. expands their local coverage thru out the united states including Canada and other countries.

About Blanke Corporation

Founded in 1948, Blanke and Co., the parent company of Blanke Corporation began operations forming industrial grade wire and fabricating special metal parts from brass, aluminum and rust resistant metals.

Expertise gained during these early years enabled the company to assume a leadership role in an emerging industry by becoming one of the first producers of metal trims and profiles for ceramic tile and stone installations.

For more information abut Blanke Corporation, please visit Blanke Corporation web site

For information: www.flooringsupplyshop.com or Contact: contact@flooringsupplyshop.com Phone: 877-880-8453

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If you’d like more information about our product, or to schedule an interview with Motti Vaknin, please call our office at 877-880-8453 or e-mail at contact@flooringsupplyshop.com

The post FlooringSupplyShop.com, the online distributor of International Flooring Center, Inc., has announced that it has engaged Blanke Corporation first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

SunTouch® ProMelt Snow Melting System

Pre-woven snow melting mats for quick and simple installations.

SunTouch ProMelt products are a simple way to eliminate snow and ice from stair way, drive way, entry way and more..

Follow these recommendations when selecting ProMelt Mats:

1. Determine what voltage will be used: 120VAC, 208VAC, 240VAC, or 277VAC.

2. Determine the heat output. The climate and amount of snowfall will dictate this choice. In general, most systems will require 50 Watts/Sq.Ft. spacing to melt snow and ice. Some residential or light commercial systems in temperate climates may need only 38 Watts/Sq.Ft. spacing.

3. Determine the square footage of the area to be melted. Do not include areas under built-ins like planters or similar obstructions. Stay 3-6″ from edges of slabs and do not cross expansion joints if possible. Add up all the areas to be melted and round down the nearest mat size(s) to fill the area. Either 2′-wide or 3′-wide mats can be selected.

Free Shipping on all our ProMelt Snow Melting Systems by SunTouch.

Only at flooringsupplyshop.com Lowest Price Guarantee click here for full detail

Only at flooringsupplyshop.com everything in stock and ship same day

Not sure what and how many you need, we here to Help

Contact@flooringsupplyshop.com by Phone 877-880-8453 (TILE) , Email, or Fax, or stop by our store with the layout of your room and we will give you complete list of what you need.

Click on our Flooring Calculator to calculate not just how many electrical floor heaters you need, you can also see how much it will cost you daily or yearly, and adjust your uses base on your electrical floor heating budget.

We are not and Internet-based store like most of our competition, we have a physical store showroom, warehouse based in Los Angeles, CA . We welcome our customers and website visitors to our store.

Store hours 7:00 am – 5:00 pm Mon – Fri, and 12:00 Noon – 4:00 pm Sunday

We ship same day any order received until 4:00 pm, (PST) any next day or 2nd day order coming up to 4:45 pm (PST) will also be ship same day.

SunTouch ProMelt Installation Manual – SunTouch 25 years Warranty

The post ProMelt Snow Melting System SunTouch ProMelt products are a simple way to eliminate snow and ice from first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

flooringsupplyshop.com offers tile substrate solutions provided through FinPan’s PreFormed line of quality products. FinPan and its subsidiary T. Clear Corporation, provides a line of PreFormed products are solutions readily applied under a variety of flooring materials. The Shower Pan, Niches and Shower Seats are easily adaptable tile substrates solutions which come in a variety of sizes. Among the lightest products of their kind in the industry and the most easily installed these versatile one piece systems provide the foundation for tiling in a variety of situations. Tile can be applied directly to the niches and shower seats to blend into existing architectural structures and interior tile designs. The 202 Curb and 120 Slope are additional PreFormed products that provide ease of installation by helping to prepare and mold the construction into a professional finish. The 202 Curb fits along the edges of countertops, knee walls, door jambs and platform edges. The 120 Slope is a Styrofoam® cut-to-fit product that quickly and efficiently creates the proper slope for drainage.

All PreFormed products are easy to handle and install. They are readily adaptable to existing commercial and residential constructions in the bathroom, kitchen, hall or exterior. FinPan® guarantees that their PreFormed products will never erode or degrade and they all are specifically designed to reduce build up of condensation and deter potentially harmful molds and fungi. To ensure a watertight fit, flooringsupplyshop.com recommends either SealGuard  C-Cure  Pro Red as the waterproofing membrane. Unlike some other more expensive water sealants C-Cure Pro Red and SealGuard are simple to apply and suitable for commercial and residential stone and tile installations. Home renovation of this type offers the advantages of comfort and value with little effort and cost which is the reason PreFormed systems are used by professionals and non-professional installers alike. It is for these reasons and more that flooringsupplyshop.com selects FinPan’s quality products to provide their valued customers.

For more information on PreFormed products, please visit www.finpan.com.

Further Inquiries

For those requiring technical details, installation assistance or general inquiries, flooringsupplyshop.com provides their acclaimed customer service to assist with the selection and installation of PreFormed solutions. flooringsupplyshop.com is pleased to offer free consultations to assist customers with the selection and estimation of required materials. flooringsupplyshop.com holds one of the largest inventories of tile supplies and provides same day shipping for online orders. Customer satisfaction is a priority which is why flooringsupplyshop.com offers a money back guarantee on all PreFormed systems.

If you’d like more information about products, or to schedule an interview with Motti Vaknin, President of the International Flooring Center.

Please visit us at our store International Flooring Center:

5047 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90016

call the office at 877-880-8453 or e-mail flooringsupplyshop.com directly at contact@flooringsupplyshop.com.

The post FlooringSupplyShop.com Offers PreFormed™ Tile Systems from FinPan first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.