Most creaks and squeaks are caused by wood rubbing on wood – it’s a simple mechanical problem of too much material stuck in too small of a space. Many Hardwood flooring manufactures use a natural, organic material that expands and contracts as temperatures and humidity levels change. If individual planks don’t have enough room to expand, they’re forced to fight for space with the neighboring planks. For this type of “side-to-side” creaking, powdered graphite can often used to lubricate the contact areas. Simply apply graphite powder generously over the squeaky seam, place a rag or towel over the area, and work the squeak over and over until the graphite powder penetrates and the sound becomes silent. This method may take a few applications. When you’re finished, clean up the excess graphite powder with a damp towel, and enjoy the silence.

Another, more difficult squeak is one which develops between the hardwood flooring plank and the wooden subfloor. It’s always a good idea to use a quality underlayment material during the installation to help reduce this issue. If an underlayment hasn’t been used, it may be necessary to nail of screw the squeaky areas more securely to the subfloor. If nailing, be sure to pre-drill the floor plank, but not the subfloor. Apply pressure to the plank while nailing, for the most secure fit. If using screws, pre-drilling planks is a MUST! This will help prevent cracking. Always use screws with square drive heads – common Phillips screws slip too easily. Be sure to lubricate the screw with a little soap or wax, apply pressure to the plank, and drive until the screw head sits just beneath the plank surface. Finish by applying wood filler over the screw head.

In addition to using an underlayment during install, it is important to leave at least ¼” between the wall and the first plank in each row. This extra space allows the wood to expand without obstruction. The small gap can easily be covered by a quarter round or decorative molding. Remember to follow manufacturer’s instructions to a T, and always consult with a licensed contractor before any DIY install.

Boston is a marketing specialist with QualityFlooring4Less a leader in
Hardwood Flooring.

Whenever confronted with such questions, we refer our customers to the results of a survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association. The organization surveyed real estate agents throughout the country, and found out that hardwood floors, among all flooring types, will help sell homes faster, and (probably) at a better price.

But this is hardly the toughest choice a customer has to make when installing new floors. Once decided that hardwood flooring makes the best choice for their homes, customers are faced with the challenge of selecting ‘the right’ type of hardwood floors.

A perusal on the Lumber Liquidators’ website, the nation’s largest hardwood retailer, reveals a wide selection of hardwood floors, all coming with different colors, qualities, and prices. We’ll take a look now at some of the most expensive (and beautiful) hardwood flooring tiles you can opt from to hopefully make your choice easier and help you through the process.

1. Zebra Wood – This is probably the most expensive hardwood floors in the world. It is an exotic wood with an appearance that resembles the striping of a zebra. The zebra wood was a favorite choice among the rich – it was used inside luxury cars such as Mercedes Benz, but also in Prada’s flagship store in Manhattan. However, eco-friends be warned – zebra wood comes from an endangered tree in West Africa, so choosing a rare wood, as the zebra wood, might have unwanted ecological consequences.

2. Wenge – It’s about the deep brown color, an almost black, which gives wenge a ‘vow’ effect, making it an instant hit among owners who want to give their homes personality and elegance at the same time. Wenge is a very hard, heavy, and durable wood. Wenge is an exotic wood, harvested in Central Africa, and although it’s not among endangered species, the product is rare and hence very, very expensive in the US.

3. Brazilian Walnut – It is also known as Ironwood, and it is the hardest wood in the world, with an unmatched 3,680 on the Janka scale. In addition to its hardness, the wood does very well in humid areas and it’s very resistant to pests. The Brazilian Walnut has beautiful chocolate color, which makes it a popular choice for both decking application and flooring.

Calin is a marketing professional with the Flooring Service Group, a leader in Atlanta hardwood flooring.

Is floor sanding and sealing really necessary? The answer is yes. If you want to know why there is a need to do routine floor sanding and sealing, here are some of the reasons:

The primary reason why it is a necessity is because it provides protection to your floor. Homes are considered to be a valuable investment that is why a lot of effort and money are put into it. You will only want the best quality in every aspect. If you want the wooden floors to retain its good and scratch-free condition then sanding and sealing are essential. By putting a protective layer, it prevents water from soaking to the floors. It saves the hassle of having to deal with molds and mildew later on.

In case you failed to do a routine maintenance, floor sanding and sealing is the way to regain the floor’s old shine and luster. In case the woods start to look dull and lose its shine due to constant scrubbing and cleaning, it is advisable to perform sanding and re-staining in order to restore its appearance or give it a new look.

Lastly, sanding could save you money in the long run. Wooden floors are subjected to regular wear and tear. It is only vital to check it on a regular basis and examine if repairs are needed. Among the common problems that you might encounter are loose planks and nails. Proper sanding could help prevent the situation from getting worse.

Just a piece of advice to homeowners, floor sanding is not recommended as a do-it-yourself task. It is recommended to seek the services of professionals that are trained and equipped with the right tools for this job.

Mia is a freelance content writer is also fond of traveling and outdoor adventures.

She is currently working on a gulvafslibning project and sees this as an opportunity to share information to readers about floor sanding.

While this earth-friendly and aesthetically appealing material is growing in popularity, not all consumers are totally familiar with engineered hardwoods.

So what are engineered hardwoods and how are they made?

Engineered wood flooring is made up of layers of wood that are glued together and cross layered.  The layers are comprised of thin pieces of plywood and the top surface is a wooden veneer that is readily available in practically any wood type.

And this is wear the eco-friendly aspect of engineered flooring comes in.

Because the material is made up of layers, the top layer of fine wood is much thinner than standard wood floors.  For consumers who want hardwood floors made of luxurious, rare or exotic woods, choosing engineered wood floors will help conserve the source of the wood.  According to Hosking Hardwood, for each square foot of solid three-quarter-inch hardwood that is manufactured, approximately four times the amount of engineered hardwoods can be made.  Because the floors are made of layers, they are great choice for flooring in areas that are prone to high moisture and humidity.

The manufacturing process of engineered hardwoods is usually done in one of two ways: sliced with a saw blade or rotary cut with a knife blade.  The finished product generally ranges between three and seven inch pieces and is sometimes available in thicker wear layer.  Contrary to popular belief, engineered hardwood floors can be resurfaced and have an average lifespan of 60-80 years.

Aside from the great finished look of the floors, the installation process can be fairly simple.  Because of the layered ply pieces, engineered hardwoods can be installed over a dry concrete surface or even on top of some existing flooring materials such as wood laminates or tile.  When installing engineering wood floors, it is vital to ensure that the moisture content does not exceed four percent.

Although it is made manufactured differently than hardwood flooring and the finished product is different, engineered hardwood floors adds the same value to your home as traditional hardwoods.  And, if you choose a rarer or exotic top layer, you may be adding more value than choosing a more common type of traditional hardwoods.

If you decided that engineered hardwood flooring is the right material for your home, make sure you find a retailer that gives you a variety of finishes and woods to choose from.  Many retailers offer different woods and even different finishes, such as the newly-popular hand-scraped look.  Hand-scraped hardwoods provide a rustic finish that really showcases the different grains and textures of the wood.

Before you decide on whether or not engineered hardwood floors are right for you, visit a flooring retailer and do some research.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  Making an informed decision and purchase will result in you being much happier with your finished product.

While money may not be flowing in right now, some consumers see this downward economy as an opportunity to make a purchase when other consumers aren’t.  This tactic could give you a bit of wiggle room and act as a pretty good bargaining tool when shopping for products.

Consumers who are taking advantage of the dip in the economic climate and are looking to purchase new flooring materials may also be toying with the notion of installing the new floors on their own.  While many consumers are fully capable of installing new floors and have done it many times throughout their lives, some homeowners may be in over their heads if they try to tackle this job alone.

Installing new flooring, weather it’s carpet, tile, wood or laminate is something that you want to make sure you do right the first time.  Improperly installing floors is only going to make the process more difficult and cost you more money in the long run.

Anytime you purchase new floors, talk to the sales associate and see what specials they are offering.  Oftentimes sales people will throw in installation for free if you meet the minimum purchase price for the materials.  Some stores run specials on installation, and it is always a good idea to ask.  Don’t be afraid to use your bargaining and negotiating skills.  Sales associates and managers have more wiggle room than they lead on.

If you can’t seem to find a cheap installation price, or you’re determined to install the floor yourself, there are a few things you will need to do before you begin. Before you get started, running out to the book store and buying a book on floor installation (aimed at the material you are installing) can be a life saver.  Installation books will tell you what tools you need, how long the process will take, and give you a step-by-step guide to properly installing floors.  Laying carpet and tile will most likely require tools you may not own, such as a knee kicker or a tile cutter or tile saw, which you can rent or purchase from local hardware and home improvement stores.

Different flooring materials will obviously require different installation techniques.  Tile will need to be cut and installed on a clean surface.  While it is usually laid on subflooring – otherwise known as plywood – there is mortar available at your local hardware store that allows you to install tile on top of tile which can save you the hassle of ripping up the existing tile before installing the new material.

Always remember to take your time and use your best discretion.  If you just are not a handyman or handywoman, you may want to seek out some help from a friend or family member who has experience with installing new floors.  You’ll be much happier with a clean, properly installed finished product than a new floor that doesn’t look professionally installed.

There are many factors to consider when you’re in the market for new floors.  One of the most important things to remember is that finding the right flooring material to meet your needs is vital if you want to be happy with the finished product.  While there are many different types of floors available to you, not all materials are going to provide you with what you’re looking for.

Here are a few things to consider when you are shopping around for the perfect flooring product.

Tip Number One: If you have kids, look for kid friendly floors

If you have young children in your home, it is important to remember that, although they are adorable, they are going to make messes.  And lots of them.

But just because you know your little angels are going to wreak havoc on your home doesn’t mean you can’t have the floors you really want.  There are many kid safe flooring materials out there that you can choose from.

If carpet is at the top of your list (which is a great flooring choice to have in kids’ rooms since the majority of their play time is spent on the floor) look for a durable carpet that cleans easily.  Stainmaster carpets have always done well and are great for small children.

If you would rather have wood floors but are afraid of the maintenance and possible damage from your kids spilling liquids, wood laminate floors may be the perfect alternative.  Laminate is available in many different colors and wood looks.  It is easy to maintain and a breeze to clean.

If carpet and wood or wood laminate don’t seem like the right choice for your home, there are other materials available that work well with kids, including tile, vinyl and eco-friendly options like concrete and cork.  Tile is great for clean-ups and is fairly durable.  Although concrete can definitely jazz up a space and is extremely durable, it is obviously very hard and may not be a great choice if you have small children who tend to play a lot in the house.

Tip Number Two: Do your homework

Before you head out to the store to look for your new floors, spend a little time online doing your research.  Make a list of what you want in flooring materials and look for the best match.  New flooring options are emerging everyday and unconventional flooring products are becoming more and more popular in homes and businesses.

Find out what your options are before you make a blind choice.  If you are well informed before you head out to make a purchase, you will be much happier with your overall finished product.

Tip Number Three: Beware of maintenance

If you aren’t the kind of person who likes to clean or who likes to maintain things, there are certain flooring products you just aren’t going to like.  Keep in mind that all floors require some type of maintenance, whether it is regular cleaning or sealing, but some floors require more treatment than others.  When you are researching flooring choices, be sure to look up what is required to maintain the floors once they are installed.  You can always talk to a sales associate at a local home improvement or flooring store for additional advice.

Now that you are armed with facts and information, head out to the stores and find the right product for your home.  Remember, it’s not important what the sales associate, your neighbor or your mother-in-law wants you to get.  Choosing the right floors for you is what’s most important throughout the process.

Concrete flooring has become a more popular flooring material used in businesses and residential homes.  According to the website Toolbase.org, “concrete flooring lasts longer than most other floors and can withstand much abuse without damaging its look,” and it “is relatively inexpensive.”

The use of concrete dates back as far as 12 million BC when a spontaneous combustion caused a reaction to occur between limestone and shale that created concrete compounds.  As the years passed, ancient civilizations further developed the use of concrete in building, but the art of it was lost with the fall of the Roman Empire.  Some 1200 years later, concrete emerged again and has been used for various building projects ever since.  Today, there are few structures that have been built without the use of concrete (Auburn.edu).

For some, having concrete floors in their home may sound very odd.  Concrete as a flooring surface in the home may be thought of as cold, loud, hard and dusty.  While it may not be as cozy or warm as plush carpeting, there are various techniques and decorative finishes that are used to completely change the appearance of standard concrete and make maintenance quick and painless.

While altering the coloring of an existing surface can be achieved through chemical staining, the results are not always predictable due to weathering, exposure to other chemicals and natural processes that occur when mixing the stain.  Waxes or sealants are recommended for chemical staining and will usually bring out the full color and potential of the stained surface.  A simple one color stain can be easily completed with great success, but when complex or more artistic designs are desired, it is beneficial to find a skilled person to do the job.  When done correctly, concrete surfaces can resemble other natural materials such as granite or marble at a cheaper cost (toolbase.org).

Stamping concrete slabs is another great way to achieve a more realistic look to the surface.  According to the website Concrete.org, “stamping, which can be used for both interior and exterior concrete surfaces, has literally made a big impression over the last several decades.”  The design is achieved through templates or textured mats and has grown to a highly advanced stage.  Surfaces can resemble wood, water, stone, brick, marble and any other imaginable design.

For an alternative to ceramic tile, Toolbase.org lists a technique called scoring, which gives a concrete slab the appearance of tile with a much more durable surface.  Shallow cuts are made into the surface of the concrete and can be made to resemble grout lines.  More intricate designs and patterns can also be cut into the slab and made more prevalent by changing the color of the design element.

Colored hardeners or exposed aggregates can also be used to change the appearance of concrete.  Cement.org states that “exposed aggregate uses the texture of the rock or stone in the concrete to embellish the surface.”  This is a popular technique that can be done by three different methods.  Colored hardeners will create a harder surface and intensify the hue or pigment of the colors used.

Although easy to maintain and aesthetically pleasing, there are a few drawbacks to having concrete floors in a home.  Toolbase.org says that concrete is colder than other traditional flooring materials, holds a higher risk for falling objects shattering, the deflection of sound and a higher injury risk when small children are in the home.  A good alternative to most of these issues is the use of area rugs in high traffic rooms.

While the above mentioned techniques are the more popular ways to alter the appearance of concrete surfaces, there are still other methods that can be used in order to achieve the desired look.  Consult a local home improvement store or visit one of the following sites for more information on concrete floors:

http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Decks-Patios-Fences/concrete-floor-finishes

http://www.cement.org/decorative/floors.asp

True hardwood flooring has many grain marks that are original and unique. Laminate flooring has many of the same markings and looks just like the real thing.

Hardwood flooring needs continuous maintenance. You need to keep it clean, keep things that can scratch it off of it, and you will need to protect it with coatings when needed. It is expensive to maintain! Laminate flooring is much easier to take care of. You simply need a wet mop to clean it up and while you won’t use chemicals on it, you don’t have to take care not to scratch it as much. It is much more resistant to damage.

Hardwood flooring that is laid correctly will last a lifetime. Laminate flooring will probably last just as long if not longer.

Laminate flooring is much less expensive than hardwoods that can cost you ten times as much as laminates.

Both can be stained in the colors that you want them to be. They can both be protected with special layers of protective coatings that will keep them looking beautiful and lasting a long time.

Laminate flooring to be used regularly, as with true hardwood floors, you will need to take special precautions to make sure that they are not damaged. Water can even damage many hardwoods.

When you are considering the purchase of laminates, make sure to look at the value that it offers to a home. Many love the look of hardwood and the no nonsense trouble that laminates afford. Which is your choice?

By: Sandy Baker

A lot of thinking has to be done before making your choices. Some of the factors that you have to keep in mind are:-

1. The size of the room/ building.
2. The color scheme of the walls.
3. The purpose of the rooms.
4. Your budget.
5. Maintenance.
6. The climate and other natural conditions of the place you live in.
7. Transportation availability and costs.

Once you have all these points considered, you can make your final pick. Marble has been the choice of many for ages. It’s white and gives a royal look. This type of flooring can be done in homes where the rooms are large and you have enough man power to maintain it. Marble needs to be polished once in two three years to maintain the shine. It is not advisable in homes where there are elderly people as there is a small chance they may slip and fall.

The other royal flooring which is black in color is granite. This is also for those buildings and homes where the rooms are big. If used in a small room it may give it a very small and stuffy look. Don’t forget to check the water in your area before opting for granite. As it is black in color if the floor is mopped with salt water there will be salt deposits which is clearly visible.

Going for tiles has been the choice of many. It is simple to maintain, is cost effective and pretty easy to replace as well. Another big advantage that tiles have is that you can pick and choose any color that you want. They come in all sorts of finishes suitable for your wet floors and dry floors. If you want to have tiles for convenience but love wood, there is no problem as there are tiles which look just like wood.

Seeing and being around nature is a rare sight. So if you want your home to be eco friendly you can always go for wood flooring. They are slightly tough to maintain and you will have to keep getting them varnished at regular intervals. They can be replaced with ease and you can feel nature right under your feet everyday every time.
Mosaic flooring has been around for ages. It is the most effective flooring for buildings where you have a lot of movement and less of maintenance. All it needs is to be polished once in a while and it will be as good as new. Mosaic is not recommended for homes where you have dogs as pets. The flooring is best suited for those who need a maintenance free floor.

Shag area rugs are one of the most popular floor coverings around.

Caring for your shag area rug properly can extend its usable life indefinitely.Typical maintenance can include regular cleaning with a vacuum and occasional cleaning with a steam machine. Using your vacuum on a regular basis is important with shag area rugs because the vacuum picks up particles that can damage the carpet fibers. As well as reducing the level of dirt caught under the fibers, vacuuming helps to keep up the look of the shag area rug. It is essential to vacuum at least once a week. You should vacuum twice per week in areas that have heavy foot traffic.

Additionally, it is important to keep your vacuum in good working order to maintain a higher level of clean.Because the vacuuming can only catch surface dirt, your shag area rug may need another method of cleaning periodically. A wet cleaner, like a steam machine, is best to remove deep carpet soil like oil or grease. This can be done through a small rental machine or through a professional service. The level of frequency you complete this type of cleaning depends on the shag area rug you have purchased. For most, though, you should complete a deep cleaning every one to two years. Shag area rugs are a nice addition to any home with the proper care.

About the Author: Adam Peters contributes adding content continuously to http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com, a free online magazine for interior design and decorating ideas.