Archive for the ‘Flooring’ Category

Re-Coating a Hardwood Floor

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In this article I would like to cover the re coating procedure for hardwood floors. Re-coating is a cost effective way to revive worn out or dull hardwood floors. However, it is not for all floors. Floors that have deep scarring or scratches that have penetrated the top finish layer cannot be re-coated. In addition, floors that have been cleaned with wax cleaners such as; oil soaps, orange glow etc also cannot be re-coated. Other floors that cannot be re-coated are floors with aluminum oxide finishes. If you are considering re coating a pre finished floor or an engineered wood floor it is a good idea to check the manufacturers recommendation for re coating.

Now that we have covered all of the floors that can’t be re coated, we can discuss how to get started on those floors that can be.

Here is what you will need:

A floor buffer. These can be rented at your local home store or tool rental shop. If you have never used a floor buffer, it is a good idea to use what is called a square buffer. Square buffers vibrate instead of oscillate, so they are much easier to operate.
A white buffer pad and a couple 150 grit sanding screens. These will be found where ever you rent the buffer.

Mineral Spirits
Microfiber dust mop
Sanding sealer
Wood floor finish that is specifically for wood floors – The choices are oil based polyurethane or water based finish, both offer great durability
Foam Brush
Lambswool applicator for oil products or a water based applicator for water based finishes. Also, one water based applicator for the sanding sealer
Vacuum (shop vac works great)

First, you will want to buff the entire floor with the floor buffer with the white pad and the sanding screen on it. This will remove some of the surface scratches as well as rough up the finish that is already there. Roughing up the finish help allow the new coatings to bond to the floor.

After the floor has been thoroughly buffed. You will want to vacuum the floor. Be sure to get every bit of dust or debris vacuumed up. Next, Take your micro fiber dust mop and dampen it with some mineral spirits. Then mop over the floor a few times, being sure to shake out the mop after each time and re damped the mop before each time.

After the floor is cleaned, allow the mineral spirits to dry for about 15 minutes. Next, take the sanding sealer and stir it up really well. Then apply the sanding sealer with one of the water based floor applicators. This should take about 1-3 hours to dry.

After the sanding sealer has dried. You are now ready to apply the finish of your choice. For the oil based use a lambs wool applicator. Or for the water based finish use the water based applicator. It is usually easiest to apply it thin to prevent streaks. If it was put on thin, you may want to re buff the floor, clean it again and apply another coating of finish. It is not necessary to apply the sanding sealer again.

Finally, wait for the floor to dry and wait the finish manufactures recommended time for curing before moving furniture back onto the floor.

http://rhodeshardwoodflooring.com

By Dustin Rhodes

Flooring and Rugs Make an Important Partnership

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Whether you’re looking to spruce up a bedroom or are decorating a property for the first time, you should be sure to consider the relationship between flooring and the rugs you have in your home.

Both modern rugs and old styles of such furnishings can be selected, so no matter which you select you are bound to find something that matches your flooring, whether this is made from vinyl, laminate, solid oak or otherwise.

Polypropylene and acrylic pile are just two of the choices of materials that are on hand with modern-style rugs.

Wool rugs are one popular option that you may also wish to select. This could be an ideal choice if you’re seeking out something to match your organic flooring and is sure to be soft underfoot.

The proportion of wool pile that your rug contains can vary depending on the specific product that you take out, but you may well find yourself opting for a 100 per cent wool pile rug.

However, wool rugs that are tufted in appearance are also available, as are rugs which are silky both in terms of feel and look. If you’re considering the relationship between your rugs and flooring, this latter trend may prove to be especially impactful if you want something that will match the gloss and shimmer on hand with laminate or bamboo floors.

Wool rugs are also hardwearing and come with a natural coil spring which helps it to keep its shape for a long time, meaning it will not wear out easily, a feature that you may well consider when seeking out flooring options.

With their versatile nature and widely-regarded for their noise-absorbing properties, you may find rugs an ideal choice to help cancel out the noise created by people’s shoes and boots as they walk across the top of your flooring.

Of course, rugs ought to have an aesthetic appeal to them and you should be sure to select something which matches the rest of your flooring, as well as the rest of your decor.

There are a wide variety of materials that modern rugs can be made from so be sure to pick one that suits the style of your home, although you may want to bring out ones in certain patterns to match the changing of the seasons or different times of year.

UK Flooring Direct has over 25 years’ experience in the flooring industry and offers a wide range of quality rugs. For modern rugs and wool rugs check out UK Flooring Direct.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dipika_Patel

By Dipika Patel Platinum Quality Author

Bamboo Flooring Pros

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Advantages of Bamboo Flooring

The biggest advantage of this kind of flooring is that it is durable and also can sustain the appeal for a very long time. It is so durable that it can stay strong and not get damaged even after the use for several years. Another advantage of this form of flooring is that it is eco-friendly and does not harm the environment in any way. This is because it is a product of the bamboo plant.

This plant can be grown easily and there are no toxins or form of waste that arises from it. It can also be recycled easily because it can be planted and grown easily. It is available in large quantities and grows really fast. It takes only about three years for a bamboo plant to grow to its full potential. When you compare this with any other tree then it is really short because most take several decades to mature.

Why Bamboo flooring?

This is an excellent option because it gives a very ethnic look to your house and this is one look that will never go out of fashion. They are available in different patterns and you are sure to find one that you will love. No matter what the theme of your house this kind of flooring is one that will fit in and look perfectly in sync with any existing decor. This flooring option comes from an industry that creates an excellent opportunity for employment for everyone.

It is resistant to moisture and therefore it lasts for a long time. All you need to do is to install it for it to last you a lifetime. If there is chance that things could be spilt on it but you need not worry because all you need to do is to wipe it with a dry cloth. Because this is a kind of material that does not soak in stains it is very durable and suitable in the kitchen and also in the bathroom. It is most suitable for a home with kids. The flooring adds value to the property and enhances the visual appeal of your interior decor.

Have you enjoyed this article on interior design??, Phil Caxton is a syndicated editor and writer of home-decorating-reviews.com. More articles on bamboo flooring pros and Italian decorating at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/bamboo-floor-pros/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Caxton

By Phil Caxton Platinum Quality Author