Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a room that Linoleum has yet to truly mimic. Tile floors can be installed in any room, however they are most frequently seen in Bathrooms and Kitchens. I particularly like them in entryways, where they serve as a transition point from the outside to large carpeted or hardwood floored rooms. They make for easy clean up and are impervious to water damage.
Tile Types
Ceramic tiles come in two basic types. Glazed and Porcelain. Glazed holds up the best for heavy traffic areas and porcelain works well in bathrooms. Porcelain is typically more expensive, so consider your budget and the size of the area you want to tile. Tiles also come in many shapes and sizes. For flooring, however, I would suggest using larger tiles up to 12” x 12”.
Underlayment
For proper installation the base foundation or the underlayment is critical. Typically it consists of ¾” to 1 ¼” of plywood. Tiling over Linoleum or existing tile is also feasible, as long as it is solid. I also recommend when Tiling over Linoleum that you first apply ring nails or screws 6” on center over the entire area. Tiles can also be installed directly over Concrete. Make sure in all cases that the floor is level and free of dust and debris prior to installation. There are leveling compounds that you can apply before applying tile if necessary.
Preparing the Site
Before actually installing the tile, it is best to lay it out in the room to see how it will look. Pay close attention to how it runs out toward the walls, in the corners and next to cabinets, tubs and toilets. The trick is to lay the tile out such that stubby tiles do not show up in highly visible spots. Once you have completed this, make two marks with a pencil outlining the most centered tile. These lines should be perpendicular to each other. Also take note of the wall that is most visible from all the others. Now remove the tiles. Next draw or snap a line perpendicular to this wall that is in line with one of the marks you made on the floor.
Then, draw a perpendicular line to this first line. This second line should be centered with the first line and fairly in line with the second mark you made on the floor. Once you have completed this task, re-layout some of the tiles along the perpendicular lines and observe if they run out in a way that will limit cutting and stubbed tiles. Once this is completed, remove the tiles and prepare for the actual installation.
Installing the Tile
Again, make sure the area is free of dirt and dust. Next apply the ceramic adhesive or mastic to the flooring, starting in the center, where the two perpendicular reference lines intersect. Apply enough material to cover 6-10 square feet, if no cuts are required. If cuts are required limit the amount of mastic application to about 2-4 square feet. When applying the mastic, first spread it with the flat end of the trowel. Lay it on relatively thick, approximately 1/8” to 3/16”thick. Then turn the trowel around and run the notched edge over it. This creates ridges in the mastic that helps to hold the tile down more securely. The larger the tile, the larger the notches should be. For example, I use a ¼” notched trowel for 12” x 12” tiles.
Note: Only make up enough ceramic adhesive for 30 minutes, as this material has the tendency to harden up rather quickly.
Once the adhesive has been applied, begin installing the tiles working from the center outward. On larger tiles you should back butter them. Basically, apply a thin coating of mastic to the back of the tile prior to laying it on the floor. This will help ensure a good bond.
As you near the walls or edges of cabinets, tubs and toilets, you will need to cut some of the tiles. I highly recommend the use of a Wet-Saw. A Wet-Saw will allow you to make very accurate cuts, both large and small. You will also save money, as you will waste many fewer tiles with bad cuts or broken tiles. Wet-Saws are not that expensive and once you see your finished product you will certainly be installing more tile. Wet-Saws can also be rented as a cheaper alternative.
When applying Tiles, you may want to use Lugs. Lugs are effectively spacers that come in various thicknesses. I typically like to have no more than a ¼” space between the tiles. Employing Spacers will ensure uniformity with your tile spacing.
Grouting
After the Tile has been completely installed, allow it to sit for 24-48 hours before applying grout and walking on it. Grout comes in many different colors and is very easy to install. Simply mix the grout with water or a special bonding agent and apply with a rubber trowel. Run the trowel on a bias when going over tile corners.
Once the grout has been applied, immediately wipe the tile of excess grout, using a wet sponge and a bucket of water. Wait 30 minutes and again wipe the tiles down of any residual grout. Wait another 60 minutes and repeat. If grout is left on the tiles to dry, you will have a great deal of elbow work scraping it off.
Let the grout sit up for 24 hours and it is ready for use and admiration.
by: John Murray
It's not uncommon to spill something on the carpet. In fact it's just a fact of life. It's going to happen sooner or later. But not to worry. Here are 12 tips to remove stains with carpet cleaners. In fact sometimes you can wipe away the stain without a commercial grade cleaner.
1. Be fast
If you are very quick you may be able to blot away the stain before it even has a chance to set. Grab a white absorbent cloth or tissue and use the four basic steps to remove the stain.
2. Check Color
Check to make sure the carpet is colorfast and safe to clean, test the carpet in an area that inconspicuous before you apply the cleaner to the stain in the carpet.
3. Dry Cleaning Solution
You can use dry cleaning solution (surgical spirt). Detergent solution one teaspoonful of detergent to ¾ liters of warm water. Dab Spot.
4. Vinegar
You can also use detergent and vinegar. It must be white vinegar and not malt vinegar. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to the detergent solution. Dab Spot.
5. Ammonia
Smelly, eye watering but very effective. Add one teaspoon of branded household ammonia to one cup of warm water. Dab Spot.
5. Alcohol, Coffee
If the stain is alcohol, coffee, tea, liquid foods or urine blot up the surplus spillage but do not rub it back and forth. Use detergent and vinegar solution. Start by working from the outside of the stain moving inward a little at a time. Frequently blot with a dry cloth
6. Chocolate, Blood, Glue
If the stain is chocolate, sweets, blood, glue, ice cream, milk ,soft drinks or vomit you will have to clean up the excess using a blunt knife or a putty knife. Be sure not to grind any of the spill into the carpet. Us the detergent solution starting at the outer edge working your way into the middle of the spill. Blot dry and then use the ammonia solution and blot dry again.
7. Fats, Tar, Gum
If the stain is solid fats, tar, chewing gum, oil, ointment, or shoe polish scrape up the excess with a knife or a putty scrapper. Use the dry cleaning solution followed by the detergent and vinegar solution and blot dry.
8. Unknown Spills
For stains or spills which you are not sure as to what they are first scrape or blot up the excess material. Then use the dry cleaning solvent followed by luke warm water and blot dry. If the stain is still there treat with the detergent or the detergent and vinegar solutions then blot dry.
9. Follow Up
All the above procedures should be followed up by a simple mix of one part white vinegar and four parts water. Place mixture into a spray bottle Spay over the stained area and blot dampened area. Do not rub to remove excess moisture. White paper towels work well. Stack 5 to 8 sheets on top of each other and blot till dry.
If the moisture is still present stack 5 to 8 sheets of paper towel and place over the stained area and place a heavy book on top to help absorb the excess moisture. Leave overnight if needed. If you are leaving it overnight be sure to change the paper towels before bed. Repeat as often as necessary.
10. Dab and Blot
Remember always scrape solids up and blot liquid spills. Never rub from side to side. The little effort it takes to make up the above solutions will save you a lot of money and time. Always remember to do a spot test on a hidden area before applying. Be sure to dab and work in towards the center of the stain. Even if the stain will not come out it will make it easier for the professionals to lift it when they come to clean the carpets.
11. Store Safely
If you are making up solutions in advance be sure to mark all containers before storing them and never leave them where young children might get at them.
12. Scotch Guard
Your new carpet may be scotch guarded to make it stain resistant but it is always a good idea to remove the stain with the above treatments anyway.
If you use these 12 tips to remove stains with carpet cleaners you can't go wrong!
by: John Murray
How many of us need to desperately replace our worn out carpet but just don't have the cash needed to buy new carpet. Even when the sales come up it can still be pretty expensive and end of the rolls aren't often enough if you have a larger room to do. Not to worry. Read on to find out how to buy quality discount carpet and give your home that needed facelift.
Almost New
New carpets come with a guarantee and so sometimes even reputable carpet stores land up removing carpet and replacing it for whatever reason. It could be the color was off just a tad, it may have a couple of small flaws that the home owner wasn't willing to accept, it can be a host of many small things. At any rate once the carpet store has removed this carpet they normally just want it out of the warehouse and out of their way, so you can buy this "almost new" carpet for very cheap and all you have to do is put up with a few imperfections.
Commercial Carpet
Most home owners don't even think about commercial carpet that is often found in rentals, and commercial spaces. There's a reason commercial carpet is put into rentals. It's virtually indestructible and will outlast any other carpet on the market. The commercial cut loop carpet gives it a velvety look and it's nice and soft on the feet. And here's the best news. It's a fraction of the cost of home carpets. On average you can buy commercial carpet for around $5.00 per yard. Go figure lasts forever and costs less. No wonder they don't want to let this secret out! So be sure to check out commercial grade carpets.
Installation of commercial carpet in a commercial building means gluing it to the concrete floor which is an option you can use as well. But if you want the most cushy comfortable carpet in the whole wide world buy the thickest pad you can find.
Furniture Store Cast Aways
Also called furniture store cast offs. These cast offs are the furniture that the store isn't able to move quickly for whatever reason. Furniture stores like to keep there stock fresh and rotated often so many of these stores will hold an auction at least a couple times a month. You can get great deals! No reserve! Brand New! And I've seen people get enough carpet to do a full living room and hall for under $100.00. So be sure to call your local furniture stores and see if they do this.
Remnants
Remnants are always a great choice especially if you don't need to match up. So perhaps you are replacing your living room carpet and a couple of bedrooms and you aren't overly picky about the color especially in the bedrooms as long as they are somewhat neutral, and you don't care if they match. They remnants are definitely a possibility. You can often save up to 75% sometimes even more. So hunt around!
Commercial Reno's
Commercial businesses such as hotels or banks will commonly rip out perfectly good carpet because they are getting a face lift, or color change which is very common in industries which serve the public. They like to have a fresh new look regularly. You can buy this carpet for pennies on the dollar, and get high quality, beautiful carpets. In fact sometimes you can get these carpets just for hauling them away. Now that's a deal! So keep your eyes open for any renovations going on.
Buy Wholesale
Don't forget to check wholesale. Although some wholesalers are loyal to their dealers and require you to buy via the dealer, just as many are not. In fact if you get your hands on the WBMC which is a mail order catalogue you'll find $30 dollar carpet for as low as $6.00 a yard. Now that's a deal!
Here are the phone number for some of the larger wholesales. Visit your local carpet store before calling and get all the numbers such as color and style, then give these guys a call and see if they can give you a better price. Warehouse Carpets of Georgia, (800) 526-2229, Carpet America (804) 730-7777;;; Johnson's Carpet (800) 235-1079; and S&S Mills, (800) 363-4036, Quality Discount Carpet, (800) 233-0993.
Irregulars
If you are like myself and don't notice the "little imperfections" irregulars can be a great buy. Apartments and condos regularly use irregular Berber because they can get it so cheap and I'm betting you couldn't find the imperfections even if you looked long and hard. So the moral of the story is it's a lot cheaper not being a perfectionist. High end carpet for below wholesale price just because it's not quite perfect. But then neither am I so what a great match!
Insurance Companies
Many times an insurance company will land up replacing an entire carpet when only a small section was damaged. So if your room is small enough that you can eliminate the damaged area you can get some very nice high end carpet for cheap. In fact many times you only need to hall it away.
Carpet Mosaic
If you are doing a family room or a rec room this little trick can work great and it really ads an element of creativity to the room. Buy the carpet samples that the carpet stores have. In fact on discontinued carpets they will sometimes even give you the sample square. Then you can either sew them all together [very time consuming] or simply place them down and use adhesive to keep them in place, much like laying tile.
Area Rugs
This is an option that is often overlooked and so functional especially if you have beautiful wood floors underneath the existing carpet, which is very common in older homes. Wood floors once so popular went out of style and where quickly covered with carpet. Now they are back and the wood floor materials we buy today are no where of the quality of those in the past. So have a peak and if there is hardwood floor strip and polish if needed, then buy a beautiful area rug that covers the heavy traffic areas and lets the hardwood show on the outer edges.
Now another trick that works well if you don't have hardwood floors is to buy tiles or linoleum that has the marbled look, lay it and then place an area rug in the center. I can personally tell you that the black marbled tile look fabulous like this as I once did a family room with this method. Tiles were on sale and dirt cheap, and the area rug was very reasonable. Under $200 and I had a million dollar room!
Carpet maintenance is one of the most overlooked things in the home. Many feel that a simple vacuum from time to time is just enough to key carpet looking fresh. From one’s eyes, this might be the case. However, a closer examination shows us that there is more to the story.
Carpet has the ability to trap germs, bacteria, and dust in its fibers. Vacuuming does not remove these germs. A vacuum cleaner cleans up dust and dirt while leaving these other agents on your carpet. Over time, bacteria and germs accumulate on the carpet making it completely unhealthy. This can be prevented with proper maintenance and precautions.
No Shoes on the Carpet
One of the worst things to do is wear shoes on your carpet. After walking around the streets with all that it has to offer and walking on your carpet with those same shoes brings the germs and bacteria in your home. Remember that vacuuming will not get everything out. So these germs will remain in your carpet until further action is taken.
Regular Steam Cleaning
Think of your carpet as hair. We comb and brush our hair regularly. However, we take time to wash our hair also.
The same applies for carpet. Carpet needs to be deep cleaned throughout the year depending on use. This works to rid the carpet of germs and bacteria that is easily missed with the vacuum cleaner. It also prolongs the life of your carpet which saves you money in the long run.
Dirty Carpet – Bad for Allergies
Dirty carpet traps a lot of the things people are allergic to such as dust or pollen. In situations like these, vacuuming and steam cleaning is even more important. It has been noted that carpet is one of the top causes of an allergic reaction. Doctors have told such patients to remove their carpet or do a vigorous cleaning. If you fall in this category, regular carpet maintenance can become life and death.
In the end, carpet maintenance leads to a clean and healthy home environment and saves money in the long run. Care needs to be taken to make sure that maintenance is not neglected.
When you look in different homes, you will usually see either pine or oak floors. Without thinking too much about it, you might think these are the only types of wood available for flooring. However, there are various types of flooring that available. Here is a small list of wood types that are available for floors:
- American Black Cherry
- American Black Walnut
- Yellow Birch
- Red Oak
- White Ash
- White Oak
- Hard Maple
- Santos Mahogany
- Brazilian Cherry
- Brazilian Teak
- Brazilian Walnut
- Ebony
Brazilian Cherry, Teak, and Walnut are expensive woods that are available for import. They are very popular in Brazil and other countries in South America.
Ebony is another expensive and exotic flooring type that is not very popular in residential homes. However, it is noted for its dark beauty and hardness.
Mahogany is not as expensive as Ebony, Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Teak, or Brazilian Walnut and it is not as hard either. But it is hard to deny the beauty of these floors.
The other woods on the list are more popular than the preceding woods mentioned. Each has their own advantages.
