Entries Tagged 'Flooring' ↓
September 16th, 2008 — Flooring, Handy Man, carpet
Whether you are ready to replace an old, stained carpet, or you want to completely redo your flooring, it is vital to make sure that you know how to properly remove carpet. By using the right techniques, you’ll be assured of saving not only time, but your floors will go through a lot less damage. Before we get started, it’s a good idea to have some kneepads, since you will be kneeling, gloves, a carpet knife and a chisel.
The amount of work involved is going to depend largely on how the carpet was installed. We’ve seen cases of industrial glue applied directly to a floor and then a carpet was slapped on top of it. This was one of the hardest removal jobs we’ve ever done and it resulted in severely damaged floors. Hopefully, your carpets were installed professionally, but you’ll need to get an idea of what you’re working with before you get started.
Go to one corner of the room, preferably in the back where it won’t be noticeable. Take up a small section of carpet and see what method was used to attach it to the floor. If it is glued, you’ll see some yellow residue. This may be crumbling if the house is older and the carpets are original. This won’t be hard to remove at all, and shouldn’t take much time.
Some installers use carpet nails and these can be a little trickier. You’ll need to start by ripping out the carpet in one corner and then locating the little nails as you go. Depending on their size and how old the installation is, you may be able to just rip them out, or you may end up having to pry up each one.
Once you know how the carpet was installed, completely clear the room out from furniture and you’ll be ready to get started. It’s best to go back to that original place where you tore out a small piece of carpet. If it was glued, plant your feet and get a good grip on the carpet. This is where your gloves are really going to come in handy.
Start pulling backwards, using as much leverage as you can. You’ll have better results if you’re standing, and if the glue is really firm, you may even need a friend to help you. Pull up the carpet until you have a large portion that resembles a piece of pie. Now, go to the other corner and do the same thing.
Go to the two remaining corners and do the same thing until you have all of the carpet in the center of the room. Sometimes, the central part of the carpet will be the hardest to remove. Try rolling up what you’ve already removed and use leverage once again to try to rip it out. When you’re done, roll up the whole carpet and remove it from the room. If it was nailed down, we recommend using a small metal detector to find any small nails that may be hard to spot. You’re now ready to install your new flooring!
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September 4th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Clean, Deck, Flooring, Outside, Seal/Stain, Yard
Adding a deck can be a great way to increase the overall value of your home, but taking care of it is a whole other matter. Unless you purchased pre-sealed wood, you are going to have to take the time to maintain your deck, or your investment will quickly go to pieces. Here are some great tips on how to weatherproof your deck and make it easier to maintain.
Whether your deck is brand new or aged, these tips can make a big difference in the amount of work you do throughout the year on your deck. They will require a weekend, or maybe more time depending on your schedule, to complete. However, once you are done, you should not have to do much to your deck throughout the rest of the year, besides washing it occasionally.
Let’s get started!
1. Power wash the entire deck.
This is a vital step and will impact the finished results. Take the time to make sure that the deck is really clean, even in between the boards. A power washer will make short work of this chore, but you can also do the same thing with a hose and a pressure sprayer.
2. Sand the whole surface.
After the deck is completely dry, it’s time to sand down any damage, imperfections or snags. A power sander is recommended for this task, and will save you a lot of time and effort. Do at least one pass on all of the boards and make sure that they are completely smooth.
3. Sweep the deck.
Once you’re done power sanding, there will be some detritus left behind so it’s now time to completely sweep away all of your shavings. Take the time to make sure you get it all to avoid common cosmetic issues that we’ll talk about in our next step.
4. To seal or stain?
This step will depend on your personal preference. If the wood is already the right color or in good shape, sealing it should be sufficient. If not, you may need to stain it first. This can take up to 3 to 4 coats, depending on the depth and intensity of the desired finished color. Decide which method is right for you, and then double check to make sure that all of the shavings are gone.
Failing to do this will cause bubbles in the finish and may impact the overall effectiveness of your weatherization preparation. Make sure that your family knows they cannot walk on the deck until this process is completely done. It may take up to two coats of sealant, depending on the brand and how bad your wood is.
5. Make a note of the date.
You will probably need to redo this in about five years, so make sure you mark down in your home improvement journal when you finished weatherproofing the deck. By keeping your maintenance up to date, you can be assured that your deck will beautify your home for many years to come.
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August 26th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Design, Flooring, Handy Man, Wood Floors, concrete
If you are considering installing new flooring for your home, now is the time to consider reducing your carbon imprint. There are many new choices for flooring that are not only eco-friendly but also beautiful, economical and long lasting. Let’s go over some of the most popular choices for green flooring that are currently on the market.
Bamboo –
This is one of the most popular forms of flooring and it is incredibly green. Bamboo grows quickly and does not need to be replanted. It is not as hard as some woods, however, bamboo floors are usually quite durable. They add a unique look to your home’s flooring system and you can find this flooring in many finishes and colors.
Concrete –
A lot of new homes feature poured concrete floors, especially in the kitchen. While they are very hard and a little expensive, you can’t ask for a more durable and eco-friendly floor. You can have it cast in patterns, stamped with designs and even stained to the perfect color. Adding throw rugs is recommended, especially for rooms where you will be doing a lot of standing. When it comes to cleaning, concrete floors are probably the easiest to maintain and they should last for many years to come.
Cork –
This is a nice soft flooring that will actually feel warm under you feet. It is quite popular and although cork comes from the bark of the tree, it is a renewable resource. Cork trees reproduce bark within a few years of having it removed and the removal process does not harm the tree. This is a great solution for areas that have a lot of foot traffic, since cork is pretty durable when it is installed correctly.
Cork flooring is highly recommended for those that are allergic to mold or other common allergens. The flooring is resistant to moisture and will actually repel insects. You can find this flooring in natural colors or you can have it dyed to match the color of your choice.
Linoleum –
You wouldn’t think of linoleum as being a green flooring, but it actually is. It is actually made up of several natural ingredients, and when removed, it does not take up a lot of space in a landfill, since it will easily degrade. This is probably the most cost effective eco-friendly flooring that you can find and it is incredibly easy to maintain. You can find linoleum in just about any color or pattern and installing it is also very easy.
Last but not least, if you already have wood floors, you may want to consider refinishing them before ripping them out. You can add rugs made of natural materials to hide trouble spots and you’ll be adding to the value of your home since natural wood floors are always preferable to many home buyers. It’s a great link to the past and if you already have them, you should try to get as much use out of them as possible.
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August 18th, 2008 — Flooring, Handy Man, Heating
Even though winter is the farthest thing from many minds right now, this is the perfect time to start thinking about your heating options. As heating oil and propane costs skyrocket, many homeowners are starting to think about different ways that they can save money on their heating costs. Here is a quick overview of the different options that are now available.
1. Wood stoves -
The old standard, but they still work. A wood stove should not be confused with a fireplace. These stoves are stand alone and must be vented through a pipe in the wall. They are incredibly efficient and can put out quite a lot of heat. Many are also made of materials that hold in the heat, making it last even longer. They do however require a lot of wood, which can be expensive and cumbersome to deal with. This option is best for those with plenty of storage space.
2. Corn stoves -
This is a new take on the old wood stove and it uses corn pellets to create heat. However, the popularity of ethanol has driven up the price of corn, and the weather may cause a great deal of shortages this coming winter. These stoves also have a tendency to leave a lot of black soot in the area and are not recommended for people with breathing disorders
3. Radiant floor heating -
This type of heating system utilizes small tubes that are placed in the flooring. Hot water is run through them on a constant basis, heating the room. These are pretty efficient, but very expensive to install. They are usually worth the effort, until one tube breaks and you have to rip up the flooring to replace it. This is usually best reserved for new home builds or those that are completely renovating their homes.
4. Electric baseboard or alcove heating -
These little heaters actually work pretty well and with the right installation, they can heat a whole room. There are still some complaints about cold pockets however with many of these heaters. The main downside is that they are usually not very energy efficient and can cause quite a drain on your wallet.
5. Central electric heating -
Right now, this may be the most economical choice for many homeowners. These furnaces are usually pretty efficient and run cleanly. You will need to change out the filters occasionally, but they are a great alternative if you’ve got a propane furnace that you need to replace.
6. Central propane heating -
As mentioned previously, propane prices are still quite high and these furnaces range from being very efficient to being very costly. Overall, they are probably the easiest to deal with, but right now, they are not the most economical. Until gas prices dip, many homeowners are just not willing to make the jump to switching to propane and with good reason. However, if your electric bills could already choke a horse, you may actually be able to save money in the long run with one of these furnaces.
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August 13th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Design, Flooring, Handy Man, House Paint, Light Fixtures, Wallpaper, Walls
If you’re living in a glorified shoebox, it can be pretty depressing after awhile. Not all of us can afford the best apartments or houses and chances are you’re dealing with at least one room that is little more than a closet. While you may not be able to knock down a few walls, there are a few techniques that you can use to make that space feel and look a lot bigger.
1. Use light colors.
Light paint really does make a difference, but don’t stop there. Stick to very pale, neutral colors with furniture and floor coverings as well. This can make a tiny room look quite large when utilized correctly. Think as pale as possible and limit any bright colors to throw pillows or small pictures. Light drapes or window coverings will also help make the room seem bigger.
2. Downsize your decorating.
A small room with a really big couch is going to feel that much smaller. Use a loveseat instead or a double sized chair. The same is true with pictures. Keep your big pictures to the big rooms and use smaller pictures in your smaller rooms. Resist the urge to overdo! Remember, one small painting in the middle of the wall will not only pull the eye, but it will make the space around it seem bigger.
3. Draw the eyes upward.
Although borders are a bit passé, they can be very useful when you’re dealing with a narrow room that has higher ceilings. This trick will not work however if you have low ceilings, it will just make them seem that much lower. In this case, paint the ceiling a very bright white. It will give the illusion that it is taller and that there is more overall space.
4. Use the right kind of lighting.
When light is properly used in a room, it makes it seem bigger. Keep lamps to the perimeter of the room and make sure that they have light shades to minimize shadows. Use your ceiling lights instead to once again draw the eye upward and illuminate the entire space.
5. Make use of the flooring.
Let’s say that you have a very square room that is quite small. In this case, you would want to run your flooring vertically, either with tile or wood. Wood floors are a great choice for a small room. You won’t be spending much money and they have the effect of elongating or widening a room when placed in the right direction. Before you make it permanent, lay down a few boards in the room and see if it makes it feel bigger or smaller. When using throw rugs over your wood floors, go a little bit smaller so that the space on the floor looks bigger.
6. Don’t over accessorize.
A room with clutter instantly feels small. Keep the knick-knacks to a minimum in a small room and use shelves when necessary. Your goal is to create an almost Spartan space, that will feel much more open and airy.
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August 7th, 2008 — Flooring, Handy Man, Hardware, Low Budget, Renovate, Sink, Tile
If your kitchen is looking a little worse for the wear, but a huge renovation isn’t in your budget, it’s time to do a makeover. You can set whatever budget you’d like, but most of these tips can be achieved for less than a total of $1000, even if you use them all. Feel free to add anything your own kitchen may need, but these are some general makeover tips that will leave your kitchen looking and feeling like new.
1. Replace all your hardware.
Most of us are dealing with the stock knobs and drawer pulls that came with our homes. Depending on how old your house is, this probably means they are pretty dated. A simple change of some hardware can make your whole kitchen feel like it’s brand new and it will look much more current. Look for brushed nickel finishes for an edgy look, or go with black iron for a more traditional and country approach.
The sky is really the limit with today’s hardware and you’ll have a lot of options. If you can’t decide which one works for you, get one of each of the styles you like (keep the receipt) and try them out live in your own kitchen. Return the ones you don’t like and get the rest of the hardware to complete your kitchen.
2. Replace aging fixtures and/or sinks.
Again, we’re dealing with something that came stock with your home and since our faucets get so much wear, it’s probably past time to get it replaced. There are so many new options out there that it may be a little overwhelming.
Try to stick with a finish that matches your new hardware, or have some fun with some copper fixtures. Just remember to buy the fixtures that will fit your existing sink, unless you are planning on replacing that too. A new sink is cheaper than you might think and this can really change up the whole kitchen. Look for one that solves your existing problems (not enough room, too shallow, etc…) while still fitting in your existing cabinet.
3. Put in a new floor.
With today’s new laminate flooring or peel and stick tiles, it is a lot easier and more economical to get an entirely new kitchen floor. Stay away from dated floral and marble prints and feel free to get a little edgier with your design. A dark floor gives a kitchen a very dramatic look, but if your kitchen is on the small side, look for a light colored material.
Since the goal is a cheap makeover, we really recommend going with a flooring that is easy to install on your own. For example, laminate flooring can just click together over your existing floor and doesn’t require a lot of labor or know-how to get the job done. If you’ve got the skills and the budget, we really recommend ceramic tiles for a modern and fresh look.
These are just three simple ideas that can dramatically change your kitchen in just a few hours. See what you can come up with and then get that makeover started!
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July 28th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Clean, Flooring, Grout, Handy Man, Low Budget, Refresh
Tile floors can be gorgeous and they are great in climates where it gets a little hot. However, the one main downside of tile floors is that the grout can get pretty yucky after a few years. No amount of scrubbing can return it to its previously pristine state and after awhile, it can make the whole floor look badly. There are a few tricks that you can use to make that grout look a lot better, and thankfully, they are all pretty easy.
One of the best ways to get rid of yucky colored grout is to stain it.
If you go to your hardware store, you should find several different types of grout stain available. The colors range from different shades of white to colors that will blend in with your tile. If you have a tile flour in a high traffic area, it is best to try to match the grout to the color of the tile. This will give you several more years of wear and it will not look so run down.
Once you pick your stain, you’ll need to prep the grout before you get started. We recommend inspecting each tile square and looking for any holes or divots that may be present in the grout. If you find any, patch them up and let them dry before proceeding. This will help extend the life of your grout and the stain will look a lot better.
Different grout stains will have different directions, and it is important to make sure that you follow them to the letter. However, there are some general guidelines that can help make the application process a lot easier. After you’ve fixed any grout that needed repairs, completely clean the floor. Little bits of dust and grit will make the stain appear uneven and it is vital to really polish that floor until it shines. We recommend getting a soft cloth and buffing each tile area before you apply the stain for the best results.
Once the floor is completely clean, you’ll be ready to get started. Since you’ll be kneeling for this process, it’s a good idea to have a mat or some kneepads to take the stress off your knees. You’ll need to find a paint brush that is sized correctly for your grout. If in doubt, go a bit smaller to avoid getting the stain on the tile. Empty out a little of the stain into another container to make it easier to get to.
Start brushing the stain on using even strokes. If you overlap a little, use that soft cloth to wipe away any excess before continuing. Make sure that you don’t smear the stain as you move to the next few squares. This is a time consuming process, but it is well worth it. To speed up the drying time, you can put a large fan on the floor. If necessary, you can use more than one coat until the stain reaches your desired color.
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July 17th, 2008 — Ceramic, Flooring, Handy Man, Wood Floors, carpet, concrete
One of the easiest ways to dramatically change a room is by adding new flooring. Although in the past, many of us drifted towards plush carpeting, if you’re planning on selling your home, it’s time to do some rethinking. Any more, thick carpeting is associated with the 80’s and really dates your home. The latest trend is wood flooring, but you will have a lot more options than that.
First, it’s important to determine whether or not you’ll be staying in your home or selling it, before you think about switching the flooring. This will have a lot of bearing on your choices. If you like wood – perfect – you’ll be able to use it whether or not you want to sell your home. However, if you plan to stay, it’s important to focus on what you really like, not so much what is current.
As we mentioned previously, buyers today are looking for clean wood floors in medium shades that aren’t visually offensive. Patterned wood or parquet is usually frowned upon, unless it is in an entry. Dark floors are dramatic when paired with ultra white walls, but this can really close in a room. By far, if you’re going to pick wood floors, go with a light or medium finish that brightens up the room.
Another flooring that has become more popular, especially in warm climates, is the use of ceramic tile. This is however very expensive and may not be long wearing. If you’ve got a lot of kids, or are particularly hard on floors, we don’t recommend ceramic tile, simply because it can easily crack. An extreme version of the sleek look is a poured concrete floor, but this is expensive and harder to maintain.
If you’re thinking about adding carpet, you will have a lot of options. Plush carpet is definitely a thing of the past and since it is so hard to maintain, this is a good thing. Plush carpet wears easily and your rooms end up looking like they have trails blazed through them thanks to foot traffic. If you’re going to install new carpet, go for neutral colors that are stain resistant. Dark colors are dramatic when it comes to wood flooring, but with carpet, it’s definitely overbearing and not a good thing.
Berber carpet wears the best and is easier to maintain but may be a little harsh if you’ve got kids that will be crawling (and falling) on it. Look for a softer material that is still long lasting and stain resistant but not so hard to the touch.
By far, the best compromise when it comes to flooring is to go with wood, and dress it up with some very nice rugs. This gives you the best of both worlds and you’ll have a lot more options. You can still get the benefit of carpet, while staying very current and yet timeless with your home. At the end of the day, your choices are up to you, but if you need to update your home, the above tips will keep you right on the edge of what’s hot.
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July 10th, 2008 — Create, Curb Appeal, Design, Flooring, Handy Man, Landscape, Outside, Project, Yard
Any home can look better when you add a nice walkway leading up to it. Luckily, just about anyone can do it on their own and it doesn’t take much time. We recommend allowing around two to three days to complete your walkway, so it can be accomplished on a weekend. If you need to break it up, you can dig on a Friday evening so that the next two days are free for the whole installation process.
You’re going to need some tools and materials before you get started. They include:
- shovels
- strings and posts
- landscaping nails
- ledger boards
- plastic guides
- rock dust
- gravel
- wetsaw or paver splitter
- numerous 2 x 4’s
- your pavers
- a level
Most if not all of these items are available at any hardware store. A wetsaw is pretty expensive, but you can rent one. If this doesn’t appeal to you, a paver splitter will usually be able to get the job done for you and they are a lot cheaper. If you are using a splitter, you’ll need to add a hammer and chisel to your material list.
Ok - let’s get started. First, you’re going to want to measure out your walkway. Keep in mind the size of your pavers and allow at least two extra inches on the sides for your filler. You’re going to want to dig out a path that is around one foot deep for the entire length of the path. Now, grab those strings and posts, and place them alongside this path. Put the strings at level with the ground above your new path. This will be your guide as to how high your finished path will be. You don’t want it too high or you’ll end up tripping over your own walkway.
Take that gravel and fill in the pathway completely with about ¾ of an inch of gravel. Once you’re done, tamp it down securely. Now, take that rock dust (sand works too) and fill in the entire path to a depth of about 2 inches. Tamp this down again. Take your ledger boards and lay them out along the sides of your path. Place your 2 x 4’s over these so that you have a wooden plankway. This provides a solid surface for your pavers.
Use those plastic guides on the outer edges of your walkway to mark off the edges. This gives it a nice finished look that is very even. You’re now ready to add your pavers. Put them in following the pattern of your choice. Make sure they are arranged properly. In most cases, you’ll need to cut a paver. Use the wetsaw or splitter to get this done and finish the walkway.
Now, add in rock dust along the sides to build everything up until it is level. Tamp it down. Spread out the rest of the dust on the pavers and sweep it into the cracks. You should do this a couple of times until everything is packed firmly in. This helps reduce the risk of weeds between your pavers and makes the surface a lot safer. You can add some grass seed along the edges to give it a more finished look.
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July 8th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Cabinets, Countertops, Flooring, Handy Man, Kitchen, Low Budget, Project, Renovate, Sink
Remodeling your kitchen can dramatically increase the value of your home. Whether you are trying to sell your home or you just want it to look nicer, there are a lot of options you can use when remodeling your kitchen. Before you get started, you’re going to want to come up with a budget and then determine how you want to spend it. For the purpose of this article, we’re going to discuss some basic options such as replacing countertops, sinks, cabinetry and flooring. The amount of work your kitchen needs is completely up to you and your budget.
First, let’s discuss new countertops.
There are numerous different surfaces out there that range from really cheap (formica) to very expensive (poured slabs). You’ll need to think about how you normally use your countertops before picking the new surface. Formica is pretty durable, but it is easy to stain. Marble looks terrific, but does have some maintenance issues. Poured surfaces are costly, but last the longest and need the least amount of care. Try to get some samples of various surfaces before you decide which one is right for you. For a compromise, try marble tiles. They’re cheaper than marble slabs and easier to install.
For your new sink you’ll also have quite a few options.
Most are easy enough to install, and come in sizes that will fit most existing installations. If you’re completely replacing your countertops, you’ll have more options when it comes to the kind of sink you can use. When picking a surface, remember that stainless steel looks nice but can be hard to keep shiny. Ceramic is a good solution, but make sure that it is properly sealed to reduce the amount of scrapes that can come with normal daily use.
New cabinets can be pretty exciting, and again, you’re going to have a lot of new options here.
Glass doors add a touch of class to any new cabinets, and you can add some variety by having a few with solid doors and a few with glass. If you can’t find the stain or color you like, get some unfinished cabinets and stain or paint them yourself. If your budget won’t allow new cabinetry, you can still overhaul existing cabinets by replacing doors, adding new hardware or simply giving them a fresh coat of paint or a stain.
When it comes to floors, the sky is the limit.
There are so many options right now it can be hard to decide which one is best. Many new kitchens feature poured concrete floors that are then stained to match the décor. However, this is expensive and labor intensive. If you’re remodeling on the cheap, you can find peel and stick tiles that can go on above your existing floor. This is a very easy and economical way to jazz up your kitchen with very little effort.
When remodeling your kitchen, try to figure out how much work you can do on your own. If you’re handy, you can save a lot of money that can be used for better fixtures or options, if you do the work yourself.
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