Beginner's Guide to Flooring http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/ Flooring en Copyright 2007 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:50:58 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.35 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Tips for finding the right sized rug ·        If you are using an area rug to cover most of the floor space in a room, aim to have the same amount of bare floor exposed on all sides of the rug. If that is not possible, then try to have the same amount of bare floor exposed on two parallel sides of the rug.
·         If you are using an area rug in your dining room, it is important to ensure that the dining room table and chairs fit on the rug when not in use, as well as when your guests are seated. To allow enough space for people to move their chairs away from the table, allow the rug to extend about two feet beyond the table. If you have a table with four chairs, you would likely need a 6 x 9-foot rug; a table with six chairs would require an 8 x 10-foot rug; and a table with eight chairs would require a 9 x 12-foot rug. 
]]> http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/area-rugs/tips-for-finding-the-right-sized-rug.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/area-rugs/tips-for-finding-the-right-sized-rug.php Area Rugs Wed, 22 Feb 2006 20:08:39 +0000 Types of Area Rugs Once you have narrowed down the shape and size of area rug you are seeking, it’s time to start considering the vast number of materials and fibers area rugs are now available in. You also will want to consider how a rug is made. Many traditional rugs (such as Oriental rugs) are woven, meaning they are created on a loom that is powered either by hand or by a machine. The quality of a rug created with the age-old process of weaving is typically very high. Some woven rugs are made with a technique called pile weave or knotted weave, which involves creating tying individual knots. Others are made with a technique called flat weave, which uses no knots. Rather, weft strands are passed through warp strands on the loom.
 
 
Rugs that are not woven are typically either machine-tufted or hand-tufted, a process which allows rugs to be created much more quickly than by weaving (although the quality of a tufted rug may still be fine.) Tufting involves shooting fiber from the backside of a foundation cloth (or backing) through to the front and then looping it back again. The tops of the looped tufts are sheared off to create the pile of the rug.
In addition to woven and tufted rugs, some rugs are hooked, meaning colored yarn is inserted through a backing material to form a pattern or picture (in a process similar to needlepoint). And still other rugs are braided with strips of cloth or rags and then sewn together to form a rug.
Rugs are made of many different materials today. They each create different looks and textures. Rug materials include:
 
  • Sisal – Sisal rugs are considered a natural floor covering since they are made from sisal plants, which produce a very resilient fiber. They can be found undyed, so they have the same light color of the sisal plant, or dyed to a darker color. Sisal rugs have become very popular for decorating because of their natural look and durability. Keep in mind, though, that sisal rugs can be scratchy and do not provide cushion.
  • Seagrass – Similar to sisal rugs, seagrass rugs are made from seagrass typically found in China and India. They are not recommended in very moist or humid conditions as they are susceptible to mold and mildew.
  • Wool – Wool is one of the oldest textile fibers used to make rugs. It is the traditional fiber used in Oriental rugs. Wool creates a soft, thick, highly durable rug. It also resists dirt and repels water.
  • Synthetic fibers – Synthetic rugs, made of fibers such as nylon and polypropylene (olefin), offer the look and feel of a wool rug, but for a more affordable price. Because they can be treated with a stain protection in the manufacturing process, they are very family friendly. Unlike wool rugs, they do not need to be professionally dry cleaned. However, they will not typically last as long as a properly maintained wool rug.
]]> http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/area-rugs/types-of-area-rugs.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/area-rugs/types-of-area-rugs.php Area Rugs Wed, 22 Feb 2006 20:09:34 +0000 Tips for decorating with area rugs
  • Use an area rug to define a smaller area within a large room. For instance, an area rug can create an intimate seating area when placed under a coffee table and surrounded by a sofa and chairs. It can have a similar effect in front of a fireplace.
  • If the color scheme in a room is fairly neutral, consider adding some interest with a patterned rug. But if a room already is busy with loud colors and patterns, a more neutral and simple rug will complement the room better.
  • While some designers do not recommend placing area rugs over carpeting, others do advise it, particularly in high traffic areas. This will minimize wear and tear on your carpet and add design interest.
  • Consider the décor you are trying to create with your area rug. Braided rugs, for instance, create a farmhouse look, while an Oriental rug can instantly make a room more sophisticated.
    • ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/area-rugs/tips-for-decorating-with-area-rugs.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/area-rugs/tips-for-decorating-with-area-rugs.php Area Rugs Wed, 22 Feb 2006 20:11:01 +0000     Accent Rugs Overview If you just moved into your home or apartment, you more than likely have bare floors. And you know what that’s like. Unless you wear socks all the time, walking on a bare floor can get cold, especially during the really cold days. What a better way enjoy your home during winter with a nice and eloquent accent rug. You can get an accent rug to fit any theme, style, shape, color, or size. Why go walking around your home on a bare floor that is dull and boring, when you can have an accent rug to brighten up the place and add some radiance to it. Here are some other tidbits you may like to know concerning accent rugs:
     
    ·        Reinvent: You may not realize this, but having an accent rug in your home or apartment can had fun and convenience. They are designed to help reinvent the space you have.
    ·        Colors: Accent rugs come in many colors. It doesn’t matter what type of home or apartment you have or the décor; there is a color scheme that will work for you.
    ·        Styles: If you have a certain style you like, you can get them in accent rugs. Whatever you taste may be, you can get an accent rug to fit it.
    ·        Essential: You may not realize this, but having an accent rug in your home can pull all your designs together. For example, if you have many different colors or styles in your home, having an accent rug can compliment these colors and make everything fit as one. Why? Because accent rugs break up any monotony that exist in the room.
    ·        Blending: Besides pulling colors together, accent rugs also blend together the hues and colors of other rugs you may have in the room.
    ·        Schemes: With newer technology, rug manufacturers can design rugs that are sharper, brighter in color, better cushioning, and stain resistant.
    ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/accent-rugs/accent-rugs-overview.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/accent-rugs/accent-rugs-overview.php Accent Rugs Wed, 08 Mar 2006 19:24:37 +0000     Things to Know Before Buying Your Accent Rug Just before you decide to buy an accent rug for your home or apartment, there are some things you should look at first. You may think bringing a rug into the home and laying it on the floor is all you do. That’s not even close. There are many other things to take into consideration before buying an accent rug. Here are some of those issues:
     
    ·        Taking care of the rug: When you bring your rug home you also need to clean it from time to time. What type of cleaning does it require? Do you need any special type of cleaning solution like Capture Rug Cleaning Kit? Or will any type of carpet cleaner do? It is best to ask the salesperson before you do anything. You wouldn’t want to ruin your rug.
    ·        Non-slip Pads: When you put your rug down on the floor, the rug has a tendency to slip and buckle. This can wear out the rug before to long. The best idea is to secure the rug to the floor with some kind of rug overlay. A rug overlay will stick to the floor and hold the rug in place. No slipping or sliding. No buckling. This is ideal for people with pets and children.
    ·        Scotchgard Protector: When you purchase your rug you expect it to last a long time. You also want it to be kept clean. In this case, you may just go out and buy any rug cleaner to remove spots, etc. But why go through that when you can use a rug protector. This is a product that you apply to the rug and it protects the rug from spillage. Even if something does spill on the rug, with the protection you have from Scotchgard Protector, you won’t have to worry about the stain or spill. For you can remove the stain or spill quickly.
    ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/accent-rugs/things-to-know-before-buying-your-accent-rug.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/accent-rugs/things-to-know-before-buying-your-accent-rug.php Accent Rugs Wed, 08 Mar 2006 19:25:39 +0000     What Accent Rugs You Can Get You understand what you need to take care of a rug and protect it, now is the time to go out and get one. There are many types and styles to choose. So the choice may be hard to make. Here are some choices that may interest you:
     
    ·        Cottage Comfort: This rug is made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. Guaranteed to keep your room warm and cozy. It comes in five colors and sells in the range of $14 to $987, depending on size.
    ·        Four Seasons: This rug is also made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. You get a warm and comfortable feeling when one of these rugs is in the room. It comes in five colors and sells in the range of $14 to $987, again depending on size.
    ·        Agra II: The Agra II is made of 100% wool. So if you are allergic to wool, don’t walk barefoot. Or if your kids are allergic, don’t let them play on it. Otherwise this rug is an excellent addition to the home. Available in four colors, it sells in the range of $530 to $12,000, depending on size.
    ·        Arts and Crafts: The Arts and Crafts accent rug is made of 100% wool. It really stands out in a large room with beautiful upscale but traditional designs. This rug only comes in one color and sells between $200 and $5000, depending on size.
    ·        Mahal: The Mahal is made of 100% wool with some styles made in silk. This rug comes in three colors and sells in between $520 and $5000.
    ·        Savaneri All Over: Just like the previous two rugs, this one is also made of 100% wool and does have some silk styles added to it. It comes in three colors and sells between $270 and $7600.
    ·        Bristol Bay: The Bristol Bay accent rug comes in 100% nylon and super plush pile. It also has a gorgeous linen-like backing for elegant and beauty. This rug comes in five colors and sells in the range of $60 to $750, depending on size of rug.
    ·        Mixed Confetti Shag Rug: We can’t forget this one. It is made of 100% acrylic and comes in many styles including solids, confetti’s, stripes, and patterns. All designed with your room or décor in mind. They come in nine different colors and sell in the range of $200 to $800, depending on the size you need.
    ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/accent-rugs/what-accent-rugs-you-can-get.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/accent-rugs/what-accent-rugs-you-can-get.php Accent Rugs Wed, 08 Mar 2006 19:26:29 +0000     Caring For Your Accent Rug After you put your rug down on the floor, after a while it does need cleaning and taking care of. If you don’t know how to clean the rug correctly, you should engage the services of a qualified rug cleaner who knows the material and how to clean it. If you do not have the money to clean your rug, you must know how to do it right so as not to mess it up. You can’t clean it every week nor can you leave it alone too long. Many people use Scotchgard as described above to help keep their accent rug clean. However, if you don’t have this and still want to clean your rug here are some tips that may help you:
     
    ·        Sprouts: When installing a new accent rug for the first time, and you start stepping on it, you may notice sprouts of yarn may appear. If so, there is co cause for alarm for this happens. Just clip them off at the base with scissors. Do not pull them out for you may damage the rug by doing so.
    ·        Repairing rug: If you notice some of the major stitching comes off, you need to repair this immediately. Just use simple whip stitch to repair it.
    ·        Cleaning: When you vacuum the rest of your house, don’t forget to vacuum the accent rug. It will need cleaning to. Do not take the rug off the floor and shake or beat it. This could damage it. If there are any spills on the rug, blot them off immediately. You can remove grease with any dry cleaning solvents.
    ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/accent-rugs/caring-for-your-accent-rug.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/accent-rugs/caring-for-your-accent-rug.php Accent Rugs Wed, 08 Mar 2006 19:27:49 +0000     Floor Cleaners Overview It’s time to clean your house and you have many types of floors to clean. You have a hardwood color in one room, a tile floor in the bathroom and kitchen, and a carpet in your living room. Cleaning these floors is hard unless you have the right cleaner to do it. You can’t clean one surface and then another with the same cleaner. You could damage the other surface. What are you to do? You need to know what cleaners are available to help you clean those floors. You also could stand a few tips that can help you do the best job you can to make sure all floors get cleaned. Here are some things to look for before you decide what you need:
     
    ·        Floor Type: The first thing you need to know is what type of floor is it. Is it wood? If so what type of wood? Is it a rug? What type of rug? Is it tile or marble? Or is it laminate? You have to confirm this before you can even think about going out to get a floor cleaner.
    ·        Size of area: How big is the room you need to clean? Is it a small room or a really big one? The size of the room matters because when you go to get the cleaner, you need to know how many bottles, or whatever the container is, you need so you get enough.
    ·        Cleaning Device: What type of cleaning device are you going to use to clean the floor? There are some chemicals that you just can’t put in certain types of cleaners. If you use a rug shampooer, that may not be appropriate for a tile floor. There are chemicals that go well with everything. Make sure you know what cleaning solutions your cleaning device can take. Otherwise you may have to use the old-fashion bucket and scrub brush.
    ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/floor-cleaners/floor-cleaners-overview.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/floor-cleaners/floor-cleaners-overview.php Floor Cleaners Tue, 14 Mar 2006 22:03:59 +0000     What to Look For in a Floor Cleaner Along the lines of what is told above, you should also be aware of other things to know that will help you in your choice of floor cleaner. There are many things to consider when buying floor cleaner other than what was explained above. You have other considerations to be concerned with. Expanding on what was told above, you will gather necessary information that will help you in your quest to shop for the right stuff you need for your place.
     
    ·        Floor Cleaners: Just what are floor cleaners and what are they made from? Most floor cleaners contain certain chemicals that will loosen up dirt, grease, or other spots and stains, without harming the surface. Also, these cleaners are made not to harm the environment.
    ·        How often to clean floor: One way to determine how much of a product to buy is how often you will clean the floor. Are you going to clean it everyday, week, or month? Everyday is not necessary. Besides that gets expensive after a while. People generally do cleaning once a week. This is the average. What you can do if you are cleaning a hardwood floor, and you see small stains or spills, instead of getting the cleaner out, just take your cleaning solution, drop some on the spot or stain, and wipe away.
    ·        What cleaning device is best: If you are concerned about what type of cleaning device to use, the best way to find out is read the instructions on the floor cleaner you bought. It should tell you precisely what machine or device you can use to that will work well with that floor cleaner. Maybe the store where you purchased the floor cleaning solution can recommend a mop to do the job.
    ·        Touch-up Kit: When you buy your floor cleaner, you may see this word on the container or your salesman may recommend you get it. What is this for? Basically, you use it to do exactly what it states – you touch-up a surface that may have a small spot or stain that you don’t really need a mop for. Or, if after you clean the floor and you still see scratches, you can use a touch-up kit to cover those scratches.
    ·        IFT: You may be wondering what IFT means. This stands for intensive floor treatment. When you go shopping for a floor cleaner solution, look into getting an IFT. The reason is simple. What if you have a really tough stain or spot that the floor cleaning solution just does not get up? By having an IFT solution, you are guaranteed removal of all stains no matter what.
    ·        Swiffer: If you have a Swiffer, you need to make sure your hardware or appliance store carries the right cleaner for that. In most cases they will since this has become very popular in homes today.
    ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/floor-cleaners/what-to-look-for-in-a-floor-cleaner.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/floor-cleaners/what-to-look-for-in-a-floor-cleaner.php Floor Cleaners Tue, 14 Mar 2006 22:05:33 +0000     Purchasing Your Floor Cleaners Now you know what to look for and what you may need for your place, it is time for you to go shopping. There are so many products on the market to choose from you could shop for hours. Below are just some of what is available for you to review. Take a look. You may find something you already use or may want to switch to:
     
    ·        Anderson Floor Cleaner: This floor cleaner is for polyurethane finishes only. You use this mainly to clean small spots and to remove scuff marks. This comes in a 32oz spray bottle for $5.99. Also is available in a gallon.
    ·        Anderson Touch Up Kit: Talking about touch-up kits. You can use this for nicks, scratches, and any type of minor damage. This kit comes with three color matched fill sticks and two stain matched markers. It sells for $27.
    ·        Armstrong Hardwood & Laminate Cleaner: This floor cleaner is primarily for floors that have a laminate and hardwood urethane finish. It comes in a 32oz bottle and sells for $5.99.
    ·        Basic Coatings-Intensive Floor Treatment: You can use this product to really remove old coatings of previous finishes so you can really give it a good intensive cleaning. This treatment, if you use it correctly, will remove any cloudiness or streaks from your hardwood floor. Make sure to get the scrub pad that goes with it. This sells for $14.50.
    ·        Armstrong Resilient & Ceramic Cleaning Kit: With this kit you get everything you need to clean vinyl and ceramic floors. It contains an eight by 15 swivel mop, one terry cloth, and a 32oz bottle of the cleaner. This sells for $21.
    ·        Capture Cleaning Kit: If you have any type of carpet at home, this kit will do the job for you. It captures particles like a sponge. With this kit you need no other carpet cleaner. It sells for $35.
    ·        Bonakemi Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth: As was mentioned earlier, some people use the Swiffer to clean their floors. This is designed just for that type of cleaner. It is designed to clean just about any surface. You can wash and re-use them as often as you need to. They cost just $7.50 a pack.
    ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/floor-cleaners/purchasing-your-floor-cleaners.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/floor-cleaners/purchasing-your-floor-cleaners.php Floor Cleaners Tue, 14 Mar 2006 22:06:28 +0000     Instructions to Care For Your Floors Taking care of your floors is not an easy process unless you have the right tools for the job. Buying floor cleaner is one step in the right direction but it helps to have tips that can provide assistance along the way. So here are some guidelines that will you’re your cleaning chores a bit easier:
     
    ·        Intensive Floor Treatment: If you are using any intensive floor treatment, be very careful. Overuse can damage your floor’s finish. It would be a great idea to test a small area first just to make sure of no problems.
    o       Put a small amount of the IFT solution you purchased on the part of the floor you need to clean. Take a spray bottle and wet that area. Now take a soft cloth and spread out the solution.
    o       Take the Scotch-Brite abrasive pads or whatever pads you have and scrub the area good. After you do this, wipe the area with a wet cloth.
    o       Now take your hardwood cleaner and using a mop, and apply the cleaner. Wipe the floor until it is dried.
    ·        Cleaning Tile & Grout: Using a spray bottle, spray area to be cleaned. Wipe gently with a scrub pad, damp sponge, or soft brush. Rinse with water.
    ·        Cleaning Wood Floors: Most nicks and scratches can be fixed by replacing the finish. Spills can be cleaned easily by wiping it up or mopping. Before cleaning the floor make sure you know what the finish is. Never use vinyl or tile floor cleaner on wood.
    Cleaning Linoleum/Vinyl Floors: These types of floors can be cleaned very easy. Just vacuum the floor once a week and wash it at least once a month using a hard floor cleaner, especially made for vinyl floors.
    ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/floor-cleaners/instructions-to-care-for-your-floors.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/floor-cleaners/instructions-to-care-for-your-floors.php Floor Cleaners Tue, 14 Mar 2006 22:07:16 +0000     Linoleum linol.jpg

    What is Linoleum?

    What are the benefits of Linoleum?

    What are the drawbacks of Linoleum?

    How does the cost of Linoleum compare with other flooring?

    ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/newbies-picks/linoleum.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/newbies-picks/linoleum.php Newbie's Picks Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:44:08 +0000     Laminate Flooring laminate.jpg

    What is Laminate Flooring?

    What are the benefits of Laminate Flooring?

    How do I care for a Laminate Floor?

    How can I fix the floor if it does get gouged or otherwise injured?

    ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/newbies-picks/laminate-flooring.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/newbies-picks/laminate-flooring.php Newbie's Picks Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:46:14 +0000     Bathroom Tile bathtile.jpg

    Why use tile in a bathroom?

    What types of tiles are appropriate for use in a bathroom?

    What tools do I need to install bathroom tile?

    What kind of upkeep does bathroom tile require?

    ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/newbies-picks/bathroom-tile.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/newbies-picks/bathroom-tile.php Newbie's Picks Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:49:08 +0000     Hardwood Floors hardfloor.jpg

    Hardwood Floors Overview

    Types of hardwood floors and finishes

    Refinishing hardwood floors

    Maintaining hardwood floors

    ]]>     http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/newbies-picks/hardwood-floors.php http://beginnersguide.com/flooring/newbies-picks/hardwood-floors.php Newbie's Picks Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:50:58 +0000