Yearly Archives: 2021

Why use hand-scraped hardwood floors?

Handscraped hardwood flooring has become extremely popular among rehabbers and homeowners, whether they have an older home or not. This is a new option for somebody that loves wood flooring but wants something that isn’t like everyone else. But, is hand-scraped hardwood flooring here to stay? With these three benefits, it may be more than a fad:

• Uniqueness in Appearance

Both hand-scraped hardwood flooring and distressed wood flooring will give a home that old-world feeling. A different dimension in character is added with the texture of each distressed plank. When a rustic feel and look is desired, hand-scraped hardwood flooring is a great choice. 

This type of flooring will give your home a one-of-a-kind view with an uneven surface that changes with the light. The different hues and shadows the morning sun create are one-of-a-kind. As the day progresses and the light changes, the flooring gives a different feel from the trained craftsman that created each plank. 

• A Durability Extended 

Hand-scraped hardwood flooring is an ideal floor for a home with children, pets, and in any space where there is a lot of active and high traffic. From the dents, scratches, and small marks, the normal wear and tear becomes less stressful as it just adds to the character. The use of area rugs will extend the life of your hand-scraped hardwood flooring, but when accidents create small flaws, relax because the beauty of this flooring can’t be damaged.

• Fewer Maintenance Needs

Design and flooring experts agree that cleaning a hard surface floor is easier than taking care of carpeted floors. Dust is easily and more thoroughly removed with minimal effort. Spills can be wiped up on hand-scraped hardwood flooring and, with the rough finish, small debris and dust are hidden in the grooves, yet the grooves still make sweeping easier. 

What is the difference between hand scraped hardwood vs engineered flooring?

Here is a description of these two types of flooring: 

Handscraped hardwood flooring offers more statement and style in how it can make a flooring surface look. Today, almost any type of wood flooring, or flooring that resembles wood, can be made to look like hand-scraped hardwood flooring with machines. A genuine look of hand-scraped hardwood flooring that is actually done by hand is replicated by a machine and has results of a wavy surface that appears handmade instead of smooth flooring. 

With engineered hardwood flooring, you have two choices: hardwood flooring or solid. Solid hardwood flooring is basically thick board made into a single piece of wood with multiple crisscrossed layers, and a top layer being the color, species, and style desired. 

In summary, a traditional, solid, hardwood flooring is made with solid wood boards. Engineered hardwood flooring will look like hardwood flooring but is less expensive and is layered materials with a wood look on the top layer.

Where is using hand-scraped flooring vs smooth better? 

If you’re looking at installing new wood flooring, deciding the best can be confusing. To help, here is the difference between the hand-scraped hardwood flooring and smooth flooring: 

• Smooth flooring is just what the name describes: a smooth wood floor. This has an attractive shiny appearance and its versatility makes it one of the most popular choices. 

• A hand-scraped hardwood flooring is intentionally made to look aged and worn by hand. Each board is done by hand and is ideal for a décor here aged and worn is the theme, like rustic or vintage. 

The smooth flooring requires more maintenance than the hand-scraped hardwood flooring. For a home with children and pets, this is a big factor to consider, making the smooth flooring a better choice for many. 

Can hand-scraped hardwood floors be refinished?

Absolutely! That is one of the benefits of having hand-scraped hardwood flooring is the ability to refinish them with an up-to-date finish or stain. Change them to fit the look of any room and still enjoy the uniqueness that hand-scraped hardwood offers. 

Engineered flooring with the hand-scraped hardwood look can be refinished as well. They require sanding first, and that can eventually remove the beveled feel and look that gives the look of authentic hand-scraped hardwood flooring. 

Is hand-scraped hardwood in the kitchen a good idea? 

While hand-scraped hardwood flooring will give your kitchen a touch of the past mixed with the present, it may require too much maintenance for a busy kitchen. While it can’t be any easier using a dry mop or vacuum, if you have high traffic and small children in the house, spills need to be cleaned immediately. This is because wet spills will absorb into the grain if left too long. If you have children and desire hand-scraped hardwood flooring, keep a damp rag on hand for those spills and your floors will remain as beautiful as the day you install them. 

The Facts on Slate Tile

Slate tile is back in vogue with a spin that tells the 21st-century, “I’m here to stay!” It has become a desirable stone flooring material that now offers some upgrades to the classic finish, such as matte or smooth satin, and can be installed with almost no grout. The qualities of slate tile are appreciated more now than ever before. 

However, because it did fall low on the radar of many designers and home builders, there are homeowners out there that don’t know much about this wonderful, natural material. For those homeowners and for anyone that wasn’t too sure or may have forgotten about this material, we offer you some answers to common concerns and questions about slate tile. 

Using Slate Tile in the Shower

You want slate tile bathroom flooring and walls, but you’re not sure if that’s possible. So can slate tile be used in a shower? Absolutely! Now for another question. Natural stone products such as slate are either really smooth or really rough, so which is better for the shower? 

Conventional, old-school shower tiles can end up being a lot of work with their need for grout line cleaning and the task of keeping it mildew-free. Today, home builders and interior designers recommend going with a smooth, easy-to-clean natural stone with small grout lines, slate tile being a prime example. With slate tile, the grout is textured stone, and the grit helps hold the stone together. 

Sealing Slate Tile

Of course, the key to minimal mildew is to have your slate tile sealed. So, can slate tile be sealed? Not only can it, but it is highly recommended that you have your slate tile sealed. After that, you may wonder if applying a sealant to slate tile takes away from the distinctive, gorgeous shades of brown, gray, and rusty reds that slate tile is known to offer.

It can, but it doesn’t have to. This is your choice! Change is desired by some homeowners and others want to keep their slate tile natural. To keep slate tile’s original appearance, you want to use a permeating clear sealer that is water-based and penetrates deeply into the porous slate stone before it disappears. In some cases, you’ll need multiple coats, but it is easy to apply and takes about ten minutes to penetrate into the stone. As it dries, it turns back to its natural color. Once your slate tile is properly sealed and so long as you keep it clean, your shower will look amazing.

So, can slate tile be painted?

Yes, slate tile can be painted, but you should know going into this project that it doesn’t come off if you decide this isn’t the look you desire. If you’re going to paint your slate tile, here are a few tips: 

• Clean the Slate Tile

No matter what the paint or primer you have says, it is not going to stick to a dirty surface. Clean your slate tile and allow it to thoroughly dry before you start painting. Do this by scrubbing the stones and then rinsing away the dislodged dirt with a garden hose. 

• Apply a Primer

There are paints out there with primer built in, but we recommend going old school with your slate tile painting project. Use a water-base latex primer first to give this surface something to grab onto and hold the paint, which will help make the surface even. 

• Paint the Slate

Use a high-gloss, water-based latex exterior-grade paint made for masonry and stone. Roll this on with a thick-nap roller or a brush with stiff bristles. Be sure to apply a thick coat. 

• Traction Texture 

Painted slate tile will become a hazard in the ice, rain, or snow, so you need to give your slate tile some grit. Experienced painters will tell you to mix sand in the paint with the ratio of 1 pound:1 gallon before you brush or roll it onto your slate tile. This will keep it from wearing off as it becomes part of the paint. 

Which is better? – Slate Tile vs. Ceramic Tile

Slate tile is from a natural stone, making it more durable than ceramic tile. Do note that slate tile installation will typically cost more, but the maintenance is minimal and it has great longevity so long as it is sealed and cleaned properly. However, if budget or ease of installation is a concern, ceramic tile is the better choice. 

So, is linoleum flooring eco friendly?

Of all the flooring options on the market today, real linoleum is greenest, eco-friendly flooring options you can choose. It has been reported that the remnants and scraps from production of linoleum and old linoleum removed from flooring are recycled into new sheets of linoleum flooring. 

When you combine the recyclability of linoleum flooring and that it made with all natural materials, linoleum flooring is almost carbon neutral. When linoleum has reached its end of life, it is incinerated, creating energy instead of filling landfills and using energy.  The energy created by incinerating it is almost the same as needed to manufacture. 

What goes under linoleum flooring?

Vinyl is an affordable flooring options that makes for easy DIY installation. Preparation is needed for the linoleum flooring installation to be a success. Follow these steps to prepare the existing flooring for your linoleum flooring: 

• Make sure the existing surface is clean, flat, and smooth, removing all old flooring materials.  This is essential when installing linoleum flooring because it is thin and will show every bump, defect, and flaw. 
• Once you have the surface completely clean, lay the linoleum flooring tiles in the desired pattern. Even linoleum flooring that is all one color and pattern, this gives you the opportunity to make any alignment issues needed. Allow a quarter inch gap for expansion around the perimeter, marking with chalk lines. 
• Return to the starting point and remove the linoleum flooring tiles. Now spread a thin, uniform layer of the adhesive with a notched trowel over the subfloor.
• Now, place the linoleum flooring tiles in the glued area and press down firmly.
• Wipe excess glue off immediately before it dries and hardens. 
• With a heavy floor roller, go over the flooring you just laid to confirm it is in place, flat and level. 

Is linoleum flooring waterproof?

If you’re considering installing linoleum flooring, bathrooms may not be the place to install it. Linoleum flooring is water-resistant, not waterproof, and excess moisture will damage a linoleum flooring, even a minor, short-lived flooding. With this in mind, it is recommended that linoleum flooring cannot be used for bathrooms that are used on a daily basis or where there are young children in the home.

Can you polish linoleum flooring?

A routine of regular waxing will maintain your shiny linoleum flooring if you use the right product. When you’re going to re-wax your linoleum flooring, a liquid acrylic floor wax is best. A paste wax won’t have the same shine. Then go over it with a lambswool buffing disk on a floor buffer for 30 minutes.

Can linoleum look like wood?

Yes, linoleum flooring comes in sheets by the roll and with tile designs. The designs come in quiet neutrals, vibrant hues, and anything in between that the mind can imagine. Linoleum flooring with the appearance of wood is the durable and highly attractive with great aesthetic value. 

3. Versatile

Linoleum flooring is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it a wonderful product not just for floors, but on walls too. 

4. Eco-friendly

You won’t be only person surprised that linoleum flooring is environmentally friendly. Made with natural renewable materials like cork dust, linseed oil, mineral pigments, tree resins, and wood flour, all biodegradables.

5. Repair

Because the color s used in linoleum flooring in in every layer, any cuts, scratches, or other minor damage can be buffed out, then resealed, with nobody noticing. 

6. Anti-bacterial

For a home with young children, you can feel safe that linoleum flooring is anti-bacterial. 

7. Maintenance

There is no maintenance with linoleum flooring requires other than standard sweeping and mopping.

8. Quiet

Linoleum flooring is a soft flooring compared to others.  

Many still picture the checkered flooring in old diners and outdated kitchens. Now in the 21st century, linoleum has kept up with the times. In fact, put linoleum flooring in a lineup with other flooring material, you’d be challenged to single it out.  Call 817.861.3737 today for your linoleum flooring installation in Arlington, TX.

However, like anything, there are drawbacks to porcelain tile for kitchen floor tile, with the first one being fatigue. Porcelain kitchen floor tile is a hard surface, which is why it is durable. It is also why it isn’t the best kitchen floor tile if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. 

The second issue with porcelain kitchen floor tile flooring is the grout used with the tile. The tile is waterproof, the grout isn’t. Water seeping into the grout can lead to mildew and mold under the tile. This would lead us the question, can you have tile without grout?

In short, no. Only few exceptions, grout provides no stability to kitchen floor tile installation and longevity. So, why do you need grout with kitchen floor tile?  Today, kitchen floor tile is made from various natural materials that are fairly consistent in size and appear identical. 

However, while grout-less kitchen floor tile may look better, an experienced flooring contractor will tell you that grout makes a huge difference. Here we offer reasons why you need grout for your kitchen floor tile work: 

• Uniform, Not Identical: Yes, the kitchen floor tile you choose may look identical, but they aren’t. Using grout will fill in the smallest of irregularities giving your flooring a completed finished appearance of being in perfect alignment. 
• In Between: No matter how large your kitchen floor tile project is, without grout, you can be sure that certain elements will get in between the tiles. In the kitchen, there is the chance of food and other debris like dead cells, dirt, and dust. No matter how clean your house is, these are things that exist. 
• Tiles Move: Yes, even after professionally installed, the kitchen floor tile will move, ever so slight, but they will move, and the edges of the tiles will rub together. Without grout, they will easily chip and could eventually break from the movement and rubbing. 

Which is the better choice, kitchen floor tile or laminate? 

How busy is your kitchen? Kitchen floor tile is the most durable material. It is scratch and water resistant. Laminate flooring isn’t either of those. Water will easily seep between the boards (no grout!) and dropping a heavy dish or pot can chip laminate. 

Which is better glossy or matte floor tiles?

Okay, matt kitchen floor tiles aren’t going to be bright and shiny. However, they have better traction over gloss kitchen floor tiles, an important feature considering water use in the kitchen. Matt kitchen floor tiles conceal smudges and stains better, including dried water droplets and matt kitchen floor tiles don’t require everyday cleaning. 

Do high gloss floor tiles scratch easily?

Yes, it is one thing that any flooring professional will tell you. While glossy tiles will make a roof beautiful, bright, and glamourous, they are not scratch resistance. There are things you can do that will minimize that scratching: 

• If you’re doing your own flooring, remove the gloss kitchen floor tiles from the box one at time. Avoid pulling them scraping across the one below. 
• If you’re working on your kitchen, be sure to cover the kitchen floor tile with a tarp or old quilt to prevent getting scratched. 
• Sweep the kitchen floor tile on a regular basis to keep abrasive dirt off before you mop it. Even the smallest grain of sand will scratch your kitchen floor tile. 
• Never drag anything across the kitchen tile floor like furniture. 
• Invest in a quality doormat that traps dirt before it gets in the house. 

Is porcelain tile good for kitchen floor?

Yes, Porcelain kitchen floor tile is made from material like clay and sand making it a dense and hard product, unlike porous ceramic tile.  This makes it ideal kitchen tile floor material. An unglazed porcelain especially doesn’t show scratches or wear either. 

If you are going to have a transition from the kitchen floor tile to wood floor in the next room, the height difference can be resolve with a strip that will ramp up or down from one flooring to the other. These transition strips are either aluminum or wood and are easily trimmed with a handsaw or miter saw to fit. Need help with kitchen tile flooring in Arlington, TX? Call 817.861.3737 today.

• Indoor Climate Improved: Home carpeting improves the climate, retaining and trapping airborne dust particles until you vacuum. Home carpet provides a level of insulation which assists with up to 10% energy savings. 
• Absorbs Sounds: With home carpets, you have a level of sound absorption that minimizes noises that could otherwise be disruptive and disturbing. The acoustics of a room are immediately improved, perfect for a home theater. 
• Safer and Warmer: Walking around your home barefoot in the winter isn’t cold with home carpeting, and when you have infants and toddlers in the house, a home carpeted is safer for those falls and tumbles that come with learning to stand and walk. Hardwood floors are hard and unforgiving. 
• Comfort and Luxury: A home carpeted offers a level of comfort and luxury.

Does carpet make allergies worse?

 Is home carpet bad allergies? Carpet has been considered a major enemy for those with allergies or asthma. Some experts say that home carpeting traps allergens, dust, and pet dander, so removing any and all carpeting is recommended. However, yes, there is a dispute to that claim the past 20 years. 

The flooring industry has a different viewpoint on home carpeting, and so does scientific research. In 2008, a professional and published toxicologist released findings that stated home carpeting does not boost the occurrence or severity of allergies or asthma for adults or children. Likewise, any VOC emissions from new home carpet does not trigger allergies or asthma, thus home carpeting is safe. 

Then another however from studies in 2018 found the use of home carpeting is linked to increase in allergens, indoor dust, and microorganisms with asthma, and  mild cognitive effects. 

What was also found, that if a homeowner wants their home carpeted, a low pile carpeting with frequent vacuuming and regular professional cleaning should be safe for any home. 

 Which carpet is best for allergy sufferers?

 If you desire home carpet, for allergies for your family members, a low pile wool is the best home carpeting. Homes with suffers of allergies, asthma, and even eczema sufferers, this naturally hypoallergenic carpeting has properties that absorbs the common airborne contaminants that irritate the breathing of those family member. The cleaning chemicals, cooking fumes, deodorants, and smoke, are improved with a low pile wool carpeting. 

How do you get allergens out of carpet?

No matter how careful and clean you may be, dust will build up in your home, it is inevitable. That dust will contain substances to trigger coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms of allergies and asthma, and yes, carpeting will collect that dust. 

That doesn’t mean you have to have a home carpet-free though. There are steps you can take that will remove most of those allergens and keep your home comfortable for everyone. The first thing is to make it a routine for daily vacuuming of your carpets and cloth furniture using a HEPA filter on the vacuum cleaner. This is especially important if you have indoor pets of any kind. Next, have quarterly professional steam cleaning with a hot water extraction process. 

How long does dog dander stay in carpet?

A house that has contained pets in the past will still have the allergens and dander of those pets long after the pets have been gone. How long? Well, that can vary from house to house and the cleaning technique used to clean the pet 

Allergy experts have estimated that to make a home cat dander free can take up to four months. Dog dander is faster because it isn’t sticky like cat dander. However, an allergy sufferer will often find that it can take up to a full year for a house to become completely pet dander free. 

Can you get pet dander out of carpet?

Daily vacuuming is the best way to get and keep pet dander out of your home carpeting. Then follow up with quarterly professional steam cleaning for that deep down cleaning.  For quick cleaning of pet dander and fur, a handheld lint roller will do the job.

So, are wood floors high maintenance?

Yes, care, maintenance, and upkeep can be a challenge. Yet, as we mentioned above, one of the features that home buyers seek and consider to be an amenity is hardwood flooring. If a house doesn’t come with original hardwood flooring, it can be expensive having hardwood flooring installed.  are one of the amenities that home buyers often look for when buying a house.

There are three varieties of hardwood flooring:

• Strip Hardwood Flooring: 1-1/2” to 2-1/4” wide
• Parquet Hardwood Flooring: Individual squares creating a geometric pattern
• Plank Hardwood Flooring: Wider than strip hardwood flooring

When a home buyer purchases a home with unfinished hardwood flooring, they have the opportunity to finish the flooring with a stain that will match their personal décor and taste. If hardwood flooring is challenge, what is it that makes everyone desire to have it? There are three advantages that hardwood flooring offers:

• Durability that has proven in homes that are over 100 years old. When hardwood flooring is properly cared for and maintained, simple sweeping or vacuuming is all that is need with an occasional cleaning using a wood floor cleaner.
• The ROI when selling your home with hardwood flooring is found in quick sells to a home buyers that will pay more for a house hardwood flooring versus a home with wall-to-wall carpeting. Even in new builds, a home with hardwood flooring will cost more than a home with carpeting.
• Hardwood flooring offers versatile decorating style. It can be modern or traditional, and comes in cherry, oak, and walnut. If you have a style change, hardwood flooring changes with you.

How often should I clean hardwood floors?

On a daily basis, use a broom, sweep over your hardwood flooring, with special focus in the high traffic areas. Of your vacuum has a hard surface feature, or if you have a lightweight stick, these will work just as well as the standard broom and will collect the pet hair better.

Once a week, high traffic areas of hardwood flooring should be cleaned with a damp mop and the low traffic areas once a month. If your hardwood flooring isn’t sealed, make sure your mop is slightly damp.

Be careful not to use products that are not made for hardwood flooring, like abrasive or harsh chemicals. Ammonia, alkaline soap-based cleaners, furniture sprays,  juice, oils, and vinegar, are out for use on hardwood flooring. These products will damage the seal and shine on your hardware flooring.

What is the best thing to use to clean wood floors?

White vinegar, a common kitchen ingredient makes a great natural cleaner for hardwood flooring. It’s all natural, safe on most hardwood flooring, and a money saver too. Mix half a cup of white vinegar with one gallon of lukewarm water and you’ll have clean, fresh smelling floors in no time.  There are some hardwood flooring finishes that vinegar can dull, so try an area that is inconspicuous before doing the whole floor.

Note:  Keep from splashing the solution on baseboards and wall to prevent staining and allow the floors to dry for a full day before returning the furniture and allowing traffic.

Can I buff my wood floors?

Hardwood flooring can be buffed by hand, but the easier way is to rent an electric buffing machine. That will work the wax into the hardwood flooring for a protective layer from dirt, dust, and moisture.

Hardwood flooring is a beautiful addition and upgrades to any home no matter the age or style. With good care and maintenance, you’ll have that flooring for many years to come. Need new floor installation in Arlington, TX? Call 817.861.3737 today.