Author Archives: DFW Flooring Warehouse

What is plush carpet made from? 

Plush carpet is made from synthetic fibers or wool to create beautiful, plush soft carpeting. There are several luxuriously soft, warm plush carpets to consider for your home or office including:

• Nylon
• Polyester
• Triexta
• Wool

These are durable materials that give you that luxury feel. Factors that determine “plush” carpeting is which fiber you choose from this list, the density (the number of fibers packed together), and the twist of the yarn during manufacturing.  

What is the difference between plush carpets and other types of carpets? 

There are 3 styles of carpet  to choose from as follows:

• CUT PILE

A cut pile carpet is the most plush carpet of the three. Is plush carpet suitable for high-traffic areas? Absolutely, it is a highly durable carpet that is perfect for areas with high traffic. The fibers are twisted together creating that resilience this carpeting is known for and making it denser. Within the cut pile category of carpeting, in addition to the ‘plush carpeting’ there is frieze, shag, and velvet carpeting. 

The frieze carpet has a curly, looser appearance because of the tight twisted fibers. Available in a texture plush carpet is ideal for a home because of the cushiony feel and it doesn’t show footprints or vacuum trails. 

• LOOP PILE

The tips of loop pile carpeting aren’t exposed, which is where the term “loop” came from. The fibers are tightly constrained so they provide long-term wear that is excellent for high-traffic areas like the family room and halls. You can choose from a level loop pile where the fibers are all one height or a multi-level fiber which is known for the texture provided. 

• CUT-LOOP PILE

This is a combination of the other two styles we have listed. This combination provides a carpet style and type that reflects different patterns and surface textures. This type of carpeting is found where a fun, atypical style of carpet like swirls is ideal for the room. 

How do you care for plush carpet? 

To maintain the beauty of your new plush carpet, it is basic and common sense really. But here are some tips that the professionals recommend: 

• Clean Regularly

Vacuum on alternate days or at a minimum of 3 times a week. This will keep the plush carpet dust and mite free while giving it a longer lifespan. Remember that food crumbs and spills will propagate wear and tear faster, deteriorating the color and fabric. 

• Clean Spills Immediately

Liquid spills spread fast even on plush carpet, creating stubborn stains in minutes. As soon as a spill happens, clean it up quickly. This is done by blotting, not rubbing! 

• Avoid Pointy Things 

Plush carpet and pointy things are not friends! Keep pointy things off your plush carpet like high heel shoes, pet claws, and point tools. 

• Keep Heavy Objects Off

Plush carpet has a high density that gives them that cozy, fluffy look. When heavy furniture or other objects are placed on it, it becomes a dull flat carpet. 

• Use Doormats! 

Easy peasy, invest in good outdoor mats for people to wipe their feet before entering.

What are the pros and cons of plush carpet?

Purchasing carpeting for your home is like any major purchase. With that being said, it is important to look at the pros and cons before making a purchase. Here are the pros and cons we recommend you consider: 

The Pros of Plush Carpet

• Durability: Plush carpeting is one of the most durable forms you can choose. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and still provide beauty and comfort. 
• Versatility: Plush carpeting is available in many different colors that can fit any decorative style and theme. 
• Aesthetics: Plush carpeting has a soft texture and is a versatile floor covering that provides a visual appeal to any home. 

While plush carpet has these three pros to giving a home a beautiful touch, it also has some drawbacks: 

The Cons of Plush Carpet

• Indentations Show: Because plush carpet has a light fiber pile, furniture can cause indentations easily. 
• Watermarking: Plush pile carpet can show watermarking from localized pile reversal, leaving dark, irregular shapes, appearing as if the carpeting is wet. 

Laying It All Out

When you’re going to make this size of purchase, you want to choose the right type for you and your home. So, how do you choose the right plush carpet for your home? The first thing you need to do is choose a carpeting professional to work with. They will have answers to this question and any other concerns you may have.

The second thing to keep in mind is the padding. No matter how good of a quality plush carpet you choose, do not skimp on the padding. The density of the carpet pad is how you should determine if it is a good quality, not the thickness. Having the right carpet padding will extend the lifespan of the carpet while the wrong carpet pad can shorten the lifespan. 

DFW Flooring Warehouse assists with installing plush carpet in Pantego and Arlington, TX. Contact us at 817.861.3737 to get started.

Will glass tile cut you?

Sure, any glass will cut you if it’s handled properly. Like auto-safe glass though, it typically shatters into tiny pieces so that it won’t cut. Even during installation, glass tile can be damaged, even broken, if the proper techniques and tools aren’t used. 

Installing glass tile can be a DIY project, even for homeowners that don’t mind using elbow grease and doing grunt work. But glass tile will shatter easily. Tools used for cutting glass tile will depend on what the project requires: 

• Wet saw for large areas with straight cuts, like in the shower
• Manual scoring wheel used in the past for creating stained-glass windows, glass mosaics, and anything with small glass tile, and still used today for small glass tile that may break easily when using a wet saw.
• Bar cutters come in two types. One only scores the glass tile and the other has a pressure foot to snap the glass tile along the score line. 
• Wheeled mosaic nippers are to use when cutting small, irregularly shaped glass tile pieces in artistic designs. 

What causes glass tile to crack?

There is nothing uglier than cracked glass tile in the shower. What causes that to happen?

• Improperly Affixed: When glass tile is installed on a wall, the arrangement, dimension, and other elements must be considered. 
• Poor Quality: A poor-quality glass tile is important in the shower. Lower quality will crack easier than a better-quality glass tile. 
• Heavy Pressure/Sharp Blows: Glass tiles can crack when heavy pressure is applied or hit by a sharp blow. 
• Incorrect Adhesive: Glass tile that is installed with the wrong adhesive can keep them from firmly sticking, which can lead to cracking. 

Is glass tile slippery on a shower floor?

Yes, a shower flower with glass tile will be slippery when wet, it’s just basic science. Therefore, many homeowners hesitate to go with glass tile for the shower, especially if they have children. However, when the glass tile pieces are small, the grunt joints add traction, making them safer for a shower floor. Choosing a mosaic glass tile on the shower floor will allow the ability to slope the flooring. There is the option of using a non-slip sealant once the installation is complete too. 

Is glass tile high maintenance?

Two benefits of glass tile that make it attractive for many homeowners are water stain resistance and low maintenance. It can be cleaned easily with a basic window cleaner and clean cloth. 

Do you have to seal glass tile?

The glass tile itself is nonporous which makes it an easy to care, low maintenance material that is ideal for bathrooms. It doesn’t absorb water, it won’t stain.  The grout that is used for installing glass tile, however, will absorb water. So, yes, an impregnating sealant should be applied to protect the grout lines. Once the grout is subjected to water, it loosens up and the glass tile could crack or even come loose. 

Can you use bleach on glass tiles?

As we have said, glass tile maintenance is easy, basic window cleaner is sufficient. Avoid using any type of harsh chemicals or any type of heavy-duty scrub brushes on glass tile. If you have white grout, bleach is safe to use, but for colored grout, avoid bleach to maintain the color. 

Is glass tile more expensive to install?

When comparing a glass tile installation to a ceramic tile installation, yes, it is more expensive, as much as double the cost when installed by a professional. You can do your own glass tile installation, but keep in mind that the adhesive will be visible through the translucent glass tiles. If not done correctly, you’ll see the adhesion through the tiles.

Why is vinyl flooring better today? 

The first thing is when compared to ceramic tile, linoleum, and wood flooring, vinyl flooring is more affordable. And it comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, mimicking those other expensive flooring materials and it is an excellent DIY-friendly material. 

What vinyl flooring is best?

Today, vinyl flooring comes in planks and there are 3 categories: 

• Luxury Vinyl Plank: This type of vinyl flooring looks like authentic wood and has a superior construction with four layers, including a waterproof core and top layer that is damage resistant.

• Rigid Core Vinyl Plank: With a strong composite corner, this vinyl floor is built for a long lifespan. With the level of durability of this option, it is ideal for an open-concept type of décor and high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways.

• Waterproof Vinyl Plank: This vinyl flooring mimics features similar to the other two but is 100% waterproof, making it the best choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. 

What type of vinyl flooring is the most durable?

Because the core is a dense composite material, rigid core vinyl plank is the most durable of vinyl flooring materials. It is a durable flooring, ideal for high-traffic areas and the engineering gives it a long lifespan. There is a variety of core materials used in this vinyl flooring option, with most being a stone plastic composite, wood plastic composite, or a hybrid variation.

What thickness of vinyl flooring is best?

When it comes to vinyl flooring, simply being thicker doesn’t mean it is more durable. It is the outer layer that will make the determination of how well it wears. The wear layer is the protective layer against dents, scratches, stains, and water damage.

In general, choosing a thicker wear layer is recommended for vinyl flooring in high-foot traffic areas. Rooms like entryways, hallways, the kitchen, living room, or in offices and waiting rooms. If comfort is the goal and the area or room has low traffic, like a bedroom, a thin wear layer with a thicker vinyl plank, sheet, or tile gives the flooring that comfort with extra stability. 

Vinyl flooring ranges in thickness between 2mm and 8mm. For a heavy foot traffic area, the rule of thumb is a thickness between 4mm and 6mm thickness. For areas or rooms with less foot traffic, 4mm or less is recommended. 

What are the disadvantages of vinyl flooring?

Yes, vinyl flooring gives your home a remarkable appearance on a budget, looking like wood without being wood. But in the long run, the disadvantages of vinyl flooring can cost more. What kind of disadvantages does vinyl flooring have? 

• It can’t be repaired if there is a puncture or tear.
• It emits VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
• Lifespan is shorter than wood flooring.
• No impact, positive or negative, on resale value.
• If installed with an adhesive, it is difficult to remove.
• Not an eco-friendly material, recycling is difficult.

Which vinyl flooring is nontoxic?

All three categories of vinyl flooring have very low VOCs and off-gassing.

Is vinyl flooring waterproof?

Yes, to a limit.  Vinyl flooring is mainly PVC which makes it all waterproof. But, because they are installed in planks, there are several seams that can allow water in, causing damage under the vinyl planks. 

Can vinyl flooring be painted?

Absolutely and if you’re changing the décor of a room, using an enamel floor paint will give a flooring to match that is hard-wearing and slow to be marked.

What was once the standard and stylish, linoleum flooring installation was as common as a Formica countertop and kitchen table. By the 1950s though, its popularity faded as other flooring came along, like vinyl tiles. Mainly because of cost and secondly because it has been around for over 80 years, everyone was tired of linoleum flooring. 

Installation of this durable, tough, stain-resistant, flooring is making a comeback though. As an anti-microbial and eco-friendly material, it is perfect for homes with kids. If you’re looking for stylish, it comes in as many colors and patterns as other floorings, including a faux-natural that can meet your home’s aesthetic styling. 

If being environmentally friendly is a concern for you, a linoleum flooring installation is a right material for you. It is no-fuss and durable, walking on it is soft and the look is distinctively fresh. It even protects indoor air quality!

There is real linoleum which is made from all-natural materials that include: 

• Ground limestone
• Jute
• Linseed oil
• Pigments
• Powdered cork
• Rosins
• Wood flour

All these natural ingredients create a flooring material that is definitely distinct from the synthetic versions or vinyl flooring. When this flooring is replaced, the old used linoleum can be recycled and used to make new linoleum, a 100% recycled material. That includes the remnants and scraps from the production of the new linoleum flooring installation materials, making it one of the best floorings when you’re looking to minimize your carbon footprint. 

Is linoleum waterproof?

For quick cleaning, linoleum flooring will hold up fine to water, however it is not 100% waterproof. What does that mean? It is water-resistant but it can be damaged when water or any moisture is left on it for long periods of time. 

If you’re going to have linoleum flooring installation in your kitchen, you’ll want to have it sealed annually for protection again possible liquid penetration. Is linoleum good for bathrooms? It isn’t recommended in a bathroom that is used daily. In addition to water from the sink and daily bathing, there is excessive humidity that can build up in a bathroom. This could cause the sheets to curl or the corner of linoleum tiles to lift. 

So, when it comes to Linoleum flooring maintenance, what is the best way to clean your new kitchen linoleum flooring installation? Because you’ll want to keep it green and environmentally friendly, avoid using any harsh synthetic chemicals. Avoid using polymer-based waxes too, they’ll only damage the sheen. 

Simply use a mixture of dish soap, water, and white vinegar to remove any debris, dirt, and dust. Dry dust it daily and use this solution to mop weekly. Deep cleaning can be done annually when you have it resealed after your initial linoleum flooring installation. 

Is linoleum flooring toxic?

Absolutely not! Because it is made of all-natural materials, it is non-toxic, and it does not release any gas-out chemicals into your home. In fact, it improves the air quality! If toxicity is a concern, avoid a vinyl flooring installation.

That popular flooring is easy to install but is dangerous to your health, it isn’t a sustainable material during production. Made from petroleum-based chemicals, it isn’t a renewable material when the flooring is replaced either. 

Can linoleum flooring be painted?

It isn’t recommended.  The surface of a linoleum flooring installation doesn’t accept paint, especially if they are dirty, older, stained, or waxed, the paint can’t bond no matter how well you clean it first. Any dents or holes in the linoleum will be accented by the paint, making them look worse. The best solution is to remove the old unwanted flooring and replace it with a new linoleum flooring installation. 

What about linoleum flooring repair? 

This durable material isn’t indestructible, but fortunately, it is repairable.  If your linoleum flooring installation was in tiles, check the tiles surrounding the damaged one to make sure you’re getting it all repaired. If it is extended damage, it may be better to get a new linoleum flooring installation instead of repairing it. 

• Scratches: A shallow scratch or scrape can be fixed by wiping over it with a dampened soft cloth and then use a hair dryer to soften the area. As it expands, pull the sides of the scratch together. Then use a linoleum repair glue or sealer to cover the damaged area. 
• Tears: Using seam sealer, fill the tear up and then spread a bead on each side of the seam, making sure the sealer stretches from side to side of the tear. Place newspaper over the tear and set a heavy object on top. Let it sit according to the instructions on the sealer. 
• Patches: Sometimes a tear in linoleum flooring needs to be patched, so make sure you keep some extra tiles on hand for this purpose. With a utility knife, cut a little bigger around the damaged area and place the new piece. Lay it over the damaged area, getting it as accurately fit as possible and apply linoleum glue on the flooring under the damaged area and on the backside of the new piece. Cover with newspaper and place a heavy object on top, wait 24 hours before removing. 

Is there laminate flooring that looks like tile?

With endless options that high-resolution makes possible with laminate flooring, you can choose any look you want for your home. There are 3 basic duplications that are popular with laminate flooring: 

• Wood
• Stone
• Tile

Each is composed of the 3 layers described earlier: particle board, photographic layer, and a protective layer. When a real tile isn’t possible, you can choose laminate flooring that looks just like the real deal! 

Is laminate flooring ruined if it gets wet?

Yes, if water gets beyond the protective layer and into the particle board, the boards will swell, warp, and weaken the glue. Can you repair damaged laminate flooring? Yes, with the following steps you may be able to salvage your laminated flooring.

1. Remove Any Standing Water – This step must be done first and immediately! If there is more than an inch of water, use a wet-dry shop vac or pump.
2. Remove the Laminate Flooring – Next, remove each floorboard, prying each one up carefully.
3. Dry Each Floorboard – Using high-volume fans, dry the flooring thoroughly, and use dehumidifiers if possible. Lift each board for the fan to blow under them, and keep them flat, so they won’t bend or get warped. 
4. Dry the Subflooring – As the laminate flooring boards dry, get any remaining water up from the subflooring, using towels to soak the excess water up and fans to get the area thoroughly dry. If needed,  use soap with warm water to clean the subfloor and disinfect with bleach water to prevent mold. 
5. Dry the Floorboards – Once the boards are cleaned, use clean towels to dry them thoroughly and allow them to air dry. 
6. Reinstall the  Floorboards – Now you can reinstall the floorboards, replace any damaged boards, then install the laminate flooring. 

What type of laminate flooring is waterproof, what is the best waterproof laminate flooring?

To be sure you don’t have water-damaged laminate flooring, go with a luxury vinyl plank flooring. It will have all the same benefits that basic laminate flooring offers but is legitimately waterproof. There are many options with this luxury grade and is installed as easily as the laminate flooring you know today.

Look for laminate flooring that states it has special coatings and is made with special materials that make it waterproof. It will typically have special installation techniques that make it survive spills, pet accidents, and even standing water better. 

What is the best way to clean laminate flooring?

The first thing you should know about cleaning laminate flooring is DO NOT soak it in standing water! Even with luxury laminate flooring, you should be careful not to let water stand for long periods of time. There are products on the market that are made for cleaning laminate flooring. If those aren’t available, you use 1 teaspoon of unscented clear dish soap OR 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo with 1 gallon of clear water. 

What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?

Budget-friendly and easy-care describe both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring. There are several common things about both of these flooring materials: 

• Easy Install: If you go without the foam underlayment for laminate flooring or the sheeting used for vinyl flooring, you can install your own flooring with ease. 
•  Easy Maintenance: Both vinyl and laminate flooring are easy to maintain. Simply mop as instructed above, or they can be swept or vacuumed as needed. 
• Eco-Friendliness: Both of these flooring materials are environmentally friendly when you shop the right options.  
• Cost: Laminate flooring can be found at lower prices than vinyl, depending on the style and features you want. 

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 Pantego and 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 Pantego and 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.