FloorTalk – for all the latest flooring fashions

For those of you out there that don’t find floor covering fascinating and spend your weekends on Google to learn all you can about floors, here’s a run down of the basics. This information may help you understand about your options and what you need to know when you decide you want new floors.

1. The main categories of flooring are:

Carpet

Vinyl or Resilient Flooring

Hardwood

Laminate

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Natural Stone

To learn more about these categories and to see different styles see the information outlined on our parent site or just click on the link above.

2. Technology and design styles have had significant influence on flooring. Other than the basics flooring types listed above, there are also styles of cork flooring, bamboo flooring, glass tiles, stainless and other metal tiles, rubber tiles, natural fibers like seagrass and sisal and many others – even paper!

3. Not all floors are acceptable on all foundation types.  For example, most solid hardwood floors cannot be installed on concrete slabs. Be sure to know your foundation type before you start shopping.

4. Flooring is measured and sold either by the square foot or the square yard. Be careful when comparing prices that you are comparing apples to apples. If a hardwood tag says “$4 per SF” and a carpet tag says “$18 per SY” and you don’t see the one letter than distinguishes the two, you might think the hardwood is less expensive than the carpet.

5. Allow a retailer give you an estimate on your room size to determine how much flooring you will need rather than building your budget from your own measurements. For example, if you have a room that is 13′ x 13′ you will need different quantities for different flooring materials. Some items are sold by the box and carpet and vinyl are sold from a roll that could be 12′, 13′6″ or 15′ wide. Since you have to buy items that are sold by the box by the full box (and take the waste factor, pattern match and pattern repeat into consideration) and items sold on a roll by their given width you could need anywhere from 190 SF over 300 SF for a room that actually measures 169 SF.

6. Different floors are made for different lifestyles. For example: You may love hardwood, but if you have large dogs hardwood may not be the best choice for you. If you have dark hair, white bathroom floor tiles might not be the best choice for you.  If you have small children and pets, white carpet may not be the best choice for you.

7.  Keep transitions to other rooms in mind when choosing flooring. Floors have different finish heights and those heights can vary depending on your subfloor. Floors with different finish heights will need to be treated with a transition strip. Transitioning from a (low) vinyl/resilient floor to a 3/4″ solid hardwood floor can be significant. Transition strips are no big deal, if you know in advance to expect them.

8.  Keep resale in mind. Because floors like hardwood, ceramic tile and natural stone are costly and rarely need replacing due to wear, consider how long you are going to live in your home before choosing your floors.  Your favorite color may be blue, but a house full of blue floors may be a turn off to a potential buyer. If you do choose to express your style with a house full of blue floors, be sure that you won’t tire of looking at the same color after a while. However, I am definitely not suggesting choosing all beige floors for resale purposes!

9. It is important to consider maintenance. If you don’t like to clean, there are flooring options with very little maintenance that also stand up to heavy traffic and pets.

10. Floors come in a variety of different styles and that means that they also come with different budgets. Be careful when shopping that you don’t rule out a particular flooring type because of the first priced sample you see. There are some vinyl floors that are as expensive as a hardwood floor and there are prices ranges within each type of flooring that can be as much as $20 per square foot.

The floors in your home are a big decision. They take more wear and tear than most any other item in your home. Other than your walls, your floors consume the majority of the square footage in your home. Choose a floor type based on the fact that you will probably live with it for a very long time!

The size of the grout joint can dramatically change the way your overall tile installation looks. It is important to use the right size grout line for technical reasons and also for aesthetic reasons. For example, if you are using a marble or natural stone tile and the grout joint is too large, it can make the marble look fake. Natural stone is cut with such precision that the typical rule for natural stone is to set the tiles with a 1/16″ grout line. When each tile is more uniform, you have the luxury of using a smaller grout line. When tiles are fired in a kiln, there is no guarantee of the precision and uniformity of the edges.

Often, the size of the grout line is left up to the interior designer or the tile contractor. With their experience, they generally know the appropriate size grout joint for each different tile. Larger grout lines are needed for tiles with less than perfect edges so sometimes you can ask for a certain size grout joint, but your tile contractor may recommend that it be a little larger for a more professional looking installation.

There is no right or wrong answer for what size your grout line should be, but below are some guidelines:

• Natural stone – 1/16″ or 1/8″
• Tile with a rectified edge – 1/16″ or 1/8″
• Regular tile – 3/16″, 1/4″ (safest bet) up to 3/8″ or 1/2″
• Saltillo or Mexican tile – 3/4″, 1″, 1 1/4″

Also, it is important to know that there are two different types of grout: sanded and unsanded. Sanded grout is used in joints that are 1/8″ or larger and unsanded grout (natural stone and glass mosaics) is used in joints that are 1/8″ or larger. Salitillo or Mexican tile has its own type of grout.

For advice on how to choose a grout color, click here.

This guest post was written by New York Wood Floors
New York Wood Floors:

Installing new wood floors – The amount of traffic in the room and it’s affect on the choice of wood:

The amount of foot traffic in the designated room will directly affect the color and finish of any wood floors. Natural light wood colors like oak and maple are less affected than dark color wood floors, which tend to wear and show traffic marks sooner. In areas with high traffic extra attention is recommended as far as recoating.  New York Wood Floors are often being coated 1-2 full coats every 6 month to a year and glossy finishes are not being used at all. Such areas are sanded lightly before coating.

Thanks to New York Wood Floors for your advice!

  In addition to types of green flooring, there are products that can be used in conjunction with flooring that may possess green qualities. The most common are adhesives and cleaners.

There are further considerations than just the actual flooring that will be purchased. The installation method and products used should be taken into consideration as well as how the final product will be maintained.

Adhesives

Adhesives are just as important to consider when purchasing flooring as the flooring itself. Adhesives with harmful toxins can damage indoor air quality by giving off harmful gasses.

Tips for Adhesives:

• Choose low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
• Do not contain formaldehyde
• Qualify for the Carpet and Rug Institutes Indoor Air Quality green label

Cleaners

Cleaners may also contribute to indoor air quality and should, therefore, be considered as part of a green flooring project.

Tips for Cleaners:

• Choose products with natural ingredients
• Consider homemade cleaners like vinegar, baking soda or mild dishwashing detergent
• Read labels thoroughly for ingredients

Do you know someone in the flooring business? Have you even been in a social setting where you meet someone in the flooring business, say at dinner at a mutual friends house or restaurant and had questions about how much it might cost to add flooring to your home?

Don’t be surprised if you don’t get very far when asking for price ranges for flooring in a social setting! There are many many factors that determine the cost of flooring so even if this person could tell you $12 per square foot – that still doesn’t tell you at all how much your project will cost. In the end, it will only end up leaving you disappointed.

Here are some of the factors that prevent someone from being able to give you a price for flooring on the spot.

• Existing flooring removal
• Furniture removal and replacement
• Floor prep
• Underlayment depending on your foundation type
• Direction of installation (more complicated patterns cost more to install)
• Transitions to other rooms
• Options within a category such as type of finish coat on site sand and finish wood flooring
• Size of the room. Just because a room is 14×14, that doesn’t mean that it needs 196 square feet of flooring.

There are other factors, but this gives you an idea of how each flooring project is different and that there are many factors in determining the price of flooring.

For a flooring retailer in your area, click here.

For more detailed information on what to expect when you are expecting floorcovering installation, click here.

Question:

We have just built a 20 by 14 foot four seasons sunroom in place of our deck in the Texas Hill Country. The substrate is plywood, and we will be adding a 3/8 layer on top for a smoother surface, since some of the knot holes are deep. Underneath are both insulation and a moisture barrier. The room contains a heater air conditioner, but we were planning to leave that on extreme temps of 85 F when unoccupied and about 45 or 50 in winter. The room has many sliding windows and a propane fireplace.

We have had a couple instances of leaking, hopefully repaired now. A very low maintenance, grandchild friendly floor is desired, so vinyl seems a good choice, but I cannot verify the temperatures it can handle. We can maintain good temperature for installation.

Do you have any suggestions? The local Home Depot has Allure by Traffic Master, and another local store would order Armstrong. Though I think the cushion kind would not be good with animals and kid ride on toys.

Any suggestions you have will be much appreciated!

Answer: To determine what floors are suitable for temperatures like 85 degrees, it really is best to check with each individual manufacturer’s specific guidelines or ask a trusted retailer. (For store locaters in your area, click here.) Other products you might want to consider are cork and products like Mannington’s Adura.

For a general guideline on vinyl : All resilient products must be stored in a protected interior location, ideally one that can be climate controlled.

Optimum storage temperatures are between a low of 65ºF and high of 100ºF. Additionally, the humidity of the

storage area should be controlled and maintained between 30% and 70%.

For the entire life of the floor, the temperature should never fall below 55°F or exceed 90°F. If this minimum temperature

cannot be maintained, the performance of the flooring products and adhesives can be adversely affected. Ideally

the job site relative humidity will be maintained in the 40% to 50% range.

Cork can definitely be used in warmer temperatures because it is used in hot yoga rooms all the time! Another great benefit of cork is its retention and cushioned feeling. This would be a great choice for the kids with toys if your design style coordinates with cork.

 Question:

Can I Install New Laminate Floors Over Pre Installed Laminate Floors?

Answer:

Unfortunately, laminate flooring should not be installed over existing laminate flooring. The good news is, because of the installation method of laminate, the existing will be simple to remove.

You can, however install laminate over ceramic tile if the tile is smooth, sound and dry. Laminate can also be installed over vinyl or resilient flooring that is adhered well. This is particularly useful when going over older vinyl that may contain asbestos that would be costly and dangerous to remove.

Always use the proper underlayment when installing laminate flooring. Other helpful hints are to use a professional installer and always keep mats at every entrance to keep dirt and grit from scratching your laminate floors.

To locate a floor covering professional in your area, click here.

For other posts on laminate flooring, click here.

Question:

“I would like to lay down a oak laminate floor in my den and living room. I now have a very thin rug in both rooms. My question is would I be able to lay down the floor on top of the rug? This would save me the trouble of taking the rug up and also be used as a cushion.”

Answer:Unfortunately, we do not recommend installing a laminate floor over carpet or rugs. This will make your floor “fall” when you walk over it – or the joints may break. Doing this would more than likely also void your warranty.

You can, however install laminate over ceramic tile if the tile is smooth, sound and dry. Laminate can also be installed over vinyl or resilient flooring that is adhered well. This is particularly useful when going over older vinyl that may contain asbestos that would be costly and dangerous to remove.

Always use the proper underlayment when installing laminate flooring. Other helpful hints are to use a professional installer and always keep mats at every entrance to keep dirt and grit from scratching your laminate floors.

To locate a floor covering professional in your area, click here.

For more posts on laminate flooring, click here.

Getting new floor covering can be a major change in your home and installing new floor covering is no easy task. This should be left to a professional! Whether you are tackling the project yourself or hiring a professional, these are tips you will want to be aware of. Being aware of these misconceptions can help you have a smoother installation.

GENERAL INSTALLATION MISCONCEPTIONS

1. Once the installation is complete, there is no need to save leftover material. Leftover material is needed in case of repairs. Having the original material will ensure that your repair will be the same shade / dye lot as the original installation.
2. The installer will arrive on time and be completed as originally promised. Often, the installer will run into situations at another jobsite that require more time and attentio. Just remember that if it were your house, you would want the installer to take their time for a quality installation.
3. Floors can be installed in any weather. Some types of flooring cannot be installed in extreme heat or cold.
4. Floors can be installed in any stage of new construction. Some builders for example, prefer that tile be installed under the kitchen cabinets. So, this would need to be done earlier in the process. Since it is durable to dirt and traffic, it can be installed earlier. Carpet, on the other hand needs to be one of the very last items to be installed so that it doesn’t get abused before you move in! (more…)

GENERAL

• Installing flooring is easy. It’s actually a difficult and lengthy process that should be done by a professional
• Dark floors will make a room look smaller. Dark floors will not make a room look smaller unless the walls and other surroundings are also dark
• If I order more of the same product a year from now, it will look exactly the same. Products are made in different conditions and environments and cannot be expected to look the same after time has passed.
• It’s cheaper to install a less expensive product first and replace later down the road.The cost of product remova, furniture removal and replacement can make this statement untrue.

CARPET

• All carpet padding is the same. There are different grades and qualities of carpet padding with different life expectancies and warranties.
• When carpet is replaced, the pad doesn’t need to be replaced. Carpet pad helps determine how well your carpet wears. If your carpet pad is worn, you will not get the most wearability out of your carpet.
• Wool carpet isn’t worth the money because it will wear out. Wool carpet is the most durable and long lasting carpet available.
• If the label says it has built in stain protection it is protected from everything and maintenance is not required. This is intended to be stain resistant – not stain proof. Regular maintenance is still required.
• Will not fade. Carpet can fade if exposed to direct sunlight.
• The thicker the carpet, the better the quality.This is not always true. Ask you local retailer for more information when comparing products.
• Carpet will look the same or darker than the sample when installed. Since carpet samples tend to be relatively small, they don’t always appear the same as the large rolls that are installed.

HARDWOOD

• All hardwood is the same hardness. Hardwood has varying degrees of hardness.
• Hardwood is not a good choice for people with allergies. Hardwood is a great choice for people with allergies if kept well maintained.
• All oak floors are the same or if a wood floor looks the same on top, it is the same.The construction of the hardwood is where the quality comes in, not what you see on the top.
• Will not fade. Like other flooring materials, direct sunlight can fade hardwood floors.
• All hardwood can be cleaned with Murphy’s Oil Soap. Pre-finished hardwoods should not be cleaned with Murphy’s Oil Soap.

LAMINATE

• All laminate floors sound hollow and click when you walk on them. With the proper underlayment, laminate floors will not sound hollow or click when you walk on them.
• You can’t hurt a laminate floor. While laminate floors are very durable, they can scratch and gouge with misuse.
• Hardwood is better for a home with large dogs because it is harder. Laminate flooring can be more scratch resistant than some hardwoods making it more suitable for a home with dogs.

TILE

• Any tile can be installed outside.Tiles have a rating system that indicate how much water is absorbed. This determines if they can go outside or not. Most porcelain tiles and natural stones are suited for exterior applications.
• Tile has to be sealed. Tiles that have glazes or are through body do not have to be sealed.
• Small tiles are the only tiles that should go into small rooms. Larger tiles are well suited for small rooms, just as well as small tiles, depending on the desired design intent.
• All tiles floors are cold.Tile floors with radiant heat systems installed can be very warm and comfortable!
• The finish cannot be worn off of tile. Ceramic tiles that have glazed finishes can wear off with excessive traffic. Check the wear rating to see how much traffic a tile floor is designed for.
• Any size tile can be installed on a shower floor. Tile showers have to slope to drain water so the tiles have to be small enough to accommodate the slope.
• You can’t hurt a tile floor. Dropping heavy objects on the corners of tile floors can chip or crack the tiles. Dragging furniture without furniture protectors across a floor can scratch the finish of tile floors.
• Is not a good choice because if I drop a glass on it, it will break.
• Larger size tiles make a room look smaller.Larger tiles in a small room can visually increase the size of a room. Turning the tiles on the diagonal can make the room appear even larger.
• Grout colors look darker than the sample when installed . The sample chip and the actual product will look different because of lighting, shading and dye lot differences.

NATURAL STONE

• Stone tiles like granite or travertine cannot stain. Natural stone that is not sealed can stain.
• You can’t hurt a stone floor. Stone is a very strong material, but it can be damaged with misuse like improper maintenance or dragging furniture across the floor without furniture protectors.
• Is not a good choice because if I drop a glass on it, it will break. If you drop a glass from most any standing height, is going to break anyway.
• All travertine is the same grade. You get what you pay for! There are varying degrees of quality in natural stone. Lower quality travertine has holes in the back that make it less stable than travertine pieces with less or no filler in the back.
• Every piece will look the same. The beauty of natural stone is that each piece can be completely different.
• Vinegar is the best cleaner to use. Vinegar will actually permanently etch stone floors and is not a desirable cleaner.

VINYL/RESILIENT

• Patterns with grooves catch dirt that is difficult to remove. With new technologies in place, floors with detailed patterns are just as easy to clean as floors with no patterns.
• Furniture doesn’t need protectors on the bottom. Unprotected furniture bottoms can permanently tear vinyl floors.
• All floor cleaners are the same. Using the wrong cleaner can do permanent damage to your floors and even void your warranty.