Engineered hardwood will help you create an inviting and stylish space. (Jasper Engineered Hardwood – Handscraped Hickory)

1. What is engineered hardwood flooring?

Engineered hardwood flooring features a top layer of hardwood veneer over a plywood, hardwood, or HDF (high density fiber board) core. Because engineered hardwood veneers are made from real wood, and not a photographic layer, they have the natural characteristics of the selected wood species.

2. What are the benefits of engineered hardwood flooring?

Engineered hardwood flooring offers more versatility than solid hardwood flooring because its construction allows it to be installed in many areas where solid planks aren’t recommended (like basements). This is due to its ability to resist moisture and humidity better than solid hardwood, which might be dimensionally unstable under the same conditions. Many engineered options are also able to be installed over underfloor heating systems that would otherwise dry out and damage hardwood.

3. What does greater stability mean?

The instability of solid hardwood flooring is generally moisture or heat related. In unsuitable conditions, solid hardwood can warp, cup, swell, or split apart. Engineered hardwood is more stable because it overcomes many of these problems with its the multi-ply plank construction that counteracts twisting and remains flat and intact.This makes engineered hardwood a better candidate for installation over underfloor heating and concrete, whether it’s above or below grade.

4. How many layers are present in engineered hardwood flooring?

Most types of engineered wood flooring have at least three layers beneath the hardwood veneer. Some options have as many as five to seven layers. More layers provides greater stability.

5. How thick is the hardwood veneer?

The top layer of hardwood, also known as the hardwood veneer, ranges in thickness from 0.5 mm to upwards of 6 mm. Thicker veneer layers are priced higher as they can be refinished multiple times, extending the life of your floor.

6. What’s the thinnest veneer layer that can be refinished?

The top veneer needs to be at least 2 mm thick for refinishing to be possible; if sanding is desired, professional sanding procedures typically remove 1/32 of an inch. The thicker the veneer, the more you can sand it without destroying the floor. However, homeowners with engineered hardwood flooring typically find that they never need to refinish it as these floors come with high quality finishes. If serious damage occurs, its often easier to have the area professionally removed and replaced.

7. What is the Janka hardness test, and what does it tell me about engineered hardwood floors?

The Janka hardness test measures the force needed to lodge a .444-inch steel ball in wood to a depth of half its diameter. This rating is helpful when you’re comparing various wood species because it tells you how hard each type of wood is and their ability to withstand wear and dents.

At the bottom of the scale are species like douglas fir, southern yellow pine, and black cherry with ratings under 1000. Brazilian cherry and mesquite are at the top of the scale, rating over 2300 on the Janka hardness scale. Hardness ratings are particularly important in high-traffic areas.

Janka Hardness Chart:

8. What does it mean when flooring is sold in random lengths?

Depending on the floor manufacturer, lengths will vary. Some will provide boards of all one length, generally at a higher cost because of the quality control measures required. Others will provide boards of random lengths, indicating the shortest board and the longest board lengths per box. With random board lengths, all the boards in the box will fall in between those two lengths. Some manufacturers will note the average board length.

9. How do you install engineered hardwood flooring?

In general, engineered flooring can be installed in one of three different ways:

1. nail down if installing over a plywood subfloor
2. glue down if installing over a plywood or concrete subfloor
3. float if installing over a plywood or concrete subfloor

For nail down installations, the plywood subfloor should be 3/4″ thick, and a 15lb roofing felt or moisture barrier (such as MoistureBlock) should be placed underneath.

If you’re glueing the floor directly on the subfloor, use 100% urethane based adhesive with an integrated vapor barrier.

For floating installations, use an underlayment with a vapor barrier. Usually for this type of installation, the seams will still need to be glued together using regular wood glue such as Elmers or Titebond, unless the flooring is designed for a glue-less click-lock installation.

Please note, the above explanation is a very general guide. Always refer to manufacturer installation instructions for details.

10. What is the maximum variance allowable for a subfloor?

A well-prepared subfloor helps ensure a successful installation of your engineered flooring. The variance should be no more than 3/16-inch over 10 feet.

What other questions do you have about engineered hardwood? Let us know in the comments.

Browse our selection of versatile Engineered Hardwood Flooring here.

The post Top 10 Engineered Hardwood Flooring FAQs appeared first on Learning Center.

Composite decking will help you create an inviting and functional outdoor space. (Pravol Composite Decking – Urban Gray Solid Deck Board)

1. What’s composite decking made of?

Made from a combination of plastic and wood fibers, composite decking is manufactured to look like real wood decking. The components of composite decking often come from recycled materials. There aren’t any preservative chemicals used during manufacturing, and you get to skip the splinters that come from traditional wooden decks.

2. How long does composite decking last?

Composite decking is known for its long life. Since the plastic protects the wood fibers from the elements, composite decking isn’t prone to rotting, decay, or termite damage. It also won’t fade or wear down from constant exposure to the sun and cold temperatures. Composite decking often comes with warranties ranging from 10-25 years that guarantee it won’t rot or suffer structural damage under normal residential conditions.

3. What colors and styles are available?

Composite decking comes in wide variety of colors, textures, and wood grain looks, so homeowners can find the right product for just about any decking project. Choose from natural looking wood colors like teak and walnut, or go with a stained gray or silver look. Grooved and smooth boards are also available, as are a variety of reversible options that feature a simple brushed texture on one side and a realistic wood grain texture on the other.

4. What’s the difference between hollow and solid core boards?

Solid boards look more like lumber, and as the name states, are solid all the way through. Hollow boards look slightly more man-made and feature ribbed centers. Both board options provide a strong and quality deck you can count on.

5. What’s the difference between grooved and ungrooved boards?

Grooved and ungrooved boards have different edges, which impacts installation. Grooved boards feature a notch or channel down the edges and are installed with hidden deck fasteners instead of visible nails. Ungrooved boards have solid edges and are installed with nails drilled into the top of the board.

6. Does composite decking require maintenance?

Composite decks require minimal maintenance. Regularly clear off any debris like leaves, dirt, and dust. Give your deck a more thorough clean at least twice a year using just a brush, hose, and mild household cleaner. Don’t use power washers, as they can damage composite decks. Unlike wooden decks, composite decking doesn’t require staining, waterproofing, or sealing.

7. Can I paint or stain composite decking?

Experts don’t recommend painting or staining composite decking, since the material is impregnated with a dye that will last as long as your deck does. If you do opt to paint or stain your composite deck, it will require regular upkeep, similar to the maintenance required for wooden decks.

8. What span length can I do with composite decking?

For perpendicular applications, the span should be 12 to 16 inches between joists. Experts recommend spans of 16 inches for a strong and solid deck. If you install at a 45-degree angle, a maximum of 12 inches on center will give the best result.

9. Do I need special equipment or tools to install composite decking?

You don’t need special tools to install composite decking, but you do need standard woodworking tools for cutting and building. Since composite decking materials cut just like wood, you can use a circular saw or a miter saw for installation. This type of decking also accepts nails and screws like real wood.

10. How much does composite decking expand and contract?

Composite decking does expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall, and the exact amount depends on the difference between the temperature during installation and your local area’s maximum temperature. In general, allow 3/16 inch to 1/4-inch gaps between boards to allow for expansion and contraction as well as to let dirt and water flow away naturally.

What other composite decking questions do you have? Let us know in the comments.

Browse our selection of low-maintenance Composite Decking here.

The post Top 10 Composite Decking FAQs appeared first on Learning Center.

Select your flooring

The kind of flooring you choose will affect what you have to do prior to a renovation. For instance, if you’re installing new hardwood, you’ll have to remove the existing floors. However, if you’re using vinyl flooring, you may be able to skip this step, as the material can be laid over existing floors.

Contact a Contractor

Research professional installers in your area, get several quotes and pick the right person for the job. Having a contractor lined up to install your new floor will give you an idea for timelines and will help you prepare for the work ahead. You can skip this step of course if you’re going the DIY route for your kitchen flooring renovation.

Measure and order

With your chosen floor in mind, measure your kitchen to see how much material you need to order. Measure several times, as any savvy carpenter would do, to ensure your numbers are accurate.

Ordering slightly more than the amount needed to cover your kitchen is wise. That way, you’ll have extra pieces in case you damage any during renovation or cut one to the wrong size. Since most kitchens usually aren’t perfect squares, you should also have some extra flooring on hand to make special cuts.

Extra flooring tiles or boards also can replace damaged ones in the future and give you a surface to test cleaners and sealers before using them in the entire kitchen.

Plan for waste removal

Most garbage-collecting companies won’t remove certain items unless asked. Call your neighborhood collector to see if they’ll haul away your old flooring. If not, rent a dumpster or make arrangements with a junk removal company. Otherwise, you’ll be left with the remains of your old floor.

Renting a dumpster during your kitchen renovation is an easy way to deal with your old floor.

Clear out

Remove items from your kitchen that could get in the way of your renovation. If you’re also replacing cabinetry, you’ll have to take all of your kitchen supplies out of the room. However, if you’re just replacing the floors, remove your dining table and any chairs in the space, along with freestanding appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers.

To avoid damage, remove all wall decorations like photos and mirrors, as well as window curtains. You don’t want to break anything by accident while you rip up the floors.

Contain dust

Hang plastic sheets over doorways to prevent dust created by your renovation from reaching other areas of the house. Make sure you have a way out of the kitchen by cutting a vertical opening up the middle of one doorway cover. When you’re working, tape up the opening to contain dust. You can also purchase plastic sheets from your local hardware store that have a zipper down the middle.

Also consider laying down plastic sheets or drop cloth runway from your kitchen to wherever you plan to dispose of waste. That way, you can keep your work boots on and not track dust on your carpet or other flooring.

Cover the basement

If you have a basement beneath your kitchen, lay drop cloths over everything in that space. All the hammering and work you’ll do on your kitchen floor could cause dust and debris to fall from your basement ceiling. Covering things beforehand will make cleanup much easier later.

Remove floors

Use the proper steps to remove the type of material on your floors now. For the most part, that will mean placing a wedge under the floor and hammering against it to pop up the tile, wood, vinyl, etc. Work horizontally rather than down to protect your subfloor.

Inspect and prepare the subfloor

If your subfloor is in good condition (it’s level and has no cracks or bumps), you can go ahead and clean it with a broom and industrial vacuum. If there is damage, repair it right away. Rotting or molding subfloors should be replaced entirely.

Once your subfloor is ready to go, you can install your brand new kitchen flooring.

What type of kitchen flooring are you considering?

Browse our selection of premium flooring here.

The post How to Prepare for a Kitchen Floor Renovation appeared first on Learning Center.

Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring mimics the luxurious texture and coloring of hardwood, but with characteristics that make it a better choice for kitchens. This material is typically made from compressed layers of fiberboard that give it its many features. For instance, thanks to its construction, laminate flooring has the following attributes:

• It feels more comfortable under your feet than harder flooring options like tile.
• It’s stain resistant and won’t discolor from exposure to sunlight.
• It resists abrasion, which is important in high-traffic areas like your kitchen.
• It’s easy to clean.
• It doesn’t hold onto debris, such as animal hair, making it a popular flooring choice for pet owners.
• It’s cost effective both because of how it’s made and because it’s easier to install.

Laminate flooring can be designed to replicate just about any type of wood, so whether you want the look of white wash oak or handscraped hickory, your can find a product that matches your tastes and kitchen design. What’s more, durable and stylish laminate will continue to provide many benefits for years to come.

Laminate flooring offers the look of hardwood in an easy to install format.

Vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is a luxury vinyl product sold in boards, much like hardwood is. This format gives vinyl a structure that’s similar to hardwood. What’s more, it’s designed with hyper-realistic wood grain patterns. Aside from quality and a beautiful appearance, what features does vinyl plank flooring offer that make it a good choice for your kitchen? Here are some you’re sure to love:

• Advanced moisture resistance – This is a great feature to have in kitchens, where spills are usually an everyday occurrence.
• Comfortable feel for when you’re standing to prepare food or wash dishes.
• Easy to install – You can lay it right over your existing floors.
• Affordable.
• Easy to clean – Just wet mop it to get that like-new look.
• Durable – An important characteristic in high-traffic areas.

Vinyl plank flooring is an overall easy material. It cleans up fast, is great for DIY installation and doesn’t require much maintenance. Best of all, it comes in a variety of wood looks to fit your interior design.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles

Ceramic and porcelain tiles aren’t just for bathrooms and backsplashes; they make stunning kitchen floors. Modern designs even include wood-look patterns and colors, giving you the appearance of hardwood without the maintenance and moisture concerns. Built for long-term performance, these tiles are an excellent choice. Here are other features that define porcelain and ceramic tiles:

• Water resistance – most porcelain tiles are considered waterproof.
• Hygienic – these tiles don’t easily retain dust, antigens or allergens
• Easy to maintain and clean.
• Versatile in terms of color, texture and size.
• Cost-effective.

Hardwood flooring offers a timeless, classic look for interior spaces, but it doesn’t handle moisture well. To get the wood-look in wetter environments like kitchens, stylish alternatives are available. Laminate, vinyl and tile flooring all come in wood looks, letting you design the kitchen of your dreams while including beneficial features that ensure the flooring lasts.

Is wood-look flooring the right fit for your kitchen design?

Browse our selection of top quality flooring here.

The post Wood-Look Flooring for Kitchens appeared first on Learning Center.

The materials for your outdoor space matter, just as much as those for your interior rooms. Composite decking is a convenient and durable choice, whether you use your outdoor space for entertaining, playing with the kids, or just lounging after work with a glass of wine and a good book. Now that you know what decking material you prefer, it’s time to choose between grooved and ungrooved composite deck boards.

The main difference between grooved and ungrooved composite decking lies in the construction of their sides. A grooved board features a notch or channel down the edges, while a solid board is groove-free. This does not substantially impact your deck’s overall look, but it does change how you install the decking.

Finishing and Fasteners

With ungrooved boards, you drill composite deck screws into the top of the boards to secure them in place. If you purchased grooved boards, you will drill screws into separate fasteners that also serve as spacers during installation. Because the fasteners used for grooved boards aren’t visible after installation, some homeowners prefer them.

Your board manufacturer of choice might also influence whether you use grooved or non-grooved boards. For example, manufacturers such as Pravol make both types of boards, while some brands specialize in just one or the other.

When to Use Grooved Boards

Transform the look of your outdoor living space with premium composite wood decking. Featuring Pravol Dura-Shield Ultratex Composite Decking in Walnut. SKU: 10100549

As mentioned, some people feel that grooved boards produce a more polished look. With no visible screws, the beauty of the wood grain pattern takes center stage. If you aren’t sure whether your deck design plans suit available fasteners, ask a professional for guidance.

Installing grooved boards with hidden deck fasteners also helps with the safety of your deck since you won’t ever have to deal with surface nails coming in contact with bare feet.

When to Use Ungrooved Boards

Because grooved boards require fasteners, they sometimes end up with wider gaps between boards. While this is by no means a safety risk, families with kids and pets who find it easier to hop, skip, and run across smoother surfaces might prefer ungrooved boards for this reason. Those who wear high heels might prefer this as well. Ungrooved boards produce less of a gap, which equates to a smoother surface.

Additionally, if you install a deck on the second or higher story of your home, ungrooved boards make the deck less likely to pour water down to the level below when it rains. There are smaller spaces through which wind can blow, as well, which means the deck is quieter.

When to Use Both Grooved and Ungrooved Boards

Some decking installations require both grooved and ungrooved boards. For example, if you decide to picture-frame your deck, you might use non-grooved boards for most of the job, but frame it with grooved boards to produce a finished, square-edge result.

Your choice of composite decking should reflect your personal aesthetic tastes and functional needs. Compare several different styles and types so you understand your options.

What type of boards are you considering for your deck renovation?

The post Grooved vs Ungrooved Composite Decking: What’s the Difference appeared first on Learning Center.

Solid boards, as the name suggests, are made of solid material, while hollow boards (also called engineered boards) feature ribbed centers. Each provides a durable, easy-to-maintain decking material, so which is best for your project?

Solid Boards Resemble Real Wood

Solid composite deck boards offer a more authentic lumber look.

Some homeowners prefer solid boards because they look more like the real lumber traditionally used for decking. Their deck board ends are more authentic looking because they don’t feature the tunnel-like design of hollow boards. Composite decking contains real wood (as well as plastic), but if you want your deck to look like it’s made of solid wood, you might prefer solid composite boards.

On the other hand, while hollow boards can look more manufactured, they can look more uniform. They don’t feature as many of the grain variations as do the solid boards, so if you prefer uniformity, hollow boards might work best for your deck. Also, finishing strips or fascia boards are available for hollow boards to overcome the visual aspect of the deck board ends.

Hollow Boards Weigh Less

While they use less material, hollow boards are crafted for strength.

Building your own deck is a labor-intensive process. If you want to work with lighter-weight materials, you could benefit from hollow boards, which weigh considerably less than their solid counterparts. You might have an easier time transporting and positioning the boards, as well.

If you prefer solid boards, reduce your workload by soliciting a friend or relative to help with the project. Use gloves to protect your hands while working with heavy materials, and take frequent breaks to give your muscles a rest. Alternatively, hire a professional to build the deck for you if you have any doubts.

Solid Boards Enhance Durability

Both solid and hollow boards are sufficiently strong enough to handle considerable weight. However, solid boards, because of their denser construction, are particularly strong. If you plan to load down your deck with heavy objects, such as hot tubs, grills, and furniture, solid boards might offer the most stability.

Of course, other factors influence any deck structure’s durability. The strength of the joists, the quality of the materials, and the fasteners you use to put the structure together also play a part in determining its ability to withstand weight and the elements.

Hollow Boards Respond Less to the Elements

In some areas, extreme temperature and moisture fluctuations can cause solid boards to expand or contract over time. This loosens the fasteners and sometimes causes warping. Hollow boards are less impervious to these changes, which increases their lifespan.

For example, if you live in a beach town or a city that experiences extreme cold and hot temperatures, you might opt for hollow boards. Don’t forget, however, that deck maintenance also impacts the longevity and quality of any decking material. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to protect your composite deck from environmental wear and tear.

The differences between hollow and solid composite boards lie primarily in perception and preference. Both will provide you with a strong and stable deck that lasts. As with any home improvement purchase, educate yourself on the details, and select the material that works best for you.

What type of decking are you considering for your project?

The post Different Types of Composite Decking: Hollow vs Solid Core Boards appeared first on Learning Center.

Types of trim

The decorative borders in your home are collectively called trim, and they come in different types. Knowing what these are and where you should install them will help you shop for trim:

Baseboards
Working from the floor up, you’ll first encounter baseboards. These are long strips of wood adhered to the base of your walls that abut the floor. They help create a transition between walls and floors. Baseboards can be simple in shape, or have additional pieces, like shoe molding, that provide a decorative touch.

Wainscoting
Not a trim necessarily, wainscoting is paneling that exists between baseboards and picture rails that’s installed over the wall. However, you can also find pseudo wainscoting that features decorative trim installed right on the wall between the baseboard and chair rail. Some homeowners even do away with the trim and just paint the area that would have wainscoting a different color from the rest of the wall.

Chair rail
A chair rail, also known as dado rail, rests partway up a wall, about where the back of your dining chair would hit the wall. In fact, that’s where the molding got its name. Often chair rails are only installed alongside wainscoting. However, that’s not always the case.

Picture or plate rail
Rather than hanging pictures straight on a wall, some homeowners display their art by attaching it to picture rail, which is a type of molding that runs horizontally around a room (usually at the same height as the top of a door). This molding can help prevent damage to your walls and creates an additional layer of decoration. Plus, it’s an easy way to ensure all of your art is hung at a uniform height. Many people set up plates on the rail as well, using dishware as a decorative element. Picture rails are less common than they used to be, but look great in traditionally styled rooms with other decorative moldings.

Casing
Casing surrounds doors and windows and is often the same color as the trim in the rest of the house.

Crown molding
Located at the seam between the ceiling and wall, crown molding sits atop your room like, well, a crown. There are many different styles of crown moldings that range from simple to ornate, so you’re sure to find the perfect look for your space.

Various styles of trim can also be paired with other decorative pieces, such plinth blocks, which are transition moldings between door casings and baseboards. With moldings and trim, you can add as much or a little detail as you like, depending on the architectural style of your home.

Trim comes in many styles and types to help you complete your space.

Molding material choices

Trim, molding, and baseboards can be made out of a number of materials, giving you flexibility in your design choices, sometimes quite literally! Wood is the most popular and traditional trim option. It’s lightweight, easy to paint, and flows naturally with your walls. You can also find alternatives, such as foam, rubber, plastic, and polyurethane. These alternatives are generally engineered to resemble wood, but offer benefits such as resistance to moisture and the ability to bend.

The features and cost of the materials should both factor into your molding choice.

Where to hang moldings

You can install trim in any room of your home, from the kitchen to the living room to even the bathrooms. Generally, if you have baseboards and crown molding in one room, they should continue throughout the house for consistency.

When it comes to bolder options like picture and chair rails and wainscoting, however, you don’t have to put it everywhere. Many homeowners only install this trim in high-impact or formal areas, such as dining or family rooms.

With so many types of trim available for your home, you can create a wide range of highly decorated or subtle looks. The first step is knowing your options.

What type of moldings are you considering for your home?

Browse our selection of architecturally enhancing Moldings & Trim here. Complete the look of your space.

The post Different Molding Types and Where to Install Them appeared first on Learning Center.

When it comes to affordable and durable wood flooring, many homeowners are usually stuck between two choices: bamboo flooring vs engineered hardwood. If you’re on the fence about which flooring to install in your home, here’s what you need to know about making the choice between engineered hardwood and bamboo.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Unlike hardwood flooring, cut and milled into planks from natural solid wood, engineered hardwood is a hybrid of materials. The substrate or core material in engineered hardwood is usually made up of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or plywood, while the top layer is a hardwood veneer.

Pros and Cons of Engineered Hardwood

There are a number of pros when choosing engineered hardwood flooring for your home. For starters, the layers of engineered hardwood create a moisture blocker that makes the flooring more moisture resistant than solid hardwood. Because of this, many selections can be installed below grade. In addition, engineered hardwood is often priced lower than traditional wood floors and is much easier to install, which makes it ideal for DIYers.

On the other hand, the veneer on many engineered hardwood floor brands is often too thin to sand and refinish. This condition means that the lifespan of these floors is shorter than solid hardwood, which can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Likewise, the glues used to adhere the veneer to the core material can break down over time, resulting in separation.

Bamboo Flooring

If you picture rows of bamboo stalks lining your floor when you think about bamboo flooring, think again. Bamboo flooring actually closely resembles other wood flooring types, but it is made quite differently.

The raw bamboo is first boiled and steamed to remove the sugars and starches present in the natural material. Then hundreds of strands of raw bamboo are machine woven and pressed together to make the flooring. Bamboo is available solid planks, planed to a desired finish, or in an engineered format that features a bamboo top layer.

Pros and Cons of Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring has a number of practical benefits. Many bamboo options can last upwards of 50 years if properly maintained, although the average lifespan ranges from 20-25 years with normal family wear-and-tear. It is harder than most hardwoods, which makes it extremely durable. Additionally, bamboo is termite resistant and comes in a huge choice of stains and plank widths. The cost is generally less than traditional hardwood and, like engineered hardwood, bamboo flooring is easy to install for DIYers.

However, bamboo does have a few detracting points. For example, bamboo flooring that isn’t properly boiled, steamed, and dried can shrink after installation, causing unsightly gaps. In addition, bamboo doesn’t have a grading scale like most hardwood floors. This lack of scale can make choosing a quality bamboo flooring brand more difficult.

Do Your Research

Whether you choose engineered hardwood, bamboo, or another flooring option, research and read reviews from other homeowners as part of your decision-making process. Create a checklist of the qualities you want in your flooring and make sure your final choice meets that criteria. Also order samples of the selections you are interested to see them in your home first hand.

If you’re trying to decide between engineered hardwood or bamboo flooring for your home, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each carefully before you commit to installing new flooring.

Bamboo Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood: At a Glance

The post Bamboo Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood: What You Need to Know appeared first on Learning Center.

At a Glance:

The hardwood flooring industry generates about $2 billion in revenue as of 2015, according to an IBISWorld report. Although many home and business owners prefer the warmth and high-end appeal of wood over other flooring choices, bamboo continues to gain traction in the industry. When deciding between bamboo and hardwood flooring, take into account some of the differences between these two options.

Variety and Variation

Jasper Hardwood – European Brushed Oak Collection / SKU: 10096546                

Hardwood floors offer many choices for color, warmth, depth, and striations because of various tree species. Bamboo encompasses far fewer varieties, and although you can stain bamboo to achieve desired colors and tones, it doesn’t have the same breadth of variety that hardwood offers.

However, many homeowners prefer the natural variations that occur on the surface of bamboo flooring. The knuckle patterns lend the material a rustic and visually interesting appeal. If you prefer uniformity, however, hardwood might be a preferable option.

Price and Performance

Selkirk ENGINEERED Collection Engineered Strandwoven Distressed Finish / SKU: 15230514

The cost of bamboo flooring can range from around $1.50 to upwards of $12 per square foot, while the cost of hardwood flooring can range from $3 to over $14 per square foot. The price depends on the species of wood and the manufacturing process. If you want the visual appeal of wood at a lower price point, bamboo might offer a budget-friendly alternative.

When you buy bamboo flooring, pay attention to the installation system. Boards designed for a floating, glueless-click application offer the simplest method for DIYers to install, which can save you money on installation. Also pay attention to plank thickness as thicker planks offer more resistance to impact and feel more like solid wood flooring underfoot.

Most hardwood flooring is durable and reliable, even for high-traffic areas like foyers and living rooms. Exposure to humidity can cause this flooring to buckle and warp, however, so environmental considerations should take priority when choosing a flooring material. Below grade installations are generally not recommended for hardwood flooring.

Maintenance and Moisture

Both hardwood and bamboo flooring can incur damage when exposed to moisture. For example, experts recommend avoiding both materials in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms because of the potential water exposure. However, bamboo’s natural moisture resistance makes this material less likely to sustain damage from mild moisture.

To maintain both types of flooring, vacuum and sweep them regularly. Dust and dirt particles can scratch both surfaces. If a hardwood floor succumbs to scratches and dents, sanding and refinishing can help repair the damages. Bamboo, however, cannot always withstand refinishing. Treating methods for repairing scratches and dents depend on the flooring manufacturer, so consider quality carefully during the buying process.

Environment and Energy

Hardwood and bamboo both represent renewable sources of building materials. Bamboo, a grass, grows faster than hardwood, a tree, which earns points among consumers who make purchasing decisions based on the eco-friendliness of a product. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified hardwood and bamboo flooring is more eco-friendly because it is confirmed to come from responsibly managed forests.

If your home needs new floors in non-wet areas, both hardwood and bamboo offer attractive, long-lasting solutions. Consider your budget, aesthetic preferences, and lifestyle to decide which material fits best with your family’s home interiors.

What type of flooring do you prefer the look of?
Hardwood or bamboo?

The post Bamboo Flooring vs Hardwood Flooring appeared first on Learning Center.

Mix and match or pick one color, carpet tiles offer countless design opportunities. (Sonora Modular Carpet Tile – Granite iTile)

Styles of Carpet Tile

Carpet tiles come in many different styles and colors. They are available in:

• various sizes
• multiple fiber types
• pile styles
• manufactured types

This means you can likely find a carpet tile equivalent for the roll of carpet you were considering or would have otherwise used in your home. Besides format, the major difference between standard carpet rolls is the tile backing material. Carpet tile backing material options include: vinyl, fiberglass, vinyl/fiberglass, urethane, woven polypropylene, and recycled vinyl. Quality backing systems are important because they provide dimensional stability and help carpet tiles withstand moisture.

Along with different backing options, carpet tiles come in both non-adhesive and adhesive styles. You can find carpet tiles that either have a peel-and-stick back or require glue. Both types of tiles are ideal for do-it-yourself projects and can be removed with relative ease, should you ever need to.

Choosing Your Carpet Tiles

When choosing carpet tiles for your room, beyond considering the color and style, it’s important to remember the bigger picture. Looking at one tile may sell you on it, but envisioning the floor as a whole will help keep the finished floor in line with your overall design scheme. If you plan on using tiles to create a pattern, envisioning the entire floor will ensure the pattern comes out how you intended. It’s also important to consider the sizes of the tiles, as they are available in multiple options. The tile size will impact the overall look of the finished floor.

Another big thing to consider when making your carpet tile decision is the manufacturer’s warranty, which will protect your investment against shrinking, buckling, and curling. When this happens to the tiles, it not only creates an eyesore, but may present a safety hazard because it is easier to trip and fall.

Pros of Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles come with a range of benefits that include:

• Easier installation than standard rolled carpet. Do-it-yourself kits are available. These kits make it simple with instructions, and straightforward measurements for installation.
• You can install carpet tiles right over many floor types, including wood and tile. This way, you can quickly add a new look without the renovation work required by most flooring.
• Easier cleaning and care. The tiles do not require any padding or glue to install them. Individual carpet tiles can be removed for cleaning, and replaced when dry. If one area of the floor becomes damaged, the tile can be replaced without replacing the entire floor.
• Carpet tiles allow for freedom with design, allowing you to give more depth and texture to a room.
• Many carpet tile options have enhanced stain resistance, which is especially important if you’re concerned about pet stains or young children knocking drinks over.

Cons of Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles also come with some disadvantages that are good to be aware of. These include:

• The seams of the carpet tiles are more easily seen when compared to wall-to-wall carpet rolls. Without careful installation, the seams could appear uneven.
• Like their carpet roll counterpart, they are not ideal for areas subject to moisture where mold and mildew may become an issue. The subfloor needs to be clean and even for the best possible installation result.
• Carpet tiles can be more expensive than carpet rolls.

Where to Install Carpet Tile

Just about every room in your home can benefit from the use of carpet tiles, but let’s zero in on merits of using the flooring in these spaces:

Basements

Many homeowners who have basements have experienced flooding at some point. It’s an unfortunate incident, but a common one. And if you’ve ever dealt with cleaning up after a flood, you probably had to tear up your carpet. If you still want a soft surface in your basement, carpet tiles are ideal. You can easily peel them off the floor to dry should your space ever flood. Plus, you can replace just what you need instead of the whole basement – this will save some money.

3-season rooms

Screened-in porches and three-season rooms transition you from indoor to outdoor spaces, and they often have luxuries of both. Just like the interior of your house, your screened-in porch can have the benefits of carpet, which provides comfort, warmth, and better sound quality. Carpet squares allow you to install right over your existing deck. What’s more, options with added UV resistance will prevent fading due to sunlight.

Over existing flooring

As we already noted, you can install carpet squares right over other flooring. So, if you have a space in your home that needs the softness of carpet, consider these tiles. For instance, bedrooms and living rooms that have wood or tile may not feel as cozy as those that have carpet. You can place your tiles right over the wood, preserving your home’s value while still providing that cozy carpet feel you’re after.

With so many beneficial features and versatility of placement, carpet tiles are an affordable and stylish flooring choice for any home. What’s more, they’re easy to install, allowing you to update your home with a quick weekend project.

What room are you looking to update with carpet tile?

Browse our selection of DIY-friendly Carpet Tile here. Discover style and flexibility.

The post What are Carpet Tiles? appeared first on Learning Center.