Concrete floors in the basement are ideal, since concrete is inorganic and won’t rot or break down. But concrete isn’t exactly a warm, welcoming choice for a basement refinishing project. The good news is that there are some excellent flooring options for below-grade use. Some can be laid directly on top of a concrete slab, but others will need underlayment or a subfloor. Here, we present you with four good options for below-grade flooring.

Choose the Best Below-Grade Flooring

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

Ceramic or porcelain tile is an excellent flooring choice for the basement. It’s impervious to water, and it will dry in the event you experience flooding. It won’t rot, mold, or mildew.

A major benefit of ceramic or porcelain tile floors in the basement is that you don’t need an underlayment or subfloor beneath them. You can lay the tile directly over the concrete, as long as the slab is clean and level. If it’s not level, a leveling compound can be used to create a smooth, even surface for the tile, which helps prevent it from breaking.

Tile is extremely versatile. For a below-grade family room, you can choose large, rectangular tiles that closely resemble wood, or opt for a fun checkerboard pattern using colorful square tiles. Shiny, white tile in the laundry room keeps things looking clean and bright. Stone tiles in a basement bar area can complement rustic or modern decor. 

In some northern locations, where winters get mightily cold, tile floors can be freezing underfoot for half of the year. However, radiant heating can be laid beneath the tile, keeping your toes toasty all winter long.

Tile doesn’t have great sound absorption qualities, but with ample furniture and a few rugs, that’s a problem that’s easily fixed.

Vinyl Planks

Vinyl is not waterproof, but it’s pretty close, making it a good choice for below-grade flooring. Next to tile, it’s your best choice in terms of water-impervious flooring. Vinyl plank flooring snaps together as a floating floor, and they’re easy for DIYers to install. 

Vinyl planks come in a huge variety of designs and textures. Popular designs include hardwood and stone, which look very realistic, thanks to advanced printing technology. Vinyl planks have a thicker wear layer than vinyl sheet and tile flooring and are therefore warmer and more durable. This makes them ideal for a basement rental suite.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has come a long way in the past few decades. Improvements in a range of technologies have enabled highly realistic images to be printed on laminate flooring, closely mimicking wood, tile, and other surfaces. 

Laminate flooring in a below-grade space needs a proper subfloor, which sits above the concrete and provides a raised surface to lay the laminate on. That’s because the base material of the laminate can be damaged with prolonged contact with water, and the top layers may begin to peel if they sit in a couple of inches of water during a flood. 

Some varieties of laminate flooring are constructed and treated to be more water resistant. These make a good choice for below-grade flooring and don’t necessarily require a subfloor. However, the concrete slab should be level and in good condition, and an underlayment is necessary to block moisture between the slab and the floor.

Some laminate floor planks have a foam underlayment built in, which insulates the floor against the cold subfloor and precludes the need for additional underlayment. 

Although laminate offers a realistic interpretation of other flooring types, its recurring patterns and slightly hollow feel underfoot remind you that it’s not real wood or stone. However, it’s a cost-effective and attractive option for the basement. Installing laminate flooring is an easy DIY project. Depending on your floor and your skill level, however, you may need a professional to construct a subfloor.

Engineered Hardwood Planks

If you love the look of wood but don’t want cold, hard tiles or the hollow feeling of laminate in the basement, you still have options.

Until recently, hardwood floors weren’t recommended for below-grade use. Because solid wood swells and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity, it cracks and warps over time. But then came engineered wood floors, which are constructed of a thin veneer of solid wood laminated over a stone plastic core. This is far more dimensionally stable than a hardwood plank, so it can withstand fluctuations in humidity and temperature. 

You install engineered planks as a floating floor, which snaps together and doesn’t require nails or adhesive. An underlayment is used to create a moisture barrier between the concrete and the engineered planks. Commonly used underlayments include polyethylene or polypropylene foam sheets, but always use the type of underlayment recommended by the manufacturer.

Radiant Heating Sweetens the Deal

Radiant floor heating systems work by circulating heated water or an anti-freeze mixture through tubes beneath the finished floor. Some radiant systems consist of electric cables, although these are typically more expensive to operate. The heat radiates upwards from under the floor, warming the room evenly and effectively.

Radiant heating is now widely used below grade, thanks to advances in technology. A radiant floor heating system in the basement reduces energy costs associated with heating the space, and it can improve the resale value of your home. Radiant heating is quiet, and it eliminates air currents associated with forced-air heating. 

Several different types of radiant floor heating systems are available for the basement, and which is best for you depends on a number of factors. Above-floor systems are installed on top of the concrete slab and below the finished flooring. Below-floor systems are installed under a subfloor. In new constructions, the radiant heating system can be installed beneath the concrete. 

Whether your basement spaces include a home gym, a guest bedroom, a game room, or a home office, there’s an ideal flooring for your below-grade living area. Be sure to prepare your floor properly, and follow the manufacturer’s directions for preparation and installation. The result will be a beautiful, durable, and moisture-resistant floor for your basement rooms.

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Entryway Flooring Options

Decorating any entryway requires a flooring that offers the ideal combination of durability and style. Color, style, daily maintenance, and whether or not the flooring requires professional installation or not all factor into which entryway flooring will best suit the needs of the home. All of the flooring materials listed below make a great choice for this much-used part of the home. Check out the pros and cons of each to make the best decision for your space.

Ceramic and Porcelain

Ceramic tile and porcelain tile are two of the most popular flooring options. Not only are they one of the most affordable flooring options, but they are also resistant to moisture, muck, and grime. They are easy to sweet and mop clean and don’t easily show signs of wear. When the entryway is part of an open-concept home, the same tiles can be continued throughout the living, dining, and kitchen areas for a seamless effect.

Because ceramic and porcelain tile are man-made materials, they come in a full range of color and finish options. There are even tiles designed to look like wood planks, granite, and other natural stone varieties. The versatility of design makes it easy to achieve any overall design style.

Luxury Vinyl

You never have to fear tracking in rain, snow, or mud when there’s luxury vinyl planks in the entryway. This high-end synthetic wood material offers the texture, color, and look of hardwood with the added benefit of being completely waterproof. It is easy to install over a wide variety of different subfloors, making it ideal for a quick renovation project.

This material is easy to cut to size using a sharp utility knife, making it easy enough to take on as a do-it-yourself project. Simply click the tiles together and finish the floor with new quarter-round. There’s no need to seal or grout luxury vinyl tiles. This budget-friendly flooring options I often much less expensive to install than ceramic tile, natural stone tiles, or engineered hardwood because the material is affordable and professional installation is optional.

Slate Tile

Slate is a natural stone material that is a popular choice in outdoor spaces. It’s great for decks and home facades because of its ability to hold up to the elements, which makes it a great option for use inside the home as well. Slate tile is going to be more of an investment that ceramic, porcelain, or luxury vinyl but it will also become a statement-making addition to your interior décor. It is also a great choice for resale, as many home buyers are interested in natural tile flooring.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood floors give the look of hardwood with additional benefits built right in. Not only are they much more budget-friendly than traditional hardwood, but waterproof engineered hardwood now exists. Make sure to check the individual specifications of the engineered hardwood to determine the durability of the product in high-traffic areas of the home like the entryway floor.

Bamboo

When it comes to making an environmentally-friendly choice for a home, bamboo is an excellent choice. Not only is bamboo natural and sustainable, but it is also an incredibly durable flooring selection. The versatile design of the material makes it suitable for use in the entryway, living areas, and many other spaces throughout the home. Like hardwood flooring, bamboo comes in a wide variety of finish options, making it easy to achieve the same elegance of natural wood with much more durability. Unfortunately, bamboo is not a great choice for homes in extremely cold or dry climates. It is also prone to showing scratches, especially if pets are present. Using an area rug over bamboo floors can help prevent scratches.

Protecting Your Entryway Floors

Simply adding a welcome mat or area rug over the entryway floor goes a long way to extending the lifespan of the flooring chosen. Rugs are inexpensive and easy to change out seasonally or whenever they start to show signs of wear. Keep a rug pad under the rug to help prevent the rug from shifting or moving with foot traffic. Putting down a tray for shoes and boots will help to keep any mud and muck contained and off the surface of your entryway floors. This is especially important when hardwood floors or any other flooring options that are not waterproof or water resistant.

Each flooring material offers a wide array of color and style options from which to choose. Consider the daily use of the space, the number of rooms requiring flooring, and the overall budget of the project when making final selections. Be sure to factor into the equation all installation costs and supplies. With new flooring in place, the foyer is sure to become an inviting entryway to the rest of your home.

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The flooring is the foundation for the rest of the room. It needs to be fashionable, easy-to-clean, and durable, especially in high-traffic areas throughout the home. Whether you are laying new floors in a single room or updating the flooring throughout the home, choosing the right product is a crucial first step. Understanding the differences in high-traffic flooring materials can help you determine which flooring option best suits the needs of your space.

First, consider the needs of the space. How many people pass through the room daily? Are children and pets a consideration? Use those initial considerations and the overall style of the space to choose a product that will elevate the design.

High-Traffic Flooring Options for Your Home

Luxury Vinyl

It doesn’t get more high-traffic than commercial buildings, and most luxury vinyl tile and plank products are rated to hold up to commercial use. This makes it a great high-traffic flooring option for a busy home as well. This easy-to-install product is also a great project for the weekend warrior. Vinyl flooring comes in a wide array of different colors and textures, all at a price point that works within most budgets. The cost-effective nature of this material has made it an increasingly popular choice.

This durable option holds up to high-traffic areas without scratching or scuffing. Because it is waterproof, it is ideal for wet areas of the home such as mudrooms and laundry rooms. This makes it possible to run the same luxury vinyl flooring through every room of the house, even the bathroom and kitchen. Even furniture won’t tend to gouge this long-lasting flooring.

Natural Stone

There are few materials as resilient as natural stone. Granite, limestone, and sandstone are a great way to bring the beauty of a natural product into the home. The timeless elegance of natural stone makes it a flooring that will hold up to many years of enjoyment. Of all the flooring options, natural stone is one of the most expensive, depending on which type of stone is selected. It also requires professional installation for durable results.

Some natural floors require a sealant at installation. Review the many different types of sealers available to ensure you select one designed to hold up to high-traffic areas throughout the home. Natural stone is so durable, it is even approved for outdoor and transitional spaces, such as patios, lanais, and even pool decks.

Laminate Flooring

When it comes to affordability and durability, laminate flooring is a long-time favorite among high-traffic flooring options. This material is easy to install, eliminating the need to pay for professional installation. This versatile flooring material gives you the look of wood, tile, and other materials at a fraction of the cost. This man-made material features a layered process and comes in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from about 6 mm up to roughly 15 mm. Review the specific laminate product carefully to select the one that will provide you with the best durability possible.

Engineered & Solid Hardwood

When you’re looking for traditional style, solid hardwood and engineered hardwood provide classic elegance. These products, although beautiful, tend to experience wear and tear in high-traffic areas of the home. If this is the flooring for you, there are a few strategies that will help keep the floors protected on a day-to-day basis. First, choose one of the harder, more durable wood types or engineered wood options. During installation, finish the floors with a protective top-coat.

Finally, take precautions to limit scratches and dents by trimming the nails of any pets and keeping cleats and high heels off the floors and in the entryway or mudroom. A decorative rug near the front door will provide an extra layer of protection while you’re kicking off your shoes. Of course, you can get the look of wood and the durability of tile by choosing wood look tile instead.

Porcelain Tile

For the everyday lifestyle of a busy household, porcelain tile is an excellent haigh-traffic flooring choice. This dense product comes in a range of PEI ratings, with 0 being the weakest and 5 being the strongest. When shopping for porcelain tiles to lay in your high-traffic areas, look for those with a PEI rating of either 4 or 5. Porcelain tile is available in a wide range of textures, colors, and styles, making it easy to find that that perfectly coordinates with the look of your home or business.

With so many different flooring options available, it is easy to find an option that provides both style and durability. Keep it classic with a porcelain tile or utilize today’s technologies by laying luxury vinyl flooring down in the home. Once you’ve determined the right type of product, choose a color and style that speaks to the overall aesthetic of the space. Give any hard flooring an added layer of protection in high-traffic areas by considering an area rug or runner near doorways.

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Cork and bamboo are both intriguing flooring options that offer an alternative to traditional hardwood. If you’re considering new flooring for your home, these are both eco-friendly options that can help you maintain a home that’s a little lighter on the earth. Learn more about the pros and cons of bamboo and cork floors so you can decide which of these beautiful flooring options is the best choice for your next home improvement project.

Similarities of Cork and Bamboo

You’ll find that cork and bamboo are often discussed together because both are eco-friendly flooring options. These products give the home a beautiful appearance while making a minimal impact on the environment. Environmentally conscious consumers enjoy these picks because they’re far more sustainable than hardwood flooring.

It takes 30 to 100 years for trees to reach the proper maturity for traditional wood flooring. Timber is harvested at maturity and replanted, at which point the lengthy cycle must begin again. In contrast, bamboo reaches maturity in just five to seven years. This grass is cut at the ground level and regrows from the roots another five to seven years after each harvest.

Cork flooring is made from wood bark, so it can be harvested without killing the tree. Cork trees reach maturity at 25 years. Once the bark is peeled away, it can regenerate on the live tree in nine to 12 years. A single cork tree will typically live 150 to 200 years, though these trees can live up to 800 years.

Cork Flooring Pros

Evora Pallets Cork – Long Plank Terra Collection – Floating Floor / SKU: 10084484

Cork is a soft flooring option that provides ample cushioning underfoot. It compresses under the weight of your body, so you’ll enjoy natural give with every step. This same feature makes cork a good insulator, both acoustically and thermally. Despite its softness, cork is still a very durable product. It’s resistant to cracks and bounces back easily from most dents.

Cork is excellent at protecting your family from potential hazards. The anti-bacterial flooring is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. It’s resistant to fire as well, and will not ignite until it reaches extremely high temperatures.

You can get cork in planks or tiles to suit your decorating style. It’s available in many hues as well. The color of the cork permeates its entire thickness, so the shade doesn’t change, even as the cork sustains long-term wear. Cork flooring will typically last for around 40 years.

Cork floor installation is quick and easy. Most tiles have self-adhesive backing so you can place them in a peel-and-stick manner. Another option is a thin-set mortar adhesive.

Cork Flooring Cons

Though cork flooring doesn’t dent easily, it can sustain scratches. Cork isn’t usually the best option for a home with pets, where sharp claws will make regular contact with the material. Pointy objects like small floor legs and high heels can puncture the floor, causing major damage.

It’s difficult to repair cork when damage does occur. The best option is to replace the entire tile, so you may need to keep some extra tiles on hand. Cork flooring must be sealed to protect it from moisture damage. You should be careful about using water on this material and damp-mop only as needed. Dust mopping is a better choice.

Some spills will stain cork flooring, and sunlight can bleach some of the color out of this product. Proper sealing will protect the flooring from minor water damage, but the material will discolor and warp if flooded. If cork flooring is regularly exposed to humidity, it may curl and expand, which can cause entire tiles to pop out of place. Cork does best in a low-humidity environment.

Bamboo Flooring Pros

Selkirk ENGINEERED Collection Engineered Strandwoven Smooth Finish / SKU: 15230516

Bamboo flooring is popular for its ability to mimic many other hardwood flooring styles. It’s available in a wide range of colors. You can find varying shades of bamboo in its natural state. The product can also be stained to provide a broader range of options to suit nearly any aesthetic preferences.

For durability, bamboo is a solid choice. It’s as hard as red oak and relatively moisture-resistant. Compared to solid hardwood, bamboo flooring contracts and expands less. Cleaning it is quick and easy with a damp mop. You can expect to get 20 to 25 years out of bamboo floors with the regular wear and tear of a family. Bamboo floors that get less wear can last 50 years or more.

There are several different ways to install bamboo flooring. You can float it over other floors or install it using nails or glue. It’s important for bamboo to acclimate to the environment before installation. Professional installation is the best option.

When you’re purchasing bamboo, it’s important to make sure the product comes from a reliable supplier. If the bamboo is harvested too early, it won’t have the optimum hardness. The best bamboo for strength and hardness is Moso bamboo that’s been allowed to mature for at least five years before harvesting.

Bamboo Flooring Cons

Bamboo’s hardness is usually considered a strength, but this feature also makes the flooring noisier than a softer pick like cork. If you’re looking to minimize sound in your home, you might want a different option. If bamboo flooring is exposed to direct sunlight, it can begin to lose some of its color. Bamboo also stains easily, so it’s important to seal it properly.

Make sure you’re knowledgeable about the installation process that will be used for your bamboo floors if you’re going this route. Bamboo flooring is often installed with a formaldehyde glue. This adhesive off-gases hazardous chemicals that are linked to respiratory problems. Look for bamboo products that come with a lengthy warranty to help minimize some of the potential problems that you can encounter with bamboo.

Both cork and bamboo have great strengths that can make them strong contenders for your flooring project. If you want something soft and insulating for a pet-free home, cork is the best option. For a durable yet sustainable flooring option, bamboo may be the right pick. Factor in all your needs to decide which type of flooring is right for you.

Resources:

https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/engineered-hardwood-versus-bamboo-flooring-what-you-need-to-know/

https://www.homeflooringpros.com/blog-guides/pros-cons-bamboo-flooring-vs-cork-flooring

https://www.floorcoveringweekly.com/main/features/millennials-spur-interest-in-bamboo-cork-18546

https://www.todayshomeowner.com/sustainable-flooring-bamboo-and-cork/

https://www.thespruce.com/bamboo-vs-cork-flooring-1821760

https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/interior-remodel/the-benefits-of-cork-flooring

https://www.thespruce.com/cork-flooring-pros-and-cons-1314688

https://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/the-lowdown-on-bamboo-flooring

The post Cork vs. Bamboo Flooring: What’s Better for Your Project? appeared first on Learning Center.

Pros and Cons for Handscraped Hardwood

Pro: Beautiful and Rustic Aesthetic

Hardwood floors are known for their innate beauty, as they’re designed to showcase the natural features of the wood. While most types of hardwood flooring offer a sleek, clean look, handscraping instead creates a wonderfully rustic aesthetic.

Unlike most wood floors, handscraped hardwood doesn’t have a smooth look or feel. Instead, these floors feature a rougher texture. The myriad grooves and divots come from the intricate handscraping process that these planks undergo during production. To create this three-dimensional style, either artisans or machines use tools to wear away select portions of each plank.

When complete, the unique features of each plank truly shine, taking the natural appearance of hardwood to new levels. Although this flooring type can work in a wide range of spaces, it tends to fit best in homes with a rustic design. Because no two planks of handscraped hardwood look the same, this flooring type also lends a unique aesthetic and a distinctive personality to any room.

Pro: Highly Durable

Wood floors can last for decades, but handscraped hardwood takes durability to new heights. With most hardwood types, you’ll need to constantly take precautions to prevent scratches, dents, and impressions. If you have kids or pets or if your home has high-traffic areas, you could end up worrying about damage throughout the life of the flooring.

Since handscraped planks already have a unique texture, regular wear and tear doesn’t have to be a concern. Any scratches or impressions that occur after installation are much more likely to enhance rather than detract from the weathered look of these hardwood floors.

While a few extra scrapes and scores won’t take away from the beauty of your floors, in most cases, you’ll still want to take basic steps to safeguard your handscraped hardwood. Using furniture pads and area rugs can help these beautiful floors look stunning and last even longer.

Pro: Anti-Scratch Finish

Most wood floors feature a protective finish that keeps them safe from light wear and tear and helps them last for several years. You’ll need to refinish most wood floors periodically to increase their longevity and durability, but handscraped hardwood floors typically come with a highly durable finish designed to last for two decades or longer. This anti-scratch finish helps protect your floors from wear and tear and prevents you from having to refinish your wood floors frequently. After the initial 20 years or so have passed, you can screen and recoat them to revitalize them without having to deal with sanding or refinishing.

Pro: Easy to Maintain

One of the biggest perks of handscraped floors is the almost effortless maintenance they require. After installing this type of flooring, you’ll want to use a dust mop fitted with a microfiber head for basic weekly cleaning. Every two months or so, use a wet mop and a gentle cleaning solution for a deeper clean.

To maintain hardwood between wet mop sessions, take care to wipe up spills and prevent liquids from pooling on the floors or seeping into openings between planks. Place doormats at entrances to your home to encourage family and friends to wipe their feet and lower the chances of tracking moisture or dirt inside. By taking these simple precautions, you can reduce the maintenance handscraped hardwood needs even more.

Although you can also use a steam mop for even deeper cleaning, these devices tend to be necessary for removing stains and caked-on dirt. Since handscraped hardwood has a natural ability to hide these issues, it doesn’t usually require steam cleaning.

Con: Can Be Costly

You can find wood floors at virtually any price point, but handscraped hardwood tends to be one of the most expensive types. While many hardwood options rely on highly automated production processes that are easy and inexpensive to execute, making handscraped hardwood isn’t quite as systematized. In fact, many manufacturers rely on artisans to do manual handscraping, adding a personal touch to the finished product but raising the price in the process.

If you want only the highest-quality handscraped hardwood for your home, there’s a good chance you’ll need to budget for a higher price point. However, if you love the look and durability but you don’t mind a mechanical production process, you’re much more likely to find options that work with a more limited budget.

No matter which price point you opt for, keep in mind that the higher initial cost doesn’t necessarily reflect the cost of the flooring over the course of its life. Since authentic handscraped hardwood is incredibly durable and easy to maintain, this type of flooring can be an affordable long-term investment.

Con: Installation Difficulty

Handscraped flooring can be challenging to install, but investing in pre-scraped planks and choosing the right time to install hardwood floors can make the process easier. To install handscraped hardwood, line up the planks to create an appealingly rustic look. Then join the tongues and grooves, and use a flooring nailer to secure the planks into place. Just like that, you’ll have beautiful, weathered floors for your country home.

Since handscraped hardwood comes with a durable, anti-scratch finish, you don’t have to worry about sealing or finishing the floors after installation. Simply enjoy your beautiful handscraped hardwood floors for decades to come.

If you’re up for a challenging installation and you consider this flooring type to be a long-term investment, handscraped hardwood could be the perfect choice for your space. With its rustic look, excellent durability, and easy maintenance, beautiful handscraped hardwood floors offer a myriad benefits for any home.

The post Handscraped Hardwood: Pros and Cons appeared first on Learning Center.

Of all places in your house, shower flooring requires the most consideration and attention to details. The process of selecting the right flooring material in the bathroom is a lot different than in any other living space of your house, and this is even more true for the shower. This is where practical issues and functionality rise above aesthetics and price. The right shower flooring can pull your bathroom together and help you create a style and environment you will enjoy for years. Or, if you choose the wrong material, it can turn into a big mess and a waste of money.

The main point to remember when selecting your ideal shower floor is its inevitable exposure to massive amounts of water throughout the day. To last, shower flooring needs to be water-resistant. Make sure it is slip-resistant too, so you’re not sliding and gliding in your shower like on an ice rink. Another thing to consider is the amount of maintenance needed. Some shower floors might look great in the beginning but could get easily damaged and stained from your soaps and the organic compounds in water. Let’s take a look at home décor trends for shower floors to help you find your match.

Marble

With its natural chic and soft swirls of cream and gray, a marble tile bathroom floor can turn any bathroom into a luxurious retreat. This timeless, natural stone is a favorite choice for bathrooms and other living spaces for anyone who can afford it. Marble is very versatile and comes in a variety of styles and shapes, ranging from herringbone and subway tile to standard four-by-fours and basket weave.

However, as nice as it looks, marble is not always ideal for a shower floor. The thin density of marble makes it a delicate porous stone that is prone to damage and requires special care. It is easily scratched and stained. Continuously exposed to soap, water, and oils in a shower, marble flooring can develop a film residue on its surface. To protect the stone and maintain its appearance, you’ve got to commit to spending time and money on a regular basis. You might need to seal it several times a year and can only clean it with products that are deemed safe for it.

Honed marble will have a matte finish and will be more resistant to scratches compared to polished marble. Another issue with marble is that it could be quite cold and slippery for your bare feet. If you absolutely love the stone and are willing to take care of it, consider textured varieties that are more slip-resistant, and keep it warm with radiant heating. A well-maintained marble flooring will increase the resale value of your house significantly.

Mosaic Tiles

With mosaic tiles, you could turn your shower floor into a piece of art. These tiny pieces of glass, tiles, or natural stones are visually appealing and can produce any design or image that you have in mind. They are quite durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to chemical substances. They last a long time and are easy to install.

The main drawback of mosaic tiles is that they can be very slippery when wet. That’s why a slip-resistant sealant is a must to avoid accidents and injuries.

Travertine

This natural stone is a favorite choice for many homeowners due to its color range, style options, and practicality. Designer tiles made of travertine could have a honed, polished, chiseled, or tumbled finish. Travertine’s veins and swirls of color range from creams and grays to browns and golds. It is naturally slip-resistant and lasts a long time.

However, as a naturally porous stone, travertine has issues similar to marble, including proneness to damage and staining. It needs sealing every year or two. You also have to be careful with what you use to clean it and what soaps and shampoos you use in the shower.

Ceramic and Porcelain

Ceramic and porcelain tile might be two of the best options for your bathroom floor. Made with dense clay, porcelain has a very low water absorption rate and is quite durable. On top of this, it is stylish and affordable. It can have a rich textured appearance and help you achieve any design you like, whether you are going for the look of wood, stone, or marble. Porcelain tiles come in many shapes and sizes, so you can be as creative as you like with it. It is easy to clean and resistant to various substances and scratches.

Your main concerns with porcelain are the amount of grout to clean as well as its coldness. Although you can keep it warm with radiant heating or heated tile underneath, cleaning is a long-term commitment.

Wood Look Tiles

Although wood is less than ideal for your shower floor due to moisture sensitivity, there are wood-like flooring options with great moisture tolerance. Because of their incredibly realistic appearance and moisture-proof properties, wood-look porcelain tiles are allowing homeowners and designers alike to achieve the look of authentic hardwood in just about any space they want.

To appear even more like real wood flooring, these tiles are available in traditional hardwood flooring dimensions, which include long planks in both wide and narrow widths.  For more wood realism, it’s best to install the tiles with tight grout lines using a non-contrasting color.

Pebbles

Like wood, pebbles have an organic look to them and will help you create a spa-like ambiance in your bathroom. They are naturally slip-resistant and are very versatile. Pebbles feel soothing under your feet and can make your bathing experience refreshing and invigorating.

However, to maintain the pebbles’ natural beauty, you have to clean a lot of grout. Pebbles can develop a filmy substance on the surface due to hard water and might even need daily maintenance.

When your next home improvement project takes you to the bathroom, remember to pay special attention to shower flooring to avoid unnecessary disasters. Spend some time going over various options and seriously consider possible issues with each of them. Once you’ve selected the right material for the job, then you can let your creativity run wild.

Walking on pebbles is a unique experience that could really add to your house.

Resources:

https://www.thespruce.com/electric-radiant-floor-1821625

https://www.thespruce.com/porcelain-tile-vs-ceramic-tile-1822583

http://eblogin.com/pros-cons-mosaic-tile-flooring/

http://precisionstoneworks.com/news/should-i-seal-my-granite-and-marble

https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/how-to-seal-travertine-tile/

https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/what-are-five-common-wood-flooring-installation-mistakes/

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When building a new home or remodeling an existing home, flooring choices are everything. With pets in the home, this becomes even more important, because pets are just as hard, if not harder, than people on flooring surfaces. What are the best flooring for pets in the home? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of several types of flooring to help in the decision-making process.

Finding the Purrfect Flooring for Pets

Laminate Flooring

Due to the hardness of laminate flooring, pet owners may turn to it instead of traditional hardwood. While this may work to provide the décor people want, it can be difficult for pets, especially dogs, because they will slip and slide as they walk or run through the home. This will cause their hips to move in unnatural ways, which may cause damage to their bodies. This is pronounced in smooth, high gloss laminate floors and can be mitigated somewhat by choosing a laminate floor with an embossed or textured finish. Laminate won’t show scratches as easily as some other surfaces, but because they are slippery and uncomfortable to lie on it is not a great flooring for pets. Rugs are recommended throughout the home to help the pet if you choose laminate.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is an excellent flooring for pets for many different reasons. It’s harder than the hardest hardwoods, meaning it will stand up to more traffic. It won’t wear out, and it’s completely renewable. This makes it a good choice for those who are trying to be green. Bamboo is stain resistant, so people don’t have to worry about accidents or spills. Bamboo’s hardness will help save money when compared to flooring that will require repairs from scratches. For those who are trying to decide between using wood and vinyl flooring, choosing bamboo floors is a great compromise. If you choose bamboo snap lock flooring, the installation will be easy too.

Stone Tile Flooring

Stone is an amazing flooring for pets because it does not scratch easily, and scratches don’t show as they do in other types of flooring. When pets have accidents on the stone tile floor, there is much less reason to worry about how it will impact the flooring. With these two factors considered, this is a good choice for pet owners, but the floors are hard and cold so they are not very comfortable to lie on. However, you can use radiant heat to make it warmer. Consider using area rugs and pet beds to alleviate this problem.

Granite is the hardest of natural stones and is the best choice for scratch resistance. Softer stones such as marble, slate, and travertine may require somewhat more maintenance than granite, especially if they feature a polished finish.

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Flooring

Similar to stone, porcelain or ceramic tile floors are is a good choice in terms of wear and tear for pets. It won’t scratch easily. If pets don’t manage to make it outside before relieving themselves, the urine won’t damage the condition of the floor as it would with hardwood. However, much like stone, the surface is hard and uncomfortable for pets to lie on, but rugs will help.

Vinyl Flooring

While many people wouldn’t think of vinyl flooring for pets, the new luxury vinyl flooring is an excellent choice. It’s great for small children, too! The flooring is scratch and stain resistant, low in allergens, easy to clean and maintain. It’s even quiet to walk on.

Carpet

When it comes to flooring for pets, carpet is likely the worst choice one can make. This is because it is easily damaged by pets. Even normal wear and tear on carpet in a pet-free home happens faster than with other flooring options. If carpet is the only choice because it is the most cost-effective option for home flooring, the best thing to do is choose a carpet without loops as pet nails can snag on the loops and cause the carpet to wear faster.

While budget and ease of installation will be factors impacting the flooring decisions of a home, taking time to consider the best flooring options for pets beforehand may save money in repairs and frustration in the long run. Cutting corners on flooring to save money is not a good choice if the flooring needs to be replaced in a few months or even a year due to the wear and tear from the pets.

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Are you interested in upgrading your current floors? You may have thought about hardwood, tile, laminate, or other popular flooring styles in your search for new flooring. However, one newer flooring style often gets overlooked, despite its immense benefits for homeowners. Bamboo flooring is a hot trend in home renovations right now because of its unique qualities. Find out why you should consider switching to bamboo in your home.

It’s Environmentally Friendly

If you’re concerned about the environment, you’ll love the fact that bamboo is considered to be one of the most ecologically friendly flooring types. Bamboo is a highly renewable resource; in fact, it can grow to maturity in just three to five years. That makes this natural vegetation a great option for flooring, since harvesting it doesn’t take a big toll on the environment.

For comparison, the trees used for sourcing hardwood flooring often take 20 years or more to reach maturity. By using bamboo instead, you are selecting a more easily renewable natural material while simultaneously lowering the demand for hardwood flooring, especially those of the exotic variety. Essentially, you get a look and feel that’s similar to hardwood while making a “greener” choice for your home.

There’s one caveat to bamboo’s eco-friendly perks, however. Some companies have been found to cut corners when it comes to harvesting and processing their bamboo flooring. There have been issues with some bamboo flooring that contains adhesives and formaldehyde emitting toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which is bad for both your personal health and the health of the environment. When shopping for bamboo floors, make sure you buy from a company that has certification from the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) for good harvesting and manufacturing practices.

Maintenance Is a Breeze

Switching to bamboo floors is a home upgrade that makes life a little easier. This flooring style is easy to maintain, which helps free up time that you’d otherwise be working on chores.

For the day-to-day cleaning, simply sweep or vacuum the floors on a regular basis to keep small particles such as dirt, dust and sand off the floor. These particles may create scars or scratches if left on the floor over time; as people walk over them, they act like grit on a piece of sandpaper and wear down the bamboo flooring finish. Consider keeping mats or rugs near your entryways to help trap these particles before they get tracked on your floors.

When you’re ready for an occasional deep clean, use a cleaning product designed for bamboo floors or a non-wax, non-alkaline hardwood floor cleaner. You can use a damp mop on these floors as long as you don’t leave them wet for more than a few minutes.

That’s really all there is to it. You don’t need to worry about resealing these floors, which minimizes the overall costs and effort related to floor maintenance over the years.

The Price Is Right

Due to its low maintenance and eco-friendly qualities, you might be surprised to hear that bamboo flooring is typically priced at about the same rate as hardwood floors. Though these costs make it more expensive than some other flooring types, it’s still within a reasonable range and allows you to make a major home upgrade without overspending.

Keep in mind that bamboo flooring is also very durable, so your investment is sure to last for a long time. The hardwood-like appearance of bamboo also helps to increase the resale value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers down the road.

Plenty of Style Choices

Bamboo is an undeniably stylish flooring choice. It has a stranded look that makes it look similar to hardwood but with a slightly more modern appearance. This natural grain gives it a unique look that adds a sophisticated touch to any home.

Bamboo also comes in different colors. Natural bamboo has a light blonde color that many homeowners find helps make a space look bigger. For a darker color, choose carbonized bamboo. This bamboo variety is boiled for longer periods, causing the natural sugars in the plant to caramelize and darken to produce a rich, elegant tone. You can also choose stained bamboo in a wide variety of light, medium, and dark shades.

If you really want to combine the benefits of bamboo with the look of real hardwood, choose direct print bamboo. Patterns for specific types of hardwood, such as cherry or oak, can be applied to the surface of the bamboo before it’s sealed to produce the visual effect you prefer.

It’s Durable

When it comes to durability, bamboo doesn’t disappoint. This type of flooring is actually harder than several types of hardwood flooring. On the Janka Hardness Scale used to determine wood hardness and strength, bamboo flooring is rated at 1762, while engineered bamboo flooring ranks at 1690. This places bamboo flooring above popular hardwoods such as maple (1450), white oak (1360), ash (1320), red oak (1290), black walnut (1010), teak (1000), and black cherry (950) when it comes to hardness. Some of the hardwoods that have a higher Janka rating include hickory (1820), mahogany (2200), and Brazilian cherry (2350).

Certain types of bamboo are harder than others, especially strand-woven bamboo. Natural, uncarbonized bamboo is also incredibly durable. Choosing thick planks will also increase durability while also giving you the option to refinish your floors like you would with hardwood in order to give it a fresh, updated look later on.

Keep in mind that while they are durable, bamboo floors are not indestructible. They are more resistant to water damage than hardwood, but they can still become warped by exposure to excess moisture. Bamboo also tends to expand in humid environments and shrink in dry environments; variations between these two conditions can lead to cracks in the planks. High heels, pet claws, and small particles on the floor can potentially scratch its surface.

Do you think bamboo floors might be the right choice for your home? Use this guide to consider all the potential benefits of this unique flooring type.

Resources:

https://www.builddirect.com/r/Bamboo-Flooring

https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/bamboo-flooring-overview/

https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/bamboo-flooring/janka-hardness-rating-scale/

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Upgrading your floors is a major home improvement that will continue to affect your life daily. After all, these are the floors you’ll walk on day in and day out for years to come, so you want to make sure you choose the right type of flooring for your home. Here’s a complete guide to all the similarities and differences you need to consider when choosing tile or hardwood floors for your home.

Tile or Hardwood: 6 Points to Consider

1. Underfoot Feeling

How a floor feels underfoot is an important consideration for many homeowners. In addition to making your home feel comfortable for you and your family, you also want it to have an inviting feel for guests.

Walking barefoot on hardwood floors, you will notice that the floor will feel warm. On the other hand, tile feels cooler under your feet. The climate where you live will likely affect your idea of which of these sounds more appealing. While hardwood feels cozy in a colder climate, the cool touch of tile feels refreshing in areas where temperatures are higher.

2. Pricing and Value

Your renovation budget is one of the most important factors when considering which type of flooring to choose. You don’t want to overspend beyond your means when upgrading your floors. However, you should also consider the value the floor will add to your home.

Hardwood floors are generally more expensive than tile. In addition, you’ll need professionals to install it, which adds to the cost. To keep costs down, you can consider choosing a cheaper type of wood that is readily available, since exotic woods are more expensive.

Though it can vary widely in price based on what style and type of tile you select, tile flooring is generally less expensive than hardwood flooring. For example, costs go up if you choose glazed tiles over unglazed tiles. One way to minimize costs is by choosing a type of tile that you can install on your own, like regular ceramic floor tile. Other types, such as porcelain tile, require professional installation.

Though hardwood floors are more expensive up front, many homeowners prefer them because they tend to add more value to a home. Be sure to consider the long-term resale potential when choosing a flooring type.

3. Maintenance

The type of flooring you choose also affects your daily life in the amount of upkeep that it requires. Do you want something that’s hassle-free, or are you willing to do a bit more maintenance to get the style you prefer? This is an important factor to consider when choosing between tile and hardwood flooring.

Hardwood floors are generally easier to care for compared to tile floors. Hardwood requires regular sweeping or vacuuming, plus the occasional use of a hardwood floor cleaner. Tile flooring, on the other hand, needs to be swept and mopped regularly and the grout lines can become caked with dirt and grime. This can be more work since you may have to scrub and reseal the grout lines regularly to keep the floors in good shape.

Besides daily maintenance, it’s important to consider long-term maintenance as well. Tile can be a bit challenging, since you may struggle to find a matching piece if a tile cracks and needs to be replaced. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, can last for decades if properly maintained. You can also sand down imperfections and refinish the floors to give them a refreshed look.

4. Durability

The durability of your flooring choice is important. If you have a low-key, all-adult household, this may not be as much of a concern. But busy families with kids and pets may be more interested in a flooring type that resists scratches and stains.

Exotic hardwood flooring options like Lapacho are known to be extremely strong, but generally hardwood is less durable than tile in terms of resilience. It shows signs of wear, and exposure to moisture can damage it. The floors can even warp in climates that experience a wide range of hot and cold temperatures or excess humidity. It is also susceptible to scratches and dents.

Tiles, on the other hand, are more durable. This is especially true if you go with a glazed tile or porcelain tile since this helps the surface resist stains and scratches. Tiles are vulnerable to cracks, but it typically takes a very strong force to break one. Tiles are resistant to moisture and some versions are nonporous, which makes it a smart choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

5. Style

The type of look you want for your home will help to determine which type of flooring you choose. Think about whether you prefer certain styles, colors, or textures when shopping for new flooring tile.

When it comes to variety, it’s hard to beat tile flooring. Tiles can be made in just about any color you like, and some even feature designs on them. You can use colored tiles to create patterns or borders on the floor. Some people like a sleek, monochromatic floor, while others prefer a bolder multicolor look. Tiles come in a huge variety of sizes and shapes as well to suit your need. This flooring type generally has a more modern look, but you can use traditional colors and patterns for a classic style.

While hardwood floors do come in various shades and sizes, they have a much more traditional look without much disparity. You can add a certain stain or pick thinner or wider wood planks to get the look you want. But overall, it has a more subdued and classic look compared to tile. This can be an advantage if you prefer a traditional look and want a timeless flooring choice that will never go out of style.  Tropical hardwood flooring like Brazilian Tigerwood, mahogany, and cherry are some of the most sought-after options.

6. Noise

Are you sensitive to noise in your home? If so, you may want to avoid hardwood floors. Unfortunately, this is one of the noisiest options when it comes to flooring. Tile floors can create sound as well, but they are generally quieter than hardwood because of their density.

Which is Right for You, Tile or Hardwood?

Use this information to help you pick out the perfect floors for your home. There are many factors to consider, so take your time when you shop for flooring online to figure out which one you’ll truly love in the long run.

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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

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