Throw rugs, along with area rugs, run the gamut from cheap nylon ovals to nearly room sized Persian rugs costing thousands of dollars. Which is right for you depends, of course, on your budget and the particular space you want to cover. Flatweave throw rugs are often used in Japanese homes where they provide both [...]

Laminated floors were once the poor man’s option. Made of cheap wood layered over plywood, they looked as cheap as they were. No longer. Laminates are now stylish, durable and yet still relatively inexpensive. They can emulate hardwood, ceramic and other forms of flooring, such as natural stone. A laminate is constructed from layers. In [...]

Hardwood floors are among the most beautiful and durable of flooring materials. But there are so many kinds it can be difficult to choose one. The first criterion is whether to elect to get pre-finished or unfinished hardwood. In days past, unfinished was definitely the way to go. It was easier to select a type [...]

One of the more recently popular technologies in flooring is a floor heating system. But the idea goes back thousands of years. The Romans are well-known for having a system to warm floors under marble. Modern systems have the same goal, but perform differently. Floor heating systems today generally come in one of two types: [...]

Spills happen. Carpets get stained. Even everyday use will soon enough create a carpet that needs to be cleaned. Is there anyway to do that without spending your days caring for carpet? Fortunately, yes. An ‘emergency kit’ of club soda, vinegar, ammonia and some needed application tools is a good idea. Everyone sometimes runs out [...]

Sub-flooring is just what the term sounds like: material underneath the surface you walk on. It may be concrete, or plywood, or several other types of material. Unfortunately, even the most robust sub-floor material can become cracked or mildewed. Water can become trapped between the floor and the sub-floor or between the top surface and [...]

The exact procedures for installing tile will, of course, differ from one type to the next. But there are several things in common between them. Preparation As with any do-it-yourself project around the home, preparation is often 80% of the effort. That’s true in spades where installing a tile floor is the project. Laying down [...]

Choosing a type of flooring can be a daunting task. There are several varieties – wood, ceramic, stone, vinyl, carpeting and many specialty materials. Within each broad category, there are literally hundreds of choices. Fortunately, narrowing them down is a simple matter of attending to a few basic guidelines. For most, especially do-it-yourselfers who are [...]

Concrete flooring is a traditional option in basements. It may have been an extension of the original foundation, or poured because it provides an ultra-durable surface for a basement laundry room, kids playroom or other use. But concrete flooring has come out of hiding, and not only because it wears like, well, concrete. Concrete floors [...]

Whether the location is your bathroom, the kitchen, the sunroom or any other area of the home, tiles can be a great flooring option. They’re durable and attractive. They can last a lifetime or more and still provide beauty to an important part of the room. For the do-it-yourselfer, tiles offer many advantages. Tiles are [...]