Dear Rob: I am having difficulty deciding on a color of wood flooring for my living room. My wood trim is poplar stained a fruitwood color with a vaulted ceiling and front wall which is also wood and stained a similar color. The front wall is mostly windows so there is a lot of light coming in the room. I tend to think everything should match but am afraid it might look like too much wood and be boring. Should I go lighter or darker than the rest of my wood in the room and possibly try restaining something to match my new wood floor? -Tami, Indiana

Dear Tami: That is a great question.  Take a deep breathe, there is no wrong decision here.  I am on the board of a local interior design school, so I talk to a lot of designers.  They tell me that whatever you like is what you should go with, but are are some tips:

• Resanding and staining trim is more problematic and more labor intensive than the floor.  So I recommend that you change the floor color, rather than the trim.
• Make sure to have your flooring contractor sand a spot on the floor, and puts actual stain samples on the floor in the space you are going to refinish, before you commit to the color.

I invite you to check out this great article on Matching Hardwood Floor Finishes to Existing Woodwork, which will help you decide on a stain color.

As a floor guy, I run into many customers asking what makes one hardwood floors cost more than another. I frequently get asked: ” How much does a hardwood floor cost?”  That can be tricky, as there are so many options, choices and variations.

Overall, the main things that affect the cost of solid hardwood floors are species, grade, width and finish.

How does the species of a hardwood floor affect the price?

Species of hardwood is the largest factor in determining the cost of a hardwood floor.  All things being equal, oak flooring is about the cheapest hardwood you can get.  As you go to less common species such as maple, hickory or cherry, the price will go up.  Moving into exotic flooring like wenge, zebrawood or ipe will drive up the cost of flooring materials even more.

How is does the grade of flooring affect the price?

Wood flooring comes in a variety of grades, which determine the overall character and variation between the planks.  For example, oak hardwood flooring is graded accordingly:

• Clear – wood is free of defects, with a uniform appearance and few character marks
• Select – wood has a relatively uniform appearance, but has more natural character marks like knots and color variation than clear wood
• Common No. 1 – wood has more natural variation including color, mineral streaking and knots
• Common No. 2 – wood has a rustic appearance with larger knots and natural markings, or marks from machining.

In any particular tree, there is less wood that meets the criteria for a grade of “clear” than “common”.  As a result, higher grades of wood within a species are more expensive than lower grades.

How does the width of hardwood flooring affect the price?

The wider the width of hardwood flooring, the more expensive it is going to be. The width may not seem like an obvious cost factor, but it is important.  When you cut trees into wider  boards, you will get less yield from a given tree.  Wider boards are also more likely to have defects that will throw the entire piece out of grade, so a high grade, wide plank floor can be particularly costly.

How does the hardwood floor finish affect price?

When you are choosing the finish for your hardwood floor, your basic options are oil based polyurethane, water based polyurethane, or a more durable commercial grade finish.  Prices vary due to the time involved in applying different types of finish, different drying times and the cost of the finish materials themselves.

In general, oil based finishes are the least expensive, followed by water based.  Two part commercial finishes like Bona Traffic are most expensive because of the cost of the products themselves, and the fact that left over materials harden and cannot be saved and used for later coats or other projects.

Since metals expand and contract with temperature variations over the time, in some applications it becomes important to drill holes or cut sheet metal with minimal shearing and distortion. In such situations air nibblers which ‘nibble’ through the metals are of great demand, and Mechanics M553C air nibbler punches do a wonderful job.

Mechanics M553C Air Nibbler Punches Description

Built by Mechanics, one of the leading air cutting tools manufacturer in the world, Mechanics M553C air nibbler punches are replacement punches for the powerful air nibbler M552DB model.  These air nibbler punches come two to a pack.

Mechanics M553C Air Nibbler Punches Specifications

• Model Number: M553C
• Weight: 1 pound
• Compatibility: Compatible with Mechanics M552DB Air Nibbler
• Manufacturer: Mechanics

Mechanics M553C Air Nibbler Punches Benefits

Mechanics M553C punches, the high performance replacement punches for Mechanics M552DB air nibbler, are designed to nibble through, instead of shearing or sawing through materials. They can withstand high rates of strokes per minute, often in the range of thousands, very easily. The M553C’s sharp edge lets you nibble through quarter panels without distorting the edges of the metal sheets. It can cut through 16-gauge steel without deforming or blurring the metal.

Mechanics M553C punches are very useful to nibble through aluminum, cold rolled steel, tin, plastic and other metals and materials, offering wide range of choices in using air cutting tools and sheet cutting applications. M553C punches along with powerful M552DB air nibbler is a must-have tool at every paint and auto body shop, tinsmiths and metal shops.

Mechanics M553C punches come in 2-piece a pack with an MSRP of $9.50. But, you can snag these punches for just $4.99 at ToolKing.com.

Anyone who has ever done a major sanding job before knows it is a task that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The first thoughts you have are the time, shoulder pain, wrist pain, and still more time. To stop these thoughts from becoming reality I have found the Chicago Pneumatic CP870 Dual Action Sander can really save the day.

Chicago Pneumatic CP870 Dual Action Sander Description

The Chicago Pneumatic CP870 Dual Action Sander is a light 4.5 lb sander that performs both rotary and orbital motion for a swirl-free finish. This rapid action powered by a free speed 10000 rpm motor allows for quick execution and as much as 8 cubic feet per minute. its no wonder why Chicago added the locking throttle to harness all that power.

Chicago Pneumatic CP870 Specs and Features

• 6 inch polishing head
• Free speed 10000 rpm motor
• 8 CFM air inlet
• Uses 1/4 inch min. hose
• Power regulator for control
• Safety locking throttle
• Insulated long grip for extra pressure application w/o wrist pain.

Impression of Chicago Pneumatic CP870 Dual Action Sander

At first glance the Chicago Pneumatic CP870 Dual Action Sander has a very reasonable price tag of only $59.99 online, although the MSRP is a bit higher at about $86.  Its strengths are evident in its precision in blending, smoothing, feather edging and pre-paint duties at phenomenal speeds. However if your not in a hurry I would give the Denver Tools 311 Dual Action Sander a try. The Denver Tools version has the same multi action 6 inch head yet weighs a half pound less than the Chicago CP870. This version may seem weak in comparison due to its mere 90 PSI pressure and 4 CFM rating, but its spindle lock feature for single action projects makes it a little special, and the on sale price of only $14.99 should grab your attention as well. With either choice you’ll be happy with your results.

You may say the Denver Tools 311 Dual Action Sander is lighter, cheaper and therefore more susceptible to breaking. I can’t say there is an overwhelming difference in quality of the two, but i can say spend $50 or spend $15, you won’t be disappointed.

Visit ToolKing.com to get a great deal on the Chicago Pneumatic CP810 sander now!

Leveling can be one of the hardest and most frustrating chores, but with the help of a well calibrated level, your day will even itself out. A great example of a precise and easy to use leveling product is the CheckPoint 302 880 Square Laser Level.

CheckPoint 302 880 Square Laser Level Description

This CheckPoint 302 880 Square laser level is a great new tool for any contractor’s use. It combines old design with great new features like the ‘square’ concepts that use 90 and 45 degree measurements as well assuring a fluch contact. This along with a now brighter class 3 laser system make it the marksmen of its class.

CheckPoint 302 880 Square Laser Level Specs and features

• Patented SQUARE body with ‘flush’ and ‘offset’ settings
• Top of the line laser alignment
• Made of Fully Billet MACHINED 6061-T6 aluminum
• Can be made into 4-point lock up sliding square
• Adjustable angle finding capabilities
• Works with all standard Checkpoint 880 series accessories

Impression of CheckPoint 302 880 Square Laser Level

This level seems to be ahead of its class and possibly ahead of its time. The combination of high output laser and precision squaring functions take the place of multiple other tools and make this product a compact and unbound necessity. While the MSRP is about $119, you can find this level online for around $83 and for the quality its exudes its probably the best buy.

If you find yourself in front of another brand however and you just don’t want to search for the CheckPoint, try the Johnson 40-6184 AccuLine Pro Three-Beam Magnetic Torpedo Laser Level. Its almost identical in price and weighs about 2 lbs. That’s a full pound less than the CheckPoint, but the carrying case and three 90 beams help tremendously for what it lacks in laser quality. It still can read accurately using the tripod base included at distances of 30 meters.

Visit ToolKing.com to get a great deal on a CheckPoint 302 880 Square Laser Level.

Dear Rob:

We recently replaced our old dance floor.  And I’m wondering how to maintain it on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.  Since it is a dance floor there is a certain amount of wear and tear.  I would like to know what you would recommend to use for cleaning and polishing.  I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

-Nikole

Dear Nikole:

It’s great to know that you are looking to maintain your new dance floor.  A hardwood floor, especially a commercial hardwood floor, is a great investment.  Being a commercial dance floor, there are a lot of hazards and abuse that your floor will be subjected to.  There are several ways that you can keep that floor looking and performing great for years to come.

Here are some tips for protecting your commercial dance floor:

1. Clean up liquid spills immediately.  Moisture and can damage a hardwood floors by seeping into cracks and gaps and swell the hardwood floor.
2. Dust, dirt, and debris can grind into the hardwood floor when walked on, thus wearing and dulling the finish, so sweep the floor nightly, using a microfiber dust mop, such as the
   Bona Kemi Commercial Cleaning Pad.
3. Damp mop the floor with a spray on hardwood floor cleaner such as Bona Hardwood Spray Mop and cleaner at least weekly, or when needed.
4. Screen and coat your floor every 6 months with a commercial grade hardwood floor finish, such as Bona Traffic.  This requires a professional hardwood floor refinishing company to come in and lightly buff the floor with a screen, and then apply a maintenance coat.

Because the experiences and preferences of flooring companies vary, it’s important to keep in mind that when you choose a professional to refinish the floors, they may recommend a different brand that is of equal quality that they are more comfortable working with. Be sure to discuss this with your flooring professional so they know what your needs and concerns are.

-Rob

When it comes to finishing nailers, lighter is better. It is easier to handle, better to maneuver when you have to extend yourself, and overall will keep your arm in healthy condition longer. The tough part is not knowing this fact; it’s finding a solution that is inexpensive without sacrificing quality. After reviewing a selection of angle nailers, I found the best answer to this problem to be the DeWalt D51276K 15 Gauge 1-1/4 Inch to 2-1/2 Inch Angled Finish Nailer Kit.

DeWalt D512276K Finish Nailer Description

The DeWalt D512276K finish nailer has sequential action trigger, holds 1 ¼- 2 ½ inch nails, and has a rotating 360 degree exhaust cap. These features, along with DeWalt’s sealed lube dual technology, allowing you to safely operate with or without oil make it a quality tool. At only 3.85 lbs this machine packs a punch working on 70-120 PSI.

DeWalt D512276K Finish Nailer Specifications

• Sealed lube dual technology
• Overmold padded grips
• Rear loading
• Uses 1 ¼ 2 ½ inch 34 degree coated nails
• Sequential trigger action
• Trigger lock off
• Operates at 70-120 PSI
• Weighs 1.75 kg (3.85 lbs)

Tool-free Features of the DeWalt D512276K

• Nail depth adjustment
• Jam clearing
• 360 degree exhaust

DeWalt D512276K Kit Includes

• 2-1/2″ 15-Gauge Finish Nailer Kit – D51276K
• Safety Glasses
• (1,000) Fasteners
• Kit Box

Overall Impression of the DeWalt D51276K Finish Nailer

The DeWalt D51276K 15 gauge angled finish nailer has an MSRP of $364, but you can find it online for a low price of $189.00. However there are similar products that aren’t a bad find either. The Milwaukee 7140-21 34° 15 gauge Angle Finish Nailer Kit is a close opponent, and with a slightly more compact look it can be appealing. Just like the DeWalt it offers sequential or the optional contact action and easy rear loading. It has even been known to be quieter during use. That small perk is attributed to its downside, which is need for oil for performance.

If you want a finishing nailer that is manageable, self-sustaining, and reliable for a just under $200 the DeWalt is for you. If you just get over the extra few ounces of the DeWalt and want the sleek looking Milwaukee, you’re not in the wrong, but be warned the constant oiling may prove to be tedious.

Visit ToolKing.com to get a great deal on a DeWalt 15 Gauge Finish Nailer now!

Bruce produces high quality pre-finished oak flooring, but when it comes to oak hardwood flooring, there are a lot of options out there. We actually have a traditional site finished oak floor on the main level of our home. But, when it came time extend our wood flooring into the rest of our home, a site finished product just wasn’t practical for our lifestyle. With two small kids and a home office, we just couldn’t stay off our floors for long enough to have them sanded and finished in place. With that in mind, we selected Bruce hardwood flooring by Armstrong to complete the floors in our home.  We wet with a Bruce pre-finished solid oak product like the Bruce Bristol Low Gloss Butter Rum White Oak Hardwood Flooring because we were confident that a floor from Bruce would give us the level of quality and finish durability we wanted, while still being beautiful and coordinating nicely with our existing floors

Oak Flooring Facts

• Varieties: Red Oak (Quercus rubra), White Oak (Quercus alba)
• Native Habitat: North America, Central America
• Janka Hardness Rating: Red Oak – 1290, White Oak – 1360
• Grades: No. 1 Common, No. 2 Common, Clear, Select

Finish Quality of Bruce Hardwood Floors

The finish on our Bruce floors has proven to be more durable than the oil based finish on our site-finished floors.  It has a beautiful gloss that has held up very well against our three kids, a dog, and ongoing home improvements.  While any hardwood floor can scratch or dent, we’ve been impressed with how resilient the Bruce finish has been.  After almost three years, we haven’t had any problems with the finish like peeling, flaking or discoloration.  For the most part, it looks just as good as the day we installed it.

Installation of Bruce Pre-Finished Floors

The quality and consistent milling on the individual boards of our Bruce solid oak flooring made installation simple.  Boards fit together quickly and easily, and didn’t need to be forced into place, which can sometimes be a problem with poorly milled products whose tongues and grooves don’t match up well.

Overall Appearance of Bruce Hardwood Floors

Our Bruce pre-finished floors have a warm look that blends nicely with our oak site-finished floors.  While we can definitely tell a difference between the two, most visitors to our home who aren’t in the flooring industry don’t even notice that we have two different types of wood flooring.  While we specifically chose a floor that would look as close as possible to our existing floors, Bruce also carries a variety of different styles, colors and species to accent or coordinate with your current interior design style.  In addition to solid wood products, they also carry engineered flooring like Bruce Balance Red Oak Plank Flooring. Overall, we’ve been extremely pleased with the Bruce floors we installed in our own home, and we also have many satisfied flooring customers that also love their Bruce pre-finished floors. Get free shipping on qualifying Bruce pre-finished flooring purchases.

Dear Rob:

I’ve been searching for the perfect eco-friendly flooring for my new condo. I’ve seen some cork flooring products on the market, but I’m not sure if it’s for me.  Can you tell me more?

-Joe in Atlanta

Dear Joe:

Cork is a flooring product that is as unique as it is beautiful.  Cork is available in a wide variety or styles and patterns that can suit a variety of interior design styles. The beauty of cork is “more than skin deep.”  Cork, which comes from the cork oak tree, is an environmentally friendly and sustainable flooring product.  This is because cork is harvested approximately every ten years without actually chopping down the tree that produces it.  Cork is the bark of the cork oak, and it is made up of air filled dead cells, cellulose and waxy substance called suberin.  When the cork is removed, the tree naturally produces more bark which can be harvested again and again.

If you think of a cork board when someone says cork flooring, the picture in your head couldn’t be further from the truth.  Cork varies from light colored and simple, like the creamy white APC Cork Cremes Apollo White Cork Flooring to multi-colored and playful like APC Cork Kids Collection Building Blocks Cork Flooring.  Cork flooring can be purchased in both glue down and click together tile styles.

Cork has some unique benefits as a flooring material.  Cork absorbs sound, which makes it the perfect choice for your condo installation.  It also provides some thermal insulation, and is impact absorbing while still being tough and durable.  This makes cork floors like the one shown to the left a unique choice playrooms.  In addition, cork is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent flooring choice for allergy sufferers.

Overall, cork is a flooring choice that is both unique, beautiful and environmentally friendly. Click here to buy cork flooring and save up to $100 using coupon code ZLS564201. -Rob

We spend a lot of time on this site answering questions about interior design and giving pointers on choosing flooring.  In the end, with most design choice questions, the best advice is to get product samples and bring them home to see how they work with your lighting, decor and other aspects of your home and style.  You really need to see things in place, on your floor, wall, counter, etc, to get a true appreciation of how colors and styles will work in your home.  While you can get flooring product samples to bring home from most big box stores, why not consider in-home shopping with a company like Empire Today?

Empire Today offers free shop-at-home convenience that isn’t available from most other flooring suppliers.  They can send an knowledgeable product representative to your home who can show you samples, measure your project and provide a price quote all in one convenient and time saving visit.  If the product you choose is in-stock, you representative can even and schedule a next day installation appointment if you’re ready to make a decision.  If this concept doesn’t sound familiar to you, you can check out Empire Carpet TV, a fun little site they’ve put together with all of their television commercials.

Empire Today offers a full line of flooring options including carpet, hardwood, laminate, and ceramic tile.  Hardwood flooring options include traditional species like oak, as well as bamboo and other exotic flooring species.  There is also a wide range of different selections of carpets and tiles to suit different styles, traffic patterns and budgets.  If you’re doing a more extensive remodel, they also offer bath and shower liners, as well as blinds – all with the same in-home service.

In addition to the convenience of in-home shopping, Empire also offers a low price guarantee in most markets.  Simply show them a competitive written estimate for the same or similar quality flooring materials, and Empire will beat it.  Of course, there are some limitations and exclusions, so be sure to ask for details if you plan on asking them to beat a price quote from another retailer.

With service in over 50 major metropolitan areas across the US, the Empire Today jingle (you know: “800-588-2300™ Empire . . .”) and the Empire Today Man are known throughout the country.  Not sure what I’m talking about?  You can even check out a whole archive of Empire Today Commercials online or watch one of their commercials below.

Dear Rob:

I’ve been shopping for floors lately, and I’m very intrigued by the bamboo flooring products I’ve seen.  Can you tell me a little bit about bamboo flooring and the differences between different bamboo flooring products?

-Jeff in Wisconsin

Dear Jeff:

Bamboo flooring’s popularity has not decreased since it was introduced into the flooring market. Its versatile style and consistent look have made it a very popular flooring choice.

Bamboo is technically a grass and not a hardwood. However, it is made from processed strips of cane and compressed to be as hard and durable as a regular hardwood floor.  It’s gaining popularity daily because of its “green” qualities. Bamboo is a rapidly renewing resource that matures in three years. Other green qualities include the fact that it regenerates without replanting and does not need pesticides or fertilization to grow.

There are three main styles of bamboo planks: horizontal, vertical or strand woven. With vertical bamboo flooring, the grain looks more linear and narrow where as with horizontal bamboo flooring the grain is wider and the knots of the bamboo are seen more prevalently. Strand woven bamboo, which consists of compressed strands of bamboo fiber, is the hardest and most durable bamboo flooring choice.  Within the different bamboo styles there are two main colors: carbonized and non-carbonized. Non-carbonized bamboo has a yellowish natural coloring where carbonized has a warmer, rich and brownish tint to it. Because of the growing demand of bamboo, other stain colors are available such as reds, blacks, browns, turquoise and even orange, but carbonized and non-carbonized are the two main colors you will see. One thing to keep in mind is that the carbonized product is softer than the non-carbonized.

Once seen as a contemporary and modern product, bamboo is now being seen in more and more residential homes as well as commercial applications. New products include laminate with bamboo patterns for busier lifestyles and handscraped floors for more rustic and traditional looks. Mosaic tiles and parquet patterns have even been created from bamboo as an alternative to the plank style. Bamboo is not just for floors anymore! Bamboo is also being used to make cabinets and counter tops.

When shopping for a bamboo floor or bamboo laminate floor, you want a floor that has a finish with a high UV protection content. You also want to support a company that lets the product reach full maturity before being harvested. If possible, try to select a FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified bamboo floor. This ensures that your floor was harvested properly.

Like hardwood, bamboo requires minimal maintenance. Door mats should be placed at every entrance to keep dirt from scratching the finish of the floors. Regular sweeping or vacuuming should be performed as well. Spills should be cleaned up immediately and not allowed to sit and penetrate the floor. If pre-finished, the manufacturers recommended cleaner should be used. If not, a hardwood specific cleaning solution should be used rather than a generic household cleaner. Using the wrong type of cleaner can permanently damage the finish on the floor.

To protect the floors, chair protectors should be placed on the bottoms of all chairs to prevent gouging. Rubber backed mats should be avoided because the backing can cause discoloration in the floor. Furniture and other heavy objects should not be dragged across the floor. These simple steps will keep your floor beautiful and long lasting.

-Rob

Dear Rob:

I love the look of hardwood floors, but my design tastes are very modern, and I can’t help but wonder if hardwood is too traditional to work with everything else in my home.  What do you think?  Are there hardwood flooring choices that tend to work best in a modern home?

-Kim in Ohio

Dear Kim:

Different hardwoods can help define different design styles. Most people think that all hardwood is for traditional lifestyles. This is no longer the case! Design styles include Traditional, Contemporary, Modern, Rustic and Transitional. Other styles include Arts and Crafts, Asian, Cottage, Country, Eclectic, English Country, Mediterranean, Old World, Romantic, Southwestern, Tropical and Tuscan.

When thinking about a contemporary species of hardwood, the most popular is a natural maple with a clear finish coat. The more narrow the board, the more modern the look. Other contemporary hardwood species include teak, yellow birch and beech. This type of wood contributes to the clean lines and crisp look that contemporary design styles offer.

The most traditional hardwood species is oak. Red oak or white oak, it makes no difference. 2 ¼” wide hardwood is the most traditional, but other widths are also considered traditional. Other traditional hardwood species include: walnut, hickory, pecan, pine, Santos mahogany and Brazilian cherry. These woods are popular because they blend so well with woods used to make traditional furniture.

Handscraped hardwoods, no matter what the species can be labeled as traditional, rustic, cottage, country, English Country, Old World or Tuscan. Some could argue that a handscraped look would fit in with a contemporary look if found in an old loft. Heart Pine flooring falls into many of the same categories: traditional, rustic, cottage and country.

Exotic hardwood species like African Wenge, Merbau, Padauk and Jarrah do not fall into the same category just because they are all exotic woods. Typically, woods with less grain are considered more modern or contemporary. Woods with mild to medium grain are more traditional. On the same note, woods that are lighter in color are usually more contemporary and woods that are warmer, darker and richer are usually more traditional.

For those people that have eclectic homes, there are definitely no rules. Some rooms may even have different hardwood species under the same roof! That’s the beauty of it being eclectic. (The new term for this is often referred to as “evolved”).

If you have a traditional home, there is no reason why you can’t use a natural finished maple in your home. If you have a modern home, there is no rule that says that you can’t use a hickory floor. These suggestions are just what are typically selected.

Ultimately, the hardwood that appeals to you is the one that is right for your design style. You get to enjoy your selection every day so the choice should be what makes you happy.

-Rob

Dear Rob:

Next summer, I would like to totally redo my back yard, including patios, walkways and maybe an outdoor kitchen.  I’ve seen some tiles I’d love to use, but I’m not sure if they are good to use outside.  Can you give some pointers or ideas for using tile outdoors?

-Kyle in Utah

Dear Kyle:

Extending tile outside can add beauty and value to your home as well as a durable surface for the area you are tiling. Tile and stone are natural products that can add texture, pattern and color to an outside area.

Keep in mind that not all tiles can be used outside. Porcelain tiles and natural stone tiles are the best choices for exterior use. This is because of its water absorption rate. When shopping, look for tiles that are rated for exterior use. Commonly tiles in the impervious water absorption class of less than .5% water absorption are considered suitable for outdoor use. Tiles with a glossy finish are not recommended because when wet the surface may become slippery and accidents may occur.

Another characteristic to look for when shopping for exterior tile is the PEI rating. For areas with high traffic, you want to look for a tile with a rating of 4 or higher. The rating system is as follows:

• PEI Class 1 Rating (No foot traffic) – Recommended for wall use in residential and commercial applications only.
• PEI Class 2 Rating (Light traffic) – Recommended for both wall use and bathroom floor applications only.
• PEI Class 3 Rating (Light to moderate traffic) – Recommended for countertops,  walls and floors where normal foot traffic is expected.
• PEI Class 4 Rating (Moderate to heavy traffic) – Recommended for all residential applications as well as medium commercial and light institutional.
• PEI Class 5 Rating (Heavy to extra heavy traffic) – Recommended for all residential as well as heavy commercial and institutional applications.

Tile of course can be installed on patios, decks and other exterior floor surfaces, but it can also be used in much more creative ways.  Try using tile on exterior columns or stairs. Consider creating a water feature with tile or using tile to build planter boxes. Like inside, tile can be used for walls such as outdoor showers, decorative wall plaques or divider walls to separate outdoor areas.

A great place to use tile or stone is in an outdoor kitchen. Tile can be used for the countertop, the backsplash, the floor area or the area where the grill is built in. Bringing tile to outdoor kitchens adds style and elegance making the area feel like a room outside.

Tile can also be used as a path in a garden or in between areas outside. Rocks or other materials can be used in between the tiles for a different look. Tile is also an excellent choice for pathways where you want to define a walking area.

The same patterns that are used inside can also be used outside. Often, areas outside are larger than areas being tiled inside and can afford a larger more detailed pattern. Just like on the inside, decorative tile patterns add style and design to any area.

Be creative!! Tile can be used in many other ways. Go outside and evaluate areas that do not look complete or do not look as stylish as you want them to. Try imagining those areas with tile or better yet with a tile pattern!

-Rob

Dear Rob:

I’ve finally settled on the wood floors I’m going to be installing in my living room, and now I’m struggling with paint colors.  The floors, being wood, are a neutral earthy color, but I’d like a vibrant color on my walls.  Can this work, or should I stick with earth tones?  Help!

-Nikki in Vermont

Dear Nikki:

Choosing the right wall color with your floor choice can provide harmony and balance to a room. There is more than one correct option for wall and floor combinations, but there are some general guidelines that can be followed to make a good decision.

If your room has dark, warm floors such as a mahogany it is best to use a warm paint color. If you want the room to feel dark and cozy, then a darker warm paint color should be used. Without the right amount of light in the room the room can feel like study or a cave. If you want the room to feel cozy, but not dark then a lighter shade of a warm color should be used.

For a room with light floors such as a light beige tile, dark or light walls can be used, depending on the look you are going for. If you want the room to feel open, light and airy a lighter color should be used. If you want the color of the wall to stand out, a darker color should be used.

Cooler colored walls should be used with cooler colored floors such as natural finished maple or hickory rather than a walnut or mahogany.

Basically, warmer colored floors should be paired with warmer wall colors and cooler colored floors should be paired with cooler wall colors. The shade or depth of color used determines the feel of the room.

When choosing a color from a floor covering that has multiple colors or shades it is not necessary to match the exact color of the floor. Choose a color that blends with the floor or is one of the minority colors in the tile. One easy way to do this is to match the floor to a paint color on a paint chart and then choose a color that is lighter or darker on the paint chart. This will ensure that the color blends, but does not match exactly. This will also allow you to use many more colors in your design scheme by opening up the pallet of colors used.

Another consideration is whether or not an area rug will be used. This opens up the choice for many more wall color choices. Again, when choosing a wall color with an area rug in mind, the color does not have to match exactly. You are looking for a color that blends or is a minority color in the rug. Again, this will allow you to use many more colors as a part of your overall design scheme.

Choosing the right wall and floor color combination can bring a room to life. If possible, be sure to test the paint swatches on the wall after the floors are installed. This will help you see if the color of the wall and the color of the floors compliment each other.

-Rob

Dear Rob:

I’ve read about a lot of different ways to use tile on your site, but not much about my latest project.  I’d like to use tile to give my old brick fireplace a new look.  Do you have any tips before I get started?

-Jeff in Ohio

Dear Jeff:

There are many different ways to use tile around your home, as well as many different types of tiles that can be used to finish fireplaces. Since you’re working with an existing fireplace, you are a little more limited as far as how much tile and what size tile you are able to use. If you are beginning from the design phase, you have many more options and ways to use tile.

The most common way to use tile on a fireplace is to install it on the fireplace surround. This is the area directly surrounding the fireplace box below the mantle. Most commonly, the tile is installed with 12 inches showing around the edges. The tiles typically used are 12×12 ceramic or porcelain tiles, 12×12 natural stone tiles such as marble, granite or slate, several rows of 4×4 tiles or mosaic tiles.

If the area requires more than 12″ to be covered, then the appropriate size tile should be chosen to fill in the space desired with the least amount of cut tiles. Other tile sizes that can be used are 13×13, 16×16, 18×18, 20×20 and 24×24.

If the fireplace has a hearth, the tile can be installed here as well. Some hearths are simply tile installed flush with the adjacent floor covering. This is done to protect the floor from sparks that can fly out of the fireplace when real wood is being burned. Some hearths are built like an elevated box that you can sit on. Tile can be installed on the face and seat portion of the hearth, or this part can be made from a different material. Often the part of the hearth that you can sit on will be installed as a slab of stone rather than individual tiles.

Tile can also be installed above the mantle. The choice is up to you how high the tile is installed. Sometimes, the tile is installed all the way to the ceiling making the area appear higher and taller.

Tile can also be used when you have a corner fireplace. Using a porcelain or glass tile is a good choice because the tiles are the same color throughout. This makes the corner and edge transitions look as natural as possible.

Tile patterns that are most commonly used around a fireplace are: straight, diagonal, staggered or brick joint. There is generally not enough room in the area around a fireplace to install a very detailed pattern.

If you are about to install tile on a fireplace, be sure to consider the amount of space you have to tile and how many full pieces you can get in that space. Doing this before hand will make it easier to shop for the right tile. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a piece of tile for the fireplace and then measuring the space only to find out that you will end up with one full piece and a small cut piece. It is acceptable to have cut pieces, but small cut pieces next to one full tile can look awkward, distracting and unplanned. It is much easier to know your options before you begin looking for the perfect tile.

Dear Rob:

We really need to replace the carpeting our new house, but we aren’t sure what to choose.  We like the durability of tile, but aren’t sure if it is really the right choice for our family.  We have young kids, and some time in the next few years, we expect my elderly grandmother to move in with us.  Can you help?

-Rita in Washington

Dear Rita:

Different lifestyles call for different flooring needs. Homes with children, the elderly and pets will benefit more with the right flooring choice. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of hardwood, carpet and tile for your lifestyle.

Flooring advantages for homes with children include:

Hardwood:

• Durable against rough playing, most toys and heavy traffic
• Long lasting
• Hardwood does not have to be replaced like carpet after years of spills and stains
• Excellent choice for households with allergies
• Can be refinished in the event of excess wear and tear

Tile:

• Durable against rough playing, toys and heavy traffic
• Tile floors are water resistant against spills
• Tile floors are stain resistant against spills

Carpet:

• After the children are grown and have finished extreme wear on the product, it can be replaced
• Soft to play on
• Keeps the room quiet

Flooring disadvantages for homes with children:

Hardwood:

• Slips and falls can happen when children are in socks
• Extreme use of certain toys can permanently scratch wood floors
• Certain toys or misuse can dent soft woods like pine flooring
• Kids tend to not be as careful with hardwood’s enemy: water
• Falls can hurt a little more on hardwood than floors such as carpet

Tile:

• Slips and falls can hurt a little more on tile than floors such as carpet
• Tile is not as comfortable to lie on and play

Carpet:

• Carpet shows spills and stains more if not caught and cleaned up on time
• Carpet needs to be replaced before other flooring types such as tile or hardwood

Flooring advantages for homes with elderly persons:

Hardwood:

• Wheelchairs can roll easily without damaging floors

Tile:

• Wheelchairs can roll easily without damaging floors

Carpet:

• Falls are softer on carpet than other flooring surfaces such as hardwood or tile
• Carpet is softer on the joints than other flooring surfaces such as hardwood or tile

Flooring disadvantages for homes with elderly persons:

Hardwood:

• Slips and falls can hurt a little more on hardwood than floors such as carpet

Tile:

• Slips and falls can hurt a little more on tile floors than floors such as carpet
• Tile is harder on the joints than floors such as carpet when standing for long periods of time

Carpet:

• Wheelchairs and walkers do not roll as well on carpet
• Wheelchairs can leave wheel marks indented in carpet

Flooring advantages for homes with pets include:

Hardwood:

• Hair is easy to keep swept up
• Pet accidents are easy to clean up
• Spills caused by pets are easy to clean up

Tile:

• Hair is easy to keep swept up
• Pet accidents are easy to clean up
• Spills caused by pets are easy to clean up
• Nails do not damage the floors like with hardwood or carpet

Carpet:

• Carpet is soft and warm to lie on

Flooring disadvantages for homes with pets include:

Hardwood:

• Heavier dogs with sharp nails can scratch hardwood

Tile:

• Tile can be uncomfortable to lie on

Carpet:

• Accidents can be harder to clean up if not caught in time

General flooring advantages for homes:

Hardwood:

• Lasting beauty
• Hardwood adds resale value to homes
• Warm feel to the home
• Easy to maintain

Tile:

• Tile adds resale value to homes
• There is no need to refinish tile floors
• Easy to maintain

Carpet:

• Carpet is soft and warm

General flooring disadvantages for homes:

Hardwood:

• High heels can leave permanent dents in  the floor
• Dirt and dust can gather in the corners of the room if not cleaned frequently
• Homes with frequent water spills are not the best candidates for hardwood

Tile:

• Tile can be noisy
• Glassware and fragile items can break when dropped

Carpet:

• Has to be replaced before hard surface items such as hardwood or tile

I hope this breakdown helps you with your flooring decisions!

-Rob

Dear Rob:

I’ve read all about different ways to use tile and hardwood on your site, and I’m still stuck trying to decide whether tile or wood is best for me.  I know you’ve already written about the advantages of hardwood, so could you share some advantages of tile as well?

-Jen in New Mexico

Dear Jen:

There is no other flooring type that has the design flexibility of ceramic tile or natural stone. There are multiple shapes, sizes, installation patterns and colorways that give ceramic tile and natural stone endless design choices. This is just one of the many benefits of ceramic tile and natural stone.

In addition to tile’s design flexibility, ceramic tile is an extremely durable product. A good quality tile that is taken care of and installed properly can last a lifetime. Choosing a tile floor can be a decision that you don’t have to worry about ever again – unless of course, you decorating tastes change.

Ceramic tile and natural stone are both very easy to maintain. Walk off mats should be used at every entrance and the floors should be swept regularly. If you have a spill or stain, a manufacture approved cleaner can be used to remove the stain. That’s it for the tile itself! Areas around tile should be caulked on an annual basis.

Design Flexibility. Ceramic tile comes in sizes varying from 1″x1″ to 24″x24″ and many sizes in between including non square sizes and shapes such as octagons, rectangles and circles. These sizes can be used alone or can be mixed together for countless design choices. All you need is a little math to create custom installation patterns with the geometric size options of tile. These options in conjunction with all of the color choices available make tile the most versatile and designer friendly flooring product available!

Tile can be installed in nearly any application. Tile can be installed on floors, walls, in showers, tubs, backsplashes, ceilings, inside or outside. It can also be installed on countertops, table tops, fireplaces, hearths, columns and more. Unlike wood flooring, you don’t have to worry about installing tile in a wet environment.  It can be installed over most subfloors with the proper underlayment.

Cost effectiveness. Tile is still one of the most cost effective surfaces on the market. Once you absorb the initial cost of tile you don’t have to spend money on it again for the life of the product if it is installed properly. It doesn’t need refinishing, resurfacing, reglazing, or recoating.

Repairs are simple. Should there be a need for repair, the process is not as complicated as other flooring surfaces. In most cases it should be performed by a professional. A professional can usually repair a broken tile without damaging other tiles around it causing a larger problem.

Increase your home’s value. Ceramic tile and natural stone can increase the value of your home helping you recoup the initial cost invested in the product.

Good for allergy and asthma sufferers. Unlike carpet, which can harbor dust, mites, dander and other allergens, tile and other hard surface flooring are easier to keep clean and allergen free.

When considering purchasing new flooring, ceramic tile is a good choice if your budget permits and you are looking for a product that is easy to maintain and will not have to be replaced quickly. It can give you long lasting beauty and a focal point for your decorating scheme in your home.

-Rob

Dear Rob:

While browsing through flooring showrooms, we’ve seen a lot of unique tile patterns that we really like.  We’d prefer hardwood though, so I’m wondering if some of these patterns can be achieved with wood instead.

-Joan in Indiana

Dear Joan:

Hardwood flooring is a more versatile product than it’s given credit for. It doesn’t have to be laid in one direction only. In fact, it has many design options that can create a truly one of a kind look.

Design Options:

• Borders – borders are typically used to outline a room or the entire area that receives hardwood. Decorative borders are available for purchase or can be custom designed.
• Feature Strips – can be used to outline a room or to outline an area. For example, you can have an oak floor and create the look of a permanent area rug by outlining an area in a different, contrasting wood like mahogany or an exotic species. This allows you to use an exotic species without the cost associated with using it for the entire floor.
• Medallions – are often used to highlight a focal point of a room or an area. A medallion in the foyer or in the center of a room can be breathtaking. The good news is, there are plenty of patterns out there already created so all you have to do is choose one that inspires you rather than starting from scratch trying to design your own. A note of caution: keep furniture placement in mind when planning to use decorative medallions. You don’t want the medallion to end up being covered up with furniture or covered with an area rug where you can’t enjoy it.
• Diagonal – a simple hardwood pattern is to install the wood on the diagonal. A professional installer should be consulted first when considering this pattern to make sure that the pattern will not be “choppy” in any angled areas of the room.
• Inlays – hardwood inlays are a place to really get creative. Inlays can be murals, panorama or scenes of beautiful landscapes. If you do not grow tired of looking at a piece of art for years, a hardwood inlay may be for you.
• Herringbone – A herringbone pattern is an elegant, classic hardwood pattern this is a little more complicated than a diagonal pattern. It can be subtle or it can become the focal point of a room.
• Parquet –parquet flooring is a wood floor laid in a geometric pattern. Most people thing of gym floors when they think of a parquet floor, but there are some beautiful, updated designs available in parquet flooring.
• Custom Designs – if you have an artistic eye or want something unique that no one else has, you can create a custom designed border, feature strip pattern, installation pattern or medallion. With today’s technology, you can have almost any image you want integrated into your hardwood flooring.

Hardwood patterns are not for everyone, but if you are looking for a little something different, ask your retailer or installer about options for your space. There is a higher cost associated with patterns, but it can be well worth it in the end when you have a floor that stops traffic!

-Rob

Dear Rob:

I’m considering hardwood floors, but considering how they will cost, I’m worried that I’m going to have “buyer’s remorse” when everything is said and done. Can you please tell me more about the benefits of using hardwood flooring?

-Suzan in Colorado

Dear Suzan:

There are many benefits of hardwood flooring, and to many, its advantages far out weigh the few disadvantages. Hardwood is a financially a significant investment, but one that is often well worth it.

Hardwood is a long lasting and durable floor covering. You know when you purchase a hardwood floor that it will last as long as you live in the home and probably as last as long as the home does! Because they are so long lasting, hardwood floors can set the stage for the whole design scheme. It can be a great place to start the decorating process because it is a piece of the puzzle that will probably not change, unlike furniture and paint colors.

Despite their longevity, hardwood floors remain fairly versatile. When hardwood floors are sanded and refinished, you can take the opportunity to change the look of the floor by using a stain or changing your stain color to suite new decorating tastes. This option can change the whole look of your home. It is not an easy or inexpensive process, but it can give your floor a whole new look.

It doesn’t seem to matter what type of wood species you choose or what stain you choose to use, a hardwood floor always seems to make an area warm, rich and inviting. Even a light maple with a clear stain can make a contemporary setting warm and inviting.

Hardwood floors are one of the easiest floor coverings to maintain. As long as there are mats at each entrance to trap dirt before it reaches your floors, the floors are swept regularly and the right cleaners are used for stains and spills, maintaining a hardwood floor is a breeze.

There are many, many design choices when choosing hardwood flooring. You can get hardwood in a plank or a strip (narrow or wide), handscraped or traditional, pre-finished or site finished, beveled edges or non beveled, dark stains or light stains, warm stains or clear stains, species with a lot of grain or species with very little grain, character marks or smooth floors without character marks, etc. There is a hardwood floor choice for any design scheme.

Best of all, hardwood floors can also increase your homes value. Now that’s a real benefit!

If you are considering hardwood floors, keep these benefits in mind when comparing other types of floor covering. While these benefits may not suit your budget or your lifestyle and you may want to choose something else, those that do choose hardwood floors, are almost can guaranteed a long lasting, beautiful investment in their home.

-Rob

Dear Rob:

I want a floor that is really going to stand out – something unusual or exotic.  Can you help me out with some information about hardwood flooring beyond the normal oak?

-Ron in Arizona

Dear Ron:

These days, people don’t want to have what their neighbors have in their homes; they want something better, more unique, more original. This applies to choosing a hardwood floor. The question used to be, “What kind of oak floor do you want?  2 1/4 wide natural or 2 1/4 wide stained?” Now there are many more choices of species, stains and widths than ever before.

Exotic floors are constructed like domestic hardwoods and you have the choice of engineered, solid or acrylic impregnated. Style choices include strip, plank and parquet. Installation methods include gluing, nailing or stapling and floating. Multiple widths are available to help you get the look that you want.

When exotics were first introduced, you typically heard names like: Brazilian Cherry, African Wenge, Santos Mahogany, Sapele, Merbau, Bamboo, Australian Cypress, etc. Then, many others became available such as:

Cocobolo

Brazilian Olivewood

Brazilian Ebony

When choosing an exotic hardwood floor keep the following points in mind:

• It is best to ask questions to make sure that the species you choose is best for your living conditions.
• Some choices may have considerable range of color where no two boards look alike. This is part of the beauty of exotic flooring.
• A floor with a lot of range can easily become the focal point of a room or the whole area. Know this in advance before planning your design scheme.
• Sunlight can change the color of the wood so area rugs need to be rotated.
• When shopping, ask to take a sample home to view it in your surroundings, especially your lighting conditions.

There are choices of exotic hardwoods for every design style. Some woods look very traditional, some very contemporary and some live up to the image you think of when you hear the word exotic. Some are even purple in color!

If you want something different and unique, an exotic hardwood may be for you. If you appreciate true natural beauty, unique color ranges, the character of each board possible looking different, then ask your local flooring retailer for some samples today!

-Rob

P.S.  If you’re interested in checking out other types of exotic hardwood flooring, other species include:

Acacia”Koa”, Afrormosia, Afzelia, Amarettowood, AmberWood , Andiroba, Angelique, Angelim Pedra, Victorian, Bangkirai, Beech, European, Blackwood, Bloodwood, Bocote , Boire, Brushbox, Northern Bubinga, Cameron, Cherry (Caribbean, Mayan/Aztec, Patagonian), Chestnut (Brazilian and Southern), Cocobolo, Curupixa, Doussie, Ebony (Blackheart and Brazilian), Eucalyptus, Brazilian Gingerwood, Goncalo Alves, Green Ironwood, Ivory maple, Kambala, Karri , Kempas , Lacewood, Leopardwood, Makore, Maple (Brazilian and Patagonian), Mindi, Movingui, Tasmanian Oak, Brazilian Olivewood, Paraju, Peroba, Pradoo, Purpleheart, Ribbon Gum, Rosewood (Bolivian, Caribbean, Honduran, Patagonian, Tiete), Rubberwood, Satinwood, Shedu Mutenye, Spotted Gum, Sydney Blue, Tabaccowood, Tamarind, Teak (Brazilian, Brown, Ruby, True), Tigerwood, Walnut (Brazilian [Ipe], Caribbean, Mayan/Aztec, Patagonian, Peruvian) and Zebrawood.