Question:
Is tile or laminate better for resale value of a beach house?

Answer:
Tile is always a great choice for any home as it is considered a “permanent floor” thus increasing the value of the home.  Also, considering that a beach house is going to deal with above average moisture and salt due to the water and air, you’ll want to go with a floor that is designed to handle the challenges of a beach environment. Laminates are very nice; though not quite as permanent and will not hold up as well to constant moisture as tile will.   Go with the tile, the price point is a little higher to begin with but you can consider it a worth-while investment in the long run.

Question:
The carpet in our current house is not great, but not terrible either.  We’ve had it professionally cleaned, but is worn with some imperfections around vents, banister, hallways, etc.  Our plan is that we are hoping to put our house on the market within the next 12 months.  If we replace the carpet now will we be very likely to recoup that money in resale value in a year?

Answer:
There are many different things to consider here: on the one hand the smell and look of new carpet will definitely show your house better and eliminate another reminder that folks aren’t looking at a new house.  However, some buyers may have their own remodeling plans, or they may think they will tear out the carpet and replace it with wood or tile.   The best rule of thumb is that in a tough housing market the issue is not so much recovering your money, but rather, making any kind of sale.  Anything you can do to make your house show will is critical.  Cheap carpet will show as cheap carpet, sort of like new tires on a used car.  It’s a quick fix, and may make people wonder if you’re hiding something.

I’d recommend that if your carpet is worn out enough to warrant replacement that you go with middle-range quality carpet, not the cheap stuff.    Another thing to consider is the color.  Most real estate agents recommend lighter, neutral colors for carpeting.   Cream color, light taupe, and soft brown are popular colors for resale homes.   If your current carpet is too bold or dark a color you may also benefit from carpet replacement.

Contact Carpet Wagon to schedule a personalized appointment in your home.  We’d love to help you with all your flooring questions and needs.

[ image by Skagman ]

Question:
I’ve recently re-done all the tiles on my kitchen floor.  I want to make sure that all my hard work lasts as long as possible, so I’m concerned with keeping the floor as nice as possible for as long as possible.  I’ve looked into putting a sealant on the floor.   How do you seal new ceramic tile floors? Do you seal only the grout or the whole tile and grout?

Answer:
First of all, congrats on finishing your new kitchen tile floor!   I’m sure that it was a lot of hard work, but now you can sit back and admire your new floor for years to come.   You are right to be concerned about keeping the floor as nice as possible.  However, I have good news for you!  It isn’t necessary to seal the surface of a tile floor, just the grout.

Here’s how you do it: first off, make sure the tile and grout are clean and dry.  The caulking and sealing products will not stick to soap scum very well. After the grout is completely dry (wait about three to five days), seal the grout with a silicone grout sealer. These products are available at your tile supplier. The grout needs to be sealed, as it can and will absorb water. Remember, grout is nothing more than fine cement. The sealers also help to keep the tile grout clean. Reseal the grout every six months, after thoroughly cleaning the grout.

[ Image by MrVJTod ]

Question:
What is the best way to clean hardwood floors?   I own a house that was built in 1912 and it still has the original hardwood floors in it.  We often throw parties and have lots of children over to play with our kids, and in the last few years I’ve noticed that the clear finish has flaked off in quite a few places.   Another thing to consider: I’ve got pets, so I’m concerned about finding a floor cleaner that is non toxic and safe for animals and humans.

Answer:
It sounds like you’ve got a couple of issues to going on here.  First, finding a quality and non-toxic cleaning solution for your hard worn floors, and second, dealing with your worn finishes.

One cleaning agent I recommend is “Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner”.  Bona is an excellent choice as it is non toxic and inexpensive.   A simple vinegar and water solution also remains a good option.  Simply mix half a cup of white vinegar to one gallon of warm water.    Make sure never to saturate the wood floor with water, a slightly damp mop is all that is needed.

The other issue is that of your worn finish.   To be honest, having original floors built in 1912, you’re not likely to see a significant improvement in the appearance even with vigorous cleaning.   I would recommend that you look into getting your floor refinished.  You can hire a professional or do it yourself.   Refinishing requires sanding down all the remaining varnish and the worn out top top layer of wood, and re-staining or varnishing the wood.  It’s a messy job, but can be done with the right equipment and enough time.

If your wood floor is damaged beyond a basic refinishing, you’ll need to look at options for replacing your wood floor.  After almost 100 years I wouldn’t be surprised if you might benefit from a new wood floor.

Feel free to contact us at Carpet Wagon for further tips, free estimates at your home, and recommendations for refinishing floors!

[Photo by ShawnHenning]

Today, a friend of Carpet Wagon is going to come a little bit of the woodwork, so to speak, and share some of her personal experiences about being a first time homeowner.

My husband and I are new first-time homeowners, and really excited about the prospect of decorating and making our home cosy and inviting.  One easy way to do that?  Paint!

Our home had been a rental property for decades before we bought it – and the previous tenants had painted the bedrooms dark green.  Nice color for some, but not for us.  The common areas are all plain white.   Time to grab some paint swatches!

While “going green” isn’t our style in paint color, it is our style for the environment.   The airborne chemicals released during painting, after the paint is dry, and as paint is removed, fall into a category of pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—potentially carcinogenic carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily and contribute to indoor air pollution.  Harmful compounds in the VOC category range from formaldehyde to pesticides to cleaning chemicals.  They can be up to ten times more concentrated indoors than outdoors.  However, VOCs contribute significantly to air pollution out of doors as well.  VOCs are released in the highest concentrations during paint application, but most paint will continue to emit harmful fumes for years afterwards.

Companies are on the move to make paint with little or no VOC’s.  Check the label at your local paint store to find an eco-friendly paint.

Now, about color – I’m thinking taupe…

[photo by Diana Parkhouse]

Though rugs are probably the oldest known floor covering, they continue to be new in their design.  A good area rug provides a new and do-it-yourself makeovers, instantly! Area rugs are as diverse as they are versatile: knotted, woven, hooked or braided, machine-made or hand-tufted, synthetic or natural fibers, with looks and designs running from traditional to contemporary to modern, Oriental to abstract to floral and subtle to bold.

As with today’s rule that things don’t have to match, neither do rugs. Rugs let you be creative, personally contemporary, by mixing elements of your décor and the elements of the rug and thus create custom, individual looks.

Or even better, you can think of rugs as part of your home’s “wardrobe.”  Some can be changed seasonally. Some rolled out for special occasions or switched to other rooms. Others can be keepsakes to share with the family and to hand down.  What’s important to remember about rugs, new or old, using your creativity always presents a new opportunity for your rug to play a new role as you begin your home makeover.

Excerpted from Fabulous Floors Magazine, Winter 2011.

[image by psyberartist]

Question:
How do I remove glue from vinyl flooring? I have recently had new vinyl linoleum flooring put down in my kitchen. They secured the flooring using glue, but I’m not sure what type of glue.  Unfortunately, some of the glue has been walked onto the flooring. We have been advised not to use chemicals or abrasives on the flooring. We have tried normal soap and water to no avail.   Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Answer:
Good question!  Glue on the floor is really annoying, but there are lots of things you can try to remove the glue.

To remove adhesive from your vinyl flooring, you may want to try simple cooking oil.  This is the same concept as removing chewing gum from a little one’s hair using peanut butter.  Bar Keepers Friend is also worth a try.  It’s non abrasive, but make sure you try it in a small corner area with a soft cloth.   As a last resort you could try mineral spirits (used in turpentine and paint thinner).  However, please make sure you don’t pour this directly onto your vinyl floor.   Simply pour a bit on a cloth and test in small area as well. I’ve seen installers remove excess adhesive from hardwood with mineral spirits without damaging the floor at all.

[photo by LittleRedCera]

Today, a friend of Carpet Wagon is going to come a little bit of the woodwork, so to speak, and share some of her personal experiences about being a first time homeowner.

As I told you last week, my husband and I are new, first time homeowners.   It’s a cute little bungalow, with three bedrooms and two baths.   Our “new” home was built in 1908, so it’s over 100 years old!    Our home is in an up and coming neighborhood, and it’s a perfect starter home.

The three bedrooms have carpet in them, with wood floors underneath.   We’re going to rip up the carpet in the bedrooms, and after some help, we’ll have beautiful wood floors there.

The main areas of the house are another story though.  The floors of the hallways, living room, dining room, and kitchen areas are covered with large white ceramic tiling.  Now don’t get me wrong, tile is a great option for floor coverings, especially high traffic areas like hallways and kitchens, however this particular tile has a distinct hospital feeling to it.  The house was previously used as a rental property – so I can see why the last owners put in the tile – it’s extremely hard-wearing and durable. But not very cozy or warm.  Not really appropriate in a small family home.

Even if we replace the tile with other tile, we could put in a stone floor, with a great warm color.  Stone also is extremely durable and versatile, just like tile.

Or maybe we’ll go with a laminate flooring.  It’s not the laminate flooring of your grandparents age – laminate has gone high tech!   Plus with high res imaging, you can choose exactly what you want your flooring to look like – stone, wood, tile, you name it!

What are some of your favorite flooring looks?

[photo by Diana Parkhouse]

Today, a friend of Carpet Wagon is going to come a little bit out of the woodwork, so to speak, and share some of her personal experiences about being a first time homeowner.

My husband and I just became first time homeowners.  We’d heard all these crazy stories about how stressful escrow can be, and I won’t lie to you, it was truly nail-biting at times.

Our new house has really good bones, so to speak, but it’s been a rental house for decades before we bought it – so it definitely needs a little bit of TLC.  New floors, fresh paint, new kitchen cabinets, and some beautiful outdoor landscaping are all on our “short list” of things we want to tackle.  To be honest, we’re a little nervous about suddenly being the sole people responsible to make all those little (or big!) repairs that may come up in the near or distant future.

First up, what I’d love to tackle is the floors!   The bedrooms all have carpet in them, but it’s not in the best shape.  Actually – it’s horrid.  But part of what attracted me to the house is that I know that there are wood floors lurking under that threadbare carpet.  I’ve helped friends pull up carpet before – so I know it only take a few strong arms and some determination – but what do we do beyond that?   I’m tempted to see if we can sand and refinish the floors under the carpet all by ourselves – but I’m also aware that it might be a bigger and more complicated job than we can deal with ourselves.

Stay tuned with us here in the next few weeks and months as I share our experiences of being new homeowners and all the fun adventures that ensue!

[photo by Diana Parkhouse]

Question:
I am having a house built, and trying to find out what is more economical and durable, carpet, tile or wood flooring?  Do you recommend any brand over another?

Answer:
There are many great brands and types of flooring.  If you are going strictly for price – then carpet is probably your best choice, as it tends to be the most economical.  However, you’ll get more durability from tile and hardwood flooring.

You say you’re building a new home… you may want to consider a combination of at least two or three different types of flooring, depending upon the floor plan and the functions of the rooms.  We’ve all heard the phrase “Wall-to-Wall Carpeting”, but in reality – do you really want carpet in your bathrooms or entryway where the constant moisture or heavy traffic can permanently damage carpet?   As a general rule, carpet is more desirable in bedrooms, and often family rooms as well, while tile, stone or hardwoods do better in heavily used areas such as the kitchen, dining and entryway areas.   Also something to consider: the more formal the room the more you may want to consider the timeless elegance of hardwood flooring.

Some of the best brands to look for in flooring are Mohawk, Mannington, Bruce, Armstrong, Pergo, Milliken, and just to name a few.  Carpet Wagon carries all these brands plus many more.

[photo by Nancy Hugo]

There are two basic types of tile, ceramic and porcelain. They’re actually cousins with very different attributes.  Ceramic tile is defined broadly as a formed and baked clay product, usually finished with a decorative glass glazed surface. The technique has been in use for thousands of years. Porcelain tiles are a modernized version, typically made from different, denser clay materials and baked at very high temperatures and lower water absorption rates than traditional ceramic tile, making them tougher and generally frost resistant, though not always. There also are some non-porcelain tiles that can be used in freeze-thaw environments. There are both glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles. Some people favor glazed versions, stating that they are a tad easier to clean. Others say porcelain tiles may be more slip resistant.

Much of today’s ceramic and porcelain tile offerings are designed with the look and feel of natural stone in mind, and along with that color and textures which further expand your design-ability with tile. As you explore “your look,” check the tile to see what the shade variation is. It can be a consistent color yet with shade and texture variations from low to very high.

If green, or environmental responsibility, is an issue, tile can fit the bill, and in the way YOU define it. First, most ceramic tile is made of natural materials, like clay and silica for the glass glazing. It is easy to clean and keep healthy, making tile a longstanding choice in medical facilities. And top name manufacturers are adding increasing amounts of recycled content to their ceramic and glass tile products.

Excerpted from Fabulous Floors Magazine, Winter 2011.

[image by dlkinney]