Most creaks and squeaks are caused by wood rubbing on wood – it’s a simple mechanical problem of too much material stuck in too small of a space. Many Hardwood flooring manufactures use a natural, organic material that expands and contracts as temperatures and humidity levels change. If individual planks don’t have enough room to expand, they’re forced to fight for space with the neighboring planks. For this type of “side-to-side” creaking, powdered graphite can often used to lubricate the contact areas. Simply apply graphite powder generously over the squeaky seam, place a rag or towel over the area, and work the squeak over and over until the graphite powder penetrates and the sound becomes silent. This method may take a few applications. When you’re finished, clean up the excess graphite powder with a damp towel, and enjoy the silence.

Another, more difficult squeak is one which develops between the hardwood flooring plank and the wooden subfloor. It’s always a good idea to use a quality underlayment material during the installation to help reduce this issue. If an underlayment hasn’t been used, it may be necessary to nail of screw the squeaky areas more securely to the subfloor. If nailing, be sure to pre-drill the floor plank, but not the subfloor. Apply pressure to the plank while nailing, for the most secure fit. If using screws, pre-drilling planks is a MUST! This will help prevent cracking. Always use screws with square drive heads – common Phillips screws slip too easily. Be sure to lubricate the screw with a little soap or wax, apply pressure to the plank, and drive until the screw head sits just beneath the plank surface. Finish by applying wood filler over the screw head.

In addition to using an underlayment during install, it is important to leave at least ¼” between the wall and the first plank in each row. This extra space allows the wood to expand without obstruction. The small gap can easily be covered by a quarter round or decorative molding. Remember to follow manufacturer’s instructions to a T, and always consult with a licensed contractor before any DIY install.

Boston is a marketing specialist with QualityFlooring4Less a leader in
Hardwood Flooring.

Whenever confronted with such questions, we refer our customers to the results of a survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association. The organization surveyed real estate agents throughout the country, and found out that hardwood floors, among all flooring types, will help sell homes faster, and (probably) at a better price.

But this is hardly the toughest choice a customer has to make when installing new floors. Once decided that hardwood flooring makes the best choice for their homes, customers are faced with the challenge of selecting ‘the right’ type of hardwood floors.

A perusal on the Lumber Liquidators’ website, the nation’s largest hardwood retailer, reveals a wide selection of hardwood floors, all coming with different colors, qualities, and prices. We’ll take a look now at some of the most expensive (and beautiful) hardwood flooring tiles you can opt from to hopefully make your choice easier and help you through the process.

1. Zebra Wood – This is probably the most expensive hardwood floors in the world. It is an exotic wood with an appearance that resembles the striping of a zebra. The zebra wood was a favorite choice among the rich – it was used inside luxury cars such as Mercedes Benz, but also in Prada’s flagship store in Manhattan. However, eco-friends be warned – zebra wood comes from an endangered tree in West Africa, so choosing a rare wood, as the zebra wood, might have unwanted ecological consequences.

2. Wenge – It’s about the deep brown color, an almost black, which gives wenge a ‘vow’ effect, making it an instant hit among owners who want to give their homes personality and elegance at the same time. Wenge is a very hard, heavy, and durable wood. Wenge is an exotic wood, harvested in Central Africa, and although it’s not among endangered species, the product is rare and hence very, very expensive in the US.

3. Brazilian Walnut – It is also known as Ironwood, and it is the hardest wood in the world, with an unmatched 3,680 on the Janka scale. In addition to its hardness, the wood does very well in humid areas and it’s very resistant to pests. The Brazilian Walnut has beautiful chocolate color, which makes it a popular choice for both decking application and flooring.

Calin is a marketing professional with the Flooring Service Group, a leader in Atlanta hardwood flooring.

Is floor sanding and sealing really necessary? The answer is yes. If you want to know why there is a need to do routine floor sanding and sealing, here are some of the reasons:

The primary reason why it is a necessity is because it provides protection to your floor. Homes are considered to be a valuable investment that is why a lot of effort and money are put into it. You will only want the best quality in every aspect. If you want the wooden floors to retain its good and scratch-free condition then sanding and sealing are essential. By putting a protective layer, it prevents water from soaking to the floors. It saves the hassle of having to deal with molds and mildew later on.

In case you failed to do a routine maintenance, floor sanding and sealing is the way to regain the floor’s old shine and luster. In case the woods start to look dull and lose its shine due to constant scrubbing and cleaning, it is advisable to perform sanding and re-staining in order to restore its appearance or give it a new look.

Lastly, sanding could save you money in the long run. Wooden floors are subjected to regular wear and tear. It is only vital to check it on a regular basis and examine if repairs are needed. Among the common problems that you might encounter are loose planks and nails. Proper sanding could help prevent the situation from getting worse.

Just a piece of advice to homeowners, floor sanding is not recommended as a do-it-yourself task. It is recommended to seek the services of professionals that are trained and equipped with the right tools for this job.

Mia is a freelance content writer is also fond of traveling and outdoor adventures.

She is currently working on a gulvafslibning project and sees this as an opportunity to share information to readers about floor sanding.

While this earth-friendly and aesthetically appealing material is growing in popularity, not all consumers are totally familiar with engineered hardwoods.

So what are engineered hardwoods and how are they made?

Engineered wood flooring is made up of layers of wood that are glued together and cross layered.  The layers are comprised of thin pieces of plywood and the top surface is a wooden veneer that is readily available in practically any wood type.

And this is wear the eco-friendly aspect of engineered flooring comes in.

Because the material is made up of layers, the top layer of fine wood is much thinner than standard wood floors.  For consumers who want hardwood floors made of luxurious, rare or exotic woods, choosing engineered wood floors will help conserve the source of the wood.  According to Hosking Hardwood, for each square foot of solid three-quarter-inch hardwood that is manufactured, approximately four times the amount of engineered hardwoods can be made.  Because the floors are made of layers, they are great choice for flooring in areas that are prone to high moisture and humidity.

The manufacturing process of engineered hardwoods is usually done in one of two ways: sliced with a saw blade or rotary cut with a knife blade.  The finished product generally ranges between three and seven inch pieces and is sometimes available in thicker wear layer.  Contrary to popular belief, engineered hardwood floors can be resurfaced and have an average lifespan of 60-80 years.

Aside from the great finished look of the floors, the installation process can be fairly simple.  Because of the layered ply pieces, engineered hardwoods can be installed over a dry concrete surface or even on top of some existing flooring materials such as wood laminates or tile.  When installing engineering wood floors, it is vital to ensure that the moisture content does not exceed four percent.

Although it is made manufactured differently than hardwood flooring and the finished product is different, engineered hardwood floors adds the same value to your home as traditional hardwoods.  And, if you choose a rarer or exotic top layer, you may be adding more value than choosing a more common type of traditional hardwoods.

If you decided that engineered hardwood flooring is the right material for your home, make sure you find a retailer that gives you a variety of finishes and woods to choose from.  Many retailers offer different woods and even different finishes, such as the newly-popular hand-scraped look.  Hand-scraped hardwoods provide a rustic finish that really showcases the different grains and textures of the wood.

Before you decide on whether or not engineered hardwood floors are right for you, visit a flooring retailer and do some research.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  Making an informed decision and purchase will result in you being much happier with your finished product.

While carpet can very easily become stained, there are a few things that can be done to prevent heavy wear and tear of your carpet.  If your carpet is properly maintained, it will look great for many years.

Tip One: Look for colors and textures that will hide dirt or stains

If you have young kids, your carpet is going to get stained.  It is pretty much guaranteed.  If you’re in the market for new carpet and are looking for ways to keep it looking fresh, try to avoid light colors and carpets without any texture.  Try finding an off-white shade (beige, creamy-colors, sand and other neutrals) that will hide dirt and stains.  Of course, the darker the color, the better it will hide most stains.  Berber carpets and other textured materials also do a great job of hiding common stains such as juice, crayons or markers and certain food spills.

Tip Two: Try to avoid putting carpet in high traffic areas if possible

In order to avoid heavy foot traffic and stains, avoid having carpet in high traffic areas.  Try not to have carpet installed by door entries, especially by the front door, where many feet (oftentimes with dirt, mud and wet shoes) come and go.  Carpet is great for bedrooms, because it is warm and cozy, and not much of your time in spent on the floor.

Tip Three: Look for carpet that is stain resistant

We’ve all heard of those amazing carpets that are stain resistant, and the truth is, they really work.  While they may cost you a bit more money up front, it will pay for itself in the long run.  Stain resistant carpets are great in living rooms, kid’s rooms and rooms where much of your time is spent.  Find a good carpet cleaner and keep it handy for those accidents that are sure to happen.

Tip Four: Vacuum your carpet regularly

The more you vacuum your carpet, the better it will look.  Vacuuming your carpet removes dirt and helps reduce the affects of foot traffic.  It also helps remove allergens and reduce the dullness of the carpet.  Vacuuming your carpet regularly is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your carpet continues to look great year round.

Tip Five: Use area rugs

Somewhere along the way, it was said that you can’t put an area rug on carpet.  But why not?  Adding an area rug to your carpet will add focal points, create texture and add warmth to the area.  To keep the carpet underneath the rug looking nice, be sure to move the rug and vacuum the carpet often.

Tip Six: Have guests remove their shoes

You may feel like this is rude, but turn the tables for a moment.  If you were at guest at someone’s home and they asked you to remove your shoes, would it bother you?  Odds are, probably not.  Having guests remove their shoes at your door will reduce the dirt brought in to your home.  To sweeten the deal, keep a nice basket full of cozy slippers or fun flip flops for your guests to replace their shoes with.  It will be a nice way of making sure your carpet stays clean.

Tip Seven: Have your carpet professionally cleaned often

No matter what you do, your carpet is going to need to be cleaned at some point.  Paying a little extra to have a professional cleaner come in and do the job will extend the lifespan of your carpet.  Do a little online research and find a reputable cleaner in your area with good reviews.  You can also rent a steam cleaner from a local hardware store and do the job yourself.  You’ll appreciate the look of your carpet once the work is done.

While money may not be flowing in right now, some consumers see this downward economy as an opportunity to make a purchase when other consumers aren’t.  This tactic could give you a bit of wiggle room and act as a pretty good bargaining tool when shopping for products.

Consumers who are taking advantage of the dip in the economic climate and are looking to purchase new flooring materials may also be toying with the notion of installing the new floors on their own.  While many consumers are fully capable of installing new floors and have done it many times throughout their lives, some homeowners may be in over their heads if they try to tackle this job alone.

Installing new flooring, weather it’s carpet, tile, wood or laminate is something that you want to make sure you do right the first time.  Improperly installing floors is only going to make the process more difficult and cost you more money in the long run.

Anytime you purchase new floors, talk to the sales associate and see what specials they are offering.  Oftentimes sales people will throw in installation for free if you meet the minimum purchase price for the materials.  Some stores run specials on installation, and it is always a good idea to ask.  Don’t be afraid to use your bargaining and negotiating skills.  Sales associates and managers have more wiggle room than they lead on.

If you can’t seem to find a cheap installation price, or you’re determined to install the floor yourself, there are a few things you will need to do before you begin. Before you get started, running out to the book store and buying a book on floor installation (aimed at the material you are installing) can be a life saver.  Installation books will tell you what tools you need, how long the process will take, and give you a step-by-step guide to properly installing floors.  Laying carpet and tile will most likely require tools you may not own, such as a knee kicker or a tile cutter or tile saw, which you can rent or purchase from local hardware and home improvement stores.

Different flooring materials will obviously require different installation techniques.  Tile will need to be cut and installed on a clean surface.  While it is usually laid on subflooring – otherwise known as plywood – there is mortar available at your local hardware store that allows you to install tile on top of tile which can save you the hassle of ripping up the existing tile before installing the new material.

Always remember to take your time and use your best discretion.  If you just are not a handyman or handywoman, you may want to seek out some help from a friend or family member who has experience with installing new floors.  You’ll be much happier with a clean, properly installed finished product than a new floor that doesn’t look professionally installed.

There are many factors to consider when you’re in the market for new floors.  One of the most important things to remember is that finding the right flooring material to meet your needs is vital if you want to be happy with the finished product.  While there are many different types of floors available to you, not all materials are going to provide you with what you’re looking for.

Here are a few things to consider when you are shopping around for the perfect flooring product.

Tip Number One: If you have kids, look for kid friendly floors

If you have young children in your home, it is important to remember that, although they are adorable, they are going to make messes.  And lots of them.

But just because you know your little angels are going to wreak havoc on your home doesn’t mean you can’t have the floors you really want.  There are many kid safe flooring materials out there that you can choose from.

If carpet is at the top of your list (which is a great flooring choice to have in kids’ rooms since the majority of their play time is spent on the floor) look for a durable carpet that cleans easily.  Stainmaster carpets have always done well and are great for small children.

If you would rather have wood floors but are afraid of the maintenance and possible damage from your kids spilling liquids, wood laminate floors may be the perfect alternative.  Laminate is available in many different colors and wood looks.  It is easy to maintain and a breeze to clean.

If carpet and wood or wood laminate don’t seem like the right choice for your home, there are other materials available that work well with kids, including tile, vinyl and eco-friendly options like concrete and cork.  Tile is great for clean-ups and is fairly durable.  Although concrete can definitely jazz up a space and is extremely durable, it is obviously very hard and may not be a great choice if you have small children who tend to play a lot in the house.

Tip Number Two: Do your homework

Before you head out to the store to look for your new floors, spend a little time online doing your research.  Make a list of what you want in flooring materials and look for the best match.  New flooring options are emerging everyday and unconventional flooring products are becoming more and more popular in homes and businesses.

Find out what your options are before you make a blind choice.  If you are well informed before you head out to make a purchase, you will be much happier with your overall finished product.

Tip Number Three: Beware of maintenance

If you aren’t the kind of person who likes to clean or who likes to maintain things, there are certain flooring products you just aren’t going to like.  Keep in mind that all floors require some type of maintenance, whether it is regular cleaning or sealing, but some floors require more treatment than others.  When you are researching flooring choices, be sure to look up what is required to maintain the floors once they are installed.  You can always talk to a sales associate at a local home improvement or flooring store for additional advice.

Now that you are armed with facts and information, head out to the stores and find the right product for your home.  Remember, it’s not important what the sales associate, your neighbor or your mother-in-law wants you to get.  Choosing the right floors for you is what’s most important throughout the process.

If you are looking for a new flooring material for a home gym, an upgrade to your personally owned public gym, or even a new flooring material for a garage or outdoor deck, rubber mats, like the kind available through Treadall, are a great product that will meet your needs.

The mats are extremely functional and stylish – they are available in a variety of colors – adding a nice focal point and atmosphere to any gym. The thick rubber is comfortable and great for dropping free weights and barbells down without causing a noise disturbance. The mats are also great for yoga and ab workouts, as they are thicker than most other gym floor surfaces. Using a yoga mat is still recommended to reduce the risk of injury.

Although there are gym flooring materials out there that are incredibly difficult to install, rubber mats from Treadall, are as easy to put down as they are to look at. The most difficult part of the installation process for the rubber mats is moving them around to where you want them; each mat weighs about 40 pounds and they are a bit awkward to move because of the size of each mat. They are available in different sizes; some mats are 4-feet by 4-feet. Laying the rubber mats out can be a one person job, but the process will go much smoother if at least two people are able to complete the process. You will want help getting the mats where you want them.

The mats have different edged pieces that resemble puzzled pieces. It is important to line up the mats and figure out where each piece goes; certain mats have straight edged pieces that will lay against a wall. This is important because once the mats are down, they will appear to be a seamless. The finished product will look like one large area of flooring, rather than various individual pieces.

Keeping the mats clean is very easy. Removing dirt is as simple as picking up a broom or a vacuum and doing a little cleaning. The surface is smooth, although it appears to the naked eye to be textured, and wipes clean without any issues.

Rubber mats are extremely versatile and heavy duty. Whether you’re renovating a home or public gym, or you want a nice update to an outdoor area or garage, rubber mats won’t disappoint. They will provide a great, functional final product.

There is a wide variety of materials that can be used for flooring. Choosing a material that fits your needs is key to being happy with your choice. If you are looking for a flooring surface that is easy on the planet, there are a few options available to you that may be just what you are looking for.

Recycled flooring is becoming more and more popular with environmentally conscious consumers. A newer product that has been gaining popularity is carpet that is made from recycled plastic bottles. According to toolbasee.org, over five billion pounds of carpet is replaced each year in the U.S. alone. Consumers now have the option of replacing that carpet with carpet made from post-consumer recycled waste. The carpet has a very similar look and feel as standard carpet, which is made from nylon, polyester and a material called olefin.

Another beautiful and eco-friendly product that you can use in your home is bamboo. Growing bamboo is extremely easy, requires very little maintenance, is renewable and uses very little if any pesticides. Bamboo makes for a great flooring material as it is durable and gives the same look and feel of conventional wood floors. According to an article posted on the DIY website, some producers use formaldehyde to bind the material together, so checking the company standards and practices is a good idea before making a purchase.

While concrete requires a lot of energy to produce, its longevity and easy-to-maintain qualities make it a fairly eco-friendly material for floors. Concrete is becoming more and more popular for homes. There is a wide variety of paints, stains and coloration techniques that can be applied to a surface that makes the concrete resemble other natural surfaces. Another plus of the material is that it does not release any VOCs. It is also a sturdy surface that does not trap mold and cause health and allergy issues.

Rammed earth is a flooring technique that has been around for ages and is gaining more recent attention because of its eco-friendly qualities. Rammed earth is given its name from the process by which it is made. By mixing dirt, water and a stabilizing agent, the material is formed. It is then laid out and literally rammed until it has hardened. Although rammed earth floors are not as sturdy as concrete, it is a fairly durable product that is easy to clean, maintain and repair. Due to the low energy required to produce the material and the longevity of the finished product, rammed earth floors are considered to be one of the most eco-friendly floors on the market.

Whether you want carpet or a hard-surfaced material for your home floors, choosing an eco-friendly alternative is becoming easier and much more popular among consumers. Before you make a purchase, consider making a list of what your needs are and comparing it to a list of what each flooring material produces. Finding the right material for your home will make your purchase much more pleasant. And if you are able to add an eco-friendly material to your home, the planet will be a healthier, happier place.

Although the list of available flooring materials is a lengthy one, there are a few tips you may want to know before updating or adding new floors in your house or business. Following these few tips may save you precious time, and most of all, precious money.

Tip Number One-Avoid Putting Carpet in a Bathroom

This first tip might sound obvious to you, but you’d be surprised at how many newer homes are being built and how many homes are being remodeled that have carpet installed in the bathrooms. What may sound like a dated practice is yet again rearing its ugly head to keep costs down. The problem with carpet in a bathroom is that, well, it gets wet and stays wet most of the time. This can cause odor, discoloration and the dreaded mold. Once mold starts growing, the carpet, padding and oftentimes subflooring will have to be replaced. If the mold grows on the walls, you’re looking at a massive (and expensive) repair. Save yourself a headache and hit to the wallet and always use a material that can tolerate constant moisture (ceramic tile is still a personal favorite).

Tip Number Two-Don’t Skip the Wood Floor Treatments

Wood floors are an investment that can increase the price of your home and give your home a warm and pleasing atmosphere. While wood floors are beautiful and a great additional to a home, maintaining the look and quality of the floors is essential. There are many different treatments available for all types of wood flooring. Find a treatment that works best for your needs and apply it as directed. This may sound inconvenient, but it will save you a lot of time and money in the future.

Tip Number Three-Be Sure to Seal Your Tile

Laying tile is a fairly easy process that many home owners do themselves. One mistake that many people make is not sealing the tile once it has been installed. The sealant acts as a protective layer that gives the tile a safety shield against staining, cracks and damage. Sealing the tile also makes cleaning a breeze. The grout of unsealed tile often turns black and is very difficult to clean. Adding the sealant keeps your tile clean and saves your body from a tough workout.

Tip Number Four-Have Carpet Professionally Cleaned

If you have carpet in your home, it’s a good idea to either call in a professional cleaning company or rent a steam cleaner once in a while. Keeping your carpets clean will increase the longevity of the floors and save you money in the long run. If you can’t afford to pay a company to come in and clean your carpets, many home improvement stores rent out steam cleaners to the general public for a reasonable price. How often you clean will depend on how much traffic your carpet gets. Find a cleaner or rental service you like and stick with it. Your carpet will look better and your wallet will be happy.