Concrete flooring has become a more popular flooring material used in businesses and residential homes.  According to the website Toolbase.org, “concrete flooring lasts longer than most other floors and can withstand much abuse without damaging its look,” and it “is relatively inexpensive.”

The use of concrete dates back as far as 12 million BC when a spontaneous combustion caused a reaction to occur between limestone and shale that created concrete compounds.  As the years passed, ancient civilizations further developed the use of concrete in building, but the art of it was lost with the fall of the Roman Empire.  Some 1200 years later, concrete emerged again and has been used for various building projects ever since.  Today, there are few structures that have been built without the use of concrete (Auburn.edu).

For some, having concrete floors in their home may sound very odd.  Concrete as a flooring surface in the home may be thought of as cold, loud, hard and dusty.  While it may not be as cozy or warm as plush carpeting, there are various techniques and decorative finishes that are used to completely change the appearance of standard concrete and make maintenance quick and painless.

While altering the coloring of an existing surface can be achieved through chemical staining, the results are not always predictable due to weathering, exposure to other chemicals and natural processes that occur when mixing the stain.  Waxes or sealants are recommended for chemical staining and will usually bring out the full color and potential of the stained surface.  A simple one color stain can be easily completed with great success, but when complex or more artistic designs are desired, it is beneficial to find a skilled person to do the job.  When done correctly, concrete surfaces can resemble other natural materials such as granite or marble at a cheaper cost (toolbase.org).

Stamping concrete slabs is another great way to achieve a more realistic look to the surface.  According to the website Concrete.org, “stamping, which can be used for both interior and exterior concrete surfaces, has literally made a big impression over the last several decades.”  The design is achieved through templates or textured mats and has grown to a highly advanced stage.  Surfaces can resemble wood, water, stone, brick, marble and any other imaginable design.

For an alternative to ceramic tile, Toolbase.org lists a technique called scoring, which gives a concrete slab the appearance of tile with a much more durable surface.  Shallow cuts are made into the surface of the concrete and can be made to resemble grout lines.  More intricate designs and patterns can also be cut into the slab and made more prevalent by changing the color of the design element.

Colored hardeners or exposed aggregates can also be used to change the appearance of concrete.  Cement.org states that “exposed aggregate uses the texture of the rock or stone in the concrete to embellish the surface.”  This is a popular technique that can be done by three different methods.  Colored hardeners will create a harder surface and intensify the hue or pigment of the colors used.

Although easy to maintain and aesthetically pleasing, there are a few drawbacks to having concrete floors in a home.  Toolbase.org says that concrete is colder than other traditional flooring materials, holds a higher risk for falling objects shattering, the deflection of sound and a higher injury risk when small children are in the home.  A good alternative to most of these issues is the use of area rugs in high traffic rooms.

While the above mentioned techniques are the more popular ways to alter the appearance of concrete surfaces, there are still other methods that can be used in order to achieve the desired look.  Consult a local home improvement store or visit one of the following sites for more information on concrete floors:

http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Decks-Patios-Fences/concrete-floor-finishes

http://www.cement.org/decorative/floors.asp

Attempting to sell an older house that has not been updated and has been on the market for a long length of time without any bites may mean that an update to the flooring of the home is needed. While many sellers may not want to drop a large amount of money into a home they are trying to sell, updating the house will give sellers more bang for their buck.

When house hunters are searching for their next home, a house with wood floors will always stand out in their minds when thinking back on potential homes they could buy. Although hard wood flooring can be very expensive, it will be worth the money you invest into the new product. Keep in mind that wood floors can be high maintenance and high cost. They will need to be resurfaced occasionally and you will have to be mindful of spills. This could be a red flag to potential buyers, or it could deter you from updating your home for your own use.

A great alternative to real wood floors is wood laminate flooring. When trying to sell your home, more finicky buyers may not be impressed with laminate floors. They may feel it is a cheap alternative to the real thing. Even though they are not the same as real wood, an average buyer will still enjoy the look and feel of the laminate flooring. It is hard to tell a difference in the look of high quality laminate flooring versus real wood flooring, but it is not difficult to tell a difference in price. Laminate is a much cheaper alternative to hard wood.

Laminate flooring has many advantages for a home. It is durable, easy to maintain and will not cost as much as traditional hard wood flooring. Quality laminate flooring can be found at less than one dollar per square foot at almost any neighborhood home repair store. Completely renovating an area of around 1500 square feet will be economical and give the home a total transformation. If you are concerned with keeping dust and dirt off the floors, a large area rug in high traffic rooms will work as a great way to keep the dirt down. If you are updating your home but not selling, laminate is a great choice if you have kids or pets

Keep in mind that it is not a rule that all flooring in the home needs to be the same. It is recommended that tile be placed in bathrooms and kitchens, as it is guaranteed to get wet. Ceramic tile will not be damaged by liquids and it is easy to clean. On the same note, having carpeting in bedrooms can be beneficial especially in northern states and if you have children. You can even add wood or laminate flooring to one room if you do not want to spend as much money. Placing it in the main sitting or living areas of the home is a great way to give the house warmth and elegance.

While wood and wood laminate flooring are probably the most highly sought after types of flooring for consumers, there are other choices that may better serve your needs. From carpeting to concrete, the possibilities are endless.

It is important to determine what your goals are for the floors in your home. Consider how long you plan to live in the home, whether or not you will frequently have children or pets in the home and how much money you want to invest in the project. Make a list of what is important to you when it comes to new floors and try to find the right material that will meet most of those needs.

The right floors for you are out there. Take a little time to do some research before you jump into a purchase you may regret. Consult professionals and voice your questions or concerns and you will find the best choice that will meet your needs.

With the unique design created with these wood parquet floorings, many homeowners are beginning to like investing in them.

Wood parquet flooring is considered an art with the objective of creating another type of geometric figure for design. The process of combining the pieces together can be done manually or through the use of a machine intended for such purpose. The process is similar to the installation of tile flooring. It only differs in the materials used since parquet flooring uses soft wood.

Installation is simple if you know the proper procedures. But if you think you can’t do it, it is advisable to hire skilled worker who can install it for you, so you will not waste money and time.

Once the wood parquet flooring is installed properly, inspect it thoroughly and ensure that there are no gaps in any of the surface. Gaps can cause warping in the future. It is also important that you must learn how to take care of your investment to prevent it from any damage.

Just like in any wood flooring, avoid any liquid in the surface of the parquet. If there are any spills, wipe the liquid immediately with a slightly damp cloth or mop. Avoid dragging any objects or furniture on the floor because it will leave serious scratches and might even peel off the finish.

Cleaning this type of flooring is quite easy with proper floor polisher and cotton cloth. Make sure to use cleaning solutions exclusively made for wood floorings. Using any cleaning solution not intended for wood flooring might cause stains and damage, due to chemical reactions. Regularly remove dirt and dust to maintain the smooth surface of the parquet as well as make it always look new.

When using a vacuum cleaner, be careful not to over do it, because it will wear out the finish.

Should there be any noticeable scratches on your parquet floors you can use touch up sticks usually made of wax to match the color of the scratched areas. Use a putty knife to remove any excess then buff the treated area.

You can also use markers that contain wood stain which you can purchase in your local hardware. These markers can be used to cure scratches in any area of your wood parquet flooring.

If there is severe damage with your parquet flooring, you can treat the area on your own. Use a masking tape surrounding the damaged area, and then use a fine sand paper and sand off the damaged portion. After sanding, re-stain the area and apply a new finish. Buff the affected portion until you are satisfied with the result.

True hardwood flooring has many grain marks that are original and unique. Laminate flooring has many of the same markings and looks just like the real thing.

Hardwood flooring needs continuous maintenance. You need to keep it clean, keep things that can scratch it off of it, and you will need to protect it with coatings when needed. It is expensive to maintain! Laminate flooring is much easier to take care of. You simply need a wet mop to clean it up and while you won’t use chemicals on it, you don’t have to take care not to scratch it as much. It is much more resistant to damage.

Hardwood flooring that is laid correctly will last a lifetime. Laminate flooring will probably last just as long if not longer.

Laminate flooring is much less expensive than hardwoods that can cost you ten times as much as laminates.

Both can be stained in the colors that you want them to be. They can both be protected with special layers of protective coatings that will keep them looking beautiful and lasting a long time.

Laminate flooring to be used regularly, as with true hardwood floors, you will need to take special precautions to make sure that they are not damaged. Water can even damage many hardwoods.

When you are considering the purchase of laminates, make sure to look at the value that it offers to a home. Many love the look of hardwood and the no nonsense trouble that laminates afford. Which is your choice?

By: Sandy Baker

A lot of thinking has to be done before making your choices. Some of the factors that you have to keep in mind are:-

1. The size of the room/ building.
2. The color scheme of the walls.
3. The purpose of the rooms.
4. Your budget.
5. Maintenance.
6. The climate and other natural conditions of the place you live in.
7. Transportation availability and costs.

Once you have all these points considered, you can make your final pick. Marble has been the choice of many for ages. It’s white and gives a royal look. This type of flooring can be done in homes where the rooms are large and you have enough man power to maintain it. Marble needs to be polished once in two three years to maintain the shine. It is not advisable in homes where there are elderly people as there is a small chance they may slip and fall.

The other royal flooring which is black in color is granite. This is also for those buildings and homes where the rooms are big. If used in a small room it may give it a very small and stuffy look. Don’t forget to check the water in your area before opting for granite. As it is black in color if the floor is mopped with salt water there will be salt deposits which is clearly visible.

Going for tiles has been the choice of many. It is simple to maintain, is cost effective and pretty easy to replace as well. Another big advantage that tiles have is that you can pick and choose any color that you want. They come in all sorts of finishes suitable for your wet floors and dry floors. If you want to have tiles for convenience but love wood, there is no problem as there are tiles which look just like wood.

Seeing and being around nature is a rare sight. So if you want your home to be eco friendly you can always go for wood flooring. They are slightly tough to maintain and you will have to keep getting them varnished at regular intervals. They can be replaced with ease and you can feel nature right under your feet everyday every time.
Mosaic flooring has been around for ages. It is the most effective flooring for buildings where you have a lot of movement and less of maintenance. All it needs is to be polished once in a while and it will be as good as new. Mosaic is not recommended for homes where you have dogs as pets. The flooring is best suited for those who need a maintenance free floor.

KENNESAW, Ga.—December 21, 2007—On Saturday, December 22, the Stanford and Texas Tech men’s basketball teams will compete in the annual O’Reilly Christmas Classic basketball game taking place in the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. This year, however, the game is sponsored in part by local retailer Peek’s Carpet and Tile, a Wear-Dated retailer with six locations in Dallas.

A creative opportunity for a Wear-Dated retailer to reach consumers, the O’Reilly Christmas Classic not only offers a way for the Dallas/Fort Worth community to come together, but it reaches out to a good cause – the game will honor the men and women serving in the U.S. military. Military personnel are eligible for free tickets to the game, available at Dallas radio station and event sponsor KLIF’s offices. “We are thrilled to be participating with Wear-Dated in the O’Reilly Christmas Classic,” says Murphy Dykes, vice president/general manager of Peek’s Carpet and Tile. “We can’t imagine a better way to thank our service people.”

Peek’s Wear-Dated marketing and advertising co-op funds are being used to offset the cost of tickets for the military.

Through this sponsorship, Peek’s Carpet and Tile and the Christmas Classic event will receive 150 promotional advertisements on KLIF, as well as 240 ads on four other Dallas/Fort Worth stations. The Wear-Dated logo is displayed on the KLIF website and will also be prominently displayed on the message boards at the American Airlines Center where the O’Reilly Christmas Classic takes place.

For more information about the event, visit www.klif.com. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the tip off is at 3:30. Ticket prices range from $10-$225 and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster location.

# # #
Notes to Editor:
• Wear-Dated is a registered trademark of Solutia Inc.

Wear-Dated® Carpet Fiber
Carpets made with Wear-Dated carpet fiber are tough tested and certified for unsurpassed durability, assuring carpet that looks better longer and is backed by full five-year normal wear and full seven-year stain and soil warranties. For more information, visit http://www.weardated.com.

Corporate Profile
Solutia (http://www.Solutia.com) uses world-class skills in applied chemistry to create value-added solutions for customers, whose products improve the lives of consumers every day. Solutia is a world leader in performance films for laminated safety glass and after-market applications; chemicals for the rubber industry; specialties such as heat transfer fluids and aviation hydraulic fluid; and an integrated family of nylon products including high-performance polymers and fibers.

Solutia … Solutions for a Better Life.

Solutia Inc.
Kennesaw, Ga.
T/W

Combining article / news publications with links in the Flooring News directory will positively impact any flooring company’s traffic.

Shag area rugs are one of the most popular floor coverings around.

Caring for your shag area rug properly can extend its usable life indefinitely.Typical maintenance can include regular cleaning with a vacuum and occasional cleaning with a steam machine. Using your vacuum on a regular basis is important with shag area rugs because the vacuum picks up particles that can damage the carpet fibers. As well as reducing the level of dirt caught under the fibers, vacuuming helps to keep up the look of the shag area rug. It is essential to vacuum at least once a week. You should vacuum twice per week in areas that have heavy foot traffic.

Additionally, it is important to keep your vacuum in good working order to maintain a higher level of clean.Because the vacuuming can only catch surface dirt, your shag area rug may need another method of cleaning periodically. A wet cleaner, like a steam machine, is best to remove deep carpet soil like oil or grease. This can be done through a small rental machine or through a professional service. The level of frequency you complete this type of cleaning depends on the shag area rug you have purchased. For most, though, you should complete a deep cleaning every one to two years. Shag area rugs are a nice addition to any home with the proper care.

About the Author: Adam Peters contributes adding content continuously to http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com, a free online magazine for interior design and decorating ideas.

Generally the price of a carpet is figured out by the amount of labor and art put into the rug. When considering a rug you will want to consider the quality of the wool and the dyes used in the construction of the rug.

Some carpets that are passed off today as oriental carpets are actually machine made. Experts can tell the difference by looking at the nap of the carpet. A machine is not able to tie knots as a hand is, therefore a machine made oriental rug will have the nap of the carpet stuck between the base and the wefts. Another way to tell if a carpet is machine made is to check the back of the rug. If the nap is of polypropylene, polyolefin or synthetic wool it is most likely machine made. Also, on a machine made rug the fringe is usually sewn directly to the carpet backing and is not a part of the rug as it is with a handmade rug. Make sure that you are dealing with a reputable carpet dealer who specializes in handmade rugs. This is one of the ways to avoid paying more than you should.

When you purchase an oriental rug there are a few do’s and don’t's. First, a good quality padding will help to protect the rug, it will also help to prevent it from wrinkling or moving. Generally oriental rugs are placed over hard flooring. A good quality pad can add many years of life to a rug. Rotate the rug frequently. This will help prevent any obvious over-wear on one part of the rug. Try to keep the sun off the rug as much as possible to prevent fading. Remember, this rug will probably outlast any other furniture or rugs you have in your home, and twenty or twenty-five years worth of strong sun can fade wool rugs.

Cleaning your rug is also a consideration. Never have your rug dry cleaned. Never have an oriental wool rug steam cleaned. The steam will remove the essential oils from the carpet which will make it brittle and cause it to wear faster. If you find your rugs needs something other than a mild surface cleaning with water find an expert to do the cleaning for you.

By Mark Freeman

The Importance Of The Furniture

The kind of furniture in the room is also very important when choosing an area rug. Most people that want to compliment any room of their houses with a rug, know what are looking for before start. For example, if your room features dark wood furniture, probably your best choice might be darker colors in the mood of the area rug. No matter what pattern you have chosen, you will be totally surprised on how the feeling of the room has changed. Anyhow, there exist a wide range of colors, patterns and sizes that reflect all possible styles for enhancing your home. Just choose the correct one and your house will seem totally different.

The most winning rugs

There are as many rugs styles as colors or designs. However, Oriental styles are the most demanded for current houses. Oriental area rugs, including Persians are those compliments in which colors are nearly dark, featuring no spots that keep the attention of the visitor. Small rugs are also becoming very popular. Even hang rugs, sometimes called tapestries, which are showed on the wall to be put on view for everyone who pass around. The most important thing for buying an area rug is to find the most suitable as well as the one that more fits into your own decoration.

Find Discount Area Rugs Online

Area rugs have been popular during years. They are relatively easy to take care of, there are many styles, textures, materials and sizes to choose from, so why don?t buy one? It?s time to replace some old furniture, all that you need is some creativity and money. First of all you need to establish a budget before start searching. You can check many internet websites in order to get an idea of the prices. There are some net online that sell discount rugs at affordable prices.

What to look for online discount area rugs? The first and most important thing when search online is the quality; Make sure that you purchase good quality items as well as durable that last at least some years, especially whether you have small children around. If so, think about the durability of the offered discounted area rugs. You should do a deep research around internet before decide on your purchase.

You should study all possible affordable types of materials. Probably, you already have a rough idea of the material that you would like your new rug to be. No matter what style, color or material is, area rugs are a necessity for households. Everyone should have a great rug for her or his home. Surprise everyone by adding a new compliment to your entrance, your friends will be amazed with your new style, do not hesitate about that.

By Matthew Anderson

Matthew Anderson writes for a decorating site which can be found at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com. A guide on home decorating and how to choose from hundreds of decorating ideas and tips.