Vinyl floor tile is easy to install and can come in vinyl plank flooring systems. These vinyl floors imitate real hardwood flooring while providing a waterproof surface. Vinyl floor tiles also come in geometric patterns. This kind of vinyl floor is unlike what you see in the grocery store.
Slate flooring has a lot of character and texture. But installing slate flooring requires some initial planning so that all pieces interlock and the spacing between pieces remains consistent. A cement-based thinset will adhere the slate floor to the wood subfloor.
Hardwood flooring can expand and shrink and move depending on its moisture content. If hardwood flooring expands just after it is installed, the top edges of the wood flooring can get compressed.
Any vinyl flooring such as vinyl floor tiles, sheet vinyl or linoleum, are durable, attractive and have a slight "bounce" quality. These floors can be walked on right after they are installed.
Cork floor tile is very resilient, offers a unique look and is easily installed with adhesive. Maintenance is similar to wood flooring - simple vacuuming and moping. Heavy furniture or objects can hurt cork floors, so pads should be used underneath furniture legs.
Granite tile and marble flooring are excellent floor materials. They are natural stone products, very durable and stain resistant. Other options for floors include slate and terrazzo. All except for terrazzo are installed like ceramic tile.
Buying carpet can be tough because there are many variables to consider. Most residential carpet is made from one or more of four fibers: nylon, polyester, olefin, and wool. These carpets are chemically treated to resist stains, but they aren't 100 percent stain-resistant. Consider different carpet padding for your carpet's best performance.
Slate flooring is an excellent choice. Slate is an extremely durable natural stone product, and comes in many colors, textures, shapes and sizes. Slate is also stain-resistant. Installing slate floors is like ceramic tile, but the slate floor tiles should be cut with a hacksaw.
Hardwood flooring is hygroscopic. Hardwood floor absorbs and gives off moisture to become equal with the humidity in the air. Because of that, hardwood floors expand and contract, causing cracks or shrinkage. Dents in a hardwood floor from high heels are caused by the amount of pressure exerted from such a small heel.
Carpet pads, or carpet cushions, are the foundation for carpets. There are three major types of carpet padding: fiber, sponge and foam rubber. Thicker pads give softer, luxurious feels. Carpet cushions also have a wide range of insulating R values.
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