Michael O'Connor

When you are using different types of flooring in a home, transitioning is important.  Having an abrupt change from one type to another can have a jarring effect. This is not only true visually but also practically when it comes to walking on the floor.  There are many different ways to transition between flooring types. […]

New flooring is a great way to revitalize your home and give it a new look. You might be surprised at what installing a new type of flooring or a new color can do.  Before you can do that, though, you have to know what your budget is and what you can afford. Having a […]

Laminate flooring is a great alternative to traditional hardwood that is both attractive and affordable.  Its tongue and groove fastening mechanism makes it easy to install and easy to finish. However, because of this fastening, it also has a tendency to lift up and will not be as secure.  There are many reasons why laminate […]

Whitewashing is a great way to get a rustic, country-style look in your home. It is an easy technique to learn and a stylish option that is becoming more and more popular.  While it is more common on hardwood floors, laminate can also be whitewashed. If you don’t have expensive hardwood, you can still benefit […]

If you have experienced a flood or leak and you have wood floors, time is of the essence.  Removing water and drying out the wood should be your first priority. If wood is left wet, it can warp and cup, which will damage it beyond repair.  Wood is also an organic material that can grow […]

Concrete steps can be a hazard if they are not properly installed with the necessary equipment. In fact, in most municipalities, it is against building codes to not have a railing on more than 3 steps.   If your home or shop has this issue, you should consider installing a railing.  This will not only make […]

When you are installing a finished flooring like hardwood or carpeting, you will need an underlayment.  Underlayment smooths out imperfections in the subfloor and gives you a solid base to lay flooring onto. By adding this layer, you can be sure that your finished flooring will be level and even.  Underlayment can also help protect […]

A tile floor is great for hotter climates where you want to keep a room as cool as possible. It’s also a wonderfully durable material that can be arranged in all kinds of patterns.  However, one of the downsides of tile is that it can be fairly easy to stain.  Once stains get into the […]

If you live in an older house, you may have noticed that the stairs in the basement are very steep.  This is a common problem in older homes. Not only is it inconvenient, it can also be very dangerous.  You are much more likely to trip on steep stairs, which can result in serious injury. […]

If you have a room with a bare concrete slab, you might want to soften it up.  Concrete isn’t the most attractive or comfortable material for a floor. This may become an issue if you are finishing a basement and want to make it cozier.  Wood flooring is a great way to give an organic […]

If your basement floor is just a blank concrete slab, you might want to spruce it up a bit.  Installing tile is a great way to give your cement basement floor a new look. It is attractive and durable and it will be moisture-resistant just like the concrete is by itself.  Tiling a Basement Floor: […]

Bamboo is an incredibly unique and charming flooring material that has a one-of-a-kind look.  Its deep grain and natural patina makes it a great choice if you want something different. Your home can benefit greatly from its richness and durability.  Because of its thin makeup and grain structure, bamboo can usually only be refinished once.  […]

Pine is a unique and relatively inexpensive material to use for flooring. Despite being a soft wood, it is dense enough to be virtually indestructible with a lot of use.  The amount of mass that pine has makes it resistant to dents and gouges. It can also have a beautiful sheen that looks at home […]

Cutting carpet is one of those jobs that looks easy at first glance. All you really have to do is cut it with a knife and move on, right? In actuality, the process of cutting carpet accurately and in a straight line is fairly complex.  The technique requires some practice and proper preparation before you […]

Finishing hardwood floors is a great way to customize your home and make it your own.  Even though it’s not as common as it once was, whitewashing is still a good finish option. It gives a rustic, country look to your hardwood flooring that can be incredibly appealing.  Whitewashing Hardwood Floors: Basic Idea Whitewashing your […]

Tiling a shower floor is a relatively easy job for most people. However, one of the challenges is tiling the shower curb and threshold.  A shower curb has curves and is slightly angled, making it difficult to tile correctly if you’re not careful. With planning and patience, though, you can tile your shower curb and […]

If you have a concrete slab that you want to spiff up, there are some good options available to you.  There are all kinds of inexpensive flooring choices that can be put over concrete. However, laminate is one of the best ones.  Laminate is relatively inexpensive and can be installed on almost any kind of […]

Your shower floor may not seem like it’s that important, but it’s a key element of bathroom design.  A nicely laid out and designed shower floor can be a wonderful accent piece. By retiling your own shower floor, you can create something unique and beautiful that will tie the bathroom together.  Retiling a Shower Floor: […]

Peel and stick tile is an inexpensive and easy-to-use flooring that works in many applications.  If you have a room that you would like to spruce up, it is a great way to add some life. It can be installed by almost anyone and can really transform a space without the commitment.  Installing Peel and […]

Laminate flooring is an attractive, relatively inexpensive alternative to hardwood. However, it is not quite as durable or resistant to damage.  Because of this, laminate is sometimes subject to swelling and moving around as it ages.  This has many different causes, but the important thing is to not panic if it happens. Since it is […]

Living in an old house can be an exciting adventure. However, with old houses come new problems and some are easier to fix than others.  A common issue with old homes, and even new homes, is a large gap between the flooring and the baseboard on the walls.  This gap can be a source of […]

Laminate is a great option for people who want durable, modern-looking flooring in their home. However, just like any high-touch surface in a home, it is susceptible to damage.  While it takes quite a bit to scratch up the laminate, when it happens, it can be very obvious. Homes with kids and pets are probably […]

Laminate is an affordable and functional flooring material that works well in all types of homes. Its particle board construction makes it a good choice for those who want a hardwood look without the high cost.  After a few years of use, though, you may want to revamp your laminate flooring. A new paint job […]

Hardwood floors are a beautiful and desirable feature for any home. However, they can be noisy, so fixing a squeaky hardwood floor might be a number one priority.  That’s why we have put together a guide to fixing squeaky hardwood floors.  Fixing Squeaky Hardwood Floors: Basic Idea While there is a lot to know about […]

Sanding hardwood floors can be a big job no matter what the circumstances. However, trying to do it by hand with standard sand paper is even tougher.  In this article, we will show you how to sand hardwood floors using an orbital sander.  Sanding Hardwood Floors Using an Orbital Sander: Basic Idea In order to […]