Nora Mitchell
If you are considering building a new deck there are several material options to consider. Two of the most popular options are hardwoods and composite wood. Of those choices, Ipe wood and Trex composite are at the top of many lists. If your consideration (or initial research query) brings you … Read more
Patios are a great place to entertain on summer evenings and can hold your grill and maybe a couple of deck chairs. However, a cold slab of concrete isn’t the most attractive solution and they typically aren’t big enough to enjoy properly. You can extend a concrete patio with a … Read more
Composite decking is one of the up and coming decking materials that seems to grow in popularity with every new brand. One of those brands, Deckorators, has changed the game by offering more styles and options than most other brands. In this Deckorators Decking review we will look at all … Read more
When you think about vacuum cleaner brands several names may come to mind. Two of the most innovative and versatile brands, though, are Dirt Devil and Bissell. These two brands make up a bulk of the annual sales in the floor cleaning industry and for good reason. In this Dirt … Read more
Most homeowners buy a composite decking like Trex because there is virtually no maintenance needed once installed. The single-color dyed during the manufacturing process is designed to last a lifetime. Sometimes, though, you may find that you want to alter the color a little (or a lot). This can be … Read more
There are a lot of decking options out there for you to choose from. But how do you know which is the best choice for you? Word of mouth and research are the most common sources for homeowners looking to add a deck to their home. For the research side, … Read more
Keeping your home clean and fresh requires routine cleaning and maintenance regimens. With carpeting, vacuums are great at removing surface and some embedded dirt, dust and debris. However, ground in dirt, stains and odors will require a more thorough cleaning. This is where carpet shampooers come into play. In the … Read more
Miele is one of the most well-known and renowned vacuum cleaner brands in the world. With performance greater than Dyson, power equal to Kirby and Rainbow and designs to fit any style or need, Miele excels everywhere. There is a lot of confusion with their models, though, from the names … Read more
Since the first deck was installed in a home, wood has been the primary decking material. However, since then, we have come to find and use alternative materials. Some better, some worse, but all a viable option. If you are looking to build a new deck but aren’t sure what … Read more
When we think about a deck the first thing that probably comes to mind is a large wooden deck with a barbecue pit and some chairs sprawling into a large back yard. However, it isn’t uncommon to also have a deck on the front of your home. While it may … Read more
Are you thinking about putting new flooring in your bedroom? New flooring can be exciting, but choosing the right one can be difficult. It doesn’t help that there are more choices today than ever before. Two of the most popular options for bedroom flooring are carpet and hardwood. Which option … Read more
Composite decking is nothing new to the industry, but style color options and innovation continue to thrive and change. UltraDeck is one company of many that provides composite decking to the consumer. Is the brand any good? Will the decking last? We answer these questions and a whole lot more … Read more
If you are shopping for new carpet you will come across a lot of different brands, styles and options. There are also different factors that make your choices even harder. One of those factors is carpet pile height. In general there are three types of carpet pile, low, medium and … Read more
When building a deck, you will want to make sure it fits your style. While it is possible to lay your deck boards completely parallel, this look isn’t for everyone. Most people will want to stagger the boards. This means that the cut edges of the deck boards will be … Read more
Hardwood flooring is still the most sought after and exceptional flooring options for residential homes around the country. If you are installing a hardwood floor, you may think about the glue-down method. However, this can cause some problems down the road for you. If you already have hardwood floors that … Read more
Epoxy flooring is a solution that has been around for years and is nothing new to homes and businesses alike. You will find most applications of in-home epoxy use in areas like basements, garages and wet areas. The problem is that epoxy has a bad reputation. While it can be … Read more
If you are looking for new and fresh ideas for hardwood flooring, you are in the right spot! Not only this entire site, but this article in particular will teach you everything you need to know about heart pine flooring. We will cover the variations and costs of heart pine … Read more
How many times have you stepped on your floor, heard it squeak or creak and told yourself it is just the house settling? While this can be the case, unless your house is on a moving foundation or less than 3 years old, it probably isn’t. A squeaking subfloor can … Read more
Inspired by architecture, design and fashion, Duchateau flooring is a premium hardwood and vinyl flooring that attempts to capture elegance. With several options to choose from, they hope to woo you over to their brand and keep you for life. In most cases, the brand has no problem doing this. … Read more
If you are searching for a new vinyl floor, you no doubt have come across Luxury Vinyl Planks or Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVP/LVT) in your research. One of the most notable and often overlooked features of LVP is the thickness. While style, color, width and board length are all important, … Read more
When you have a subfloor, slab or foundation that is made of concrete it can settle, shift or be poured incorrectly. When this happens the concrete floor can become sloped, uneven and out of level. In this article, we will look at the tools, equipment and methods for leveling a … Read more
With over 100 years of history, Bruce may be one of the oldest consecutive flooring companies in the world. What is most impressive, though, is what they offer. You won’t find carpet, laminate or vinyl here. Bruce only sells hardwood. Is Bruce the right brand for you? What Does Bruce … Read more
Well Woven is a brand you may or may not have heard of. In rings that have heard of the brand they are highly popular, in arenas that have not heard of them, though, they are an underdog with a great story. Well Woven cuts out the middleman. They are … Read more
When it comes to vinyl flooring there are a lot of newer options for you. The choices have grown not only in number, but also in quality, construction and installation. What is important to note, though, is that not all vinyl is created the same. With so many acronyms and … Read more
Carpet remnants get a bad reputation and are often overlooked. However, those that understand the full potential of the product get immense joy from their investment. Interesting Uses for Carpet Remnants Below we cover the common and practical uses for carpet remnants, but don’t let that stifle your creativity. Here … Read more
When you think about flooring you probably don’t think about your backyard. However patios, walkways, decking and more are technically all flooring and your backyard can benefit from the right options. Cheap Outdoor Flooring Options There are plenty of options to add flooring to your yard, but some are cheaper … Read more
Vinyl flooring is one of the easiest floors for DIY homeowners to install themselves. However, it isn’t as easy as some instructional videos make it look, especially if you have no prior experience with the planks. One of the most difficult aspects of installing LVP (and other forms of vinyl … Read more
Pressure treated wood has a lot of varieties, applications and capabilities. You find it in almost every form of residential construction from support beams and ground-contact studding to decks and patios. In this article we will take a close look at pressure treated lumber to find out what types are … Read more
Building a deck as a DIY project is an exciting way to get comfortable with your tools and equipment while having something useful to show for it. Aside from the build material, though, the most important part of any deck build is the framing. You need to have proper spacing … Read more
Your deck is built, the steps and railings look great and your grill is smoking as the sun starts to drop. It sounds great, but now you have to finish the project. Wrapping the deck to hide the gaping hole underneath requires skirting. Skirting comes in many forms and offers … Read more
Composite decking is the new era of deck building. With wood grain patterns and all the aesthetic benefits of natural wood plus none of the negative aspects, composite is a great decking choice. The problem comes in deciding which composite to use, what brand to go with and which styles … Read more
Decks have a lot of uses for their space, including gatherings, grills and the ever popular hot tub. Not every deck is capable of having a hot tub installed or mounted, though, and a lot of considerations need to go into the planning. Why Hot Tubs and Decks Go Hand … Read more
Our garages were designed as a safe place to store our cars. While that is still a major use, there are many more uses now, including mechanic and workshop space, household storage and much more. The biggest issue next to organization is floor protection. Scratches, staining, fading, marks and even … Read more
Vinyl flooring is fast becoming one of the most popular options to replace hardwood in homes across the country. With new technological advances, the luxury vinyl planks or tiles (LVP/LVT) can look and feel like real hardwood, but offer more benefits than natural wood. Because of the lower cost and … Read more
Installing a composite deck can be rewarding while adding style and aesthetics to your home. However, the look of the deck from the yard or the street may not be the best. To help finalize the appearance and keep the deck protected you need to finish the ends. Why You … Read more
Composite decking is the latest craze for deck builders and homeowners across the country. Composite decking is more durable, longer lasting and has more fade and stain resistance than most other decking materials, plus it usually costs less. If you are in the market for a new deck and considering … Read more
When it comes to hardwood oak is one of the most popular choices. It has an allure and finished look that is hard to beat. However, more and more people are turning to maple for their hardwood choice. Is maple better than oak? Oak and Maple Flooring Options With oak’s … Read more
Nothing is worse than waking up to get ready for work and entering your bathroom to a freezing cold tile floor. You can use bathroom rugs, turn the heat up in your HVAC system or install radiant heating. Radiant heating installs under the tiles or flooring of your bathroom, garage, … Read more
When laying plank flooring of any type it is important to stagger the plank rows. There are several reasons you should stagger your planks, which we will cover in this article. While the actual staggering of the planks isn’t overly difficult, it is important that you handle it the right … Read more
If it is time for a new deck or an upgrade to an existing porch, you have come to the right place. While there are many different styles and options when it comes to decking, the decision doesn’t have to be difficult. Wolf Decking has several options in both style … Read more
Barrette Outdoor Living Decking (former DuraLife Decking) is one of the leading nationwide companies in composite decking. DuraLife Decking was purchased by Barrette Outdoor Living in 2019, and now goes by the name Barrette Outdoor Living Decking. They have streamlined the buying process by limiting your choices and giving you a … Read more
Laminate flooring is not what it used to be. After a long, storied history, the flooring finally got a makeover. Now it is tough, durable and inexpensive. But is it right for you? Today, we will look at Pergo’s TimberCraft laminate flooring. This is a well known brand with a … Read more
Whether you are doing it for aesthetics, a new atmosphere or for a new flooring, carpet removal may not be as simple as it seems. This guide will take you through all the needed steps to get a professional, thorough carpet removal done in your home, a single room … Read more
When shopping for carpet, most consumers look for value, price and style. Many also stick with a brand they know and trust. However, if you haven’t shopped for carpet in a while, there may be brands you are unfamiliar with. Phenix is a brand that is common and of great … Read more
When searching for the next new flooring in your home, among your choices are carpet and hardwood. Not surprisingly, these two flooring solutions are often at opposite ends of the spectrum. Today, though, we put them right next to each other. Both fan favorites and each with their own advantages … Read more
When it is time to upgrade your kitchen, the floors are usually the most daunting, yet ignored aspect. Unless there is major damage to the flooring that is currently there, many homeowners overlook this troublesome aspect. However, tiling a kitchen floor can be a simple process. Choosing the right types … Read more
Adding a new floor can be an exciting time for you and your home. It can also be frustrating and confusing. One of the toughest decisions is choosing between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Once installed it is difficult to tell the two apart. However, there are enough differences to … Read more
Cork flooring has been around for over a century. However, it fell out of fashion for many reasons after the big laminate craze of the 1970s. Today, though, cork is making a comeback. Cork is a flooring that is easy to install, highly affordable and aside from bamboo flooring is … Read more
Updating your kitchen floor can be an exciting time. However, if you aren’t sure which flooring to go with, the project quickly turns into a chore. The best kitchen flooring will be durable, resilient and aesthetically pleasing. While there are some flooring options you should avoid (carpet, for example), some … Read more
Building a deck can be a great way to enjoy your summer. Choosing the right decking material, though, can be a daunting task. Fiberon composite decking is one of the many choices you have. This article will examine Fiberon composite decking to find out if it is a good fit … Read more
With composite decking, you have a lot of choices. From colors, to board styles and even brands. TimberTech is one of the leaders in composite decking, known for their durability and stain resisting boards. Trex may be the most popular brand currently available and offers a wide range of line … Read more
Installing or replacing the floors in your home can be an expensive endeavor. The cost is generally accepted because of how long our floors can potentially last. However, with less durable flooring, you may be spending that money all over again, very soon. Finding an attractive floor is easy, finding … Read more
DreamWeaver carpet is a relatively new company. However, they are steeped in tradition. A long history of innovation allows the new company to catch up quickly in the market and make a name for themselves. The one thing that DreamWeaver does differently than most other brands is keeping things simple. … Read more
If you are looking at new flooring, you probably have come across the acronym SPC. If you are wondering what it is, what it means and how it can benefit your floors, you are in the right place. SPC vinyl flooring is rigid, durable and can withstand a lot of … Read more
Wood floors are one of the most appreciated and sought-after flooring options on the market today. With solid hardwood you can actually increase your home’s resale value. However, engineered hardwood and other hard flooring options don’t come with that benefit. Mirage Flooring is one of the many brands that manufactures … Read more
When it comes to composite decking, Trex is a name known the world over. As one of the most popular and leading brands, Trex knows what it takes to build a deck. Top Trex Composite Decking Lineups Trex offers only 4 lines, but based on looks, maintenance levels, and price, … Read more
Hickory is one of the most important types of trees in the US. It is called a nut tree (genus “Carya” which means “nut” in Ancient Greek), and we get a lot of benefits from these trees. Hickory spans the US in different forms (up to 23 distinct species, to … Read more
When it comes to hardwood flooring most people think about oak, hickory or even walnut. Pine, though, is a type of hardwood floor, classified as a softwood. Pine flooring has been around for decades and is currently making waves as an option to harder, colder woods. Pine flooring isn’t for … Read more
Stanton Carpet is a brand that has been around for over 40 years. Starting out humbly in 1980, the company has grown leaps and bounds over the last half century. Not only have they grown their own profile, but they have managed to buy in or take over smaller brands … Read more
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a DIYer that wants to update the look of your home, tile is a great flooring option. One of the biggest problems with installing tile, though, is choosing the right grout for the job. In this article we will look at the differences … Read more
Tile floors are nothing new. Tile is found all over the home and has been for over 200 years. You can find tile on floors, walls, as a backsplash or even decorative mosaics. Over the years the title as best tile manufacturer has changed hands time and again. Currently, Marazzi … Read more
Your patio, yard, barbecue area, pool side and walkways all have one thing in common. They would be better suited with a proper outdoor flooring solution. While it may not always occur to you to ponder flooring possibilities for the outdoors, it is something to think about. Proper flooring solutions … Read more
Masland Carpet has been in the game for well over 150 years. While they aren’t the biggest name or the most popular brand, they offer quality, durability and extensive styles. When choosing carpet, you have a choice, and Masland is a choice worthy of consideration. In this article we will … Read more
When style, color, options and comfort matter, many people turn to Mohawk. Mohawk flooring is one of the largest flooring manufacturers in the world, holding several smaller companies under their umbrella. Mohawk carpet is an industry leader matching homes to aesthetics and styles no other company can offer. Whether you … Read more
While linoleum may be the oldest non-natural floor in existence, it gained popularity in the 1940s and 50s. However, today linoleum is as popular as ever and competes with vinyl and laminate for best alternative flooring. Linoleum comes in various forms now, with more styles, colors and size options than … Read more
As a part of the Mohawk and Pergo family, Karastan is a premium carpet company set on bringing new styles, patterns and textures to your floors. Unlike many other premium brands, Karastan is like the fun aunt who takes you out for milkshakes after mom says no. They offer a … Read more
Stone look laminate is a luxury flooring style that uses laminate planks or tile to mimic actual stone. There are many styles and color options to choose from, when you can find them. Stone look laminate is not as popular as it once was. With consumer focus shifting to wood … Read more
Shaw flooring is the world’s largest manufacturer of carpet. While their premium carpeting is something to behold, the company doesn’t stop there. Shaw Vinyl comes in two basic forms, luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). The main difference is the size and shape. LVP has wood grain … Read more
Cleaning your hardwood floors, or any hard flooring in your home, doesn’t have to be a chore. Instead of getting out the broom and dustpan, sweeping the floor trying to get all the little lines of dirt from the grout, there is an easier way. Robot vacuums are known for … Read more
Bamboo is a natural resource that is known for its hardiness, durability and rapid sustainability. Considered a grass, bamboo is the fastest growing plant on Earth, often reaching two to three feet of new growth in less than a day. While on the stalk, bamboo is tough but not very … Read more
Hoover is credited with producing the first upright electric vacuum in 1908. The company only grew from there. Accepted as among the best in Europe, their place in the US is firmly planted as well. More than just a verb, the name Hoover means quality, affordability and innovation. The company … Read more
Tile floors and walls are attractive and, unless you’re dropping piles of bricks on them, they will last virtually forever. The weak point in the tile is the grout. Grout needs to be cleaned, sealed and cared for. This article will cover everything you need for cleaning, sealing and caring … Read more
When you are looking to upgrade or build a deck, there are many types of materials you can use. One of the lesser known and less popular materials is aluminum. Aluminum is growing in popularity as people learn more about it and start to enjoy its benefits. Figuring out if … Read more
Self-leveling concrete is a newer form of underlayment and subfloor material designed to take the stress out of laying a new floor. While everything sounds good, this flooring solution can be tricky and difficult to master. The 5 Best Self-Leveling Concrete Brands You may be tempted to grab the first … Read more
Hardwood floors are one of the best investments you can make for your home. Not only do they add beauty, durability and comfort to your rooms, but they also add resale value to your home. Maintenance and upkeep on hardwood floors, though, requires a bit of work and overtime, the … Read more
TrafficMaster is a budget flooring solution designed to help homeowners get reliable, durable flooring for a fraction of the cost of other brands. TrafficMaster is an exclusive flooring brand sold only through the Home Depot. This article will examine all of the flooring types, what to expect from the brand … Read more
Trex composite decking is one of the leading decking products in the country. They have a large market share, competitive pricing and an incredible selection. On top of their decking products, you can also find Trex products for your entire outdoor space, from pergolas to lighting, Trex really is a … Read more
Whether you just bought the house, or you just need an update, tile floors can be a problem. Most tile floor installs are done directly on concrete. While it can help stability and durability, it makes it difficult to remove. If you want to know how to remove tile from … Read more
Hardwoods and ironwoods are great for making specific things. You can turn ironwoods to make long lasting handles, knobs, chairs and desks. Of course, you can always make planks and have near-lifetime flooring, or, you guessed it, a deck. While ironwoods, like Cumaru, are hard to cut and almost impossible … Read more
Bissell is a name any homeowner or renter knows. Their value and reliability have spanned decades and it is no wonder they are among the top sellers in the world. Along with a host of product lines, Bissell is probably best known for their floor cleaners. When it comes to … Read more
Berber is one of the most well-known types of carpet in the world. It is also one of the most misunderstood. If you have ever wanted to know more about Berber carpeting, you are in the right place. Not only will we define and explain Berber carpet, but we also … Read more
Ipe wood is one of the hardiest, strongest and most naturally beautiful woods around. It is popular for fencing, furniture, truck beds and decking. However, just because it is strong and popular, doesn’t make it the right choice for your needs. This article will examine Ipe decking and find out … Read more
Mopping your hard flooring is one of the most loathed chores around the house (behind laundry and washing dishes by hand). Anything you can do to help make the chore easier is a bonus. One of the best things you can do is to get a mop that does … Read more
A new floor in under an hour and with minimal effort or tools? Can it be true? The answer is yes. With peel and stick vinyl tiles and planks, you can have a brand new floor in a short amount of time. You also don’t need a degree in floorology … Read more
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a newer take on the vinyl sheet flooring market. Instead of thin rolls of vinyl you have planks or boards that lock together to form a new floor. This flooring type is known as a floating floor, and comes together nicely as a simple DIY … Read more
The iRobot Roomba vacuums have been cleaning floors in homes since the mid 1990’s. One of the original creators of autonomous cleaning robots, Roomba is the name that almost everyone knows and the brand all others try to surpass. With their constant improvements, superior design and forward thinking technologies, iRobot … Read more
Terrazzo flooring has graced offices and government buildings for over 400 years. The idea of bringing it into your home is now far more than a reality. With benefits such as life-long application, low maintenance and unlimited design potential, homeowners are rushing to get Terrazzo installed in some part of … Read more
For those of you doing your research for a new flooring, you may have come across the term floating floor. If you are unfamiliar with the term it may conjure images of the Jetson’s floating down a sidewalk. Unfortunately, that isn’t what floating floor means. Floating floors are types of … Read more
If you are considering building a new deck or remodeling a current deck, you have come to the right place. While wood decks are the king of the hill when it comes to building materials, that is about to change. Composite decking is up and coming and growing more popular … Read more
A simple and fairly easy alternative to the traditional mop and bucket is a steam mop. Remember, not all floors can handle being steam cleaned and not all cleaning solutions are safe for your floors. What Are Steam Mops? Steam mops are exactly what you would think they are. Looking … Read more
Homes with small children, both two and four-legged, furry varieties, can make a mess of our floors. With urine, dirt and mud (along with other things that end up on your floor) it can be an all day battle keeping your floors clean. However, if you have pets you want … Read more
When you are looking for affordable, durable and quality luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and luxury vinyl planks (LVP), one of your many options is from TrafficMaster. The Allure line is TrafficMaster’s more affordable line up and comes in plenty of styles, colors and options. As a private-label company, the Allure … Read more
Canister vacuums aren’t a new or novel vacuum type, though combining the canister style with a bagless collection system is fairly new compared to the lifespan of these vacuums. What was once a commercial-only style of vacuum, you can find these durable, reliable and powerful vacuums in more and more … Read more
Garage spaces are used for more than just storing holiday decorations and parking our cars. Depending on how you use your garage floor, it may need a coating or covering. There are various reasons you may want to coat your garage floor, including a finished garage for a living space, … Read more
When it comes to mopping floors, it is a lot easier if the mop can do most of the work. While there are several options to choose from, including spin mops and stick mops, there is a special niche for the spray mop. We will also look at the various … Read more
Laminate plank flooring is once again growing in popularity. With so many styles, colors and designs to choose from, it is no wonder this flooring option is highly sought after. Most major flooring brands will carry a large selection of laminate planks for you to browse through. What about the … Read more
Remodeling a room can be an exciting project, and when you get to the flooring, that excitement can either grow, or suddenly become stress. There are a lot of flooring options out there to choose from. Whether you currently have carpet or laminate, tile or vinyl, there is always room … Read more
Cork flooring is not a popular choice for many homes, yet. It does have some distinct advantages though, and is worth checking out in greater detail. Just because it isn’t as popular as luxury vinyl planks or engineered hardwood floors, doesn’t mean it isn’t right for you. The Best Cork … Read more
It’s time for new flooring. You know the project will take a few days and you have budgeted for the expenses. Or have you? Do you know what type of flooring you are choosing? There are many styles, textures and floor types available. Which one is right for you? Many … Read more
Mopping your hard flooring is one of the essential and important parts of cleaning your home. There are a lot of different types of mops on the market and choosing the right one can be difficult. Microfiber mops are a great way to clean your hard flooring with less steps … Read more