How To/Tips

New flooring can take the interior of your home to the next level. If you are looking to completely rejuvenate your house, new floors can transform it in ways you wouldn’t believe.  While they are not as popular as they once were, carpet inlays are a unique, easy addition.  In my time as a contractor, […]

Dealing with cat litter is a normal part of having an indoor cat.  If you’re brand new to cat ownership, you need to learn how to deal with the dust from cat litter and prevent smells from taking over your home. If you’ve never done it before, cleaning up cat litter dust is simple. Start […]

If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably had someone tell you to run the same hardwood floors throughout your entire house. And while there are some benefits – like creating a flow and making a small space look bigger, matching your hardwood floors isn’t necessary. You can use two different hardwoods in adjoining rooms. As long […]

If you’ve mopped your floors with Murphy’s Oil soap and have a hazy residue left behind, you’re probably wondering how to get it off. Luckily, it’s not too difficult. You can remove a Murphy’s Oil Soap residue by cleaning your floors with water and a microfiber cloth. If that doesn’t work, try water and white […]

Your flooring is one of the most crucial components of your home. A high-quality flooring job will completely elevate the house and give you a fantastic look and feel.  One of the benefits of modern flooring is the fact that you can use all kinds of materials. There are many different options available to you […]

If you have been thinking about rejuvenating your home, new flooring is a great way to do it.  Your home’s floors contribute so much to the energy and feel of the space. By installing new flooring, you can create a whole new space with the aesthetic you are looking for.  Hardwood flooring is a classic […]

Hardwood flooring is a fantastic feature for any home no matter what your style is like.  Hardwood floors offer durability and classic looks that other flooring types simply don’t have. However, they can also be difficult to modify or change if you decide you want a different aesthetic.  As styles change, you may want to […]

When I bought my house, I loved everything except the orangey pine hardwood floors. And even though I wasn’t in love with them, I knew I’d probably never replace them. After all, they were in excellent condition and covered the entire 2,000 + square foot home. Instead, I accepted and learned to work with them. […]

If your home has stairs, you know how important they are to the functioning of the house.  Stairs act as a centerpiece and are some of the most used areas in a home. The material that they are covered with is incredibly important and will affect almost everything.  When the time comes to choose a […]

Tiling is a great way to add some color, flair, and style to a room. This is especially true for bathrooms and kitchens, where things can be a little utilitarian.  If you are looking to create an accent piece or simply want to protect a wall, tile is a great choice. Not only can you […]

Tiling is a great way to enhance the look of your home and give it a beautiful finish. There are all kinds of options available to you when it comes to tiling in terms of color and style.  However, one of the hardest aspects is finishing the edges. Without a finish, some tiling projects can […]

Do you have your heart set on gray walls and white trim? If so, the best carpet colors for gray walls and white trim are gray, white, cream, or beige. Since these colors are neutral, they’ll match perfectly. You can also spice up the look with a subtle pattern or a Berber fleck carpet. Here’s […]

Are you afraid to put a rug over carpet because you think it will look dumb? Don’t be. Rugs look perfectly fine over carpet and there are many benefits of using one. Some of the best reasons to place a rug over your carpet include bringing definition to a space, adding style or texture to […]

Grey is a versatile carpet color.  It matches most styles and can appear warm or cool depending on the wall color and furniture you pair it with. If you want a classic look, try a white wall and natural-toned wood furniture with your grey carpet. However, if you want to warm up the room, consider […]

Picking a stain color for your hardwoods is a huge choice and one you’ll likely live with for the next decade or more. So getting it right is pretty important. If you have red oak hardwood floors, you can leave them in their natural state and add a sealant. But you also have the option […]

An area rug can enhance the look of your home and add some much-needed color. They are a great way to bring some textures and colors to a room on a budget.  However, if you are putting an area rug on the carpet, you could end up with issues. Area rugs can bunch up and […]

If you have a porch or garage with carpet, you know how dirty it can get. While carpet can be a great flooring material, after a while, it needs to be replaced.  When the time comes to replace or remove carpet on your cement, it can be a difficult task.  Being able to get all […]

Getting new carpet can be an exciting prospect for a homeowner.  New flooring can completely change the look of your home and rejuvenate its feel. If you have felt stagnant in your home, new carpet could be the solution you are looking for.  Being prepared for your carpet installation is essential and can help move […]

Using different types of flooring is a great way to add texture to your home. Carpet and tile work incredibly well together and can be very complimentary in the right setting.  However, one of the issues with having different flooring types is transitions.  It can be jarring to move from one flooring type to another. […]

There are three carpet piles: low, medium, and high. Low carpet pile is one of the best choices for busy families with kids and pets. It’s durable, easy to clean, and holds up to a lot of foot traffic. If you’re wondering what is low pile carpet and the advantages of having it, here’s what […]

Gray floors are a lovely neutral. They work with many color schemes and can look modern or rustic, depending on the type. What are the Best Wall Colors for Gray Floors? Two colors that will go with all gray flooring include pure white and light gray. If you want balance in your room, choose a […]

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 were installed using the glue-down […]

Grey walls are a great neutral backdrop for just about any space. But not all flooring colors look great with grey. How Do You Match Flooring with Grey Walls? If you want to keep grey walls for the foreseeable future, try balancing out their coolness with a warm-toned floor. Hardwoods like white oak, red oak, […]

When tiling a space, one of the most challenging parts is getting the corners right.  It may seem easy but if you want to have clean, seamless lines, it will require some extra effort. All gaps need to be filled and corners can present some unique challenges.  Fortunately, there are ways that you can fill […]

Vinyl planks are quickly becoming one of the most popular types of flooring for homes.  Vinyl plank is incredibly durable and can stand up to years of use and abuse. It also comes in all kinds of colors and textures that can match your home.  However, when the time comes to install vinyl planks, you […]

Carpeting is a fantastic flooring material but it does have its downsides.  One of the major disadvantages of carpet is that it needs to be maintained. If it isn’t kept up, it can get matted or damaged.  Fortunately, there are things you can do to fix carpet. It does not always need to be replaced […]

Dark kitchen cabinets are beautiful. They can feel modern, traditional, or rustic and are a great asset to your kitchen. What’s the Best Color Floor for Dark Cabinets? If you have dark cabinets, go lighter with your flooring. You can create a lot of contrast by using white oak or white pine. If you don’t […]

If you’re replacing windows or building a new home, you might be wondering what height to place your windows. While there are no hard and fast rules, there are some basic international safety codes you’ll need to meet. Otherwise, your window size will depend on the style you like and the structure of your home. […]

It’s not uncommon for white linoleum floors to yellow – especially if they’re more than 15 years old. But even though it’s common, it’s still not desirable. Depending on how discolored your floors are, you may be able to restore their original color.  What’s the Best Way to Clean a Yellowed Linoleum Floor? The best […]

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, none may be more important […]

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 concrete floor. While most corrections […]

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 flooring) is getting the right […]

Carpet can be a great floor covering if you know how to maintain it and take care of it.  However, no matter how much work you put into maintaining your carpet, accidents happen. Carpeting is especially susceptible to holes and they can easily show up after a while.  Pets, furniture, and any number of day-to-day […]

In many homes, it is common for floors to start to sag after a while.  This common occurrence usually is not something to be worried about. However, if the floors are sagging too much, it could be a problem.  Most of the time, when floors are sagging, it is because the joists have become worn […]

If you’ve ever read design tips, you’ve probably heard it before – your curtains should lightly graze the floor. But did you know there are variations to this rule? And even with those variations, the ultimate choice should come down to personal preference. What’s the Best Way to Hang Curtains? The most popular way to […]

Hardwood floors are incredibly desirable for many reasons.  Their natural beauty and durability make them perfect for people who want to get the most out of their floors. They are fantastically gorgeous and can increase the value of your home.  However, at some point, you may want to darken your hardwood floors. The issue is […]

If you’re afraid to make a mistake, choosing the perfect wall color to match your floors seems like an impossible challenge. After all, you don’t want to paint a room only to hate the end result. I totally get it. What’s the Best Way to Match Your Hardwood Floor and Wall Color? If you’re trying […]

Your deck should be a place where you can feel relaxed and happy no matter what.  While birds can be a joy to have around, if they are congregating on your deck railing, it can be uncomfortable. This is especially true if they are pooping all over your deck and ruining the finish.  Most people […]

Every time it gets hot you get a whiff of urine, so you pull up a piece of flooring, and there it is – your wood subfloor with cat urine spots. What’s the Best Method for Getting Cat Urine Out of a Subfloor? The best way to get cat urine out of the subfloor is […]

If your tile floors have lost their shine, don’t worry. It’s pretty easy to restore them to their former glory. What’s the Best Way to Make Your Tile Floor Shine Without Wax? The best way to make your tile floor shiny is to thoroughly clean it and then seal it with a polish. To clean […]

Hardwood flooring has a fantastic, classic look that is highly desirable in homes. It is very durable and can withstand a lot of use and abuse over many years.  However, one of the issues with hardwood flooring is that it is not very water resistant.  When moisture gets into wood, it is absorbed into the […]

Vinyl flooring can be a great option for flooring due to its affordability and relatively high-end looks.  However, when it comes to using any kind of flooring on stairs, it is best to do your research. Knowing what to expect from a flooring is important, especially when safety is dependent on it.  Understanding the pros […]

Caulking your home, whether it is in your bathroom, kitchen, or elsewhere, can be a tough job.  Just like with painting, caulking requires a lot of preparation and skill. If you make a mistake, it can be hard to fix it without completely starting over.  This is why many people wonder if it is possible […]

Vinyl plank flooring is a fantastic way to get the look of hardwood without the expense.  This is especially true because modern vinyl is incredibly strong and can withstand all kinds of use. Whereas it used to be a cheap alternative, it has recently become much more high-end.  However, sometimes vinyl plank flooring can buckle […]

If you have concrete floors, you know how uninspiring they can be. Unless you have a heavily contemporary or minimalist look for your home, concrete won’t be the best option.  If you don’t want to remove your concrete floors, there are ways to warm them up. One of the best methods for this is to […]

Concrete can be a great material for patios due to its durability and versatility.  However, one of the downsides of having a concrete patio is that it can be slightly plain. Many people who have concrete patios wish that there was some way to make them a little more exciting.  Luckily, concrete takes a stain […]

If you clean your counters or tile floors with Fabuloso, you might be wondering if you can use it on your new laminate flooring too. Laminate floors are an engineered product that consists of many layers with a sealant on top to create the look of a wood floor. Is Fabuloso Safe on Laminate Floors? […]

Ceramic tiles are one of the most durable and long-lasting flooring options. But even with their durability, they can still lose their shine and luster after years of use. This is often due to a breakdown of the original sealant, dirt accumulation, or regular wear and tear. What’s the Best Way to Shine Ceramic Tile? […]

Although it’s not talked about, wood floors need to maintain a proper amount of moisture. While you often hear warnings not to oversaturate them, you rarely hear warnings about the opposite: drying your floors out. What’s the Best Way to Rehydrate Wood Floors? The goal of rehydrating floors is to increase their moisture levels so […]

Wood flooring is a classic, high-quality way to give your house a finished look.  One of the nice things about wood flooring is that you have a lot of different options for colors. You also have many different choices for textures and types of wood.  However, if you want to use different types of wood […]

If your home has different flooring types, transitions are incredibly important. Being able to make a seamless transition makes the house look finished and completes the look.  However, this can be very difficult if you have a different type of flooring on your stairs.  Transitioning between floorings and between rooms is relatively simple, but stairs […]

If you have carpet in your home laid directly over concrete, taking it off isn’t difficult. The Best Way to Remove Carpet from Concrete To remove carpet from concrete, start by cutting a piece of carpet into a 12-24 inch strip. Roll the strip up until it becomes too big for you to manage, and […]

If you are removing carpet from a wooden floor, odds are you are going to encounter glue.  Carpet glue is used to hold the carpet in place as well as brads and small nails. It is easy enough to remove the carpet but removing the glue is another story.  If you are keeping the original […]

If you have a gap between your carpet and your baseboard, it is very important that you repair it.  Not only is it an aesthetic issue, it can also make your home less efficient.  When the baseboards are installed, they should have some room for the carpet. However, sometimes, this gap will be too big.  […]

If you have recently removed some linoleum, you might have some leftover adhesive on the wood.  If your goal is to save the wood floor underneath and refinish it, you will want to remove the adhesive. Doing this carefully will help you save that wood and keep everything clean and in good condition.  There are […]

If you have a concrete floor with vinyl tiles, you may want to install a new floor at some point.  In order to do this, you will have to remove the old or dirty vinyl. This process can be difficult if you don’t set yourself up for success.  Doing this job correctly can prevent the […]

If you need to remove old grout from your floor tiles, it might seem like an impossible job.  Grout is meant to harden over the years and that can make it very difficult to remove. However, there are ways you can get it to come up and even save the tile.  Generally, this is a […]

If you are trying to re-caulk a bathroom or shower, it’s important that you remove the old caulk.  By leaving old caulk on a bank of tiles, you could end up with a less-than-waterproof seal.  When this happens, you could get water underneath the tile. This, in turn, could end up growing mold underneath your […]

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 way. You want the result […]

If you have a set of stairs that you use on a regular basis, you will want to protect it.  One of the best ways to do this is to install vinyl plank flooring on the stair treads. Not only will it protect the tread of the stairs, it will also make them safer.  To […]

Hardwood flooring is one of the most sought-after flooring materials. Its classic look and durability makes it highly desirable and something everyone looks for in a home.  However, when installing wood flooring, you may want to mix up different types.  One of the best things about wood flooring is that it is so diverse. Being […]

Luxury vinyl flooring is a great addition to any busy home. It is known for its water resistance as well as its resistance to scratches.  Because of this durability, it is a good choice for people with children and animals. However, even the most cautious of families might end up with a scratch or two.  […]

So, you made the plunge and installed hardwood floors throughout your house. Now comes the time when you have to add furniture back to the room. But what’s the best way to do that? After all, you don’t want your furniture scratching up the wood floors.  If you want to safeguard your investment, here’s how […]

Laminate is a great, fairly low-budget flooring option that can be incredibly durable. Its high quality and ease of installation makes it a good choice for those who want the hardwood look.  However, laminate isn’t necessarily permanently affixed to the floor. It is what is called a floating floor and instead uses a snap-in fastening […]

If you live in a cold climate, odds are you know how to prepare for winter.  There are all kinds of things you should do if you want to keep safe when it gets cold. For example, your home and your car need to be prepared for freezing temperatures to stay in good condition.  Your […]

Installing laminate flooring is a fairly easy job that many people can do. It is designed to be as simple as possible and have a low barrier of entry cost-wise as well.  However, one of the more complex jobs when it comes to installation is cutting the planks.  There are a lot of things that […]

Refinished hardwood flooring is a viable alternative to standard hardwood. If you are interested in the look but don’t want to make the big investment, it could be a good option.  If down the road, you decide you want to refinish your engineered hardwood, you might wonder how to do it. Luckily, the process isn’t […]

Vinyl flooring has made a big comeback. It’s one of the most durable flooring options available and comes in many timeless designs. It’s excellent for houses with active kids and pets, is virtually maintenance-free, and is one of the best flooring materials for kitchens and baths. Is It Okay to Put Heavy Furniture on Vinyl […]

Removing your carpet can be a difficult job if it is old or damaged. However, if you want to put in new flooring, it must be done.  You can choose the DIY route if you like, but if not, a contractor can also do it. Finding out how much it will cost can help you […]

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. […]

Laminate flooring is an inexpensive, easy to maintain flooring option for your home. However, like any material, it will start to look dull and over time it will eventually fade. When this happens, you might start thinking about how you can refinish your laminate.  It’s entirely possible to refinish laminate flooring and there are quite […]

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 […]

Hardwood flooring continues to be the most popular flooring option available. It not only adds beauty to your home but also adds value. Which makes it a real bummer when you see that your floor is turning black or has black dots all over it. Luckily, in most cases, this is a problem you can […]

Dealing with dull hardwoods? If you thought refinishing was your only option to make them look new again, you may be in luck. A good waxing may be all that is needed to restore their shine and beauty. This is excellent news because waxing is inexpensive and easy to do. The best way to wax […]

Marble flooring can make any space look high-end. It’s a very durable, classic, and long-lasting floor option.  There’s just one downside, though – marble floors can be hard to clean. Marble is porous, which means you can’t use harsh cleaners on it. And if you do end up using the wrong cleaners or fail to […]

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’re adding on to your hardwood floor, it’s almost always a good idea to make the new match the old. After all, using two different types of hardwoods can be difficult to pull off. There’s just one problem, though – how do you get your old and new flooring to match? Because not only […]

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 […]

It’s a nightmare – someone gets a hold of a can of spray paint, sprays it inside, and gets it all over your carpet. Now you’re left with splotches of paint, and you’re wondering if you’ll be able to get them out.  The Best Way to Remove Spray Paint from Carpet Most spray paints are […]

Water and hardwood floors don’t mix. This is why large water spills or leaky pipes are a big deal. Fortunately, if you act quickly, a water spill can be cleaned up without any problems. If you don’t catch it quickly, though, that spill can lead to permanent damage. Here’s how to handle a water spill […]

If you’re dealing with a leaky pipe or a bit of flooding, you may think removing the standing water is the most important part of cleanup. The truth is, that’s just the beginning. The Best Way to Dry Water Under a Wood Floor If you need to dry water under a wood floor, the first […]

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 […]

With reclaimed and recycled wood becoming more popular, learning to remove nails is important.  With older wood, you will often find that there are a lot of rusted fasteners and other impurities. Learning how to properly remove them is crucial to saving the materials.  One of the challenges with removing nails from wood is saving […]

Having your floors refinished can make a massive difference in the look and feel of your home. It’s no wonder why you’re in a hurry to put your furniture back. It’s exciting to see how your old stuff looks with your new floors. Plus, it’s nice to have somewhere to sit and relax- especially after […]

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: […]

Silicone caulk is exceptionally effective at sealing up cracks and repelling water. But, over time, it can grow mold or turn yellow and look pretty unsightly. It’s at times like these where removing your old caulk and replacing it makes sense. There’s just one problem: since caulk does its job so well, it can be […]

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 […]

Laminate flooring is a durable and stylish option for all kinds of interior decor. However, one of its biggest issues is that it is not as waterproof as other flooring types.  If water gets into the cracks between laminate planks, it can cause the flooring to warp. It can also create dangerous black mold if […]

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 […]

You try to be careful. You put coasters on all the wood tables and ban your kids from taking their drinks out of the kitchen. But, the inevitable happens – despite your good intentions, someone has an accident. Now you’re wondering how to remove dark water stains from wood. What’s the Best Way to Remove […]

Getting new floors is exciting, especially when it’s a purchase you’ve been thinking about and saving for over a long period. But as exciting as fixing your old wood floors can be, throwing them out seems like a waste. So, what are you supposed to do with the hardwoods you’re tearing out? Can I Recycle […]