How To/Tips

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 […]

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 […]

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? What is the Best Way to Protect Hardwood Floors From Furniture? The best way to protect hardwood floors from furniture is […]

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. What’s the Best Way to […]

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. Polishing Marble Floors: What You Need to Know How to Polish Marble Flooring Polishing Marble Floors by Hand If you want to polish marble floors […]

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. Quick Fix: What to Do About a Water Spill on Your Hardwoods If you have a large water spill on your floor, first, soak up the standing water with towels. If there is too much water, use a wet/dry shop vac to suction the rest. How to Handle a […]

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 […]

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 […]

Nothing ruins a day faster than coming home to find puddles of water standing on the carpet. After all, everyone knows that carpet and water just don’t mix.  What’s the Best Way to Dry Wet Carpet? The best way to dry wet carpet is to remove as much moisture as possible with a shop vac […]

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 […]

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 for the tile grout in […]

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 […]

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 one-stop shop for your new […]

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 concrete, you are in the […]

Do you find that certain areas of the carpeting in your house or condo is getting scrunched up and lumpy? Then you might require carpet stretching. This is when you take the carpet that is already installed and stretch it enough to tighten the material and make it smooth again. Though normal use, you will […]

Replacing your boat carpet is often seen as a pain in the butt, but it doesn’t have to be. Yes, it’s a necessary part of owning a boat with carpet, but that doesn’t mean you should look at it as just another thing to do to maintain your boat. Rather, it can be a great […]

If you’re a new boat owner or simply a veteran who wants to go the extra mile to install boat carpet, don’t fret. Many avoid the thought of carpeting a boat because it may feel like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done something similar before. If you’re curious as to how to install […]