How to Choose the Best Flooring for Hotels

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How to Choose the Best Flooring for Hotels

Flooring is one of the most important parts of any hotel. That’s why hotels usually spend a lot of money on their flooring. Whether they go with carpet, hardwood, or vinyl, the type of flooring used can greatly influence how guests feel about staying in that particular hotel. This article will give you some pointers on how to choose the best flooring for hotels.

 

First of all, think about what type of flooring you want to install. There are different types of flooring that are best suited for hotel use. Options to choose from include carpet, vinyl, and hardwood. Carpet is soft and provides a more soothing feel to the room. Vinyl is a more practical choice that equals high quality and low maintenance, making it good for hotels with large amounts of foot traffic. Hardwood is definitely one of the best choices around because it’s sturdy and long lasting while being beautiful as well.

 

The first thing you should look at is a sample of the type of flooring you want to install. Sample products can be found from carpet and flooring wholesalers. Then take your time looking at the samples, especially for carpet and hardwood, because it may be difficult to get something similar to what you see in the current state.

 

Next thing you need to do is find out where your employees will stand when they work at their desks. That’s why it’s important to check that the flooring they’re working on is strong enough to withstand the weight and pressure their bodies put on them. If you don’t do this, the flooring can begin to warp and collapse.

 

Another thing that’s important to look at is the cleaning process of the flooring you choose. Most carpet and hardwood companies recommend that their products be shampooed once every six months with a carpet cleaner, which should be followed by rinsing with water. This is a better option than using dry cleaners because they can ruin the life of your flooring.

 

Furniture damage is another thing that you need to avoid when choosing hotel flooring. To prevent furniture damage, make sure the furniture doesn’t touch or rest on top of any type of wood or vinyl area rug. Hotel carpeting is typically cut to fit the length and width of a room. It’s then covered with underlayment which protects the carpet fibers and gives it added cushion.

After you’ve finished shopping, make sure you call the company you chose and ask if they can come out to measure your room. 

 

That way they can ensure that the flooring they install will fit your room perfectly, including any furniture that may be in it. With this in mind, be sure to specify any furniture that will be placed around or touching your flooring, not just what type of furniture you have now.

 

Before finalizing your order, ask for a sample that has been treated with an ultraviolet finish so it won’t fade or become stained quickly. Most carpet stores are more than happy to give you a sample of their product, so don’t be afraid to ask. Keep in mind that you’ll probably have to wait a few weeks before your sample shows up so stay patient.

 

Don’t forget about the back of the room! That’s where most guests will walk into your room, and it’s best if they feel welcomed with a soft and comfortable floor. If your hotel is small, try to get one of their sample samples that have been finished on both sides with the same flooring brand. This will make your room look like a whole suite when guests enter and leave, instead of just walking into one room. If you have a large room with many different entrances, it may be best to have a “temporary” carpet installed for the back of your room which can be pulled off quickly so you can install new flooring.

 

When you’re in the market for new flooring, remember that it’s not just choosing the right type of flooring, but also what type of quality as well. The first thing that you should look at is the weight of the samples. Most modern carpet and hardwood suppliers will only provide samples which are no more than 70 pounds per square foot. It’s important to remember that this is lower than regular products because they consider the finished product to be much heavier once it’s installed on your floor.

Final thoughts

It’s important to remember that the flooring you choose will be one of the most important parts of your hotel. This is because the guests that walk through your lobby or room will judge how clean and comfortable your hotel is based on its flooring. Thankfully, there are many companies out there that can help you find the right flooring for hotels. But it’s also up to you as a hotel owner to make sure that your employees know what kind of damage they can do to flooring so they don’t cause unnecessary stains or tears. With all this in mind, take some time when shopping for new carpet and hardwood samples so you can make sure everything looks perfect before it’s actually installed into a room.

5 Exciting And Unusual Ways to Use Tiles in Your Bathroom

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5 Exciting And Unusual Ways to Use Tiles in Your Bathroom

When people think of a bathroom, many things come to mind: urinals, sinks, and toilets. Many people also have a distinct image in their head of a boring tile floor with no design or color that must be kept clean at all costs. However, if you are willing to step outside the box and explore additional features for your bathroom flooring choice, you could end up with something quite exciting and unusual.

 

Why Tiles Are Important

For most people, the visual connection between bathroom and tiles is clear. People associate a bathroom floor with something they must clean often and in a particular way. Tiles are made to be scrubbable, so they help keep your floors looking fairly clean even if you take a shower every day.

 

This role as a scrubbable material gives tiles options in alternative uses that may be less obvious. For instance, the soap dish or soap holder can be made from silicone or resin instead of plastic to keep it from creating clutter on your countertop. However, it is important to remember that not all tile materials are designed for this use and should not be used for soap or other purposes where spills could occur.

 

Bathroom Stall Flooring

Instead of tiling the floor, consider adding two-inch-thick wood tiles instead. This gives you the visual appeal of tile but is much easier to keep clean. The floor is also water resistant, meaning you can shower in your bathroom before going out to get dressed.

 

Sink and Travertine Cement Floor Tiles

Travertine cement tiles generally adhere better to slick surfaces than most other tile materials. These tiles can be used under most sinks without any issues, ensuring that you will have a smooth surface for those inevitable spills or splashes.

 

These minimal tiles are also quite easy to install and require no mortar. This is ideal for bathrooms, as it can be done during a remodeling project.

 

Bathroom Wall Tile

If you’re not ready to change the entire look of your bathroom, you can still make a bold statement by adding these wall tiles. The 5% transparent coating gives these tiles a glossy appearance that looks amazing against any other color or pattern your bathroom might have. If you’d like to add a more modern feel to your bathroom, a plain white wall can be broken up by adding a patterned tile among some of the other walls.

 

Laundry Room Flooring

This is an obvious option for any room that involves lots of clean clothes. This flooring can be used under the dryer and around the washer and dryer themselves to help keep everything looking nice. These tiles are typically made from a rubber material that remains flexible even under heavy loads.

 

For those who prefer more natural textures, travertine cement tile might be better suited. Tiles made from authentic travertine marble can be laid in the same pattern and offer a clean, natural look.

 

Shower Floor Tiles

For many people, the shower is a place for relaxation. It is also something that you cannot completely cover with furniture. This leaves the floor to be exposed, with nothing but the usual grout lines to break up the surface. To add some flair to this area of your bathroom, consider using ornamental tiles instead of square tiles or grout lines.

 

Many people have a tendency to add furniture such as mats and rugs in their showers for increased safety. This can make it difficult to clean your floors regularly.

 

Bottom line

Adding the option to have grout lines in your bathroom can be a great way to make the floor easy to maintain. However, it is important to consider all of the different types of tile available before making a decision.

12 Best Tips For Carpet Cleaning

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12 Best Tips For Carpet Cleaning

Most people know that at one time or another, they have spilled a drink on their carpet and subsequently tracked it into the house. Many of us are left wondering how we get our carpets cleaned in order to avoid any damaging spills in the future.

 

Hopefully this blog post will help you achieve your goal by compiling a list of 12 best tips for carpet cleaning! 

 

Introduction to an informative and factual blog post about how to properly clean carpet stains:

After getting spill-stained carpets, many people find themselves scratching their head about how best to remove those unfortunate spots from the fabric. The many types of spills found on carpets can leave a stain that can be difficult to remove. 

How to Remove Carpet Stains

If you have carpets in your home look closely at them and you will probably notice several spots that require a bit of attention. Fortunately, cleaning carpet stains is not very difficult. Follow the steps below to tackle most common stains on your carpets. Read on and learn some helpful tips!

Blood

You need Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) and cold water, along with mild detergent like dish soap or shampoo. Apply the sudsy mixture onto the stain and rinse away with water, after 2 – 5 minutes.

Coffee 

Apply hot water with baking soda, to remove stains and smell from carpet.

Grease 

After cleaning the stain with a solvent like hydrogen peroxide, dab the spot using a dry and damp cloth. Then, you should blot dry soapy water. You can use your vacuum cleaner to suck up the remaining detergent – if any.

Ketchup

You can mix vinegar and water to remove stains. Soak up as much liquid as possible by blotting with paper towels or absorbant fabrics. Then use a spray bottle to create a mild solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide in clean water, which you can apply on top of dried liquid.

 

Oil 

Pour baking soda over the stained area and let the powder absorb the spilled oil. After about 10 minutes, vacuum it up with a dry vacuum cleaner.

Red Wine

Soak cotton balls in white vinegar and lay them on top of the stained area. Leave it for 5 or 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Apply shampoo and rub it into the area where you have applied vinegar, after which you need to clean it up with cold water using a sponge. Finally, add a squeeze of lemon juice to remove any remaining odor.

Soft Drinks 

You should blot up as much liquid as possible, then spray the spot with club soda in order to remove soda stains. After which you can use a clean cloth and dab the surface. Apply detergent mixed with warm water and dab again until it is dry. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck out any moisture left on the carpet.

Tanning Oil

If you want to remove tanning oil stains from your carpet, you need baking soda and ammonia cleaner (such as Windex). Apply the baking soda on top of the stain and leave it for a few minutes or until it absorbs most of the liquid. Then, vacuum it up with a dry vacuum cleaner. After that, dab the area with ammonia and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Rinse away excess liquid using a damp cloth and then dry it with another clean cloth.

Wet Paint 

You need to mix white vinegar and water together to remove paint stains from your carpet. Soak cotton balls with vinegar, dip into the mixture, then place them on the stained area and leave them overnight or until they absorb some of the water. The next day, you can try to wipe off any remaining moisture using a clean cloth. Repeat if necessary.

Urine

Pour baking soda and vinegar on top of the stain and allow it to absorb some of the urine. Then, you should scrub with a toothbrush to lift out any remaining particles. Blot up as much liquid as possible and then dry it with a hair dryer or fan. Finish off by applying non-perfumed baby powder on top of the area where you have cleaned up the stain.

Vomit 

Soak white towels in cold water (dampen them) then place them over the area that has stains from vomit on carpet. Leave the towel for several hours so that it absorbs as much moisture from your carpet as possible. After that, you can remove the towel and vacuum it up using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

Wino Vinegar

If you need to clean up wine stains on your carpet, pour white vinegar on top of the stained area. Leave it for a while (about 5 or 10 minutes) and then rinse with cold water. You can rub the spot with either dish soap or shampoo to remove any alcohol smell from your carpet.

Conclusion

We hope that you now feel more confident in tackling those carpet stains yourself. Follow these 12 best tips for carpet cleaning to get your home looking spic and span once again!

How to Hide Pipes in the Kitchen

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How to Hide Pipes in the Kitchen

There are many plumbing jobs that may be difficult to complete without the use of tools, but there is one in particular that anyone plumber can handle. 

 

This job is a pipe hiding job, and it’s a lot easier than it sounds. To hide your pipes in the kitchen, you’ll only need a small can of paint and some basic supplies like board or foam core. The best part about this DIY project is that it won’t cost anything! Plus, there are no special skills required besides knowledge of how to use a paint brush and rollers.

 

To begin, you’ll need to pick out your paint. You can only use oil-based paint for whatever reason, so find an appropriate color that will match your kitchen. I would suggest using a dark color because it won’t show and will look like a natural wood texture.

 

If you have wood boards or leftover foam core from another project, you can save even more money if you use that instead of buying new materials. The best part about this “hiding job” is that the pipes are going to be completely covered by your boards, so they don’t need to be in prime condition. If any of them have cracks or holes, just cover them up with more paint. 

 

You may need to do a little sanding to make it look nice, but I wouldn’t worry about it too much.

Before you start painting, you’ll want to prepare your boards. Cut them down to size and attach them to the wall with nails or picture hangers that you can find in your local hardware store for a small cost. If you have more pipes that need covering than board or foam core has room for, use additional boards, foam core and paint until all the pipes are covered.

 

If there are some pipes by an electrical outlet that cannot be covered because of the way they are positioned, just paint them as well. Once you see how this project can be done, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is.

 

If the pipes are in an inconvenient place and you can’t get the boards up close to the wall, use a smaller piece of foam core, round and in a shape that will reach where you need it to go. Cut a larger square out of the center so that your pipe goes through the center. You don’t need to attach anything because it will hold on its own.

 

You can take it from there, adding more pieces to cover up pipes. You’ll be surprised how great the outcome will be. If you want to make the job easier, another great idea would be to paint the pipes a different color than the wall behind them. If you don’t have any green paint or painters tape lying around, then use a color like red or yellow and cover them with patterns of your choice. 

 

This way they will look like they are part of your kitchen decor rather than something that was just plastered onto the wall at random. I’ve seen some pipes in homes that were painted a bright green and had black outlines.

 

If you don’t have enough boards, foam core or otherwise, then skip the end bits and paint them as well. It will give them a more finished look and they won’t be so obvious that they were there in the first place.

 

While you wait for your pipes to dry completely, you can be working on a different project. If you are doing any kind of remodeling or improvement to your home that might take months or years to complete, those hid pipes will add value to your home without costing anything extra.

 

Final thoughts

Pipes in the kitchen are not inherently a bad thing, but if you don’t want them so visible, then this article can help you achieve your goal of hiding the pipes. It’s very economical, and it doesn’t take long to do. It adds value to your home without taking you any money out of your pocket. If you choose a dark color for the paint job, then it won’t show through your boards or foam core, and they will look great!

How to Buy a Kitchen Countertop That Is Perfect For You

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How to Buy a Kitchen Countertop That Is Perfect For You

I’ve been a kitchen designer for years, and I can’t tell you how many times people come to me who say “I want to buy a countertop but don’t know the best place to get one.” Well, if you’re looking for options and advice, this post is just what you need!

 

We’ll teach you how to find a top that is perfect for your needs (and budget), as well as what different materials are available. We’ll include lots of pictures and examples, so you can see exactly what we’re talking about.

 

So let’s get started!

What Type Of Countertop Do You Want?

After narrowing down your options to a few different materials (granite, marble, quartz and recycled glass), you have to decide what kind of look you want. Here’s a quick list of the more popular types of countertops. You’ll notice that there isn’t an option for laminate or formica tops. 

 

In my experience (and in my opinion), laminate tops are cheap looking and are prone to scratches and stains. Formica tops aren’t any better, either. If you’re looking for a cheap top and don’t care what it looks like, go with one of these materials. But if you want something that looks good and will last a long time, one of the options below is likely what you’re looking for.

Which Countertop Are You Looking For?

Granite: When it comes to granite, there are basically two types of options to choose from: natural stone (such as marble or travertine) and honed (smooth) granite. 

 

The natural stone options offer the same look and feel that you would get with a more expensive top (but at a lower cost). Honed granite tops are basically smooth with bevels around them for better grip. They are more affordable than the natural stone options, but not nearly as durable.

 

Marble: Marble comes in two varieties: veined (which is more expensive than non-veined) and solid marble. These kitchen countertops are very similar to granite because they’re both natural stones that have the same feel and look.

 

Quartz: Quartz is available in six different finishes (see above for a detailed description of each finish). Generally, the higher price you pay is based on how much detail is present in the quartz. For example, there are lots of holes and patterns throughout an expensive quartz countertop that aren’t visible on an inexpensive one. 

 

Recycled Glass: This material is quickly growing in popularity because of its sleek look and durable nature. Glass comes in a variety of colors, so it’s easy to find something that fits with your decor. One drawback to glass countertops is that they’re more expensive than most other options, so you don’t want to buy one unless you’re sure you’ll like it for years to come.

 

Bottom line

Granite, marble and quartz are all natural stones that offer a great blend of beauty and durability. Recycled glass is easy to clean, while being easy on the wallet.

 

But there are also many other options available. Composite stone (which is often called laminates because it’s plastic) is a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable option that has a more put-together look than laminate, but isn’t as expensive as granite or marble.

 

If you’re downsizing or just can’t afford to have a full slab of stone in your kitchen, consider going with a smaller size (such as with tile), or try using smaller pieces of tile on your countertop instead.

13 Simple Ways to Make a Kitchen Look Bigger and Brighter

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13 Simple Ways to Make a Kitchen Look Bigger and Brighter

Believe it or not, just a few small adjustments can make all the difference when it comes to how large your kitchen appears. In this blog post, we’re giving you 13 ways to give your kitchen a fresh new look with very little work.

 

From keeping clutter away and taking up less space (which are both often problems for many people), to brightening up dark corners and making your room go from drab to fab, the changes that you make will be enough to convince anyone that they’ve got more space than they previously thought!

 

The post provides tips on how to do these things by taking a few simple steps:

  1. Take off the cabinet doors and drawers in your kitchen cabinets. You can do this on just one side of the kitchen if you like. That way, it doesn’t have to be an all-day project.
  2. Remove all of the items from inside your cabinets and wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth. This will also help eliminate odors and improve ventilation.
  3. Put your best items back into the cabinets, but keep things in clear containers for now. You may want to remove some of the less attractive items from your cabinets entirely if they are things that you never use or don’t serve a purpose in your kitchen anymore. For example, you may want to keep your measuring cups, spoons, and utensils in one clear container instead of leaving them all spread out.
  4. Consider painting the insides of your cabinets with chalkboard paint. This will help you keep track of what ingredients you already have so that you know when it’s time to restock.
  5. Put up pictures or phrases that are meaningful to you and make you smile. If they are items that are special to the people who live in the home, this will also make the kitchen more personal and homey. This can include items such as photos of your family or inspirational quotes.
  6. Keep your counters clutter free by removing all of the items that you no longer need. Then, sort your stuff into categories for easy access and neatness.
  7. Open up your refrigerator door and clean it each week to remove mold, grime, and other items from inside.
  8. Add some organization to the fridge drawers by putting shelves in there so that you can keep everything in place and make it easier for you to reach things if you need them.
  9. Install pull outs on the front of your pantry doors that will allow you to store things like vegetables, fruit, and other snacks there while still allowing you to see what they are without having to open up the entire pantry or cabinet. This can be easily achieved by simply buying some nice wooden pull outs from a hardware store or on a website such as amazon.com.
  10. Add hooks to the inside of your pantry door where you can hang things like aprons and towels. This will allow you to keep them handy for whenever you need them.
  11. Add a pretty piece of art to the top of your pantry door that keeps things out of sight but still visible when you reach for things in there.
  12. Create storage spaces on the floor or on walls that are hidden from view, but at the same time, help to make everything easier to find when needed. This is a great idea if you find that your kitchen doesn’t have enough room.
  13. Use curtains or a little bit of cloth to cover the back of some of your kitchen cabinets so that they blend well with the walls. You can even use this as a way to hide items from view if you want to. They’re also easy to clean and less likely to get broken.

 

This blog post provides several tips for creating an organized and beautiful kitchen for anyone who wants to live in their home for the long-term.

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: 12 Amazing Design Trends in 2022

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Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: 12 Amazing Design Trends in 2022

In 2022, kitchens are going to look radically different from what they do today. Designers will be pushing the boundaries of how we cook and eat; let’s just hope that the new kitchen designs won’t drastically increase our carbon footprints.

 

That’s why we have created this article with some of the trends in kitchen design for 2022. Here are 12 amazing ideas that are sure to be popular by 2022.

Warmer Colors and Textures

People will be infusing their kitchens with the warmth of wood, marble, and granite. White kitchens will continue to be popular but there will also be a growing interest in warmer colors like yellow and orange. And instead of cold stone countertops, people are going to want warmer ones made of wood, granite or marble.

The Kitchen Room Will Become One With the Living Area vs Separate Rooms

It used to be that the kitchen was an entirely different room than the living area in most houses. But in 2022, there will be a growing trend to integrate the two. People will be actively using the kitchen in their daily lives, increasing the importance and desirability of the kitchen room.

The Kitchen May Be Integrated With Another Room or Hallway

Kitchens are becoming more like offices, with people spending much more time there than they used to. This means that kitchens will be increasingly integrated with other rooms or hallways and not separated in different rooms of their own.

Unique Sinks

Sinks will increasingly start looking like art pieces instead of something we use every day. They will be more decorative, modern and unique in design.

Recessed Stainless Steel Sinks

Sinks will be more unique than ever and people will be incorporating them into their kitchen designs in increasingly sophisticated ways. Instead of the traditional sink, designers will be pushing the limits of what is possible with recessed stainless steel sinks which could integrate a range of different elements like faucets and lighting fixtures as a single unit.

Intelligent Kitchen Fixtures & Appliances (e-kitchen)

E-kitchens are becoming increasingly popular so it is likely that they will make even greater advances in the next few years. In 2022, we are likely to see the development of e-kitchens that are so advanced that you can control them with a tablet or smartphone.

Integrated Appliances

The idea of integrated appliances is to make the kitchen more sustainable, cleaner and easier to use. In 2022, people will expect their appliances to be completely integrated with their cabinets and counters. Kitchens will have a more unified look as a result of this integration and people will be able to hide most of their appliances out of sight (in environmentally friendly fashion).

Embedded Appliances

Embedded appliances will be the wave of the future in 2022. Instead of having a separate oven, stove top, or other appliances, they will all be embedded right into the countertops. Cooking will be even easier as a result and it will make it much easier to clean up afterwards as well.

Food Preparation Built Into Countertops

This is similar to embedded appliances except that there are surfaces where people can prepare their food while they are cooking. The faucets, sink and other fixtures are integrated into the countertop so that preparing food becomes all part of cooking.

Integrated, Touchscreen Kitchen Fixtures

There will be growing popularity in touchscreens in kitchens starting in 2022. These home appliances will have a variety of uses: they can be used as digital scales, digital timers, be used for planning recipes, and help keep track of garish cravings from your kids.

Integrated Dishwashers

Dishwashers are going to become more and more integrated with their countertops in 2022. They will be able to be installed into the counter as a single unit or for those who are really on the cutting edge, they will even be built into the countertop completely.

Open Shelving in Kitchens

When people envision kitchens in 2022, they aren’t going to include the traditional cabinet doors covering up all of your cookware. In fact, many kitchens will use open shelving which is easier to clean and can make your kitchen look much more modern and natural.

Bottom line

These are just some of the kitchen trends that will be popular in 2022. Bear in mind, this list is not exhaustive but it should give you some idea of the changing face of kitchens.

Hardwood Flooring Installation Process

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Hardwood Flooring Installation Process

No one installs flooring without making a few mistakes, so don’t worry about it. In fact, you’ll probably end up with more fun stories than mistakes. It’s a bummer when the installer drops the board on your foot, but the cut-offs will be clean and result in marginally less waste if you know what to do. We’ve broken down the process into four steps so that it’s easier to follow.

Step 1: Unpack Your Supplies

You can start by unwrapping all of your boards and supplies from their protective packaging and storing them neatly in containers or in stacks on your floor space. Make sure the correct stacks of materials are in the correct locations. You will want to label each stack so that you know what materials are where.

Step 2: Measure and Mark 

Measure twice and cut once. Make sure you’re using proper measuring techniques. You will want to mark the boards you’ll need to cut so that they’re easier to identify as they’re delivered and stacked on your work area. It’s also a good idea to mark your boards if there is a noticeable variation in color or texture (like knots) between boards.

Step 3: Cut 

There are many ways to cut wood, but the most efficient way is to purchase a temporary miter saw. It only takes about five minutes to set up and use once you’ve learned how. You’ll also want to bring a reciprocating saw and a hammer so that you can cut through nails easily.

Step 4: Apply Adhesive 

There are many different variations of adhesive products. We used the deck adhesive because we have a small amount of waste molding at the base of each stair tread, which won’t be covered by the finished flooring product. Goop (a no-clean glue) – Goop is used to adhere the flooring to the subfloor. It’s easy to use and will not damage your flooring. 

 

You’ll want a small amount of the adhesive, about a ½-inch strip for each board for each step of installation (this will vary depending on how many boards you’re installing). Use a squeegee or credit card to smooth out any bubbles that might form during application. 

 

A bead roller can also be used in place of the squeegee, but it’s likely that you’ll need more than one pass with it. You’ll also want to set aside a small amount of the adhesive to roll over the board ends for moisture management.

 

Step 5: Install 

Lay out boards so that they’re easy to identify (or mark them). The best way to lay flooring is to work around obstacles rather than through them. Start at the bottom of your flight and install boards in an alternating fashion, staggering adjacent boards (if possible) in an alternating pattern. 

 

If you need help lifting the boards into place, it’s better to have multiple people available rather than making one person lift multiple pieces of flooring. Start by gluing down the end of each board and using a squeegee or credit card to smooth out any bubbles that might form during application. 

 

A bead roller can also be used in place of the squeegee, but it’s likely that you’ll need more than one pass to get a clean finish. Continue by placing boards in the same manner and working up and down the stairs, following your pattern for alternating boards. If you’re installing flooring over a lip, you’ll want to install two rows of boards first so that you can measure (and cut if necessary) the length of your flooring properly. 

 

Then install a row of any remaining boards on top of these. You don’t have to worry about handling pieces with sharp edges or nails at this point, as they will all be covered by the finished flooring product.

Step 6: Trim 

Trim the flooring after it’s been installed. You can use a reciprocating saw to make quick work of this process. If you have any difficult cuts, you can use a jigsaw if you have one available. You can also score the backside of your board with a utility knife before cutting to avoid splintering and chipping. Your board will also be easier to trim if there’s a little bit of overhang on the subfloor, so don’t worry about cutting off too much at this point.

Step 7: Clean-up

We used a wet vacuum to clean up the area and applied a primer before applying the flooring.

Conclusion

That’s it! Now you know the process of installing hardwood flooring, so give it a try and let us know how it goes.

The 5 Best Tips for Purchasing Furniture Online

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The 5 Best Tips for Purchasing Furniture Online

If you’re in the market for furniture, whether it’s a new bed or a brand-new armoire, buying through an online retailer is probably your best bet. It takes away the hassle of dealing with pushy salesmen and can save you money by eliminating overhead costs. 

 

There are some things to keep in mind when shopping furniture online though — we’ve included 5 tips below that will help ensure you take home what you paid for.

1) Always check return policies thoroughly before making any purchase.

We never want to think that we’ll need to return something we buy online, but if you’re buying a large piece of furniture that’s going to be difficult to move around, such as a bed frame or dresser, it might not be a bad idea.

 

Though most retailers offer free returns for up to 30 days after your purchase, some may charge for return shipping depending on the item and the retailer. For instance, Wayfair’s policy allows for free return shipping on all items when purchased within 30 days of delivery. The terms and conditions can be found here.

2) Don’t rely solely on photos for a true representation of the product.

Browsing through furniture that’s been professionally taken care of can give you a better idea of its overall condition and make. That being said, furniture manufacturers have the knowledge with which to create their pieces in specific ways that will make them look better in photos than they actually are in real life.

 

For instance, while upholstery might be featured prominently on a piece of furniture in photos, it likely won’t be visible when you’re actually looking at the item in person. Similarly, a couch without a back cushion might look fine in photos, but you’ll probably notice the difference when you get it home. If you’d like to better gauge how something will look in your home and under different lighting situations, take advantage of the “live” feature on many online furniture retailers and see what it looks like yourself.

3) Don’t buy a piece of furniture sight unseen.

Whether you’re searching for a sofa, bed frame or some other furniture item, it’s important to see the item in person before making your purchase to ensure you’re ordering the right product. To get the most out of your shopping experience, try visiting at least two popular websites and order different pieces from each. Then, compare prices and features between the two sites and make your choice based on which site offers you the best deal.

4) Always read the fine print.

Many manufacturers are kind enough to provide some of the most in-depth information on their product pages. This can be a great way to learn more about the materials and manufacturing processes the product is made from, but it’s important to understand where this information comes from.

 

Many major manufacturers have created websites that provide information on their goods. While the product descriptions can be biased, such as stating a piece of furniture was made in Italy or China, they do give you a good idea of what to expect. 

 

More importantly, this helps you know if anything is out of the ordinary and that could go unnoticed by your average customer. If there’s something that you don’t understand or think is incorrect, reach out to the manufacturer and ask how things are made or what materials are used in the product.

5) Be realistic about the condition of the furniture.

If you’re purchasing a piece that’s already in a solid condition, such as a table or couch, it’s unlikely that you’ll run into any trouble with shipping and handling. If you’re ordering an antique coffee table from Italy, for example, you may want to make sure it arrives safely without many dents or scratches. If the shipping price seems too cheap when compared with the price of the item, there’s probably a good reason for it.

10 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Mattress

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Do you know what type of mattress is best for you? The answer might surprise you! Here are 10 things to consider before buying a mattress.

 

Choosing the right kind of mattress can be difficult. The first step in the process is to understand your personal needs before making a purchase. 

 

No one likes getting stuck with an uncomfortable bed or mattress after a long day of work. The following are 10 things you need to know before buying a new mattress.

1. What kind of sleeper are you?

You fall into one of three categories: side, back or stomach sleepers. The answer is important because some mattresses can be uncomfortable and cause a good deal of pain based on the position you sleep in. 

 

A bed that causes pain can disrupt your normal sleeping pattern and lead to other problems, such as depression , stress and insomnia.

2. The Price of the Mattress

While a mattress may be more expensive than an air mattress or cheap, inflatable bed, it is unlikely to be as expensive as buying a new home! Research the average price of mattresses in your region. 

 

Keep in mind that because mattresses can last 10 years or longer, they are a long-term investment and may not auto-renew due to a lack of purchases. Read reviews on the manufacturer’s YouTube channel and ask friends and family for feedback.

3. You Need a Firm Mattress — not an Extremely Soft One

A mattress that is less than 10 pounds per cubic foot will be too soft for most people. A firm mattress can dramatically improve your sleep quality, help reduce pain and may ease anxiety caused by poor sleep. 

 

A good way to find a firm mattress is to lie on one and try not to sink into it. The harder the surface, the better the overall comfort.

 

4. You May Need an Inflatable Mattress

If you know you need to purchase a mattress that packs flat, then you will want to consider an inflatable mattress. They are easy to carry while traveling and are available in many sizes, shapes and designs. 

 

This can be a great option for campers or anyone looking for a temporary bed that is low-maintenance.

5. Do You Need An Air Mattress?

Air mattresses have become popular because they come in many sizes and designs and provide comfort at budget-friendly prices. They are also very easy to inflate and deflate. 

 

A great benefit of air mattresses is that they can be used anywhere – on the floor, in a truck bed, etc. This can be especially beneficial for boating and camping enthusiasts or those with small children.

6. Or maybe it’s a Waterbed?

Waterbeds were popular in the 80s and 90s but have fallen out of favor due to their high price tag and maintenance issues. That being said, they are a great choice for those with back problems or physical issues in bed.

7. You Need to Keep it Quite

If you have someone living with you that is prone to “snoring,” a waterbed may be the perfect option for you. Waterbeds are made from materials that make it very rare to have any noise from the person sleeping on top of the mattress. 

 

Some waterbed models come with an anti-snore feature that can help reduce snoring noises.

8. You Need a Mattress With Adjustable Air Cells

Air mattresses with adjustable air cells can be a great option for people that are looking to adjust the firmness of the bed depending on their needs. 

 

For example, some air mattresses have memory foam that moulds to your body. This is a great choice for anyone with chronic pain or bad joints.

9. Bed Frame is Key to Proper Rest

Many people believe they do not need a bed frame when they purchase an air mattress or waterbed, but this is far from the truth. 

 

A bed frame can provide extra support and will protect your mattress from damage caused by heavy objects, children and pets.

The Last Thing

Even with these ten things to consider before buying a mattress , there is still no way to know for certain if the one you want will be comfortable for your needs. All you have to do is try!

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