Self level concrete can transform any floor into one that looks like tile, brick, slate, flagstone or numerous other materials. The process almost defies belief with its accurate and realistic imitation of more expensive paving materials. A product that was once only a utilitarian one with little or no attractiveness has turned into one that is highly versatile and extremely beautiful.

Concrete can take on various shades and textures for different areas of a retail store, restaurant or interior loft or apartment flooring customized for classic or modern decor. Many avenues to creativity are opened with the array of textures and patterns that now appear as concrete surfaces. The transformation of ordinary gray concrete used for basic construction into a thing of beauty and design is nothing short of remarkable. Homeowners and commercial users now have more access to elegant and sophisticated decorating options with the use self leveling concrete.

Concrete floors for home interiors are gaining in popularity as homeowners shed previously held stereotypical concepts of its purpose and limitations. Nearly limitless designs are now used to create the effect of expensive natural stones without any of the difficult efforts required to take care of them. Self leveling concrete for kitchen floors offer an array of colors and textures that bring the room to life. It is imperfect to chips, discoloration, warping and staining that are characteristic of wood, linoleum or tile, and it is much cleaner.

An expert concrete contractor who is knowledgeable in the advanced techniques available today can create a work of art for a homeowner who is willing to accept the contemporary way to decorate a home. Rooms that once used large tile squares can still have the same spacious look with a concrete floor. The squares that look like tile are built up with an extra layer of concrete and the grout areas have a little less. The effect is the same as a floor that was laid with tile and grout. Cleaning is the same for both areas, and no additional product or effort is required to clean the area between the tiles as is necessary for porous grout. The floor stays looking clean and
fresh with no additional effort.

Quality control and uniqueness of appearance are much easier to obtain with concrete with the variable shades and textures that it offers. A wide spectrum of colors is available in stamped concrete patterns that defy anyone other than concrete expert to detect the difference between them and natural stone. Each concrete floor installation is a unique creation, based on the preferences of the owner and the skill of the installer. Blending the qualities of the concrete with the architectural features of a home adds to the artistic excellence of the floor.

Self leveling concrete is effective as an overlay of an existing floor. No demolition or removal of the original flooring is required, and the new decorative product can go right on top with no problem. The process allows to refresh a room and add new life to an area that has the potential for use not previously possible.

As large garages are increasingly popular in homes today, the available space is perfect for a coating that is economic and aesthetically pleasing. Garages have moved out of the category of simple storage areas into one reflect the design of the home. The dull, gray concrete floor is a thing of the past, as homeowners turn to the use of self leveling concrete to create the appearance of almost any texture or color. Surfaces sealed with epoxies are resistant to tire marks and stains from products that are typically found in garages, making them a superior
choice for practicality as well as beauty. They cover imperfections with designs that resemble decorative quartz or flagstone, providing an expanded living space. When a garage is clean and inviting, it provides a gathering place for friends and family to congregate for social gatherings.

Benefits of using decorative concrete include a wide selection of colors and textures, superior artistic and unique designs and an economic investment in a product that improves in appearance over the years. Homeowners who venture into the creative use of stamped concrete have the opportunity to save money and enjoy increased aesthetic values ​​at the same time. Stamped concrete patterns and designs make the world of design accessible and affordable for the homeowners of today.

It is often the case that hardwood floors look better painted than laminate flooring would look in the place. Many even prefer the look of painted hardwood even to tile flooring that could be used in its stead. Painting a hardwood floor can bring new life to a severely damaged hardwood floor lengthening the life of your floor. One of the keys to pulling off this look without a hitch is by using a thick paint that is bright colored enough to cover up the grain of the hardwood beneath.

Another secret to remember when painting hardwood floors is to really slather on the urethane. Once your painted floor has dried, adding three or more coats of urethane will help your floors look shiny and new much longer. The paint itself will do very little to keep your hardwood floor looking good or extending the life of your floor, if you do not cover your paint with urethane it will quickly lose all of its sparkle and shine. Another benefit of the urethane coating is that protects the floor from the harmful effects of dirt, water, and other contaminants.

As with all painted surfaces, you should be certain that the floor is free of dirt, dust, hair, and other particles as well as clean and dry. If there are large holes, dips, or dents in your hardwood floors you should take care that you fill them with wood fillers, which can easily be found in home improvement retailers.

You should make sure a bare wood floor is primed before you begin painting. Priming sealers do wonders as far as hiding the grain of the wood so that it does not show through once the paint is dry. If the floor has been varnished or has a urethane finish you should sand it well before applying primer. It is a good idea if you find yourself at a loss to ask for advice from the staff of the store where you are buying supplies for suggestions about primers and paintings for your hardwood floors. Most manufacturers have well prepared list of compatible paints and primers that are available at the paint supply stores.

Oil paints generally work best for painting floors. The oils tend to bond to the surface of the floor much better than water-based paints. Oil paints also tend to dry much more quickly and harden faster which will shorten the length of time you will need to spend on your project.

A final touch to your floor-painting project would have to add a faux finish or special design to your floor. Stencils make a great foundation for this particular type of project and make it very easy to achieve.

Choosing the Best Flooring for Your Budget and Lifestyle

I get a lot of questions about flooring. Almost every day someone requests: "I need new flooring in my kitchen (mud room, powder room, kids' room – you name it) but I do not know where to start – how do I sort through all the options?"

Selecting the right flooring is not easy. You might have an idea of ​​the "look" you want, but will the end result be practical, cost-efficient and durable? Every room is different, as are our lifestyles, so there is no one recipe that works for all of us. This article will help by providing you with a list of questions that you need to ask yourself.

What is the style and function of the room?

Before you start, take time to consider how the room will actually be used. How big is the room? What is the level of traffic? Are kids going to play there? Is water damage possible? How much light does the room get?

How durable does it have to be?

If you want your floor to last, choosing the right material is a must. Bathrooms, bathrooms, mud rooms and laundry rooms require floors that can withstand water torture. Hardwood is long-repeating and you can refinish it as needed. Wood species differ in hardness, so the level of traffic should determine your choice. Ceramic and stone tile tend to crack or break if things get dropped on the floor. Laminate come to mind when you look for durability, and it works great in kids' playrooms and utility rooms. It is not an option although for those looking for "natural" materials.

How much comfort are you looking for?

Bathrooms and bathrooms are spaces where comfort underfoot is important. In winter, is not it nice to step out of the shower into a warm floor? Radiant heat works well with stone and ceramic tile. Remember that bathroom floors get slippery at times – select donated stone rather than the polished version, and look for tile with some texture to it. In kids' rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting is an option, as with playrooms and bedrooms. In the kitchen, hardwood is my favorite, although cork gives even more comfort underfoot while stone or ceramic tile may be hard on your back. Hardwood is also wonderful in the bedroom – just add a lush, high pile rug to make your morning landing a soft one.

What level of maintenance is acceptable?

Ceramic tile, stone and laminate definitely win in the maintenance department – a broom or vacuum and a mop should get the job done.

What about resale value?

When renovating, always have in mind what is "expected" of a home in your neighborhood. Quality materials and craftsmanship are always a great investment.

Is the "green factor" important to you?

If so, think stone or reclaimed hardwood. Cork is another great choice and is the king of renewable materials.

Flooring, AZ

Here is a brief glossary of popular flooring materials. Each comes in many price levels, so you should be able to find one that is right for your decorating style and budget.

Brick – is making a comeback. Because of its porous texture, it is easy to color so "brick red" is no longer the only option. Great in mud rooms and kitchens, it can continue into the patio for a seamless transition to the outdoors.

Carpeting – offers endless possibilities as far as style, color, pattern and texture. It is ever present in our bedrooms but also makes its way into living and dining rooms these days. Silk, wool, wool mixes, stain-resistant nylon, sisals and grasses – the style and function of a room will inform your choice.

Ceramic Tiles – as old as the art of decorating itself – they come in unlimited colors, many shapes and sizes giving one a chance to create a work of art in one's home.

Concrete – great choice for lofts and contemporary spaces, and you can color it to match other elements of the room. Very easy to clean.

Engineered wood – becoming more and more popular these days as many homeowners choose radiant heat as an alternative to baseboard or forced air systems. It can be installed directly on a concrete base.

Hardwood – pine, maple, walnut, cherry, oak, mahogany, bamboo, hickory, cypress … dizzy yet? With more than 50 wood species and unlimited stain colors, what to choose? My favorite is dark hardwood. Dark flooring makes a room seem larger. It also sets off white trim and furniture so it "pops" beautifully. Lighter floors are more informal and work well in rustic or coastal style rooms. If you want a lighter effect, there are ways to make wood look almost white – pickling, liming and bleaching, to name a few.

Laminate – a quick and inexpensive way to cover floors. The planks snap together and are installed over a soft padding material so no nails or glue are involved. The key is to check how realistic the planks look when put together. Some products appear "real," while others shout "fake" before you even enter the room.

Rugs – a beautiful addition to any room, they go on any hard floor, setting the feel and creating warmth. It is easier then ever to get rugs in custom colors, patterns and sizes, with many companies offering inexpensive ways to create your own look.

Stone – a beautiful and classic choice. After you select your stone, you still need to decide: polished, honed or tumbled?

How many times have we seen companies fail to live up to the hype? We often see companies make a lot of noise, promising to change the landscape of the toddler industry. Unfortunately, they're more talk than walk. Parents, together with their kids, end up disappointed. Sure, the companies lose because they'll be relegated to being mediocre companies. But the parents and their kids are the real losers here. This is especially true if they bought products from these companies out of hype. The kids were exposed to bad-quality products and the parents spent a lot of money for them.

This usually happens when a company manufactures a great product that a lot of parents and kids love. They achieve so much success that they immediately became household names. This is good because success is good. It's always good for parents and their kids to be exposed to these products because these products can help with the development of kids.

However, success has an ugly cousin. This is when companies fall into the trap of complacency. You can call it the "one hit wonder syndrome". They become too complacent and they fail to follow up on their recent success. Unfortunately for them, it will be too late for them to realize that they have to do something. They'll be in the quicksand so deep that any struggle will just make them sink deeper.

This is why there are companies like learning Carpets that make sure that this is not going to happen to them. They are successful companies and they have a lot of successful products. They do not suffer from the "one hit wonder syndrome". This is because they constantly challenge themselves by raising the standards high.

Let's take a look at Learning Carpets for example. They have a lot of award-winning carpets. They can choose to rest on their laurels but they do not want to do that. They constantly challenge themselves by trying to outdo their past success. As a result, they're continuing to put out more award-winning carpets. They now have a long stream of successful products and they're not showing any signs of slowing down. As a result, they're one of the most trusted brands in the kids' carpeting industry.

It's tiring for them to continue to challenge themselves because there's no end in sight. They know that they can always do better even if their present performances are already showing that they're among the best. It's tiring for companies like Learning Carpets but it's also very fulfilling for them. The high number of satisfied parents and developed kids are the reasons why they keep on going.

As consumers, it's good to order products from companies that consistently improve even if they're already among the best. This way, you can be sure that your kid will be exposed to the best available products.

Concrete floors are ubiquitous around most homes. You will find them in garages, basements, and even the ground floor level of many houses. For years, most people thought the only way to deal with a concrete floor was to leave it a dull gray or to apply asphalt tiles. This is no longer the case as there are many more options now available. One of the best looking choices is to apply a concrete paint product which will seal the floor, add color, and can also increase safety by the application of an anti-slip medium.

If you are contemplating using a concrete paint then there are several things you need to know. The first is that there is a difference between interior and exterior paints. For example, one of the best indoor paints is epoxy based. It seals the floor and also adds a very nice coating which accepts the anti-slip material readily. The problem is, epoxy can not be used out of doors because it tends to degrade when exposed to the UV rays of the sun. This is even true if the rays are just shining through the window. This is something to be aware of because you really do not want to spend all that time and effort applying a floor paint which will just peel up in a few months or years.

If you are looking for a long lasting exterior paint then you should check out an acrylic. These take a little more effort than the epoxy type but they do not have a problem with sun light. Both types of paint require the same prep work in that the floor must be absolutely clean of any dirt, grime, and other contamination. This includes oil stains which are often times found in the garage or driveway. If you do not get these stains completely removed from the surface, no paint is going to stick very well.

Where more work comes in with an acrylic is the fact that a primer must be used. With an epoxy this is not the case, you just mix up the resin and hardener and then roll it on like any other paint. The acrylic, though, requires a good primer in order to get an adhesive bond with the concrete surface.

Another option, if you are painting an area with low traffic levels indoors, such as a basement, is a water based latex. These are extremely easy to work with, are easy to clean up, and are the least expensive. The problem is they do not hold up well to heavy foot traffic or even light vehicular traffic.

If you have an ugly, gray concrete floor then a floor paint may be just what you need. Use the information above to choose the correct one for the job so you will be happy with the results for years to come.

Are in quest of best quality marbles and tiles on the purpose of renovating your home? If you are in such hunt then stop your hunt here right now as here is perfect solution for you. The key is flooring your home with the incredible Marble Crema Marfil. In flooring world, this is a branded name all over the world these days. It assures you about its high-flying quality and the product fits so easily in your pocket as well. There is no alternative choice in the world of flooring devoid of this exceptional one.

The marble comes with a variety of choices as well as prices. So from here you can choose whatever you like and think that goes well with your requirements and budget also. In the case of budget, it is reachable in a reasonable price and for that reason you no need to invest lots of money for that. But if you want to buy a different flooring product with same quality then it is tough to find such. Even if you able to find then you have to pay a lot for that and there will be no assurance of quality as well. If you go for any ordinary one then prepare yourself for facing a lot of trouble with quality.

You can also go for the tiles as well as it comes within your account and can satisfy your all requirements. There are a lot of tiles companies available in the market, and for that reason, it becomes tough to find the appropriate one. If you want fashionable as well as inexpensive tiles then you are advised not to go for ordinary flooring as these are just useless and of worst qualities. So, these will just wasting your money if you spend for buying those flooring.

The Crema Marfil Tile could have been a great choice as it comes with a lot of designs and colors. If you are thinking about its quality then just relax as there is no doubt about its quality and it is just perfect, in a single word. These flooring are not only seen in residential areas but you can also see those in numerous commercial areas such as hotels, office, restaurants and many more. As a result, these types of stones are the most outstanding flooring in modern times and come within an affordable price as well.

There are a lot of advantages to using today's laminate or pre-finished hardwood floors, because they make the job much quicker and easier. However, there are times when people want to start with unfinished hardwood floor materials in order to create their own custom floors. It may be that they want a color they just can not find commercially, or it could be because they want to make sure that the floor will hold up to the traffic and use it will get in their home. Whatever the reason, unfinished flooring is still available, even in this hurry-up-and-finish world we live in.

If you've scoured the local home improvement and flooring stores and still have not been able to find a color that you feel will look best in your home, unfinished hardwoods could be the answer you're looking for. They give you the opportunity to choose or mix a stain color to any shade you would like. Choosing a rich grain and a darker stain will lend elegance to any room. Lighter colors will lighten up the space and make it seem larger. Designer colors, such as woodrose, deep ocean blue, or mustard yellow, can give your room all of the pizazz of carpeting along with the elegant durability of hardwood flooring.

One of the things that impressed me negatively about my daughter's laminate floor was that it was not very scratch-resistant. Even though they do not actually use that room in their home, the kids still run through it, the front entryway opens into it, and it's a temptation space for children to play with their toys. They have lived in their home for six years now, and the floor is scratched to the point that if they finally decide to use the space for a formal living room as it was intended, they're going to have to replace the flooring first. By purchasing unfinished wood, you will be able to make it as durable as you want by using multiple coats of polyurethane varnish, and you will not run into the scratching problem other types of floors can give you.

Although unfinished hardwood floors are not as easy to get up and running as other kinds of flooring, it is a good option when you want to give your floors some kind of special treatment. If you want floors that are beautiful, unique, and long-lasting, unfinished hardwood may be the place to start looking.

Searching for flooring options can lead you in many directions. Carpet, hardwood, laminate and ceramics all provide intangibles that add a certain style to your home. Area rugs are no different. They offer a great source of design inspiration because of their versatility and usability.

Below are some of the advantages that adding an area rug can offer your home.

– Area rugs can be easily moved and adapted throughout your home. Moving your rug from one room to another is simple and you can even choose to rotate rugs based on the season or to give your room a new look. You are not resigned to using the rug you pick just for one single area.

– Depending on the room you place it in, an area rug can play different roles. Rugs can emphasize or accent your design, whether it is the finish of your table or the color of your wall. They may also act as the centerpiece of a room in your home. The foyer or living room provide areas where your rug can stand out on its own and construct the feel of a room.

– Like carpet, the textures of rugs can vary to accommodate the desires and needs of you and your home. Thicker, fuller rugs will provide your home with comfort and elegance while sturdier, coarser rugs will protect your high traffic areas and add traction for slick floor surfaces.

– Rugs define spaces, especially in large rooms. Your area rug can help divide a room in your home into a more manageable shape if you are unsure what to do with an unusually wide or long space. Your rug can also separate a section of a room for dining and entertainment purposes.

Area rugs are able to adapt to the multiple needs of your home, creating a variety of styles in the process. They add just another option to think about when you are looking for flooring.

Slate is a metamorphic rock, and is defined as a lavered stone that can be split into thicknesses ranging from 8 to 14 mm. The rock is formed when ocean or riverbed sediments are compressed and heated by the crust of the earth.

Very few kitchen floors have the visual impact of slate which has the warmth and elegance of a natural stone. Slate flooring can provide good insulation from both heat and cold. It is known for long life and durability. Slate is resistance to chipping, cracking and abrasion.

Slate is formed benefit the surface of the earth during cooling and solidification of magma. Magma is made up of minerals such as clay, silt, mica, and chlorite. Pressures occurring in the crust of the earth then squeeze these minerals into parallel layers.

Slate has long been used as a building material due to decorating versatility, natural beauty, softness and durability. The natural colors, textures and other inherent qualities of slate match all the varied requirements of the modern kitchen.

Slate kitchen flooring is as durable as ceramic tile, or stone flooring. But also like these other materials a slate floor can be hard on the feet. Stone and slate will stain without sealed and can be slippery.

Natural slate kitchen flooring is available in such an array of styles and textures due to fact that slate contains clay and silt particles. Slate flooring is available in shades of black, green, brown, and gold. No two pieces of slate are similarly resulting in each slate floor being unique and one-of-a-kind.

It is also available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns. Natural color variations in the slate ensure that your kitchen flooring will be unique.
Among the advantages of slate kitchen flooring is that it is practically indestructible. Slate is a good choice if you want a flooring material that will be long lasting. Another good feature about slate is that it can be so striking in appearance that it really jumps out at you. It provides all the warmth and elegance of a natural stone.

Slate is usually boxed in mixed sizes and often in mixed colors. Slate is also available in custom sizes for special applications. It is priced about the same as other kinds of tile. Slate is characterized as a hard, dense, and fine-grained surface that requires little or no maintenance. Slate kitchen flooring can produce a natural warm look to any kitchen.

Slate flooring are installed by gluing to the flooring. The glue is a cement-based material that contains grains of silica sand. The installation process includes a sub-floor preparation, joints that is tightly spaced, and finishing up with grouting, cleaning and sealing. Because of the micro-crystalline composition slate tiles are very stain resistant after they are sealed to the flooring. The procedure used in laying of slate kitchen flooring is similar to that of laying a ceramic tile. Slate is a better material for flooring than wood because it will not shrink or expand with changes in the weather.

The look of hardwood flooring does not need to cost a large amount. If you want to replace your carpet or vinyl with hardwood, two options for affordable flooring are available: going with a lower grade or choosing discount hardwood flooring. "Discount" and "value grade" flooring, however, are not the same. While value grade wood is determined by the amount of type of imperfections on the surface, such as knots and color variations, discount hardwood flooring encompasses all grades sold at a lower price.

Typically sold wholesale, discount hardwood flooring takes a significant percentage off the original price and the quality is not compromised. Exotic and domestic species of solid and engineered hardwoods are all sold at a discount.

Exotic and domestic solid hardwood are sold wholesale at a discount. Solid hardwood, regardless of price, is cut directly from a wood log into a plank and has tongues and grooves added to all sides. Sold in thicknesses from 5 / 16ths to 3 / 4ths of an inch, solid hardwood is sensitive to changes in humidity and, as a result, can only be installed at or above ground level. When installed, the wood needs to be nailed down on top of a wood subfloor.

With more location options, engineered hardwood flooring can be purchased at a discount for domestic and engineered species. Although 100-percent hardwood, engineered flooring is more resistant to moisture and consistants of three to nine thin wood plys bonded together through heat and pressure. The top ply is the visible species, and all below are the same or a more stable wood.

Engineered hardwood flooring can be placed below ground level in a dry basement and in locations at or above ground. The material can be placed over a radiating heat source, concrete, or any hard subfloor, such as vinyl or tile. The wood itself can be glued or stapled down, and floating also saves time and preserves materials. Several brands of engineered hardwood offer click-lock or lock and fold flooring, in which all glue and groove edges lock together and the planks just need to be set in place.

Prefinished and unfinished are two options for discount hardwood flooring . In addition to a lower price, prefinished flooring takes less time to install. If you are covering a large area with new hardwood, prefinished is best for the job. If, however, you want to match new hardwood to existing flooring, installing unfinished hardwood and adding your own finish often creates a better match and seamless appearance.