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Friday, October 12th, 2018
Hooker Furniture Living Room Amani Round Cocktail Table: The design elements in this room look perfect because of the equally perfect flooring.
An uneven floor is oftentimes difficult to notice. Sometimes, what led homeowners to discover that they have uneven flooring are when they place a ball on the floor and then it rolls away on the sloped surface.
The sloping problem happens when the house’s foundation sunk or has settled unevenly. This is not a common problem but it is one that will surely cause you a lot of headaches if it were not corrected right away.
You don’t have to bear with this problem forever. In fact, you need to ask yourself these questions and fast –
Once you notice that your floor is already sloping, it is best to get your home inspected. Have the foundation, basement, slabs, and even the crawling spaces inspected for signs of failure.
Here are some of the telltale signs that your home has foundation issues –
Sloping Causes
Settlement can sometimes occur unevenly. This will lead to sloping where the building goes through a downward movement. The original position of the structure has sunk below that level. The soil can move, shift or be compacted because of many issues such as
Weak soil. This is when the soil beneath and all around the house should be capable of bearing the weight of the entire structure, and yet, it gives in to the weightiness.
Loose soil. This is the soil that was poorly compacted when the house was still being built. It can also be that it gave in to the structural load above it. As this happens, the signs are often sloping or cracked flooring.
Soil consolidation. At times, the weight of the structure compresses the new soil so that the weaker soil, often clay, sinks ever deeper.
Moisture changes on the soil. It can also happen that the soil beneath the foundation is exposed to moisture. The foundation then causes soil shrinkage and a lack of foundational support.
The Solutions
An uneven or sloping floor is the most obvious sign that your foundation has a serious issue. Your next step should be to get in touch with a foundation repair specialist. This expert will help you check and thoroughly inspect the foundation. He will also recommend the right solutions as he quotes the budget that you’ll eventually allocate.
There are no DIY projects for sloping floor surfaces. Sometimes, the specialist would recommend steel push piers installation. These can be installed below the foundation so that added support is given. The floor also evens out so it becomes strengthened and straightened in the process.
The other option is to use hydraulic piers. These are installed then lifted using a hydraulic equipment. Either one of these piers will surely add strength and support to your home. In the process, they also restore if not add value to your property.
You can also go for the temporary solutions while waiting for the expertise of a flooring specialist. You can begin combating the uneven flooring issues by initially adding feet to your furniture. Also referred to as furniture levelers, these can be bought in any hardware store or even online. These dual-threaded brass screws are inserted into the foot of the furniture. One component goes to each foot. A pilot hole can also be power drilled to accommodate these. Felt pads can also be attached to the bottom so that there won’t be any scratching.
Tags: floor care, floor maintenance, flooring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, uneven flooring, uneven flooring solutions
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Uneven Flooring No More
Wednesday, October 19th, 2016
FFDM Collectors Room: One of the oft-used functions for a revamped basement is as a wine storage room.
Basements can be quite complicated to work on. They are spaces that are literally begging to be used for a different purpose. The sad thing is, they often end up being the dumping ground for things that are unused or stored for future use. Are you wondering how you can convert this extra space and turn it into something useful?
There is no point in leaving the basement unused. It is a spacious part of your home that can offer a variety of functions. It can be that extra storage room, a place of relaxation or a place where your guests can have their privacy. Basement floor painting would be a simple way to begin your remodeling project. This can be done by beginners or experts, with only a day or two needed for completion.
So go ahead and gather your painting supplies and set out for an adventurous painting job –
Choosing the Basement Floor Paint
Apart from the actual painting job, it is also important to choose the right floor paint for your basement transformation. Find one that is great for concrete such as epoxy paint. This paint comes in many different colors so it is easy to find one that matches your taste.
Beige or green can easily warm up any basement. If, however, you plan to use the remodeled basement as a laundry or storage room, then soft ivory would be the perfect hue.
Find paint calculators online if you want to know how much paint you would need for the remodeling project.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Curata King Low Bed: A guest room in what used to be a basement? Why not?
Caution
While painting the basement floor is the easiest way to brighten or freshen up this dark space, you still need to be aware of some things prior to the painting job. Cracks and moisture should be sealed before you start. When left unsealed, these could cause the paint to peel off or crack eventually.
Another thing that you need to check is the plumbing. Find out whether the main drain for the entire house is found underground or is aboveground. If it is the former, then you can freely construct a bathroom right beside it.
The area also needs to be properly ventilated when working on this project. You might want to check paints that have less or zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Paint fumes can be very dangerous especially in enclosed spaces.
Materials for Painting
Check the Concrete
Check if the basement floor is made of concrete or any other material that can be painted. Be sure all areas are smooth, sealed and dried. Use sandpaper on areas that are still rough.
Prep the Basement Floor
Remove all the items off the basement floor before you begin. Wash and dry the floor; repair any damages and seal any cracks or holes; tape off areas where you don’t want paint to get splashed on.
Prime the floor using the paint roller. Be sure that this is dry before you begin applying the top coat.
As the primer has dried, you should apply the epoxy floor paint opposite the basement door. Paint around the supports and edges. Make sure that all areas are evenly painted throughout the room. Keep the strokes at the same direction.
Allow the coat to dry before applying the second coat. As soon as you’re done, be sure to take a step back to admire what you have done.
Let the paint dry for no less than a week before you replace the stuff on the floor or before you bring in the new things.
Tags: basement flooring, basement makeover, basement remodel, basement remodeling, buying painting, floor choices, floor color, floor options, floor painting, flooring, flooring finishes, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, paint, paint choices, painting basement floor, painting the floors
Posted in Basement Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Sunday, August 14th, 2016
Universal Furniture Dining Room Chelsea Kitchen Table 311751
Floors take the most beating compared to any other parts of your home. This case is most true inside the kitchen. The kitchen is no less than the hub for homework, parties, family get-togethers, and the command central for prepping food and cooking. This is why it is vital to look for a kitchen floor that will be able to withstand rigorous foot traffic. While it does show sturdiness, make sure that you won’t sacrifice the look in the process.
Polished concrete looks great on kitchen floors though it can take its toll on your joints. Walking on such floors for longer periods could result in hip or joint pains which are common complaints among homeowners who installed hard floor surfaces. Other examples of such flooring material are stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles.
The good news is, there are softer yet equally resilient flooring materials that can be used for your kitchen. The list below, however, provides the most common kitchen flooring options and the pros and cons.
Ceramic Tile
This is no less than the model kitchen flooring as this is your fail-safe option in terms of budget and style. Your choices for size, shape and color are almost limitless so this means that you can create the look that you want whether it is contemporary or traditional.
The advantages of ceramic tiles include being able to stand up to constant wear and tear. This means you can easily clean splashes and spills. You also have some low-priced tile options and one that are modular. This means that you can come up with a customized pattern according to your budget.
The downside to using ceramic is that there could be cracks as the floor begins to settle. A glass or dish that is dropped could easily shatter ceramic tiles. This kind of tile could also be hard and cold underfoot so be sure to use an area rug to offset any discomfort.
Natural Stone
Whether it is made from slate, limestone, travertine or granite, natural stone flooring has one great asset – variety. No two pieces look alike since every piece has a different pattern, color and texture. Stone can also offer an elegant look. It has been around for centuries so what could be more classic?
Natural stone also requires less maintenance while offering natural beauty to your kitchen.
The downside? Natural stone can get expensive. It is also not a material for DIY enthusiasts. There are tiny crannies in stone that can trap dirt. It is also prone to chips and scratches especially in the case of softer stones like travertine. Slate is known to peel over time.
Rubber
This may be an unusual choice for your kitchen but this kind of flooring is actually becoming more common in many homes. Rubber is springy, soft and durable and it is a wonderful choice if you spend a lot of hours standing inside the kitchen.
Rubber flooring comes in tile and sheets. It should be sealed upon installation and again after each year or two. Another great thing about rubber is that it only costs $6-12 per square foot.
Linoleum
This should not be confused with vinyl flooring as it is made from an all-natural, renewable material like pine rosin, linseed oil and powdered cork. This feels soft underfoot though it is still quite durable. It also comes in various colors and patterns.
Cork
Another soft kitchen flooring is cork harvested from the cork oak tree. This may be soft but it is resilient and it comes in a variety of patterns, colors and textures. This is available in plank or tile formats. It can get dented or scratched but you can prevent this by applying a protective wax layer.
Tags: flooring, flooring choices, flooring finishes, flooring materials, flooring options, flooring types, kitchen, kitchen flooring, kitchen flooring materials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tile flooring, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 14th, 2016
FFDM’s American Cherry Collection offers a wide range of wood furnishings that will surely suit your hardwood flooring.
Many homeowners who are remodeling their dwelling places make improvements on their flooring based on what they want or on what price is most affordable. Not a lot consider what kind of flooring material makes for a good investment. The very few who take the time to consider this often resort to hardwood flooring – and for a good reason.
So why hardwood flooring?
Dollar Value in Hardwood Flooring
The major reason is its durability. Hardwood floors are a great investment but the sad news is that a lot of people shun away the possibility of having a great-looking and functional floor all because of price issues. What these people fail to realize are the long-term costs.
Carpet and other such flooring materials have to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. If they completely wear out, they can’t be mended anymore. Wood floors, on the other hand, can last a lifetime (even beyond). Some of the oldest homes in the country have beautifully maintained their original hardwood flooring.
Take the time to spread the cost in the installation of wood floor throughout a lifetime then compare it to the possible cost of having to replace the carpet. Here, you would be able to realize that hardwood floors are actually much more economical.
Hardwood floors have the highest demand in high value real estate properties. People who own such properties are willing to pay the higher price for hardwood flooring because they want the appeal that comes with the material. Also, hardwood floors can blend with almost any kind of décor so there is no need for homeowners to change their theme.
Health Benefits, Too?
Hardwood floors are also a great investment for your home because they are healthier to keep. Carpets are known for trapping dust, debris, pollen and other kinds of allergens deep in their fibers. Having a carpet means family members could develop respiratory conditions like asthma.
Hardwood floors can be easily cleaned using a broom; no need to vacuum.
Less Maintenance
One of the things that you should consider when buying flooring materials is their maintenance. While wood does change based on moisture and temperature yet the homeowner has the power to control these. If you are able to control these two, then you won’t have any trouble having hardwood flooring in your home.
It’s Too Beautiful
Hardwood flooring also offers natural beauty. Just flip through the different interior design magazines and you would notice that this material is often featured especially in posh homes. The best flooring option for grand ballrooms, restaurants, offices and galleries has always been hardwood.
Hardwood Is Resilient
Solid hardwood is a piece of solid wood from the bottom up. They are generally ¾ inch thick though there are also 5/16” and 3/8” thick pieces. The most recognized width is the2 ¼” strip flooring. Other widths are 1 ½” to 7” planks. The lengths vary from 12” to 96” long.
There is also custom made solid hardwood flooring that can be milled to the customer’s specifications. Plank or solid strip floors can be installed using the nail or staple down procedure right on the wooden sub-flooring.
The difference between the solid hardwood and engineered flooring is the way the wood is cut. Solid wood planks are sliced lengthwise deep into the log. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, is rotary cut with a very sharp blade. Each sheet is only about 1/8” thick. The sheets are then glued then pressed atop a plywood substrate for added strength.
Order your hardwood flooring as plain sawn or quarter sawn. The latter has to be customized to suit your preferences.
Tags: floor choices, floor options, flooring, flooring choices, flooring materials, flooring options, flooring types, hardwood, hardwood floor, hardwood flooring, hardwood flooring options, hardwoods, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, why hardwood flooring
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Friday, February 19th, 2016
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Carpet Grip 12′ x 15′ Rug 8330RS12001500000
The floor is defined by an online dictionary to be the surface of a room wherein one stands. If you are looking into redesigning the floor of your home, then you have to know where your starting point is. There are so many factors to look into such as the textures that are going to be used, also the palette, quality and patterns. You wouldn’t want to overlook these crucial elements once the redesigning project is on its way.
There are various floor designs that you can choose from which makes it difficult, at times, to decide on what details to use. If you are working alone, without the help of an interior designer, then you know that you need to consider your budget and style seriously.
The lighting inside your home will also affect the kind of flooring that you will install. There are flooring designs that could look lighter or darker depending on the amount of light that is focused onto it. Such flooring materials may look different inside the showroom so be careful when you harmonize the lighting and flooring.
You can find inspirational photos online which can help you personalize your flooring. You can choose from colorful tiles, wooden planks, hand-painted floors, terrazzo flooring, even porcelain tiles. Choose the style that speaks to you and have fun as you begin your flooring design project.
The Accessories Uttermost Chouteau Floor Clock 06086 will look perfect on a light hardwood floor.
Redesigning Flooring: Using Hardwoods
Hardwood floors present a unique splendor that can make decorating a tad more daunting. Hardwood floors can account for a huge part of your interior design budget only because they are built to last.
Since you are choosing hardwood for your flooring, you also have to consider the design for your entire home. The wood type and finish of the flooring you selected will inevitably set the atmosphere. A traditional style requires oak or ash floors. Other such woods have grains that have a timeless look. They also come in a variety of finishes and stains.
Those who want to have a contemporary home should look for the monochromatic options such as maple, or the unique patterns offered by sapele or tigerwood.
Cherry, hickory and other hardwoods would be perfect for those who choose a rustic style.
Another aspect of hardwood flooring is to check on the finish. There is a huge array of stains and finishes for hardwood floors. Should you prefer contrasts, then use a dark finish on the flooring combined with light furniture.
Redesigning Flooring: How About a Carpet?
Buying a brand new carpet can be your next best option. This is for those who are still undecided on the final material that they will use for their flooring.
Find out how you can buy the best carpet with these helpful tips –
Whether you choose a hardwood floor or to cover up the current floor with a carpet, is really up to you. Redesigning flooring can be an exciting phase of your life as a homeowner so enjoy while you are at it.
Tags: carpet, carpet buying, carpet design, carpeting, cherry, floor, flooring, flooring redesign, hardwood, hardwood floor, hardwood flooring, hardwood flooring options, hardwood flooring types, hickory, mahogany, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, redesigning floor, rustic, rustic charm, rustic elements, shopping for a carpet
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
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