Professional Tips To Maintain Quick Step Laminate Flooring

Clean floors are comfortable and attractive. They make your living area to feel healthier and welcoming to visitors. Quick Step Laminate flooring is considered among the easiest and most convenient to maintain. 

Here are professional tips that will make your living area admirable.

Regular Care

Paying regular attention to your floor guarantees long life and an elegant appearance. The surface should regularly be wiped with a piece of cloth. Immediately you detect a stain or there is a spill on the surface, remove it using appropriate procedures, substances, and materials. Allowing the spills to remain on the surface increases the possibility of staining.

It is easily damaged by sand particles and dirt which is brought into the room as people walk in. Regularly sweep the floor to get rid of this dust. Allowing these particles to remain lying on the surface exposes your floor to staining. 

Clear any spill as quickly as possible using recommended methods and substances. The use of vacuum cleaners made of hard bristles will damage your surface. Use attachments made of soft bristles during vacuuming. A cloth or a microfiber mop is recommended.

Though pets are welcome at home, they are likely to damage the surface. Trim their nails and always clean their paws. This protects the surface from scratches. With clean paws, it will be difficult for them to spread stains and other forms of dirt around the house.

Cleaning Substances to Avoid

Laminate flooring is easily damaged by water. It is recommended that you use hard surface floor cleaners. This means avoidance of such substances as steamers and wet mops. You should also avoid detergent, soap and oil floor cleaners. Quick Step Laminate comes with a cleaning accessory kit that helps to protect the surface from damage.

3 Cleaning Steps to Follow

• Any spill should be wiped right away using appropriate procedures, substances, and materials. This protects the surface from permanent staining.
• Get rid of dust and dirt as quickly as possible. This is done using the appropriate broom or a dry cleaning cloth.
• Be thorough when cleaning the surface. Use hard surface cleaners to keep the surface bright and in perfect shape. Avoid procedures or substances that will compromise the overall integrity of the surface.

It is possible to find simple cleaning tasks becoming too complicated. This causes a headache and consumes most of your time. Here are proven tips to save time when cleaning your Quick Step Laminate floor.

Use the Dryer Sheets

These sheets have multiple uses. You may use them on electronics, furniture and other surfaces that cannot be mopped. It is futile to clean the floor and leave out other surfaces within the same house. The sheets contain anti-static chemicals that protect the surfaces against attracting dust.

Remove Stains First

Clear stains first before embarking on the entire house. Different stains require particular attention because of the substances involved. This allows you to concentrate on the general cleaning procedures of the entire house. 

If you are dealing with sticky stains, an acetone nail polish remover will clear it. Use a soft cloth when rubbing it.

Get A Professional Cleaning Kit

The kit comes with hard surface cleaners, the right broom, a pump spray for applying the detergent and a mop. These apparatus are recommended for your floor. They will, therefore, maintain the integrity of the surface.

Use a Dry Mop

Water is not friendly to Quick Step Laminate. To avoid damaging it, the dry mop will keep it clean. It should be made of soft microfiber to avoid scrubbing on the surface. In fact, with a handle, you can reach the furthest corner of your room.

Repair the Damaged Areas

Damaged spots on your floor should be repaired as fast as possible. They expose the floor causing water to sip through the surface. The blocks will peal which means that the damage extends to other areas. Use recommended a glue that will not be compromised by water or pressure as people walk on the surface or objects are placed on it.

Long-term value from your Quick Step Laminate floor depends on how well you maintain it. 

It is important to use the right substances, methods, and materials to protect the surface from damage. Stains will prove difficult to remove if they are allowed to stay on for long. Any damaged patches should be repaired as quickly as possible. Placing a carpet at the entrance of the room will sieve dirt, and pebbles and stains that give you trouble during maintenance.

Every Things You Need To Know About Sisal Carpets

There are carpets, and then, there are Sisal carpets. Soft but resilient, affordable but classy, the carpets and rugs manufactured by Sisal are surely unique in themselves

If you have been thinking of buying beautiful carpets online, then you cannot find other products to surpass the quality and other features of Sisal products. So, regardless of whether you require a carpeting solution for your bedroom, hallway, staircase, office or just about anywhere else, a Sisal product is what you should seek. 

A lot more long-lasting and durable than most other flooring solutions for contemporary spaces, the Sisal carpet range has to be experienced to be believed. Tough to the core, as well as beautiful in appeal, the entire range of carpets and rugs from Sisal is making it to the work and living spaces of those desirous of investing in nothing but the best. 

As a lover of carpets made from natural fibers, you will be wowed by the look of Sisal rugs and carpets that make their way to manufacturer catalogs. Manufactured from high-quality natural plant fibers, these carpeting options owe their existence to the long spiny leaves belonging to Agave sislana. This popular variety of cactus is found abundantly in Florida, Tanzania, Caribbean, Brazil, Kenya and other parts of Africa. 

As per experts, the first evidence of Sisal can be chalked back to the arid terrains of Mexico. An integral part of the deserts in the region, it is specific to harsh climatic conditions that rarely support other types of plant fibers.

If you are wondering about why Agave sislana has been chosen as the source for the making of these highly resilient carpets by Sisal, do know that it is all because of the tensile fibers offered by the same. Packed with benefits, this resource is strength personified. 

Also, as it is resistant to corrosion and other damages caused by seawater, it also serves as a helpful material for the making of ropes and twines used by those connected with the marine industry. Given this background, it comes as no surprise that Agave sislana is widely used in different fields such as agriculture and manufacturing industries. In most cases, the fibrous stems are neatly cut and thoroughly dried before being cast into tan-colored lengths.

These robust and long-lasting twines are used for weaving different kinds of products including Sisal carpets.

The Sisal Plant

The Sisal plant, in general, lives for as long as 7 to 10 years on an average. In its lifetime, it produces 200 to 250 leaves for the purposes of commercial applications. Almost 1000 fibers can be extracted from each leaf; these fibers are typically 3 feet or less in length and are to be harvested manually for best results. Faring well in climatic conditions with temperature readings of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or more, Sisal is one of the best naturally obtained raw materials for the manufacturing for durable and long-lasting carpets.

Why do buyers love Sisal carpets?

Just like millions of other buyers looking for the best carpets online, you will also love to invest in the eco-friendly sisal carpets available on the racks of online and offline home development or lifestyle specialty stores. 

Made from 100% biodegradable sustainable resources, these carpets prove to be a healthy choice for families with kids or seniors with asthmatic problems. As Sisal twines are not grown under the influence of herbicides or pesticides, they do not cause any kind of damage to the eco-system. 

Most Sisal based products and carpets do not comprise of any other material other than these natural plant fibers and are therefore highly rated by environment lovers.

As far as their aesthetics are concerned, because these fibers are naturally grown, they depict certain deformities that add to their natural grace and appearance to impart an altogether unique look. 

As they cannot be used for perfectly uniform covering, Sisal fibers are best used for crafting different types of weaving patterns that can be defined as knots, slubs, and lines on manufactured products. 

All these and other significant features of Sisal make carpets, such as elegance, strength and natural beauty, making them a hot favorite for buyers of all ages and from different walks of life.

Benefits of Using Sisal carpet

These days, the market is packed with different kinds of synthetic fiber carpets. In the given scenario, buyers looking for the goodness of naturally grown elements can leverage the advantages of Sisal carpets over all others. Some of the main reasons that are attracting buyers to the world of Sisal products are mentioned below:

• Carpets made of these durable natural fibers are devoid of any chemical treatment and are stain resistant. They can be used safely by families with children and pets as they do not gather any tell-tale marks caused by spills.

• As we already know by now, Sisal fibers are among the toughest in their league. These natural plant fibers are very durable; therefore, they make for long-lasting Sisal carpets and rugs- be it the small-sized area rugs or wall to wall carpeting solutions.

• If you happen to reside in a region prone to dry or wind-ridden climatic conditions, you are probably aware of the ways in which static electricity tends to build up in synthetic carpets. Fortunately, this is not the case with a Sisal product. These carpets can be used in offices with computers because of their non-static electricity creation properties.

• When you invest in a carpet of choice, in fact, you are investing in a versatile flooring option that is apt for use in any living or working space. As Sisal natural fiber carpets can be laid out in residences and commercial spaces alike, they are an ideal choice for buyers looking for optimum value for their money. One of the best benefits of these carpet fibers is that they can be intricately woven with other materials such as wool and seagrass. For instance, woolen Sisal carpeting options are made of 40% wool and 60% of Sisal. Warm and comfortable to the core, Sisal is the name behind most kinds of decorative rugs.

• Last but certainly not the least, the customizability of Sisal made carpets makes them an ideal choice for many. As the fibers can be crafted and trimmed as per your taste and preference, you need not be restricted to the select few designs that are available with the dealers of Sisal products. Just let your imagination run wild with colors, patterns, and designs – Soon, you will have a masterpiece on hand.

Way forward with Sisal

Go right ahead and start scouring the catalogs to get a fair idea of the kind of products that are available for grabs in the world of Sisal rugs and carpets. In the most subtle yet elegant of ways, these carpets strike the right chord because of their neutral, earthy tones. 

As they are also the right choice for health and hygiene conscious people (as they attract minimum allergens), these carpets are desirable products for young moms, the elderly, and patients dealing with their illnesses. You may like to visit portals selling wholesale Sisal carpets and rugs to avail the most reasonable prices on your buys. You may also like to check out home décor and cheap carpets for sale at reputed specialty portals before freezing your choice.

Go for it!

Types of Vinyl Flooring: Advantages, Care & Maintenance

People first notice your floor immediately they step into your house. As such, the quality of the floor will significantly raise the value of a property.

There are numerous flooring options based on personal taste, uses of a room, budget, etc. The choice of sheet vinyl flooring stands out because of several advantages it presents to the room and homeowner.

Below are the few advantages of vinyl flooring:

Fast Installation

Every homeowner wants to install the floor as fast as possible. This will minimize disruptions at your work area and reduce your flooring budget. There is technology referred to as Uniclic that saves time and can allow you to DIY. Within a few hours, the entire floor will be complete. If you would like to keep your flooring simple and elegant, vinyl is the best option. 

Easy to Maintain

It offers incredible maintenance options for homeowners. The floor is resistant to dust and stains. This reduces the work required to keep it clean. Keeping it in premium condition only requires frequent mopping or vacuuming. As long as stains are cleaned immediately, the possibility of sticking is greatly reduced. 

Perfect For Your Feet

there is a relaxing feeling when you walk bare feet. Vinyl allows you to walk bare feet either in summer or winter. It maintains a cool and constant temperature without going to the extremes. It also feels soft allowing people to stand on it for long hours. 

Versatile

vinyl floors can be installed anywhere in the house. They can handle a lot of traffic in the hallway, water in the kitchen, pets in the living room, etc. You also have a variety of colors and textures to choose from. You are guaranteed a perfect match for your desired floor.

Durable

vinyl floors maintain their premium quality over an incredibly long time. They can handle high and rough traffic without losing their appeal. Even when installed in basements, you are sure that it will not soak water and get damaged. This saves you a lot of money in terms of repair and replacement.

Vinyl passes as one of the most versatile material to use on the floor. It costs less and gives you a perfect floor within a very short time. 

However, there are issues you need to be cautious of when using vinyl to ensure that it gives you the best service.

• Dragging furniture and other heavy or pointed equipment on the surface exposes the floor to gorges. This will damage the floor forever.
• Pets- though it resists scratches from pets and children toys, large and aggressive claws will easily damage the surface. You may opt to use carpets in areas that are overly exposed.
• Seams- the possibility of seams being visible is very high. It takes a highly experienced installer and uses the right procedures to reduce the visibility of seams.

Choosing the right material for your floor is a big plus. It reduces the cost of operating the floor, makes your living or working area elegant and stylish and gives you a feeling of comfort. 

While you may choose the right floor and material, the long-term appearance depends on maintenance. 

Here are maintenance tips that will keep your floor in perfect condition:

Sieve dirt using a doormat

Two of the greatest enemies to your vinyl floor is sand pebbles and chemicals. Sand makes it uncomfortable to walk on the surface and will damage the floor leaving it rough. Chemicals react with the floor causing damage or wearing the surface out. Cleaning dirt and other substances also take time and will require extra resources. A doormat will reduce the amount of dirt carried to your house. It soaks the chemicals off the feet of visitors avoiding reaction with the floor.

Regular mopping

If you can get the dirt off the floor as first as possible, your vinyl will last longer. Run a broom over the floor regularly to get rid of pebbles and sand particles. Their damage on the surface is usually permanent.

Keep hairspray away by shampooing it

As you dress, you are likely to drop some hair. The hairspray and other beauty products are highly reactive. When cleaning such an area, it is recommended that you add some shampoo to the water. This will permanently get rid of the hair.

Use low impact cleaning techniques

Heavy duty cleaning substances may be effective but easily damage your floor. As much as possible, use mild cleaners and plain water whenever possible. Soap is known for attracting dirt. Using plain water will preserve the original color, texture, and feel of the vinyl floor. Where waxing has been done, use warm water without removing the wax. If you remove the wax, you will have to reapply it. Always rinse when you have used soap even if it indicates that there is no need to rinse.

Do not flood the vinyl

This kind of floor is meant for mopping and not drenching in water. An overly wet mop will see water sipping through the seams and cracks. Even when you use a strong glue, it wears out over time. Once the glue gives way, your entire floor is destroyed. 

Protect your furniture with feet

Heavy furniture like chest drawers, beds and coaches exert a lot of continuous pressure on the vinyl. This leaves a grave dent on the floor. To reduce the pressure and consequently the damage, use protective rubber feet or pads. They are found in convenience stores, hardware stores, and other home improvement facilities.

The secret to a durable and elegant floor is maintenance. In case a section has peeled off, replace it as soon as possible.

Use the right installation materials and engage a professional installer. Ensure that installation instructions are strictly followed. Seek a warranty from the installer as a guarantee that he has done quality work.

There are different vinyl formats that suit residential use. The choice of the right format depends on personal taste, budget and the uses a surface will be put into. Here are formats to consider when laying your vinyl floor.

Different Types of Vinyl Formats

Sheet Vinyl

The roll comes in 6” or 12” wide. It is cut into pieces during installation. If the wall is too long to use a single sheet, you will cut the sheet to fill the remaining space. This gives you the liberty to create patterns.

Solid Vinyl Tiles

These are square tiles especially 12” by 12”. They come in different colors, patterns, and textures. Their installation requires the addition of a subfloor. A lot of expertise is needed to maintain a flat and smooth overall surface.

Luxury Vinyl Tile

Luxury Vinyl Tile offers an affordable option to the costly stone and wooden flooring options. The tiles use 3D photography to transfer natural scenes to the surface of the tile. With each tile having an embossed pattern, different size and shape, you have incredible options for your floor. 

Vinyl flooring is the most convenient option for homes. However, it requires special attention to keep the floor clean and smooth. You have a variety of patterns, colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from. 

In fact, you can mimic that wooden floor you have always admired. The cost of flooring per square foot is reasonable. It is also perfect for use in different rooms regardless of their level of activity. With cleaning only requiring a mop, you are sure to enjoy comfort, style, and elegance with a vinyl floor.

Every Thing You Need To Know About Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is prestigious and stylish. This is why it is the choice of many homeowners. It is also preferred for being durable, versatile and giving your interior a warm appearance. 

However, it is far from being the cheapest or most affordable in the market. The cost is prohibitive to many homeowners. It helps to know the amount you are expected to pay before commencing on the project. This gives you an idea of how much you will spend for easier financial planning.

Cost Per Square Foot

The cost is calculated per square foot if the material used is determined. As such, the ultimate cost will be determined by the size of the area being installed and type of wood being used.

Traditional Hardwood

Traditional hardwood flooring involves the use of narrow boards that are usually 3 inches in width or less. You also have the option of 7-inch pranks. Each of these pranks comes at a unique price.

• Low- the low costing wood species include the pine. It costs approximately 3-6$ to buy a square foot and another similar amount to install.
• Mid cost- you can expect to pay between 5$ and 10$ for each square foot for the medium costing wood. Some of these varieties include oak, American cherry, and teak. Installation is also expensive going for 4$-8$ depending on other factors.
• High-Cost wood- exotic woods are usually the most expensive to buy. These varieties include the imported Brazilian walnut, cypress, and mahogany. To buy a square foot of these woods, you require between 8$-14$. You should also factor in the cost of installation which stands at 4$-8$ for each squire foot. 

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood features real wood plates that are veneer bonded. The layers below are usually made of low-cost wood. There is a variety of engineered wood available which gives you incredible options. Engineering allows you to install your wooden floor below ground level. Engineered hardwood flooring is resilient, especially to moisture. It also gives you a variety of options for your floor. Engineering makes the wood able to handle both heat and moisture without disfiguring. You also have three classes of engineered wood that determine how much you spend on your floor.

• Low Cost- basic engineering means three layers with a veneer sandwiched in between. The thickness ranges between 1/16 to 1/12 inches. It will cost you as low as 3$ and as high as 10$ to install but the price per square foot is 3$-5$. It is the complexity of the layers and the surface that matters.
• Mid cost- the number of layers goes up by two to five core layers. This pushes the cost to between 5$ and 10$ per square foot. Installation cost almost remains constant at 3$-10$.
• High cost- this is the top line engineered wood that comes with 7 core wood layers. On top is a veneer layer that is 1/6 inches thick. This layer is usually made of high-quality exotic hardwood. To buy a square foot of high end engineered hardwood, you need to invest between 8$-13$. The cost of installation is usually standard 3$-10$.

The cost of installing a hardwood flooring goes beyond the type of wood you select. There are other considerations to make. Here are some of these considerations.

Preparation of the surface

The surface on which the wooden floor is to be installed needs to be prepared. If it is a new house, much prepping is not needed. However, for an old floor, it needs to be cleaned through a removal of tiles, old wood, laminate, etc. Furniture and other objects must also be removed from the room. Should the subfloor need to be repaired, the cost goes up. Invite the installer to view the floor before giving you the final quotation.

Warranty

Reliable hardwood floor installation companies provide a warranty for their services and materials. If this is included in the quotation, the cost is likely to go up. Be wary of contractors who do not give a warranty on their services. They could be defective.

Maintenance

Negotiate to have continuous maintenance cost included in the quotation. Maintenance includes waxing once or twice in a year. Negotiate with the contractor to get maintenance at a reduced price.

The cost of hardwood flooring depends on what your floor needs. Request the contractor to visit your house other than giving an imagined quotation. The cost of removal and maintenance may increase the budget over time and throw you financially off balance.

How To Choose The Beautiful Hardwood Flooring

After visiting a friend’s house, a hotel, office, etc, you were impressed by their wooden floor and decided to use the same in your house. 

After all, who does not love a beautiful house? 

The decision might be easy to make but it takes a lot more to achieve admirable hardwood flooring. It is not just a matter of picking wood and having planks nailed to the floor. You have to think about colors, sizes, quality, treatment, and much more. 

Here is a guide that will make your work easier and admirable.

Engineered Wood Vs Solid Wood

Traditional floors were made from thick planks directly from timber. Today, companies have improved the wood through treatment and addition of ply beneath a layer of hardwood. 

This engineering reduces the size of wood use, the price and makes provision for expansion and contraction as seasons change. By restricting movement, the appearance of your entire floor is maintained. The grain feel of hardwood is maintained even with engineering. 

The challenge with engineered hardwood flooring is that it reduces the possibility of future finishing since the top layer is sometimes too thin.

Site Finishing vs Prefinished

Site hardwood flooring finishing means that you get raw planks that are polished after installation. With prefinished wood, you have the advantage of knowing the exact product you get. 

This avoids the shocks and disappointments of selecting an image only for the artisan to deliver something different. It takes less time to install the prefabricated wood since much of the work has already been done. The need to apply sealants or colors is eliminated.

However, on-site finishing allows you to achieve your envisioned customized look. This means more control over the sheen and stain on your wood. Site finished planks are also relatively smothered than prefinished. 

It is also possible to make modifications like sizes and thickness without destroying the plank unlike prefinished which could easily be damaged.

Polyurethane Vs Oil Finish

Wood finishing falls under two broad categories of oil and polyurethane. Oil gives your wood a natural, soft and matte. 

However, the surface does not behave well when exposed to food and scratching especially with children around. However, the scratch is less noticeable. With polyurethane, the wear and tear are limited and less noticeable. 

It is easier to clean and maintain beyond being smoother than oil finished wood.

Wood Types To Choose From

The kind of flooring is oak. It has proven to be the most durable and resistant to stains. It also comes in impressive natural gains that will transform your living area. Oak is widely available in different states. 

This explains its reasonable pricing. Regarding design, most people prefer white to red oak hardwood flooring because the latter has a pinkish tone.

You may also consider the walnut species which is a bit softer and but is loved for its deep and rich dark color. It is, therefore, ideal for a room where a dark finish is preferred. It also gives you the natural feel that reduces the need to modify it. It leaves your house feeling warm. 

There are other hardwoods available with different properties and price ranges including ash, maple, hickory, and cherry.

Grain Pattern

The grain patterns on wood depend on how they are cut. 

The three main cutting methods are,

• Rift saw
• Quarter saw and
• Plain saw

The patterns produced by plan saw are christened cathedrals which is what most people refer too when talking about grains. 

The rift saw, on the other hand, produces consistent, long and linear grains that are devoid of cathedrals. 3D rays define wood prepared with a rift saw. 

You are likely to get wood prepared in different versions but you may also order an exclusive design. The appearance of the grains is only meant to add color to your floor.

Width Of Your Plank

The traditional length of a flooring plank was between two and three inches. Today, people seem to be in favor of a wider plank. The increase in width seems to give a floor a luxurious and expensive feel. 

The idea is that what looks different feels special. In reality, wider planks are more expensive than the slims ones. It reduces the number of seems a floor has. However, the few seems are exaggerated with expansion and contraction.

The quality of Hardwood flooring will be greatly affected by the subfloor. You need a professional who understands hardwood to give a durable surface. Consider the uses and people around the house for the purposes of maintenance. 

To achieve good quality, the appearance must be more important than the budget.