Archive for Archive for March, 2007
How to install hardwood floors
Installing hardwood flooring is very much like putting a puzzle together. There are three main installation methods. These are nail-down installation, glue-down installation, and floating installation. Please review the post on types of hardwood flooring. It is assumed that you have a level subfloor that is wood for nail-down installation. Glue-down and floating installations can […]
How to install a door
Installing a door is a project that can greatly change the layout or look of a room. There are two different types of doors: interior and exterior. These are both available in a slab (just the door itself) or pre-hung (already attached to a frame). Interior doors are used to go from on interior room […]
How to install laminate countertops
A laminate countertop consists of the laminate on top and a substrate on bottom. Laminate is basically several layers of kraft paper with a picture on top. Its called laminate because it is made by applying heat and pressure to laminate all the layers together. Typically this is less than 1/16″ thick, so a substrate […]
Grades and species of harwood flooring
There are as many different types of hardwood flooring as there are trees. Well, there are almost as many, and it can be overwhelming when trying to select a grade or species. Some people choose based upon the strength or hardness of the wood. That would be its natural ability to resist nicks and scratches. […]
Types of hardwood flooring
Hardwood floors have been around since the late 1600’s. During the early 1900’s with new production means they began to be mass produced in factories. Most of the floors installed that still survive are 3/4″ tongue and groove strips. However, in the last 15 years or so pre-finished flooring and new installation techniques have helped […]
Installing concrete backerboard on floors
Concrete backerboard is a recently new innovation. It has greatly expanded the areas in which tile can be properly installed. Typically it is available in a few different thicknesses that is determined by your install area. Make sure and allow for the total height difference including tile and mortar on all door jambs and other […]
Planning a tile installation Pt. 2
The preparation phase of the tile installation is the most important phase of the whole project. You will need to evaluate your subfloor. Check for height differences between existing floors and the height of your new tile floor. Keep in mind if installing over a cement backerboard to allow not only for the tile but […]
Planning a tile installation Pt. 1
This post will give you an overview of the planning process of a tile installation. This stage can be subdivided into three phases. These phases are Measure, Design, and Prep. This stage may seem self explanatory, but rushing through this step is the culprit of most tile installation mistakes.
Types of tile
There are very many different types and looks of tile available. First consider where the tile will be placed and what functions it will serve. This will probably determine what types of tile you will need to look for. That being said … tile comes in many different forms: ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glazed tiles, terra-cotta, […]