What to look for in an area rug
I’ve gathered several links detailing what to consider when shopping for an area rug. These include information on olefin machine-woven rugs up to exquisite hand-woven orientals. Check them out!
Begginer’s Guide to Oriental Rugs
How to Buy Real Persian Rugs
Lowes: Choosing an Interior Rug
How to Identify Handmade Rugsrugs.com/clean.htm”>How to Clean Oriental Rugs
Area Rugs: Before You Buy
Rug Glossary(Excellent Resource for Terminology)
Rug Style Guide
eBay Guide: How to Choose an Authentic Oriental Rug
Carpets Buying Guide
How to Buy Rugs
How to install laminate flooring pt.2
Part 2: Installing Laminate Floors
- Underlayment is a material placed under flooring to provide a smooth and even installation surface. It comes in large rolls or as separate pieces that can be taped together. The use of an underlayment speeds installation, reduces walking noise, improves flooring stability and provides superior support and can also be a moisture barrier. Also, not using an underlayment voids most manufacturers warranties.
- Remove the shoe molding or quarter round from around the baseboard and also the doors from the installation area to be covered.
How to install laminate flooring pt.1
Part 1: Planning and preparation phase
Installing laminate floors yourself requires basic to medium-level construction skills. If you prepare and plan carefully and completely before the job begins it will make your installation a much more enjoyable experience. Consider the following before you undertake an installation:
How to measure for window coverings
There are many different types of options to consider when choosing something to cover your windows. Why do you want to cover those areas? For decoration? For privacy? To block heat or retain heat? These are all valid questions to consider when deciding what type of window covering you will choose. Different types of window coverings include blinds, shades, curtains, shutters, sheers, and others. These can be installed inside window casings or outside window casings on the interior and exterior of your home. Once you have decided what type of covering you will install then depending on where it is installed will determine how you measure for it.
How to install a toilet
Installing a toilet is very easy and can be done quickly with just a few tools. First consider what type of toilet you will need to buy. If you are replacing an old toilet you may find that there are more options available now than ten years ago. Toilets come either in one-piece or in tank and bowl configurations. There are a couple of options available like an elongated bowl or an extra height bowl. Also, consider the “rough-in” of your existing flange. The rough-in is the distance from the wall to the center of the flange. This is where you will want to start when purchasing a new toilet.
How to install glue-down carpet
Commercial carpet is usually a good choice for very high traffic areas that will have many stains. It is denser than residential carpet with a tighter weave and shorter nap. Installation is pretty simple and much faster than its counterpart.
Make sure your subfloor is flat and that there are not major cracks that will telegraph through to the top of the carpet. Second, you will need to remove the floor molding such as baseboards or quarter round. Also, you will be using a carpet adhesive. As a result, you will need to make sure that the adhesive you choose will stick to your substrate. For example, if you have a sealed concrete floor you may need to strip that sealant off in order to get a good bond.
How to install carpet
Installing carpet can be easy to do with a little planning and know-how. However, it is physically demanding handling rolls of carpet. Making rough cuts in a garage or yard if possible can help to reduce the amount of weight you have to maneuver around corners, through doorways, or up/down stairs. Also, making a measure diagram with all your cuts listed out can help you to organize what will be needed where. One thing to remember is that because carpet is made from fibers it has a nap. That means that if at all possible try to keep carpet oriented in the same direction. If you do have to turn carpet try and do it in door ways that can be closed off.
Types of carpet
Carpet comes in all sort of styles, colors, fibers, installation methods, and patterns. Over 70% of the carpet in the world is manufactured in Dalton, GA. Almost all carpet installed in the US is manufactured there. Most carpet is manufactured from nylon, olefin, polyester, wool, or a combination of two or more above. The fiber determines many of the characteristics of the carpet. Also, carpet typically comes in 6′, 12′, 13′6″, or 15′ widths and all sorts of length rolls depending on the style of carpet. Carpet is similar to tile in that hues can vary in different dye lots (the manufacture lot #).
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 usually be done on both wood and concrete subfloors.
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 to the next. Exterior doors are typically used on an exterior wall to go outside the dwelling or into a garage/porch. The standard height for doors is 80 inches though many manufacturers offer special sizes that can be ordered or made. The standard width for exterior doors is 30, 32, and 36 inches. The standard width for interior doors is 24, 28, 30, 32, and 36. Doors also come in a wide variety of styles and designs.