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	<title>Floors for your Home</title>
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	<link>http://www.floorshome.com</link>
	<description>All about flooring and how great floors can improve your home</description>
	<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:00:04 +0000</pubDate>
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			<item>
		<title>FloorMall.com to Offer Premium Outdoor and Patio Furniture</title>
		<link>http://www.floorshome.com/outdoor-furniture/</link>
		<comments>http://www.floorshome.com/outdoor-furniture/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:00:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Outdoor Furniture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.floorshome.com/?p=78</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FloorMall.com, the flagship site of HardwoodBrokers.com, Inc., is now offering choice outdoor furniture at www.floormall.com/outdoor. The quality patio furniture is being sold at remarkably competitive prices. Which is to say, any product that is being sold in the Simple Patios products line is cheaper than on any other online vendor&#8217;s website.
This is great for you, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">FloorMall.com, the flagship site of HardwoodBrokers.com, Inc., is now offering choice outdoor furniture at <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor">www.floormall.com/outdoor</a>. The quality patio furniture is being sold at remarkably competitive prices. Which is to say, any product that is being sold in the Simple Patios products line is cheaper than on any other online vendor&#8217;s website.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This is great for you, because you can reliably count on getting the best deal on, for instance, <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor/collection/hammocks/">hammocks</a> or <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor/collection/patio_benches/">patio benches</a> at FloorMall.com, no matter what time or what day.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Simple Patios line is both diverse and beautiful. Whether you need <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor/collection/stone_deck_tiles/">stone tiles</a>, <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor/collection/wood_deck_tiles/">wood tiles</a>, or <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor/collection/composite_deck_tiles/">composite deck tiles</a> to restore your outdoor patio, or <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor/collection/chaise_lounges/">chaise lounges</a>, <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor/collection/swings/">swings</a> and <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor/collection/umbrellas/">umbrellas</a> to spruce up your backyard for a party – <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor">floormall.com/outdoor</a> is the place for you.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">As if this is not enough, shipping is free on all Simple Patio orders. For <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor">patio furniture</a> that is as durable, and thus heavy, as these products, free shipping is quite a deal.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">What&#8217;s more, the warranty on all <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor">outdoor furniture</a> from Simple Patios lasts for half a century. That&#8217;s right – 50 whole years! Just think, you will be able to sit on this patio furniture with your girlfriend, your wife, your daughter, your granddaughter, and if you should be so lucky, your great granddaughter!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So, what are you waiting for, go ahead and browse our high-end competitively-priced <a href="http://www.floormall.com/outdoor">outdoor and patio furniture</a> products now!</p>
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		<item>
		<title>UA Floors&#8217; Impressive Grecian Series</title>
		<link>http://www.floorshome.com/ua-floors-grecian/</link>
		<comments>http://www.floorshome.com/ua-floors-grecian/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:06:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Engineered Flooring]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[hardwood flooring]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[UA Floors Grecian]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.floorshome.com/?p=75</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are several reasons for the increased popularity of Engineered. But chiefly, the recent popularity hike can be attributed to the fact that engineered flooring combines the allure of natural hardwood flooring with the durability of laminate flooring. The reason for its durability is due to the way the floor is made.  Several layers [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are several reasons for the increased popularity of Engineered. But chiefly, the recent popularity hike can be attributed to the fact that engineered flooring combines the allure of natural hardwood flooring with the durability of laminate flooring. The reason for its durability is due to the way the floor is made.  Several layers of composite wood, between three to ten pieces, are pressed together under extreme pressure.  Naturally, the more layers used the more durable the engineered planks will be.  Another popular feature that engineered hardwood flooring has to offer is its top layer.  The top layer of engineered hardwood flooring, or its veneer, is made from real wood. They have engineered flooring available for nearly every species of wood.  This gives homeowners the option of having real hardwood floors installed while saving a bit of money in the process.<br />
<span id="more-75"></span><br />
The popularity of <a href="http://www.floormall.com/hardwood/">engineered flooring</a> has driven up competition. Competition usually means better products and also lowers prices. But is also means that there are tons of different brands available for purchase. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount and mistakenly ending up with a sub par product. That is why I’ve decided to take a moment to look at a high quality brand that I’ve recently come across: <a href="http://www.floormall.com/hardwood/ua_floors/ua-floors-grecian-series/">UA Floors’ Grecian series</a>.</p>
<p>I was really impressed by UA’s Grecian floors. One of the best things about this flooring line is all of the options that are available with it. Their engineered flooring comes in a number of elegant species of wood that range from Asian Teak, Brazilian Walnut and Australian Cypress—just to name a few. The flooring is very easy to install. It features a tongue and groove and micro-bevel installation feature. These are precision milled, high quality <a href="http://www.floormall.com/">floors</a> that I believe would be a great fit for almost any household.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Places to find hardwood flooring reviews</title>
		<link>http://www.floorshome.com/places-to-find-hardwood-flooring-reviews/</link>
		<comments>http://www.floorshome.com/places-to-find-hardwood-flooring-reviews/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:00:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Home Values]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[flooring]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[hardwood flooring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.floorshome.com/?p=71</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ There are a lot of major decisions and purchases homeowners have to make throughout the ownership of their home.  It’s always a good idea to preference these decisions and purchases with a hefty amount of research.  This is especially true of hardwood flooring&#8211;where the different options and styles available are vast.  One of the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables /> <w:SnapToGridInCell /> <w:WrapTextWithPunct /> <w:UseAsianBreakRules /> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables /> <w:SnapToGridInCell /> <w:WrapTextWithPunct /> <w:UseAsianBreakRules /> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->There are a lot of major decisions and purchases homeowners have to make throughout the ownership of their home.  It’s always a good idea to preference these decisions and purchases with a hefty amount of research.  This is especially true of <a href="http://www.floormall.com/hardwood/">hardwood flooring</a>&#8211;where the different options and styles available are vast.  One of the best ways to narrow down your options is to read up on some product reviews. <span id="more-71"></span></p>
<p>There are quite a few websites out there that offer honest, unbiased reviews of flooring products.  It may seem surprising, but I’ve found that one of the best places to go for hardwood flooring reviews is <a href="http://www.about.com/">About.com</a>.  For those of you who don&#8217;t know, About.com is a mega site that provides a vast amount of advice and information on a widespread assortment of topics.   It&#8217;s owned by The New York Times Company and it has a lot of helpful information related to home repair, flooring and so on.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.woodfloordoctor.com/">Woodfloordoctor.com</a> is another place to search for reviews of different hardwood flooring products.  Not only do they review different floor coverings but they even touch on an array of flooring tools such as sanders, steam mops and so on.  Overall, it’s a great flooring resource site and has sections dedicated to walkthroughs and more general flooring information.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.viewpoints.com/">Viewpoints.com</a> is a good place to find reviews on just about anything.  This website is focused on helping consumers make better decisions.  Viewpoints builds communities where consumers can share their experiences with a specific product by writing reviews, blog posts, how to guides and much more.  They cover everything from electronics, to hardwood flooring products, to video games.  It’s truly a great resource for consumers.</p>
<p>These days more than ever it’s important to make sure that you’re getting value with each purchase.  I hope that these sites will provide you with some help in doing just that.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Considering floor installers</title>
		<link>http://www.floorshome.com/considering-floor-installers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.floorshome.com/considering-floor-installers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:07:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Floor Installers]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Residential Flooring]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[flooring]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[installation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.floorshome.com/?p=63</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The whole process of choosing a type of flooring to install in the home can be a drawn-out and difficult one.  You have to pick out the type of flooring you want, you have to find out who you want to buy it from, and then you have to get it delivered or installed [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The whole process of <strong>choosing a type of flooring to install in the home</strong> can be a drawn-out and difficult one.  You have to pick out the type of flooring you want, you have to find out who you want to buy it from, and then you have to get it delivered or installed by someone who is not only going to do a good job but isn’t going to try and rip you off in the process.  One of the best ways to fight the stress and uneasiness associated with <strong>floor buying</strong> is by researching and asking questions.<span id="more-63"></span></p>
<p>And there are some very important questions to ask the floor installer.  The research doesn’t just stop after you pick out your floor.  You should ask them a variety of questions and find out if they have experience working with the <a href="http://www.floormall.com/articles/hardwood-flooring-blowouts.php">type of flooring</a> that you’re having installed in your home.  And if they have, then you should find out if they’ve done any projects similar to the one you want done.  If possible you can see if they have any pictures of past work to see if they have the level of skill and attention to detail that you’re looking for.  </p>
<p>Having new flooring installed can be very stressful but ultimately it can also be incredibly rewarding.  A good place to look for <a href="http://www.floormall.com/floor-installers/virginia-va.php">Virginia flooring installers</a>, or a local floor installer in your area, is FloorMall.com, the <a href="http://www.floormall.com/">online flooring</a> store.  They have a nationwide network of flooring installers that they’ve utilized and relied on in the past.  These are professionals who are used to working with the numerous flooring types that FloorMall has available.  You can check out <a href="http://www.floormall.com/floor-installers/">floor installers</a> organized by the installers&#8217; region of influence..</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Choose The Right Floor For Your Home</title>
		<link>http://www.floorshome.com/choose-the-right-floor-for-your-home/</link>
		<comments>http://www.floorshome.com/choose-the-right-floor-for-your-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:29:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Home Values]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[flooring]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[floors]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[home]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[laminate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.floorshome.com/?p=54</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You’ve been shopping for famous flooring brands but are stumped trying to look for the perfect dealer. Should you buy online or from conventional stores? The dilemma goes on. Now you can be at peace of mind with a host of good online flooring retailers offering a wide range of flooring solutions sourced from only [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You’ve been shopping for famous flooring brands but are stumped trying to look for the perfect dealer. Should you buy online or from conventional stores? The dilemma goes on. Now you can be at peace of mind with a host of good online flooring retailers offering a wide range of flooring solutions sourced from only the highest quality floor manufacturers. Sweat no more as you can seek advice and help from these pros while focusing on what matters most in your interior project – the floor.</p>
<p>First, you can choose between tile flooring or laminate flooring. The difference between the two is something only you will know, and that great difference is the cost. Tile flooring gives a shiny and lively look to your home while laminate flooring is very affordable and easy to install. Pick one which suits your needs and enjoy whichever is best. Also hot on the popular list of flooring solutions is decorative hardwoods.</p>
<p><span id="more-54"></span><br />
These are more expensive options, but its quality is one you would not be disappointed at. Hardwood flooring is exceptionally durable and gives any interior a classy, wealthy feel to it. Where hardwood flooring is involved, choose only the best materials and floor installer as mistakes show easily on this delicate floor.</p>
<p>Another cost effective option, although not appropriate for everyone, is turf carpeting. No matter what your recreation of choice is, there are few better choices for home recreation areas than outdoor turf carpet. Resistant to the natural elements, outdoor turf carpet is great for a barbeque area or a home putting green.</p>
<p>If you have a deck where your children will play while you cook up some burgers, you can ensure that they don’t splinter on the wood or stub their toes on concrete by adding some outdoor turf carpet. The applications for outdoor turf carpet are almost limitless for home recreation. Go for the comfort and durability of outdoor turf carpet over harder or dirtier surfaces.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>How does flooring improve a home&#8217;s value?</title>
		<link>http://www.floorshome.com/flooring-home-value/</link>
		<comments>http://www.floorshome.com/flooring-home-value/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:26:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Home Values]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.floorshome.com/?p=10</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A home’s floor sets the stage for every other design concept. The floor is one of the largest surface areas of a house and is the basis for walls, fixtures, art and more. Updating the flooring in a home can improve the value of the home in ways few other improvements can.

 One of the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">A home’s floor sets the stage for every other design concept.<span> </span>The floor is one of the largest surface areas of a house and is the basis for walls, fixtures, art and more.<span> </span>Updating the flooring in a home can improve the value of the home in ways few other improvements can.</p>
<p><span id="more-10"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>One of the first things a guest, potential buyer or appraiser notices upon entering a home is the condition of your floors.<span> </span>Worn carpeting or dingy, scratched floors make a negative impression.<span> </span>Floors in good condition sell a house’s first impression of being an inviting, well cared for property.<span> </span>It shows that you not only take good care of your house, but also recognize the value of good foundations.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When choosing new or remodeled flooring, there are a few considerations.<span> </span>Generally speaking, hardwood floors offer the home owner the greatest value.<span> </span>Durable and easier to care for the carpet, hardwood floors can be adapted to many designs by the addition or area rugs and soft furnishings.<span> </span>They can create a more visually appealing canvas for a potential buyer than carpeting chosen for someone else’s design aesthetic.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another important feature of <a href="http://www.floormall.com/hardwood/" target="_blank">hardwood flooring</a> is environmental.<span> </span>Hardwood flooring does not trap allergens and mold in the ways that carpeting can.<span> </span>While hardwood can be easily cleaned at minimal expense, mold and mildew trapped in carpeting only builds over time.<span> </span>The only solution to that problem is removal of the entire carpeting.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once you make the decision to improve the flooring in your home, you need to consider two practical points.<span> </span>You need to carefully consider the budget you want to spend.<span> </span>The options for hardwood floors have changed since the days of wood or stone.<span> </span>Hardwood floors are still the most attractive surface in a home, but other materials are gaining popularity.<span> </span>Slate, stone, laminate – even the eco-friendly bamboo and cork – allow the home owner greater flexibility in choosing materials to meet their budget.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When considering a flooring project, think of how that floor will be used, in addition to your budget.<span> </span>A simple tile floor in the mudroom can save wear and tear on flooring in the rest of the house.<span> </span>Replacing worn carpets and waxing existing hardwood floors make a definite improvement while leaving room for larger budget projects like a new sealed surface for your garage or hardwood floors for your dining room.<span> </span>It’s a practical consideration that is just as important as the furnishings you put into a room.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In a competitive market, a home has to stand apart from the rest.<span> </span>A warm, welcoming environment starts with beautiful flooring.<span> </span>Combining the right look and the right materials will add value to your home and increase its desirability to prospective buyers.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Residential flooring options for the bedroom</title>
		<link>http://www.floorshome.com/bedroom-flooring/</link>
		<comments>http://www.floorshome.com/bedroom-flooring/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:26:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Residential Flooring]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Bedroom floors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.floorshome.com/?p=8</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Floor coverings in residential bedrooms have traditionally been divided into two categories: hard coverings and soft coverings. Hard coverings are hardwood, tile, stone, vinyl and laminate flooring. Soft coverings include carpet and, more recently, spongy eco-friendly materials such as bamboo. Choosing flooring for one’s bedroom is perhaps the most personal of decorating choices. The bedroom [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">Floor coverings in residential bedrooms have traditionally been divided into two categories: hard coverings and soft coverings.<span> </span>Hard coverings are hardwood, tile, stone, vinyl and laminate flooring.<span> </span>Soft coverings include carpet and, more recently, spongy eco-friendly materials such as bamboo.<span> </span>Choosing flooring for one’s bedroom is perhaps the most personal of decorating choices.<span> </span>The bedroom is a haven, one’s private Zen, if you will, where personality shines forth most clearly.</p>
<p><span id="more-8"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Are you the “hit the ground running” type that likes a sturdy, hardwood floor in the morning, or do you like to sink into a luxurious deep pile that is warm and cozy?<span> </span>Maybe your preference is in the more expensive, spa-like look of natural stone.<span> </span>You have to choose your bedroom flooring based on what makes you feel good, not on what’s the latest trend or what’s on sale.<span> </span>You and your bedroom floor will have to live together for a long, long time.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The bedroom is a place where the <a href="http://www.floormall.com/" target="_blank">flooring</a> should be beautiful as well as comfortable.<span> </span>Maybe you want the best of both worlds for your personal sanctuary.<span> </span>Install a beautiful hardwood floor and scatter luxurious area rugs to create even more personal spaces.<span> </span>Mix it up a little and use varying types of flooring materials to help transition between the spaces within the room.<span> </span>Careful thought and good design can substantially add value to any living space.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beyond the obvious design elements of bedroom flooring is the practical consideration of how it meets to functional needs of the room.<span> </span>Is this flooring for a teenager’s room?<span> </span>Then choose a floor covering that will stand up well to lots of traffic and be easy to clean.<span> </span>Is this a rarely used guest room?<span> </span>Choose flooring that provides good insulation for both sound and temperature.<span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Consider, too, how the arrangement, and re-arrangement, of furniture can affect your flooring choice. Big furniture pieces can permanently flatten areas of a carpet so unless you are planning on rearranging every so often, think about how you will fill the space.<span> </span>Rolling furniture like chairs and some vanities can scratch or even permanently damage floors so be sure to use protective furniture pads for your floors.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And lastly think about the long term maintenance needs of the bedroom.<span> </span>Hardwood is always a good option because as it wears out, it can be sanded and refinished allowing you to subtly change the look and feel of the room.<span> </span>Carpets in higher-traffic bedrooms should be chosen for durability and ease of stain removal.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Whatever your personal preferences are, there are a wealth of choices available to the homeowner looking to renew the bedroom floors.<span> </span>Considering your own personal tastes as well as the needs and function of the room will help you make the best choices.</span></p>
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		<title>Vinyl floors for the kitchen</title>
		<link>http://www.floorshome.com/vinyl-kitchen-floors/</link>
		<comments>http://www.floorshome.com/vinyl-kitchen-floors/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:26:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Residential Flooring]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Vinyl Floors]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[vinyl]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.floorshome.com/?p=6</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Vinyl floors have always been a good choice for the kitchen. They are inexpensive and easy to install. Vinyl floors are durable and virtually maintenance free. Vinyl flooring also offers a nice compliment to wooden cabinetry. With vinyl floors, there is no grout to clean and no expensive tiles that may become chipped, cracked or [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">Vinyl floors have always been a good choice for the kitchen. They are inexpensive and easy to install. Vinyl floors are durable and virtually maintenance free. Vinyl flooring also offers a nice compliment to wooden cabinetry. With vinyl floors, there is no grout to clean and no expensive tiles that may become chipped, cracked or broken. Plus, vinyl comes in many different shapes and sizes and can even be installed as a do-it-yourself project!</p>
<p><span id="more-6"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">New flooring for the kitchen has always been a popular home improvement project, now even more so as we look for the little things to make our life better. Vinyl floors are great for today’s busy families. It stands up well to very high traffic, doesn’t soak up liquids, and can be cleaned in a flash. Pets and children track a tremendous amount of dirt onto a floor. Any homeowner knows that if you have kids and/or pets, vinyl is the only real choice for the kitchen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most homeowners are surprised to find how inexpensive and cost effective installing a vinyl floor is. In most cases, there is no need to even remove the existing floor. With some careful preparation, a vinyl floor can be installed right over that worn out linoleum! Once installed, vinyl floors are one of the most durable and long lasting flooring options for the kitchen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Caring for <a href="http://www.floormall.com/vinyl/" target="_blank">vinyl floors</a> is equally simple as it won’t indent or wear out where your appliances sit. They do not require any special waxing or chemicals; vinyl can be cleaned simply by sweeping and then mopping with a warm, mildly soapy solution. With new improvements to vinyl flooring, you can even purchase stain-resistant vinyl to add even more life to your kitchen floor and avoid ugly stains and blotches.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In most cases the most difficult part of your improvement project is choosing which pattern to use. Vinyl comes in so many different patterns, textures, and colors that it can be overwhelming. Some vinyl floors even mimic natural elements like stone or ceramic tile, allowing you to add that natural stone look to your kitchen while avoiding the expense and hassle of maintaining the real thing.  Most flooring centers will have samples that you can actually take home to match to your existing décor.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next hardest choice will be whether or not to have the <a href="http://www.floormall.com/" target="_blank">flooring</a> professionally installed. If you are a true handyman, vinyl floors can be a fun and rewarding project. You do have to be careful when installing vinyl floors. Proper preparation of the surface you are installing the vinyl onto is very important. It’s also important to check for any underlying issues like excess moisture, mold, or mildew before installing over any existing flooring. All in all, though, most home design centers offer advice and materials to make the process almost fool-proof.</p>
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		<title>Are laminate floors right for homes with pets?</title>
		<link>http://www.floorshome.com/laminate-floors-and-pets/</link>
		<comments>http://www.floorshome.com/laminate-floors-and-pets/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:24:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Laminate Flooring]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Residential Flooring]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[laminate]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[pets]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.floorshome.com/?p=4</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Pets truly make a house a home, but they can also do a lot of damage to a home’s floor. With so many options in flooring, it is possible for pets and your home’s design to exist peaceably. There are many opinions on the best flooring for homes with pets. Many people recommend laminate flooring [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">Pets truly make a house a home, but they can also do a lot of damage to a home’s floor.<span> </span>With so many options in flooring, it is possible for pets and your home’s design to exist peaceably.<span> </span>There are many opinions on the best flooring for homes with pets.<span> </span>Many people recommend laminate flooring for it’s hard, scratch resistant surface.<span> </span>Laminate floors are durable and easy to clean.<span> </span>With its good price point, laminate can be an attractive option over stone, ceramic tile or hardwood – especially if you have other, larger goals for your home improvement projects.<span> </span>But is it the best choice?<span> </span>Are there any downsides?<span> </span>And how can you decide if it really is the best option for you <em>and </em>your furry friends?</p>
<p><span id="more-4"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Laminate flooring is made from high density fiber or wood particles with a laminate overlay so it is very hard and durable.<span> </span>It resists scratches fairly well and cleans without expensive waxes or chemical treatments.<span> </span>Having pets puts your everyday floor squarely in the category of high-traffic and a good laminate is designed to stand up extremely well in high traffic areas.<span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The downside of laminate being so rigid and tough is that because it is so hard, it is not very comfortable to lie on.<span> </span>Not only that, but usually the finish on laminate is slick.<span> </span>That slick finish is great for the scratch resistant factor, but not so great for Fido’s traction.<span> </span>One further drawback of <a href="http://www.floormall.com/laminates/" target="_blank">laminate floors</a> is that they do not provide much sound insulation.<span> </span>Clipping your pet’s nails and putting down area rugs is always an option but this can somewhat defeat the purpose and diminish the visual impact of a nice laminate floor.<span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Laminates are low maintenance and hold up well under high-traffic situations, but they are more susceptible to damage from moisture and it’s more important to stay on top of keeping them clean because they can warp.<span> </span>This means that you will need some type of barrier or protection if you are keeping your pets water dishes on the floor, for instance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Cost can be another double edged sword for laminate flooring.<span> </span>Laminate is certainly easier to install than hardwood and can be installed right over most existing floors, excluding carpets.<span> </span>Prices can range from $1.25 to $3.50 per square foot, but some wholesalers and dealers may offer better deals.<span> </span>You are, however, more limited in your choices for look and feel.<span> </span>Laminate choices cannot be customized so you are usually stuck with whatever the manufacturer offers.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All in all, laminate may not the best choice for homes with pets.<span> </span>They are durable, but very hard.<span> </span>They don’t insulate well against sound, and they can warp easy with moisture.<span> </span>Most professionals will more likely steer you towards a ceramic tile or good durable vinyl.</p>
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		<title>Is tile the right choice for the bathroom?</title>
		<link>http://www.floorshome.com/bathroom-tile-choices/</link>
		<comments>http://www.floorshome.com/bathroom-tile-choices/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:00:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Residential Flooring]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Tiles]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bathroom]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[moisture]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[stone]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[tile]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.floorshome.com/?p=1</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Traditionally, ceramic tile has been the most used and considered the best choice for flooring in the bathroom. Tile is non-porous, easy to clean, and moisture and allergen resistant. Tile installation is a relatively easy process, and the wealth of color and texture options really opens up the possibilities for making your bathroom look great. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">Traditionally, ceramic tile has been the most used and considered the best choice for flooring in the bathroom. Tile is non-porous, easy to clean, and moisture and allergen resistant. Tile installation is a relatively easy process, and the wealth of color and texture options really opens up the possibilities for making your bathroom look great. Some <a href="http://www.floormall.com/tile/" target="_blank">ceramic tile</a> can even be made to look like other materials like natural stone.</p>
<p><span id="more-1"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once installed, a tile surface is fairly durable and long lasting but tile does have some disadvantages. Tiles can break easily during installation, so it’s always a good idea to get extra tiles when purchasing your materials. Tile does not offer very good insulation; tiles can be quite hot or cold underfoot during extreme seasons and they don’t muffle sound. Tile is also very slippery when wet, so it’s always a good idea to use rugs, or a bath mat near the shower.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, you may ask, what are my other options in the bathroom?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the last few years, new materials have found a place in bathroom flooring projects – materials you may not have considered. Some progressive homeowners are using wood, cork, or bamboo in their bathrooms. Mind you, porous materials require special preparation, extra care, and sometimes additional installation expenses due to inherent issues with moisture, mildew, and other allergens, but think of how good a nice spongy, natural material would feel under your feet after a hot shower! And these materials have the added benefit of being more eco-friendly.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Natural stone is another great option for the bathroom. While on the more expensive side of the home improvement project scale, stone flooring adds elegance and a touch of class to any area of the home, especially the bathroom. It is usually cut into tiles of twelve inches or larger and its texture will vary according to the type of stone. Be prepared to think about sealants and or under-floor heating options as stone tends to be slippery when wet and is always cold underfoot.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Vinyl and Laminates are always good choices for the bathroom as well. These materials are durable and easy to maintain. Vinyl and <a href="http://www.floormall.com/laminates/" target="_blank">laminate flooring</a> can be a great do it yourself project which can save significant money on installation. These two materials are also very easy to maintain, are naturally not slippery, and insulate fairly well. Vinyl tiles are also available that look like other materials such as stone, wood, or bamboo.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whatever flooring option you choose for the bathroom, make sure you choose something that can be waterproofed. If moisture gets into the floor it can cause warping or cracking, and mold and mildew could become problem.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With careful planning and good installation, your bathroom floor can be a durable, easy to care for asset to your home. Your bathroom floor will be with you a long time, make sure you choose what is right for you and your lifestyle.</p>
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