Decorating 101 - Beautifying a Home With Floor Lamps

Proper illumination can definitely add to the allure of a personal space. It is able to set the mood and atmosphere of a room just by providing the appropriate amount of light. While table lamps may serve a functional purpose, floor lamps prove to have more extensive qualities. Whether you choose an antique selection to brighten your living room or side with tiffany floor lamps, the immeasurable possibilities of a floor lamp will always stand out.

Antique lamps have certain elegance when displayed inside a room. In certain features of home design, a piece that projects an unknown past will usually spark the imagination and will typically be a subject of conversation when friends visit. Nowadays, manufacturers try to imitate this image by emulating ornamental approach towards antique furniture.

Some features of antique lamps include brass finishes with intricate designs. The genuine pieces of these antique floor lamps may be a bit expensive so if you plan to buy one, you must save first. This type of floor lamp is often preferred because it creates a romantic effect with its soft but sensual light.

Floor lamps are considered timeless pieces because many designers create one of kind pieces that will usually be dazzling or stunning. It will allow an individual to create particular mood in his living space or office. This piece will often be the center of attention within a room.

These lamps are used in conjunction with overhead lights to provide visual interest and additional lighting for reading. Oftentimes, floor lamps are selected by homeowners by matching it with the overall design of the whole space, from the modern stainless steel to tiffany floor lamps. Because they are free standing, these lamps can be placed anywhere in the room near an electrical outlet or a favorite reading area.

Floor lamps may be intended for lighting while others may be built in with shelves or racks. Because of its flexibility, these lamps should be placed in areas where children will not trip on them. Probably the best place for them is in corners or to the sides of living room furniture.

These lamps are ideal for lighting a living space. With just a ceiling light, your lighting effects will be limited to bright or dark lights. With the help of floor lamps, you can illuminate areas of the room with more flexibility. For instance, you can focus onto a specific painting and can readily transfer the spotlight into another piece of art. This piece can also be an attractive piece of furniture itself.

Another unique feature of floor lamps is that the base of lamp can be changed. Therefore, you have an option of matching different colored light bulbs to provide varying effects inside a room. Depending on your preferences, you can create a romantic environment with just a change of blue to red shades.

In conclusion, floor lamps have truly proven to be very useful and decorative pieces with a large selection of choices. With both traditional and contemporary designs available, there will undoubtedly be a floor lamp that will meet your standards.

Tile Flooring Made Simple

Tile flooring is one of the easiest types of flooring surfaces to care for. Just grab a broom, some light cleaners, and a little warm water and you are set. This article will look at some of the simplicities of tile flooring and why you should consider it for your next flooring job.

If you are considering an easy to care for flooring surface then tile flooring may be just what the doctor ordered. Tile flooring can add great value, style, and beauty to any room you choose to install it in.

Caring for your tile flooring starts by removing the loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner. You should choose a vacuum that does not have the beater bar rolling as this could cause some damage. You may also choose to use a simple broom to remove the dirt and debris from your tile flooring.

Once the dirt and other particles are removed you can then mix a small amount of mild cleaner into some worm water. There really is not a certain brand or solution that works better than another. If you have a favorite brand of cleaner that should be fine. You can ask the manufacture if they recommended a certain product, but in most cases this is not important.

Tile flooring comes in ceramic and stone materials. These materials are very durable and can handle wear very well. You may find ceramic tiles that are painted adding a nice touch of class. They also come in finishes that are glazed thus giving them a more uniform appearance over stone materials.

Stone tiles will give a more natural look since they are not designed to match. You might also find a variation in the colors with stone flooring. This can actually add value in certain rooms, but depreciate the look and value in others. The best rooms for stone flooring would be in a tea room or sun type patio room. Stone tile flooring may not be as well received in a living room or family.

When ordering tile flooring make sure that all the flooring is from the same batch. You do not want tile flooring that comes from a mixed assortment even when the style is the same. Tile flooring can have its own personality and you want to be able to blend it well with your look at feel.

Laminate Flooring Installation Buyer's Guide - Tips For Taking In The AC Rating

A laminate flooring installation will be only as successful as your ability to judge the quality of the flooring planks. It is absolutely vital to match the characteristics of the flooring to the area in which it will be installed. A high traffic living room floor cluttered with kid's crayons and punished by pet claws, calls for a tougher laminate flooring installation than that of a tranquil guest room.

One indication of the suitability of a particular flooring range for a specific home remodeling area is its Abrasion Class Rating, or AC Rating. The AC RAting was developed by The European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF). It is a clear and easily understandable indication of the laminate flooring installation's ability to withstand stress, wear, impact, burns, stains, scratches, and other calamities. Swelling of the core during contact with fluids after installing the laminate floor, is also examined. In addition, the tests done on the flooring ascertain to what level it can resist damage done by furniture feet or casters. Once the tests have been done, the results are used to determine for which areas the particular flooring product will be appropriate.

Recently the tests have become even more exhaustive, with abrasion resistance being challenged to a greater extent. With the implementation of these changes, getting a high abrasion classification has more difficult than ever.

The AC Rating symbols make it easy to understand the characteristics and robustness of a particular laminate flooring installation. If it is a residential flooring solution, the AC Rating will be indicated with a house symbol. In the case of a commercial product, the pictograph will show a building. In addition, next to this symbol, will be a picture of people. The number of figures indicate the traffic intensity the flooring has been manufactured for.

AC1: Indicates a laminate flooring installation suitable for residential bedrooms and guest rooms with moderate traffic.

AC2: Flooring lines able to cope with normal residential living room and dining room activity.

AC3: Laminate flooring installations robust enough for heavy traffic in any residential space.

AC4: Laminate flooring that can be used in a commercial setting such as a small office or restaurant where the traffic is moderate.

AC5: These tough-as-nails laminate flooring installations can withstand the hustle and bustle of public buildings, department stores and other high traffic commercial areas.

Never judge a laminate flooring installation simply by its price tag. Take notice of the AC Rating to ensure that you won't be disappointed with the performance of the floor on completion of your home improvement project. If you choose a cheap or discount laminate flooring product, it may come without the rating, indicating that it either failed the tests, or never went through the judging process.

For residential use, opt for an AC Rating of at least AC3, such as displayed by the Accolade Pergo Flooring line. Upping your choice to the higher levels may seem prudent if you don't have budget concerns, but you must remember that these products are manufactured to have a rougher surface. Your feet may not appreciate the difference, even if your pocketbook is happy with the long-term durability of the purchase! You may also discover that your socks suddenly begin to look moth-eaten due to the rough treatment doled out by the laminate flooring installation.

The AC Rating makes choosing the grade of your laminate flooring installation a cinch. Now, if only you can decide on a design and texture...

Quick Step Laminate Flooring - Floor Family With The Uniclic Quick Step Dance

Quick Step Laminate Flooring has ecstatic families skipping and sliding over newly installed, gleaming, smooth Uniclic floors. Even the most clumsy among do it yourself enthusiasts can tackle a Quick Step Laminate Flooring installation with complete confidence, knowing that the outcome will be quite spectacular.

Even if you love the warmth and texture of a real hardwood floor, you will soon fall in love with all the affordable wood simulated ranges Quick Step Laminate Floors offer. Laminate flooring isn't an inferior, cheap-looking alternative to real wood. This type of flooring has been transformed into the fastest growing sector in the home remodeling industry, thanks to its convenience and durability.

Gone are the days of messy, frustrating, time-consuming, glued laminate floors. The new tongue and groove flooring planks that simply click together are making experts of do it yourself novices all over the world. A room can be completed within a day, and can be used immediately. Decorative ranges of moldings ensure a professional finish you will be proud of. Quick Step Laminate Flooring trounces tattered carpeting with its easy-to-maintain good looks.

Many folks prefer a tiled look. Again the innovative home improvement experts at Quick Step flooring has the perfect solution. They have extended the Quick Step Laminate Flooring planks to include ranges with a ceramic tile look, complete with believable grout lines.

So, if you are apprehensive about trying your hand at real tiles, why not give this Quick Step product a go? It is so easy to install, and looks simply stunning. What's more, you won't have a shortage of ranges to chose from. Quick Step Laminate Flooring offer from earthy tiles to country hardwood:

Country Quick Step Laminate Flooring

You will almost believe that yesteryear's artisans toiled for weeks over your realistic looking hardwood floors, rather than hubby clicking them into place in the space of a few hours! The texture of the real thing is accurately portrayed, to such an extent that the warmth is palpable. You will experience the ambience unique to real wood flooring, down to the last recessed edge. With a thickness of 9.5mm, you can be sure of adequately dampened sound and comfort underfoot. Choose from dark varnished oak, to autumn maple or walnut.

Perspective Quick Step Laminate Floor

Invite nature into your home with the diversity of the Perspective Quick Step Laminate Flooring range. Authentic real wood patterns are displayed with v-grooves to expand your interior spaces luxuriously. From the lightness of natural varnished maple planks, to the homey feel of vintage oak natural varnished planks or rich oiled walnut planks will add warmth and beauty to your decor, complementing your furnishings with finesse.

Elegance Quick Step Laminate Flooring

For more contemporary flooring, Laminate Quick Step offers the refined Elegance range. Again the v-groove has been used to add to a roomy feel. Stylish natural varnished maple, rich dark varnished oak, lively honey red oak and a unique cinnamon red oak are among your tempting color options.

Quadra Quick Step Laminate Flooring

Having stone tiles as your flooring choice has never been so easy! The Quadra Quick Step Laminate Flooring range with Uniclic technology is a unique, low-maintenance interior design idea, made for working parents in a hurry. This range includes both ceramic and natural stone options. Installation can be done in an interesting cross pattern, a half-half motif, or a chessboard design. No grout messes. Just perfectly aligned tiles. The color palette is classic and varied. Decide between the delicate hues of Palermo, Verona or Como, or opt for a bold statement with Trento or a Black Opal Quick Step floor.

Eligna Quick Step Uniclic Flooring

If you long for a warm vibe, you will bond easily with the palette of Eligna Quick Step Laminate Flooring. The only difficulty you are likely to have, is making a decision about which one of the almost 20 realistic looking real wood tints and textures to use. If you are looking for richness, choose the santos mahogany planks. If you need a lighter, more airy decor look, opt for vintage oak natural varnished planks. There is something for every preference and every interior design style.

Classic Quick Step Laminate Flooring

If your decor leans towards contemporary styling, you will love the Classic range. These single and three plank options are style, quality and durability personified. Venetian walnut, select cherry or red oak gunstock double plank are three of the possible choices in a range of 11.

Always make sure that you follow installation and maintenance guidelines to the letter. Any deviation will void your valuable Quick Step floor warranty. If handled with care, Quick Step Laminate Flooring withstands the hustle and bustle of an active household remarkably well. Enjoy your flooring face-lift!

Wilsonart Laminate Flooring - 5 Click-With-Client Secrets Of Wilsonart Flooring

Wilsonart Laminate Flooring's Tap-N-Lock innovation has locked in the loyalty of an impressive segment of the working parents market. The low maintenance level required by this flooring product makes it ideal for a busy household ruled by kids and pets. A Wilsonart laminate flooring installation comes with a long list of quality home remodeling qualifications. Let's take a closer look at five of these:

1. Wilsonart Laminate Flooring Tops With Tap-N-Lock Installation

In an innovative move away from the hinged installation methods of many other flooring manufacturers, Wilsonart Floor's Tap-N-Lock technology allows for a less complicated, time-saving flat installation. No glue is necessary during general installation. Areas around doors and kick-plates of cabinets are easily navigated with a pull bar. A hammer and a tapping block is used to gently ease the flat tongue and groove planks together to form a tight, smooth joint. Don't use too much elbow grease, or you will have problems with chipping. Wilsonart Laminate Flooring requires a gentle touch. This is not the time or place to show off your muscle power!

2. Wilsonart Red Label Hand Scraped Collection Invites Nature Into Your Home

The days of smooth, plastic-looking, unrealistic laminate finishes are long gone. Wilsonart Laminate Flooring has developed into a copycat creator extraordinaire. Their innovative Red Label Hand Scraped range brings the texture and tints of real wood to life in an unmistakable way. The casual, slightly worn appearance is rich in natural variation and random patterning. Five woods have been selected for the Red Label Hand Scraped Wilsonart Laminate Flooring look.

You can almost imagine the weathering process Olde Oak Wilson Laminate Flooring has been through. Subtle cathedrals add realistic appeal. If you love reddish tinted woods, you will fall head over heels in love with the rustic Hickory Plank line. The dramatic tan and red hues are softened with white to cream sapwood and fine brown lines. All the characteristic burls and streaks are visible in a Wilsonart Laminate Floor.

Alternatively opt for richly textured Spanish Maple with its interesting 'line drawings'. You will never tire of looking at this version of Wilsonart Laminate Flooring. For a true old-world look, choose Aged Timberwood. An open-pore structure richly textured with knots takes you back to yesteryear and happy childhood memories. Add stylish elegance with Burnished Maple with beautiful golden tones, creating a warm atmosphere.

3. High Pressure Lives Deserve Wilsonart Laminate Flooring

Choose durability during your home remodeling efforts by opting for high pressure Wilsonart Laminate Flooring. Whereas direct pressure flooring undergoes 300 to 500 pounds of pressure per square inch, the high pressure versions are made using a massive 1400 pounds of pressure per square inch. The benefits of opting for a higher pressure flooring product are noticeable. More pressure means triple the toughness. You will see improved wear resistance, meaning that scuffing and scratching will be minimized. The static load capacity increases, lessening dimpling. With high pressure Wilsonart Laminate Flooring you will notice higher impact resistance, which is very important in a home where there is a high level of activity. The sheen factor is upped in the process, giving you a clear, realistic looking design. You can also be sure that there will be far fewer factory damaged planks per package. Lastly, chipped corners will not be such a headache.

4. Wilsonart Laminate Flooring Accessories

No laminate floor installation will have a professional finish without quality accessories and moldings. Wilsonart Laminate Flooring has this aspect down to a fine art, due to more than 50 years in the industry. The decorative moldings tone in with the coloring of the flooring.

The classy T-Moldings will give you a smooth transition between rooms, finishing doorways in style. Where you go from laminate flooring to thick ceramic tiles or carpeting, use a Carpet Reducer. These also come in handy at exterior doorways. On stairs you will utilize the Step Down Stairnose. An elegant Wilsonart Laminate Flooring Wall Base molding can be used as a wall border, or to cover unsightly toe kicks at the base of cabinets.

5. Maintaining The Gleaming Face Of Your Wilsonart Laminate Flooring

Busy moms fall in love with Wilsonart because of the low maintenance level. Gone are the days of costly carpet replacements after a staining spill, or yelling at the kids because of a mess on the floor. Cleaning up is so simple with Wilsonart Laminate Flooring. It is robust enough to literally repel dirt. A range of easy to use products ensures the right treatment for any kind of flooring fiasco.

General cleaning is done with a mop and a bucket of water with a dash of Wilsonart Flooring Cleaner. Wilsonart Flooring Spray Cleaner takes cares of specific spots that need tender loving care. If the kids have gone on a creative spree with colorful crayons, you don't have to worry. Mineral spirits, denatured alcohol or acetone takes care of this in a jiffy. Candle wax can simply be scraped off gently with the blunt edge of a blade. Just make sure that you always follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions to the letter. You don't want to do anything that can void your Wilsonart Laminate Flooring warranty.

Once you have Wilsonart Flooring in place, you may also want to investigate the possibility of a kitchen make-over with Wilsonart HD Laminate Counter Tops. The high definition HD Wilsonart Counter Tops have taken the domestic world by storm with its quality and creative designs. These solid surface products are accompanied by the solid backup of this reputable company.

A Laminate Flooring Review - Are They Perfect For Your Home

Since 1982, when laminate floors debuted in the U. S. this particular type of flooring has seen a growth of about 20% per year in sales, most of this at the expense of flooring types that were greatly preferred in the past. In other words, laminate flooring is one of the fastest growing flooring industries in the U. S. Part of the appeal of laminate floors lies in the beauty of these floors but also in the durability and ease of care.

Pergo was the first company to bring this particular type of flooring into the U. S. flooring market. They also managed to hold the vast majority of the market share when it came to laminate floors for many years. As the popularity of this flooring option grew other companies began testing the waters so to speak when it comes to laminates. Today there are literally hundreds of brands from which to choose your laminate flooring. One thing to remember however is that not all brands are created equal. With so many choices, how do you choose the flooring that will best suit your needs?

Laminate floors are generally constructed using one or two methods of manufacturing: Direct Pressure Laminate and High Pressure Laminate. Direct pressure laminate is made of three layers while high-pressure laminate is made of five. From this alone it is probably fairly easy to understand that the High Pressure Laminate flooring is a superior product. This makes the flooring stronger and more dent resistant, which in turn makes the flooring more stable and a better value. The problem is that there is a higher price attached to this value. However, I find the value of an extra five or ten years of use of my floors is worth a little extra on the up front costs. The vast majority of laminate floors sold for household use in the U. S. are DPL however and stand up well to the rigors of daily living.

The cores of laminate flooring generally ranges in thickness from about 6mm to 12mm. Thicker cores are typically representative of a superior product stability wise unless you are comparing a floor that is DPL to one that is HPL as the high density laminate has a much thinner core that is more durable. Good laminate flooring manufacturers will use a high-density fiberboard that has been treated with chemicals designed to repel water as the core material. This offers not only stability but also water resistance.

Joint integrity is another factor to consider and weigh particularly if you are planning to place heavy furniture or other items on your laminate flooring. These floors are designed to handle normal wear and tear but not the added pressure that goes along with extra heavy furniture. If this is your intention you might be interested in obtaining an aluminum locking system for added strength. You should also treat the joints of your floors with water repelling chemicals so that moisture won't penetrate the sub flooring.

You will find that most decent laminate warranties cover the following conditions in flooring: fading, wear and tear, staining, and denting. I recommend trying to find a laminate floor that also offers some sort of warranty for water damage as well. Just remember that flooding will not be covered in the warranty. For coverage from flood damage you should check with your insurance company. You should also take note of the time limits on different aspects of the warranty on your flooring. You may have a 25-year warranty for some damage and one that last only 10 or 15 years for other types of damage.

You could also check to see if the flooring you are considering carries the NALFA endorsement. In order to get this endorsement flooring has to go through rigorous testing and meet very exacting standards. If your flooring has this it is good quality flooring and the official seal of approval will most likely be displayed proudly on the packaging. You can go to the NALFA website for an extensive list of floorings that carry their approval.

Laminate flooring can be found in many grains, stains, and designs. You can even find these types of floors with beveled edges and textured surfaces that lend a more authentic look and feel to your floors. You can also find them in widths of 2" to 12", which offers a vast array of design options. These floors will complement most decors and can be used in most rooms within your home.

Decorating Or Interior Design With Laminate Flooring - Ultimate Laid-Back Decor

Decorating or interior design with laminate flooring is taking the home improvement world by storm. Laminate flooring is one the fastest growing areas in the renovation industry. These glueless, floating creations are toted as the best low-maintenance decorating or interior design idea in decades. It has become one of the most popular ways to spend a home remodeling loan. Why is laminate flooring so much in vogue and how can it be incorporated into your decor?

No schedule-juggling homeowner has time for finicky house cleaning chores these days. Laminate flooring solutions are so easy to maintain, that it is turning into serious competition for Milliken Legato carpet tiles and other carpeting ranges. Decorating or interior design with laminate flooring allows you to install your new floor over almost any existing floor. Two exceptions are carpeting and real wood on concrete.

A laminate floor consists of planks with a tongue and groove design. This decorating and interior design solution simply clicks together to form a stable floating floor. Four to five layers are fused together under pressure to form the planks. The most important layers are the high density fiberboard core and the wear layer that is usually covered with tough-as-nails aluminum oxide. This is the layer that prevents staining, scuffing and fading. The decorating or interior design layer resides between the wear layer and the core. This resembles real wood, ceramic tile, or stone tile. The engineering is such that the appearance is absolutely authentic. No more fake or plastic-looking laminates!

It is vital that you match your choice of laminate flooring close to the traffic flow of each area. You will also need to take special precautions in bathrooms and kitchens where water is likely to be a factor. Your general decorating and interior design also has to be taken into account when choosing the coloring and texture of the laminate flooring.

One of the main reasons for the popularity of laminate flooring is the fact that the latest designs emulate real wood floors closely, but at a fraction of the cost. The wood grains are copied carefully and the textures give the floors a highly authentic and realistic appearance. By choosing this decorating and interior design option, you are virtually assured of the warmth and atmosphere of a real hardwood floor without any of the maintenance and warping woes.

The timelessness of wood is replicated to the last detail. Laminate flooring planks are now beveled to give an even more realistic look. In addition, you can opt for a weathered appearance if you prefer. The glueless, click together designs are a snap for do it yourself enthusiasts, ready to use immediately upon completion. The engineering behind this decorating and interior design idea is so innovative that joints are almost invisible. The best ranges come with warranties of up to thirty years.

While choosing a finish, aim to create continuity and balance with the decorating and interior design. Keep in mind that a lighter finish will create a spacious impression, while darker hues are warm and lead to a more intimate atmosphere. If you want to install a dark floor, you will need lots of natural light. If your furniture is dark and heavy, contrast this with a lighter flooring hue for a striking effect.

The diverse ranges allow you to choose a finish and texture to compliment a rustic decorating and interior design style, or a more contemporary feel. A strip floor will expand a room significantly, making this suitable for use in a smaller area. The wider planks do well in a more roomy area. You can even opt to create a unique decorating and interior design style, by combining a variety of plank widths.

If you need to replace a kitchen floor, remember that this is a high traffic, often messy environment, where accidents are likely. A lot of dirt will be trudged in over time. When choosing your decorating or interior design style for this area, you need to make sure that the flooring is hard-wearing, non-slip and comfortable to stand on for long hours. Both vinyl such as Allure Trafficmaster flooring, and laminate flooring are good options here. Be kind to your feet by choosing the best underlayment you can find. Consider a similar flooring choice for bathrooms, as long as installation instructions regarding sealing and the use of glue are followed to the letter.

If you have kids and pets, your living room decorating and interior design will also benefit from a laminate flooring installation. These floors are easy to keep clean and the wear layers are made to be stain resistant. Just make sure that you keep pet nails trimmed to prevent scratches. Extend the living room flooring choice to the dining room. Laminate flooring here is a far more sensible choice than carpeting, due to the danger of staining.

Laminate flooring can also be your decorating and interior design choice in bedrooms. Here traffic flow is usually fairly minimal, so the AC rating can be lower. Remember that your flooring is there for the long haul. Opt for a neutral flooring shade that will tone in with a change of decor at a later stage. Add color and warmth with area rugs if you feel the need to do so.

If you want to create a touch of drama in your decorating and interior design, choose the entry hall for this purpose. Intricate patterns can be created with laminate flooring if you are so inclined.

Before installing laminate flooring in a basement, get professional input to ensure that moisture won't be a problem. If any of the floors are heated, check with the laminate flooring supplier if this is in order. Not all laminate flooring ranges can be used if subfloor heating is part of the decorating or interior design.

If one of your family members has allergies or asthma, a laminate floor is an excellent decorating or interior design solution. This is one of the best ways to limit exposure to dust-mites. No matter how conscientious you are with cleaning, carpeting remains a dust-trap.

All the manufacturers supply ranges of decorative transition moldings with which you can give your flooring a professional finish. Match the moldings closely with the flooring tones. Where you install baseboards against a wall, these can be of a contrasting color.

Plan your laminate flooring project with care. Create flowing transitions between the different rooms. With a bit of care and forethought, your flooring will become a focal point in your decorating and interior design endeavors.

5 Steps to Help You Choose the Right Wood Floor

Hardwood floors have come a long way in the past thirty years. There is a hardwood floor for every room in your home, including those places wood has never gone before, like the kitchen, bath and utility room. There are more choices, styles, colors and even healthy finishes available today. These choices will make your floor one-of-a-kind!

To help you make an informed decision on what wood floor is right for you, keep reading!

Step 1 - Types of Wood Floors

Choosing the perfect floor for your home or office is simply a matter of having the facts, comparing the types and selecting an experienced wood flooring professional to do the job.

Let's start with the wood itself. There are three categories of wood flooring on the market today. Following is a comparison that will help you choose which wood is right for you.

Solid Flooring: All wood flooring, regardless of width or length that is one piece of wood from top to bottom is considered solid flooring.

Solid flooring gives you a great opportunity for customization. Your choice of species, stains, and finishes all contribute to the personalization of a solid floor. Adding borders, medallions, corner treatments, etc., can further customize a solid wood floor.

In most cases, solid flooring is nailed down to ¾" exterior grade plywood, and is excellent inmost area of a home on the ground level or above. Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and great rooms are excellent for solid wood flooring.

Engineered Flooring: Also know as laminated. Engineered wood flooring is available in a 3 and 5 ply. It is a wood flooring product that consists of layers of wood pressed together, with the grains running in different directions.

Laminated/engineered wood flooring is perfect for those areas of the house where solid wood flooring may not be suitable, such as basements. Because the grains run in different directions, it's a more dimensionally stable than solid wood. This means it will expand and contract less than solid wood during fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Usually this is experienced in such areas that are below grade, with a cement subfloor.

Many different species and colors of engineered wood flooring are available. While most engineered wood flooring products are finished at the factory, factory finished or "prefinished" solid wood flooring is also available.

Step 2 - Job-Site Finished or Factory Finished

You should next take a look at whether your prefer a finish that is applied on the job-site, or a flooring product that is finished at the factory.

Job-Site Finish

A job-site finish is one that is applied at the place of installation. The floor is sanded, and finished. You will not be able to walk on the floor after final sanding until 12 hours after final finishing. There is always some dust even though many systems are dustless, and there is the noise from equipment. A job-site finished floor does however result in a smooth floor that has been handcrafted in place in your home.

Prefinished

A prefinished floor is one on which the finish is applied at the factory. Most (but not all) laminated products are prefinished, and some solid products are available prefinished. Prefinished flooring eliminates the dust and noise factors (you will still get some noise), however your subfloor needs to be perfectly level to achieve the best results.

Step 3 - Choosing A Species

More than 22 domestic and imported wood species are used for wood flooring. The most common of these are:

* Red Oak
* White Oak
* Maple
* Pine
* Hickory/Pecan

Other domestic woods that make beautiful flooring are:

* Ash
* Beech
* Birch
* Black Cherry
* Douglas Fir
* Mesquite
* Walnut

If your looking for something more exotic, consider:

* Brazilian Cherry
* Australian Cypress
* Jarrah
* Mahogany
* Merbau
* Padauk
* Purpleheart
* Teak
* Wenge

Step 4 - Stains/Finishes

There are many ways to stain and or finish your wood floors, but we're going to focus on an environmentally friendly option: the Non Toxic and Low Toxic OSMO Polyx Hardwax Oil Finishes and stains. OSMO is a remarkable natural floor and wood finish from Germany, that is:

* As durable as polyurethane.
* Preserves the look and feel of natural wood, rather than masks it with plastic.
* Easy to spot-repair, so you can keep the finish looking great indefinitely

Not to be confused with traditional oil finishes, OSMO Polyx-Oil is an engineered finish made with plant oils and waxes. This remarkable finish offers excellent durability and renew ability with a unique lustrous finish. It will never crack, blister or flake off. Instead of forming a plastic film, like polyurethane does, OSMO Polyx-Oil has open pores that "breathe." This allows any moisture that does get through to get back out again without pushing off the finish.

Because it is micro porous, Polyx-Oil works well in rooms with high humidity, such as kitchens. It meets German standards for resistance to stains from wine, cola, coffee, tea, fruit juice and, of course, beer.

Spot repairs are easy. Make repairs regularly, and the finish will last indefinitely. If maintained, you will NEVER have to sand your floors again! This product provides no protection against ultraviolet rays from the sun, so it is not suitable for outdoor use.

Step 5 - Selecting your Wood Flooring Professional

Once you decided you want a hardwood floor, it's important to select the right flooring contractor to do the job. Make sure to choose a professional that has access to the most current information in the industry, the most technologically advanced products and systems, and a wealth of information and history. Ask for photographs of recent jobs as well as references who you can contact.

Installing wood floors in one of the largest investments you will make in your home. It can also add significant value to your home if you're trying to sell it, so make sure to choose your wood floors, and wood floor installation company contractor wisely.