September 2006

You are currently browsing the articles from The Flooring Center written in the month of September 2006.

Hamadan Area Rugs - 10 Ft. Cotton Hamadan Runner

Product : Hamadan Area Rugs - 10 ft. Cotton Hamadan Runner

Hamadan Area Rugs - 10 ft. Cotton Hamadan Runner

Description: Hamadan rugs, produced in west central Iran in one of the largest trade centers for tribal rugs, are well known for their Turkish influence.”

Regular Price: $363.86 — Click for more information

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Posted on September 30th, 2006 .. More articles on Oriental Rugs.

Hardwood Flooring - Hardwood Flooring in the Bathroom

Today’s Feature Article. "Hardwood Flooring in the Bathroom" was chosen only after one of editorial staff read over it and considered it suitable for our blog. We hope you find this information useful.

Here’s the legal stuff: - we cannot guarantee the 100% accuracy of it’s contents. Similar articles on "hardwood flooring" can be viewed by going to the articles category page.

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When building or remodeling a bathroom, people have shied away from using hardwood flooring in those spaces. The mantra that designers and architects have stuck to is “wood and water don’t mix”.

The inevitably humid environment in a bathroom as well as unavoidable spills and splashes have the power to warp wood flooring, rendering it unattractive and encouraging the growth of potentially destructive and dangerous molds.

However, new finishes for hardwood flooring and creative designs are making wood floors in bathrooms a viable option.

To start with, you have to choose an appropriate wood to use. Choose a hardwood floor rather than a softwood floor, as softwood tends to absorb ambient moisture more, making it more vulnerable to damage. Particularly resilient and strong woods that could work in the bathroom are oak, maple, cherry, ash, walnut and hickory.

Polyurethane finishes on the hardwood floors make the floors resistant to most average bathroom conditions and should work in all but the most unceasingly humid and wet conditions. This finish uses synthetic resin, plasticizers and other film-forming elements to form a watertight seal that remains intact, sans peeling, when the wood expands and contracts.

Even with this finish, certain precautions need to be taken in the bathroom. For example, significant and even small spills should be cleaned up quickly. Leaks from the tub and toilet need to be addressed immediately, something that should be handled regardless of the flooring you choose but particularly important with wood floors.

Other minor additions in your bath could add protection for your hardwood floor and make maintenance easier for you. For example, placing mats with rubber bottoms around the wet areas, like the toilet and the tub or shower, will give a permanent moisture absorber that will save you the trouble of running around paranoid and wiping up every tiny splash. Another similar solution is installing a strip of stone or ceramic flooring around the wet areas and hardwood in the rest of the space. This will provide you with a completely water resistant area in vulnerable part of the bath while adding to the overall design of the bathroom and still giving you the warmth and comfort of hardwood flooring.

Hardwood floors give a space warmth and style that is unmatched by any other material. The physical warmth that the floors provide is also an attractive feature, especially on winter mornings when the cold ceramic tiles make getting up that much harder.

Their unequaled versatility, style and adaptability have made them a prime material for every other room in the home and now new finishes are making them a realistic choice for bathrooms as well.

If you’re not convinced, however, or are unwilling to take on the minor maintenance issues that come with hardwood floors in the bathroom maybe you should consider ceramic tiles made to look like wood. You will still get the warm look of hardwood without even the potential for water related issues.

Check out hardwood floors, bathroom design ideas and everything else you need for your bathroom at http://barefootfloor.com

Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on exotic hardwood flooring, installing hardwood floors or installing hardwood flooring. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 29th, 2006 .. More articles on Hardwood Flooring and Articles.

Sarab Area Rugs - 6 Ft. Cotton Sarab Runner

Product : Sarab Area Rugs - 6 ft. Cotton Sarab Runner

Sarab Area Rugs - 6 ft. Cotton Sarab Runner

Description: Sarab rugs and rug runners, hand woven in northwestern Iran, typically feature geometric patterns with uncrowded backgrounds that are reminiscent of Native North American designs.”

Regular Price: $356.45 — Click for more information

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Posted on September 29th, 2006 .. More articles on Oriental Rugs.

Oriental Rug - Persian Rugs and Oriental Rugs are the Only Rugs that Talk!

Today’s Feature Article. "Persian Rugs and Oriental Rugs are the Only Rugs that Talk!" has been reviewed by our editorial staff to ensure that it is appropriate for this blog. We hope you find this information useful.

The legal stuff: - We are not able to guarantee 100% accuracy of the article’s contents. Other articles with the topic "oriental rug" can be viewed by going to the articles category page.

Please contact us if you feel that there is anything within todays article that is inaccurate or misleading. Please use the following reference: "Persian Rugs and Oriental Rugs are the Only Rugs that Talk!".

You’ve heard of flying carpets of course but have you ever heard of a talking rug? I’ve been in the rug business for a number of years and my statement is, was and always will be, that a really good rug talks. This is a hand-made woven piece of art sometimes taking hundreds of hours to make that is often endowed with the creative insight of the weavers and the skill of the dyers.

I made the above statement once to an Interior Designer and she asked me, “What was the rug saying?” We laughed together but I do believe she was being slightly facetious. This was fine as I have been known to get pretty excited about this subject in general. I then proceeded to answer her question promptly and with such certainty she did in fact listen attentively. Here were a few of my answers.

I’ve always referred to a “good rug” as a rug that is so breathtaking that 9 out of 10 people that see it must comment on it, admire it, notice it or show some kind of desire to own it! This is not a rug you see every day, but find here and there and behold! It speaks out.

“There is happiness here, please come and see me”

“I will make you feel better if you just stay with me for a while.”

“Your heart is clear and so is mine.”

“Beauty is for everyone, just look this way.”

“When you look at me you will see the thoughts of your dreams”

“The colors of the Earth are beautiful and I am here to remind you of that.”

“We are calm together and you can relax now”

I have seen thousands and thousands of rugs from countries all over the world, but I am speaking here in terms of hand-woven works of art.

Sigmund Freud had a beautiful Persian Qashqai (a tribal rug woven in Southern Iran) covering the couch in his office. He also had pillows made from rugs and other textiles which created a mood of safety and comfort.

If you’d like to learn more about Oriental Rugs please look for my article How to Buy an Oriental Rug.

When you find the talking rug, there will be no doubt in your mind!

And I thought coffee was addicting!

© Penny Krieger 2005

Penny Krieger is the owner of Paradise Oriental Rugs, Inc., formerly located Santa Rosa, CA. Specializing in vegetable dyed handmade rugs from Iran and Afghanistan, she now sells rugs on an appointmnet basis in Sonoma County, CA.

http://www.paradiseorientalrugs.com

Attention Publishers: Please adhere strictly to the TERMS OF SERVICE FOR PUBLISHERS, with the article unaltered in any way and all links remaining live.

Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on oriental rugs, handmade oriental rugs or persian oriental rugs. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 28th, 2006 .. More articles on Articles.

Tile Floor - Installing Ceramic Tile

Today’s Feature Article. "Installing Ceramic Tile" was posted only after being thoroughly reviewed by one of our editorial staff who considered it suitable for our blog. We hope you find its contents enjoyable.

The legal side: - Sorry but we cannot guarantee the content as 100% accurate. Other articles with the topic "tile floor" can be found on the articles category page.

Please contact us if there is anything about todays article you feel is inaccurate or misleading. Please use the following reference: "Installing Ceramic Tile".

Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a room that Linoleum has yet to truly mimic. tile floors can be installed in any room, however they are most frequently seen in Bathrooms and Kitchens. I particularly like them in entryways, where they serve as a transition point from the outside to large carpeted or hardwood floored rooms. They make for easy clean up and are impervious to water damage.

Tile Types

Ceramic tiles come in two basic types. Glazed and Porcelain. Glazed holds up the best for heavy traffic areas and porcelain works well in bathrooms. Porcelain is typically more expensive, so consider your budget and the size of the area you want to tile. Tiles also come in many shapes and sizes. For flooring, however, I would suggest using larger tiles up to 12” x 12”.

Underlayment

For proper installation the base foundation or the underlayment is critical. Typically it consists of ¾” to 1 ¼” of plywood. Tiling over Linoleum or existing tile is also feasible, as long as it is solid. I also recommend when Tiling over Linoleum that you first apply ring nails or screws 6” on center over the entire area. Tiles can also be installed directly over Concrete. Make sure in all cases that the floor is level and free of dust and debris prior to installation. There are leveling compounds that you can apply before applying tile if necessary.

Preparing the Site

Before actually installing the tile, it is best to lay it out in the room to see how it will look. Pay close attention to how it runs out toward the walls, in the corners and next to cabinets, tubs and toilets. The trick is to lay the tile out such that stubby tiles do not show up in highly visible spots. Once you have completed this, make two marks with a pencil outlining the most centered tile. These lines should be perpendicular to each other. Also take note of the wall that is most visible from all the others. Now remove the tiles. Next draw or snap a line perpendicular to this wall that is in line with one of the marks you made on the floor. Then, draw a perpendicular line to this first line. This second line should be centered with the first line and fairly in line with the second mark you made on the floor. Once you have completed this task, re-layout some of the tiles along the perpendicular lines and observe if they run out in a way that will limit cutting and stubbed tiles. Once this is completed, remove the tiles and prepare for the actual installation.

Installing the Tile

Again, make sure the area is free of dirt and dust. Next apply the ceramic adhesive or mastic to the flooring, starting in the center, where the two perpendicular reference lines intersect. Apply enough material to cover 6-10 square feet, if no cuts are required. If cuts are required limit the amount of mastic application to about 2-4 square feet. When applying the mastic, first spread it with the flat end of the trowel. Lay it on relatively thick, approximately 1/8” to 3/16”thick. Then turn the trowel around and run the notched edge over it. This creates ridges in the mastic that helps to hold the tile down more securely. The larger the tile, the larger the notches should be. For example, I use a ¼” notched trowel for 12” x 12” tiles.

Note: Only make up enough ceramic adhesive for 30 minutes, as this material has the tendency to harden up rather quickly.

Once the adhesive has been applied, begin installing the tiles working from the center outward. On larger tiles you should back butter them. Basically, apply a thin coating of mastic to the back of the tile prior to laying it on the floor. This will help ensure a good bond.

As you near the walls or edges of cabinets, tubs and toilets, you will need to cut some of the tiles. I highly recommend the use of a Wet-Saw. A Wet-Saw will allow you to make very accurate cuts, both large and small. You will also save money, as you will waste many fewer tiles with bad cuts or broken tiles. Wet-Saws are not that expensive and once you see your finished product you will certainly be installing more tile. Wet-Saws can also be rented as a cheaper alternative.

When applying Tiles, you may want to use Lugs. Lugs are effectively spacers that come in various thicknesses. I typically like to have no more than a ¼” space between the tiles. Employing Spacers will ensure uniformity with your tile spacing.

Grouting

After the Tile has been completely installed, allow it to sit for 24-48 hours before applying grout and walking on it. Grout comes in many different colors and is very easy to install. Simply mix the grout with water or a special bonding agent and apply with a rubber trowel. Run the trowel on a bias when going over tile corners.

Once the grout has been applied, immediately wipe the tile of excess grout, using a wet sponge and a bucket of water. Wait 30 minutes and again wipe the tiles down of any residual grout. Wait another 60 minutes and repeat. If grout is left on the tiles to dry, you will have a great deal of elbow work scraping it off.

Let the grout sit up for 24 hours and it is ready for use and admiration.

About the Author

Me_Donovan@comcast.net
http://www.homeadditionplus.com

Over the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building homes and home additions. Mr. Donovan's formal education & profession have been as an Electrical Engineer & Marketing Manager.

Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on laminate tile flooring, laminate tile flooring or tile floors. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 28th, 2006 .. More articles on Articles.

Laminate Floors - Why Four Out of Five Asthma Sufferers Choose Laminate Floors

Here’s today’s article - enjoy!. "Why Four Out of Five Asthma Sufferers Choose Laminate Floors" has been reviewed by our editorial staff to ensure that it is appropriate for this blog. We hope you find its contents enjoyable.

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If you intend to buy laminate flooring for your house there are a few things you should consider first. For example, what if you have natural maple cabinets/bookshelves/etc. all through your house and now you want to put in laminate flooring. What would be best then; stay with the natural maple for the flooring or go with a cherry that has more contrast?

Most people have a tendency to recommend a contrast when it comes to flooring. The white sap wood in American Cherry would certainly be complimentary to the natural maple cabinets. It is a beautiful wood, but notes that it is very soft and tends to ding and dent easily. Hickory is a fun wood if you like a more rustic look, and it is very hard and dense like maple. Its white sap wood contrasts with the deep, rich, reds and browns of the heart wood. Or, you can select the unparalleled most wanted oak with a warm stain for contrast.

Or you could consider going more along the lines of a darker stain. Contrasting maple with a dark tone is striking and may be the design statement you're looking for; i.e., Chestnut, Dark Walnut, and Ebony.

In addition to selecting a flooring that will compliment your cabinets/bookshelves, etc. also be thinking about how it will work with the actual colours that you'll be using for upholstery, drapery, wall paint, etc. particularly if you're thinking of using burgundy’s, reds, rusts, browns, gold’s, etc. the yellow and/or reddish tones in wood can get rather tricky.

Huge amount of quality information about laminate flooring can be found on this website. Go there http://www.laminateflooring.infostairs.com

Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on glueless laminate flooring, how to install laminate flooring or laminate hardwood floors. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 28th, 2006 .. More articles on Laminate Flooring and Articles.

Hamadan Area Rugs - 10 Ft. Cotton Hamadan Runner

Product : Hamadan Area Rugs - 10 ft. Cotton Hamadan Runner

Hamadan Area Rugs - 10 ft. Cotton Hamadan Runner

Description: Hamadan rugs, produced in west central Iran in one of the largest trade centers for tribal rugs, are well known for their Turkish influence.”

Regular Price: $397.8 — Click for more information

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Posted on September 27th, 2006 .. More articles on Oriental Rugs.

Gharadjeh Area Rugs - 14 Ft. Cotton Gharadjeh Runner

Product : Gharadjeh Area Rugs - 14 ft. Cotton Gharadjeh Runner

Gharadjeh Area Rugs - 14 ft. Cotton Gharadjeh Runner

Description: Gharadjeh rugs are produced in northwestern Iran and feature a very unusual repeating medallion design in neutral earth tones with light colored and ivory backgrounds.

Regular Price: $827.38 — Click for more information

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Posted on September 25th, 2006 .. More articles on Oriental Rugs.

Oriental Rugs - Are You Sure That Heirloom Oriental Rug From Your Aunt Hilda Is Really Insured?

Here is today’s feature article - Happy reading!. "Are You Sure That Heirloom Oriental Rug From Your Aunt Hilda Is Really Insured?" was chosen only after one of editorial staff read over it and considered it suitable for our blog. We hope you enjoy it.

The legal side: - Sorry but we cannot guarantee the content as 100% accurate. Other articles with the topic "oriental rugs" can be found on the articles category page.

Please contact us if you feel that there is anything within todays article that is inaccurate or misleading. Please use this reference: "Are You Sure That Heirloom Oriental Rug From Your Aunt Hilda Is Really Insured?".

Gone are the days of the cinder block and wood plank bookcases. You've come along way from that old reliable jut rug and CDs (or in some cases, actual vinyl albums) stored in milk crates. That's the way it is with first apartments, and sometimes second and third apartments too. It's what you were able to afford when you first set out own your own. And it was fun, sort of. But today's a new day, and you've paid your dues and then some. You're the king or queen of your own castle, a castle as well-appointed as any luxury model home, with beautiful area rugs, antique furnishings, and other treasurers that you'd hate ever to see lost.

Because your home, and to a certain extent the items in that furnish it, will most likely be the best investment you're likely to make, it's important to protect this investment and those items that enhance it. The simplest way to do this is to make sure that you are carrying adequate insurance coverage on your home and its furnishings.

How Much Coverage is Enough?

Determining the amount of coverage needed is crucial. Say, that beautiful oriental rug once belonging to Great Aunt Hilda has finally come to rest in your hands, only to be irrevocably damaged when someone at the party you're hosting spills Merlot on it. Other than frantically going at it on all fours, with club soda and Baby Wipes to the delight of your guests, what would you need to do in order to be "made whole" again, and most importantly, stop Great Aunt Hilda from spinning in her grave?

First, if you own your home and have a mortgage on it held by a bank, then you will be required to maintain adequate coverage on the "dwelling," the actual building which makes up the structure of your home for the life of the loan. The lender recognizes the value of this investment, and will make sure that their investment is protected by requiring it be adequately covered by insurance. But how does this insurance coverage extend to Great Aunt Hilda's prized Persian rugs and all the other furnishings that adorn the inside of your castle/home?

Estimating Value

An insurance agent writing a policy on your home will probably leave an estimation of the value of your home's contents to your discretion. Your insurance agent may even ask you directly: "How much do you think your household contents are worth?" Following this query with yet another you may or may not feel qualified to answer: "Is that replacement or actual estimated value?" Your agent may encourage you to opt for coverage that allows for those lost items to be either made whole again either by: repair, replacement or receipt of cash payment–as most common household furnishings (other than fine art and other collectables), depreciate considerably in value with time.

But what about those two rare oriental rugs left to you by dear Aunt Hilda? Will you be expected to determine the value for these items? Well, not exactly. It's one thing for you to estimate the value of last year's CD player for $129, when it's costs may be closer to $89, and quite another for you to estimate the value of a pair of rugs at $5000 each. Because you are limited to $1000 coverage per theft on these types of items when claimed under your Homeowner's policy, an estimation of $5000 for each rug under your standard policy would only you provide with $1000 worth of coverage, for items you say are worth closer to $10,000. That's why you may want to consider covering such items, those you value at over $1,000, with a Schedule to your Homeowner's policy.

http://www.a1-discount-area-rugs.com/Oriental-Rugs.html

Whether or not your household items merit the inclusion of a Schedule should be determined by you, the homeowner, assisted by your insurance agent. This way, with a little additional coverage, your Aunt Hilda's treasured rugs may exist to be passed on to the next generation.

Willett Thomas (willett_thomas@yahoo.com)is a freelance writer living in the Brookland section of Washington, D.C.

Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on western area rugs, modern area rugs or childrens area rugs. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 25th, 2006 .. More articles on Area Rugs.

Tile Floor - Cork Tile Flooring

Here’s today’s article - enjoy!. "Cork Tile Flooring" was chosen only after one of editorial staff read over it and considered it suitable for our blog. We hope you find its contents enjoyable.

The legal side: - Sorry but we cannot guarantee the content as 100% accurate. Other articles with the topic "tile floor" can be found on the articles category page.

Please contact us if there is anything about todays article you feel is inaccurate or misleading. Here is the reference for your use: "Cork Tile Flooring".

Cork tile flooring is similar to floorboard but with additional benefits such as insulation against noise and temperature. Cork tile flooring is considered the perfect flooring solution because it is easy to maintain, pleasing to the eye, comfortable to walk on, soft and warm, keeps the noise out, insulates against temperature, and yet is rough and tough.

Cork tile flooring comes in a variety of hues from natural browns and beiges to greens, reds, and even black. These multi-faceted tiles come with their own unique speckles and whorls and blend in easily with the décor, no matter what the type.

Cork tile flooring was used in the old times but is now making a major reappearance not only because it is fashionable, but also because it is an environmentally friendly product that doesn’t require the cutting of trees. The bark is harvested once every nine years in accordance with strict harvesting standards, giving the trees time to regenerate themselves, when they will be ready for harvest again.

Cork tile flooring has all the benefits of natural cork products: resilient, anti-static, sound absorbing, water resistant, insulating, and anti-allergenic.

Cork tiles can be used in any room of the house or office. They are a favorite choice in sound recording studios because they support acoustical excellence and prevent an echo. Cork tile flooring is also resistant to friction and, therefore, long lasting; it provides the soft underfoot and insulation against heat and cold. The flooring is capable of “impact sound reduction” and “sound transmission reduction”. Cork floor tiles are priced in the same range as hardwood.

There are two types of tiles in popular usage these days. One is the “glue down” tile, which is the standard type, usually twelve square inches and four millimeters thick. They are available is bigger sizes, with or without beveled edges and in an array of shapes to chose from.

The second type of cork floor plan is the “floating cork floor plank”. These tiles are similar to laminated wood flooring planks. The former consists of a cork base that is typically two millimeters thick, MDF fiberboard at the core and a three-millimeter cork surface layer in a range of patterns. These tiles are bought pre-finished with three coats of UV-protected polyurethane. The installation procedure is the same as that of a laminate floor. The choice of glue used in the installation is of utmost importance. Cork tiles expand and contract with changes in humidity. The soft and flexible nature of cork does not require a flexible adhesive, but a strong one, which will ensure that a permanent bond is created.

Cork Flooring provides detailed information on Cork Flooring, Natural Cork Flooring, Cork Tile Flooring, Discount Cork Flooring and more. Cork Flooring is affiliated with Hard Wood Flooring.

Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on tile flooring, heated tile floors or ceramic tile flooring. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 25th, 2006 .. More articles on Carpet Tiles.

Hamadan Area Rugs - 10 Ft. Cotton Hamadan Runner

Product : Hamadan Area Rugs - 10 ft. Cotton Hamadan Runner

Hamadan Area Rugs - 10 ft. Cotton Hamadan Runner

Description: Hamadan rugs, produced in west central Iran in one of the largest trade centers for tribal rugs, are well known for their Turkish influence.”

Regular Price: $381.19 — Click for more information

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Posted on September 24th, 2006 .. More articles on Oriental Rugs.

Oriental Rugs - Oriental Rugs : Know The Differences Before You Buy

Today’s Feature Article. "Oriental Rugs : Know The Differences Before You Buy" was chosen only after one of editorial staff read over it and considered it suitable for our blog. We hope you find its contents enjoyable.

The legal side: - Sorry but we cannot guarantee the content as 100% accurate. Other articles with the topic "oriental rugs" can be viewed by going to the articles category page.

Feel free to contact us if you feel that there is content in todays article that could be found inaccurate or misleading. Here is the reference for your use: "Oriental Rugs : Know The Differences Before You Buy".

Oriental rugs can make a beautiful addition to a room giving it a charm an elegance that cannot be provided by any other type of rug. Oriental rugs are available in modern and antique styles. Know the differences in oriental rugs before you buy.

You can usually identify an Oriental rugs origin from the style and design of the rug. Many people think Oriental rugs have their own defining style that encompasses them all. This is not true. Each country tends to produce rugs that are unique to traditional patterns and materials from the country of origin. Oriental rug experts can spend many years learning all the different patterns, materials, weaves, and colors so that they can identify the origin of an Oriental rug.

We'll give you a brief outline so that you can know the difference ins oriental rugs before you buy.

Persian Rugs

When most people hear the word Oriental rug they think of a Persian rug. That's because of all the Oriental rugs the Persian rugs are the easiest to identify and so people remember them. Persia know called Iran, has a reputation for producing the highest quality and most beautiful rugs in the entire world. And they've been doing this for hundreds of years. The traditional designs have the name of the tribal region where they were made. Kerman, Sarouk, Tabriz are three of the most common areas.

Persian rugs are easily identified by their geometric patterns and intricate floral patterns. Antique Persian rugs are very popular and highly sought after often bringing very high prices if they are in excellent condition. Of course you can buy a modern Persian rug for a reasonable price and it will still have the geometric and floral patterns of the area.

Indian Rugs

Most of the Oriental rugs that we buy in the western world originate from India. The rug industry in India is one of the main forms of employment for rural workers. The modern India rugs are made in the traditional designs and patterns but cost a fraction of the price. And of course the quality is as good as it was in the past. They are still hand made by the locals.

There is one rug that is produced in India that actually did originate in India. That is the traditional dhurrie rug which is a cotton and wool rug, sometimes with other natural fibers, created in a variety of traditional patterns, as well as some contemporary patterns.

Turkey

Turkey rugs are a real find and highly sought after because they are all between 50 and 75 years old. The first world war put an end to the Turkish Oriental rug industry and they are just now beginning to make a comeback as the current government now encourages this industry. Turkey rugs are identifiable by their traditional designs and very rich colors.

Tibet

Tibet rugs are one of the most prized rugs to own. Entire families from villages are involved in making Oriental rugs. One rug can take as many as 3500 hours to complete. The wool of the Himalayan sheep is used to make these rugs. It has a high lanolin content making it perfect from rugs. Tibetan rugs can be recognized from their very rich colors and rustic patterns as well as the variations in color and texture. Each rug is truly a unique piece and a work of art. But be prepared to pay a pretty price for one of these beauties!

Now that you know the differences in Oriental rugs you'll make a better buy. Your room will thank you for the beautiful addition to your home decor and your friends and family will envy you!

John Murray makes it easy to go through the carpet buying process and provides tips to keep your carpet lasting long. To learn more and receive your free mini-course visit the carpet rugs website.

Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on antique oriental rugs, large oriental rugs or round oriental rugs. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 24th, 2006 .. More articles on Articles.

Hardwood Floors - Hardwood Floors

Today’s Feature Article. "Hardwood Floors" has been reviewed by our editorial staff to ensure that it is appropriate for this blog. We hope you enjoy it.

The legal side: - Sorry but we cannot guarantee the content as 100% accurate. Other articles with the topic "hardwood floors" can be viewed by going to the articles category page.

Please contact us if there is anything about todays article you feel is inaccurate or misleading. Here is the reference for your use: "Hardwood Floors".

Wooden flooring is durable, appealing to the eye, and famous for its versatility. Wooden flooring would suit any style of house. For an antique look, flooring of timber finish would be ideal. Flooring with a beech finish is ideal for a comfortable and warm feeling. Hardwood flooring comes in about a thousand finishes, and such flooring can withstand rough treatment, stains and chemicals.

It is worth gaining knowledge of wood and its species, and the different types and styles, before deciding on hardwood flooring. The hardwood preferred by most is red oak, for its elegance, durability and cost. Maple is also in demand, second only to red oak. Other woods that are used are bamboo, white oak and other imported woods. Woods are available in varied colors.

Wood is normally graded in three categories. The variations in the categories are only in the aesthetic sense. The first, or clear, refers to wood that is free from defects. The second, or select, is wood that has slight variations in color and little imperfections. The third, or common, is wood with color variations.

Hardwood basically is either in the form of solid or engineered wood. Solid wood is wood that is obtained from one solid piece of wood. The disadvantage of using solid hardwood flooring is that it contracts and expands more than engineered wood, and is more exposed to moisture. The solid hardwood floors expand and contract, thereby forming gaps. Engineered wood, also known as pressed wood, is made by joining strands of wood, fibers or veneers with gum. Engineered wood undergoes very little expansion and contraction, and is ideal for rooms that are exposed to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.

The common hardwood styles that are used are strip, plank and parquet. Planks and strips are long cuts of wood, and the only difference between the two is the width. Strips can be used to create an effect of larger space. Parquet is when small pieces of wood are joined together to form different patterns in the form of geometric designs.

A lot of care needs to be taken if the choice of flooring is hardwood. With a little care, such a floor not only brings in warmth and beauty but will also last a lifetime.

Floors provides detailed information on Floors, Hardwood Floors, Floor Mats, Floor Plans and more. Floors is affiliated with Wood Flooring.

Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on refinishing hardwood floors, prefinished hardwood flooring or installing hardwood flooring. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 23rd, 2006 .. More articles on Hardwood Flooring.

Hamadan Area Rugs - 14 Ft. Cotton Hamadan Runner

Product : Hamadan Area Rugs - 14 ft. Cotton Hamadan Runner

Hamadan Area Rugs - 14 ft. Cotton Hamadan Runner

Description: Hamadan rugs, produced in west central Iran in one of the largest trade centers for tribal rugs, are well known for their Turkish influence.”

Regular Price: $502.94 — Click for more information

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Posted on September 22nd, 2006 .. More articles on Oriental Rugs.

Laminate Flooring - Laminate Flooring - Should you Pick Glued Or Click?

Here’s today’s article - enjoy!. "Laminate Flooring - Should you Pick Glued Or Click?" has been reviewed by our editorial staff to ensure that it is appropriate for this blog. We hope you enjoy it.

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Today’s laminate flooring materials are amazingly easy to install, highly durable and low maintenance in care. They can withstand the wear and tear of feet & things being dragged across their surface, are resistant to most spillage, burns and stains. They are the ideal flooring materials for the 21st century hectic lifestyle.

Stone, tile and hardwood visuals – they all make the decision to select an interesting and difficult process. This is due in part to the vast array of quality designs available.

And now, comes the question: Should you pick glued or click laminate flooring?

Glued installation has long been the standard in laminate flooring. The basic procedure consists of clamping the boards together, so that the excess glue is squeezed out. When you see glue squeezed out, you know you are installing correctly. Glue seeping out is necessary to ensure there are no small gaps that develop between the boards which later on will allow moisture to slip between.

Depending on the manufacturer, glue may be applied to certain portions of the board, only on the groove, tongue, or both spaces.

A buying tip - use the laminate flooring manufacturers’ glue, otherwise your floor’s warranty is void.

Click laminate flooring on the other hand, works on the locking system principle where each plank locks, hooks, or snaps the tongue and the groove to another to install the floor in place. It’s easy enough to do, as long as you take time to carefully read and follow the instructions.

You might want to consider the value found in installing click laminate flooring if:

You are new at installing flooring material.

Plan to use the flooring for small spaces.

Don’t have a budget for a professional installer or have the time to install it yourself.

Have the need to immediately use the area for walking.

With glued laminate flooring, you’ll need to partition off the area to allow the glue time to harden, which depending on the manufacturer’s glue can between 12-30 hours before the floor can be used.

Another consideration for installation of glued laminate flooring requires that the installer use straps so the joints remain tight. The installer will also have to constantly check that the design is straight and that the planks remain in the correct position until they have dried.

With the click laminate flooring’s locking system on the other hand, you’ll immediately know if you’ve locked it incorrectly. This is because the planks won’t come together nice and cleanly. The locking system eliminates the need to constantly check if you are installing a crooked design or that you’ll create gaps where moisture or spillage can seep through. Nor will you need to use straps.

A tip to a better locking system is to consider manufacturers who offer click laminate flooring materials that have a tolerance of 1/10,000 of an inch, per plank.

What about maintenance and repair?

The better laminate flooring systems, whether glued or click, use superior technology that coats the planks, so that moisture doesn’t seep into the core. You can expect repairs to be minimal.

However, when the time to repair does happen, expect to spend more when it comes to repairing glued laminate flooring. Especially if you don’t have a router bit. This piece of equipment is used to cut out the damaged portion, to create new tongues and grooves.

If you are experienced with replacing damaged planks, then it won’t be a problem, but what if the plank is crooked, or incorrectly cut? Repetition will cost you more.

Paying a professional installer makes more sense. However, be prepared to pay upwards of $200.00 and more for the job.

With click laminate flooring, all you need to do is identify the damaged planks, unlock these from the rest, replace and then reinstall. It’s as easy to repair as it is to maintain.

A final appealing option to consider with no-glue laminate flooring. You can simply uninstall the floor and bring it with you to your next home.

So which way should you go? Glued or click laminate flooring material?

Consider these three concerns as a gauge to buying.

What’s your lifestyle? And can your budget accommodate the added expense of a professional installer?

Is the design you like found in both formulations? Look around because there are many more manufacturers now which offer the same design in glued or click floor materials.

While a wise buyer considers pricing to be important, it isn’t the over riding concern. Laminate flooring materials will show the cumulative effects of scratching. So select a product which offers a warranty of up to 15 years, scratch free life.

And you’ll enjoy the appeal and value of low-maintenance laminate flooring throughout your home. Whether it be glued or click.

My name is Jason Ashby and i have 21 years experience in the flooring trade. First starting out as a flooring installer then progressing into training people in all aspects of flooring. I also run an online UK store selling Click laminate flooring products. For more information regarding laminate or wooden flooring please visit http://www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk/laminate-flooring-information.htm.

Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on laminate flooring, how to install laminate flooring or installing laminate flooring. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 22nd, 2006 .. More articles on Laminate Flooring.

Braided Rugs - Oriental Rugs Buying Guide: A Brief Rug History Lesson and Creating an Oriental Rug

Today’s Feature Article. "Oriental Rugs Buying Guide: A Brief Rug History Lesson and Creating an Oriental Rug" has been reviewed by our editorial staff to ensure that it is appropriate for this blog. We hope you find this information useful.

The legal stuff: - We are not able to guarantee 100% accuracy of the article’s contents. Other articles with the topic "braided rugs" can be found on the articles category page.

Please contact us if you feel that there is anything within todays article that is inaccurate or misleading. Please use the following reference: "Oriental Rugs Buying Guide: A Brief Rug History Lesson and Creating an Oriental Rug".

A brief rug history lesson

Throughout the Middle East and Central Asia, the intricate and exacting art of weaving oriental rugs has been practiced and revered since ancient times. While beautiful and interesting in themselves, these carpets are also thought to have reflected some very practical concerns of day to day life.

Many cultural historians believe that the art of hand-knotting carpets with pile originated among nomadic peoples as a means of imitating the texture and warmth qualities of animal pelts. Yet whatever factors may have contributed to its initial development, the art of rug making quickly assumed a central role in the aesthetic and historic identity of the entire region.

Nevertheless, in the larger scheme of history, relatively few rugs are known to have survived more than 500 years. Many of the oldest are now displayed in museums throughout the world. Still it is not uncommon to find rugs over 100 years old that remain in usable condition, and some that even today are being walked upon great great great grandchildren of the original owners.

Whatever the reasons for the making of these finely hand woven Oriental Rug Treasures; for warmth, recording tales, or enshrining the symbols of an ancient culture, hand made oriental rugs have been highly valued, continuously traded, and sought after for many generations. It is interesting to note that the techniques nd tools of rug weaving have stayed remarkably the same over time, so even recently woven hand made rugs can vividly evoke the character and romance of fabled historic pieces. Creating an oriental rug

Creating a hand-woven rug is a complicated task, requiring a variety of distinct skills and techniques. Needless to say, the process is both labor intensive and time consuming.

First, the raw wool must be washed, carded, and spun into yarn. The yarns are then carefully dyed. The range and subtlety of the yarn colors, and their interplay in a given design, are obviously crucial to the appeal and unique character of the finished rug. Along with the actual weaving and execution of a chosen pattern, the dyeing process is traditionally entrusted only to the most skillful craftsmen.

From the dawn of rug making until relatively recent times, the only available dyes were derived from animal and vegetal sources. While often quite vibrant initially, some of these dyes were inclined to fade over time. In many cases, this effect would enhance the harmony of the color palette and a soft vintage quality to the rug. Some natural dyes, however, could weaken the wool fiber and result in uneven patterns of wear and color intensity over time.

Beginning in the 19th century, chemical formulation began to replace natural dyes in commercial usage. Chemical dyes gave the weaver a vast and infinitely varied color palette, from the richest and deepest jewel tones to the most delicate and subtle pastels. Equally important, chemical dyes are more fade resistant and will not compromise the fibers of the yarns.

Once the yarns for a rug are spun and dyed, the loom is prepared for the weaving process. Historically, nomadic tribes used horizontal looms which rest on the ground or, occasionally, transportable vertical looms. Today, most quality rugs are made for export are woven on large “roller beam” looms. Whatever types of loom is used, the basic principles of rug weaving remain essentially the same. The vertical warp threads are tied between the loom’s upper and lower beams, and define the rug’s length. The horizontal weft threads are woven between the alternating warps across the rug, and define the rug’s width.

In a knotted oriental rug, tiny threads (wool) are tied onto the warp, creating the pattern or design. The weft threads anchor and align the rows of knots. When the knots are later cut, they stand away from the warp and weft backing to create the velvety pile of finished piece.

Types of Oriental Rugs

There are many varieties of construction that define rugs types and characteristics. Flat-weave, needlepoint, hand knotted, hand tufted, hand hooked, and machine made are just some of many classifications. A hand knotted rug is with fine threads of colored yarn that are hand knotted onto a warp and weft backing and then sheared to create a pile. There are a variety of actual knot styles, among which are Persian and Turkish knots.

A flat weave rug is constructed without a pile. Here, colored weft yarns are woven through the warps to create a pattern. There are numerous varieties of flat-weaves: Killims dhurries, and soumaks, are just a few. Needlepoint is another type of flat-weave that is created by weaving of the colored yarns through a pre-made scrim, or grid like backing.

Aubussons and Savonneries, are much like needlepoint in appearance, but are created by weaving of thread through a warp and weft construction. This technique is considered the most refined and precise form of flat-weave rug making. Increasingly, the terms Savonnerie and Aubusson have today become largely generic terms for certain French floral motifs of rugs in virtually any construction. The word Sovonnerie means soap factory, and recalls the original function of the building where Louis XIII set up the first royal school for rug weavers. The King created this school as much for his own love of the carpes and fine furnishings as he did to encourage French manufacture and economic growth. The designation “Aubusson” refers to the province in France wher this distinct weaving style developed.

Hand tufted rugs and hand hooked rugs are produced in much the same way. A tufting gun that works much like an oversize sewing needle is used to push and pull threads of yarn through a scrim; a pre-woven grid foundation. With hooked rug, the loops of the yarn are left intact to form a characteristically “knobby” pile. In a tufted rug, the tops of the loops are sheared to expose the thread ends for a softer and plusher pile. Machine made carpets are woven on mechanical looms. There are numerous types of mechanical looms, each with specific capacities as to the type of designs.

Knots Counts

The knot or line count is a measurement of the density of the knots that make up the rug’s pile. Generally, the higher the knot count, the higher the quality of the rug. However, this is not an absolute rule. There are other significant factors that will also affect the overall quality and aesthetic appeal of a particular rug. These include the skill with which a given design has been executed, the balance and subtlety of the color palette, the quality of the wool, and various finishing details. The line count method is primarily used for Chinese hand woven oriental rugs. The number of lines or knots per linear foot determines the line count. Qualities range from 50 to over 300 lines per linear foot. Rugs hand woven in India are described by a somewhat more complicated method. A rug may be referred to as a 9/60 (nine-sixty). The 9 refers to the number of knots for every 4.5 inches in length. In effect, a 9/60 construction would yield 135 knots per square inch.

Whatever the count, you can readily see the density of the knotting of a rug by looking at the back of the rug. Each knot shows itself as a single square on the back of the rug. Here, the difference between a 200 knots per square inch and a 400 knots per square inch is usually readily apparent, since the knots in the 200 knots per square inch rug are much larger and hence less densely packed.

Copyright 2005 Bijan Aziz

The article above can be used on your web site or newsletter. When it is published, may I request that you include my name and resource box (the bio, contact and copyright information) that follows the article. I would also appreciate if you could send me an email of notification along with a complimentary copy of the publication.

Bijan Aziz is the owner and Web Master for Bijan's Oriental Rugs
http://www.bijansorientalrug.com

The best source for fine Hand-Made Oriental Rugs on the web.

Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on square area rugs, childrens area rugs or modern area rugs. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 22nd, 2006 .. More articles on Area Rugs and Articles.

Zanjan Area Rugs - 10 Ft. Cotton Zanjan Runner

Product : Zanjan Area Rugs - 10 ft. Cotton Zanjan Runner

Zanjan Area Rugs - 10 ft. Cotton Zanjan Runner

Description: Zanjan rugs, woven in northwestern Iran by nomadic people, typically feature a geometric shape in the center that expands from the top to the bottom.”

Regular Price: $349.3 — Click for more information

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Posted on September 21st, 2006 .. More articles on Oriental Rugs.

Oriental Rugs - Oriental rugs add elegance to your home

Today’s Feature Article. "Oriental rugs add elegance to your home" was posted only after being thoroughly reviewed by one of our editorial staff who considered it suitable for our blog. We hope you find its contents enjoyable.

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Have you ever thought of decorating your home with a oriental rug? Oriental rugs are beautiful. They have intricate designs and colors. They can be considered as pieces of art perfected through 2,500 years of know how. Where does oriental rug come from ? They come from many locations and countries. Countries that make them include Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, India, Iran, Pakistan, China, Vietnam and Nepal. They were brought to the West during the Crusades and have fascinated the West ever since.

The quality of oriental rugs is such that it can last for decades. There is demand for antique oriental rugs nowadays. Some people even display their oriental rugs on the walls. You can even sell your oriental rug bought many years ago for a higher price than your original purchase price . If you are fanatical about oriental rugs you can start your home decor with the oriental rug first then you choose the rest of the furnishing to complement the oriental rug. Nowadays oriental rugs are made for the modern home in mind so you can easily find rugs with colors that match your room. The range of colors available include black, yellow, pastel pink, red, peach, apricot, green, and blue.

Oriental rugs are characterized by borders. There are different types of design of borders. Oriental rugs fall into two types of design. The geometric and the curvilinear designs. The geometric design consists of straight lines or angular patterns while curvilinear designs have floral motifs and curved outlines. Geometric designs go well in informal setting while curvilinear designs are at home in formal or opulent setting.

Oriental rugs that feature a central medallion are placed in the middle of the room. These rugs would not be suitable for dinning room where the rug is placed under the dining table.A better choice for the dinning would be an oriental rug with repeated motifs. The color of the rug should match the color of the room. It could be the wall color or perhaps chairs and doors of the same color. Oriental rugs go well with classical furniture. You could have Queen Anne chairs placed in the room. Another good idea is to have similar fabric design on the chairs or benches that match the theme of the oriental rug. How do you determine the size of the rug? There is no hard and fast rule. Some people put their furniture such as sofa on the oriental rug while others place their furniture on the floor itself. If you are getting an oriental rug for the dining room, make sure it is big enough to allow for the sliding movement of the chairs without the chairs moving out of the rug.

How do you determine the quality of an oriental rug? Look for natural materials such as wool, silk and cotton. The quality of synthetic fibers is not as good as natural fibers. The next thing you need to check is whether the rug is handmade or machine made. The uniqueness of the design and the intricacy of the design also determine the value of the rug. Lastly, the country of origin also determines the price of the rug.

Fancy oriental rugs that would make great family heirlooms? Get these Persian rugs for your home. The writer is a webmaster at http://www.home-decor-shop.net

Keywords: furnishing, rug, carpet, interior design, home deocor, persian rug

About the Author
ian tham,
webmaster@digiteevee.com
More Details about carpet and rug here. The writer is the webmaster of digiteevee.com which covers the use of technology in your daily life.


Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on oriental area rugs, history of oriental rugs or oriental design rugs. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 21st, 2006 .. More articles on Oriental Rugs and Articles.

Hardwood Flooring - Why Laminate Flooring is the Perfect Choice for Families

Here is today’s feature article - Happy reading!. "Why Laminate Flooring is the Perfect Choice for Families" was posted only after being thoroughly reviewed by one of our editorial staff who considered it suitable for our blog. We hope you find this information useful.

The legal side: - Sorry but we cannot guarantee the content as 100% accurate. Similar articles on "hardwood flooring" can be found on the articles category page.

Please contact us if you feel that there is anything within todays article that is inaccurate or misleading. Here is the reference for your use: "Why Laminate Flooring is the Perfect Choice for Families".

If you've ever had carpets or vinyl flooring you've probably had your share of stains, spills, and rips that no matter what you do, you can't quite wash out. Or perhaps the family pet has scratched the carpet edging, or even worse - had a bathroom mishap on the children's favorite playing area?

Your flooring nightmares can finally end! Laminate flooring was designed to stand up to the rigors and demands of a busy family household and when compared to other types of flooring solutions easily outperforms in almost every category. Here our our top reasons for selecting laminate flooring for a family household:

Laminate flooring is tough

Designed with a tough and durable wear layer, it is much stronger than most installed solid hardwood flooring, vinyl's, and carpets. It stands up much better to dents and scratches that the softer surface of solid hardwood floors, and is a much better surface to install if you have heavy foot traffic, kids, or household pets. Best of all - it continues to look brand new even after years of wear and tear.

Stain, fade, and moisture resistant

Most laminate flooring manufacturers offer triple warranty protection against stains, fading and moisture damage for 25 years. In contrast, solid hardwood floors are susceptible to wood grain staining, fading in repeated sunlight exposure, and are not a suitable floor for areas with high moisture or humidity levels.

Laminate flooring is easy to install

The popular quality brands of laminate flooring have gravitated towards a glueless click together floating floor installation process. These floors simply need to be cut to size, clicked together, and are immediately ready to walk on or place your furniture. Most weekend do-it-yourselfers can handle this installation, but should expect to take 2 - 3 times longer than a professional installer.

Laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain

Spills and messes easily clean up with a little soap and water thanks to the hard moisture and wear resistant surface coating. No residual stain or mess will remain and your laminate floors will continue to look brand new. No more run down and tired looking floors!

Laminate flooring are a healthy flooring choice

With regular cleaning cycles, laminate floors can provide a much cleaner and healthier living environment when compared to carpets. Less dust, pet dander, allergens and dust mites accumulate on the surface, and the laminate surface will not hold residual stain contaminants like a carpet will. Allergists will often recommend to their patients the removal of carpets from the living space.

Laminate flooring is economical

Once you consider the costs of alternate flooring solutions over a typical laminate flooring lifespan it becomes an extremely economical solution. Carpets will require 2 to 3 replacements during this time, solid hardwood floors will require refinishing 4 to 5 times, and vinyl will need to be replaced atleast twice, or more depending on traffic loads.

A worry-free family focused flooring surface

Kids can play toys on it, the dog can run through with muddy paws, the neighbor friends can visit with wet shoes, and the baby bottle spills all over the floor… not a problem anymore! Laminate floors are the perfect floor for busy families and growing households.

To read more of the benefits and advantages of laminate flooring visit: http://www.laminateflooringzone.com/laminate-flooring.htm

S.A. Smith is a freelance writer, contributor, and editor of Laminate Flooring Zone and can be reached at http://www.laminateflooringzone.com

Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on installing hardwood floors, refinishing hardwood floors or hardwood floors. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 20th, 2006 .. More articles on Articles.

Tile Floor - Ceramic Tile Flooring - The Healthy House Choice

Today’s Feature Article. "Ceramic Tile Flooring - The Healthy House Choice" was posted only after being thoroughly reviewed by one of our editorial staff who considered it suitable for our blog. We hope you find its contents enjoyable.

Here’s the legal stuff: - we cannot guarantee the 100% accuracy of it’s contents. Similar articles on "tile floor" can be found on the articles category page.

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Believe it or not, carpeting is one of the biggest contributors to indoor air pollution.

One of the commonest health problems in a house is allergies, and carpets are practically a perfect environment for dust mites, molds and mildew. Not only that, but the modern wall-to wall carpeting in today’s houses are made of synthetic fibers dyed and treated with chemicals (fungicides, soil repellants and pesticides, anyone?) and bonded to synthetic backing with chemical glues. All of these materials release hundreds of Volatile Organic Compounds as they age, in a process called outgassing. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can be mutagens, irritants and carcinogens. Not the ideal thing to have in your home, to say the least.

Carpet also attracts and retains all that you and your family members track in to the house from the ground outside- dirt, lead dust found in flaking house exterior paint, insects, bacteria, lawn and garden chemicals and other unhealthy debris. Not to mention food crumbs, hair and dead skin particles. Getting a wall-to-wall carpet 100% clean is nearly impossible (ever rented one of those steam-cleaners to clean your carpet and cleaned the same area over and over, each time seeing more dirt come out?) and trying to clean causes its own problems. Vacuuming stirs up airborne dust and mold spores. Shampooing can leave a damp carpet encouraging more mold growth and even the shampoo may have irritating or even toxic chemicals added.

At the other end of the floor covering health spectrum is ceramic tile. It is made from natural clay materials fired in a kiln. A tile sealed with non-leaded glaze is impervious to mold and bacteria and is well tolerated by chemically sensitive people. Ceramic tile is bonded to the base flooring using low-toxicity thin set mortar, and can be grouted with home-made, additive-free grout. 2 parts dry, clean sand mixed with 1 part Portland cement can be prepared and added to water to form a slow, damp curing grout.

Although a ceramic tile floor can be expensive up front, due to the labor-intensive installation, they are very durable and long-lasting if properly maintained, and can be considered as comparatively affordable in the long run.

Carlo Morelli is a contributor to http://www.OnlineTips.Org, where you can read tips on how to install fiberglass insulation and basement dehumidifiers

Additional Resources

Check out the closing Ebay bids, or see what Amazon has to offer. You could also try these sites for information on laying tile floors, tile floors or laminate tile flooring. Finally wikipedia is always a good resource

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Posted on September 20th, 2006 .. More articles on Articles.

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