Marble tiles are natural stones that are popular and well-known for their versatility and durability. These natural stone materials are ideal for constructing structures, sculptures and other materials for the home. This stone is also bes for use as wall and floor tiles. The monuments, statues, sculptures and floors made up of these materials are known to look extremely beautiful.
Marble Tiles Can Be Custom-Made For Homes
They can be created to provide a unique and distinctive shine to your home's floors. This helps enhance the overall look and feel of a particular room where it is installed. If you install this stone in the right manner, you need to pay only little attention to maintaining the beauty of this flooring material.
Since these types of floor tiles and countertops are considered to be resilient and durable materials, you need not worry much about taking good care of them. All you are required to do, is to take special care when installing this material. You could purchase this stone in a wide array of colors such as green, peach, different shades of white, black, gray and other colors. The many colors available help to add a distinctive look to this stone.
These Tiles Are A Good Decorative Choice
These types of tiles are not only the perfect options for your floor, but also for several other places, as these perfectly work as a decorative alternative. Marble tiles would make any interior beautiful to look at. Marble flooring works towards adding up to the elegance of any interior. You can easily choose the best marble for your home due to the extensive varieties available under the category of this stone. You have several shapes, designs, patterns and colors to choose from. You can easily choose the one that matches your home style and design.
Standard Marble Tile Prices
These types of tiles are generally used for both interior and exterior flooring purposes. Floor tile sizes vary, and usually range from 305 x 305 mm, 500 mm, to 800 mm. The tile finish may also vary from being either polished, gauged or beveled. This natural stone, like limestone, has prices ranging from $5 to $20 per square foot, and are more preferred for use in higher-priced renovations. Glass tiles on the other hand, may reach as much as $25 to $50 per square foot, depending on the patterns.
Buying These Tiles Online
Today, there are many, perhaps hundreds, of marble tile dealers on the Internet, and they offer different types of marble flooring options. There are also sites that give advice to builders and home owners on the proper installation and care of these materials. For best results, ask for advice from industry experts and established online dealers and manufactures, so that you will get the best tile materials at the most affordable, and competitive prices.
There's also one good site on the Worldwide Web where you could ask for reliable information and advice, and this is the Web site of the Marble Institute of America (MIA), which is a nationwide industry association. The association's site helps buyers and floor tile owners get expert advice on tile cleaning and care, installation guidelines, and in finding reputable tile contractors and dealers nationwide.
There are many marble floor tile dealers on the Internet today, and in these sites, consumers may be able to choose the best designs, ask for advice, and buy the tiles. Whatever the color, design, price or which store you buy them, these floor tiles perfectly compliment small and medium-sized homes, as well as the really large ones.
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Buying Marble Tiles On The Internet
Taking Care Of Your Marble Tile Flooring - Some Advice
A shiny and polished marble floor tile is a truly beautiful sight to see. On one hand, marble is a hard and durable material, and could last for years. On the other hand, the polished surface can be marred by chemicals, stains and abrasions. The art of keeping marble in its pristine, shiny and original state takes a lot of continuous care and attention.
Stuff That Could Do Damage To Marble Floor Tiles
The exquisite components of marble present for a shiny, durable coat. However, its sensitive nature presents a lot of hazards that could wreck, or probably deduct some of the elegance and shine that it should always possess.
A number of porous and soiling material present dangers to marble's luster, and among these are sand and soil. Sand and grit carried from outside by shoes can easily scratch and grind the marble floor tiles' surface like sandpaper. Unprotected furniture legs may leave scratches too, and dragging heavy objects or sharp items on the floor can cause very visible and deep scratches or gouges that could be permanent.
Liquid or food containing acid when spilled on marble floors could also etch, or leave a dull mark on marble surfaces. Examples of these are lemon juice, orange juice, carbonated beverages, cranberry juice, apple juice, wine, tomato, etc. The dull mark or stain may either be as large as a coin size or could spread over several tiles. Another terrible source of etch marks and stains are cleaning detergents which contain acid. Examples of these are tile cleaners, vinegar, Ajax, Soft Scrub, etc. Marble floor tiles are porous and can easily be discolored by spills from food, sitting pots, metal furniture legs, oil, ink, water damage, etc.
In addition to chemicals which contain acid, there are mixtures that contain high alkaline or bleach can damage marble floors to loose its shine and elegance. Tap water could also be damaging to a marble floor tile. Local water could contain chlorine, salts, magnesium, potassium and other minerals. When water is used regularly to clean the marble floor, it may ruin certain types of marble by causing pitting, spalling and yellowing. It is important for homeowners to protect the floor with a premium sealer.
Marble Floor Tile Cleaning Tips
* Cover the furniture legs that come in contact with the marble floor tile with special felt pads or plastic. These can be purchased in home centers or appliance shops. Appropriate protection will reduce the damage from scratches and dents.
* Shield the marble floor tile with a good penetrating sealer to reduce etch marks, gouges and prevent stains and moisture from filtering into the marble. In applying the sealer properly, ask for a professional stone care company to guide you.
* Be sure to utilize only neutral cleaners or stone soap liquid specifically designed for natural stone that will not harm the surface or erode the luster.
* Remove spills and stains with paper towel. Do not wipe because doing so will spread the spill. Flush the area around the floor and then when the floor dries, it will streak or appear grimy. However, if the marble tends to streak every time that you mop the floor, try drying the marble with a clean terry cloth towel or buff with a residential buffing machine.
* Damp mop the floor regularly 1-2 times weekly to eradicate dirt and soil. Mix cleaning solutions by following manufacturer's directions. Remember to always use clean cold or warm water. Do not use hot water since this will cause the marble floor tile to streak. Place all plants on a special base or stand to prevent deep stains and scratches
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Should You Use Marble Tile Flooring For Your Front Porch?
Marble floor tiles are generally the choice for homeowners who want an elegant, glossy add-on to their home flooring requirements. Marble floor tiles are certainly not a cheap option for homeowners, and they do have a long way to go before they become as common as wood parquet or vinyl floor tiles.
However, one good reason for utilizing marble in exterior or interior home use is that marble has the best all round value for money, design, durability and enduring style, according to interior designers, engineers and home decorators. This type of stone has been a staple for good quality construction and design, and used on opulent homes, front porches and court yards for centuries.
Marble tiles are not just being used on the floors though. Some have installed beautiful cast-iron fireplaces which have a classic style marble mantle, The contrast between the rustic design and nature of a house and the old-world allure of marble floor tiles gives a distinctively elegant feel to it, and adds up to relaxing, formal feel to any home.
Marble floor tiles are not only considered appealing to the senses, but they also have general health benefits. The dense surface of the marble tile does not have pores that allow allergy-inducing irritants to gain a foothold, in contrast with some types of wood, rugs and carpets.
Marble floor tiles are considered easy to clean, they can be quickly washed with a single sweep of a mop. Because of this, marble floors make for a perfect quality flooring both indoor or outdoor and requires basically little maintenance, and still does not fail to show off a constant, natural sheen.
Marble tile surfaces could also be easily treated with disinfectants that work best on hard surfaces. Interior design consultants find it better having sanitary marble floor tiles as opposed to wood flooring in kitchens and bathroom areas. Marble tiles are also advisable fort use in entry ways, since this areas are often filled with dirt and germs as people come and go.
It is unwise to think that marble tiles could just be used indoors. These types could be considered ideal patio coverings and for use in front-porch stoops. One can permanently match the marble tile to precast concrete walking pads to create wonderfully crafted garden stepping stones. However, should one decide to use marbles floor tiles outdoors, it is advisable for one to check if these tiles meet standard slip-resistance requirements, since exterior tiles have surface textures that allow them to be slip- resistant.
Reputable tile providers often produce special outdoor tiles that have a slightly gritty, semi-coarse surfaces, even though the tile is glazed. The invisible grit surface provides excellent traction when the tile becomes wet. In order to be used outdoors,the marble tile must be frost-proof and unglazed for floor use, and the moisture absorption rate should be around 0.5% or less.
It is advisable that slip-resistant tiles be used outside in areas exposed to the elements such as heat, moist and rain, or around swimming pools. Exterior tiles are generally rated to indicate their particular slip-resistance modes. It would be prudent to keep in mind that there would always be a trade-off between slip resistance and maintenance and cleaning, since slip-resistant tiles will accumulate more dirt and will generally need more caring and constant upkeep.
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Properly Installing Marble Tiles On Bathroom Floors
Marble floor tiles are one of the best flooring options in large homes, offices, and even common single-family units.
The choice of flooring material for your home's many rooms carries a major role in creating a wonderful aesthetic look and appeal, as well as employing a unique functionality element. The flooring serves the same vital purpose, as vital as the other furnishings that you have installed in your home. Since these types of floor tiles help to create a healthy mix of elegance and functionality, it is considered to be one of the finest natural stone materials to be used for flooring.
Choose The Tiles Which Best Suit Your Preferences
There are a lot of different varieties and designs of marble floor tiles for bathroom floors and tubs, and these are sold in shops and hardware stores, with each one varying in textures, patterns, color schemes and finish. The different marble tiles available today offer a wide array of uses and applications, which makes some individuals prefer certain types of marble tiles over the others. major positive aspect of marble floor tiles is the look that it will give your home.
These tiles are most popular in the kitchen, however, many individuals also use them for their bathrooms as well. For those who want their tiles to remain sturdy and gleaming, you may also wish to combine it with a countertop to match. This serves as a great way of giving your kitchen or bathroom a completely unique feel, in addition to the elegant look that these tiles offer.
Properly Ionstalling Marble Flooring In The Bathroom
- For starters, start the process with a bare floor. Ensure that the subfloor is sturdy and stable, because if it shifts, the grout could crack. Check the floor for stability by having someone stand on one end of the room, while you stand on the other and bounce up and down. If your partner feels little or no vibration, then the floor should be quite sturdy.
- Ensure that the floor is level. Most tile manufacturers suggest that the floor slope no more than 1/16" for every 3'. Use the longest level available to check. You can also tell whether the floor has any dips or valleys by looking for gaps between the level and the floor.
- Lay out the tile in a test run, or dry run. This will ensure that you plan ahead for where the tiles will go. Start by placing a tile at one corner of the center point and working your way to the wall. If you end up with only a sliver of marble at the end, shift the run so that the starting tile straddles the chalk line.
- To begin tiling the bathroom floor, place one tile on or near the center, depending on the location that was determined by your test layout, and trace around the perimeter. Apply thin-set mortar within the borders, and set the tile in place. The tile will act as a reference point, or barometer of sorts, when you start to lay out the rest of the floor pieces.
- Start to apply thin-set mortar to the floor, notching it with your trowel, and applying the tiles. Fill any spaces when applying the mortar.
- In measuring tiles for cutting, place one tile directly on top of the full tile that is closest to the wall. Then place a second tile against the wall so that the edge rests on the first tile. Use a utility knife to score a line on the first tile, and make your cut along that line
Installing these natural stone varieties can be quite costly. The tiles themselves already cost significantly, and without utilizing the proper installation techniques, there would be a chance that something wrong could happen during the process. It would be much safer that you know the right tools, methods, prepare the adequate materials and safety measures as well, when installing these floor tiles for your bathroom.
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How To Lay Tile - Tools And Materials Required For Laying Ceramic Floor Tiles
A critical element of knowing how to lay tile is having the correct tools and materials for the job. There's a saying that a craftsman is only as good as his tools. That doesn't mean that you have to have the latest or most expensive models. It's just about having the right tools and materials for the tiling job you want to tackle.
To lay ceramic tile on the floor these are the tools and materials you will need.
1. A tape measure. This is an absolute essential. You must be able to accurately measure the area where you are going to lay tile. A how to lay tile necessity is knowing the measurements of the area to be tiled so that you can work out how many tiles you need;
2. A good drill with mixing paddle. A heavy duty model is preferable. You can rent one but if you plan to lay tile on other home decorating projects in the future it makes sense to buy;
3. A tile or wet saw. Again you can rent or buy;
4. A chalk line. A must to ensure you lay tile in a straight line;
5. A notched tile trowel to spread on the setting material. This will give a rib pattern ensuring an even thickness of material. Pick a trowel size suitable for the size of tiles you will be using;
6. A grout float. This is used to force grout into the joints between tiles. The face can be made from either rubber or foam;
7. Tile spacers. These will be used to give uniform joints between tiles. Choose size according to the size of grout line you want;
8. A bucket and sponge;
9. Setting compounds and flexible additive. There are many setting compounds on the market. Choose one suitable for ceramic floor tiles. The flexible additive is vital and it ensures the tile won't crack when people walk over it;
10. Grout;
11. Backsplash (quarter inch thick) if you are installing over a wooden floor. Not necessary if ceramic tiling onto a concrete floor;
12. Protection gear such as safety goggles, gloves, overalls, or old clothes, and knee pads (knees take quite a bit of punishment when laying a tile floor); and last but certainly not least
13. The ceramic tiles of your choice.
Now that you've got all your tools and materials together, learn how to lay tile like a pro with this set of instructional laying tile videos.
Add value to your home by learning how to achieve a professional finish to your tile laying.
Where To Find Cheap Marble Tile Flooring Materials Online
Marble is a trusted material for flooring and wall tiles, as it has always been so for centuries. Invigorating the beauty of one's home through utilizing marble tiles for flooring helps to create stunning front terraces and uniquely designed living rooms and foyers.
Today, there are a lot of marble floor tile designs, as well as online stores where consumers could choose designs, ask for advice, and purchase the tiles. Whatever the color, design, price or which store you buy them, marble floor tiles perfectly compliment a small home, as well as a large estate.
Popular Marble Tile Designs
Marble floor tiles these days have a wide offering of designs and color patterns. There are tiles that are available polished, tumbled or honed. Honed marble tiles are utilized to provide more floor traction, whereas polished tiles are used to provide a more elegant look, however they could become slippery when wet, necessitating the placing of bath mats to prevent accidents.
Tumbled marble, on the other hand, with its old-world feel and rustic look, is also becoming a popular design for homeowners.
How To Get Advice On Buying Good Marble Floor Tiles
With the proliferation of hundreds, or thousands of online stores selling marble flooring material, it would be best to seek advice from industry experts and long-time dealers and manufactures, in order for consumers to to get the best tile materials at the most affordable, and cost-effective prices.
Wherever you may be located, one good start in asking for reliable consultation and advice is the local chapter or the office of the Marble Institute of America (MIA), which is a nationwide industry association. The association's website helps consumers get advice on tile cleaning and care, installation guidelines, as well as finding reputable tile contractors and dealers nationwide.
The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association, is also a good industry group that would assist homeowners regarding the rules and practices covering the aspects of floor covering. Another reputable organization would be the National Tile Contractors Association (NCTA). This organization is committed to improving the floor tile installation industry, as well as helping consumers have informed choices regarding tile flooring materials and installation options.
Tile Colors And Prices
Marble tiles are generally utilized for both interior and exterior flooring applications. Floor tile sizes usually range from 305 x 305 mm, 500 mm, to 800 mm free length. The tile finish could also differ from polished, gauged or beveled.
Natural stones, such as marble and limestone, have prices ranging from $5 to $20 per square foot, and are more preferred in higher-priced renovations. Glass tiles on the other hand, can range as much as $25 to $50 per square foot, depending on the design.
Among the different marble tile colors sold in stores are white, red, black, mottled and banded gray, pink and green. For each color noted, there may be some variations in the mixtures or texture, and these are mostly available at your neighborhood home décor shops or in hardware stores online.
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Marble Tile Flooring For Small Homes
The elegance of marble has long been noted in architecture and home design annals, and has been utilized in large buildings, churches, mansions and small homes as well for centuries.
There are several different types of marble tile used in residential and commercial applications. Their uses vary widely and include flooring, countertops, wall covering, fireplaces and exterior facades. Since marble is not the hardest of natural stones, it would not do well as a floor covering in specific, extremely high traffic areas, although they are perfect floor tiling for typical residential and light commercial applications, and marble holds up fine.
There is one however, one application that marble is not well suited for, and it is on kitchen countertops. This is because marble's composition deteriorates when regularly exposed to acidic foods. The most popular and common residential uses of marble are for window sills, fireplaces hearths, decorative foyers and bathroom floors. Other bathroom applications for marble tiles include wall covering, backsplashes, tub decks and showers.
Marble Floor Tiles Have Been Renowned For Centuries
Marble tile flooring is especially utilized for its ornate, refined beauty, and marble floor tiles were once a common fixture in the spas of the ancient Greeks and Romans, to Renaissance courtyards in medieval Europe, all the way to the Trump Tower and other skyscrapers in the United States.
For centuries, marble tiles have been intertwined and alluded to as symbols of affluence, as builders and architects favor them for exuding sophistication and an air of artistry that make marble tile a classic favored material. The reputation that marble tiles have for their opulence has not diminished through centuries.
Marble Floor Tile Applications For Small Homes
Marble floor tiles are available in a variety of different colors to suit each homeowner's aesthetic and practical tastes and uses. Marble floor tiles are veined with rivulets of subtle color on varied background of earthy tones, and can offer a quite subtle or a distinct, bold feature in the modern designer's vision. These types also offer an assortment of colors ranging from beige, brown, white, and even red. Marble floor tiles are popularly and generally used in modern kitchens, hallways, bathrooms and foyers.
Utilizing a marble floor tile at home brings some of the unique aesthetic elegance and practical use to residential and commercial projects, as well as providing an increased value to properties when the time comes to resell their homes.
Natural stone tiles such as marble floor tiles can easily be stained by spilled liquids such as soft drinks, juices or acids. The floor tiles must be sealed and periodically resealed with a commercially-available sealant in contrast to ceramic tiles which only need to have their grout lines sealed. However, because of the complicated, non repeating patterns of marble floor tiles, small amounts of dirt on natural stone floor tiles like marble do not show.
Most commercial tile vendors and suppliers emphasize that there will be variations in color and pattern from one batch of tiles to another, of the same description and variation within the same batch. Stone floor tiles tend to be heavier than ceramic tiles and, and are usually more prone to breakage during shipment, so extra care is necessary when shipping or transporting marble floor tiles to their destined areas.
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Comparing Marble Tile Flooring Products Online
Marble is historically considered the stone of kings and nobility. Many ancient, as well as middle-age monuments were created using this stone than any other stone.
Marble decorates the hallways and floors of a lot of temples, cathedrals and palaces. It drapes the floors of the wealthiest merchants, however it is also present in the homes of the most modest homeowners.
Customers Now Have Many Marble Floor Tile Designs To Choose From
Marble floor tiles today offer a wide assortment of designs and color patterns. There are tiles that are available polished, tumbled or honed. Honed marble tiles are utilized to provide more floor traction, whereas polished tiles are used to provide a more elegant look, however they could become slippery when wet, which require the installation of bath mats to prevent accidents like slipping. Tumbled marble, on the other hand, with its old-world feel and rustic look, is also becoming a popular design for homeowners.
The Internet Is A Massive Marble Tile Shopping Destination
With hundreds, or probably thousands of online stores selling marble flooring material today,online clients may have a hard time discerning on which shop, or tile design should they be choosing.
Experienced online buyers would suggest that new customers seek advice from home flooring experts and long-time dealers as well as manufacturers, so that they can get the best tile materials at the most affordable and competitive prices.
For online buyers in the continental US, one good start would be to ask for reliable information and advice from the local chapters of the Marble Institute of America (MIA), which is a credible industry group. The MIA's website gives consumers advice on tile cleaning and care, installation procedures, as well as locating reputable tile contractors and dealers nationwide.
The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association, is also a good industry reference that would assist homeowners regarding the rules and regulations covering the aspects of floor covering. Another credible group would be the National Tile Contractors Association (NCTA). This organization is committed to improving the floor tile installation industry, as well as in helping consumers acquire informed choices regarding tile flooring materials and installation options
Marble Floor Tiles Add Elegance To Any Room
Marble floor tiles serve as an elegant addition to any room, and the installation process is not as difficult as one probably might expect. The most common marble tile sizes are from 12 inches x 12 inches and 12 inches x 18 inches, and they range from 3/8- to 1/2-inches in thickness.
Polished marble is highly reflective and stresses the natural colors and markings of the stone. For flooring considerations, utilize polished marble only in low-traffic areas. Honed marble generally possesses a dull, matte finish. Use this type for floors where heavy foot traffic is likely.
Honed marble provides a more slip-resistant surface and is less likely to reveal scratches. Chinese marble is a beautiful piece of tiling, with different variants such as Pure White, Rosin Jade, Cream marble, Flower Green marble etc. These are popular not only in China but abroad as well.
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How To Choose The Right Type Of Tiles
Are you thinking of getting a new flooring? Its time for a change if your carpets have got stains and look dull, or simply because you feel sick of vacuuming them. Perhaps you are tired of waxing the wooden floors or sweeping them everyday. The solution to all these problems is getting a marble flooring done in your home.
When you decide to go for any kind of tiled flooring then there are innumerable choices available to you. You will find variety in not only in colors shapes and sizes but also various textures. Marble floor tiles are either rough or smooth and they come in squares, swirls and also designs that are done by hand. Perhaps you want to explore what kind of marble floor tile would be suitable for your current decor.
There are a whole lot of manufacturers from whom to purchase them and also many home improvement stores .One has to purchase marble tiles by square foot, so its important that you know the exact measurements of your floor area. It is advisable that you buy one or two foot of additional tiles in case they become damaged. The companies that produce these marble floor tiles would always be ready to send you samples of the kind of tiles that they produce. This is very convenient as you can then match and choose the colors and patterns with your home decor. This would also give you a chance to choose the textures .
After you have got the tiles fixed by a professional it is necessary that one starts taking care of them immediately. Make sure that you only use those solvents that are specially made for the kind of marble floor tiles you have chosen. They come in the form of cleaners, polishers and sealers. Before you start the cleaning process there are a few points that you need to keep in mind.
Check to see that there is no loose debris on the tiles. It needs to be swept well first. Once you have mixed your cleaning agent, be sure that you use a clean mop, especially rayon because these kind of mops are non-abrasive and wont cause scratches. After the whole floor has been mopped, do not step on it before it has dried completely. There is no rinsing or wiping required after that.
You can use these type of floorings for your foyer, bathrooms, kitchens and hallways. It transforms an ordinary room into a charming place. This marble flooring is easy to clean and maintain and lasts long. Although marble tiles are an expensive option if you purchase it from a foreign source, still you can find good deals if you do some research and spend time. Therefore, if you are looking to replace your old flooring and wish to redecorate your home, then marble floor tile is a very good option.
Did you like the article on floor tiles? Adam Peters contributes editing articles for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . A website with tips on bathroom tiles and removing bathroom tiles.
Finding Good Deals When Buying Marble Floor Tiles
Marble is a natural stone material that has historically associated with durability, toughness and elegance as well. As materials for home flooring, these can be created to provide an appealing, unique and distinctive luster to the floors of your home.
Using these materials helps enhance the overall look and feel of a particular room where it is laid-out. If you lay-out these tiles in the right manner, you will only need to pay minimal attention to effectively maintaining the elegant appeal of this unique flooring material.
Different Floor Tile Designs Abound These Days
Today, there are many varieties of marble floor tiles to be chosen from, with unique designs and color patterns, and these may also range from being polished, tumbled or honed.
Many natural stone dealers, home depot shops and Internet stores offer many designs and patterns for consumers, and these dealers should be able to customers adequate descriptions of each o the variants being offered, which will help customers choose the appropriate ones for their homes.
Honed marble tiles are used to give more floor traction, while polished tiles are used to provide a more elegant look; however these could become slippery when wet, and may entail the placement of mats to prevent accidents. Tumbled marble on the other hand, is sought after for its old-world, rustic look and feel, and is fast becoming a popular design pattern for many homeowners.
Standard Price Ranges For Marble Floor Tiles
These variety of tiles are commonly utilized used for both interior and exterior flooring purposes. Their sizes may vary, and usually range from 305 x 305 mm to 500 mm and more. The tile finish may also vary, being either polished, gauged or beveled. This stone material, just like limestone, has prices which range from $5 to $20 per square foot, and are seen as good materials for higher-priced home renovations.
Marble tiles offer more than just elegance and durability, as well as its ornate and refined beauty. For centuries, these materials have been etched firmly in the records of architecture and design, and have been seen as symbols of affluence, sophistication and artistry. These floor tile material are also suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, foyers and hallways, and generally will last for years with simple care and maintenance.
Using these materials also helps in effectively transforming an ordinary, worn-out space into a great room. Though the cost of this material may seem quite high, particularly when the tiles are sourced overseas, you may find a suitable dealer if you invest a considerable amount of time searching for a good deal. Do some comparisons, and research around first before purchasing one, so that you would be able to find the most competitive or affordable price ranges, and get good-quality materials for your home.
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How To Choose Flooring That Feels Right In Your Home
Think back to a room that you loved and felt comfortable in. Picture it in your mind, and remember all the things you loved about it. Chances are that when you start remembering, you can vividly picture the walls, the pictures on it, the furniture – how about the flooring? Surprisingly enough, the flooring in a room is often one of the first things people recall when they remember a room. I can vividly recall stepping into a quaint old house when we were house-hunting a few years back and feeling immediately as if I’d come home. It wasn’t until later, analyzing my reaction, that I realized the reason: the flooring in the kitchen was the exact same pattern and color linoleum that had been on my grandmother’s kitchen floor almost thirty years ago.
When you’re redecorating, the flooring choices you make can set the tone and the mood for the entire room. Imagine your Mission style living room against a solid black floor of stone quarry tile. The solid color and contrast of wood and stone is dramatic, highlighting the functional simplicity and beauty of the design. The feeling of the room is serene and cool – a polished perfection of form and function.
Now imagine that same furniture set against wood flooring in soft, warm maple. Rather than contrast, you now have blending that softens the definitive lines of classic Mission furniture styling. Add a woven rag rug to accent the colors of the upholstery and pick up the tint of the wall and the same furniture and accessories take on an upscale country feeling – open airy space and casual comfort.
Dramatic flooring styles have their place as well. Imagine a pieced parquet wood floor in your front entry hall, or a buffed expanse of terracotta tile flooring inset with stone parquetry around the borders. Replace that flooring in your mind’s eye with a thick, Oriental runner over bare wood and see how it changes the look and feel of the room.
When you choose flooring for a room that you’re decorating, keep in mind the following things:
1. Function
Choose a floor that suits the function of the room. White carpeting is probably impractical for your kitchen, but perfect for your bedroom. Natural wood, while beautiful and warm, is generally not the best choice for a bathroom.
2. Mood
Different flooring materials set very definite moods and tones. Natural materials tend to soften the ambience in a room. Stone quarry tiles with a rough finish set a rustic mood. Solid linoleum, with its soft feel underfoot and bright colors can warm a kitchen or set a dramatic style with a single solid color. The flooring choice you make can dramatically enhance every other aspect of your decorating scheme.
3. Maintenance and Care
While you’re considering, don’t forget to take into account the amount of maintenance and care that a floor will require. A busy lifestyle may not have time in it for the kind of maintenance that some floors require. Can you imagine spending hours every week waxing your floor? Low maintenance options include pre-sealed wood floors, stone tiles and acrylic flooring tiles.
With literally thousands of combinations of materials, colors and styles of flooring available, you’re sure to find something that’s just perfect for your home. A little research and judicious use of visualization will help you choose a flooring option that you’ll love for years.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Home Furnishings Website and Majon's Home Furnishings directory.
How is Laminate Flooring Made and How Do I Protect My New Laminate Floor?
How is Laminate flooring made and how do I protect my new Laminate floor?
Laminate flooring has grown by leaps and bounds in a very short period of time. The reason behind the rapid laminate wood flooring growth is the ease of installing laminate flooring. This wood flooring system is a floating floor that has a laminate flooring underlayment on which the laminate floor lays over top of. Another benefit to having a laminate floor system is the durability of the floor. Laminate flooring manufacturers are using new technologies to create a very dense fiber wood core with a very durable top plastic coating.
Constructions of laminate floors
There are basically two types of laminate floor constructions. You have the direct pressure laminate and the high pressure laminate. The two different styles vary in the way they are attached to the core. The direct pressure process is a one step process where they fuse all the layers directly to the core all at the same time by using melamine resins and pressure and heat they are impregnated and together to form a very durable laminate plank flooring. The other high pressure laminate flooring is a two layer process. The first is that the craft paper style sheets will be glued together and using a print film, which is then glued to the core. Here everything is glued together and using high pressure they become very hard and durable.
What is available for Laminate flooring?
The laminate wood flooring is almost invincible to spills, stains, burns and a very high tolerance to scratches. Laminate flooring prices have such a wide range but can offer you just about any replicas of any wood species that you would desire. They will come in a few different varieties such as the single strip, two strips or even the three strips with micro beveled edges, square edges or just beveled edges. Depending on the quality you are looking for the top finishes and treatments will vary the price of the laminate wood flooring. Because these floors can imitate just about any flooring on the market, your choices for texture and looks give you an abundance of choices such as traditional stone, ceramic tiles and beautiful hardwood.
Caring for your Laminate floor
Laminate flooring is stain and fade along with scratch resistant and with a few preventive maintenance ways you can have your floor last a very long time. First you must follow the laminate flooring manufacturer's limitations and by keeping their recommendations in consideration you will have a floor that will last forever.
Your Maintenance and laminate wood flooring care
· Place designer mats in front of stoves and sinks along with all the room entrances
· Always have felt protectors under the feet of furniture
· Use chair coasters that are clean and working properly will help
· One of the biggest things you can do is to try and follow the laminate floor manufacturers recommendations for room temperature and what they recommend for humidity levels
Maintaining laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is very durable and not that hard to keep clean. All you have to do is regularly sweep or vacuum with a soft brush. Damp mop the laminate wood floor using a bit of ammonia or vinegar and water being careful not to flood the work panels as you can damage them this way. Some products that are not recommended for your laminate floor are soaps, scouring powder, floor polish or steel wool as these may damage the laminate wood flooring. Always test a product that you are unsure of in a low visible area. If you have to remove a stain use the recommended laminate floor cleaner and mop up to keep any water from entering the joints. Also make sure you use a damp mop and not a wet one.
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Floor Mats
Floor mats are a kind of soft flooring. A floor mat is ideal for welcoming guests into one’s home.
Floor mats are available in many patterns. A variety of floor mats in varied sizes, shapes, themes and colors is available. Floor mats are used also in bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms. They are also used in offices. The mats are designed to fit every space of the house. No matter what the design, shape or style of the mat is, they only serve one purpose, which is to protect the floor from dirt and other elements.
Floor mats come in varied designs, and the variety is so vast that they would suit any preference. Some mats have sayings inscribed on them, and the most common of them are ‘Welcome’ and ‘Home Sweet Home’. The mats are usually easy to clean, and since they are inexpensive they can be replaced easily. The mats made from coconut or coir are interesting and inexpensive, too. It can be a neat surface for furniture. They are usually available in natural colors, but can be dyed. Such mats have a rough and hairy finish, and are ideal for the absorption of dirt from footwear. Rushes are normally woven into thick or plaited lengths. They are usually sold in the shape of squares. They are laid over concrete and other floors, and are a very cheap option.
Such decorative floor mats can be used in the kitchen, entranceway, doorway and in all other rooms. There are also comfort mats for any room in a house, specially designed for people who need to stand for long periods of time. Most of the mats are machine washable and easy to maintain.
Floor mats are definitely a necessity in areas of high traffic in the house. Floor mats are available in a wide array of shapes, sizes and colors. Therefore, one can easily find mats that not only keep one’s floor clean, but also enhance the décor in the interiors.
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Laminate Flooring Colors to Match Your Decor
The wood used in your home, on the doors, on the trim, the cabinets, even the beds or vanities in your home, can be a basis for the colors of laminate flooring you are considering using in the home. If you want to use laminate flooring in your home, consider matching the flooring of your home to the items that are in your home for a great complete décor that you will just love.
Laminate flooring is very similar to real wood flooring you have seen in so many older types of homes. Once installed, laminate flooring is going to look just like the wood flooring that is real. Laminate flooring is going to take the movement of the children, the playing on the floor, and the parties that you love to throw without a problem. With the versatility of laminate flooring, you will just love your new floor.
Laminate flooring can be matched to the cabinets in your kitchen or the trim on the walls. You will find that your home décor is beautiful as you match the colors, and similar types of wood in the home, so your overall look is complete. Once you match the cherry, the pine or the color of your home to the laminate flooring of your choice during remodel, you will be happy with the overall look and appeal of your home. Your home will feel and look more welcoming to all that come into your home. You never have to worry about stains, like you do with carpeting because the laminate flooring has a tough coating that is going to prevent any problems such as those.
The laminate flooring you install in your home, is going to make your rooms seem much bigger. There is something about carpeting that can make a room seem smaller if you have been living in the home for sometime. The use of the lines, and the grains in the laminate flooring gives your rooms an overall bigger feeling. You can include the use of tables in corners, that are a shade different or a dramatic shade in color different from the laminate flooring to complete the overall larger look and feel you may be searching for. A laminate floor is one that you can easily clean, even if you have pets and children. The cost of cleaning the floor is very minimal because there are no special things needed or required to clean the flooring. Find the color of your choice, make your rooms appear bigger, and complete the home décor changes you desire without much added price.
Copyright 2006 - Ivar Rudi. Ivar suggests you find great market for less by shopping online today. For more information and resources about this subject check out: http://www.laminate-flooring-guide.org/ and also http://www.prefab-homes.biz/
