Did you know there are different types of wood flooring? The best hardwood floors are the harder woods like cherry, oak and maple. Other options include bamboo, walnut, ash and mahogany. The more exotic woods cost more, such as teak, jarrah and mesquite woods. Another fun and trendy option thanks to home improvement shows is reclaimed wood. This is salvaged, older wood, and generally costs much less due to the ware and tare, but this is part of the beauty. Researching the best wood for your space and then deciding which looks best with your aesthetic is the best way to decide which kind of wood works for your space!

When most people hear tile floors, they automatically think of bathrooms, however, there are many rooms in a home that would benefit from tile floors.

1. Entryways: Whether it be a mudroom, your front door, or off your porch, entry ways get dirty thanks to the debris tracked indoors. Tile floors are easy to clean, making them great for all of these areas.
2. Kitchens: Kitchens are the life of the house. It is where we gather, eat, and cook, so it is going to get messy.
3. Dining rooms: Same idea as the kitchen, food drops. A nice, dressy tile can really distinguish the space while still being practical.
4. Living rooms/Bedrooms: Living rooms and bedrooms are meant to be cozy and inviting, so why not have tile floors with a nice area rug for durability and warmth? This is especially nice for homeowners with dogs because dog fur and carpet is a whole different vacuuming debacle.

Grout, especially in high traffic areas, can become grimy and change color. Here are a few ways to make sure your grout maintains it’s beauty. Find out which mixture works best for your floors and grout:

1. Baking soda + Vinegar + Brush is a great way to clean especially for white grout. However, if your floors are a natural stone, make sure the vinegar will not harm the stone. Scrub the grout lines with a brush and then rinse with clean water.
2. Steam cleaner + Rag is one of the easiest, least damaging ways, assuming you have a steam cleaner. Fill the cleaner according to manufacturers directions, focus on the grout, and then wipe the grout afterwards. This may not work as well on gritty grout
3. Bleach + Water + Brush is the most heavy-duty way, but could alter tile color. Test a small section before cleaning the entire floors, and if it doesn’t harm the color, scrub with a brush and then rinse with water.

Mixing mediums can add a beautiful element of dimension to your floors. Whether you want to incorporate a design, have a clear divide between spaces, or create a fun pattern, there are endless options to this flooring concept. Wood with a clean, ivory stone or even using contrasting colors provides stunning dimension. Below, we demonstrate a few of the ways this technique can be used throughout your home.

Though laminate and vinyl may seem quite similar, there are actually many differences. If you’re trying to decide between the two for your flooring makeover, here is a breakdown of key differences so you can decide which is best for you.

Material: vinyl is made of plastic whereas laminate is made mostly of wood product.

Moisture resistance: vinyl is almost water proof due to its plastic composition, whereas laminate is not recommended for bathrooms or other areas that experience moisture concentration.

Cost: the cost is actually quite comparable, so this is not a major difference for the two.

Liftetime: vinyl typically lasts longer, especially considering care and location.

For damages in wood floor: sand, clean and then refill with polyurethane. if the damage is not able to be repaired, then the floor boards can be replaced.

For carpet stains: attend to them as quickly as possible so the stain does not settle in the carpet. Always blot for stains, do not rub. If the stain is persistent, treat it with club soda.

For pet stains on carpet: mix water with clear dish soap and blot dry. For stains that have set, you will need to call a professional to remove the smell.

For grout that is breaking apart: if the pieces missing are small, you can easily replace them with filler grout. There are also grout stains if the exact color cannot be found.

Most homes do not have the same flooring throughout, as each room has different functions. However, remember that too many different floor types can make a home feel smaller if not done in similar hues. This can be done smoothly with a few ideas listed below:

1. Transition strips:
2. Hue family:
3. Make a design:
4. Get creative:

1. Do not use oil-based cleaners on wood floors, as they leave behind a residue. Instead, clean your wood floors with a drop of vinegar in the water.

2. Mop laminate floors frequently and ensure there are no rocks or dirt that can dull your floors shine.

3. Dry your floors after you mop them with an old towel or rag. It will guarantee no dirt is left behind.

4. Wax your floors with a buff spray and a buffer. You can rent one at most home hardware stores.

5. Use rug cushions so your rugs do not scratch the floors as they move.

Dirty carpets hold household grime, dust and pollutants. As you walk on these dirty floors, you are just breaking down the carpet fibers. That is why it is so important to clean your floors regularly and properly. 

1. The best way to keep your carpets clean is to vacuum frequently by pulling the vacuum slowly back and forth. In the average household, this should occur at least twice a week.

2. Professionally clean the carpet once a year. The steam cleaning method lifts the dirt out, but check with your carpet manufacturer to see what they recommend.

3. Throughout the year, if you need a quick clean-up, you can steam clean the carpets yourself. Do not use the solution that comes with the steamer. Otherwise, just use water or a little dish soap if you need some soap.