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Flooring and Carpeting/Questions Answered by Expert Chris

SubjectDate Asked
tile over radiant heat2/1/2012
  Q: Chris, Im installing electric radiant heat over part of a bathroom floor. I plan to tile over it ...
  A: Ok Paul, Typically since the floor is smooth / level and ready I would flat trowel the section of ...
tile over radiant heat1/31/2012
  Q: Chris, Im installing electric radiant heat over part of a bathroom floor. I plan to tile over it ...
  A: Paul, What type of sub floor and grade are you going over. Wood / above grade ? Below grade? ...
Install wood flooring over linoleum1/28/2012
  Q: Chris: I plan to install a wood floor in my kitchn. The floor currently has a sheet of linoleum and ...
  A: Nicholas, What method of installation are you going to use? You can very well leave the vinyl down ...
Carpet Installation1/25/2012
  Q: Chris- I've installed carpeting with my father off and on for years primarily for friends, ...
  A: Joel, Sorry for the delay getting to you. I have been out of town for the last week and working my ...
door drags on carpet1/13/2012
  Q: we just had new carpet installed. Now the french doors to the outside drag on the carpet. Have you ...
  A: Phil, I usually cut the door with a circular saw and a couple of clamps to set up a straight edge ...
Porcelain tile floor not flat1/10/2012
  Q: I had my kitchen floor and foyer tiled with 18"x18" porcelain tile. Previously the kitchen floor ...
  A: Bruce, This is rather extreme. I am always held liable and therefore make sure that any wild ...
luxary vinyl1/8/2012
  Q: We are remodeling a 100 yr old house. The kitchen, dining room, laundry room and bath are on the ...
  A: Since the advent of vinyl plank flooring and also the tile lines I have always considered it to be a ...
Water and underlayment12/31/2011
  Q: My son recently had a Bamboo floor installed(T+G and glued) over his concrete slab. There was some ...
  A: Joe, Funny you mention the running up of the barrier...yes in your work the sill is at least 6-8" ...
Water and underlayment12/31/2011
  Q: My son recently had a Bamboo floor installed(T+G and glued) over his concrete slab. There was some ...
  A: First, can this be submitted as an insurance issue / claim? If s you should take action ASAP and get ...
Uneven slab/Laminate Flooring12/18/2011
  Q: I am looking to install laminate flooring in my house. Problem is that the slab is fairly uneven ...
  A: Zac , Have to go to Rock Springs today ...got some guys up in Kalispell. Boss is back from ...
Covering floor of outdoor storage shed12/15/2011
  Q: I have a 10 x 16 outdoor storage shed with a work bench. It has vinyl siding and a shingle roof. ...
  A: Richard , I built my shed in much the same manner...but I attached insulation on the bottom of the ...
Carpet Padding12/15/2011
  Q: ..I'm worried that with all the staples where it is put together that you will be able to feel them. ...
  A: Dee... Rebond is the term used for many particles of recycled foam pad. That is the best and ...
renovation - wood strip flooring12/7/2011
  Q: I am relocating a wall and the wood strip flooring needs to be cut back. The cut is perpendicular to ...
  A: Thomas, I am confused "The new edge is 5" past the woods last attachment point" The new edge of ...
carpet room transition12/4/2011
  Q: When you walk into the front door of my house, I have ceramic tile in the foyer with a staircase ...
  A: Although I am not a designer per say, I think if you found something that coordinates color wise you ...
Refinishing oak hardwood floor11/30/2011
  Q: We have a set of oak steps with a landing that w had professionally refinished 2 1/4 yrs. ago. They ...
  A: Gene, Are you planning to rent a machine to sand with ? Home depot rents the stand up unit that ...
kanga backed carpeting11/28/2011
  Q: In 2010 you gave a customer a comparison of kanga(cushion bonded)backed carpeting compared to ...
  A: Daniel, Last I heard Lowes and Home depot were selling it in the North West (Dakotas and ...
higher tile to hardwood11/27/2011
  Q: I know you had a similar question but I'm going to ask again. We have a tile floor already installed ...
  A: Laura , As far as I know , they don't make any reducer that will work for curves and radius'. ...
prep for tile istall11/25/2011
  Q: I'm getting ready to install tile in a bath floor. The old plywood had water damage, so I ripped it ...
  A: Hey there Mick, Yes ...by all means. Mix up some mortar so it is looser than normal. Just add a bit ...
prep for tile istall11/24/2011
  Q: I'm getting ready to install tile in a bath floor. The old plywood had water damage, so I ripped it ...
  A: Mick, This is what I do and what I recommend... ...
higher tile to hardwood11/22/2011
  Q: I know you had a similar question but I'm going to ask again. We have a tile floor already installed ...
  A: When you say the tile is not straight what exactly do you mean. If you think you have a transition / ...
Wood Floor Added Onto Another Wood Floor11/18/2011
  Q: We recently purchased a house in Florida that the previous owners had water damage to the wood floor ...
  A: Debbie, As long as the previously damaged wood floor dried out it will be fine. The only way to ...
3 season room11/6/2011
  Q: I live in Mass and have a concrete slab floor in a three season room which there will be no heat. I ...
  A: Bonnie , What type of climate change are you talking about? I don't have any clue what climates are ...
drafty floor10/27/2011
  Q: My question is: I have carpet over a concrete slab in my tv room and has electric base board heat on ...
  A: Chris, If and when you pull out the old carpet that would be the time to investigate the issue. ...
allure ultra in hallway10/24/2011
  Q: I'm installing allure ultra planks (7.5" wide)in a hallway that is 3ft wide. What would be the best ...
  A: Donna, There are a couple of ways to do it... 1. get used to installing the product backwards and ...
allure ultra in hallway10/21/2011
  Q: I'm installing allure ultra planks (7.5" wide)in a hallway that is 3ft wide. What would be the best ...
  A: Dorota, Installing a hallway is the most challenging of projects. I hope you have an under cut saw ...
Installing Laminate on the entire second floor10/20/2011
  Q: I recently retired and decided to try installing laminate flooring in the bedrooms and hallway on ...
  A: Mike, Laminate and curves do not mix...it is virtually impossible to do the stairs with laminate ...
Wood Flooring versus tile or stone10/19/2011
  Q: I would like to know which material (wood floor or tiles) is best to use in a office renovation that ...
  A: Paula ...you should consult with a local or international designer/architect. Different countries ...
Carpeting Stair Stringers9/27/2011
  Q: How do you carpet stair stringers? Is there a formula for cutting the stringer carpet? How do you ...
  A: Terry, If the stringers are wood we typically use an electric upholstery tacker...they shoot 9/16 " ...
hardwood floor installation9/18/2011
  Q: I would like to know if it is ok to install solid 3/4 in finished, 3 inch wide hardwood over old 2 ...
  A: Susan, The underlayment needs to be as thick as the wood itself. So 3/4" minimum is recommended. ...
rug backing9/18/2011
  Q: i installed 'ALLURE TEAK" traffic master flooring. I'm looking for rug backing that is compatible. ...
  A: Barrie, If the smaller throw rug has any rubbery substance I would not trust it. I answered the ...
transitioning from floating engineered to non floating9/13/2011
  Q: what do you do when going from a floating engineered wood floor to a cement slab transition with the ...
  A: Blake, Typically we use a T cap...but in your case if the 2 floors are not flush you may have to ...
Hardwood floor Dehumidifier ?9/10/2011
  Q: Chris, I have 3/4 oak hardwood floors ( 6yrs old) on my first floor. In my unfinished basement I ...
  A: Gregory, I have no way of knowing exactly why your floor is cupping. I assume the dehumidifier is ...
Laminate floor underlay upside down9/9/2011
  Q: I paid for someone to install my new laminate floor yesterday over the old wooden floor. I bought ...
  A: I am glad to hear that it is being done properly...you deserve that. I am glad to know it was not an ...
Laminate floor underlay upside down9/4/2011
  Q: I paid for someone to install my new laminate floor yesterday over the old wooden floor. I bought ...
  A: Jenny, You are from the UK...did you use the Duralay / Timbermate..? I love that product and it is ...
under or around toilet8/30/2011
  Q: am installing Allure plank flooring in my bathroom and was wondering if I should pull the toilet and ...
  A: Tom I highly recommend pulling the toilet. For about 6.00 you can purchase a new wax ring and ...
Carpeting or Laminate???8/29/2011
  Q: I live in FL and have tile thruout the house, except for the bedrooms, which are carpeted. The ...
  A: Pat, I usually don't give advise in personal choice / design . I am the mechanic if you will ...
Does carpet in basement need a subfloor?8/17/2011
  Q: We live in Canada and are building a basement family room, approximately 27 x 27 ft. We are going ...
  A: Firstly, I am on my cell phone with a very small keyboard, forgive my typing. When I first read this ...
indoor outdoor carpeting8/13/2011
  Q: Chris, I just finished a screened in porch. My flooring is 3/4" PT Plywood over 2x10's 12" on ...
  A: Bill, You can lay the carpet directly over the ply....padding will hide just about all deficiencies ...
marble mosaic floor8/8/2011
  Q: I noticed there is a LOT of glue on the backs of the mosaics - the rear sides of the tiles are ...
  A: Susan, In my experience the glue does not hinder the bond of the tile, however the glue in between ...
Humidity - Hardwood Flooring Installation8/8/2011
  Q: We are completing construction of our new home in Southwestern Wisconsin. Currently our humidity ...
  A: Cheryl, The simple answer is yes... start with 2 and add more to the house if you need too. Having ...
porch carpet8/6/2011
  Q: I have 3/4 inch plywood raised porch across the west face of the back of my house. The indoor out ...
  A: James , Typically the products used are as follows. Floor Patch (portland based cement with polymer ...
outdoor deck carpet8/1/2011
  Q: I have a pressure treated deck (15x17) in the back of my home with very little shade. It gets sun ...
  A: Dana, If you want to purchase some inexpensive material the Home depot has plenty to offer. You ...
Tile installation7/26/2011
  Q: I have a small bathroom area (53 Sq. Ft) and plan to install new tile. I have found a tile I like – ...
  A: Lisa, This type of tile is used often in many areas. You say it is porcelain but I think it is the ...
outdoor deck carpet7/25/2011
  Q: I have a pressure treated deck (15x17) in the back of my home with very little shade. It gets sun ...
  A: Dana, The treated deck could be any number of sizes of wood, 2x4 / 2x6 / 2x8 ...whatever, the ...
Hardwood flooring7/20/2011
  Q: My house is about 1100 square feet. I want to lay a darker color in the living hall way area and a ...
  A: Cheri, Using 2 colors can be spectacular..!! Lay 1 color in a direction that best suits and ...
Installation of Tavertine over cork flooring7/13/2011
  Q: I have a small 1,000 sq ft condo on the 7th floor which in a 40 year old building. The previous ...
  A: Donna, You can not install the stone over anything as flexible as cork. The expensive travertine ...
Cork flooring7/7/2011
  Q: I want to float a cork flooring over a subfloor of stained, scored concrete. The scoring appears to ...
  A: Scott, I have never installed cork. How thick is the new product. With sheet vinyl and other VCT ...
Question on Repair to Parquet Flooring7/7/2011
  Q: I have parquet flooring throughout my flat and was redone completely 4 years ago. The company lifted ...
  A: Rose, Did you have a flood? It is true , too much humidity can affect wood so that it swells and ...
linoleum next to real wood flooring7/5/2011
  Q: Our foyer and kitchen are linoleum black and white squares (it is solid sheets of linoleum with a ...
  A: Diane, In reverse order...I do not recommend Lumber Liquidators for a few reasons, the strongest ...
vinyl tiles/carpet metal strip6/28/2011
  Q: I need to replace kitchen/entry vinyl flooring (bathroom later) by July 15th. I went to the local ...
  A: Sandra, At one point you elude to vinyl tile and at another you use the term loosely, after stating ...
Transitioning to bare concrete6/23/2011
  Q: I am trying to come up with an answer to how to stylishly terminate Armstrong's Luxe plank to bare ...
  A: Dave , They call it "Vinyl Reducer" where I come from. Roppe...Burke...Johnsonite and possibly ...
Installing Carpet on Wood Floor Adhesive6/20/2011
  Q: I have a small room (about 11' x 11') which I want to install a wool, loop-pile, patterned carpet. ...
  A: Jason , Yes, with the padding you glue the perimeter and the seams only... And you can go directly ...
Carpet installation6/20/2011
  Q: We are installing two different heights of carpet that will butt up to one another in a span of ...
  A: Robin, Yes you can .....a wood threshold can be installed first ...then the carpet can be finished ...
Laminate Wood Flooring Identification6/19/2011
  Q: I recently had a general contractor repairing my AC unit and, in the process, he ruined a large ...
  A: Mark, There are so many products manufactured in Germany and the European countries... that's where ...
leveling hardwood floor6/14/2011
  Q: Our house in 70 years old with original hardwood floors. 10 years ago we removed the linoleum in the ...
  A: When the transition piece is removed in the door way the floors should be flush underneath...What ...
floor protector6/11/2011
  Q: I have lovely laminate flooring that my husband installed which has remained new looking for 3 ...
  A: Sorry Donna, Wish I could help , however my expertise lies in the installation of flooring. I have ...
backerboard on wood floor6/7/2011
  Q: Just purchased a house on a crawlspace, my first home that wasn't on a slab. I've installed lots of ...
  A: Randy, When I do the tile I have to pull back the carpet to a degree anyway and this is the time to ...
loose underlay.6/6/2011
  Q: not to long ago I had new underlay and vinyl flooring installed. Since that time some of the ...
  A: Matter of fact there is a rather spendy wood floor repair kit that allows you to pre drill , usually ...
loose underlay.6/4/2011
  Q: not to long ago I had new underlay and vinyl flooring installed. Since that time some of the ...
  A: John, I will assume the vinyl is sheet goods. Now days it is glued(full spread) or flat laid with ...
proper way to tile a wood outside table6/3/2011
  Q: i would like to tile the top of a wooden table i use on the outside. can this be done. if it can ...
  A: Anthony , This is a tough question...tables don't have secure perimeters so you have to design ...
Tile on hardwood floors5/30/2011
  Q: Previous owners of house laid ceramic tile onto hardwood. The grout in between came up fairly ...
  A: Kirsten, I use a Bull dog ...or better known as a demo hammer/hammer drill from Bosch. Rent them ...
hardwood under vinyl/subfloor???5/24/2011
  Q: I have a colonial that was built in 1951. When we purchased it, there were hardwood floors under ...
  A: Jen , It is possible, unfortunately when they do that it involves nails /staples and other surface ...
snap engineered wood flooring question5/19/2011
  Q: Can I nail the first row of snap flooring, to hold my straight line for the rest of the room. I'm ...
  A: Phil, It is not advisable to nail the floor down whatsoever. What I do is build 3 rows and slide ...
Armstrong Laminate Noises5/15/2011
  Q: I have had the Armstrong Grand Illusions L 3030 installed by my contractor and there are crackeling ...
  A: Steven, No news since the threads I have previously posted and the responses from previous ...
Wood floor in a bathroom5/10/2011
  Q: For decorative purposes, we are putting a wood floor into a guest bathroom that will be used for ...
  A: Jill, Yes I am aware that a membrane is below the floor covering. Essentially it does a few things. ...
Wood floor in a bathroom5/10/2011
  Q: For decorative purposes, we are putting a wood floor into a guest bathroom that will be used for ...
  A: Jill, You do not HAVE TO install a membrane or topical roll on product that dries to a rubbery ...
carpet tack strips5/8/2011
  Q: Im installing carpet tack strips on a wood subfloor/underlayment, but have a question about ...
  A: Tim, For the gap we use an index finger...I suppose 1/2" is about the same. When turning corners ...
Refinishing Hardwood Floors5/1/2011
  Q: Chris, thank you for taking time to look at my question. First I must say that I am a novice when it ...
  A: Brent... Not sure how the Min wax products work. Never used them, no disrespect they are an inferior ...
SHOE MOLD-VINYL OVER TILE FLOOR WITH TILE WALL5/1/2011
  Q: I have an old house that in the bathroom they have tiled floors & 1/2 way up the wall. I had vinyl ...
  A: Just back from Wyoming ...sorry for delay. Wood base board and shoe mold work great over tile in ...
Cost of Porcelain Tile Installation4/23/2011
  Q: I would like to install porcelain tile in my living room (20' x 20') & kitchen (12' x 12').. The ...
  A: Marie, Since I am originally from Calif. The greater Los Angeles area, straight lay over concrete ...
LEAKING CERAMIC TILE SHOWER PAN4/20/2011
  Q: Chris, Thanks for taking the time to read my question. My wife noticed water dripping onto our ...
  A: Terry , Thanks for the detailed description of your issue. I am trying to figure out exactly where ...
ceramic tile4/18/2011
  Q: i removed the old vinyl tile,the glue is stuck to the concrete floor.I have not been able to remove ...
  A: Gerardo, Burning in means to forcefully use the flat side of the trowel to give the floor a smooth ...
ceramic tile4/14/2011
  Q: i removed the old vinyl tile,the glue is stuck to the concrete floor.I have not been able to remove ...
  A: Gerardo, You can sprinkle dry thin set like flour across the floor and broom it around to ...
Vitrified Tiles installation over old Mosaic tiles4/13/2011
  Q: We have decided to install new vitrified tiles of 600mm * 600 mm at our home flooring @ 600 sq. ft. ...
  A: India is so different than the USA. Here we just hate the extra height due to doors and transitions. ...
parquet floor adhesive4/12/2011
  Q: I have a 1953 ranch style house on a slab with parquet flooring. The wood parquet tiles are ...
  A: Skip, Typing from Motel lobby as I am out of town working. Sorry for the delay. This sounds a bit ...
transition pieces4/10/2011
  Q: Due to a very uneven kitchen, laundry, foyer and 1/2 bath floor, we are forced to use vinyl floor ...
  A: Susan, If you can release the carpet and run the vinyl under that. Then turn the carpet with a Z ...
parquet floor adhesive4/10/2011
  Q: I have a 1953 ranch style house on a slab with parquet flooring. The wood parquet tiles are ...
  A: Skip, So , you want to adhere the old wood with felt attached? Or the wood is free from the felt ...
Carpeting on stairs4/6/2011
  Q: We are having a carpet installed on our stairs.It will be wall to wall on the upstairs hall then be ...
  A: Amber, If the carpet, when folded over, shows a white corn row of backing when placed on the stair ...
Carpeting on stairs4/6/2011
  Q: We are having a carpet installed on our stairs.It will be wall to wall on the upstairs hall then be ...
  A: Amber , Turning and tacking the edges will allow the carpet to be as thick as the padding...nice in ...
laminate flooring smell?4/4/2011
  Q: I bought an apartment condo in December and had all the floors replaced with a pergo laminate ...
  A: Amy , I am really sorry to say this is beyond my mechanical experience. Most smells are latex or ...
Laminate flooring on stairs4/4/2011
  Q: I have pergo on our stairs and several of the cap pieces (edges)have come loose. What type of ...
  A: Jerry, I use liquid nails in the 10 oz cartridge along with a caulking gun. I prefer the HEAVY DUTY ...
Flexible transition piece for wood floor3/30/2011
  Q: Existing wood floor has a curve. Will add laminate floor right next to existing floor. What can I ...
  A: Sari, The only choice you have is a rubber transition. They make some metal for carpet but that ...
Underlayment for Engineered floating wood floor3/28/2011
  Q: Chris, I purchased Mannington engineered wood floor to install in my home. I have approximately ...
  A: Darlene, I would not advise using the carpet padding for your wood flooring. It is not dense enough ...
Flooring3/23/2011
  Q: We bought a home a few years ago and noticed the floor in bedroom would pop when walking in certain ...
  A: Well I suppose a worst case scenario would be to have outside labor do it all. Tear out the existing ...
Flooring3/21/2011
  Q: We bought a home a few years ago and noticed the floor in bedroom would pop when walking in certain ...
  A: Stacy, Since I arrived at my destination I can try to get a better idea of what is going on. I ...
Flooring3/21/2011
  Q: We bought a home a few years ago and noticed the floor in bedroom would pop when walking in certain ...
  A: Stacy, Remove the carpet intact if you can. Examine the sub floor and determine what is it that the ...
Is it bad Bad carpeting vs bad install3/16/2011
  Q: I had a stainmaster carpet installed two days ago. but it does not feel right to me when I walk on ...
  A: Susan, It would be extremely difficult for me to realize your situation without feeling it myself or ...
masonite as flooring3/13/2011
  Q: I have a vacation condo... nothing nice, I actually inherited it. It needs flooring badly but I ...
  A: Ryan, Show me the video ...what products did he use? Polyurethane is a plastic coating essentially. ...
masonite as flooring3/13/2011
  Q: I have a vacation condo... nothing nice, I actually inherited it. It needs flooring badly but I ...
  A: Ryan, I really have no idea how masonite will hold up in the higher traffic areas. I suppose if you ...
Worried sick about asbestos tiles3/12/2011
  Q: A few years ago I removed an old carpet in my basement and there were 9x9 tiles underneath. I Did ...
  A: Anthony, As I am on my smart phone answering this I can not search the web for the information I ...
Worried sick about asbestos tiles3/11/2011
  Q: A few years ago I removed an old carpet in my basement and there were 9x9 tiles underneath. I Did ...
  A: Anthony, The only way to release the asbestos in VAT (vinyl asbestos tile) tile is to sand it. The ...
Armstrong Laminate Flooring odor-smell3/9/2011
  Q: We purchased 29 boxes of Coastal Living, Osyter Bay Pine Laminate flooring, only to return all boxes ...
  A: Paulina, I can't ever recall a time when I opened case after case of flooring and had an issue such ...
Shellaced hardwood floor3/8/2011
  Q: We just removed wall to wall carpeting in our 1950's home. The hardwood floor is in great shape, but ...
  A: Chuck, I can steer you to Bona Flooring products they have a good reputation and technical customer ...
Flooring as moisture barrier3/7/2011
  Q: I live in North Florida. Its cold now but generally, even now, we have high humidity. I have plastic ...
  A: Mike, Being from the dry Western / Southern California we never had to deal with humidity such as ...
carpet on concrete3/6/2011
  Q: Chris... I hace a room with a concrete floor and I have removed the old low-pile commercial carpet ...
  A: Ok Bill, So , lets get the dimensions of the room and possibly a seam diagram going, if you so ...
carpet on concrete3/6/2011
  Q: Chris... I hace a room with a concrete floor and I have removed the old low-pile commercial carpet ...
  A: Bill, It's true Bill, trimming carpet is an art ...but with a few proper tools you can do it. It ...
Parabond M260 Adhesive3/4/2011
  Q: We just had pad and carpet installed on our basement concrete floor. The installer used Parabond ...
  A: Kim, You would have to be very sensitive and possibly have allergies or asthma to be affected by ...
Carpet identification3/2/2011
  Q: I would like to identify the carpet that will be replaced due to sewer backup, and I attached the ...
  A: Christian, There is not enough info there...it is a polyester carpet. Inexpensive and probably ...
Leveling a floor2/28/2011
  Q: Good Morning, Chris. Our house was built in 1983. We are remodeling and installing Pergo Laminate ...
  A: Rose, You can manually trowel a Portland Modified cement made special for floor patching ...or you ...
miter flat metal carpet to viynl transition reducer2/27/2011
  Q: I am planning to cut out dirty old carpet & lay stick down tiles from an entrance door (4 feet) up ...
  A: Judy, It's a bit tricky. I use hand tools , but for precision cuts a chop saw works well. Just be ...
Refinish Problem on Old Pine Floors2/25/2011
  Q: I just had my wide plank Pine Floors refinished and the New Pine came out great; but the Old Pine is ...
  A: Debbie, Have you tried the other experts here. I am drawing a blank. Possibly moisture in the wood. ...
allure vinyl flooring2/21/2011
  Q: I just removed the flooring in the bathroom which was vinyl lineolium which was glued down, on ...
  A: You can skim coat with a FEATHER EDGE product. They are made specifically for renewing the floor ...
Installation of brick face on a concrete slab2/18/2011
  Q: Good Morning, We have an old house that the original front porch has been enclosed. The floor in ...
  A: John, You are not a bother...happy to help. Here are a few links to the products offered at Home ...
fixing sound problems by carpeting over hardwood floors2/16/2011
  Q: Will pad and carpet over hardwood floors improve the sound barrier by any significant amount or do ...
  A: Pat, If the wood floors have expanded/contracted due to weather or a change in humidity this can ...
Carpet Over VAT - Tack Strips Nailed Thru VAT2/15/2011
  Q: The previous owner of my home has left me with quite a mess. He installed carpet over VAT which is ...
  A: John, If you are installing carpet and pad again you really do not need to repair them. Just start ...
Insulation2/15/2011
  Q: Our kitchen floor has ceramic tile and as you can imagine, the floor gets very cold in winter. The ...
  A: I was puzzled by that myself and I wondered which way would be best as I was trying to prevent ...
Insulation2/14/2011
  Q: Our kitchen floor has ceramic tile and as you can imagine, the floor gets very cold in winter. The ...
  A: Joe, I think insulation would go along long way to warming up the floor. I built an above grade 8x12 ...
Carpet over concrete2/12/2011
  Q: We are nearing completion of our basement. It is a walk out and has never had any indication of ...
  A: Bill, Lately there has been a lot of nice carpet with cushion attached that is glued direct to the ...
Stair Runner2/12/2011
  Q: I want to install stair runner on my stairs. I have a child and there is a landing with 14 stairs ...
  A: Heather, The best carpet is wool....the next best is nylon. From there it goes to polyester and ...
installation question2/11/2011
  Q: so im trying to install a piece of commercial carpet from procraft carpets and i cannot find a row ...
  A: James, Wow, I have had a few very tough pieces in my time...The best alternative I found was using ...
crackling noise when walk over carpet in all 3 bedrooms2/10/2011
  Q: I purchased carpet from Lowes 10 months ago and bought the more expensive pad. I've noticed that ...
  A: What did you purchase? 1/2" 8lb pad is very good padding...next is 1/2" 7 lb and so forth....then ...
Carpet Over VAT - Tack Strips Nailed Thru VAT2/9/2011
  Q: The previous owner of my home has left me with quite a mess. He installed carpet over VAT which is ...
  A: John , The VAT does not contain enough asbestos to become friable unless you sand it mechanically. ...
Installation of brick face on a concrete slab2/9/2011
  Q: Good Morning, We have an old house that the original front porch has been enclosed. The floor in ...
  A: John, Just the high spots and clumps if you will...after all you will be using at least a 1/4-1/2" ...
metroflor vinyl tile2/9/2011
  Q: I recently purchased an older home and will be replacing all the floors. I want an attractive but ...
  A: Susan, Yes I have...and I think they are very good products compared to the DIY items at the Lowes/ ...
Installation of brick face on a concrete slab2/8/2011
  Q: Good Morning, We have an old house that the original front porch has been enclosed. The floor in ...
  A: John, I have heard the term brick face a few times ...out west it is a foreign word. A vinyl tile ...
fixing sound problems by carpeting over hardwood floors2/8/2011
  Q: Will pad and carpet over hardwood floors improve the sound barrier by any significant amount or do ...
  A: Pat, I am not sure what the issue is at hand?? If the floors are creaking and squeaking you can ...
carpet over concrete2/6/2011
  Q: I have a commercial building with a concrete floor that was dyed red when poured and then sealed. I ...
  A: Bill, This is my forte....remove the old carpet and install new with a 100% (full spread) coverage ...
flooding2/2/2011
  Q: the water has got into the underlay, iwas told to get a humidifier to raw the moisture out of the ...
  A: Amy, You need a DE-HUMIDIFIER and probably some professional fans. You should contact your home ...
remove glue between tongue & groove on bamboo flooring2/2/2011
  Q: Are there any ways to make Tongue and Groove Adhesive from Lumber Liquidator soft(glue) so I can ...
  A: Tony, I am sorry but your typing is difficult to understand...is it possible to make your own ...
Tiling over slab cracks2/1/2011
  Q: I have attached pictures of the floor I am concerned about. The slab foundation is approximately 5 ...
  A: Scott, Thanks for the great detail and the picture. Sorry for the dilemma, that is a real problem ...
wood tongue and groove flooring2/1/2011
  Q: I'm installing 3/4" cherry T&G over concrete. I've put down plastic then 3/4" OSB then 15# felt and ...
  A: Tom, I had a questioner from AZ with the same issue just last week. I mentioned returning the floor ...
primer on mobile home subfloor1/31/2011
  Q: I would like to lay peel and stick tile on my mobile home floor. I read to comments made on the ...
  A: Emily, So what is your question and how can I help? A primer is always a great preparation step , ...
Floating floor separation1/27/2011
  Q: I laid a solid bamboo floating floor over a radiant heat system. Now a 3 foot section between two ...
  A: Carl, So based on what you told me this is a click and lock floating floor? You will have to dis ...
hardwood over concrete1/27/2011
  Q: First of all, thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question. I sure appreciate the advice ...
  A: Stephanie, Oh heck ....no butt T&G...this is not good. To me this is a nail down floor and even ...
hardwood over concrete1/25/2011
  Q: First of all, thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question. I sure appreciate the advice ...
  A: I certainly do appreciate all the information and thought you have put towards this. Thank you for ...
Carpeting basement1/23/2011
  Q: Half of my basement flooring is ceramic tiles on cement. The other half is carpeting on concrete. I ...
  A: Chris, I would remove the ceramic tile with a demo rotary hammer drill / rental ....it makes quick ...
honed marble1/20/2011
  Q: we are considering using honed marble in bathroom on floors and on some walls. the thickness varies ...
  A: Jo, Yes it does matter, All floor tiles have a rating for strength and durability. Some are only ...
DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Restore™ Acidic Cleaner1/14/2011
  Q: I have porcelain 16x16 floor tiles textured. Home depot told me to seal these tiles with tile lab ...
  A: John, It depends on what type sealer /Tile lab you used ...a water base or petroleum based. Either ...
Floor covering problems on screened in porch1/12/2011
  Q: When I build a screened in porch (approx 5 years ago) I put down indoor/outdoor carpet down. It was ...
  A: Fran, You can remove what indoor / outdoor carpet you have and install another layer of ply wood ...
Parquet flooring1/11/2011
  Q: I have parquet flooring in my house, stained 1960s chestnut, which I hate. How can I get it back ...
  A: Nanny, This task requires a machine to sand the floors , removing the finish and stain. After that ...
tile baseboard1/11/2011
  Q: We would like to tile our bathroom floor and include a tile baseboard. The baseboard (like I've ...
  A: Adam, what is the substrate / subfloor made of? If you are on concrete you don't need to worry ...
shower tile1/11/2011
  Q: I'm looking for experience with "inside corner" tiles? We would like to use them on our shower ...
  A: Adam, I have not used them. But I invite you and steer you to a forum that I visit from time to ...
creaking laminate floor1/11/2011
  Q: was there ever a solution to the creaking laminate. we have had eight hundred sq.ft. of natures ...
  A: Dave, Sorry to hear your plight. No definite answers and not many respond back. A particular Bruce ...
Travertine tile backsplash installation1/11/2011
  Q: I'm installing 2" x 4" travertine tile as a backsplash over painted sheetrock. They are in a brick ...
  A: Joe, I have never used the mastic on stone ...just tiles and glass tiles, also porcelain. But I ...
Travertine tile backsplash installation1/9/2011
  Q: I'm installing 2" x 4" travertine tile as a backsplash over painted sheetrock. They are in a brick ...
  A: Joe, I am going to assume this is a dry area basically...such as a kitchen or laundry area and not ...
Grout Re-Color1/8/2011
  Q: I bought my current home last summer. The entire 1st floor is tile (unknown what type). ...
  A: Kerry , This is one area that I never experienced. When doing the work I do it has always been a ...
scratches in wood floor1/8/2011
  Q: We had 3/4 inch prefinished oak flooring installed in our kitchen and dining area 2 years ago. This ...
  A: Gloria, Depends on the finish...High gloss floors will be more prone to scuffing / scratching and ...
Material Search1/8/2011
  Q: We bought laminate flooring for our home around December 2009. We left carpet in the bedrooms but ...
  A: Have you tried Kronotex ...
Floor transition1/7/2011
  Q: I recently installed a walk in closet in the attic space in my home. A new door was installed ...
  A: Guy, I hate Bing...I use Google....lol VCT= vinyl composition tile made by Armstrong available at ...
Floor transition1/7/2011
  Q: I recently installed a walk in closet in the attic space in my home. A new door was installed ...
  A: Guy, In situations like this and when a customer wants to do it economically we tend to be as ...
bamboo and concrete flooring1/7/2011
  Q: I need help. Ordered bamboo from lowe's they came to install and saw that we had tiles over a ...
  A: Tamara, Is the bamboo floor getting glued down? You are absolutely correct...Lowes has and sells ...
New Carpet problem....1/6/2011
  Q: Good Evening, We just had new Camelot, subtle pattern carpeting installed today. We have a wonderful ...
  A: Darcy, End roll crush actually makes a distinctive line in the 12 foot width as you get to the end ...
flooring material1/3/2011
  Q: i purchased a home built in the 60's. when removing carpet in one of the rooms, i found a material ...
  A: Send a picture to cp_ent @ msn.com My guess is that it it wood flooring PARQUET ..or a vinyl copy ...
floors1/3/2011
  Q: We have tile floor meeting carpet that has hardwood flooring and now we want to pick up the ...
  A: Last night I typed a response , hmmm must have disappeared. The jist of the response was basically a ...
submerged ceramic tiled floor1/3/2011
  Q: My ceramic tiled floor has been under flood waters for a week. The adhesive is solvent based and the ...
  A: In the land of OZ I have no idea what type of adhesive you have..here we use cement and I trust that ...
Hardwood Flooring and Trim1/2/2011
  Q: We have baseboards and windows that are trimmed throughout our house in pine wood with a cherry ...
  A: Debbie, It's all a matter of personal choice. Many times I prefer contrast ...if it works ! Other ...
floors1/1/2011
  Q: We have tile floor meeting carpet that has hardwood flooring and now we want to pick up the ...
  A: Brenda, So let me get this right..?? You are removing the carpet to expose the wood? And you need ...
Tile over existing tile shower floor?12/31/2010
  Q: love to do this stuff but want to do it right. I have a 1957 Pepto Bismol BR. with mosaic floor ...
  A: Faye, This is a large project to undertake..if it is an original floor , which it sounds like , it ...
Cement Set Tile12/30/2010
  Q: I am remodeling a bathroom from the 1930's. The tile was 'cement set'. Now that all the mortar is ...
  A: Eric, There are 2 ways that I use to do this...the old school method and the new school method. ...
wood floor to carpet transition12/27/2010
  Q: Chris: I have a flooring project about to begin and I read where you helped a customer learn how to ...
  A: Zoe, It's true there are no transitions manufactured by the industry for this radius ...
Granit tile over slate12/26/2010
  Q: I have a slate fireplace hearth that was built in the 1960's. I would like to update it by laying ...
  A: Gary, Slate is usually sealed with a stone sealer to give it a satin or gloss appearance otherwise ...
Porcelain Tile12/23/2010
  Q: Chris, I am installing a porcelain tile pattern in my kitchen, 12" x 12" tiles with an offset 6" x ...
  A: Chris, I want to let you know that you don't and should not have any expansion joint in the tile at ...
Crease in new carpet12/21/2010
  Q: Newly installed carpet has a definite crease or fold mark the entire width. Seller and installer ...
  A: Diana, You failed to mention whereabouts is this crease..? Typically at the end of the roll it will ...
Wood baseboards on tile floor12/19/2010
  Q: I just bought a new house and the builder has not cleaned the grout or sealed the tile. I am in ...
  A: James, In a perfect world the base should have been installed first and low enough for the ...
6' Radius on Hardwood Flooring to Carpet12/19/2010
  Q: I am in the middle of an addition/remodel on my neighbors house and we have decided that a radius on ...
  A: Gary , Dry lay the boards to be cut at the radius...really lay all the boards up and make a steady ...
Mexican Tiles vs Italian Porcelian tiles12/17/2010
  Q: I am in process of selecting floor tiles for installation by a professional. They will be installed ...
  A: Rob , I would invite you to buy 1 of each and chip the tiles on the edges with a hammer or other ...
Transition strip material12/15/2010
  Q: Where can I find an 2-3 inch wide by 23 foot long Rubberized material? I need it for an odd ...
  A: Bill, No one that I know of has a transition for a soft curve like that in rubber....some companies ...
Shower Floor Redo12/14/2010
  Q: We have a custom built walk-in tile shower (including the ceiling, walls, floor). We are very ...
  A: Jim, There are a number of ways to accomplish this. The latest trend is textured and or polished ...
sub-floor heights12/13/2010
  Q: Recently added 2 additions to my house, one 1000 sq ft, the other 5oo with a 4-5' hallway/opening ...
  A: What new flooring do you intend to install...for carpet you can make a small ramp, for wood you need ...
soundproofing12/12/2010
  Q: i have new neighbors beneath me who have a ceiling fan directly under the bed in my apt. the ...
  A: Jackie, Shoot the neighbors....LOL....just kidding. Have them balance the fan for 1. 2. Have them ...
Rust12/10/2010
  Q: ...... I hope you can help me. I am a hair stylist and my chair is on a rubber mat. The metal base ...
  A: Sharon, I don't know if this will work on rubber, but I purchased a product that would remove rust ...
Shower12/9/2010
  Q: I'm still working on my tiling, Chris. I used three rows of mosaic & 1x1" glass tiles with the rest ...
  A: Nedra, The spacing is what determines the type of grout. Anything 1/8" + should get sanded grout. ...
Mapei 909 Mastic vs Thinset12/8/2010
  Q: The bathroom/laundry room is getting a ceramic tile floor this week. The contractor bought Mapei 909 ...
  A: Shel, Thinset will dry rock hard like cement in 8 hrs...and is preferred for floors and walls and ...
Duraceramic vs. ceramic flooring11/30/2010
  Q: I am replacing my hardwood floor (for the third time) in my kitchen. I have looked at duraceramic ...
  A: Maxine, Even here in Utah with snow on the ground and outside freezing temps I really appreciate ...
Installing Carpet11/27/2010
  Q: I would like to install carpet on cement stairs. Please advise as to how I can do this. Thank You ...
  A: Garth, We typically use a gallon of Contact cement and a few throw away paint brushes/rollers. How ...
flooring...carpet next to wood11/21/2010
  Q: hope I can explain this. The room we are in stalling flooring is like a living room and dining ...
  A: Phill, When joining carpet to wood it is always easier to cut angles. Wether it be 90's or 45's or ...
alternative options for refinishing hardwood floors11/18/2010
  Q: We just bought our first house and are going to tear out the carpet--we hate carpeting. There is ...
  A: Tracy, That's so funny that you happen to ask me a question in my weakest area...PAINTING...I am ...
Leggett and Platt Odor-Ban pad11/15/2010
  Q: What is the description of the performance for odor-ban,does it prevent spills from entering through ...
  A: John, Personally I never recommended it and I think it is hype. The plastic coated side is ...
waterlogged ceramic tile11/14/2010
  Q: My husband and I recently acquired 250 12"x12" ceramic tiles which were dirty and exposed to the ...
  A: Nancy, You would have to do a moisture test to determine what PSI of vapor transmission is present. ...
removing ( wood ?)coving strips11/13/2010
  Q: I'm recovering an old stained linoleum floor that was coved, with TrafficMaster ALLURE flooring. ...
  A: Wendy, Cut the lino about 1" away from the cove stick at floor level. This will help you to pry off ...
waterlogged ceramic tile11/13/2010
  Q: My husband and I recently acquired 250 12"x12" ceramic tiles which were dirty and exposed to the ...
  A: Nancy, If it is a red clay body tile they should dry out rather quickly in a few days if kept ...
Laminate on 24 inch joists11/13/2010
  Q: I am finishing a bonus room above my garage and am deciding on a flooring to install. My floor ...
  A: Jason, I am glad to hear you ask about Laminate flooring...that will be fine and requires little ...
tile floor leaching water from comcrete floor11/10/2010
  Q: why is water leaching from underneath certain tiles in my tile floor bathroom? I don't find a water ...
  A: Jack, Can you give me some of the details that could help me understand the situation clearly. ...
Hardwood/Asbestos Tiles11/7/2010
  Q: Good afternoon. I purchased a townhouse that was built in 1974. After moving in I removed all ...
  A: Victoria, It sounds like you are dealing with a wood tile...is this correct? It is called PARKAY ...
Locking engineered flooring10/29/2010
  Q: I am a homeowner about to install a locking wood floor for the first time. I will need to change ...
  A: Susan , The concept of changing direction with the snap lock floors is doable but very very ...
Carpet Seam Re-taping10/27/2010
  Q: I have a living room area rug that was professionally custom-made about 20 years ago. It has many ...
  A: Brad , You need a seam iron and seam tape and the ability to use it. Placing the tape (glue side) ...
okay - it's installed - now what?10/25/2010
  Q: I feel like an idiot here, but I can't find an answer anywhere else on the web, so here it goes ...
  A: Robin , By all means get a professional to sand and finish the wood. What a wonderful experience it ...
Hard wood flooring in a cottage10/21/2010
  Q: I am building a cottage that will be left unheated for part of the winter. The first floor is 850 ...
  A: Pat, I am fond of darker and richer colors ...they will show lighter colored dirt more readily. ...
Bathroom flooring reno10/21/2010
  Q: I have a powder room with peel & stick vinyl tile that I want to change. I had found in two places ...
  A: Megan, My previous answer was based on you installing ceramic tile as you mentioned the word TILE , ...
Tongue and groove flooring10/19/2010
  Q: I have a newer addition on my home that I am trying to match the wood floors to the original 1920 ...
  A: Anthony, Yes there is ...make a spline and glue it into the grooves. It is like making a dowel for ...
Bathroom flooring reno10/18/2010
  Q: I have a powder room with peel & stick vinyl tile that I want to change. I had found in two places ...
  A: Megan, If you could tell me roughly what the difference is I would appreciate it. This is the ...
refinishing hardwood (maple) floors10/16/2010
  Q: i am planning on refinishing the hardwood floors in my living room and dinning room and would like ...
  A: Fred , Take a look at Bona Products here... ...
Bathroom flooring reno10/11/2010
  Q: I have a powder room with peel & stick vinyl tile that I want to change. I had found in two places ...
  A: Megan , I recently did a bathroom for a friend. He and his girlfriend were happy to announce that ...
installation of solid wood floor10/6/2010
  Q: We want to install solid wood floor (hickory, pre-finished, solid, 5inch planks, planks are I think ...
  A: Elizabeth, Every manufacture has specifications that you can get via telephone or the instructions ...
bathroom tile10/6/2010
  Q: I have a tile job that i am doing and can't figure how to lay it out, the room is 7' x 6' not ...
  A: Albert, If this gets long winded feel free to e mail me cp_ent@msn.com You can also post pictures ...
breezeway flooring10/5/2010
  Q: Chris, We are replacing half of our breezeway floor. It is half concrete and the other half we're ...
  A: Melanie, Anything vinyl is going to be an issue with moisture , the result is usually bad and the ...
Prep for installing wall tiles10/4/2010
  Q: Chris, I'm back at my bathroom again and am reviewing what is needed to install tiles above a shower ...
  A: Nedra, I use the fiberglass drywall tape on all the seams and corners. Thinset will not stick to ...
Tub Deck Construction for Tiling9/30/2010
  Q: I worked a while back with Jim Carlin on this web site when I did my major floor job. He was ...
  A: Jerry, Since I have always purchased modified thinset and usually white, I never bothered to use ...
Tub Deck Construction for Tiling9/30/2010
  Q: I worked a while back with Jim Carlin on this web site when I did my major floor job. He was ...
  A: Jerry, Two quick questions come to mind... 1, Are you restricted with the choice of plumbing ...
basement floor9/29/2010
  Q: My daughter, who lives in Columbus, OH has recently re-modeled her basement where there is humidity, ...
  A: Kate, How is the basement getting humidity ? From the floor / walls? Where is the sump pump located ...
Hardwood Flooring9/28/2010
  Q: We live in a 45 year old home that has beautiful hardwood floors, that the previous owners have ...
  A: Shawn, As I said in my first answer you need a wood floor person. Since you state the age of the ...
Whitewashing and/or sealing hardwood floors9/27/2010
  Q: I have a hundred year old house and have refinished all the hardwood floors (oak and pine) ...
  A: Lori, Can you purchase oil base products in GA? Georgia is of course the carpet capitol of the USA ...
Discrepancy of Carpet requirements9/27/2010
  Q: In the process of trying to order carpet for 3 bedrooms in my house. They are very basic rooms, the ...
  A: Patty, I certainly do see your concerns. His diagram has a cut list on it. The cuts add up to ...
Bathroom remodel (tile floor)9/26/2010
  Q: Chris, I am remodeling my main bathroom and have some questions about the floor. I removed all the ...
  A: Joe, Hi there...lots of questions and answers coming, if this gets too long this forum may restrict ...
Best Flooring for Radiant Heat9/25/2010
  Q: I have a house that was built in the 60s with radiant heat tubes running through a concrete floor. ...
  A: Mona , Since radiant heat is usually set to moderate temperatures all floors do very well with it. ...
Discrepancy of Carpet requirements9/25/2010
  Q: In the process of trying to order carpet for 3 bedrooms in my house. They are very basic rooms, the ...
  A: Patty, I think you could save a bundle if you were to purchase a non pattered product. I love a ...
Discrepancy of Carpet requirements9/25/2010
  Q: In the process of trying to order carpet for 3 bedrooms in my house. They are very basic rooms, the ...
  A: Patty, With padding you can even order less by 10% due to the fact that the tack strip is about 1 ...
Whitewashing and/or sealing hardwood floors9/23/2010
  Q: I have a hundred year old house and have refinished all the hardwood floors (oak and pine) ...
  A: Lori, I am unfamiliar with a sealer to protect the floors other than traditional methods of ...
wood flooring repair9/19/2010
  Q: we just installed engineered wood flooring. There is microbevil between the boards. However, in ...
  A: Phil, A wood filler that will not crack and chip is best. Also you want something that is ...
flooring9/17/2010
  Q: what type of flooring could be installed over "kitchen" carpet which is glued down to asbestos tile ...
  A: Jack, Nothing can be installed over that ... Kitchen is 80-100 sq feet?? Demo it all , the ...
carpet loosened9/16/2010
  Q: I successfully removed blue crayon from a beige carpet with WD-40. However... I used too much I ...
  A: No ...if you are going to inject use the seam sealer and dilute slightly with water ...95% /5%...Or ...
installing solid bamboo flooring on concrete slab9/16/2010
  Q: I am having bamboo flooring installed in my home. Because the foundation is a concrete slap I'd ...
  A: Bonnie, Use Mapei or Bostick products and do not short cut. 125.00-150.00 per 5 gallons retail. ...
Loose lay vinyl9/16/2010
  Q: I was installing a loose lay (preference plus tarkett)vinyl.I need to do one seem in a room 9x2. ...
  A: Chuck , You need to contact the manufacture at the 800# and ask what adhesive you can use. I was at ...
carpet loosened9/16/2010
  Q: I successfully removed blue crayon from a beige carpet with WD-40. However... I used too much I ...
  A: Elzie, Apparently you have disturbed the adhesive latex between the primary and secondary backings ...
Flooring9/14/2010
  Q: My mother had new tile installed and carpet taken out. The area is an addition but was overseen ( ...
  A: Karie, The 3/4" plywood is the subfloor on the joists of the house. That is code. The additional ...
allure floor planks9/14/2010
  Q: After I laid my floor planks where can I purchase or how can you make transition piece going from ...
  A: Dana, Think of reducing the tile down over the plank .... use a wood molding made for wood ...
flooring9/13/2010
  Q: I live in Michigan and have carpeting throughout the house. I have 3 cats and a dog. My husband is ...
  A: Sounds like a situation to me ... cost and value with cats thrown in the middle. As much as I love ...
vinyl plank flooring9/12/2010
  Q: I am planning to use adura vinyl plank LocnGO flooring in two rooms of the home I am building. I ...
  A: I have no idea what the new system will be like. But even the old system requires the sub floor to ...
laying vinyl over old subfloor9/11/2010
  Q: I'm replacing my kithcen floor and have removed the rolled vinyl flooring.I want to replace it with ...
  A: Terry, The condition of the subfloor must be in such a condition that the new floor will adhere and ...
vinyl plank flooring9/10/2010
  Q: I am planning to use adura vinyl plank LocnGO flooring in two rooms of the home I am building. I ...
  A: Tracy, The only time a Click Lock / Snap Lock / Fold and Go type floor has failed miserably is when ...
stain9/9/2010
  Q: I just had my kitchen/family room remodeled and I refinished a set of oak cabinets. They are red ...
  A: Karen, LOL...often females solve the most difficult problems. Regardless of the other rooms the ...
removal of tile and plywood subfloor9/9/2010
  Q: We recently purchased an older home and removed all carpet and found nice hardwood floors in all ...
  A: Paula , It will be next to impossible to remove the layers of floors without damaging the hardwood. ...
Replacing carpet with tile.9/6/2010
  Q: I want to cut out a sectionj of carpet and replace it with tile. How do I secure the carpet edge ...
  A: Larry, Concrete tack strip is used ...the nails are made to be driven into concrete. Best to have a ...
Bathroom Tile Backsplash9/5/2010
  Q: Got the tile floor in, Chris. Thanks for your help. I decided I should install a tile backsplash ...
  A: Hopefully the wall is just paint over drywall. Waterproofing isn't all that critical for ...
Tile Floor Sealing9/5/2010
  Q: I recently had some tile installed and when they were sealing it there was an area that had moisture ...
  A: Ian , A sealer will not cause the grout to crack ...movement and flexing of the floor do that. If ...
brick floor9/5/2010
  Q: I had old Chicago split brick installed 10 years ago. The Poly is peeling up in places and the floor ...
  A: Charles , I am not sure ...10 years ago they probably used an oil based sealer. Call Aqua Mix at ...
Laminate floor9/5/2010
  Q: I am preparing to install laminate in two bedrooms, they will meet carpeting in the hall at the ...
  A: Sandra, Typically the finish edge of the laminate ends 1/2 way under the door itself. The carpet ...
Removal of engineered floor9/3/2010
  Q: I want to remove an 3/8" engineered,gluded down, wood floor, from my kitchen and replace it with a ...
  A: Gerry, The only way to do this ,since the floor is glued down, is to set a circular saw to the ...
Purple Discoloration on Vinyl Floor9/3/2010
  Q: I am having the exact same problem as described here: ...
  A: Ronnie, I have seen discoloration of vinyl many times ...usually related to moisture of some sort ...
basement concrete floor moisture test9/1/2010
  Q: A couple of Konnecto planks were pulled up for a moisture test(after being on the floor for a year) ...
  A: Linda, Since I have been in the trade I have never measured temps of the floor...but for 30.00 I ...
removing grout haze from old chicago9/1/2010
  Q: I have had a terrible time removing the polyblend grout haze, sandstone in color, the tiles aren't ...
  A: Jason , Use vinegar 100% rinse with water....or a product off the shelf that removes grout, I think ...
basement concrete floor moisture test8/30/2010
  Q: A couple of Konnecto planks were pulled up for a moisture test(after being on the floor for a year) ...
  A: Linda, Vinyl in a basement is prone to problems. The vinyl does not breathe and traps all vapor ...
engineered hardwood over linoleum and tile8/30/2010
  Q: I have sheet linoleum(probably installed early 70's)covered by vinyl composite tile(installed in the ...
  A: Kathy, The wood floor manufacture will make specific recommendations if you call the 800 # listed ...
Dura-Rock8/29/2010
  Q: When laying the backerboard on the floor I saw on TV one time that they used liquid nails instead of ...
  A: Joan, I always follow these instructions so I get 100% coverage/ adhesion. ...
carpet install8/28/2010
  Q: Before I lay carpet and it's underlay down on the basement concrete, should the concrete be sealed ...
  A: Brad, Normally I would say no. But if you have a moisture problem and a known issue it might be ...
Carpet over landing8/22/2010
  Q: We have to replace our living room carpet as it is horribly worn out and we have a new baby who will ...
  A: Shannon, This is going to be hard to put into words. I need to know the surface planes, how many ...
White Pine Kitchen Flooring8/18/2010
  Q: Chris, I am planning to put down a kitchen floor in an uninsulated, 3 season Quebec cottage (near ...
  A: William, This sounds like a classic DIY from an episode of " THIS OLD HOUSE" with Bob Villa. I ...
should i remove or not8/17/2010
  Q: During my vacation my basement got flooded...seems like in some locations there was water upto 2 " ...
  A: Aalok, I think you should file a homeowners insurance claim. And definitely remove the laminate and ...
hardwood flooring8/17/2010
  Q: we live in a two-story row home in Philadelphia. We're getting new hardwood floors installed. The ...
  A: Yes the wood should enhance the length of the room as much as possible. Some factors can over ride ...
cupped floors8/15/2010
  Q: Chris This is another question. I answered your first reply earlier today. Would it be reasonable to ...
  A: Terry, I am answering out of order ...just the way they landed in my inbox. I think that is a ...
Cupped hardwood floors8/15/2010
  Q: Recently had hardwood floors installed in a room over a garage and they have cupped noticeably.My ...
  A: Terry , Thanks for the specs ...yep a real solid wood floor all right. I hate to say it, it will ...
carpet product/purchase8/14/2010
  Q: I am looking to replace carpet in my home but very new at this & starting off with the Den. I live ...
  A: Dee, Although I am not a sales person I can attest to the fact that nylon carpet is the best bet ...
tiling kitchen and baths floors in a double-wide mobile home8/13/2010
  Q: We have a lake house and need to remodel the kitchen and bathrooms. Ceramic tile is being talked ...
  A: Janice, Since I have done tons of work in mobile parks in So Calif I will assume that the baths are ...
heating in floor tubing8/12/2010
  Q: I'm going to put in floor Pex oxygen Barrier tubing (hot water boiler) I have a wood sub floor been ...
  A: Michael, Quote "The 4 basic methods of installation are In-slab, joist, overpour, and wood panel ...
Cupped hardwood floors8/12/2010
  Q: Recently had hardwood floors installed in a room over a garage and they have cupped noticeably.My ...
  A: Terry, The contractor may have been able to perform a moisture test with various methods and it may ...
Leveling for tile over linoleum8/10/2010
  Q: I am a novice getting ready to install tile over vinyl in a bathroom. 1. The bathroom floor minus ...
  A: Nedra, The Mapei products are fine ...Ultra flex 1 is less expensive and better for your pocket ...
Leveling for tile over linoleum8/9/2010
  Q: I am a novice getting ready to install tile over vinyl in a bathroom. 1. The bathroom floor minus ...
  A: Yes please do install cement board (Hardi backer) 1/4" thick. Follow these instructions to avoid ...
Basement Carpet8/9/2010
  Q: I am finishing out my basement and I am getting ready to put down the base board. One person told ...
  A: Bob, There are 2 scenarios. The first is a glue direct carpet method and the other is conventional ...
Leveling for tile over linoleum8/8/2010
  Q: I am a novice getting ready to install tile over vinyl in a bathroom. 1. The bathroom floor minus ...
  A: Nedra, I need to assume that you are on a wood subfloor? Is this right? What kind of tile ...
VCT over wood8/7/2010
  Q: We have a mid-1950's home on pier and beam foundation. The project at hand is replacing the ...
  A: Pat, Back in the 50's the tile was VAT , (vinyl asbestos tile) I know it takes lots of years to ...
carpet/padding8/4/2010
  Q: I am purchasing carpet for my living room. I have hardwood floors under it.( I know nobody can ...
  A: Marrianne, The age old question is simply answered by what you can afford and what you desire ...
Base molding between vinyl and tile8/3/2010
  Q: I just installed a vinyl flooring product in the living room of our rental house. There are three ...
  A: Robert, Boy I guess I can't read...lol Ok I need to know where exactly does the material ...
Best Wood Flooring for Dogs8/2/2010
  Q: We have 2 large dogs and I would like to replace all the carpeting with hardwood flooring. What do ...
  A: Rose, I wish I could answer this question. I was never a sales person and I basically know all ...
Base molding between vinyl and tile8/2/2010
  Q: I just installed a vinyl flooring product in the living room of our rental house. There are three ...
  A: Robert, I have this site saved in my favorites to share with you. As you look at each transition ...
tile floor transitions8/2/2010
  Q: I am putting new tile down in my kitchen to replace Pergo. the subfloor is 1 inch thick so I am ...
  A: Tom, Marble thresholds are very nice ...but they usually are about 1/2" to 3/4" thick and then ...
Chipboard sub-floor8/1/2010
  Q: I'm hoping you can help! We've finally decided to replace the carpet in our kitchen with vinyl ...
  A: YIKES ... I hate foam backed carpet ..the black stuff is horrendous. You can razor scrape it to ...
tile floor transitions8/1/2010
  Q: I am putting new tile down in my kitchen to replace Pergo. the subfloor is 1 inch thick so I am ...
  A: Tom, Your first scenario ...am I supposed to do the math..? Let's see 42" wide step that is higher ...
CERAMIC TILE OVER CONCRETE SLAB7/30/2010
  Q: I'm ready to install ceramic in nmy bathrooms which have sheet vinyl glued to the concrete slab. I ...
  A: Jim, It will work just fine... Please purchase a mortar that you mix yourself with water. Make sure ...
Porcelain tile transition to carpet/konecto7/29/2010
  Q: I'm planning on handling the porcelain tile installation for my commercial space to save on money. ...
  A: Richard , The answer is yes....just make sure you curve your Schulter around a 5 gallon bucket to ...
hardwood flooring urine stains.7/28/2010
  Q: my cats have soiled some areas on my hardwood flooring. I would like to know If there is something ...
  A: Linda, The floor can be repaired quite easily by a professional. There are many examples online and ...
hardwood flooring urine stains.7/27/2010
  Q: my cats have soiled some areas on my hardwood flooring. I would like to know If there is something ...
  A: Linda , There is no miracle cure for soiled/ stained wood. Wether it be floors or furniture it is ...
marble tiles7/27/2010
  Q: a customer of mine wants me to lay a marble floor for her she dosnt want to use any adhesive but ...
  A: Dinny, I need some more details if you don't mind. 1. Is the existing floor a concrete slab or ...
Laminate flooring7/25/2010
  Q: Previous owner of my home had half of the approx. 16 X 13 master bedroom raised 2 small steps %26 a ...
  A: The round edge is made of what material? Ply wood can not be rounded over like that with a sander. ...
Laminate flooring7/25/2010
  Q: Previous owner of my home had half of the approx. 16 X 13 master bedroom raised 2 small steps %26 a ...
  A: Terry, More than likely if this raised floor is supporting the bed and furniture and people traffic ...
hardwood floor cracks7/20/2010
  Q: I have lived in a brand new building for almost 2 years now, and have noticed cracks in my hardwood ...
  A: Bobby, It's possible you might have a case ...however to prove it you will need to spend the monies ...
Wood flooring installation at outside door threshold7/19/2010
  Q: I am installing 3/4 hardwood flooring. The manufacturer recommends a 1/2 inch expansion joint around ...
  A: We always purchase a end cap or threshold made to match the wood. Sometimes it is called a carpet ...
Hardwood floors7/18/2010
  Q: I have a home that is about 50 years old with (oak) hardwood floors covered by carpet. I removed ...
  A: Tom, It is a job for the professional. Seriously, the tools alone to do it right are extremely ...
Removing old glue from concrete floor7/16/2010
  Q: I have removed old engineered wood from my concrete floor and need to know the best way to remove ...
  A: Paul, If you have a planer you can run it through and remove just a breath of material from the ...
Underlayment before installation of vinyl plank flooring7/16/2010
  Q: I am planning to install Konecto vinyl plank floating floor across three connecting rooms. Two rooms ...
  A: Matt, I prefer to overlap just a bit ...it is not a scientific application. If you go over 2" or 6" ...
Underlayment before installation of vinyl plank flooring7/16/2010
  Q: I am planning to install Konecto vinyl plank floating floor across three connecting rooms. Two rooms ...
  A: I know that floor prep is a rather daunting task, It was always a nerve racking experience for me as ...
Underlayment before installation of vinyl plank flooring7/16/2010
  Q: I am planning to install Konecto vinyl plank floating floor across three connecting rooms. Two rooms ...
  A: Matt, The floating floor systems are supposed to eliminate much of this floor prep, that's one of ...
french drain7/15/2010
  Q: We had some water issues in our 1992 colonial home basement. We installed a french drain in the ...
  A: Chris, This site allows you to attach 1 picture...and I would need to see an image of the type of ...
Removing old glue from concrete floor7/13/2010
  Q: I have removed old engineered wood from my concrete floor and need to know the best way to remove ...
  A: Paul, It's recommended that you mechanically remove the old adhesive. Any stripper is said to ...
air bubbles7/12/2010
  Q: I have on large air bubble in a runner at top of stairs. Runner was stapled when being installed. I ...
  A: Eva, Is this runner made of carpet? Or is this runner plastic? To protect the carpet. If it is ...
Quick Step7/7/2010
  Q: Do you know if Quick Step "Perpectives" collection of laminate is a decent brand/line? Thanks!
  A: Michelle, I used to install Quick Step years ago. I am sure they change the model name and style / ...
Gypcrete7/7/2010
  Q: If gypcrete is applied over oriented strand board and then glue down 12 inch vinyl is applied over ...
  A: Alan, If you call the home owners insurance company can you file a claim? If so that is the best ...
Flooring7/7/2010
  Q: Can you please let me know how to choose between a granite, ceramic and a vitrified tile based on 1. ...
  A: Srinivas, Firstly I would shy away from ceramic tile ...the clay based red bodied tile is the ...
Clean Brazilian cherry flooring7/6/2010
  Q: I want to prep a home for sale that has about 2500 sq ft of wood flooring. The house is only 3 ...
  A: Mary Ann, Although I do not clean floors professionally I do not hesitate to use paint thinner and ...
Gypcrete7/6/2010
  Q: If gypcrete is applied over oriented strand board and then glue down 12 inch vinyl is applied over ...
  A: Alan, Gypcrete ...or light weight concrete as we call it in California is usually found above ...
wood glue7/3/2010
  Q: we are installing some engineered wood flooring. it will be a floating floor. the instructions for ...
  A: Phil, It's much easier to glue the bottom groove of the slot...it kinda depends on if you are ...
flooring/door7/2/2010
  Q: we are installing engineered wood in out kitchen. the door from the kitchen to the garage will also ...
  A: Phil, Since the threshold is in the frame, and the floor is the same level, I see no reason not to ...
Cryntel Terra Stone6/29/2010
  Q: I had Cryntel Terra Stone installed in my kitchen/eating area just over two years ago. The evening ...
  A: Lisa, I am sorry these DIY products that Lowes and Home Depot sells are just a burr in my side. I ...
Installing Carpet over hard wood floors6/28/2010
  Q: We are creating a safe, play space for our infant and putting wall-to-wall carpeting over a small ...
  A: Caroline, There are 3 choices...possibly 4. 1. The reducer which is usually rubber and made for ...
3 carpet seam tape questions6/28/2010
  Q: I am in the last few steps to repair my carpet from flooding damage. I am trying to connect 3 ...
  A: Ray , I always use a heat bond tape ...Orcon K 40 or K 20 are my preferences. They all work well ...
konecto problem6/26/2010
  Q: I just put in a nice looking konecto floor, and when I moved the refrigerator back into place, it ...
  A: David, I have never installed this floor. Probably due to the fact that it is touted as a DIY item. ...
asbestos tile sealing6/24/2010
  Q: I have intact tile containing verified asbestos. Please tell me (i have research this to death with ...
  A: Kathleen, Let's talk about the ceramic tile in the kitchen. Removing the VAT tile will not be ...
asbestos tile sealing6/23/2010
  Q: I have intact tile containing verified asbestos. Please tell me (i have research this to death with ...
  A: ..sorry for the delay, our trip was fraught with break downs and repair expenses. I am glad I could ...
Squeeky Linoleum/Vinyl Floors after Cleaning6/22/2010
  Q: I cleaned my vinyl floors with water and vinegar and now they squeak when walking on them. Not the ...
  A: Kathy, I need to know what type of vinyl?? Squares or full sheet goods. I would have to hear it to ...
tile on cement slab6/21/2010
  Q: We just finished a new dorm and have found several bathrooms with hollow sounding spots, some rooms ...
  A: Phill , What type of adhesive cement did they use?? If they used mortar, cement and sand as ...
asbestos tile sealing6/21/2010
  Q: I have intact tile containing verified asbestos. Please tell me (i have research this to death with ...
  A: Kathleen, This conversation will go in a direction that will allow you to remove the material ...
Tiles coming up6/20/2010
  Q: Several years ago we had ceramic tile installed in our LR, DR and BR. We have an off grade home and ...
  A: Kristie, As with all cement board backings this procedure must be used to install the underlayment. ...
What kind of flooring6/20/2010
  Q: I recently purchased a home in Phoenix Arizona. I would like to install hardwood or bamboo in the ...
  A: Jennifer, In many parts of the country a de-humidifier is run to keep things dry...in this case I ...
What kind of flooring6/19/2010
  Q: I recently purchased a home in Phoenix Arizona. I would like to install hardwood or bamboo in the ...
  A: Jennifer, I am going to need to know what is the foundation of this structure wood or concrete?? ...
Hollow spots and popping sounds under engineered wood flooring6/19/2010
  Q: I just laid an Engineered wood floor using Bostik MVP and Bostik Adhesive. I have some hollow spots ...
  A: Marvin, Sorry to have assumed it was the 2 part A and B epoxies. That is all I ever use and have ...
Hollow spots and popping sounds under engineered wood flooring6/19/2010
  Q: I just laid an Engineered wood floor using Bostik MVP and Bostik Adhesive. I have some hollow spots ...
  A: Marvin, The 2 part epoxies work well with any floor adhesive and I have never had any issues mixing ...
tile on cement slab6/18/2010
  Q: We just finished a new dorm and have found several bathrooms with hollow sounding spots, some rooms ...
  A: Phil, Contractor ...license ...bond??? Withhold payment until resolved. Get an additional letter of ...
carpet cleaning6/17/2010
  Q: I am looking for suggestions as to how to remove a residue left on carpet after duct tape was used ...
  A: Laura, I would test first in a hidden area. On most nylon carpets WD-40 can be used sparingly. That ...
floor noise6/16/2010
  Q: The plywood under the carpeting makes a popping/creaking noise along a bedroom wall adjacent to the ...
  A: Annie, Is this an area where you can access via a crawl space. I would get someone in there and see ...
Subfloor Moisture6/14/2010
  Q: Last year we installed a new vinyl stick down floor in an old cottage. Prior to the installation we ...
  A: David, This is a tough spot to be in ...Here in the US we have products that roll on like paint ...
Carpet to Linoleum Doorway Transition6/14/2010
  Q: I am very much a novice and I need to install a transition strip from carpet to linoleum flooring in ...
  A: Niki, Concrete floors can be drilled with a masonary bit ( 1.99) get 2 as they wear out fast. ...
floor soft spot6/14/2010
  Q: "Hi I am entering escrow on a home with wood/carpet/tile. Near the front entrance there is a "soft ...
  A: Mills, 2 feet of entry way tells me the damaged area...vaguely, what of the overall entryway and ...
Hardwood Floor (Getting Rid of Residue)6/11/2010
  Q: I used a recommended product to protect my hardwood floors from scratches and give it a shine. Well ...
  A: Pricia, I am sorry that I do not have an answer for you. I do not know what product you are using ...
Naturcor installation over OSB6/10/2010
  Q: Can Can Naturcor be installed directly over an OSB floor (new construction)? This would be done ...
  A: Bob, I would not do it personally.... I would at least contact the manufacture and see what they ...
Plywood or Backerboard?6/10/2010
  Q: I have a lot of people tell me that I don't need to use backer board in an upstairs bath or bedroom, ...
  A: Mike , I have always used a cement backer board over plywood / upstairs/ suspended floors. I would ...
Brazallian Blood Wood6/10/2010
  Q: I have scratches on my hardwood flooring that need to be removed. I was wondering if there is ...
  A: Curtis, there are many resources available online to help you make a sound decision and determine ...
removing carpet adhesive6/7/2010
  Q: I just took the carpet off my front porch. It is a open porch and had indoor/outdoor carpet on it. ...
  A: Try to purchase some thing like this ...
Kanga vs. Conventional padding6/5/2010
  Q: I am in the process of finishing my basement. I am WAY over budget so far, and i am left with our ...
  A: Bill , Recently I had a question from a man who purchased a carpet with attached padding. I asked ...
Installing porcelain tile on an exterior concrete slab6/2/2010
  Q: Chris, I'm planning to install 18" porcelain tile on an exterior concrete patio slab. There will ...
  A: I will look forward to seeing the info as soon as I log off here.Ok went and read the thread...I am ...
Flooring Thickness6/1/2010
  Q: Chris: I am looking to put down hardwood flooring in my new addition. The addition is a truss floor. ...
  A: Adam, It's not the wood that will make your floor strong/stronger. It is the support structure and ...
Bamboo Flooring in Walkout Basement Family Room6/1/2010
  Q: Chris, We have a large family room (approx. 24 X 30) that is now carpeted. We want to replace the ...
  A: Margaret, What installation system is required for the bamboo that you are looking at? If it is ...
Bamboo Flooring in Walkout Basement Family Room5/31/2010
  Q: Chris, We have a large family room (approx. 24 X 30) that is now carpeted. We want to replace the ...
  A: Margaret, There are many options and answers to your multi dimensional question. The first is the ...
Installing porcelain tile on an exterior concrete slab5/30/2010
  Q: Chris, I'm planning to install 18" porcelain tile on an exterior concrete patio slab. There will ...
  A: Bill, I was under the impression that 1) the deck is built and 2) there is only one expansion ...
Installing porcelain tile on an exterior concrete slab5/29/2010
  Q: Chris, I'm planning to install 18" porcelain tile on an exterior concrete patio slab. There will ...
  A: Bill, What products do you have available ...Mapei? Where do you plan to purchase? The mortar ...
Removing tar from a plywood subfloor?5/29/2010
  Q: I am in the process of installing a new laminate floor in my apartment (built in 1972). After ...
  A: Ben, If you are installing a laminate (floating floor) you can use a razor scraper to remove 75-85% ...
subfloor5/28/2010
  Q: I am remodeling my kitchen. I have overlayed the old rough plywood with 1/4" lauan. I counter sunk 1 ...
  A: Phyllis, Luan is not an acceptable flooring subfloor. It is prohibited from our arsenal of ...
Need to level floor5/26/2010
  Q: Our second story floor has a dip or low spot that must be leveled before we install new engineered ...
  A: John, If these bids are from licensed, bonded contractors then i would feel quite comfortable that ...
Need to level floor5/26/2010
  Q: Our second story floor has a dip or low spot that must be leveled before we install new engineered ...
  A: John, A floating floor will be less demanding than a glue or nail down situation. The underlayment ...
Need to level floor5/25/2010
  Q: Our second story floor has a dip or low spot that must be leveled before we install new engineered ...
  A: John, I would like to know if this area is in the middle of the room or towards a wall / side of ...
gluing butt joints5/25/2010
  Q: I just finished reading some of your answers and am impressed by your knowledge and personality. I ...
  A: sure hope we can find a solution for you too. The T cap serves a purpose but it sure looks better ...
laminate flooring5/21/2010
  Q: My house is on a slab foundation.I glued laminate flooring (wood) to my concrete floor 3 weeks ago. ...
  A: Mark, Even though your not supposed to glue the laminate snap lock type wood to the floors/concrete, ...
Hardwood in a Condo5/21/2010
  Q: I plan on putting hardwood floors in my condo and the association requires that I place MLV on the ...
  A: Carl, I was searching my vendors for another questioner and found this ...applicable for glue down ...
Carpet to CementTransition5/20/2010
  Q: I'm finishing a portion of my basement and will have a door leading from the carpeted finished ...
  A: Jim, If the carpet install is over pad a "clamp down" metal in silver or gold is a proper ...
Where to begin5/19/2010
  Q: Good Morning Chris, The totally worn and had-it carpet is wall to wall whole house. Sorry to say ...
  A: Julia , It is dirty and difficult and messy work. All types of sharp objects to deal with and the ...
laminate flooring5/17/2010
  Q: my bed room floor is 12/4 x 9/8 1/2 how many boxes of laminate would it take to cover my floor ? ...
  A: Roy, I need to know how many square feet in the box/es you intend to purchase. They should label it ...
Floor tiles5/17/2010
  Q: We would like to lay vinyl, or similar product, tiles on our cabin floor. During the winter the ...
  A: Mary , The environment must be maintained at a reasonable temp other wise you will be wasting your ...
hardwood floors5/16/2010
  Q: About 2 years ago I applied a liquid wax from a bottle onto my hardwood floor in my living room and ...
  A: Linda, If you have the name of the liquid wax you can get removal instructions possibly from ...
Bloodwood Flooring5/14/2010
  Q: I am installing a bloodwood flood - what type of finishing products would you recommend? I've read ...
  A: Debra, Coming from California where the EPA has stringent laws regarding floor finishes we are ...
vinyl over old laminate? Fireplace tiles?5/14/2010
  Q: Couple questions here. Home depot and lowes have both said they will not rip out old laminate ...
  A: Jolynn, I am confused...laminate flooring does not have asbestos ...they invented it way after the ...
Armstrong Coastal Living Laminate5/14/2010
  Q: Chris, I have been researching problems with Armstrong laminate flooring due to an unfortunate ...
  A: DyAnne, I had a nice chapter /page typed and I lost it ...I clicked something and poof it was gone. ...
creaking pergo flooring with attached underlayment5/13/2010
  Q: Last August we purchased from Lowes and had installed by Lowes a product called "Swift-Loc", which ...
  A: Christina, I have been asked this question before...get ready for a long battle, you have to get an ...
Tile installation under baseboard5/13/2010
  Q: We are purchasing a new home and have selected porcelain tile as one expensive option. The ...
  A: Paul, Who is installing the tile and when ? Who is installing the new larger format base and when? ...
Hardwood in a Condo5/12/2010
  Q: I plan on putting hardwood floors in my condo and the association requires that I place MLV on the ...
  A: Carl, I looked it up and yes that's a neat product, however take a look at Bostick MVP4 and the way ...
carpet padding5/12/2010
  Q: Is padding for carpet ever stretched? OR....is it just carpets that are supposed to be stretched & ...
  A: P, We will often staple one end and walk it / stretch it slightly...and staple the other. But it is ...
laminate flooring5/12/2010
  Q: i just bought a condo and the condo board demands carpet all over the condo because it reduces noise ...
  A: Jose , I have no idea what decibels levels your condo association requires. All laminate floor ...
Outdoor carpet bubbling in the sun5/10/2010
  Q: I just laid indoor/outdoor carpet (not glued down) on my enclosed sun deck over existing 30 year old ...
  A: Dirk, Since I can't see the underlying fabric or the density of it I can't make a recommendation ...
stretching carpet5/10/2010
  Q: I have a situation in my 1000 sq. foot house that a normal carpet power stretcher (with poles, etc) ...
  A: Don, If anyone hired me to do a job ...Lowes / Home Depot or an independent shop and I walked in and ...
stretching carpet5/9/2010
  Q: I have a situation in my 1000 sq. foot house that a normal carpet power stretcher (with poles, etc) ...
  A: Don, Back when carpet tiles came out it was mostly for commercial use and the expense was ...
Replacement Flooring in my Kitchen5/9/2010
  Q: Chris, I am having to replace some old rubber backed carpet in my kitchen due to a water leak caused ...
  A: Bill , Sorry about the waste factor. It reads as a nice floor...I have always been fond of ...
Attached pad carpet installation over old pad5/8/2010
  Q: Can I install carpet with an attached 3/16 pad over my old 7/16 pad? ANSWER: Damien, I need more ...
  A: Damien, I spoke with the flooring dept. in Menards of WY. They carry the product also. It can be ...
peel and stick vs. sheet5/6/2010
  Q: Chris, I have been shopping for a new floor for a large area (approx. 400 sq. feet). I know I want ...
  A: Pamela, The only sheet vinyl floor today, that I know of, that has a glossy shine is a low end ...
How to stick multiple carpet pieces together5/5/2010
  Q: How can I stick 2 or more Carpet pieces and make them look like in a whole piece? Do I need any ...
  A: Ray , The tool/s go as follows ...a seam iron and a roll of seam tape or more. Also a proper carpet ...
Can I glue on top of VCT tile5/4/2010
  Q: I have 2 rooms in my basement that have VCT tile installed. I am wondering if I can glue engineered ...
  A: David, If you read the instructions on the container of glue I think it recommends removing any old ...
Prep for Porcelain Tile5/4/2010
  Q: We are undertaking a pretty large tile project in our home - about 600 square feet of work. We have ...
  A: Jenn, Regardless off the possible 1/8" difference in height you will need to add a backer board or ...
Basement floor5/3/2010
  Q: Chris, I have a full basement that is finished except for the floor. We want usuable space there - ...
  A: Erick, This type of project always has risks of moisture coming up from the slab. What safeguards ...
installing carpet to old theater aisles4/27/2010
  Q: We are putting down new commercial carpet in an old theater building. The aisles have been painted. ...
  A: Thomas, Since you don't state what type of paint...I would say yes remove it. Most adhesives form a ...
How to remove craft glue from carpeting4/27/2010
  Q: I have to remove craft glue from the carpeting in a house that I have rented for 3 yrs. I believe it ...
  A: Kim, Sorry to say I do not clean carpet....my expertise falls in the installation and repairing of ...
installing new engineered flooring4/22/2010
  Q: I will be installing new engineered flooring in an old house that already has 1/4" plywood over a ...
  A: Craig, Regardless of the current seams and joists ...you run the floor so it enhances the house. ...
Adura tile/carpet transition on concrete4/20/2010
  Q: We are finishing our basement and have glued Mannington Adura tile in 2 bathrooms and a laundry ...
  A: There are 2 ways to do it that comes promptly to mind. 1) is the tack strip and Z bar method and it ...
Area rug4/19/2010
  Q: I bought an 8 X 10 wool area rug at a garage sale for $100.00. The seller said it came from the Bon ...
  A: I know from past experience that carpet on carpet will never stay in place. That beautiful wool rug ...
Installing 18 x 18 ceramic tile4/17/2010
  Q: I have old hardwood flooring that I am trying to install ceramic tile over. I applied self leveling ...
  A: The tile ...any and all tile should be on hardi backer to ensure proper bond. Or a more complicated ...
Tile Floor Installation4/14/2010
  Q: I recently had a tile floor installed. There was pergo flooring down that was buckling. Upon removal ...
  A: Nelson, Depending on the area if it is wide open as we say I can do 300 + sq ft. per day How many ...
Squeaky floor4/11/2010
  Q: Our kitchen floor has vinyl on it. Basically its a very large area that is so squeaky. When walking ...
  A: Joanne , That's correct SCREW down the top surface with 2.5" long gold screws(stronger than dry ...
New doors - new carpet install4/11/2010
  Q: - my question is which should be completed first - installing new solid core interior doors, or ...
  A: Gregg, Do the doors first..do not cut them to the base board height. Base boards are 2" high and ...
wood varnish4/11/2010
  Q: I am wondering if we should varnish our wood stair railings to match the shine on our hardwood ...
  A: Lori , From what I know oil finishes are applied to natural unstained wood to preserve and enhance ...
Squeaky floor4/10/2010
  Q: Our kitchen floor has vinyl on it. Basically its a very large area that is so squeaky. When walking ...
  A: Joanne, The floor joists maybe sagging and lacking support. Or it could be as simple as old nails ...
Severe Drop in kitchen floor4/7/2010
  Q: Chris- We're remodeling our kitchen in a house build in 1880. The floor drops a good 1 1/2 inches ...
  A: Jeff, It is possible to nail down some 2x4, on the flat it will be 1 1/2" thick. This will be the ...
Kitc hen Flooring4/3/2010
  Q: We want to put vinyl sheet flooring over our current Solarium flooring. The reason for putting new ...
  A: Erik, If you are using a reputable shop and licensed contractor that has references you should have ...
Laying new hardwood to meet up to existing hardwood4/3/2010
  Q: We recently had hardwood floors installed in the major parts of our home. I now want to add hardwood ...
  A: Sharon, I am about to go out of town on work related business. If you require a follow up answer ...
Squeaky floor after carpets replaced3/31/2010
  Q: Our house was completely rebuilt in 98'. However, we just decided to replace our carpets. And since ...
  A: Corinne, It is highly unlikely that the installer did any subfloor work at this area you refer to. ...
VCT Tile3/29/2010
  Q: I am getting ready to open up a bakery and have purchased Armstrong VCT as our choice of flooring. I ...
  A: Bob, How many square feet of floor???? I know that concrete has to dry out and there are some rules ...
Can I mix up 2 different sizes of carpet pad3/29/2010
  Q: I am trying to replace partial of my carpet pad due to water damage. My old carpet pad is 5/8 inch ...
  A: Ray, Yes the 1/2" next to the 5/8" will not be that noticeable....the thicker the carpet the less ...
Flooring over a concrete slab3/28/2010
  Q: I would like to solicit your opinion on the pros and cons of Bamboo (5/8" x 3.75") vs engineered vs ...
  A: Rob, I believe the bamboo is solid ....correct me if I am wrong. Do not glue solid wood on ...
carpet ruts3/26/2010
  Q: When you move a piece of furniture and it leaves a mark in the carpet, how do you get it out of the ...
  A: Patrice, Furniture impressions don't go away easily. You can try some steam cleaning ...or some ...
installing laminate floor3/26/2010
  Q: I recently had some baseboard molding installed in my daughter's room. A couple days ago I noticed ...
  A: Elsa, Depends on then type of baseboard you have. With any wood floor it is required to add a base ...
putting carpet over granite3/25/2010
  Q: I AM LOOKING TO PUT WALL TO WALL CARPETING OVER MY GRANITE FLOOR WITHOUT DESTROYING MY GRANITE FLOOR ...
  A: Mike 1 room only ...what size ?? Maybe the double face tapes that hold down carpet would be fine. ...
carpeted cement floor3/22/2010
  Q: I have a thin carpet glued to a cement basement floor in my family room, i t is clean and does not ...
  A: Eleanor, Please do remove the carpet and install the moisture barrier foam underlayment. This will ...
carpet pooling3/21/2010
  Q: Chris , I had Polyester plush carpet installed in my living room , steps , hall, bedrooms , after ...
  A: Ken, I have seen pooling before but not lately. Frieze carpet does not do this as well as any multi ...
area rug3/14/2010
  Q: I have a indoor area rug on my lanai and it got rained on. The area where it got wet now has a water ...
  A: I am sorry Gerri, This is not my area of expertise...have you tried calling a professional steam ...
New wood floor3/14/2010
  Q: I am going to put a new wood floor over an old, but solid, parquet floor. Which is best to use: a ...
  A: Kathy, This is a loaded question ...with solid wood as a new floor will increase heights by 3/4" ...
Finding and installing a floor reducer3/14/2010
  Q: I am trying to replace an oak reducer that separates an oak floor and tile floor (92 1/2" L). The ...
  A: Andrew, Get over to a flooring retailer and browse through some product catalogs. A sales person ...
Laminate flooring at stairs3/11/2010
  Q: I am installing laminate flooring on stairs. I removed carpet and found that the stair sub floor ...
  A: Ryoichi, That is a personal preference...it's completely up to you. If you have invested the monies ...
knee pads3/10/2010
  Q: I'm on my 3 pair of knee pads because I can't seem to get satisfied. Every pair ends up sliding down ...
  A: Hey Randy, I buy the Crain neoprene blue knee pads...with Velcro straps upper and lower. They are ...
Outdoor carpeting3/9/2010
  Q: I need to find a small piece of carpeting 6' x 9' that will drain as the patio is open to the rain. ...
  A: Not that I know of Sue, I have installed a lot of astro turf and glued it directly to porches / ...
Vinyl flooring3/8/2010
  Q: I wrote once before re vinyl products and which you prefer. I found a reputable installer and have ...
  A: Mary, Considering the size of 350 Sq ft (small actually)...it would be better to tear it all out, ...
adding a subfloor3/7/2010
  Q: my kitchen and living room are adjoining. i have tile in the kitchen and carpet in the living room. ...
  A: Dan , Start looking at ENGINEERED hardwood floor that can be glued directly to the slab. These are ...
ceremic tile grout3/6/2010
  Q: why does my grout keep breaking up and flaking off? it did it after inially being done and so the ...
  A: If the wood floor / tile is flexing it will crack / flake / pop out. If the grout was a bit thin ...
luxury vinyl tiles and grouting3/6/2010
  Q: I have been looking at luxury vinyl tiles for my kitchen. I don't want ceramic tile because it is ...
  A: Cathy, Sorry buy the DIY items out there are not the type of floors that are typically sold in a ...
1960's Vinyl Tile Removal on Wood Subfloor3/3/2010
  Q: We just recently bought a 1966, 1-story, ranch style, pier and beam home in the North Dallas area. ...
  A: Yes even on wood sub floors you can skim coat Mapei Plani patch and a 50/50 mixture of liquid latex ...
Laminate underlayments3/2/2010
  Q: We were buying some laminate flooring and they recommended Titanium brand underlayment. It was the ...
  A: Hollie, I know quite a bit about these products in general. Typically they are measured in mm as ...
haze on newly laid ceramic tile floor3/2/2010
  Q: we just got done tiling our dining area. I thought I did all the steps of washing, cleaning tiles ...
  A: The first and least problematic would be to use vinegar. Won't hurt you or the tiles / grout. 50/50 ...
Slate Flooring3/1/2010
  Q: My wife and I are trying to decide if Slate tile would be a good choice for flooring for our ...
  A: Slate is a beautiful very soft stone. In the honed or factory smooth slightly polished , for lack of ...
traffic master allure install2/28/2010
  Q: I'm doing an entryway install and one side of the planks are going to be against a carpet any ...
  A: Ohhh, That changes things a bit... Here is what I do with real wood..it will work for laminate too. ...
Wooden floor leveling2/28/2010
  Q: I am removing a brick fireplace from a livingroom. the fireplace itself is flat to the wall but has ...
  A: Debra, If the subfloor is sound/sturdy I would fill it with plywood, screwed to the existing wood ...
1960's Vinyl Tile Removal on Wood Subfloor2/28/2010
  Q: We just recently bought a 1966, 1-story, ranch style, pier and beam home in the North Dallas area. ...
  A: Firstly and not to alarm you, the tiles are 9x9 correct? They are VAT tiles (vinyl asbestos tiles) ...
traffic master allure install2/27/2010
  Q: I'm doing an entryway install and one side of the planks are going to be against a carpet any ...
  A: Ken, In the entry way is there tack strip for the carpet down now??? Or did you remove it? you can ...
wet carpet in bsmt2/26/2010
  Q: a couple weeks ago i realized my basement was wet (carpet, walls were sweating, etc). i've been ...
  A: Jane, Is this a possible insurance claim? A flood damage? If so I would file a claim ASAP. If on ...
Porcelain Tiles2/22/2010
  Q: We laid B %26 Q beige porcelain 600 x 600 tiles downstairs throughout our house, they look great for ...
  A: Kim , I am not a cleaning expert...but if you suspect it is a residue from grout ...try a grout ...
Tile Grout Spacing2/21/2010
  Q: We are looking at placing a tile on a concrete floor in our bathroom. We have purchased porcelain ...
  A: John , That's what I love about this pattern ...it is not precise...go with a free hand spacing and ...
Tile over Granite - Fireplace2/21/2010
  Q: I would like to give my fireplace a facelift. It is currently surrounded by a granite border. I ...
  A: Tiling over polished Granite can be done ...but you need to scarify it and abraid the surface so it ...
Bubbling lino2/20/2010
  Q: why does linoleum bubble?It has not been glued,there is no water underneath although I am not sure ...
  A: Richard, It could possibly be changes in the season and humidity that cause this. Since you are ...
Laminate baseboard2/18/2010
  Q: I replaced old carpet for laminate. The area I laminated shares with tile . Baseboard had to be ...
  A: Andy, If you purchased the base shoe (small strip) and paid extra for it...I would not paint it in ...
replace carpet area with tile2/18/2010
  Q: I would like to replace a small section of carpet inside a doorway with tile, that will be a place ...
  A: Valerie, Remove the carpet , install cement board according to the online instructions install tile ...
tiling a kitchen countertop2/18/2010
  Q: I am installing a porcelain ceramic tile counter top on my old kitchen cabinets. After removing the ...
  A: Oren, If you are not going to use the old timers paper wire and mortar...you need to plywood and ...
laminate2/18/2010
  Q: Can you recommend a good quality laminate product? I'm really confused on which brand to buy. Also, ...
  A: Ed, I have installed both and I prefer Quick step, it was sold in abundance and I contracted for ...
grout and sealer2/18/2010
  Q: Instead of using water to mix your grout can you use grout sealer as the liquid? I am using Mapei ...
  A: Richard, I recently was told that this is true and correct and can be done ....please call the 800 ...
laminate2/17/2010
  Q: Can you recommend a good quality laminate product? I'm really confused on which brand to buy. Also, ...
  A: I would stay away from Armstrong. The high end products are having repeated issues. Same for Bruce. ...
Bubbles in flooring2/17/2010
  Q: I had 2 rooms of flexitec flooring installed in June 2009. A couple of months after the ...
  A: Connie, The number didn't show up ....this site has much to be desired...but if you get this ...
tile trim and tile underlay2/17/2010
  Q: I am laying some tile underlay down onto particle board in preparation for the tiler to lay the ...
  A: Brett , Here in the USA it is against policy to use particle board ...if it ever gets wet it will ...
peel and stick tiles2/16/2010
  Q: I want to install peel and stick tiles in my very small laundry room. I have linoleum/vinyl sheet ...
  A: Norma, You want a straight answer...it's hard to do that without seeing the floor. Any pock marks ...
chemical reaction between hardwood and rug?2/15/2010
  Q: I purchased an area rug with a rubberized backing for my son's room. After 2-3 weeks, we noticed an ...
  A: Greg, I have no idea what to do ....I know never to place a latex / PVC back rug on wood or sheet ...
Bubbles in flooring2/14/2010
  Q: I had 2 rooms of flexitec flooring installed in June 2009. A couple of months after the ...
  A: Connie, Firstly I have never installed flexitek or any of the " New " lines of DIY loose lay sheet ...
Bubbles in flooring2/13/2010
  Q: I had 2 rooms of flexitec flooring installed in June 2009. A couple of months after the ...
  A: Connie, I am not an expert regarding the law but you need to contact the state contractors board ...
transition piece between wood floor and porcelin tile2/12/2010
  Q: We are in process of having tile new tile placed in the kitchen of our home. The living room has a ...
  A: Barbara, Is this gap deliberate ...because the tile would look funny coming all the way up to the ...
Parquet flooring2/10/2010
  Q: Chris, Our house is on a slab and was built in 1952. We had water damage to our Parquet floor ...
  A: Greg, Is this a serious question ....I have a brother named Greg who loves to pull my leg. If the ...
Air gap between hardwood floor & bottom of door2/8/2010
  Q: We recently removed carpet in hallway to expose hardwood floors. Removal of the carpet has left a ...
  A: Ernest, Measure the door and see if purchasing a new one will add any length/height. Home Depot has ...
haze on newly laid ceramic tile floor2/7/2010
  Q: we just got done tiling our dining area. I thought I did all the steps of washing, cleaning tiles ...
  A: Debbie, How long did you wait to begin wiping/sponging the grout? Usually I do it within 5-10 ...
attic subflooring2/4/2010
  Q: I'm installing subflooring in a 100+ year old house with attic floor joists that are 2x6's, 24 ...
  A: Fred , Most floors are made up of 3/4" ply ....if you want to short cut I suggest using blocking to ...
attic subflooring2/4/2010
  Q: I'm installing subflooring in a 100+ year old house with attic floor joists that are 2x6's, 24 ...
  A: Fred, As far as I know thee are no deflection calculations for carpeting...there are for tile but ...
laminate plank layout2/3/2010
  Q: We are ready to begin laying our floating laminate flooring. I know we need to figure out the width ...
  A: Donna, Yes ....I assume that you are here in the USA ...so I don't need to worry about metric. ...
runner over high pile carpet1/30/2010
  Q: We just installed deep pile carpet and we would like to put down a runner close to our front entry ...
  A: Andrew, I am an installer / flooring mechanic. I can only give you my opinion on this subject. The ...
horizonal vs vertical,best direction for laying planks1/30/2010
  Q: What is the best direction for laying floor planks, horizontal or vertical?
  A: Ladonna, I know what you are saying ...but it's funny and teasing you would be rude without knowing ...
Fitted carpet with removable centre.1/28/2010
  Q: In the lounge area of my golf club a new carpet has been fitted with an area cut out for special ...
  A: Colin , This is a tough question. In the USA we have double faced tapes and Velcro fasteners with ...
power stretching1/27/2010
  Q: I am getting new carpet for my 1,000 square foot house on a slab. Do you think power stretching is ...
  A: Dave, I was always under the impression that if you have carpet the slab breathes...1/2" 8lb rebond ...
Installing bamboo floor over Hardibacker Board?1/25/2010
  Q: Chris, I have been asked to install a 5/8” strip bamboo floor in a second story bedroom of a ...
  A: Chris... I fear the staples would fail ....only in the cement board , the angle would be very prone ...
Floor Transition follow up1/25/2010
  Q: Chris, thanks for your answer. I was afraid those would be my only choices. I had a thought today, ...
  A: Dave, I have done something similar with oak beveled and sanded and stained....but it was more of a ...
Hardwood Flooring1/23/2010
  Q: We are installing new 3/4" hardwood floors in our old house. There is an existing old oak floor ...
  A: 1. It is OK to install the new over the old...just make sure that the old is securely fastened and ...
Transition Floors Where Wall Removed1/22/2010
  Q: Chris, I am planning to remove a decorative (not bearing) stub wall between the kitchen and family ...
  A: Dave , No I can't ...but if you have some left over wood and the direction is going the right way ...
Ceramic Tile over Terrazzo1/19/2010
  Q: I have a 60's block 1 story FL home with terrazzo floors. I want to have ceramic tile laid over the ...
  A: Lois, Truth be told I have never installed tile over tile ...or terrazzo. I do know that if I were ...
Oozing grout1/17/2010
  Q: I have same problem as Kathy. My oozing occurs basically in 2 small areas (1-2") I steam clean the ...
  A: WJ, If it is a moisture issue and these are mineral deposits seeping up from the slab the worst ...
laminate moldings1/17/2010
  Q: We are installing a floating laminate floor ourselves. We had the retailer come measure the floor. ...
  A: If you cut the threshold to allow for the extra height of the wood...then the answer is no ...the ...
Hurrican repair1/15/2010
  Q: We are repairing a 1800 sq. foot office area that was destroyed by Hurricane Ike. It will have 2 ...
  A: Eileen, Please tell me the type of floor ...wood ...or concrete slab as the sub floor?? Basic ...
laminate moldings1/14/2010
  Q: We are installing a floating laminate floor ourselves. We had the retailer come measure the floor. ...
  A: Donna, I am of the mindset to cut the thresholds also...as I would the door frames with an ...
laminate moldings1/13/2010
  Q: We are installing a floating laminate floor ourselves. We had the retailer come measure the floor. ...
  A: Donna, You can eliminate the T molding if you like and have the floor as one continuous /seamless ...
sobella1/13/2010
  Q: We installed Stainmaster 6001 vinyl flooring with vinyl backing and did not glue. There are still a ...
  A: That's probably why I don't use these systems/products ...I prefer full spread or as the tarkett ...
New Carpet1/13/2010
  Q: We are replacing the carpet in our house. We will be purchasing a Stainmaster carpet - nothing ...
  A: W.J. Church, For padding I would be fine with 1/2" 7lb REBOND...1/2" 8 lb is the best ....but at ...
whobbly toilets1/8/2010
  Q: I moved into a new home and within a few days we noticed that both bathroom toilettes were ...
  A: Shannon, If the toilets are mounted over a wood subfloor...and or the the flange under the toilet ...
Transition from carpet to hardwood1/6/2010
  Q: Before moving into our house we had all of the former wall-to-wall carpet removed and the hardwood ...
  A: Sarah, If you want to purchase a gold metal transition piece (gold flat metal)or silver, you can ...
Tile over Hardwood Floor1/6/2010
  Q: I Pulled the carpet up in my dining room and the hardwoods underneath were in sorry shape. I've ...
  A: Wendy ...I suggest you do some more homework as to how to install tile over a wood subfloor. There ...
leveling kitchen floor for tile installation1/5/2010
  Q: Hey Chris, I recently purchased a house and decided to tile the kitchen floor that was previously ...
  A: Matthew, Two things come to mind right away. Yes you can have slight deviations and correct them as ...
sobella1/5/2010
  Q: We installed Stainmaster 6001 vinyl flooring with vinyl backing and did not glue. There are still a ...
  A: Ted , I looked up the product and on the Stainmaster site I found it does not include ...
Ceramic Tile Mortar1/5/2010
  Q: My basement flooded and the insurance only gave me 1/3 of what the cost for a contractor costs to ...
  A: Tom, Congrats on taking on all the projects and getting this far successfully. Here is my pet ...
transitioning from carpet to hardwood1/4/2010
  Q: I am a complete novice when it comes to this but its not a big job and I'm gonna try and tackle it ...
  A: Alvin, What is the front door threshold made of ? Wood or metal/ aluminum? Either way we use a ...
Grout Penetrating Sealant1/3/2010
  Q: Three months ago our whole house was porcelain-tiled (unglazed stone "look") by a tile contractor. ...
  A: Hey there WB, I have never mixed sealer in the grout...that's very creative poppy cock. I have ...
removing ceramic tiles1/2/2010
  Q: We have a kitchen/dining/great room area that we want to install engineered hardwood in. Currently ...
  A: ..that always helps a bit. Here's what I know, When demo'ing tile manually or with rented chisel / ...
what type of floor is best1/2/2010
  Q: I am refinishing my basement and I found my floor tiles are asbestos tiles. Some (very few) are ...
  A: Barbara, With the new info you provided I have reservations....you need to remove a few pieces and ...
porcelain tile over particle board1/1/2010
  Q: I have just removed the vinyl floor from my kitchen along with the plywood it was adhered to. With ...
  A: Paul , Happy New Year to you .... This is a simple fix ...although labor intensive and somewhat ...
carpeting stairs; waterfall or cap?12/30/2009
  Q: We have carpet installers in our house right now, and while I was out they installed carpet on the ...
  A: Melinda ... Waterfall is fast and easy, usually included at a reasonable price...cap and band ...or ...
what type of floor is best12/29/2009
  Q: I am refinishing my basement and I found my floor tiles are asbestos tiles. Some (very few) are ...
  A: Barbara, I would like to suggest porcelain tile...repairing the floor would be a chore and removal ...
Laminate flooring question...12/28/2009
  Q: Chris, My sister is planning to replace berber carpet in the den with laminate flooring (that looks ...
  A: David, If you are trying to make a contrasting statement I say turn it 90 degrees. As a matter of ...
Laminate Flooring Installation12/27/2009
  Q: I moved into a new construction condominium with laminate flooring. I noticed that a few planks ...
  A: Yan, I am grateful that you attached a photo...it is a poor cut / a mistake made by the installer. ...
carpets and door closings12/22/2009
  Q: Our hours is Victorian. The floors were refinished on the 2nd floor & 11 doors taken down and cut in ...
  A: Susan, Thank you for the Christmas wishes... As you stated , the doors were cut prior to the ...
Weird white stuff on part of our grout12/21/2009
  Q: we had ceramic tiles laid in our kitchen last year and now, on a few sections of grout, there is a ...
  A: Darren, I need to know a few more things. 1. Is the self leveling product over concrete? 2. What ...
Bruce Laminate Floor Popping12/21/2009
  Q: We had a Bruce wood laminate floor (Reserve Premium Wild Cherry) professionally installed several ...
  A: Carla, Thank you for sharing this with me....Amazing!! Wow what an ordeal ...thank heavens it was ...
Tile flooriing12/21/2009
  Q: How can I attach sliding door track to tile laid over a concrete floor? ANSWER: Hello Bill, Happy ...
  A: Bill, I need to know the size of the screw / fastener you are going to use... If this is an old ...
carpets and door closings12/20/2009
  Q: Our hours is Victorian. The floors were refinished on the 2nd floor & 11 doors taken down and cut in ...
  A: Susan, Yes , this reducer will do exactly what you are proposing.If you need tips on how to atach ...
carpets and door closings12/19/2009
  Q: Our hours is Victorian. The floors were refinished on the 2nd floor & 11 doors taken down and cut in ...
  A: Susan, Customer satisfaction is always the first concern of mine....if you don't like it ask to ...
Tile flooriing12/18/2009
  Q: How can I attach sliding door track to tile laid over a concrete floor?
  A: Happy Holidays to you and yours. There are a couple of ways to do it...I have used both methods and ...
Mold and tile floors12/18/2009
  Q: I recently had a pipe burst which flooded a majority of my house while I was away on vacation. Water ...
  A: Jon, There are a few things going on here.... 1. What do you want? 2. What is the insurance willing ...
DIY remodeling kitchen in OLD house12/17/2009
  Q: My husband and I own a 2300 sq foot 2-story house in central WA, where we have a very dry climate. ...
  A: Kathy, I want you to know that anyone can do this type of work ....a circular saw and some goggles ...
Porcelain tile in kitchen12/16/2009
  Q: I am planning to install porcelain tile in my kitchen to replace vinyl. I am planning on taking out ...
  A: I re read the hardi installation instructions and it does say EXTERIOR grade 3/4" OSB is acceptable ...
Porcelain tile in kitchen12/16/2009
  Q: I am planning to install porcelain tile in my kitchen to replace vinyl. I am planning on taking out ...
  A: Arun, OSB is not a proper floor to install any flooring on ....it is not stable...ply wood will ...
vinyl tile mistake12/13/2009
  Q: What i need to know is (now that i know i was supposed to let it dry to tacky)will it dry.or do i ...
  A: Steve, The 2057 is a VCT adhesive...it is supposed to flash off and become transparent, almost, ...
laminate floor12/12/2009
  Q: We would like to install new laminate flooring. The hardwood looking type that comes in the narrow ...
  A: Karen , You most certainly can install over the peel and stick. make for a nice smooth working ...
Reducer Strip12/11/2009
  Q: I am in need of replacement rubber reducer strips for either side of a threshold in a retirement ...
  A: Joe, From Southern Calif I pick them up at places like BIG "D" Supplies...or Greenbaum..Or TJ's ...
DIY remodeling kitchen in OLD house12/9/2009
  Q: My husband and I own a 2300 sq foot 2-story house in central WA, where we have a very dry climate. ...
  A: Kathy ... Although tile and other projects can be done by the novice DIY, it is the purchasing of ...
carpet over carpet12/8/2009
  Q: Here is my situation. I am moving back home to my parents house. Since there isn't any room for me, ...
  A: Monique, This is an unusual situation ....so I will break some rules to try to help. Normally you ...
Armstrong Luxury Vinyl Tile12/6/2009
  Q: We are bidding the above tile in a nursing home dining room. It is 1200 sq ft and is an "L" shaped ...
  A: Debbie , All the best to you ...I read the information, but saw no actual question. how might I be ...
Rust on Travertine12/6/2009
  Q: We recently purchased a hose that has travetine in the shower. The previous owners must have had ...
  A: I answered someone about this earlier in the week. Can you attach a picture ...close up of the rust ...
floor tiles12/6/2009
  Q: i am having new tile put in over radiant heat,does this require a backer board? and any other things ...
  A: Paula, Funny I just answered a Paula...is this you again ? If so welcome back. I need to know what ...
Kitchen/bath flooring12/5/2009
  Q: So many choices. I do not want to be glib but this is the last floor I want to put into my house ...
  A: Mary, I am a marmoleum kind of guy. I think it is the best product you mentioned ...although ...
vintage 1980's tile12/4/2009
  Q: I have a kitchen with 8 1/2 pillow edge tiles from the 80's. I need to repair some. Do you know of ...
  A: Diane , I am sorry I sure don't...try tile your world by John Bridge...I have seen similar ...
Carpet / Pad replacement on stairs12/4/2009
  Q: Our three kids are constantly running up and down the stairs and the carpet has started to come ...
  A: Scott, I am truly sorry for your lay off ...I too have had to seek other work as construction and ...
duraceramic12/3/2009
  Q: I can not afford to make a mistake in choosing flooring for my kitchen remodel. What are the cons ...
  A: Paula, If the house is a raised wood floor structure/ wood subfloor, you will need a layer of ...
carpet12/3/2009
  Q: we had carpet in our den, took it up, stained the concrete, and after several years have remodeled ...
  A: Tom , Most carpet over pad has to have the TACK STRIP in place to acheive a proper stretch and ...
duraceramic12/2/2009
  Q: I can not afford to make a mistake in choosing flooring for my kitchen remodel. What are the cons ...
  A: Paula , The only things I know about Dura ceramic are what I have read in reviews....As it is sold ...
Removing old VCT prep floor for new VCT12/2/2009
  Q: We are removing existing VCT installed on concrete and need to prep floor for new VCT. We have over ...
  A: Debbie, I will assume that you are familiar with the hand held scrapers and floor prep. Scrape the ...
Grout solvent needed12/1/2009
  Q: I have a ten-year old beautiful shower with Tuscan tile. The original grouter carelessly applied ...
  A: A poultice of sugar and water ...a thick paste ....allow it to sit for hours...even applied daily if ...
Humid apartment11/29/2009
  Q: My elderly mother lives in an 11th floor apartment in Miami Beach. She believes, and so do her ...
  A: Raquel, It is hard to offer suggestions after what you expressed earlier. If I had to chose any ...
Travertine Tile Seal Instructions11/29/2009
  Q: I just had a shower floor installed with natural stone...99% sure its travertine. I was told to ...
  A: Ann Marie, It is correct to seal after. Rest assured that if it is indeed travertine / marble / ...
Transition between 2 different types of tile11/29/2009
  Q: I am hoping you can suggest a solution to a problem we have with two different styles of tiling that ...
  A: Janet , I had issues like this with a customer and we solved it by shopping for a pleasant feature ...
Humid apartment11/28/2009
  Q: My elderly mother lives in an 11th floor apartment in Miami Beach. She believes, and so do her ...
  A: Raquel, It is true that carpet with no padding under foot will place extra strain on the joints and ...
cracking gypcrete under vinyl tiles11/27/2009
  Q: Sounds like you will have my answeres. I have a vinyl tile kitchen floor that has become uneven due ...
  A: Dave, Gypcrete( Light weight concrete) is a nasty animal to work with...this is what I have done in ...
Laminate floor installation on concrete11/27/2009
  Q: I am about to put in laminate flooring into my condo. We had carpet before. I understand that the ...
  A: Amit, Purchase a floor prep product and a steel trowel..have a few buckets for water and mixing. ...
Carpet Transition - metal strip mitering11/27/2009
  Q: I have a question for you. I have finished my basement. Carpet was laid by Lowes. I have a walk-out ...
  A: Bob, In the field everyday we use metal or tin snips, I have become very good at it. If you like, ...
laminate flooring11/25/2009
  Q: how can i be sure my first row is absolutly straight a chalk line maybe? or just butt it up against ...
  A: Brad, Measure the board width...take a few boards and hook them together to add the widths until ...
different underlayment thickness11/24/2009
  Q: We ripped up the carpet & pad in teens bedroom. Now going to be a computer room. Bought vinyl ...
  A: Becki, What is the surface now ? Wood or concrete? If it is wood you can buy 3/4" plywood and ...
Rust on Travertine11/23/2009
  Q: We have some rust spots on ruogh (tumbled?) travertine. What can be done to remove the spots? ...
  A: Lawrence, There are products that I know of for carpet ..at the janitorial store... that remove ...
flooring over slab11/22/2009
  Q: I would like to know what wood type flooring I can use over concrete slab. It is a ground floor and ...
  A: Bill, There are many guides about wood floors ...in your case over a concrete slab a prefinished ...
replaceing sub floor in bedroom11/20/2009
  Q: I recently had a "handyman" install new plywood subfloors and 3/4" oak flooring in several rooms. ...
  A: Rose, The current subfloor you have is not appropriate...why? Well number 1 it is not dense enough ...
Tile/Subfloor11/19/2009
  Q: Chris - We are having our kitchen done over. Our contractor installed 1/4 inch interior plywood ...
  A: Linda , I hope he used thinset under the backerboard??? ...
bathroom floor tiles11/19/2009
  Q: I have the 1x1" bathroom tiles on the floor. I want to regrout them being as they are discolored. I ...
  A: Ronn, Not that I am aware of....I have seen another brand of tool made by another name ....similar ...
musty smell in lounge11/19/2009
  Q: we have lived in our house for 2 years,when we moved in it had laminate flooring in lounge room,it ...
  A: Leanne, Sounds like a moisture problem...moisture causes a damp musty smell ...especially after ...
transition from basement room to open area11/19/2009
  Q: I recently had the floor in a basement room leveled because I want to lay engineered hardwood down. ...
  A: Tony, We use various methods depending on what the adjoining room is going to receive...we can ...
how much to buy?11/18/2009
  Q: Hallo, i have an area 30 feet x 11 feet how many yards of vinyl do i need to buy?
  A: Alicia, Are you buying 12 foot wide material...or 6 foot wide Here is the formula: 30 ft x 1.3333 ...
vinyl floors11/18/2009
  Q: How many layers of vinyl can you put down on top of each other? The subfloor is concrete slab. ...
  A: K, My first thoughts are to demand that HD and the installer remove all the vinyl ...but that would ...
Tile/Subfloor11/16/2009
  Q: Chris - We are having our kitchen done over. Our contractor installed 1/4 inch interior plywood ...
  A: Linda STOP!!! Please Linda don't let this guy take your money , you have done your homework well. ...
Hardibacker11/16/2009
  Q: I am installing hardibacker over my bathroom floor. There is slab wood subfloor with plywood on top ...
  A: Oren, I am on the road (LAPTOP) I do not have access to my saved fav's and instructions (PDF's ) ...
Dricore subfloor11/16/2009
  Q: I am installing Dricore panels in my basement as a sub-floor. The concrete floor is very smooth and ...
  A: Scott, Let me try to look at this ghetto style...why don't you shim the bottom of the low areas ...
Kaindl laminate floors11/16/2009
  Q: We recently put Kaindl laminate floor(bought from a big box store)through our complete mobile home . ...
  A: Helen, If you stapled the underlayment I could blame that ...but if you did not then I would file a ...
Water Oozing up thru Edge of Grout11/15/2009
  Q: I'm having the same problem as Kristin but I've never had a flood. The house was built in 1976. The ...
  A: Kathy, The water pooling under the tile indicates a migration of moisture, the white remnants are ...
Bouncy engineered hardwood flooring in basement11/15/2009
  Q: Chris, We have a new bouncy hardwood floor in my basement and the question now is there anything we ...
  A: Paul, Really sorry to hear this...I have no real solution as the floor is glued together and ...
Vinyl Tile with brass strips for grout11/14/2009
  Q: I have a friend that has this wonderfull looking tile with brass strips for grout in her kitchen. ...
  A: Kay, Italy does not make vinyl tile ...they do make ceramic/porcelain tiles/marble and stone. ...
Laying Stick back tiles over older subfloor11/13/2009
  Q: I purchased Traffic Master Groutable Sticky back tiles from the home depot. I am planning on laying ...
  A: Andrew, As each new DIY product id different I would recommend that you call the manufacture for ...
contact cement for installing vct?11/12/2009
  Q: Is regular contact cement an acceptable adhesive to use for installing VCT? I have never heard of ...
  A: Roger .... Absolutely not ...case in point ...the one you described. Always use a Taylor / Henry's/ ...
Kaindl laminate floors11/10/2009
  Q: We recently put Kaindl laminate floor(bought from a big box store)through our complete mobile home . ...
  A: Helen, What underlayment did you use? What box store ..what country? I need to know more details, ...
Defective carpet install11/10/2009
  Q: I purchased and had installed from a leading home improvement store beginning with an "L" what I ...
  A: Jim, I have always been held accountable for all my work ... I contracted for a shop that did ...
1/4" thick hardwood flooring11/8/2009
  Q: My dishwasher valve failed and hot water flooded my kitchen floor. I have to find and exact match ...
  A: Alisa , I opened my mail and expected to see a picture ...a brand name or some other form of ...
laminate flooring11/6/2009
  Q: hey chris i was wondering what u can use to level a uneven floor in some spots before laminate floor ...
  A: Michelle , Yes I have installed Qwik Step many times , back in the day it was all 7mm thick ...what ...
laminate flooring11/6/2009
  Q: hey chris i was wondering what u can use to level a uneven floor in some spots before laminate floor ...
  A: Michelle, These are the products I like to use and purchase all the time. Follow the links...scroll ...
lamante flooring11/5/2009
  Q: ok i had a co put down quick step lamented flooring ,i had three rooms done,all floors are not ...
  A: Michelle, That's right ...a floor should never snap crackle pop after the install is finished. ...
Wood Floor11/5/2009
  Q: Please can you help! we have just had an unfinished oak floor laid which we have treated with 2 ...
  A: Elizabeth, I googled the product ...they are UK based , I suggest that you contact them to find out ...
lamante flooring11/4/2009
  Q: ok i had a co put down quick step lamented flooring ,i had three rooms done,all floors are not ...
  A: Michelle, First, are they a company ...did you pay in full already? There are contracts and many ...
radiant heated floors (1300 sq. ft.)11/2/2009
  Q: I need info on types of flooring that can be used on my concrete floor that has a radiant heating ...
  A: Carol, Just about any floor can be installed over radiant heated floors...what is the max temps you ...
Tile Over Occupied Space11/2/2009
  Q: I read your answer to the waterproofing a deck over an occupied space question. You recommended ...
  A: Mark , OSB is not particle board...however I can see your concerns as the two are similar. I have ...
cat odor11/2/2009
  Q: I own several apartment buildings and I would like to ask you about a problem I have with tenants ...
  A: Brenda, I am sorry but I have not been in the cleaning business end of flooring. Only the install ...
flooring11/1/2009
  Q: I have carpet in bedrooms and in great room and ceramic tiles in hallway, foyer dining %26 kitchen. ...
  A: Terri, It sounds like a re model is about to take place...Forgive me for assuming.If this is about ...
laminate flooring10/31/2009
  Q: what would cause my laminate flooring to dip on parts of the joints, ive used fibre bord underlay ...
  A: Michael, Did you use a soft foam underlayment ? Here in the USA we use a pad or carpet underlay or ...
strange metal strip between subfloor and10/31/2009
  Q: we've removed carpet and old particle board our entire downstairs and replaced it with plywood and ...
  A: OK ...thanks for the picture...wow I have never seen something such as that. I wish I could identify ...
strange metal strip between subfloor and10/31/2009
  Q: we've removed carpet and old particle board our entire downstairs and replaced it with plywood and ...
  A: Carol, This site allows you to attach a photo just before you send the post it will show up down in ...
Bruce Laminate Floor Popping10/28/2009
  Q: We had a Bruce wood laminate floor (Reserve Premium Wild Cherry) professionally installed several ...
  A: .. Great photo of the butt end...I am aghast that they don't have any tongue and groove at all ?? ...
Carpet Selection for install without pad10/27/2009
  Q: Sir, We are going to be living on a boat for a while and need to replace the carpet throughout. ...
  A: John, Not to be rude ...in my profile I specifically state that I do not sell carpet/flooring. I ...
Asphalt Tiles10/25/2009
  Q: Sir i'm installing asphalt tiles on my outside concrete deck, I need to find out what would be the ...
  A: Richard, Please give me a few more details...what size are they including thickness ... what ...
1 yr old carpet bubbling/lifting10/24/2009
  Q: I am hoping you can shed some light on why my one year old carpet would be lifting/bubbling in ...
  A: Well Shaw is a good name, well known ...they have many quality levels...I am sorry that friends have ...
carpet on top of hardwood at door10/24/2009
  Q: I have hardwood floors on the entire upstairs. the hall and steps were refinished, stopping at the ...
  A: Kevan, A typical Z bar is used, it is placed under the tack strip and nailed in place... the carpet ...
1 yr old carpet bubbling/lifting10/24/2009
  Q: I am hoping you can shed some light on why my one year old carpet would be lifting/bubbling in ...
  A: Jennifer, Bubbling sounds odd....are you referring to waves and buckles?? A bubble forms and has a ...
Engineered Hardwood Floor Checking10/23/2009
  Q: As a DIY project I installed Cryntel Ultimate Engineered Hardwood Plank (form Lowes) in our living ...
  A: Don, The relative humidity in your home should be increased...it is often stated that the humidity ...
Marble tiling10/22/2009
  Q: I have had a contractor put down polished carerra marble on walls and floor in my bathroom. He ...
  A: Ann, You can buff it off with a towel ....and it should behave like car wax ... unless he left ...
tiling around curves10/22/2009
  Q: We want to tile our bathroom floor with 12" by 12" tiles. Our tub is not perfectly straight. How ...
  A: Jeff... Yes scribing and often times cutting the tile 2x is the only way to do it...I make a 12 x ...
finishes for laminate10/22/2009
  Q: We have about a 10' raised hearth with tile. We are replacing the carpet that butts up against it ...
  A: Donna, Use end cap ...or threshold to finish the floor at the fireplace. I love the look it gives. ...
GLUE REMOVAL AND PAD10/21/2009
  Q: My daughter is replacing a glued down carpet on an above ground unheated porch room - subfloor is ...
  A: Norma, With new pad and carpet and tack strip going down ..the splintering will be of little harm. ...
Carpet10/20/2009
  Q: I have a house for sell that I have moved out of. In the basement we currently have cheap thin ...
  A: Michael, Really Michael...do you need an expert to tell you no. Think about it ... the carpet has ...
Smelly Room10/19/2009
  Q: We are getting ready to start putting together a nursery, but the room has this funny smell to it. ...
  A: It might be many things Stephanie.....I really can't tell what it might be from here. When you ...
Smelly Room10/19/2009
  Q: We are getting ready to start putting together a nursery, but the room has this funny smell to it. ...
  A: Stephanie, Can you recall any sign of water damage? Does the room smell musty / damp / mildew?? ...
Carpeting10/19/2009
  Q: I want to place carpet over some beautiful hardwood floors in my sons bedrooms while they are young ...
  A: Aisha, You can buy a large throw rug and lay it over the wood, other than that it is best to plan ...
carpet seam shows10/18/2009
  Q: I can see a seam all across my living room carpeting. I don't think they ran the carpet in the same ...
  A: Anne, Sometimes if the install is new you can get some service and satisfaction. Have them improve ...
How to cover Chattahoochee floor with carpet10/18/2009
  Q: I have begun replacing my floors with laminates and discovered my sunroom/Florida room has ...
  A: That's an interesting floor you have now.I would love to see pics of that. Are the stones large? As ...
Tile on Concrete10/18/2009
  Q: You have helped me so far!! Thanks for your help! Today I rented a floor/tile scraper as ...
  A: Mike , Yes an 8'or 10' light gauge metal stud will do wonders for about 5.00 at Home Depot / Lowes. ...
Bamboo Flooring10/16/2009
  Q: Chris- My husband and I have been planning on replacing the carpet in our house for something solid ...
  A: Jennifer, A slab foundation can be used as long as you don't try to apply a solid wood product. Make ...
carpet damage10/15/2009
  Q: I got some soot from the fireplace on my berber carpet and the only thing that I tried that would ...
  A: Elaine, Although the backing looks like Jute , I belive it is action back latex backing ...and if ...
carpet damage10/14/2009
  Q: I got some soot from the fireplace on my berber carpet and the only thing that I tried that would ...
  A: Elaine, Goo Gone is a very powerful chemical..it has damaged the backing of the carpet ...
travertine tile backsplash adhesive and grout selection10/14/2009
  Q: I am installing a tub surround for a jetted tub (no shower) and plan to install 18 x 18 travertine ...
  A: Randy ... Some haze ?? what type of tile ...try some vinegar mixed with your water .... Vinegar is ...
Engineered Wood and Curved Carpet10/13/2009
  Q: Chris, We are installing engineered hardwood in our home and layout calls for a transition from ...
  A: Lori, It is my opinion that the carpet should tuck directly to the wood. The pieces should be laid ...
laminate flooring10/12/2009
  Q: If a floating floor is continuing from one room to another (entry into den) is it necessary (or ...
  A: Donna, I know what the instructions call for ...I break that rule all the time. If the transition ...
Tile meets other room about 1" higher than carpet10/12/2009
  Q: I am tiling a basement bathroom and installed a tongue and groove subfloor (DriCore) to make the ...
  A: Mike , You could do 1 or 2 things... Marble door thresh hold as seen in some commercial ...
baseboard instillation without flooring10/11/2009
  Q: when installing baseboard before putting carpet down, should the gap between the subfloor and base ...
  A: Mike , Actually it can be on the floor. But as a carpet layer I love it when the base board is ...
Bamboo on Linoleum on Concrete10/10/2009
  Q: We recently started remodeling our son's room after he joined the Navy. Our home was built in the ...
  A: Mike , The room is 140 Sq feet approx. Demo the tiles ...Home Depot rents a tile removing ...
subflooring and tiling?10/10/2009
  Q: My home is on post and pier. The subfloor in our kitchen looks like interlocking pine boards. On ...
  A: Rich , The 3/4" plywood is the minimum you should go. Do not use particle board. Yes this ply wood ...
Floor flattening10/9/2009
  Q: I live in New Orleans and am renovating a "Katrina House" so it was gutted. We decided to move and ...
  A: Jennifer, You can float the 1/4" off to a reasonable distance and make it more gradual with floor ...
carpet repair10/8/2009
  Q: my tenant spilled some hot candle wax on my year old carpet. It seeped through the carpet to the ...
  A: Bob ... It depends ... 50-150.00 max ... Obviously a quick patch taking an hour ...the low ...
Bulges under vinyl10/8/2009
  Q: I have a 1 year old home with about 30 bulges under the vinyl flooring in the kitchen and foyer. I ...
  A: Kelly ... From my chair here I have no idea what the issue is ....no do not let him shoot nails ...
New Hardwood Floor - So Many Problems10/8/2009
  Q: We purchased a 2-1/2 year old home. The upstairs carpeting was in very poor shape so we opted to ...
  A: Shirlee, Thanks for sharing a part of your life ...I hope I can be helpful. It sounds like your ...
ceramic tile bathroom10/7/2009
  Q: I'm replacing my vinyl flooring with ceramic floor. My sub-floor is 2 x 6 T%26G. I'm going to put ...
  A: Bill , I am confused ...but if I read the question 2x or so and yeah I sorta read PC ...so I see ...
mobile home floors and cat urine ordor10/7/2009
  Q: We reside in a 70's model mobile home. In one of the bedrooms, the carpeting has been filled with ...
  A: Jennifer .. Mobile homes are built a little differently than regular framed houses. You may want to ...
travertine tile backsplash adhesive and grout selection10/7/2009
  Q: I am installing a tub surround for a jetted tub (no shower) and plan to install 18 x 18 travertine ...
  A: Yes Randy, 1/16"... support more than just the intersecting corners with the spacers... also 1 in ...
stair runner over capet10/6/2009
  Q: I had wall to wall carpet installed not too long ago in all my rooms upstairs and also stairs and ...
  A: Judy , I have a neighbor who did it with plastic runner or vinyl clear runner of sorts... Used big ...
travertine tile backsplash adhesive and grout selection10/6/2009
  Q: I am installing a tub surround for a jetted tub (no shower) and plan to install 18 x 18 travertine ...
  A: Randy , A good top quality POLYMER MODIFIED THINSET... Never use mastic in wet areas...and if you ...
Flexitec Vinyl Flooring for Florida Room10/5/2009
  Q: Considering installation of Flexile product in large (15 x 21) Florida room. This room is 100% ...
  A: Harry, I have never experienced those temperature swings in Calif for 25+ years... now in Utah I ...
hardwood floor refurbishing10/4/2009
  Q: "Thank you for taking my question. Perhaps with your long experience with both carpet and wood you ...
  A: Yes Joe... It needs to be professionally sanded with an edging sander and then the Drum sander ...
laminate under cabinet10/3/2009
  Q: Kitchen gutted, installing laminate flooring and new cabinets. Should laminate run completely under ...
  A: Donna , Who is installing the floor ? ....as said previously you always do the complete refer ...
stairs from first floor to second floor10/3/2009
  Q: The carpet on my stairs is so badly stained it has to go. I do not want to use carpeting again. ...
  A: Karen , Other than carpet ....depending on what's under the carpet now.....wood is nice. My sister ...
Bruce Laminate Floor Popping10/2/2009
  Q: We had a Bruce wood laminate floor (Reserve Premium Wild Cherry) professionally installed several ...
  A: So glad you had a moment to come back and report the findings....That's uncanny that you mention the ...
laminate under cabinet10/1/2009
  Q: Kitchen gutted, installing laminate flooring and new cabinets. Should laminate run completely under ...
  A: .. If you have the extra material it's often done. But I would not buy material just to go under ...
Slab Floor10/1/2009
  Q: The house is built on a cement floor with Pergo flooring. We want to put down oak flooring. Should ...
  A: I just googled , WHAT IS ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING ...of course the first 3 or hits are sales / ...
Slab Floor10/1/2009
  Q: The house is built on a cement floor with Pergo flooring. We want to put down oak flooring. Should ...
  A: Engineered wood products consist of layers of ply wood construction with a real wood top and finish. ...
crackling laminate floor9/29/2009
  Q: Chris, Thank you so much for your answer of my question on 9/25/09 about my crakling laminate ...
  A: Jenny, I am not sure .... I never hear back from posters / questioners with cases of resolution ...
Carpet vs Tiles in Northern climate9/29/2009
  Q: I just bought a foreclosure home in Indiana, the carpet needs to be replaced but I'm trying to ...
  A: Viviana, That all depends on your budget. There are many options and often times a combination of ...
transitioning from carpet to laminate9/28/2009
  Q: We have removed all flooring. We are installing both laminate and carpet. For transitioning, which ...
  A: Yes Donna, The laminate floor is installed , if necessary to a chalk line / pencil line...then the ...
transitioning from carpet to laminate9/28/2009
  Q: We have removed all flooring. We are installing both laminate and carpet. For transitioning, which ...
  A: If I had my way I would do the wood first, and the transitions glued in place overnight with liquid ...
Hardwood Floors9/27/2009
  Q: I purchased a new home in July, 2008 with hardwood floors. Over the past year, about 25% of the ...
  A: If the slab is emitting moisture and they did or did not do a calcium chloride test , they may have ...
carpet replacement9/26/2009
  Q: The carpet in the lower level of my home, on concrete, has been damaged with these last rains. I am ...
  A: I know that carpet is the least expensive, for the most part. If you continue to have moisture ...
Hardwood Floors9/26/2009
  Q: I purchased a new home in July, 2008 with hardwood floors. Over the past year, about 25% of the ...
  A: Cluadia, I would file complaints with BBB and state contractors boards ...write a letter of your ...
Bruce Laminate Floor Popping9/26/2009
  Q: We had a Bruce wood laminate floor (Reserve Premium Wild Cherry) professionally installed several ...
  A: Carla, I have heard of this issue more and more lately....especially with a particular Armstrong ...
products vitrified floor wood9/26/2009
  Q: necesito saber cual el mejor producto de vitricado de piso de madera, para alto trafico. muchas ...
  A: Hector, Mi no habla espanol...mi esposa habla mucho, Esta noches OK 9/26/09 what is the best ...
crackling laminate floor9/25/2009
  Q: Christ. I had 12mm laminate floor installed in my upstaris rooms, hall ways and stairs. it looks ...
  A: Jenny, Is this an Armstrong laminate floor? there is a rather frequent problem with a particular ...
ceramic over vinyl9/25/2009
  Q: I'm looking to install about 300SF of ceramic/porcelain tile in my basement. The floor is cement and ...
  A: Manny, Welcome back ...feel free to ask as many questions as you like. If for some reason this ...
radius floor reducers9/25/2009
  Q: .. wondering if you know where I can find a reducer from hardwood to carpet that can be curved ...
  A: Wendy ...on the carpet side we have rubber products that will curve/ flex and reduce the carpet on ...
ceramic over vinyl9/24/2009
  Q: I'm looking to install about 300SF of ceramic/porcelain tile in my basement. The floor is cement and ...
  A: Manny, You can't attach backerboard to cement....nor can you let it lay there loose. So that option ...
Tile over radiant floor9/24/2009
  Q: I am installing ceramic tiles over new concrete floor with hydronic heating. The tile store say I ...
  A: Pierre, I disagree Please call the Mapei folks directly at the 800 # ask for technical support ...
Where to start to lay laminate and what direction?9/23/2009
  Q: Now I am planning to lay. Attached is a drawing the room (Kitchen and dinning room), sorry if the ...
  A: I know the instructions and other suggestions say lay the wood parallel with the sun ....hog wash... ...
Where to start to lay laminate and what direction?9/22/2009
  Q: Now I am planning to lay. Attached is a drawing the room (Kitchen and dinning room), sorry if the ...
  A: Fg, The answer is lengthy... I will try to make it concise and direct , forgive me if I wander. ...
Carpet cleaning9/22/2009
  Q: I am a 30 yr. DIY'er w/ expertise in mechanics, carpentry, building. I have been looking for a ...
  A: Sorry David, I don't clean carpet , I install it and know the mechanics therein. I have cleaned, ...
Avaire porclein tile grout clean-up9/22/2009
  Q: I recently had a contractor install Avaire porcelain tile in my kitchen. It was beautiful until he ...
  A: I have no idea what AVAIRE porcelain tile is ...I imagine there are many colors/ textures. What I ...
Tile grouting9/21/2009
  Q: We had new tiles fitted all over our home three year ago. About a month back while on holiday our ...
  A: Nancy , That is not true ...the adhesive behind the tile is what you should be looking at. If it ...
Transition from wood floor to carpet9/20/2009
  Q: We are getting ready to remove the carpet from a large portion of our house and planning to leave ...
  A: Joseph, Typically the carpet is finished with a Z bar application, in the old days it was rolled ...
peel and stick hardwood planks9/18/2009
  Q: wondering if you have any pointers on how to install peel and stick hardwood planks. i have never ...
  A: Lee, It's everyday products for me ... Henry's, Mapei, Durabond. It's all the same product ...
peel and stick hardwood planks9/17/2009
  Q: wondering if you have any pointers on how to install peel and stick hardwood planks. i have never ...
  A: Lee, If you have experience laying out and starting the rows and using your ends cuts as a new ...
Carpet tiles on Parkay9/17/2009
  Q: We're moving to Germany in a couple of months and will be living in military housing. The entire ...
  A: Jennifer... I love carpet tiles. They can be expensive, I am not sure what or where you saw the ...
Glue Removal - wood floors9/16/2009
  Q: We found fir flooring that flows from the living room into the kitchen that we are excited to save. ...
  A: That's a tough situation there !! The trick is to use razor scrappers and yet not damage the wood ...
Best Vacuum for frieze carpet9/16/2009
  Q: About 18 months ago I purchased a Custom Weave Ultrastrand frieze carpet for my family room. The ...
  A: Funny , vacuum proof carpet ....LOL I was required by many a shop to vacuum after I finished a job, ...
new carpet over old9/14/2009
  Q: I want to recarpet a small room that has an extremely heavy piece of furniture. Very difficult for ...
  A: Donna ... they have Teflon furniture sliders...sold almost everywhere now. They help quite a bit. It ...
Removing Travertine tile9/14/2009
  Q: I have a travertine floor in my kitchen over a water supplied radiant heated floor. I wish I never ...
  A: Shaun ... A demo hammer and the proper bits ... gentle touch ..with a skilled hand. I use a Hammer ...
Replacing flooring9/13/2009
  Q: My wife and I are considering replacing existing adhesive backed 12X12 vinyl squares with 18X18 ...
  A: Jim, There are 2 ways to go about this... As we did many times over and over ...we skim coat the ...
thin set and timing9/13/2009
  Q: What happens if I don't complete the mortar/thin set and tile installation in the room in one day? ...
  A: Harris, Always scrape off the thin set to the tile line...if needed use a sponge to wipe down ...
timing of repairs9/12/2009
  Q: We are moving into a new-to-us home and we need to do quite a few repairs. Most importantly we need ...
  A: Jeff, It is my honest opinion that floors should be done last ...or when as little as possible ...
homasote on floors9/11/2009
  Q: I have a pantry with only a small crawl space underneath a wood plank floor. It is not insulated. ...
  A: Jennifer, As flooring and installations go I am an expert...but as far as insulation, the drywall ...
Self Stick Vinyl Floor Tiles Over Concrete9/11/2009
  Q: I am installing self stick floor tiles over a new concrete floor in the basement. I have applied a ...
  A: Sandy, What is the brand name and manufacture of the tile ...where did you buy it?How did you ...
laying 25ml floor tiles9/10/2009
  Q: When I have layed tiles before the webbing backing goes down into the glue but I feel that if I put ...
  A: G'Day Kerry, Ok first off this is the USA here and I can try to convert the cm and M but I am not ...
Tile Layout9/10/2009
  Q: I have purchased 3 different tile sizes for a bathroom. I have been to different sites to determine ...
  A: Shelley , What ?? how could I possibly do that without a floor diagram ?? Have you seen a ...
Carpeting9/10/2009
  Q: I am having carpet put in my dining room, living room, and family room, which is a stepdown so there ...
  A: Coleen, I have saved a favorite website that explains all the terms used in carpet and products ...
Laminate Floors over damaged vinyl floor9/10/2009
  Q: We have quite a few burn spots from melted mental on our vinyl floor, now we want to cover that ...
  A: F, They are so small the underlayment padding will take up the slack...But if you wish to use a ...
Flooring over vinyl tile9/10/2009
  Q: I would like to put some new flooring in my basement. I believe the old vinyl tiles may contain ...
  A: Steve, I appreciate the web link ... and I read quite a bit. I want to address this key issue of ...
Concrete vapor9/9/2009
  Q: I have two parts to my question. I'm getting engineered hardwood install on my floors. my home is ...
  A: Yes ...it will affect the test results...but those aren't too bad considering that it rained. They ...
uneven floating floor9/9/2009
  Q: Chris, We had an Armstrong Bruce floating floor installed, and have concernes about the amount of ...
  A: Richard , Most hardwood/engineered/ floating wood floors allow a deviance of 3/16" in a 10 ft. ...
Flooring over vinyl tile9/8/2009
  Q: I would like to put some new flooring in my basement. I believe the old vinyl tiles may contain ...
  A: Steve , What size are the tiles ...asbestos tiles are 9x9... pre 70's let's take a look at how big ...
wood or pergo floor over radiant tile9/8/2009
  Q: We have a sunroom that we plan to convert to a formal dining room. To that end, we would like to ...
  A: Khristie, If you remove the tile more than likely you will damage the radiant heat system, if it ...
floors9/7/2009
  Q: First off, I'm not a DIYer at all. I will be hiring someone to do the work. I wanted to research ...
  A: The wood will be easier and less costly...the basement will cause you to need the floor ...
Armstrong Grand Illusions laminate floor9/6/2009
  Q: We have had recently had installed the above mentioned floor. When it was being installed it had a ...
  A: Scott, This has been an ongoing issue with Armstrong for a year or so. The floors have a problem ...
flooring noises9/5/2009
  Q: Our bathroom floor is making clicks or cracking sounds in spots. We installed porcelain tiles last ...
  A: Luisa, It is my opinion that tile should not be installed directly on wood substrate ... the ...
flooring noises9/5/2009
  Q: Our bathroom floor is making clicks or cracking sounds in spots. We installed porcelain tiles last ...
  A: Luisa, Is the tile above grade (wood floor)or on concrete?? If the 1 st choice is the answer is ...
floor shrinking?9/4/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you could help me understand this situation better. I clean for a commercial ...
  A: Karyn, I am assuming the tiles are vinyl ...or VCT (vinyl composition tile) Are they the type you ...
Footprints on raw oak9/4/2009
  Q: Greetings! We installed raw oak floors, and are in the process of sealing with tung oil. But we have ...
  A: The body oils can be removed with lacquer thinner...it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue. It ...
applying indoor/ outdoor carpet9/2/2009
  Q: I am getting ready to put indoor/ outdoor carpet over my back porch which is cement. As i read the ...
  A: Katy, Please tell me the adhesive you are using. Name and brand and any #'s.... All flooring ...
How to prepare a Mosiac Inlay for tiled floor9/2/2009
  Q: I am creating a mosaic panel which I plan to incorporate into our bathroom flooring when we ...
  A: If the backer is applied to the wood subfloor and it is 6mm...and the mosaic is 4mm + some ...
Laminate flooring/ t & g ceiling9/2/2009
  Q: We are building a cabin and have a tongue & groove pine cathedral ceiling. We also will be ...
  A: Kathy , To enhance the length of the room ...run the direction of the longest length... always do ...
Cleaning glue of hardwood floor9/1/2009
  Q: I have hardwood floor under my carpets but the carpet was glued down to the floor. How do I remove ...
  A: Stephanie, The adhesive...is it completely covering the floor?? 99.9%?? I know of adhesive ...
How to prepare a Mosiac Inlay for tiled floor9/1/2009
  Q: I am creating a mosaic panel which I plan to incorporate into our bathroom flooring when we ...
  A: Wow this is interesting to say the least... Let's see, what is the thickness of the tile to meet up ...
Parquet Adhesive8/31/2009
  Q: I work for someone who is having renovations done in her apartment and noticed there is a thick ...
  A: ... I doubt that the wood adhesive contained asbestos. It is more likely a resin glue as is most ...
Engineered hardwood floor installation8/31/2009
  Q: I am finishing a bonus room over my garage and want to install an engineered 3/8 inch hardwood ...
  A: Dave , Thanks for the high ratings ...For the plywood, I like to use the gold screws...and yes ...
hardwood fooring8/31/2009
  Q: I'm putting hardwood floors throughout our house, and I'm wondering what I should use to seal it ...
  A: Mark, I have only used one or two products and they were both from Gallaher hardwood floors in ...
Engineered hardwood floor installation8/31/2009
  Q: I am finishing a bonus room over my garage and want to install an engineered 3/8 inch hardwood ...
  A: Dave, If you were to call the manufacture of the wood they recommend not going directly over OSB. ...
remove existing tiles floor & replace...8/30/2009
  Q: Wondering what the approximate cost would be to REMOVE & Dispose of existing tiles(most are coming ...
  A: Tim , You never mentioned what type of tile they are?? Since you mentioned glue...I would assume ...
Water Spots on Bruce Wood Flors8/29/2009
  Q: I have Bruce 3/4" Solid Hardwood floors. They are pre-finished and are Gunstock. Recently, my dog ...
  A: I thought vinegar was for mineral deposits and coffee makers and such??? Hard water deposits. I ...
Konecto flooring8/29/2009
  Q: Chris, I'm a new home buyer and I want to replace tile on the entire first floor with konecto ...
  A: Chris, When you use the word EXACT COLOR ... it gets kind of awkward ...if you can get very close ...
installing tile flooring8/29/2009
  Q: We are tiling two rooms at our recently renovated church. The floor base is 3/4" plywood. We will ...
  A: No , it will not be a problem. There is a wide variety of companies that sell reducer and T ...
installing tile flooring8/27/2009
  Q: We are tiling two rooms at our recently renovated church. The floor base is 3/4" plywood. We will ...
  A: Senior Pastor Taylor, Yes, do use the hardi backer 1/4" product. I would never recommend tile ...
Installing hardwood floor8/26/2009
  Q: I am interested in installing a new hardwood floor in several rooms in my house. The question is ...
  A: Doug, On each can of adhesive that you decide to use are contact numbers (800) for the manufacture. ...
water seeping from grout8/26/2009
  Q: Pipe froze and burst on main floor in December. Water flooded into lower level storage room and ...
  A: Kristin, I wonder if the tile setter(is that you ?) used a pre mix product ...or an acrylic ...
frieze carpet cleaning8/25/2009
  Q: I read your answer to this question previously. We are having a Lee frieze carpet installed ...
  A: Yes there is ...please get the name of the manufacture and get the 800#. Call the customer service ...
help with travertine sealer that bubbled8/23/2009
  Q: We have 16 by 16" travertine tiles just installed in our house. The tile man put TileLab gloss ...
  A: Becky, It depends on which type sealer was used. There are two, water based and petroleum based. ...
selling installed carpets8/23/2009
  Q: This may be the weirdest questions that you get but here goes. I am building a new house (in a ...
  A: Elizabeth, Yes folks sell used carpet all the time, funny my sister just bought some and I ...
carpet8/19/2009
  Q: What should we know when picking out carpet? We hope to live here at least 4 years and are ...
  A: Liz , I am out of town and unable to access my favorites on this computer ... I have saved ...
Laminate Floors over damaged vinyl floor8/18/2009
  Q: We have quite a few burn spots from melted mental on our vinyl floor, now we want to cover that ...
  A: F, Many steps are required ...goggle wood floor install and or see videos on You tube....research ...
problem with newly laid tile8/18/2009
  Q: I hope you will be able to give me an answer to this. We have put down new porcelain tile (doing it ...
  A: I have always steered clear of tile lab products from Home Depot. I have read so many bad things. ...
2nd story bathroom floor8/18/2009
  Q: I was told that I can't install tile or stone in a second floor home. Is this true. The house is ...
  A: Marilyn , That is not always true...but you must determine if the floor will support the stone ...
Stand Up shower8/17/2009
  Q: I have a stand up shower and would like to remodel it. The issue I am having is that the drain is ...
  A: Stacey , Building a shower takes quite a bit of planning and I find that a mom and pop tile store ...
Granite Tile and Grout Cracking8/16/2009
  Q: Our home had a water loss, broken pipe while we are on vacation. When we are back, water traveled ...
  A: Phil, If the structure is above grade I doubt you are on slab concrete...and the sleepers would / ...
Leveling Concrete Floor for Laminate8/15/2009
  Q: My basement floor has many areas which are 1/4" or more unlevel(low). I have started using ...
  A: Jack, The grout will be very sandy and will not smooth out to a keen feather edge. it might ...
Granite Tile and Grout Cracking8/14/2009
  Q: Our home had a water loss, broken pipe while we are on vacation. When we are back, water traveled ...
  A: Phil, Yes the expanding wood subfloor will cause the tile / grout to move and crack. Water damage ...
doorway threshold needed8/14/2009
  Q: My husband installed a lovely laminate tile floor in our kitchen, perfect right up to the finishing ...
  A: I usually make mine from redwood or oak. I use a table saw and sander and custom fabricate it. I ...
problem with newly laid tile8/14/2009
  Q: I hope you will be able to give me an answer to this. We have put down new porcelain tile (doing it ...
  A: Janna , Please tell me the brand and type of sealer you used. Try some vinegar and water ...or ...
cheap but durable flooring for plywood8/13/2009
  Q: I'm having a bit of a financial problem at the moment but the floors in my house desperately need to ...
  A: Michelle, USA prices and Canadian prices are not the same. I have friends in Manitoba And BC ...omg ...
Unsatisfactory seal where shower meets the floor8/11/2009
  Q: I just had new floor installed after flooding from toilet and shower destroyed my carpet from water ...
  A: Kim, The white silicone can be cut and removed with a sharp utility knife. A new bead of silicone ...
least expensive flooring solution8/11/2009
  Q: My building has 3,4,5 layers of vinyl flooring and it is broken up to various depths over the 1200 ...
  A: What flooring do you wish to replace or go over? Where are you located so I can possibly find ...
Leveling Concrete Floor for Laminate8/11/2009
  Q: My basement floor has many areas which are 1/4" or more unlevel(low). I have started using ...
  A: Jack, For any floor the whole concept of level vs. flat is the main point to focus on. In other ...
tile floor install8/10/2009
  Q: I'm removing vinyl square tiles from a cement floor and it's leaving a sticky residue. I've been ...
  A: Tom, The Versabond , as far as I know, is a powder bag and it is extremely easy to mix yourself. ...
Carpet Measurement and Installation8/9/2009
  Q: I had carpet installed on the first and second floors of my home. One carpet roll said "First floor" ...
  A: Catherine, No mater what I say , you will have to resolve workmanship /quality...and seaming ...
tile floor install8/9/2009
  Q: I'm removing vinyl square tiles from a cement floor and it's leaving a sticky residue. I've been ...
  A: Tom , What color is the adhesive residue....what type of vinyl tile are you removing....is it ...
hardwood floor on landing with radius8/9/2009
  Q: We are pulling carpet off stairs and putting hardwood, our landing has a radius. How do we replace ...
  A: Wendy, Contact the supplier for the wood ...real wood that you must finish...and bull nose / round ...
Flooring Installation Over Damaged Elastocil8/8/2009
  Q: Are you familiar with Elastocil (sp?)? What are my options for repairing deep cracks? Can it be ...
  A: Elizabeth, As I am in Calif ...and the western states, I would need to know where you are located. ...
Porcelain Tile Installation for Kitchen Floor Using Mastic8/7/2009
  Q: I am new to installing tile and on the advice of someone else bought some 'pre-mixed thinset mortar' ...
  A: Craig ... The acrylic mastic is neither suited for floor tiles nor will it set properly due to the ...
Flooring Installation Over Damaged Elastocil8/6/2009
  Q: Are you familiar with Elastocil (sp?)? What are my options for repairing deep cracks? Can it be ...
  A: .. lightweight elasticel or acoustical concrete Light weight concrete... yikes! Well it can be ...
brick floor grout8/6/2009
  Q: we just laid paver brick floor in an indoor sunroom. After laying it we sealed the brick with 3 ...
  A: Marvin, The brick layers I see use the same spec mix as grout ... just a wetter consistency... ...
Engineered Hardwood Installation8/6/2009
  Q: Last week we had engineered wood installed in most of our house. One of the areas where the wood was ...
  A: Lynda, Popping may indicate a low spot in the floor also ...wood floor are required to have a flat ...
Removing tile and plywood8/6/2009
  Q: I am wanting to remove the flooring from my master bathroom. I started by breaking up the ceramic ...
  A: Sara , Get a circular saw and set it to the correct depth ...this will take a few practice cuts, ...
Engineered Hardwood Installation8/5/2009
  Q: Last week we had engineered wood installed in most of our house. One of the areas where the wood was ...
  A: Lynda, Where I come from the customer is king ...and I don't get paid until they are satisfied. Are ...
installing engineered wood flooring8/4/2009
  Q: I installed a Bostik MVP4 Moisture Vapor Protection membrane over my concrete slab prior to ...
  A: Rick , I won't lie to you ... I've done crazier thing to eliminate minor problems, however the can ...
installing engineered wood flooring8/4/2009
  Q: I installed a Bostik MVP4 Moisture Vapor Protection membrane over my concrete slab prior to ...
  A: Rick , Did you purchase from Lumber Liquidators? Contact Bostik at the 800 # ...ion the side of ...
installing engineered wood flooring8/3/2009
  Q: I installed a Bostik MVP4 Moisture Vapor Protection membrane over my concrete slab prior to ...
  A: Rick, Typically if you use the right trowel it should lay down flat ...I understand that you may ...
production of particle board8/3/2009
  Q: i got a pretty hard question for you so i do not think you will know the answer but i hope you will, ...
  A: The production of all press boards and ply woods use adhesives and some formaldehyde last I read. As ...
Travertine tiles on slightl bouncy floor8/3/2009
  Q: I have had all material prepared and ready to install the travertine stone tile in my kitchen, until ...
  A: Richard ...I am away from my desk at home ... I am out of town on a job... But you risk failure if ...
slate water penetration8/2/2009
  Q: I notice that you are helping someone do a slate deck and water proof the deck below it by doing so. ...
  A: Chris, The liquid sealer for the slate is at best a micro pore sealer ... not a water proof ...
removing thin set8/2/2009
  Q: How do I remove the leftover thinset residue after popping the old ceramic tile off the concrete ...
  A: Bruce , I use a 4" razor scraper like this one on the link I am posting for you. See the 350 / ...
Porcelain Tile Backsplash7/14/2009
  Q: We are moving into an older home which we plan to do extensive renovations on in the future. For ...
  A: Ok I see the pic , it is a shame they won't let you add more, I believe the tiles I see in the ...
Vinyl Flooringi Purple Stains7/14/2009
  Q: I have a white vinyl floor that now has large purple stains that are the exact same shape as area ...
  A: Yes Dawn , typically it is... sorry to say the PVC in the vinyl reacts with the latex in the throw ...
Hardwood installation where tongues meet up7/14/2009
  Q: This is the first time we are installing hardwood floors ourself. We are continuing from existing ...
  A: Splines can be made directly from the wood product itself ...on the table saw carefully. Do what you ...
Hardwood installation where tongues meet up7/13/2009
  Q: This is the first time we are installing hardwood floors ourself. We are continuing from existing ...
  A: Mindy, The picture shows trying to wrap a stair case and meet both sides evenly. Your question ...
Subfloor prep for tile7/13/2009
  Q: I asked you a few questions about my tile project a few weeks ago, but I ran into another one just ...
  A: Gluing and screwing will be fine ...LOL Home Depot ...well what can ya say. Although the paper wood ...
Outdoor Porelain tile installation7/13/2009
  Q: We are going to be laying about 400 square foot of porcelian tiles for our patio.We live in Toronto ...
  A: Here in the warmer climes of Calif I have never experienced the possible temps that you will. I ...
stair remodel project a little more complex than planned.7/12/2009
  Q: I decided last night that I couldn't stand looking at the carpet on my stairs any longer. The ...
  A: http://www.ehow.com/how_14388_select-paint-stripper.html ...
2 1/2"of filler required7/12/2009
  Q: The new house we are building has a concrete slab with large areas of real brick flooring that are ...
  A: Have you ever seen or heard of a DRY PACK floor float? Other options are to prime the floor and ...
Installing 3/4" Engineered Hardwood over Particle board7/11/2009
  Q: I want to replace my carpet floors with hardwood. Under the carpet is particle board over plywood. I ...
  A: Starting from the top. 1) If you want any type of warranty you better do as Bruce , or any ...
uneven subfloor7/10/2009
  Q: Chris-I need a self leveling compound that can be used over interior ply and also over particle ...
  A: Pat, I'll work backwards here. SLC can be done in stages. But each new stage will need to be ...
Optical Hazing???7/10/2009
  Q: I have recently fitted 60x60 cream porcelain tiles in an open plan area. I went in to check on the ...
  A: I am sorry to hear of your frustration. I am going to refer you to Jim Carlin here on these ...
Slate Tile7/10/2009
  Q: I want to install slate tile over an existing concrete patio that is covered and enclosed by a ...
  A: Raymond , Tile once set in mild weather and allowed to cure properly (72 hrs) should be fine with ...
uneven subfloor7/10/2009
  Q: Chris-I need a self leveling compound that can be used over interior ply and also over particle ...
  A: Pat , We use Mapei and Custom products ...as well as Ardex ... All the products I mentioned work ...
Removing grout sealer from porcelain tile7/9/2009
  Q: I need your help with removing grout sealer from about 2,800 sf of porcelain tile. I paid someone ...
  A: Michaela, Yes you can use 100% vinegar... or any dilution that works. There are professional grout ...
Tiling entry, 2 bathrooms and kitchen.7/9/2009
  Q: My son and I are getting ready to totally redo the flooring on the first floor of our 28 year old ...
  A: Terry , Bull nose the travertine and polish as needed at the transition areas to reduce the trip ...
Thin-set to bond over adhesive7/9/2009
  Q: We are putting ceramic tile on basement floor. The floor had vinyl tile on it. My husband took up ...
  A: Read these words of advice and do remove the adhesive as much as possible. ...
baseboards7/9/2009
  Q: How do you finish a baseboard at a door way when one of the floors is higher than the other and the ...
  A: Lolly, Other than adding a 1/4" round or additional trim I can only think to have an outside ...
Shower curb7/9/2009
  Q: I installed a swanstone shower base. I built a curb to go in front of the base so I can move the ...
  A: Troy, What material did you use to make and construct the dam with? If you did not follow normal ...
Nafco Grout removal6/29/2009
  Q: We are in the process of building a new home, and recently had our kitchen floors installed. The ...
  A: Asa, You can try a grout and haze remover available at home centers and or you can make a solution ...
Wood Flooring Installation6/28/2009
  Q: Chris, I am installing a Brazilian Cherry 3/4" prefinished wood floor and up until now it has gone ...
  A: Dan, Yes the triangular shaped shims are exactly that ...as you force them into the gap they bind ...
Floating Engineered Hardwood crackling noise6/28/2009
  Q: My husband and I have just installed an engineered hardwood by LM, Kendall Click, Laurentian 1/2" x ...
  A: Lynda, I am just perplexed ...I don't know if it's the padding underlayment or the wood? Is the ...
Wood Flooring Installation6/28/2009
  Q: Chris, I am installing a Brazilian Cherry 3/4" prefinished wood floor and up until now it has gone ...
  A: I understand your concerns , especially with a pre finished wood product. Glue down with Heavy Duty ...
kitchen flooring buckling6/28/2009
  Q: HELP! i just purchased an older home it's about 60 yrs old.The kitchen floor has laminate on top of ...
  A: Meka, I am sorry , all your panic has me confused ...is water actually leaking now ...turn the ...
flooring on slab6/26/2009
  Q: My 9 year-old hardwood flooring on a slab is bubbling/buckling up. Everyone says I must have water ...
  A: Tom, Sorry for your frustration ... yes moisture wicking /transpiring from the slab can be very ...
Congoleum duraceramic/vinyl flooring6/26/2009
  Q: I have a vinyl tile in the kitchen i want to replace. I know I can not put any product down (due to ...
  A: Andrea , Contact Congoleum at this # Consumer Information Hotline at 1-609-584-3601...ask them ...
Replacing hardwood with Tile6/26/2009
  Q: I asked a while ago about refinishing hardwood which had been badly damaged by an improper install ...
  A: Mark, As the wood floor is not suitable due to the nature and the size of each plank I think a ...
Replacing hardwood with Tile6/26/2009
  Q: I asked a while ago about refinishing hardwood which had been badly damaged by an improper install ...
  A: I never have a problem with an over engineered floor...I just thought that you might want to save a ...
Replacing hardwood with Tile6/26/2009
  Q: I asked a while ago about refinishing hardwood which had been badly damaged by an improper install ...
  A: Welcome back. that truly sounds good. More than adequate ! When you mention the 2 layers of 1/2" ...
Ceramic on Linoleum6/25/2009
  Q: A few months ago I dealt with a flooring company who installed ceramic tile without first removing ...
  A: My mother's name... As long as we are talking the same animal here (cushion)or felt back vinyl. I ...
floor filler6/25/2009
  Q: I have 6" white deal flooring which was put down before fully dried out, so there are gaps between ...
  A: Ireland , wow. I am completely unfamiliar with the product you mentioned. Is there hyper link you ...
Allure Trafficmaster6/24/2009
  Q: Can this product be installed on a screened/in porch? The porch gets some sun and can get rain when ...
  A: Harold, Call the manufacture at this # 203-299-3100 ...they will know for sure ...I doubt it , ...
Duraceramic vs. ceramic vs. porcelin tile6/24/2009
  Q: We are looking for a largely indestructable floor covering for our bath. We are looking for low- or ...
  A: Ceramic tile ... cement and stone , impervious to water and most harsh environments / chemicals. ...
linoleum floor repair-bubble6/23/2009
  Q: Would you use a heat gun to repair a "bubble" in the linoleum flooring that is not near a seam?
  A: James, I would lance it with a needle...maybe a larger upholstery needle will do it(not too big ...
rugs with latex backing on laminate flooring6/23/2009
  Q: When I purchased my home that has laminate flooring, I was told that rugs with rubber backing ...
  A: It has a tenancy to react with vinyl, I know that for sure. The latex has properties in it that ...
Tile / Hardwood issue6/23/2009
  Q: I am re-doing the foyer of my 1971 home. When I pried up the loose and broken slate tiles, I found ...
  A: As far as normal , I would have to know what they were stuck with ... on hardwood directly, it would ...
Tackless carpet installation6/22/2009
  Q: I received a quote from Empire Today for carpet installation. The salesman told me that they install ...
  A: Leigh, I am not familiar with the term TRACKLESS ....however, I am familiar with the term TACKLESS ...
tile floor installation poorly done6/22/2009
  Q: We are completely renovating our bathroom and have done all the renovations ourselves except that we ...
  A: Deb ...Sue their asses off ... get the BBB involved call your DA's office... speak to the Asst. or ...
re: engineered wood floor over gypcrete6/21/2009
  Q: ..I am building a two story addition to my home and I have the option of pouring gypcrete or leaving ...
  A: Christine , In many commercial buildings here in Southern California I have seen the horrors of ...
Carpet pad falling apart6/21/2009
  Q: I have a room that is about 20X16. I believe the past owner of the home steam cleaned often and it ...
  A: Mike , It is common at times to replace the padding. Here in So Cal the industry had a sale ...
Floating Engineered Hardwood crackling noise6/20/2009
  Q: My husband and I have just installed an engineered hardwood by LM, Kendall Click, Laurentian 1/2" x ...
  A: I am sorry to say that I have never had this problem and I really have tried before to answer this ...
porcelin tile installation6/19/2009
  Q: I installed a bath floor using 1/4" hardi-backer screwed and glued. regular gray thinset mortar with ...
  A: John, What do you mean glued and screwed??? Like this? These are the instructions I have always ...
Covering floor with lead-based paint on it6/18/2009
  Q: I am remodeling an old home. I took out the old carpet and there is lead-based paint on the wood ...
  A: Ok the wood floor boards ...this is the existing wood floor correct ... typically called the sub ...
Covering floor with lead-based paint on it6/18/2009
  Q: I am remodeling an old home. I took out the old carpet and there is lead-based paint on the wood ...
  A: Lead paint became an issue when babies ingested it from cribs and other items. Toddlers chewed on ...
versa seal6/17/2009
  Q: We had VCT installed 4 months ago in our business. We have noticed as time has gone on that the ...
  A: Sandra, I am completely befuddled by the products you mention and have never used them. If I do a ...
Replacing mobile home floors to accommodate tile6/16/2009
  Q: ....Don't know if you remember me, but you were very helpful at the inception of this job in ...
  A: Joseph, How can I say thanks for what I hear as a compliment about my answers.Thank you kindly, ...
Carpeting doorway/threshold area6/15/2009
  Q: How do we carpet up to the doorway. We were initially told not to put tack strip there. Then we were ...
  A: Here are some catalog images ...
Carpeting doorway/threshold area6/15/2009
  Q: How do we carpet up to the doorway. We were initially told not to put tack strip there. Then we were ...
  A: Edwina , Yes I can help ... if you describe the surface you are nailing into ...is it wood or ...
hard wood floor6/15/2009
  Q: when i purchased my "older" home, it had carpet in it. i decided to rip the carpet out and found ...
  A: Emad, I need to know what the subfloor is underneath??? Is it currently nailed down ...over a ...
Tile Subfloor6/14/2009
  Q: Took out bathroom carpeting and partical board underneath, leaving 5/8 in. plywood on the floor ...
  A: Linda , At this seam ...can you screw the subfloor down on the joists? To stop the movement. 1/4" ...
Carpet pulling up at top of stairs6/13/2009
  Q: How to I re-attach the carpeting at the top of the stairs? It is pulling out from under the metal ...
  A: Michael ... That's too bad that this is the way the previous installer left it. The metal should ...
Replacing mobile home floors to accommodate tile6/13/2009
  Q: ....Don't know if you remember me, but you were very helpful at the inception of this job in ...
  A: Joe, How are you my friend...LOL, of course I remember this adventure in metal boxes. It seems more ...
Berber carpet seams on stairs6/11/2009
  Q: Chris, I am considering installing carpet on the stairs leading to our basement (which I am ...
  A: I will start in reverse here.... The Berber carpet will not lend to cutting and re seaming at ...
ceramic issue6/11/2009
  Q: ) I am installing cermaic tile in a small condo. The back half of the unit is the entrance and ...
  A: Scott, My good neighbor! I can't see a damn thing from here ya know eh..... So unless you can ...
Flooring Glue6/10/2009
  Q: I just bought a house and ripped out all the laminate flooring out (all 4 layers) and they used 3 ...
  A: Please let me know what method of wood installation you are going to use. If you want to go by the ...
RE: Wood Floor Problem6/10/2009
  Q: Chris, You have helped me in the past and I hope you can help me again. We are building a new home. ...
  A: Ginny, With out any controls to keep conditions stable the wood is absorbing moisture and ...
Tile Burn6/10/2009
  Q: My wife dropped a hot hair curling iron on our bathroom vinyl tile floor. Is there any way to remove ...
  A: Barry, Sorry to say , NO...the floor has to be repaired / cut out and replaced with a scrap ...
laying Saltillo floor tile6/9/2009
  Q: Since Saltillo floor tile has rounded corners and sides do you have to space them or lay them snug ...
  A: Dennis, You must always space any /all tiles and apply grout. Saltillo tiles will often look like ...
Grout problem6/9/2009
  Q: the wife and I just "finished" our first DYI tiling job on a floor in our house. I did the ...
  A: Casey , There are a few things that I know of that will help. 1. The commercial products on the ...
staircase carpeting6/8/2009
  Q: I am having my open staircase carpeted. However, my new carpet color is different from the upstairs ...
  A: Vita, Change the landing also... if possible the seam/s under the bedroom doors will be invisible ...
Even laying of large format tiles6/6/2009
  Q: I've done quite a bit of tile work over the past 15 years. I'm doing my first job using very large ...
  A: Mark, The tile sinks when there is not enough cement / thinset to support it. Not only do I trowel ...
Chinese Engineered Wood Floor6/6/2009
  Q: I have had two different installers tell me that much of today's engineered wood floors are made in ...
  A: Since you are not doing it yourself I don't need to worry here. They are liscenced and bonded and ...
PROTECTING EXISTING CARPETING6/5/2009
  Q: I HAVE NEW LIGHT COLORED CARPET. THE AREA IN THE HALLWAY GETS ALOT OF TRAFFIC. MY ONLY THOUGHT IS ...
  A: IRENE, Please rephrase the question ....how what? The carpet runner is what slipping? I install ...
Chinese Engineered Wood Floor6/4/2009
  Q: I have had two different installers tell me that much of today's engineered wood floors are made in ...
  A: Rich , I have used many Chinese , Malaysian / foreign products. I find them to be very economical ...
Floor prep and install for Engineered Hardwood foor6/2/2009
  Q: I have several questions so I'll start with the obvious and lead in to the installation. 1) I ...
  A: Martin, Lots of info here ... many questions too answer. I will give you my e mail so you can keep ...
Duraceramic6/2/2009
  Q: I'm about to purchase Duraceramic....I currently have a laminate floor that will be removed. ...
  A: Vickie , Please allow me to elaborate here ...In my experience all vinyl floors / composite tile ...
pebble tile floor6/2/2009
  Q: I'm interested in installing a pebble-tile floor in my bathroom. The floor is slightly uneven since ...
  A: Install hardibacker cement board with these methods listed here. ...
area rug puckering6/2/2009
  Q: Recently we were given an older oriental rug for our family room. It was thin and slippery over the ...
  A: Marci , I am sorry to inform you , I don't know much about throw rugs and the thin pads under ...
No underlayment6/1/2009
  Q: I had someone install a prefinished 7 1/4" bamboo floor about 6 months ago. The subfloor was ...
  A: Niki, You can purchase a humidifier and attempt to raise the humidity... A nail down floor does ...
No underlayment6/1/2009
  Q: I had someone install a prefinished 7 1/4" bamboo floor about 6 months ago. The subfloor was ...
  A: Carri, What thickness is the plywood ...and what was it nailed with ...I usually screw it down and ...
new ceramic flooring6/1/2009
  Q: We are doing new ceramic flooring in our house. I would like to know the following: (1) Should we ...
  A: Ajay , (1) If the tiles are cracked / cracking now ...you will need to take them up. The new ones ...
Install Peel n Stick over particle board5/31/2009
  Q: We have a large entry area that's particle board, over what we don't know, butted up to hardwood ...
  A: Mike & Donna, Skim all the areas that will receive the tile ... use firm pressure on the trowel ...
Install Peel n Stick over particle board5/31/2009
  Q: We have a large entry area that's particle board, over what we don't know, butted up to hardwood ...
  A: I can not answer your question completely with out the name and brand of the floor. I too used to ...
tile grout5/31/2009
  Q: My tile grout seems to look whiteish or slightly milky, and it is a light brown grout. Could it be ...
  A: Sonia , Although not a cleaning expert, take a look at my desk some time, most hard water will have ...
leveling floor for laminate5/30/2009
  Q: We're going to install laminate flooring in our doublewide mobile home. The subfloor is sound, but ...
  A: .. At the wall I would install ply wood directly to the floor with 1 5/8" screws... 3/4" plywood. ...
Duraceramic5/30/2009
  Q: I'm about to purchase Duraceramic....I currently have a laminate floor that will be removed. ...
  A: Vickie , i really don't know ... please call them and speak with the customer service dept. They ...
leveling floor for laminate5/29/2009
  Q: We're going to install laminate flooring in our doublewide mobile home. The subfloor is sound, but ...
  A: Sorry Jean , I got confused with John ...almost the same subject...I was out of town and finally ...
wood flooring with an accident prone pet5/29/2009
  Q: I have 2 dogs, one cat and 3 children. I had laminate installed in my family room about 5 years ...
  A: Judine , Although it may resist somewhat better than a laminate ...it is much more costly to ...
wood flooring with an accident prone pet5/28/2009
  Q: I have 2 dogs, one cat and 3 children. I had laminate installed in my family room about 5 years ...
  A: Judine< No wood based product will endure the action of moisture and or pet urine. Carpert is out ...
Glued down carpet.5/28/2009
  Q: I have 20+ year old carpet that has been glued to the concrete floor in the basement. The ancient ...
  A: LOL... ya hoser ...eh, I'll need another Molson to go further eh.... Congrats on the new boy ...I ...
concrete floor leveling5/25/2009
  Q: I want to install lamenent flooring in my living room. I have slab concrete foundation. The concrete ...
  A: I am going out of town ...this is a lengthy question / answer ...if you wouldn't mind waiting I will ...
laminate over wood floor bulge & buckle5/24/2009
  Q: Chris, Sorry, I forgot to include my questions in the last message. Here's my last message: "I ...
  A: MY MY, HA , Ikea ...they have no clue , they are retailers and have books to get their info from ...
laminate over wood floor bulge & buckle5/24/2009
  Q: Chris, Sorry, I forgot to include my questions in the last message. Here's my last message: "I ...
  A: My My, I have never heard of the questions / circumstance that you have posed...I would suggest ...
tar paper5/23/2009
  Q: do you glue tar paper to subfloor then glue linoleum on top of that (feltback) 1/4 subfloor plywood ...
  A: Bob, I thought the ply wood was down already...what are the exsisting floors now ?? You may have ...
tar paper5/22/2009
  Q: do you glue tar paper to subfloor then glue linoleum on top of that (feltback) 1/4 subfloor plywood
  A: Bob, With the new solid plywood subfloor there is no need to put down tar paper....just prep the ...
Joining two different levels of flooring.5/22/2009
  Q: Our dinning room has laminated hardwood flooring, and we just installed Saltillo tile in the ...
  A: Gary , I have this problem often... tile and wood. Shim the T-CAP to the level of the tile ...
Installing hardwood flooring5/21/2009
  Q: I would like to install hardwood flooring over my existing ceramic tile. I recently tore out a ...
  A: MAhala kAy, If you skim coat the floor with the proper underlayment, PORTLAND BASED CEMENT...and ...
Laminate questions5/20/2009
  Q: 1) Does the thickness of a laminate floor matter? I am trying to decide between 8mm and 12mm ...
  A: Dean, Yes the thickness will add to the sonic qualities. The thicker products will sound and feel ...
transition strip5/20/2009
  Q: laminate flooring ending at dinning room which is ceramic tile 12ft opening 9ft straight 3ft ...
  A: Chris, Use a T -CAP molding, Miter the 45 degree with cuts set at 22.5 degrees on a chop saw. Here ...
Laying Hardwood Laminate5/20/2009
  Q: We are laying hardwood laminate almost throughout a cottage. We have just finished the living-room ...
  A: Garth ... Ok I'll use your words I work the room south and get finished ...then I turn around and ...
Adura vinyl tiles5/19/2009
  Q: I just read your answer regarding someone else's question about Adura (Mannington) tiles. I ...
  A: Read your question, will answer thoroughly tonight after work. Chris Tanya , Please prep the ...
hardwood flooring5/19/2009
  Q: I am trying to decide if i want hardwood flooring in my new kitchen. i have dogs, I am concerned ...
  A: Joy, I am not a dog owner... yet even the many homes I have done which did have dogs have not ...
Laying Hardwood Laminate5/18/2009
  Q: We are laying hardwood laminate almost throughout a cottage. We have just finished the living-room ...
  A: Garth, I am trying to visualize your situation and having a very difficult time doing so based on ...
Tiling over existing tile and radiant heat5/18/2009
  Q: I have a customer who wants me to lay ceramic tile on top of his existing ceramic tile floor. The ...
  A: Darryl, I have no clue ... I could toss in that any added material will cause the radiant heat to ...
Removing old linoleum flooring5/18/2009
  Q: i am helping my dad remove a linoleum floor the house was built in 1982. the linoleum is coming up ...
  A: Patrick, You can be pretty sure that linoleum ...true old skool lino is made of linseed oil , cork, ...
Laminate On Stairs5/16/2009
  Q: hope you can help! Myself and a friend are trying to put down laminate. We did the living room ...
  A: Nice job so far ...and you are very brave !! Ok bear with me ...the riser must be made flush ...all ...
Hardwood Floor Repair5/16/2009
  Q: Hoping you can help me out! I have hardwood floors that were installed by the former owners of my ...
  A: Liz , Considering the fact that I don't know what type of wood you have ..solid or engineered ? ...
Dritac5/16/2009
  Q: Do you know where I can purchase the Dritac refill kit for the solid floor in the 10-pack you refer ...
  A: John, I think you are speaking of the epoxy injection repair kit? Is this correct. Post a link so ...
finish molding from carpet to hardwood engineered flooring5/15/2009
  Q: I am installing a hardwood engineered floor in a bedroom to replace the carpet. The carpet runs ...
  A: Ernie , Yes there are quite few ....here are some examples of what they do and what they are ...
Hardwood Floor Repair5/15/2009
  Q: Hoping you can help me out! I have hardwood floors that were installed by the former owners of my ...
  A: Is it OK if I scream now.....lol Geeez, architects are good for one thing, giving spec's, not ...
ceramic tile in a mobile home5/15/2009
  Q: My in-laws want to install ceramic tile in a small area of their mobile home. There is linoleum ...
  A: Tiffany, Yes you can install tile over hardi backer cement board in the mobile home bath. If you ...
carpet black spot5/14/2009
  Q: I have done a short sale on my home. I moved the six foot long fish tank out from the wall and found ...
  A: I don't know the specific answer to your question, I am an installation expert. However, if you go ...
carpet pads5/14/2009
  Q: the carpet in the dining room was disgusting all puckered up and no longer attached to the pad. The ...
  A: I don't know what you used for scraping , but we use these 4" wide razor scrapers ....typically ...
Wood flooring screw up5/14/2009
  Q: Ok, here's the story. I wanted to get wood flooring in my bedroom, and my uncle runs a wood ...
  A: Aoife, Thank you for the best humor of the month ....I am sorry it is at your expense.I am just ...
'allure' vinyl floor planks5/13/2009
  Q: Just seen this product advertised @ Home Depot - went in to have a look. I'm impressed with the ...
  A: I have see the product also ... as to your concerns pertaining to the weather it would be best if ...
sweating floor5/13/2009
  Q: We are on a slab. We pulled part of the carpet and padding up because it was wet and smelled. The ...
  A: This age old problem with moisture vapor and flooring rears it's head again. There are 2 things you ...
getting carpet glue off my hardwood floor5/13/2009
  Q: I pulled up the carpet in my 1957 home to get to the original hardwood floors. They are in very good ...
  A: Jeremy, There are many adhesive removers on the market... some we use that are safe for wood floors ...
Preparing for 13" x 13" porcelain tile install5/13/2009
  Q: I just tore out some old, 80s era ceramic tile, 1/4" luan plywood that was under it, vinyl tile ...
  A: Keith, When you are installing an additional subfloor(plywood) run the material 90 degrees to the ...
Carpet Tacks5/12/2009
  Q: We just bought a newly constructed home. The problem is along the edges of the carpet (where it ...
  A: The standard carpet is usually an economy grade and you are in fact feeling the tack strip through ...
Floorboards genva loc acoustic5/11/2009
  Q: I have a quick question regarding your opinion about the quality and durability as well as "look" of ...
  A: Yes Shireen, You will need to protect your investment and follow normal "industry standards" ...
Removing slate tile applied to concrete5/11/2009
  Q: I started to remove a slate tile floor in order to replace with ceramic. The job has turned into a ...
  A: Dave, Thanks very much for the kind comments...they are always appreciated. I will look forward to ...
Baseboards and tile floor.5/11/2009
  Q: I am updating my bathroom and as part of the remodel the baseboards need to be removed. Problem is ...
  A: I have removed base boards and destroyed them (that was the intention)...to apply new ones. If they ...
Removing slate tile applied to concrete5/10/2009
  Q: I started to remove a slate tile floor in order to replace with ceramic. The job has turned into a ...
  A: I use a rotary hammer drill set on hammer only ...with the appropriate bits for chiseling and prying ...
Carpeting Over Marble5/10/2009
  Q: We just purchased a home and the large family room (24'x22') has a dark green high gloss marble ...
  A: Elizabeth .... You can loose lay carpet over the marble ... but that's about it. If you attempt to ...
Floorboards genva loc acoustic5/9/2009
  Q: I have a quick question regarding your opinion about the quality and durability as well as "look" of ...
  A: Shireen, Opinions of laminate floors are just that ...biased or otherwise. With so many products ...
Glued down carpet.5/9/2009
  Q: I have 20+ year old carpet that has been glued to the concrete floor in the basement. The ancient ...
  A: G...my canuck cousin... Do you remember the Mackenzie brothers... I guess I am showing my ...
installing ceramic tile over lanilolum5/9/2009
  Q: Is it safe to install tile over rolled linoleum that is well adhered to a cement floor? How?
  A: Steve , I can say yes , but that's only if I see the floor / my own job / my customer. Since there ...
Wood Flooring5/8/2009
  Q: I'm looking into wood flooring for the kitchen and love the looks of Bamboo but have read some bad ...
  A: Yes , I have installed many glass tiles ... what is the dimension of the sheet? And the approximate ...
engineered hard wood5/7/2009
  Q: We had a water leak under our tongue and groove engineered hardwood floor. There is only one area ...
  A: Sally , Do you have home owners insurance ... if you do get them to fix the floor. If you don't I ...
Wood Flooring5/7/2009
  Q: I'm looking into wood flooring for the kitchen and love the looks of Bamboo but have read some bad ...
  A: i don't like to recommend , I answer installer / installation questions mostly ...but I love tile ...
Recarpet my 5th wheel5/7/2009
  Q: I need to recarpet my 5th wheel. Are there companies that specifically work with trailer carpet ...
  A: Let's see if I can help. I have done a lot of this type work. I would make sure the installer has ...
vinyl flooring5/6/2009
  Q: We just had vinyl flooring installed and you can see raised areas where glue was not spread evenly. ...
  A: Melissa, I am not sure of the situation ...if you attempt to fix and it makes the problem worse , ...
Mud Bed5/6/2009
  Q: I am installing 24" x 24" Porcelain tile over a concrete floor. The floor has a lot of ups and ...
  A: Sorry so late in responding Russ, I am in the middle of a stone job and have just been beat each ...
sub floor5/5/2009
  Q: I live in a old house and there is a sub floor on top of the original hard wood floor it has a ...
  A: Jason , I have no idea what the material was / is....or your end goal. If I say scrap with razor ...
Leak between parkay tongue and groove flooring5/4/2009
  Q: Over the last 48 hours I've noticed my parkay tongue and groove flooring buckling in my chen. The ...
  A: Yes ... I ma saying that it will be covered by the homeowners insurance. You can call a plumber ...
Veneer Thickness Of Engineered Hardwood5/3/2009
  Q: I'm planning to have engineered hardwood floors installed in my condo. Other than multiple sandings, ...
  A: Rich , Yes regardless of the veneer and thickness you will need to protect the floor. Although ...
Replace mobile home flooring with tile.5/3/2009
  Q: I have done my share of floor jobs, but never in a mobile home. This particular one is on slab with ...
  A: Joseph , To a degree I think I see what you are after.... basically more support in between the ...
Leak between parkay tongue and groove flooring5/3/2009
  Q: Over the last 48 hours I've noticed my parkay tongue and groove flooring buckling in my chen. The ...
  A: Sounds like you have a leak all right ....your best bet would be to call your insurance company , ...
Installing tile over linoleum?5/3/2009
  Q: I want to update my kitchen and bathroom flooring, both which had 25 year old linoleum. I pulled ...
  A: Well the formal answer would be to take it up to insure the best bond and subfloor possible yada ...
Flexitec lineoleum laying over cement.5/3/2009
  Q: I want to use flexitec product in my basement. It is a kitchen and there is a drain in the floor. ...
  A: Ohhh the basement, I have heard so many reports of flooding and other issues regarding moisture in ...
tile and carpet in bathroom5/3/2009
  Q: Just removed carpet in bathroom due to a pipe leak. Shower and tub have grey ceramic tile around ...
  A: Rob , ..sorry to come off weird , but I offer advise on installation mechanics...I am not a designer ...
Replace mobile home flooring with tile.5/3/2009
  Q: I have done my share of floor jobs, but never in a mobile home. This particular one is on slab with ...
  A: I have done a lot of mobile homes , unfortunately they are not built like regular homes. So , ...
prep for carpet installation5/3/2009
  Q: I am getting carpet installed professionaly over hardwood flooring for our nursery. We have painted ...
  A: Please feel free to call the company that is doing the installation and ask what they prefer you do ...
porch flooring5/3/2009
  Q: We have a screened in porch only in NJ with cold temps in the winter and snow and rain coming onto ...
  A: I can suggest tile ...or stone. they have various products that allow for your situations and ...
slate and ceramic tile5/2/2009
  Q: I am wanting to put both slate and ceramic tile on my concrete patio, however; the slate (that I ...
  A: A bit complex and quite a tedious procedure would be to use the slate with a smaller notched trowel ...
9x9 tiles5/1/2009
  Q: Our church basement has had 9x9 tiles for 50 years. Always dry & has held up well. Now, they ...
  A: Yes , cutting a 12 x 12 down will work...try to make sure the thickness is the same. Some older ...
Veneer Thickness Of Engineered Hardwood4/30/2009
  Q: I'm planning to have engineered hardwood floors installed in my condo. Other than multiple sandings, ...
  A: Regardless of the wear layer the wood will not withstand the type of furniture you describe without ...
New Capet over Pergo Floor?4/29/2009
  Q: Went Lowes for carpet in two rooms. I have pergo floor all throu the house. We want to try carpet ...
  A: Stew... If you have wood floors ...and true wood subfloors then you just need to use longer nails ...
Veneer Thickness Of Engineered Hardwood4/29/2009
  Q: I'm planning to have engineered hardwood floors installed in my condo. Other than multiple sandings, ...
  A: Rich , What is the price difference ? ...4 mm is obviously 2x that, much more likely to last a ...
laminate4/28/2009
  Q: and thank you for your help in advance. I installed 200 square feet of laminate (oceanic - 8.43 mm ...
  A: JR, By all means ...if you have the time and ability and the material , take it apart and re -do ...
ceramic flooring4/28/2009
  Q: I have a large area of cheap white ceramic flooring. It always looks dirty!! I can clean and wash ...
  A: My senior flooring Journeyman and I remodeled his house. He used S.A.F.E on the grout and rinsed ...
Using the existing floor as a subfloor4/28/2009
  Q: I have a house in Tuscany and the floor in what will be the living room is chestnut beams about 1m ...
  A: Rafe ...quite a difference from the USA The beams spaced at 1m, what are their dimensions? The ...
exterior wood decking4/28/2009
  Q: I would like to build a large covered/screened patio, not sure what kind of wood to use for low ...
  A: Greg, I am not an exterior deck expert ...I have browsed some on the internet and examined various ...
floors vibrate when someone walks by4/27/2009
  Q: We have a 2 story wood frame house with a 4 foot crawl space under the entire house. Four years ago ...
  A: Caryn , Not being able to be there , all I can do is ponder ... 2 things , the new spring season ...
tile4/27/2009
  Q: I am in the process of demolition of my kitchen, dining room, and bathroom floors. Which where all ...
  A: The rules have been the same for many years...try to remove as much adhesive as possible get the ...
quality of staple vs nylon4/27/2009
  Q: we are about to buy carpet and there is a good deal on staple anso nylon by shaw. Some sales people ...
  A: This is an age old question.....and I have a link somewhere that explains all the good, bad and ...
laminate flooring issue4/27/2009
  Q: a very rare deluge of rain caused the basement floor to flood. We were able to remove all the water ...
  A: I have asked many questions and have learned much about basements... Most basements will have a ...
laminate flooring issue4/27/2009
  Q: a very rare deluge of rain caused the basement floor to flood. We were able to remove all the water ...
  A: Esther, Unfortunately I believe you will indeed have issues. The underlayment will hold moisture ...
removal of carpet4/26/2009
  Q: I have never removed carpet myself and I am hoping that my older children and I can remove several ...
  A: yes ...it is easy and you can do it...please take some basic precautions.wear gloves if needed. ...
Carpet to Carpet4/25/2009
  Q: I am remodeling and I would like to put a new carpet over an old one that will not come up. I cannot ...
  A: LOL...I was so confused ....OMG ...the trunk ...LOL Ok well I am not a specialist in this area... ...
Carpet to Carpet4/25/2009
  Q: I am remodeling and I would like to put a new carpet over an old one that will not come up. I cannot ...
  A: What is preventing you from tearing it up ? Can't put nails in it .... if you have new padding ...
Peel & Stick tiles4/24/2009
  Q: I picked out a peel & stick tile that I saw at Lowe's (most of their selections were peel & stick). ...
  A: Clark ...I goggled The manufacture / distributor, spoke with them and repeatedly tried to get a ...
ceramic tile sub streight4/24/2009
  Q: In the past I've prepared wood flooring for tile by stapling black paper over 3/4" wood sub-flooring ...
  A: Reilly, Yes I am familiar with this method ...and have torn up many ....lol They are always fun... ...
Carpet Tile and Adhesive4/23/2009
  Q: My company had a build out and installed carpet tiles. Before the tile went down the concrete was ...
  A: It sounds like it could be moisture, regardless of the sealer put down.... If you would like to ...
Laminate Flooring4/22/2009
  Q: We are looking to do our own demo on some laminate flooring put down almost 10 years ago. We are ...
  A: Laminate floors are floating on a foam underlayment ...a few MM's thick... if the floor flexes and ...
Peel & Stick tiles4/22/2009
  Q: I picked out a peel & stick tile that I saw at Lowe's (most of their selections were peel & stick). ...
  A: Clark ... The old adhesive ...did you scrape it and remove as much as possible? You know with the ...
Shaw Royal Mahogony 14 mm Exotic 2 strip4/21/2009
  Q: I have installed the Shaw Royal Mohagony engineered floor. In the summer the floor is tight and ...
  A: Kevin , If it is possible can you uninstall it and upon re-installation glue the joints in ...
cracked tile over plywood subfloor4/21/2009
  Q: Our front hall has ceramic tile with grout that is cracking to the point that you can pull chunks ...
  A: Dave , Possibly ... to bad no one used the proper cement board and methods to do it right from the ...
carpet4/21/2009
  Q: I recently had a burst pipe from the bathroom that flooded the bedroom. There is brand new carpeting ...
  A: Debbie , Sorry dear , I am a flooring installer , not a water damage restoration guy. I wish I had ...
Repairing buckled wood floors?4/18/2009
  Q: I am purchasing a foreclosure home which had some water damage in one room. We've already located ...
  A: ... You may have to call a very special craftsman or specialist ... not just any contractor .... ...
Old (VAT) tile under carpet over cement slab. want wood4/17/2009
  Q: We would like to install wood floor in dining area that is now carpeted over old VAT ...
  A: Charles, Back in the day... the only 2 choices you had were nail down / glue down. With the ...
loose parquet flooring4/17/2009
  Q: my home was built in the early 50's. it has parquet flooring throughout. i am refinishing it, but in ...
  A: No problem .... thank you for the explanation , sometimes you just can't tell these days ... The ...
floor4/17/2009
  Q: I am being told that my floor is buckling because that the insulation under the house was put in ...
  A: Sherry , The floor next to the ground with no sub floor ... here in my state that is concrete... ...
Shaw Royal Mahogony 14 mm Exotic 2 strip4/17/2009
  Q: I have installed the Shaw Royal Mohagony engineered floor. In the summer the floor is tight and ...
  A: Kevin , All wood floors expand and contract with the weather conditions ... maybe in the winter you ...
loose parquet flooring4/16/2009
  Q: my home was built in the early 50's. it has parquet flooring throughout. i am refinishing it, but in ...
  A: LOL...VERY CAREFULLY ... Yes of course I know that .. ... surgically remove the pieces , I might ...
Old (VAT) tile under carpet over cement slab. want wood4/16/2009
  Q: We would like to install wood floor in dining area that is now carpeted over old VAT ...
  A: Typically the glue manufactures state to remove all old adhesives and dust and paint and anything ...
carpeting a basement4/16/2009
  Q: As we are finishing my basement, I am preparing the concrete floor for carpeting. We have had two ...
  A: If you intend to install carpet which method of installation will you use ...Glue direct or ...
proper procedure for tile install4/15/2009
  Q: John, I installed 400 SF of 12" floor tile over 1/4" hardi backer board. That was shot down with ...
  A: Beau, I am sorry that you have to learn this lesson .... you are not alone. I remember being ...
Old (VAT) tile under carpet over cement slab. want wood4/15/2009
  Q: We would like to install wood floor in dining area that is now carpeted over old VAT ...
  A: Charles , Depending on the square footage you can demo it, check with your trash company as to the ...
loose parquet flooring4/14/2009
  Q: my home was built in the early 50's. it has parquet flooring throughout. i am refinishing it, but in ...
  A: The glue...even though it is black will not be harmful... I assure you that a small amount of ...
Vinyl Durastone4/14/2009
  Q: I'm thinking about installing Durastone Vinyl 16" x 16" tiles in my bathroom but heard that there ...
  A: I have looked up lots of products for folks , but I can't recall what or if this is one in ...
proper procedure for tile install4/14/2009
  Q: John, I installed 400 SF of 12" floor tile over 1/4" hardi backer board. That was shot down with ...
  A: Beau, The error is on you, according to my experience and knowledge of the law here in Calif. ...
cork and floor muffler underlayment combined?4/13/2009
  Q: Is it possible to combine cork and floor muffler underlayment to minimize sound transmission. I am ...
  A: Kirk, It depends , have you looked at the high density products like silent walk, here is a link to ...
tigerwood flooring.4/13/2009
  Q: wheen installing tigerwood flooring are h joints acceptable. Or when three or four every other board ...
  A: Brett, Its always preferable to off set the joints as much as possible ....never have them line up ...
Hardwood Floor Sub-floor Material4/12/2009
  Q: We plan to install Brazilian walnut hardwood in the living and dining area of our 1970 home. The ...
  A: Chris , It a long text you have here and the details are appreciated, but If you want the quality ...
Flooring noise4/11/2009
  Q: I have a 2 story home. Above the living room is my son's room. When he walks over a certain area in ...
  A: Scott, Sounds like a pipe or gas line ..bouncing slightly ... on the typical hanger that is used to ...
Is it always necessary to replace wet subfloor?4/11/2009
  Q: Do wet subfloors always have to be replaced? A cracked clay drainpipe under our laundry room ...
  A: I see your excellent image ....Thank you. I'll try to break down your questions as you listed them ...
cement backer board removal4/9/2009
  Q: We are planning on installing hardwood floors in our front hall (previously tile). We have removed ...
  A: Heather , This is a difficult process ...if it was adhered with cement as used for tile it will ...
Wonderboard for VCT4/9/2009
  Q: I'm installing wonderboard over old, damaged resilient tile and I'm wondering whether I'm doing ...
  A: Eve ... The floor may never be perfect ... but we try to get it within industry standards... the ...
removing VCT, installing ceramic4/9/2009
  Q: Due to water damage, we are having our vinyl composite tile flooring removed, and will be replacing ...
  A: 90-99 % is a good percentage to achieve .... the goal is to not have any ridges or globs impeding ...
Wonderboard for VCT4/8/2009
  Q: I'm installing wonderboard over old, damaged resilient tile and I'm wondering whether I'm doing ...
  A: Your welcome... 1/4" plywood is available from various suppliers. It is rated for subflooring and ...
Wonderboard for VCT4/8/2009
  Q: I'm installing wonderboard over old, damaged resilient tile and I'm wondering whether I'm doing ...
  A: Eve , Well, you are certainly going over board here. for VCT (resilient tile) Really all you ...
wood flooring4/7/2009
  Q: I thought I saw a way to install a free floating wood floor in the basement, below grade, on TV some ...
  A: Randy, It seems to claim that and also allow the floor to breathe. I would fell better about this ...
wood flooring4/6/2009
  Q: I thought I saw a way to install a free floating wood floor in the basement, below grade, on TV some ...
  A: Randy , I have seen this product that sounds similar to what you are describing....Is this ...
Opinion on unusual lino installation4/2/2009
  Q: I would appreciate your opinion on the suggested approach to this flooring installation. Basics: ...
  A: Brian, LOL...The picture speaks volumes....TY I would have originally suggested taking out the ...
vinyl over carpet4/2/2009
  Q: I want to put vinyl down in my kitchen. I have carpet down now and I hate it, my problem is it's ...
  A: Yes , you will have to tear up the old carpet Susan , but it's been done many times and you can have ...
Opinion on unusual lino installation4/2/2009
  Q: I would appreciate your opinion on the suggested approach to this flooring installation. Basics: ...
  A: Brian , I may be an experienced installer, However I am not there.... and I can not see the details ...
Opinion on unusual lino installation4/1/2009
  Q: I would appreciate your opinion on the suggested approach to this flooring installation. Basics: ...
  A: Brian , Is the installer competent .. and warranting the work ? My issue is the 1/2" ply attached ...
Transition from hardwood to carpet4/1/2009
  Q: Chris, The engineered wood floors we recently installed in hallway (over concrete slab) are butting ...
  A: Sorry to confuse you ... How thick is your wood ? It is normal for the carpet to be slightly higher ...
at grade, hard wood floor instatlation3/31/2009
  Q: I purchased 250 sq. yards of hardwood flooring. My project is "at grade". I removed the laminate ...
  A: Paul, "Or you can over kill it and use all the methods we talked about." "If the readings(OF THE ...
at grade, hard wood floor instatlation3/31/2009
  Q: I purchased 250 sq. yards of hardwood flooring. My project is "at grade". I removed the laminate ...
  A: Paul, Forgive me I must have completely missed the intial question regard ing a false floor. With ...
at grade, hard wood floor instatlation3/31/2009
  Q: I purchased 250 sq. yards of hardwood flooring. My project is "at grade". I removed the laminate ...
  A: Paul, On grade , concrete slab. What type hardwood ? Solid or engineered? Whichever it is the ...
Transition from hardwood to carpet3/30/2009
  Q: Chris, The engineered wood floors we recently installed in hallway (over concrete slab) are butting ...
  A: Yes , ordinarily we place an End Cap ...or Threshold on this transition. if you plan ahead slightly ...
tile over laminate3/28/2009
  Q: I recently ripped up my laminate on the floor of my basement bathroom. It didn't all come up ...
  A: Tom, I don't understand what paper is involved with the laminate. Laminate is a fake wood product, ...
Applying Durock3/28/2009
  Q: I have a house that has 3/4 inch pine floor with a 3/4 inch hardwood floor above. We are going to ...
  A: Dan, You do not glue the Durock or any cement board down .... You use thin set and 1/4" trowel. ...
installing porcelain tile3/26/2009
  Q: I am putting down some tile and I have to transition from a wood subfloor to a concrete floor. I am ...
  A: Kevin , It all depends on the area and the look you want. Lots of tile companies and stone and ...
Hardwood or laminate over tile3/25/2009
  Q: Can I have hardwood or laminate flooring installed over Mexican ceramic tile, or must I remove the ...
  A: Lee, It is possible ... but lots of factors need to be looked at. The new height of the new ...
asbestos glue?3/25/2009
  Q: Can asbestos glue seep up and be a threat? We have an older house with tile in the basement. Today, ...
  A: Paul , FYI ...asbestos glue is black ... the yellow glue is latex based ... and poses no threat .. ...
Self-Sticking Floor Tiles3/25/2009
  Q: My son has moved into a very used and abused house trailer, I'm trying to help him clean/fix it up. ...
  A: Purchase a liquid latex floor primer ...roller it on ....then buy some adhesive for VCT ...Henry's ...
Floating Engineered Maple3/25/2009
  Q: I am installing (with the help of my dad and brother) an engineered maple on a slab foundation. I ...
  A: Regardless of what I may have an opinion on , are you not forced to keep this floor now? If you can ...
curved Berber carpet transition to lower vinyl3/24/2009
  Q: What ideas do you have for the transition edge for a curved Berber carpet to a slightly lower vinyl ...
  A: .. Yes , the contour metals are commonly stocked at places that I would go to for supplies ....Not ...
curved Berber carpet transition to lower vinyl3/23/2009
  Q: What ideas do you have for the transition edge for a curved Berber carpet to a slightly lower vinyl ...
  A: I bet the first time when your dad did it right he used the right product pre-segmented from the ...
using a pneumatic nailer with 2 inch cleats and it is splitting the tongue every time we nail it.3/21/2009
  Q: We are installing exotic Tigerwood and put in 2 rows so far. We are using a pneumatic nailer with 2 ...
  A: Arlene , Does the nailer also shoot staples , Try the staples. We have had the same problem before ...
vinyl plank flooring and temperature3/20/2009
  Q: I have a covered sunporch with sliding glass doors, but no HVAC. I am thinking about installing ...
  A: As I have been to home depot lately getting materials for a shower , I kept thinking of your ...
vinyl plank flooring and temperature3/20/2009
  Q: I have a covered sunporch with sliding glass doors, but no HVAC. I am thinking about installing ...
  A: Natalie, I wonder how cold is cold??? Freezing?? Anything below 40F might be cause for concern... I ...
Adura by Mannington / underlayment3/20/2009
  Q: I am remodeling our kitchen. I removed the entire floor to the Joists, and installed 3/4" T&G ...
  A: Jamie , Yeahhh .. someone finally sent me photos ...LOL... TY Nice doggies .... Yes I have torn ...
seam3/20/2009
  Q: We just had a PET polyester good quality carpet installed in our newly finished basement. It is a ...
  A: The seam ... that is definitely something that should be looked at closely. You can take a comb or ...
Adura by Mannington / underlayment3/19/2009
  Q: I am remodeling our kitchen. I removed the entire floor to the Joists, and installed 3/4" T&G ...
  A: Firstly I want to say I am not a product evaluator. I am an installation mechanic/ Journeyman. That ...
Loose Tiles3/19/2009
  Q: Chris, I have recently stripped and waxed several large areas of VCT tile. One of the areas had some ...
  A: Tim , I don't know who is making this suggestion , but it is obvious that the tiles were loose ...
floor and baseboard3/18/2009
  Q: We just bought house and it has wood floors and there are pretty nice gaps between baseboard and ...
  A: James, Sure , it's pretty easy ...but I would suggest the painters caulk (ALEX PLUS)...it is water ...
Hardwood installation on wavy floors3/18/2009
  Q: We want to install Junckers Nordic Ash 3/4" by 5" hardwood flooring in 650 sq ft of our second ...
  A: I am in the far East end of the valley ....Inland Empire. By all means ...Junckers is great for ...
Prepping a concrete floor for ceramic tile3/17/2009
  Q: i am currently redoing my downstairs bathroom and after removing the old tile i found the paper ...
  A: Yes Steve that is typically a vapor barrier paper , called aqua barrier ... or slip sheet. I always ...
Which gets installed First?3/17/2009
  Q: I am working with two contractors. One contractor is going to install vinyl flooring in two ...
  A: The vinyl first...the laminate second ...the carpet last. I can see where demolition phases might be ...
floor and baseboard3/17/2009
  Q: We just bought house and it has wood floors and there are pretty nice gaps between baseboard and ...
  A: Most wood floors , in older homes, have a base shoe affixed to the base board to eliminate this gap. ...
armstrong laminate flooring3/15/2009
  Q: Chris, just saw your response to a question about armstrong grand illusions laminate making a ...
  A: CT, I know only what I have heard here..... I would stay away and spend my hard earned money ...
taking up wall to wall carpet3/15/2009
  Q: Owned a home for 28 years, floor same then as is now, settled and sloping down on part of first ...
  A: Susan , Yes you can ...but you need to determine to what extent ... tear out the carpet ... then ...
padding for rugs3/13/2009
  Q: We recently had brazilian redwood installed and wondered why and for how long to wait to put down ...
  A: Kim , I am not sure what you need ... just the throw rug over the wood floor??? Why use pad at ...
hardwood floors installed next to ceramic tile that is higher in height3/12/2009
  Q: We are installing a hardwood floor and running into a problem. There ceramic tile that is currently ...
  A: Yes Arlene, run the reducer on the table saw ...cut off the thin side until it is flush with the ...
Padding3/11/2009
  Q: So, a full bottle of laundry detergent feel from the top of the double stacker wash/dryer. It ...
  A: Shannon, All brand ... lol... well it sounds like it got ALL over the place. You say engineered ...
Ceramic Tile over linoleum backing3/10/2009
  Q: I want to install tile in my kitchen. I have a concrete subfloor and I have tried to pull up the ...
  A: David, Hi there , please soak the cardboard backing and allow to get mushy ... use as much water as ...
How to Clean Australian Cypress Floor3/10/2009
  Q: Currently, to clean our Australian cypress floor we sweep and mop the floor. I will like to get an ...
  A: I am sorry , I do not clean floors ...I have stone and tile / carpet in my house. If it were my wood ...
LAYING VINYL FLOORING NEXT TO EXISTING CARPET3/9/2009
  Q: MY HUSBAND AND I WOULD LIKE TO REPLACE OUR VINYL FLOORING IN 2 BATHROOMS, A SMALL FOYER, AND OUR ...
  A: Various transitions for carpet may include a visible piece of metal ...or the invisible "Z" bar ...
LAYING SPLIT BRICK ON DECK OF COVERED PORCH3/9/2009
  Q: I have a covered 900 square foot porch with 1x6 treated decking its well built with plenty of ...
  A: Sorry Kim, I am not familiar with the SPLIT BRICK term... is that a paver?? A stone / brick that is ...
double glue down tongue and groove3/7/2009
  Q: Hoping you can help me out before I wreck these floors. I've reclaimed some 80-odd year old 2-1/4" ...
  A: The full spread system is 100% coverage on the floor with adhesive applied with proper notched ...
Flooring problems3/5/2009
  Q: Our house is about 40 years old and I would like some new flooring. We chose a laminate and had an ...
  A: Cathy, Wow , that's rather extreme... I was wondering if that is accurate ... or slightly ...
vinyl flooring3/5/2009
  Q: I am apologizing for asking my question incorrectly. My wife typed up the question about laying ...
  A: No need to apologize ... happens all the time. This field and various topics are often hard to ...
Carpet transistion strip3/4/2009
  Q: I am looking for an aluminum or metal carpet transition strip in something other than silver or ...
  A: These are getting harder and more difficult to find... KINKEAD METALS is one distributor , as well ...
hardwood install over mixed sub-floor3/3/2009
  Q: I sent this question to another expert who recommended that I not install hardwood in my kitchen. ...
  A: Ahhh, New England ... the North East... had a bit of weather there recently , I hope all is well. I ...
hardwood install over mixed sub-floor3/3/2009
  Q: I sent this question to another expert who recommended that I not install hardwood in my kitchen. ...
  A: Christian , A lot of info to digest here ...I want to answer your question(s) and encourage you to ...
porcelain tile3/3/2009
  Q: My girlfriend and I are in the process of remodeling her half bath. The home was built in the ...
  A: I just read your description. Yes go rent a chipper / demo hammer from the Home depot / rental yard ...
novalis peel and stick planks3/2/2009
  Q: my husband and i are planning to redo our flooring ourselves. currently we have old carpet and ...
  A: I am sorry , I don't know the product / or the line ... I have no idea. Get the manufacture 800 # ...
Self-leveling compound for VCT3/2/2009
  Q: I used self leveling compound on a concrete basement floor in an attempt to float out imperfections ...
  A: What brand did you use ... did you primer the floor ... and it does have sand in the product so ...
Self-leveling compound for VCT3/1/2009
  Q: I used self leveling compound on a concrete basement floor in an attempt to float out imperfections ...
  A: Brandis, I don't know why the basement would cause this , so I am just guessing ..... we often add ...
porcelan tile floors/dog urine3/1/2009
  Q: Use commercial cleaners,Fabulosa, but cannot remove stains. Any help?
  A: A 100% solution of vinegar ... or a mixture of sugar and water ... allowed to soak like a ...
cost of wood flooring2/28/2009
  Q: What would be a reasonable cost per foot to install engineered wood flooring such as maple over ...
  A: The wood floors vary widely in price ... what brand and model are you purchasing. The adhesive is ...
Armstrong Grand Illusions Laminate Flooring2/28/2009
  Q: I recently had the armstrong grand illusions laminate flooring installed in my living/dining room ...
  A: I have no way of knowing why or what the floor is actually doing. nor what others are doing about ...
Tile to hardwood transitition2/28/2009
  Q: I have recently completed a tiling my kitchen floor, however, upon completion I realized the ...
  A: With travertine flooring on diagonal ....it is very appealing to install a length of marble ...
Armstrong Grand Illusions Laminate Flooring2/27/2009
  Q: I recently had the armstrong grand illusions laminate flooring installed in my living/dining room ...
  A: Yes Armstrong has issues and problems with this floor , the actual wood itself ... Try to get a ...
adhesive on fir flooring2/27/2009
  Q: On 12/16/08, Lori asked Chris about removing adhesive/linoleum from a fir floor. Not only do I have ...
  A: .. if steam is an option then maybe something as simple as the SHARK will work ... ...
adhesive on fir flooring2/27/2009
  Q: On 12/16/08, Lori asked Chris about removing adhesive/linoleum from a fir floor. Not only do I have ...
  A: I am sorry, I went back to find the questioner ... and as you see , so also I see .... she did not ...
Required subfloor for VCT installation2/25/2009
  Q: I have a 24x26 finished shop area within my pole barn. It is all concete floor and I am setting it ...
  A: I hope that it will indeed work out for you. The reason primarily to use an additional layer is to ...
Travertine installation problem2/24/2009
  Q: We remodeled our kitchen, and I think the designer used a travertine installer that didn't know what ...
  A: This is a difficult question to answer , it requires physical inspection. Many possibilities , ...
carpet/tile2/23/2009
  Q: I recently had to have some of my ceramic tile taken up for Perma Seal to work---the tile is Eliane ...
  A: Lynne, No it is not possible to glue carpet to carpet..It is possible to glue carpet to tile with ...
Required subfloor for VCT installation2/23/2009
  Q: I have a 24x26 finished shop area within my pole barn. It is all concete floor and I am setting it ...
  A: Tim , I am all over this ... please forgive my delay , I wrote a page or two and hesitated sending ...
tile flooring2/22/2009
  Q: Where should I center the tile when tiling between my kitchen and foyer? The rooms are off set.
  A: Petula, Center is not always the best. The tile should be calculated to leave evenly sized , or ...
carpet seam2/21/2009
  Q: my son-in-law thought he could fix our carpet after having a flood. He had to add padding under half ...
  A: It looks like the carpet may be gapped, as you say. It can be opened and power stretched and re done ...
Ceramic tile2/21/2009
  Q: We have an outdoor patio that is above our garage. We want to put down tile. We have removed the ...
  A: Robin ... can you nail / attach a piece of ply wood and water proof that ... and then cement board ...
Carpet Runner over carpet2/20/2009
  Q: Can I install a carpet runner over my already carpeted stairs? If so will carpet rods help hold it ...
  A: Janet, I'm not sure about this one. Firstly the carpet would not be attached properly , because ...
Refinishing old wood floors2/20/2009
  Q: We've recently stripped about 5 layers of linoleum and vinyl tile off the floor of an old house we ...
  A: Jessica, It depends on the instructions of the product ....probably water clean up. I know it ...
Naturcor2/20/2009
  Q: I am considering getting Naturcor for my kitchen. I did a google on it and come up with goood and ...
  A: Maggie , With professionals and retail purchased products I am sure they will offer warranties to ...
Tile floor problem2/19/2009
  Q: I had a tile floor installed in our entrance way and now some of the grout keeps breaking away. I ...
  A: Gigi, It would be best to clean all the loose material out... compromises can be made ... the ...
Tile floor problem2/19/2009
  Q: I had a tile floor installed in our entrance way and now some of the grout keeps breaking away. I ...
  A: Ok just for you ... they do sell the exact color matching caulk ...with or without sand to match the ...
moulding2/19/2009
  Q: I have installed a carpet "island" in middle of hardwood floor. Have seen a rubber moulding ...
  A: Mike , It is called REDUCER...or T-cap...or rubber transition moulding. Various companies make it, ...
Refinishing old wood floors2/18/2009
  Q: We've recently stripped about 5 layers of linoleum and vinyl tile off the floor of an old house we ...
  A: Well here are the issues. Scraping and sanding will do more damage to the underlying wood. But ...
Peel ans stick carpet on tile, on cement2/18/2009
  Q: What kind of floor prep needs to be done to install peel and stick carpet on an old tile floor, ...
  A: Joe , For carpet squares , not much really ... a light skim coat to make everything even and ...
Install Plywood flooring2/17/2009
  Q: We want to install sheets of "one side good" plywood in our cottage. Present floor is 8"wide planks ...
  A: The issue that strikes me immediately is that plywood is made to be screwed to the floor joists. And ...
Refinishing old wood floors2/17/2009
  Q: We've recently stripped about 5 layers of linoleum and vinyl tile off the floor of an old house we ...
  A: Jessica, I found your question in the question pool.... has anyone answered you yet? Please let ...
pet claws & flooring damage2/14/2009
  Q: I know the answer is not to leave him but thats not an option (to the other animal lovers out there ...
  A: Ughhh sorry to take so long to get to you ...been working nights at the famous LAX airport. Fun , ...
carpeting stairs2/13/2009
  Q: We are trying to find some instructions as to the best way to carpet the stringers on our stairway. ...
  A: Angela, Yes I can give instructions and or advise ... it is complex ... and may require purchasing ...
Basement Flooring - VCT2/13/2009
  Q: I am in the process of remodeling my basement and one of the tasks will be to install VCT to a 25' ...
  A: Allow me to inform you of what I have learned in 25 or so years .... The tile you are concerned ...
glue adhesive/citrus king2/13/2009
  Q: I was reading a post (oct 28, 2008). The guy was doing a floor and asked about "citrus king". I ...
  A: No he never did , after calling the adhesive manufacture for the wood installation , they advised ...
what type of floor for an outdoor shed/studio2/12/2009
  Q: I bought a TuffShed last summer intending to use it as an art studio. It will be unheated except for ...
  A: Stacy , with all this preperation ....like building a small house ... I can't understand why all ...
Ugly Seams!2/11/2009
  Q: I just had berber carpet installed in my home less than 24 hours ago. As soon as I looked the ...
  A: Sheena , ... No problem about the length ... it does sound like you have things well in hand and ...
vinyl flooring2/11/2009
  Q: ...called Memory plexitac (by Norman Lipton according to where I purchased it) The problem: I have a ...
  A: Yes Karen ... of course ...you can mail me a sample...I will also look at the info you listed .. I ...
what type of floor for an outdoor shed/studio2/10/2009
  Q: I bought a TuffShed last summer intending to use it as an art studio. It will be unheated except for ...
  A: Stacy, The vinyl over plywood , depending on the type of vinyl ...I would recommend a full spread ...
vinyl flooring2/10/2009
  Q: ...called Memory plexitac (by Norman Lipton according to where I purchased it) The problem: I have a ...
  A: Yes Karen you can , But I need to know if the back of the vinyl is what we call felt / cardboard ...
Ugly Seams!2/10/2009
  Q: I just had berber carpet installed in my home less than 24 hours ago. As soon as I looked the ...
  A: Sheena ... , The answer is no ...seams should look beautiful and invisible ... send a picture with ...
Moisture barrier pad2/10/2009
  Q: I run a humidifier a lot and hate it, but prevents the terrible mildew I get otherwise. It's not a ...
  A: If it were a wood subfloor the plastic might be OK , but since it is a slab it will not breathe and ...
bowling lane construction2/10/2009
  Q: I am construction two bowling lanes for a school in Guatemala. The lanes will be raised from the ...
  A: .. been working nights at LAX airport...haven't forgot about you ... just dog tired. I am going to ...
removal of old engineered flooring around kitchen cabinets2/10/2009
  Q: My husband & I are getting ready to remove the existing, glued-down engineered wood flooring in our ...
  A: If you can rent this tool great ... otherwise it is a costly 1 time expense. See the link here... ...
what type of floor for an outdoor shed/studio2/9/2009
  Q: I bought a TuffShed last summer intending to use it as an art studio. It will be unheated except for ...
  A: Vinyl will be the best bet ... and least expensive... my next choice would be ceramic tile over a ...
bowling lane construction2/8/2009
  Q: I am construction two bowling lanes for a school in Guatemala. The lanes will be raised from the ...
  A: Yes ...this is a bit out of my league also ... but I welcome the challenge and appreciate the fact ...
Resin Polymer Textured Floor (?)2/7/2009
  Q: We bought a house from a couple who rehabbed it extensively. Unfortunately, they didn't leave any ...
  A: Cheryl, I have been called a lot of things , but cleaning expert is not one of them .....lol Lots ...
hardwood flooring direction2/6/2009
  Q: front door opens onto L shaped kitchen/dining (wide galley kitchen is top arm of l dining area is ...
  A: It is best to enhance the length of the main rooms , however , recently we had a customer with a ...
underlayment for nail down hardwood flooring2/4/2009
  Q: We have a second floor bedroom in a log home that we want put down 3/4 inch hardwood on, and we deed ...
  A: Dan, I am sorry that didn't work out I have seen it used under many floors... I can't imagine why ...
Ceramic tile2/4/2009
  Q: We have an outdoor patio that is above our garage. We want to put down tile. We have removed the ...
  A: No you can not tile that surface directly....But with the proper subfloor you can. depending on the ...
Tarkett Ovations engineered white oak2/1/2009
  Q: Hey Chris, I am looking at floating engineered wood that meets E1 standards for off gassing. Its ...
  A: I have not installed the 2 plank / strip product...however the 3 strip products I have, back in the ...
Flooring Repair2/1/2009
  Q: Chris, I have a spot in the middle of my flooring (its the engineered tongue and groove glue down ...
  A: Yes here are the items sold by Dri-Tac ...and a few others make the same system as well. I seem to ...
For small living room what works better wood or tile2/1/2009
  Q: I live in a town house with a small living room. The living room still has the cheap original carpet ...
  A: Ali, I am not a designer per say, but from my perspective a wood floor actually gives greater ...
installing vinyl tile1/31/2009
  Q: I want to install vinyl tile over a 30 x 25 (basement concrete. The area is now covered with black ...
  A: Nate , Yes it is .... lets get a few details out of the way. 1. you have pretty much knocked ...
transition strip from vinyl tile to concrete1/31/2009
  Q: What can we use for transition material on a basement floor between stick-on tiles and concrete. We ...
  A: Vicki, Typically in the commercial flooring we often reduce the vinyl tile with a ...
Woodfloor installation1/31/2009
  Q: We had Hardwood floor installed by a Contractor in Sep-07 in our house in TX and not even 2 months ...
  A: Fabienne, Hello....and thanks for asking. After reading your descriptive scenario, I want to assure ...
Konecto1/31/2009
  Q: I see so much on Konecto right now. What is the scoop from your perspective. Good or not so good ...
  A: I have no experience with Konecto... but I stumbled on this website when researching it .... and I ...
Sealing grout1/26/2009
  Q: Do I need to seal grout with polymer added to it? My contractor says I don't need to. Thanks ...
  A: Wait 48 to 72 hrs. before sealing to allow the grout to fully cure. Purchase a brand that I or ...
Sealing grout1/26/2009
  Q: Do I need to seal grout with polymer added to it? My contractor says I don't need to. Thanks
  A: NAN, Polymers...are added to the products for strength and bonding ... It all depends on where ...
underlay for concrete flooring1/25/2009
  Q: I would like to know what underlayment is best for installing a laminate floor over a concrete slab. ...
  A: I use this product ... due to availability it is difficult to find. ...
laminate over concrete and tile1/24/2009
  Q: I want to replace carpet with floating laminate floor. My issue is i also have twelve inch tile in ...
  A: Prior to your feed back/ follow up I was under the impression and belief that this was a small ...
laminate over concrete and tile1/23/2009
  Q: I want to replace carpet with floating laminate floor. My issue is i also have twelve inch tile in ...
  A: Chad , I can only assume that the tile you speak of is ceramic...? It is easily removed ....15 sq ...
preparing floor for tile1/21/2009
  Q: I have two questions. We had mold damage which was remediated. I am having a neighborhood handiman ...
  A: The cement board is only used by it self... you do not combine the 2 different systems. It is one ...
preparing floor for tile1/21/2009
  Q: I have two questions. We had mold damage which was remediated. I am having a neighborhood handiman ...
  A: Yes there are many installation methods.....but certain situations require evaluation , and ...
Transitional wood edging1/20/2009
  Q: I just installed tile by a door that comes in from the garage. There is about 20 sq. feet of tile ...
  A: Jason, I never use screws on concrete.. I use liquid nails ... glue the wood with a good 1/4" bead ...
Moisture barrier pad1/20/2009
  Q: I run a humidifier a lot and hate it, but prevents the terrible mildew I get otherwise. It's not a ...
  A: Well I have to say that this moisture is overwhelming and your brilliant idea to put plastic down at ...
Transitional wood edging1/19/2009
  Q: I just installed tile by a door that comes in from the garage. There is about 20 sq. feet of tile ...
  A: Jason , Use this link and then tell me which one you have ...usually carpet butts to the tile ...
Moisture barrier pad1/19/2009
  Q: I run a humidifier a lot and hate it, but prevents the terrible mildew I get otherwise. It's not a ...
  A: Jean ... You run a humidifier ...or a de- humidifier??? Why do you have mildew?? Your question ...
replacing carpet for laminate flooring1/19/2009
  Q: Is there anything to removing carpetting and preping a floor for laminate flooring? We are wanting ...
  A: Marcia , demo the carpet ...cut it into manageable pieces ... discard ... remove the pad and ...
liminate flooring unglued1/16/2009
  Q: My wife and I recently had laminate wood flooring put down in three areas of a home we recently ...
  A: FYI ... Laminate floor is not glued down ...it floats over a foam /plastic moisture barrier. The ...
I'm still lost!1/16/2009
  Q: I recently looked online for carpet for my living room. I followed all the instructions on ...
  A: Nicte Your dimensions are not correct ...please re submit them and I will be happy to help 295 ...
removing linoleum1/16/2009
  Q: I am removing linoleum in my kitchen/dining area. It is on a Plywood subfloor. Most is coming up ...
  A: I believe you are dealing with a PERIMETER glue system. It is adhered at the edges and seams only. ...
use existing flooring?1/16/2009
  Q: I recently bought an older, 1947, house. The second floor was an attic that was converted to ...
  A: Andrew, I now understand ...attic. With this factor and the consideration as to the well ...
use existing flooring?1/15/2009
  Q: I recently bought an older, 1947, house. The second floor was an attic that was converted to ...
  A: Hmmm rather odd , are you telling me that this was indeed the floor that was the main floor for the ...
use existing flooring?1/15/2009
  Q: I recently bought an older, 1947, house. The second floor was an attic that was converted to ...
  A: Ok .. some terminology ... "subfloor" supports the finish floor. I am going to assume the Fir is ...
Post Vinyl Flooring Install1/15/2009
  Q: Just got finished installing vinyl flooring throughout my house. Because I replaced carpet the ...
  A: Ryan, If you could acquire some of the exact material you could make some nice pieces large enough ...
Laminate Flooring & Kitchen Cabinets1/13/2009
  Q: I'm remodeling my kitchen and I'm installing cherry color, maple cabinets. I'm thinking about ...
  A: Bradley. Since i can't see your cabinets ... nor the flooring ...I would be hard pressed to make a ...
Cutting tile in place1/13/2009
  Q: I need to remove approximately 3 inches of tile in order to properly set some bypass doors. The area ...
  A: .. Yes I own / have 2 of them ... had I known that the cut was this long I would have mentioned ...
screened porch flooring choices1/13/2009
  Q: We are adding a large screened porch to our home in central Connecticut. The porch will have only ...
  A: Virginia, I Goggled TREK flooring ...it is a laminate. All laminates are a composite pressed wood ...
Dying travertine1/12/2009
  Q: I bought a victorian house that is historically authentic except that the last owner put travertine ...
  A: Dana , I don't know how to dye tile/ stone ... natural stone might be dyed with concrete products , ...
Cutting tile in place1/12/2009
  Q: I need to remove approximately 3 inches of tile in order to properly set some bypass doors. The area ...
  A: Pete , I use a Makita grinder with a 4.5" diamond wheel ... you can purchase this a Harbor freight ...
Remove glue1/12/2009
  Q: When we bought our tiles they were packaged in such a way that the glue from the cardboard box ...
  A: Typically the glue is a type of hot melt glue ...much like that of the hot melt craft guns and ...
FIXING MARBONITE OVER EXISTING MOSAIC FLOORING1/12/2009
  Q: I have started rehabilting my house with major changes. Now the old mosaic flooring had detoriated ...
  A: PRADEEP, It is my opinion that Mapei has some great products at the Lowes by me ... I hope they ...
Peel & stick tile1/12/2009
  Q: we are putting peel & stick vinyl in a small odd shaped bathroom. the subfloor is MDF. What product ...
  A: I would skim coat the floor or roller, with latex additive / primer first. Even a brush or sponge ...
screened porch flooring choices1/11/2009
  Q: We are adding a large screened porch to our home in central Connecticut. The porch will have only ...
  A: I need to know more about the porch and the lower 3 feet or so ... will water and snow actually get ...
laying laminate on uneven slab1/11/2009
  Q: I recently added on to my house and where the new slab was poured it was a little higher. I had a ...
  A: You explained it fine. I think you will have little difficulty with the slab / self leveling cement ...
peel and stick vinyl tile flooring1/9/2009
  Q: I not sure if my last question went through, so I'm sorry if you get this twice. We need flooring ...
  A: No I never recommend peel and stick vinyl... but if you must then please do purchase the VCT (vinyl ...
Wood floor underlayment1/9/2009
  Q: Chris: Basement has commercial grade carpeting (very thin, about 1/8 inch - put down with super ...
  A: Sounds lke trouble ... my first thought is, what if ? What if you have some moisture build up that ...
Vinyl Floor Pulling Up1/8/2009
  Q: Chris, We have a new house (just over 1 year old, and out of warranty of course) that has what ...
  A: There really isn't anything you can do ... I swear to you ... The adhesive is quite expensive and ...
refinishing my hardwood floor1/7/2009
  Q: I want to refinish my oak hardwood floor in my living room. The floor has been covered by both ...
  A: I would like to say chances are 50/50....it depends on the ease or difficulty of the tear up ...
Re-tiling over old tile?1/7/2009
  Q: I am planning to re-tile our bathroom (9 ft X 6 ft). The tiles is in good condition except for one ...
  A: Yes remove all the tiles , get the floor smooth of all thinset cement. I use a variety of pry bars ...
Re-tiling over old tile?1/7/2009
  Q: I am planning to re-tile our bathroom (9 ft X 6 ft). The tiles is in good condition except for one ...
  A: I would recommend removing the exsisting tile and addressing the crack with a CRACK SUPPRESSION ...
removal of glued down lino1/7/2009
  Q: How do I remove glued down lino, the underside of it stayed when I ripped it up.
  A: I have used warm water and a sponge .....if you can get the plastic layer up with a scrapper and ...
Ceramic tile over 24' span1/6/2009
  Q: I am having an addition put on with a 24' span using 16" high engineered beams. The paperwork on the ...
  A: You are leaving out some key factors here as far as I can tell ...or maybe I read through the thread ...
Ceramic tile over 24' span1/6/2009
  Q: I am having an addition put on with a 24' span using 16" high engineered beams. The paperwork on the ...
  A: I need to know the span ... you mentioned 24' ... but also the joists ...size and space between each ...
flooded cherry floors1/6/2009
  Q: I rent a commercial space, in which we had installed cherry tongue and groove floors 2 years ago. I ...
  A: An insurance claim should be generated and they can test for moisture. Most restoration companies ...
Engineered hardwood floors1/6/2009
  Q: We have bought a house and tore all existing flooring out. Replaced it with engineered hardwood ...
  A: Various companies sell a product that allows you to drill a small hole and inject epoxy that fills ...
tack strip round entrance transition to tile12/26/2008
  Q: I want to cut out carpet in front of hearth to install slate tile. How do I transition the ...
  A: I've been on vacation for Christmas. I'm not quite sure what you are asking, so I'll guess. The ...
Removing Tile Adhesive From Hardwood Floor12/24/2008
  Q: We are attempting to redo all the hardwood floors in our house. However, upon removing the carpet ...
  A: Ok feel free to ask a question the next day ...I guess i set it up so that I answer 5 questions a ...
Need help buying carpet12/23/2008
  Q: How would I determine in square yards the amount of carpet necessary to cover my living room. It is ...
  A: Any 12 foot goods is calculated like so... Linear footage ...15.5 ft x 1.3333= 20.666 yds....just ...
whole house tiling job12/22/2008
  Q: We are getting ready to install 13 x 13 tiles throughout our entire house. I know this will take ...
  A: Merry Christmas and Happy holidays..... Typically once we find our lay out we complete all the full ...
floor tiles12/22/2008
  Q: What depth of floor tile would you advise me to use on my kitchen floor
  A: Merry Christmas, Please let me know what floor project you are attempting ... most vinyl tile are ...
Carpet staples coming up12/21/2008
  Q: We purchased a remnant and pad (on a tight budget here) and had it installed a few weeks ago. Now, ...
  A: Adam, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, Is this a wall to wall installation ....over pad ? If ...
floor w/tile flood12/20/2008
  Q: 2 weeks ago my daughter and her husband came home to a broken water pipe under the concrete floor of ...
  A: Happy Holidays to you and yours. I would insist that the insurance company deal with this on site ...
Solid Hardwood Flooring.12/19/2008
  Q: I am planning to lay down solid hardwood flooring in 3 of my rooms. I have removed the carpet from ...
  A: Yes if you call the manufacture at the 800 # more than likely they will advise you as to the ...
repairing tile on porch12/19/2008
  Q: The terra cotta tile on our small (about 4' x 8') front porch is cracked in places, and has fallen ...
  A: Merry Christmas ... Happy Holidays. You can do it yourself if you are handy and have a few tools, ...
removing laminate tiles12/19/2008
  Q: We realize that our kitchen/eating area were finished hardwood floor covered with laminate tiles. ...
  A: Laura , Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.... Please clarify laminate or vinyl glued tiles??? ...
peel and stick vinyl tile12/19/2008
  Q: We are remodeling our kitchen and I got peel and stick tile. We used it before years ago and put it ...
  A: Happy Holidays ....yes a product we use everyday generally called skim coat / floor prep. A rapid ...
blushing faded look to wood floor after poly12/18/2008
  Q: I asked this question to another expert who has yet to get back to me and I am going nuts here with ...
  A: I have only repaired and finished small projects when dealing with wood floors.....other than small ...
Floating engineered hardwood T&G glue12/17/2008
  Q: I'm installing 6" wide engineered hardwood flooring. It's tongue and groove, not the click and go ...
  A: Dan ...did you get any answers yet? I use Titebond II .. from home depot ...also go to harbor ...
Removing Linoleum Gunk12/16/2008
  Q: I have a 1918 cottage, with Douglas Fir floors throughout. I've decided to re-do the kitchen, and ...
  A: This is the thought behind all this ....i have used strip eze to strip cabinets and completely ...
Removing Linoleum Gunk12/16/2008
  Q: I have a 1918 cottage, with Douglas Fir floors throughout. I've decided to re-do the kitchen, and ...
  A: Well , certainly a challenge ... but I love a challenge. Ok the liquid gel stripper quart bottles / ...
Engineered Wood Floor Installation12/13/2008
  Q: I'm curious to know how it turned out for Chris (12/4 Q&A regarding floating his floor with Royal ...
  A: I wish I had an answer for that ...it seems that no one comes back to tell of their success or ...
laying hardwood flooring around landing12/12/2008
  Q: I'm laying down pre-finished 3/4x 3-1/4 oak flooring in a bilevel with a landing (the landing will ...
  A: Aghhhh .. well Adam , That's the key right there to rip or not to rip ... You have to decide ...
Floor tile separating from concrete slab12/12/2008
  Q: I live in Florida and shortly after we took two direct hits by hurricanes in 2004 some moisture got ...
  A: Don, we use a very similar product in / on wood floors ... a rapid setting epoxy that takes out ...
laying hardwood flooring around landing12/12/2008
  Q: I'm laying down pre-finished 3/4x 3-1/4 oak flooring in a bilevel with a landing (the landing will ...
  A: Adam , Your question is confusing and I do want to help... so let me try to interpret what you ...
Carpet12/11/2008
  Q: I just removed a commercial glue down carpet from my office and it came up really easy. Im having ...
  A: The answer is no .... The existing glue is easily gone over with new ... the only time we scrape it ...
plank stair covering12/9/2008
  Q: We have open wood plank stairs in our log home and are concerned about small children and pets ...
  A: Bob , The door is wide here ... you could get rid of the kids and pets....j/k Or you might try ...
Tile on Linoleum12/8/2008
  Q: I am getting ready to lay linoleum in my kitchen. The lino is glued to the concrete subfloor. I ...
  A: Patrick ... I have done it, many times .. I use thin set that costs 20 bucks a bag... what product ...
Wood Floor on Condo Concrete Base12/8/2008
  Q: What is the BEST type of wood Floor to install over solid Concrete in a Condo. Floating, Laminate, ...
  A: Frank , have you done any home work yet ... I am full of opinions ... and others have said ...
Best Choice of Floor12/8/2008
  Q: I would like to replace my carpet with a wood floor. I have a concrete slab. I also have a dog who ...
  A: Robbie ... to whom did you ask this question ,....I see you are here in the question pool ... that ...
Hardwood or Laminate?12/7/2008
  Q: We just a home that is a 100 years old this year. We want to put a either a hardwood or a laminate ...
  A: Elsie, What do you want ... modern ...or classic looks... what expense are you prepared for ... Is ...
HARDWOOD FLOOR INSTALLATION12/7/2008
  Q: Last week I order hardwood flooring to install in my condo. I thought it had a wood subfloor. To ...
  A: Try to bear with me ... I have questions too. Do you own this place ? ... Is it residential or ...
engineered floor over concrete12/7/2008
  Q: I'm having an engineered floor put over a concrete slab. Pros & cons of a glue down verse a floating ...
  A: Tom , Glue down ... Pros: traditional beauty/ permanent ... no creaking or squeaking/ basic ...
Flooded laminate flooring12/6/2008
  Q: I just had a flood of water onto my laminate flooring. It has been on there for atleast an hour. ...
  A: Caroline< the floor should be removed right away .. the foam underneath is soaking in water ... and ...
Can OLD carpet make me sick?12/5/2008
  Q: I live in a rental house with carpet that is probably 25-30 years old. The carpet was professionally ...
  A: Jenny , Merry Christmas and happy Holidays... Firstly there is no way from the internet to test ...
Engineered hardwood floor Installation12/4/2008
  Q: I am installing 9/16" thick, 5" wide engineered tigerwood with regular tongue and groove and would ...
  A: Chris, You said you were leaning to the floating method... therefore I based my answer on that. If ...
Engineered hardwood floor Installation12/4/2008
  Q: I am installing 9/16" thick, 5" wide engineered tigerwood with regular tongue and groove and would ...
  A: You definitely need to glue the groove (2 sides) length and butt sides. Tap the joints tight and ...
Cat Carpet12/3/2008
  Q: My cat has been pulling at my berber carpet and has unraveled the carpet in a straight line right at ...
  A: Victoria , That's my sisters name... I wish there was a simple way to repair it for you ... are ...
flooring over concrete slab12/3/2008
  Q: We recently purchased a lake cottage in the Midwest. There is old carpeting and vinyl over a ...
  A: I am in So Cal. Maybe I should put that in my bio....thanks for asking. Anything can support mold ...
flooring over concrete slab12/2/2008
  Q: We recently purchased a lake cottage in the Midwest. There is old carpeting and vinyl over a ...
  A: Well if the fishing is good i will have to come see for myself..... I am sure you have heard of the ...
engineered floor over concrete12/2/2008
  Q: Three questions concerning Armstrong engineered wood veneered flooring over concrete: 1) What is ...
  A: Tom, I need to know if the subfloor is wood or concrete. For concrete the engineered wood is ...
Wood Flooring defects12/2/2008
  Q: I recently purchased 540 square feet of hardwood flooring from Prosource. The boxes indicate it is ...
  A: Leslie, I am sorry for your distress... keep fighting, file a dispute with the Credit card if you ...
hardwood on concrete12/1/2008
  Q: Probably sounds dumb, but do you glue the moisture barrier down first to the slab, and then glue ...
  A: No question is a dumb question , except the one you didn't ask .....someone told me that? ...LOL ...
solid wood flooring on concrete11/30/2008
  Q: I saw an answer to a question about laying hardwood on concrete slab in a hallway. Will the Mapei ...
  A: David, Yes the adhesive is quite good as long as you follow the trowel notch ...
Hardwood on concrete slab11/25/2008
  Q: Some back ground; my slab is over three years old, above ground level and is smooth / trowel ...
  A: Don , good job .. glad you were able to find it ... If you are concerned about moisture you can do ...
Installing 5 inch hard Wood11/25/2008
  Q: I am installing 5 inch wide Hard Wood in my house (1600sf). I am getting conflicting info on ...
  A: Nailing it down is quite sufficient...we are currently doing 1800 Sq Ft. and the product is a true ...
Hardwood Flooring At Bathtub11/24/2008
  Q: I would like to install a floating hardwood floor in my bathroom. On problem I foresee is at the ...
  A: If you insist on installinmg a laminate floor in this room (water prone) do install the wood within ...
Hardwood on concrete slab11/24/2008
  Q: Some back ground; my slab is over three years old, above ground level and is smooth / trowel ...
  A: Don ..here in Calif we glue wood to concrete all the time ... Is this a 3/4" solid piece ?? Here is ...
waxed hardwood floors11/22/2008
  Q: We bought a 1956 home with hardwood floors that were waxed. We don't like the wax as it can leave ...
  A: Debbie , Your question has been in the stagnant question pool for weeks. I am trying to help anyone ...
carpet over tile11/22/2008
  Q: I just had the whole house tiled with porcelain tile and did not realize how cold the bedrooms would ...
  A: The option is yours....you don't have to if you don't want to .... If you intend to stretch the ...
Installing 5 inch hard Wood11/21/2008
  Q: I am installing 5 inch wide Hard Wood in my house (1600sf). I am getting conflicting info on ...
  A: Brett, If you call the manufacture of the wood , they may tell you ... 1 the subfloor (OSB) is not ...
Porcelain tile on concrete slab11/20/2008
  Q: We have just built a new home on a heated concrete slab. This is our source of heating for the ...
  A: .. porcelain is a very nice tile product ... I highly recommend it versus clay fired less expensive ...
Porcelain Tile Installation in New 2nd Story Condo11/20/2008
  Q: My fiancé and I just moved into a second story condo in which the HOA stresses all sorts of design ...
  A: .. I don't know what dollar amount is attached to the Ditra product that I will link you too. It is ...
Laminate Click-Lock floor expansion gap11/20/2008
  Q: My wife and I are about to install the floating laminate flooring in her new bridal store. We ...
  A: Michael , It depends on the area you live ...the temps and weather changes ...humidity etc. Many ...
Underlayment Installation11/19/2008
  Q: Chris, I am remodeling a bathroom (10X11), I have 5/8" plywood on joices 16" OC. I checked the ...
  A: Peter , Ok so 1/2 inch it is ... Hardibacker makes 1/2" too. As I mentioned before hardi backer is ...
Hardwood comparison11/19/2008
  Q: Would you care to comment on two different brands? I'm interested putting in hardwoods throughout ...
  A: Mike, Brand comparisons are very difficult to do here on line .. I hate Bella wood and Bob Villa ...
Underlayment Installation11/18/2008
  Q: Chris, I am remodeling a bathroom (10X11), I have 5/8" plywood on joices 16" OC. I checked the ...
  A: What type of tile / stone are you considering installing...Why 1/2 " wonderboard... Please use the ...
Tile grout11/18/2008
  Q: We are having our tiny bathroom floor tiled. I chose an old-fashioned white/black dot mosaic since ...
  A: Well sounds like you have 2 options black....or white. The white will show anything dark... and the ...
Hardwood Floor discoloration11/17/2008
  Q: Just installed "Turner Hickory" from Columbia flooring. Two weeks into it and it is now "spotting" ...
  A: Call the hardwood company ... get a claim started ... and have a rep come out and look at it ... It ...
Carpet pad stuck to floor11/17/2008
  Q: I hope you can help me. I just bought a home and when I went to pull up a braided rug, the pad is ...
  A: .. we use manual labor, knee pads, and scrappers.. the 4 " wall scrapers and lots of razors blades. ...
Filling gaps at edges of laminate11/17/2008
  Q: I installed floating laminate flooring in a rental condo. There are two places where moulding will ...
  A: Mark , I typically purchase transition pieces designed specifically for this purpose. See the link ...
Laminate Flooring Underlayment11/16/2008
  Q: I had a laminate flooring installed about 6 months ago and started to have issues with the flooring ...
  A: Truly believe it would have helped considerably... I have never experienced this problem. So my ...
Outdoor tile problem11/16/2008
  Q: We tiled our exposed front porch with 18 inch porcelain tiles and grouted with what we thought was ...
  A: Jess .. all the tile stores have MATCHING SANDED CAULK ... it matches the color of the grout...but ...
Laminate Flooring Underlayment11/16/2008
  Q: I had a laminate flooring installed about 6 months ago and started to have issues with the flooring ...
  A: Ok , so little by little I am getting a few more details....The wicking ...or perspiring is a ...
Outdoor tile problem11/16/2008
  Q: We tiled our exposed front porch with 18 inch porcelain tiles and grouted with what we thought was ...
  A: I am going to guess that the sub floor under the tile on your raised porch is made of wood? And if ...
CERAMIC FLOOR11/16/2008
  Q: MY CERAMIC TILE FLOOR IS DONE ..WAS GROUTED.HUBBY WAITED TWO DAYS AND CLEANED THE FLOOR WITH 1 PART ...
  A: 48-72 hours is what the instructions are on the bag. I have always preferred about a week. If the ...
what to do about old asbestos tile?? can I seal it??11/15/2008
  Q: About 6 months ago, I decided to get rid of the ancient peed-on, flooded, etc shag carpet in the ...
  A: ... Ok first of all the tile can only release the asbestos if you sand it ... We crack it and break ...
removing underlayment11/14/2008
  Q: I am remodeling a bathroom. There was ceramic tile on the floor, and several tiles were loose. I ...
  A: If at all possible cut the plywood in strips with a circular saw 2" strips are usually possible ...
vinyl tiling a shed floor11/13/2008
  Q: We have a 16'X 25' shed with a plywood floor. We would like to install vinyl tile and need to know ...
  A: .. Tell me why you feel it needs leveling ?... the shed is 15 years old ... what condition is the ...
black mold on bathroom subfloor - remedy?11/13/2008
  Q: hope you'll be able to shed some light on a problem we're grappling with. we found out that water ...
  A: .. Yes after you have treated it with the bleach solution and let it thoroughly dry ... been ...
caulk or grout at baseboards11/11/2008
  Q: We are having an extensive remodeling job done, including installing porcelain tile on the floors in ...
  A: Typically I cut to the tile within a grout joint away of the base boards...and grout...filling all ...
aullure plank floors11/10/2008
  Q: Our dimensions are 9.5' X 12.6'. Now that we're down to really doing the job it looks like it might ...
  A: I found you in the question pool ... It helps if you ask someone specifically...I hope you haven't ...
tile meets stairway11/10/2008
  Q: I have installed slate flooring in my entry way and have exposed plywood and subfloor and tile edge. ...
  A: Ohh this has always been a fun one to contemplate.There are no pre made items that I know of. Custom ...
Raising the floor ... again11/7/2008
  Q: Chris: I had an exchange with you before on this topic and I need to ask you another question. ...
  A: Hey Mike ... I have used the quickcrete many times ... yes it is fine ... I just wanted you to be ...
Slope a problem for vinyl tile?11/6/2008
  Q: I am planning on installing the self adhesive traffic master vinyl tiles on my laundry room floor. ...
  A: I am assuming the sub floor is wood ...or how else would you attach the new plywood? I would not be ...
travertine11/5/2008
  Q: background: I would like to install a travertine floor in my kitchen. The kitchen consists of a ...
  A: ... The goal in pulling up the vinyl is too allow for a good bond of the tile cement to the ...
Carpet, concrete floor, and mold11/4/2008
  Q: hey chris, i have a 10x8 foot closet in the lower level of my house with a concrete floor. we ...
  A: There are many vapor barrier products that can simply be applied by roller or brush... once dried ...
travertine11/4/2008
  Q: background: I would like to install a travertine floor in my kitchen. The kitchen consists of a ...
  A: While it is possible to install tile or stone over vinyl ... I do not recommend it. The ...
Tile Adhesive not setting up11/3/2008
  Q: We recently had a tile floor installed in our office. The tile was laid two weeks ago and if you ...
  A: It sounds like they used an acrylic adhesive which is not suitable for floors at all. Proper cements ...
vitified tiles-joint problem11/3/2008
  Q: i want the clarity that walking on viritifed tile in the house cause the joint pain of legs/related ...
  A: All tile and hard surfaces can cause this problem ... more so when standing on it for long periods ...
Engineered hardwood flooring11/2/2008
  Q: Do you have any knowledge as to the quality of Woodstock Hardwood engineered flooring? I live in ...
  A: I tried for a few minutes to goggle the product.I found the description very good with a wear layer ...
vinyl flooring11/1/2008
  Q: Would like to hire contractor to remove/dispose of "Pergo" type flooring and old vinyl underneath ...
  A: Nathan , I normally can't quote prices ...many areas are priced differently. Here in Los Angeles ...
Basement Cement Floors10/31/2008
  Q: Have you ever heard of Superseal membrane used on cement floors before installing carpet or ...
  A: No I have never heard of this product ...I goggled it and came to this site as my first choice of ...
Floor Bounce10/30/2008
  Q: I have a brick home that is 30+ years old. There is a crawl space below, and I believe the joist ...
  A: Curtis, I am not a structural contractor .. but I can give you some advice ... The cement pylons ...
Thresholds10/29/2008
  Q: Chris. Help!!! I am putting laminate in my bedroom. although my floor height is "good" between my ...
  A: let me send you a link ...with pictures of the various transition types. ...
black spots in congoleum sealant (not mold)10/29/2008
  Q: NEW HOME: CONTRACTOR BUILT TOTALLY. FLOORING INSTALLED BY "LABORER" (NEPHEW OF BUILDER). AND NOT HIS ...
  A: There are many types of sealers... Are you speaking of caulking at the perimeter of the rooms ... ...
Vacuuming frieze carpet10/29/2008
  Q: My granddaughter just installed frieze carpet in her home. The installers told her NOT to use a ...
  A: I really have only ever used a vacuum with a beater bar... I have always loved Hoover and Eureka ...
floor tile10/27/2008
  Q: Can you please give me the definition of "rectified edge" as it relates to tile? Many thanks.
  A: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/flooring/msg0814534718537.html These should answer your ...
oldfashioned basket weave dance floor10/27/2008
  Q: I want to construct a basket weave dance floor of about 8x8m. I was thinking of neoprene blocks, on ...
  A: Robin , Your question has landed in the question pool , I don't know how you got here and I wish I ...
Raising the floor before installation10/26/2008
  Q: Chris: The main part of my house has this ugly, dark blue carpet on a concrete slab. When I pull ...
  A: Was a ghoulish bash at my brother's last night. I came home early..lol I looked up the citrus king ...
engineered flooring10/26/2008
  Q: I am considering purchasing floating engineered flooring by Robina. Is this a quality product and ...
  A: Poplar is inexpensive and dense ... yes it is ... what is the surface ...just a man made laminate ...
Raising the floor before installation10/26/2008
  Q: Chris: The main part of my house has this ugly, dark blue carpet on a concrete slab. When I pull ...
  A: Michael, LOl... you are on the eastern coast ...I believe it was 3:00 am my time... or is that just ...
Raising the floor before installation10/26/2008
  Q: Chris: The main part of my house has this ugly, dark blue carpet on a concrete slab. When I pull ...
  A: The old mastic you may have is from vct or vat (vinyl composition ...vinyl asbestos tile). The ...
Removing old linoleum10/26/2008
  Q: We recently ripped out our living room carpet, found linoleum with glue underneath it, underneath ...
  A: Kelee, you can demo and remove the flooring as long as you don't sand it ...independant studies have ...
engineered flooring10/24/2008
  Q: I am considering purchasing floating engineered flooring by Robina. Is this a quality product and ...
  A: Is that Robbins wood? or Robina, as you typed it? Robbins wood is a great company and have been ...
Removing PL400 from a hardwood floor10/24/2008
  Q: How does one remove old PL400 from a hardwood floor?
  A: Laurie... Wether it's liquid nails or another polyurethane adhesive it will be difficult at best... ...
Carpeting10/23/2008
  Q: I have Rodent heated floors can I Put Area Rugs Down?
  A: Yes Frank as long as the rodents don't mind :) Seriously the radiant heat will only get as hi as ...
Vinyl Tile not sticking10/23/2008
  Q: Three summers ago I installed vinyl peel and stick tile onto existing linoleum in my kitchen/dining ...
  A: Ann .... I have loathed the product since it became available ... Just for this reason. I am so ...
basement carpeting10/23/2008
  Q: we are thinking of carpeting the basement. I thought that all that was needed was to purchase ...
  A: .. there is no way of telling unless you test the slab for moisture if you even need a sub floor.... ...
duribility of various flooring for entryway10/23/2008
  Q: We are in the process of a total remodel of our home. Have put down hardwood flooring thru the ...
  A: Can I interest you in a beautiful Porcelain Versailles pattern with chiseled edge...it appears and ...
Info on Berber Carpet life expectancy10/22/2008
  Q: What is the life expectancy of Berber Carpet? I have lived at this condo for 2 years and before i ...
  A: I don't really know what the life of some rental unit carpet is ... probably not much / long.. ...
Hardwood Floor - repair or replace10/22/2008
  Q: Our hardwood floor is popping up in all areas just not where the floor meets the wall. Is it ...
  A: Get a circular saw ... and a few spare blades ... set the depth so you are just barely above the ...
Engineered install question10/22/2008
  Q: I am installing engineered hardwood, 3" wide by 1/4", over concrete. The slats vary from 12" to 4". ...
  A: Ok I see your floor plan , this is going to be a dooozy on the diagonal...lol It's one thing to do ...
Hardwood Floor - repair or replace10/21/2008
  Q: Our hardwood floor is popping up in all areas just not where the floor meets the wall. Is it ...
  A: Well , you may have to actually pull one up ... if you are going to proceed you will need to any ...
Engineered install question10/21/2008
  Q: I am installing engineered hardwood, 3" wide by 1/4", over concrete. The slats vary from 12" to 4". ...
  A: Ok , that was fast ... lol. records set all the time I guess. Let me look it up ... Or call the 800 ...
Replacing cracked ceramic tile floors10/21/2008
  Q: We purchased a new garden home 3 years ago on a slab foundation. All the tile floors have cracks. ...
  A: Yes I have seen many foundation cracks and have seen many slip sheets and membranes work well ... in ...
Engineered install question10/21/2008
  Q: I am installing engineered hardwood, 3" wide by 1/4", over concrete. The slats vary from 12" to 4". ...
  A: Eryc, Whhoaaa boy ....lol What are you doing man .. you are way over the edge and gonna fall fast ...
Hardwood Floor - repair or replace10/21/2008
  Q: Our hardwood floor is popping up in all areas just not where the floor meets the wall. Is it ...
  A: Stacey I occasionally look in the question pool to see if there are any questions here... So I ...
Tenting and buckling of hardwood floors10/21/2008
  Q: I recently had a tigerwood floor installed in my living room located over a finished basement. ...
  A: I am glad you got back to talk more about this .. I had asked around ... regarding you situation ... ...
laminate floor as a cure for mold10/20/2008
  Q: We have a house which is exhibiting widespread mold staining on the carpet. We intend to strip the ...
  A: Yes there are some products available to eliminate moisture ... here are some links for you to ...
Raising a Floor10/20/2008
  Q: I have a room that when you step into it you have to step down 8 inches onto a concrete floor (it ...
  A: Yes Jennifer... That is the basic way to do it. But the question would fall in the construction ...
Is It Mold?10/19/2008
  Q: I know you are not a mold expert. I thought however, that you might have seen a stain on concrete ...
  A: Anytime Pamela ... we had a little mold once, and after paying 90.00 out of pocket, which the ...
Is It Mold?10/18/2008
  Q: I know you are not a mold expert. I thought however, that you might have seen a stain on concrete ...
  A: I see the photo... it really doesn't look bad at all. But if this was as you described , left for ...
pavers stained- grill grease and oil10/18/2008
  Q: Chris, I hope you might be able to help me out. My wife and I have a new house with non-sealed ...
  A: Chris , I am sitting here scratching my head and thinking solvent based cleaners..and laughing too ...
engineered floor instalation10/17/2008
  Q: know the best way to install it. i have herd it is possible to float it, nail it or glue it down. if ...
  A: There are specifics that go with each style of installation ... what wood have you purchased or ...
Is It Mold?10/16/2008
  Q: I know you are not a mold expert. I thought however, that you might have seen a stain on concrete ...
  A: Sorry the photo , if you attached one , didn't come through ...Can you try it again .. ? The bad ...
Bamboo Flooring trim10/15/2008
  Q: I recently purchased some end cap and stair nose trim pieces. I see how I want them to go down, ...
  A: I need to deal with each item individually... I have always glued and nailed.... but if you are ...
installing vinyl tiles over cermic tiles10/15/2008
  Q: I would like to know if there is an easy, effictive way to instal vinyl tiles over 1" ceramic tiles. ...
  A: Miyosiha , No it does not affect my answer ... that is an ideal situation ... a concrete floor ...
Tiling a small bathroom10/15/2008
  Q: A leaking wax ring in our .1 bathroom has given me the opportunity to replace the well worn carpet. ...
  A: Yes Lynn, ..OK .. here we go ...if I confuse you let me know and I will re answer and try to ...
Konnecto Flooring10/14/2008
  Q: Chris! How lucky I am to have found you. We have been doing floors since 1978 - but recently we ...
  A: I have installed many vinyl plank and tile square projects ... if you are going over concrete slab ...
wood floors10/14/2008
  Q: i bought mirage woiod floors,wanted some shine put hollaway house quick shine now floors look bad ...
  A: Anthony , Please call your manufacture ... they have approved products and they have time tested ...
repair or replace?10/13/2008
  Q: I took up my wall to wall carpet and there were hardwood floor under it. I would like to keep the ...
  A: Eugene , your description is vague ... can you tell if the water damage has caused rotting ... is ...
tile flooring10/12/2008
  Q: my house is about 12 years old, and just recently the ceramic tiles in my kitchen sound hollow, and ...
  A: Well Stephanie ... you must tell me what the floor is like I need you to paint a very detailed ...
tile flooring10/11/2008
  Q: my house is about 12 years old, and just recently the ceramic tiles in my kitchen sound hollow, and ...
  A: I can imagine the tiles are popping loose in the areas you describe and the cement is breaking loose ...
Meritage Engineered Hardwood Installation10/11/2008
  Q: I am installing Engineered 5" Plank hardwood floors in my home this weekend. We are gluing down ...
  A: Just noticed your question in the QUESTION POOL...so here's what I do ...we make a false nail wall ...
unven subfloor10/11/2008
  Q: The subfloor in the kitchen i"m going to tile is about 250 sq. ft, but the floor is not level? It is ...
  A: Shawn , Often times this crowning as it seems to me is just screed off and floated out with various ...
Purchasing Carpet10/9/2008
  Q: I'm interested in a carpet that is 100% PermaSoft BCF Nylon. Can you tell me if this is as good as ...
  A: .. Let me look up the BCF nylon quality.. Ok BCF nylon is very good quality especially if it is 100% ...
finishing particle board flooring10/9/2008
  Q: I have an upper level floor made from particle board(yellow tongue). It was installed 12 years ago, ...
  A: California , USA I hope I can answer this question to your satisfaction.... here we just install ...
laminate floors which direction to install10/9/2008
  Q: We are installing Laminate Flooring throughout the whole house (except bathrooms) and three large ...
  A: I am in San Bernardino .. well actually off the 10 x 15. The idea is very easily achieved by placing ...
LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING10/8/2008
  Q: I WILL BE INSTALLING NEW LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING IN MY HOME THIS WEEKEND.CAN YOU GIVE ME ANY POINTERS ...
  A: David ... When you get to that last fill piece on the wall with the door , start in the doorway ...
berber carpet installation10/8/2008
  Q: We are trying to install a cross stitch berber carpet however the rows are not running straight. ...
  A: Yes Raylene, OMG ... Listen .. what are you using for a row runner...to separate the rows from the ...
Can Bamboo flooring survive high temperatures10/7/2008
  Q: I live in the Pheonix area and we are considering installing Bamboo flooring in our living room. I ...
  A: Yes Kishore ... any wood species must be maintained at certain temps and humidity levels . If any ...
Floor Prep for Carpet - Not Level10/7/2008
  Q: ..of course he has taken his money and has left me with paying the rest...so anything that needs ...
  A: You state the doorway from the hall has a 6"x 25 ft long ??? Or is that 2.5 ft long? Many times we ...
Tenting and buckling of hardwood floors10/7/2008
  Q: I recently had a tigerwood floor installed in my living room located over a finished basement. ...
  A: I thought for a moment and came up with this idea. Is it possible that the row of wood in question ...
adura vinyl plan10/6/2008
  Q: We recently had installed adura vinyl plank on a radiant heat cement floor. This is a new place. ...
  A: Nancy , I am sorry, but you are confusing me ....You state that you recently paid for this floor ...
mesquite hardwood flooring10/5/2008
  Q: We are planning on putting in mesquite hardwood flooring. My question(s) are we want to keep the ...
  A: Well to begin with I don't know how you landed in the QUESTION POOL. Do you remember asking an ...
Pergo laminate flooring10/4/2008
  Q: I just opened a box of this laminate and it really stinks! I think it may be the glue between the ...
  A: Yes Lynne, I use paint thinner ...another smelly product ...but WD-40 works great too. Really I ...
ceramic tile10/4/2008
  Q: I have a bathroom with 4 inch ceramic tile that is attached to cement board. We can't get it off ...
  A: Yes you can... But it will add height to areas like the door casing .. is that a concern? let me ...
Wall to wall carpeting10/4/2008
  Q: Can we have wall to wall laid over Mexican pavers? How can they put down tack strip? If we can't ...
  A: Yes it can be done... somewhat more cost is involved to get the floors ready. Here are some steps ...
ceramic tile10/3/2008
  Q: I have a bathroom with 4 inch ceramic tile that is attached to cement board. We can't get it off ...
  A: Yes that would work. You have to be comfortable with the height situation that may be an issue at ...
flooring adhesive10/3/2008
  Q: I am going have about 1100 sq ft of 3/8 inch pre-finished Australian Cypress engineered wood over ...
  A: To answer your question concisely... you may not substitute one for the other. Have you been to the ...
Mannington Adura Pos/Neg experience?10/3/2008
  Q: Was leaning towards laminate in large din rm/fam room area (above dry basement) but have read some ...
  A: The floor under your carpet is called OSB / Oriented stranded board. I would Contact Mannington and ...
Installing Laminate in Basement10/2/2008
  Q: I live in Canada and have a question concerning subfloor on a concrete basement floor. I have read ...
  A: Hey Brian , Thanks for asking..../ I really like the way DRI-core is setup. Very easy to install ...
Tile to Wood transition9/30/2008
  Q: We live in a house built in the late 1960's and the kitchen floor has a problem with a hump on one ...
  A: .. I would make a custom thresh hold / transition piece with Oak and create a saddle for the ...
Installing Carpet on Uneven OSB9/30/2008
  Q: though I'm doing some of the work myself. Before the roof was on the house, we got a significant ...
  A: Luan is a bad idea .. an added expense and simply not necesary.If the OSB is really bad ...have it ...
engineered bamboo9/30/2008
  Q: I have just purchased engineered bamboo - 5/8 ". I have a 12 year old house - solid base sub floor. ...
  A: Brent , I had typed a page late last night ... Did you receive it. LOL...maybe I closed the window ...
Pergo laminate flooring9/30/2008
  Q: I just opened a box of this laminate and it really stinks! I think it may be the glue between the ...
  A: well if it lingered in your car ... then that is a sign ... but it should air out ... maybe the ...
vinyl flooring in a three season room9/29/2008
  Q: We are converting our screened porch to a 3 season room. Installed windows and insulated walls. For ...
  A: If you were led to believe you needed this roll foam padding, that is a horrible mistake.... Please ...
Laminate "nightmares" I've seen concern me9/29/2008
  Q: So glad I stumbled on this web site! Thanks in advance for being here to help. We want to have ...
  A: Rose ... Your installer is right on about the hearth! ... I always undercut with a diamond blade ...
Basement Cement Floor9/28/2008
  Q: What is the best flooring and underlayment to put in the basement ? I have very little dampness and ...
  A: Recently folks have been putting everything from carpet / laminate ...or tile ...some have even ...
bamboo flooring9/27/2008
  Q: I really like the bamboo website you referred me to. I was told by someone a good solution for ...
  A: When floating a wood floor...always use a premium underlayment with a moisture barrier attached ...
carpet rug pad9/27/2008
  Q: ANSWER: Hello Husein , Give me the name of the product and I can lookit up if you didn't already ...
  A: After reading the reviews I find it is lacking ...I don't know if it is bad...but others have said ...
PTT poly vs nylon9/26/2008
  Q: I am ready to recarpet my home. I was about to select a 50 oz. Stainmaster Frieze when I came across ...
  A: I am not an expert when it comes to the manufacture of carpet ...just the installation. I know as ...
tile grout cracking9/26/2008
  Q: We have installed tile over laminate flooring. We sanded and prepared the flooring first. Then ...
  A: Nicole, I am sorry to say the tile floor will continue to flex as the floating floor continues to ...
carpet rug pad9/26/2008
  Q: ANSWER: Hello Husein , Give me the name of the product and I can lookit up if you didn't already ...
  A: I went to Wal mart .com and found this so far ...you might want to get your money back based on some ...
Congoleun Vinyl floor9/26/2008
  Q: I had a Congoleun Vinyl floor (with a life time warranty) put down over a old Vinyl floor with luan ...
  A: Frank ...in small claims ...99% of the time the consumer wins...they installed a sub standard ...
laminte/wood vs porcelain9/25/2008
  Q: We have a house built in 1960 with a 160 lb Great Dane. I fear that the house may be settling some ...
  A: First off I want to let you know I am a Calif resident and generally the homes are more and more ...
Ceramic Tiles9/24/2008
  Q: I am installing a ceramic tile floor. I tore up the old linoleum and started to scrape the old glue ...
  A: i find your question in the Question pool ...How you get here I do not know but it is a stagnant ...
New Floor/Old Cabinets9/23/2008
  Q: We just bought a home and are replacing the floors throughout with bamboo. We have pulled the ...
  A: ... I like to buy the 2 pack of blades from Home Depot. The Dewalt blades They are 40 tooth for ...
porcelain tile floors9/23/2008
  Q: I have chosen a new 20"x20" porcelain tile for my kitchen floor. I would like the tiles set with no ...
  A: Joe ..these questions have been answered many times before and if you search the archives you will ...
Garage flooring in COLD northern Vermont9/23/2008
  Q: Chris - I posed this question earlier this year: We live in Vermont - where our coldest night this ...
  A: Kent based on your description of the false floor I would not recommend tile ...carpet would be ...
epoxy grout9/23/2008
  Q: At the recommendation of the tile store, I had my contractor use epoxy grout on the tiled shower ...
  A: Louise ...your question is now in the Question pool ....whom did you ask this question of ...
Garage flooring in COLD northern Vermont9/23/2008
  Q: Chris - I posed this question earlier this year: We live in Vermont - where our coldest night this ...
  A: Wow Kent .... Loaded question ...I am in Calif. southern to be more specific. I have never had to ...
Get stuff off linoleum floor9/22/2008
  Q: Got your message. I am having a problem with a linoleum floor. I just purchased my first home and ...
  A: For years we have used good old fashioned paint thinner to cut adhesive and sticky glue from all our ...
laying carpet/laminate over saltillo tile9/22/2008
  Q: I would like to lay laminate and carpet over saltillo tile floor in my home. The entire house has ...
  A: If you went with carpet the hardest part will be getting the tackstrip to hold in the tile and grout ...
laminte/wood vs porcelain9/21/2008
  Q: We have a house built in 1960 with a 160 lb Great Dane. I fear that the house may be settling some ...
  A: What is the subfloor now and what settling are you concerned about ...if the flooring joists are ...
Crack Isolation9/21/2008
  Q: Chris, Thanks for being available for questions! I'm about to lay 18" tile on a 6 year old ground ...
  A: ..wow I was just looking in the question pool..please look me up and directly ask me from my profile ...
New Floor/Old Cabinets9/21/2008
  Q: We just bought a home and are replacing the floors throughout with bamboo. We have pulled the ...
  A: ..yes , here is the tool that we use for this operation ...it is a dangerous tool ...but can be used ...
grout white when wet - does it still exist?9/20/2008
  Q: 5 yrs back I regrouted my shower with Polyblend snow white (#11) unsanded, "series one" grout. ...
  A: Richard , So sorry they have changed sooo much in the past 5-7 years. I have given up on them as ...
Cement floor in basenent9/20/2008
  Q: Can I put a floating laminate floor down in my basement? I don't have any water problems and very ...
  A: Yes ...you can Bob. Please be certain that no moisture vapor transmits from the slab. here are some ...
Marble tear out problem!9/20/2008
  Q: Chris, I purchased an 88 year old home. Several of the rooms have marble tile flooring. We ...
  A: Jan ..If you can go to Home Depot rental center rent a 7" grinder with a vacuum gaurd ...and you ...
Laminate Flooring9/19/2008
  Q: Ok, I have a dumb question. I installed laminate flooring in my kitchen/dining area and not paying ...
  A: Tom ... You too huh? ..lol It will be fine ...I imagine you are on slab ..and you have the ...
Engineered floor over gypcrete9/19/2008
  Q: I want to install engineered wood (Lauzon brand) on my second floor, approximately 2,000 sq. feet. ...
  A: Ingrid First I would call the manufacture for their recommendations. ...
Buckled hardwood floor9/18/2008
  Q: The hardwood floor in our den has buckled, tenting up several inches in a line parallel to the way ...
  A: Leah, The problem is caused by moisture ...the wood is absorbing it from somewhere...A moisture ...
floating floor squeaks9/18/2008
  Q: I installed a floating laminate floor over my kitchen floor. Evidently, there's a few low spots in ...
  A: Hey Bruce, I keep hearing Orange Glo floor cleaner from the consumers ??? They are being told to ...
grouting problem9/18/2008
  Q: My husband and I just installed Traventine with chiseled edges in our kitchen. My husband has is ...
  A: .. Please re read your question...maybe proof read it for spelling and context...and also there is ...
flooring9/18/2008
  Q: I want to remove the carpeting from my house because of allergies, I have small kids and a very big ...
  A: Please don't ask me questions regarding health or well being due to allergies or pets or what might ...
Dishwashers and tiling9/18/2008
  Q: How do I determine if I should remove the dishwasher before tiling the floor? If I do not remove ...
  A: B Draffin... The bottom of the dishwasher has a couple of screws to allow removal of the simple ...
TILES9/17/2008
  Q: I bought a new face brick house 10 months ago. The basin in the main bathroom first lost it's water ...
  A: Jeanette, It really sounds like the water has been leaking in the wall and causing minerals and ...
stuck on padding on linoleum floor9/16/2008
  Q: I have a problem with some stuck on padding from a very old carpet glued to a linoleum floor on my ...
  A: Did you get an answer ..I am trolling the question pool and I see you here ...If you still need ...
Oak Flooring9/16/2008
  Q: How do you put down an Oak Floor. I will be using 1/2" thick red oak 5" wide. The room is 30 by 16.
  A: .what is your substrate ? there are 3 techniques , and many books , and many google website DIY ...
Is underlayment necessary for Laminate floor9/15/2008
  Q: Howdy Chris, We'd like to replace an old carpet with a laminate floor. The carpet is on a particle ...
  A: Yes all laminate floors require a sound deadening underlayment. if you are on a slab concrete you ...
removing engineered flooring9/15/2008
  Q: Chris- I'm a finish carpenter and was asked to remove about 600 sq ft of glue down engineered ...
  A: .. Set your circular saws up and have a couple of guys cut to within a 1/16 of the sub floor or ...
Flooring ? for the basement9/14/2008
  Q: I am hoping that you can help me out! We are in the process of finishing our below grade basement ...
  A: Glad to hear the sump pump has only turned on during inclement weather. As far as brands go ...I ...
carpet pad9/14/2008
  Q: Three years ago carpet was installed in a hallway and three bedrooms by using the usual base tack ...
  A: Probably just needs restretching... it's hard to install a hall and get it tight properly , when ...
shower recess9/14/2008
  Q: We're looking to retile our bathroom in large format rectified porcelain tiles -300x600 (1'x2'?)I've ...
  A: Francesca. I have no idea what a no hob is. When I build a shower and floor...I always recommend ...
Wood flooring Spline's9/14/2008
  Q: Hey Chris me again.... when I install my wood flooring I will need to change directions (flip) the ...
  A: Hey Brett ...Does your wood manufacture not carry them ? Can you not order them with your product? ...
Flooring ? for the basement9/13/2008
  Q: I am hoping that you can help me out! We are in the process of finishing our below grade basement ...
  A: The new french drain ...I assume that is outside the perimeter of the basement foundation. And the ...
"vinyl tiles9/13/2008
  Q: I have about twelve tiles that need to be replaced in my kitchen! What is the best way to remove ...
  A: If you can get a utility knife and a square ...or any straight edge that will allow you to cut ...
mold on laminate floor9/12/2008
  Q: I have an area where I feed my dogs in the kitchen. Usually have a mat under the dishes and wipe ...
  A: Is that a laminate floor or prefinished Parquet ?? If it is the latter you will need to sand and ...
carpet fibers like lint balls9/12/2008
  Q: I just recently moved into a new home that was sitting for two years. No one has ever live in it ...
  A: Did you get your answers? I don't know how people get tossed in to the Question Pool ...but I will ...
Quarter Round Molding for Kitchen9/12/2008
  Q: I am putting in a slate green laminate floor in my kitchen and have light brown oak cabinets. The ...
  A: I see your question ...do you need any mouldings / 1/4 round anywhere else ...I prefer the white on ...
Wood floors9/12/2008
  Q: I just had wood floors installed in my first level of our home. We have a basement down below. My ...
  A: Can you tell me the type of wood ..name brand and style...also what method of installation did they ...
resealing pre-finished hardwood9/12/2008
  Q: We bought a house with prefinished hardwood through out, including the kitchen. it was poorly ...
  A: I am finding your question in the question pool ...I wish it never existed ...you need to ask an ...
level a wood subfloor?9/11/2008
  Q: I am remodeling the kitchen in my 1950s house. There were several layers of old lenolium which I ...
  A: Leah ...yes you can ...the step is about 3/16"..at most 1/8 "...try to get a floor patch product and ...
engineered hardwood floors9/11/2008
  Q: I am looking to have my builder install an engineered hardwood on the ground level concrete slab ...
  A: ...The term Engineered floors also infers ...pre-finished ...there is no such animal as far as I ...
Installing Hardwood by Stone Hearth9/11/2008
  Q: Chris, I am installing hand scraped hardwood that will butt up against a faux stone hearth. What I ...
  A: Brett , I have always pulled the stove for sure ...need to keep it level ...and I do the dish ...
Installing Hardwood by Stone Hearth9/11/2008
  Q: Chris, I am installing hand scraped hardwood that will butt up against a faux stone hearth. What I ...
  A: Is this a question? ...I am thinking you are just relaying info....I know that most solids are 3/4 " ...
tiles9/11/2008
  Q: Is vetrified/marbonite is better for homes? What is the difeerence?
  A: Funny you should ask ... this question is popping up more frequently these days. For a decription ...
bamboo flooring on stairs9/11/2008
  Q: I have purchased bamboo bull nosing and plan to install this with 5/8" bamboo plank flooring on my ...
  A: ..yikes ...where to start? What is engineered wood ? Plywood ...or OSB ? Most stairs here in So ...
tile on covered outdoor space above garage9/10/2008
  Q: I would like 2 consider alternatives 2 wood and composites. there is currently a shingle like water ...
  A: Kevin ...yes you can tile this area...insure that no water can get under the tile and freeze ...if ...
grout9/10/2008
  Q: I am putting down glazed porcelain tile in my mud room. I know I do not seal the tile but should I ...
  A: Morgan , Is the grout a powder in a bag ...or a pre made product in a bucket? Always use a ...
Installing Hardwood by Stone Hearth9/10/2008
  Q: Chris, I am installing hand scraped hardwood that will butt up against a faux stone hearth. What I ...
  A: Brett , ...you can not install solid hard wood 3/4" thick on concrete...and you can re finish ...
level a wood subfloor?9/10/2008
  Q: I am remodeling the kitchen in my 1950s house. There were several layers of old lenolium which I ...
  A: The old and last layer of vinyl is actually real linoleum , probably? And the black tar is a ...
Installing Hardwood by Stone Hearth9/9/2008
  Q: Chris, I am installing hand scraped hardwood that will butt up against a faux stone hearth. What I ...
  A: Ok Brett ..well you know about the undercut saw...good! I have this unit pictured ...
Marble Floor Installation9/9/2008
  Q: Chris, I’m in the middle of a bathroom renovation and have some questions pertaining to the ...
  A: Always remove the toilet for your installation... then follow these instructions for the hardi ...
Installing Travertine in existing home9/8/2008
  Q: I have a 1950's rambler with a main level floor structure of 2 x 10 16"oc., diagonal 1 x 10 ...
  A: Jesse, For years I have read the formula recommended by the TCA and not understood how it applies ...
spilled paint on slate tile9/8/2008
  Q: I knocked over a can of black latex paint about an hour ago. The floor is slate tile with a dark ...
  A: Yes billy, you can scrub with paint thinner /water based strippers and or abrasive pads ...you ...
Marble Floor Installation9/8/2008
  Q: Chris, I’m in the middle of a bathroom renovation and have some questions pertaining to the ...
  A: Todd, OSB and 3/8 ths ply are not acceptable sub materials for any tile floor .... As for your ...
concrete slab basement floor options9/8/2008
  Q: I have a half basement that I want to redo. The basement floor is rectangular approx. 40' - 0" x ...
  A: Maria, Hi again Ok the real travertine will require a greater level of skill to install and get ...
Laminate floor9/7/2008
  Q: I have had water damage and have to tear up part of my floor. What can I use to seal the boards the ...
  A: All I can suggest is to use the glue I mentioned at every joint upon re installation...is this what ...
Laminate floor9/7/2008
  Q: I have had water damage and have to tear up part of my floor. What can I use to seal the boards the ...
  A: Why are you sealing anything ...did someone say to seal it ...? If you are looking for an adhesive I ...
Laminate Flooring9/7/2008
  Q: I have had water damage to my laminate flooring and have to replace half of it. What can I use to ...
  A: I answered your questions Ed ...did you receive any other answers to help you with your situation ...