| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Leaning to hardwood - lams aren't way to go | 10/1/2008 |
Q: Since you feel laminate pretty much "...isn't worth the gas to bring it home" and I've read so many ...
A: In some cases...solid wood can be cheaper than Engineered hardwood. Oak is a prefered species for ...
|
| Laminate - you're NOT a Fan - Appreciate your input | 9/30/2008 |
Q: We aren't DIY-ers & want to get installed 600 S.F. laminate in an open dining/fam room area - not a ...
A: Mannington has the worst warrantee record. Stay clear. WilsonArt is a great product...as long as ...
|
| Marble Flooring Installation | 9/26/2008 |
Q: I've recently purchased a new home in Arizona and have decided to replace all the flooring in the ...
A: On a wood flooring system, you NEED a cement board. There are several types...so depending on your ...
|
| Congoleun Vinyl floor | 9/26/2008 |
Q: I had a Congoleun Vinyl floor (with a life time warranty) put down over a old Vinyl floor with luan ...
A: The INSTALLER is on the hook for this. Congoleum is still warranteeing the flooring...but the ...
|
| Sqeeky laminate flooring | 9/24/2008 |
Q: I have bought as new home in Ga and the laminate floor in the entrance hall squeaks in several ...
A: The best correction is to remove it. Laminates are, in many cases, junk. A better product, a ...
|
| bad laminte piece | 9/12/2008 |
Q: I have one bad piece of laminate flooring in the middle of my floor how do i replace?
A: YOu have two bad choices. Either remove it completely and hope NOT ot damage surrounding pieces, ...
|
| help with concrete slab basement floor options | 9/7/2008 |
Q: I have a half basement that I want to redo. The basement floor is rectangular approx. 40' - 0" x ...
A: As long as you can create the dam affect for the water tank area and use tile for that ...
|
| help with concrete slab basement floor options | 9/7/2008 |
Q: I have a half basement that I want to redo. The basement floor is rectangular approx. 40' - 0" x ...
A: You have done alot of research....and alot of planning. If you can create a Dam affect for your ...
|
| Underlayment and subflooring | 8/29/2008 |
Q: Coil, We have a 3/4" OSB PS2 subfloor glued and screwed to the 2x10 floor joists, 16" OC. This ...
A: Connecting Plywood to OSB is not a big ordeal. It will require long screws to penetrate into the ...
|
| parkay | 8/26/2008 |
Q: I had a water leak under part of my tile in the kitchen. The floor underneath is concrete. It ...
A: Parquet is normally 12"x12" patterned pieces. You can do a 24"x24" area without too much trouble. ...
|
| Solid 3/8 inch by 3 teak | 8/1/2008 |
Q: We want to purchase solid hardwood 3/8 by 3 brazillian teak. We plan to glue it down to our ...
A: Unless your concrete is very uneven....all wood flooring needs to be glued. If it is very uneven, ...
|
| engineered wood | 8/1/2008 |
Q: I wanted to install hardwood floors but I keep reading that it's hard to maintain if you have pets. ...
A: Lets educate you. Real wood is two different things. Solid wood...3/4" thick, tongue and ...
|
| Resurface hardwood | 7/26/2008 |
Q: We have had a hardwood floors resurfaced TWICE in 10days! Both times hair and dust have been caught ...
A: A paint sive is a very good idea, but the evap cooler...not good. You want the air stagnant for 4 ...
|
| hardwood laminate | 7/18/2008 |
Q: I have a free floating laminate that was installed and it is buckling in the middle and in a few ...
A: Unfortunately, this is one of my reasons for refusing to install laminates without a full ...
|
| Sub floor issue | 7/14/2008 |
Q: Dave, My home went 8' under water, when Hurricane Katrina blew out the levee wall on the canal near ...
A: For about $1.50 a foot, you can do a mortar drypact infill. It is not hard... Trick is to get ...
|
| Laminate floor choice | 7/13/2008 |
Q: We want to install a laminate floor in a craft room area we are making in our basement. We had the ...
A: If you dont get a quality product...it will not give any durability. $3 per ft as the minimum. ...
|
| engineered floor glue down or float ? | 7/7/2008 |
Q: i have recently purchased some very beautiful 3/8 x 3" engineered hardwood, which comes in about 5 ...
A: My trick is to glue down ONLY AS MUCH as I can weight down. I use plywood and concrete blocks to ...
|
| engineered floor glue down or float ? | 7/6/2008 |
Q: i have recently purchased some very beautiful 3/8 x 3" engineered hardwood, which comes in about 5 ...
A: I like this guy. I think he got everything right. At this point...whatever he says...I think I ...
|
| DIY Floating Installation Mistake | 7/4/2008 |
Q: My husband and I have almost finished installing most of our engineered floating HW floor on cement ...
A: Preparation is the key to all work. A floating floor is mostly a way of installing a quick..no ...
|
| Which Material? | 7/3/2008 |
Q: We are considering replacing our carpet with hardwood type flooring. Our subflooring is ...
A: Mis information is a terrible thing. Any subfloor of 5/8" or greater is sufficient for a hardwood ...
|
| sub flooring | 6/28/2008 |
Q: hi i am looking to install a laminate floor in my living room i just bought the house and the floor ...
A: I dont recommend a laminate over open subfloor. Any surface prior is better. Be advise that if you ...
|
| stubborn queaky floor | 6/23/2008 |
Q: I just bought a 15 year old house recently, the master bedroom floor is terribly squeaky all the ...
A: Normally a squeak is from wood moving on the nail. I have had to cut access holes in the flooring ...
|
| engineered wood over uneven concrete slab | 6/17/2008 |
Q: Hey Dave, Here's the deal. I am doing a kitchen remodel for my parents. They have a concrete slab ...
A: If you can create shims or guides that will run level...you could put several down....and fill in ...
|
| Travertine vs. Brazilian Cherrywood | 6/16/2008 |
Q: We are thinking of building a house and can't decide which to put on the floor..Ivory Travertine or ...
A: Your lifestyle has alot to say. Traverine..if a piece breaks...replace it. If wood....as beautiful ...
|
| floor | 6/7/2008 |
Q: we live in Texas - our house foundation is slab - there is an area of our interior floor ...
A: If your flooring is exceeding the ambient air temp at which is was laid, it can be expansion from ...
|
| ceramic tile | 6/7/2008 |
Q: We just had ceramic tile installed in both bathrooms and fireplace. The grout is beige. I have a ...
A: There should be no haze after the install. It should have been wiped clean before it dried. As for ...
|
| Laminate flooring | 6/4/2008 |
Q: I have bubbles that are forming on the top of my laminate. Not sure what the cause is. Could it be ...
A: Normally blisters are from water/moisture getting under the film of the surface. If the surface was ...
|
| replace kitchen tile floor with wood | 6/1/2008 |
Q: What would the ballpark cost to replace my kitchen floor with wooden floors, roughly 15x35 ...
A: There are a few factors, so add them as you need. A true wood floor will cost from $4 to $6.50 ...
|
| nothing really, just a comment | 5/30/2008 |
Q: after just reading alot of your answers from all these questions, I feel like I was listening to my ...
A: It is so quite refreshing to see that someone can, and will read....not to mention know what they ...
|
| tile floor | 5/21/2008 |
Q: I am installing a 12x12 inch tile floor over a 1x1 inch tile floor in a bathroom. I was told by one ...
A: I dont like putting tile over tile, but the basic approach is good. Scuffing the current tile for ...
|
| inflating measurements | 5/17/2008 |
Q: My husband is convinced that a local company is inflating their measurements of our home to rip us ...
A: It is normal to overestimate the size of rooms for square footage....We dont want to run out of ...
|
| Traventine & Slate Tiles on Elevated Floor | 5/13/2008 |
Q: Dave: We are building a new house in Houston. The entire main floor and outside decking is elevated ...
A: With the transition problem, it would be advisable to create a taper or bevel from the carpet to the ...
|
| Bamboo Flooring | 5/13/2008 |
Q: We are remodeling a house and are thinking about using Bamboo floors in, at least, some of the ...
A: Someone has given a bit of wrong news. Bamboo is a very hard wood. I installed some on a ...
|
| Traventine & Slate Tiles on Elevated Floor | 5/11/2008 |
Q: Dave: We are building a new house in Houston. The entire main floor and outside decking is elevated ...
A: You dont really need 1/2" but that is a good thing. 1/4" would work. You first lay out the cement ...
|
| Berber carpet | 5/8/2008 |
Q: I have a fuzz ball on my berber carpet. Can I cut it off or will it start a run in the carpet?
A: You can trim it with scissors, but another approach...matches. Get some wood matches and let the ...
|
| Sealing Ceramic Tile Floor | 5/7/2008 |
Q: I asked this question of another expert earlier today, but my question wasn't really answered. So I ...
A: Ceramic tile does not need to be seales...in fact..ceramic is a fired surface that nothing ...
|
| Installing marble tile over ceramic | 5/7/2008 |
Q: Is it possible to directly install marble tile over an existing ceramic tile floor. Is this done ...
A: My best advice...do not install over ceramic. In many cases there are hollow spots in the current ...
|
| installing tumble travertine | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I used 2x4 tumbled travertine tiles in my kitchen for the backsplash and up the walls. I also ...
A: Most verticle wall applications are mastic. ONly rare occasions of heavy tiles are masonry products ...
|
| Basement Tile Installation | 5/4/2008 |
Q: I would like to install tile in our basement, which is comprised of two rooms (laundry/utility and ...
A: I would consider using hardi backer 1/4"...installed in a bed of thinset...with alot of weight till ...
|
| flooring questions | 5/3/2008 |
Q: We are about to get laminate and carpet installed. Have you ever heard of the brand Berry Floor ...
A: You are paying too much for the laminate, but the installation is reasonable. Be advised by ...
|
| tile over 80 yr old hardwood floor | 4/20/2008 |
Q: We are currently renovating our kitchen( from the studs out)I have done every faze of the job ...
A: Floor levelors are ok for 1/8" deep area, but if you are looking at over 1/2"...you will need a more ...
|
| Laminate | 4/17/2008 |
Q: I installed pergo flooring in our last home, and would like to have it again, but I have a concern. ...
A: EAch transition is different. I prefer to but and caulk. If the elevation is less than 1/8" in ...
|
| Bruce Wear Master Commercial Flooring | 4/9/2008 |
Q: I purchased Wear Master 3 ply commercial flooring about ten years ago for use in my kitchen. It ...
A: I know Mannington is a lousy floor and lousy warrantee. Bruce used to be respectable...but ...
|
| Marble tiles installation | 4/6/2008 |
Q: How to install marble tiles in my family room.Right now the builder provided a standard carpet(poor ...
A: Marble is a pretty soft stone...care to be taken. You need to remove the carpet, the pad, any ...
|
| Why wait 24 hours for tile to dry before grouting? | 4/5/2008 |
Q: Our tiler did not wait 24 hours for the travertine tiles to set before applying grout. He waited ...
A: The traffic on the tiles while grouting can cause a movement and separate of the tiles from the ...
|
| Vinyl tiles | 4/1/2008 |
Q: I have a friend who wants me to help him install vinyl tiles. My question is this.....He has ...
A: In MY personal and professional opinion....vinyl self stick tiles are the absolute worst flooring ...
|
| tile | 3/31/2008 |
Q: I am going to tile an outdoor patio(wood table with Porcelain and glass tile. It will be used ...
A: A premium White thinset will do a great job. It can be used thicker for the thinner product and ...
|
| marble wall tile | 3/29/2008 |
Q: I want to install 6 x 6 marble wall tile on the bathroom walls. None of the walls are in the shower ...
A: The method you used to seal the sheetrock is my concern. Not sure what application method willl ...
|
| the floor is not level | 3/27/2008 |
Q: I just installed a tile floor in our bathroom using 12 x 18 porcelain tile. The floor is uneven but ...
A: Any movement of the substrate will allow the tile and grout to crack. It is the most important part ...
|
| contrast hardwood flooring with trim | 3/25/2008 |
Q: In my home, we currently have wall to wall carpet. We would like to instal wood flooring on the ...
A: Natural oak is always a good choice if your current wood work is oak. Do not get confused with ...
|
| Transition from laminate to carpet | 3/23/2008 |
Q: We just finished installing laminate flooring in out living room and have transitioned from laminate ...
A: Is the tack strip moving with the carpet. If the tackstrip is loose...the carpet will move. If the ...
|
| Polyurethane Hardwood Floors | 3/20/2008 |
Q: I have a big problem with refinishing my hardwood floor. -- I sanded probably 1/8" to 1/4" off of ...
A: Two thoughts...the shelf life of that can....date? Some shellacs and poly have a shelf life..or ...
|
| laminate flooring | 3/19/2008 |
Q: I was reading past questions and noticed you said so many people are having problems with laminate ...
A: Where to begin.... It is a floating floor,,,not fastened down. It is hollow sounding when walked ...
|
| laminate flooring | 3/17/2008 |
Q: we laid laminate flooring in a bedroom, uneven floor,so some joints left a gap, joe has a good idea ...
A: So many people are having so many problems with laminate floors. Depending on the surface of your ...
|
| porch flooring | 3/16/2008 |
Q: My porch is enclosed with screens sliding doors made of some kind of plastic. It is unheated and ...
A: Because you have a potential for water problems, I am going to suggest a thin troweled on layer of ...
|
| marble flooring | 3/14/2008 |
Q: I want to install 6-inch square marble tiles (.375" thick) on my bathroom floor. The floor has small ...
A: The bigger question is how much movement can you get from the joists. If you cant gain the ...
|
| vinyl tile installation | 3/14/2008 |
Q: I plan on applying self-adhesive tile (12"x12")over excisting tile that have a shallow design in ...
A: VCT is a much better and reasonable choice. The latest pricing I saw.... $.60 a ft. You get the ...
|
| tile installation | 2/28/2008 |
Q: I am getting ready to install tile in my kitchen located on the top floor of my home which has an ...
A: I will recommend using the white thinset to bond the cement board to the vinyl. It doesnt really ...
|
| Armstrong Cushion step over radiant heat | 2/28/2008 |
Q: We have the older style in floor radiant heat (rubber tubes imbedded in slab concrete). Concrete ...
A: The radiant heat is a great mediam for heating rooms...as long as temperature gradients are not ...
|
| Hardwood Floors | 2/27/2008 |
Q: we're looking to do our whole first floor in hardwood but are having a hard time figuring out the ...
A: The dog is the deciding factor. You should consider solid wood vs an Engineered floor. Some times ...
|
| Round edge self adheive backing laminate | 2/25/2008 |
Q: I want to install this laminate in a bathroom. The old peal & stick tile shifted some once I ...
A: If you can find a reasonable carpet store, ask for some "slip sheet". It is the equivalent to ...
|
| Vinyle vs. laminate in kitchen | 2/25/2008 |
Q: We are in the process of installing flooring in a house that is being built. We are, at this time, ...
A: Please consider the vinyl over the Laminates. It will last longer...cheaper, more durable...easier ...
|
| trying to match prefinished cherry hardwoods | 2/25/2008 |
Q: My husband and I just purchased a home that has prefinished chelsea plank cherry hardwood floors. In ...
A: It will be a long time before the two can fully actually blend, if in fact the species are close ...
|
| Vinyl/linoleum | 2/23/2008 |
Q: We had a linolum floor installed almost two weeks ago over an existing floor. There was no issues ...
A: It sounds like they rolled the flooring with a weight greater than needed. I think they squeazed ...
|
| linolium or vinyl tile problem | 2/6/2008 |
Q: I have 12" linoleum or vinyl tiles installed in my foyer and first floor bathroom. The tiles were ...
A: I wont call this a good option, but Crazy Glue might just be the option of ease. If you can put a ...
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| Tile | 2/5/2008 |
Q: "Hi Dave, I am installing tile for the first time and all is going well so far but I do have two ...
A: If you are using a snap cutter for your tile, it will almost cut a perfect line to match back up ...
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| Self adhesive vinyl tile and subfloor | 1/31/2008 |
Q: I have a couple questions. I am going to install self adhesive vinyl tiles in my kitchen. Existing ...
A: Whatever you choose...reconsider the self stick vinyl tile. They are the worst flooring product ...
|
| Crunchy laminate floor | 1/31/2008 |
Q: A year ago we intalled 2 different colors of Tarkett Urban Luxury laminate floors in our home over ...
A: If you put the thin pad under...it can get brittle and crackle. A really bad thought...roaches...if ...
|
| leveling a floor | 1/31/2008 |
Q: I have two questions 1. I have a new addition and the subfloor of the addition is 1/4" lower than ...
A: If it is a consistant 1/4" then a layer of hardibacker would be easy. If it is not consistant, and ...
|
| Room transition | 1/28/2008 |
Q: We are buying a 1988 rambler with wall to wall carpet. I want to remove all carpet and replace with ...
A: I might suggest a highend wood look vinyl flooring. Seamless, durable, low maintenance, easy ...
|
| Engineered wood floor cracking | 1/26/2008 |
Q: I have engineered wood floor (Mfgr HAWA) glued down in 3 rooms and is glued down to a cement ...
A: Assuming the installer did a good job of gluing, it is possible that the plywood substrate is ...
|
| Dupont Tuscan Stone laminate flooring | 1/26/2008 |
Q: my wife and I are hoping you can shed some light on a new subject for us.... we purchased the Tuscan ...
A: Sorry for the delay..computer was down... For the most part the pad is a sound deadener...it doesnt ...
|
| Hardwood Floors | 1/26/2008 |
Q: A couple of questions re hardwood floors: 1. We are doing extensive interior remodeling. Our ...
A: Sorry for the delay...computer has been down. Refinishing is an EXTREMELY dirty project. ...
|
| Dupont Tuscan Stone laminate flooring | 1/25/2008 |
Q: my wife and I are hoping you can shed some light on a new subject for us.... we purchased the Tuscan ...
A: For my opinion, both are crazy. Generally you have to go with the manufactures specifications for a ...
|
| Laminate over two different floors | 1/25/2008 |
Q: I read through all your answers and didn't see this question addressed: I purchased 1400 sq ft of ...
A: A normal tile installation is 3/8" thick from the concrete..5/16" is really thin, but it could be. ...
|
| Sqeeky Hardwood Floor | 1/24/2008 |
Q: Dave, About 6 years ago I had hardwood “professionally” installed in my living/dining room and ...
A: Part of your problem may be in finding the direction the floor joists are running. It is also ...
|
| Basement Bathroom flooring | 1/24/2008 |
Q: I have a bathroom/ laundry room that I plan on renovating. I had my contractor around last night and ...
A: In the old days a gymnasium floor was put down with 1x4 sleepers...glued in place and then the void ...
|
| Peel and Stick tiles | 1/24/2008 |
Q: I purchases some peel and stick tiles for my kitchen, breakfast nook, back hall, and half-bath. My ...
A: VCT is the 1/8" thick tiles used commercially in stores and restaurants. Very durable and easy to ...
|
| Peel and Stick tiles | 1/23/2008 |
Q: I purchases some peel and stick tiles for my kitchen, breakfast nook, back hall, and half-bath. My ...
A: First...strongly consider returning the peel and stick tiles, and get another option. You will ...
|
| Floor in kitchen is rising, | 1/22/2008 |
Q: Maybe you could just point us in the right direction...We've got a lot of work to do at our first ...
A: Generally speaking it would be a water problem. Water will swell earth and cause it to rise. In ...
|
| hardwood floor over ceramic tiles | 1/20/2008 |
Q: i currently have ceramic tiles throughout our home that i believe have been here a long time. our ...
A: The worst case is the best. Remove all the tiles...get down to a clean smooth concrete finish. ...
|
| laminent flooring warping | 1/18/2008 |
Q: We installed over 1000 sq ft of laminate flooring in our home, I loved it at first but have noticed ...
A: I do my best to warn people against laminate floors. You have one of the reasons...the nightmares ...
|
| trying to find new pergo flooring to match my already existing pergo flooring | 1/17/2008 |
Q: I am looking to add on to the existing pergo that is in my kitchen to my living room which is ...
A: Pergo is becoming a generic name for laminate floors. If it is a true Pergo product, you can get, ...
|
| Tiling at 45 deg. | 1/10/2008 |
Q: I have used "All Experts" before and think it's great what you guys do! I wish I was an expert in ...
A: The Diamond look is very attractive...but a nightmare to install. If you can stand the strain of ...
|
| Replacing a section of glue down flooring | 1/10/2008 |
Q: We installed a glue down engineered wood floor (Tarkett is the brand) over the cement floors in our ...
A: It will be much easier to replace a relatively small section, than to try to refinish any part. It ...
|
| Konect Laminent Flooring | 1/8/2008 |
Q: We bought some Konect Laminent Flooring and we are having problems locking it all together. What is ...
A: In most cases it is a snap lock process. Let me caution you STRONGLY...if you do not glue each ...
|
| Laminate floor gaps | 1/7/2008 |
Q: We just had a company put in an Armstrong laminate wood floor in our hallway. In a matter of 2 ...
A: BEST advise...dont do laminates. You are experiencing one of the best reasons. They are NOT a ...
|
| engineered floor and onyx tile on concrete slab | 1/5/2008 |
Q: We want to install engineered floating hardwood and onyx tiles on concrete floor hallway (currently ...
A: Because of alot of misinformation, I will ask for you to specify a particular point. Engineered ...
|
| Baseboards and Hardwood Flooring | 1/4/2008 |
Q: We are building a new house and installing Hardwood floors throughout. My contracter recently ...
A: Without hesitation, the flooring goes first....then baseboard to cover the gap to wall. IN tract ...
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| PROBLEM WITH BRAND NEW HARD WOOD FLOORS | 1/2/2008 |
Q: One month ago we had some pre-finished hard wood floors glued on a concrete foundation. From the ...
A: This is why I get premium for my hardwood installs. I guarantee that the wood is fully bonded. I ...
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| laminate flooring | 1/2/2008 |
Q: I really like the tuscan stone terra flooring to use in the kitchen in my new house. I like it ...
A: MOST people use the cheapest flooring available....that is what they get. If you pay a reasonable ...
|
| Transitions - Tile to Floorboards | 1/1/2008 |
Q: Hope you can help me. We have just ripped up our carpets and are in the process of polishing the ...
A: That is alot of difference. More than I have seen transitioned before. You really need to ramp ...
|
| Concrete Slab Elevation Changes | 1/1/2008 |
Q: I was wondering if you could help me out with a question related to increasing the elevation of a ...
A: Wonder board is a better approach. It is more cement based and has more aggregate to be stable. ...
|
| Maple floor finishing | 12/30/2007 |
Q: We recently had a company put a Swedish finish on maple flooring that my husband and I installed. ...
A: It sounds like they tried to do a good job, but the wind came in and blew debris into a wet finish. ...
|
| Engineered Wood Flooring | 12/24/2007 |
Q: I have just installed engineered hardwood floors on concrete. I used a high quality underlayment. I ...
A: On a concrete slab, you need to use plenty of glue, BUT...BUT..only lay as much as you can weight ...
|
| tile adhesion - salvagable? | 12/24/2007 |
Q: The person installing my bathroom tile floor used the sanded grout i bought to lay the tile, instead ...
A: Because the grout is not a adhesive, they will come up almost easy. Your prep will probably be ...
|
| osb subfloor | 12/21/2007 |
Q: We are renovating an old farm house. We had to remove the flooring, down to the original subfloor ...
A: You have a very good base for you new tiles. I would only be concerned about the nails/screws ...
|
| Mexican tile | 12/21/2007 |
Q: My whole house is Mexican tile which I hate as it is so uneven. Would it be possible in some way to ...
A: That tile is so thick, it would really raise a new floor very high. You could float a cement/mortar ...
|
| old stick on tile | 12/19/2007 |
Q: I am removing some old stick on tiles off a wood sub floor. The tiles are 1970 era. I need to use ...
A: That is about the time that asbestos was removed from production. It is not likely to contain it. ...
|
| removing tile installing cork | 12/17/2007 |
Q: I would like to remove the ceramic tile on my kitchen floor and install cork flooring. I think the ...
A: I strongly dont recommend cork in a kitchen. It is not water proof. It holds food, it is very hard ...
|
| Carpet to wood | 12/6/2007 |
Q: Would you use safetstrip for carpet to wood? Thanks, Hank ANSWER: I dont know the term Safetstrip? ...
A: ...it told me alot. AS for my opinion, I would not use it. 2 reasons. It is not going to be as ...
|
| what color wood floor | 12/2/2007 |
Q: I have mahogony furniture in my living/dining room and am looking to put down a wood/laminate floor. ...
A: Only the Pergo, or WilsonArt Laminates are worth the money and effort. Most of the "laminates" on ...
|
| Laminate Flooring | 11/29/2007 |
Q: I had a couple questions about laminate flooring. The first question, is Pergo a good brand of ...
A: Pergo and WilsonArt are the top brands. Laminate is installed on stairs, but keep in mind how ...
|
| Tile | 11/28/2007 |
Q: I am finishing my basement and plan laying down tile on the concrete floor. I have done various ...
A: Some very helpfull info...a good diamond tile saw, use a spray bottle of water to dampen the ...
|
| Spills on Vinyl Flooring | 11/26/2007 |
Q: I spilt some PVP Purple Primer on my newly laid Vinyl Floor, and can't find anything that cleans it. ...
A: I can only imagine that Lacquer thinner, mineral spirits or Methelane Chloride, could have some ...
|
| terrazzo floor | 11/24/2007 |
Q: I have a terrazzo floor that I had put ceramic tile over. I had to remove the tile and would like ...
A: What little I know of terrazzo, it is a clay fired product that is very porous. If something gets ...
|
| Installing trim pieces for Wilsonart Laminate Flooring | 11/19/2007 |
Q: I'm installing Wilsonart Red Label 5" plank Dragon Cherry in my home. I'm just about done with the ...
A: Putty filler is correct...my mistake. The celephane is to allow you to set the trim to put the putty ...
|
| Kitchen Flooring | 11/16/2007 |
Q: I currently have vinyl flooring in my kitched. It has separateed at the seams in a few spots and ...
A: First....do not use self sticky vinyl tiles for your kitchen. It is the biggest mistake to recover ...
|
| Stone Flooring | 11/15/2007 |
Q: I am in the process of installing new flooring in my dining room. I really like the appeal of the ...
A: The preparation for the flooring is the number one issue. Onyx is not a great choice, but if the ...
|
| marble over fireplace | 11/5/2007 |
Q: I have a brick fireplace that I painted white at one time. Now I want to put marble on it. Do I ...
A: Surface prep is everything. You need a smooth sound clean surface to use any masonry adhesive to ...
|
| kitchen floor | 10/12/2007 |
Q: Good morning Dave, I'm remodeling my kitchen ( it was built in 1953) and we extend it before so I ...
A: When you put down a wood floor on wood, you can glue on the concrete and glue/nail on the wood ...
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| hardwood floors cracking/ warping | 10/11/2007 |
Q: The mostly original hardwood floors in my 1927 house were redone before I bought the house a year ...
A: The clue is a patched area. This may be a different cut of grain. The old hardwood is cut from a ...
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| Hardwood Underlayment | 10/9/2007 |
Q: I have a 3/4 mohawk hardwood floor installed last year. The install manual said to lay felt paper ...
A: You are in a bad situation. If the install is a licensed contractor....give him notice you are ...
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| Direction of laminate...with hallway or with window light? | 10/8/2007 |
Q: I am putting down laminate in all rooms on top floor except the bath. I would like this to be as ...
A: Too much advice will destroy and easy job. The hard part is staring in the hallway and working into ...
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| about the laminated floor | 10/7/2007 |
Q: i have refurbished my home and replaced the florr carpet with laminate flooring recently. after ...
A: I am constantly informing people that laminates are a big mistake. You have another of the problems ...
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| Laminate Floor over Ceramic Tile | 10/7/2007 |
Q: My house was built in 1998 in Phoenix. I have Ceramic Tile on the entire lower level, where the ...
A: There are two issues. Elevation of the new floor, and the irregularity of the tiles under the ...
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| Hardwood flooring @ door entry | 10/4/2007 |
Q: I recently had hardood set, sanded, and finished in an area of about 1000 s/ft. After the floor was ...
A: Unfortunately, the doors are the only 'give' in your situation. The thresholds can be added to to ...
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| Cupping newly installed wood floors | 9/28/2007 |
Q: We live in a 50+ year old house with red oak solid wood flooring. We recently added a master ...
A: If you dont have a moisture problem from below...did they use a water base stain or sealer? All ...
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| Expanding laminate floor | 9/27/2007 |
Q: I'm hoping that you can help me. I had laminate flooring in stalled in my basement one year ago. ...
A: I have been advising alot of people lately...laminates are not a good choice. If you dont spend the ...
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| Replace vinyl and carpet with hardwood | 9/19/2007 |
Q: there. I have vinyl flooring in the kitchen, hardwood in the dining room, and carpet in the family ...
A: I will assume that you have a concrete slab house. If this is correct, you will need to remove all ...
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| konecto/laminate/ANY ideas?! | 9/18/2007 |
Q: I am redoing a small hair salon floor. There's 18-yr.old Wonderboard (hard as nails now) & sheet ...
A: I remember seeing a foam backed Tarquet floor used in a gymnasium. No sheen, flexible, and I think ...
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| konecto/laminate/ANY ideas?! | 9/18/2007 |
Q: I am redoing a small hair salon floor. There's 18-yr.old Wonderboard (hard as nails now) & sheet ...
A: There are a couple of brands of laminate floors...floating plastics....that have a cushion on the ...
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| Moisture test for laminate flooring | 9/13/2007 |
Q: We have a plan to change our carpeted home to Shaw Laminate flooring and a porcelian tile. I paid ...
A: This wrong of me, but I am glad you cannot use the laminates. Laminates were a great product in the ...
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| installation of ceramic tile floor over vinyl | 9/12/2007 |
Q: Dave, hope you give me some advise. I am planning on installing ceramic tile in a bathroom. The ...
A: I will recommend that you first install a 1/4" layer of hardiboard, screwed and glued. Then you ...
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| flooring help | 9/11/2007 |
Q: I hope you can help. my mom had tiles installed in her new house approximately 1 year ago. they look ...
A: I would start by closing off sections of the house for the dogs. Limit the constant traffic area ...
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| Ceramic floor tile underlay | 9/7/2007 |
Q: Dave, I've 5/8" plywood floor with an additional 1/2" plywood substrate on screw to 16" joist. I ...
A: YOu need a cementous substrate to lay the tile on. Installing tile to any wood product is risky. ...
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| Marble versus Tiles | 8/23/2007 |
Q: I am constructing my house in Pakistan comprising Sitting area, Drawing, Kitchen, 4 Bed Rooms with ...
A: For a living space, the marble will outlast the other tiles. It is not a water proof surface, so it ...
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| laminate flooring | 8/15/2007 |
Q: I need to know how to level a floor, and what tools i will need to do so before i can lay the ...
A: If you have high spots....grinding or sanding is the slow way to take off small amounts. If you ...
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| Kitchen & BA: Removing Old on with New | 8/13/2007 |
Q: House 1910+/-, Very happy to see thin plywood underlay beneath vinyls & linoleums and finding ...
A: Wood can be put anywhere in your home, if all the proper precautions are taken. Oil each board ...
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| Hardwood floor installing | 8/5/2007 |
Q: First thanks for taking my questions: My husband and I are planning on installing a hardwood ...
A: For the new install..look for loose nails or staples. Look for potential squeaks. Be sure the ...
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| Crackling sound | 7/30/2007 |
Q: We are in a new home (2 yrs) and have radiant heat under hardwood floors. It is stapled to the sub ...
A: The nail pattern was dictated by the piping. Your approach from below is going to be greatly ...
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| Laminate Hardwood | 7/22/2007 |
Q: We are looking to replace the flooring in our kitchen/family room area with laminate hardwood. What ...
A: Unless you intend to go high end, like Pergo's top of the line or WilsonArt....you will get a ...
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| dura stone flooring | 7/18/2007 |
Q: I had a fire in my home two years ago I had hardwood floors and when they redid my house i chose ...
A: A licensed contractor is always responsible. It is his responsibility to help you get relief for ...
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| Leveling Floor for Tile | 7/15/2007 |
Q: I have 700 square feet of flooring that I am going to be tiling. (Yes, it's self-stick vinyl, ...
A: I hate to give any advice on this...almost anything you do in this matter is going to be crappy. ...
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| hardwoodfloor installation | 6/28/2007 |
Q: Dave Coil, First of all, what is the difference in cost of installation of 2 1/4" wide hardwood and ...
A: Differing prices for different circumstances. Normal is about $6 per ft. To get it done ...
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| radiant heat | 6/27/2007 |
Q: I would like to install radiant heat mats in an area of 428 sq ft. The mats are fairly expensive in ...
A: Radiant heat serves two purposes. It warms the floor and warms the contents on the floor. It is ...
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| wood flooring | 6/23/2007 |
Q: Give me your personal opinion of what wood floors look best, engineered,laminates, solid wood ...
A: Solid wood is overwhelmingly prefered. The hardest product and nearly indestructable. Engineered ...
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| flooring options | 6/18/2007 |
Q: I know its hard to generalize as material costs are going to be important, but can you give me a ...
A: I would think that removing the existing flooring and prep for whatever new floor would be a ...
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| laminate flooring | 6/14/2007 |
Q: We just had laminate flooring installed in our living room, bedroom and hall. My concern is the ...
A: Yes your rocking action will cause damage. Trying to come up with the simplest solution, a terry ...
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| laying ceramic tile in an upstairs bathroom | 6/5/2007 |
Q: Dave, My experience as a DIY has been 1100 SF of ceramic tile layed on concrete slab in my last ...
A: My opinion is that the previous finished floors need to be remove. The previous floors do allow a ...
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| Where to begin for flooring | 6/2/2007 |
Q: I am just getting started to do put in a new floor (parquet-laminate). Problem is I know nothing ...
A: There are very few good adhesives. Bosch is my favorite. Keep in mind, you do not want to attempt ...
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| Where to begin for flooring | 6/1/2007 |
Q: I am just getting started to do put in a new floor (parquet-laminate). Problem is I know nothing ...
A: This can be a tricky floor to lay. You will need to do a complete layout of the room and hallways ...
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| subfloor for hardwood | 5/22/2007 |
Q: I'm going to be installing either 3/4" or 5/16" solid hardwood in a bedroom. The subfloor is a 2 ...
A: You are going to do alot of work to get this solid. You will need to glue a layer of 5/8" T&G ...
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| ceramic tile installation concerns | 5/22/2007 |
Q: A friend is installing inexpensive ceramic tile in his carport. The surface is concrete which has ...
A: The concern I have is more related to the painted concrete. The paint is not allowing a cementous ...
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| whats on my floor? | 5/20/2007 |
Q: i was wondering whether you could help me the problem is i am in the middle of decorating my living ...
A: It may be an attempt to glue the carpet down on a previous install. I would try scraping up a small ...
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| ceramic tile | 5/20/2007 |
Q: I have some cracked tile and a couple of broken tile that have come out of the floor. Is it ...
A: Clean the area completely, back to a sound plain concrete floor. You can make a small batch of ...
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| tile | 5/19/2007 |
Q: do i need to lay anything over concrete and it not level what do i use
A: When installing tile over concrete, the main issue is level and sound. If you have highs, or low's, ...
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| tumbled marble backsplash | 5/17/2007 |
Q: My tubled marble backsplash behind my outdoor grill looks terrible after repeated degreasing. How ...
A: Many times I wish I could do House calls on the advice I am asked for. Guessing is alot of what we ...
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| ceramic floor | 5/17/2007 |
Q: we had ceramic floor put in our hallway and into our kitchen , the grout is cracking and coming out ...
A: You need to find the cause. Are the tiles loose, as movement will continue to remove grout. Was ...
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| thresholds for wood floors | 5/14/2007 |
Q: I am installing 3/8" engineered wood floors in my Kitchen and living room. I am doing a glue down ...
A: If you dont do the proper prep, dont expect the best results. Do not glue to linoleum. It will not ...
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| saltillo vs. ceramic | 5/13/2007 |
Q: I am making plans to put new flooring in my home (entry hallway, living room, kitchen, and a ...
A: There are so many looks to saltillo, that it is hard to explain. Some are very thick and irregular. ...
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| Premium laminate flooring buckling | 5/13/2007 |
Q: WE HAVE A NEW HOUSE WITH LAMINATE FLOORING. AFTER WE MOVED IN IN FEB. OF THIS YEAR, WE NOTICED THE ...
A: IF,,,the laminate was installed in a cold house...It may be expanding beyond the perimeters ...
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| leveling floor for laminate flooring | 5/8/2007 |
Q: I have a room that I want to install laminate flooring. The room has linoleum and I was told the ...
A: There are of lot of possibilities for part of it being high or low. You have the ability to do some ...
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| new hardwood floors | 5/8/2007 |
Q: I want to put area rugs in front of doorways to keep the floors cleaner, but every small rug I see ...
A: Wax your floors heavily and put down whatever you want. If you can find a UV related wax, better ...
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| TILE | 5/7/2007 |
Q: DO YOU NEED A GOOD INSTALLER
A: Everyone needs a good installer. The trouble is finding one that is more than he says he is.... I ...
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| hardwood floor bulging/deflection | 5/6/2007 |
Q: I am purchasing a home (7 year old) and my inspector noticed bulging and deflection in the front ...
A: I will have a different by similar conclusion, You dont have TJI's you have standard 2x floor ...
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| hardwood floor bulging/deflection | 5/5/2007 |
Q: I am purchasing a home (7 year old) and my inspector noticed bulging and deflection in the front ...
A: TJI's have a maximum campher of 1/8". If you have one upside down to the other...a combination ...
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| Granite Tile | 5/5/2007 |
Q: I would like to do granite tiles for my counter top as a cheaper alternative to granite slab. Is ...
A: You might exercise the option to have an assortment of granite tiles edged and bullnosed by a ...
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| Tumbled travertine | 5/5/2007 |
Q: Dave, I am looking into replacing the ceramic tiles around my gas fireplace with a 12x12 Tumbled ...
A: I think I would want the recesses to be filled in for the cleaning purposes. Dirt and bugs would ...
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| grout cracking upon installation in shower | 5/4/2007 |
Q: Two days ago, our contractors put white grout on white subway tile on one wall of our shower. No ...
A: Unsanded grout can be topped off within a reasonable time. It does tend to shrink, and actually ...
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| non-rectified marble | 5/4/2007 |
Q: Dave, I bough 2400 ft2 of Sunny Light 24x24x3/4" marble to install in my house. When the installers ...
A: Contact the store where purchased and get the facts. If it is irregular tiles....then the installer ...
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| cracked ceramic tile | 5/3/2007 |
Q: I hope you can help me out . I had a house built 2 years ago recently I was washing the ceramic ...
A: I am so sorry to hear this story. Now your next call is the is the Contractors board. You are now ...
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| Hardwood floor refinishing | 5/3/2007 |
Q: Dave, I am looking at refinishing the hardwood floor in my 1955 home. Unfortunately some where ...
A: You have two real possibilities. If you can get a grinder and grind off the top of the staple, then ...
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| self-sticking tiles for garage floor | 5/2/2007 |
Q: I was thinking about putting maybe vinyl cheap self-sticking tiles down in my garage (no car will be ...
A: PLEASE do not use the self stick tiles. It is the worst product available. If you want a smooth ...
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| Konecto | 5/2/2007 |
Q: We are replacing the floor covering in our basement. We were going to do laminate but may change to ...
A: What little research I have done with it...it needs a stable environment. If you make the basement ...
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| laminate flooring transition to carpetting | 5/2/2007 |
Q: I just had carpetting installed in my living room and I'm about to install laminate snap n lock ...
A: First off let me warn you about laminates. Do not get a cheap brand or style...it will haunt you. ...
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| Flooring | 5/1/2007 |
Q: We are planning to install laminate flooring in our new house. The measuring contractor mentioned ...
A: Your first caution is NOT install the Laminate. It will not react well with that indicator. It ...
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| douglas fir floor | 5/1/2007 |
Q: We ave an old Bungalow/cottage style home in SanFrancisco with a linoleum kitchen floor. I removed ...
A: Douglas fir is a very tight grain, sorta red to almost white in color. Pine is white to yellow and ...
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| douglas fir floor | 4/30/2007 |
Q: We ave an old Bungalow/cottage style home in SanFrancisco with a linoleum kitchen floor. I removed ...
A: Douglas fir has many good features, but it is not a hardwood, actually it is one of the softer ...
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| vinyl flooring in basement | 4/30/2007 |
Q: i am preparing to sell my parents house for them, they are very old, and they have 9x9 tile on a ...
A: Unfortunately that is the time frame that some of those tiles were made with asbestos. I would say, ...
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| Porcelain Tile for outdoor deck? | 4/29/2007 |
Q: Wondering if I can put porcelain tile on an outdoor deck. The deck is 10 feet off the ground, ...
A: The key is to have a sufficient masonry/concrete base for the bonding of the tile, then a really ...
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| Tile prep | 4/29/2007 |
Q: I started a bathroom tile job, tub and floor, myself a few months ago and got too busy/frustrated to ...
A: Prep takes the longest of all the project. For me to say they are taking too long....without being ...
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| HELP - PHOENIX FLOORING | 4/27/2007 |
Q: we are building a home in phoenix and the second story of our home will have a lot of exposure to ...
A: Some contractors and archs and engineers are funny. A wood floor can easily be protected with a UV ...
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| marble tile floor grout line | 4/21/2007 |
Q: I am installing a marble bathroom tile floor. The 12" square marble tiles are being installed over ...
A: 1/16" is fine for a NON sanded grout. I will also suggest using the latex additive in the grout to ...
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| marble tile floor grout line | 4/21/2007 |
Q: I am installing a marble bathroom tile floor. The 12" square marble tiles are being installed over ...
A: I did not see that you put down a cement board. It is critical that tiles be bonded to a cementous ...
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| Armstrong Bond Oozing thru Hartwood Parquet Floor | 4/20/2007 |
Q: 2nd owner of a Armstrong-Hartco, Hartwood Parquet, solid oak hardwood & acrylic impregnated floor ...
A: Wow this hurts. Contractors have a 4 year window to make good on workmanship complaints. You ...
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| oak flooring.... | 4/20/2007 |
Q: Is it better to install pre-finished oak or unfinished (3/4in) flooring? Advantages / disadvantage? ...
A: It is always prefered to install unfinished solif flooring and do the finish in place. However a ...
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| Vinyl installed over VCT | 4/17/2007 |
Q: What is the standard? Can vinyl sheet goods be installed over VCT??
A: If the VCT has no wax, is free of oils...semi rough finish, you could prep and install vinyl over ...
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| kitchen remodel | 4/15/2007 |
Q: We finally decided to take the giant leap and remodel our kitchen. I am confused about which ...
A: All flooring can work in a kitchen as long as the prep and care is in the process. Even tho it can ...
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| hardwood in a bathroom? | 4/15/2007 |
Q: My full bath is 6x6 approx. I purchased BRUCE hardwood interlocking pre finished flooring from ...
A: That is a pretty good floor. After you get it down..oil it heavily with a furniture oil or polish. ...
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| Uneven wood flooring | 4/13/2007 |
Q: I submitted this question to Bryan and I don't think he understood my questions as his answer was ...
A: The best information I can give you, contact the builders agent and post a complaint. If they bring ...
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| Laminate flooring | 4/12/2007 |
Q: Our new home is open concept and we had Pergo laminate put into the entire space (approx. 500 sq ft) ...
A: It sounds like it was poorly installed. It is possible, in some cases, to remove and reinstall. I ...
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| wood floor finish | 4/11/2007 |
Q: We have red oak 3/3 " hardwood floors that have been sanded and refinished once already. The high ...
A: I would suggest that you use masking tape and border that area, then use a 0000 steel wool and ...
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| glue down or floating installation | 4/7/2007 |
Q: I would like to install wood flooring in my new two-story home; approximately 1300 sq. feet. Both ...
A: Consider that Engineered floor systems are a thin layer of real wood, prefinished and ready to go. ...
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| Laminate Flooring | 4/6/2007 |
Q: I have a question. I am about to use wood laminate on an entry way that measures 61" x62". The ...
A: I would start against a wall. Probably going across the hall. Normall installation tells you to ...
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| temporary vinyl flooring | 4/5/2007 |
Q: I have a 6x5 bathroom that part of the tile floor was taken up to repair a problem with the toilet ...
A: Do yourself a big favor and do not install self sticky vinyl tiles. It is the biggest mess ever to ...
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| Konecto | 4/2/2007 |
Q: Can a floor heating system be instalaled under the Konecto Plank collection
A: A passive floor heating system can be installed under any floor. It is the prep that is required to ...
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| Laminate flooring | 3/31/2007 |
Q: We installed laminate flooring last fall about 6 months ago and it has starting raising in places. ...
A: I have been warning alot of people lately about laminate floors. There is so much going wrong with ...
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| Laying Linolium | 3/31/2007 |
Q: A year ago I had new linoleum placed in my bathroom. I used a contractor who was not certified in ...
A: I would strongly suggest that you NOT overlay a new floor on an old floor. If you want to ...
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| Engineered wood floor---crackles!!!! | 3/27/2007 |
Q: We bought a Rottlund spec home where they installed 15K worth of engineered wood floor. It ...
A: Your next best avenue is to contact your State Contractors board. This sounds like a workmanship ...
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| vinyl ???????????? | 3/21/2007 |
Q: Doing some remodeling in an older home planning on putting down some yinyl tile in kitchen and ...
A: Professionally speaking....DO NOT PUT DOWN SELF STICK tiles. The worst product ever made for ...
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| Repair hard wood floors | 3/21/2007 |
Q: I am buying a house that had radiators and they removed and installed baseboard heat and left the ...
A: It is not easy to replace planks, as I am sure you know. It will require actually destroying the ...
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| vinyl flooring | 3/18/2007 |
Q: are there others options than laying another layer of underlayment when installing vinyl flooring. ...
A: I am curious why you are looking for another moisture barrier between floors. If you have a ...
|
| installation | 3/15/2007 |
Q: My fathers living room carpet needs to be replaced due to his cats pissing on it whenever they feel ...
A: If a vinyl floor is a good option, then do it the simple way and use full glue down sheet goods. It ...
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| Konecto Flooring | 3/14/2007 |
Q: I am remodeling some rental props I have and usually I remove most of the carpet and put in tile ...
A: Because you are talking rentals....avoid anything that you cant fix easily. Tiles...not ...
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| floor prep | 3/5/2007 |
Q: I've pulled up vinyl flooring (installed in the 1970's) from the bathroom floor. There are areas of ...
A: Take heed....avoid the self stick tiles if you have any choice at all. it is the worst of all ...
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| Tile floor preparations. | 3/3/2007 |
Q: I'm planning on installing a tile floor in my kitchen. I've gone to the home improvement store and ...
A: You really dont have the choice you want. You need the 1/4" cement board to bond the tile to, you ...
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| Installing laminite wood floors | 2/18/2007 |
Q: Dave, I have a two part question. I ripped up my carpet and my floor beneath is not completely ...
A: AS long a we agree on the names...laminates are generally plastic, and engineered is generally ...
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| flooring choice | 2/14/2007 |
Q: My ten-year-old house is in desperate need of new floors, but I am having a terrible time deciding ...
A: Tile is prefered at any entry way, but carpet is the cheapest to replace as it wears out. If you ...
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| ceramic tile floor | 2/6/2007 |
Q: Even after I wash the floor it looks only so so. It has been in for about a year. Should I buy a ...
A: I would consider something like soft scrub and do a small area somewhere to see if you can get the ...
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| refinished floors | 2/6/2007 |
Q: Coil: We recently had our hardwoods (now about 14 yrs old) refinished for the second time. Again, ...
A: It sounds like the finish was put on too thick. If it is in thin layers, it is allowed to expand ...
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| wood laminate flooring | 2/2/2007 |
Q: I spilles some tea in my floor at some point during the night and did not realize it until the next ...
A: You have a problem that is not repairable. Your flooring was not a glue joint installation. This ...
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| Hardwood on stairs | 1/9/2007 |
Q: Dave, I'm planning to remove the carpet on my stairs and going with wood. Also I need to be cost ...
A: You always start at the bottom. As for the nosing....that is a hard topic. Consider that foot ...
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| flooring | 1/9/2007 |
Q: I received a call from a friend that wants to replace her 15 year old vinyl sticky tiles with new ...
A: That peel and stick tile is a nightmare no matter what gets involved. It is one of the stickiest of ...
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| Laminate flooring | 1/6/2007 |
Q: I was thinking of putting down laminate flooring in our kitchen. How do I determine wether I can ...
A: My first caution,,,,do not waste money...if you want a laminate floor, spend the money on the best ...
|
| bamboo flooring over existing oak floors | 1/5/2007 |
Q: Dave, I am about to install bamboo floors in our dining room. The house is approximitaly 50-60 ...
A: It is called Kraft paper. It is asphalt coated but brown on the working side. It is common under ...
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| Dupont Lam. (Tuscan) stone look | 1/4/2007 |
Q: Dave, my wife and I are getting an education in Laminants. We were ready to bite the bullet and go ...
A: I will probably agree with him 120%. Laminates were a great idea when they first were designed. ...
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| New Laminate floor squeaks bad! | 12/27/2006 |
Q: New "floating" floor laminate installed in brand new home squeaks and is not going away like I was ...
A: I would be concerned about any noise. The laminate should be a very quiet floor and even quieting ...
|
| Hardwood flooring against a granite fireplace surrond | 12/27/2006 |
Q: Dave, I am upgrading a fireplace hearth and flooring in a family room. The hearth is 3/4" granite ...
A: I would suggest that in most cases the hearth is not in a traffic area, and thus the true need for a ...
|
| hardwood project | 12/26/2006 |
Q: My wife and I want to remover the 15 years old ceramic tiles and install hardwood to match the rest ...
A: You are really into a project. AS for removing the screws...you may have more problems than you can ...
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| tile floor substrate | 12/24/2006 |
Q: I'm hoping you can help me. I am remodeling my bathroom and about to put down a new tile floor. My ...
A: Screws or nails will hold hardibacker in place, but the idea is to bond it to the subfloor as much ...
|
| spacing carrera subway tile | 12/19/2006 |
Q: I understand. Is 1/32 inch too small if not, then 1/64 inch? Bearing in mind your reply about ...
A: The only way to use a grout line less that 1/16" would be to grout as you install. Putting the ...
|
| how to remove old stickie tile from floor | 12/14/2006 |
Q: I need to remove old press down tiles from my floor some are coming up and there is another layer ...
A: I hear so much of this. This type of flooring is really an ugly mess for everyone. It is such a ...
|
| transition pieces | 12/9/2006 |
Q: I installed 5 inch tounge&groove, three quarter inch thick in my living room. The living room has a ...
A: You should be able to get a plastic wood grained piece at a Home Depot, Lowes, or a flooring center. ...
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| Cultured marble vs Tile flooring | 12/8/2006 |
Q: We are building a new home and have chosen most of the flooring as engineered hardwood in the 1st ...
A: Engineered flooring is great for the downstairs. Making sure is it installed properly, and sealed ...
|
| Continuing Length of Laminate Floor | 12/7/2006 |
Q: I sure hope you can give me some insight. I had "Dupont Real Touch Elite" Laminate flooring ...
A: If you plan to maintain the snaplock character, you are out of luck. Taking it up and starting at ...
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| laminate flooring | 12/5/2006 |
Q: but I am a bit confused as to what you mean by planning far enough ahead. Also, does the moisture ...
A: The moisture barrier is not always required. Up the walls is never an issue. It is an East coast ...
|
| laminate flooring | 12/5/2006 |
Q: I am about to put some laminate floors in my living room and dining room. When I pulled the carpet ...
A: It sounds like you are in a bit of luck. The only area is where you start or end. That area my ...
|
| installing solid oak floorimg | 12/3/2006 |
Q: I'm installing 500 sq feet of solid oak and in my preparation I've had to remove old oak flooring ...
A: If I found this in a repair job...I would be upset too. Wrong material in the wrong place. If you ...
|
| Laminate and transition pieces at thresholds | 12/2/2006 |
Q: I've gotten two quotes to put in some Armstrong Laminate flooring in Yorkshire Walnut throughout my ...
A: You only need transitions where there are transitions. Differences in elevations, or differences in ...
|
| Flooring | 11/30/2006 |
Q: What is the general problem with cork. It says that it can be "resealed" "resurfaced" and poly ...
A: Cork is a flexible product, it is absorbant, it will atract dirt and debris, it will require high ...
|
| Hardwood flooring repair | 11/28/2006 |
Q: No the boards cant be saved, some are very damaged by termites, and others are deeply cracked and or ...
A: When you use the word termits....it usually means there is more damage than you know. Unless you ...
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| Hardwood flooring repair | 11/27/2006 |
Q: I have a home I'm renovating to sell. the HW flooring has some spots where it needs repair. Is it ...
A: It sounds like you are taking on a project beyond the necessary. Are the boards repairable? Can ...
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| Mud to Underlayment transition | 11/27/2006 |
Q: I'm in the process of tiling an entryway and hallway to match them to a dining and kitchen area. ...
A: Hardibacker is a cement replacement for wood floors. If you already have a concrete slab....that is ...
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| water damage on laminate flooring | 11/24/2006 |
Q: I had water damage to my lamiante flooring and it has 'lifted' the top layer of laminate ( it is ...
A: To my limited knowledge, once the laminate delaminates from moisture....it is history. It is ...
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| Hardwood vs. laminate | 11/22/2006 |
Q: We are looking to have installed wood flooring in our living, dining and kitchen. We are stuck ...
A: A real wood floor is always the best choice for durability and resale. If you go with a solid wood ...
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| ceramic floor tile installation | 11/21/2006 |
Q: It was reccommended by the representative at the Home Improvement Center that I use a Multi Purpose ...
A: Multi purpose adhesives are for carpets and linoleums. Moveable flooring. If you put down ceramic ...
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| Floating floor advice for near the door jams. | 11/20/2006 |
Q: I know you can always put up trim later so you can leave 1/4" to allow expansion below the trim but ...
A: That 1/4" gap is a nuisance. It creates more problems than it could relieve. I put my flooring up ...
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| tile | 11/20/2006 |
Q: Is there a difference between floor tile and tile that I would like to do the inside of my shower ...
A: You do need to be carefull wht you choose for inside a shower. Some materials are not suited for ...
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| install laminate flooring but really bad squeaky floor | 11/19/2006 |
Q: Ok. I check it very closely. Wall is not the problem as it is atleast 1/2 inch above the sub fllor. ...
A: If you havent laid the floor yet..start making access holes to get to the root of your squeak. Now ...
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| Water Damage | 11/17/2006 |
Q: My humidifier leaked and water was everywhere seeping into our laminate flooring. Now the floor is ...
A: Unfortunately, I cant imagine a fix for particle board that has gotten wet. If it is ...
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| Marble bathroom floor | 11/17/2006 |
Q: I just had a black marble floor installed in my bathroom (not grouted yet)and the joints are uneven ...
A: 1/16" is the maximum deflection on elevations. If you have any thing over that...the installation ...
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| Marble tiling fireplace surround facing | 11/17/2006 |
Q: Im a newbie (sorry!). Our 17 year old fireplace has the original black front facing ( I guess its ...
A: You will need to remove the existing facing to see what the support structure is. You need a sound ...
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| floor leveling | 11/16/2006 |
Q: I would like to install laminate flooring in a poorly built addition. I pulled up the carpet - and ...
A: I did a job like this in Boulder City Nv. We actually took 3/4" plywood and used an electric plane ...
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| cement slab floor vs. wood | 11/15/2006 |
Q: What is your opinion on whether the cement slab is a problem with people walking and living with it ...
A: Not many people ask this question, and it is a very interesting answer. A concrete slab and its ...
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| Hardwood floor installation | 11/12/2006 |
Q: I own a capecod and would like to install red oak hardwood floors in the second stoery bedroom. It ...
A: Remove the old tile first....I recommend a glue and nail job, it removes the squeak element, and the ...
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| grouting 1/2" joints in large (24"x24" slate tiles | 11/11/2006 |
Q: I've laid some beautiful 2'sq slate tiles in my kitchen and can grout tomorrow. Joints are 1/2". ...
A: Home Depot does carry "grout bags". Very similar to you icing description. One of the easier ways ...
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| Question asked on November 7 | 11/10/2006 |
Q: I asked about tile in a bathroom and problems with the wall tile that goes to the floor. I received ...
A: It is very possible that My computer glitched. If I recall, you have wall tiles going to the floor ...
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| looking for "wood" alternative | 11/8/2006 |
Q: I'm looking for options for a "wood" floor for the entire first floor of my house which includes 1/2 ...
A: Laminates vs. wood vs Engineered flooring. Education time. Laminates are basically a plastic ...
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| concrete prep | 11/7/2006 |
Q: 1) What is the best solution to remove black mastic and vinyl glue on my concrete floor? 2) What is ...
A: I use a razor scrapper like a wallpaper scrapper...4" wide blade. There are many concrete patch ...
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| particle board underlayment | 11/7/2006 |
Q: Someone else touched on this elsewhere but I would like more clarification. Want to install Costco ...
A: I dont like the particle board underlayment, but the pneumatic nailer will help with its ...
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| cement backer board | 11/6/2006 |
Q: How do I attach the cement backer board to a slab floor? Do I liquid mail it to the cement? I am ...
A: Normally you would not use backer board on a slab floor. It is a cementous layer for wood floors. ...
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| install laminate flooring but really bad squeaky floor | 11/5/2006 |
Q: I bought this house few months a ago. This home is almost 11 years old so there are no squeaks ...
A: You may need to cut in some access holes in the floor to insert some support blocking. Fortunately, ...
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| transistions | 11/2/2006 |
Q: I am installing 3/4in hardwood floor. It is going to meet ceramic tile at the same height. Do I put ...
A: Normally you would put a piece of tape on the wood edge and grout to the wood. Tape being a water ...
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| laminate flooring | 10/29/2006 |
Q: We just bought a house and 1 week before the movers are to come to move us in, the "friend" that was ...
A: Find out how square the room is. It is critical to start with a square pattern. Get some lines on ...
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| kitchen floor tile | 10/24/2006 |
Q: I have a kitchen floor, not older than 6 years in age. Some tiles are cracked to the point where ...
A: I use a really small screwdriver and slowly chip away the grout surrounding the tiles. Then I ...
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| Laminate Flooring | 10/18/2006 |
Q: We recently had a free floating, lamininate floor installled in our kitchen. Our problem is that is ...
A: You found the flaw. That is the biggest problem with a floating floor. Hollow sounding. The ...
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| Laminate florrs | 10/17/2006 |
Q: Sir, I had a general contractor come to my house and give me an estimate on installing laminate ...
A: Please contact the contractor as soon as possible. HE is in charge of the issue for the purchase ...
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| flooring and stairs | 10/16/2006 |
Q: We are moving into a rehab. Brick Bunglow in Chicago in a few weeks. Basement is finished except for ...
A: The laminate flooring is a good choice for the basement, and not a good choice for stairs. I would ...
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| Tile Setting | 10/11/2006 |
Q: I am remodeling the bathroom and buying a very expensive porcelain tile. How should the tile guy set ...
A: Hardibacker is a prefered method for the walls. The floor IN a shower is another matter. A shower ...
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| Parquet flooring - swelling | 10/9/2006 |
Q: We have rather old parquest flooring and parts of it swells especially in summer. Can I fix these by ...
A: It is possible but not fun. It takes patience to figure the method to pull them up and take them ...
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| tile grout sealing | 10/5/2006 |
Q: I just had a porcelain tile floor installed and they said I have to seal it, however the grout is ...
A: If they do it right, there is NOT residue on the tiles. There may be a "thin" layer of dust that ...
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| Laminate flooring dips and humps | 10/2/2006 |
Q: Dave, Thanks for the info on this problem. I am finally crowbarring off the old parque, a lot of ...
A: Now you may be doing more than needed. The foam underlayment does not need a clean surface, it is ...
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| Hardibacker install question | 10/1/2006 |
Q: Yesterday I covered the floor of a 5 year old bathroom that had 3/4" ply over 2x12's 16" OC. The 1/4 ...
A: If you fear a compromise, think screws and counter sink the heads. As for the seams...not a worry. ...
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| Tile over concrete | 9/30/2006 |
Q: I have a question regarding installing tile over a concrete slab in my basement. I have sanded the ...
A: If the sanding did not expose the original concrete, then an installation of 1/4" hardibacker is a ...
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| Flooring | 9/29/2006 |
Q: I plan,(or at least hope to)put down laminate flooring. The floor currently has carpeting. As I ...
A: The planking direction is largely a perception. Which is the longest run and will your laminate ...
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| painting sub-floor | 9/29/2006 |
Q: We are actually planning to cover the existing subfloor with 4'x8'x0.25" sheets of plywood. We just ...
A: It makes alot more sense and should work. I strongly suggest glue down and finish nails. As for ...
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| Tile Sub-flooring | 9/28/2006 |
Q: I want to tile a small floor area (5'x5')where there is now carpet. I have pulled back the carpet ...
A: You should not lay tile directly over any wood flooring. You should either float in a masonry ...
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| Installing wood floors and kitchen cabinets - which order? | 9/27/2006 |
Q: Dave, My husband and I are having a house built by a local builder. In the kichen, the builder had ...
A: It saves alot of money to not put flooring under cabinets. It also allows the cabinet bases to be ...
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| laminate versus hardwood | 9/27/2006 |
Q: I just spoke to a flooring contractor to get a quote on wood flooring. He suggested that I install ...
A: I am an old carpenter...from the East (OHIO) we had solid wood flooring throughout our home. Cant ...
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| granite tile kitchen countertops | 9/26/2006 |
Q: we are wanting to install granite tile for new countertops. Ihave a few questions/concerns about ...
A: I would recommend a grout joint...1/16" which would only require a minimum of unsanded grout. You ...
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| wood flooring vrs ceramic Tile | 9/22/2006 |
Q: we are building a new home, wood floors come standard however we would like to know which is cheaper ...
A: With all the stories I hear...it is nearly dead even. Alot depends on the price of the tiles vs the ...
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| Application of gaged marble | 9/21/2006 |
Q: I want to use gaged marble for covering a wood platform, covered with hardibacker to support a 300lb ...
A: You dont have to have a grout joint, but it is strongly suggested. A 1/16" joint will allow enough ...
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| Porcelain tile installtion methods | 9/19/2006 |
Q: What is the best method of installing Porcelain tile on a kitchen floor. We were givin 2 quotes: 1 ...
A: YOu cant beat a wire mesh job that is done correctly. It is solid, sound, stable and permanent. On ...
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| Tile installation | 9/16/2006 |
Q: My husband and I took our bathroom to bare studs. We reboared the walls with greenboard in the tub ...
A: Well Mrs and Mr. California....you are OK..Hardibacker is a 1/4" cement board that you can affix to ...
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| Floor Options | 9/15/2006 |
Q: Dave, I have a walkout basement on a concrete slab. Has always been carpet. House built in 70's. I ...
A: I would suggest WilsonArt in stead of Pergo. More element compliant. More plastic in volved which ...
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| vinyl flooring | 9/12/2006 |
Q: we had heavy vinyl flooring installed over concrete its been awhile and now vinyl is curling on some ...
A: A Long time ago they were selling a vinyl flooring that was a perimeter glue only. Supposedly you ...
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| flooring question | 9/9/2006 |
Q: In my basement, which is finished, the wood flooring in the kitchen area is wobbly because the ...
A: Advertising is a funny thing. Some people believe what they see and hear. Floor levelers are for ...
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| ceramic tile | 9/8/2006 |
Q: i removed my tile due to some loose ones and now i have a concret floor with thin set allover it i ...
A: This is not an easy remedy. I start with a hammer and screwdriver to get a start. Depending on how ...
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| Engineered Hardwood Installation | 9/6/2006 |
Q: We are building a new home and will be having engineered hardwood (Bruce Turlington) installed over ...
A: They do not make a toxic glue anymore. It may have a odor...but everything does. You cannot have a ...
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| bamboo floor | 9/4/2006 |
Q: I would like some advise on how should i installed bamboo floor over a wood sub floor, I have 550 sq ...
A: I am going to make some assumptions to start with. Your bamboo is prefinished. It is 3/4" thick ...
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| Vinyl removal | 8/31/2006 |
Q: I have a question about removing vinyl/tile installation. I've installed tile 4-5 times in the past ...
A: The concrete needs to be as clean as you can get it. If there is paint or texture residue, the tile ...
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| Tiles lifting from concrete floor in AZ | 8/30/2006 |
Q: I live in Phoenix, AZ and had 800 SF of 18" ceramic tile installed over concrete subfloor approx 7 ...
A: If your concrete was poured in difficult weather, it is possible that a sealer was sprayed on while ...
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| vct finish | 8/29/2006 |
Q: I had Armstrong Commercial (Exelon) installed and finish is very dull. Contractor said I need to ...
A: There is a very slight difference from the top vs the bottom. Most of the time it is a physical ...
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| peel-n-stick vinyl tile | 8/27/2006 |
Q: I saw on a home improvement show, for vinyl tile they had a peel-n-stick "grout" that outlined the ...
A: This is not a good idea. The 1/16" tiles do not give sufficient space for grout. Peel-n-stick is ...
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| Laminate Flooring | 8/26/2006 |
Q: I am going to be installing laminate flooring soon - currently we have oak accents (ie: cupboards, ...
A: Costco has a pretty good product line, so I wont cast aspersions. The type of laminate is pretty ...
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| Laminate vs Tile | 8/25/2006 |
Q: I would like to upgrade my flooring in the main level which includes about 1000 sqft of kitchen, a ...
A: If you can afford the tile....that is way prefered over the laminates. Laminates are the cheap way ...
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| Marble or Granite Grout Joints | 8/16/2006 |
Q: Dave-one last question.....if the 1/8" or less grout joint is an industry standard grout joint for ...
A: Most boxes of Custom Blend Unsanded Grout specify grout joints of 1/8" or less. The 1/4" grout ...
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| installing tile over linoleum | 8/8/2006 |
Q: i read your previous postings and still need clarification. Is it safe to install 1/4 inch cement ...
A: Safe is a good word. The reason I caution against laying tiles on linoleum is the flex factor of ...
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| How to Prep Concrete Foundation For laminate Flooring | 8/7/2006 |
Q: I just removed ceramic tile, carpeting, and carpet tack strips from my concrete foundation. I wish ...
A: First off, we need to discover the difference between laminates and manufactured flooring. ...
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| Floor Prep for Laminate Flooring | 8/6/2006 |
Q: I am considering to install laminate flooring in my basement, I think I have a good understand of ...
A: If the floor is purposely sloping to a floor drain, it is not a good idea to put a laminate floor in ...
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| How to clean travertine bathrooms | 8/6/2006 |
Q: What do you mean by "rated for shower walls?" Do you mean that we shouldn't have used it inside the ...
A: I have not seen travertine used in a shower anywhere. Only on floors. Marble is not a good shower ...
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| carpet on lanoliem removal | 8/5/2006 |
Q: we have carpet that is glued down to lanoliem. and the lanoliem is glued down to plywood. we want to ...
A: No matter what method you choose, it is going to be messy. A scraper is going to work, but it will ...
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| Sealing Laminate Flooring | 8/5/2006 |
Q: I am installing a Glueless Pergo floor in my Kitchen, should I use a Glue or sealant on the floor? ...
A: I ALWAYS use glue with these laminates. They are water resistant, not water proof. I use Elmers ...
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| Laminate flooring dips and humps | 8/4/2006 |
Q: A few months back, I had a few friends who are side contractors install some affordable glueless ...
A: It sounds like alot things happened. The original parque was breathing, and now it cannot. It can ...
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| Marble Grout | 8/3/2006 |
Q: I am having 18 x18 white marble installed in my bedroom. They finished the installation yesterday ...
A: There is no risk, just a large dust and dirt collector. Is it possible for you to fill the joints ...
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| Fixing water damaged hardwood tile floor | 8/3/2006 |
Q: A window was accidentally left open during a recent storm, leading to water sitting on the floor for ...
A: It sounds logical. If the water got under the flooring, and capilary attraction took its course, ...
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| Solid Hardwood | 7/31/2006 |
Q: My builder is installing 3/4" solid hardwood by gluing directly to the slab. What kind of assurances ...
A: The process is unique, so if he knows how, it can be simple. The key is to not do a large area at a ...
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| Vinyl Tile | 7/31/2006 |
Q: I would like to spruce up a bathroom. Spending the money on fully tiling the walls isn't ...
A: I will give you my Personal and Professional opinion. Vinyl peel n stick is a huge mistake for all ...
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| when to replace the subfloor when installing marble tiles. | 7/31/2006 |
Q: We live in a 35 year old townhouse. We asked a friend of a friend who reportedly had experience ...
A: Preparation is everything. If the new subfloor was not done properly, it will be impossible to get ...
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| laminate protection | 7/28/2006 |
Q: We have just installed Quick Step laminate in our den and kitchen. We don't want the furniture to ...
A: Every great idea has its problems. Those wonderful slippery surfaces are easy to clean, because ...
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| wood floors | 7/28/2006 |
Q: I am installing (3/4"} unfinished oak flooring. When it comes to sanding this before the stain, ...
A: The prep depends on the amount of defection when installed. Some gymnasium floors have a deflection ...
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| Floor Leveling Compounds | 7/25/2006 |
Q: In our kitchen we have a particle board subfloor that's very uneven and the nails are starting to ...
A: I need to ask a type of question. Is the subfloor particle board or OSB. They do get confused. If ...
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| Tile on a new screened in porch | 7/25/2006 |
Q: I would like to install tile on the floor of my screened in porch. I line in Minnesota, so it does ...
A: I would start with 3/4"Marine playwood, then a layer of 6mil plastic, then use 1/2" wonder board and ...
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| Grouting Brick Pavers | 7/24/2006 |
Q: I have laied brick pavers in several rooms of my house and have sealed them, but am having trouble ...
A: I have never heard of brick pavers "in" a house. I would consider them to poarse for an interior ...
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| Subfloor | 7/20/2006 |
Q: So I use thinset to fill in lowspots before I put down the 1/4" hardiboard? Do I need thinset to ...
A: As far a brands, I use what Home depot carries...I think it is just Custom Blend. The thinset will ...
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| laminate (slats-wood) installation | 7/20/2006 |
Q: i am having laminate floors installed in my house. my question is, How should the the slats be ...
A: I would look at it from a doorway perspective. Perpendicular to the doors...as much as possible. ...
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| ceramic tile installation | 7/20/2006 |
Q: I was hoping you can answer a question i have about installing ceramic tiles over an existing vinyl ...
A: I will caution you that if the backer board is not affixed to the floor, the tiles will float and ...
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| Procelain Floor Grout Joints | 7/20/2006 |
Q: Dave, We just installed over 500 sq. ft. of procelain tile in our house. The grout joints (approx. ...
A: Wait at least 7 days...damp mopping each day. Create a good hard cure. After that...any named ...
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| problem with ceramic tile grout cracking | 7/19/2006 |
Q: I have recently installed ceramic tile 12x12 on my entire 1st floor (approx 1,000 sq ft. my ...
A: Since I dont know what he did, I will tell you what needed to be done. Depending on the subfloor, ...
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| newly installed grout cracks | 7/19/2006 |
Q: ok i just put down brand new tile .over brand new subfloor. done this before,yet customer had wanted ...
A: Usu |
