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About John Michaels
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
All questions pertaining to all indoor floor coverings regarding best products to choose, proper installation techniques, and proper maintenance techniques.

Experience
We are a nationwide floor covering inspection service. We inspect all types of indoor floor coverings in every city and town in all 50 States and in all the Provinces of Canada. We see where errors in choice of product, improper installation, and improper maintenance lead to complaints being registered and we are then called upon to inspect those products and issue certified reports indicating from where those complaint issues eminate. We have done this type of work for over 40 years.

Publications
Floor Covering Weekly & Floor Covering News

Education/Credentials
Carpet, vinyl, and hardwood manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, prior to just inspecting, and a division of our Company specifies proper floor covering choices for residential and commercial uses.

   

You are here:  Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > Flooring and Carpeting

Questions Answered By Expert  John Michaels 
In Category  Flooring and Carpeting

SubjectDate Asked

joint between tiles11/18/2009
  Q: When laying 'joint free' and 'vitrified' ceramic tiles, is grouting between joints necessary?
  A: Sometimes manufacturers require grouting and sometimes they don't. Also, if there may be movement ...
thinset11/17/2009
  Q: how do u remove thinset that is dry on carpet
  A: Adhesive deposits on textiles (carpet, clothing, etc.), need to be addressed before they dry for ...
Installing Tiles directly on concrete floor11/17/2009
  Q: I would like to install ceramic tiles directly on my concrete basement floor (typically not heated). ...
  A: again, Gerry;I feel the tiles would crack, and, if they lifted, it would be because the mortar ...
Installing Tiles directly on concrete floor11/17/2009
  Q: I would like to install ceramic tiles directly on my concrete basement floor (typically not heated). ...
  A: First, find out the name of the manufacturer of the tiles you like and visit their website. You ...
underlayment for carpet11/17/2009
  Q: We have been remodeling, and it is now time for carpet in our living room. 2 sides will abut tile, ...
  A: again, Carolyn;The choice of a type of underlayment is more critical under hard surfaced flooring. ...
underlayment for carpet11/16/2009
  Q: We have been remodeling, and it is now time for carpet in our living room. 2 sides will abut tile, ...
  A: vist the website of <ehow.com>. Type in 'particle board' in the top search area. Then, when the ...
Hardibacker11/16/2009
  Q: I am installing hardibacker over my bathroom floor. There is slab wood subfloor with plywood on top ...
  A: Before you use the Versabond, obtain the name of the EXACT manufacturer of the tiles. Then visit ...
Dricore sub-floor11/16/2009
  Q: I am installing Dricore panels in my basement as a sub-floor. The concrete floor is very smooth and ...
  A: again, Scott; The texture and quality of cement varrys from job to job. When you use the nails, you ...
Dricore sub-floor11/16/2009
  Q: I am installing Dricore panels in my basement as a sub-floor. The concrete floor is very smooth and ...
  A: You may not have needed all the shims you have used, however you have have used them. Predrilling ...
further to type of floor installation11/15/2009
  Q: Re 1976 3-storey woodframe multifamily building: Our strata council has an application from an ...
  A: again, Judith;I would mandate a floating installation, however you do need to address sound ...
bamboo floor installation11/15/2009
  Q: Re 1976 3-storey woodframe multifamily building: Our strata council has an application from an ...
  A: I'll get to your questions further on in this response. First I would have a 'heart to heart' ...
flooring and underlay guidelines11/15/2009
  Q: Re: a 1976 wood frame 3-storey building (a strata for 4 years); with a 1" - 2" concrete layer over ...
  A: I am not an attorney, so I really can't give you wording for your bylaws, however, since you are ...
baseboard on hardwood floor11/14/2009
  Q: I just had new baseboard installed over my hardwood floor. the house is 15 yrs old, some of the ...
  A: again, Brad;Even if the floor is not perfectly level, the installer of the baseboard should have ...
baseboard on hardwood floor11/14/2009
  Q: I just had new baseboard installed over my hardwood floor. the house is 15 yrs old, some of the ...
  A: Is the hardwood floor unlevel in various areas of your hardwood installation? Did the installer of ...
MoisturBloc11/14/2009
  Q: I am preparing to install 8mm laminate wood flooring that already has the underlayment attached. ...
  A: again, Toby;Pergo is not very clear in their installation instructions how to properly install ...
MoisturBloc11/13/2009
  Q: I am preparing to install 8mm laminate wood flooring that already has the underlayment attached. ...
  A: There are several manufacturers that make similar products, however each has its own installation ...
carpet cleaning in trailer house11/13/2009
  Q: I am moving into an old mobile home, and a previous renter at some point smoked in it. We would ...
  A: If the subfloor were particleboard, (and you can determine that by lifting a corner of the carpet ...
Float vs Glue11/13/2009
  Q: MR. Michaels, I want to install 1/2 inch deep, 5 inch wide engineered hardwood. What are the ...
  A: I'll answer your specific question in a minute. Understand fully, what you intend to purchase and ...
laminate flooring11/12/2009
  Q: i am wanting to fit laminate flooring across my living room and dining room and entrance hall in one ...
  A: Understand what laminate flooring is. There is a base for stability, topped with a core that is ...
floor tiles!11/12/2009
  Q: Last week I had an internal flood which resulted in my floor tiles in the the whole apartment being ...
  A: You did not mention what type of tiles are now installed. If they are, forinstance, vinyl or ...
Levelling concrete floors11/12/2009
  Q: I just purchased my condo which is in a brick and wood frame 70's building. I ripped out the carpet ...
  A: again, Terri;You are certainly correct. I forgot to address the sand issue in your original ...
Levelling concrete floors11/12/2009
  Q: I just purchased my condo which is in a brick and wood frame 70's building. I ripped out the carpet ...
  A: First I suggest that you visit the website of <epoxy.com> and call the number listed for their ...
maintenance levels for various materials11/11/2009
  Q: Is 12 by 12 porcelain tile or 12 by 12 travertine tile easier to maintain in a kitchen area? Will ...
  A: Porcelain tile usually requires no sealer because it is highly resistant to absorbtion from topical ...
Carpeting tiled floor11/10/2009
  Q: We have an entire lower level that is floored with 4 x 4 ceramic tiles. Can wall to wall carpeting ...
  A: again, Beth;First, one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have is carpet. It has a pile that ...
Carpeting tiled floor11/10/2009
  Q: We have an entire lower level that is floored with 4 x 4 ceramic tiles. Can wall to wall carpeting ...
  A: Carpet and pad can be installed over the ceramic. I would be happy to suggest generic ...
Urethane on porous granite surface11/10/2009
  Q: I am in the process of polishing some black granite tile that was unevenly set and then ground down ...
  A: There is some more information that would be needed to answer your question, such as the type of ...
Water damage to tile floor11/9/2009
  Q: Our condo recently had a flooding issue due to an icemaker. There was standing water in the kitchen ...
  A: If you see mildew and mold, both of which are human health dangers, the first thing I would do is ...
Laminate Flooring11/8/2009
  Q: We would like to install laminate flooring in our living room which contains a heavy piano. We are ...
  A: For a laminate floor, I suggest you visit the website of <tarkettna.com> and <mohawkind.com>. On ...
About Flooring11/8/2009
  Q: I would like to know about the combination of Vertified tiles with Granites. We selected Black ...
  A: You are asking me a partially interior design question that you should ask of an interior designer. ...
Tile to Carpet and Laminate transition11/5/2009
  Q: Good Afternoon, I recently had tile and laminate installed in my home. in one bathroom the tile ...
  A: Ali-Khan;First if I were you, I would not fix those installation errors. Just in case you decide to ...
Carpet11/4/2009
  Q: I manage an apartment complex %26 I have been receiving complaints about the fumes coming from new ...
  A: For the past several years all carpet being made in the U.S. and, I believe Canada, is free from ...
carpet to tile transition over cement after installation11/3/2009
  Q: We have a 7x3 tiled area next to our patio door with carpet on opposite side; installer did not put ...
  A: You could simply contact a reputable floor covering dealer in your area and have them send over ...
Floors unaffected by sun11/2/2009
  Q: We are going to remodel our home in Prescott, Arizona. Sunlight is a big issue, especially on the ...
  A: All floor coverings will be affected by UV sunlight. Those with a much lesser degree of being ...
Removing carpet from hardwood floors11/1/2009
  Q: I want to remove 38 year old carpet that is covering hardwood floors. After checking under part of ...
  A: I'll give you my answer to your question in just a minute. First, remember that one of the ...
Carpet over Carpet10/30/2009
  Q: So my grandmother wants to install new carpet over the old existing carpet. I have tried to tell her ...
  A: First, carpet was not designed to be padding, so installing carpet over carpet, which itself may be ...
Kitchen remodel10/30/2009
  Q: I have stripped a dining room and kitchen of two layers of lino, and one of plywood from the ...
  A: again, Susan;If the hardwood flooring is in planks, which it probably is, you would have two ...
Kitchen remodel10/30/2009
  Q: I have stripped a dining room and kitchen of two layers of lino, and one of plywood from the ...
  A: You have a lot of options, and what you appear to be asking is an interior design question. I am ...
we got wrong color of carpet10/27/2009
  Q: Long story short, we got carpet from Lowe's. After it was installed, we thought it looked lighter ...
  A: I spoke with the technical services people at Mohawk and they indicated that the carpet was ...
Rug pads for area rugs10/27/2009
  Q: I have two area rugs to place on our newly refinished floors. One is relatively expensive and the ...
  A: The reason for padding, is because padding is designed to greatly prolong the life of area rugs and ...
hardwood floor surface damage10/26/2009
  Q: I'm a hardwood floor contractor, self-employed. I finished a job 3 weeks ago (sanding, staining and ...
  A: An inspection can be arranged in that area of California, however I want to make certain I ...
Carpet installation near baseboard heaters10/26/2009
  Q: Is there a correct way to install carpeting in front of baseboard heaters. When our house was ...
  A: If the carpet is installed over the lip of the baseboard heater, how are the cut raw edges of the ...
laminate floor10/26/2009
  Q: what do I use to get deep scratches out of laminate floor
  A: There's nothing you can do to remove scratches, you can just make them less noticeable. If you know ...
Chicago Brick10/23/2009
  Q: We have Chicago brick in Kitchen It had a beautiful finish on it. We have mopped with water for the ...
  A: I was in the midst of anwering you but there was a malfunction somewhere and I got an indication ...
carpet over glued carpet10/23/2009
  Q: We need to recarpet a church. Existing is glued down carpet that seams are threading out. Vacuum ...
  A: The existing carpet MUST come up. NEVER install new carpet over old carpet. First, carpet was not ...
laminate flooring10/22/2009
  Q: We have about a 10' raised hearth with tile. We are replacing the carpet that butts up against it ...
  A: First, why are you replacing carpet with laminate? Carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings ...
hardwood floor cupping10/21/2009
  Q: We purchased a new home 2 years ago, and from the outset, noticed that the wood floor is cupped, ...
  A: Since I can't see your hardwood, I can only guess about certain things and their causes. Bear with ...
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: Carpet was not designed to be padding, so the old carpet must come up. Also, you may have soils in ...
asbestos tiles?10/19/2009
  Q: I was out of town for a couple of days & walked into my house to find water spewing out from under ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your health problems. My suggestions to you are to have the tiles immediately ...
Max Windsor Wood flooring10/18/2009
  Q: I am about to put wood flooring in my house . I have done quite a bit of searching to find the look ...
  A: First, think about what type of flooring you are considering for your home. Wood flooring is far ...
Help! Tile just completed, discovered that grout is in expansion joint10/18/2009
  Q: We are in the middle of remodeling both of our bathrooms. The master bath is complete, grout and ...
  A: The grout should be removed, a siliocone type caulk be used to replace it, (silicone is flexible, so ...
Foor covering over radiant heat10/17/2009
  Q: I am building a new house with in floor radiant heat. What type of covering should I avoid? ...
  A: Just about all floor covering manufacturers allow radiant heat to be used under the products, ...
Konecto Vinyl Flooring10/17/2009
  Q: we have a new floor in our basement and cannot get rid of the chemical smell. Do you have any ...
  A: again,Franceskridge; A painted concrete floor is usally an unacceptable underlayment for ANY type of ...
laminate flooring10/16/2009
  Q: I just installed some Mohawk snap together laminate flooring. We have a fireplace in the center of ...
  A: again, Mike; Two suggestions. First I would shop for silicone floor caulk and obtain the name of ...
Konecto Vinyl Flooring10/16/2009
  Q: we have a new floor in our basement and cannot get rid of the chemical smell. Do you have any ...
  A: Just about all floor covering manufacturers and floor covering sundry (cleaning agents, adhesives, ...
Konecto flooring10/15/2009
  Q: We are interested in having konecto flooring installed by professionals. I have read a lot of ...
  A: Many thanks for your answers. You are asking for my opinion which I am basing on years of ...
room floor VERY HOT10/15/2009
  Q: My room is an average room but next to the garage which has a water heater in it. Recently my room ...
  A: Hardwood comes from trees. It acts just like a tree. It will expand, contract, change colors, ...
Konecto flooring10/14/2009
  Q: We are interested in having konecto flooring installed by professionals. I have read a lot of ...
  A: To answer your question truthfully, I would like to know a few things. Where did you shop for that ...
laminate flooring10/14/2009
  Q: I just installed some Mohawk snap together laminate flooring. We have a fireplace in the center of ...
  A: Remember that you need to allow expansion to occur around ALL perimeters, including the fireplace, ...
Wood Flooring vs Limestone10/13/2009
  Q: I am remodeling a home on the water. I have young kids and 2 labradors that swim daily. I would ...
  A: No matter what type of floor covering you install, because of your location and home population, the ...
Discontinued carpeting10/12/2009
  Q: I had chosen Beaulieu Compassionate carpeting and found out today that there is none left anywhere. ...
  A: Compassionate has been discontinued since last September. Visit the website of, ...
floating laminate10/12/2009
  Q: Is there a foot length that flooring should be installed without a transition? Our entry goes into ...
  A: Usually a transition strip is needed for lengths 30' or more, however, be certain. To be certain, ...
Carpet Installer10/11/2009
  Q: Could you tell me the approx SF cost I could expect to pay for carpet installation in Central NJ? ...
  A: In my answer to you, remember that carpet, or any floor covering, is meant to be installed. ...
laminate flooring10/11/2009
  Q: A year ago i had Mohawk laminate flooring installed in my home. It is a split level with the first ...
  A: again, Noreen;I don't know your nephews, so in my answer to you, please don't consider what I say as ...
floor care10/11/2009
  Q: I'd like to steam clean my new DuraStone floor but I'm not sure if it's considered a sealed surface. ...
  A: You should have been supplied a maintenance manual for DuraStone that details the exact and only ...
Tile installation over sheet vinyl floor10/11/2009
  Q: I have vinyl sheet flooring (25 years old?) installed in my basement over concrete floor. Unknown as ...
  A: When the home was built, the builder probably installed some type of a moisture barrier over the ...
tiles and plaster/cement10/10/2009
  Q: I am little concerned - though possibly paranoid as result of a home research on the internet. This ...
  A: Were they wall tiles, floor tiles, or tiles used on a counter? If they were ceramic tiles, I would ...
wood v. laminate10/9/2009
  Q: I live in Tampa, Florida and our home is on a concrete slab and we are looking into flooring, due to ...
  A: Let's talk about flooring and allergies first. Then we'll talk about the pet, which I assume is a ...
laminate flooring10/9/2009
  Q: A year ago i had Mohawk laminate flooring installed in my home. It is a split level with the first ...
  A: Since I can't see your flooring, I can only guess what happened. Moisture is a very major cause of ...
Tile under a woodburning stove10/8/2009
  Q: I would like to use a marble or stone as a shield under a Napoleon wood burning stove. Can I use the ...
  A: MOST natural stone, porcelain, or ceramic tiles have a limit of 2000 degrees F. So BEFORE you ...
Vinyl flooring in bathroom10/8/2009
  Q: We just bought a brand new home built in 2009. I have just found a spot in the bathroom where the ...
  A: Determine how the vinyl floor was installed (full glue, perimeter glue, etc.), and what type of ...
carpet seam coming apart10/8/2009
  Q: I saw your answer to another on my same question. The seam is coming apart on my just a little over ...
  A: Without seeing the problem I can only guess, but it sounds like you have an installation problem ...
Indoor Brick Floors10/6/2009
  Q: My husband and I just purchased a 1978 built home with 1800 sq. ft. of brick flooring on a slab with ...
  A: Since I can't see your floor, I can only guess what you have. Usually, a clay brick floor (2 and ...
laminate flooring over sheet vinyl10/6/2009
  Q: We are going to install laminate flooring (Pergo Presto beech blocked) over existing sheet vinyl ...
  A: First, BEFORE you purchase anything, know that all floor covering manufacturers are in the throes of ...
carpet cleaning10/6/2009
  Q: I just purchased the Rug Doctor. We did a very small room last night. Worked pretty good. ...
  A: I'm not happy about your choice of maintenance equipment. I assume your carpets are made from ...
Can you lay wood over marble?10/3/2009
  Q: I'm considering putting an offer on a house, but the only drawback for me is that the entire house ...
  A: Forgive me for starting my answer in this manner, but I just hate when people cover areas where a ...
Natural stone cleaning9/30/2009
  Q: Can I use a steam floor mop on slate tile, travertine, and/or marble tiles? If not, is their a way ...
  A: It really depends upon what type of protective layer you have on the surface of your flooring. What ...
Duraplank by congoleum9/29/2009
  Q: We live on an island in Puget Sound. We have a daylight basement that is below grade on one side ...
  A: What you should do is call 1-800-234-8811. That is the Congoleum Corporation who makes those Dura ...
tile test for asbestos9/29/2009
  Q: I saw your posting regarding testing tiles for asbestos. I just bought a house that was built in ...
  A: If the tile you have to send is an unused and uninstalled tile, we would accept it for testing. If ...
Carpet Cleaning9/29/2009
  Q: Our church has commercial-grade carpet throughout, glued down to the concrete slab. The carpet is ...
  A: If the carpet is glued, directly to the concrete, I would assume the pile is either all nylon, all ...
Vinyl plank flooring9/27/2009
  Q: Mr. Michaels -- Because our terrier sometimes wets in the house, we are considering putting plank ...
  A: Although some plank vinyl flooring can be installed extremely tightly, giving great resistance to ...
Follow-up9/27/2009
  Q: I couldn't post a follow-up, so I had to start a new thread... I'm located in Bridgewater NJ... If ...
  A: Actually most of that carpet is made for guest room usage (rental property designed for wear and ...
How to choose tile?9/27/2009
  Q: We are installing tile in our bathroom and have received many differing opinions from store ...
  A: Your PEI 2 rating is the Porcelain Enamel Institute's rating for wall and residential bath floor ...
Follow-up9/26/2009
  Q: I couldn't post a follow-up, so I had to start a new thread... I'm located in Bridgewater NJ... If ...
  A: First try this. Go to <northwestcarpets.net>. Click on 'specials'. Click on link ...
Installation9/26/2009
  Q: John, I just had a measure done for carpet installation. One of the rooms is 12 x 18, with a ...
  A: Yes, you can find such a product in that price range give or take 1 or 2 dollars a sq. yd. If you ...
Installation9/26/2009
  Q: John, I just had a measure done for carpet installation. One of the rooms is 12 x 18, with a ...
  A: I received the measurement documents, however the layout is not very clear as far as where the rooms ...
tileing over glued down indoor/outdoor carpet9/26/2009
  Q: When building our cottage nearly 15 yrs. ago we had a good grade of indoor out door carpet installed ...
  A: Why don't you recarpet. Carpet is one of the healthiest floor covering one can have. It has a pile ...
Installation9/25/2009
  Q: John, I just had a measure done for carpet installation. One of the rooms is 12 x 18, with a ...
  A: Have you seen the plan of the job submitted by whom ever did the measurement. If you have, make ...
rug pads9/25/2009
  Q: We are about to install hardwood floors. They are an American cherry by Mullican from their Nature ...
  A: First I would suggest that you NEVER purchase any floor coverings from those large home supply ...
Re: carpet on cement basement floor9/25/2009
  Q: On 9/15/2009, you responded to Chas concerning the above subject. I found it to be very informative. ...
  A: We feel it is very important for a manufacturer to stand behind their products should something go ...
gaps in new floor installation9/24/2009
  Q: Michaels; I had new 3" prefinished Hard Maple floors (from Mullican) installed in June and right ...
  A: again, Mechthild; Sorry, nothing attached. I would like to see the entire report, and if you don't ...
gaps in new floor installation9/24/2009
  Q: Michaels; I had new 3" prefinished Hard Maple floors (from Mullican) installed in June and right ...
  A: I also received this response from you, however nothing was attached. As far as the first ...
vinyl flooring and rolling chairs9/24/2009
  Q: We are looking to replace the vinyl flooring in my grandfather's kitchen. He has chosen a Congoleum ...
  A: Roller casters can be used on Pacesetter, however they must be of a non-staining rubber material, ...
gaps in new floor installation9/23/2009
  Q: Michaels; I had new 3" prefinished Hard Maple floors (from Mullican) installed in June and right ...
  A: Gaps of 1/32 to 1/16 inch are usually acceptable, however gaps of 1/8 inch are not acceptable. ...
brick flooring9/23/2009
  Q: We had Old Chicago brick installed in our kitchen, living, hall area during a remodel. I was never ...
  A: Without seeing your floor, I can only guess about the nature of the problems. It sounds as if the ...
asbestos9/21/2009
  Q: Do you know if its against the law for a large flooring company to remove and improperly dispose and ...
  A: again, Alberto Bracho;I suggest that you visit with your attorney and fully discuss this matter so ...
ceramic tile over cork?9/21/2009
  Q: Is it possible for me to put ceramic tile over a cork floor that is on concrete? The cork has been ...
  A: again, Mark; The cork has to come up, the adhesive that was used to install the cork has to be ...
ceramic tile over cork?9/21/2009
  Q: Is it possible for me to put ceramic tile over a cork floor that is on concrete? The cork has been ...
  A: First obtain the name of the manufacturer of the EXACT ceramic tiles you like. Visit the website of ...
Carpet and Tile - which do you do first?9/20/2009
  Q: We are converting our garage into a den/family room. The entry areas will be tile, and the main ...
  A: For the problem in your house, simply have the installer remove the tackless at that transition, and ...
Installing travertine in a 2nd floor bathroom.9/19/2009
  Q: I am so glad to have found you! I recently bought my home and am looking at replacing the white ...
  A: What you need to do is obtain from the place where you made your purchase of the tiles and grout, ...
Armstrong Hardwood Floors9/18/2009
  Q: I need to have an inspector inspect my hardwood floors by Armstrong. It is an exotic wood that ...
  A: I did not find any attached letter to your question, however I would suggest that you contact MBD ...
wood floor9/16/2009
  Q: I have an old house (90 years) with regular 2 1/4 inch oak flooring. The middle of some of the ...
  A: In today's world, ALL floor covering manufacturers are producing 'green' products, friendly to our ...
wood floor9/16/2009
  Q: I have an old house (90 years) with regular 2 1/4 inch oak flooring. The middle of some of the ...
  A: again, Michael;If you remove the low quality wood, under that is, I assume, a wood type underlayment ...
wood floor9/16/2009
  Q: I have an old house (90 years) with regular 2 1/4 inch oak flooring. The middle of some of the ...
  A: Since I can't see your floor, the advice I would give would be based on some more information I need ...
konecto flooring9/15/2009
  Q: I am ripping carpeting out of my basement and was considering replacing it with Konecto flooring. ...
  A: I would not recommend Konecto flooring for that area, or anywhere else if you are going to install ...
carpet on cement basement floor9/15/2009
  Q: John, We have an area about 12 x 30 in our basement I want to put carpet on for family room. The ...
  A: No matter how slight a dampness condition is, especially in a basement, you really need to find its ...
Crumbling particle-board9/15/2009
  Q: bought my home from my -X-..yeah, that always gets a laugh. when we built this house I rem. the ...
  A: again, Tony;Hard surfaced flooring is far from being germ free. Hospitals have to maintain their ...
"MY" " Floors Now"9/14/2009
  Q: bought my home from my -X-..yeah, that always gets a laugh. when we built this house I rem. the ...
  A: First you mention the lower level and crumbling particleboard. Is the lower level concrete on which ...
New Carpet9/14/2009
  Q: I need to purchase 1,200 SF of carpet for a townhouse I'll be renting out. The carpet I'm looking ...
  A: again, Tom;My answers to you are based on years of experience from 'my side of the table', which is ...
Outdoor carpet - screened in porch9/14/2009
  Q: I had a screened in LARGE porch built. The subflooring is plywood. This was done about 5 years ...
  A: again, Fran;You've had the carpet glued down for 5 years and have those spots just started to ...
Outdoor carpet - screened in porch9/14/2009
  Q: I had a screened in LARGE porch built. The subflooring is plywood. This was done about 5 years ...
  A: Since I can't see your carpet, I can only guess. Perhaps some spillages or sticky soils got ...
laminate flooring9/12/2009
  Q: We installed Wilsonart laminate flooring in 2002 in our kitchen and entry way. Now we tore out a ...
  A: First I'm going to suggest that you rethink your flooring choice. To maintain your laminate floor ...
New Carpet9/12/2009
  Q: I need to purchase 1,200 SF of carpet for a townhouse I'll be renting out. The carpet I'm looking ...
  A: First I would suggest that you do not purchase any product made by Shaw. It has been our experience ...
Travertine not level9/11/2009
  Q: We just had travertine installed in our kitchen and bathroom. It was done over a concrete floor ...
  A: again, Amy; Since I can't see your installation, all I can do is give you an educated guess that ...
flooring9/10/2009
  Q: My husband and I are wanting to lay hardwood in our nursery, but we lifted the carpet and the ...
  A: again, Shelly;I would say the same applies to that type of flooring. What you should do is, if you ...
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: I will answer your question as if this were my home. I would call up my homeowner's insurance ...
flooring choice for pet problem9/9/2009
  Q: I am hoping for a flooring suggestion for my perhaps unique situation. My family room is off the ...
  A: A couple of things to consider. First, if your mother has difficulty moving, you might want to ...
Travertine not level9/9/2009
  Q: We just had travertine installed in our kitchen and bathroom. It was done over a concrete floor ...
  A: If you contracted with the installer did you sign a contract or was everything verbal? If you ...
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: Why do you believe the tiles contain asbestos? That is a very important question I need to have ...
floor grout vs caulk9/8/2009
  Q: We had porcelain tile laid in our bathroom. They left a gap around the walls without grout and the ...
  A: There should have been a sealant type strip applied around the perimeter of the installation. Since ...
flooring9/8/2009
  Q: My husband and I are wanting to lay hardwood in our nursery, but we lifted the carpet and the ...
  A: I would first suggest that you rethink your flooring choice. One of the healthiest floor coverings ...
Stripping Wax from hardwood floor9/8/2009
  Q: What is a safe inexpensive and effective method to remove Wax from a hardwood floor. The Floor is ...
  A: again, Cheryl; We would suggest that you definitely use no water on hardwood. The Trewax company ...
Carpet transitions9/8/2009
  Q: I am repairing a floor in a double wide trailer house and have finished it and the carpet people ...
  A: Get on your computer and 'google' <transition strips>. You will find various sites that offer many ...
peel n' press vinyl tiles9/7/2009
  Q: I have carpeting in my spare bathroom and want to replace it with vinyl tiles. The floor underneath ...
  A: DON'T install those type of tiles in a bathroom. Moisture will seep under those tiles, even if you ...
travertine and wood floors9/7/2009
  Q: i am building a house in Melbourne, Australia and have been told by friends not to put timber floors ...
  A: Travertine is a soft stone, and it is not as hard as marble, however, a kitchen floor is subject to ...
Installing tile over vinyl floor9/6/2009
  Q: I want to install ceramic tile in a bathroom that currently has sheet vinyl flooring. The current ...
  A: First, concrete is absorbent and always moves, so just because a portion of the vinyl was removed to ...
Stripping Wax from hardwood floor9/6/2009
  Q: What is a safe inexpensive and effective method to remove Wax from a hardwood floor. The Floor is ...
  A: Before I make any suggestions to you, first make CERTAIN you are talking about wax and not a ...
oil soot dust on concrete?9/5/2009
  Q: WE had our 57 y.o. oil tank boiler and hot water heater changed out. During this process, the guys ...
  A: Visit the website of <concrete.org>. That is the concrete institute. Scroll down and on the left ...
porcelain tile in kitchen9/4/2009
  Q: I am putting porcelain tile in my kitchen. I have chosen a slate tile with green accent from Lowes ...
  A: Whether the tiles will be too dark, depends upon the amount of natural light, and the amount of ...
is it a good idea9/3/2009
  Q: im redewing my bathroom and sometimes the dogs go pee in there and we were going to lay down tile ...
  A: To answer your question, I need to know if the bathroom is in the basement on the first floor, or on ...
Floor Prep for Porcelain Tile9/2/2009
  Q: I am wanting to re-tile a small foyer area. The area is about 4' x 7'. I have taken up the old tile ...
  A: The first thing you should do is obtain the installation specifications published by the EXACT ...
How to clean polished porcelain floor tile9/1/2009
  Q: I have tried a number of products to clean my polished porcelain tile floor. My floor now has a ...
  A: First stop using anything. In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers and floor covering ...
Sisal Carpet Backing9/1/2009
  Q: I removed a sisal carpet from my hardwood floor after 8 years. The latex backing crumbled and some ...
  A: Part of your problem stems from your use of lots of improper cleaning agents, so stop using them. ...
Floor Tile8/31/2009
  Q: I am remodeling my family room and will be installing 12 inch square floor tiles which I bought at a ...
  A: In today's world, I think the best advice I would give you is to file a claim with your homeowner's ...
Bathroom floor- what the heck is under my floor!8/30/2009
  Q: I just purchased a home and a 1/2 bath has loose tiles near the toilet. I pulled a few up and am not ...
  A: Since I can't see your installation, I can only guess. If the tiles are loose around the toilet, I ...
cork floor steam cleaning8/29/2009
  Q: I have a cork floor and have just purchased a Shark Steam Mop. Can I use it on the cork floor?
  A: No, don't use a steam mop. Cork floors usually have a top protective layer that is usually a veneer ...
Two Questions on ceramic floor tiling8/28/2009
  Q: I love reading your Questions Answers. Now I have a couple. 1. Is it okay to lay ceramic tiles ...
  A: First obtain the exact manufacturer of the ceramic tiles, visit their website and download the free ...
carpet seams8/27/2009
  Q: Is there a method of achieving a tight seam using the sticky tape? I have had to cut and pull ...
  A: I don't know if you are a carpet installer or your expertise in carpet installation, so please don't ...
Limestone tiled floors8/25/2009
  Q: We purchased a 18" x 18" honed limestone tile to install in a new building for our clients. after ...
  A: Since I can't see the installation, I can only give you some guesses as to the causes of the ...
Inexpensive alternatives-flooring8/25/2009
  Q: Due to extensive water damage, the home (1972 ranch style) we purchased in December of last year has ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your family situation. Area rugs over proper rug pads would be the less ...
Tile8/25/2009
  Q: We are remodeling our bathroom and found a pretty travertine tile. I had decided on porcelain but ...
  A: Travertine would be a recommended product, HOWEVER, the tiles should be sealed BEFORE the grout is ...
Granite and wood flooring laid in same room8/22/2009
  Q: John-We are building a new home, most of which will be covered with cherry wood flooring. I ...
  A: I'm going to answer your question, but first you may want to rethink your floor covering choices. ...
Bathroom floor8/20/2009
  Q: A friend of mine has a small bathroom were the floor is tile and cracked. She would like to replace, ...
  A: Why did the tile crack? Was something dropped on it, was there an original installation error, is ...
wood floors8/20/2009
  Q: We moved into a home with dark wood floors and haven't found a product that can both clean and bring ...
  A: With what did you clean the hardwood, and what cleaning products have you been using these last 3 ...
laying peel and stick over linoleum8/19/2009
  Q: My kitchen floor gets allot of traffic as a second living space and it's hard to keep the linoleum ...
  A: First, there is a tremendous difference between linoleum and vinyl. Are you certain you have a ...
Konecto flooring does it work for us8/19/2009
  Q: We recently buy 270ft of Konecto flooring online, when our floor arrived we it only included the ...
  A: In today's world, ALL floor covering manufacturers and floor covering sundry manufacturers ...
footprints on hardwood floors8/18/2009
  Q: last summer we put in prefinished hardwood floors. They are a dark oak. They look wonderful but I'm ...
  A: The footprints have to be caused by either something the kids are tracking into the home, from the ...
ceramic tile8/17/2009
  Q: can carpet be applied ontop of ceramic tile? If so, how do you attach tack strips?
  A: As long as the ceramic tiles are very firmly bonded to their underlayment (underlayment being what ...
18x18 travertine installation in kitchen8/16/2009
  Q: I hope you can help me. I have a kicthen floor which I believe is 17" on center spacing (2x6). Six ...
  A: You are telling me what you have, but you have not asked any question. Are you asking if your can ...
vinyl flooring8/15/2009
  Q: We are looking at flexitec vinyl flooring. Three bids said that they float the floor and one said ...
  A: East Coast time on Monday, call 1-888-225-8287. Take option #3. That is the technical services ...
Konecto Flooring8/14/2009
  Q: We are going to put down Konecto flooring on a concrete floor, but the moisture readings are 8 on ...
  A: First 'google''Konecto Flooring' and read the bad reports of this product by those who have ...
parquet floor8/13/2009
  Q: Our 22 year old parquet floor is lifting up in too many places to glue back down. Is there ...
  A: From your description, it sounds as if one or two things have occurred. First, take a ruler with ...
parquet floor8/13/2009
  Q: Our 22 year old parquet floor is lifting up in too many places to glue back down. Is there ...
  A: Anita;You say the adhesive dried out. That I don't understand because the adhesive dried a long ...
parquet floor8/13/2009
  Q: Our 22 year old parquet floor is lifting up in too many places to glue back down. Is there ...
  A: Why is the parquet lifting. Is it because you have a moisture problem, or the adhesive used to ...
porcelin tiles 20x208/12/2009
  Q: We are in the process of installing porcelain tiles. We currently have ceramic tiles over top of ...
  A: Cathy;I'm sending you this answer at about 8 P.M., East Coast time on Wednesday. I may have some ...
porcelin tiles 20x208/12/2009
  Q: We are in the process of installing porcelain tiles. We currently have ceramic tiles over top of ...
  A: Why didn't you contract with the dealer from whom you purchased the tiles for installation as well? ...
floor in bathroom8/11/2009
  Q: I just had new floor installed after flooding from toilet and shower. I haven't used the shower ...
  A: You will probably be making a BIG error by attempting to repair defective installation issues ...
Island on laminate flooring?8/11/2009
  Q: I am going to install laminate in my kitchen and need to know if I can mount the island on top of ...
  A: First I think you should cancel the order. Obtain and thoroughly read the installation ...
"Konectco" brand flooring/area rugs8/11/2009
  Q: I recently had a Konecto brand floor installed in my kitchen and living. I LOVE the product as I ...
  A: All area rugs should be used over proper rug pads. Because of the ceramic type finish on that ...
vapor barrier below basement carpet8/11/2009
  Q: Remodeling a basement rec room. Tile in basement is 50-60 yrs old easily. Has several missing pcs. ...
  A: Concrete is absorbent and always moves. If the tiles have cracked because of a moisture problem, ...
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: again, Tom; Yes, I was thinking asbestos, especially if the adhesive color was black. Asbestos is ...
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: IMMEDIATELY STOP EVERYTHING. First, what color is the adhesive used in the installation of the ...
konecto vinyl flooring8/8/2009
  Q: What is the best cleaner for this. Can I use my Haan Steam Mop on it?
  A: The dealer from whom you purchased that product should have given you the free maintenance manual ...
Ceramic Tile - cracked and coming loose8/7/2009
  Q: I had new ceramic tile installed in my kitchen a little over 3 years ago. The kitchen was ...
  A: again, Scott;What you state in your response to my first answer is verbal communications which are ...
Ceramic Tile - cracked and coming loose8/7/2009
  Q: I had new ceramic tile installed in my kitchen a little over 3 years ago. The kitchen was ...
  A: All ceramic tile manufacturers publish free installation specifications, and those installation ...
18/7/2009
  Q: I'm redoing a bathroom floor (25sq ft). The floor joists are 16" o.c., span is 10'. I had to cut the ...
  A: Please remember it's NOT what the retailer recommends. It is EXACTLY what the manufacturer states ...
moisture issues w/slab floor8/6/2009
  Q: We had a Bamboo floor installed which began warping within a couple of months of the install. Their ...
  A: Moisture in a slab is the greatest reason for floor covering installation failures. You didn't ...
1" hexagonal marble8/6/2009
  Q: I'm redoing a bathroom floor (25sq ft). The floor joists are 16" o.c., span is 10'. I had to cut the ...
  A: Your question depends upon several factors including the thickness of the tiles. Any type of ...
Installing hardwood8/4/2009
  Q: I am installing hardwood in my living room and hallway. I already have hardwood intalled in the ...
  A: again, Matt; You need a transition strip because, as the installation specifications for your ...
Installing hardwood8/4/2009
  Q: I am installing hardwood in my living room and hallway. I already have hardwood intalled in the ...
  A: I am going to answer your question, however I have reservations about what you have done and what ...
Mohawk Impostor?8/3/2009
  Q: John, thank you for taking my question. Mine is almost identical to the below. I suspect my carpet ...
  A: What was the name of the dealer from whom you purchased the carpet, and in what city and State is ...
grouting ceramic tiles8/3/2009
  Q: yesterday I grouted my newly laid out ceramic tiles in my basement. I used the grout from HOme ...
  A: Without actually seeing your installation, I feel you may have some grout haze on the tiles and ...
grout shading8/2/2009
  Q: I installed a 1" x 3" x 1/8" glass tile and used a dark grey non-sanded Polyblend grout, ...
  A: Are you certain the shaded areas are not caused by the grout not being mixed properly, or a ...
Shower Tiling8/1/2009
  Q: John, I have been searching the internet for some time trying to find an answer but they all ...
  A: again, Andy; The make-up of thinset produces a product that properly adheres to a non-primed ...
Solution dyed nylon carpet8/1/2009
  Q: I have my heart set on a light coloured solution dyed nylon carpet, see here- ...
  A: Remember that you are going to walk on the carpet, so you will be tracking on some soil, and there ...
Hardwood flooring7/31/2009
  Q: Is there a specific tool used for pushing over the final piece of hardwood that is against the wall ...
  A: Before you do anything more, find out the name of the exact manufacturer of your hardwood flooring. ...
Scratched Stone Floor7/31/2009
  Q: I live in an apartment. Lease is up at the end of the month and it's time to see if I can fix a ...
  A: Without actually seeing those tiles I can only guess. From your description, they may be textured ...
Shower Tiling7/30/2009
  Q: John, I have been searching the internet for some time trying to find an answer but they all ...
  A: No primer on the drywall, and use a thinset for the walls and ceiling. HOWEVER, I suggest that the ...
Thassos White !7/30/2009
  Q: floor area, i plan to put thassos white marble from greece but some local sellers in my town ...
  A: First, visit the website of thassos.com and look through their offerings. There is the availabllity ...
Where floor meets carpet7/30/2009
  Q: I'm pulling up carpet in my bedroom and hall. The bedroom has old hardwood that I think I'd like to ...
  A: One of the healthiest floor coverings one can have is carpet. It has a pile that traps, filters, ...
Encycle Backing7/30/2009
  Q: We had a subcontractor install commercial carpet tile by Lee's Carpet last summer and we were ...
  A: I don't have any real inside scoop as to why the backing was discontinued, however industry general ...
Replacing Tile Flooring7/29/2009
  Q: In my front foyer I had a thin bluestone tile floor. It may not have been real bluestone but it ...
  A: In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers are producing 'green' products, friendly to our ...
VCT tile7/28/2009
  Q: I have leased a building and some of the VCT tiles were damaged. I purchased a hand full and some ...
  A: Do you know why the tiles were damaged. Was it due to topical damage or because they became loose ...
Tile over Tile7/28/2009
  Q: I have an tile floor over wood sub floor. Tiles are 8 x 8 ceramic. I had a couple of cracks due to ...
  A: First, obtain the free installation specifications published by the exact manufacturer of your new ...
Slate tile natural cleft7/28/2009
  Q: I installed California Gold slate from a kit(Vienna pattern) with a natural cleft finish, in my ...
  A: That type of 'fix' will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so obtain the name of the exact ...
DuraPlank Installation7/28/2009
  Q: Can DuraPlank be installed over existing linoleum? I recently bought a house and the builder was ...
  A: First visit the website of, <congoleum.com>, and download the free installation specifications for ...
pre-sealing honey onyx stone7/27/2009
  Q: I am involved in a bathroom renovation and have come to the grouting phase of a shower stall. We ...
  A: The stone should be sealed before grouting, and there are ways to remove the grout residue. Call ...
cork flooring7/26/2009
  Q: Can I use cork flooring on cement in my basement, I have no moisture problems? I want to float my ...
  A: again, Bob Jones; You use the term, 'berber', which you may equate to a looped pile carpet. Berber ...
Wood Floors/Carpet7/26/2009
  Q: We purchased our home newly built. The wood flooring in the foyer leads into the living room, which ...
  A: There are a few ways to do that. One would be, instead of using nails, use a proper adhesive. ...
Flexitec Flooring7/26/2009
  Q: I want to replace most of my flooring and have looked at several options some of which I found will ...
  A: again, Lisa; My strong suggestion would be for you to visit the website of <mannington.com>, and ...
cork flooring7/26/2009
  Q: Can I use cork flooring on cement in my basement, I have no moisture problems? I want to float my ...
  A: If you use your basement for a family type area, just remember that any hard surfaced floor covering ...
best Rug pads7/26/2009
  Q: I'm trying to decide between two different brands of rug pads-the first is MSM Duo Lock rug pad and ...
  A: First, understand what you have. Hard surfaced floor coverings (laminate, wood, stone, tile, etc., ...
Flexitec Flooring7/25/2009
  Q: I want to replace most of my flooring and have looked at several options some of which I found will ...
  A: I would like you to get back to me with some information so I can make some suggestions. What type ...
travertine-outside7/25/2009
  Q: I saw unpolished travertine recently and decided they would make a nice outdoor patio surface. I am ...
  A: Travertine is not the product for that use. It is too soft and will suffer in extreme environments ...
travertine tiles7/23/2009
  Q: I'm installing travertine tiles in my kitchen. I grouted half and noticed a haze on the tiles that ...
  A: again, Sophia;Without being able to see your tiles, I am assuming that haze is from the grout. When ...
travertine tiles7/23/2009
  Q: I'm installing travertine tiles in my kitchen. I grouted half and noticed a haze on the tiles that ...
  A: Don't try anything else. Travertine is a soft tile, and various manufacturers make that type of ...
Floor under wood stove7/23/2009
  Q: Over the past winter the tile under my wood stove cracked from the heat. I want to replace it with a ...
  A: Travertine is not a good tile for that use, however ALL tiles, except natural stone tiles like ...
laminate flooring vs.ceramic tile7/23/2009
  Q: we are looking at wood laminates and are considering Konecto or Alloc Original elegant walnut ...
  A: First I am not a fan of Konecto and would not suggest using that product unless it was going to be ...
ditra vs. hardie board for ceramic tile?7/23/2009
  Q: I'm having 12"x12" ceramic tile installed in an upstairs kids' bathroom which will get lot of use ...
  A: I am a fan of hardi backerboard, however, visit the website of <hardibacker.com>. That is the James ...
Polyester vs. Nylon Carpet7/22/2009
  Q: We're installing carpet in a new home & will need somewhere between 200 & 220 yards. The carpet is ...
  A: You mention PET polyester shown to you as being new in January, 2009. I think the salesperson made ...
Grout Dye7/22/2009
  Q: We have installed ceramic tile in our bathroom. We used a Chocolate Brown grout. The grout is ...
  A: Visit the website of <aqua-mix.com>, where you will find information on products to dye grout, ...
Flooring ideas7/21/2009
  Q: We pulled up carpet that the previous owners had laid and found very nice hardwood underneath. ...
  A: First remember that one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have is carpet. It has a pile ...
fix all over slc7/20/2009
  Q: My SLC pour ended up a little shy of complete. Can I use fix all over it to complete the ...
  A: All floor covering manufacturers and floor covering sundry manufacturers (adhesives, levelers, ...
Alloc laminate flooring7/20/2009
  Q: I'm looking to garner some feedback on Alloc laminate flooring. I found some reasonable prices, but ...
  A: again, Nick;First, I do not suggest that you purchase ANY floor covering from one of those large ...
Alloc laminate flooring7/20/2009
  Q: I'm looking to garner some feedback on Alloc laminate flooring. I found some reasonable prices, but ...
  A: Alloc was originally located in Wisconsin and was a major laminate manufaturer. Because of the ...
Polyester vs. Nylon Carpet7/20/2009
  Q: We're installing carpet in a new home & will need somewhere between 200 & 220 yards. The carpet is ...
  A: again, Jonathan;The main issue missing in those specifications is face weight (how many ounces of ...
What to replace my carpet with??7/19/2009
  Q: I am considering replacing all the carpeting in my small condo (first floor only) -i have been here ...
  A: The choice of a floor covering is yours. However you need to know that hard surfaced flooring ...
flooring over waferboard7/19/2009
  Q: We have waferboard in our barn tack room which is screwed down to an aluminum ribbed flooring (a ...
  A: Usually wafer board is an unacceptable underlayment for hard surfaced flooring. You may have to ...
Polyester vs. Nylon Carpet7/19/2009
  Q: We're installing carpet in a new home & will need somewhere between 200 & 220 yards. The carpet is ...
  A: Got your $19.50 revision. Nylon would be the better choice. Just make certain the carpet is ...
Repairing particle board subfloors7/18/2009
  Q: I just chipped out ceramic tile that covered the entire upstairs of my house. while doing this, the ...
  A: Replace the particleboard with lauan or plywood. You want a nice stable surface for the carpet and ...
Saltillo floor problems7/18/2009
  Q: I bought 800 Saltillo floor tiles over the internet. The tiles were presealed with an oil based ...
  A: You are asking for my opinion. First, NEVER purchase floor covering over the internet. Floor ...
carpet recycling7/17/2009
  Q: I have checked your previous answers and would like to know more about the carpet recycling ...
  A: First, the current business climate in new construction and renovation is poor, so not much interior ...
glued down underlay7/14/2009
  Q: I have lifted the carpet in a very large hall as I wanted to stain and varnish the floorboards. ...
  A: I don't fully understand your question. Is it that you have an existing wood plank subfloor on top ...
Water damage7/13/2009
  Q: I have old vinyl tile squares in a 10x20 basement that has water damage. There are a few small ...
  A: In my answer to you, I am going to be an alarmest, because I care about your health. When you say ...
sealing & waterproofing concrete7/12/2009
  Q: What is the best paint & sealer to use to waterproof & seal concrete floor & hardi-backer walls in a ...
  A: Not a good idea to paint or seal the concrete. First nothing is water proof. Water resistant is a ...
unerlayment for hardwood7/11/2009
  Q: Is it a good idea to use cement board as an underlayment for hardwood flooring? What are the pros ...
  A: The first thing you MUST do is find out the name of the exact manufacturer of the hardwood flooring ...
floor tiles7/11/2009
  Q: We have hade a white fllor tile laid with black grout, the tiles have stained and we are unable to ...
  A: What type of tiles. Ceramic, vinyl, porcerlain?. I'm assuming they are ceramic. When you say ...
Dirty Tile7/10/2009
  Q: I had a light grey tile installed in my bedroom a few years ago and no matter how much I clean it, ...
  A: Since I can't see your installation, I can only guess. It sounds like, if the tiles were grouted, ...
Dirty Tile7/10/2009
  Q: I had a light grey tile installed in my bedroom a few years ago and no matter how much I clean it, ...
  A: What kind of tile (vinyl, ceramic, etc.). You also mention that the tiles were installed a few ...
saltillo7/10/2009
  Q: I would like my saltillo to have a high gloss shine. a wet look. is there anything that will ...
  A: Since I can't see your tiles I can't tell if their surfaces will accept a high gloss application. ...
cutback removal for travertine install7/9/2009
  Q: I am trying to prepare my concrete floor to accept a travertine floor Versailles pattern tile sizes ...
  A: You are asking for my opinion and answer. My opinion is to IMMEDIATELY STOP everything and contact ...
Installation of tile flooring in rooms where dimensions are off; walls uneven7/8/2009
  Q: What is the solution to laying tile on a floor where the walls are off by up to a few inches to ...
  A: It certainly is. The questions you raise are sending off 'red flags' to me. Don't even consider ...
hardwood flooring7/6/2009
  Q: I am moving into a pre-1920's home that has original pine hardwood floors. The floors have been ...
  A: Squeaking is normally due to the following; If the hardwood was tongue & groove, because of age and ...
Installation of tile flooring in rooms where dimensions are off; walls uneven7/6/2009
  Q: What is the solution to laying tile on a floor where the walls are off by up to a few inches to ...
  A: again, Marcella;A couple of things. First, if they are in different lots, I assume you purchased ...
Installation of tile flooring in rooms where dimensions are off; walls uneven7/6/2009
  Q: What is the solution to laying tile on a floor where the walls are off by up to a few inches to ...
  A: What type of tiles? Ceramic, vinyl, carpet, porcelain, etc., how many rooms, what type of a ...
Re: Tile installation on shower walls7/6/2009
  Q: We are remodeling a master bath, and I want to create some visual and textual interest on the shower ...
  A: Since I can't see your installation, I really don't want to give advice through this 'sight unseen' ...
1 1/8" transition between carpet & concrete7/5/2009
  Q: After removing mildewed carpet in our basement, I have installed Dricore subfloor with 1/4" carpet ...
  A: A couple of things you could do. One would be to feather the height difference down so you could ...
Replace carpeting in RV7/5/2009
  Q: Our toilet seal broke in our RV, soaking our carpet in bathroom and hall area. Area was quickly ...
  A: Forget laminate. It must be installed in an environment that is kept well above the 30's and under ...
question about flooring7/5/2009
  Q: We want to put Laminate flooring (Pergo) in are basement, and are not sure if that is a good idea. ...
  A: First laminate and hardwood can't be cleaned with water, so putting that type of flooring in a ...
Poly sheen on refinished wood floor7/4/2009
  Q: We recently had our wood floors finished with a light stain and three coats of satin ploly. The ...
  A: Since I can't see your flooring, I can only make an educated guess. It appears that the people you ...
Dark stain on wood floor.7/4/2009
  Q: Our dog had an accident in our kitchen which puddled overnight on light maple wood flooring and left ...
  A: First, if you have a solid wood floor, it can be refinished. If you have an engineered hardwood ...
Installation of Mannington Adura tile7/2/2009
  Q: A few days ago we had Mannington Adura tile (Dynasty Pearl) professionally installed. My husband ...
  A: Visit the website of <mannington.com>, and download the free installation specifications for that ...
Laminate Use7/1/2009
  Q: I have an enclosed 14x20 porch which is unheated and not used in the winter months (Pennsylvania). ...
  A: Laminate or hardwood would not be prudent choices. What ever types of floor coverings you consider, ...
Ambering of Lino7/1/2009
  Q: In my bathroom under the area rug with the rubber back it is turning yellow, now i have read that is ...
  A: Depending upon how noticeable the discoloration is, by removing the rug, it may disapate if it is ...
water stains due to flooding inside tile enemal7/1/2009
  Q: is it possible if I had a flood and the tile that is white and its been 3 months since the flooding ...
  A: You did not mention the type of tile. Are the tiles vinyl, ceramic, etc. You mention clay and ...
Walkout Basement Flooring6/30/2009
  Q: I am looking to put engineered hardwood in my walk-out basement. I pained the concrete slab to ...
  A: First remember that hardwood flooring comes from trees. It acts just like trees. It will expand, ...
cutback6/29/2009
  Q: John, I have a cutback question. We have a basement that had old tile (1952) in it, the tile has ...
  A: We answered your question in the email you sent to us on our website, however in that question, you ...
Vinyl Floorcovering Instalation6/29/2009
  Q: What is best way to glue/tape vinyl floor covering to cement floor (garage dog area) Can you ...
  A: Big or small air bubbles are usually caused by installation errors, and/or improper handling of the ...
Crackling floating laminate flooring6/28/2009
  Q: I had new Wilsonart laminate floating flooring installed over my concrete slab in March, 2008. This ...
  A: First I am answering your question before we officially receive it from allexperts.com. When we ...
Thinset Mortar6/27/2009
  Q: I have a 3X6 area with 3/4" plywood subfloor with no defects. Do I still need to use the thin set ...
  A: In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers and floor covering sundry (adhesives, ...
Reducer strip between tile and wood laminate6/26/2009
  Q: I've just installed backer board and tile in 3 bathrooms. In two that makes the level about 3/4 ...
  A: 'google' transition strips, and look through the websites that appear, especially ...
Ceramic over linoleum6/25/2009
  Q: A few months ago I dealt with a flooring company who installed ceramic tile without first removing ...
  A: Here's what I would do. First I would visit the website of the tile manufacturer and download the ...
cleaning engineered hardwood floors6/25/2009
  Q: I clean our floors by first sweeping and then the spray cleaner the company recommends. My problem ...
  A: An engineered hardwood floor is layers. There is a bottom layer for stability and probably some ...
Hollow Ceramic Tiles6/25/2009
  Q: Our ceramic floor was installed about 6 years ago. About 2 years ago we noticed several areas that ...
  A: First have no more verbal conversations with anyone involved in the sale and installation of the ...
Basement Carpet6/24/2009
  Q: Help! We're so confused. We have two bedrooms in our walkout basement. Two months ago we had ...
  A: Concrete is absorbent and always moves. Water damage cannot only affect one of the bedrooms, but ...
Travertine6/22/2009
  Q: I'm planning to install travertine in a 2nd floor bathroom that currently has 8" ceramic. The ...
  A: again, Chris;Go to the website of <ehow.com>. On left side, click on 'Home & Decor'. In the ...
Travertine6/22/2009
  Q: I'm planning to install travertine in a 2nd floor bathroom that currently has 8" ceramic. The ...
  A: You need to remove the ceramic and, probably the Wonderboard. By having a subfloor topped with an ...
Tile6/22/2009
  Q: After our second pinhole copper pipe leak in the pipes between our bedroom and laundry room that ...
  A: All I ever get from All Experts is your question. I don't get any addresses, so I don't know what ...
Quiet Walk versus 12mm Cork Underlayment for Laminate Floor6/22/2009
  Q: John, I am thinking of installing a 12mm thick HDF Laminate over a 12mm thick cork underlayment ...
  A: To go off-track for a moment; Just remember that one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have ...
Laminate Underlay6/22/2009
  Q: Are there industry standards for thickness of laminate underlays? I am selling retail flooring and ...
  A: again, Mark;All of the manufacturers you list have specific installation specifications that anyone ...
Laminate Underlay6/21/2009
  Q: Are there industry standards for thickness of laminate underlays? I am selling retail flooring and ...
  A: I'm going to ask you to get back to me with type of floor coverings you use that don't indicate in ...
Scratches on waxed tile floor6/20/2009
  Q: I am the EVS Supervisor for a Casino in Mississippi. We have a section of stone tile that was waxed ...
  A: Look at a section of scratched tiles with a magnifying glass to see if the scratches go below that ...
Granite discoloration6/19/2009
  Q: My husband and I just installed hardibacker cement board with Watertight waterproofing on top of it. ...
  A: I would really need to see your installation to determine the exact nature of your problems, but ...
travertine tile6/18/2009
  Q: I am considering installing travertine tile in entry/hall/kitchen area. It currently has ...
  A: Travertine is a soft stone, so you need to have furniture leg protectors on the bottom of the legs. ...
Carpeting6/17/2009
  Q: I have three bedrooms that need carpeting plus the upstairs hallway. My bedrooms are Lt Blue, Lilac ...
  A: I am not an interior designer, but I have dealt with designers for a number of years and have a ...
Old wet basement6/17/2009
  Q: My basement has a sump system, works OK, the room was originally a coal and furnace space, then ...
  A: We are not construction experts, however, you need to find the source of your moisture problem. Is ...
steam cleaning engineered hardwood flooring6/17/2009
  Q: I have heard so much about using a steam cleaner on hardwood floors, our floor is mercier engineered ...
  A: You have made an investment that, I believe, comes with a warranty. Wood flooring and water don't ...
brick floor6/15/2009
  Q: I was wondering if there is a way to lay a brick floor over a tile floor? We have already bought the ...
  A: If your current tile floor is down very solidly, you may be able to put down a cement type ...
flooring6/14/2009
  Q: I have an old vinyl floor that needs replacing. A friend is pleased with her DuraCeramic floor (by ...
  A: DuraCeramic is a good flooring product. It does require that certain products and installation ...
carpet gluing6/13/2009
  Q: I live in a condo in Victoria,b.c. We are replacing the carpet throughout the building. A ...
  A: again, Jim;Great! I'll look for your response. Don't forget to let me know what is being carpeted. ...
carpet gluing6/13/2009
  Q: I live in a condo in Victoria,b.c. We are replacing the carpet throughout the building. A ...
  A: When you indicate you are going to replace the carpet throughout the building, does that mean just ...
Basement Floor6/12/2009
  Q: My basement floor has ceramic tiles now and I would like to use floating vinyl tiles over the ...
  A: again, AG;Maintenance, again, is a major factor. Don't forget proper walk-off mats at all entries ...
new ceramic floor tile6/11/2009
  Q: John, I just had glazed, black, ceramic floor tiles installed in my kitchen and am disheartened that ...
  A: again, Lynn;You are in kind of a rural area, so I would suggest that you put pressure on Lowe's ...
new ceramic floor tile6/11/2009
  Q: John, I just had glazed, black, ceramic floor tiles installed in my kitchen and am disheartened that ...
  A: Alfa ceramic tiles are made in Egypt. They must have representation by an agent in the United ...
Carpet to concrete floor transitions6/10/2009
  Q: John, Hopefully tou can help. We are building a new home and would like to go with stained concrete ...
  A: Unfortunately, you have decided to disagree with my opinion by, instead of simply responding in your ...
flooring in basement6/10/2009
  Q: we are finishing our basement and trying to decide on flooring.We wanted to go with laminate buyt ...
  A: again, Mike;The basement area calls for a proper looped pile carpet, but since you have a dog, even ...
Carpet to concrete floor transitions6/10/2009
  Q: John, Hopefully tou can help. We are building a new home and would like to go with stained concrete ...
  A: Why do you want to go with stained concrete in general living areas and baths? Concrete is ...
Laminate Flooring Underlay6/9/2009
  Q: I am installing 12mm laminate flooring with a 2mm attached underlay. Will the 2mm underlay provide ...
  A: I would need to know the name of the manufacturer of the laminate floor, the style name of the ...
Installing sheet vinyl floor in bathroom6/9/2009
  Q: John, I am remodeling the hallway bathroom in my house. As part of the remodel, I decided to ...
  A: There are all types of information you will find that will be 'generic' type. In floor covering, ...
Basement Floor6/8/2009
  Q: My basement floor has ceramic tiles now and I would like to use floating vinyl tiles over the ...
  A: It's not the carpet backing, it's the carpet pile that keeps those harmful allergents from becoming ...
exercising on carpet6/6/2009
  Q: I have recently installed new carpet in my basement (frieze). I am a daily home exerciser, doing a ...
  A: Sorry to hear you installed a frieze texture. A different construction such as a dense commercial ...
using versabond quickset as a floor surface6/6/2009
  Q: Is it possible to use versabond quickset as a floor surface? If so, what would we use to seal ...
  A: Versabond is not designed to be a floor covering. It is designed to be a mortar adhesive on which ...
flooring in basement6/6/2009
  Q: we are finishing our basement and trying to decide on flooring.We wanted to go with laminate buyt ...
  A: If the basement is going to be used as a family type rec area, I would suggest carpet, however, even ...
Highest r-value underlayment for a floating floor6/4/2009
  Q: Can you advise me which underlayment has the highest R-value. I am putting a floating floor with no ...
  A: again, Martin;We're in Jersey so I know the exact spot where you got rear ended. I'm assuming you ...
Highest r-value underlayment for a floating floor6/3/2009
  Q: Can you advise me which underlayment has the highest R-value. I am putting a floating floor with no ...
  A: Regardless of the R value, one, some, or all of the underlayments you list may not be compatable ...
Finding Tile?6/2/2009
  Q: I live in southern Louisiana. I have acquired some glazed ceramic tiles for free. My problem is that ...
  A: The only suggestion I could give you is to contact the manufacturer and see if the product is still ...
wet carpet6/2/2009
  Q: We are having an upstairs bath remodeled. After demo work, the contractor did not cap the water ...
  A: again, Penny;Usually carpet will naturally shrink to an extent, so proper stretching may not be able ...
Sheet vinyl - crackling noise at edges6/2/2009
  Q: John, 5 weeks ago, a local flooring company installed sheet vinyl (Mannington Sobella Supreme) in ...
  A: again, Carol; Yes, call the dealer, speak to the owner, just tell the owner about the noise and ask ...
wet carpet6/2/2009
  Q: We are having an upstairs bath remodeled. After demo work, the contractor did not cap the water ...
  A: The contractor, I assume, has insurance to cover any damages. Concrete is absorbent and always ...
Sheet vinyl - crackling noise at edges6/2/2009
  Q: John, 5 weeks ago, a local flooring company installed sheet vinyl (Mannington Sobella Supreme) in ...
  A: No, it does not sound normal. Since I can't see your installation, I can only guess what's ...
Water under vinyl tile5/31/2009
  Q: We had a drain for the air conditioner leak, we do not know how long it was leaking. We noticed ...
  A: If you do not have a crawl space under the slab, then I would suggest that you contact the ...
maintaining slate floor in screened in porch5/30/2009
  Q: We have not done a thing to the slate floor in our sunroom since we moved in 3 years ago. We have no ...
  A: If you know the name of the manufacturer of your slate floor, visit their website and click on the ...
floor instalation5/29/2009
  Q: I am using tar paper as a sub floor, do I have to glue it down before I install the vinyl tile on ...
  A: DON'T DO IT! If you know the name of the manufacturer of your tiles, immediately contact that exact ...
Vinyl5/29/2009
  Q: i have to install non-adhesive tiles in my bathroom. i have gallon of Roberts #2057 VCT and need to ...
  A: In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers and floor covering sundry manufacturers ...
elevator5/28/2009
  Q: What type of grout and sealer do i use for the floor of an elevator? the old grout is cracking from ...
  A: It really depends upon how old the grout is. Within the past 1 to 2 years, all floor covering ...
Tile floor water damage5/27/2009
  Q: We recently had a major water leak inside our home , of about 1-1/2" to 2" of water. The question I ...
  A: You left out a lot of information, so I'm just guessing that you have ceramic tile installed over ...
Which Type of Flooring?5/25/2009
  Q: .. My home was built in 2003 and I had to have the kitchen and upstairs bathroom flooring removed ...
  A: The true cost of any floor covering is product, installation, and maintenance over its useful life. ...
Vinyl vs Fiberglass floor covering in kitchen5/24/2009
  Q: We are redoing a kitchen on the Jersey shore and have looked at vinyl by Mannington and fiberglass ...
  A: In today's world, floor covering manufacturers are in the throes of producing 'green' products, ...
laminate floor peaking and chipping5/23/2009
  Q: We purchased laminate flooring June 2006 in April 2007 had several boards replaced by company who ...
  A: again, Jan; I suggest you contact <mbdinspectfloors.com> They inspect all over the U. S. and ...
removing saltillo tile5/22/2009
  Q: I have saltillo tile with 3/4" grout in laundry room which connects to small bathroom and also in ...
  A: First understand the products you wish to use. Carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one ...
Cork Flooring and Pet Nails5/22/2009
  Q: How would cork flooring hold up to the daily wear and tear of a large young dog with nails.
  A: Cork flooring is available in different thicknesses and quality, and there are different standards ...
Cork flooring5/21/2009
  Q: I had Wicanders cork floating floor installed in my condo, ground floor, a few months ago. I ...
  A: again, Jane; Visit the website of <mbdinspectfloors.com>. They have over 800 inspectors scattered ...
Cork flooring5/21/2009
  Q: I had Wicanders cork floating floor installed in my condo, ground floor, a few months ago. I ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your problem. First, to protect your investment, if you haven't paid the full ...
commercial tile5/20/2009
  Q: what if the commercial grade tile is uneven causing ledges all over the floor? The floor was ...
  A: Ledging can be caused by numerous things. Rarely is it related to manufacturing, however it could ...
asbestos tile kitchen flooring5/20/2009
  Q: We love the look of this "retro" floor in our kitchen - black with a colored stripe around the edge. ...
  A: First, if you are certain the tiles contain asbestos, if it were my home, regardless of the 'retro' ...
transition strips5/19/2009
  Q: Recently installed 18" vinyl tile in the kitchen. I have two doorways where the tile meets hardwood ...
  A: again, Ed; The problem with nail or screw in transition strips is that you must make certain the ...
transition strips5/19/2009
  Q: Recently installed 18" vinyl tile in the kitchen. I have two doorways where the tile meets hardwood ...
  A: Usually at a tile/hardwood juncture, one flooring is slightly higher, requiring a transition strip ...
Porcelain tile looking dull and streaked5/18/2009
  Q: 3 years ago we had new porcelain tile installed in a vacation home. At the beginning, it took many, ...
  A: again, Joanne;Hard surfaced flooring is non-absorbent, so harmful track-in soils such as dirt, ...
Porcelain tile looking dull and streaked5/17/2009
  Q: 3 years ago we had new porcelain tile installed in a vacation home. At the beginning, it took many, ...
  A: Porcelain tile is available in different qualities, glaze levels, thicknesses, etc. If you look at ...
moisture issues5/14/2009
  Q: I have had tile floor laid professionally twice the first time my linoleum was taken up and tile ...
  A: From what you tell me, all you have received is the wrong advice. I would need to have an indepth ...
carpet on hardwood floors5/14/2009
  Q: Do I need a pad under my new wool area rug on my new hardwood living room floor? The rug is ...
  A: You should use a proper rug pad under ALL area rugs and most residential carpet. Then, since ...
Hardness of Marbonite5/12/2009
  Q: I'm building a home in rural India. I prefer a softer type of flooring for bare feet (e.g., clay ...
  A: Marbonite is closer to ceramic type tile, however its perceived softness in walk is dependent upon ...
engineered wood import price5/12/2009
  Q: my question is: the whole salers who import maple, walnut, hickory, etc.... engineered wood from ...
  A: My understanding that in a normal market, they work on about 1/3 based on selling price, not cost. ...
wood filler5/11/2009
  Q: I recently installed meritage brazilian cherry engineered wood floors. I have been looking for wood ...
  A: There are all types of products that go into the make-up of 'Brazilian Cherry' engineered wood ...
HARDY BOARD5/11/2009
  Q: CAN I INSTALL TILE ON HARDY BOARD.THE HOUSE IS NEW. OSB BE FLOORS.
  A: I believe OSB is a suitable underlayment for a backerboard however, I suggest that you visit the ...
carpet wrinkles5/10/2009
  Q: lived in house for 4 years- carpet started wrinkling after one- carpet cleaner advised that carpet ...
  A: Why didn't you contact the dealer and/or installer when you first saw the wrinkles? If your sales ...
laminate flooring installation5/10/2009
  Q: I live in IL but own a condo in Florida. I am going to install a floating laminate floor over vinyl ...
  A: First, all floor covering manufacturers and floor covering sundry manufacturers (underlayments, ...
Flooring Dilemma Over Concrete Slab5/8/2009
  Q: We own a 1967 ranch home built on a concrete slab in the Texas Hill Country. The house has had ...
  A: Why is the raised floor separating from the slab? If it is because you may have a moisture problem ...
tile problem5/7/2009
  Q: John. I have an ongoing issue with a tile floor that I had installed. I will try to be brief, but ...
  A: Your problem is precisely why you should have purchased the tile and installation from the dealer. ...
gypcrete or not?5/7/2009
  Q: I do not know whether to pour gypcrete or just glue down our engineered wood to the 3/4" subfloor of ...
  A: Creaking sounds are related to installation issues such as improper nails/screws, being used to ...
laminate floor peaking and chipping5/6/2009
  Q: We purchased laminate flooring June 2006 in April 2007 had several boards replaced by company who ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your problem. I am NOT an attorney, so I can't give you any legal advice. What ...
Mohawk carpet5/6/2009
  Q: I'm looking to put new carpet in my family room and den, I had a guy come to give me an estimate and ...
  A: again, Chuck; PTT is a relatively new fiber and has some maintenance related issues that are ...
Mohawk carpet5/6/2009
  Q: I'm looking to put new carpet in my family room and den, I had a guy come to give me an estimate and ...
  A: When you say poly, do you mean polyester or polypropylene. If you mean polyester, do you mean PET ...
Pergo Installation/Waterline5/5/2009
  Q: I have a kitchen with vinyl flooring and a sink across from the fridge...If i buy a fridge with an ...
  A: I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you planning to install a Pergo laminate floor over ...
Squeaky tile bathrooms downstairs/craw space5/5/2009
  Q: From Winston-Salem, NC. Our house is about 5 years old and we have a lot of movement/squeaks/pops ...
  A: Dudas;Squeaking sounds originate from many sources. It could be a moisture problem in the crawl ...
Indoor carpet for outdoor patio5/3/2009
  Q: I was wondering if I can use indoor olefin carpet on my outdoor covered porch? I was shopping for ...
  A: Don't use carpet designed for indoors, outdoors. Besides the dampness, the carpet, or any floor ...
Jute carpet - ok for outdoor?5/2/2009
  Q: I'd like to purchase a jute carpet for my front porch. Is a jute carpet that has a non-slip backing ...
  A: I'm assuming you are describing a flat weave carpet with a rubber type backing. If you are, what ...
tile installation in bathroom5/1/2009
  Q: Do you need a certain type of flooring in the bathroom room 2nd floor in order to install tile ...
  A: All floor covering manufacturers, and floor covering sundry manufacturers (underlayments, adhesives, ...
Engineered wood floor thickness4/30/2009
  Q: I've been shopping for wood floors for my wife's Mother's Day gift. Have just discovered that there ...
  A: First remember that the product for which you are shopping is a layered product. There is a ...
OVERLAY ARMSTRONG LINOLEUM WITH VINYL PEEL & STICK TILES4/29/2009
  Q: In the basement we have a white with grey pattern cushioned Armstrong Linoleum floor. An expensive, ...
  A: I need you to do me a favor. Just before I went to answer your questions, I cut my finger and had ...
QuickStep laminate flooring installed over tile and cement slab4/29/2009
  Q: I live in Tucson, Arizona in a 55 year old brick home. About 2 1/2 years ago I had my home ...
  A: again, Carol;Asbestos is a serious thing. When was it noted that the tiles and/or grout contained ...
QuickStep laminate flooring installed over tile and cement slab4/29/2009
  Q: I live in Tucson, Arizona in a 55 year old brick home. About 2 1/2 years ago I had my home ...
  A: First, concrete is absorbent and always moves. Moisture could be coming from the ground cover used ...
laminate4/28/2009
  Q: and thank you for your help in advance. I installed 200 square feet of laminate (oceanic - 8.43 mm ...
  A: With all the errors made, you appear to be compounding them by getting advice from 'others'. The ...
carpet question4/27/2009
  Q: I have been researching carpet and pad options for my concrete basement floor. The basement is dry ...
  A: Since concrete absorbs moisture and always moves, if the concrete has dampness, no matter how ...
Basement floors4/26/2009
  Q: I bought a house built in the mid 1920's. The basement floor is concrete and looks like it was ...
  A: Nothing is moisture proof. There is moisture resistant, however if you have 'damp' concrete, since ...
Marble vs Porcelain tile4/25/2009
  Q: what are the advantages and disadvantages of marble over porcelain tile for bathroom.
  A: Both are available in textured surfaces, both should be grouted, both can be sealed, both can be ...
granite tile flooring4/24/2009
  Q: When we put granite tiles (18/18) on the floor is it better to put grout or no grout between tiles. ...
  A: again, Ann; There will be some slight gaps inbetween tiles so grouting with an unsanded grout is ...
granite tile flooring4/23/2009
  Q: When we put granite tiles (18/18) on the floor is it better to put grout or no grout between tiles. ...
  A: The answers to your questions depend upon a number of things. What I suggest that you do is obtain ...
Rug to Linoleum Transitions - removal4/21/2009
  Q: Professionals installed a rug on my basement cement floor. They used a hard rubber transition strip ...
  A: again, Garth; From your photo, it appears that you have the vinyl & (probably) aluminum transition ...
granite slab flooring4/20/2009
  Q: We just finished building a new home and we have granite flooring 3x3. Flooring was installed ...
  A: Do you have grout in between the tiles? If so, that may be a grout and/or filler residue that will ...
Rug to Linoleum Transitions - removal4/20/2009
  Q: Professionals installed a rug on my basement cement floor. They used a hard rubber transition strip ...
  A: If you have a concrete floor and a transition strip was installed, it was either glued onto the ...
Installation of hardwood floors4/19/2009
  Q: We are purchasing a new home and red oak floors are being installed. There are spaces large enough ...
  A: If you have that type of gapping, do not allow any fillers to be used. That gapping is due to ...
hard floor over carpet needed4/19/2009
  Q: I have a playroom which is carpeted - I eventually plan to remove all the carpet but I cannot do it ...
  A: First, remember that carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have. It has a pile ...
carpet melting4/19/2009
  Q: Help!! my carpet is melting..we had a new carpet installed in the autumn of 2008, recently i came ...
  A: I would assume that any carpet sold in UK has to pass the same standards as in the U.S. In order ...
problems with wood floor splintering and crakcing4/18/2009
  Q: I have a splintering and cracking problem with my wood floor. The floor was installed in August ...
  A: I am NOT an attorney, so I can't give you any legal advice, and I don't know of any attornies in ...
Ceramic tile over concrete slab4/18/2009
  Q: We recently hired a contractor to do a large scale kitchen remodel and also to tile our entire first ...
  A: Your contractor appears to be not telling you the truth. EVERYBODY who knows how to install ceramic ...
sub-flooring4/17/2009
  Q: i work for a apartment complex and had to replace a subfloor in the kitchen. when i pulled up the ...
  A: Two things. First, if the boards were rotted, there may be a moisture problem that has not been ...
marble over cork underlayment4/16/2009
  Q: New construction for condo, post tense slab requires floating floor. Has to deal with condensation ...
  A: You MUST obtain the installation specifications published by the exact manufacturer of the marble ...
Tile flooring at enterance door w/crack4/16/2009
  Q: I have ceramic tile to lay at our back door going to the patio. I cut out the carpet and right at ...
  A: You need to know the cause of the crack. If it is a moisture related problem that you may not see ...
Carpet Installation on Stairs and Hall4/15/2009
  Q: John, I have 2 questions regarding carpet installation on our brand-new stairs and the upstairs ...
  A: Usually, the installer will either use a knee kicker on each stair tread, away from both sides of ...
underlayment / sound transmission4/15/2009
  Q: Is it possible to combine cork and floor muffler underlayment to minimize sound transmission? I am ...
  A: again, Kirk;Sorry to disagree with you, but today's carpet is totally different than carpet made ...
underlayment / sound transmission4/15/2009
  Q: Is it possible to combine cork and floor muffler underlayment to minimize sound transmission? I am ...
  A: I'm not happy with your approach to your flooring purchase. You may not fully understand what you ...
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: again, Beau;What is under the hardibacker? If the roofing nails are not long enough to seat firmly ...
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: You're not giving me enough information to answer your question. What type of tile VCT, Ceramic, ...
Bamboo Flooring4/13/2009
  Q: I am looking to install bamboo floors in my home in Arizona as was wondering about engineered vs ...
  A: First, remember that one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have is carpet. It has a pile ...
carpet types4/10/2009
  Q: we have a 3 season porch that is neither heated or cooled, we live in Minnesota so the temperatures ...
  A: All carpets will pack down, so you need to properly maintain any carpet, and, by the way, any floor ...
Carpet Laid in 2 Story Entrance Stairwell4/10/2009
  Q: John, We recently had carpeting laid in a 2 story entrance way. It is commercial carpeting that ...
  A: I assume the carpet is installed over padding, since you voice concerns about shrinkage. Is the ...
baseboards4/9/2009
  Q: Do you need quarter round on baseboards of a laminate wood floor?
  A: This has nothing to do with your question, but do you mean a laminate floor, which is made up of ...
removal of vinyl composite tiles, installing ceramic4/9/2009
  Q: Due to water damgage, our current vinyl composite tile flooring will be removed, and prepped for ...
  A: Concrete is absorbent and always moves. You had water damage. MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE SOURCE OF THE ...
Qu.s to Ask Carpet Installers4/8/2009
  Q: One week ago, 3 carpet dealers came to our home to measure for their bids on stair/hallway carpet ...
  A: That's certainly your decision, however, in my opinion, if I am happy with the new dealer and their ...
berber carpet suggestion4/7/2009
  Q: We are finishing our basement and I am now thinking about flooring options. The rest of our house ...
  A: The word 'berber' goes back to the berber tribespeople of Northern Africa who were nomads and made ...
vinyl tile4/7/2009
  Q: I am laying 12 inch vinyl tile in a laundry room. I am putting down luan sub floor. Can I or should ...
  A: Make sure the ground in your crawl space is fully covered with a proper plastic type moisture ...
Qu.s to Ask Carpet Installers4/6/2009
  Q: One week ago, 3 carpet dealers came to our home to measure for their bids on stair/hallway carpet ...
  A: again, Carol. Your steps can be installed in either fashion, however, depending upon the type of ...
Installing DuraCeramic Flooring4/6/2009
  Q: I am inquiring about installing Congoleum DuraCeramic tiles, with the grout option, directly over ...
  A: We have not seen any performance problems with this flooring. There have been cases where damage has ...
Qu.s to Ask Carpet Installers4/5/2009
  Q: One week ago, 3 carpet dealers came to our home to measure for their bids on stair/hallway carpet ...
  A: What I think should have happened is that, when you chose the dealers, you should have indicated ...
Stretching with a spike4/4/2009
  Q: I have heard conflicting opinions regarding the use of a carpet spike during the installation of new ...
  A: I'm conservative in my approach to installation techniques, especially stretching in carpet. I like ...
Flexitec bubbles and seam turning colors3/26/2009
  Q: We had Felxitec Atlas installed in 07. We have had bubbles come up in the vinyl starting about a ...
  A: Cummings;If you have a perimeter glue installation on concrete and darkening along the seams, ...
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: I do not know of any adhesive that contains asbestos, HOWEVER, what I suggest that you do is contact ...
thinset vs quickset3/25/2009
  Q: I am having porcelein tiles installed in a commercial space (1100 sq. ft) The tile supplier has ...
  A: again, Kathryn;That does not sound correct. No matter where you live, your supplier purchased the ...
thinset vs quickset3/24/2009
  Q: I am having porcelein tiles installed in a commercial space (1100 sq. ft) The tile supplier has ...
  A: I would suggest getting another installer. Porcelain tiles have a low porosity so the importance of ...
steam room cleaning3/23/2009
  Q: we've just installed a new steam room and it's all marble. Walls, seating and floors. I'm wondering ...
  A: A good cleaner is Aquamix Concentrated Stone & Tile cleaner. That would be for routine maintenance. ...
Flooring for a concrete basement3/23/2009
  Q: We have abpout 750 sq ft of basement concrete floor to be finished. We are going to use the space ...
  A: First, remember that hard surfaced flooring, vinyl, wood, laminate, etc., is non-absorbent, so all ...
Armstrong VCT subfloor prep3/21/2009
  Q: I am converting a room as a light duty shop and considering use of the subject tile (such as that ...
  A: Nothing wrong with your choice of tiles, however just know that maintenance will be a very key ...
wood floor gap3/19/2009
  Q: I just read your advice to someone on having a credit card width space between baseboard and wood ...
  A: Hardwood flooring comes from trees. It acts like trees. It will expand, contract, dent, scratch, ...
New Floor Streaks3/19/2009
  Q: I just installed a small floor area at my front entrance way. I used Armstrong vinyl no wax tiles ...
  A: Don't try anything more. Those streaks could be due to many things. A reflection, a problem with ...
Cleaning floating laminate floors3/18/2009
  Q: I have moved into a new place with floating laminate floors. What cleaning agents can i use on ...
  A: again, Mandy; 'Supermarket' type 'generic' cleaners, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR LABELS SAY, usually are ...
Effects of bad carpet install3/17/2009
  Q: I asked you a question dated 2/5 here is the link to the discussion we had. ...
  A: I would suggest that you find your own certified floor covering inspector to view the carpet and ...
Cleaning floating laminate floors3/17/2009
  Q: I have moved into a new place with floating laminate floors. What cleaning agents can i use on ...
  A: Please do NOT try any cleaning agent. In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers, including ...
Coating a laminate floor3/16/2009
  Q: I'm building a bar in my basement and making the counter top with laminate flooring. Is there a ...
  A: A laminate floor is just that, layers, laminated together. Most laminates should not be cleaned ...
Non skid coating that doesn't yellow over time3/15/2009
  Q: Aloha, I'm helping my dad out here. He's looking for a coating to go on tiles that would make them ...
  A: Yellowing usually is due to several things. One is maintenance. 'Supermarket brand' type cleaning ...
Grass Indoor Outdoor Carpet on patio3/11/2009
  Q: I'm hoping you can help with this topic. I've had indoor/outdoor carpet with a jute back on my ...
  A: You mention that the carpet has a jute backing. Are you certain it is jute? Jute is a natural ...
MetroFlor Konnecto Vinyl Plank3/10/2009
  Q: I have purchased Konnecto vinyl plank flooring for installation in a bathroom after seeing it in a ...
  A: We are not fans of this product, especially in the do-it-yourself market. If you surf the internet, ...
Marble vs. Porcelain Tile flooring in kitchen3/9/2009
  Q: .. Can you tell me which product would be most easy care and resistant to staining, gravel scrapes, ...
  A: What you should do is obtain two publications published by the exact manufacturers of the marble and ...
Porcelain tiles3/7/2009
  Q: I just purchased a house and I want to DIY to save money. I found a real good deal on porcelain ...
  A: First stop listening to people. Second, NEVER purchase any type of floor covering from one of those ...
sealing new pavers3/6/2009
  Q: I live in central Florida. 2 months ago we had concrete"brick"pavers installed for our driveway, ...
  A: My expertise is floor covering. I really don't know about concrete pavers. What I suggest that you ...
Heaving cracks in concrete basement floor3/6/2009
  Q: Our home, built in 1970, has 60 foot pine tree about 5 feet from foundation. Previous owner finished ...
  A: Concrete is absorbent and always moves. Moisture that can be seen, such as in the crawl space, can ...
Bathroom design3/6/2009
  Q: I am remodeling the bathroom and need advice in picking colors and designs. How can i get pictures ...
  A: Go to a local store (NOT ONE OF THOSE LARGE HOME SUPPLY STORES OR ON THE INTERNET), but a retailer ...
leveling laminate flooring3/5/2009
  Q: John, This is a follow up to a question asked late last year regarding using sand as a leveler, and ...
  A: We are a floor covering inspection service. We have over 800 inspectors and we cover every city and ...
Installing VC Tile3/5/2009
  Q: I would like to install vinyl chloride tile in my bathroom. What is the best way to cut the tile, I ...
  A: VCT stands for vinyl composition tiles. Old tiles were VAT, which stood for vinyl asbestos tiles. ...
Mohawk Engineered wood splintering and cracking3/4/2009
  Q: 1. Per following attached report by manufacturer's inspector, “If the environmental conditions are ...
  A: My answers or suggestions to your questions are based solely upon the information you put forth in ...
Basement flooring3/3/2009
  Q: I have read your other input on basement flooring, but want to confirm a few things (trying to ...
  A: again, Michel; You may think, now, that you will be ok with the scratches, dents, etc., however ...
hardwood install over mixed sub-floor3/3/2009
  Q: For our kitchen remodel, I am installing 3/4" prefinished oak in the room. The sub-floor in the 500 ...
  A: Wood flooring comes from trees. It acts just like a tree. It is a cellular material that will ...
Basement flooring3/3/2009
  Q: I have read your other input on basement flooring, but want to confirm a few things (trying to ...
  A: First understand what an engineered hardwood floor is. It is a product with a base, topped with a ...
cold floor3/3/2009
  Q: and thank you for your time.. I live in the northeast, (Boston) and need new carpeting for my ...
  A: again, Jeanne; I would suggest that you shop for a carpet that contains all cut pile, is made of ...
cold floor3/3/2009
  Q: and thank you for your time.. I live in the northeast, (Boston) and need new carpeting for my ...
  A: There are several different types of carpet and padding I would suggest for you, however I would ...
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: First, with that many pets, no matter what type of floor covering you install, maintenance is the ...
Tiling my countertops3/2/2009
  Q: John, How hard is it to remove a sink and disposal in order to tile my countertops? I don't want ...
  A: I'm involved in floor covering only, however what I might suggest that you do is call one or two ...
konnecto sierra/prestige3/2/2009
  Q: Have had one set of installers do sierra. they took up carpet and prepped the concrete. It's a ...
  A: again, Patricia; Thanks for getting back to me. The right carpet installed and maintained ...
konnecto sierra/prestige3/2/2009
  Q: Have had one set of installers do sierra. they took up carpet and prepped the concrete. It's a ...
  A: First, I'm not happy that you took up carpet in a healthcare facility, unless that area is subject ...
floor problem3/1/2009
  Q: I live in a 25 yr. old log cabin, the sub floor is plywood with what looks like brown hard board ...
  A: First, is the vinyl flooring sheet vinyl or tiles. No matter what, if the vinyl flooring was put ...
Laminate floor separating3/1/2009
  Q: My laminate flooring has one place on the main floor that separates during the winter months and ...
  A: This could be related to several issues. 1. A moisture problem in your underlayment or subfloor. 2. ...
Floor poping sound without anyone there2/26/2009
  Q: We have a 5 year old, two story home, the master bedroom is directly over the family room. The ...
  A: again, Leon;There could be only one layer of plywood, however normal construction on second floors ...
Attaching Faux Painted Board to Stair Risers2/26/2009
  Q: I have a wood staircase leading to the second floor of my house. In lieu of tiling my stair risers, ...
  A: As nice a look that it will give to your stair risers, I don't think what you plan is a good idea. ...
Floor poping sound without anyone there2/26/2009
  Q: We have a 5 year old, two story home, the master bedroom is directly over the family room. The ...
  A: the popping sound could be coming from nails used to install the underlayment to the subfloor and/or ...
Installling carpet and wood over existing wood flooring and transitions2/24/2009
  Q: We currently have 3/4"hardwood floors installed over plywood on the entire second floor of our ...
  A: again, Jan; First you need to find out the source of the unevenness and squeaking. You may find ...
Installling carpet and wood over existing wood flooring and transitions2/23/2009
  Q: We currently have 3/4"hardwood floors installed over plywood on the entire second floor of our ...
  A: Carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have. It has a pile that traps, filters, ...
Existing Hardwood to New Hardwood Transition2/20/2009
  Q: I am adding 3/4-inch unfinished hardwood to my den and office. I planned to lace them into the ...
  A: This is what I would do. First I know that carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one can ...
asbestos2/19/2009
  Q: I would like to pull up some linoleum off of wood floors, it has been there about 30-50 years, I ...
  A: The main question is it linoleum or vinyl. They are two vastly different products. Asbestos was ...
asbestos2/19/2009
  Q: I would like to pull up some linoleum off of wood floors, it has been there about 30-50 years, I ...
  A: The testing company can take samples of the air in that room and in other rooms of your home and ...
asbestos2/19/2009
  Q: I would like to pull up some linoleum off of wood floors, it has been there about 30-50 years, I ...
  A: again, Tricia;I don't mean to be a smart alec when I answer your first question as, I'm not a doctor ...
asbestos2/19/2009
  Q: I would like to pull up some linoleum off of wood floors, it has been there about 30-50 years, I ...
  A: There is a big difference between linoleum and vinyl. Linoleum is a product made of natural things ...
tile to tile transition2/18/2009
  Q: I laid new tile in my laundry room last year. I'm about to remove old tile from the kitchen and ...
  A: I feel that you should delineate both rooms, either with a complementary tile, or a totally ...
Hardwood floors, underlayment, moisture barrier2/16/2009
  Q: We live in Hampton Roads Virginia and our ranch home is on a crawl space. We have removed the ...
  A: Bear with me for a minute. Sorry you are not recarpeting. Carpet is one of the healthiest floor ...
Proper carpet installation2/16/2009
  Q: We just had carpet installed yesterday and I have a question about seams. Evidently, two of our ...
  A: I would have the carpet inspector address all the installation issues including the laminate ...
Proper carpet installation2/15/2009
  Q: We just had carpet installed yesterday and I have a question about seams. Evidently, two of our ...
  A: again, Patty; It sounds like you purchased the carpet at a dealer who has no control over the ...
Proper carpet installation2/15/2009
  Q: We just had carpet installed yesterday and I have a question about seams. Evidently, two of our ...
  A: What you describe sounds like installation related errors. The dealer should have supplied you a ...
basement floor tile upgrade2/14/2009
  Q: I have a 1940 home with what is presumably asphalt tile over the concrete floor in the English ...
  A: You may have a major problem. Tile, way back then, may contain asbestos. When you indicate asphalt ...
Transition between vinyl floor and carpet2/13/2009
  Q: John, I recently purchased carpet from a retailer. I got home after the installation and the ...
  A: It is common practice to install the carpet without a transition strip by simply turning the raw ...
arpet over parquet flooring2/13/2009
  Q: Is it wise to install carpet over existing parquet flooring? Should tack strips be glued down or is ...
  A: If the parquet is firmly bonded to its underlayment, adhesive could be used to install the tackless, ...
subfloor for travertine2/11/2009
  Q: I had a 16 x 16 travertine floor installed in two adjoining rooms. One half of the floor is ...
  A: In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers are in the throes of producing 'green' products, ...
ceramic tile on kitchen floor2/11/2009
  Q: a contractor laid our ceramic tile (13" X 13") down on our existing kitchen floor ( 100sq. feet) ...
  A: From your description, it sounds as if those old tiles were held down by the old black cut back ...
Room to room transition2/10/2009
  Q: We have an older home that has carpet laid over hardwood floor. We would like to remove the carpet ...
  A: The folded over transition was probably done by just folding over the carpet to hide the raw cut ...
elevator floor2/9/2009
  Q: Good Morning: I'd like to know what is the recommended type of tile for the floor of a well used ...
  A: Tell me more about the apartment building. What type of soil conditions are tracked in from the ...
Konecto Vinyl Flooring2/6/2009
  Q: I am considering installing Konecto Vinyl Flooring strips in my basement. Currently my basement is ...
  A: again, Dara; Konecto vinyl strips, as you describe them, is exactly what I meant. Konecto is not a ...
Konecto Vinyl Flooring2/6/2009
  Q: I am considering installing Konecto Vinyl Flooring strips in my basement. Currently my basement is ...
  A: First you should 'google' Konecto and see the numerous bad reports it has gotten from people who ...
effects of bad carpet install2/5/2009
  Q: We have had our carpet installed for just short of 2 years. I have not been happy with it and have ...
  A: again, Dawn; Mohawk's number is, 800-241-4900. The name of the carpet on your sales slip may not ...
Installing vinyl over self-leveling compound2/4/2009
  Q: Problem: Kitchen, carpeting and linoleum removed from concrete floor showing long, deep cracks where ...
  A: again, Priscilla; The reason the hardibacker cannot be put over your concrete is because of the ...
Installing vinyl over self-leveling compound2/4/2009
  Q: Problem: Kitchen, carpeting and linoleum removed from concrete floor showing long, deep cracks where ...
  A: again, Priscilla;Moisture is a major problem in all floor covering installations. It should be ...
Installing vinyl over self-leveling compound2/4/2009
  Q: Problem: Kitchen, carpeting and linoleum removed from concrete floor showing long, deep cracks where ...
  A: What type of floating floor does your contractor want to install? If it is a hardwood or laminate ...
effects of bad carpet install2/4/2009
  Q: We have had our carpet installed for just short of 2 years. I have not been happy with it and have ...
  A: If you truly have cornrowing, that is a manufacturing defect, no matter how the carpet was ...
home office flooring2/3/2009
  Q: I am putting an office in my home(basement) with concrete floor. what would you recommend for floor. ...
  A: First, no matter what type of flooring you use, BEFORE you purchase anything, obtain, and thoroughly ...
Radiant Heat under Vinyl2/2/2009
  Q: I want to install electric radiant heat wire under vinyl in my bathroom. I did not consider the ...
  A: No guessing, or take advice from those who are not qualified. In today's world, all floor covering ...
floor tile over luan over T&G plywood2/2/2009
  Q: The tile has cracks in it due to a structural issue. Water or wax stripper material got into the ...
  A: again, Russell; Thanks for getting back to me. If the tiles were glued, directly to lauan, and the ...
Konecto2/1/2009
  Q: I am concerned that Konecto is getting a bad reputation. I sell the product to do-it-yourselfers as ...
  A: You must use common sense and 'read' your customer, however being able to get into their home is an ...
Konecto2/1/2009
  Q: I am concerned that Konecto is getting a bad reputation. I sell the product to do-it-yourselfers as ...
  A: again, Dave;My answer to your last question is yes. I don't agree with some of the other points you ...
Tile or hardwood2/1/2009
  Q: I live in a town house with a small living room. The living still has the cheap original carpet and ...
  A: again, Ali; My daughter teaches in Phoenix, so I'm aware of your climate. Hardwood is basically ...
Konecto2/1/2009
  Q: I am concerned that Konecto is getting a bad reputation. I sell the product to do-it-yourselfers as ...
  A: With Konecto, the DIY market is where most of the problems exist. Whomever sells that product ...
Tile or hardwood1/31/2009
  Q: I live in a town house with a small living room. The living still has the cheap original carpet and ...
  A: Remember that one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have is carpet. It has a pile that ...
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: again, Shelby;Just about all hard surfaced floor coverings that are installed with some type of ...
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: Where are you planning to use Konecto? Remember, it is a hard surfaced floor. Hard surfaced floors ...
floor tile over luan over T&G plywood1/28/2009
  Q: The tile has cracks in it due to a structural issue. Water or wax stripper material got into the ...
  A: I need to know what type of tiles you have, the name of the manufacturer of the tiles (both of those ...
Installing Carpet Over Tile?1/27/2009
  Q: My living room floor is finished in Saltillo Tile, with 3/4" grout between each tile. I would like ...
  A: I would suggest wall to wall carpet installed over a proper pad, or an area rug, used over a proper ...
Floor covering inspection service1/27/2009
  Q: We have porcelain floor tiles and many have a hollow sound. Where can I locate a floor covering ...
  A: We do not solicit business through this All Experts website. We are a floor covering inspection ...
What to put next to marble?1/27/2009
  Q: We are purchasing a home that has marble in the entryway, down the right side of the large living ...
  A: Yes, recarpet. Carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have. It has a pile that ...
Laminate Flooring1/26/2009
  Q: What a great site. Thanks for your time and expertise. My question isn't that earth-shattering but ...
  A: again, Mike;We are floor covering inspectors. We have over 800 inspectors scattered throughout our ...
Tile with vinyl and luan underlayment1/26/2009
  Q: I had my kitchen tiled last year and now I'm having problems with tiles and grout popping and ...
  A: again, Dave;Yes, it should be in those installation specifications. Lauan is usually an approved ...
Patio floor1/26/2009
  Q: I have a new cement floor in an enclosed patio unheated and would like to put a carpet or vinyl ...
  A: again, Carolyn; I would suggest that you obtain a carpet that has a pile of 100% solution dyed ...
Patio floor1/25/2009
  Q: I have a new cement floor in an enclosed patio unheated and would like to put a carpet or vinyl ...
  A: If you want to protect your floor covering investment and have it serve you properly, for years, you ...
Transition for hardwood to hearth1/25/2009
  Q: after the installation of a hardwood floor we have a about a 3/4 inch gap between the hardwood floor ...
  A: Couple of suggestions. First, if you go on the internet and 'google' wood transition strips, you ...
Laminate Flooring1/25/2009
  Q: What a great site. Thanks for your time and expertise. My question isn't that earth-shattering but ...
  A: I read your follow-up, so I will include those questions in my answer. Sorry to hear about your old ...
Tile with vinyl and luan underlayment1/24/2009
  Q: I had my kitchen tiled last year and now I'm having problems with tiles and grout popping and ...
  A: Your problem stems from the installation errors by your contractor, and may have been accentuated by ...
stained tile1/23/2009
  Q: I recently tiled a wall with an off white subway tile with a crackle finish, in the tile design ...
  A: There may be a chance, however this is Friday evening, and I won't be able to check into this until ...
Carpet Patching (Berber)1/21/2009
  Q: We are remodeling our basement and had a wall removed. This leaves us with two sections in the ...
  A: You can patch the area, as long as the 4' length of the remnant has its grain running in the same ...
wood/carpet flooring1/19/2009
  Q: I have been trying to find anything about installation of a wood/carpet flooring ie: bedroom with 3 ...
  A: Sure, this type of installation can certainly be done. The hardwood floor can be installed over a ...
Streaking tile floors1/19/2009
  Q: John, I clean a beauty shop that has all tile floors. I have tried everything to keep these floors ...
  A: You did not mention what type of tiles. Are they vinyl, ceramic, etc.? The products you mention ...
Bathroom Grout1/17/2009
  Q: I used a product called Mapei Premixe Grout to Grout a shower surround. I have since learmed that ...
  A: Your use of Mapei products was a good choice, since they are the premier manufacturer of adhesives ...
Is laying carpet over cemented carpet an option?1/16/2009
  Q: We are not sure what kind of carpet is cemented to our basement floor. It is very thin and the ...
  A: again, Cheryl; The key in your location is maintenance. You want to protect your investment. ...
cement slab and interior ice and mold1/16/2009
  Q: I live in a cement slab house and I noticed that I have ice and black mold on my north bedroom ...
  A: Since I can't see your problem, I could only give you guesses as to the cause and remedies. ...
plywood floor1/15/2009
  Q: I am thinking of using plywood as flooring in the second floor of our small cottage. I would like ...
  A: again, Pauline;Carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have. It has a pile that ...
plywood floor1/14/2009
  Q: I am thinking of using plywood as flooring in the second floor of our small cottage. I would like ...
  A: You mention that the plywood is cheap, however to prepare it for usage as a main floor covering is ...
Mannington engineered hardwood floors1/13/2009
  Q: I have a complaint about manningtons engineered hardwood flooring. We had a store in Exeter ontario ...
  A: What you indicated happened on your original floor and on this floor, doesn't sound like a moisture ...
chemical reaction, vct/adhesive/concrete1/12/2009
  Q: I have VCT in my basement. The tile is starting to bubble up like something is eating through it ...
  A: Check your sales contract to see if there is any information about where the responsibility in ...
Report write-up1/12/2009
  Q: Please how do i go about writing a project on wall and floor tiling in residential buildings. i ...
  A: again, Samuel; Please let me know what you want to include in your report. I can give you some ...
project1/12/2009
  Q: Please how do i go about writing a project on wall and floor tiling in residential buildings. i ...
  A: Let me know what you want to include in your project, such as 'green products', how to install them, ...
tile flooring1/11/2009
  Q: i am currently installing tile flooring in my bathroom that somehow my grout lines have increased up ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your problem. Some possible reasons; Walls are out of square. Movement in the ...
Is laying carpet over cemented carpet an option?1/11/2009
  Q: We are not sure what kind of carpet is cemented to our basement floor. It is very thin and the ...
  A: Laying new carpet over old carpet is a bad idea. Carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings ...
Subfloor installation1/10/2009
  Q: We have pulled the carpet out of our master bedroom in preparation of installing solid hardwood ...
  A: First, remember that carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have. It has a pile ...
dog pee on laminate flooring1/10/2009
  Q: Mr. Michaels, Hello, I have a question on how to clean up dog urine properly from laminate flooring. ...
  A: Laminate flooring is just that, layers, laminated together. Usually the layers are a base for ...
laying over saltillo tile1/9/2009
  Q: We have a house built in the 80's with saltillo tile floors. We are planning on having travertine ...
  A: First, all floor covering manufacturers and floor covering sundry (mortar adhesives, grouts, ...
Hate our Saltillo tile but don't know what we can do about it!1/9/2009
  Q: I was reading your response to someone who asked about putting down laminate over saltillo tile, and ...
  A: I would suggest that you consider applying a leveler to the surface of the tile, and then installing ...
carpet over wood parquet1/9/2009
  Q: I have a wood parquet floor with many loose tiles. Carpeting is going over this floor. Could I ...
  A: If you are installing the carpet over proper padding, you could install the carpet and pad over the ...
ceramic tile1/8/2009
  Q: I want to replace linoleum in my laundry room, with ceramic tile. Is using thin set sufficient to ...
  A: You mention the word 'linoleum'. True linoleum is made from natural products, mainly a linseed oil ...
Choice of flooring for washer and dryer1/5/2009
  Q: I'm just re-doing the basement and I'm laying down dricore (http://www.dricore.com/en/eIndex.aspx) ...
  A: I would suggest that you use either vinyl tiles or vinyl sheet goods in that area, taking great care ...
peel and stick tile1/5/2009
  Q: I live in a 16X80 mobile home and they had carpet installed in the master bathroom, which I think is ...
  A: Look at the back of a tile that lifted and see if the latex primer lifted off the underlayment. The ...
Engineered Wood Over Vinyl Floor on concrete1/4/2009
  Q: I just bought a brand new house and the builder have vinyl floor on the 1st floor. I want to install ...
  A: First think about what you really need. First, engineered hardwood is a product that has a base for ...
engineered flooring1/3/2009
  Q: Is Thomasville 1/2" engineered hardwood flooring a good product? We will be installing it over a ...
  A: I'll give you some information and you may want to rethink your project. First, one of the ...
Family cabin flooring1/3/2009
  Q: Our family has a cabin we use on our families land. We have a woodburner for early spring and late ...
  A: All types of hard surfaced flooring, whether its able to be loose laid (stable enough to be put down ...
laminate flooring1/1/2009
  Q: I would like to install laminate flooring in my house, but I have a dog that still pees on the ...
  A: Laminate flooring is just that. Layers laminated together. There is a base for stability and some ...
Asphalt floor tiles12/31/2008
  Q: I have an asphalt floor laid out in a squared pattern in red and beige, which was very nice 45 years ...
  A: again, Helen;Carpeting is a great choice. Carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one can ...
Asphalt floor tiles12/31/2008
  Q: I have an asphalt floor laid out in a squared pattern in red and beige, which was very nice 45 years ...
  A: Asphalt tiles are absorbent, so stains and fading probably have penetrated well below the surface of ...
wood slat flooring12/31/2008
  Q: i purchased a house that has wood slat flooring beneath the carpet. the house is 38 years old. i ...
  A: First, remember that carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have. It has a pile ...
cleaning/waxing Lock n Seal Laminate Flooring12/31/2008
  Q: I have had Lock n Seal Laminate Flooring about 2 years. My grandchildren and pets on the floors have ...
  A: First, immediately cease using the cleaning agents you indicate. Get the name of the manufacturer ...
Wood flooring over cement12/30/2008
  Q: We want to install a wood floor in our kitchen which currently has vinyl tiles down. The tiles are ...
  A: Hardwood flooring comes from trees. It acts just like trees. It will dent, scratch, expand, ...
porcelain tile with hollow sound when tapped12/30/2008
  Q: what causes a hollow sound on tapping a porcelain tile applied on a concrete floor 24 hours prior? ...
  A: again, Noel;We've never heard of a topical wetting of any type of tile helping a hollow sound, ...
Floor prep for tile installation12/30/2008
  Q: About 7 years ago I ripped out carpet in a den and painted (concrete stain?) the bare concrete until ...
  A: Sorry to hear tat you are not recarpeting. Carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one can ...
Bathroom Wall Tiles12/29/2008
  Q: Seeking some matching 10cm x 10cm wall tiles for our bathroom. On the box of spares left by the ...
  A: The only cross reference material I have is for products sold in U.S., and there is no similar ...
hardwood flooring12/29/2008
  Q: We have purchased some bamboo flooring for our living-dining room. The room is 12' wide and 25' ...
  A: As a 'rule of thumb', hardwood flooring should be installed so that the boards run into, NOT across, ...
Damp Basement12/28/2008
  Q: We moved into our house about 3 years ago and our basement was not finished. We never had any ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your moisture problem. That problem needs to be solved ASAP, since it can only ...
porcelain tile with hollow sound when tapped12/28/2008
  Q: what causes a hollow sound on tapping a porcelain tile applied on a concrete floor 24 hours prior?
  A: Numerous things can cause that sound. Most are locally caused and most are installation related ...
installing laminate hardwood over saltillo tile12/27/2008
  Q: I would like to know if it would be prudent to install a quality, laminate hardwood plank floor over ...
  A: Let's talk about your family room first. I'm surprised you don't mention carpet for that room. ...
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: There are 9 sq. ft. to a sq. yd., so the sizes you list would require about 26 sq. yds., however ...
leveling concrete floor for ceramic tile12/22/2008
  Q: I have applied leveling compound on my concrete floor. Some tiles rock slighty and I sand down high ...
  A: again, Daryl;I don't mean to be a 'smartee', in my answer, but we are floor covering inspectors. We ...
leveling concrete floor for ceramic tile12/22/2008
  Q: I have applied leveling compound on my concrete floor. Some tiles rock slighty and I sand down high ...
  A: Before you do anything else, if you haven't done so already, obtain and thoroughly read the ...
Dog-proof family room rug over ceramic12/21/2008
  Q: We are looking for the best floor covering choice for a family room. The rug will be positioned ...
  A: No floor covering is anything PROOF. Hard surfaced flooring will stain, dent, and scratch, even ...
mopping tumbled travertine floor12/20/2008
  Q: I have tumbled travertine throughout most of my house. It has been sealed but I have had mixed ...
  A: If the grout starts to discolor, there could be several things causing it. You are using an ...
Konecto Floating Tile Sorento Collection12/19/2008
  Q: We have had Konecto Tile installed in our home - the first time a complete failure of adhesive and ...
  A: We have heard nothing but negatives about Konnetco. If you 'google' Konnetco, you may come up with ...
pads for area rugs on hardwood floor12/18/2008
  Q: I am looking to buy padding to put under some area rugs I bought for on my hardwood floor. What ...
  A: The best advice I could give you would be for you to call the No-Muv Corp. They are in ...
Hardwood flooring12/16/2008
  Q: How do you remove or lighten dark wear mark on a hardwood floor (Oak) that has just been sanded for ...
  A: again, Woodrow;I don't think the person who told you it was caused from wear has proper knowledge ...
Hardwood flooring12/16/2008
  Q: How do you remove or lighten dark wear mark on a hardwood floor (Oak) that has just been sanded for ...
  A: Are you certain the mark is from wear, or is it due to heat caused by the sanding machine, a topical ...
Kitchen flooring recomendation12/15/2008
  Q: Would you recommend an appropriate durable flooring choice for my low-budget high-performance ...
  A: I don't suggest plank products such as Konnecto or Allure. If you will 'google' those products, you ...
ceramic tile moisture12/10/2008
  Q: We've recently installed ceramic tile on our screened back porch. Things were done properly and the ...
  A: First I need you to obtain the installation specifications published by the exact manufacturer of ...
vinyl "wood" plank floors12/10/2008
  Q: My husband and I are considering a vinyl "wood" plank floor for our living/family room. We have ...
  A: First remember that carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have. It has a pile ...
ceramic tiles, floor12/8/2008
  Q: I wanted to know if a diamond pattern saves more tile or a traditional jack on jack pattern is more ...
  A: again, Robert; Thanks for getting back to me. You will use more tile material installing in a ...
engineered floor over concrete12/8/2008
  Q: I'm having an engineered floor put over a concrete slab. Pros & cons of a glue down verse a floating ...
  A: again, Tom; First, especially with two dogs, no matter what type of flooring you install, you must ...
TILE/MOLD12/8/2008
  Q: MY BASEMENT GOT WATER IN IT & KNOW I HAVE MOLD UNDER MY TILED FLOOR - I AM IN THE PROCESSES OF ...
  A: The old tile floor should be totally removed, since mold and mildew, which are living organisms, ...
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: Is this new construction? What room(s) are you planning to cover? In what section of what Country ...
ceramic tiles, floor12/6/2008
  Q: I wanted to know if a diamond pattern saves more tile or a traditional jack on jack pattern is more ...
  A: Please get back to me with a follow-up, letting me know the size of the tiles you plan to use, if ...
Floor Covering Weekly & Floor Covering News12/4/2008
  Q: I too am a ALL EXPERTS, expert in ceramic tile. I am new to ALL EXPERTS and find it rewarding to ...
  A: If you 'google' floor covering weekly and 'google' floor covering news, you will find their ...
tile flooring12/4/2008
  Q: I operate a child care center. We have industrial tile on the floor. Its been down for many years. ...
  A: I would need to know the name of the manufacturer and style name of the tile. With that ...
regrouting tile12/3/2008
  Q: .The house I live in has tile with grout that is popping out. the home is 2 yrs old and the builder ...
  A: again, Kristy;I agree. Even if the builder is very reputable, he probably subcontracts flooring, ...
regrouting tile12/3/2008
  Q: .The house I live in has tile with grout that is popping out. the home is 2 yrs old and the builder ...
  A: You first should determine why the grout is popping out. Could it be a moisture problem that will ...
Kids, dogs & floors12/1/2008
  Q: We have 2 kids and 3 dogs. Someone is having an accident at any given time. From simple food and ...
  A: Before you think of actual product, think of maintenance. The true cost of any floor covering is ...
carpet seaming11/27/2008
  Q: i am afitter got an inviseseamer dont know how to use it is there a dvd or video i can buy got some ...
  A: I'm not sure I fully understand your question. If it is how to use an inviseamer, I would suggest ...
wood flooring/urethane coating11/26/2008
  Q: We are building new. I had planned on tile floors because they hold up so well with pets (and their ...
  A: again, Deborah; Shop for your tile and BEFORE you purchase, obtain and thoroughly read the ...
wood flooring/urethane coating11/25/2008
  Q: We are building new. I had planned on tile floors because they hold up so well with pets (and their ...
  A: First, in today's world, all floor covering manufactuers and floor covering sundry (adhesives, ...
problems with Congoleum Duraceramic11/25/2008
  Q: I am a professional ceramic tile installer, but know very about vinyl & their proper adhesives. I ...
  A: In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers and floor covering sundry (adhesives, ...
Wood flooring11/25/2008
  Q: What type (essence) of wood to you recommend over a heated floor (Wirsbro system). Thank you! ...
  A: again, Helen;Thanks for getting back to me. Remember that hardwood flooring comes from trees. It ...
Wood flooring11/24/2008
  Q: What type (essence) of wood to you recommend over a heated floor (Wirsbro system). Thank you!
  A: In what room(s) are you considering installing hardwood? What is the population of your home, ...
glueless vinyl flooring on waferboard11/21/2008
  Q: Mr. Michaels. My wife purchased a sheet of glueless vinyl for our small bathroom floor. I removed ...
  A: Make sure your plywood underlayment is an approved plywood and proper thickness as indicated in the ...
Carpeting Over Existing Carpet Which Covers Asbestos Tiles11/20/2008
  Q: Our house of worship contracted with a local flooring company to recarpet. When they began the ...
  A: Sorry to hear about the asbestos tiles. Is the existing carpet installed over pad or glued directly ...
rug repair11/20/2008
  Q: The edge of my living room rug borders a long tile hallway. The rug was originally glued down. It is ...
  A: If you have any unused waste carpet left, from the installation, an installer should be called in to ...
glueless vinyl flooring on waferboard11/19/2008
  Q: Mr. Michaels. My wife purchased a sheet of glueless vinyl for our small bathroom floor. I removed ...
  A: again, Richard;Chemicals is not the issue. When loose laid, a floor covering has to be ...
glueless vinyl flooring on waferboard11/19/2008
  Q: Mr. Michaels. My wife purchased a sheet of glueless vinyl for our small bathroom floor. I removed ...
  A: First, the manufacturer of your glueless vinyl floor published installation specifications which ...
travertine vs. terrazo11/19/2008
  Q: What is the difference between travertine and terrazzo? I am trying to decide what to use in my ...
  A: Terrazzo is a combination of marble and granite ground down to a high finish level, cut into smaller ...
Radiant floor heat and tile11/17/2008
  Q: We have a new structure that has radiant heat in concrete. Is it a good choice to install ceramic ...
  A: In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers and floor covering sundry manufacturers ...
Engineered wood flooring11/17/2008
  Q: I have engineered hardwoods in the basement and I mopped the floor and put plastic down on the wet ...
  A: Engineered hardwood cannot be refinished since there is just a very thin piece of hardwood under the ...
Carpet PTT vs. Nylon11/16/2008
  Q: Am concerned about polyester carpet's resiliency and "bounce-back"/matting problems. The Smartstrand ...
  A: The Smartstrand, because the frieze will tend to bloom on the tips of the tufts in the trafficked ...
Carpet PTT vs. Nylon11/16/2008
  Q: Am concerned about polyester carpet's resiliency and "bounce-back"/matting problems. The Smartstrand ...
  A: again, Jane; You mention this 'whole basement thing'. Does that mean you are also carpeting your ...
Carpet PTT vs. Nylon11/16/2008
  Q: Am concerned about polyester carpet's resiliency and "bounce-back"/matting problems. The Smartstrand ...
  A: The Smartstrand yarn system is manufactured with a very tight twist level which allows recovery from ...
Radiant floor heat and tile11/15/2008
  Q: We have a new structure that has radiant heat in concrete. Is it a good choice to install ceramic ...
  A: I need to know some more information about your location to give some advice. Where do you live. I ...
PRESSURE TREATED\TILING11/14/2008
  Q: I JUST TOOK OVER AN ABANDON PROPERTY.I HAVE PRESSURE TREATED FLOOR IN UPSTAIRS BATHROOM,I BELIEVE IT ...
  A: In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers and floor covering sundry manufacturers ...
Carpet?11/13/2008
  Q: I plan to put down laminate tile in my entry which steps up one step into the living room which is ...
  A: I would suggest keeping the carpet wrapped over the nose of the step. I don't think your choice of ...
underlayment11/12/2008
  Q: I am installing a floating engineered wood floor over concrete and would like to use a high quality ...
  A: In today's world, most floor covering manufacturers are in the throes of making 'green' products, ...
painted concrete floor covering11/9/2008
  Q: We are redoing the cleanroom gowning area where I work. The floor is painted concrete. There have ...
  A: I need to know a little more about the location, so I can recommend something for you. What occurs ...
Saltillo Tile removal11/9/2008
  Q: I have approximately 800 sq ft of saltillo tile to remove from my home. What is the best method of ...
  A: again, Alyson;I'll answer your question on Monday with a follow up. I have to leave now and won't ...
Saltillo Tile removal11/8/2008
  Q: I have approximately 800 sq ft of saltillo tile to remove from my home. What is the best method of ...
  A: I need to know in what room is it installed, what type of underlayment is directly under the tile, ...
travertine tile height variance11/6/2008
  Q: What is the allowable height variance for adjoining tiles? We had travertine tile installed in an ...
  A: If your underlayment was prepared properly, the mortar adhesive applied properly and allowed to set ...
konecto country flooring11/6/2008
  Q: John, Can konecto country be layed over concrete slabs with a moisture reading of 5.1 lbs per 1000 ...
  A: We are not fans of Konecto products and do not recommend them. We just see too many complaints on ...
carpeting11/6/2008
  Q: I shampooed a wall to wall carpet in an unoccupied home that I recently purchased but have not moved ...
  A: Without being in that home and smelling the odor, I can only guess. Perhaps the cleaning solutions ...
Insulation 1950s Apartment building floor11/3/2008
  Q: I have an unusual problem! Hope you can give me some GREAT advice! I've lived in an older ...
  A: First, carpet was not made to be padding, so by placing a rug on top of installed carpet may produce ...
Kitchen floor11/2/2008
  Q: We are redoing our kitchen. In pulling up the flooring, the old flooring (installed 1969) separated ...
  A: Two underlayments and a subfloor nailed to the joists would create flex (bounce), even if you don't ...
Removing stair railing11/2/2008
  Q: I read somewhere that there is no need to remove the posts and railing when installing hardwood on ...
  A: In today's world, most hardwood manufacturers have their own installation specifications for their ...
Carpet and Vapour Barrier11/1/2008
  Q: I was hoping to pick your brain to try and help me solve my problem. I have read a couple answers ...
  A: I think you should entertain the idea of putting down radiant heat strips under the pad. Both the ...
duraceramic installation10/31/2008
  Q: We are looking at installing duracmeramic in a bathroom and are wondering if it is necessary to use ...
  A: Go to Congoleum.com and click on installation. Up will pop Duraceramic. There is a 20 page ...
two questions about hardwood floors10/30/2008
  Q: 1stHave you heard of lighter colored streaky areas when a water based finish is used on walnut ...
  A: When you say 'they' are blaming you. Do you mean the company that applied the finish or did you ...
Carpeting to cover wood floor10/30/2008
  Q: I am looking to purchase carpeting to cover a wood floor in a theater and community center. But I ...
  A: I would suggest a commercial type carpet, all loop pile in a very dense, low pile height, and made ...
two questions about hardwood floors10/30/2008
  Q: 1stHave you heard of lighter colored streaky areas when a water based finish is used on walnut ...
  A: I need to know more about the finish. Do you have solid hardwood or engineered hardwood. Was the ...
selecting colors for molding and hard wood floring10/30/2008
  Q: I need information on how to chose colors for molding and hard wood flooring that will look good ...
  A: again, Leslie; First understand what you intend to purchase. Hardwood comes from trees. It acts ...
selecting colors for molding and hard wood floring10/30/2008
  Q: I need information on how to chose colors for molding and hard wood flooring that will look good ...
  A: Color choice on hardwood, or any other flooring is a personal like thing or should be addressed by ...
solving a real problem with concrete slab floor in kitchen reno10/29/2008
  Q: PLEASE help with direction or advice on the following: I have initiated the renovation of our ...
  A: Unfortunately moisture is a threat to you and your family's health and any flooring you plan to ...
flooring10/28/2008
  Q: Renovating home and adding space. Want to go "green" and be durable/cost-effective. Have two young ...
  A: again, Dex Roberts; Hardwood, engineered or solid, comes from trees. It acts like a tree. It will ...
Direction of Hardwood Floor10/26/2008
  Q: We have a split entry home and are installing hardwood on the landing by the stairs (the entrance ...
  A: Of course it is a matter of preference, however it is nice to change direction, or even install the ...
flooring10/25/2008
  Q: Renovating home and adding space. Want to go "green" and be durable/cost-effective. Have two young ...
  A: Carpet where you can. Carpet is one of the healthiest floor covering one can have. It has a pile ...
unfilled bathroom shower travertine tiles10/24/2008
  Q: I love the holes in the tiles. I want to keep them or some of them. how do i accomplish and is it ...
  A: Contact the manufacturer of your specific tiles. Obtain the maintenance manual that will detail ...
Konecto Sierra Jackson Plank Flooring10/23/2008
  Q: Please help. I think you are the 26yearsinflooring on DIYCHATROOM but would like to ask anyway. We ...
  A: Jenny; I'm now visiting my son in Hollywood, CA. He works in the movies and tv production. If you ...
Konecto Sierra Jackson Plank Flooring10/23/2008
  Q: Please help. I think you are the 26yearsinflooring on DIYCHATROOM but would like to ask anyway. We ...
  A: I've read your history and do not fully understand if your problem is happening on both ...
Bruce Lock&Fold® Hardwood Collection10/23/2008
  Q: I was wondering about Bruce Lock&Fold® Hardwood Collection. Can it be refinished? How well does this ...
  A: again, Tracy; Your Dr. is totally incorrect. He appears to be from the 'old' school. He really ...
damaged marble flooring by acids10/23/2008
  Q: how to maintain damaged marble flooring by acids. what material should be used on it to prevent the ...
  A: Your question did not come through complete. It appears you want to know how to maintain acid ...
Bruce Lock&Fold® Hardwood Collection10/23/2008
  Q: I was wondering about Bruce Lock&Fold® Hardwood Collection. Can it be refinished? How well does this ...
  A: The product you mention is an engineered hardwood floor. It is made in layers. There is a bottom ...
your website10/22/2008
  Q: How do I get into your website: www.mbdinspectfloors.com? I try to locate an inspector in Irvine, ...
  A: We had no idea our website was down. I found out this evening (we're in New Jersey), by calling our ...
Konecto floating floor10/22/2008
  Q: Two weeks ago, I had a Konecto floating tile floor installed in my basement. The next day, the ...
  A: There could be numerous things causing your problem, including installation errors, improper ...
Carpet Installation10/22/2008
  Q: Today we had an entire floor of Coronet Sausalito Frieze(B6962)with Odor Ban II pad installed by ...
  A: The installer should be using his iron to make the old glue soft so he can EASILLY remove the old ...
Hardwood floor - repair or replace?10/21/2008
  Q: Our hardwood floor is popping up in all areas just not where the floor meets the wall. Is it ...
  A: If the hardwood is an engineered hardwood (a bottom layer, topped with a core, topped with a thin ...
Carpet Installation10/20/2008
  Q: Today we had an entire floor of Coronet Sausalito Frieze(B6962)with Odor Ban II pad installed by ...
  A: I am assuming you have a 'nose' on each step. If you don't, let me know. The carpet and pad should ...
Very high (45mm) tile transition to carpet10/20/2008
  Q: In our Hall we have laid porcelain tiles (11mm) over amorphous tape underfloor heating and thermal ...
  A: Transitions can be done by either building up the subfloors under the carpet and pad installation to ...
hardwood acclimation time10/17/2008
  Q: We are installing amendoim 3/4"thick (2 1/4" wide) real hardwood in our new construction home. The ...
  A: Forget what your builder says. He may be right or he may be wrong. First, hardwood must be ...
MSM Duolock Rug Pad10/16/2008
  Q: my floors are scored, stained concrete and I have just purchased an 8/10 wool rug w/cotton backing. ...
  A: Usually pads, rubber backed mats, or latex backed mats, are not the cause of 'staining'. Some ...
Cement vs hardwood flooring with Radiant heat10/15/2008
  Q: I am trying to find info on the pros and cons (including cost) of using stained cement vs. ...
  A: First you MUST make certain, after the construction is finished that you have absolutely no moisture ...
flooring is it marble or granite or vetrified10/15/2008
  Q: i want to know which flooring is good is it marble or granite or vetrified pl send details , is ...
  A: Either marble or granite is fine, if you must have hard surfaced flooring instead of carpet ...
Tile floor ASAI standards10/14/2008
  Q: I recently had a tile floor layed out in our new construction. The tile is uneven, my dinette ...
  A: If you have any verbal communication with anyone but your attorney, and the matter does end up in ...
Tile floor ASAI standards10/14/2008
  Q: I recently had a tile floor layed out in our new construction. The tile is uneven, my dinette ...
  A: again, Kathy;Sorry to hear about your problems. It sounds like you definitely have an installation ...
Cleaning white haze on newly installed tile10/14/2008
  Q: A friend and I recently started a post construction cleaning company. We have several jobs, most ...
  A: again, Terry;The haze is usually caused by the installer leaving residues from the grout. Obtain a ...
Tile floor ASAI standards10/14/2008
  Q: I recently had a tile floor layed out in our new construction. The tile is uneven, my dinette ...
  A: I need some more information. What type of tiles do you have-ceramic, slate, etc., are they ...
Plywood flooring10/13/2008
  Q: I'm interested in using plywood as a finished floor in my kitchen, laundry and dining room (approx ...
  A: again, Beth; As far as the carpet is concerned, you need to check to see if that filth was due to ...
Flooring in unheated Breezeway10/12/2008
  Q: I live in CT and have a closed in, but unheated breezeway. What type of flooring would work best? ...
  A: Those people are correct. You might want to consider outdoor stone, like pavers, etc., and, during ...
ceramic tile saeler10/12/2008
  Q: We just bought a new house and have tile in it. I have heard different opinions if I should seal the ...
  A: If it is a new house, you shouldn't have a problem finding out the name of the manufacturer of the ...
Cleaning white haze on newly installed tile10/12/2008
  Q: A friend and I recently started a post construction cleaning company. We have several jobs, most ...
  A: There is no 'magic bullet'. In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers are in the throes of ...
Plywood flooring10/12/2008
  Q: I'm interested in using plywood as a finished floor in my kitchen, laundry and dining room (approx ...
  A: If you have a moisture problem in the crawl space, the ground, in that crawl space should be covered ...
Rubber flooring for an office10/9/2008
  Q: I need to relay the floor in abour 2/3 of my office space. The 1/3 that isn't to be relaid is wood ...
  A: The adhesive is usally put down with a 1/32 in. x 1/32 in. x 1/32 in trowel so the adhesive is very ...
Rubber flooring for an office10/9/2008
  Q: I need to relay the floor in abour 2/3 of my office space. The 1/3 that isn't to be relaid is wood ...
  A: again, Duncan;You can choose rubber flooring in commercial tiles that have options of choosing ...
Vinyl or Linolium?10/9/2008
  Q: We own a house built in 1978. In our kitchen, I want to replace the floors but I don't know if it ...
  A: If you have 2, maybe 3 layers of flooring, that is an unacceptable underlayment for new vinyl or ...
Rubber flooring for an office10/8/2008
  Q: I need to relay the floor in abour 2/3 of my office space. The 1/3 that isn't to be relaid is wood ...
  A: First, let me know why you want a rubber floor. Is it because you MUST have certain static levels ...
carpet installation10/8/2008
  Q: I recently had new carpet (berber) installed in the upstairs of my home. Great job - except - in a ...
  A: I need to see the plan of the job. After it was measured, someone drew up a plan that determined ...
Dip in floor10/8/2008
  Q: I am remodelling the kitchen, and want to put down cork flooring. The flooring I have bought is the ...
  A: You need to call in a general contractor to look at that dip and determine its cause and how to ...
Basment Finishing10/8/2008
  Q: John, I appreicate your help and expertise. I live in a new home that had some water problems in ...
  A: again, Adam;The moisture resistant 'skin' on a pad is designed to prevent topical spills on the ...
Basment Finishing10/8/2008
  Q: John, I appreicate your help and expertise. I live in a new home that had some water problems in ...
  A: After reading your story, it has possibilities for a movie script. Just kidding. If you have ...
rubber flooring10/5/2008
  Q: Do you recommend rubber flooring for a basement bathroom? What about for a basement rec room? I'm ...
  A: Several things to consider. First, do you have a moisture problem in your basement floor and/or ...
area rugs on wood laminate flooing10/4/2008
  Q: I recently had wood laminate flooring installed in my kitchen and I would like to put a non skid ...
  A: The rugs did not cause the discoloration on your old vinyl floor. Hard surfaced flooring-vinyl, ...
Engineered 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: In today's world, all floor covering manufactuers and sundries (adhesives, grouts, underlayments, ...
Polishing an old floor10/3/2008
  Q: I am thinking of re polishing back my living and dining room floor. What is the best polish that I ...
  A: In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers and sundry manufacturers (polishes, polyurethane ...
Subfloor in basement10/2/2008
  Q: I live in Canada and have a question concerning subfloor on a concrete basement floor. I have read ...
  A: If you have purchased your laminate, so be it. If you haven't purchased your laminate remember that ...
Pet accidents and floor selection10/2/2008
  Q: We want to replace the pile carpeting in our family room. The area is 12"x17". I like carpet in ...
  A: The odor from urine is caused by the salts. That odor can be very quickly eliminated with a proper ...
loose tile over radiant heat9/29/2008
  Q: I have a house that has radiant heat in the bathroom, covered with concrete, then floor tile was ...
  A: again, Robert; You need to remove all the old thinset. One major problem may be that ALL floor ...
loose tile over radiant heat9/29/2008
  Q: I have a house that has radiant heat in the bathroom, covered with concrete, then floor tile was ...
  A: If none of the thinset adhered to the tile, then it sounds like the installer allowed too much open ...
Konecto9/29/2008
  Q: As a All Experts advisor I am concerned about your knowledge base concerning Konecto by Metroflor.I ...
  A: You don't know us and we don't know you. We are not questioning your expertise, since we don't know ...
Konecto9/29/2008
  Q: As a All Experts advisor I am concerned about your knowledge base concerning Konecto by Metroflor.I ...
  A: To compare carpet to Konetco, or any other floor covering to carpet complaints you indicate, we ...
uneven travertine tile9/28/2008
  Q: I recently had about 900 s.f. of travertine tile installed and the flooring ended up very uneven ...
  A: Don't do it. No quick fixes. It may or may not work. You need to have your floor inspected by a ...
Konecto9/28/2008
  Q: As a All Experts advisor I am concerned about your knowledge base concerning Konecto by Metroflor.I ...
  A: Glad you have had success with this product. We have heard and seen, good and bad things about it. ...
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: You say you have very little dampness. I assume by 'water problems', you don't see standing water. ...
Konecto Prestige floor covering9/27/2008
  Q: A flooring company recommended Konecto Prestige plank to overlay our vinyl tile flooring inj our day ...
  A: I strongly urge you NOT to use Konecto. If you will 'google' Konecto and read consumer's feedback, ...
PTT poly carpet vs nylon9/27/2008
  Q: I am ready to recarpet my home. I was about to select a 50 oz. Stainmaster Frieze when I came across ...
  A: again,Joe;I hope you know that Stainmaster does not make carpet. Stainmaster is a coating that ...
PTT poly carpet 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: Let me know the population of your home, including pets, and what rooms you will be carpeting, ...
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: You definitely have recourse, however I need to fully understand your installation. You have a ...
Carpet Installation9/25/2008
  Q: Today we had an entire floor of Coronet Sausalito Frieze(B6962)with Odor Ban II pad installed by ...
  A: If you have not paid for this purchase, don't pay. If you paid by credit card, notifiy the credit ...
USB subflooring9/24/2008
  Q: I want to pull up the carpet in my upstairs office and paint the floor. What do I put over the USB ...
  A: Why do you want to pull up the carpet? If its worn or horribly stained, or if you are going to use ...
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: First, STOP EVERYTHING NOW! There is a huge difference between linoleum and vinyl. Linoleum is NOT ...
travartine shower9/24/2008
  Q: How can I best keep my travartine shower clean and mold/mildew free?
  A: I need you to let me know if you have travertine on the walls, ceiling, and floor, or only on the ...
Hardwood - Ceramic Tile Connection9/23/2008
  Q: Where these two surfaces meet the builder want to install a T-molding (speed bump). I don't like ...
  A: The 'T' molding is the best idea, however 'T' moldings are available in all sorts of styles. ...
putting flooring down on a concrete slab.9/22/2008
  Q: Our utility room is an unfinished room and there is no flooring on the concrete slab. We have ...
  A: Just be CERTAIN you don't have any moisture problem in the concrete. Concrete is absorbent and ...
Cement floor in basenent9/22/2008
  Q: Can I put a floating laminate floor down in my basement? I don't have any water problems and very ...
  A: Padding is very important, since it will prolong the life of the carpet. I would suggest a very ...
Cement floor in basenent9/21/2008
  Q: Can I put a floating laminate floor down in my basement? I don't have any water problems and very ...
  A: again, Bob;engineered hardwood, solid hardwood, and laminate would be an improper flooring to ...
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: First, get back to me as to why you want laminate and for what are you going to use the basement ...
Basement flooring choices9/18/2008
  Q: We just removed carpet from our basement b/c of a water damage claim (hurricane IKE heavy rain). We ...
  A: Whomever is telling you those things about carpet is greviously incorrect when it comes to carpet ...
Wet Basement Carpet9/18/2008
  Q: I live in Northwest Indiana, where we got the tail end of Hurricane Ike. Our street was flooded and ...
  A: again, Carol; I'm glad you told me it came from the walls. Moisture will be retained in those ...
Wet Basement Carpet9/18/2008
  Q: I live in Northwest Indiana, where we got the tail end of Hurricane Ike. Our street was flooded and ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your moisture problem. Unless you had a felt type pad under your previous ...
Basement flooring choices9/18/2008
  Q: We just removed carpet from our basement b/c of a water damage claim (hurricane IKE heavy rain). We ...
  A: Remember that one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have is carpet. It has a pile that ...
Travertine installation - Pedestal sink9/17/2008
  Q: We replaced H/W with Travertine in our downstairs bath room. The contractor removed the pedestal ...
  A: again, Ming; I'm concerned about resetting the sink in that matter, when you get water spilling ...
asbestos tile over radiant heat retrofit9/17/2008
  Q: We purchased a used office trailer with old asbestos tiles, most in good shape, but some broken or ...
  A: Sorry to say that I think you are putting your life at risk working in an enviornment containing ...
Travertine installation - Pedestal sink9/17/2008
  Q: We replaced H/W with Travertine in our downstairs bath room. The contractor removed the pedestal ...
  A: The contractor's responsibility is to properly re-install the sink, and not for you to call in a ...
"THROW RUGS"9/17/2008
  Q: My wife is very concerned about dirt being tracked into our house and on to the fairly new carpet so ...
  A: I'll try to save your marriage. First, to protect your investment of the installed carpet, remember ...
Flooring Question9/16/2008
  Q: You mentioned in one of the past replies that you would not suggest porcelain tile, specifically the ...
  A: Sometimes, if a salesperson is not properly educated about the products he or she is selling, then ...
Flooring Question9/15/2008
  Q: You mentioned in one of the past replies that you would not suggest porcelain tile, specifically the ...
  A: again, Christi;You can be educated enough, but you have to remember that many installers who do ...
Which flooring to choose9/13/2008
  Q: Our house (3000 sq ft) was built in 1992. We bought it in 2001. The entry and great room had tile ...
  A: Why were you desperate to get rid of the carpet. Carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings ...
Flooring Question9/13/2008
  Q: You mentioned in one of the past replies that you would not suggest porcelain tile, specifically the ...
  A: Where are you planning to put the tile? Also, I feel I would have mentioned in my reply that I ...
marbonite vs. vetrified9/11/2008
  Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO?
  A: It's vitrified, not vetrified. Marbonite is a vitrified tile. Marbonite simulates italian marble. ...
water barrier on a slab after mold9/11/2008
  Q: My 85yo mom lives in Vermont house, built on slab, in damp area. Furnace is hot-water, and pipes ...
  A: again, Mary;No paint. If you have a problem on the surface of the concrete, the paint will come up, ...
water barrier on a slab after mold9/10/2008
  Q: My 85yo mom lives in Vermont house, built on slab, in damp area. Furnace is hot-water, and pipes ...
  A: Hopefully, the moisture came from the burst pipes, and not because it seeps up from the ground, ...
floor substrate with hydroponic radiant heat?9/10/2008
  Q: can you tell me which sustrate would be best to use over hydroponic radiant heat? For example could ...
  A: In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers and sundry(underlayments, levelers, adhesives, ...
embossing leveler with self adhesive tiles9/10/2008
  Q: I purchased self adhesive armstrong tiles for my kitchen.My home is older:I sanded and cleaned the ...
  A: There are numerous manufacturers of peel and stick tiles. The various adhesives used are not ...
Pet odor damaged carpet9/9/2008
  Q: We have a very small (~2 feet X 3 feet) area of Berber carpet that had cat urine damage 2 years ago. ...
  A: You probably have tried numerous incorrect remedies to remove the odor. First you should use clear ...
rectified porcelain floor tiles9/9/2008
  Q: We are having electric underfloor heating fitted in our kitchen and have chosen a beautiful ...
  A: Don't listen to anyone who is telling you something. BEFORE you purchase the tile or have the ...
plywood9/8/2008
  Q: I'm putting down a full spread vinyl floor. I'm looking at multiply/ halex as an underlayment. It ...
  A: On the back of the vinyl should be stamped with the manufacturer's name, and, probably the style ...
Faux Wood Floor Over Existing Commercial Carpeting9/8/2008
  Q: I own a photography studio that has 3 year old, thin commercial grade carpeting in the area that I ...
  A: You have to remove the carpet and, probably the underlayment to which it is glued. If it is glued ...
Travertine installation, cleaning and sealing9/7/2008
  Q: We recently had travertine tile installed in the lower level of our home which is just under 2000 ...
  A: again, Linda; There are many travertine manufacturers. Travertine, a soft stone, comes from ...
Travertine installation, cleaning and sealing9/7/2008
  Q: We recently had travertine tile installed in the lower level of our home which is just under 2000 ...
  A: In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers are in the throes of producing 'green' products ...
help with concrete slab basement floor options9/7/2008
  Q: I have a half basement that I want to redo. The basement floor is rectangular approx. 40' - 0" x ...
  A: First, I would not choose any of the options you contemplate. If you have vinyl tiles that are that ...
installation of carpet on concrete floors9/7/2008
  Q: John, I just spent $14,000 in floor covering for my new yoga studio. The part that was carpet was ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your installation problem. Also, sorry to hear that you contracted with the ...
Travertine over old glue9/6/2008
  Q: I am doing my first install in my house and I know its a hard one. (2000 SQ FT of 18" travertine ...
  A: Travertine is a soft stone. Some manufacturers add 'hardning' agents. Travertine also comes from ...
Travertine over old glue9/6/2008
  Q: I am doing my first install in my house and I know its a hard one. (2000 SQ FT of 18" travertine ...
  A: Sorry, I thought I did answer your questions. You must obtain and thoroughly read the installation ...
carpet next to Schluter's9/5/2008
  Q: I am laying marble tile with a Schluter's edge around the perimeter. I will be laying carpet next ...
  A: Glue down carpet is ok, but you MUST be certain of several issues. First make sure the installer ...
Travertine over old glue9/5/2008
  Q: I am doing my first install in my house and I know its a hard one. (2000 SQ FT of 18" travertine ...
  A: Phil;I'm going to be very honest with you. You are making a large investment and you are taking a ...
carpet next to Schluter's9/4/2008
  Q: I am laying marble tile with a Schluter's edge around the perimeter. I will be laying carpet next ...
  A: again, Ro; I understand what you mean, however it is improper to 'roll' the carpet. You need a ...
Removing Gyp-crete over hardwood floor9/4/2008
  Q: Just tore up the carpet in the living room, the hardwood under the adjacent hallway is in great ...
  A: I hope you removed the carpet and pad because the animals were urinating or deficating all the time ...
carpet next to Schluter's9/4/2008
  Q: I am laying marble tile with a Schluter's edge around the perimeter. I will be laying carpet next ...
  A: When the carpet gets installed, depending upon the measurement of the area, you will probably have ...
damp basement floor9/3/2008
  Q: About 7 years ago, I installed vinyl flooring in a section of my finished "dry" basement in my 100 ...
  A: In today's world, all floor covering manufacturers and sundry manufacturers(underlayments, sealers, ...
subfloor for tiling9/2/2008
  Q: I'm preparing my bathroom floor to tile. There is particle board which I gather needs to be ripped ...
  A: In today's world, ALL floor covering manufacturers and sundry(underlayments, adhesives, mortars, ...
amendoim wood flooring9/2/2008
  Q: What color is amendoim flooring,not the engineered type, before the boards are finished. I know ...
  A: Amendoim hardwood comes from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. It will vary, in color, depending ...
PORCELAIN TILE9/2/2008
  Q: I JUST PLACED OVER 200 SQ.FEET OF ITALIAN PORCELAIN TILE BUT IT LOOKS REALLY DULL, AND WHEN I TRIED ...
  A: Porcelain tile is available in a high gloss or low gloss (matte) fininsh. Check your sales receipt ...
carpet to tile transition9/1/2008
  Q: Carpet was installed in our new house then we had tile fitted in the wet areas. The tile guys cut ...
  A: Depending upon the width of the gap, I assume just a transition strip is needed. Visit the website ...
home gym over garage space9/1/2008
  Q: Your answer to the man putting a home gym in his basement was very helpful, but does the answer ...
  A: Certainly you can use carpet. Have the carpet installed over a proper pad, and make sure the ...
Installing ceramic floor tile over vinyl floor8/30/2008
  Q: Installing ceramic floor tile over vinyl floor I am a general contractor, mostly self taught. I am ...
  A: again, Anthony; Even if the leveler changes the height of one floor to another, you will still need ...
home gym flooring over concrete8/30/2008
  Q: Converting an unfinished 1st floor space with concrete flooring into a large home gym. Lots of ...
  A: You simply contact the manufacturer of the rubber tiles you wish to purchase BEFORE YOU PURCHASE ...
carpet or ceramic tile for basement floor8/30/2008
  Q: We recently experienced a sump pump burnout resulting in flooded finished basement. A contractor ...
  A: In today's world, ALL floor covering manufacturers and sundry(adhesives, underlayments, levelers, ...
underlayment for laminate floor8/29/2008
  Q: The concrete subfloor is not within 3/16inch in 10 foot span in flatness and laminate floor ...
  A: again, Jim; You MUST eliminate any chance of moisture and any chance of flex. You may not even ...
underlayment for laminate floor8/29/2008
  Q: The concrete subfloor is not within 3/16inch in 10 foot span in flatness and laminate floor ...
  A: We do not sell, install, or maintain any floor covering. We are floor covering inspectors. We are ...
dirty travertine tiles8/27/2008
  Q: I am looking at purchasing an older home with a very dirty (decades of ground in grit and dirt) ...
  A: I think you are using the wrong word-solvent. Solvent is a petrochemically based product. It ...
regarding marble or marbonite8/27/2008
  Q: iam living in india its rainy and humidity place, no pets on my house,we will walk around the house ...
  A: again, sheik;I would suggest marble, however, make sure the marble has a slightly rough surface, ...
hi reagrding marbonite8/27/2008
  Q: iam constructin amy house i need to know which is suitable for home either marble or marbonite?
  A: Where in your home are you planning to use either marble or marbonite as a floor covering? How many ...
Installing ceramic floor tile over vinyl floor8/27/2008
  Q: Installing ceramic floor tile over vinyl floor I am a general contractor, mostly self taught. I am ...
  A: You should determine how old that vinyl floor is. It may be a product that contains asbestos, so ...
'soft' hardwood flooring8/26/2008
  Q: A relative is having a new hardwood floor installed during renovations. There have been some ...
  A: First, flooing MUST be the last trade in. It should NEVER be traversed by other tradespeople. Your ...
engineered wood planks for stairs8/26/2008
  Q: What do you think of using engineered wood planks for stairs? The planks have about 2mm thickness of ...
  A: I'm going to answer your questions based upon our experience. We do not sell, install, or maintain ...
Meritage vs. Mullican8/26/2008
  Q: I am about to purchase hardwood flooring and need to know which is better: Meritage or Mullican. I ...
  A: Are you comparing engineered hardwood products or solid hardwood products? What type of surface ...
glass tiles on wood8/26/2008
  Q: I am not doing flooring but I was hoping you could help. We have a wood table that has some glass ...
  A: Two suggestions. If you still have the container of the adhesive that you used, contact the ...
Engineered Hardwood Floor8/26/2008
  Q: We just installed engineered hardwood flooring using the recommended adhesive manufactured by ...
  A: When you say remove the adhesive, I assume you mean adhesive residue that got on something (surface ...
Crackling in Laminate Flooring8/25/2008
  Q: I'm sorry to bother you but I just wanted to make sure you got my follow-up question regarding the ...
  A: again, Muna;I answered your follow-up this morning, 8/25/08, around 6 A.M. East Coast Time. In case ...
Crackling in Laminate Flooring8/25/2008
  Q: As a follow-up to my initial question and your reply. The owner of the flooring company said he ...
  A: again, Muna;If I were you, I would allow an inspection as long as the dealer is paying for the ...
tile8/25/2008
  Q: I want to cover a bad concrete job outside about 3000 sq feet with tile. I live in Central Oregon ...
  A: What's bad about the concrete, and is it caused by a moisture problem? What kind of tile were you ...
Stairs8/25/2008
  Q: Have you ever heard of the fact that if the interior stairs have gaps at the sides that the carpet ...
  A: I don't think the air is coming through at the back side of the carpet. Thank goodness for the ...
Floor prepartion fot tiles installation8/24/2008
  Q: I have stripped my ground floor kitchen floor vinyl in order to replace with tiles, But Noticed ...
  A: again, Siva;Porcelain tiles are heavy, and with what would be under the tiles if you install them ...
Crackling in Laminate Flooring8/24/2008
  Q: Chris suggested that I email you to see your thoughts. Thank you in advance for your attention. We ...
  A: First you are making tremendous mistakes by handling this yourself and talking to people. DON'T OIL ...
Floor prepartion fot tiles installation8/23/2008
  Q: I have stripped my ground floor kitchen floor vinyl in order to replace with tiles, But Noticed ...
  A: I want to make sure I understand your question. You have a sheet vinyl floor in your kitchen that ...
foyer flooring8/23/2008
  Q: We are (or I am) considering granite tiles for our split entry foyer. My husband says it is not a ...
  A: Granite tiles are available in both a smooth and rough surface. If you are worried about slipping, ...
Linoleum as area rugs8/23/2008
  Q: Can a linoleum be laid on top of carpeting?
  A: You use the word linoleum. Do you mean true linoleum, which is a natural product made of linseed ...
fLOORING8/21/2008
  Q: Is it ok to put 12x12 vinily tile over ceramic tile in kitchen. I know we must prep the ceramic ...
  A: If the ceramic tile is installed on a cement backerboard which is on top of an underlayment, which ...
Baseboard without shoe molding8/20/2008
  Q: My house has an uneven floor, and there is gap between the bottom of the baseboard and the hardwood ...
  A: again, Wil;If the hardwood floor was recently installed, the problem may be with an improper ...
Baseboard without shoe molding8/20/2008
  Q: My house has an uneven floor, and there is gap between the bottom of the baseboard and the hardwood ...
  A: You do NOT want the bottom of the baseboard flush and tight with the surface of perimeter planks and ...
Installing 12 x 12 tile on a floor of various substrates8/20/2008
  Q: feet of porcelain tile to install on a combination wood and new cement slab floor and am wondering ...
  A: In today's world, manufacturers of all types of floor coverings and manufacturers of sundries ...
Porcelain Tile subfloor8/19/2008
  Q: I am getting 20x20 porcelain tiles installed this week. Previously, we had 12x12 ceramic laid on ...
  A: Your concerns are true. We are floor covering inspectors. We do not sell, install, or maintain any ...
landlord wants to rip up floor, concerned about asbestos8/19/2008
  Q: Our landlord would like to rip up our kitchen floor tile and re-tile. I'm concerned because the ...
  A: I am NOT an attorney and cannot give you any legal advice, however, I feel, you have every right to ...
floor reducers8/19/2008
  Q: We have just had black and white vinyl tiles installed in our kitchen. Where that floor meets our ...
  A: again, Pat;Black metal is usually painted metal. Two suggestions-First check the Johnsonite ...
kitchen flooring8/18/2008
  Q: What, in your opinion, is the absolute best flooring to install in a kitchen like ours? We get a ...
  A: Regardless what type of flooring I will recommend below, just remember that water, if it is allowing ...
floor reducers8/18/2008
  Q: We have just had black and white vinyl tiles installed in our kitchen. Where that floor meets our ...
  A: Visit the website of Roppe.com. They make reducer strips, many in classy rubber, in various shapes. ...
Laminate floor install8/18/2008
  Q: John I have an office in my home which the previous owner took one or the garage bays and converted ...
  A: Please remember that carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have. It has a pile ...
Crema Marfil honed/polished8/17/2008
  Q: In my market there seems to be more selection or Crema Marfil Polished vs Honed(unpolished). The ...
  A: To reduce the polish sanding is an acceptable method as long as you use a proper rotary brush type ...
Carpet Manufacturers Mark8/17/2008
  Q: ! I have another question for you. I have a scrap piece of carpet left over from new carpet that ...
  A: When you contact Mohawk, ask them if 3468-955, which sounds like a quality and color number, is ...
Basement Flooring w/ Pets8/17/2008
  Q: John, Finishing off our basement...I expect it to be very nice. Not much of a moisture problem ...
  A: You should have NO moisture problem on your concrete to be certain any floor covering you install ...
Crema Marfil honed/polished8/17/2008
  Q: In my market there seems to be more selection or Crema Marfil Polished vs Honed(unpolished). The ...
  A: You may be making a mistake by trying to reverse a manufacturing process. Various manufacturers who ...
Carpet Manufacturers Mark8/17/2008
  Q: ! I have another question for you. I have a scrap piece of carpet left over from new carpet that ...
  A: Griege is usually a batch of yarn or a roll of white yarn that has been tufted into a primary carpet ...
installation of a wood and travertine floor8/14/2008
  Q: I am getting ready to redo the floors in my kitchen and I like the look of travertine mixed with ...
  A: Wood is a poor choice for a kitchen area. Wood comes from trees. It acts like a tree. It will ...
Floor preparation for laminate8/14/2008
  Q: Issue: Home Office room area where I ripped up carpet, then had an abatement company remove ...
  A: I have a lot of information for you, however my computer is infected with a virus so I can't send ...
re-saining floors8/14/2008
  Q: I have older wood stairs that are blotchy. The old owner told me that they were only stained with a ...
  A: If you have solid hardwood you need to have the wood sanded down and refinished, which will allow ...
stone or ceramic tiles on raised floor8/13/2008
  Q: I am remodeling my kitchen and would like durable flooring which will resist water and oil damage. ...
  A: again, Ken; I don't suggest any stone. I suggest sheet vinyl installed over an acceptable ...
porcelain/ceramic tile8/13/2008
  Q: We've just installed kitchen tile. Is there a difference between porcelain and ceramic? The box ...
  A: Porcelain is a type of ceramic. Some tiles and some grout can and should be sealed. You need to ...
gapping in newly installed Brazilian cherry hardwood floors8/13/2008
  Q: Michaels, We did indeed have an expert from the National Association of Hardwood Floors, and, ...
  A: Hardwood floors come from trees. They act like trees. They will dent, scratch, expand, contract, ...
choice of floor covering8/12/2008
  Q: We are purchasing a home in upper Ohio as a summer place. It is in foreclosure and will need to be ...
  A: Hard surface flooring such as hardwood, laminate, vinyl, stone, etc., all require environments with ...
bathroom floor8/11/2008
  Q: I want to put a piece of vinyl on the bathroom floor without having to remove the small ceramic ...
  A: Get the name of the manufacturer of the vinyl floor you intend to use and obtain the manufacturer's ...
Vinly Flooring8/10/2008
  Q: We are thinking of changing the vinyl floor in the bathroom and the laundry room because of some ...
  A: NEVER use the cleaning agents you list on any vinyl floor. ALWAYS obtain the vinyl floor ...
planning a tiled foyer/entranceway8/10/2008
  Q: I would like to tile an area in front of the main door in my home. The door opens right into my ...
  A: When planning to tile an entry, remember that you are using a hard surfaced floor covering that is ...
Porcelain shiny 188/9/2008
  Q: We put shiny porcelain 18" floor tiles in our bathroom. It looks like marble without the ...
  A: again, Sheila;There are numerous manufacturers of what you want. I really suggest that you visit ...
BAD CARPET SEAM LOCATION8/9/2008
  Q: I am in the middle of a horrible dilemma and am in desperate need your advice and the proper ...
  A: again, Mimi;Seam placement usually is done with the seam running in the direction that is into the ...
Vinly Flooring8/9/2008
  Q: We are thinking of changing the vinyl floor in the bathroom and the laundry room because of some ...
  A: Laminate flooring which is a backing, topped with some recycled products (some of which may be wood ...
Acclimating Max Windsor Engineered Flooring8/9/2008
  Q: I have installed Max Windsor Maple flooring throughout my home. Initially my contractor dropped off ...
  A: Acclimation is a very important aspect of a hardwood floor installation so you have to protect your ...
BAD CARPET SEAM LOCATION8/9/2008
  Q: I am in the middle of a horrible dilemma and am in desperate need your advice and the proper ...
  A: The visibility of a carpet seam, if properly made, is in the eye of the beholder. Seams are never ...
Porcelain shiny 18"floor tiles8/8/2008
  Q: We put shiny porcelain 18" floor tiles in our bathroom. It looks like marble without the ...
  A: My strong suggestion to you is NOT to shop at one of those large home supply stores. The best place ...
porcelain on wood decking8/6/2008
  Q: I wish to install 12"x12" porcelain tile over 1x6 wood decking on a covered porch. I am advised to ...
  A: Please do NOT think generic type of installation. In today's world where all types of floor ...
glue and maintence of original hard wood8/6/2008
  Q: We are preparing to sell, so we just lifted old carpeting and found the original hard wood floors. ...
  A: You mentioned that 'they' are telling you stuff. Who is 'they'. If 'they' are the people who do ...
travertine tile over new floor trusses8/5/2008
  Q: We are building a house and used the floor trusses, spanned 24 inches apart. We were told that we ...
  A: The information you were given was correct. Also, with that type of flex, the tiles may crack and ...
Subfloor recommendation and tips needed8/5/2008
  Q: I am going to install vinyl tile in a kitchen. I removed the old tile and subfloor. I now need to ...
  A: BEFORE you do anything more, simply obtain the free installation specifcations that are published by ...
hardwood cracking8/4/2008
  Q: We were denied a claim by Shaw on our new hardwood floors. They said because it was installed over ...
  A: again, Sue; First you should demand to be given a copy of the report. If they refuse, then you may ...
hardwood cracking8/4/2008
  Q: We were denied a claim by Shaw on our new hardwood floors. They said because it was installed over ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your problem. Did you purchase engineered hardwood or solid hardwood? ...
Haze of Tumbled/Antiqued Marble Floor8/3/2008
  Q: I just had 1,700 feet of a tumbled marble in the French pattern put down and there is a haze all ...
  A: There are many manufacturers of marble tile, and, although all have published free maintenance ...
marble vs vitrified tiles8/3/2008
  Q: I am not able to decide between marble and vitrified tiles for my house flooring, I have had ...
  A: again, Rajeev; Maintenance is the secret to protecting your investment in floor covering. Make ...
Removing 12" x 12" marble tile from fireplace surround8/3/2008
  Q: As the subject line indicates, the current fireplace has a white marble surround for the fireplace. ...
  A: A grout saw is usually a proper piece of equipment depending upon what you now have installed. I do ...
marble vs vitrified tiles8/2/2008
  Q: I am not able to decide between marble and vitrified tiles for my house flooring, I have had ...
  A: What room or rooms are you going to tile? A vitrified look can result in a very 'glassy' ...
water damaged ceramic tile8/2/2008
  Q: My husband and I built our house almost 5 years ago. The alarm company drilled holes through the ...
  A: Really sorry to hear about your mess. Your insurance company is wrong. Mold and mildew are living ...
Carpet Question8/1/2008
  Q: I just got new carpet installed in a bedroom in our 23 year old house. The rest of the carpet in the ...
  A: They make transition strips that will handle your need. Some of them are 'T' shaped, and others are ...
Tile level8/1/2008
  Q: I had tile installed throughout my living room and kitchen - what is the industry standard for ...
  A: again, Nicola; Thanks for getting back to me. When they removed the two tiles were you there, and, ...
carpet7/31/2008
  Q: I have two questions. We had carpet installed and the installers seemed to do everything correctly, ...
  A: again, Michelle;The pad construction is ok. The burning smell probably came from their seaming ...
Marble cracks7/31/2008
  Q: i have installed marble slabs, ( Sunny Gold) at my home, after 6 months only it has developed cracks ...
  A: Without seeing your marble, I can only guess the causes of the cracks. Cracks usually occur because ...
New ceramic tile /Island moved further into kitchen7/31/2008
  Q: We hired a professional to remove old floor ceramic tile and replace, move an previously installed ...
  A: There are various shapes of transition strips. Visit the website of Roppe.com to see some and ...
carpet7/31/2008
  Q: I have two questions. We had carpet installed and the installers seemed to do everything correctly, ...
  A: What type of padding is under your carpet? If a rebond type, it should not be thicker than 7/16 ...
Travertine Installation7/30/2008
  Q: We are installing travertine tile in our den. We have removed all of the hard wood flooring that ...
  A: There are many manufacturers of Travertine. Some of the manufacturers have installation ...
Carpet pad noise, power stretcher question7/30/2008
  Q: I had approx. 200SY of Shaw (Evening Shadow II) plush carpet installed over 8# rebound pad. I ...
  A: Don't pay him. First, if he supplied the pad, and it is a rebond type pad, it is made up of ...
VCT prep work and Installation7/30/2008
  Q: I am looking to bid on this job that has had an old vct removed and there is still residue from the ...
  A: Be certain that the old tiles that were removed were vinyl composition tiles (VCT), and not vinyl ...
Sweating Concrete7/29/2008
  Q: We had laminate flooring and carpet installed in the dining room and living room respectively ...
  A: I'm having a little difficulty in understanding your question, so correct me if I'm wrong so I can ...
Air pockets in engineered flooring, on concrete7/29/2008
  Q: Two years ago I had engineered wood floor installed on my concrete slab home. It was glued using ...
  A: Sorry to hear about you and your daughter's problems. First you should check your sales contract to ...
Tile floor7/29/2008
  Q: Is it ok to mix travertine and ceramic tile when laying a floor in a kitchen?
  A: It is ok, however you MUST obtain the installation specifications from the manufacturers of both ...
installing a carpet runner over carpeting existing on steps7/27/2008
  Q: I had done this before in another home. Now I have new carpeting on steps and i purchased fairly ...
  A: Sorry, I don't agree putting a carpet runner over installed carpet. Carpet was never designed to be ...
Laminate wood flooring7/26/2008
  Q: We are interested in using the Konecto Prestige flooring planks in a small bathroom. We have 3 ...
  A: Sorry to give you my opinion, but I would avoid using that, and similar products. There are so many ...
installation of ceramic floor tile7/26/2008
  Q: I am in the middle of a rather big kitchen remodel. I have chosen a design company to act a project ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your problems. I suggest that you not make any more payments to the installer. ...
Acclimating engineered wood floors7/24/2008
  Q: My wife and I are building a home with a national builder, and we have selected Mannington ...
  A: Mannington engineered hardwood floors do not need to be acclimated unless they have been transported ...
Gluing Engineered Hardwood On Concrete Floors7/24/2008
  Q: Forgive me for intruding, however it is a huge mistake to glue flooring down in any situation, as ...
  A: From those answers to your bid inquiry, it sounds as if an installer who comes from the very old ...
flooring7/23/2008
  Q: I am going to replace some of the flooring in my grandparents house, granted it's 40 years old, I am ...
  A: Don't us laminate or hardwood if the area is in a kitchen, bathrooms, or laundry room areas. Those ...
flooring for an open shower7/22/2008
  Q: I am designing a compact bathroom and need advice on what flooring material to use. The shower has ...
  A: Definitely stick to tile, because the other products you list are not designed for moisture prone ...
Engineered floors7/21/2008
  Q: I just purchased Sure Source Red Oak 3 inchx 5/16 inch plank floorings. I only purchased a box to ...
  A: What holds an engineered hardwood floor down in a floating installation is the weight of the boards. ...
High Closs Polish7/21/2008
  Q: I have inlaid vinyl in my kitch. I am going to strip it, and I want to put a high gloss mirror like ...
  A: again, Jamie;Mannington makes their own cleaning and restoration products. Let me know if you have ...
High Closs Polish7/21/2008
  Q: I have inlaid vinyl in my kitch. I am going to strip it, and I want to put a high gloss mirror like ...
  A: From your questions, and I may be wrong, but it sounds like you have not been using the cleaning ...
Engineered floors7/21/2008
  Q: I just purchased Sure Source Red Oak 3 inchx 5/16 inch plank floorings. I only purchased a box to ...
  A: again, Brody;I really did not give you any type of generic response. I told you about the 'grab's ...
cleaning urine stains from carpet7/18/2008
  Q: Recently had carpet cleaned by Chem Dry. Carpet had been cleaned by Chem Dry on 2 previous occasions ...
  A: If what you indicate was the cleaning systems used by the carpet cleaner, then I would send a ...
konnecto sierra flooring7/18/2008
  Q: I recently had konnecto sierra flooring installed in my kitchen / dining area and bathrooms. I am ...
  A: Minor imperfections in the underlayment mirroring through, joints not meshing evenly, varrying ...
konnecto sierra flooring7/17/2008
  Q: I recently had konnecto sierra flooring installed in my kitchen / dining area and bathrooms. I am ...
  A: again, Chris;NEVER, NEVER buy any floor covering over the internet. Even if you could have ...
konnecto sierra flooring7/16/2008
  Q: I recently had konnecto sierra flooring installed in my kitchen / dining area and bathrooms. I am ...
  A: Sorry we didn't chat before you made your purchase, since I would have told you all we've heard and ...
bamboo flooring7/15/2008
  Q: I am considering bamboo flooring for my house. I have heard everything from it is the best stuff ...
  A: Got lots of information for you. First I want you to know that carpet is one of the healthiest ...
stained tiles7/15/2008
  Q: i ave just laid these matt finish italian tiles on my verandah, and discovered that the dark stains ...
  A: Are these indoor or outdoor tiles? Do the dark stains mirror the outline of the workmen's boots? ...
Flooded basement - Carpeted7/14/2008
  Q: Is there any way to save carpeting after it has been soaked with rain water? ANSWER: Hi ...
  A: again, Madeleine; The padding may not be able to be salvaged. When you say berber carpet I am ...
Flooded basement - Carpeted7/13/2008
  Q: Is there any way to save carpeting after it has been soaked with rain water?
  A: Yes, however let me know how the carpet is installed, (over pad, glued directly to the floor, etc.), ...
laminate floor choice7/13/2008
  Q: We want to install a laminate floor in a craft room area we are making in our basement. We had the ...
  A: I would not suggest any Pergo product, nor would I suggest any laminate flooring in that area. ...
Basement concrete floor7/13/2008
  Q: Today, I'm seeking advice on basement concrete flooring. I've bought vinyl flooring to put over ...
  A: This product needs to be installed in an area with a temperature range of, I believe, between 50 ...
Basement concrete floor7/13/2008
  Q: Today, I'm seeking advice on basement concrete flooring. I've bought vinyl flooring to put over ...
  A: again, Juliana;You indicate that you have a floating vinyl floor, which indicates that it should be ...
Basement concrete floor7/13/2008
  Q: Today, I'm seeking advice on basement concrete flooring. I've bought vinyl flooring to put over ...
  A: What goes on in your basement and what rooms will get floor covering. Remember that carpet is one ...
Carpet installation over dried glue7/12/2008
  Q: My husband and I installed bamboo flooring using glue a couple of years ago, and it is necessary to ...
  A: After you removed the bamboo, if the residue from the adhesive is relatively level, you can install ...
Floor maintence7/11/2008
  Q: I have a five year old bleached birch floor that has some large dark areas on it. It appears to be ...
  A: again, Justin; Laminate is not hardwood, so engineered hardwood is not laminate. If you have any ...
Floor maintence7/11/2008
  Q: I have a five year old bleached birch floor that has some large dark areas on it. It appears to be ...
  A: You should have been provided, at the time of sale, with a maintenance manual published by the ...
Hardwood floor touch up and recoading7/11/2008
  Q: I have hardwood floor basically in very good condition. Only few spots wares that need to be touched ...
  A: If you have a solid hardwood flooring, it can be refinished by sanding and applying coats of a ...
VCT in garage7/10/2008
  Q: We had old carpet in our garage taken out and VCT installed. It looked great. We waited 3 weeks to ...
  A: again, Patty;If the tile is commercial VCT, it would have been delivered with a protective coat to ...
Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Thickness?7/10/2008
  Q: 1/2" vs. 3/8" in 3" strips: Does the 1/8" difference in the thickness between the above engineered ...
  A: again, Jasmin;There are 9 sq. ft. to a sq. yd., so at $3.29 per sq. ft., you are paying almost ...
VCT in garage7/9/2008
  Q: We had old carpet in our garage taken out and VCT installed. It looked great. We waited 3 weeks to ...
  A: First, VCT is not rated for the weight of a car. Second, what type of preparation work was done to ...
Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Thickness?7/9/2008
  Q: 1/2" vs. 3/8" in 3" strips: Does the 1/8" difference in the thickness between the above engineered ...
  A: First know what you intend to purchase. Hardwood comes from trees. It acts like a tree. It will ...
Improperly applied laminate flooring7/9/2008
  Q: The installer put the product down in a symmetrical pattern. The manufacturers installation ...
  A: To answer your questions, I would need to know the name of the manufacturer, the style name of the ...
Asbestos Floor Tiles7/8/2008
  Q: I have a small room in my basement with asbestos floor tiles and would like to cover them I would ...
  A: I'm going to give you some information that may be a little long winded, however asbestos, as I hope ...
float vs. glue down engineered wood7/8/2008
  Q: I had too many replies so i had to start a new question section. Here is what happened when i bought ...
  A: Great! Glad you found the manufacturer. Just one thing they may not have told you. Adhesives have ...
laying of dura ceramic7/8/2008
  Q: We just today had dura ceramic put down in our kitchen. We chose the roman elegance( warm clay). ...
  A: When installing ANY floor covering, the installer MUST follow the instructions in that ...
porcelain vs. travertine7/8/2008
  Q: I am remodeling my kitchen and was planning to use a travertine, but found a porcelain tile that ...
  A: Travertine is a softer stone than porcelain, which is a type of ceramic. Between the two, I would ...
float vs. glue down engineered wood7/8/2008
  Q: I had too many replies so i had to start a new question section. Here is what happened when i bought ...
  A: Your floor could be floated HOWEVER, what holds the boards down is their weight. If you have a ...
engineered hardwood floating vs. glue down installation7/7/2008
  Q: i have recently purchased some very beautiful 3/8 x 3" engineered hardwood, which comes in about 5 ...
  A: Your engineered hardwood can be floated. Just be certain you put a moisture barrier over the ...
vinyl flooring7/7/2008
  Q: I have the mannington audura plank flooring. the kind that you would glue down. My question is that ...
  A: If you move heavy furniture or appliances back on the flooring immediately after installation, the ...
engineered hardwood floating vs. glue down installation7/7/2008
  Q: i have recently purchased some very beautiful 3/8 x 3" engineered hardwood, which comes in about 5 ...
  A: again, Jim;Kempas does not come from Brazil. It comes from Southeast Asia. It is a hard, course ...
engineered hardwood floating vs. glue down installation7/6/2008
  Q: i have recently purchased some very beautiful 3/8 x 3" engineered hardwood, which comes in about 5 ...
  A: First, know what you purchased. You purchased a product that comes from trees. It acts like a ...
ceramic tile7/5/2008
  Q: We are remodeling our kitchen and our intentions were to put in ceramic tile. We were told that ...
  A: I've never heard that type of complaint with ceramic. I would assume that type of complaint could ...
thinset mortar7/4/2008
  Q: I have a customer who is very sensitive to latex. Even that which is airborne. Thus, I am using ...
  A: again, Tim; Your indication that you would suggest that she leave the house for several days ...
Which Flooring?7/3/2008
  Q: We are considering replacing our carpet with hardwood type flooring. Our subflooring is ...
  A: First remember that carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings you can have. It has a pile ...
mudroom floor7/3/2008
  Q: Our mudroom carpet got wet this last winter, probably from seepage from the adjoining crawl space. ...
  A: Since some of the tiles are loose, you really don't know how the moisture has affected the adhesive ...
mudroom floor7/3/2008
  Q: Our mudroom carpet got wet this last winter, probably from seepage from the adjoining crawl space. ...
  A: again, Fieh Chan; If the tiles are loose and the adhesive is fugitive, anything you put over the ...
mudroom floor7/3/2008
  Q: Our mudroom carpet got wet this last winter, probably from seepage from the adjoining crawl space. ...
  A: Most important NOT to attempt to remove any of the tiles until you are CERTAIN that they do not ...
carpet over hardwood7/2/2008
  Q: We have oak floors that are freezing cold in winter, and it would be very difficult to insulate in ...
  A: Carpet and/or area rugs must have proper padding under them. You could consider putting area rugs ...
Floorcovering for unheated space7/2/2008
  Q: We recently started a building project for a cabin in the North Woods of Wisconsin. It is our ...
  A: again, Lisa; We do numerous inspections of vinyl floors in manufactured homes. The vast majority ...
Floorcovering for unheated space7/2/2008
  Q: We recently started a building project for a cabin in the North Woods of Wisconsin. It is our ...
  A: We do not sell, install, or maintain any type of floor coverings. We are floor covering inspectors. ...
carpet7/2/2008
  Q: Can you review these carpet specs and tell me if this is a quality carpet that will hold up to high ...
  A: again, Kellie;The weight density factor is decent. Remember that you definitely need a walk-off mat ...
carpet7/2/2008
  Q: Can you review these carpet specs and tell me if this is a quality carpet that will hold up to high ...
  A: Nylon is, just about, the strongest wearing fiber known, so wear will not be a problem. Nylon won't ...
slate tiles that popped up7/1/2008
  Q: I have a small mud room, that is heated, and the 12 inch slate tiles have pooped up. Underneath of ...
  A: again, Gretchen; Either the wrong adhesive was used, or you do have a moisture problem that you ...
slate tiles that popped up7/1/2008
  Q: I have a small mud room, that is heated, and the 12 inch slate tiles have pooped up. Underneath of ...
  A: Stay away from that installer. Too much money for what he wants to do. A couple of questions. Are ...
linoleum floor - yellow staining from bath mats7/1/2008
  Q: I read your note about the staining of linoleum from bath mats. I've just sold my home and, to my ...
  A: I don't mean to talk down to you, however you are using terms that may be incorrect. Linoleum is a ...
OSB/Carpet7/1/2008
  Q: Do you anticipate any problem with using glue down carpet on OSB used as a fire rated floor?
  A: Where is the carpet being used? In a residence or a business? If the carpet is a 'commercial' ...
stone flooring6/30/2008
  Q: can I set 18by18 marble tiles with out any spacing between them?
  A: Do you mean no grout or absolutely no room between tiles, not even a 1/64 to 1/32 inch space? You ...
choosing flooring for kitchen/dining/laundry6/30/2008
  Q: We are looking to replace the vinyl flooring in our kitchen, dining room, hall, and laundry room but ...
  A: again, Cari; Any hard surfaced flooring would need enough, proper, absorbent walk-off mats, at each ...
marble tiles6/30/2008
  Q: I am trying to find 16x16 white carrera marble tiles, but I am not having any luck. I was wondering ...
  A: Sorry, I don't know where 16x16's can be had. I know where 12x12's and 18x18's are available. If ...
choosing flooring for kitchen/dining/laundry6/29/2008
  Q: We are looking to replace the vinyl flooring in our kitchen, dining room, hall, and laundry room but ...
  A: Why do you want to replace the vinyl floor? What problems have you had? Wood, laminate, bamboo, ...
Laminate Flooring6/29/2008
  Q: We bought our home (built in 1991) last summer, and before moving in, had all the carpet on the top ...
  A: again, Shilo; If you are using area rugs, make sure you use proper rug pads under them. If you ...
Mud Setting travertine on a concrete floor6/29/2008
  Q: John, Although I am not a professional tile setter I have done many small tile projects and numerous ...
  A: Different manufacturers of tile have specific installation requirements for their products. There ...
Concrete staining carpet6/29/2008
  Q: We carpeted our basement rooms over a poured concrete slab.In one room, the carpet is turning a off ...
  A: again, Steve; First, NEVER, EVER have anything to do with ANY carpet salesperson who tells you to ...
Laminate Flooring6/29/2008
  Q: We bought our home (built in 1991) last summer, and before moving in, had all the carpet on the top ...
  A: What you need to investigate is the method of the installation of the laminate. Perhaps an air vent ...
Concrete staining carpet6/28/2008
  Q: We carpeted our basement rooms over a poured concrete slab.In one room, the carpet is turning a off ...
  A: Tell me about the type of carpet you have. Of what is the pile made. Is it nylon, olefin, ...
Flooring on a slab6/26/2008
  Q: Hey there. I have a home with an above grade concrete slab. I am looking to have prefinished ...
  A: Have a moisture test taken of the concrete, then, if there is no moisture problem, apply a leveler ...
Hardwood flooring on underfloor heating6/25/2008
  Q: pretty soon im going to be installing oak flooring throughout a new build with underfloor heating. i ...
  A: again, Rhodri;First let your girlfriend's parents know what they intend to have on their floors. ...
Random Orbital Floor Sander6/25/2008
  Q: Any recommendations for a Random Orbital Floor Sander? What should I be looking for? What don’t I ...
  A: again, Randy; If you are just going to do one room and you are planning to rent equipment, it would ...
installation of large tiles6/25/2008
  Q: My wife and I are building a new home in Ottawa, Canada and we are thinking of installing porcelain ...
  A: First know what you intend to purchase. You are purchasing a non-absorbent hard surfaced floor. ...
Choosing the best flooring for a garage which has been converted into an apartment6/24/2008
  Q: About 10 yrs. ago we converted our garage into a mother-in-law apt. We used vinyl a flooring. A ...
  A: If you had mildew and moisture, you have a moisture problem in the concrete, and/or in the walls. ...
Vinyl Floor6/23/2008
  Q: I had to start a new question. It said I had too many followups. :) The adhesive is made by ...
  A: A 'U' shaped will allow more adhesive to be applied, so you might want to have two trowels, one 'U' ...
direction question6/23/2008
  Q: My wife and are heading up to our cottage in a couple of days, and our "big project" for this year ...
  A: again, John; You mention laminate and hardwood. Two different products. Laminate is not hardwood. ...
Hardwood flooring on underfloor heating6/23/2008
  Q: pretty soon im going to be installing oak flooring throughout a new build with underfloor heating. i ...
  A: You mention, 'throughout a new build'. Is this a commercial installation or in a home? What room ...
direction question6/23/2008
  Q: My wife and are heading up to our cottage in a couple of days, and our "big project" for this year ...
  A: Pergo is not a good choice. There are other laminate products on the market that are better choices ...
flexitech flooring6/22/2008
  Q: john, hi. i'm trying to find new flooring for my kitchen. i have some pretty nice congoleum in ...
  A: When you say they leveled the floor under it, was that done on an old vinyl floor or on the ...
Wood floors6/22/2008
  Q: I own a second story condo and I want to put in wood floors but I'm concerned about the daily noise ...
  A: There are noise reduction underlayments available, but they 'ain't' cheap. You would have to take ...
Vinyl / Leveling Compound6/22/2008
  Q: We are replacing a tub / shower with a new one. The new one is not as wide as the old, so there is ...
  A: I suggest that you check with floor covering installation suppliers where floor covering installers ...
carpet over carpet6/21/2008
  Q: I have about 1600 sqft of office space that presently has commercial jute back carpet glued to the ...
  A: Carpet is not designed to be padding, so it must come up. Also, even if you have that old carpet ...
Hardwood flooring selection6/21/2008
  Q: I am looking at engineered hardwood flooring and want to go with a good, quality company, the cost ...
  A: again, Julie;I have a border collie. They normally run all over the place. Her nails even scratch ...
Vinyl / Leveling Compound6/21/2008
  Q: We are replacing a tub / shower with a new one. The new one is not as wide as the old, so there is ...
  A: again, Lee;Glad your project is working along, however, please remember to get the installation ...
Cracks on newly installed marble6/20/2008
  Q: We have our kitchen floor installed with natural marble by a professional contractor. The marble ...
  A: again, Phuong Ha;Different manufactuers of tile, no matter what type, have their own installation ...
Hardwood flooring selection6/20/2008
  Q: I am looking at engineered hardwood flooring and want to go with a good, quality company, the cost ...
  A: No matter what type of floor covering you wish to purchase, you should know what you are buying, its ...
Moisture between tiles and chip wood subfloor6/20/2008
  Q: I suspect some moisture between tiles and the chip wood subfloor underneath it in one of my ...
  A: Moisture can result in mold and mildew growth. They are living microragnisms. They are tremdous ...
Vinyl / Leveling Compound6/19/2008
  Q: We are replacing a tub / shower with a new one. The new one is not as wide as the old, so there is ...
  A: Patching, leveling, etc., are all just stop gap measures that will fail, in time, especially where ...
Cracks on newly installed marble6/19/2008
  Q: We have our kitchen floor installed with natural marble by a professional contractor. The marble ...
  A: Without personally seeing your installation, from your description it appears that there are several ...
care for hardwood floor6/18/2008
  Q: what is the best way to care and clean a meritage engineered hardwood floor.
  A: First, please DON'T use one of those 'over the counter' products. The hardwood floor has a top ...
floor tiles - maintenance6/18/2008
  Q: I have a floor tile maintenance question. We installed dark brown tiles in our kitchen/living room ...
  A: I went to that website and all I could determine that you have purchased a ceramic tile. I could ...
thickness of hardwoods6/18/2008
  Q: We are currently deciding on what hardwood flooring to put in our living/dining/kitchen area and are ...
  A: Several things you need to consider. First, know what you are purchasing. You are purchasing a ...
Hardwood floor installation question6/14/2008
  Q: Can I install an engineered hardwood floor by gluing it down over a floating laminate floor? I'd ...
  A: First-you are dealing with hard surfaced floors, the laminate and engineered hardwood. Hard ...
Hardwood floor installation question6/14/2008
  Q: Can I install an engineered hardwood floor by gluing it down over a floating laminate floor? I'd ...
  A: No, you must remove the floating floor because it is not an acceptable underlayment for an ...
ditra underlayment6/13/2008
  Q: My builder installed my ceramic tile on my post tension slab using a product similar to ditra as an ...
  A: The very first thing you need to do is obtain, from your builder, the name of the manufacturer of ...
fixing tiles6/13/2008
  Q: what is a VC shield on tiles? what is the best way to install a ceramic tile with VC shield on to ...
  A: again, v;Don't stick the tiles to the surface of the mosaic. Remember that adhesive has two ...
fixing tiles6/13/2008
  Q: what is a VC shield on tiles? what is the best way to install a ceramic tile with VC shield on to ...
  A: In my unanswered follow-up questions, I received the same follow-up question I answered. I just ...
fixing tiles6/13/2008
  Q: what is a VC shield on tiles? what is the best way to install a ceramic tile with VC shield on to ...
  A: Sorry, I've never heard of a VC shield. Ask whom ever is giving you that terminology, its meaning. ...
floating Kahr wood6/12/2008
  Q: We had Kahr floating wood install over cement in our basement. We are having odors and wet spot in a ...
  A: The odors need to be identified, however, if you see a wet spot, you may have mold or mildew. From ...
Best Underlayment6/11/2008
  Q: I have two questions regarding underlayment for tile: 1) When is it appropriate to install cement ...
  A: You mention the word, 'tile'. What type of tile? Vinyl, ceramic, porcelain, travertine, carpet ...
Waterproofing under Hardwood Flooring6/9/2008
  Q: I am working on an apartment renovation and we are being required to waterproof the hardwood floor ...
  A: First nothing is water proof. There is water resistant, however you are dealing with wood. Wood ...
Vinyl removal from concrete before laminate6/9/2008
  Q: We just purchased a condo built in 1982 and are remodeling the kitchen. It is on a concrete slab and ...
  A: again, Sue;You need more than a paint scraper. You might want to try a paint scraper, however the ...
Vinyl removal from concrete before laminate6/8/2008
  Q: We just purchased a condo built in 1982 and are remodeling the kitchen. It is on a concrete slab and ...
  A: First, I would not suggest you use laminate in a kitchen. Laminate is a polyurethane type ...
Installing over tile6/7/2008
  Q: We currently have 12x12 Italian Tile in a dark Terra Cotta color installed in a kitchen & dining ...
  A: To install over the tile, you would have to install another underlayment such as plywood, lauan, or ...
floor6/7/2008
  Q: we live in Texas - our house foundation is slab - there is an area of our interior floor ...
  A: When you say buckle, do you mean that the boards have a convex shape (crowning), or do you mean that ...
flooring for Sunday School rooms6/6/2008
  Q: Would a vinyl flooring such as Konecto be good to replace carpet in Sunday School rooms?
  A: First, remember that carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have. It has a pile ...
travertine floor6/5/2008
  Q: i just had travertine floor install in my living room and kitchen (french pattern). Grout already ...
  A: Travertine is a soft stone, and the grout could be a mortar based or an acrylic based. The shine ...
VCT that is textured and has a grout?6/4/2008
  Q: I was visiting a business the other day and I commented on how beautiful their tile was. It was a ...
  A: The grout line just may be a 'fake' grout line that is manufactured in the tiles. We have that same ...
previous plywood preparation6/4/2008
  Q: What should I use to prepare(smooth) the plywood for replacing previous lino with "peel and stick" ...
  A: The adhesive on the peel & stick tiles, as well as any other adhesive, has two grabs. One grab ...
tile on slab6/3/2008
  Q: I just removed carpet and have 20x20 tiles to install. Left on the slab was paint, and the stuff ...
  A: You mention 20x20 tiles. What kind of tiles-ceramic, vinyl, etc. A several things to ...
hardibacker install6/3/2008
  Q: can i use bostiks best to install 1/4 inch haribacker over osb to strengthen floor
  A: Contact the James Hardi Company who makes Hardibacker. They will let you know if osb is an ...
Staining woodworking6/2/2008
  Q: We hired a reliable contractor to build our new home. He recommended a painter and the same person ...
  A: Cudos to your painter/stainer. He is totally correct and knows that floor coverings MUST be the ...
Best flooring with 2 active cats6/2/2008
  Q: I currently have 8 year old builder installed carpeting throughout my 1200 sf slab foundation house ...
  A: No wishful thinking. It's all do-able. Carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings you can ...
carpet on top of carpet-fire dangers6/2/2008
  Q: recent CSI episode showed new carpet over older carpet with flammable matarials construction, ...
  A: First, carpet was not designed to be padding. Any carpet that is installed must be installed over ...
marble tile around fireplace5/31/2008
  Q: I have a project in need of your assistance please.the fireplace has marble tile on the floor in ...
  A: Sorry, I'm not understanding your question. Do you mean you have marble tiles on the floor, in ...
carpeting floating stairs5/31/2008
  Q: What is the best installation technique for carpeting floating stairs. I took over a job that is ...
  A: I would need to know more information as of what type of floor are the steps made, what type of pad, ...
preparing floor to lay laminate5/31/2008
  Q: There was originally indoor-outdoor carpet, throughout our house. The subflooring is particleboard, ...
  A: First, why are you putting down laminate. Carpet is one of the healthiest floor covering one can ...
Squeaky tile floors5/29/2008
  Q: We have ceramic tile floors which are squeaking in one are. We have tried screwing and nailing from ...
  A: I truly hope that solution will work, because the dimensional stability of the grout may have been ...
laminate floor5/28/2008
  Q: We recently installed a laminate floating floor in a customers laundry room, since then her washer ...
  A: again, Megan; First I wanted to let you know who we are. We do not sell, install, or maintain any ...
laminate floor5/28/2008
  Q: We recently installed a laminate floating floor in a customers laundry room, since then her washer ...
  A: Not a good choice to install a laminate in a laundry room, especially floating. I assume you have a ...
rectified porcelin tiles5/27/2008
  Q: I have installed 1 ceramic tile floor, but I have a home owner that wants me to do a 18" rectified ...
  A: If your customer insists that you do it, and you told him you were not qualified, if I were you I ...
carpeting5/26/2008
  Q: My husband and I are remodeling and are at the point of choosing carpeting for our bedroom. I told ...
  A: You are certainly more than welcome. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me ...
carpeting5/26/2008
  Q: My husband and I are remodeling and are at the point of choosing carpeting for our bedroom. I told ...
  A: again, MaryLee;Olefin has a low melting point. When the colored olefin chips are melted down and ...
carpeting5/25/2008
  Q: My husband and I are remodeling and are at the point of choosing carpeting for our bedroom. I told ...
  A: We suggest that you not consider Shaw products. We do not sell, install, or maintain any floor ...
Squeaky tile floors5/24/2008
  Q: We have ceramic tile floors which are squeaking in one are. We have tried screwing and nailing from ...
  A: Without doing an on-site inspection, I can only guess. Usually squeaking is due to an installation ...
Floating Floor5/24/2008
  Q: Could you please tell me why one should not apply wax to a floating floor? I love shiny floors, and ...
  A: When you say floating, what type of floor do you have-Laminate, engineered hardwood, vinyl, etc. If ...
Best Carpet pad for Area Rug5/24/2008
  Q: My question is regarding the best carpet pad to use with my area rug. I have an 8x10 wool area ...
  A: When you place an area rug on top of carpet remember that you somewhat inhibit natural evaporation ...
tile removal5/23/2008
  Q: John, I'm removing old 9" ceramic tile that were set in mortar over a plywood subfloor (circa ...
  A: You do need to have a smooth plywood underlayment, so you can either obtain a grinder that can ...
Carpet to carpet transition5/21/2008
  Q: We are remodeling the stairs by replacing the carpet with oak stained wood caps and carpet in the ...
  A: The transition strips could be vinyl, rubber, or wood. The wood cap manufacturer may also make ...
OSB board5/21/2008
  Q: I have ripped out my carpet in hallway. I have OSB board as subfloor. I have no money. Can I stain ...
  A: again, Rosemary;If you have a moisture problem that is 'hidden' under any of your floor coverings, ...
L shaped room5/21/2008
  Q: We have an L shaped room that we are putting carpet down in. My husband and I are debating about ...
  A: I don't mean to be rude, but if you want to get it right, have it professionally installed by a ...
Wide gaps in Wood Floor5/21/2008
  Q: I need information on who to call to fix this problem. We've been told that when the wide plank, ...
  A: I don't think the information you received about the wood being 'green' is accurate. From your ...
OSB board5/21/2008
  Q: I have ripped out my carpet in hallway. I have OSB board as subfloor. I have no money. Can I stain ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your financial position. I would not suggest staining or sealing the OSB ...
vinyl tile5/19/2008
  Q: Should I avoid peel and stick vinyl tile (1.2mm thickness) if the manufacturer says that stiletto ...
  A: Just about ANY hard surfaced floor covering (vinyl, hardwood, laminate, and some stones and grout ...
travertine tile5/18/2008
  Q: what is the best way to install 3' x 3' travertine tile on a mortar bed?
  A: Your question leaves many unanswered items such as what type of underlayment do you have, what type ...
Basement flooring5/18/2008
  Q: John- We recently purchased a house. In the basement they covered all of the floors with ...
  A: That gooy, sticky substance may have been adhesive that was used to install an old floor covering ...
Patio enclosure floor covering5/17/2008
  Q: I have a patio enclosure with a smooth trowel concrete floor. I'm considering a porcelain tile ...
  A: First you must obtain the porcelain tile manufacturer's installation manual to see what type of ...
tile removel5/16/2008
  Q: how many square feet per hour can I remove with airhammer ANSWER: Hi Liz;Forget the air hammer. ...
  A: again, Liz;I know of no table that would give a sq. ft. per hour listing, however, it really depends ...
Wood Flooring Gaps5/14/2008
  Q: Mr. Michaels, I just purchased a new home. We have wood floors throughout the main floor. ...
  A: Acceptable gapping is usually 1/32 to 1/16 inch, however it really depends upon the type of wood, ...
floor painting5/13/2008
  Q: I have an odd problem with my floors. When we built our house, we ran out of construction mortgage ...
  A: again, Florence; The plywood will also absorb paint and it may take several coats to cover. It ...
basement flooring options5/13/2008
  Q: what is the best flooring for a basement that occasionally takes in water...we've done evrything we ...
  A: I suggest that you don't use the vinyl tiles. They are hard, and if you have kids running around, ...
basement flooring options5/13/2008
  Q: what is the best flooring for a basement that occasionally takes in water...we've done evrything we ...
  A: Moisture is a major problem with any floor covering and it needs to be corrected before you install ...
floor painting5/13/2008
  Q: I have an odd problem with my floors. When we built our house, we ran out of construction mortgage ...
  A: If you seal the hardwood after you have sanded and thoroughly vacuumed so there is no saw dust under ...
tile to carpet transition5/13/2008
  Q: I just had some ceramic tile installed in a portion of my family room (at the entrance area from the ...
  A: again, Sue; Z bar is fine, however I think you should have your installers show it to you before ...
tile removel5/12/2008
  Q: how many square feet per hour can I remove with airhammer
  A: Forget the air hammer. That is no way to remove tiles. First, how old are the tiles. Are they ...
poshing marks on new polished porcelain floor5/12/2008
  Q: We recently had our whole house tiled in a 600x600 polished porcelain tile. We engaged a ...
  A: A couple of things come to mind. First, there are porcelain tiles that contain a 'glazed' surface ...
Removing Vinyl Sheet Flooring Laid Over Hardwood5/12/2008
  Q: John, Here is my situation. I am remodeling the dining room floor in my new house and have found ...
  A: again, Buddy; I think you should have an installer do the take up of the vinyl floor, so you might ...
Removing Vinyl Sheet Flooring Laid Over Hardwood5/12/2008
  Q: John, Here is my situation. I am remodeling the dining room floor in my new house and have found ...
  A: Several things to consider. First, is the vinyl floor installed by perimeter adhesive, or applying ...
tile to carpet transition5/12/2008
  Q: I just had some ceramic tile installed in a portion of my family room (at the entrance area from the ...
  A: You definitely need a transition strip because the raw edge of the carpet will be exposed. Visit ...
bathroom flooring5/11/2008
  Q: My husband & I recently bought a 130 year old house that we are fixing up gradually as we can afford ...
  A: Several places, and I'm sorry if I alarmed you, but you probably know the consequences of asbestos. ...
bathroom flooring5/10/2008
  Q: My husband & I recently bought a 130 year old house that we are fixing up gradually as we can afford ...
  A: FIRST-STOP THE REMOVAL. IF YOU ARE REMOVING OLD VINYL TILES FROM A HOME THAT IS THAT OLD, MAKE ...
kitchen floor5/9/2008
  Q: I'm renovating my kitchen and will have a rolling penninsula on casters that will be quite heavy ...
  A: Solid hardwood or engineered hardwood comes from trees. They act like trees. They will dent, ...
fax number5/8/2008
  Q: had "to many follow-ups ask a new question" appear on screen when I tried to reply to your last ...
  A: I just faxed 4 pages to you. Go over them all, including the issues I marked with arrows. ...
flooring5/8/2008
  Q: Installed Armstrong #70 - Sentinel Parquet Natural flooring at project over a year ago. Product ...
  A: The fact that the floor bubbles up and then lays flat is an indication of a moisture problem The ...
Installing ceramic instead of vinyl5/8/2008
  Q: I would like to install ceramic on my kitchen floor where we currently have vinyl floor. According ...
  A: A cushioned resilient is NOT a proper underlayment. By installing another plywood or approved lauan ...
Discoloration of Linoleum flooring5/7/2008
  Q: We have a fairly new home - four years old. We have linoleum flooring in the kitchen and three ...
  A: again, Jeanine; Rubber backed type rugs cannot be used on any vinyl floor unless the vinyl floor ...
carpet over ceramic tile?5/7/2008
  Q: I hope you can help me. I am expecting my first child in September, and my husband and I are working ...
  A: First know that carpet or rugs are one of the healthiest floor coverings one can have in a home. ...
Discoloration of Linoleum flooring5/7/2008
  Q: We have a fairly new home - four years old. We have linoleum flooring in the kitchen and three ...
  A: You mention that you have linoleum. Do you really have linoleum, which is a product made from ...
Ceramic Tile/Grout Sealing5/7/2008
  Q: We have just purchased a new construction home and are preparing to move in. There is 12x12 (I ...
  A: First, during construction, there may have been installation errors of the ceramic such as the ...
Congoleum Dura Plank5/7/2008
  Q: We are considering the Congoleum Dura Plank for our new kitchen. I haven't found any info from ...
  A: We have had no negative feedback on that Congoleum product, however we have had admiral comments ...
slates sealing5/6/2008
  Q: I have an outdoor patio covered with slates that were sealed by Miracle Gold seal about a year ago. ...
  A: Don't mind if you ask more questions. The reason I recommended Aqua Mix, is that they are highly ...
slates sealing5/6/2008
  Q: I have an outdoor patio covered with slates that were sealed by Miracle Gold seal about a year ago. ...
  A: The sealers you used are penetrating sealers, since slate does absorb. The sealers protect the ...
mdf flooring?5/6/2008
  Q: I've recently ripped up the carpet in my spare bedroom and have a vision in my head of a high gloss ...
  A: If this is still going to be a bedroom, please remember that carpet is one of the healthiest floor ...
flooring5/6/2008
  Q: Installed Armstrong #70 - Sentinel Parquet Natural flooring at project over a year ago. Product ...
  A: This is a modified looselay product. It is new technology and must be handled and installed per the ...
slates sealing5/6/2008
  Q: I have an outdoor patio covered with slates that were sealed by Miracle Gold seal about a year ago. ...
  A: To answer your question, I need some more information. When was the slate installed, when was the ...
flooring5/5/2008
  Q: Installed Armstrong #70 - Sentinel Parquet Natural flooring at project over a year ago. Product ...
  A: It does not sound like a product failure. It sounds like an adhesive or underlayment problem. ...
Hard wood flooring over Quik Track system5/5/2008
  Q: We installed 5" wide Maple (select) directly over a Quick Track system. We glued the flooring down ...
  A: Just about nothing can be done. The radiant heating may be drying out the wood cells to where the ...
Shiny porcelian tile5/4/2008
  Q: I am interested in purchasing a home that is 2500 sq. ft. the whole downstairs has shiny porcelain ...
  A: The shine is probably a glaze that cannot be taken off. It may take a very long time, but it may ...
Flooring5/4/2008
  Q: I would like to know if i can but wood flooring over the top of the vinyl without removeing it? ...
  A: First understand what you plan to purchase. Solid hardwood or laminate, they are both made from ...
Flooring5/4/2008
  Q: I would like to know if i can but wood flooring over the top of the vinyl without removeing it?
  A: You are using the word 'but' in your question. Did you mean to say put or butt(running the wood ...
Hard wood flooring over Quik Track system5/4/2008
  Q: We installed 5" wide Maple (select) directly over a Quick Track system. We glued the flooring down ...
  A: First thing is to understand that you purchased a product made from trees. It acts like a tree. It ...
bamboo flooring5/3/2008
  Q: We are installing a dark stain bamboo flooring in our formal living & dinning room and all the ...
  A: In case you haven't made your purchase, rethink about carpet. Carpet is one of the healthiest floor ...
flooring5/3/2008
  Q: I presently have peel and stick tiles on my kitchen floor. My ex put these down and I'm not sure if ...
  A: You mention Duraceramic. I believe they are a Congoleum product. Don't install the Duraceramic ...
hardwood floor transition5/3/2008
  Q: I am replacing carpet with 3/4 in oak.The wood will set 3/4in higher than a tile entrance. The ...
  A: First, why are you replacing the carpet with hardwood? Just remember that carpet is one of the ...
Porcelain, Ceramic Tile, Stone Floor5/2/2008
  Q: I want to install a tile on my radiant concrete slab. Am considering Stone, Ceramic Tile and ...
  A: As long as your room will be used for building and painting projects, then a hard surfaced floor is ...
Installing a transition piece between carpet and wood floor5/2/2008
  Q: My floor is concrete with carpet on one side and fake wood floor on the other. The length that I ...
  A: We feel the improper place to purchase any floor covering is at one of those large home supply ...
flooring options for unheated cabana in Wisconsin5/2/2008
  Q: I want to install a wood grain looking tile floor (ie Manington Adura) in an unheated cabana in ...
  A: Adhesives used to install any hard surfaced flooring are designed to perform within certain ...
cleaning film off of newly installed marble floor tile5/1/2008
  Q: We recently had a marble floor installed in our bathroom. The installer did the prep work and ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your problem. I hope all the cleaning agents that have been used have not ...
Konecto4/30/2008
  Q: What is the difference in Sierra Plank and Prestige flooring? I am looking to cover 4000 sq. ft. ...
  A: again, Charlyn; There are many laminates that offer superior protective layers. I suggest that you ...
Konecto4/30/2008
  Q: What is the difference in Sierra Plank and Prestige flooring? I am looking to cover 4000 sq. ft. ...
  A: Lots of things to consider. First, remember that carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings ...
ceramic tiles4/30/2008
  Q: It's been one year since I had my brand new apartment handed over to me. Upon hand over, I was ...
  A: You're addressing your request to Bill. Sorry, we have no Bill here. Swelling paint, crumbling ...
Installing decorative tile on stair risers4/29/2008
  Q: I want to install some decorative 6"x6" talavera tile on my hardwood stair risers, what is the best ...
  A: What you are attempting is tricky, and adhesives that must be used must be compatable with the ...
laminate floor in kitchen4/29/2008
  Q: We are re-doing our kitchen floor. I found a wood-look laminate (Pergo) that I like, but my mom was ...
  A: A laminate floor is laminated layers of wood and wood products. There is a backing, then layers of ...
VCT in Garage?4/28/2008
  Q: I'd like a shiny, black & white checkerboard floor in my Southern California garage, but I'm nervous ...
  A: Oil in concrete, usually, connot be totally removed, so I suggest not wasting time grinding, and any ...
porcelain tiles4/28/2008
  Q: we just had our porcelain tiles installed in the most of the rooms, its colored dark brown (looks ...
  A: Hard surfaced flooring is non-absorbent, so all the harmful polutants and allergents that are ...
regrouting over recently grouted and sealed4/27/2008
  Q: I have beautiful Portugal tile in my dining area. I originally grouted and sealed myself and it ...
  A: There are grout sealer strippers, however, since grout is absorbent, any sealers applied have ...
granite tile grout stains4/26/2008
  Q: A contractor installed granite tiles and did not seal before grouting (nor after). After he left, we ...
  A: I need to know the name of the manufacturer of the tiles and the manufacturer of the grout, and to ...
VCT in Garage?4/25/2008
  Q: I'd like a shiny, black & white checkerboard floor in my Southern California garage, but I'm nervous ...
  A: Many have done this, many have failed, and many have been successful. I am assuming you will be ...
Travertine or Not?4/25/2008
  Q: I was all set to spend a bazillion dollars on travertine for my kitchen, laundry, and baths...and ...
  A: Travertine is not a problem, however, any stone must be properly maintained. I would suggest that ...
laminate flooring4/24/2008
  Q: Are there any good laminate floors out there for a bedroom? I have dogs so I didn't want hardwood. ...
  A: Laminate floors are hardwood. You have a backing, then 90 degree cross layers of wood products, and ...
laminate trim4/24/2008
  Q: I want to install laminate flooring up to a sliding glass door. The strips will be perpendicular to ...
  A: Laminate flooring is a wood product. It comes from trees. It will dent, scratch, change colors, ...
choosing a wood floor4/22/2008
  Q: i want to install engineered wood flooring in my kitchen and dining room, but i can't figure out ...
  A: First remember what you are buying. An engineered hardwood floor is a product with a backing, ...
vct flooring4/21/2008
  Q: I have vct flooring in a basement that so far has worked out well. Now a tenant has moved and left ...
  A: I assume the black marks are on the surface of the tiles and have nothing to do with anything ...
Hardwood - Engineered vs Solid4/18/2008
  Q: I am building a new house in New Orleans. The house is on a 4ft raised/above ground concrete slab. I ...
  A: Engineered wood can not be refinished. It is a product laminated together with a backing, strips of ...
Installing ceramic tile4/17/2008
  Q: I am planning to install ceramic tile on a concrete floor for my wine cellar. I don't have a lot of ...
  A: You need to obtain the installation specifications of the tiles you wish to install. Manufacturers ...
tile foyer4/16/2008
  Q: I am attempting to change from hardwood to tile in a small 3'x6' area at my front door. I have ...
  A: First you must get the name of the manufacturer of the tile. That manufacturer publishes an ...
TRAVERTINE4/16/2008
  Q: I APPLED AN ENHANCER/SEALER ON MY TRAVERTINE FLOORS. iT LOOKS GREAT BUT MY DOGS CAN'T GET UP OFF THE ...
  A: Sorry you felt I didn't answer your question. I probably was not clear enough. There is no sealer ...
CARPET SEAMS COMING APART4/16/2008
  Q: THE CARPETING IN THE LIVING ROOM OF OUR 7 YEAR OLD HOUSE IS COMING APART AT THE SEAMS. DOES IT NEED ...
  A: Without seeing the carpet I can only guess your problem is due to an installation error. If your ...
Porcelain tile problem4/15/2008
  Q: We have porcelain tile in most of our downstairs that was installed about 2 l/2 years ago. About a ...
  A: Yes, that does make sense. Follow the test cleaning suggestions and remember just do small areas of ...
cleaning and maintaining Porcelin tile4/15/2008
  Q: Just installed porcelin tiles with tinted grout. They used dilute vinigar to clean the floor when ...
  A: Different grout manufacturers have different cleaning agents and techniques that must be used, so ...
Porcelain tile problem4/15/2008
  Q: We have porcelain tile in most of our downstairs that was installed about 2 l/2 years ago. About a ...
  A: I guess it's about time to ask your husband to leave. Just kidding. The image of the vinegar brine ...
Ceramic tile installing in kitchen4/14/2008
  Q: I am installing ceramic tile over our old kitchen floor,which is vinyl over 3/4 inch plywood. I plan ...
  A: You may not want to hear this, but you have too many variables to do the installation yourself. My ...
ceramic4/13/2008
  Q: Do you know how electric heat elements under ceramic tile work. Do they cause any problems like ...
  A: If you have a pad type radiant heating system, put that pad on the hardibacker underlayment and then ...
sub floor question4/13/2008
  Q: I have a very stable hardwood floor that I am going to put ceramic tile over. Must I install a ...
  A: The hardwood floor may have a protective polyurethane type coat over it, which would have to be ...
Home gym/exercise room flooring4/12/2008
  Q: I am finishing the basement in my 3 yr old home and making one room an exercise room. What kind of ...
  A: I suggest you not consider laminate. You need something with cushioning and absorbency. Since you ...
One Last Question...4/12/2008
  Q: I got booted off for too many follow-ups. Here was your last response: Answer Hi Carla; It ...
  A: I misinterpreted your photo. Yes, the installer would have to put an acceptable underlayment over ...
Flooring Transition Update4/12/2008
  Q: I didn't know how to update my original thread with you, so I'm opening a new one. You deserve my ...
  A: It appears that the installer would have to nail or screw a piece of wood (plywood would do), on top ...
Flooring Transition Update4/12/2008
  Q: I didn't know how to update my original thread with you, so I'm opening a new one. You deserve my ...
  A: If you mean the new vinyl floor would be installed partially over the existing hardwood floor, then ...
Flooring Transition Update4/12/2008
  Q: I didn't know how to update my original thread with you, so I'm opening a new one. You deserve my ...
  A: If the installer and flooring dealer want to make you happy, they should meet with you at your home, ...
Flooring Transition Issues4/11/2008
  Q: My flooring installation for my kitchen remodel was completed today. Long story short... the ...
  A: Installing vinyl on top of vinyl can be done, however the existing vinyl would have to be properly ...
tile over painted concrete.4/11/2008
  Q: We are installing tile on a painted concrete bathroom basement floor. Its been painted with ...
  A: Painted concrete is an unacceptable underlayment for any floor covering except carpet over pad. ...
Flooring Transition Issues4/11/2008
  Q: My flooring installation for my kitchen remodel was completed today. Long story short... the ...
  A: Who measured for the quantity needed for your vinyl kitchen floor? If it was measured by the ...
how to dry a wet pad and carpet4/11/2008
  Q: John. You look like the guy most likely to offer a solution to my problem. I have a tiled bathroom. ...
  A: I need to know some facts. What type of carpet do you have. Is it a tufted or a woven carpet. Is ...
Carpet to carpet transition4/10/2008
  Q: I am removing the old berber from a bedroom and replacing with a nylon cut loop. I am leaving the ...
  A: You should have everything you are going to do done professionally by a knowledgeable, certified ...
Making a piece of carpet into a rug!4/9/2008
  Q: I'm getting some indoor/outdoor 26oz carpet for an area of my kitchen and want to order extra to use ...
  A: I assume you are getting indoor carpet for your kitchen. Indoor/outdoor would be a product similar ...
flooring4/9/2008
  Q: My question is: I live in Texas, single floor house.I am planning to pull up the carpet and put ...
  A: First remember that carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings you can have. It has a pile ...
Flooring for occassional flooded basement4/9/2008
  Q: Generally, we have a dry basement but occasionally during heavy rains and a outage, water can get ...
  A: You may have a high water table that could be corrected with a simple dig around the outside of the ...
Flooring for occassional flooded basement4/8/2008
  Q: Generally, we have a dry basement but occasionally during heavy rains and a outage, water can get ...
  A: Do you have a french drain in your basement? That is a trench around the inside walls pitched ...
Tiling over enclosed painted floor4/7/2008
  Q: We have converted a former enclosed breezeway into an 9x9 breakfast room. We want to lay 12" ceramic ...
  A: Painted concrete is not acceptable. If you apply the proper mortar adhesive for the tiles to the ...
concrete vs backerboard4/7/2008
  Q: We are planning to put in a ceramic tile over 4 sheets of vinyl (the 2nd layer has asbestos). The ...
  A: Asbestos hasn't been used in vinyl floors for a long time. Are you sure it contains asbestos? If ...
concrete vs backerboard4/6/2008
  Q: We are planning to put in a ceramic tile over 4 sheets of vinyl (the 2nd layer has asbestos). The ...
  A: If I were you, I would get it in writing and a warranty or guarantee from your installer that even ...
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: Sorry to hear about your installer make an error. It takes a long time for the adhesive to dry, so ...
tile installation on bath4/5/2008
  Q: I'm installing new tile, in a new bathroom, on hardiebacker. The tub has a flange on it that goes up ...
  A: It is not a new question, however one gets different answers from different manufacturers because of ...
Linoleum installation4/5/2008
  Q: We are installing lino in our entrance way and want it to in a semi circle at the end. We are told ...
  A: Remeber you are installing a non-absorbent floor covering in the entry way to your home. It will ...
hardwood flooring4/4/2008
  Q: Are there special considerations when installing wider (5 inch) oak flooring to prevent cupping or ...
  A: No joke-if I were the installer I would walk away from this job or get an attorney and get a ...
Carpet4/3/2008
  Q: We will be replacing the exsisting carpeting with another carpet of some type. We need to re-carpet ...
  A: Rental property is always a problem because tennants usually wreak havoc on carpet. Therefore, ...
flooring over radiant heat4/3/2008
  Q: We have an old farm house in North Dakota. We have put radiant heat under the wood subfloor in the ...
  A: We are fans of carpet, however in a kitchen carpet would be in an area where frequent spills may ...
Wood over Marble tile4/2/2008
  Q: Can you glue hard wood planks (12" wide, 8' long) to marble tile? The sub-floor is a concrete slab. ...
  A: Marble tile is not an acceptable underlayment since adhesives used in the installation of a hardwood ...
What flooring to choose?4/2/2008
  Q: I have an enclosed entryway that is not heated. It desperately needs new flooring. I live in ...
  A: We are fans of carpet. Carpet installed over pad would be a great insulator. It also has a pile ...
My granite tile is discolored after installation4/2/2008
  Q: Michaels, Over the course of yesterday and today I installed a black and gray speckled granite in ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your problem. In order to give you an exact answer, you must find out the ...
rough concrete floor3/30/2008
  Q: We want to refloor a bedroom, but the concrete is so rough that wood strips would not match. ...
  A: A few things come to mind. First you are doing a bedroom. Remeber that carpet is one of the ...
Hard floor over carpeting3/30/2008
  Q: Is there any way to lay a hard floor -- preferably glueless locking laminate -- over a medium-low ...
  A: Jack; Again, get the installation specifications for that floor to make sure your underlayment is ...
hardwood flooring3/29/2008
  Q: Are there special considerations when installing wider (5 inch) oak flooring to prevent cupping or ...
  A: Just let all remember that nothing is moisture proof. You will be installing flooring from a tree. ...
Hard floor over carpeting3/29/2008
  Q: Is there any way to lay a hard floor -- preferably glueless locking laminate -- over a medium-low ...
  A: Several things come to mind with your question. First why is laminate being used where there was ...
hardwood flooring3/28/2008
  Q: Are there special considerations when installing wider (5 inch) oak flooring to prevent cupping or ...
  A: You mention cupping. Cupping is due to one thing, moisture. It can effect any width or length ...
Staining laminate floors3/27/2008
  Q: New house - laminate floor color is too light. Can it be stained? ANSWER: Hi Diana;A laminate is ...
  A: Sorry, it cannot be done. Bruce is made by Armstrong, unless you have a Bruce floor before ...
Staining laminate floors3/27/2008
  Q: New house - laminate floor color is too light. Can it be stained? ANSWER: Hi Diana;A laminate is ...
  A: There are usually two types of protective layers. They are polyurethane gloss levels. One is high ...
Konecto Flooring3/27/2008
  Q: I need to put some sort of flooring down on my screened porch. I live in Georgia so our only ...
  A: Beside heat, you also have humidity. Konecto would not be a wise choice. Whether the porch is ...
hardwood flooring choice3/26/2008
  Q: Would I be better off purchasing 5/16" thick by 2 1/4" wide or 3/4" thick by 3" wide maple hardwood ...
  A: Mullican products are fine. It really doesn't matter which thickness or width you choose. What is ...
Tile replacement3/26/2008
  Q: We have replaced our external patio door to a sliding door however the carpenter managed to break ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your damage. I assume these are ceramic tiles and not vinyl tiles. If that is ...
Staining laminate floors3/26/2008
  Q: New house - laminate floor color is too light. Can it be stained?
  A: A laminate is made up of a backing, layers of wood products laid at 90 degree angles, and then a ...
preparation on the surface3/25/2008
  Q: Good day John, I'm preparing the floor of a 4'x5' w /c that will have 12x12 3/8 ceramic tiles. The ...
  A: If you install a backerboard over an unlevel plywood subfloor, the backerboard will mirror the ...
preparation on the surface3/25/2008
  Q: Good day John, I'm preparing the floor of a 4'x5' w /c that will have 12x12 3/8 ceramic tiles. The ...
  A: Sorry I didn't fully understand your question. From your questions am I to assume that the subfloor ...
Sealing a basement floor3/25/2008
  Q: John, Good evening, here's my problem, it's a long story so please bear with me. I bought a 52 ...
  A: I'm not kidding when I tell you that you should immediately go to your Doctor and be tested for ...
Installing laminate thru an archway3/24/2008
  Q: My husband and I are installing laminate flooring throughout our home. We have just begun and have ...
  A: You MUST have the laminate flooring manufacturer's installation manual, since various manufacturers ...
diagonal plank subflooring and tile3/24/2008
  Q: A month ago we had glazed porcelain tile installed in the back 2 rooms of our house, which are an ...
  A: mnlhats;Thanks for your feedback. The mortar could be an issue, so let me know what you find out. ...
diagonal plank subflooring and tile3/24/2008
  Q: A month ago we had glazed porcelain tile installed in the back 2 rooms of our house, which are an ...
  A: What was the mortar used to set the tiles. Was it a premix or powder, and get me the name of that ...
diagonal plank subflooring and tile3/24/2008
  Q: A month ago we had glazed porcelain tile installed in the back 2 rooms of our house, which are an ...
  A: Please get back to me with the name of the manufacturer of the tiles, and the name of the ...
basement floor3/23/2008
  Q: With our first child on the way, I am looking to finish the basement and make a laundry/mud room and ...
  A: The wet, unlevel concrete is a major problem you need to address. Any moisture barrier is not ...
Vinyl & laminate flooring3/22/2008
  Q: We are replacing carpet with some other flooring. We just started looking. Is there a difference in ...
  A: Is this only a kitchen or other rooms and a kitchen. If other rooms also, remember carpet is just ...
preparation on the surface3/21/2008
  Q: Good day John, I'm preparing the floor of a 4'x5' w /c that will have 12x12 3/8 ceramic tiles. The ...
  A: From the name of the product it sounds like it is manufactured overseas. It would then be shipped ...
laminate and ceramic tile over indoor/outdoor3/21/2008
  Q: Read your reponse to someone who wanted to lay laminate over regular carpet. Mine concerns putting ...
  A: Carpet is not designed to be padding. Also, there must be soils in the carpet that, if covered with ...
felt backed carpets / carpet grippers3/21/2008
  Q: from accross the water in the UK. We are decorating the dining room and replacing the carpet. It is ...
  A: Several suggestions You might want to get rid of the dog. Just kidding. I have a dog and 2 cats ...
Ceramic Tile3/18/2008
  Q: I have a well cured interior radiant heated slab above grade which will have ceramic tile as its ...
  A: We are working on your problem and should have information for you tomorrow. Cordially, John ...
preparation on the surface3/17/2008
  Q: Good day John, I'm preparing the floor of a 4'x5' w /c that will have 12x12 3/8 ceramic tiles. The ...
  A: We feel you will not end up with a successful installation. You need to have a proper, level, ...
Porcelain tile install3/16/2008
  Q: I am installing a porcelain tile in my kitchen. I have a non cushion Linoleum currently in this ...
  A: I assume you mean a vinyl floor, not a true linoleum floor. Linoleum is an all natural product made ...
popping noise3/15/2008
  Q: We have a brand new home (6 months old). We have carpet in main living areas. When we walk across ...
  A: The more you tell me about what happened, the angrier I get. That attempt at repair was rediculous. ...
popping noise3/15/2008
  Q: We have a brand new home (6 months old). We have carpet in main living areas. When we walk across ...
  A: The only time we have EVER heard of someone inserting screws through the carpet has been in a ...
Travertine Installation3/14/2008
  Q: I have been getting conflicting answers. I need to found out if we need to use sanded or unsanded ...
  A: If you are installing the travertine stone on a floor, you need sanded grout. As far as installing ...
marble tile flooring3/14/2008
  Q: I want to install 6-inch square marble tiles (.375" thick) on my bathroom floor. The floor has small ...
  A: Don't use SLC Sister the joists however, get the manufacturer's name of the tile, go to his website ...
popping noise3/14/2008
  Q: We have a brand new home (6 months old). We have carpet in main living areas. When we walk across ...
  A: When the builder's people put more screws in the subfloor, I assume they had to lift the carpet. ...
Travertine Installation3/13/2008
  Q: I have been getting conflicting answers. I need to found out if we need to use sanded or unsanded ...
  A: Who have you asked that is not able to give you correct answers? Different manufacturers and their ...
Tongue & Groove Installation3/13/2008
  Q: This is an older house with original tongue & groove fir flooring, with no subfloor. My idea is to ...
  A: Being an older house, we assume the home has fully settled. If you have any reason to think the ...
Granite floor tile discoloration3/12/2008
  Q: I installed 12 X 12 Granite floor tile in my bathroom using a white premixed thinset from Home ...
  A: In order to answer your question, we need to know the names of the manufacturer of the tile and its ...
kitchen flooring options3/11/2008
  Q: We are in the process of gutting our kitchen and entryway and remodeling. The decision I have to ...
  A: Based upon your needs, we suggest that you stay away from Pergo. Adura is a good choice, however, ...
Backerboard for tile floor3/10/2008
  Q: We are having a debate over whether or not you need to use a mortar base when setting your ...
  A: You always need a Portland Cement Fortified thin set mortar when setting your backerboard. To ...
wood floors3/10/2008
  Q: We are wanting to get new floors in our one story home. We live in South Texas and it gets very hot ...
  A: Why do you want wood instead of carpet? Carpet is one of the healthiest floor coverings. It has a ...
Stair Runners On a Carpeted Area3/9/2008
  Q: I started to notice that the carpeted stairs are getting really slippery at the (rounded)edges. So ...
  A: I assume the carpet is also about 3 months old. Several reasons for the stair noses becoming ...
Home Gym on Wood Floor3/9/2008
  Q: We are installing a 8'x8' square home gym in an extra room with wood floors. We have decided its ...
  A: If you put a rug on the wood floor, you MUST put a proper pad under the rug. The type of pad you ...
Nafco or pergo3/8/2008
  Q: I want to install new flooring and I have been told that Nafco Vinyl is great. I also here pergo is ...
  A: We have cats in our office and home, and we found that by simply using solution dyed nylon pile ...
Nafco or pergo3/8/2008
  Q: I want to install new flooring and I have been told that Nafco Vinyl is great. I also here pergo is ...
  A: My first question is what rooms are you going to cover, and if not a room like a bathroom or ...
Carpet Reinstall3/7/2008
  Q: The floors in our house squeak horribly due to improper installation. The best solution seems to be ...
  A: Are you certain that the squeaking is coming from a loose subfloor or underlayment? Sometimes ...
Laminate Wood Flooring3/6/2008
  Q: I live in an apartment complex where we are now allowed to remove the carpeting, but it will be ...
  A: No. Laminate flooring is designed to be installed over solid underlayments such as plywood, lauan, ...

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