Flooring

Since it first showed up in U.S. homes in the early 20th century, cork flooring has enjoyed several periods of popularity. Recently, homeowners have been rediscovering the advantages of this durable, eco-friendly flooring. In addition to its warm, natural appearance, cork holds physical properties that help make your home more comfortable.

The Advantages of Cork Flooring

The first thing you’ll notice when stepping onto a cork floor is how soft and cushiony it feels under your feet. The resilient sponge-like structure of cork allows it to compress to absorb shock, and then spring back to shape.

Cork’s softness makes it perfect for children’s rooms, where it will protect kids from bumps and bruises as they play on the floor or in case of falls. This property also makes cork a good choice for households with senior citizens who might be prone to falls. In the kitchen and dining room, cork’s cushioning ability reduces the risk of glasses and dishes breaking when dropped.

Touch a cork floor in winter and you’ll find it feels warmer than tile or even the average wood floor. That’s because in addition to providing softness, cork’s structure also makes it a good thermal insulator. The tiny air-filled chambers in the wood slow heat transmission, keeping your floor and the rest of the room warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

The structure of cork also absorbs sound waves to provide acoustic insulation. This reduces the amount of noise that carries through the floor to lower rooms or through the ceiling to upper rooms.

Durable and Easy to Clean

Despite its softness, cork flooring can stay looking good for decades as long as it’s installed correctly, treated with a high-quality water-barrier sealer, and cleaned regularly.

Dirt, sand, and other gritty debris can scratch the floor as foot traffic passes through, but you can largely prevent this by sweeping or vacuuming at least once a week. Cork flooring will resist water and staining from minor spills as long as you clean up the mess quickly.

Cork can compress to 40 percent of its original size and still spring back, so minor dents made by high-heeled shoes or heavy object will recover. The same can’t be said for linoleum and hardwood flooring. For heavy furniture, such as beds and sofas, placing protective felt, rubber or plastic pads under the legs to disperse the weight reduces the risk of permanent denting.

If it does become scratched, a cork floor can be refinished just like hardwood. The floor is sanded down, then the stain and finish sealer is re-applied. You can refinish the floor several times before it needs replacement, depending on the thickness of the cork planks or tiles.

Good for Your Health and the Environment

In addition to looking and feeling good, cork can also help you maintain good health. Thanks to its smooth surface, cork flooring doesn’t harbor dust and other debris the way carpet does. This gives you a cleaner home and higher indoor air quality.

Cork also has something other smooth flooring doesn’t: antimicrobial properties. Cork contains a natural waxy substance called suberin, which repels bacteria, mold, and insects. This makes it a healthy flooring choice for anyone with allergies or asthma. It’s particularly helpful in the bedroom and living room, where those with respiratory conditions need clean air the most.

Cork flooring is one of the most environmentally friendly flooring options. Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber). The bark can be harvested without harming the tree, which regenerates its bark. Cork flooring is made from the scraps left over from bottle stopper production. These scraps are ground and formed into sheets that can be made into flooring planks or tiles. The flooring is biodegradable, so when it wears out, it can be disposed of and will break down naturally.

The Disadvantages of Cork Flooring

While cork can stand up to a lot, it’s more vulnerable to certain types of damage than hardwood or other flooring materials. That means it’s unlikely to stay looking brand new for long. Cork floors scratch easily, so they must be swept often to prevent dirt from being ground into the surface.

Dog and cat nails, even when neatly trimmed, nearly always leave some scratches on these floors. This is especially true with larger dogs. Over time, your pets will give your floor a weathered look.

Cork can spring back from dents, but it’s susceptible to punctures and cuts. Walking in unpadded high heels, dropping a large knife or dragging a chair over the floor can leave a hole or deep scrape mark.

If not positioned correctly, heavy appliances and items of furniture can sink into the floor, leaving permanent dents and making the item hard to remove. Placing pads, coasters or wooden boards under the legs of these items reduces the risk of permanent dents, but doesn’t always prevent them entirely.

Fading is another potential issue more common with cork than with hardwoods. If parts of your cork floor are exposed to direct sunlight every day, the color can bleach out, leaving your floor looking patchy. Using curtain or blinds to keep the sun off the floor helps, but in this case you’ll need to make sure the window covering is correctly positioned every day, which can become an annoyance.

When properly sealed, cork floors easily repel liquids from minor spills. That said, standing water and moisture from high humidity can seep into the floor, damage the joints, and cause the planks or tiles to swell and buckle. That makes cork less than ideal for damp or humid areas such as the bathroom, laundry room or basement. While cork flooring can be used in the bathroom, correct installation and joint sealing is essential.

If your dog or cat happens to wet on the floor one time and you’re able to clean up the mess quickly, the floor should survive with no damage. If you don’t remove the standing moisture quickly or your pet repeat offends in the same spot, staining and water damage are likely.

While cork less expensive than most wood and stone flooring options, it’s generally more expensive than laminate, vinyl, and linoleum flooring. What’s more, cheap cork floors won’t be as durable or as resistant to water and staining as high-quality, higher-priced products. Additionally, it should be professionally installed for best results.

Cork Floors Room by Room

Whether or not cork is the right choice for you depends largely on where you want to install it and your personal needs and preferences.

Cork flooring is ideal for:

• Bedrooms
• Living rooms
• Children’s playrooms
• Kitchens
• Dining rooms
• Entryways and hallways
• Home offices and workshops
• Home gyms
• Homes with senior citizens
• Homes with allergy or asthma sufferers
• Eco-friendly “green” homes

Cork flooring is less than idea for:

• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Basements
• Homes with large dogs
• Those on a tight budget

With its resilience, durability, insulating properties, and hypoallergenic nature, cork has a lot going for it. As long as you don’t mind taking some precautions to protect your flooring and don’t need it to tolerate standing water, cork flooring is well worth considering.

More than just a place to stand while you’re showering, your shower floor influences the overall look and feel of your bathroom. The material you choose should not only be durable, comfortable, and slip resistant, it should also suit the aesthetic of your bathroom decor. No matter what your needs and preferences, there’s a shower floor that fits.

Synthetic Materials Make Installation Easy

One of the simplest and most affordable shower floor options is a pre-fabricated shower base made of synthetic material. These consist of one solid piece that’s set into place as-is. There are no grout joints that could crack and leak, so they’re easy to maintain.

On the downside, they’re manufactured in a limited range of standard shapes and sizes. That means they can only be used in showers built to common standards and you can’t move the drain if you don’t like where it is.

Cracks and chips can be repaired by a specialist, but if this type of floor develops a leak, it can’t be repaired like a tile floor and will have to be replaced.

The two most common materials used in these floors are:

• Fiberglass
• Acrylic

Fiberglass bases are usually the cheapest, so they’re a common sight in bathrooms around the country. They’re not particularly durable and tend to yellow or crack.

Acrylic shower floors don’t look much different from fiberglass models when new. The difference is that acrylic models are protected by an acrylic coating, which makes the floor easier to clean and helps it resist yellowing, cracking, and mildew growth.

These floors retain heat better than fiberglass and stay warm to the touch, so you won’t have to step onto a cold shower floor in the morning. Like fiberglass, they’re relatively light, which makes them easy to install.

Stone and Tile Bring Out Your Creativity

Available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and finishes, stone and tile let you give your creativity free rein. If you prefer a consistent look instead, use the same material for your shower floor as you did for the rest of your bathroom floor.

Your options include:

• Stone resin
• Tile
• Natural stone

Stone Resin

After fiberglass and acrylic, stone resin is the most popular material for shower flooring. Stone resin shower bases are made from a mixture of crushed natural stone and a resin-based adhesive. This mixture is molded, then coated with acrylic or finished with marble, granite or another stone.

Like acrylic, stone resin floors are warm to the touch. While these floors are more durable than acrylic models, they’re also heavier and therefore somewhat more difficult to install.

Tile

If you prefer the look of tile, ceramic and porcelain are your two main options. Ceramic costs less and is lighter than porcelain. Porcelain, a type of ceramic, is more durable and dries faster. The only problem is that it doesn’t retain heat well, making it chilly underfoot.

Large tiles require fewer grout joints, which makes it easier to keep the shower clean. Mosaic tiles are a little harder to maintain thanks to the many joints between these tiny tiles, but they give you much greater flexibility in terms of color and design. They’re also easier to install along the slope of the shower pan.

If you settle on tile, you have two options for installation. One is the old-fashion mud bed installation. This involves building a shower pan base by applying mortar with a trowel and then laying the tiles in the mortar. This kind of handcrafted shower floor adds a touch of individuality your bathroom. Alternatively, save time by installing a one-piece shower base that’s pre-sloped, waterproofed, and ready for tile.

Natural Stone

Natural stone always adds a sense of luxury and, like tile, it lets you create a unique look. Almost any natural stone can be used for a shower floor as long as the stone is properly sealed. Good choices include marble, granite, onyx, travertine, and sandstone.

Large, flat stones aren’t your only option. Pebbles, including river stones and glass pebbles, bring a dash of color and variety to your shower. Just be aware that pebble floors involve a lot of grout and, if the surface is uneven, they can be somewhat uncomfortable to stand on.

Cast Iron: a Time-Honored Classic

A long-time favorite, a cast iron shower floor will lend your bathroom a vintage look, so it’s perfectly suited to rustic or country farmhouse decor. Cast iron costs less than tile and it’s so durable you’ll probably decide to remodel your bathroom before the shower floor wears out.

While it’s easy to maintain, care is needed because the porcelain enamel surface can become scratched or worn if you clean too aggressively. If the surface is damaged, the cast iron underneath can begin to rust. The main drawback of these floors is that they’re cold, which can be a bit of a shock when you first step in.

Wood Offers Versatility and Personality

It’s probably not the first material you’d consider for a shower floor, but wood slats in the shower can subtly upgrade the look of your whole bathroom. Depending on the design and wood you use, a wood floor can create the ambiance of a high-end spa or the coziness of a rustic cabin.

In these designs, wood slats sit atop a standard shower floor, allowing water to trickle down through the slats into the shower pan. This way, you won’t even see the drain. There’s less splashing, so you can forego the shower door to save space or give your bathroom a more open and airy feel. While wood slats aren’t as durable as other shower floor surfaces, they’re easy to repair.

The woods best suited to use in the shower are those from moist, tropical climates. On the pricier end you can choose from teak, ipe, and massaranduba, but cedar, redwood, mahogany are good budget-friendly options.

With so many shower floor options available, it can take some time to narrow your choices down to the one that best meets your requirements in terms of durability, maintenance level, and aesthetics. Instead of heading right to a warehouse store, stop into a few specialty stores first. The sales staff in these stores are well informed on the subtle differences between different flooring materials and can help you make an educated choice.

Resources

Apartment Therapy: DIY Bathroom Renovation: How to Build a Custom Tiled Shower Pan

DIY Network: How to Lay a Pebble-Tile Floor

There are plenty of reasons to shop for a new carpet. Perhaps you need to replace an older carpet, are redecorating, or simply wish to add some area rugs to a cold floor. No matter the reason, it can be difficult to sift through the many options available. Gaining a basic understanding of the different materials and cuts will help you find the best carpet for your project.

Carpet Materials

No matter what type of carpet you choose, the material is going to determine how resistant your new carpet will be to damage, its softness, and the final cost. Most carpet materials are synthetic, and all have their individual perks. The comparison table at the end will help illustrate some of the differences.

Acrylic

If you are looking for a cheap alternative to wool, acrylic is the answer. This synthetic material is resistant to infestation, fire, stains, fading, static electricity, and mildew. The primary disadvantage is a lower durability, making it unsuitable for high-traffic areas.

Blend

A mix of nylon and olefin, this hybrid carpet material shares many features of both. This also means it shares the disadvantages. The biggest drawback of blended carpets is the uneven resistance to staining, which may leave some fibers more stained than others.

Nylon

The most popular carpeting material, nylon is also the most durable. It hides dirt, resists bug infestations, comes in vibrant color options, and higher-end brands will last up to 15 years. Unfortunately, you will need to invest in a stain blocker or pre-treated carpet to avoid easy staining, as it can fade or discolor when exposed to urine or other bleaching agents. And the material can melt if exposed to fire.

Olefin

Olefin is the second most popular type of carpeting. Also known as polypropylene, this plastic carpet material works best in loop carpets and is used primarily in outdoor and commercial settings. It is highly stain resistant and doesn’t fade. Olefin is also easy to clean, durable enough for high-traffic areas, and cheap. Depending on the cut, however olefin may be prone to crushing. Colors choice is limited, and the material melts when exposed to fire.

Polyester

A cheap alternative to wool and nylon, polyester has several perks. The material is resistant to many stains, luxurious, resistant to abrasion, and easy to clean. However, it does fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight and doesn’t hold up well to heavy foot traffic and furniture.

Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Brightly colored and available in numerous textures, PET is an environmentally friendly alternative to nylon. This material is usually made from recycled bottle caps (50 caps per square yard). It boasts a resistance to water, static, mildew, and stains. PET is also allergen friendly and lends to better indoor air quality. However, it attracts dirt, sheds/frays, and can melt. The material is also known to squeak or gleam. While not the softest material choice, it is quite inexpensive.

Wool

The most expensive carpet option, wool is a natural carpet fiber which is cherished for its softness and overall durability. It is naturally resistant, hides dirt, and comes in a multitude of colors and styles. Unfortunately, wool is prone to both staining and infestation. It will also fade when exposed to prolonged sunlight. A low resistance to chemicals makes cleaning difficult. However, despite these drawbacks, wool carpets are quite luxurious and will last if properly maintained.

Other Materials

There are several other carpet materials available. The following options are far less common, and usually far less durable, than those previously mentioned.

• Coir – Made from coconut fibers, coir is a wiry material most often found in doormats.
• Jute – Boasting only moderate durability, jute is prone to sun and water damage.
• Linen – Great for humid climates, linen will show traffic patterns over time.
• Paper – Coated in wax, paper is a strong material which holds up to water better than other plant materials, although it can still be damaged.
• Sea Grass – Made from various reeds, this cheap material doesn’t hold up well in humid environments.
• Silk – Soft, luxurious, and easily dyed; silk is often blended with wool due to the high price.
• Sisal – This plant fiber is almost as strong as wool, but fades easily in sunlight and may stain from even water.

Material	Color Options	Cost	Fire Resistance	Fraying/Shedding	Infestation Resistance	Softness	Stain Resistance	Static Retention	Water/ Mildew Resistance
Acrylic	Numerous	Moderate	High	Prone	High	High	High	Low	High
Blend	Limited	Moderate	Low	Durable	High	Moderate	Uneven	Low	High
Nylon	Numerous	Moderate	Low	Durable	High	High	Requires treatment	Low	High
Olefin	Limited	Low	Low	Durable	High	Low	High	Low	High
Polyester	Limited	Low	Moderate	Prone to crimp loss	Moth-proof	High	Water-soluble	Low	High
PET	Bright, Many	Low	Low	Prone	High	Low	High	Low	High
Wool	Numerous	High	High	Prone	Low	High	Low	Prone	Low

Types of Carpet

There are a large variety of carpet types, each with their own unique characteristics. However, the many varieties may be placed into three major categories: cut pile, cut and loop, and loop.

Cut Pile

The most popular type of carpet, looped fibers are cut to create vertical yarn bundles. While variations of this type may be pre-sheared to increase softness, all cut pile carpets are susceptible to crushing.

• Frieze carpets have short, highly twisted fibers angled at different directions. This rough-appearing design hides vacuum and footprint marks, making it a good choice for high traffic areas. It isn’t as soft as other cut pile carpets.
• Grass-pile is a style of carpet which uses slit-film olefin. This carpet gets its name due to its resemblance to grass, although it may be purchased in a variety of colors.
• Saxony lightly twists two fibers together and then heat-set to be straight. They’re prone to showing foot and vacuum marks, and has a moderate durability.
• Shag carpets are no longer common, and feature longer, less-dense yarn tufts.
• Textures are the most popular form of cut pile due to its softness. Similar to Saxony carpets, textures use multiple colors to help hide foot marks.
• Velvet and plush carpets are lightly twisted like Saxony and textures, they are the softest of the cut piles, and more level. Due to their rich colors, these carpets are often used in formal settings. However, their uniform colors mean that plush and velvet carpets show every foot mark.

Loop Pile

Coming in two flavors, loop pile carpets are uncut, making them stronger than cut pile. Yarn is looped into the backing, making this type of carpet very durable.

• Level loop pile carpets have densely packed loops of uniform height. Short loops are easy to clean and work best in high traffic areas. Longer loops are more luxurious but hold dirt easier.
• Berber is a special type of level loop carpet which is highly popular. Their thicker yarn hides foot and vacuum marks, as well as providing high durability. Unfortunately, they are more prone to absorbing dirt and being damaged from snags. The material options include nylon, olefin, and wool.
• Multi-level loop pile carpets are sometimes referred to as “high-low”, due to their use of two to three different loop heights. The varying heights create texture patterns in the carpet. Good for use in high-traffic areas, the smaller loops are more likely to retain dirt than the larger loops.

Cut and Loop Pile

Containing both cut and uncut loops, these hybrid carpets have moderate durability and may be found in solid or multicolor patterns. The blend of textures sometimes creates a sculpture effect, and both dirt and foot marks are more difficult to spot due to the varied levels of loops and tufts.

Additional References

Martha Stewart provides a guide on shopping for carpets or area rugs.

Natural wood flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years and is both attractive and practical, although they are prone to water damage. Whether your floor is warping from ongoing moisture issues or has been exposed to flooding, you will need to work quickly to prevent further damage. Unlike carpet or tile, natural wood will warp and rot if not properly treated and is expensive to replace.

Drying: The Essential First Step

Before any repairs may be made, it is vital that you dry the floor and subfloor as much as possible. This can prove frustrating for many homeowners who have plywood subfloors, as these are naturally resistant to water and make it difficult to reach the underside of the floorboards. However, leaving this moisture not only causes damage to your floors, but it may lead to mold which will both rot the wood and cause potential health problems.

Fortunately, most hardwood floors can be restored to their previous condition if dried quickly. Swelling is not uncommon during the drying process, and is temporary. Bowing is also often a temporary problem. Therefore, it is best to begin the drying process immediately.

Drying the Floor from Above

The visible surface of the floor is also the easiest to dry. Open all windows in the room two inches for ventilation and use large fans and/or air conditioning to dry the surface. If there is a puddle, use a mop or sponge to remove most of the water. To reduce stress from swelling or aid in drying, you may wish to remove a row or two of boards across the middle of the room.

Drying the Floor from Below

If you are dealing with a leak, drilling up into the subfloor near the source will help drain any puddles. You will need some industrial fans pointed towards the affected area. In the event you have a finished ceiling, it may be necessary to cut a small hole in order to reach the subfloor. This hole can be patched later.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Before attempting repairs, it is best to contact your insurance company and find out what they require. Some companies require the entire floor to be replaced, and many will even cover this replacement cost. Keep all receipts, including any fan rentals. In some cases, your insurer will only cover permanent damage, in which case it will be cheaper to attempt repairs.

Repairing a Damaged Wood Floor Yourself

Usually, drying the floor will be the biggest repair step you will have to make, followed by sanding and staining the boards or waxing your floor. Unfortunately, sometimes there is permanent damage to floorboards or the subfloor. You can repair this damage yourself if you wish to avoid paying the cost for a professional.

Replacing Damaged Boards

In some cases, you will need to replace some or all of the damaged boards. This is especially common near leaky doors or windows.

1. Begin by gathering your supplies. In addition to the new floorboards, you will need a hammer, nail gun, staple gun, matching wood stain (an outdoor stain will provide additional protection), vapor barrier paper, wood putty, and an orbital sander.
2. Carefully remove the damaged board using the hammer or a pry bar. Be sure to vacuum any debris afterwards.
3. Cut the vapor barrier to fit and use your staple gun to anchor it in place. You can further flatten the staples with your hammer.
4. Now face-nail the new boards and use your putty to cover the nail heads.
5. Carefully sand the boards and finish by applying the stain and/or waxing the floor.

Repairing the Subfloor

Because it is invisible, one might easily forget about the subfloor. Unfortunately, the subfloor is a vital substructure and damage may compromise your floor’s stability. In some cases, you will have to make repairs before replacing your wooden floorboards.

1. You will need to gather several items before starting work. These include five-eighths inch plywood (exterior grade is preferred), a hammer, tape measure, pry bar, galvanized 8d nails or deck screws, circular saw, and some two-by-six boards for structural support.
2. Set your circular saw to one inch depth and cut out the damaged section of subfloor, being sure to cut past where the damage ends. Vacuum any debris and remove any nails with your hammer or pry bar.
3. Depending upon the size and shape of the hole, you may need to double the support structure beneath the subfloor. Do this by nailing the two-by-six boards, making sure the top is level with the existing framework.
4. Measure the hole and cut your plywood to fit, leaving a one-eighths inch gap to allow for natural expansion. Nail the new subfloor section to the support frame.

Dealing with Mold

One of the biggest concerns of water-damaged hardwood floors is the risk of mold. In the event you find evidence of mold while repairing the floor, it is important to treat it immediately.

1. Remove all flooring and baseboards within a one to two foot radius of the mold.
2. Begin with the subfloor. Lightly spray small areas using a spray bottle filled with a solution of one cup of borax to one gallon of water, or use a brush and bucket for larger areas. Allow the solution to soak in for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Scrub the affected area with a stiff brush.
4. Repeat steps two and three, waiting five to ten minutes this time.
5. Perform the same process on affected floorboards, working directly over the infected subfloor to further disinfect the latter.
6. Vacuum the sub-floor using a HEPA-certified vacuum.
7. Allow the floor to dry for at least 24 hours, using a dehumidifier or fans to speed up the process. Replace the floorboards only after the area is completely dried.
8. If any furniture was exposed to the mold, treat them before putting them back on your newly-repaired floor.

Removing Water Stains

Your floor may have some residual water stains as a result of the damage. Before restaining or waxing, you can remove these marks.

1. Mark off the stained area with painter’s tape. You will need to remove any wax or wood stain using fine steel wool or sandpaper, respectively. Use 60 or 80-grit sandpaper and work up to 100-grit, being sure go to the edge of the floorboard.
2. Dissolve some oxalic acid crystals in one cup of hot water. You can get the crystals at your local hardware or paint store. You will know when you have added enough crystals when they stop dissolving.
3. Use a bush or sponge to apply the solution to the stain. Allow to dry completely, then brush away any crystals.
4. If the stain is still present, continue to repeat the application and drying process.
5. Finish by restaining or waxing the area to match the rest of the floor.

Hiring a Professional

Whether you are worried about the insurance risks of tackling a floor repair yourself, are still seeing signs of water damage after attempting to dry the floor yourself, or simply want it professionally dried; hiring an expert may be the best option.

What Does an Expert Cost?

According to CostOwl, repairs to a hardwood floor range between $250 and $600, depending on the size, nature, and time investment of the damage. Depending upon the company and type of service you request, the price may or may not include additional work, such as mold treatment or refinishing the floorboards.

Injectidry

Some professionals offer a form on noninvasive, negative-pressure drying system known as Injectidry. Rubber pads are placed atop the damaged area to create an airtight seal. Suction hoses are then attached to the pads and use negative pressure to pull moisture from the floorboards. This system is also used for other surfaces capable of withstanding high negative pressures.

Additional References

The Mayo Clinic explains the symptoms and risks of mold allergies, the most common health issue triggered by mold.

Hardwood floors are becoming a valuable asset, not only in the real estate market, but also in terms of personal enjoyment. You may have removed some old carpeting to find a neglected hardwood floor, or perhaps you are thinking of installing one. Hickory is one of the most popular choices, although there are some details you should consider before adding or restoring a hickory floor.

Basic Facts About Hickory

Hickory is a common type of wood found across the United States. Boasting a Janka rating of 1820, this wood is considered the second hardest flooring type in the country. Hickory panels boast intricate wood grains, mineral streaks, knots, and color variations within single boards. Wider boards are generally preferred for floors, as it better showcases these patterns.

While harder than many other woods used for flooring, hickory is more prone to swelling and is less DIY-friendly. This makes hickory floors more expensive to install, but the durability allows this wood to outlast similar floor materials. For these reasons, the wood is prized for a wide variety of home remodeling projects from flooring to cabinets and shelves.

Benefits of a Hickory Floor

Hickory has many benefits which make it more popular than other woods. While these benefits can be summed up in two main categories, those categories are generally considered the most important when planning a long-term home modification.

Aesthetics

One of the first things that may have attracted you to hickory is the high aesthetic appeal. Available in a number of options including planks and laminates, this wood has a lighter shade which can brighten a room. With waxing, natural light reflects with a soft, warm glow, adding an element of elegance to your room. The wood grain and knots tend to be much darker than the surrounding wood, making for a very natural look even if you stain or wax the floor.

Durability

It can be an overlooked fact that any floor will suffer abuse. Furniture will scrape across the surface, food and drink will spill, foot traffic will add dirt or mud, and natural light may cause fading in time. The hardness of hickory makes it highly resistant to marring. It also holds stain better than many other types of wood, and waxing will increase hickory’s water resistance.

The Disadvantages of Hickory Floors

Just as there are advantages, there are also disadvantages. Many of these disadvantages fall into a case-by-case basis and therefore may not apply to you.

Aesthetic Conflicts

The same qualities that make hickory visually appealing may also prove to be a disadvantage. The light shade means scuff marks are common in high traffic areas. Lighter woods do not always work in rustic room design and contrast with darker English-style studies or similar dark-themed rooms. Marks caused during the cutting and sanding process are also more visible than darker woods. Finally, it is best to use wider boards to prevent the grain from creating an overly “busy” look.

Cost

Although some woods such as rosewood and walnut are more expensive, hickory is rough on a tight budget. It will last a long time, but may not prove cost-effective when compared to other options. This is especially true if you are purchasing pre-finished wood. Hickory is a good choice when you are searching for a specific look, although you may find cheaper options more suited to your project. There are low-quality options for hickory, although these vary greatly in both color and durability, making it a risky choice.

Not for DIYers

While it is possible to install a hickory floor as a DIY project, you may find hiring a professional installer is the easier route. The very hardness which makes hickory a good choice also means that you will have great difficulty cutting and sanding the wood. In addition, the density requires water popping to open the wood for stains. Getting an even stain will also require a wood conditioner, although the stain holds better than with other hardwoods.

Although installation may still be difficult, it is possible to purchase your boards pre-engineered and even pre-finished. This option removes the need for staining and cutting the boards yourself, but at a higher cost. As hickory floors are difficult to install or replace, you should consider them to be a semi-permanent option and choose carefully before investing your time and money.

Warping

Hickory floor installation is a slow process. The wood must be properly dried and will swell and contract more than other types of wood. To avoid these issues, the wood must acclimate to local conditions for a few days before installation.

Deciding Whether Hickory Floors are Right for You

Hickory is highly appealing, although the very qualities which make it an attractive option are often the same factors in deciding against it. To find out whether this is the best choice for you, each factor in your project must be considered. Your budget and whether you plan to hire a professional installer or do the work yourself will have a major effect in deciding whether hickory is the wood to go with.

Additional Resources

Homewyse offers a free cost calculator for hickory flooring based upon your ZIP code.

Old House Online offers a detailed guide on the difference between solid and engineered wood flooring, both of which are options for hickory floors.

When planning to install a new floor in your home, concrete was probably not even on the list of options. Long considered only viable for basements and industrial buildings, this material has become increasingly popular with homeowners in recent years. Before deciding whether concrete is right for you, there are numerous considerations to take into account.

Important Considerations

Due to the various qualities of a concrete floor, you may find yourself weighing the pros and cons more than you would traditional flooring options. Certain factors, such as cost or hardness, may play a major role in your decision. As with many other home improvement options, your final choice may come down to a matter of personal preference.

Aesthetics

Available in more color options than basic gray, concrete has a simple appeal and may also be painted to match a room’s changing decor. However, paint is prone to chipping and other damage in high traffic areas. During installation, you may choose to have the floor stamped to resemble other materials. When redecorating, another option is to use area rugs which match your new wall and furniture choices. In many cases, you may find the concrete edge around an area rug to be an attractive feature.

Carbon Footprint

Concrete is a recyclable material and does not require staining or other types of finishing. It remains cool during the summer, and absorbs solar heat in winter, helping to reduce your energy bills. It is immune to termites, dust mites, and other pests. Finally, unlike synthetic carpets, concrete contains no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These factors essentially give concrete floors a zero carbon footprint rating.

Cost

Concrete is a long-term investment, and therefore the initial price of installation tends to pay for itself in time. You may expect to pay an average of $17 per square foot for the pouring and any decorative finish. Despite this, your new floor will last indefinitely with only minor maintenance requirements, resulting in an investment that pays for itself over the years.

Comfort

Unlike other options, concrete doesn’t hold onto heat efficiently, so it will always feel cool to the touch. Additionally, the hardness may cause discomfort when standing on it for long periods of time. You may find adding area or throw rugs will help reduce both of these issues while adding to a room’s design, although this is not an option for those who prefer an uncluttered look.

Durability

Compared to other types of flooring, concrete is the undisputed leader in durability. Able to withstand the weight of a large vehicle without sustaining damage, your concrete floor cannot be scratched or marred by heavy furniture and foot traffic. The only potential weakness comes from water damage, and even this is negated by properly maintaining your floor.

Maintenance

Maintaining your concrete floor is a very simple process, although the frequency in which you must maintain your floor will vary based upon the amount of traffic it receives. By waxing or sealing the floor every three to nine months you will keep it waterproof and free of cracks. Furthermore, any neutral cleaning product will work for washing the floor, permitting you to use all-natural cleaning products.

Moisture

Although concrete is highly resistant to damage, it must remain properly sealed to avoid water-based issues. When water enters cracks in the floor, it raises the risk of mold or mildew. Mold is a major health risk, and removal is often very time consuming. Even worse, the water may freeze in cold conditions, causing further cracking or damage to the floor.

Safety

Concrete is a very hard surface, and as a result, falls may result in more serious injuries. For this reason, it is often not recommended in homes where there are small children or elderly present. This same hardness provides more structural stability, which helps prevent structural instability from taking hold over time.

Unique Features of a Concrete Floor

While the idea of a semi-permanent floor may seem daunting at first, concrete holds several design benefits over other flooring options. For example, you may already have a concrete sub-floor, in which case installation isn’t necessary. Simply remove your current flooring and you’re finished. Likewise, if you decide you want a different type of flooring material, simply install the new floor on top of the concrete.

Concrete floors are prone to producing a large amount of echo when carpets or other buffers aren’t used. However, they may be stamped or stained to resemble floorboards, limestone, marble, and other more expensive or fragile floor options. Finally, proper installation is messy and a project which should be handled by only the most seasoned DIYers, so you may need to consider the cost of a contractor when planning for a concrete floor.

Additional Resources

Concrete Network provides an in-depth guide on the pricing of concrete floors, as well as a breakdown of how these price averages are affected by various factors you may not have considered.

DIY Network gives a visual walkthrough on installing a concrete floor. While aimed towards basement flooring, the guide provides a basic idea of the process involved if you are planning to tackle the project yourself.