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Spiff Up for Spring: Transition your Home’s Decor From Winter Style to Spring Appeal

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

The weather is getting warmer and the flowers are blooming, but your home may still look and feel as though it is stuck in the winter holiday season. Most homeowners dread spring cleaning and the expensive home improvement projects that may accompany it, but freshening up your home this season should only account for a fraction of your time and budget.

These home improvement tips will help you create a comfortable living environment that will not only improve your home’s value, but welcome the quickly approaching spring and summer seasons.

Hardwood Flooring

After the ambush of holiday visitors, your carpet probably looks like it has seen better days. Instead of trying to save your dingy carpets, opt to install hardwood flooring.

Hardwood flooring has maintained its popularity for many years due to the high resale value it adds to a home, its durability, its ease of repair and its luxurious look. Hardwood flooring’s flexibility allows homeowners to refinish and stain their floors in a variety of dramatic colors. In order to create a fresh spring look, stick to the lighter hardwood flooring stains. A lighter shade of flooring will bounce light throughout the house, while a darker floor tends to absorb light.

Rugs

Rugs are great for camouflaging stained or worn flooring, yet they often times act as an overbearing touch to a cluttered room. Stash your dark and ornate oriental rugs and instead choose bright floor coverings. A few strategically placed area rugs in light, colorful shades will help hide stains, while incorporating a clean, spring look for your home.

Removing area rugs completely is another option that will create a streamline look throughout your home. This small, subtle change will not only help save the wear and tear of your rugs, but will also help create a simple, fresh look.

Lighting

During spring, days are longer and the sun seems brighter, creating the opportunity to use natural light. Take advantage of this opportunity and install window treatments that will allow the maximum amount of light into your home. One way to utilize natural light is to install plantation shutters, which are a popular window treatment trend this season. Plantation shutters’ versatility makes them appropriate for both traditional and contemporary home styles. This window treatment style provides a sophisticated beach feel to your home while adding to your home’s value, insulation and light regulation.

Visit www.westcoastflooring.com to learn more about plantation shutters and other spring window treatments for your home.

Whether you decide to spiff up your entire home this spring, or just remodel a few select rooms, it is important to improve features that enhance not only the look, but the value of your home.

This article is provided by West Coast Flooring Center, one of the largest flooring stores in Southern California, offering flooring services with a wide variety of quality flooring options and other home improvement services.

West Coast Flooring is currently offering weekly, limited-time specials to represent a different home improvement product or service that would work best in the kitchen, family room, bathroom and foyer. Find the latest West Coast Flooring offers for your spring home improvement projects today.

West Coast Flooring Center
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/spiff-up-for-spring-transition-your-homes-decor-from-winter-style-to-spring-appeal-123518.html

Decorating Or Interior Design With Laminate Flooring – Ultimate Laid-Back Decor

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Decorating or interior design with laminate flooring is taking the home improvement world by storm. Laminate flooring is one the fastest growing areas in the renovation industry. These glueless, floating creations are toted as the best low-maintenance decorating or interior design idea in decades. It has become one of the most popular ways to spend a home remodeling loan. Why is laminate flooring so much in vogue and how can it be incorporated into your decor?

No schedule-juggling homeowner has time for finicky house cleaning chores these days. Laminate flooring solutions are so easy to maintain, that it is turning into serious competition for Milliken Legato carpet tiles and other carpeting ranges. Decorating or interior design with laminate flooring allows you to install your new floor over almost any existing floor. Two exceptions are carpeting and real wood on concrete.

A laminate floor consists of planks with a tongue and groove design. This decorating and interior design solution simply clicks together to form a stable floating floor. Four to five layers are fused together under pressure to form the planks. The most important layers are the high density fiberboard core and the wear layer that is usually covered with tough-as-nails aluminum oxide. This is the layer that prevents staining, scuffing and fading. The decorating or interior design layer resides between the wear layer and the core. This resembles real wood, ceramic tile, or stone tile. The engineering is such that the appearance is absolutely authentic. No more fake or plastic-looking laminates!

It is vital that you match your choice of laminate flooring close to the traffic flow of each area. You will also need to take special precautions in bathrooms and kitchens where water is likely to be a factor. Your general decorating and interior design also has to be taken into account when choosing the coloring and texture of the laminate flooring.

One of the main reasons for the popularity of laminate flooring is the fact that the latest designs emulate real wood floors closely, but at a fraction of the cost. The wood grains are copied carefully and the textures give the floors a highly authentic and realistic appearance. By choosing this decorating and interior design option, you are virtually assured of the warmth and atmosphere of a real hardwood floor without any of the maintenance and warping woes.

The timelessness of wood is replicated to the last detail. Laminate flooring planks are now beveled to give an even more realistic look. In addition, you can opt for a weathered appearance if you prefer. The glueless, click together designs are a snap for do it yourself enthusiasts, ready to use immediately upon completion. The engineering behind this decorating and interior design idea is so innovative that joints are almost invisible. The best ranges come with warranties of up to thirty years.

While choosing a finish, aim to create continuity and balance with the decorating and interior design. Keep in mind that a lighter finish will create a spacious impression, while darker hues are warm and lead to a more intimate atmosphere. If you want to install a dark floor, you will need lots of natural light. If your furniture is dark and heavy, contrast this with a lighter flooring hue for a striking effect.

The diverse ranges allow you to choose a finish and texture to compliment a rustic decorating and interior design style, or a more contemporary feel. A strip floor will expand a room significantly, making this suitable for use in a smaller area. The wider planks do well in a more roomy area. You can even opt to create a unique decorating and interior design style, by combining a variety of plank widths.

If you need to replace a kitchen floor, remember that this is a high traffic, often messy environment, where accidents are likely. A lot of dirt will be trudged in over time. When choosing your decorating or interior design style for this area, you need to make sure that the flooring is hard-wearing, non-slip and comfortable to stand on for long hours. Both vinyl such as Allure Trafficmaster flooring, and laminate flooring are good options here. Be kind to your feet by choosing the best underlayment you can find. Consider a similar flooring choice for bathrooms, as long as installation instructions regarding sealing and the use of glue are followed to the letter.

If you have kids and pets, your living room decorating and interior design will also benefit from a laminate flooring installation. These floors are easy to keep clean and the wear layers are made to be stain resistant. Just make sure that you keep pet nails trimmed to prevent scratches. Extend the living room flooring choice to the dining room. Laminate flooring here is a far more sensible choice than carpeting, due to the danger of staining.

Laminate flooring can also be your decorating and interior design choice in bedrooms. Here traffic flow is usually fairly minimal, so the AC rating can be lower. Remember that your flooring is there for the long haul. Opt for a neutral flooring shade that will tone in with a change of decor at a later stage. Add color and warmth with area rugs if you feel the need to do so.

If you want to create a touch of drama in your decorating and interior design, choose the entry hall for this purpose. Intricate patterns can be created with laminate flooring if you are so inclined.

Before installing laminate flooring in a basement, get professional input to ensure that moisture won’t be a problem. If any of the floors are heated, check with the laminate flooring supplier if this is in order. Not all laminate flooring ranges can be used if subfloor heating is part of the decorating or interior design.

If one of your family members has allergies or asthma, a laminate floor is an excellent decorating or interior design solution. This is one of the best ways to limit exposure to dust-mites. No matter how conscientious you are with cleaning, carpeting remains a dust-trap.

All the manufacturers supply ranges of decorative transition moldings with which you can give your flooring a professional finish. Match the moldings closely with the flooring tones. Where you install baseboards against a wall, these can be of a contrasting color.

Plan your laminate flooring project with care. Create flowing transitions between the different rooms. With a bit of care and forethought, your flooring will become a focal point in your decorating and interior design endeavors.

Rika Susan
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/decorating-or-interior-design-with-laminate-flooring-ultimate-laidback-decor-138859.html

what is the best way to clean hardwood floors?

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

I am moving into a house next month that has hardwood floors on the entire first level (except for the kitchen) What is the easiest way / best tool / best products to use for cleaning and protecting the hardwood (bamboo) floors?

I’m a huge fan of Swiffer cloths, the dry ones first for dust and crumbs, then the wet cloths to wash. I use them on our hardwood and tiled floors. I love them! Smells great and works well.

Comparison of Sweeper Mops in the Marketplace

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

I’m not a big fan of disposable products. But every once in a while, I like to try the newest products which are out there. Thus far, my experience with wet pads for sweeper mops has been dismal.

Usually, I vacuum my hardwood floors to pick up all the dirt. Then I use the mop and bucket to clean the floors. What I was looking for was a sweeper mop to use for touch-ups, in between cleanings. One thing I found out is that the wet pads cannot remove stains that well. The pads are flat and cannot cut through any type of stain that is embedded into the nooks and crannies within and between tiles, no matter how much pressure you apply. If you apply too much pressure, the pole just bends.

Not only was the wet pad ineffective at picking up clumps of dirt, but the wet pads also leave residue on the tiles that act as a dirt magnet! In no time, the newly cleaned floor was dirty again. It seems that the residue left on the floor actually attracted dirt from shoes and socks.

Moose River’s Microfiber Mop- the Better Solution

Don’t pay attention to all the glitz and glamour that advertisements promise. What I want is functionality in my mop. Thus, I would like to tell you about a new mop which I have discovered, which utilizes revolutionary microfiber technology to maximize your cleaning power.

Unlike other leading brands of sweeper mops, the Moose River sweeper utilizes re-useable and machine-washable microfiber cloth. Disposable wet cloths (with their flat scrubbing strips) are generally not as effective as the Moose River microfiber fabric. This is because Moose River’s new microfiber material is a revolutionary product which comprises billions of tiny loops and hooks that helps to dig into the grime and maximize your cleaning power.

Why do I like this new mop so much? Because Moose River really paid attention to detail when they designed this mop. First of all, the handle is sturdy and completely adjustable. It can be set anywhere from 30″ long to 60″ long. Secondly, the base is constructed out of a 360 degree swivel joint, which allows for access to hard-to-reach areas. Finally, not only are the pads disposable, but they provide extraordinary cleaning power for both dry and wet mopping.

Dry Use

When it’s dry, the microfiber mop completely takes the place of all those anti-static sweepers that are so heavily advertised. The problem with the anti-static sweepers is that your hard-earned money goes directly into the garbage. This Micro Fibre mop is not only machine washable, but it is also a dust magnet that’s absolutely fantastic for dry sweeping. The dust mop can not only pick up dust, but also dog and cat hair. The handle on the Micro Fibre mop is completely adjustable (ranging from 30″ to 60″) so that it can get under all the beds and pick up all that dog hair and those dust bunnies. You’ll have no problems getting underneath the stove, or into any tight corners to get all the fuzz, fluff and other stuff you normally have to sweep before you mop. It’s great for houses will a lot of tables and chairs because you can go in between the legs without having to move the chairs out from the table.

The Micro Fibre head of the mop is held on by Velcro; when you’re finished, just peel the dust magnet off, throw it on your front steps or out on your balcony and give it a shake. That breaks the static electrical charge and cleans it so you can sweep the floors again, another day. You don’t have to wash your broom every time you use it – you don’t have to wash this every time you use it. Wash it in your laundry ocassionally, and it’ll last for years.

Wet Use

Scuff marks and crayon marks are just a couple of really tough cleaning problems in anyone’s house, whether you have ceramic tiles or laminate flooring. After a dry mopping, you can prepare wet mophead. All you have to do is to run it under the tap in the kitchen sink until it’s soaking wet with hot or warm water, and squeeze out about half of the water out. If you’ve ever used a sponge mop you know that they leave streaks. Micro Fibre cleaning is different. The loops and hooks on the surface of the Micro Fibre cloth literally grab onto the edges of the scuff mark. You don’t need to apply much pressure to make scuff marks dissapear!

Cost Comparison

Disposables generate a lot of waste, but they also cost you a significant amount of money. Not only will Moose River give you better cleaning power, but they will also save you money!
Here’s how:

LEADING BRAND: $10 purchase + $30 for dry cloth refills (1 year) + $30 for wet cloth refills (1 year)
= $70 / 1 year

MOOSE RIVER’S MOP: $45.41 + UNLIMITED USES FOR 5 YEARS
= $45.41 / 5 years!!!!!!!!

Due to its low cost, re-useable nature, microfiber cleaning technology, and convenient design features, Moose River has introduced a fully functional mop for an extremely attractive price. When it comes to cleaning, Moose River’s mop wins over the competition hands down!

Lizz C Assidy
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/comparison-of-sweeper-mops-in-the-marketplace-69972.html

Consider Bamboo As A Flooring Choice

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

As the popularity of hardwood flooring grows, some people are looking for new and different alternatives. One of these alternatives is bamboo flooring. It is gaining in popularity for a number of reasons: it is environmentally friendly, very strong and very beautiful. The major flooring manufacturers such as Armstrong, Columbia and Mohawk have recognized its potential and now offer bamboo flooring.

Bamboo is probably the strongest flooring material used for home purposes. Because of this, it is very durable, more so than most wood floors and almost as strong as stone, while being much more comfortable than stone. In terms of weight, feel and density, bamboo acts just like a hardwood floor.

Bamboo floors can be solid bamboo, or they can be “engineered” floors, where the bamboo is mixed with other woods. The usual way of manufacturing an engineered floor is to have a bamboo surface over a plywood substrata. Bamboo, just like other hardwood floors, can be stained and urethaned for protection.

Bamboo floors are also installed in the same way that hardwood floors are installed. In most cases they are nailed to the sub floor, (they may also be glued), and some newer techniques have been developed whereby the boards are locked together and no nails or glue are required. This is known as a “floating floor”.

As with any floor, you want to make sure you have a level sub solo before you install your flooring material. There are methods to level out an unlevel floor, such as using shingles as shims to bring levels together. Proper preparation is critical, so make sure the sub floor is completely dry.

One of the attractions of bamboo floors, to many people, is the fact that they are environmentally friendly. Hardwood forests are being depleted, not enough new plantings are being made, and some hardwoods such as walnut or oak take generations to grow. Bamboo, on the other hand, grows much faster than hardwoods; a bamboo plant can mature in as few as five years. In addition, bamboo self generates since shoots from bamboos that are cut down sprout to create new bamboo plants.

For routine cleaning, if you remove surface dust and dirt from your bamboo floors, you will extend its life considerably. A simple solution of water and vinegar (four parts water to one part vinegar) on a slightly damp mop will be all that is needed. Dry the floor with a rag or towel, since you do not want to let water stand on it.

If you have an occasional stain or spill, wipe it up right away with a damp cloth, then dry it immediately. If your bamboo floor starts to look dull, just buff it lightly with a sander. Given this kind of care, your bamboo floor will last and look good for years and years.

Vince J. Paxton
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/consider-bamboo-as-a-flooring-choice-103797.html

Install Laminate In Your Home

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

There is a new and beautiful alternative to natural hardwood floors and that is laminate wood flooring. Laminate wood flooring resembles natural hardwood floor but is available at a much lower cost. Recent improvements in the quality of materials have yielded laminate floors that are extremely durable as well as beautiful. Some laminate floors are virtually impossible to distinguish from hardwood floors. The top manufacturers of flooring are now manufacturing laminate flooring, so you will see fine laminate floors from Mannington, Shaw and Bruce flooring companies.

Laminate floor offer a very wide choice in colors and styles. You can have laminate floor that looks like hardwood, of course, and they are now available in styles that look like ceramic tile. The wood colors are available from very light to darkest dark, and everything in between. Since dark colors make a room look smaller, a large, formal setting would look better with dark flooring; use lighter wood colors to visually expand a small room.

Flooring stores and home improvement centers carry a wide variety of laminate flooring. You can also shop for discount brands of laminate flooring on the Internet. Think about the colors and styles you prefer, than start shopping for price. If the room you are redecorating is small, you may be able to find leftover material at a very reasonable price.

Laminates are installed differently than other floors. Instead of being attached to the sub floor, they are made of slats that interlock and “float” over the under surface, with a special adhesive that holds them in place.

A great advantage of laminate floors is that they can be installed over old flooring, whether it is wood, tile or vinyl. If you currently have carpeting, however, you will have to remove the carpet and the padding before you can install a laminate floor. Whatever surface you install over must be level before installation.

A professional can install this floor for you, but it is fairly easy to do by yourself. For one room, if it is not too large, you can probably tackle the job in one weekend. You may want to wait until you can take some time off if you intend to do a number of rooms. Having it done professionally will cost more, of course, but if you are not handy or don’t have the time to devote to a project like this, it may be worthwhile to hire someone.

Once the floor is in, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Lightly dusting or vacuuming will remove surface dirt, and if you have a stain, clean with a damp mop. That’s about all the care laminate floors require, since you do not have to wax laminate floors.

When you do wash the floor, use only a slightly damp mop. Too much water can damage the coating, and letting water sit on it may damage the paper backing, since moisture will become trapped. Trapped moisture may cause mold in addition to damaging the laminate. Since bathrooms typically have a lot of moisture, it is not recommended that laminate floors be installed there, since the constant moisture will damage it.

Eric J. Slarkowski
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/install-laminate-in-your-home-104552.html

Bamboo Floor Maintenance

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

To reduce the amount of dust and grit brought onto your floors, install mats at all outside entryways. Make sure these mats are kept clean and in good condition as well. Be aware that oil from driveways and/or roads can stain quite easily. Make sure shoes are clean before walking on the floor.

Another note about shoes: High heels (particularly stiletto), work boots, shoes with cleats, and hard soled shoes can quickly damage your floor. Avoid walking on your floors with these types of shoes as much as possible. If you must walk on your floors with high heels, make sure the heels are in good repair to minimize damage to the floor. Also, check any shoe for rocks, pebbles, etc. lodged in the sole before walking on your floors.

Make sure dust and grit are cleaned up daily or at least as often as needed. When walked on, dust and grit act like sandpaper. This can and will quickly damage your surface. A soft bristled broom, dust mop or vacuum with an attachment for cleaning bamboo (or hardwood) floors is the recommended tool for frequent cleanups.

Make sure all spills are cleaned up quickly. If necessary, a lightly damp mop or soft cloth can be used to clean up wet or sticky spills. Make sure you dry the floor completely with a clean soft cloth afterwards.

Use area rugs to protect high traffic areas or areas that are prone to liquid spills. In the kitchen it is suggested to have a rug in front of the stove and one in front of the sink. These are both places that see a lot of traffic and are highly likely to experience liquid spills on the floor. Make sure the rugs are kept clean so dirt and grit do not get trapped underneath. Also, make sure the backing is not too rough, which could damage the finish.

Protect your floors from dents and scratches from heavy furniture. Place soft protective pads under the feet of all furniture. Make sure the pads are kept in good condition and replace as necessary. Never drag heavy furniture unprotected across your floors. If furniture has casters, make sure the casters are made of soft, non marking materials such as rubber. Hard casters made of metal or plastic will quickly damage your floor.

Clean your bamboo floors as necessary with the manufacturer’s suggested no-wax, non-alkaline floor cleaning product. Although, more resistant to moisture than wood flooring, bamboo can still be damaged by too much water. If the product requires mixing with water, follow the label directions exactly. Also, do not let the cleaner (or any other liquid for that matter) to pool on the surface of the floor. This could result in damage to the finish or bamboo itself.

To prevent shrinking or swelling of your floor, use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain relative humidity of 30-50%. Excessive humidity can cause your floor to swell, while a lack of humidity can cause the floor to contract (shrink). This can eventually lead to an uneven floor and/or gaps between the boards.

As much as possible, limit your bamboo floor’s exposure to sunlight. Use good quality drapes or blinds and rotate area rugs. If the floor is exposed to too much sunlight, the floor may darken in some areas and lighten in others.

If you notice the finish of your bamboo floors has lost its sheen, or you notice lots of scratches and nicks, it may be time to re-coat or restore the floor’s finish. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for what product to use to restore the shine.

Never use abrasive cleaners or tools such as scouring powder or steel wool on your bamboo floors. If you have stains remaining after general cleaning, first attempt to remove them by rubbing a clean soft cloth moistened with wood floor cleaner. If the stain is still visible, try another clean soft cloth moistened with mineral spirits. Make sure you carefully read and follow all directions on the cleaning product label.

Damion Rutherford
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/bamboo-floor-maintenance-87780.html

Tips for Caring for Your Hardwood Floor

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

In the home it is becoming popular to use natural materials. Woods, laminates and veneers are being used more often for furniture and flooring because of their ease of use and care. You can find many different varieties of woods available for home use, from the simple and cost efficient pines to the more exotic and expensive mesquite. If you were raised on vinyl you may be worried that caring for natural wood is too difficult or time consuming. However, there are many cleaning supplies for cleaning hardwood floors, which makes the task an easy and quick process.

To care for your hardwood floor on a daily basis you should use a good dust mop or vacuum to remove the dust and dirt. If the area is in an area without much traffic this may be all you have to do. You should also occasionally carefully wash and wax the area to keep it completely clean. The method you will use for cleaning your floor will depend on the sealant that is used on the floor. You should check with the manufacturer to see what kind of sealant your floor has and the recommended cleaning supplies you should use. This will avoid any problems with your floor’s warranty and avoid damaging the floor. You will also make your work much easier. It is important to note that you should never use a cleaner with an ammonia base on your wood floor.

A hardwood floor that is properly cleaned and cared for creates a warm and beautiful environment in your home. It is an elegant and stylish look. The care of your beautiful hardwood floor is pretty simple. To keep your floor looking as good as new you will need to exercise some preventative maintenance and buy the correct cleaning supplies that are specifically made for hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are damaged the most by the use of water and dirt that is gritty and able to scratch the finish. Water will warp the wood if it is allowed to set on the floor for any length of time. You should make sure to mop up any water that is spilled on your hardwood floor immediately. If it becomes necessary to wipe up a sticky mess on the floor make sure you use a damp only cloth. You should also quickly dry the area and buff out the area completely. You can use area rugs in any areas that have the risk of having water spilt on them.

Use a mat in front of your door to keep the dirt outside and away from your hardwood floors. Shake these rugs out often. Once a week vacuum the floor with a brush attachment on your vacuum. A dust mop and dustpan can also be used for weekly cleaning. Attach felt pads to the bottom of your furniture to avoid scratching and remember that furniture should be picked up and not pushed across the floor. Watch your shoes and make sure that they cannot damage your floor. And keep your pets toenails clipped to prevent more scratching.

You should clean or re wax and buff your floor once a year. You should make sure that you use a cleaner that is made for cleaning wood floors. The type of treatment and product you use will depend on the type of floor and the manufacturers recommendations. If your floor has a surface finish it is acceptable to use the wood cleaner with a damp towel. But if your floor has a wax finish you will have to use a paste wax that is made specifically for hardwood floors. If you care for your floor on a regular basis you should only need to perform the cleaning once a year.

Vincent
http://www.articlesbase.com/furniture-articles/tips-for-caring-for-your-hardwood-floor-676221.html

What is best for cleaning hardwood floors?

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Just had hardwood floors put down. Have a dog and want something that will not harm him.

Apple Cider Vinegar and water.

Apple Cider Vinegar cuts through grime, but also contains tannins that condition the wood. White Vinegar does not.

Mix Apple Cider Vinegar and water in a 1 to 3 ratio…or 1 to 2 for tough cleaning jobs. Mop or scrub with this. No rinsing is required.

You will be amazed at the result.

-

Alternatives To Hardwood Floors

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Marble tile floors are a practical, elegant alternative to hardwood flooring. Easy to maintain, they can enhance your interior and come in many styles and colors.

While researching types of flooring for your home you most certainly considered replacing your old carpets, but maybe you’re not convinced that trading the constant vacuuming for the waxing and sweeping of hardwood flooring is for you. This is why you may want to consider marble floor tiles.

When you start looking at the tiling options available, you will soon realize that there many variations to choose from, offering different colors, textures, shapes and sizes. Whether you select marble tiles with a rough or smooth finish and a simple or intricate pattern depends on your current home décor.

A number of companies will be happy to give you samples for you to take home so you can select a style, color and pattern that you can confidently match with your taste and interior. Once you have decided on a type of marble floor tile it is very important to measure the room that you want to cover precisely as marble floor tiles are generally sold by the square foot. You should always consider purchasing an additional square foot or two in case some tiles get damaged during the laying process. You can buy marble floor tiles from a large number of manufacturers as well as the larger home improvement stores.

Once your new flooring has been installed by a specialist, you need to make sure that you only use cleaners, sealers and polishers that were designed specifically for use on marble floor tile. Before you start cleaning, there are several things to think of.

First of all you need to give the area a good sweeping to remove any loose dirt. Then, after mixing the cleaning product according to instructions, ensure that you are using a clean, non-abrasive cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the surface. You should allow the floor to dry off before allowing foot traffic. This need not be followed by rinsing or wiping.

Marble tile floor is suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways and foyers: it will last for a very long time with simple care and maintenance. It can also transform any uninteresting space into a great room. The initial purchase cost may seem quite high, especially for foreign sourced tiles, but if you invest a bit of time looking for a good deal you should be able to find a suitable supplier. Marble floor tile is a great option to consider if you are looking at replacing flooring or updating your home.

Mr.Andrew Caxton
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/alternatives-to-hardwood-floors-112865.html