WHY LAMINATED FLOORING?  FROM ANTONIO THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS

Life in the suburbs is not without hazards. Commute times can be long, grass can grow more quickly than you have time to mow, and your carpet can be seriously damaged from the foot traffic occurring in your house daily. Carpets and hardwood floors are not designed to take the beating of soccer cleats and the byproducts of the backyard sandbox. Fortunately, there is one type of flooring designed specifically to withstand the beating of a modern suburban family - laminate. Muddy Feet  - info from the flooring liquidators Muddy feet from playing in the backyard or (finally) cutting the grass are no match for pre-finished laminate floors. Laminate is made by combining various levels of materials fused together. The top layer, or finish, is applied to give laminate its amazing ability to withstand just about everything. Unlike carpets, good quality laminate will not absorb the mud and water tracked in from outside, and will not warp the way hardwood floors might. High Traffic -   info from the flooring liquidators Despite the myths of a laidback lifestyle, the typical suburban household teems with activity. Children rush through on the way home from school and on the way to various practices or activities. Moms breeze through in high heels fresh from the office, and disappear again in tennis shoes to chauffer the rest of the family to various destinations. Dads come in from the office, and march around dejectedly trying to find the remote and remember where the rest of the family has gone for the evening. Suburban families produce a lot of footsteps. Carpet wears out quickly underfoot, and hardwoods need maintenance - especially in high traffic areas. In comparison, laminate is specifically designed for large amounts of foot traffic. The middle layer, or core, of the laminate is designed to withstand tremendous amounts of travel, and the resistant top coats resists dulling or scratching, making laminate the perfect choice for hallways and other main thoroughfares throughout the home. Maintenance Maintaining a home takes time, and often, there is simply not enough time in the suburban day to vacuum or polish your floors to keep them in optimum condition. Fortunately, long, tiring processes are not necessary to maintain a laminate floor. A simple trip around with a broom or dust mop will collect all dirt and dust that has collected during the day. In fact, dust mops are considered a wonderful toy by most children, and it is possible to pass the chore off to the youngest members of the household. The same can not be said for vacuuming. Spot and Fluffy The beloved pets of a family can be just as annoying as they are cute and cuddly. Muddy paws, sharp toenails, scratching, and the occasional accident make maintaining floors that much more difficult. Luckily, laminate flooring offers a solution to these furry family members as well. The protective finish on laminate is impervious to scratches or scrapes, and any wet spots will not soak through to the carpet pad or warp the flooring, they will simply puddle, allowing for easy clean up. By and large suburban families need more than just an average floor under their feet. The lifestyle of the suburbs can be intense and often chaotic. Fortunately one flooring material has answered the call. It does more than fit the needs of these families, it is a suburban miracle! How It Is Made Laminate flooring is made of various layers that are fused together. The layers in most laminate flooring include: Wear Layer - This is the top layer, the one you walk on. It's usually made from cellulose paper that's been saturated with melamine plastic resins that make laminate flooring so incredibly scratch-resistant. Design Layer - This is the image you see, typically a photograph or patterned print that has been copied onto cellulose paper. Because it is below the upper melamine layer, it can't be marked, scuffed or even fade. Core Layer - This is the backbone of all laminate flooring. The core layer is usually some form of processed particle board and comes in different strengths and thicknesses. Stabilizing Layer - This is the bottom layer that holds everything in place. It's usually made from resin-saturated paper, just like the top layer. In addition, some brands of laminate flooring have an underlayment   attached to the bottom. The underlayment is designed to absorb sound and cushion the floor. It is usually made of cork, felt, foam or some similar material. Laminate flooring is put together in two different ways. Direct-pressure laminate flooring is the most common variety. All the layers are assembled at once, then heated and pressed to form a bond. High-pressure laminate flooring is a more recent innovation and is often found in more expensive premium brands. Both the top and bottom layers of high-pressure laminate flooring are treated separately, then fused to core layer under extreme pressure.   Laminate Benefits info from the flooring liquidators The benefits of laminate flooring can be summed up in two words - cost and durability. Laminate flooring offers the appearance of real hardwood floors or stone tile, but for about two-thirds the cost. However, people often forget that laminate flooring has a number of other benefits, such as: High UV resistance, blocking the sun's harmful rays and protecting the floor pattern from fading over time. Easy installation, especially when choosing pre-glued or glueless brands. Excellent warranty protection. Easy repairs, since damaged planks can be replaced without contrasting with the pattern of surrounding boards. Easy cleaning, since laminate flooring doesn't trap dirt. Most spills can be cleaned up with a mop or sponge. Very low emissions. Endless design options. Laminate Flooring Ratings from the flooring  liquidators Laminate flooring is still a young industry tied to its European roots. Although major manufacturers are now producing laminate flooring in North America, the industry still looks to Europe for design trends and product innovations. That explains why the booming North American market doesn't have its own set of industry standards designed to help consumers understand what they're Laminate Manufacturers There are thousands of laminate flooring manufacturers on today's market competing for the business of interested consumers. If you are in the market for laminate flooring, it is important to research a number of manufacturers to ensure you are receiving the best deal possible. When shopping for this or any other type of flooring, make sure you compare prices between companies so you can receive the highest quality for the lowest price. the flooring liquidators is the  LEADERS FOR HAVING THE LOWEST PRICES IN THE NATION FOR LAMINATED FLOORING WE STRIVE TO MEET OR BEAT PRICES SO WE CAN OFFER YOU A LOW PRICE GUARANTEE. CALL OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND GIVE US A SHOT AT MATCHING OR BEATING PRINT AD PRICES! DON'T BE SHY! YOU COULD SAVE!CALL ME ANTONIO 954-253-7095 Many consumers are unaware of the potential cost savings associated with researching companies before buying products. For those of you who are new to the industry, there are a number of potential savings which you may not know about. In order to help, we have compiled a list of shopping tips associated with floor shopping. These are the qualities you will want to look for in a floor manufacturing company: Effective Warranties - If a company refuses to provide any warranties associated with their products you can bet they are not confident in the products they are selling to you. Make sure there is some form of warranty or guarantee before purchasing any flooring materials from a company. Anywhere from 10 years to a lifetime warranty is considered acceptable for this type of flooring. Competitive Pricing - The flooring industry is one industry where competitive pricing is sure to apply. When shopping for flooring materials, choose a manufacturing company that is willing to not only match their competitor's prices, but beat them by at least 5 percent. If the company you are thinking of doing business with refuses this suggestion, there will be another company who is willing to meet your needs. Don't settle for a company who refuses to meet these standards. Dependable Reputation - The best way to ensure a company is dependable, easy to work with, and delivers great product is to ask previous customers. If you have friends or family who have recently installed new flooring, ask for their opinions regarding which companies are reputable and which ones are not. The companies listed in this section have all been proven highly recommended by consumers. We have provided a list of reputable flooring manufacturing companies for you to choose from. Some of the popular manufacturing companies include in the flooring liquidators  pergo export    kronotex  , witex and many more . These companies (along with the other companies we have listed) are successful in providing consumers with the products they need at prices which are affordable to average homeowners. If you think you might be interested in purchasing flooring materials, take a look at some of the companies we have listed. Witex Laminate Flooring  at the flooring liquidators Witex is a family-owned German company that got its start making furniture components in 1978. In 1990, Witex invented a way of making direct-pressure laminate flooring with a high-density core board. Today, over 70% of the laminate flooring sold around the world is made using the same technique. Witex is sold in over 60 countries and in 2003 began construction of a manufacturing facility in North Carolina Witex offers 6 collections of glueless laminate flooring designs featuring its LocTec locking mechanism. Witex laminate flooring also comes with an underlayment attached, as well as a patented sound-absorbing system. For more information about Witex laminate flooring products and prices, click on any of the links to our preferred suppliers in the chart above. Pergo Laminate Flooring at the flooring liquidators for export  only Pergo is in the undisputed king of the laminate flooring world. In fact, for many people Pergo is synonymous with laminate flooring. The Swedish chemical company has been around for 120 years, but it wasn't until 1984 that it introduced laminate flooring to the European market. Laminate flooring was a variation on the company's successful line of laminate tabletops. Pergo was launched in the U.S. in 1994 and a few years later the company opened a manufacturing plant in North Carolina. Today Pergo is still the market leader and sells its laminate flooring products through 3,500 retailers and Home Depot. Pergo offers a vast line of laminate flooring products and sub-brands, including Pergo Original, Pergo Living, Pergo Select and Pergo Preferred, as well as its line of commercial laminate flooring known as Pergo Publiq. For more information about Pergo laminate flooring products and prices, click on any of the links to our preferred suppliers in the chart above. Uniclic Quick-Step Laminate Flooring at the flooring liquidators Based in Belgium, Quick-Step Inc. manufactures the popular Uniclic glueless laminate flooring line with its patented tongue-and-groove locking system. Quick-Step is the inventor of direct pressure laminate and now offers more than 60 flooring designs in planks and tiles. Most come with a full 25-year warranty. Wilsonart Laminate Flooring at the  flooring liquidators Named after its founder, Ralph Wilson, Wilsonart International has been producing laminated building materials for a variety of uses beginning in 1956. Since then the Texas-based company has grown rapidly to become one of the world leaders in the laminates industry, producing countertops, furniture and a wide range of other surfaces. In the 1990s, Wilsonart introduced premium high-pressure laminate flooring that is up to 750% thicker than direct-pressure flooring. All Wilsonart floors feature Tap-N-Lock connections for quick and easy installation without nails or glue. Wilsonart flooring is available in planks and tiles, with warranties from 15 years to lifetime. Mohawk Laminate Flooring at the flooring liquidators Best known as one of the world's leading carpet manufacturers, the Georgia-based Mohawk is also making a big splash in the world of laminate flooring. Mohawk manufactures a wide range of glueless flooring patterns under the DuraLoc name, as well as pre-glued options under the DuraPlus name  All Mohawk laminates feature its CrystalShield finish, a super-tough surface that resists abrasions, indentations and even household chemicals. Mohawk offers warranties ranging from 10 years to lifetime on its laminate flooring lines, as well as its unique Moistureblock warranties as an added assurance against moisture damage. For more information about Mohawk laminate flooring products and prices, click on any of the links to our preferred suppliers in the chart above. Armstrong Laminate Flooring at the flooring liquidators Armstrong has been one of the foremost names in the flooring industry since 1856, when it was founded as a carpet mill in Lancaster, Pa. In the past decade, Armstrong has captured a hefty slice of the laminate flooring market, too. Armstrong laminate flooring comes in dozens of pattern of wood, stone and other textures and is available in strips, planks and squares. It warranties range from 15 years to lifetime warranties for its premium products Armstrong also produces two lines of glueless laminate flooring under the ArmaLock and SwiftLock brand names, attracting plenty of attention from consumers who appreciate the easy installation and cleanup offered by glueless floors. For more information about Armstrong laminate flooring products and prices, click on any of the links to our preferred suppliers in the chart above Kronotex Laminate Flooring @ THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS As one of the largest manufacturers in the world of laminate flooring, Kronotex Laminate Flooring @the flooring liquidators offers a comprehensive collection of attractive, adhesive-free laminate flooring systems. Customers are realizing the value of Kronotex laminate flooring... a winning formula of style, high quality German engineering, affordability, and a growing network of customer service. Kronotex U.S.A., LLC. is a business to business enterprise providing direct container shipments and warehouse inventory to our North American customers as well as facilitating consumer inquiries by providing product information and distributor and retail references

Witex Laminate Flooring at the flooring liquidators from the export at liquidators.tv AND  FLOORING LIQUIDATORS Witex laminate flooring in stock and ready to ship. Witex puts alot of effort into the designing of there laminate flooring. Not only does Witex make some of the most affordable products, they also make some of the best lasting laminate floors around.   Pergo Laminate Flooring for export only CALL ANTONIO FOR EXPORT ONLY...... 954-253-7095  Pergo Laminate Flooring? at the flooring liquidators from the export at liquidators.tv AND  FLOORING LIQUIDATORS What's the way to give home that warm, comfortable, lived-in feel? By living in it - and enjoying a genuine quality of life. And that's excactly what Pergo allows you to do. To put it simply, in one hyphenated word: totally-amazing-100%-carefree. Unlike traditional solid wood, with Pergo there's never a need to sand and refinish dings and scratches or worry about fading. Pergo also holds up much better than most premium vinyl, which tends to yellow, tear and create unsightly seams. And Pergo will never chip or crack like ceramic. Those spills that used to cause your heart to skip a beat, they wipe away with a damp cloth. So if life entails red wine, remote control toy cars, splashy baths, high heels or an overly energetic family dog, no problem.

Pergo Laminate Flooring @ THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS   FOR EXPORT ONLY  CALL ANTONIO 954-253-7095 FOR MORE INFO delivers a unique blend of performance, design selection and innovation that no one else can match. Pergo Laminate Flooring is a leader in design, new technologies and most importantly, customer satisfaction. Pergo Laminate Flooring looks like real wood, stone, or ceramic flooring. Pergo Laminate Flooring offers a cost effective way to accent your home with the look you want in an easy to maintain, durable flooring. With Pergo Laminate Flooring's dual-locking installation system, a do-it-yourselfer can click together a living room size floor in about a day, and start enjoying it immediately. Pergo Laminate Flooring Accolade Plank Accolade Tile 12" Accolade Tile 16" Select Plank Select Strip 3 1/2" Select Strip 5" American Cottage Vintage Home Plank Vintage Home Strip Everyday World Traveler 3" World Traveler 5" Quick Step Laminate Flooring  at the flooring liquidators from the export at liquidators.tv AND  FLOORING LIQUIDATORS   Quick Step True to nature All Quick laminate floors are carefully designed to mirror nature, with realistic designs and varied wood and stone visuals you can see, and subtle surface structures you can feel. Democracy of choice Whether you're looking for narrow or wide planks, modern or traditional tiles, Quick Step has the right floor for every interior. Years of Pleasure Quick Step is highly durable and wear resistant, for a floor with years of enduring beauty - guaranteed! Laid-Back Installation With no need for glue or nails, Quick Step is installed in a click, thanks to the unrivaled patented Uniclic system. Perfect Finish Quick Step's Laminate Flooring complete range of accessories includes all the materials you will need to finish every detail of your floor. Immaculate Maintenance Quick Step maintence products zip through dirt, leaving you with a beautiful floor to admire and more time to spend enjoying the things you love. Premium Quality You can always trust Quick Step Laminate Flooring for a stringently tested and a carefully developed range of superior products that comply with criteria that exceed all established quality standards. Laminate flooring imitates the aspect of traditional wood. Their biggest advantage is that they are very easy to install and very durable. Laminate flooring are suitable for many of your rooms: hallways, family spaces, bathrooms, kitchens. Also they are perfect for an active home more info call as at the flooring liquidators If you already have a type of floor this doesn't represents a problem for you. Laminate flooring can be installed over floors like wood, tile, vinyl or linoleum because most of them are floating which means they do not fasten directly to the subfloor. Also, at this moment, many manufacturers offer snap-together laminate flooring systems. A typical laminate flooring is and extremely economical solution, if you take in consideration the costs of alternate flooring solutions. Solid hardwood floors will require 4-5 refinishings and carpets and vinyls will need to be replaced at least twice (depending on traffic loads), while laminates don't require anything. more info call as at the flooring liquidators At first look, laminate flooring seems to be a natural wood floor but in fact is a layer of paper under a tough protective film that is glued and pressed to a high-density backing board. There are also types of laminate planks that are installed over a moisture barrier which levels any uneven areas of the floor. You don't need any glue or nails for them because the planks snap together. from the export at liquidators.tv AND  FLOORING LIQUIDATORS Before choosing a laminate flooring material you should think about the type of traffic in your house. One other advantage for laminate flooring is the durability. So this type of floor is one of the best choices for households with heavy foot traffic, kids, or pets. But, best of all, laminates will look like new for years. for more info call as at the flooring liquidators Laminates are also highly resistant to stains, fading and moisture and many laminate flooring manufacturers offer warranty protection against them for a long period of time (usually from 10 to 25 years). Laminates come in different styles an types. You can find transition strips, end caps, stair nosings, moldings and baseboards. Almost anything you need you can find at a laminate flooring manufacturer. There are companies that offer floor registers for heating and air vents. Laminate flooring provides a much cleaner and healthier living environment when compared to other floorings such as carpets, with regular cleaning cycles. It accumulates less dust, pet dander, allergens and it doesn't hold residual stain contaminants on the surface. Allergic people will often be recommended to remove the carpets from the living space. In conclusion laminate floors are a very good choice for your home because there are durable, resistant, economical and easy to install. from the export at liquidators.tv AND  FLOORING LIQUIDATORS The flooring in your home is more than just a surface to walk on; it is an important part of the interior design and style of your home. Before selecting a new floor for your home, read through the articles below to learn what your flooring options are, what maintenance is involved with each flooring type, and how each type of floor is installed. Laminate flooring enthusiasts unite! For more information visit www.liquidators.tv or call antonio at 954-253-7095 Now that you have installed your very own bamboo floor, it's time to maintain it and ensure that the beautiful look of your room lasts for a lifetime. The basics of floor maintenance are simple: a mild solution of soap and water applied to the surface after a general sweep is all that is needed for day to day upkeep. Certain applications, such as high traffic areas or areas more exposed to dirt producing elements, as in a bathroom or kitchen, may require more extensive and more frequent cleaning. Over prolonged periods of time, your floor may become so worn or scratched that it may require refinishing. This is a reasonable project for the average do-it-yourselfer, and will provide you with that new floor look for a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire area. Most home owners have found that a general sweep of the floor every week or so followed by a light mopping when necessary are enough to keep their bamboo floors sparkling clean. Most readily available floor cleaners are more than enough to provide a spotless floor surface, although some specialty flooring retailers offer specific cleaning products with essential oils that will not only keep your floor clean, but will also provide the necessary minerals and oils to keep the luster of your floor lasting indefinitely. Be sure to avoid using compounds that may contain abrasives, as well as mops that utilize softer sponge-like materials rather than scouring pads, or more aggressive materials that could mar or scratch your bamboo floor’s surface. Sealing the Floor from the export at liquidators.tv AND  FLOORING LIQUIDATORS When using a bamboo floor in a bathroom or kitchen application, it’s important to take into consideration the cleaning requirements. Repeated excessive scrubbing could encourage premature deterioration of a floor, especially when considering the extremely potent cleaning chemicals typically used in a bathroom environment. In a kitchen, similar harsh conditions can also occur. Oil and food can easily stain the sometimes porous finish in most commercially available bamboo floors. Use of a sealer, applied semi-annually, will prolong the life expectancy of your bamboo floor. These sealers are also readily available at most home improvement retailers, as well as specialty flooring providers, and are simple to apply. When applying a sealer to a floor, make sure the floor has been cleaned and then given ample time to air dry, while remaining dirt free. It’s probably easiest to set aside time where you can be out of the room for a few hours, then sweep, clean and dry the floor in its entirety. Next, follow the instructions on your sealer, which typically means add contents of the bottle to a large bucket, start at the furthest point in the room, and work your way back towards the exit, applying an even amount to the entire floor surface with a clean applicator attached to a handle. Going through this procedure every six months or so will further ensure the lifespan of your floor. Additionally, this procedure is not limited to high traffic or high risk areas. Any room that has a bamboo floor would benefit from this sealing process, although lower traffic areas could stand to have it done once a year rather than every six months. Refinishing Bamboo from the export at liquidators.tv AND  FLOORING LIQUIDATORS There may come a point where refinishing your bamboo floor is your best solution, next to replacing it. If you have sealed and cleaned your floor regularly, you can anticipate having to refinish your floor a lot less than a floor that has been neglected or left untreated. The first step to refinishing a bamboo floor is to remove what is left of the old finish. This best done with a disc floor sander, easily rented at any home center, with a moderate grit sandpaper. Applying consistent, even pressure while maneuvering the sander across the floor, continually check to insure you are removing only the finish and not the actual flooring material itself. This is easy to check by inspecting the dust given off by the sander: if it’s dense and heavier, ease up on the sander pressure; if it’s light and almost white, you are doing just fine. Next, after all the old finish has been removed, apply the new finish. Using mop applicators, evenly distribute the polyurethane, working from the furthest part of the room, and open all available window to ensure proper ventilation. Between each coat, sand the floor with the disc floor sander using a light touch and a fine grit sand paper. Repeat this process three or four times, or to the desired gloss you are looking to obtain. Be sure to allow proper drying time between each coat of polyurethane, and consult your local home improvement store professional for recommendations on which specific grade of polyurethane is best for your application. As with any project, patience is key, and taking your time to make sure all imperfections have been sanded out between each coat will guarantee that the new finish you have just applied will shine with a luster that a new floor would have. Keeping pets out and maintaining a near sterile environment during the application process can be a tricky procedure, but with due diligence and attention to detail, you should be able to keep your windows open (for ventilation) and the area cornered off. If you can maintain your bamboo floors as described, you will insure that the life of your floor will be as long as possible, while maintaining the look that led you to choose bamboo to begin with. Keeping up a bamboo floor is no more difficult that any other hardwood surface; a simple cleaning is all that is needed to bring the luster and shine back to your floor. Touch base with your local home improvement store professionals for any additional tips specific to the brand of bamboo floor you have, which could further extend the life of your investment from the export at liquidators.tv AND  FLOORING LIQUIDATORS We make it easier for the do-it-yourself In recent years,THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS @ LIQUIDATORS.TV has introduced several new floors that make installation even easier for the do-it-yourself . If you wish to install flooring yourself, planning tools doing some advanced preparation CHECK OUR INSTALLATION VIDEO FLOORING LIQUIDATORS Patented technology, this laminate is fast to install with no foam or glue needed

PERGO LAUNCHES NEW SELECT TRADITIONAL STRIP  INFO FROM ANTONIO THE FLOORING LIQUDATOR PERGO IS FOR EXPORT ONLY Sep 27, 2007 Popular line enhanced with industry-leading innovation. Following the successful introduction of its Vintage Home Traditional Strip line in 2005, Pergo, the leading manufacturer of laminate flooring, recently announced it has added narrow-width, registered embossed planks to its popular Pergo Select line. Following the successful introduction of its Vintage Home Traditional Strip line in 2005, Pergo, the leading manufacturer of laminate flooring, recently announced it has added narrow-width, registered embossed planks to its popular Pergo Select line. Designed exclusively for the specialty retail market, Pergo Select Traditional Strip will offer the same superior durability as the original Select collection - while also featuring micro-beveled edges and a choice of two plank widths to create a customized and authentic hardwood look. . "Our specialty retailers embraced Vintage Home Traditional Strip because it met demand from their customers for a high-quality laminate that was ultra-realistic in appearance and easy-to-install," said Mike Nielsen, director of specialty retail for Pergo. " We wanted to leverage the success of Vintage Home Traditional Strip to further enhance Select, which always has been known as a premium and extremely durable product. Building upon Select's strong attributes, we are offering new decor options, combined with innovative technologies, such as 3.5" and 5" narrow width formats." The Pergo Select Traditional Strip line combines many of the brand's exclusive technologies in a laminate with the unparalleled look and feel of a true hardwood strip floor, including: Accuwood™ HPL - The industry's first and only registered embossed, high-pressure laminate technology, this state-of-the-art texturing system provides a highly-realistic, three-dimensional finish by closely aligning embossed texturing with the grain of the decor. Four-color Printing - A unique printing process results in each decor featuring truer, more eye-catching colors. LusterGard™ Plus - This surface technology offers improved scuff and scratch protection to keep the "brand new floor" look for longer. Micro-beveled Edges - Each edge of Select Traditional Strip flooring has an eased micro-beveled edge to deliver the most realistic character of authentic hardwood. Available in five decors - FROM THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS  including Dark Oak, Smoked Oak, Nordic Maple, Salted Lapacho and Chalked Oak - Select Traditional Strip planks come in two different dimensions (3.5" x 31" or 5" x 47"). The line also features thicker surface and core material, superior moisture resistance and the industry's best inclusive lifetime residential warranty against wear-through, staining and fading, as well as a 10-year light commercial warranty. Select Traditional Strip is perfect for high-traffic or entertainment areas of the home, such as kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms. Unlike a hardwood floor, Pergo Select Traditional Strip can easily be installed through a glueless click method that employs Pergo's Dual-Locking joint - one of the strongest available. . "Pergo Select has consistently been a strong seller for our specialty retailers for many years," said Nielsen. "We're very excited about the ability to build upon that strength and loyalty by delivering more innovation to our partners and consumers About Flooring from Antonio the flooring liquidator Each of us plan our homes about the space, the rooms, the color, spaces as well the flooring. Flooring are the most important part of our home. Since we use the flooring to walk on. Therefore it is required that we pay a lot of attention towards the design and the type of flooring we choose. And I would say that is what we exactly do. Flooring cost according to their texture and make. The cost of the flooring is always per square foot. So whenever you go to buy new type of flooring you have to enquire in these terms. Most of the flooring cost around 59 cents to $4 per SF. The one costing less are generally artificial flooring, which give equal good usage, however these flooring are not as impressive as the solid oak flooring or the bamboo flooring. Flooring require to be chosen according to the use the floor is going to be put to. For example wooden flooring for a bathroom are no good since a bathroom will remain wet most of the times. You will also require choosing flooring according to the size and theme of the room. Dark colored flooring will make a room look smaller if it is already small, however this flooring will suit a large room where you can accommodate furniture equally matching this dark flooring. You also need to pay attention to the stuff like, whether the room is going to be used by children more or by adults or it is going to be hall of the house. For children's use you can decide to buy sturdy and durable flooring, which will not be damaged with the use, children can put it up to. It should also allow visibility so that you can spot things like water or any insect on the floor, since there is a danger of children coming in harm's way if it is not detected fast enough. Hall of the home deserves flooring, which is both durable and beautiful; therefore you can put in those extra pennies in flooring for this room. This is place which is going to represent you and your tastes to guests therefore it needs to be impressive and lovely. You can choose hard wood flooring which is both durable and impressive. Today flooring also mean carpeting the area. This might not necessarily mean the wall-to-wall flooring; it might also mean that the floor requires more carpets to be put instead of wood or any such flooring. Instead of going for permanent flooring, carpeting is another type of flooring used, you can go in for a wall-to-wall in carpeting too. It might be cheaper and easier to install this flooring. You must be wondering, how does one put on a new flooring for the entire home. Well, most of the times people do hire professionals. These people have experience and finesse no doubt which is certainly better than what we do. However, most of the flooring manufacturers also offer you a DIY (Do It Yourself) kit. This kit provides you with the information and help regarding putting the flooring yourself. Most of the times the flooring are made easy to use and put up. Therefore, it would not be difficult if you decide to get it done yourself. However, it would be better to have someone with you because the chances are you might require some small help. But the 'Do It Yourself' kits also answer your queries if you have to get the job done all by yourself. The Pros And Cons Of Bamboo Flooring from Antonio the flooring liquidator You have a chance to choose your wood flooring, and you don't want to waste it with something ordinary. So why not give bamboo flooring a look? Bamboo flooring is a grass, not a wood, flooring. The speed with which bamboo grows means harvested bamboo is replaced far more quickly than harvested trees, that the production of bamboo flooring has no adverse effects on the environment. And bamboo offers you the choice of either a flat or vertical grain. Its single drawback is that it is most often available only light "honey" shade, or a darker amber shade achieved when it is pressure steamed and carbonization occurs. Carbonized bamboo flooring, however, is about 20% softer than natural bamboo flooring. Some manufacturers offer the option of factory-dyed or stained bamboo flooring as an alternative. The Process The process of turning bamboo into flooring entails cutting the harvested hollow bamboo canes into strips, boiling them in a mixture of water and preservative, pressing the softened strips flat, and using a urea-based resin to form them into laminated boards. Even with its light weight, bamboo is, surprisingly, almost as dent and shrink-proof as oak. Bamboo flooring, in fact, is as hard as maple, and because it is not a true wood, can be used in areas where exposure to water makes wood flooring impossible. It is stain and scuff, as well as water, resistant, and ideal for heavily-trafficked areas. Unfinished Vs. Finished Bamboo flooring is available either unfinished or finished. When left unfinished, the planks of bamboo have squared edges which allow them to fit together almost perfectly; they can then be finished by the homeowner with a protective stain or sealant to improve their durability. Beveled-edged finished bamboo flooring is sealed with polyurethane. Its beveling creates a floor with a planked look, and because of its polyurethane sealant, will not accept staining. Most of the bamboo used in bamboo flooring comes from forests in China's Hunan province; and the completed bamboo flooring sold in the US has been imported from a Pacific Rim manufacturer. But it is readily available all over the US. Questions To Ask Before Purchasing Bamboo Flooring Bamboo flooring, depending on whether or not it is finished and on its length and width, costs between $3.00 and $8.00 per square foot. If you are considering it, there are some questions you should ask your flooring retailer. In order to be dent resistant, bamboo flooring should b e harvested from mature stands of bamboo, at least six years old. It takes that long for the bamboo stalk to develop a woody texture. Processed bamboo, as long as it is not made from the tip or base of the bamboo stalk, really is harder than oak. Ask if the flooring you want is made from the heart of the bamboo stalk. And before installing your bamboo flooring, let it acclimatize to your house for about a week. Your bamboo flooring's moisture content should be within two to four percent of that of your sub-flooring.   Bamboo: Producers offer new options - Technology leads to more colors, textures from    Antonio the flooring liquidator For the past several years, sales of bamboo flooring have been on the upsurge. Accordingly, and with the use of advanced technology, manufacturers of this eco-friendly product have offered more colors, sizes and textures in an effort to whet the appetite of the consumer looking for something different. As a result, several bamboo producers have recently hit the marketplace with a spate of new products or are about to. Distressed hand-scraped solid bamboo flooring was first introduced by Hawa Bamboo in China and later into the American marketplace. Its eight-coat German Kumpp brand finish is an aluminum oxide-enhanced polyurethane product that protects the bamboo fibers from external damages. The distressed bamboo is available in 6-foot-wide boards for easy installation, and measure 37-7/8 inches long. The product is available in black, cherry, white and burgundy stained colors. “At this time,” said Robert Pearson, Hawa’s technical/customer service manager, “the black seems to be the most popular color. The distressed feature is actually done by hand for a more natural effect. In this way, each board has different characteristics.” Philippe Erramuzpe, COO of Natural Cork, spoke about the company’s new brand for 2007, Natural Cork & More, a line of “very attractive bamboo engineered products.” This collection, displayed in the company’s Tower concept, is comprised of 13 SKUs. “Bamboo is a versatile product, and we wanted to play with colors and construction to use the material in a specific way and create a version similar in appearance to the Exotics species,” he explained. “By using the vertical bamboo construction combined with the color range of many exotic essences, the result is a beautiful flooring material that is non-traditional, rich looking and unique. The engineered construction over a multiply substrate allows for better stability and a wider range of applications in the field.” The collection also offers three references of strand-woven bamboo, a very dense material made of ‘crushed’ bamboo strips, again offering a different look than the traditional bamboo flooring. “In addition, the eco-friendliness of bamboo makes it a material of choice and a great alternative for the requirement of LEED-certified projects over endangered exotic species,” Erramuzpe added. According to Ann Knight, executive vice president/marketing director for Teragren, “We will be launching the latest innovation to our popular Synergy strand bamboo flooring line at Surfaces 2008.” Technological advancements Beyond product lines, this past year Teragren developed an exclusive U.S. and International patents-pending engineered 100% bamboo cross-ply substrate for use in its engineered products, she explained. “This substrate is now being used in the manufacturing of Teragren’s two floating floor options: Teragren Studio Bamboo Wide Plank Floating Floor, featuring TeraLoc, and our latest innovation launching at Surfaces.” The benefits include 100% bamboo fiber utilization (rather than a hardwood substrate) and greater stability in the wider, longer planks. “In May 2007, we also introduced a manufacturing adhesive alternative to further enhance the environmental attributes of our beautiful, durable and renewable bamboo products,” added Knight. “Teragren’s bamboo flooring can now be specially manufactured with an adhesive that is formaldehyde-free, allowing all the company’s products to qualify for two credits through the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.” Carbonization: How it’s done In explaining the carbonization process utilized by Hawa, Pearson noted the raw slats of bamboo are boiled in a solution of water, hydrogen peroxide and borate solution to eliminate pests and mildew, then kiln-dried to remove moisture. “The slats are kiln-dried to a minimum of 5% and a maximum of 8% to 10% moisture content. Raw flooring blanks are stored in a humidity-controlled warehouse for two weeks to achieve 8% to 10% delivered moisture content.” PERGO “NARROWS IN” ON NEW MERCHANDISING CONCEPT from antonio the flooring liquidator pergo is  for  export  only Oct 04, 2007 Display highlights the beauty and realism of three popular product lines Well-known for its broad selection of authentic-looking laminate decors, Pergo has nevertheless adopted a new, more ‘’narrow’’ focus at retail. In order to help independent retailers more effectively sell the brand’s narrow width plank format products, Pergo has developed a promotional merchandising system designed to showcase the ultra-realistic look of best-selling collections Select Traditional Strip, Vintage Home Traditional Strip and World Traveler. "It's difficult for shoppers to fully appreciate the realistic look of our narrow width products without viewing multiple planks together," said David Small, director of marketing for Pergo. "This challenge inspired us to develop our innovative new merchandising approach. We wanted to create a system that would encourage and allow for interaction between customers on the showroom floor and our narrow width product lines – especially as consumer demand continues to grow for these collections." The new promotional unit features three sides and stands on a 30-inch base that spins freely for easy accessibility to the decor samples that are showcased in a large vertical area. This design was chosen for its ability to engage shoppers and to highlight the individual features and design choices available in each narrow width collection. “The primary goal of this display is to help retailers more easily and effectively convey the key product benefits of each of the three narrow width sub-brands to consumers,” said Small. “And, by inviting shoppers to personally interact with the flooring, they can experience first-hand the performance benefits of Pergo’s exclusive technologies like LusterGard Plus™ and AccuWood™ Textures.” While the focus of the narrow width display is very much on actual product, it also includes inspirational room scene photography and brief textual introductions to each of the collections. These short summaries of important features and benefits allow consumers to contrast and compare Select Traditional Strip, Vintage Home Traditional Strip and World Traveler before making their purchases. Pergo’s furry new brand ambassador – a Great Dane puppy of the same name – also makes his presence known on the new merchandising display. The 110-pound bundle of energy and playfulness, who just debuted in Pergo’s new consumer and trade advertising, underscores the durability and livability of Pergo flooring. His family-oriented and fun nature also helps to create an emotional connection between Pergo product and shoppers at retail. PERGO ‘’GOES TO THE DOGS’’ WITH NEW, BREAKTHROUGH ADS Aug 08, 2007 Multi-channel campaign geared toward solidifying brand preference The quality and beauty of genuine Pergo is well-known, but starting this summer it may become surprisingly synonymous with huge paws and floppy ears. As part of a comprehensive advertising program, the brand is introducing a “spokesdog” that shares its name. ”Pergo” – a Great Dane puppy – is a 110-pound bundle of energy and playfulness who will bring his own unique style to the pages of consumer and trade magazines throughout the upcoming year. Paired with the tagline “There’s Only One Pergo,” this lovable Great Dane underscores the durability and livability of Pergo flooring. “By incorporating ‘Pergo’ the Great Dane into our advertising, we’re able to create a clear emotional connection between our brand and consumers,” said David Small, director of marketing for Pergo. “This dog is the perfect embodiment of our key brand characteristics. He’s family-oriented, fun and inviting and he brings home the message that Pergo flooring can truly stand up to anything that life may bring.” In conjunction with its advertising agency of record – Fitzgerald & Co. of Atlanta – Pergo will launch the campaign in the pages of key industry trade publications in late summer. These placements will appear simultaneously with layouts in shelter and consumer titles that directly target the typical Pergo customer. Creative will focus on the humorous aspects of everyday life with a Great Dane and highlight the strength, beauty and resilience of the Pergo flooring that survives his daily misadventures. One layout will feature “Pergo” patiently receiving a puppy manicure-pedicure from his young owner after a hard day at play, while another shows him taking part in an at-home fashion show with the kids of the house. The visuals and copy that comprise each advertisement also showcase the uniqueness of Pergo – serving to differentiate it from other laminates and further position Pergo as a brand opposed to a category. “The primary goal for our new advertising campaign is to reinforce Pergo as the brand that consumers know and trust when purchasing laminate flooring,” said Small. “Not all laminates are created equal – and we want flooring customers to realize that there really is ‘only one Pergo’ and it should be requested by name at their local retailers.” As part of Pergo’s comprehensive communication strategy, the brand will also unveil television spots on select home improvement and lifestyle networks, as well as banner advertisements on design and decorating-focused web sites. “Our integrated communications program sends a clear message that the Pergo brand is stronger than ever,” said Small. “As well as enhancing brand preference among consumers, we expect the campaign will have a positive impact on our specialty retailers by driving Pergo sales in their stores.” Builders Choose Pergo as Top Flooring Provider @ THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS FOR EXPORT ONLY Apr 24, 2007 RALEIGH, N.C., April XX, 2007 – Pergo, the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of laminate flooring, has been recognized as one of the top flooring providers by builders and other multi-housing professionals, according to leading industry trade publication Multi-Housing News. The brand recently received the coveted Product Choice Award, given annually by the magazine and its readers to honor vendors who have demonstrated exceptional value, service, flexibility and creativity. “We salute these winners because they have earned the respect and admiration of some of the toughest critics – their peers,” said Patrick L. Brennan, publisher of Multi-Housing News. Each year, readers are asked to vote for products they prefer to use in their multi-housing complexes/units. The magazine provides a list of building product manufacturers and readers select one supplier in each category that they feel provides the best value, quality, innovation, customer service and design. “It is especially rewarding to receive this kind of recognition from our customers,” said David Small, marketing director at Pergo. “It lets us know that we are doing things right and that Pergo continues to be a brand they trust to provide superior performance and durability for their projects.” The complete list of winners will be published in the May issue of Multi-Housing News and is available online at www.multi-housingnews.com. House & Garden Magazine Names Pergo The “Best of the Best” Among Laminates Mar 19, 2007 Pergo, the laminate industry’s leading brand, recently was recognized by the country’s top design professionals as the “best of the best” in the House & Garden Designers’ Best ‘07 survey. Pergo was named as one of the best performing and favorite laminate floors for baths, as well as one of the best performing and favorite laminate floors for other areas of the home. Pergo received this praise for its realistic and innovative designs, such as the company’s new exotic-inspired collections and new narrow-width format looks. House & Garden, the prestigious home decor and design publication, surveyed 20,000 leading decorators, architects and kitchen and bath designers, to determine the products they love and the brands they trust for use both at work and at home. Pergo was the leading laminate choice of participants that included high-profile names like Mario Buatta, Jamie Drake, Steven Gambrel and Alexa Hampton. “The results of this survey clearly show that Pergo is not only a superior laminate in its performance and durability – but also in its cutting-edge and extremely authentic designs,” said David Small, director of marketing for Pergo. “We are very pleased that Pergo is known as such a well-respected brand among interior designers, as they set the gold standard for consumer buying habits. It is an honor for us not only to receive their endorsement, but also to receive the endorsement of an esteemed magazine like House & Garden.” House & Garden previously honored Pergo in 2004 and 2005 with its “Best on the Best Design” award, naming the brand “best kitchen laminate on the market About Bamboo Flooring Bamboo, which is actually a grass, grows so quickly that it’s ready for harvest in just a few years. Rather than culling forests that take decades to develop, responsible consumers appreciate that bamboo matures to a height of about 50 feet in as little as three years. When bamboo is harvested, the stalk continues to grow, so replanting is not required. If deforestation worries you, bamboo is an ideal choice. Bamboo flooring comes mainly from controlled bamboo forests in China. When you choose a floor made from this material, not only does it look good – it also makes you feel good, as you’ll know that you haven’t sacrificed already jeopardized rainforests for style. If you’re considering bamboo flooring, you’ll be pleased to know that while it’s a responsible home renovation choice, you won’t be giving up quality and style for your ethics. Bamboo makes for extremely durable flooring, and is harder than many solid woods, so it stands up even better to wear, scuffs, and denting than the wood floors you’re used to. Bamboo is more durable than many oak, walnut, and maple varieties. Since bamboo is a tropical plant, it’s naturally resistant to moisture and humidity. It can withstand expansion and contraction much better than many solid woods, and holds up to stains and household spills very well. Going for a bamboo floor won’t mean sacrificing the array of colours that solid woods offer. TongLing Bamboo Flooring is available in a variety of hues. Bamboo flooring is also available with the design of the nodes or connective joints characteristic of this plant. Some home decorators appreciate the distinctiveness these nodes bring to a floor, but if that isn’t you, choose bamboo flooring that doesn’t show them. TongLing Bamboo Flooring is extremely durable and more hard wearing than most other wooden floors. It can withstand pets, lighted cigarettes, spillage and heavy or constant traffic. TongLing Bamboo Flooring is suitable with underfloor heating. It can be installed in entrance hallways, kitchens, bedrooms, lounges, games rooms and even bathrooms. With 6 UV coatings, it provides a smooth, dust free surface, which is very easy to maintain and is ideal for allergy and hay fever sufferers. A light vacuuming and a wipe with a damp cloth is all that is needed to maintain this superb wooden flooring's appearance. About Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring Strand woven bamboo is considered the most stable natural wood known for flooring, and one of the hardest woods known to exist. Strand woven bamboo is made by compressing strands of the bamboo fibers under intense pressure, while using a heat-sensitive low-VOC adhesive. Then the planks are milled with an exact fitting four sided tongue and groove. A slight micro-bevel edge gives definition to each plank. Strand woven bamboo is extremely exotic and rich looking - through woven process, the consistency found in the traditional bamboo styles is completely removed. It makes this beautiful new floor ideal for any high traffic, high wear setting. TongLing Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring exclusively uses Noway Dyno adhesives for the construction of the strand woven planks. Dyno is free of components classified as hazardous to the environment. There are no solvents, heavy metals, bactericides, or halogenated organic components. TongLing Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring is now the hardest bamboo flooring available in the market, about twice as hard as traditional horizontal & vertical bamboo flooring. With high density and superior durability and non-splits, it is ideal for public houses, bars, shops, offices, industrial buildings and commercial, retail and heavy traffic areas in the home. About Strand Woven Mulberry Flooring With strand woven, mulberry branches are thrashed, woven, bundled and pressed into a dense compact block. The block is then sliced into exceptional long flooring planks. The long style planks are milled with an exact fitting four sided tongue and groove and then finished to create an exceptional floor with stunning visual appeal. A slight micro-bevel edge gives definition to each plank. Strand woven mulberry can be cut, installed, and sanded like conventional hardwood flooring options. TonLing Strand Woven Mulberry Flooring exclusively using Noway Dyno adhesives for the construction of the strand woven planks, can be installed in entrance hallways, kitchens, bedrooms, lounges and games rooms.  With its unique and beautiful texture, TongLing Strand Woven Mulberry Flooring comes in two tones: natural and stained walnut colours for sophisticated residences and prestige commercial buildings. About Bamboo Flooring Accessories Bamboo flooring accessories are a perfect compliment to bamboo floor. Bamboo skirting board provides a beautiful transition from your bamboo floor to the wall. Bamboo quarter round is ideal for tight spots, especially helpful if added to existing skirting board. Bamboo stair nose is used to provide an overhang on a stair or a step from one bamboo floor to another. Bamboo T-Moulding joins two areas of bamboo floors of equal height seamlessly and easily. Bamboo reducer provides a smooth transition from your bamboo flooring to another lower floor. TongLing Bamboo Flooring Accessories are consistent in colour, precision-milled and micro-beveled with German-engineered machinery, and handsomely finished. The clarity and beauty in grain is unmistakable. Our bamboo flooring accessories are easy to install and remove. TongLing Bamboo Flooring Accessories are wear resistant, pest resistant, heat resistant, scratch resistant and easy to clean Quarter sawn @ THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS To make quarter sawn flooring, the log is first cut in quarters and then sawn perpendicular to the growth rings. This cut produces a floor with a tight vertical grain which looks good and is very stable. When quarter sawn flooring is introduced to changing humidity, wood expands and contracts vertically instead of horizontally. This characteristic makes quarter sawn flooring an ideal choice for installations over radiant heat. Solid Hardwood Flooring AT THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS Solid hardwood flooring is milled from one thick piece of wood. It can be sanded and refinished several times. It can expand and contract with humidity levels of the home.   Cork @ THE FLOOTING LIQUIDATORS Cork flooring is durable, acoustical and an insulator. It comes from harvesting the outer bark of the cork oak tree found in the Mediterranean region. It is considered a green product because the same tree can be harvested numerous times. Engineered Hardwood Flooring @ THE FLLORING LIQUIDATORS Engineered flooring is produced by adhering layers of real hardwood with a plywood backing or MDF. Since they are bonded together, this type of flooring is less likely to be affected by changes in humidity. Engineered wood floors make an excellent choice over concrete sub-floors, radiant heat or areas with higher moisture. Quick Clic Flooring SCHON Quick Clic Engineered Flooring is an excellent way to get beauty and sophistication of hardwood floors with ease and simlicity. Quick Click by SCHON requires no nailing or gluing - you just click it and enjoy. Offered with a 30 year warranty Floating Floors Floating floors generally click or snap together and float above the sub-floor instead of being nailed or glued into place. Floating wood floors make an excellent choice over concrete sub-floors, linoleum or hard to remove surfaces. Grade Wood grades are based on appearance, length and size of the knots. Select has the most uniform color with no knots and the longest average length of planks. Also referred to as Clear or First Grade Natural has some color variation, mineral coloring and small pin knots. Also referred to as #1 Grade or Second Grade Rustic has larger tight knots and the most color variation. Also referred to as #2 or Third Grade Grade Levels Above Grade - The portion of a building that is above ground level. - i.e. A crawlspace under a house. Below Grade - The portion of a building that is below ground level. - i.e. A basement. On Grade - The portion of a building that is ground level. Hand scraped Hand scraped or distressed hardwood floors add texture, richness and uniqueness. It is a tradition rooted in history from the days when floors were scraped after they were installed to make them flat. Hardness The hardness of wood reflects its durability and is measured on a Janka hardness rating. This testing represents the resistance of wood to wear, dent or mar. Northern Red Oak is the wood that all others are compared against and if the number is higher it denotes a harder wood. Laminate Laminate flooring is typically constructed with a high density fiber board core, sandwiched between a melamine laminate backing, high quality photographic paper with an image of wood and a ceramic finish, abrasion resistant laminate top. Plain sawn Plain sawing is the most common method of sawing; most wood flooring is cut this way. Plain sawn lumber is obtained by making the first cut down the length of the log and the remaining cuts parallel to the first. This method is the most economical because it provides the widest boards and results in the least amount of waste.   Stability Wood stability refers to how much an installed wood floor expands and contracts in relationship to the change in humidity. As a baseline Northern Red Oak is used. If the percentage is higher than Northern Red Oak it is more stable and reacts less to moisture changes within the environment. Taber Testing Taber Testing is an abrasion testing method that was designed to measure the abrasion resistance of protective floor finishes. Flooring squares are secured to a turntable and then weighted with sandpaper. The turntable is rotated, causing the sandpaper to wear against the finish. Each full revolution of the turntable is counted as a Taber cycle. The number of rotations it takes the sandpaper to get through the finish becomes the ISP Taber Rating for that finish. Veneer Veneer is the top layer of wood that is glued over a layer of plywood.

maple The American species of   maple  are divided into two groups: Hard maple, which includes sugar and black maple; and soft maple, which includes red and silver maple. Until the turn of the century, the heels of women's shoes were made from maple, as were airplane propellers in the 1920s. Maple has been a favorite of American furniture makers since early Colonial days. Hard maple is the standard wood for cutting boards because it imparts no taste to food and holds up well. Cream to light reddish-brown. Usually straight-grained and sometimes found with highly figured bird's-eye or burl grain. Bird's-eye resembles small circular or elliptical figures. Clusters of round curls are known as burl. Heavy, hard, strong, tough, stiff, close-grained and possesses a uniform texture. Maple has excellent resistance to abrasion and indentation, making it ideal  flooring  as well as polishes well.  www.liquifdators.tv mahogany www.liquidators.tv The heavyweight of all woods MAHOGANY is one of the most valuable timber trees. Popular in the '50's, mahogany is making a comeback due to the new attraction to the "red" woods. On an interesting note, new model automobiles were originally carved, full sized, entirely out of mahogany! Each piece, no matter how big or small, from the front bumper, to the engine, the dashboard, the drive shaft, back to the lock on the trunk is first fashioned from this very stable hard wood. Varies from light red or pale tan to a rich dark deep red or deep golden brown, depending on country of origin. It is generally straight grained but is prized for its figures which include stripe, roe, curly, blister, fiddle back, and mottle. Extremely strong, hard, stable and decay resistant. Finishes and stains to a beautiful natural luster. walnut    from the  flooring liquidators The Persian WALNUT and the Black Walnut and its allies, are important for their attractive timber, which (except in young trees) is hard, dense, tight-grained and polishes to a very smooth finish. The color ranges from creamy white in the sapwood to a dark chocolate color in the heartwood. When kiln-dried, walnut wood tends toward a dull brown color, but when air-dried can become a rich purplish-brown. Because of its color, hardness and grain it is a prized furniture and carving wood. Walnut burls are commonly used to create bowls and other turned pieces. The wood of the Butternut and related Asian species is of much lower value, softer, coarser, less strong and heavy, and paler in color cherry Like all fruit trees CHERRY belongs to the rose family and was used as early as 400 B.C. by the Greeks and Romans for furniture making. Cherry helped define American traditional design because Colonial cabinetmakers recognized its superior woodworking qualities. Today, cherry helps define Shaker, Mission and country styling. The wood from the cherry tree can be described in a single word: beautiful. Its rich red-brown color deepens with age. Small dark gum flecks add to its interest. Distinctive, unique figures and grains are brought out through quarter sawing. It has an exceptionally lustrous appearance that glows. The finish is satiny to the touch. Rich, reddish-brown. Cherry darkens considerably with age and exposure to sunlight. Grain: Straight-grained and satiny. Small gum pockets produce distinctive markings. Light, strong, stiff and rather hard. Cherry's grain is more subdued than some other hardwood species, with very interesting character. Cherry is unsurpassed in its finishing qualities-its uniform texture takes a finish very well. pine from the flooring liquidators Pines are coniferous trees of the genus Pins, in the family Pinnace. There are about 115 species of PINE  although different authors accept anything from 105 to 125 species. Laminate Buying Guide. FROM ANTONIO THE FLOORING LIQUIDATOR Having arrived from Europe over a decade ago, laminate flooring has become the flooring of choice for many homeowners due to its ability to closely emulate today's most popular hard surfaces at a fraction of the cost. Using photographs, laminates lock in the realism of a hardwood strip, weathered or natural stone and traditional brick. Laminate’s real claim to fame is it durability and ease of maintenance. Since most come with an aluminum oxide wearlayer – one of the hardest substances known to man – it can stand up to kids, pets, traffic and more. How to choose ? FROM ANTONIO THE FLOORING LIQUIDATOR Because laminate flooring is relatively new to the market and so closely resembles other hard surfaces, there’s a mystery surrounding it. Basically, laminates are the result of a direct-pressure manufacturing process that fuses four layers into one extremely durable surface. They are: • Back layer: The back is reinforced with melamine for structural stability and moisture resistance; • Fiberboard core: Ultra dense core board provides impact resistance and stability. It also features an edge sealing treatment that provides even further structural stability. • Decorative layer: This layer, which is what you see from above, is actually a highly detailed photograph that gives the laminate the appearance of wood or tile. • Wear layer: The melamine wear layer is a tough, clear finish reinforced with aluminum oxide, one of the hardest mineral compounds known to man, to resist staining, fading, surface moisture, and wear. Options There are wood looks, including color and wood type, and ceramic looks, including color and style. When these floors first came to the States, they were often simple looks and patterns. Today, laminate floors offer and unparalleled level of realism heretofore unattainable. With embossing and now embossed-in-register technology it’s getting more and more difficult to tell the difference. One thing to be careful of with laminate floors: Quality. With a lot of cheap laminate products being imported from countries such as China and others, I would recommend you keep an eye on quality. Again, a good rule of thumb – as with any major investment in your home – is to buy the best you can afford, depending on the setting. Installation tips  FROM ANTONIO THE FLOORING LIQUIDATOR There are two basic types of laminate flooring installation—the old glue and the new glue-less. Installing the glue-less forms of laminate flooring is rather easy and can be done by almost any home or business owner, while installing laminate flooring that requires glue can be more difficult, using clamps and other devices to hold the laminate panels or tiles together until the glue dries. While easier to install than most other flooring, unless you’re experienced and accustomed to working with your hands, you might want to leave this one to the professionals. Care and maintenance   FROM ANTONIO THE FLOORING LIQUIDATOR A clear surface layer protects the pattern of the laminate underneath, making it highly resistant to wear, stains and sunlight fading, and most household cleaning chemicals will not harm it. And because laminates are specially engineered with layered construction, they can be installed almost anywhere in the home. One caveat: unless specially treated laminate floors are very reactive to water which can ruin your laminate floor. Otherwise, performance and cleaning should be a breeze. • Use a damp cloth to blot up spills as soon as they happen. Never allow liquids to stand on your floor. • For tough spots, such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink, or tar, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth, then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue. • Sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor regularly with the hard floor attachment (not the beater bar) to prevent accumulation of dirt and grit that can scratch or dull the floor finish. • Periodically clean the floor with cleaning products made specifically for laminate floor care. • Do not wash or wet mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent, or any other liquid cleaning material. This could cause swelling, warping, delamination, and joint-line separation, and void the warranty. • Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or strong ammoniated or chlorinated type cleaners. • Do not use any type of buffing or polishing machine. • For spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. • A more frequent dust-mopping or vacuuming schedule may be required in very sandy areas such as a beach home. Did you know… The tongue-and-groove locking technology of laminate flooring eliminates unsightly gaps at the seams. Ultra durable flooring planks can be taken apart and reassembled if necessary. There’s no waiting... you can walk on your new laminate floor immediately after installation is complete. SPECIALTY ITEMS   FROM ANTONIO THE FLOORING LIQUIDATOR Floor Vents – With central air and heating systems that come up through the floor, no flooring job is complete without floor vents and registers. While these specialty products can be somewhat expensive, the look of a fully finished floor can be quite dramatic. Transitions and moldings – These are the pieces that bridge one type of flooring to another. Available in virtually every flooring style you can think of, transitions and moldings put a finishing touch on your floor.

PLYWOOD  AT THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS How is plywood made? Plywood is composed of many layers, which are called plies or veneers. The plies are created from 2 processes: The first is Rotary Cut. A log is spun on a roller and a big knife peels off the skin of the log. (Just like peeling an apple). The other is Flat Sliced. The log is sliced into long thin slices lengthwise. (Just like slicing a carrot from head to bottom) The plies are then sandwiched together with a resin (glue) and pressed with enormous pressure. The plywood is then cut into standard 4’ x 8’ lengths. Sometimes, depending on the customer needs the sheets can be as big as 4’ by 20’ long. If the plywood has more plies, such as, Baltic Birch Plywood, it makes it very stable. There is also many types of plywood, including: Cabinet grade, for making kitchen cabinets, furniture, woodworking projects, etc. Sheathing, used for siding on homes. Marine plywood has a waterproof resin so it can be used for boats and exterior uses. Plywood is graded by how many imperfections it has. If the plies were clear with no knots, dents, discolouration, it would be considered as Select, #1 or A Grade. If there were plenty of knots and holes it would be lower down on the scale and be called a Shop or Utility grade. For some people, if they’re working on a project and the appearance is not necessary, they choose a “middle of the road “ grade. When was plywood first developed and what is some background history? True plywood requires at least three layers of veneer stacked so that the grain alternates 90 degrees. The veneers are cross-layered and joined together by an adhesive. The 1993 Hardwood Plywood Reference Guide, a publication of the Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association states that, "in 1830, the piano industry became the first North American industry to use plywood. Wood & Wood Products Magazine's Centennial issue (1996) says that, "in 1890, the rotary cutting process was invented," and as a result of mechanization, plywood became increasingly affordable. In 1929 a pamphlet published by the National Committee On Wood Utilization noted, "Plywood is a modern term describing an old product which did not receive serious technical and economic consideration until its adaptability to airplane and marine consideration was developed during exhaustive tests at the Forest Products Laboratory." The word "plywood" which was created in America, received official sanction in dictionaries printed a few years later. That's plywood... veneers on the other hand, dated back to the early Egyptians in the times of the Pharaohs... about 4,000 years ago. How much does a sheet of plywood weigh? Plywood weights will vary according to species and even country of origin. A "ball Park" number for North American made softwood plywood would be 23 lbs for a 4 x 8 x 1/4" sheet. What is the difference between Luan Plywood and regular good-one-side plywood? Good one side is a recognized grade for Canadian made Fir plywood. This panel is obviously made from Fir veneer and bonded on exterior grade resins. The face is well sanded, repairs and natural defects (knots, splits, etc) are limited. For further info try the Canadian Plywood Association, www.canply.org/. Laun is a term to reference a group of wood species. Laun plywood's come in a variety of grades, some of which are similar to Good one side. Launs are usually bonded with interior grad resins and are not equal to Fir plywood in structural strength. What type of wood and sizes do you offer for scroll saw hobbyists? The ideal wood for scroll saw work is Baltic Birch. This special plywood is constructed with more veneers per unit of thickness than other types of plywood. Manufactured in Europe, this panel is ideal for routering, scroll sawing or for applications requiring high stability. Available in 5' x 5' sheets and thickness 1/8”, 3/16”, 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4”. Plywood Grading SHEATHING: Generally broken into 4 grades. SELECT: Should be solid face, can allow some veneer splits, no wider than 1/16” knots are allowed, but must be sound and tight, not more than 1-1/4” in diameter. STANDARD: Face will be made from “C” veneer, can have knot holes in face thru 1st layer of veneer only, knots are limited to 1-1/4” in diameter. D GRADE: All fall down from above, including some face or back veneer missing or loose. CULL: Allows for any possible imperfections - delimitation, off square or miss sized   MEASURING LUMBER   FROM LIQUIDATORS.TV What is the difference between a linear foot and board foot? A linear foot is a measure of length 12 inches long and a board foot is a number calculated by determining the volume of a board that is 12 inches wide and 1 inch thick. In other words, a 1" x 6" board that measures 24" long is exactly one board foot. (width" x thickness" x length' / 12) How do I figure out a board foot? To convert linear feet to board feet: Thickness” x Width” x Length’ ? 12 To convert board feet to linear feet: 12 ? Thickness” x Width” x Board Foot LUMBER AT THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS What are Hardwoods and Softwoods? The degree of hardness has no bearing on whether the wood is a hardwood or a softwood. Hardwood was the lumber cut from deciduous or broad-leaved trees that produce enclose seeds such as Cherry, Maple, Walnut, Oak, etc. Softwood was the lumber cut from coniferous or needle-bearing trees that produce free unopened seeds such as the cones of Fir, Cedar and Pine. Why does bird’s eye occur in different kinds of wood? It hasn’t been proven conclusively what the actual cause is, however it is known that it only occurs in trees which undergo growth stress from competing with surrounding trees for light and nourishment. Studies have shown that a tree which has developed bird’s eye at an earlier stage of its life will no longer develop the figuring in future growth if the trees around it are cut down. Nearby maple trees that also developed bird’s eye continued to do so if the neighbouring fauna was left undisturbed. The dimensions of rough cut lumber determine the lumber's nominal size. This can be misleading to a novice when lumber is referred to in sizes which are not the actual dimensions. So how does it work? After surfacing, a board might be reduced by as much as 1/4" on each side but it will still be identified by the nominal width. This is the Erosion a nominal 2" x 4" board, a "two-by-four", is actually only one and one half by three and one half inches in size. Here are the nominal and actual sizes for most common lumber: A nominal 1" x 2" is actually 3/4" x 1-1/2. a nominal 1" x 6" is actually 3/4" x 5-1/2", a nominal 2" x 4" is actually 1-1/2" x 3-1/2". Most construction lumber is supplied in lengths of eight, ten, and twelve feet. Is it better to paint a big project piece by piece or as a whole assembled together? Piece by piece is always the best way to get full coverage and to avoid painting around hardware, etc. I've been building furniture, mostly out of pine, and I've been very disappointed to find that after a project is finished the joints become loose and some of the pieces no longer fit properly. I suspect that it has something to do with humidity. What do I do? Wood is an organic substance and expands and contracts with changes in humidity... always has... always will! The secret is to work the wood only after it has adjusted to local conditions. Every workshop should be equipped with a storage area where wood can be air dried. Wood should be purchased well in advance and it's moisture content should be in a 7 to 12% range. You can usually be assured that the wood is not to wet if it is sold as "Kiln dried", however even then it is a good idea to let it air dry in your shop for a while. Following these procedures should minimize shrinkage and splitting. When did chestnut trees disappear? Chestnut blight has devastated North American stocks over the past 20 years. Wood from infected trees is of no commercial value. In an effort to contain the spread of the disease there are severe restrictions on the cutting and transportation of the timber.   FLOORS AT THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS The hardwood floors were previously done with a high gloss finish. It is starting to peel in sections, how do I fix it? You should sand it all and refinish it. How can you make Douglas Fir floors look good again? They can be sanded and varnished to look their best again. Can you install a layer of T&G plywood over a 3/4” plywood subfloor? Should the T&G run in the opposite direction and what is the best way to nail the T&G connection point? You can install T&G over 3/4” plywood subfloor. It should run across the subfloor and it is best to use flooring screws. The usual application schedule is 6” spacing around the perimeter and 12” on the field. How do I fix a squeaky hardwood floor? The squeak is probably in the subfloor over a floor joist. Best way is to run screws into the subfloor through the joint nearest the squeak. If this is awkward, first screw a 2 x 2 to the side of the joint tight to the subfloor, then screw up through the 2 x 2 into the subfloor. I would like to know who manufactures the "glueless" Viva-clic laminate flooring. Also can you give me the results of the Taber testing on it? It is made in Germany by Holz Dammers Moers. Taber testing alone is no longer considered to be a reliable measure of abrasion resistance as results can be easily manipulated. It should be considered only when included in a battery of other tests conducted by an independent testing facility. Viva has been given a Class 23 (residential) and class 31(commercial) rating in such tests. Can you use Oak plywood as a "Hardwood" flooring? Don't even think about it. The veneer is only 1/48" max thick and can't tolerate abrasion unless given several coats of special floor finish. The main reason not to, however, is that the core veneer of the cabinet plywood are allowed voids, which could cause a furniture leg or a shoe heel to pop through, ruining the floor and perhaps cause an injury. Use products that are intended for flooring.   MOULDINGS  AT THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS How do I get the inside corner cut to match up when installing the crown moulding? One piece is butted into the corner and the other is coped to fit around the first. The piece to be coped is cut at a 45-degree angle to reveal the profile. A coping saw is then used, angled inwards slightly, to cut along the profile revealed so that the cut takes the shape of the butted moulding. Once it has been trimmed to fit, the coped piece is installed. How do I join lengths of mouldings? When you have to join two pieces of moulding to form one long continuous piece, use an overlapping 45° mitre cut. This is called a “scarf joint”. At what height is chair rail moulding normally installed? Chair rail moulding is normally installed at 42" from the floor.   DOORS   AT THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS How do I stop a rattling door? If the door rattles less than 1/8”, you may be able to fix the problem simply by adjusting the tab on the bearing side of the strike plate. These metal tabs are made to take a slot screwdriver, and can be bent in and out, a little at a time until the rattling is gone. Relocating the strike plate or removing the door stop and renailing it againest the closed and latched door can fix the sever rattle. A new door into your existing jamb Follow these steps to learn how to install new doors (that are already mortised or machined) to match your old doorjamb. Binding Just because your door has been machined to match your door does not mean it will fit perfect, particularly if the old door was wood. A wood door may have warped or twisted over the years to fit the frame. - If your door binds against the jamb after your hinges are tight and well seated, you’ll have to identify the areas of interference and plane them with a sharp hand plane. Don’t use a hand rasp, it is almost useless on wood. - With the door shut, use a thin piece of cardboard and slide all around the perimeter of the door. Mark interfering areas lightly with a pencil. Plane lightly the excess.   DOOR HARDWARE  AT THE FLOORING LIQUIDATORS Hinges - You should replace your old hinges because worn or loosely mounted hinges will allow the door to sag and bind, no matter how well it fits the opening. - You may need to adjust the hinges depending on how sqaure the frame is. Your door will be machined to match your old door. If the jamb is out of square, shimming adjustments may be required (a) behind the hinges or (b) behind the jamb may require prior squaring up. Hinge box cardboard works well behind the hinges if the door is not sitting square. If the jamb needs shimming, you may have to remove the casing to shim up the jamb to make it square. If the door binds, you can also achieve adjustment by mortising the hinge onto the door slightly deeper. If your hinges seem like they do not line up, one of the following solutions may be of help to you: - Loosen the hinge that will not go on and then put it into place and tighten the hinge back up. - Using a hammer, lightly tap the hinge that is higher than its partner to line them up. The pins should then slip into place Once you have your door on its hinges and door will not close, check one of the following: - The door is rubbing against the doorstop and you may have to mortise the hinge further into the door. - If the door is free near the bottom but binds near the top on the latch side, the bottom hinge may be set in too deep. Remove the bottom hinge and put a piece of cardboard inside and reset the screws. This problem may be reversed also. - Check all screws to make sure they are tight. Door Latches If there is no binding and the hinges are tight and well seated, but the door still refuses to behave... check out the latch. Most door closures are spring loaded retractable latches. They connect to the door handle, that interlocks with the opening in the strike plate on the door jamb. These two parts must line up exactly when the door is closed.   OTHER The label has left sticky stuff on my doors that I just purchased, how do I get it off without scratching or harming the metal door? Contact cement solvent or lacquer thinner can clean off sticky remnants. Be careful to have plenty air circulation. The fumes can be toxic if breathed in and flammable. What material would you suggest for the top of a shop work bench? Thickness? The inexpensive solution is the thickest MDF available. Traditionally,workbenches in woodworking shops are laminated beechwood. I'm looking for a good plywood to make a kid's sand box, something that is good for outside. I will be putting stain on it. I'm looking for 3/4" as it will be up of the ground. All North American made construction plywood is exterior rated. Use a sanded plywood instead of sheathing so the kid's don't catch themselves on a rough surface. A grade such as ACX (American)or G1S (Canadian) is ideal. Painting will provide far better protection than staining;it is especially important to seal the edges to reduce water penetration. Can you help? I have an idea to line the bathroom walls with ply instead of plaster etc. Can you advise grade and possible finish as it will need to look good and be waterproof? A bathroom with a shower presents similar moisture problems to that of a boat, so marine grade is most appropriate. Sealing the edges is critical as this is the most vulnerable point of entry for water vapour. On a boat, fiberglass is often used, but that would be overkill on plywood except in the shower. A urethane or varnish or a good quality oil-based paint should work. We have recently returned to Canada and are seeking some advice on how to restore our teak patio furniture. While in the US, heavy rains created a mould problem in our patio furniture. Most top-quality exterior wood finishes contain a fungicide to delay the onset of mold. Oil finishes for interior use do not contain this fungicide. Marine teak oil will work and allows the natural feel of the wood to be maintained, however, it must be renewed on an ongoing basis to fully protect the wood. Avoid pigmented stains/oils as the excess pigments will rub off onto your clothes. Marine grade varnish (formulated to adhere to the naturally oily surface of teak) will provide better protection from mold than an oil finish as the varnish reduces the amount of air that reaches the surface of the wood (and oxygen helps the mold to grow). The downside to varnish is that you won't feel the wood surface directly and when varnish eventually needs to be recoated one must first strip the old varnish. Behr makes a good marine (a.k.a. 'spar') varnish. How do I repair a split in wood furniture (desk)? You can repair the split by using Epoxy Adhesive and clamping it together. The repair will be stronger than the original wood. Looking for plans and materials to build bunk beds? The best bet is to check out the Woodsmith magazine. Woodsmith is chalked full of plans, tips and tricks. They have excellent plans with great diagrams and material lists. Look for Woodsmith #38. It has plans for bunk beds. Also, ask the stores about the Woodsmith Index. It has all the plans and projects list from A - Z. How to preserve mahogany furniture for storage First a sheet to keep dust off. Wax covering the open ends helps, but it won't protect the wood from changes in humidity, which is the real threat. If you can keep a Humidifier nearby it would help. How to restore our teak patio furniture? Most top-quality exterior wood finishes contain a fungicide to delay the onset of mold .Oil finishes for interior use do not contain this fungicide. Marine teak oil will work and allows the natural feel of the wood to be maintained,however,it must be renewed on an ongoing basis to fully protect the wood. Avoid pigmented stains/oils as the excess pigments will rub off onto your clothes. Marine grade varnish (formulated to adhere to the naturally oily surface of teak) will provide better protection from mold than an oil finish as the varnish reduces the amount of air that reaches the surface of the wood (and oxygen helps the mold to grow).The downside to varnish is that you won't feel the wood surface directly and when varnish eventually needs to be recoated one must first strip the old varnish. When redecorating a room, should the baseboards be left on or off? When a room is to be redecorated extensively, including new wallpaper and new carpets, it is best to take all the baseboards off. This will allow you to run the wallpaper down the wall so that the baseboard can cover the edge. It will also allow you to strip all the old paint or other finish off the baseboards with a liquid stripper much more easily than left in place. You can also refinish them much more easily. Be sure to label the pieces of baseboard on the backside as you take them off and label the wall below the level of the wallpaper with a Corresponding code. An added advantage of doing it this way is the carpet installers will invariably do some damage to your newly refinished baseboards with their tools if they have to lay new carpet with the baseboards in place. Laminate Flooring liquidators have become a popular choice for active areas within the home. If you love the look of real hardwood but are concerned with the upkeep then Laminate Floors could be your answer. One of the benefits of Laminate Flooring is that they are built for today's active households. Along with having the advantage of low maintenance and high durability, Laminate Flooring liquidators offer a wide range of beautiful designs. With the introduction of glue-less technology, Laminate Flooring liquidators installation has reached new heights of convenience. Laminate floors combine natural looking designs with a tough, durable finish and can be used in almost any area of the home. The Quick-Step at the flooring liquidators collection excels in creativity and Natural variation. The laminate planks, tiles or classic laminate. Everyone will find something to suit his or her personality. Enjoy the many quality designs, the vivid colors, be different formats, the soft satin gloss and the beautifully warm surface finish. Look and choose a beautiful laminate floor that's a dream to install; just click and you're done and no glue. A floor you can walk on immediately after installing. A floor whose tongue-and-groove joints between the panels will resist the attractive forces and pull together for a perfect joints. That's Quick-Step, with the patented Uniclic system; the benchmark in glue-free click systems. History By adding 'resins', extremely wear resistant top layers, and a center core, Laminate Floors were born. These products have been in Europe for 20 to 30 years but are now making a major impact in North America. Laminate Flooring is simply a multi-layered; wood based floating floor system. Laminate Construction from the flooring liquidators.tv Typically Laminate floors consist of the following layers from top to bottom: Wear layer Pattern, "image" layer Processed wood core: usually M.D.F. (medium density fiber board) or H.D.F. (high density fiber board) Balancing layer (usually with a moisture barrier) These layers are manufactured into flooring by one of two methods. They are either High Pressure Laminates (HPL), or Direct Pressure Laminates (DPL). With the DPL method, all the layers are bonded together under extreme heat and pressure at one time. HPL is done in more than one step. Typically the wear layer and image layer are bonded together, and than those two layers are bonded to the core in a separate step. Available Sizes  from the flooring liquidators.tv Most Laminates come in Planks 7" to 8" wide and approximately 4' long. Due to the nature of the planks, manufacturers have focused the styling of the product to reflect the shape of the plank and therefore have concentrated on duplicating wood looks in various species of wood. Several companies have also tried to imitate natural stones or copy the look of ceramic tiles, including grout lines in some cases. Laminate floors are sold in packages of 15 to 36 S.F. but are typically retailed by square foot pricing. Warranties Most carry wear warranties ranging form 10 to 25 years but new products are starting to introduce "Lifetime" warranties. Several products on the market also have "water" or "moisture" warranties. It is very important to check with the manufacturer as to EXACTLY what their warranty does and does not cover. Do not be afraid to ask questions. All major manufacturers have toll free information phone lines, websites etc. You are their customer and they are available to answer your inquiries. Installation Overview Installations can either be with or without glue depending on the product you choose, and you have the option to hire a professional or "do-it-yourself". Laminate floors are here to stay. No other flooring will allow the versatility of having a "cherry" and "ceramic tile" pattern - together as one floor, "floating" over concrete in a basement rec.-room. Laminate floors look great, are easy to maintain, value priced and durable. Applications of Laminate Flooring from the flooring liquidators.tv One of the best features of Laminate flooring is its versatility. Its beauty and durability makes laminate flooring suitable for any room, such as a high traffic kitchen or even a spare bedroom. Some manufacturers do not warrant the installation of their product in bathrooms, so please consult your manufacturer before proceeding. The companies that do allow for bathroom installations all tend to have specific methods of installation. Always adhere to all manufacturer installation and application instructions. You can install laminates in the upper, main or basement floors of your home or cottage. Due to the floating nature of the product, concerns about moisture levels in basements are eliminated. Planks can be protected from moisture by installing a vapor barrier under the underlay. The most widely accepted moisture barrier is a sheet of 6-mil poly (plastic). All manufacturers have specific requirements for their products, so you should check with your manufacturer before installing the floor. Commercial as well as residential laminate flooring is available. Typically the commercial versions have fewer pattern and color choices to pick from. These industrial laminate floors will often come with a 15-year commercial warranty. Specific limitations will apply, so again, please consult with your local dealer or the manufacturer to see if you qualify for the full warranty. In general laminate flooring is perhaps the most versatile type of flooring on the market today. It is a very durable, and well-constructed product. Many brands carry a lifetime structural warranty and up to a 15 year commercial wear warranty. It is a very attractive and easy floor to maintain. Available as planks and tiles in a wide array of colors, patterns and styles. It can be installed above, below or on grade and can be used in any room in the house and in most commercial areas as well. Laminate flooring exists in many shapes, sizes and colors, but most of all: it is a viable option for ALMOST ANY APPLICATION Moisture. Do not install laminate panels in bathrooms, shower rooms, or other rooms exposed to excessive moisture. Concrete Surfaces. It is recommended that a moisture barrier be placed over all concrete floors, even if no moisture emissions are apparent. Moisture barrier. free tips from the flooring liquidators.tv To protect panels against moisture from surfaces where moisture is likely to occur, a moisture barrier must first be placed over the base surface. Use 6-mil (0.2mm) polyethylene film. Overlap the edges of the polyethylene by a minimum of 8 inches and seal the junction with moisture proof self-adhesive tape. Use on concrete floors and all floors below grade or other areas where condensation or moisture emissions may occur. Radiant Heat Floors. free tips from the flooring liquidators.tv A moisture barrier should be installed over floors with radiant heat. Before laying the barrier, turn heat down to 15° C (60° F) one week before. Keep the temperature below 27°C (80°F) at all times. Underlayment. free tips from the flooring liquidators.tv Laminate panels must be installed on top of underlayment. Use a good quality foam underlayment. Underlayment seams should not overlap and should be taped with self adhesive tape. If installing both a moisture barrier and underlayment, place the underlayment on top of the moisture barrier, or use a reliable combination product if preferred. Sawing panels. free tips from the flooring liquidators.tv Wear protective mask, safety glasses and gloves when sawing panels. Always cut laminate panels with the decor side facing down. An electric circular saw or miter saw with a finishing blade is recommended.. Moldings. free tips from the flooring liquidators.tv transition moldings in matching trims can be used for the following purposes: End molding:  Use for transition from laminate panel floor to another type of flooring. Quarter round: Use at base of wall. NOTE: Always fasten quarter round molding to the wall, never to the floor. Reducer: Use in transition from laminate floor to linoleum or other type of hard surface. Stair-nose: Use at the edge of each step in a staircase. T-molding. Use in doorways, between rooms are adjacent floors, and expansion joints. Measurements. Be sure to measure all floor surfaces with the required expansion gaps. (See Expansion below.) Panel tongues are 5mm and must be part of the measurement when considering expansion space. If preferred, you can cut off the tongue facing the expansion gap on the first row. It is also important to measure the room for squareness. If walls are not square, it is recommended that you use the longest, straightest wall as your reference line, and draw perpendiculars lines from it. TIP: Draw your line at a distance from the wall more than width of the laminate panel so it is visible after you position your first row of panels. It is recommended that all installed panels be at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) in length. TIP: Measure the length of a row and cut the first panel of the row according to the length desired for the last panel of the row. Direction of Direction of panels. free tips from the flooring liquidators.tv For appearance, panels are normally installed so the length direction of the panels is the same as the length direction of the room. This will also reduce the amount of cutting required. Preparation. free tips from the flooring liquidators.tv Measure doors for clearance of installed panels. Cut away doorframe at bottom if necessary. Remove baseboards if necessary. Surfaces should be clean, smooth, and level. Surfaces with slopes steeper than 12.5 mm/1.62m (1/2 in./5ft.) must be leveled. Measure the perimeter of the room to determine room's squareness, and the required width of the last row of panels. Allow for expansion gaps along each wall.  tongue-and-groove panels are easily installed without glue.  Simply attach the tongue on one panel to the groove side of the other panel and the panels will lock snugly together.  Start with the first panel flat on the floor, decor surface up, and the groove side away from the wall. Insert the tongue of the second panel partially into the groove on the first, while holding the second panel at about a 20° angle from the floor. Press the second panel down flat and the tongue will lock firmly into place. (Reverse the procedure to release.) Continue in a similar fashion for the remaining panels. TIP: After you have locked a few rows in place, you may find it easier to stand on the installed panels when setting the next row in place.   Expansion. Because changes in heat and humidity will cause laminate panels to expand and contract in both length and width, expansion spaces must be allowed on all sides of the installed floor. The use of spacers inserted between the panels and perimeter walls is recommended. The spacers should be removed after the panels are installed and before moldings are attached to the walls. For rooms up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) in width and 40 feet (12.2 meters) in length, allow for expansion between 3/8" and 5/8" (10mm to 16mm) along each wall. Expansion joints. free tips from the flooring liquidators.tv For floors more than 25 feet (7.6 meters) wide or more than 40 feet (12.2 meters) long, an additional expansion joint must be inserted. Expansion joints are also required in doorways, and between adjoining rooms or areas where adjacent flooring is installed. Use a T-molding to cover the expansion joint. Install at a room temperature of 65° F (18° C) Pipes and other obstacles. free tips from the flooring liquidators.tv When installing a laminate panel around a pipe or other obstacle, leave the same expansion gap as you would next to a wall. Measure and precut the affected panel. If there is condensation from the pipe, cut the panel so there is sufficient space to keep the panel dry. It is recommended that you treat the exposed edge of the panel to protect it from pipe condensation. TIP: Fill the space around a pipe with caulking in order to protect the exposed (cut) edge of the panel. Installation. free tips from the flooring liquidators.tv First Row Measure the row before laying the first panel. Cut the first panel according to the length required for the last panel. (See Measurents above.) Measure for straightness and cut the panels to make sure the inner edge of the first row panels is square before starting second row. TIP: Measure the last row for panel width first. Then cut first row panels to the same width as last row, recommended not less than 2 inches. Position the first row panels along one wall, leaving space for expansion between the panel and the wall.  Lock the ends of the panels together until the first row is finished. Second Row The first panel of the second row should be long enough so the ends of the second row panels reach past the end seams of the first row panels. TIP: If the remaining section of the last panel of the first row is long enough, use it for the first panel of the second row. Line up the first panel of the second row so the outside end is even with the outside end of the first panel of the first row.  Lock the long side of the second row panel onto the panel of the first row. After locking in place, lay the remaining panels of the row by first locking the long side in place and then tapping the end of the panel to slide it into firmly into place at its end. Middle Rows Lay each of the panels of the remaining middle rows in the same manner.  In order to stagger the end seams of each panel, it is recommended that the length of the first panel of each row be varied. Last Row Because the width of the last row may be less than that of the previous rows, it may be necessary to cut the panels of the last row to the appropriate width. (See TIP for first row). Precautions. free tips from the flooring liquidators.tv Caution: Wood Dust can be hazardous to your health. Wood products including fiberboard and engineered wood products produce wood dust when sawn, sanded, or machined. Airborne wood dust can cause health problems and can also be an explosive hazard. Power tools should be equipped with dust collectors, and precaution should be taken to prevent ignition. In the United States, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends limiting wood dust exposure to prevent the following health problems: eye and skin irritation; allergy, reduced lung function, asthma, and nasal cancer. Use an appropriate NIOSH approved dust mask and safety glasses when sawing, sanding, or machining wood products. In countries outside the USA, consult the relevant national occupational health and safety authority for the appropriate standard in protective equipment. Kronotex's  from the flooring liquidators.tv  the My Floor Gold series represents an all-around laminate flooring option noted for high-performance in a variety of settings. As sturdy as an 8mm laminate floor, My Floor Gold laminate floors meets all expectations required of quality, long-lasting floors. This 7mm laminate floor can be installed with confidence in a residential, light commercial, or industrial setting. The high-density fiberboard core lends this laminate flooring product a proven structural integrity. Thanks to the Smart Click, glueless locking system, installation is a snap too. The durable surface of this laminate flooring solution provides a fade-resistant, stain-resistant, and wear-resistant surface that endures impact and long-term foot traffic. The lasting beauty of My Floor Gold is a notable highlight, with the potential to bring your interior to life.

Moldings - Installation& Instructions from the flooring liquidator     Installation Instructions - Hardwood and Laminate Floors Quarter Round Wall Base T-molding Threshold Square Nose Flush Reducer Overlap Reducer Bi-Level Reducer Flush Stair Nose Overlap Stair nose Base Shoe This installation guide covers the installation of hardwood moldings on glue down/nail down flooring installations and floating floor installations. Any differences in instructions between hardwood and laminate flooring will be noted in the appropriate section of this guide. Please refer to the appropriate section of the guide for the instructions that apply to your installation. Preparation Preparation for the installation of hardwood moldings is the same as the preparation for installation of the hardwood floor. Subfloors must be flat and level.. “Highspots" should be sanded down and “lowspots" filled with a high compressive strength underlayment patch or self-leveling cement compound developed by a reputable manufacturer. Color and grain matching - It is important to consider color and grain matching any molding and hardwood flooring that will be installed directly adjacent to one another. Because hardwood flooring and moldings are products of nature, they are susceptible to variations in grain and wood color. These natural variations add variety and natural beauty to the overall look of your floor. However, pre-selecting flooring and moldings that will be installed directly adjacent to one another will enhance this beauty. Just prior to installation, the installer should sort through and set aside several pieces of flooring that most accurately match the required moldings. Following this simple, but often overlooked guideline, will provide a pleasing and trouble-free finish on every job. Dos & Don'ts with Hardwood Moldings The following guidelines are presented as an overview of steps the installer can take to assure the hardwood molding installation goes well. These "dos and don'ts" have been gathered from the experiences of many installers across the country and can help to assure your installation goes well. Prefinished moldings must be handled carefully to avoid chipping and marring of the face. Moldings must be pre-drilled to avoid splitting whenever they are to be secured with nails or fasteners. Avoid splits in moldings by controlling the size of the fastener and its proximity to the end of a cut or the edge of the molding. If a pneumatic nail gun is to be used, test it on a scrap molding before the installation to assess possible damage due to fastening. The tool of choice for cutting hardwood moldings is a 10 or 12 inch motorized miter saw with :pre-set adjustments for the basic miter cuts at 22.5°, 45° and 9O°. A carbide tipped blade makes the best cuts. Always use miter cuts rather than butt cuts when splicing. Decide the direction of the miter by cutting the molding with the long point oriented in the same direction as your natural line of vision when you enter the room. When installing Wall Base molding, eliminate the need to putty holes on the molding by placing the bottom nail below the finished line of the Quarter Round molding. On Wall Base or Quarter Round moldings, never restrict the hardwood floors natural contraction/expansion movement by driving the fasteners at a downward angle. Rather, attach the moldings to the wall or vertical surface see Installation Applications - Instructions - Helpful Tips: Installing: (Type of Molding) Wall Base Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor Quarter Round Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor Base Shoe Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor Threshold Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor Reducer Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor Reducer Moldings With A Floating Floor Stair Nose Moldings With A Floating Floor Stair Nose Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor T-Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor T-Moldings With A Floating Floor Floating Floor Moldings Warranty and Maintenance Wall Base Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor  from the flooring liquidator Application- Borders the wood floor at the base of the wall to give the room a finished look. This molding conceals the required expansion space between the wall and the hardwood flooring. It is also sometimes used under cabinet toe kicks. Installation - Wall Base moldings should be installed alter the hardwood floor is in place You must make allowances for an expansion space between the floor and wall in accordance with the hardwood flooring manufacturer's recommendations. The molding should be fastened to the wall (not the subfloor) to assure that the contraction or expansion space for the floor is not restricted (See Fig. A). Pre-drill the molding to avoid splitting. Artistic Finishes Wall Base moldings are eight feet long to ensure minimal splices. This length also helps to assure that splicing joints will be on a stud. Helpful Tip: If the expansion space between the wall and the hardwood floor is wider than the Wall Base molding, you will need to use an Artistic Finishes Quarter Round or Base Shoe molding to complete the job. In this case, place the lower nail securing the Wall Base molding below the finished line of the Quarter Round or Shoe Base molding. By doing this, the Quarter Round molding will cover the lower nail in the Wall Base molding and avoid the need to putty the lower nail holes. Quarter Round Moldings With A Glue Down / Nail Down Floor from the flooring liquidator Application - The Quarter Round is used in much the same manner as a Wall Base molding to conceal the required expansion space between the wall and the hardwood flooring. It is sometimes used under cabinet toe kicks where a wall base won't fit or at the base of a stairs to provide a subtle blend between the floor and the wall or vertical surface. Adding the Quarter Round in front of a Wall Base (See Fig. C) softens the transition and adds a decorative touch. Installation - Quarter Round moldings should be installed after the hardwood floor is in place. You must make allowances for an expansion space between the wall and floor in accordance with the hardwood flooring manufacturer's recommendations. The molding should be fastened to the wall (not the subfloor) to assure that the contraction or expansion space for the floor is not restricted (See Fig. B). Pre-drill the molding to avoid splitting. Artistic Finishes Quarter Round moldings are eight feet long to ensure minimal splices. Base Shoe Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor from the flooring liquidator Application - Used as a transition to vertical surfaces in tight spots where Wall Base will not fit such as the toe-kick under cabinets (See Fig. D) Also used as a substitute for Quarter Round when a lower profile molding is desired to preserve an existing Wall Base molding (See Fig. E). Installation - Base Shoe moldings should be installed after the hardwood floor is in place. You must make allowances for an expansion space- between the floor and vertical surface in accordance with the hardwood flooring manufacturer's recommendations. The molding should be fastened to the wall and/or Wall Base molding (not the subfloor) to assure that the contraction or expansion space for the floor is not restricted. Pre-drill the molding to avoid splitting. When used to transition other floors, such as vinyl or tile floors (See Fig. D), fasten to the wall or toe plate. Artistic Finishes Base Shoe moldings are eight feet long to ensure minimal splices. Threshold Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor from the flooring liquidator Application - Typically used at exterior doorways as a transition between flooring and the threshold. Also used to transition a wood floor to different floors to make them fit together perfectly, such as high pile carpeting or tile. The Threshold molding is also commonly used interchangeably with a square nose molding to conceal the expansion space when the flooring runs up to a vertical object that cannot be framed by Wall Base or Quarter Round molding. Examples include fireplace hearths, sliding glass doors and large thresholds. Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures two sizes of the Threshold molding (Variable Threshold A for floors ranging from 1/4 inch in thickness up to 3/8 inch; and Variable Threshold B for floors from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in thickness). Check the label on the bottom side of the molding to be sure you have the right Threshold molding for the job. When installing Threshold moldings, it is important not to attach the mold-ing directly to the hardwood floor, as the hardwood floor must be able to expand and contract under the lip of the molding in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. After the hardwood floor is installed, lay the Variable Threshold molding in place. The Threshold-molding should overlap the flooring by 1/2 to 3/4 inch, leaving the balance for required expansion or contraction. To attach the molding, apply one or two 1/4 inch beads of construction adhesive to the sub-floor and seat the molding in place. If nailing, pre-drill the molding to pre-vent splitting and nail to the subfloor behind the lip of the molding. Be sure when nailing, not to obstruct the floor's expansion space under the molding (See Fig. F). Reducer Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor Application - Used to join hardwood floor with floors of different heights such as vinyl, ceramic tile or low pile carpeting. Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures two versions of Reducers. The Standard Reducer, for nail down or glue down floors, is available in either a flush mount or tongue and groove configuration. The Overlap Reducer is designed for floating floor installations. Because of variances in thickness with some manufacturers' hardwood floors, on both 3/8 inch and 9/16 inch floors, there are two different moldings (Reducer A and Reducer B) available in each size. Match the molding to a piece of flooring on a flat surface to verify whether Reducer molding A or B is needed. Check the label on the bottom side of the molding to be sure you have the right Reducer for the job. Standard Reducer - To attach the molding, apply glue to the front edge of the molding as recommended by the Manufacturer. Apply one or two 1/4 inch beads of construction adhesive to the subfloor and seat the molding in Place. If nailing, pre-drill the molding to prevent splitting. To assure a flush surface in any glue down installation, it is recommended that the molding be taped to the floor while the glue is setting up as shown in (Fig. G). Overlap Reducer - The Overlap Reducer is typically used for floating floor applications. See the floating floor section of this installation guide for instructions on how to install the Overlap Reducer. Stair Nose Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor from the flooring liquidator Application - The Stair Nose transition molding combines style and function to create an attractive threshold that catches the brunt of floor traffic while enhancing the beauty of a staircase or step. The Stair Nose also provides the proper overhang for a transition from one floor level to the next such as the step into a sunken living room. Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures Stair Nose moldings for glue down/nail down applications that mount flush with the hardwood floor to provide a clean transition to the next step or sunken room. Stair Nose mold-ings arc available for floors ranging from 1/4 inch in thickness up to 3/4 inch. Because of variances in thickness in some manufacturers' hardwood floors, in both 3/8 inch and 9/16 inch floors, there are two different moldings (Stair Nose A and Stair Nose B) available in each size. Match the molding up to a piece of flooring to verify whether Stair Nose molding A or B is needed. Check the label on the bottom side of the molding to be sure you have the right Stair Nose for the job. Standard Stair Nose - When used on a stairstep, the Stair Nose molding should cover and overlap the riser. (See Fig. H). When used on a step-up to another room, the Stair Nose molding becomes the starting "edge" of the floor. Because of the interlocking of the molding with the floor, the Stair Nose molding should be installed first. Once the molding is in place, the interlocking floor can be installed out from this point. To install the Standard Stair Nose molding, apply one or two 1/4 inch beads of construction adhesive to the subfloor and seat the molding in place If nailing, pre-drill the molding to prevent splitting and nail to the subfioor To assure a flush surface in any glue down installation, it is recommend that the molding be taped to the floor while the glue is setting up as shown in (Fig. H). Overlap Stair Nose - The Overlap Stair Nose is typically used for floating floor applications. See the floating floor section of this installation guide for instructions on how to install the Overlap Stair Nose. T-Moldings With A Glue Down/Nail Down Floor from the flooring liquidator Application - Commonly used in doorways to join two wood floors in adjoining rooms. Also recommended when making a transition from a wood floor to another floor that is approximately the same height such as ceramic tile. T-moldings are also used to provide expansion joints when a floor dimension exceeds 40 feet. Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures one T-Molding to fit floors ranging from 1/4 inch in thickness up to 3/4 inch. When installing T-Moldings, it is important not to obstruct the space for expansion or contraction recommended by the flooring manufacturers. For this reason, you will need a space between the two adjoining floors of approximately 1 1/4 inches to properly install the T-Molding. Installing T-Molding between a wood floor and another floor of the same height - Lay the T-Molding in place to determine proper fit. To attach the T-Molding between a ceramic tile floor and hardwood floor, apply a 1/4 inch bead of construction adhesive to the top edge of the ceramic tile. Seat the molding in place, making sure that you have a minimum of a 1/4 inch molding overlap on the wood flooring, including an expansion space between the T-Molding and the wood floor to handle expansion or contraction (See flooring manufacturer's recommendations on required space) (See Fig. I) Installing T-Molding between two wood floors of the same height - Lay the T-Molding in place to determine proper fit. To attach the T-Molding between two hardwood floors, apply a 1/4 inch bead of construction adhesive to the top edge on one side of the hardwood floor. Seat the molding in place, making sure that you have a minimum of a 1/4 inch molding overlap on the wood flooring on the adjacent floor. Check to make sure that you have also provided an expansion space between the T-Molding and the wood floor to handle expansion or contraction (See flooring manufacturer's recommendation, on required space) (See Fig. J). Floating Floor Moldings from the flooring liquidator Artistic Finishes supplies a full line of quality hardwood moldings for floating floor applications. The following installation guidelines provide suggestions on how to properly install these moldings for a picture perfect look. www.liquidators.tv Wall Base Molding - The installation instructions for Wall Base molding on a floating floor are the same as a glue down/nail down floor installation. See the installation instructions in the "Glue Down/Nail Down Floor" section of this installation guide. Quarter Round Molding - The installation instructions for Quarter Round molding on a floating floor are the same as a glue down/nail down installation. See the installation instructions-in-the "Glue Down/Nail Down Floor" section of this installation guide. Base Shoe Molding - The installation instructions for Base Shoe molding on a floating floor are the same as a glue down/nail down floor installation. See the installation instructions in the "Glue Down/Nail Down Floor" section of this installation guile. Threshold Molding - Artistic Finishes manufactures two versions of the Threshold molding (Variable Threshold A for floors ranging from 1(4 inch in thickness up to 3/8 inch; and Variable Threshold B for floors from 1(2 inch to 3/4 inch in thickness). Check the label on the bottom side of the. molding to be sure you have the right Threshold molding for the job. When installing Threshold moldings, it is important not to attach the molding directly to the hardwood floor as the hardwood floor must-be able to expand or contract under the lip of the molding per the manufacturers recommendations. Start the installation by installing Artistic Finishes Shims (Part # 17949) wherever you plan to install Threshold moldings (i.e. against fireplace hearths. sliding glass door tracks, ceramic tile, etc). This Shim should be placed directly against the vertical object or floor where you plan to install the Threshold molding. This Shim serves as a base or foundation for the molding. Secure the Shim in place by either nailing or gluing it down. Install the pad with the edge of the pad placed directly against the Shim. Install the floating floor so that it overlaps the Shim approximately 3/4 of an inch. The Shim serves to stabilize the floor from compressing under weight and provides a foundation for the Threshold molding (See Fig. K). Lay the Variable Threshold molding in place. The Threshold molding should overlap the-flooring by 1/2 to 3(4 inch, leaving the balance for required expansion or contraction. To attach the molding, apply one or two 1/4 inch beads of construction adhesive to the Shim and seat the molding in place. If nailing, pre-drill the molding and Shim to prevent splitting and nail to the subfloor behind the lip of the molding. Be sure when nailing, not to obstruct the floor's expansion space under the molding. ~~~Reducer Moldings With A Floating Floor Application - Used to join hardwood floors with floors of different heights such as vinyl, ceramic tile or low pile carpeting. Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures two versions of Reducers. The Standard Reducer, typically used for nail down or glue down floors, can be used on a floating floor installation when .you want a smooth, flush transition between floors. The Overlap Reducer is designed specifically for floating floor installations and is quick and easy to install. Artistic Finishes manufactures reducers to accommodate floors ranging from 1/4 inch in thickness up to V4 inch thick. Check the label on the bottom side of the molding to be sure you have the right Reducer for the job.www.liquidators.tv Standard Reducer for flush mount installations - Start the installation by installing Artistic Finishes Shims (Part # 17949) wherever you plan to install a Standard Reducer. The Shim should be placed directly against the edge of the floor to which you are transitioning. Secure the Shim in place by either nailing or gluing it down. Install the pad with the edge of the pad placed directly against the Shim. Install the floating floor so that it overlaps the Shim by approximately 3/4 of an inch. The Shim provides a foundation for the Reducer molding and serves to stabilize the floor from compressing under weight. Lay the Reducer molding in place. Apply glue to the front edge of the molding and one or two 1/4 inch beads of construction adhesive to the shim and seat the molding in place. To assure a smooth, flush surface, it is recommended that you apply tape to the molding and floor to hold-the Reducer in place until the glue is dry (See Fig. L). When installing Overlap Reducer moldings on a floating floor, it is important not to attach the Overlap Reducer directly to the hardwood floor as the hardwood floor must be able to expand or contract under the lip of the molding per the manufacturer's recommendations. Overlap Reducer - Start the installation by installing Artistic Finishes Shims (Part #-17949) wherever you plan to install an overlap reducer. The Shim should be placed approximately 1-1/2 inches from the edge of the floor to which you are transitioning. Secure the Shim in place by either nailing or gluing it down. Install the pad with the edge of the pad placed directly against the Shim. Next, install the floating floor over the Shim so that only 1/4 to 3/8 inch of the Shim is showing under the floor. The Shim serves to stabilize the floor from compressing under weight. Lay the Reducer molding in place. Note: The Shim should not extend under the base of the Overlap Reducer (See Fig. M). Lay the Overlap Reducer in place. The Overlap Reducer should overlap the flooring by 1/2 to 3/4 inch, leaving the balance for required expan-sion or contraction. To attach the molding, apply one or two 1/4 inch beads of construction adhesive to the subfloor and seat the molding in place. If nailing, pre-drill the molding to prevent splitting and nail to the subfloor behind the lip of the molding. Be sure when nailing, not to obstruct the floor's expansion space under the molding. Stair Nose Moldings With A Floating Floorwww.liquidators.tv Application - The Stair Nose transition molding combines style and function to create an attractive threshold that catches the brunt of floor traffic while enhancing the beauty of a staircase or step. The Stair Nose also provides the proper overhang for a transition from one floor level to the next such as the step into a sunken living room. Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures two Stair Nose versions: an Overlap Stair Nose for quick, easy floating floor installations (See Fig. N) and a Standard Stair Nose for flush mount applications where an overlap is considered undesirable (See Fig. 0). Artistic Finishes supplies Stair Nose moldings for floors from 1/4 inch in thickness up to 3/4 inch thick. Check the label on the bottom side of the molding to be sure you have the right Stair Nose for the job. When installing Overlap Stair Nose moldings on a floating floor it is important not to attach the molding directly to the hardwood floor as the hardwood floor must be able to expand or con tract under the lip of the molding per the manufacturer's recommendations. Overlap Stair Nose. Start the installation by installing Artistic Finishes Shims (Part #17949) wherever you plan to install an Overlap Stair Nose. The Shim should be placed approximately 1-3/4 inches from the front edge of the risen Secure the Shim in place by either nailing or gluing it down. Install the pad with the edge of the pad placed directly against the Shim. Next, install the floating floor over the Shim so that only 1/4 to 3/8 inch of shim is showing under the floor. The Shim serves to stabilize the floor from compressing under weight. Lay the Overlap Stair Nose in place. Note: The Shim should not extend under the base of the Overlap Stair Nose (See Fig. N). Lay the Overlap Stair Nose in place. The Overlap Stair Nose should overlap the floor mg by 1/4 to 3/8 inch, leaving the balance for required expansion or contraction. To attach the molding, apply one or two 1/4 inch beads of construction adhesive to the subfloor and seat the molding in place. If nailing, pre-drill the molding to prevent splitting and nail to the subfloor behind the lip of the molding. Be sure when nailing, not to obstruct the floor's expansion space under the molding. Standard Stair Nose - Many homeowners and installers prefer the look of the Standard Stair Nose to the Overlap Stair Nose molding. If you choose to use a flush mount Stair Nose, start the installation by installing Artistic Finishes Shims (Part #17949). The first Shim should be placed flush with the front edge of the riser. Secure the Shim by either nailing or gluing it down. Install a second Shim directly against the first Shim and secure it in place. If proper-ly installed, it should extend under the edge of the floating floor. The Shim provides a foundation for the Stair Nose molding and serves to stabilize the floor from compressing under weight. Install the pad with the edge of the pad placed directly against the Shim. Lay the Stair Nose molding in place. To attach the molding, apply one or two 1/4 inch beads of construction adhesive to the Shim. and seat the molding in place. To assure a smooth, flush surface. it is recommended that you apply tape to the molding and floor to hold the reducer in place until the glue is dry (See Fig. 0). If nailing, pre-drill the molding to prevent splitting and nail to the subfloor behind the lip of the molding. www.liquidators.tv T-Moldings With A Floating Floor www.liquidators.tv Application - Commonly used in doorways to join two wood floors in adjoining rooms. Also recommended when making a transition from a wood floor to another floor that is approximately the same height such as ceramic tile. T-moldings are also used to provide expansion joints when a floor dimension exceeds 40 feet. Installation - Artistic Finishes manufactures one T-Molding to fit floors ranging from 1/4 inch in thickness up to 3/4 inch. When installing T-Moldings, it is important not to obstruct the space for expansion or contraction. recommended by the flooring manufacturers. For this reason, you will need a space between the two adjoining floors of approximately 1-1/4 inches to properly install the T-Moiding. Installing T-Molding between a stationary floor and a floating floor - Start the installation by installing- the Artistic Finishes Shim (Part #17949) wherever you plan to install a T-Molding. The Shim should be placed approximately 1 inch from the edge of the floor to which you are transitioning. Secure the Shim in place by either nailing or gluing it down. Install the pad with the edge of the pad placed directly against the Shim. Next, install the floating floor over the Shim so that only 1/4 to 3/8 inch of shim is showing under the floor. The Shim serves to stabilize the floor from compressing under weight. Lay the T-Molding in place Apply a 1/4 inch bead of construction adhesive to the top edge of the stationary floor. Seat the molding in place, making sure that you have a minimum of a 1/4 inch molding overlap on the wood flooring, including an expansion space between the T-Molding and the wood floor to handle expansion or contraction (See flooring manufacrnrer’s recommendations on required space). (See Fig. P). Installing T-Molding between two floating floors - When installing the T-Molding between two floating wood floors, begin the installation by installing the Artistic Finishes Shims (Part # 17949) under the edges of the floating floors where you plan to install T-Molding. The Shims can be butted together or separated no more than 1 inch. Secure the Shims in place by either nailing or gluing them down. Install-the pad with the edge of the pad placed directly against each Shim. Next, install the floating floor over the Shim so that only 1/4 to 3/8 inch of shim is showing under the floor The Shim serves to stabilize the floor from compressing under weight. Lay the T- Molding in place. Apply a 1/4-inch bead of construction adhesive to the top edge of one side of the wood floor (Caution: Do not glue both sides.) Seat the molding in place, making sure that you have a minimum of a 1/4 inch molding overlap on the side of the flooring that is not glued. Make sure you also include an expansion space between the molding and the sides of the wood floor that are not glued to handle the expansion or contraction of both floors (see flooring manufacturer's recommendations on required space). (See Fig. Q.) Warranty and Maintenance Preventative Maintenance Use rugs in high traffic areas to reduce wear Use dirt trapping walk-off mats at all exterior doors to keep sand, dirt, grit, grease and oil outside Sweep or vacuum regularly Never wet mop or flood your floor with water or other water-based products as this can severely damage the flooring Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and use cleaning products recommended by your flooring manufacturer Do not use oil soaps; liquid or paste wax products or other household cleaners that contain lemon oil, tung oil or ammonia Keep pets' nails trimmed and paws clean and free of dirt gravel oil and stains Place protective pads beneath furniture legs and feet to reduce scratches and dents Use a dolly and protective sheets of plywood when moving heavy objects, furniture or appliances Make certain furniture casters are clean and operate properly (a minimum 1 inch width is recommended) Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on the floor/moldings Follow all other preventative recommendations of the flooring manufacturer     Flooring Information  - Facts Ten Things You May Not Know About Selecting Hardwood Flooring the flooring liquidators 1) Red Oak is not the only choice  www.liquidators.tv If you want your home to look like everyone else’s, this is a great choice. If you want your home to be unique try hickory, cherry, walnut, white oak, maple or many others. Go to flooring retailers or search the Internet and see what is available. If you really want red oak try using wider widths or character grade for variety and uniqueness. 2) 2 1/4 inch is not the only size available If all you ask your builder for is a hardwood floor – you are going to get a 2 1/4 inch red oak floor. Why? It is the most common, most produced, most stocked, cheapest option available. You can buy sizes in 3” through 12”. You can put down a single width for a uniform look or multiple widths for a more random look. Typical random flooring patterns are 3”-4”-5”, 3”-5”, 4”-5”-6”. Have fun! Make your home unique! The wider the floor the more seasonal separations between the flooring planks can occur. 3) Import Species don’t support jobs in the United States While there are vast amounts of imported species available, there are fantastic, interesting species of flooring available right here in the United States. Not all countries have managed forests and renewable resources. This is an important time to support our own economy. 4) All flooring is not select (clear) grade The most common floors are select grade. These floors contain none of woods naturally occurring character marks. Look around your flooring showroom, almost every display is showing clear flooring. There are warm and inviting options. Look at a character grade or other grades. Make sure to see a photo of what the floor looks like, not just one piece. 5) Prefinished flooring is convenient Have you ever been forced to leave your home for three days while the flooring contractor sands, stains and recoats your floor? If not ask a friend who has had it done. A professional flooring contractor will leave your home spotless, others can leave dust on all your furniture. Today’s factory finished flooring can be installed today and entertained on tonight with very little mess. With prefinished flooring each plank is allowed to move independently with humidity changes in your home. This makes those seasonal separations (cracks) in your floor less noticeable. 6) Colors can be cool – but mother nature is hard to beat  www.liquidators.tv Some species of flooring are so beautiful in their natural color, they do not require any added color. Look up hickory, cherry or walnut flooring on the Internet and you will see what I mean. 7) Prefinish warranties are a gimmick 50 year warranty – WOW! Lifetime warranty – fantastic! Oh really? These are wear-through warranties only. Your floor will loose its “sheen” or luster and require refinishing long before you ever wear through the finish. The best way to make a floor last is to vacuum it often to keep away abrasive material that might scratch your floor. Remember a lower sheen floor shows less wear. 8) Not all flooring is smooth – texture is popular Hardwood flooring does not have to be smooth. Many companies are offering hand scraped, distressed and reclaimed flooring. These floors have a classic look and add great value to upscale homes. They do not show much wear or scratches since they have a great deal of character interest to draw attention to different parts of the floor. These floors will be a guaranteed conversation piece with your friends and neighbors and are often the focal point at luxury home tours. 9) In a basement use engineered flooring Most people use engineered flooring to glue down to concrete or in higher moisture areas. This flooring has a thin layer of hardwood with a cross banded plywood base. This makes the flooring more stable and does not require nailing like a solid hardwood floor. 10) Laminate flooring is not Hardwood flooring A great steak does not taste the same as a picture of a great steak. If you want the beauty and warmth of hardwood flooring in your home – buy the real thing, not a cheap imitation

Kronotex’s My Floor Gold series@ the flooring liquidators represents an all-around laminate flooring option noted for high-performance in a variety of settings. As sturdy as an 8 mm laminate floor, My Floor Gold laminate floors meets all expectations required of quality, long-lasting floors. This 7 mm laminate floor can be installed with confidence in a residential, light commercial, or industrial setting. The high-density fiberboard core lends this laminate flooring product a proven structural integrity. Thanks to the Smart Click, glue less locking system, installation is a snap too. The durable surface of this laminate flooring solution provides a fade-resistant, stain-resistant, and wear-resistant surface that endures impact and long-term foot traffic. The lasting beauty of My Floor Gold is a notable highlight, with the potential to bring your interior to life.. Shipping available world-wide. Please contact our customer service department by phone at  954-253-7095  Antonio  KRONOTEX - My Floor GOLD  @ the flooring liquidators 7 and 8 mm  made in USA FOR 0.59 C container lodes This laminate flooring is a GREAT looking . Colors and grain pattern will match almost any interior. An excellent choice for kitchen, living or dining room - this is floor you always wanted.  Look no further for such a low price on this floor, buy today! Features:                                                                Smart Click - panels click together with ease.    No glue is required!Abrasion rating is AC-3/31making it suitable for heavy duty residential  and light commercial applications.        Comes with 20 year residential warranty. PRODUCT LAMINATE FLOORING MANUFACTURER    KRONOTEX USA @ FLOORING LIQUIDATORS MODEL My Floor  GOLD COLORS  10 COLORS THICKNESS 7 mm = 9/32" TEXTURE SMOOTH , BLOCKED LOCK TYPE SMART CLICK , GLUELESS PLANK SIZE 54-1/4" x 7-9/16" BOX CONTENT 25.8SF/bx/9 PLANKS BOX WEIGHT 33 lbs GRADE AC3/31 WARRANTY 20 YEAR RESIDENTIAL FEATURES SMART CLICK MADE IN USA

Evaluation of Laminate Flooring Underlayment  from liquidators .tv Benefits   info you need to know from the flooring liquidators The term "laminate underlayment" refers to any product designed for installation over the sub-floor surface and under the laminate flooring material. The purpose for laminate underlayment may be one or a combination of the following: Installation. Smooth out minor sub-floor imperfections. Improve thermal insulation properties. Reduce walking fatigue. Help protect the laminate material from sub-floor moisture. Composition  info you need to know from the flooring liquidators Laminate flooring underlayment products may be constructed of, but not limited to, one or a combination of the following materials: Cork Frothed foam Granulated rubber Natural fiber Polyethylene film Polyethylene foam Polypropylene foam Polystyrene granul>ate Polyurethane foam Rebonded urethane foam Sponge rubber Synthetic fiber Vinyl foam Wood fiber Properties  info you need to know from the flooring liquidators Laminate flooring underlayment characteristics for evaluation: Acoustical Properties Compression Resistance Compression Set Density Water Vapor Transmission Rate Tensile Strength Thermal Resistance Thickness Weight 1. Acoustical There are three types of sound associated with flooring materials: Impact sound is vibration generated by footfalls or objects coming in contact with the flooring surface that is transmitted to an adjacent room. Airborne sound is any airborne vibration such as voices, sound systems, etc that travels through the flooring system and into an adjacent room. Resonation sound is that portion of impact or airborne sound that reverberates or echoes within the room. The International Building Code recognizes two types of tests to measure sound traveling through a floor/ceiling assembly and into a lower living space. Impact Insulation Class (IIC) testing for impact sound and Sound Transmission Class (STC) testing for airborne sound. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods are listed for both IIC and STC tests. Although resonating sound within the room is an essential element in the quality of a given living space, at the present time there are no established ASTM methods for testing this acoustical property. There are, however, proposed methods through other organizations that are currently under evaluation by NALFA. Reports of sound test results should include a description of the entire floor/ceiling assembly. Methods ASTM E 492 (Testing) & E 989 (Classification) - Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ASTM E 1007 (Testing) & E 989 (Classification) - Field Impact Insulation Class (FIIC) ASTM E 2179 - Change in IIC over a given concrete sub-floor - D IIC ASTM E 90 (Testing) & E 413 (Classification) - Sound Transmission Class (STC) 2. Compression Resistance/ info you need to know from the flooring liquidators Compression resistance is the measurement of the force necessary to produce a specified percentage of compression over the entire top area of a given sample. The accepted percentage compression for test methods used to compare flooring underlayment products is 25%. All of the methods listed for compression resistance testing describe testing at 25% of thickness. Results are expressed in either kPa or psi. The specific method selected should be noted when reporting results. Methods ASTM D 3575 Suffix D ASTM D 1667 Sections 16-20 ASTM D 3676 Section 13 3. Compression Set  info you need to know from the flooring liquidators Compression set covers the deflection of an underlayment specimen under a compressive force and under specified conditions of time and temperature, then noting the effect on the thickness of the specimen after releasing the compressive force. The results are reported as a percentage of the original thickness. The methods listed are accepted procedures for measuring compression set. Both tests require deflection for a period of 22 hrs and release for a period of 24 hrs. The tests differ in the thickness of deflection (25% and 50%). The thickness of the test deflection should be noted along with the specific method selected when reporting results. Methods ASTM D 1667 Section 21-25 ASTM D 3575 Suffix B 4. Density Volume density is the ratio of the mass weight of the underlayment to its volume. Density is calculated from thickness and weight determinations and expressed in pounds per cubic foot or kilograms per cubic meter. Method ASTM D 3676 Section 12 5. Water Vapor Transmission Rate  info you need to know from the flooring liquidators Standard methods for the evaluation of moisture resistance properties determine the rate of water vapor transmission through a given barrier material. The resultant Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) is the time rate of water vapor flow normal to the surfaces, under steady-state conditions, per unit area. Methods ASTM F 1249 ASTM E 96 6. Tensile Strength Tensile strength is the measurement of the force needed to separate or tear the underlayment. Tensile strength measurements may help compare underlayment materials for ease of installation and long-term wear-ability of the underlayment. Standard methods for the evaluation of tensile strength are conducted for both the length and width of the test material and are reported in lbs or kgs of force. Methods ASTM D 3574 ASTM D 2647 7. Thermal Resistance Thermal resistance (R-value) is the reciprocal of thermal conductance (C-value). C-value is calculated from the thermal conductivity (k) of a material. Thermal conductivity (k) is the measure of the amount of heat that will be transmitted through a one inch thick piece of homogenous material, one square foot in size, in one hour, when there is a one degree Fahrenheit temperature change. The equation for "k" is: BTU * inch/sq.ft. * hr * deg F. C = k/thickness in inches. R = 1/C. Method ASTM C 518 8. Thickness Thickness, which is normally measured in inches, mils or millimeters, is important when evaluating the finished flooring profile height as it relates to adjacent flooring material, doorway clearance and laminate accessory use. Method ASTM D 3676 section 11 (referencing D-3767 method A-2) ASTM D 3575 section 8 9. Weight Underlayment weight is usually expressed in lbs (or ounces) per square foot, or grams (or kgs) per square meter. Weight comparison may be an important characteristic when considering job site material management, ease of installation and freight cost. Method ASTM D 3676 section 12.1 Summary Properties Method Acoustical ASTM E 492 & E 989 (Impact Insulation Class) IIC ASTM E 1007 & E 989 (Field Impact Insulation Class) FIIC ASTM E 2179 (Change in IIC over a concrete sub-floor) D IIC ASTM E 90 & E 413 (Sound Transmission Class) STC Compression Resistance ASTM D 3575 Suffix D ASTM D 1667 Sections 16-20 ASTM D 3676 Section 13 Compression Set ASTM D 1667 Sections 21-25 ASTM D 3575 Suffix B Density ASTM-D-3676-Section 12 Water Vapor Transmission Rate ASTM F-1249 ASTM E 96 Tensile Strength ASTM-D-3574 ASTM-D-2647 Thermal Resistance ASTM-C-519 Thickness ASTM-D-3676-Section 11 (Reference ASTM D-3767, Method A-2) ASTM-D3575 Weight ASTM-D-3676-Section 12.1 A Scandinavian Heritage@  liquidators.tv and the flooring liquidators Laminate flooring represents the most significant flooring entry in the past twenty-five years. The product we know today as laminate flooring was originally developed as another possible use of high-pressure melamine laminate. This occurred in Sweden in the early eighties. A product was created with a base of several layers of paper impregnated with special resins which were pressed together under high pressure into a highly wear resistant composite material. The decorative paper determined the design. The finished laminate was then glued onto a carrier and cut into sections with extremely exact dimensions. Decorative laminate was a product that was widely used on kitchen countertops, tables or wall paneling, but obviously not as yet for floors. This clearly created an opportunity, but a flooring application brought new technical challenges. The initial concern to be solved was the wear factor. It is obvious that floors are walked on and therefore suffer a lot more normal abuse than furniture or counter tops. A laminate floor clearly had to be more durable. A reinforced laminate that was approximately ten times stronger than counter tops was created and the first flooring began to be sold. As research grew, the relative strength of flooring laminate increased dramatically to at least twenty times that of countertops. Important parallel developments were also taking place during these early days. Packaging was one. Wood flooring at the time was normally sold in long strips of approximately eight feet and installed only by a skilled professional. Laminate flooring was different right from the beginning. It was packaged eight planks to a carton that was approximately half this length (about four feet). The easy to handle carton was fairly lightweight and could be transported by car or in an elevator with ease. Its carton contents equaled approximately twenty square feet (two square meters). Because of these revolutionary factors and ease of installation, a large do-it yourself market was created in Sweden that exists today. In fact, over ninety percent of laminate flooring in Sweden still is self-installed! Reasons for Acceptance from the flooring liquidators.tv The system of gluing, using a tongue and groove method that, when done properly, creates a single unit that is impervious to normal household spills or tracked in rain or snow. This single unit expands or contracts with changes in humidity. (This movement, by the way, cannot be seen). The strength of the bond in creating the single unit permits heavy objects, such as refrigerators or bookcases to be placed directly on the flooring. Provided that the glue is applied correctly, there is no problem with gaping. This process of installation is called a floating floor. The laminate floor can be laid or "floated" over the existing floor without being glued to the surface. This system also encapsulates the original floor. In most cases, (with the exception of textile), the older floor is not removed. This further saves time and installation costs! Both the professional installer and the do-it-yourself customer quickly embraced the floating floor method because of the simplicity of installation and removal as compared to a glue down (to the sub-floor) floor. An easy removal process replaces the laminate floor at which point it can be destroyed with no danger to the atmosphere. Laminate floors contained insignificant quantities of elements that affected indoor air quality, plus it could be installed in a minimum amount of time. The final success ingredient (and an important one) is in the aesthetics of the floor. In the beginning virtually all the floors replicated were wood species. Why? Simply because these patterns were desired by the public. As laminate flooring grew in popularity, other looks were introduced, including marble and stone. One of the interesting aspects of laminate flooring is that the designs are limited only by the imagination of the producers. This has resulted in a product that is now recognized by the design and decorating community for its ability to create an atmosphere of great beauty along with durability. The European Spread of Laminate Flooring  from liquidators.tv Three important attributes - durability, design and installation ease now assured the popularity of laminate flooring in Europe. Following the early success in Scandinavia, other northern European countries, primarily Germany and the Benelux countries began to market laminate flooring. Distribution then spread quickly throughout the rest of Europe and continues today. Standards in Europe are being created by the CEN (Comite Europeen de Normalisation or The European Committee for Standardization) group and will have the force of law. NALFA maintains a relationship with this important committee as well as EPLF (European Producers of Laminate Flooring). The interchange of ideas and technical data is viewed by NALFA as one of the most important areas of contribution. Into North America Laminate flooring crossed the Atlantic to North America in the early nineties and was brought quickly to the market. The results of this introduction surpassed even Europe. The North American consumer discovered that she could have a product of beauty with incredible wear and unmatched stain resistance. American and Canadian kitchens quickly became the primary room for laminate floors. Our consumer found out that virtually nothing could stain this beautiful floor, nor would sun or ultraviolet cause fade; and wear patterns were a thing of the past. And yet there were more discovered benefits. The resistance to indentation from heavy objects or shoes was far greater than popular existing wood or vinyl floors. The floor was incredibly easy to clean - vacuuming or damp mopping are needed. There is no need for waxing or stripping of the old wax buildup. The retailer enjoyed unexpected ease of stocking and servicing. Dye lots, found in ceramic or textile, are non-existent in laminate flooring. This retailer benefit also assured the consumer of exact match in tone and color, even if additional matching flooring was purchased and installed a year later! Besides importers, US and Canadian manufacturing operations began to produce the product. Laminate flooring was on its way to another success. North America took to this new category of beautiful flooring with its remarkable qualities in unparalleled numbers. Today, laminate flooring continues its remarkable growth. Virtually every room of the house, including bathrooms is benefiting from a laminate floor application. The commercial marketplace is now exploring the aspects of laminate flooring for its demanding situations   flooring history  by Antonio the flooring liquidators In many early homes, the floor was just a patch of ground. This is still true in some parts of the world, such as places in Africa where the weather is always warm. Dirt is a good, inexpensive surface. Hay, straw, and cow dung are sometimes strewn on the floor and tamped down as people walk on it, creating a surface almost as hard as cement In some regions, household waste was just thrown on the floor and trampled down. During the Middle Ages in Europe (about AD 400 to 1400), animals sometimes shared the house with peasants, though in a separate room. Occasionally the animals wandered into the humans' part of the house, and their dung was also trampled into the floor. When the mineral called saltpeter (potassium nitrate) was first used to develop gunpowder around the 1100s, the floors of former peasant homes served as a good source for saltpeter. It is found in places where manure and refuse accumulate in the soil under dry conditions. The first known use for mint in Europe was as a room deodorizer. The herb was strewn across the floors to cover the smell of the litter. Stepping on the mint helped to spread its scent through the room. In early North American homes, settlers would sometimes spread sand on top of the dirt floor. When the litter in the room became unbearable, they'd simply sweep it out the door along with the sand. Then they'd spread a new layer of sand on the floor. Other settlers would spread peanut and sunflower seed shells on the floor. As these were trampled underfoot, the shells spread oil into the dirt to help settle the dust. In the Los Banos area of central California, native American Yokuts dug house pits about three feet deep. They piled the dirt outside the hole for walls. Then they made domes from branches, reeds, and mud for a roof. As they walked across the dirt floors with their bare feet, the oil in their feet gradually made the dirt watertight and easy to clean. Sometimes dirt floors were decorated to make them more attractive. Colored sand was used to form patterns in the dirt. In India this evolved into a well-known art form called " rangoli," or floor painting. On a mud floor, a painting could be formed from rice powder and flower petals. These were created at the doorstep to greet visitors entering the home or to mark an important occasion. Dressing up stone About 5,000 years ago, Egyptians developed stone construction. Stone and brick floors began to appear. Soon these floors became works of art as well as a useful surface for the home. Colored tiles created patterns called mosaics across the floor to add beauty to the house. As far back as 3,000 years ago, Greeks created pebble mosaics for their floors. Gradually they began using oblong stone shapes rather than pebbles. This technique was used in ancient France, Spain, Italy, and Northern Europe. During the Roman Empire (27 BC to AD 476) engineers found another advantage of stone floors - heating. They built a small basement with pillars under the floor to support large stone squares. A vent was created at one end of the basement, and a fire was started under the opposite end. The heat and smoke from the fire would heat the stone floor above. Evidence also shows that ceramic tiles were used for floors thousands of years ago. The Romans introduced tilemaking in portions of Western Europe. After the fall of Rome, however, the craft was forgotten for centuries. Tile floors appeared and disappeared. Decorated tiles were used in Turkey, the Middle East, and in the Netherlands during the 1600s. It wasn't until the mid-1800s that they became popular again throughout Europe. The modern tile industry began in 1843 when Herbert Minton revived tilemaking in England. In Latin and South America, plain, undecorated ceramic tiles were common. Tiles became popular in North America during the late 1500s and flourished until about 1930. Walking on wood The earliest known wood floors came into use during the Middle Ages. At first, rough planks were laid across the floor. Then these were sanded or smoothed by rubbing them with stone or metal. Later, varnishes or stains were applied to help smooth the floor and make it last longer. Stains were also used to add patterns to the floors. Sometimes inlaid patterns were created by carving shapes out of different-colored woods and piecing them together to form patterns, like a puzzle. People also painted patterns and designs on the floor. Now for something woolly The oldest known woven rug was discovered in Siberia in the 1940s. Called the Pazyryk carpet, it dates back to about 400 BC. Other evidence suggests that some forms of rug-weaving were used in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Middle East and Asia about 4,000 years ago. Carpetmaking in China dates back to the Sung Dynasty (AD 960 to 1279). Italian explorer Marco Polo saw some of these works during his travels through China and Turkey in the 1200s. He greatly admired their artistry. The Romans used rugs on the floors and walls of their palaces. They even used them to pay taxes. When Egyptian Queen Cleopatra first met Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, she had herself smuggled in to him rolled up in a giant carpet. Iran (then called Persia) greatly developed the art of rug weaving during the Safavid Dynasty (1502 to 1736). The patterns they developed are still used in rugs around the world. "Persian rugs" are highly valued still. A forgotten fad: floor cloths A similar type of floor covering is the floor cloth, which has designs painted on sturdy material. These were used in fine homes in France as far back as the 1300s. In the 1600s they became common in England. Sailors brought home portions of canvas sailcloth painted with an attractive design to adorn their dirt floors. The cloths became popular and were produced in factories in England and New England. Their popularity waned with the development of linoleum. Early American settlers often painted tile-like patterns on their floor cloths. Thomas Jefferson had two grass-green floor cloths in his home at Monticello in Virginia, to give a natural feeling indoors. Finding a floor by accident Resilient floors include such pliant floor surfaces as rubber, linoleum, or vinyl. Rubber floors first appeared around 1200 and remained popular until the 1600s. An English rubber manufacturer, Frederick Walton, noticed how linseed oil formed a leathery skin on top of paint. In 1863 he patented linoleum, still made by mixing linseed oil with powdered wood or cork (or both), resins, pigments, ground limestone, and drying agents. Rubber, cork, and asphalt tiles were developed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Laying different colored tiles was a popular way to make geometric designs. Soon an "accidental" discovery led to a floor surface that quickly replaced these soft tiles in popularity. In the late 1800s, European researchers combined a gas called vinyl chloride in a mixture that resulted in a rigid material. No one could think of a good use for it, though. In 1926, American inventor Dr. Waldo Semon was trying to bond rubber to metal. He tried using the vinyl chloride mixture with other chemicals. His first attempts resulted in wisps of gas and an occasional explosion. Eventually he created what we now call PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or vinyl. It was first used in shock absorbers. Later, it was used to develop synthetic tires. Used to insulate wires during World War II, it became popular as a floor covering after the war. Today, sales of resilient flooring are second only to carpet in the United States. But you aren't limited to just one choice. Many people prefer an easy-to-clean vinyl or tile in the kitchen or bathroom, and wood, rugs, or carpeting in other rooms. How many different types of flooring do you have in your home? Phrases inspired by floors It's hard to tell sometimes where or how a saying started, especially if it's an old saying. Here are some theories about the sources of common expressions related to floors. From 'besom' to broom To sweep floors during the Middle Ages, the British used a 'besom' - a handful of twigs with the leaves attached. Besoms were often made of twigs from the 'broom scrub,' and so the sweeping implements came to be called 'brooms' around AD 1000. Superstitious people put brooms across the door of a house to ward off witches. They thought that a witch had to count every straw in a broom placed across a door before entering. 'Snug as a bug in a rug' Benjamin Franklin presumably invented this saying in 1772 when he used it in a letter to mean 'the utmost contentment.' Carpetbagger After America's Civil War, some greedy northerners (mostly poor whites) wanted to take advantage of southern blacks who had just been given the right to vote. They packed up their belongings in luggage made from carpets and moved south. They became known as 'carpetbaggers.' Anderson Wood Floors manufacturer of prefinished, engineered wood floors. Authentic Pine Floors Heart Pine and Wide Pine Planks. Award Hardwood Floors manufacturer of the Wearmax® ceramic finish in a wide array of colors in both domestic and exotic wood species. B.A. Mullican Mullican produces longstrip, & strip Appalachian wood flooring Bauwerk Hardwood Flooring prefinished wood flooring, Swiss based manufacturer BR-111 Exotic Hardwood Floors prefinished, exotic solid wood floors BNS Wood Industry Co.,Ltd. manufacturer of Hevea solid hardwood products from Thailand Mirage Wood Floors Mirage® prefinished engineered wood floors Boen Hardwood Floors, Inc. prefinished three-ply hardwood floors Boral Timber Australia's largest hardwood timber producer Broad-Axe Beam Co. 3/4" thick, Eastern White Pine, ship-lapped, floorboards Bruce Hardwood Floors the most recognized USA brand name for both solid & engineered pre-finished & unfinished hardwood floors. Buell Flooring Group Skor engineered wood floors in a variety of both domestic and exotic wood species. Capella Floors Capella™ Wood Floors from Anderson-Tully Chickasaw Hardwood Flooring quality manufactured of unfinished strip solid wood flooring by Memphis Hardwood Flooring Columbia Forest Products wood veneers, hardwood plywood and wood laminated products. Decorative Flooring Online manufacturer of any type of wood Inlay used in flooring. Dynamic Laser custom laser wood flooring and Design Firebird Industries, LTD. premium-grade specialty hardwood flooring and accessories. Foma Wood Floors Chinese manufacture of solid, engineered, parquet and handscraped hardwood flooring and accessories. FORES Floor Canadian manufacturer of solid wood floors in a wide variety of species, grades and widths. Gammapar acrylic impregnated wood flooring for high traffic areas GrillWorks, Inc. wood floor registers, vents grills, and wood floor accent strips Tarkett Wood Floors manufacturers both prefinished engineered and longstrip wood floors Armstrong Hardwood Flooring formerly called Hartco, manufactures solid, engineered and parquet wood floors, some are glueless. Heartwood Pine Flooring Manufacturer of wide plank pine flooring Historic Floors of Oshkosh specializes in the design and manufacture of decorative inlays for hardwood floors Homerwood Hardwood Flooring Manufacturer of oak, cherry, hickory and other hardwood flooring that is distinguished by the unique beauty of the Character Grade and Amish Hand-Scraped products. LM Flooring offers a wide variety of prefinished, engineered wood floors that can be glued, nailed or floated. Scandian Wood Floors a Brazilian manufacturer of prefinished exotic hardwood floors Jia Haw Enterprise Co., Ltd. "CHIA MU S" noiseless & laminated hardwood flooring from Taiwan Junckers Hardwood Flooring manufacturer of solid and engineered wood floors in a variety of species, thicknesses and appearances. Lamella Hardwood Floors Finnish manufacturer of prefinished, engineered hardwood flooring Lauzon Hardwood Flooring Canadian hardwood flooring manufacturer with the exclusive Polynium+ with Sunshield, advanced titanium finish. Launstein Hardwood manufacturer of 3/8" solid hardwood floors Kahrs International, Inc. manufacturer of fine hardwood floors, including longstrip floating wood floors Kentucky Wood Floors, Inc. specialty hardwood flooring and millwork Mafi Naturholzboden Austrian producer of wide plank natural wood floors Mannington Wood Floors outstanding engineered 5-ply prefinished hardwood floors Mercier Wood Floors manufacturer of pre-finished solid, exotic and engineered hardwood floors. Mohawk Hardwood Flooring quality solid, exotic and engineered wood floors Muskoka Hardwood Flooring Canadian manufacturer of quality North American hardwood floors. Nordstar Hardwood Flooring 5-ply UV-cured polyurethane finished engineered wood floors. PAR-KY Wood Floors a European manufacturer of prefinished, engineered hardwood floors, including a engineered wood floor with the Uniclic glueless locking system. Permagrain Wood Floors Permagrain acrylic impregnated hardwood floors Ply*Gem Manufacturing floating hardwood floors Ridgefield Industries manufacturer of wood vents, grills & custom specialty flooring Robbins Wood Flooring manufacturers both solid and engineered wood floors Satin Finish Hardwood Flooring Limited 100% Canadian made hardwood flooring products Scheucher Holzindustrie manufactures the STEIRER PARKETT solid and engineered wood floors. Also, the NOVOLOC® glueless installation system. Shaw Hardwoods Floors Beautif