Floors

Concrete is one of the most commonly used building materials for homes today. Some flooring materials, most commonly hardwood floors, require the application of a plywood subfloor prior to...

Acid and acrylic stains provide visual interest, enhancing the appearance of dated concrete with colors, patterns, and textures. There are a variety of advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to...

There are many reasons to finish a garage. Some car enthusiasts turn their garages into mini-showrooms to properly display their pride and joy. Others simply need a little more space for the kids...

Like most construction materials, concrete expands and contracts with temperature and moisture changes. These variables can damage and produce cracks in concrete when not properly controlled....

Concrete slabs provide a world of strength and practicality when it comes to function. But sometimes the homeowner wants to decorate or treat a concrete slab to make it aesthetically pleasing. The...

When casting or forming and pouring a concrete slab, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, the forms need to be solid and well attached in order to keep the concrete shaped...

Before laying concrete in a basement you have to install a layer of protection from the moisture that tends to collect in sub-ground areas, that would otherwise damage the surface of your basement...

Painting a concrete floor can spruce up the entire area in an instant. Prior to painting, you must properly prepare the concrete floor. Cleaning and preparing concrete for painting is important,...

How flat a concrete slab needs to be depends on the sheen of the tile finish, the size of the individual tiles and your personal standards. Filling an occasional low spot in a slab is a simple...

Existing concrete floors, like those found in most basements, can be cold if the floor has not been covered with carpet or insulated. If you plan to finish your basement or just want to provide a...

Having a drain in a garage is important if you park your car in the garage and live in a place where there is a lot of precipitation the car may carry into the garage. If installed when the garage...

Basements are often overlooked when it comes to floor finishing, as most seem to be simply used for storage and basic utility. While concrete is a generally durable material, sealing these floors...

Concrete is one of the most commonly used materials for floors in homes and apartments, and is often thought to be an impenetrable surface. Though it is true that concrete is a very strong and...

At times, it becomes necessary to pour new concrete on top of an old floor, simply because the underlying floor begins to show wear from constant footsteps, pets, and stains. Tearing out a...

Most every homeowner has dealt with the problem of unsightly concrete surfaces on driveways, patios, in garages and interior spaces. Many people believe damaged and discolored concrete means...

A properly prepared and laid subfloor can make all the difference in a successful transformation from bare concrete basement floor to a warm, inviting room. With a good subfloor in place it will...

Adding a finished floor over a concrete floor can transform the way a room looks and feels. There are two basic ways to add a floor over concrete: plywood over concrete and sleepers over concrete....

Concrete floors can often be preserved and beautified by staining, sealing and finishing. Staining a concrete floor requires applying penetrating concrete stains; sealing it can usually be done...

Concrete floors are simple to clean and are inexpensive to preserve. Stains are available to give the floors an exceptional appeal. Often carpets, area rugs or other floor decor are present. You...

When doing a room addition, you will first need to have a foundation or footing for the room to rest on. This footing is traditionally made of concrete, as concrete is a durable and strong...

Tack strips are simple components involved in the installation of carpeting. These strips trace the perimeter of the floor to keep the carpet from peeling up. Tack strips are composed of wood,...

Nothing makes a garage floor more usable than the smooth surface provided by concrete. If you know how to pour concrete in large batches and work it down, this may be a do-it-yourself project you...

There are many reasons why you might want to pour new concrete for an indoor or outdoor living space. For example, you may want a new concrete floor in your basement to prevent water seepage....

Pulling up stained and worn carpet is a difficult task. On the other hand, exposing and polishing a beautiful concrete floor can add character to your home. If you currently have carpet on top of...

Applying epoxy concrete floor paint to your garage or basement floor can be a worthwhile project for several reasons. It will look better, form a non-slip surface, seal pores, and improve...

Cork is a good noise-reducing material that also cushions your feet, and is not hospitable to insects. However, the cork used may originate from different types of trees, so its quality can vary....

Trying to remove flooring that is glued to concrete can be a horrific task if you are not prepared with the right tools and materials. With a little time and effort, you can replace your old...

Concrete basement floors are notoriously not level. Because they are poured and quickly finished with trowels and floats on the ends of long poles, the resulting floor is one that appears level in...

Concrete is among the most commonly used building materials. One of the only downsides of this material is its permanent nature; once concrete has had time to dry and cure, it can prove difficult...

Wood, carpet, tile and vinyl have long been the usual options when it's time to put in a new floor. Concrete, however, is now a popular option for those who want a long-lasting and...

Concrete stamping is a very effective way of making boring concrete look like brick or natural stone, or simply adding a few decorative elements, but the process can be very involved. Small...

Concrete is an inexpensive option for the flooring of a porch or backyard patio. Unfortunately, raw concrete can have a plain, dull look. It can also grow mold if it is exposed to too much...

Concrete floors are everywhere. From suburban basements to urban lofts to businesses, this utilitarian floor is as sturdy and solid as they come. If you want to spruce up the look of your space,...

You have removed the tile from your concrete patio or other concrete surface. All of the tile debris has been tossed out except for the tile's thinset---the bonding material that was holding the...

If you are building an addition to your home, most of the work should be done by a contractor. However, you may want to do the first step yourself: pouring a concrete slab for the foundation. The...

Flooring is important to a remodeling project, as it sets the tone of a room. However, if you have a concrete floor and want other flooring, you will need a sub-floor. You'll need to install a...

Concrete is one of the most durable and versatile building materials available. A painted concrete floor can be practical and easy to care for. However, if you decide you want a different look,...

While cement is durable and relatively inexpensive, it is a rather unsightly building material. Luckily, you don't have to live with the drab gray aesthetic of cement. You can paint over virtually...

Many people find the addition of tile floors to be a great way to liven up a room. Installing tile floors can be an intimidating task, but it is one that is much simpler if you are confident that...

If you are looking to do a home addition, one of the first things you will need to do is build a slab for the foundation. This part of the process is one which you can do yourself without the need...

Concrete is a building material that isn't kind with mistakes. You can follow instructions perfectly, yet somehow you find that your new concrete slab has a glaring problem: It slopes. Fixing a...

Vinyl floor tiles add a durable attractive surface for any room. They're easy to install and once placed last years with a minimum amount of maintenance. One issue you have to deal with though...

Concrete is a long lasting, durable building material, but even the best laid concrete slabs can begin to show the signs of age. The slab of old concrete in your garage may be dulled and gouged....

You can help mold-proof damp locations, such as basements or bathrooms, by using mold-resistant tiles. In addition, the use of an "air-gap membrane" laid underneath the subfloor will help keep...

The concrete floors in your garage or basement can be finished to create additional living space in your home, for very little money. Concrete floors may require a bit of prep work before they are...

Installing tile over painted concrete adds a few extra steps to your tiling job. Unfortunately, the tile cannot be adhered directly to the painted surface. Paint used on concrete will not bond...

Thinset is a cementing material generally used with tiles as an adhesive to a concrete slab. Hardened thinset is as strong as concrete, and cannot be removed with chemical means. In order to...

Concrete stains offer homeowners a simple do-it-yourself project that will improve the look of their home, and make plain concrete flooring attractive and appealing. Unlike many home improvement...

Installing tile on a concrete floor can spruce up a space by taking away the boring, dreary look of gray concrete. It is a great idea for patios, porches and basements. There are a variety of...

Mold spores can cause many respiratory illnesses. Headaches, asthma and immune disorders are common for those with constant contact to mold. Although concrete is one of the best materials when it...