Tile Flooring Installation – It May Not be All Easy as You Might Think

Tile Flooring Installation

Ceramic or porcelain – tilefloors are always a good investment to get for your home. If proper cleaning and upkeep is observed, then your tile floors may even last forever (so to speak). Tile floors are known to never wear out, and are very durable. They are also very resistant to moisture so they are a prime choice to get when planning to change the flooring inside your bathroom. However, installing them is easier said than done.

INSTALL TILE FLOORS PROPERLY

Getting ready for tile flooring installation requires you to have the right kind of equipment. Of course, you would need the tiles, but you will also need a bunch of other items as well. You will need a cement backer board, tile nippers, sponges, tape measure, knee pads (you’re going to be on all fours for quite a while), tile cutter (tile saws also work well), grout, square rubber float, chalk, a whole lot of water, eye protection gear, buckets, hammer, a notched towel, and nails.

The first thing you would have to do is to remove the molding and base boards, then remove any existing floor coverings such as carpets or wooden floors. Make sure that the subfloor is devoid of dust and debris. Speaking of subfloor, if there are any cracks or unevenness sighted, promptly repair them first before tackling on installing your new tiles.

To make sure that the floor is sturdy and stable, installing a cement backer board to stabilize the subfloor is a recommended step.

Use a chalk to make two lines that will intersect in the middle of the area. Don’t just draw any two lines; instead, make sure that the lines are square to each other (or at 90-degrees). Lay a row of tiles along both lines on the dry floor. Don’t “glue” them into place just yet; this step is just to show you if you’re doing it right. Make sure that you put spacers in between the tiles as these will be for the grout. Look at how the tiles are arranged as you would want whole tiles in the center as much as possible. Fiddle a bit with them until you are happy with how they look.

Once you are able to install your tiles, do not enter the room for at least a day so that the grout can properly set. Otherwise, you will be looking at disastrous results if someone sets foot on tile floors that have just been newly set.

Do these steps seem like too much to handle? Not to worry, companies such as that of CCC Floors can handle tile flooring installation for you. 

Ceramic Tile Flooring - How to Take Care of Them

Tile Flooring Chicago

Many homeowners opt to install ceramic tile floors as part of their home improvement project. One of the reasons is because, well, they are basically very lovely to look at. However, just like with other flooring materials, if they are not maintained properly then it's as if you're just throwing money right out the window.

Installing new floors, especially ceramic tile flooring, is a big investment. Just like purchasing a new car or a new house, you would want to take care of said investment to gain the most value out of it. With that being said, read on to know how to take care of your ceramic tile flooring after the installation has been done.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR CERAMIC TILE FLOORING

Turn Sweeping Into a Habit

If you used to think that sweeping is a tiresome chore, then better rethink those thoughts because now you're going to have to do them on a regular basis. In fact, sweeping is a very simple yet effective way in keeping the longevity of your floors, well, long.

Dirt, dust, and small debris can adhere onto the surface of the floor, and there are some scenarios wherein more of these elements are seen on them (i.e. kids returning home after playing in the mud). Even if the residues are already dry, it can still become quite a mess and would not look pretty. Furthermore, these particles (when stepped on) can create permanent scratches onto the ceramic tile material. Hence, make it a habit to sweep regularly.

Use a Mat or Rug

Speaking of scratches, there is also a way to prevent that and that is by placing a rug or a mat right before the entrance of the room where the tile floor is located. Make it a habit to remind household members and guests to wipe off their shoes and footwear on said mat before entering the room.

Mop Weekly

Aside from using your trusty broom, mopping the tile flooring is also a great idea that you should hold onto to maintain the beauty of the floor. Mopping on a weekly basis with lukewarm water will give you the best results. Doing so can retain the luster of the ceramic tiles.

If you don't have ceramic tile flooring but have already decided on installing them for your home, then don't forget to contact CCC Floors for all your installation needs. Our professional assistance will be able to assist you from start to finish.

Hardwood Flooring Installation – Why Install During the Cold Seasons

There are many household owners that would install new floors during great weather conditions. After all, when the weather is good, there would less things to worry about in terms of preparation. However, there are some people who would be taken aback when they get in touch with professional flooring installationcontractors when they hear the news that it might be best to set up the new flooring during the colder weather, especially when we’re talking about hardwood floors.

What many do not know is that hardwood flooring installation during the winter season promotes advantages that may not be acquired during other seasons.

HARDWOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION DURING WINTER

The Floorboards Will Change Size Due to the Shift in Temperature

Water is crucial for life to exist and it plays a vital role in organic substances, which would include the natural wood material that is about to be installed in your home as your new floor. These floorboards will expand when heated and will shrink in colder temperatures.

Professionals in the flooring installation industry can tell you that it is quite difficult to properly space the boards during summer, primarily because of the heat. This is because the wooden material will swell and it can be quite hard to install them. However, when installed during the cold seasons, the hardwood materials will shrink, in which professionals can give an allowance when they install it in your home. This can then lessen the possibility of unsightly gaps, which would otherwise happen if the floorboards are installed during the summer.

Moisture is Less Likely to be Trapped Underneath the Wooden Flooring During Winter

When installing hardwood floors during the colder seasons, the material is less likely to warp and buckle over time. This is because there is less chance for moisture to be produced underneath the flooring during the cold season, which may otherwise happen if the floor is installed during summer. Furthermore, if there exists moisture underneath the flooring, it can promote the growth of molds and mildew.

If you are about to install your new hardwood floors, whether as DIY or through professional assistance, do not lay them down immediately; have them get acclimated by leaving them in a certain spot in your home for about 24-hours. When that’s done, then you or the contractors can begin with the work

If you are indeed looking for professional help for hardwood flooring installation, you can contact CCC Floors for all of your floor installation needs. 

Laminate Flooring Installation – Preparing the Subfloor

Laminateflooring installation is not just about blatantly placing the new material onto the floor and it will magically fix itself for you. Installing laminate floors is a morecomplicated procedure than that, and it involves getting the subfloor ready.

Laminate Flooring Installation

While laminate is designed to cover any subfloor surface without being fixed to it, it does not mean that you would no longer prepare the subfloor and instead place the new flooring material over it immediately. There are a few requirements that you should meet prior to installing the laminate floor.

PREPAING THE SUBFLOOR FOR LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION

The Subfloor Must be Clean

Once you remove any existing floor material (tile, hardwood, etc.), make sure to sweep or vacuum the subfloor to remove any dust, dirt, and small debris. Why is this so important? So that when you place the laminate floors, there won’t be any bulge or unevenness that may occur.

The Subfloor Must be Fixed

When you remove your existing floor and reveal that there are areas on the subfloor that needs fixing, such as cracks or holes, then promptly remedy them first. Furthermore, if the subfloor is of a wooden material, make sure that there are no loose boards or nails that are sticking out of the surface.

The Subfloor Must be Dry

It is a rule of thumb to never install laminate over a wet surface. Therefore, if the area has a drain or moisture problem then promptly fix that problem first prior to installing the laminate floor. If the subfloor is quite new and it is made with concrete, make sure that it has fully dried first before placing the laminate material. Otherwise, you will have more than just a sticky situation to worry about.

The Subfloor Must be Solid

Laminate is generally a very lightweight material, so it makes sense that the subfloor needs to be a whole lot tougher than it is. Therefore, make sure that the subfloor is sturdy and solid enough to handle the weight of furniture, appliances, and people. Otherwise, make sure that it does so that you won’t worry about damaging your new floors (or your whole room falling down).

Should you be in need of assistance in preparing the subfloor, or for the entire laminate flooring installation process for that matter, then why not get in touch with professionals in the industry instead of handling the job as DIY? A reputable company, such as CCC Floors, will be able to assist you from start to finish.

Carpet Installation - Things to Know

Carpet installation is not something that can be done in a snap. There are things that need to be considered to assure of a good-looking and error free finish. The entire process does not involve haste without careful thought, else mistakes will be committed. Such hindrances can cause you more time, money, and effort than what was originally expended. As such, knowing everything there is first with regards to installing your new carpet will save you a ton of your hard-earned cash, not to mention the time and sweat you will put into the job ahead.

Carpet Installation by CCC Floors

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CARPET INSTALLATION

Move the furniture

Installing a brand new carpet is not as easy as just laying it down on the floor. One of the first steps to installing carpets is to move the furniture of the room somewhere else. This is also a good time to detach any piece of furniture that may still be attached to the wall. Also, don't just leave your electronic devices lying there; promptly remove them for the meantime. You can return your electronics and furniture back to where they were originally placed after the entirety of the installation has been done.

Cutting the carpet

When you purchase carpets, most of the time they will come in large rectangular pieces. If you're room does not have such a shape, then you will have to cut it before laying it down completely. You can have the carpet pre-cut but make sure to have experts do it for you if you don't know what you're doing or about to do.

Stretching and trimming

After the carpet has been laid out with care, its edges will be ready to be glued and seamed together. After which, the flooring will be stretched and trimmed, then adhered to the tack strips; or it could be placed into the adhesive, as with the case for many commercial installations. Any seams are then glued together and are worked with special tools so that they are as invisible as possible. Still, do note that not all carpet seams will allow for near invisible seam installation.

If you are having trouble regarding with the installation of your new carpets, or would want the assistance of professionals to do it for you from the onset, then seek for the help of a reputable flooring installation company. CCC Floors is one such firm that can assist you from start to finish, and even after the installation has been done. 

Tile Flooring - Know the Benefits of Having Tile Floors

You've already done your research, and out of hardwood, laminate, carpet, or tile floors, the last option is what you've decided upon for your new floors. Tile floors promote a number of benefits to your home. Tile is a great flooring option as it is versatile and allows great longevity, which is among its other distinguishing characteristics. It also looks good even if they are in a plain color, or if they have beautiful patterns overlaid on them.

BENEFITS OF HAVING TILE FLOORING

Read on to find out more why you should get tile floors for your home.

Longevity

Most people are looking for the harder, more durable surface whenever they plan on installing new floors into their home. You can choose from one of two options - ceramic and porcelain. Both tile options are known for their long-lasting and resilient characteristics. If cared for properly, such tiles would last for generations. This will, of course, include proper installation practices right from the get-go.

Indoor Air Quality

Did you know that tile floors can actually assist in preserving indoor air quality? Tile is fired in high-temperature kilns when they are made. This means that it carries little, to even no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can contribute to a wide array of health risks. Such a floor can even be glazed with antimicrobial products. This will reduce the growth of bacteria that are on the tile's surface.

Little Maintenance

If you're the type of person who has a very busy lifestyle, then having tile floors will be an advantage since it requires little maintenance. Unlike other flooring options, such as carpets, they do require only regular cleaning practices such as sweeping with a broom or the occasional vacuuming will work. For an even better way to keep the pristine conditions of your tile floors, you can head on to your local home care store or the supermarket for tile cleaning and maintenance products.

Options are Plenty

If you are in need of tile floors that will suit your interiors, then there is bound to be a design that will have that. Tile floors are also known for their extensive array of patterns and design. If you need assistance on this matter, you can get in touch with your local tile manufacturer, or you can contact a reputable flooring installation company. Reliable companies, such as that of CCC Floors, will be able to assist you in tile selection and even towards the installation of your new floors. 

Facts to Know About Hardwood Flooring Installation

Whether you want carpets, laminate, vinyl, tiles, or hardwood to be installed in your home, you should know about some flooring installation procedures prior to jumping onto the task. If hardwood is your selection, then do note that it is without its own unique set of challenges. However, once done properly, the floorings will bring a certain luxury and elegance to the entirety of the home's interiors as it complements every bit of design with a classic look.

Hardwood flooring installation Chicago

PROPER HARDWOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION

Hardwood floor installer Chicago

When doing hardwood floor installation, a subfloor needs to be placed prior to putting the wooden floorings down. The subfloor protects the hardwood material from moisture and other substances that may cause it harm and damage. It also helps the wooden floors to stay securely in place. Lastly, the subfloor acts to level the height of the wooden pieces. Without the subfloor, the floor will not be leveled, and homeowners may find themselves getting their toes stubbed a lot on their own floor.

Another thing to watch out for is when the area is prone to moisture. This is for homes that may reside in more tropical climates. Cities and towns that are prone to rainy seasons should select a hardwood floor that will fit their weather conditions.

Do note that hardwood can be deemed to be just a category as there are many specific types of wooden floors that can be installed in homes. Hence, choosing the wrong type if can lead to disastrous results, leaving homeowners to have thrown out a lot of money out the window as their flooring investment had just gone up in smoke (well, not literally, but you get the idea).

Going back to the subject of having constant wet climates, homeowners should avoid getting solid hardwood floors. Instead, use one of the alternatives.

For DIY hardwood installation practices, there are a few things to prepare before taking on the task. Do know that there is a lot of detailed work involved after placing the floor down. It will all start with sanding down the floor. Doing so will loosen up the rough spots from the wood filler which may be used to cover the nails. This is also done in order to smoothen out and level the entire floor.

If this seem like such a large task for you and you still want to get hardwood floorings for your home, get expert hardwood floor installation assistance from the pros. Contact CCC Floors for more details on this. CCC Floors services the Chicago area.