Tag: flooring

Handy tips for artificial grass maintenance

Handy tips for artificial grass maintenancecredit

It’s a fact that laying artificial grass in your outdoor areas ensures that upkeep will be minimal. Still, you’ll need to carry out a modicum of maintenance if you want your artificial grass to be durable and look attractive for years to come.

Below, we’re going to go through some handy tips for both preparatory and post-installation maintenance.

Hire professionals to install the carpet

Dynamic companies like Perth Artificial Grass provide you with not only a range of choices but also high quality installation. They have an expert team that can advise about quantity needed, layout and fitting.

Although it may not seem a difficult task to lay artificial turf, it can often prove to be a tricky job. Engage a reputable retailer to avoid unnecessary pitfalls. If you choose to do-it-yourself and make a mistake, it can turn out to be an expensive or time-consuming decision.

3D render of artificial grass with a path running through

Prepare the ground for installation

Before you have the artificial grass laid, ensure there are no leaves, small stones or other loose material on the ground. Once this has been done, smooth and level the area building up a soft and humid base. Creating a sub-layer using a soil and limestone mixture will deter weeds and also discourage insects.

Have maintenance equipment

An artificial grass carpet doesn’t require costly cleaning tools to keep it looking good. It just needs a sweep and a wash. So you need to have some basic equipment such as a broom, scrubbing brush and bucket at the ready.

Chairs on artificial grass

Brush frequently

The ‘blades’ of synthetic grass can become flattened after being constantly walked and played upon. This means that you’ll need to brush them on a regular basis to get the surface to stand high and look fresh again. For best results, use a broom with soft, synthetic bristles.

Clean regularly

Debris such as particles of food, sticky drink spills, animal mess etc are to be expected and will need to be cleaned up. If they’re not, they will decay and begin to smell. Cleaning can be done simply & easily using a sponge & warm water with soap, mild detergent or disinfectant.

Bright green artificial turf

Avoid fire, heavy and sharp items

Discarded matches and cigarette butts will likely melt and burn your artificial grass, leaving unattractive black spots. Heavy objects such as vehicles or can press your grass down and damage it permanently. Additionally, sharp items such as stiletto heels and some garden tools can pierce, cut, slash and damage your carpet for good.

Remove leaves and other garden material

Fallen leaves, especially in the autumn months, can accumulate on the ground in no time. Once it rains, they get soggy, turn to mush and will quickly rot on the surface of your artificial grass. Avoid this happening by clearing them up frequently.

Pull up weeds

Weeds can establish themselves on even the thinnest layer of soil that may settle on the surface of your artificial grass. Be vigilant, inspect your turf regularly and remove any unwanted shoots as soon as you see them emerge.

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4 mistakes people make when having carpet fitted

4 mistakes people make when having carpet fittedcredit

Contrary to what some people will tell you, carpet has never gone out of style, and many will prefer the soft feel of a warm carpet under their feet over hardwood any day. A carpet is also a great option for children’s rooms thanks to its shock and sound-absorbing qualities. However, to get the most out of your new carpet, you have to make sure that you have all bases covered and don’t commit serious mistakes that you could end up regretting later on. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when having carpet fitted.

Brown carpet with shadows across

Not choosing the right underlay

One of the most important things that you should do when having carpets fitted is to consider installing underlay. The only situation where we would advise against this is if you have underfloor heating. In this case, the underlay could prevent heat from seeping through, though you can find underlay with low thermal resistance.

Underlay is essential to making a carpet more comfortable. If you want to learn more about underlay, its benefits, and which one to pick, you should check out ColourBank Flooring and Beds. They have a useful page on how this can make carpet more comfortable by improving the carpet’s shock-absorbing qualities. They explain which type of underlay you should be using for a room with heavy traffic, for instance, or when would be the best time to have it upgraded.

5 different coloured carpetscredit

Going with the cheapest quote

This is one of the biggest mistakes you could ever make. Going with the absolute cheapest quote will only guarantee two things: either you’ll get the cheapest result, or end up paying much more in the end. You want to look at multiple quotes and you want to know if those quotes are fixed so that there will not be any unpleasant surprises. You want something near the middle unless you’re getting specialised service. If that’s the case, you can pay a little more for quality, but only if the contractor is a certified expert with verifiable experience and work.

Small dog laying on a carpet

Not looking at insurance

Insurance is very important when working with any contractor and you must ask for the contractor’s proof of insurance before you start. You also want to follow up and call the insurance company to see if their coverage is real and active. Insurance will protect your property in case they cause damage, it will protect you if someone gets injured as a result of their actions, and it will also protect you in case they quit the job in the middle for any reason.

Layered carpet samples

Not considering professional installation

But the worst mistake is not having the carpets fitted by a professional in the first place. While you may feel like this is an easy job, a pro will get you better results. Not only that, but mistakes can be a headache to fix and you might have to call a pro anyway to come and fix everything. If a contractor makes a mistake, you’ll hopefully be able to evoke some clause in the contract that obligates them to fix it.

These are some of the mistakes you should avoid at all costs when it comes to carpets. In all cases, always make sure that you thoroughly vet the people you’re going to work with and know as much about the process before the project starts.

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A beginner’s guide to laying a laminate floor

A beginner's guide to laying a laminate floor

There are some building jobs around the house that, without the proper skill, knowledge or equipment really shouldn’t be embarked upon; major electric jobs and servicing a boiler are two such tasks.

Putting down laminate flooring can be a DIY job, even if you’re not the most experienced or confident individual. The tips in our beginner’s guide to laying a laminate floor will help you get the job done quickly, easily and with the minimum of stress and a top quality finish.

Kitchen with a laminate floor

Choose

In which room will you be laying the laminate floor? It’s suitable for almost any room except for a bathroom as it isn’t a completely waterproof option. If you’re after quality, opt for engineered wood flooring which is durable and hard-wearing as it’s manufactured using a top layer of real wood. This makes it the perfect material for heavy traffic areas such as porches and hallways. Laminate is a hygienic option as it’s easy to clean; a quick sweep or vacuum and then a going over with a damp mop. Therefore, it’s a good choice for the kitchen, laundry or children’s nursery.

Laminate flooring is available in click lok or tongue & groove boards which simplifies the fitting process. It’s available in a huge array of wood finishes with attractive natural knots and graining. Depending on your décor, you could choose rustic oak, sleek American black walnut or natural maple.

Person doing woodwork

Measure

As the old adage goes, ‘Measure twice, cut once’. You don’t want to waste time, money and materials by cutting the boards too short or at the wrong angle. Saying that, it’s always best to order a little more than you think you actually need in case things go a bit wrong.

Click lok planks of laminate flooring

Cut

Once your chosen flooring has been delivered, give it at least 24 hours indoors to allow it to acclimatise (preferably inside the room in which it’s to be laid) before you begin cutting it. The wood will expand or contract and adjust to the temperature and humidity of your home.

Ensure you have the necessary tools to hand before you begin the job. A workmate bench will make the task a lot easier – especially if you’re working on your own. You’ll need a hand hacksaw or electric jigsaw to cut the boards quickly, cleanly and precisely. Also, a hammer and small block of wood to gently tap and close any gaps between the boards as they’re being laid. You’ll need a few spacers to put between the wall and planks. This ensures a uniform gap around the edges which allows the floor a little give to expand in hot or humid conditions.

Also, although not absolutely necessary, some people like to glue the edges of laminate flooring to prevent movement. Finally, a mitre box would be useful for making angled cuts for boards that will be positioned in the corners.

Joins in laminate floor planks

Lay

Before you begin laying, ensure you’ve swept or vacuumed the base that the laminate will be laid upon and that it’s completely dry.

If the base is made of levelled concrete or ceramic tile, ensure you put a layer of plastic sheeting between it and the laminate to act as a waterproof membrane. If the base consists of wooden floorboards, make sure the boards are nailed in securely and lay underlay on top of it before the laminate goes down. Laminate is also suitable for laying over underfloor heating and even carpet, so long as the surface is even.

It’s favourable to lay the laminate boards so that the long sides are parallel to the lengthiest wall in the room. Also, stagger the position of boards to ensure their edges don’t all line up uniformly. This is for strength as well as attractiveness.

Laminate flooring in a hallway entrance

Finish

For a professional, high-quality finish along the edges of walls and over door thresholds, it’s recommended that you lay skirting boards, beading, trims and/or cover strips.

Once the flooring job is complete, we recommend that you refrain from walking on it for 24 hours as it may affect the evenness of the surface.

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6 best options for bathroom floor coverings

6 best options for bathroom floor coverings

If you’re renovating your bathroom, one of the most important decisions to make – after choosing the suite – is what kind of flooring to lay. There are lots of different types out there but you will need to decide on the one that will work best for you; your taste, your budget and your DIY skill level. Following are some of the best options for bathroom floor coverings – and we’ll point out some of the pros and cons for each choice.

Vinyl flooring

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is one of the most affordable choices of material. It’s sold in either rolls or tiles and can be laid by a confident DIYer, eliminating any labour costs. It is a very versatile material; it comes in lots of different colours and patterns and is suitable for tiny or expansive bathrooms in equal measure. It can mimic the look of wood or stone at a fraction of the price. Vinyl is a warm material and often has a foam or padded underside, making it extra comfortable when walking on it barefooted.

Black rubber flooring with raised circular patterncredit

Rubber

Rubber flooring is available with a raised, patterned surface which makes its textured finish very slip resistant. Similar to vinyl, rubber is sold in rolls or as tiles in a huge array of colours. Again, it’s a warm material that stands up well to a wet environment such as a bathroom. Rubber flooring requires specialist installation knowledge, so it’s probably best to get the experts in to lay it.

MArble floor in vaulted bathroom

Stone

Manufactured stone flooring can be either ceramic or porcelain – the latter is more suitable for bathrooms as its composition is denser and therefore less porous. Stone floors also encompasses naturally occurring materials such as marble, slate, granite and limestone. Generally available as tiles in various sizes, stone floors are cold surfaces so should be laid in conjunction with underfloor heating. Stone floors look amazing but can be the luxury choice. Stone tiles need to be cut and laid by expert fitters and can be expensive to buy, especially Calacatta marble and Jura limestone. However, reclaimed tiles and flagstones can be bought from salvage companies at a much more affordable cost. Although a very durable material, some stone floors can stain easily and often require a lot of specialist maintenance such as cleaning using specialist products and regular sealing.

Concrete floor, bath and twin hand basinscredit

Concrete

Concrete is a relatively cheap material, so a good choice if you’re on a limited budget. Like stone, concrete can be cold underfoot, so it should be poured on top of pre-laid underfloor heating. Concrete can be painted in an almost endless array of colours or polished to a fine finish. It’s one of the most durable flooring surfaces if maintained properly.

Planks of bamboo flooringStilfehler – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, credit

Bamboo

Bamboo is a grass so it’s a natural, renewable resource and is therefore a good, environmentally-friendly choice. Although a more unusual material choice, it’s becoming more popular and easier to find. Treated bamboo flooring is more water resistant than many wooden floors. Bamboo flooring comes in click-to-fit planks so can be easily fitted by a proficient handy-person.

Herringbone cork flooringcredit

Cork

Cork flooring is available in rolls or as tiles in a variety of colours. Cork is a natural, renewable material taken from the bark of tree trunks; so this makes it another of the eco options. It’s slip resistant and water resistant – perfect for a room where there will be wet feet and possible puddles. Cork is also a sound deadening substance; a great advantage if you live in an upstairs flat.

Now that you know a little more about the possibilities of bathroom floor coverings, you can make a much more informed choice about which one is best for you.

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