Has anyone had a laminate floor failure due to an unlevel floor, and if so, what was the result?
Q. I have a laminate "click" type laminte floor that has some dips that I belive exceed the spec (the floor dips a couple of mils in the worst spots). I believe the floor was just not leveled properly. Just wondering what kind of failure I might expect in the future?
Asked by mrknightii2000 - Fri Jul 18 01:42:20 2008 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 2 Answers - Comments

A. You can expect a shorter life span on the flooring. What will happen is the tongue and groove, will wear out, from flexing. Most likely, the bottom of the portion with the groove will break first, or the tongue, allowing the pieces to begin gapping, or become uneven. Then you'll have to replace it. If its not reached that level of damage yet, its not too late to fix it. That's the beauty of locking system flooring... you can pull it up, and put it back down, fairly easily. I'd recommend pulling it up, and applying some floor leveling compound to the areas that dip too much, let it dry, and lay the flooring back down. Other possibilities could include underlayment that was installed wrong, sub floor fasteners that were not driven in all the… [cont.]
Answered by thewrangler_sw - Fri Jul 18 04:07:54 2008

How thick can I go with floor leveler?
Q. I'm installing ceramic tile for a bathroom floor over the light gray backer board. The problem is that the floor slopes almost 2 inches from the outside wall to the wall on the inside of the house due to settlement over the years. I have it braced up in the basement so I'm not worrying about any more movement, and don't want to jack the floor back into place and crack the plaster throughout the house. How deep can I go with floor leveler, and any recommendations for a good self leveler brand?
Asked by M M - Fri Feb 2 18:43:39 2007 - Decorating & Remodeling - 5 Answers - Comments

A. Well that's great because 2" is max. Go to Home Depot in the flooring department. They sell a self leveler that you mix with water, yes you do have to trowel a little,basicall y just to smooth it out, but not to much. Be sure to read the bag before buying, one bag states for 1 to 11/2 the other bags says for up to 2". Mix it to the consistency of pancake batter. Got it, Good. Good Luck
Answered by Cheryl - Fri Feb 2 19:11:41 2007

Different colors of laminate floor next to each other, will it work?
Q. I have darker color laminate floor for the living room and dinning room 8 months ago. Now, I want to expand it to kitchen and hall way. However, I can not get the same color and same brand of laminate floor I got before. Will it be starnge to have different color(lighter) of floor lay next to the darker ones? In this case, what would you recommend?
Asked by ppigworm - Mon Aug 20 11:42:26 2007 - Decorating & Remodeling - 3 Answers - Comments

A. It is not "strange", however it will not flow and could make your space feel smaller than it actually is. Something to consider is laminate tiles for the kitchen. Find some that are as close to the color in the living/dining area as you can get and piece them in among a lighter color. That way you pull some of the color into the kitchen and at the same time create a sense of flow.
Answered by Michelle L - Mon Aug 20 11:56:58 2007

What would you recommend on a basement floor when finishing a basement?
Q. Our basement floor has a 3 1/2 ft. slope over to the basement drain. In the past it had moisture problems and we had it corrected. The previous owners painted the basement floor grey which has been peeling/chippin g up over the years (probably due to moisture problems). Do you have any recommendations or suggestions on flooring? Someone said carpet to hide the slope in the floor but we actually got rid of all our carpet upstairs and got hardwood floors. Should we use concrete stain or epoxy stone?
Asked by Karen N - Fri Oct 1 14:33:01 2010 - Decorating & Remodeling - 3 Answers - Comments

A. Concrete stain would be the way to go. You would have a choice of colors and it is almost maintenance free. There is a wide choice of designs that can be done with staining. Many shopping malls have done this on the floors as well as many stores. It looks great.
Answered by Martiniman - Fri Oct 1 16:25:50 2010

When should floor kitchen cabinets be screwed to the wall if at all?
Q. Should kitchen floor cabinets be screwed to the wall when installing? We just finished installing the wall cabinets. The floor cabinets are level. We have shemed the cabinets. Any suggestions? Do we need to wait until we have our counter tops installed?
Asked by Tamster - Thu Dec 31 19:38:47 2009 - Decorating & Remodeling - 7 Answers - Comments

A. Yes, screw them to the wall and to each other. You need to start with the corner cabinets. For complete instructions, see www.kitchen-des ign-angel/how-t o-install-kitch en-cabinets.htm l
Answered by Chase - Thu Dec 31 23:07:13 2009

What are some floor steam machines, like the Shark Floor Steamer?
Q. Looking for competitors to the As Seen On TV Shark Floor Cleaner. I have seen some infomercials for a couple others, but don't remember the names of them. Not for use on carpets, but mainly tile and hardwood floors. Thanks.
Asked by Gothic Martha - Tue Nov 6 23:20:12 2007 - Cleaning & Laundry - 2 Answers - Comments

A. I have a "Polti" Probably the best steam cleaners you can buy. I have had it for 9 years now, and although it was very expensive, I have never regretted buying it for a second. My daughter bought the "Shark" cleaner, and it broke after 2 weeks, and she had serious problems getting her money back. My "Polti" has a lifetime guarantee, if it breaks down, they will come and repair it, but I have never had to use the service.
Answered by 'Er indoors!! - Wed Nov 7 19:33:42 2007

When tiling a wall AND the floor, how close to the floor should I get the wall tile?
Q. Should the wall tile touch the floor? OR Should I leave enough space for the floor tile to go under the wall tile? OR Should they meet at each edge of the tiles? I dont' know the best way to do this? I'm tiling up the wall about 3.5 ft and laying a new tile floor.
Asked by Babydoll - Tue May 8 15:44:27 2007 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 6 Answers - Comments

A. It is better to have wall tiles cover the cuts on the floor tile. Set the floor first and then the walls. Keep the wall tile to floor gap the same size as your grout joints. Caulk that joint, do NOT grout it because it will break up over time. An alternative I use is to set ledgers on the wall all around the room one tile up and set the wall tile first. Then I do the floor and go back and do the last row of wall tile last. This way you are working off a level ledger instead of a questionable floor.
Answered by buzzards27 - Tue May 8 19:40:07 2007

What type of floor is best at preventing static electricity?
Q. I need to install a power supply and graphics card in my computer today. I forgot to order a strap for static electricity. I decided to have someone spray me with Static Guard, and work on the most ideal flooring. What the best type of floor to work on: wood, concrete, or carpeting? I can also work on linoleum.
Asked by CMB - Thu Sep 30 07:17:10 2010 - Other - Science - 1 Answers - Comments

A. Avoid carpeting, earth yourself by touching a water pipe before you begin and you should be OK. Most computer kit is far more hardy than people would have you believe. I have installed scores of memory chips, hard drives, power supplies, graphics cards and mpus without any failures and (as long as you don't tell my Boss) with very few anti static precautions. John H
Answered by JOHN H - Fri Oct 1 13:15:21 2010

How do we remove floor tiles and replace with a polished concrete or stained concrete floor?
Q. Would love to replace laundry and toilet tiled floors with a concrete finished floor but just don't know how to go about it. Have searched internet but found little on pulling up existing floor tiles and using concrete slab under these to either polish or stain. Live in Darwin so this flooring is apparently cool and good for high traffic areas. Suggestions please!
Asked by darwindiy - Thu Jan 18 21:40:55 2007 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 6 Answers - Comments

A. Remove the tile and clean the substrate with a concrete grinder. After all glue residue is gone wash the substrate with water. You can then stain the concrete with a stain you can get these at most concrete suppliers
Answered by zen522 - Thu Jan 18 21:49:20 2007

What type of flooring can be installed over a heated floor in the basement?
Q. I read about the electrically heated strips that can be installed on the concrete floor. What types of flooring can be used with this type of heating?
Asked by hopetobelucky - Sat Jan 26 23:10:23 2008 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 2 Answers - Comments

A. most hardwoods are suitable, ceramic tile, carpet, and some laminates. its always a good idea to check with experts.
Answered by mace - Sun Jan 27 09:31:21 2008

How do I reach the 3rd floor peak of my house for painting?
Q. I have an old craftsman duplex. There are two floors plus a third floor with just one room so it comes to a sharp peak. Ladders and scaffolding (at least not what I have available to me) do not seem like they will reach; and certainly not safely, from the ground. I do have a porch roof just below the 2nd floor but it is also at a peak. The windows on the 3rd floor are not very big but I could get out of them if I removed them. I'd greatly appreciate any help or ideas on this. Thank you.
Asked by Penny - Tue Jul 8 22:53:10 2008 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 3 Answers - Comments

A. I would rent a basket lift for the job. Check your local equipment rental store, there's a variety of styles & sizes available. In my area of Michigan USA United Rentals is the big player. Do an online search or check the Yellow Pages to see who services your area.
Answered by Rocco - Wed Jul 9 02:18:32 2008

What floor trim should be used when tiled floor is higher than the floors around it?
Q. My husband layed a sub floor and porcelain tiles in my mother's kitchen, not realizing that there would be a big difference in height where the tiles meet an existing floor. How would he put trim so that there wouldn't be such a sharp edge (ie - where the kitchen floor meets the living room floor, etc. Elderly people will be living in the house and I wouldn't want them tripping. I'm hoping but not sure if I've explained this right.
Asked by J.B. - Thu Mar 31 10:27:57 2011 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 4 Answers - Comments

A. I had that exact situation when I had a contractor install a porcelain floor with cement board underlayment. There was almost an inch difference between it and the adjoining hardwood floors. I measured the height exactly and then went to Home Depot and found wooden stock (mostly oak) in the trim department to stack up and make a transition. Since it was at doorways, I stacked 4" wide flat 1/2" thick boards and staggered them to make a slight step and then used bullnose trim on the edges to make a soft curb that you would not trip over. I nailed them together with finish nails and glued and nailed them in place. Then recessed the nailheads and patched the holes with wood putty and wiped light coats of wood stain on until it… [cont.]
Answered by c_kayak_fun - Thu Mar 31 13:25:16 2011

Can laminate flooring or ceramic floor tiles be laid over floorboards?
Q. There a re floorboards in the bathroom can they be overlaid with ceramic floor tiles. Can floorboards have laminate over them?
Asked by NATALIA H - Mon Jun 2 15:05:42 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 6 Answers - Comments

A. You need to screw down Marine Plywood (12mm thick recommended) to the floor, screws 6 inch apart. Use a flexible adehsive for ceramic tiles. May need to prime floor. Laminate (wood) floor must be bathroom standard.
Answered by What the Heck - Mon Jun 2 17:08:38 2008

What to use as underlay under vinyl flooring on a concrete floor?
Q. I am about to have some vinyl flooring fitted in my kitchen and would grateful for any suggestions as to what I can use for cushioning and to try and keep the floor as warm as possible under foot. I have had vinyl flooring before and it is still hard and cold when standing on the flooring. I have even tried cork tiles and this did not seem to make a huge difference. Would a laminate and wood flooring underlay be suitable or would this be a waste of time? I should add that I am in the UK.
Asked by Chilly - Tue Apr 27 03:57:17 2010 - Decorating & Remodeling - 5 Answers - Comments

A. An idea, There is a product by DRIcore subfloor which is designed to be put over concrete floors in basements, playrooms etc, this may be something you would want to look into, it would serve all your needs. Lowes carries this by the way, here's a link to the DRIcore website
Answered by HOOK - Tue Apr 27 08:00:01 2010

What happensif my vinyl flooring was flooded due to a busted main pipe on the upper floor of our condo?
Q. The flooring is vinyl, will it also affect the other areas? It already showed discoloration. The condo was empty for 3 months and when we found out that it was flooded when we decided to do our cleaning. And was shocked to see a puddle! Later we learned the the pipe was busted 8 days ago! The admin of the condo will only pay for half of the floor area of 50sq meters. Should I agree to that or they should change all flooring?
Asked by Kier - Wed Jun 11 10:18:06 2008 - Maintenance & Repairs - 3 Answers - Comments

A. It's all gonna come up sooner or later.
Answered by D.M. - Wed Jun 11 10:26:23 2008

My hardwood floor is stained with permanent marker. How to remove the stain?
Q. It's about a 1 foot square black stain, on a light hardwood floor. My son's school drawing fell on the floor , then got wet, and the black permanent ink soaked into the floor.
Asked by j S - Fri Jul 18 22:12:07 2008 - Cleaning & Laundry - 4 Answers - Comments

A. definitely try the magical eraser! don't do rubbing alcohol that will seap into the wood. other wise sand it down and re stain with clear coat
Answered by Renee - Fri Jul 18 22:48:31 2008

Can using the elevator between different floor combinations cause it to break down?
Q. For example if you have a 7 story apartment building, most people will take the elevator from the first floor to any floor between 2 through 7. For down it is normally any floor 2 through seven to the first floor. Now if you make an unusual request like going from the 2nd to the 3rd or 7th to the 4th will this cause the elvator to break down? Basically you are making it think.
Asked by Richard - Thu Apr 8 17:24:58 2010 - Engineering - 2 Answers - Comments

A. That would be silly. Unless there is only one person living in the 7 story building, whenever the elevator goes up or down, people may want to get on or off on the floors in between.
Answered by Bill M - Thu Apr 8 17:33:24 2010

My basement floor has ugly carpet that is glued down to the concrete underneath, what can I replace it with?
Q. The carpet is simply too difficult, absolutely impossible, to get up off of the cement floor. Are there any flooring options we can lay over the carpet?
Asked by Leah - Sun Mar 16 15:44:27 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 4 Answers - 1 Comments

A. The best bet would be to rent an electric floor scraper. It has a heated blade on it that will melt the glue so you can rip it off. Otherwise you could always put in a sub-floor or floating floor and do whatever you wanted, tile, hardwood, linolieum or carpet. But once again it is strongly recommended that you remove the carpet first. Because if you flood, you will have major problems. Just remember, if you're going for hardwood, never install over concrete unless you have a subfloor in place.
Answered by DM - Sun Mar 16 15:49:53 2008

What are my chances that the 2nd floor is the only floor with knob and tubing?
Q. After a my home inspection it was noted that the home has knob and tube wiring in the attic. The inspector could not tell it it extended to the first floor and the basement because the basement was finished. We did notice the the first floor and basement had three prong outlets which were grounded correctly but the 2nd floor was only two prong. .
Asked by Oscar Rivera - Mon Jul 6 18:19:44 2009 - Maintenance & Repairs - 1 Answers - Comments

A. 100% that its knob and tubing. they wouldnt rewire and leave old 2 prong outlets.also you would see new wiring in the attic.take the cover off an outlet or switch and you will see it's old wire
Answered by L-man - Mon Jul 6 18:33:12 2009

How do I repair a floor leveler in a concrete floor under vinyl?
Q. I have refinished a dirt floor in my basement several years ago by having concrete put in over the dirt floor and vinyl floorcovering over the concrete. However, a floor leveler has worked its way up through the concrete and is pushing up the vinyl flooring. HELP!
Asked by gaylebyrd@rocketmail.com - Sat Jul 12 19:04:50 2008 - Maintenance & Repairs - 2 Answers - Comments

A. not sure what you mean by "floor leveller" but it doesn't sound good. Its sounds like the concrete needs to be replaced as it was not done properly, a good concrete floor will not have anything working its was through it.
Answered by hobbs - Sat Jul 12 19:23:34 2008