Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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Eliminate squeaks
Seal concrete
And more
FLOORING 101
Patch carpet
25 Projects
M AT T H E W PAY M A R
$18.95 US
12.99 UK
$25.95 CAN
EAN
UPC
www.creativepub.com
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FLOORING
101
25 Projects You Really
Can Do Yourself
M AT T H E W PAY M A R
CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA
www.creativepub.com
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Copyright 2006
Creative Publishing international, Inc.
18705 Lake Drive East
Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317
1-800-328-3895
www.creativepub.com
All rights reserved
Printed in China
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
President/CEO: Ken Fund
Publisher: Bryan Trandem
Author: Matthew Paymar
Editor: Jennifer Gehlhar
Art Director: David Schelitzche
Cover Design: Howard Grossman
Book Design: Richard Oriolo
Page Layout: Joe Fahey
Assistant Managing Editor: Tracy Stanley
Photo Acquisitions Editor: Julie Caruso
Production Manager: Laura Hokkanen
Library of Congress
Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Paymar, Matthew.
Flooring 101 : 25 projects you really can do
yourself / by Matthew Paymar.
p. cm.
At head of title: Black & Decker.
Summary: "This book features modern flooring
materials and easy-to-follow techniques that will
produce significant improvements with a minimal investment of time and money. Projects
range from eliminating floor squeaks to
installing a laminate flooring system"--Provided
by publisher.
ISBN-13: 978-1-58923-263-1 (soft cover)
ISBN-10: 1-58923-263-1 (soft cover)
1. Flooring. 2. Floors. I. Black & Decker
Corporation (Towson, Md.).
II. Title. III. Title: Black & Decker flooring one
hundred and one.
TH2521.P39 2006
690'.16--dc22
2006009846
NOTICE TO READERS
For safety, use caution, care and good judgment when following the procedures described in this book. The Publisher and
Black & Decker cannot assume responsibility for any damage
to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the
information provided.
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CONTENTS
PROJECTS
19. Painting Wood Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
1. Cleaning Hard Floors
Wood, Concrete & Ceramic Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3. Cleaning Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4. Repairing Splinters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
ebooksdownloadrace.blogspot.in
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Welcome to Flooring
101
FLOORING
P L AY S
V I TA L
ROLE
IN
THE
LOOK
AND
FEEL
OF
YOUR
HOME.
B E C A U S E I T I S O N E O F T H E L A R G E S T E L E M E N T S I N A R O O M , A F L O O R C R E AT E S
I N S TA N T
I M P A C T.
ITS
I M P O R TA N T
TO
ADDRESS
BOTH
THE
FUNCTION
AND
B E A U T Y O F T H E F L O O R I N G I N Y O U R H O M E . A N D , O F C O U R S E , I T S I M P O R TA N T
T O M A I N TA I N T H E F L O O R S I N Y O U R H O M E T O G E T T H E M O S T O U T O F T H E M .
With this in mind, weve created Flooring 101a unique and enjoyable home repair book.
Most repair books, even those that claim to be for beginners, really depend on you already
possessing basic knowledge on the subject. What do you do if you have never laid a tile in
your life? What if you dont know what a joist is? What if youd like to silence that mysteriously squeaky floorboard but you dont know where to start?
You reach for Flooring 101. This is the one book on simple floor repairs that doesnt assume
anything. The step-by-step procedures are accompanied by several tips to make your home
flooring repairs a breeze.
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FLOORING 101
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1. Help you better understand the basic types of flooring so you can approach repairs
with confidence.
2. Teach you basic floor repair by walking you step by step through 25 simple
projects.
Whether youre repairing a single broken tile or eyeing sturdy laminates for your kitchen, the
tricks of the trade are here. Find out whether you can salvage what you have or if you need
to replace it. Flooring 101 shows you the step-by-step instructions for 25 universal flooring
projects in your home. No knowledge is assumed, and no question is left unanswered.
Despite what you might think, or what you might fear, you really dont need a lot of technical understanding to have success at most simple flooring projects. When it gets right down
to it, floors have few parts and, if installed correctly, they should give you no problems. As
you progress through the book the projects will increase in difficulty. For an added challenge,
the last few projects are floor installations.
The first two pages of each project give you background and technical information that is
helpful to fully understand the project. Everything needed to complete the
project is shared up front: skills needed, time needed,
terms you need to know, and the tools and
supplies needed.
Turn the page to find step-by-step instructions to accomplish the task at hand.
Virtually every step is photographed so you
can see exactly how to do the work. Along the
way youll also find helpful sidebars that show
you what to do if something unexpected
happens, tips for using tools correctly, safety recommendations, and more. Before
you know it, your DIY floor repair will be
a success.
Its that easy. Really.
Lets get to work.
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Floor covering
Adhesive
Underlayment
Subfloor
Joist
ANATOMY OF A FLOOR
When most of us think of a floor we envision the top layer: in effect, the decorative coveringhardwood, ceramic tile, laminate, or carpet. The real floor is hidden underneath.
Your floor is made of a sturdy plywood or composite panel subfloor that spans supportive
floor joists. The subfloor may be large sheets or planks (and the planks may be arranged in a
staggered or diagonal fashion). The joists sit on sills along the foundation and are often supported at a midpoint by a steel girder or wood beam.
An elevated framed floor, like the one shown above, is supported by beams that run perpendicular to the joists. In most cases, the joists are tied together with bridging for extra stability (see photo, lower right).
Depending on the type of flooring used, the subfloor may be covered with an additional layer
of underlayment, such as a cement board. The top layer of flooring is installed on the underlayment or subfloor and may rest on some type of cushioning layer, such as roofing felt. Of
course, there are always custom options, such as soundproofing or heating, that may be layered into your floor plan. Its important to know what is under your floor covering and how
your floor is supported before starting any repairs on that floor.
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Floor covering
2x4 sleeper
Plywood
subflooring
Cork
underlayment
Joist
Plastic moisture
Barrier
Basement slab
Underlayment
Subfloor
Basement floors are uniquely layered to compensate for the hard concrete base. When patching
your damaged floor, only remove the floor covering on top of the plywood subfloor.
Floor covering
Thinset
mortar
Heating mat
Concrete
(or subfloor)
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Though quite durable, parquet tiles are still vulnerable to stains, especially from heavy spills or
water that sits on the floor for some time. It is
important to clean up spills immediately (see page
14). If necessary, individual tiles may be removed
and replaced.
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Even the most durable wood floors are susceptible to stains from liquid
spills. To ensure lasting beauty, its important to clean up spills on the spot
and to follow the right procedures, depending on your floor type and spill.
A C L E A N F L O O R I S A N I N D I C AT I O N O F A W E L L - M A I N TA I N E D F L O O R . A S W E
might strive for a floor clean enough to eat on, thats quite a lofty dream. After all, floors
are landing spots for gym bags, pet bottoms, and baby urps. Our floors are splash pans for all
sorts of spills. It is absolutely necessary to regularly clean and inspect your floors to prevent
spills or damage from becoming significant repairs.
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Mop with
bucket
Bleach
Hydrogen
peroxide
Mineral
spirits
Ammonia
Household
vinegar
Routine cleaning tools for wood, ceramic tiles, and concrete floors
(from left to right): wet mop, dry mop, broom, handheld broom
with dustpan, stiff bristle push broom, fine bristle push broom.
A dry mop is good for picking up dust and fine particles and may
be used daily. For cleaning joints and room corners, use a small
Lye
Wax
Soap with
TSP
Steel wool
Flexible
spatula
Sandpaper
Power
washer
Canister
vacuum
Vacuuming
Mopping
Working with strong cleaners
S TA I N S Penetrants that alter the natural color of the wood. They can be used
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
MODERATE
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W H AT I F . . . ?
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HERES HOW
ake sure you know what
sort of finish (wax or
urethane) is on your wood
floor (see page 31), and use
products specifically for your
floor surface. Look for products labeled for wood floor
cleaning, for example. Avoid
ammonia products or soaps
with oil; use pH-balanced
cleaners for routine cleaning.
M
Use nonmarking floor protectors
on your furnitures feet. Sets
often include nails or screws to
attach the feet. There are also
special protectors for wheels. Be
sure to buy the correct size and
style for your furniture.
DAMAGE
QUICK FIX
MINOR
S C R AT C H E S
WA X E D F L O O R S Apply a coat of wax (matching that already on the floor) and buff.
P O LY U R E T H A N E F L O O R S Touch-up kits are available at most home centers and
hardware stores.
F O O D S TA I N S
Blot the stain with a damp cloth; if necessary, gently scrape food chunks off the
floor with a plastic spatula.
DARK SPOTS
( I N K , P E T S TA I N S )
with a dry cloth and then use a slightly damp cloth. If residue remains, wash the
area with lye soap.
P O LY U R E T H A N E F L O O R S Apply mineral spirits or soap with trisodium phos-
phate (TSP) to a soft cloth and gently rub until the stain is gone.
MOLD OR MILDEW
Clean with an approved cleaner for your specific floor finish. On waxed floors,
you may need to rub with #1 steel wool, then rewax and buff.
S U R FA C E D A M A G E
Damage such as water or burn marks and scratches and gouges should be
repaired immediately. Strip wax or oil finish by rubbing the floor with fine-grade
steel wool or sandpaper. Once smooth, rewax or refinish.
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PRO TIP
Once your concrete floor is clean, look for problem areas. Clean out cracks with a stiff wire brush
or a wire wheel on a portable drill. Too patch and
seal, refer to page 64.
DAMAGE
QUICK FIX
Absorb with unscented cat litter. Sweep the oil-soaked litter onto newspaper.
Throw the newspaper in a plastic bag and seal it. Dispose this bag as hazardous
waste. Now you can scrub the area with hot liquid dish soap and water, or laundry soap and water. Blot dry with towels and dispose rags as hazardous waste.
Alternatively, try commercial concrete degreaser.
D A R K S TA I N S
Use diluted household bleach. Or dilute one cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) in
one gallon of hot water. Use a cloth soaked in the bleach to wipe the area clean.
MOLD OR MILDEW
Mix 1 part bleach with 3 parts warm water and let the mixture sit on the nasty
patch of floor until the mold lifts. Wipe the area clean with a dry towel.
RUST
Use 1 part sodium citrate to 6 parts glycerin. Use a cloth to wash the area.
COPPER, BRONZE,
OR INK
Use 1 part ammonia to 9 parts water. Use a cloth to wash the area.
IRON
Use 1 part oxalic acid to 9 parts water. Use a cloth to wash the area.
L AT E X P A I N T
Use a scraper to loosen large chunks. Dip a stiff brush into soapy water and scrub.
O I L - B A S E D PA I N T
Use a commercial paint remover or mineral spirits. Use a cloth to rub the area
clean.
Caution! When working with acids or other strong cleaners, always wear long sleeves and pants, rubber
gloves, and safety goggles. Make sure the work area is well ventilated.
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HERES HOW
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up once the floor is dry. If the floor has a dull finish, it may be time to reseal the floor. If water
absorbs into the grout lines, the grout joints
need to be resealed. It is still necessary to clean
the floor before sealing.
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For heavy stains on natural stone tile, try a manufacturer poultice specifically for porous stone
materials. Cover the stain with the poultice, then
tape plastic over it. Let the poulitice set, according
to the manufacturers instructions, then remove it.
DAMAGE
QUICK FIX
D I S C O L O R AT I O N
For grout joints, use oxygen bleach powder with water. Allow the solution to sit
for at least 30 minutes. Gently scrub the area with a cloth or sponge. Rinse the
floor with a damp mop. Allow the floor to dry.
GREASE
Sponge or brush with water and household cleaner. Avoid ammonia products.
BLOOD, COFFEE,
JUICE, WINE,
M U S TA R D
Make a paste of water and baking soda and apply it to the stain. If that doesnt
do it, apply oxygen bleach and water. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with a damp mop. Rinse several times to remove the cleaning product, but do not get the floor too wet. Use a towel to dry the floor.
L AT E X P A I N T
Gently scrape off what you can without scratching the tile. Scrub remaining paint
with soap and water. Rinse thoroughly.
O I L - B A S E D PA I N T
Use paint remover. If you use harsh chemicals on your tile, be sure to wash and rinse
the area after cleaning. You may need to apply new sealer to the area as well.
RUST OR MINERAL
DEPOSITS
Use products specifically designed for removing these stains from the ceramic
MILDEW OR MOLD
Scrub the stain on white grout with an old toothbrush dipped in full-strength
tiles.
bleach (dont use with colored grout; use a commercial product instead).
Always check for products specifically designed for your type of flooring before using generic household
cleaners. Inappropriate cleaners can strip sealer from the floor. Also, always let your floor completely dry
after following the cleaning steps above and then apply a sealer.
Caution! When working with acids or other strong cleaners, always wear long sleeves and pants, rubber
gloves, and safety goggles. Make sure the work area is well ventilated.
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R E S I L I E N T A N D L A M I N AT E F L O O R S O F F E R E A S Y M A I N T E N A N C E , V E R S AT I L I T Y,
warmth, colorful options, and beauty. And every year advanced new offerings in this realm
become more sophisticated, making these floors easier to maintain. Often the surface layer
is already treated with a finish, protecting the floor and making maintenance that much easier from the moment it is installed.
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Cork
Generalpurpose
cleaner
Laminate
Rubbing
alcohol
Linoleum
Bleach
Vinyl
Mineral
spirits
Rubber
Acetone
Identify your floor type and existing surface finish (you may need
Flexible
spatula
Mop
Vacuum
ic layer, which mimics the appearance of other floor coverings such as wood, tile,
Vacuuming
Mopping
and is often coated with strong, long-lasting coverings to resist stains and tears.
LINOLEUMLinseed oil and cork dust laid on a backing of canvas. Linoleum also
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
CORKA renewable resource product from the bark of the cork oak, it is usually
made with tongue-and-groove joints to secure the planks or tiles together. It has
a moisture-resistant inner core. Often, it is finished with a vinyl layer to help protect the cork and make cleaning easier.
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
SEALERSPenetrants that alter the natural color of the wood. They can be used
MODERATE
C L E A N I N G R E S I L I E N T & L A M I N AT E F L O O R S
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DAMAGE
WAX
QUICK FIX
Carefully scrape the wax off the floor with a plastic scraper. If the wax is stubborn, follow the directions for wax in the chart for laminate floors.
C R AY O N
Dab a cloth in mineral spirits or the manufacturers cleaner and scrub the area
clean. Use a damp cloth to rinse the area after the crayon lifts.
HEEL MARKS
INK
NAIL POLISH
Rub with a cloth dabbed in acetone-based nail polish remover. Use a damp cloth
cleaner. If you use bleach, be sure to rinse until the surface is shining again.
While still wet, soak up paint with a dry cloth. Next, wipe the area with a cloth
dabbed in mineral spirits. If dry, scrape the paint off with a plastic scraper and
then wipe away the remaining paint with a cloth dabbed in rubbing alcohol.
PERMANENT
MARKER
Rub the stain with a cloth dabbed in mineral spirits, nail polish remover, or rub-
RUST
Mix 1 part oxalic acid to 10 parts water; carefully follow the acid manufacturers
Dab a cloth in a citrus-based cleaner or mineral spirits and rub the area.
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M A I N T E N A N C E T I P S L A M I N AT E F L O O R
DAMAGE
QUICK FIX
WAX
Place a paper towel on the wax and lay an old towel over this. Set a warm clothing iron on the towel for a few seconds, just until the wax warms. Scrape the wax
up with the plastic scraper or putty knife.
C R AY O N , H E E L
MARKS
Rub with a dry cloth or a bit of acetone. Rinse the area with a damp cloth.
FRUIT JUICE,
WINE
Rub with a dry cloth or a bit of commercial cleaner on a cloth. Rinse the area with
LIPSTICK
NAIL POLISH
Dab a cloth in acetone-based nail polish remover and scrub the area; then rinse
a damp cloth.
While still wet, clean up latex paint with a damp cloth. If dry, scrape the paint off
the floor with a plastic scraper.
I N K , TA R , S H O E
POLISH
Scrub with a cloth dabbed in acetone or paint thinner. Rinse the area with a
damp cloth.
C L E A N I N G R E S I L I E N T & L A M I N AT E F L O O R S
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Cleaning Carpet
R A R E , I F E V E N E X I S T E N T, W O U L D B E T H E H O U S E H O L D W I T H S P O T L E S S C A R P E T.
This luxurious, soft, quiet, beautiful floor covering is susceptible to all manner of woes and
calamities in any normal home with foot traffic. You could allow only stocking feet. No eating or drinking. No pets. Vacuum at least once a day. . . . But dust still settles. Furniture legs
make dents. And sunlight streams in, fading or discoloring your otherwise beautiful carpet.
As you can understand, regular cleaning is a must.
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Bagless
Stick
Water
Club
soda
Mild detergent
Carpet
cleaner
Handheld
Canister
Vinegar
Iron
Using the correct vacuum for the job at hand is important. Above
are some of the vacuums recommended for routine maintenance.
Ice cubes
Hair dryer
Sponge
Dull kitchen
knife
S T I C K Slim vacuum with subtle suction. These vacuums are smaller and do not
have the suction power of standard uprights. They are good for small spaces.
Razorblades
Steel
wool
Vacuuming
then lift residue. Pure steam cleaners are not used on carpet as often as hard or
resilient surfaces. For carpet, you can call in a professional to steam or use a
machine that loosens residue with hot water and steam and then lifts it off the
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
tied. Most commercial products now combine both shampoo and steam (or
heat features) into one machine.
C E N T R A L S Y S T E M Tubing inside walls direct dirt and debris to a receptable
(usually in the basement or garage). Inlets around the home allow you to plug in
SKILLS LEVEL
carpet, storing the dirty water in a separate tank that must occasionally be emp-
EASY
a lightweight hose.
MODERATE
CLEANING CARPET
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CLEANING CARPET
PRO TIP
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MAINTENANCE TIPSCARPET
There may be more homegrown remedies for carpet spot removal than there are types of carpet. Perhaps the
most ubiquitous of these remedies is club soda, alleged to cure stains from red wine to coffee and ketchup.
This inexpensive carbonated drink mixer is known to lift stains to the surface so you can blot them up, while
the salts help prevent staining. Whether you use home remedies or commercial products, always do a test in
an inconspicuous area to make sure you dont bleach or stain your carpet.
Manufacturers have recommendations for cleaning products. Always check with your carpet manufacturer first,
and adhere to their recommendations.
DAMAGE
QUICK FIX
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES,
C A N D Y, C H O C O L AT E ,
EGGS, FRUIT JUICE,
G R A V Y, K E T C H U P,
M U S TA R D , S Y R U P, S O F T
DRINKS, URINE
BUTTER, MARGARINE,
C R AY O N S , F U R N I T U R E
POLISH, GREASE,
MOTOR OIL, PERFUME,
SALAD DRESSING,
V E G E TA B L E O I L ,
S H O E P O L I S H , TA R
BLOOD,
E X C R E M E N T,
VOMIT
CHEWING GUM
Chill the gum with ice cubes. With a dull knife, scrape off as much
as possible. Blot area with a cloth and dry cleaner. Use a damp
cloth to soak up the cleaning residue. Rinse the cloth frequently.
Let dry. Vacuum.
CANDLE WAX
Chill with ice cubes and scrape off as much as possible with a dull
knife. Put paper towels and brown paper over stain; iron on medium heat to soak up wax. Apply dry cleaner, if necessary.
NAIL POLISH
Wipe fresh spills with mild detergent and water. Dont use nail polish remover, it will dissolve polyester fibers. If the spill has set, try
steam cleaning.
BURN MARKS
If only tips of the fiber are scorched, carefully scrape away the
scorched portion using a fine, steel wool pad or razorblade.
CLEANING CARPET
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Repairing Splinters
11:16 AM
I T I S C O M M O N F O R S P L I N T E R S T O A P P E A R I N F L O O R S T H AT A R E D R I E D O U T
and brittle. When hardwood floors are damaged by high heels or pushed chair legs, a portion
of the grain may dislodge; because the grain of wood runs only in one direction, it splinters
rather than simply creating a hole. Floorboards that have splinters or gouges dont necessarily have to be replaced; a splinter can be reattached with some glue and a hole can be filled
with some wood putty.
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Wax paper
Wax paper
Lint-free cloth
Damp cloth
Wood
sealer
Old toothbrush
Utility
knife
Plywood
Carpenter's
wood glue
Fiberboard
Distilled
white
vinegar
Bucket
Parquet
Wood putty
Flat, heavy
objects
Sandpaper
Putty
Knife
Gluing
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
from a more heavily sanded area. This creates a smooth transition between sanded and non-sanded areas.
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
MODERATE
R E PA I R I N G S P L I N T E R S
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Page 31
HERES HOW
o determine
what kind of
surface you have,
use a coin to
lightly scrape the
floor in a hidden
corner. If flakes
Surface finish (poly or wax) appear, you have
either a surface
finish or a wax
coat. If no flakes
appear, its a penetrant. To check
for wax, sprinkle
water on the
floor. If the beads
Penetrant finish
turn white after
10 minutes, its
waxed.
Wax finish
R E PA I R I N G S P L I N T E R S
5th Black
31
p<#>
10:06 AM
Page 32
6/3/06
A BOUNCY FLOOR IS OFTEN JUST A DEFLECTION ISSUE (HOW MUCH THE JOISTS
flex), which is fairly easy to fix. Its important to address the issue, for a springy floor may
result in cracked drywall. In new houses, where the wood is still relatively new and moist, the
deflection issues may go away on their own as the wood dries and stiffens. If your floors are
sagging, it is likely you are dealing with a structural issue (how strong the joists are across a
span). In the latter case, you need to install a supporting wall or beam to shorten the span of
each joist. Before you start working, call up your local building inspection office to tell them
what you plan to do. Often this call comes with free advice from a local inspector.
32
p32
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:70
Scn : #17
Dept : DT
6/3/06
10:06 AM
Page 33
Hammer
Tape measure
138" joist
hanger nails
Steel bridging
Hammering
Measuring
and the subfloor. The underlayment for laminate flooring combines a poly-water
barrier and a foam cushion sound barrier in a rollout or rigid-plank form.
SKILLS LEVEL
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
EASY
MODERATE
J O I S T S Supporting beams set parallel from wall to wall to support the subfloor.
R E PA I R I N G S P R I N G Y F L O O R S
5th Black
33
5/5/06
11:18 AM
Page 34
from twisting and to more evenly distribute the weight supported by the bridged joists.
B E A M A beefy horizontal framing member that runs perpendicular to the joists, usually near the middle
of a long joist span, to help bear the weight placed on the joists.
D E F L E C T I O N How much the joists flex.
S PA N The horizontal distance between two vertical supports. The span of a joist is the horizontal dis-
tance between the wall and the opposite wall, or between the wall and the next supporting post or
beam.
X - B R A C I N G Wood or metal bridging that is diagonally inserted between two floor joists. The two
2
1
34
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job o
Scn :
Dept :
5/5/06
11:18 AM
Page 35
SHOPPING TIP
etal and steel bracing are available in standard sizes at most home centers. Metal
HERES HOW
R E PA I R I N G S P R I N G Y F L O O R S
5th Black
35
11:19 AM
Page 36
5/5/06
L O T S O F H O U S E S S Q U E A K , S O M O S T O F U S J U S T A C C E P T I T A S A FA C T O F L I F E .
It doesnt have to be, though. With a little work, you can get rid of those pesky squeaks. The
cause of a floor talking back to you is no mystery; its just the sound of wood rubbing against
a nail or another piece of wood. More often than not the squeaking is just caused by the
wood expanding due to humidity, contracting due to dryness. Wood is a very porous material. It just does that.
So how do we make it stop? If you have access to the area below the squeaky floor (as is the
case if the immediate level below has an unfinished ceiling), please read on. . . .
36
p36
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:70
Scn : #17
Dept : DT
5/5/06
11:19 AM
Page 37
Hammer
Flashlight
Electric
drill
Masking
tape
Squeakelimination
tool, such
as the
SqueakEnder
Folding ruler
Wood glue
34"
#8 drill bit spade
bit
pencil mark on the unfinished ceiling where you hear the offending chirp or squawk. The subfloor may even visually move away
from the joists when you hear the squeak. If you dont see any
movement, the finished flooring has buckled up away from the
Wrench
Washers #10
drill
bit
Wood shims
subfloor. If this is the case, have the person upstairs place a heavy
Phillips
screwdriver
Hammering
Wrench and screwdriver work
and the subfloor. The underlayment for laminate flooring combines a poly-water
barrier and a foam cushion sound barrier in a rollout or rigid-plank form.
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
J O I S T S Supporting beams set parallel from wall to wall to support the subfloor.
S Q U E A K - E N D E R F L O O R S Q U E A K E L I M I N AT O R A commercial squeak-elimina-
MODERATE
tion tool. It consists of a threaded rod attached to a flat mounting plate and a
steel bracket fitted with a squared-off hook on one end.
5th Black
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Page 38
2
1
To use a Squeak-Ender, or another comparable squeak-elimination tool, insert the head of the
hanger bolt into the concave part of the anchor
plate. Use a Phillips screwdriver to screw the
mounting plate to the underside of the subfloor
(four screws are often provided). You want the
plate to be touching the nearest joist in the general
area of the squeak.
4 Slip the washer and hex nut onto the rod. With
a wrench, tighten the nut until the subfloor is
pulled snug against the joist. Avoid overtightening.
TOOL TIPP
3
38
p38
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:708
Scn : #175
Dept : DTP
5/5/06
11:19 AM
Page 39
W H AT I F . . . ?
HERES HOW
To find out the thickness of the top floor, measure the depth of the floor on the first stair down
to the basement, if you have one.
5th Black
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12:53 PM
Page 40
Its a little more work to fix squeaks from above the floorboards than from
below, but its a lot easier than you might think.
THE
SOUND
OF
WOOD
RUBBING
ON
WOOD
OR
AGAINST
NAIL
CAN
BE
infuriating, but fortunately this problem is not too complicated to fix. If the ceiling below the
squeaky floor is unfinished, you can go downstairs and actually watch for movement in the
subfloor while someone else walks on the floor upstairs. If you cant get to the floor from
below, you have to fix the squeak from above. This is done by setting loose boards or surface
nailing them down. Alternatively, a squeak-ender designed specifically for above floors may
be used.
There are a few key topics discussed in this section. Learn how to:
Apply lubricants to the floorboards to eliminate subtle squeaks caused by dryness.
Safely use a hammer to tap loose floorboards into place.
Carefully drill a small hole through the surface of the floor to surface-nail gaps, and
then hide the evidence. Lets get started.
40
p40
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:708
Scn : #175
Dept : DTP
5/5/06
11:20 AM
Page 41
Mineral oil
Floor
oil
2 x 4 wrapped
in carpet
Drill
Clean
cloth
Stud
finder
Wood
putty
Lubricant
Putty knife
Hammer
Flooring
nails
Toothbrush
Roofing
nails
Nail set
Cardboard
Hammering
Drilling
floor rubbing against the joist below it; 3. the subfloor rubbing
SKILLS LEVEL
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
EASY
J O I S T S Supporting beams set parallel from wall to wall to support the subfloor.
MODERATE
5th Black
41
5/5/06
11:20 AM
Page 42
ecause small
squeaks can
be caused by dirt
between floorboards or by dryness, clean the
floor at least
once a week and
apply lubricants to areas that tend to be extra
dry or squeaky.
Oils: graphite, mineral oil, or floor oil. Use powdered or liquid graphite sparingly; it can make a
mess. Similarly, a few drops of mineral oil will do
the trick, but using too much can stain the surface. Floor oil, applied generously into the joints,
soaks into the wood, making it expand. This
results in a snug tongue-and-groove fitting. That
pesky squeak may just disappear at this stage, at
least temporarily.
Powders: graphite and talcum powder. To use
talcum powder, dust a generous amount of the
3
2
42
p42
Squeaks in hardwood floors caused by floorboards rubbing against each other or against a nail
can sometimes be eliminated for a few weeks or
months just by adding a hardwood floor lubricant
at the point of friction. First remove dirt and
debris from between the floorboards, using an old
toothbrush. With a clean toothbrush or a clean
cloth, apply the lubricant to the floor joints.
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:708
Scn : #175
Dept : DTP
5/5/06
11:20 AM
Page 43
HERES HOWP
L O C AT E J O I S T S Not all of the nails can hit a
5th Black
43
11:22 AM
Page 44
5/5/06
Air pockets and curls are unsightly and they only get worse over time.
Curls invite debris and moisture to settle under the tile, thus weakening
the surrounding tiles; and bubbles continue to swell, destroying the adhesive holding the sheet of flooring in place. These problems must be
addressed immediately.
R E S I L I E N T F L O O R I N G I S D U R A B L E , B U T F R O M T I M E T O T I M E M I N O R R E PA I R S
must be addressed. Air pockets are caused by the adhesive no longer working. This is common as floors age, and the resulting bubble is fairly easy to deflate and rebond to the subfloor.
If not attended to, the area will eventually harden, split, and crackmaking the problem
more noticeable and difficult to fix. Even a curled edge on an otherwise healthy vinyl tile can
be easily glued back into place. If the repair doesnt hold, the entire tile must be replaced (see
page 48).
44
p44
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:70
Scn : #17
Dept : DT
5/5/06
11:22 AM
Page 45
Mineral
spirits
Plastic layer
Heat gun
Vinyl
adhesive
Utility
knife
Putty knife
Felt backing
Liquid
seam sealer
Old
Toothbrush
J-roller
Damp cloth
Toothpicks
The reason vinyl tiles curl is due to their construction. Vinyl of any
Wax paper
Soapy water
kind is made with plastics. Over time the plastic layer shrinks, but
the felt backing does not. As a result, tiles have gaps between
them and the edges curl.
based.
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
MODERATE
R E PA I R I N G R E S I L I E N T F L O O R I N G
5th Black
45
5/5/06
11:22 AM
Page 46
Deflate air pocket. Use a utility knife to lightly score and then slice through the bulge. This
allows air to escape. Extend the cut a little (12")
beyond the blister at both ends. If possible, cut
along a line in the pattern to hide the cut.
W H AT I F . . . ?
Dipping a toothbrush
in diluted ammonia
helps raise sticky
parts.
46
p46
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:708
Scn : #175
Dept : DTP
5/5/06
11:22 AM
Page 47
2
1
If you cannot refasten the tile as is, first vacuum up debris. To clean sticky areas, use a toothpick or old toothbrush dipped in soapy water or
diluted ammonia. Dissolve old adhesive with mineral spirits. Use liquids minimally to avoid loosening adjacent tiles. Allow to dry.
4
3
W H AT I F . . . ?
SAFETY FIRST
o not under any circumstances use the heat
solvents.
trimmed-off scrap.
R E PA I R I N G R E S I L I E N T F L O O R I N G
5th Black
47
5/18/06
Page 48
12:56 PM
Even the smallest of tears can leave an unsightly blemish on vinyl tiles.
Deep scratches can allow moisture under the tile and loosen the adhesive,
so its necessary to replace the entire tile.
or burned. The beautiful thing about vinyl tiles is that they are easy to replace. To replace
dry-back resilient tiles you must take the time to thoroughly remove old adhesive from the
subfloor, clean the vacant spot on the floor, and then lay an even layer of new adhesive to
ensure the new tile sits flush with the rest of the floor. Removing sticky-back tiles requires a
little more work up front to scrape up the damaged tile, but laying the new tile is a breeze
thanks to the self-adhesive backing.
48
p48
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:708
Scn : #175
Dept : DTP
5/18/06
5:26 PM
Page 49
Stainremoving
solutions
Vinyl tile
adhesive
Replacement tiles
Asbestosrated respirator
Clean cloth
Wax paper
Heat gun
Flat,
heavy
objects
Floor
scraper
Vacuum
Utility
knife
Putty
knife
J-roller
18"
notched
trowel
and the subfloor. The underlayment for resilient flooring is oftentimes a 14"-thick
piece of plywood installed to provide a smooth, even surface for a new floor.
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
ing, leveling, smoothing, or shaping substances such as cement, mortar, or adhesive. Usually, a tile trowel has notches on one edge for combing mortar or adhesive into even rows.
J - R O L L E R A small handheld rubber roller used to apply even pressure over
small areas of flooring, which helps the adhesive bond to the underlayment.
SKILLS LEVEL
T R O W E L A flat-blade hand tool with a raised handle used for scooping, spread-
EASY
MODERATE
5th Black
49
5/5/06
11:23 AM
Page 50
Use an electric heat gun to warm the damaged tile and soften the underlying adhesive. Keep
the heat source moving so you dont melt the tile.
When an edge of the tile begins to curl, insert a
putty knife to pry up the loose edge until you can
remove the tile. N O T E : If you can clearly see the
seam between tiles, first score around the tile with
a utility knife. This prevents other tiles from lifting.
SAFETY FIRST
50
p50
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:7083
Scn : #175 S
Dept : DTP
5/5/06
11:23 AM
Page 51
4
3
SAFETY FIRST
PRO TIP
5th Black
51
6/3/06
10:00 AM
Page 52
Patching Resilient
Sheet Flooring
10
There are no
seams, so it is impervious to spills. However, it is not impervious to tears, dents, gouges,
punctures, or burns. To repair a damaged section of sheet flooring, cut out the damaged area
and glue in a replacement patch from a leftover remnant. If you dont have any leftover
pieces available, you could settle for a close match or choose a piece that offers an interesting contrast.
R E S I L I E N T S H E E T F L O O R I N G I S A D U R A B L E , P R A C T I C A L M AT E R I A L .
52
p52
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:70839.CT
Scn : #175 Size :
Dept : DTP D/O :
6/3/06
10:00 AM
Page 53
Lacquer
thinner
Vinyl
Adhesive
Goo Gone or
mineral spirits
Clean cloth
Large carpenters
square
Asbestos-rated
respirator
Heat gun or iron
and aluminum foil
Duct
tape
Liquid seam
sealer
Painters
tape
Utility
knife
Small carpenters
square
J-roller
Vacuum
Chisel
Floor
scraper
Tape
measure
Putty
knife
18"
notched
trowel
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
SKILLS LEVEL
edges.
T R O W E L A flat-blade hand tool with a raised handle used for scooping,
EASY
MODERATE
or adhesive. Usually, a tile trowel has notches on one edge for combing morThis project can be completed in 1 hour,
PAT C H I N G R E S I L I E N T S H E E T F L O O R I N G
5th Black
53
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5/18/06
7:05 PM
Page 54
Measure the width and length of the damaged area. Place the new flooring remnant on a
surface you dont mind making some cuts on
like a scrap of plywood. Use a carpenters square
for cutting guidance. Make sure your cutting size
is a bit larger than the damaged area.
54
p54
Lay the patch over the damaged area, matching pattern lines. Secure the patch with duct tape.
Using a carpenters square as a cutting guide, cut
through the new vinyl (on top) and the old vinyl
(on bottom). Press firmly with the knife to cut
both layers.
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:70839.C
Scn : #175 Size
Dept : DTP D/O
5/5/06
11:29 AM
Page 55
5th Black
55
p55
5/5/06
11:31 AM
Page 56
11
To create a patch for a small damaged area of carpet, use a template cut
out of wood. The template allows you to cut out both the damaged area
as well as the new patch.
A S M A L L S TA I N O R B U R N C A N B E C U T O U T O F Y O U R C A R P E T A N D P AT C H E D
with a clean carpet remnant. If minor carpet damage is not addressed it can lead to bigger
problems. Stains and burns, for example, can attract dirt and grime, making the minor damage worse and even allowing it to spread. If you dont have a remnant piece, you still have a
couple of options. If the carpet isnt too old, you may be able to find a matching remnant at
a carpet dealer. If not, consider cutting a piece from the back of a closet or from under a
couch that you dont intend to move. Due to differences in fading and wear, its likely the
replacement patch will not be perfect. Youll still be able to see the patch, but guests who
dont know where to look probably wont see anything.
56
p56
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:70
Scn : #17
Dept : DT
5/18/06
2:17 PM
Page 57
Duct tape
Duct tape
repair
Carpet
Carpet
remnant
A few
nails
Awl
Roller
Burlap
Scrap of plywood
Carpet
pad
Utility
knife
Double-edge
replacement
blades
Waterbased adhesive
Pliers
Flathead
screwdriver
Hardwood
floor
Scissors
Burlap
Template
Subfloor
Wax
paper
When setting a new patch, tape a piece of burlap to the foam carpet pad and glue the patch to the burlap. The burlap prevents the
foam pad from tearing in the event that you need to pull the
patch up in the future. Also, if you cut into the carpet pad when
Light hammering
cutting out the damaged section of carpet, mend the cut with
duct tape.
Gluing
Cutting with scissors
cut or looped tufts of yarn, woven into the back of the carpet.
C U T- P I L E C A R P E T Carpet composed of tufts of yarn that are cut off at the top,
as opposed to looped.
SKILLS LEVEL
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
EASY
MODERATE
This project can be completed in 30 minutes, not including drying time for the
adhesive.
PAT C H I N G M I N O R C A R P E T D A M A G E
5th Black
57
5/5/06
11:31 AM
Page 58
HERES HOW
58
p58
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job
Scn
Dep
5/5/06
11:31 AM
Page 59
W H AT I F . . . ?
wet. Use a dry towel to blot the wet area, soaking up the leftover glue. If the glue is stubborn
or already soaking into the carpet, soak a rag in
warm vinegar and lay it over the stain for 30
minutes. Wipe the area clean with a towel. Use a
damp sponge to blot up the vinegar.
5th Black
59
6/3/06
1:15 PM
Page 60
12
Sliding furniture across the floor can catch loose carpet seams and further
pull them away from the seam tape, leaving a big gap to invite dust and
other debris under your carpet. To avoid further problems down the road,
fix loose carpet seams immediatelyand always lift furniture, instead of
sliding it.
S E A M P R O B L E M S C A N B E C A U S E D B Y A S N A G , H E AV Y F O O T T R A F F I C , P O O R
quality, longterm wear, or improper installation. Whatever the cause, if the seams of your
wall-to-wall carpet have begun to come apart, fix them as soon as you can. The longer you
wait, the more likely your carpet is to fray and the more likely debris will start to accumulate
under the carpet. The good news is that the repair requires only minimal skills and simple
tools that you can rent at any carpet dealership. Read on . . . you can definitely solve the problem yourself.
60
p60
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job
Scn
Dep
5/18/06
2:27 PM
Page 61
Seam iron
Hot-melt
seam tape
Heavy-duty
work gloves
Carpet
roller
Sharp
scissors
Hardwood
floor
Carpet
pad
Tape
measure
Hot-melt
seam tape
Utility
knife
Subfloor
Razor
blades
Carpet seams are held down with seam tape laid over the foam
carpet pad. The tape sticks to the underside of the carpet. If the
SKILLS YOU NEED
carpet is set onto the seam tape crookedly, it will leave a noticeable gap. In this case, the tape should be removed, and the seams
Measuring
should be reset.
Cutting
Using a seam iron
Using a small carpet roller
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
SKILLSLEVEL
posed of tufts of yarn, either cut or looped, woven into the back of the carpet.
C U T- P I L E C A R P E T Carpet composed of tufts of yarn that are cut off at the top,
as opposed to looped.
S E A M TA P E Hot-glue seam tape or self-adhesive seam tape is used to join car-
EASY
MODERATE
R E PA I R I N G L O O S E C A R P E T S E A M S
5th Black
61
5/18/06
2:33 PM
Page 62
SAFETY FIRST
62
p62
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on
Scn : #
Dept :
6/15/06
3:31 PM
Page 63
HERES HOW
R E PA I R I N G L O O S E C A R P E T S E A M S
5th Black
63
12:10 PM
Page 64
13
5/5/06
C R A C K S , C H I P S , A N D F L A K I N G S U R F A C E S A R E N O T O N LY U G LY, B U T T H E Y C A U S E
the surrounding areas to deteriorate, turning a simple repair into a major project. Its best to
patch and repair damaged concrete as soon as possible. Since there are a variety of repair
compounds on the market, research which product is best suited for the job. Some are better for general patching while others are good for cracks and fractures; some are suited for
large areas while others are best for small repairs.
When patching concrete its important to clean first. Concrete is formed by a chemical reaction between portland cement and water, which is called hydration. The interaction creates
tiny crystals that interlock with one another, binding the sand and gravel aggregates into its
structure. If theres dirt in the repair, the crystals bond to the dirt instead of the old concrete
and the repair flakes out over time. So long as the cleaning steps in this project are taken seriously, the repairs are strong and long-lasting.
64
p64
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:
Scn : #
Dept : D
5/5/06
12:10 PM
Page 65
Bleach*
Stonemason
cement
crack filler
Bricks
Bonding agent
Garbage
bags
Sponge
Hammer
Drill with
wire wheel
attachment*
Wire
brush
Paintbrush
Steel trowel
Cold chisel
Putty knife
* Optional
gates and then hardens into the rock-hard mass that we call concrete. Concrete-repair caulks and vinyl-repair material are as plas-
tic and malleable as newly mixed cement and about as strong and
durable when hardened, but it fits into tighter cracks and chips
Cleaning
B A C K - C H I S E L Tilt the chisel back toward you when chiseling around the edges
of a hole in concrete, so that the base of the hole is wider than the top (like a
pyramid). A large base of concrete then supports a small top portion rather than
the other way around. Also called keying.
T R O W E L A flat-blade hand tool with a raised handle used for scooping, spread-
ing, leveling, smoothing, or shaping cement or mortar. A steel trowel used for
cement has smooth edges and may be either rectangular or oval.
SKILLS LEVEL
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
EASY
MODERATE
R E PA I R I N G C O N C R E T E C R A C K S
5th Black
65
5/18/06
2:36 PM
Page 66
SAFETY FIRST
TOOL TIP
mall cracks and fractures 18" to
12"
66
p66
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:7
Scn : #17
Dept : D
5/5/06
12:10 PM
Page 67
W H AT I F . . . ?
R E PA I R I N G C O N C R E T E C R A C K S
5th Black
67
5/5/06
12:10 PM
Page 68
(CONTINUED)
7
6
HERES HOW
hen working with stonemason concrete-repair caulk, apply no thicker than 38" caulk at a time. Use a
putty knife to press the caulk into the crack and to level the top layer.
68
p68
FLOORING 101
Job on:7
Scn : #17
Dept : D
5/18/06
2:38 PM
Page 69
Cover with plastic. Some patch materials suggest that you cover the finished patch with a piece
of plastic for a few days. This keeps the moisture
from evaporating and gives the cement more time
to cure. Make sure to weigh down the edges of
the plastic.
TOOL TIP
10
5th Black
69
5/5/06
12:13 PM
Page 70
14
Removing a damaged tile requires a little elbow grease. The first step is to
weaken the tile with the appropriate tools (as will be explained in this project). From that point, the job is much easier if you have a large, sturdy
chisel to remove chunks of the tile.
you have a suitable replacement tile. Before starting this project, shop around a bit for the
replacement tile. If you have to buy a new tile, make sure you only look at tile specifically for
floors. Take the exact measurement of the broken tile with you. If possible, take a fragment
of the tile along with you so the sales person can match the finish and composition. If you
absolutely cannot find a replacement tile, consider turning the problem into a design challenge by replacing a few tiles in a pattern of your choice with a contrasting tile. If you need
to replace multiple tiles for whatever reason, see page 74 for grouting and sealing large areas.
70
p70
FLOORING 101
5th Black
Job on:708
Scn : #175
Dept : DTP
5/5/06
12:13 PM
Page 71
Beater
block
Grout
Thinset
adhesive
Grout sealer
Straightedge
Level
Work
gloves
Soft cloth
Eye protection
Sponge
Rubber
grout float
Grout saw
Hammer
Rubber
mallet
Putty knife
Foam
brush
tion of the grout over the entire floor. (To regrout floors, see
Nail set
Glasscutter
Chisel
Needlenose
pliers
Rubber gloves
14
Screwdriver
Plastic spacers
notched trowel
and the subfloor. The underlayment for a ceramic tile floor can be plywood or
Trowel work
cementboard.
underlayment.
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
MODERATE
for ceramic tile. You are most likely to see this in older tile installations.
This project can be completed in a day or
C A R B I D E - T I P P E D G R O U T S AW A scraping tool with a sharp carbide-coated
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If the tile is not already cracked, use a hammer to puncture the tile by tapping a nail set or
center punch into it. Alternatively, if the tile is significantly cracked, use a chisel to pry up the tile.
4
3
SAFETY FIRST
TOOL TIP
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5
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Pour the grout over the tile, then use a rubber grout float or rubber squeegee to spread it
over the grout joints. Press down with a wiggling
motion to force the grout deeply into the joints.
Then tilt the face of the float 45 and diagonally
drag the float across the joints to evenly apply the
grout.
HERES HOW
with a release agent to prevent grout from bonding to the tile surfaces.
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Let the grout dry for about 4 hours, then polish the tile with a soft cloth.
HERES HOW
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76
PA R Q U E T F L O O R S H AV E L O N G B E E N A S S O C I AT E D W I T H E L E G A N C E . L O N G - L A S T I N G
and durable, parquet is still not invincible to the regular wear and tear that floors with such
a reputation often endure. But dont hold back from using this type of floor to its fullest
extent, because stained, burned, or damaged hardwood parquet tile is relatively easy to
replace. And the following pages show you how to do just that.
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Drill
Circular
saw
18notched
trowel
Flooring
adhesive
Top layer
Hammer
Tongue-andgroove joint
Resin paper
Subfloor
Scrap of 2x4
Rubber mallet
The top layer of solid parquet is hardwood. With this type of parPutty
knife
Measuring
tape
1" chisel
resin paper, which sits on the subfloor. When replacing an individual tile, the resin paper is not replaced. Instead, the tile is
SKILLS YOU NEED
Chiseling
Drilling
Simple use of
pry bar
Trowel work
Using a putty knife
Use of rubber
mallet
a piece of wood. The blade is set to cut through the exact thickness of the
wood. The guide is pulled away from the saw and then the saw is turned on and
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
SKILLS LEVEL
eased down into the wood. Back into the line a bit and then repeat the cut for
EASY
MODERATE
R E P L A C I N G PA R Q U E T T I L E S
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HERES HOW
Use a putty knife to scrape away the remaining adhesive on the underlayment so that the new
tile will sit flush with the surrounding floor.
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Lower lip
removed
SAFETY FIRST
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Replacing Floorboards
16
No matter how durable wood floors may be, it is guaranteed that families,
friends, and neighbors will give them a run for their money. A damaged
floorboard doesnt mean the entire floor is ruined. Individual wood planks
or strips may be replaced.
I F Y O U R H A R D W O O D F L O O R S H AV E A F E W D A M A G E D A R E A S B U T A R E O T H E R W I S E
in good shape, you can replace the damaged floorboards. There are two ways to replace damaged floorboards: the easiest way is to create a rectangular patch, in which the immediate
area of the damaged board(s) is replaced; but you can also create a more seamless, staggered
pattern. Using the following instructions in this project, you can create either floor patch
yourself and save some money for bigger projects down the road. Before replacing an entire
board, be sure to refer to the projects on pages 14 and 28. Some damages can be fixed without replacing an entire board.
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Tongue
Blind-nailed
board
Wood
putty
Wood
floor
restorer
Circular
saw
Polyurethane
Face-nailed
board
Lower lip
removed
Clean
cloths
Groove
Hammer
Scrap of
2x4
Mallet
2 wood
strips
Replacement
floorboards
Framing
square
Sanding
block
Sandpaper
Subfloor
Eye goggles
Painters
tape
Drill
Work
gloves
Folding
ruler
Pry bar
because the nail is angled into the surface of the woodyou cant
see it after the floor is finished because it is angled into the
tongue-and-groove joint. This brings up two points: 1. You should
be aware of the nails angled into the groove side of every board,
so you have a better chance of avoiding them when you are cut-
Spade
bit
ting or drilling into floorboards. 2. The last board you put in has
Carpenters
square
Finish
nails
Flooring
glue and
caulking
gun
Chisel
Pencil
Nail set
Sawhorses
Drilling
Simple use of
pry bar
Sanding
Hammering
Applying finish
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
from a more heavily sanded area. This creates a smooth transition between sanded and non-sanded areas.
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
MODERATE
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To prevent boards from chipping, place masking tape or painters tape along the outside of the
pencil lines. To create a wood cutting guide, tack a
straight wood strip inside the damaged area (for
easy removal, allow nails to slightly stick up). Set
back the guide the distance between the saw blade
and the guide edge of the circular saw.
HERES HOW
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7
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(CONTINUED)
10
11
Lay the last board face down onto a protective 2 4 and use a sharp chisel to split off the
lower lip. This allows it to fit into place.
12
HERES HOW
W H AT I F . . . ?
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14
13
Drill pilot holes angled outward: two sideby-side holes about 12" from the edges of each
board, and one hole every 12" along the groove
side of each board. Drive 112"-long, 8-penny finish
nails through the holes. Set nails with a nail set.
Fill holes with wood putty.
HERES HOW
o make a more seamless patch, install a staggered pattern. Follow the basic instructions for the rectangular
patch, with the following exceptions:
REPLACING FLOORBOARDS
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17
I N T H E E V E N T T H AT Y O U N E E D T O R E P L A C E A L A M I N AT E P L A N K , Y O U M U S T
first determine how to remove the damaged plank. If you have a glueless floating floor it
is best to unsnap and remove each plank starting at the wall and moving in until you reach
the damaged plank (see page 91). However, if the damaged plank is far from the wall it is
more time-efficient to cut out the damaged plank (see page 88). Fully-bonded laminate
planks have adhesive all along the bottom of the plank and are secured directly to the underlayment. When you remove the damaged plank you run the risk of gouging the subfloor, so
we recommend calling in a professional if you find that your laminate planks are completely glued to the subfloor.
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Laminate
adhesive
Circular
saw
Replacement
plank
Router
Wear layer
Print film
Kraft paper
Tongue
Protective
eyewear
Wax paper
Core
Groove
Drill
Melamine
backing
316"
Pliers
Pry bar
drill bit
Damp towel
Hammer
the inner core layer, which is most often HDF (high-density fiberboard). This is occasionally followed by kraft paper saturated in
resins for added protection and durability. The print film is a photographic layer that replicates the look of wood or ceramic. The
Pencil
Marker
Wide
painters
tape
Scrap
of 2x4
Suction
cup
Nail
set
Plastic
spatula
Sandpaper
Chisel
and subfloor. The rollout underlayment for laminate flooring combines a poly-
Drilling
underlayment, but rather floats on top. The flooring material is held together
Using a router
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
MODERATE
a piece of wood. Adjust the cut to the exact wood thickness. Turn on the saw
and ease it down into the wood. Repeat along the entire cutline.
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Draw a rectangle in the middle of the damaged board with a 112" border between the rectangle and factory edges. At each rectangle corner
and inside each corner of the plank, use a hammer and nail set to make indentations. At each of
these indentations, drill 316" holes into the plank.
Only drill the depth of the plank.
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Set the replacement plank by applying laminate glue to the removed edges of the replacement plank and into the grooves of the existing
planks. Firmly press the plank into place.
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HERES HOW
Filler Sticks
Plastic
putty
knife
Color fill
Touch-up
markers
Sandpaper
90
p90
instructions.
rately.
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W H AT I F . . . ?
f your damaged plank is close to the wall and the laminate floor is glueless, follow these steps:
R E P L A C I N G L A M I N AT E P L A N K S
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18
92
Large spills often soak into carpet quickly and then start to spread. This
can permanently damage a significant portion of your carpet. In such a
case, a large carpet patch is in order.
I F A R E L AT I V E LY L A R G E A R E A O F C A R P E T I S S TA I N E D , B U R N E D , W O R N , O R
damaged, you can replace the damaged section with a matching carpet remnant. A large
patch will likely be noticeable if the surrounding carpet is worn or faded, but a clean patch
will prevent further damageno matter how much you clean it, a large stain will attract oils
and debris because the surface will be different from that of the surrounding carpet.
If you dont have a leftover remnant, you still have some options: If the carpet isnt too old,
you may be able to find a matching remnant at a carpet dealer. If not, consider cutting a piece
from the back of a closet or from under a couch that you dont intend to move. If these
options are unsatisfactory, consider using a different type of carpet altogether and extending
the patch to the nearest transition, such as a door threshold or wall. This will make your carpet design unique, and no one will track your inspiration to a damaged piece of carpet!
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Heavy-duty
work gloves
Carpet tape
Latex seam
adhesive
Scrap of wood
for cutting
Duct
tape
Painters tape
Utility
knife
Hammer
Extra
razorblades
Knee kicker
Awl
Carpet
tacks
Before you start, be aware that even the best patching job may
be noticeable if your carpet is faded or very worn. Any difference
Phillips screwdriver
between the patch and the surrounding carpet will fade somewhat over time and become less noticeable. The difference is
Cutting
Hammering tacks
Gluing
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
K N E E K I C K E R A tool used for stretching carpet. The teeth at the front end of
MODERATE
the tool grip the carpet; the back end is shaped so the user can apply forward
PAT C H I N G M A J O R C A R P E T D A M A G E
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Tack one edge of the patch through the damaged carpet and into the floor, making sure the
patch covers the entire damaged area. Use a utility
knife to cut out the damaged carpet, following the
border of the new patch as a template. If you cut
into the carpet padding, use duct tape to mend it.
Remove the patch and the damaged carpet square.
W H AT I F . . . ?
f you have cushion-backed, fully-bonded carpet, you can follow the instructions above to
PAT C H I N G M A J O R C A R P E T D A M A G E
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Just when it appears as though youve hit a wall in reviving your tired,
wornout wood floor, try a coat of paint to bring back its brilliance. Youll
be pleasantly surprised with the paints ability to not only disguise flaws
but its ability to add warmth and character to the room.
P A I N T I S A Q U I C K , C O S T- E F F E C T I V E W A Y T O C O V E R U P W O O D F L O O R S T H AT
may need work, but a floor doesnt have to be distressed or damaged to benefit from painting. Floors in perfect condition in both formal and informal spaces can be decorated with
paint to add color and personality. For example, one could unify a space by extending a painted floor through a hallway to a staircase. And stencil designs or faux finishes can make an
oversized room feel cozy and inviting. There are even techniques for disguising worn spots.
One such disguising method also happens to create a fun, yet classical design: the checkerboard pattern allows homeowners to hide worn boards under a darker color while still maintaining a unique floor. Due to its versatility, we include instructions for a checkerboard pattern at the end of this project.
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Latex
paint
Primer
Wide
painters
tape
Wood putty
Drop cloths
Paint
roller
4"-wide
paintbrush
Extension
pole
Paint tray
Hardwood
floor
Paint
scraper
Primer
Paint
Pole sander
Hammer
Polyurethane
sealer
Dust mask
Sandpaper
Putty
knife
To paint a wood floor you must apply primer first; then you apply
Nail
set
the paint and you follow that with a polyurethane sealer. Make
sure the products you choose are specifically for floors.
SKILLS YOU NEED
Cleaning and sanding
ethyl acetate and toluene that is used to dilute, dissolve and clean up lacquer
based paints, ink and adhesive residue.
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
stained wood that provides a durable, glossy surface that is highly resistant to
water, is just as durable as oil-based polyurethane, is easier to clean-up, and does
not produce a yellowing discoloration.
S E A L E R A finish coating, either clear or pigmented, that is applied on top of
SKILLS LEVEL
provide a base coat of paint that succeeding finish coats can better adhere to.
EASY
MODERATE
the paint.
PA I N T I N G W O O D F L O O R S
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Prepare the painting area by first moving furniture. Lift pieces instead of dragging them to prevent gouges. Sweep or vacuum.
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Mix primer well (see Step 6 for mixing technique). Use a 4"-wide brush to apply the primer
around the perimeter of the room. Then paint the
remaining floor with a roller on an extension pole.
Allow the primer to dry.
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1
If your wood floor is in poor condition, it can be
camouflaged with a design, such as a classic
checkerboard pattern. Proper preparation is essential for lasting results. If youve already painted the
floor based on the instructions from the first half
of this project, you are well on your way and you
have the base color already painted. You just have to
paint in the darker colored squares (skip to Step 3).
3
2
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HERES HOW
SAFETY FIRST
PA I N T I N G W O O D F L O O R S
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102
If adhesives are not properly removed before installing new resilient flooring, the oils may chemically react to the new material and produce a yellow discoloration, essentially destroying the vinyl floor. These spots cannot
be removed with cleaning products. In these cases, the old resilient flooring should be removed entirely before you install new flooring.
necessary to do so if the surface is in very poor condition (or if you plan to replace the old
resilient flooring with ceramic tile). Oils that cause yellow discoloration can eventually dry
out and crack or seep through the vinyl, damaging new floor laid on top of it. Moreover, any
unevenness or debris under the old vinyl will clearly show through new resilient flooring.
Note: It is true that resilient floor can serve as the foundation for most new floorings, including resilient flooring, hardwood, or carpet, but only if the existing surface is smooth and
sound. Even if the existing flooring has loose seams, small tears, or air bubbles, then you
must apply embossing leveler to the entire floor and let it dry before laying new resilient
flooring. Alternatively, you can lay a new 14" plywood underlayment over the old floor or you
can remove the entire subfloor with the vinyl flooring and lay a new subfloor. These methods are worth consideration if you find that the subfloor is being heavily damaged as you
begin to remove full-spread sheet vinyl, but they are also very time-consuming and require a
considerable amount of precision.
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Spray
bottle
Perimeter-bond
flooring
Liquid
dishwashing
detergent
Iron*
Duct
tape
Full-spread
sheet vinyl
Hammer
Aluminum
foil*
Heat gun
Wide-blade
putty knife
Heavy-duty
garbage bags
Floor scraper
Utility
knife
* Optional
Scraping
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
in a single sheet, cut to fit the room it will be installed in, and glued to the
SKILLS LEVEL
single sheet, cut to fit the room it will be installed in, and glued to the underlayment on a full-room bed of adhesive.
EASY
MODERATE
ing products and scrapes off leftover adhesives or backings. The long handle pro-
vides leverage and force, and it allows you to work in a comfortable standing
hours.
position.
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Once the adhesive is warm, insert a wideblade putty knife under the loosened corner and
pry back the flooring. If the glue is only around
the perimeter of the room, measure from the wall
to the approximate point where the glue stops and
cut a strip that wide along the entire perimeter of
the room (inset). Go on to Step 3, knowing you
will remove the strip you just cut along the wall last.
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p104
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6
5
Scrape the remaining sheet vinyl and backing, using a floor scraper. Use a hammer to tap a
putty knife under loose edges to chip apart pieces.
HERES HOW
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Removing Carpet
21
p106
R E M O V I N G C A R P E T I S N E C E S S A R Y I F I T H A S B E E N B A D LY D A M A G E D O R Y O U A R E
ready to install a different type of flooring. It is time-consuming work, but you can save
money by removing carpet even if you intend to hire someone to install new flooring. Carpet
is either installed with tack strips along the perimeter of a room, with adhesive spread along
the perimeter of the room, or with adhesive spread along the entire floor. We address how
each type of carpet should be removed in the following pages.
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Dustpan
All-Purpose
Cleaner
Adhesive
remover
Broom
Dust
mask
Duct
tape
Pry
bar
Sandpaper
Utility
knife
Hammer
Pliers
Safety
glasses
Needlenose
pliers
Construction-grade
garbage bags
Cushion-backed carpet
Work gloves
Floor
scraper
along the perimeter of the room. Once lifted from the strips, the
carpet and pad can be rolled up. The tackless strips are often
nailed down and must be removed. Cushion-backed carpet has a
foam backing bonded to it. It is secured to the floor with generalpurpose adhesive. When removing this carpet, pieces of the pad will
Vacuum
cleaner
stick to the floor. Removing all of the stubborn pieces requires time
and a considerable amount of effort.
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
nails angled away from the center of the room. The strips are installed along the
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
MODERATE
REMOVING CARPET
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Use a utility knife to cut around metal threshold strips. Use a flat pry bar to lift up the strips
until they release from the floor. Dispose the strips
in construction-grade garbage bags. You may be
able to pull the carpet up without removing the
baseboardstry Step 3but if you find the baseboards are in the way, see page 123, Step 4, for
instructions on how to remove them.
W H AT I F . . . ?
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TOOL TIP
board. If you ever have to cut through the carpet from the top, be sure to lift the carpet well
off the floor before cutting to avoid damaging
the floor underneath.
REMOVING CARPET
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(CONTINUED)
Using pliers, remove all of the remaining staples. Instead of pulling straight up, grab and twist
the staples loose. Then pull them up.
W H AT I F . . . ?
HERES HOW
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W H AT I F . . . ?
2
1
REMOVING CARPET
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22
C O N C R E T E I S A V E R S AT I L E B U I L D I N G M AT E R I A L . M O S T P E O P L E A R E A C C U S T O M E D
to thinking of concrete primarily as a utilitarian substance, but it can also mimic a variety of
flooring types and be a colorful and beautiful addition to any room.
Whether your concrete floor is a practical surface for the garage or an artistic statement of
personal style in your dining room, it should be sealed. Concrete is a hard and durable building material, but it is also porous. Consequently, concrete floors are susceptible to staining.
Many stains can be removed with the proper cleaner, but sealing and painting prevents oil,
grease, and other stains from penetrating the surface in the first place; thus, cleanup is a
whole lot easier.
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Acidtolerant
pump
sprayer
Alkalinebase
neutralizer
Sealant
Acid
etcher
Acid-tolerant
bucket
Garden
hose
Extension
pole
Eye
protection
Respirator
Highpressure washer
Soft-woven
roller cover
ing, the water will soak into the surface quickly and evenly. If the
water beads, you may have to clean it again. Detergent used in
combination with a steam cleaner can remove stubborn stains
Wet
vacuum
Rubber gloves
stains
Cleaning
Sweeping
Painting floors
Vacuuming
Working with strong acids
damage
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
ly sand and gravel). Sometimes fly ash, pozzolans, or other additives are included
in the mix.
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
MODERATE
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Clean and prepare the surface by first sweeping up all debris. Next, remove all surface muck:
mud, wax, and grease. Finally, remove existing
paints or coatings. See the chapter on cleaning
concrete for tips on what to use to remove a variety of common stains (page 17).
HERES HOW
repare the concrete for sealer application by acid etching. Etching opens the pores in concrete surfaces,
allowing sealers to bond with it. All smooth or dense concrete surfaces, such as garage floors, should be
etched before applying stain. The surface should feel gritty, like 120-grit sandpaper, and allow water to penetrate it. If youre not sure whether your floor needs to be etched or not, its better to etch. If you dont etch
when it is needed, you have to remove the sealer residue before trying again. This easily becomes a timely
process that is best to avoid from the get-go.
T H E R E I S A VA R I E T Y O F A C I D E T C H I N G P R O D U C T S AVA I L A B L E :
C I T R I C A C I D is a biodegradable acid that does not produce chlorine fumes. It is the safest etcher and the easi-
est to use, but it may not be strong enough for some very smooth concretes.
S U L FA M I C A C I D is less aggressive than phosphoric acid or muriatic acid, and it is perhaps the best compromise
gerous than muriatic acid. It is currently the most popular etching choice.
M U R I AT I C A C I D (Hydrochloric Acid) is an extremely dangerous acid that quickly reacts and creates very strong
fumes. This is an etching solution of last resort. It should only be used by professionals or by the most serious
DIYers.
N O T E : Never add water to acidonly add acid to water.
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SAFETY FIRST
All of these acids are dangerous. Use caution.
With any of these acid etches it is critical that
there be adequate ventilation and that you wear
protective clothing including:
Safety goggles
Respirator
Rubber gloves
Rubber boots
Long pants and a long-sleeve shirt (to prevent
acid contact with the skin)
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7
6
W H AT I F . . . ?
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TOOL TIP
neutralizing solution:
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TitleTitle
: CPI-HI0509_Flooring
101 101
Client
: Pro-vision
: 209.55(w)274.637(h)mm
: M9_MAC
: #175
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: 209.55(w)274.637(h)mm
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12
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13
Once etched, clean, and dry, your concrete is ready for clear sealer or liquid repellent.
Mix the sealer in a bucket with a stir stick. Lay
painters tape down for a testing patch. Apply sealer to this area and allow to dry to ensure desired
appearance. Concrete sealers tend to make the
surface slick when wet. Add an anti-skid additive
to aid with traction, especially on stairs.
T H E R E A R E B A S I C A L LY T W O C AT E G O R I E S O F
SEALERS:
F I L M F O R M E R S create a barrier on the con-
W H AT I F . . . ?
expanding.
water-based polyurethane.
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15
14
16
Apply a second coat in the opposite direction to the first coat, so if the first coat was north
to south, the second coat should be east to west.
17
Clean tools, wet/dry vac and spray equipment with clean, warm water or mineral spirits.
SEALING CONCRETE FLOORS
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: 209.55(w)274.637(h)mm
: M9_MAC
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Reviving your hardwood floors is definitely worth the hard work. By refinishing a tired-looking floor you suddenly realize why hardwood floors are
so durable and long-lasting: They clean up beautifully.
M A K I N G W O R N A N D D U L L H A R D W O O D F L O O R S L O O K N E W A G A I N D R A M AT I C A L -
LY I M P R O V E S T H E A P P E A R A N C E O F A H O M E .
If you dont want to do the entire job yourself, you can still save money by doing some prep
work yourself. Professionals often add on additional fees for removing and replacing shoe
molding (see page 123), nailing or gluing down loose boards (pages 42 and 43), filling gouges
and dents with wood putty (page 43), setting protruding nails, putting up plastic (page 122),
cleaning the floor (page 14), and even moving furniture (page 98, Step 1).
If your floors are less than 12" thick, you should consult a floor contractor to see if
the floors can withstand the refinishing process.
NOTE:
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REFINISHING 101
Paint tray
machinery, namely
Tack
cloth
Random
Painters plastic
orbital
and zip door
sander
Paint
pad
Prybar
Dust
masks
Polyurethane
Paint scraper
Push broom
establishments.
Eye protection
Zip
door
Sandpaper
Painters
tape
Sanding
block
Drum sander
and sandpaper
Kneepads
Paintbrush
Stapler
Broom
TYPES OF FINISHES
Hammer
Nail
set
and more durable coating than a sealer with a wax covering (for example,
polyurethane (oil- or water-based) varnish, shellac, and lacquer).
P E N E T R A N T F I N I S H Penetrant floor finishes seep into the wood pores and
Dustpan
WA X Wood floors not protected with a surface finish need to be covered with a
coat of liquid, non-waterbased wax. Wax is not as durable as surface finish; peri-
odically, it must be reapplied. The advantage is that patched areas easily blend in.
finish and to level the floor before reapplying new floor finish.
F E AT H E R S A N D Sanding with lighter and lighter strokes as you move away
from a more heavily sanded area. This creates a smooth transition between sanded and non-sanded areas.
ZIP DOORA plastic sheet with a long vertical zipper. Its taped over entryways
for a convenient way to enter and exit rooms for the duration of a project.
SKILLS LEVEL
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
EASY
MODERATE
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SAFETY FIRST
ven with proper ventilation, inhaling sawdust is a health risk. We recommend getting
S H O P P I N G T I P : S A N D PA P E R
Grits
Grade
Use
Course
100, 120
Medium
150, 180
Fine
andpaper becomes less effective over time; it may even rip. Buy 35 sheets of every grade for each room
you want to refinish. You wont use them all, but most rentals allow you to return what you dont use. Its
far better to have too many than to find yourself unable to continue until the next day because you ran out and
the hardware store is closed.
Reminder: Before you leave the rental shop, have an employee explain to you how to load the paper. Every
machine is a little different. See the sidebar on page 124 for some basic instructions.
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(CONTINUED)
HERES HOW
Power edge
sander
124
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12
14
13
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The rich wood tones of beautiful laminate planks may cause you to imagine
hours of long, hard installation work, but this is a DIY project that you can
do in a single weekend. Buy the manufactured planks at a home-improvement or flooring store and install laminate flooring with the step-by-step
instructions offered in the following pages.
L A M I N AT E F L O O R I N G C O M E S I N A F L O AT I N G S Y S T E M T H AT I S S I M P L E T O I N S TA L L ,
even if you have no experience with other home-improvement projects. You may install a
floating laminate floor right on top of plywood, concrete slab, sheet vinyl, or hardwood flooring (follow the manufacturers instructions). The pieces are available in planks or squares in
a variety of different sizes, colors, and faux finishesincluding wood and ceramic. Tongueand-groove edges lock pieces together, and the entire floor floats on the underlayment. At the
end of this project there are a few extra steps to take if your flooring manufacturer recommends using glue on the joints.
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Tongue
Underlayment
Tape
measure
12"
Spacers
Scrap
foam
Tapping
block
Speed
square
Manufacturer
glue
Threshold
and screws
Chisel
on one side fits into the groove of the adjacent board; then the
the plank is clicked into place by pressing down on the plank
Rubber
mallet
Drawbar
Painters tape
Finish
nails
ture sometimes require glue for an extra snug fit (read the manufacturers instructions carefully and follow all recommendations).
Pencil
Strap
clamps
Nail set
Measuring
subfloor.
F L O AT I N G F L O O R S Floors that are not fastened to the subfloor or underlay-
ment, but rather float on top. The flooring is held together with a snaptogether, interlocking system.
Using a drawbar
Drilling
Simple cuts with a circular saw
Gluing
does not require glue for installation, but instead relies upon tight tongue-andgroove joints. No-glue flooring is far easier to install and repair than glued laminate flooring, but it may not be as resistant to moistureso avoid installing it in
bathrooms or basements.
DRAWBARA metal bar used to pull together the final two planks in a row. There
are two hooksone to attach to the end of a plank close to the wall (where a
rubber mallet would not fit to tap the final plank into the adjacent plank), and
one on the other end to pull the plank in tight with the adjacent board. See
photo in Step 7, page 129.
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
STRAP CLAMPSA device used to hold several planks together tightly while adhe-
MODERATE
I N S TA L L I N G L A M I N AT E F L O O R I N G
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To install the underlayment, start in one corner and unroll the underlayment to the opposite
wall. Cut the underlayment to fit, using a utility
knife or scissors. Overlap the second underlayment sheet according to the manufacturers recommendations, and secure the pieces in place
with adhesive tape.
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9
8
HERES HOW
New floor
Floor in adjacent
room
o stagger joints, first check the manufacturers instructions to determine what the mini-
10
Install transition thresholds at room borders where the new floor joins another floor covering. These thresholds are used to tie together
dissimilar floor coverings, such as laminate flooring and wood or carpet. They may also be necessary to span a distance in height between flooring
in one room and the next.
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Marking outside
edge of the pipe,
left side
Mark indicates
outside edge
of the pipe,
right side
Install the plank by locking the tongue-andgroove joints with the preceding board. Fit the
end piece in behind the pipe or obstacle. Apply
manufacturer-recommended glue to the cut
edges, and press the end piece tightly against the
adjacent plank. Wipe away excess glue with a
damp cloth.
I N S TA L L I N G L A M I N AT E F L O O R I N G
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2
1
Rent 6 to 10 strap
clamps to hold a few
rows of planks together
as adhesive dries (about
an hour). Fit one end of
the strap clamp over
the plank nearest the
wall, and the other end
(the one with the ratchet lever) over the last
plank. Use the ratchet
to tighten straps until
joints are snug.
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W H AT I F . . . ?
f you need to cut a plank to fit snugly against another plank or a wall with an obstacle in the middle (such as a
heat vent), measure in to the appropriate cutline to fit the board flush with the adjacent board or wall (on the
other side of the obstacle). Draw a line across the plank in this location. Then measure the obstacle and transfer
those measurements to the plank, using your pencil again. Mark a starter hole on the inside of the lines. Drill
the hole just large enough to fit your jigsaw blade into it. Starting in the drilled hole, cut the plank along the
drawn lines, using a jigsaw. Set the board in place by locking the tongue-and-groove joints with the preceding
board.
W H AT I F . . . ?
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Installing Self-Adhesive
Vinyl Tiles
25
Vinyl tiles can be hand-picked to customize your floor. Picking out complementary colors within a single style is one way to make your floor unique.
Not only is it fun to design your floor with self-adhesive tiles, but the
installation only requires a single weekend.
S E L F - A D H E S I V E V I N Y L T I L E S A R E E S S E N T I A L LY B I G S T I C K E R S Y O U J U S T P E E L
off the protective backing and press them into place. Because the tiles are thin, it is important to make sure the subfloor or underlayment is flat and free of debris before installing
these tiles. And even though installing these tiles is relatively simple, there are several steps
that must be taken to make sure you have a professionally installed floor when all is said and
done. Were about to show you just how to do that.
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Tile
cutter
Bucket
Metal
thresholds
Carpenters
square
Sponge
Kneepads
Sandpaper
Floor leveler
additive
Finishing
trowel
Chalk lines
Pencil
Straightedge
Tape
Tin measure
snips
4-ft.
level
Putty knife
Rubber gloves
Floor roller
into quadrants.
Measuring
Cutting
produce the fewest number of narrow tiles around the perimeter of the room
(i.e., making the layout symmetrical).
Hammering
D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L
SKILLS LEVEL
EASY
MODERATE
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W H AT I F . . . ?
F
3
136
loor leveler is used to fill in subtle imperfectionssuch as dips and low spotsin plywood subfloors. If your subfloor is made of
dimensional lumber, rather than plywood, you
must use plywood to patch damaged sections
contact a floor specialist to look at your floor if
this is the case.
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Line Y
Line X
W H AT I F . . . ?
5 ft.
4 ft.
points. Snapping a
5
3 ft.
90
Test your lines to make sure theyre perpendicular. Make a mark 3 ft. from the center point of
line X. Make a mark 4 ft. from the center point of
line Y. Measure the distance between the marks. If
X and Y are perpendicular, the distance between
them is 5 ft. If not, adjust them until theyre perpendicular.
I N S TA L L I N G S E L F - A D H E S I V E V I N Y L T I L E S
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(CONTINUED)
Floor covering of
another room
Start at the intersection of X and Y and dryfit tiles along each line out to all four walls.
HERES HOW
Old line X
New line X1
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10
W H AT I F . . . ?
11
Finish setting all of the full tiles in the first quadrant before creating reference lines for the next quadrant. Do this for all four quadrants. The partial tiles at corners and borders are dealt with last.
I N S TA L L I N G S E L F - A D H E S I V E V I N Y L T I L E S
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(CONTINUED)
A
Note: Tile to be cut
shown inverted for
clarity; tiles should be
face up for marking.
12
13
TOOL TIP
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16
15
17
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INDEX
A
Beams, 6, 34
Blood, removing, 27
Bracing floors, 3335
Bridging, 7, 3435
Bubbles in resilient floors, removing, 46
Buckled floors, 39, 128
Burn marks, removing, 27
C
Carpeting, 9
cleaning, 2427
problems with, 10
removing, 106111
repairing damaged, 5659, 9295
repairing loose seams, 6063
Ceramic tile floors, 9
cleaning, 13, 1819
problems with, 11
replacing, 7075
Checkerboards, painting, 100101
Chewing gum, removing, 27
Concrete floors, 8
cleaning, 13, 1617
problems with, 10
repairing cracks in, 6469
sealing, 112119
Cork floors, 9
Crayon marks, removing, 22, 23, 27
D
Dents, 43
laminate flooring and, 87
removing, 84
Drawbars, 127
E
Embossing leveler, 135
Excrement, removing, 27
F
Feather sanding, 29, 81
Finishes
applying new, 14
types of, 15, 31, 97
Floating floors, 87
Floorboards, replacing, 8085
Floor protectors, 15
Floors
evaluating, 1011
layers of, 6
reconditioning, 29
types of, 89
Floor scrapers, 103
Food stains, removing
from carpeting, 27
from concrete floors, 19
from laminate floors, 23
from resilient floors, 22
from wood floors, 15
G
Glue, 59, 63
Glueless laminate flooring, 87, 127
Grease, removing
from carpeting, 27
from ceramic tile floors, 19
from concrete floors, 17
from wood floors, 15
Grout, 71, 74, 75
142
I
J
Joist bridging, 34
Joists
described, 6, 7, 33
locating, 43
J-rollers, 45
K
Knee kickers, 93, 94
L
Lacquer thinners, 97
Laminate floors, 8
cleaning, 2021, 23
installing, 126133
problems with, 10
replacing planks, 8691
Linoleum floors, 9
Lipstick, removing, 23
Liquid seam sealers, 45
Loose boards, reattaching, 43
Lubricants, 42
M
Maintenance
for carpets, 24, 25
for wood floors, 15
Manufacture repair kits, 90
Mastics, 45
Metal lathes, 71
Mineral deposits, removing, 17, 19
Molding and floor repairs, 91
Mold/mildew, removing
from ceramic tile floors, 19
from concrete floors, 17, 67
from wood floors, 15
Motor oil, removing, 27
N
Nail polish, removing, 22, 23, 27
Nails
countersinking, 43
for patching concrete, 69
O
Oil
applying, 42
removing, 15, 17
P
Paint, removing
from ceramic tile floors, 19
from concrete floors, 17
from laminate floors, 23
from resilient floors, 22
Parquet tile floors, 8
construction of, 77
problems with, 11
replacing, 7679
Perimeter-bond sheet vinyl, 103
Permanent marker marks, removing, 22
Polyurethane floors, 15
Primers, 97
R
Radiant floor heating systems, 7
Repair caulk, 66, 68
Resilient floors, 9
cleaning, 2022
problems with, 11
S
Safety
using acid etches, 115
using heat guns, 47
when painting, 101
when repairing carpets, 62
when repairing concrete, 66
when replacing ceramic tile, 74
when replacing parquet tiles, 79
when replacing resilient floors, 50, 51
when sanding, 101
Sanding, 29, 81, 101
Sandpaper, purchasing, 122
Scratches, 15, 87
Sealers, 97, 118
Seam tape, 61
Self-adhesive vinyl tiles, installing, 134141
Shoe polish marks, removing, 22, 23, 27
Solid bridging, 34
Soundproofed floors, 7
Span, 34
Splinters, repairing, 2830
Springy floors, repairing, 3236
Squeaky floors, fixing, 3643
Stains, removing, 15, 17
Subfloors, 6, 33, 136
Surface damage, fixing, 15
T
Tackless strips, 107
Tar, removing, 23, 27
Thinset mortar, 71
Tile spacers, 71
Tongue and groove (T&G), 77, 81
U
Underlayment, 6, 33
V
Vinyl floors. See resilient floors
Vomit, removing, 27
W
Wax, removing, 22, 23, 27
Waxed floors, quick fixes for, 15
Wood floors, 9
cleaning, 1215, 13
fixing squeaky, 3643
painting, 96101
problems with, 11
refinishing, 120125
repairing splinters, 2830
X
X-bracing, 34
Z
Zip doors, 121
Photo Credits
Royalty-Free/Corbis: cover, pp. 24, 80
Photo Courtesy of Kemiko Concrete
Stains: p. 112
Kemiko Concrete Stains
www.Kemiko.com
903-587-3708
Leonard, TX
FLOORING 101
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