Room Elements

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Design Elements

Color Form Layout Pattern Texture

Flooring

Information about flooring products, color selection, pattern, installation, comparison and care. This handmade ceramic tile is very durable and decorative, but may be slippery when wet. Although expensive, handmade tile is becoming increasingly popular.

Pergo® Composite Flooring - Floating floor systems that resist scratching, denting, staining, fading, and cigarette burns. Can be installed over existing vinyl, linoleum, wood, chipboard, and concrete flooring. Features a 15-year triple warranty.

Consumers Reports Online / Home - fee-based subscription access to brand-name ratings and evaluations. For suppliers in your area, see our yellow pages section. Yahoo.com - search for flooring

General

Congoleum ® - urethane Wearlayer resists scratching, dulling, scuffing and staining. Available in 6 and 12 ft. widths for easy installation Eagle Hardware® - home improvement supplies Homebase® - home improvement supplies Home Depot® - home improvement supplies

Stone (Natural and Synthetic)

Ann Sacks - featuring natural stone (limestone, marble, travertine and slate), Terra Cotta tile, Ann Sacks collection, art and architectural tile. Belotti Tiles Granit - various stone products Fritz Industries, Inc. - revolutionary marble and granite flexible terrazzo floor tile and specialty flooring underlayments, cleaners and sealers PermaGrain Products, Inc. - Manufacturers of urethane finished oak flooring and marble resin floor tile Raven Stone, Inc. - Fine Quality Natural Stone Products of Marble and Granite Stone Brokers of America - importers, exporters and design services for Marble, Granite and Travertine Stone Source - stone flooring and custom design Vermont Natural Stoneworks - specializing in slate related products

Glass

Joel Berman - kiln-cast glass textures, design services, sculpture and portfolio

Brick

Tile

Ceramic Tiles of Italy - all about selecting, installing and maintaining ceramic tile DalTile™ - manufacturer of ceramic wall, floor and mosaic tile Florida Tile - reasonably priced, design rich ceramic tile and accents Florida Tile - ceramic tile flooring accents GranitiFiandre® - leader in porcelain stoneware floors Toli® - solid vinyl flooring manufacturers

Metal

IGI Composites International Grating, Inc. - synthetic diamond plate flooring weighing less than steel flooring Brown Campbell Products - numerous industrial metal floorings

Wood - Natural

Anderson hardwood floors - prefinished hardwood floors Bruce® Hardwood Floors - since 1884, largest hardwood flooring manufacturer in the world Hartco® flooring - natural wood flooring in custom, plank, strip and parquet Kährs - fine Swedish Flooring Kentucky Wood Floors, Inc. - borders, accents, parquet, plank and millwork Mannington floor coverings® - strips, plank and other wood flooring Premium Wood Floors & Supplies Company - medallions, strip, parquet, and borders PermaGrain Products, Inc. - manufacturers of urethane finished oak flooring and marble resin floor tile

Wood - Laminate

CountryWide Flooring - extensive photo catalog of various mfg. products and prices Formica® - pressure-laminated with melamine-impregnated decorative surface papers, combined with phenolic-treated kraft paper Mannington floor coverings® - fiberboard backed, pressure-laminated, melamine with aluminum oxide impregnated surface Wilsonart® International - 40 beautiful woodgrain planks and tile designs Witex® Laminated Floors - resin backed, resin coated laminates

Fiber - Natural

Fiberworks® - extensive natural fiber flooring product offering (sisal, seagrass, coir and jute) SisalCarpet.com - extensive photo product catalog and information Tejidos - manufacturer of sisal rugs, carpets and fabrics - photos and information

Fiber - Synthetic

Carolina Carpet - carpet, rugs and more DuPont® - StainMaster® Carpet, choosing carpet, ideas, care and stain removal tips DuPont® - Antron® nylon fiber carpets featuring style and performance Fortune Contract - architectural carpets in designer patterns Harbinger Carpet - designer carpets, including tufted, woven, and custom Karastan - decorative carpets of ancient Prussian, Turkey and Indian design Lees Carpets - many designer textures and sculpted berbers Mohawk Carpet - carpet manufacturer Solutia Wear-Dated® - manufacturer of Wear-Dated II™, Acrilan®, and DuraSoft™ carpet lines

Flooring

Carpet Discount Center, Inc. - carpet, hardwood, vinyl, rugs, and laminate flooring Clodan Carpets - extensive natural fiber selection Complete Flooring - laminates, carpet, vinyl, hardwood, natural stone and ceramic tile Don Lamor, Inc. - extensive carpet and rug selection Exquisite Floor Services - installation and restoration of hardwood, marble and natural stone Floorbiz.com - residential, commercial, international, and industry links Floorshop.com - laminate and hardwood flooring comparisons Kuhn Carpet ® - extensive product line including carpet, wood, tile and marble Milliken Carpet - custom image carpet tiles Paris Ceramics - products include: antique stone, limestone, antique terra cotta, terra cotta, mosaics, tiles, terrazzo and cosmati (intricate geometric stonework). Also features case studies, photos and information about the design process. Piedras International - supplier of high quality stone flooring, product photos and detailed technical information The Carpet Company - carpets, laminates and ceramic tiles Trans-Ocean, Inc. - handmade cut pile, loop pile and rugs

Area rugs

Trans-Ocean, Inc. - handmade cut pile, loop pile and rugs

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OVERVIEW

Flooring is often taken for granted, even though it is an integral part of a cohesive design. About Flooring There are many types of flooring. Typically flooring falls into several categories: hard, wood, fiber and sheet. Each type has pros and cons listed below that will be helpful for influencing the decision process. Installation of some types requires a professional, while others install much easier. One factor that affects the investment is the floor's durability and its warranty. Study each before making a decision. Benefits New flooring can bring new room vitality. It becomes the foundation of good interior design when used in conjunction with an effective color scheme. Simply installing new flooring may have the most impact for return on investment of all room improvements. Replacing old cut pile carpet may also improve the health of the inhabitants by removing allergy causing dust, dirt and pollens. Floor installation overview: Decide what flooring type is preferable (see our comparison page for more information) Select, preview and print flooring choices shown in a living room using See My Design Select a flooring manufacturer / brand and retailer to purchase from Decide when to install the floor and how much will be needed (see our Design Room Planner for estimating) Select a company that sells or installs flooring (see yellow pages for companies in your area) Tools & resources needed for rent or purchase Room / area preparation (remove old flooring / install sub-floor / check for levelness) Measure, mark and layout without affixing Final installation and quality checks Clean up, touch up, staining, painting, sealing or buffing Additional info Coverings 2000 - the International Tile & Stone exposition

FLOOR TYPES - click on a flooring name to see a comparison

Common flooring types by room:
Commercial	Hard floor or carpet tiles
Living room	Hardwoods, cut pile carpets, sculpted berbers, natural fiber carpets
Family room	Hardwoods, carpets, brick, tile
Kitchen / bathroom	Tile, linoleum, vinyl
Utility room	Concrete, berber carpet, vinyl

Hard Floors
Pros: Long lasting, low maintenance, easy cleaning, elegant, and retains heat. Cons: Most require reinforced sub-flooring, cold to the touch (may need under-floor heating), expensive, and reflects noise.
N A T U R A L	MARBLE: It is available in tile, sheet, block and in a variety of colors and intrinsic patterns. The most classical of all flooring. Dating from the Greek period and used extensively since. Polished marble can be slippery and is best kept to isolated areas like around fireplaces. A dulled finish is optimal for regular flooring use. Being widely imitated in synthetic material may lessen the grandeur of genuine marble. GRANITE: Available in block, sheet and tile. Generally found in neutral and warm colors and is a more expensive stone flooring. Appears to be dimensional when polished due to the glass-like nature of its grain. Can be slippery when polished and requires occasional polishing to retain glossiness. Imitated in a variety of synthetic materials. SLATE: Available in sheet and tile. Generally found in darker, muted colors without much color pattern like marble has. Available in natural grain and honed finishes. If natural grain finish is chosen, extra time for cleaning may be required to completely remove grime from recesses and wrinkles in the rock. Imitated in a variety of synthetic materials.
S Y N T H E T I C	BRICK: Available in a wide range of colors such as soft orange-reds, buffs and browns. Pavers (flooring bricks) are great for areas that see a lot of traffic or moisture. Bricks can be laid in a number of different patterns including: Wall pattern Basket-weave Herringbone Various contemporary patterns can be visually stimulating but require careful planning and intricate cutting. Using different colors can enhance the pattern and add visual interest. If your subfloor is strong enough you may want to try using recycled bricks to get a more rustic look or purchase prefinished bricks that are moisture proof and reduce potential staining. Being modular units, damaged bricks can be replaced without disturbing the floor. If you have a busy schedule and need something that is low maintenance, brick may be a good alternative, needing only a damp mop for cleaning. TILE: This impenetrable floor is available in a variety of sizes ranging in size from 1 sq. foot to 1 inch sq. Excellent for high traffic and moisture prone areas (as seen at swimming pools). Tile comes in a many types, finishes, colors and shapes. If unable to afford an under-floor heating system, consider Burnished terra cotta tiles which retain heat well. Ceramic tiles can feature designs baked onto the tile and are used to simulate stone. If you have pets or children keep in mind that unsealed tile, like terra cotta, stains easily. The fact that custom patterns can be achieved by cutting intricate designs lends itself to contemporary designs. Grout is used to hold tiles in place. It is a powder mixed with water that dries quickly. When you choose your grout it is best to get a darker color which will make stains less visible. If you have old tile with stained grout, the tile can be relaid with new grout. Types of Tile: Terra cotta tile Available in a number of different shapes. Colors are dusky ochres, oranges and reds. the name means baked earth in Italian. Quarry tile Mass-produced versions of Terra cotta tiles. Available in pre-treated form for better resistance. Colors include buffs, ochres, reds and browns. Ceramic tile These are the most waterproof of all the tiles and come in a broader range of colors and embossed designs than other tiles. Commonly used to imitate genuine stone tiles. Ceramic tiles are thinner, yet more dense, making them easy to install and water-proof. Finishes include glazed, matte, embossed, or textured for anti-slip. Additional info DalTile™ - care tips and technical spec for ceramic tile Mosaic tile Small tiles generally 2 cm in size that are used in combination to create a large picture. Available in most every color to make many exciting and distinct patterns. Byzantine mosaic 500 A.D. Additional info DalTile™ - mosaic tile products and information Additional Tile info Kuhn Carpet ® - info about ceramic tile types, uses, and differences The Carpet Company - tile product photos DalTile™ - tile layout patterns CONCRETE: This is one of the most affordable, as well as durable, choices of flooring. It can be painted to add warmth to a room, and repainted to keep up with changing trends. Concrete is a cold, heat and scratch resistant floor and should be sealed to prevent staining and wear GLASS: An exotic flooring material that is costly. It is best to be adequately supported on all edges and have some type of anti-slip mechanism such as sand blasting. On the lower level of the building, glass can enclose a display space and on the upper, it acts as a transparent walk way. Scratching can be a problem, so use in low-traffic areas is best. ACRYLIC: Less expensive than glass with the same attributes. It can form the base layer for a piece of 3/8 inch glass to be laminated on top of, which can be replaced after extensive use. An alit-slip mechanism such as sand blasting is recommended. Clear acrylic set in the concrete of sidewalks and lit from below is used for effect lighting outside buildings. Scratching is much more of a problem than with glass, so use in low-traffic areas is best. METAL: Stainless steel and aluminum are the most common metals for flooring. Embossed patterns like diamond plate create visual interest while reflecting the environment which can make the room look larger.

Wood Floors
Pros: Long lasting, easy cleaning, doesn't retain dust and pollen, warm, works with many interior design styles, already exists in older homes. Available in many shapes and grains. May be stained different colors to fit the era or mood. Simple cleanup with broom and damp cloth. Cons: May scratch, mar and dent, so should be frequently vacuumed or swept. Easily damaged by excessive wear and water. Needs occasional polishing and sealing.
N A T U R A L	PARQUET SQUARES [ 12" X 12" ]: Available as square boards comprised of smaller pieces of wood that give it its pattern. It requires less installation work than plank flooring and an individual square or series can be replaced if harshly damaged. It is generally adhered to a sub-floor to prevent buckling or uneven edges. Herringbone and basket-weave are the most common patterns. Oak is a popular construction material which can be stained for a custom look. Veneer-based floors are not easily refinished because the top layer is too thin. PLANK [ 3" & 4.5" wide ]: Long boards have a classic look and are also available preconstructed on large sheets that fit together tongue and groove. Wider planks usually do not require a subfloor, but are more expensive. STRIP FLOORING [ 2.25" wide ]: Long narrow boards have an institutional look and are also available preconstructed on large sheets that fit together tongue and groove. Most installations require a subfloor to prevent buckling. Ash,       Beech,   Birch,     Elm,       Maple,   Oak,       Pine,      Parquet (Oak) Additional info Kährs - hardwood floor care tips Floorshop.com - hardwood flooring comparison National Wood Flooring Association - species, cuts, custom work, care and finishes National Oak Flooring Association - tips, estimating, finishing and care
S Y N T H E T I C	LAMINATE: Most are pressure treated with an impenetrable surface that works well in areas of heavy traffic or moisture exposure. These types of flooring typically do not require any sealing or finishes as they have their own. Certain types of laminate flooring will not burn, sun-fade, dent, or stain. Types of Laminate Hardwood flooring: Pergo ® Floating floor that is easy to install on most any existing flooring, easy to replace, can be used in all rooms including bathrooms, never needs waxing, sanding or lacquer coating. 15-year triple warranty. Available in a number of different wood simulations and stains including: Planked - White pine, American Honey Oak, Alder, Beech, Oak, Walnut, Birch, Mature Pine, and Cherry. Blocked - Oak, Maple, Walnut inlay, Cherry, Rustic Oak, Birch, Mahogany, Beech, and Red Oak. Congoleum ® Fixed floor having a urethane wearlayer that resists scratching, dulling, scuffing and staining. Available in 6 and 12 ft. widths for easy installation. Maintenance information is key to keeping a beautiful floor. Warranty information can be found here. Available in a number of different wood simulations and stains including: Regal Plank - [ 4.5" x 36" tiles ] OAK: Bleached, Colonial, Brown, Red, and Natural. ROYAL CHERRY: Bleached White, Natural, Gunstock, and Nutmeg. MOUNTAIN BIRCH: , Honey, Natural, Red, and Cinnamon. Forum Plank - [ 3" x 36" tiles ] COLONIAL CHERRY: Bleached, Royal, Natural, and Red. GLENWOOD: Bleached, Natural, Nutmeg, and Gunstock. WESTWOOD: Natural, Colonial, Carolina, Bleached, and Washed White. AMERICAN PINE: Southern, Rustic, and Light Swedish Pine. BRENTWOOD: Honey, Natural, Chestnut, and Cherry. Wilsonart ® High pressure laminate flooring that is designed to be installed as a floating floor (not nailed or glued to the subfloor). It is offered in 20 woodgrain plank designs and 21 abstract tile designs. Additional info Kuhn Carpet & Tile - detailed laminate construction and finish info Floorshop.com - laminate flooring comparison The Carpet Company - carpet selection, care and product photos Complete Flooring - detailed information about laminates

Fiber Floors
Pros: Warm and soft to the touch. Absorbs noise and absorbent to walk on. Doesn't scratch. Works with many interior design styles. Available in extensive colors, textures and patterns. Cons: Doesn't last as long as hard flooring. May require carpet padding (shown above). May gather dust and other pollens and show water and other stains (bathroom and kitchen use is discouraged). Needs regular vacuuming and occasional professional steam cleaning. Density of fiber affects comfort and amount of shedding that occurs.
N A T U R A L	COIR: Rustic, rough fiber that is hairy and prone to shed. Its rough surface limits its residential flooring use to rugs and mattes. Various colored-based patterns are prevalent due to its dye ability. SEA GRASS: The non-abrasive, dense surface makes it an excellent choice natural fiber flooring. It does not stain or splinter easily. Will damage with excessive water exposure unless treated. Available only in its natural wheat-like colors with hints of green. SISAL: Semisoft fiber which lends itself to intricate patterns and dense weaves. It will stain easily unless treated and therefore is available in a wide range of colors. The natural sheen creates a seemingly waxed surface. JUTE: This gentle fiber is used extensively in the manufacture of carpet backing. It is not hairy and comes in its natural wheat-like color but can be bleached, dyed and treated to prevent staining. Varying impressionability is available because it is woven from threads of various thicknesses. Shows wear easily, so best used in low traffic areas. Additional info SisalCarpet.com - many product swatch photos
S Y N T H E T I C	Carpet Construction Types: (1 = least, 6 = most) Type Cleanability Comfort Cut Pile Carpet: Hoops of fiber that are hooked through the backing and cut at the top to create a raised surface that is soft, thick, and plush. 2 (Traps dirt and other allergy causing materials) 5 (Soft underfoot) Twist: Cut pile with a twist 1 (Traps dirt and other allergy causing materials) 6 (Very soft underfoot) Loop Pile: Berber with low-height loops 5 (Low height hoops allow for easy vacuuming and helps prevent trapping dirt) 2 (Firm underfoot & generally requires softer underlay) Sculpted Loop Pile: Berber of high-height loops and low-height hoops for relief pattern 4 3 (Firm underfoot & generally requires softer underlay) Mixed Cut-Loop Pile: Sculpted cut pile carpets where the debossed pattern is loop pile 3 4 (Semisoft underfoot & generally requires soft underlay) Shag: Extra long fiber in a cut pile or hard twist. Easy for dirt to penetrate. 1 (Traps dirt and other allergy causing materials) 3 (Soft underfoot, generally requires soft underlay) Carpet tiles: The above carpet types set into a semi-hard backing. May show seams after time. BASED ON TYPE (Wear can be managed by shuffling tiles) 2 (Firm underfoot, generally requires firm underlay) Additional Info See our Carpet Fiber Comparison chart for wool, acrylic, nylon, polyester, polypropylene and viscose Kuhn Carpet & Tile - detailed carpet construction and fiber info The Carpet Company - carpet selection, care and product photos Carpet Network - article on removing carpet stains DuPont® - StainMaster® carpet, choosing carpet, ideas, care and stain removal tips

COLOR

Set the mood Light neutrals create openness. Dark, muted colors create coziness. A monotone sculpted berber shows class through subtlety. Hardwood floors create a feeling of warmth and scholarly traditional. Diamond plate steel unfolds industrial design. Terra cotta tile bestows the mission look and works exceptionally well offset with green plants. Whatever the mood, the color of flooring is the foundation for the room. Additional info Color themes, schemes and theory - the color of a room can affect the attitude of its occupant. Picking color schemes which set the tone or mood for a room will help transform a dull room with no synergy into a work of art. See My Design - select and see your own wall and trim paint colors online in a living room, combined with real wall paper, furniture and flooring (no plug-ins required).

PATTERN

Create depth Wild, subdued, baroque or fleck. Whether it be a custom carpet design or a deep polished marble, pattern creates variety, visual interest and illustrates formality.  Additional Info (for mfg & reseller links see above) Pattern - understand the intricacies of pattern and mixing with room elements

SAFETY

Highly polished hard floors can be a health risk, as they are slippery and unforgiving. Uneven tiles and brick can cause people to trip creating a health hazard. Cut pile carpets tend to accumulate pollens and other debris down at the carpet base. This eventually gets under the carpet where it remains. There is some debate that this can cause health problems. Those concerned should replace carpet every 5 to 7 years. Owner installation: Hardwood floors - read our safety page for using power tools Carpet - read and follow safety instructions for the joiner iron Stone - lift more loads that are smaller to prevent back strain Glass - handle with care and precaution, broken glass poses a serious risk Additional info Safety - additional detailed articles about paint-related safety. Read this before sealing or painting a floor.

MISCELLANEOUS

See My Design - design online and see your own living room by selecting wall and trim paint colors, combined with real wallpaper, furniture and flooring (no plug-ins required) Paint and Decorating Retailers Association - PDRA - FAQs on paint, wallpaper, window treatments, floor coverings and sundries Paint and Decorating Retailers Association - PDRA - weekly article on decorating VillageHome.com - interior painting, wall papering, trends and tips Kuhn Carpet & Tile - detailed flooring construction information

Example1 - light neutrals help convey the feeling of openness. An area rug of natural fiber with decorative trim keeps areas of high use from damaging the carpet. The main carpet is berber which helps hide foot patterns and does not absorb debris as readily as cut pile carpet does. It is an excellent choice for family rooms, hallways and stairways. See My Design - design online and see your own living room by selecting wall and trim paint colors, combined with real wall paper, furniture and flooring (photo-realistic, no plug-ins required) Joel Berman - photo examples of glass flooring and design work VillageHome.com - interior painting, wall papering, trends and tips Kährs - pictures of fine Swedish flooring in furnished rooms National Wood Flooring Association - photo gallery National Oak Flooring Association - photo gallery Carpet and Rug Institute - interactive carpet / room viewer (semi photo-realistic, requires Shockwave plug-in) Carpet and Rug Institute - technical information including preparation, installation, care, tips and trends Paris Ceramics - extensive case studies, photos and video about tile and flooring DuPont® - StainMaster® Carpet photo gallery SisalCarpet.com - design with natural fiber tips

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