Expert Advice on Home Improvement

This ’70s kitchen was in need of a major facelift. In addition to installing new cabinets, appliances, and flooring; a wall was removed to open up the living space and make the kitchen an integral part of the house. Read more to find out how it was done. Read in full.

The last step in laying a tile floor is applying and sealing the grout. After the tile adhesive has set, apply grout to the joints using a rubber float. Grout comes in a variety of colors, but darker grout tends to show less stains. Stainproof grout is also available, though it isn’t as easy to work with as regular grout. Watch this video to find out how. Watch this video.

There are two main types of floor tile, ceramic and porcelain. While both are durable and appropriate to use, there are noticeable differences between them. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Ceramic floor tile can be cut to size using either a hand operated, score and snap cutter or a motorized wet saw. Rather than buying an expensive tool, consider renting a tile cutter from a tool rental center. Watch this video.

When installing tile on a plywood subfloor, cement backer board is usually put down first to provide a firm, stable surface. A new type of waterproof underlayment membrane, such as Ditra from Schluter Systems, can be substituted for backer board. Made of lightweight polyethylene, the membrane is only 1/8” thick and can be cut easily with a utility knife. Watch this video to learn how. Watch this video.

There are a number of specialty tools that can make the job go a lot faster and easier when installing carpet or removing vinyl flooring. Since most homeowners won’t use them often, consider renting from a tool rental center rather than buying. Watch this video to learn more. Watch this video.

Stacy asks, “I want to remove my existing flooring, but the cabinets are built on top of it. How can I cut the flooring flush with the edge of the cabinet kickboard to keep from having to take out my cabinets?”

A specialty toe-kick saw is available that can cut up to 3/4″ deep flush with a cabinet under the toe space, or you might be able to adapt a grinder to do the job. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Patricia asks, “We bought a 1910 house with heart pine floors. The person we hired to sand and refinish them said that since the floors had been finished at one time around the area rugs, he could not get rid of the rug image. Is this true?“

Most stains and differences from previous finishes should come out if the floors are thoroughly sanded, starting with coarse sandpaper and working up to finer grits. This may not be possible, however, if the stains are too deep or the floors have been sanded several times, leaving the wood above the groove too thin. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

When removing glued down flooring, such as vinyl or linoleum, it’s important to get as much of the old adhesive off the subfloor as possible to provide a smooth surface for the new flooring. There are several tools, from hand scrapers to powerful rental machines, that can be used to remove flooring adhesive. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Due to their soft nature, sheet vinyl flooring can be easy to damage. Watch this video to find out how to make a seamless repair to a damaged area in a vinyl floor. Watch this video.