Flooring Tips That HGTV's Mike Holmes Swears By

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3. He shares his honest opinion on Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring, what it has to offer, and whether it lives up to the hype.

The 7 Worst Kitchen Flooring Choices (And a Better Option to Consider)

There Really Can Be One Best Flooring Option for the Basement

Those common flooring options - wood, linoleum, and carpet - are some things people often install in their basements. You'll need to remove them.

His reasoning for choosing tiles is quite straightforward. They are easy to keep clean and dry, eliminating the risk of standing water or flooding. Additionally, tiles minimize the likelihood of mold growth by preventing moisture from the concrete from being trapped between the foundation and materials that hold onto dampness, such as wood or carpeting. According to Holmes, tiles are also less susceptible to wear and tear from foot traffic, allowing them to last longer, especially in frequently used areas. Pet accidents are relatively easy to clean up, and tiles are generally easier to maintain than carpet or wood, making it safer to eat and drink in the basement. Plus, in-floor heating is a viable option for colder climates, ensuring that even tile floors stay warm and cozy.

If you choose luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, it's a good idea to have spare planks on hand.

Since vinyl isn't as long-lasting as other materials, I suggest adding rubber pads to your furniture legs and keeping some extra boards on hand, so you can replace them easily if you need a perfect match due to any damage.

Having a few extra planks on hand can help avoid headaches and expenses. Store them in a dry, climate-controlled area, like a guest room closet, and use them as needed. This approach also prevents the annoyance of needing to purchase replacement planks, which can be costly when buying small quantities. As flooring costs often drop with increased purchases, it's beneficial to over-order slightly initially. Having extra planks eliminates the worry of discontinued colors and mismatched flooring.

Leveling Your Subfloor with Self-Leveling Cement

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This step takes some time, but it will pay off in the long run. "Adding self-leveling compound to concrete adds an extra day of work to your flooring project," he said. "But it minimizes the risk of future flooring issues." As with most home improvement projects, a little extra time and effort up front can save you a lot of hassle later on.

Removing Old Flooring Before Installing New Flooring

I hate this tile and grout. The main reason is that it asks for the flooring to crack, meaning your new floor won't maintain its appearance for long.

Another reason to replace the tile is that it won't crack. "The bigger issue is that without tearing up the existing floor, you can't accurately determine the state of the underlayment," he continued. "Reinstall the old flooring, inspect the condition of the underlayment, and make any necessary repairs. A bathroom offers the perfect environment for mold spores to grow, and the tile could be concealing a hidden problem that you'll want to address."

+ require a nonslip coating in wet conditions

They are made to last, look great, simple to clean, and come in a wide range of styles and colors.

The most enjoyable aspect of tile is that you can effortlessly express your individuality through the pattern you select. You can opt for a large-format tile if you prefer something uncomplicated and visually appealing or a colorful, patterned tile like herringbone for a more captivating look. Ultimately, what matters most is that you properly install and seal the tile's grout to prevent it from cracking or discoloring due to heavy use.

Adding Heated Flooring to Your Bathroom Is a Great Way to Stay Cozy on Cold Winter Days

What makes early mornings difficult is stepping onto a freezing cold floor. Investing in an in-floor heating system will provide you with comfort for many years to come. The Holmes family often partners with Schluter Systems to install these systems. Typically, the cost for this type of installation is around $30 per square foot.

Typically, porcelain or ceramic tile is used. These tiles are very durable, have excellent heat conductivity, and retain heat for a longer period, providing better energy efficiency than other materials," Holmes continued. Additionally, tile works well in the bathroom because it's simpler to waterproof a tile floor.

Adding Blocks Between Your Floor Joists Can Stop the Squeaking Sound

A floor with joists held together by blocks will have less movement and make fewer creaking sounds when you walk on it. However, if you want to fix creaky boards yourself, you'll need access to the bottom of the joist, typically found in basements or homes with crawl spaces. From there, you can add additional blocks, but be aware that you'll need to navigate around any heating or electrical components that might be in the way.

For extreme cases, Holmes suggests consulting with a structural engineer for optimal results. This may be necessary if the floor not only creaks, but also sags, indicating that the existing joists are nearing collapse. In such a situation, the engineer would probably recommend adding sister joists, which are new boards that are securely attached to the damaged joists. Nonetheless, Holmes advises against performing this task yourself, as incorrect execution could render your home unsafe.

Waterproofing your bathroom floors can save you a lot of future problems.

First, spread a layer of standard thin-set mortar on the substrate. Next, install an uncoupling membrane, such as Schluter Ditra and Ditra-XL, on top of the mortar.

He goes on to explain that the next step is to apply an additional layer of thin-set mortar on top of this membrane. Some may advise using a modified thin-set mortar, but Holmes advises against it. The reason is that modified thin-set mortars need adequate air exposure for proper curing. If tile is installed right on top of them, "the tile and waterproof membrane won't breathe," he said. "That would mean no airflow and take forever to dry." In contrast, standard, unmodified thin-set mortars will cure properly and ensure that water doesn't penetrate the flooring, ruining the finished work.

Choosing the perfect floor color can tie together the entire room's style.

This is because lighter floors can make spaces seem brighter and airier, whereas darker tones can create a more serious atmosphere in your home.

On his project, Holmes had already chosen a paint color for the walls, and as a result, wanted the floor to coordinate with it. "I wanted to create a warm atmosphere, I didn't want the floor to look out of place. I really wanted it to blend in with the colors," he explained during the walkthrough, pointing out the space's features. "I wanted to bring out the whites and browns from this area into the stairs. And you can see that all those colors are now working together seamlessly; it feels very comfortable." When selecting a flooring color, think about what matters most to you. If budget is a priority, you might choose the cheapest option, regardless of color. But, if style and ambiance are more important, consider balancing light and dark colors, as well as matching tones with the paint colors and furniture in your room.

Keep in mind that the wear and tear on hardwood near an entrance can be significantly reduced if you use area rugs and Mats to protect the floor, but these factors alone are not enough to justify the installation of hardwood in this location.

The snow, mud, and other elements will have a significant impact on the area right beside the door, regardless of whether you remove your boots or not.

It's often less complicated to repair than wood that has become warped or rotted.

When You're Looking for an Affordable Flooring Option.

Carpet is also plush, soft to walk on, and comes in many different designs and hues.

For the messier individuals, if you're concerned about committing to re-carpeting a room in case of a spill or simply dealing with the aftermath, you don't have to be stressed. Carpet tiles are the solution, especially for areas your kids spend a lot of time. "Consider hypoallergenic carpeting for your child's playroom," Holmes continued. "And although carpeting is often not very spill-resistant, there are carpet tiles available in a wide variety of designs and colors, so if a spill does occur, the carpet tile can be removed and replaced." Just like you would replace a section of LVP flooring, you can easily swap out a carpet tile – this way, you can maintain a mess-free space.

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