Tag Archives: flooring installation

Can You Install New Tile Over Old Tile?

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Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

It is strongly recommended to remove old floor tiles before installing new ones. This will give you the best results. However, there are some cases in which it is possible for new tile to be installed on top of existing tile floors. Older homes and certain types of tile flooring can sometimes be very difficult or near-impossible to remove. In these circumstances, if the old tile is still in great condition, it may be possible to install your new tile flooring over it.

Continue reading to learn more about this process, and who to call for professional tile flooring service you can trust.

Tile Floor Installation

The circumstances must be virtually perfect in order to install new tile over old tile. To be a good sub-floor, the existing tile must be a solid and sturdy foundation, entirely level and free of cracks. And even if the conditions are just right, you must implement the process properly from start to finish for optimal results. This is why it is best to hire a professional tile floor contractor or company to carry out the project for you. They retain the proper tools and training to finish the job accurately, and in a convenient time frame. But if you insist on a DIY project, then be sure to review the initial steps to installing tile over tile, below.

Getting Started

You will need…

• Clean Rags or Mop
• Clean Water
• Mild Dish Soap or Floor Cleaner
• Medium-Heavy Grit Sandpaper
• Thin Set Mortar

1. Wash the existing tile floors with clean water, dish soap, and a mop. You may use a floor cleaning detergent instead of dish soap. Simply make sure the surface is thoroughly clean. Allow the surface to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

2. Sand down the tile until you achieve a course, rough surface.

3. Fill in the existing grout lines with a very thin coat of thin set mortar.

4. Allow the mortar to dry for 24 hours. This will provide a more even surface to work with when installing the new tile floors.

5. Once dried, continue with the standard tile floor installation process. Ask a flooring installation contractor for help with this stage.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis IN

Tile Floor Repair and Installation 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for tile floor installation in Indianapolis, and its surrounding locations. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, provides a wide range of affordable tile floor repair and installation services for commercial and residential properties throughout Central Indiana. In fact, we will beat any competitor’s price, guaranteed! Call 317-455-3612 to learn more about our Indianapolis tile flooring services, or to schedule an assessment today.

Laminate Floor Care Advice

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When you first install laminate flooring, the results are fantastic. You have beautiful flooring that imitates natural wood floors at a lower cost. In order to increase the longevity of laminate floors and maintain that long-lasting “just installed” look, proper and regular care will be necessary. Choose to use proper cleaning products and the right methods and techniques to maintain your laminate floors. Doing so can increase the lifespan of your laminate floors. By following simple rules and guidelines, safely cleaning your floors is easy and even inexpensive!

Laminate Floor Repair and Installation 317-454-3612

Laminate Floor Repair and Installation 317-454-3612

Use the Proper Cleaning Agents

If you use cleaning products that are not compatible with laminate flooring, the results could be severe. Floors can end up looking dull and discolored. Improper cleaning products can also strip away vinyl and anything that has been applied as an extra protectant. It can also cause swelling and bends in the panels and dangerously slippery surfaces.

It is best to check the manufacturers’ manual or any other type of literature that came with the purchase. These instructions will guide you on the best practices to use to clean your laminate floors. They will most likely suggest using cleaning products that do not contain soaps, acids, ammonia, and bleaches. They will also instruct you on what techniques to use to prevent scratches and discoloration.

One safe cleaning remedy for laminate floors is white vinegar. Use white vinegar and water mixtures to wash away dirt and germs. Apply it with a spray bottle and mop or wipe it away. It’s that simple! You can also just use water as a cleaning agent for floors, but do not use too much because extensive water accumulation can cause swelling and other types of water damage.

Use Proper Cleaning Techniques and Methods

One common and popular choice for cleaning laminate floors safely is a microfiber mop. These mops are strategically designed to pick up dirt, dust, and debris, as well as, leave behind a luminous shine. The texture of the mop and cloth is delicate but sturdy, allowing thorough cleaning without the use of moisture.

Another popular technique is the traditional “hands and knees” scrubbing method. Although this involves a litter more effort, it can help obtain that extra detail that some people look for when cleaning their floors. Using a wiping method, you can supervise the moisture and drying times, as well as, focus on heavier soiled spots with your closer look. This is a tedious and meticulous way to protect and clean laminate flooring, but it is a full-proof way to prevent scratches and moisture accumulation. Many people prefer this method.

Laminate Floor Repair and Installation

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Home Repair Service
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional and affordable laminate floor repair and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, provides affordable home remodeling and restoration, including a wide range of flooring services for both residential and commercial properties. We repair, replace, and install laminate flooring, as well as, hardwood, vinyl, tile, ceramic, and more! Call 317-454-3612 for laminate floor installation and repair in Indianapolis, IN today.

The Pros and Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring

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Laminate Floor Repair 317-454-3612

Laminate Floor Repair 317-454-3612

If you are in the market for new hardwood floors, you may want to consider engineered wood as an option. It is a popular mid to top-level flooring choice among home owners for various reasons. To find out if engineered hardwood flooring is right for your home, it is best to review its advantages and disadvantages; and then determine which factors on each side carry the most weight with you. Continue reading to evaluate the most notable pros and cons of engineered hardwood flooring.

Engineered Wood Floors

Engineered wood is not entirely hardwood, but mostly a wood product made with bonded wood fibers and adhesive veneer panels. It is manufactured using recycled veneers and woods from several types of tree subspecies. Engineered wood flooring is constructed with layers of ply wood, and then finished off with a top veneer layer of real hardwood. This top layer is stained and treated just as any hardwood floor would be. The layer beneath the top hardwood ply is called the structural support core board. And the layers beneath that are called backing layers, used for stability.

PROS

The best advantage to installing engineered hardwood floors is the price points. Because it does not require an abundant amount of real solid hardwood, it is much cheaper all around. For anyone remodeling or renovating on a budget, but still desires the look AND feel of hardwood floors, this is a great cost-effective alternative.

Additional Advantages Include:

  • Easy Installation
  • Highly Durable and Strong
  • Excellent Stability
  • Long-Lasting
  • Easy Maintenance
  • Not Impacted By Moisture or Changes in Temperature
  • Countless Designs, Finishes, and Styles
  • Less Prone to Warping and Water Damage

CONS

The major drawback to engineered hardwood flooring is probably the thin layer of real hardwood veneer. Because it is so thin, it is more vulnerable to grooves, dents, and other forms of wear. This means it will most likely need to be replaced because engineered wood cannot be redone over and over again like solid hardwood floors. This is especially true for areas of homes with heavy foot traffic. Aside from vulnerable veneers, engineered wood floors are susceptible to shape distortion. Although they are highly durable, their shape can distort overtime, and can even warp or twist. This means it will require some repairs after a while.

For professional advice regarding hardwood floors and flooring installation, call your local home remodeling service.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for hardwood floor installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Licensed general contractor and owner, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions about engineered hardwood flooring and flooring installation. We offer residential and commercial remodeling, restoration, renovation, and repair services at the most competitive prices in town. In fact, we will BEAT any price, guaranteed! Give us a call today at 317-454-3612 and learn more about hardwood flooring service and installation in Indianapolis, IN.