Coats > Care And Maintenance Of Cork Flooring

Care And Maintenance Of Cork Flooring

by: Clinton Maxwell

Many people think of a bulletin board when they think of cork flooring. This is not the case at all. This material is beautiful and available in a wide variety of colors and shades, from very light to dark. There is a cork floor to match any home d?cor. It also comes in a wide variety of textures and patterns, including marble and wood grain patterns that resemble pergo flooring.

Benefits of Cork Flooring

Cork is a great insulating material. It keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The energy efficiency aids in cutting energy bills in the winter. It is much more energy efficient than either Armstrong laminate flooring or discount wood flooring. Cork is also good for sound insulation. It helps cut down noise from another room, or another floor.

This material is softer on your feet than ceramic tile, bellawood or any other wood or stone flooring material. This is more comfortable in the kitchen, when you may spend a lot of time on your feet. In addition, if you drop a dish, it won?t break as easily as it would on a tile or stone floor. Another benefit, cork is naturally fire retardant.

Cork is also good for the environment. It is made from the bark of the cork oak tree. These trees grow primarily in Spain and Portugal. The trees are not cut down. The bark is stripped away, without killing the tree. It immediately begins to grow back and can be peeled again about every nine years. This flooring does not contribute to deforestation, which is considered a big problem on our planet today.

Installing Cork Flooring

Installation is done by either nailing or gluing down the material. It can be installed over wood or concrete. It?s important to be sure the subfloor is completely dry. Applying a sealer before installing the floor helps prepare the surface and controls moisture. Peel and stick cork tiles are also available for easy installation.

Spread the adhesive on the subfloor with a paint roller. Once the tiles are laid, you will hardly see the seams. A razor knife can be used to cut tiles to fit around corners or angles in the room. Once the tiles are laid, you will need to roll the floor with a 100 pound floor roller. These can be rented from most places where other tools are rented. A clear urethane can be applied over the floor for added protection.

Cork is fairly easy to clean and maintain. Sweep with a broom to remove debris. You can mop the floor with a damp mop as needed. The finish may begin to wear off after several years. Floor sanders can be used to sand the floor lightly. Reapply a coat of urethane after sanding to protect the floor. You can apply several coats, sanding lightly between each coat, for added protection. Several coats of clear urethane will make the floor more water resistant.

About The Author

Clinton Maxwell is author and designer of http://www.inside-woodworking.com a website with resources. The writer is specializing in tips on cork flooring ( http://www.inside-woodworking.com/flooring/cork-flooring.html ) .

"Westie" - West Highland White Terrier

"Westie" - West Highland White Terrier

by: Stephanie Bayliss

History

Originating in Scotland, Westies were bred to hunt foxes, otters and vermin. They share their ancestry with many of the other true Scottish Terriers and became formally recognised as West Highland White Terrier?s in 1904

Appearance

Westie?s are compact, stocky little dogs with shaggy white coats. They have little button noses and small, erect ears.

They look very sweet, but strong and have a happy, proud air when they are trotting around the park!

Temperament

Westies are confident little dogs, totally local to their family but they make good protection dogs as they are extremely alert and brave.

Westies are affectionate dogs but can withstand plenty of rough play, so make good companions and play mates for children.

They can be quite dominant with other dogs so care should be taken with socializing them with others. They will...

"Westie" - West Highland White Terrier

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Looking After Leather

Looking After Leather

by: Jane Lake

With a little care, you can keep leather clothing looking its best for years, according to an expert on leater from The Olde Hide House in Acton, Ontario.

- Leather naturally repels water but, for additonal protection, look for an environmentally friendly repellent product to help prevent absorption of water and body oils. It's best to avoid silicone-based repellents which retard leather's ability to "breathe."

- Let wet leather garments dry in well-ventilated areas, away from heat. The leather may stiffen slightly but should soften again after wearing.

- Hang leather coats and jackets on thick or padded hangers to keep the shoulders in shape. Don't load pockets with heavy or bulky items, which could tear seams.

- Plastic bags tend to dry out or discolor leather. Use a cotton garment bag for off-season storage, or hang coats as usual, draping a tea-towel over the shoulders to deter dust....

Looking After Leather

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Creating Music Boxes, Part V

Creating Music Boxes, Part V

by: Monique Hawkins

Creating carousel music boxes, ballerina music boxes, wooden keepsake boxes, musical jewelry boxes, and other types of music boxes is a relaxing and creative activity. Here a few general directions for those who are ready to begin or are in the process of creating their own music box.

Antiquing

When antiquing the flat surface of a music box, use an old paintbrush or a clean rag. Brush in the same direction and cover as much of the music box as desired. Make sure the surface thoroughly dries and do not go back over areas one the drying process begins.

If antiquing a textured surface, an old paintbrush works well. Be sure that the antiquing gel covers all the surface and work on small sections at a time; allow to dry.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing causes a carousel music box, ballerina music box, and other types of music boxes to look as if they have more depth. A stiff, round...

Creating Music Boxes, Part V

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Dog Clothes: Essential Fashion Items For Your Dog

Dog Clothes: Essential Fashion Items For Your Dog

by: Olga Sen

A dog is a man?s best friend. Yes! The affable chap is your best companion. If you own a dog, you definitely love to shower him with affection. Anything you do for your dog, even a little attention, brings him happiness. And you love him like a baby. Don?t you?

You probably spend a lot of money on quality dog food, biscuits and vet bills. But does your dog possess a sufficient variety of clothing? Why it roams stark naked at times. It?s time you get some really cool dog clothes for your favorite friend this season. The clothes your dog wears reflect your personal style statement.

Are you aware of the fact that clothing for dogs is readily available in the market? The range varies from dog coats to dog hats, dog formal wear, dog collars and much more.

One of the essential items of dog clothing includes dog coats. Dog coats are used to protect your dog and enhance its...

Dog Clothes: Essential Fashion Items For Your Dog

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cars

Introduce Your Kids to Your Favorite Classic Toys

by: Aldene Fredenburg

Remember toys without batteries? Without buttons and video screens, that involved physical activity? Toys that engaged the child's imagination? This holiday season, think about introducing your children or grandchildren to the toys, games, and books that excited you when you were a kid.

For young children, toys that they can manipulate will entertain them while they develop essential...

Introduce Your Kids to Your Favorite Classic Toys ladders Coats

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Understanding Credit Scores and Repairs

by: Dan Lewis

If you are applying for a mortgage, you?re going to have to deal with credit scores. Here?s a primer on credit scores and methods for improving them.

Credit Report

Step one in the process is making sure that you have a current copy of your credit report. Congress recently amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act so that consumers may now receive one free credit report annually. There are three major...

credit repair Understanding Credit Scores and Repairs

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car cd player

Life Insurance Quotes

by: Gary Tallon

Shopping online for life insurance quotes is becoming increasingly popular in the UK and throughout Europe. No longer do we have to spend hours on the telephone - much to our employer's disgust - divulging our personal details, only to find that the quotes from the life insurance companies are too expensive or don't match our needs. Neither do we have to concern ourselves with taking time off work to make appointments with...

insurance quotes Life Insurance Quotes Coats

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