Dear Rob: Next summer, I would like to totally redo my backyard, including patios, walkways, and maybe an outdoor kitchen. I’ve seen some tiles I’d love to use, but I’m not sure if they are good to use outside. Can you give some pointers or ideas for using tile outdoors? -Kyle in Utah Dear Kyle: […]
Choosing Paint Colors to Complement Your Floor
Dear Rob: I’ve finally settled on the wood floors I’m going to be installing in my living room, and now I’m struggling with paint colors. The floors, being wood, are a neutral earthy color, but I’d like a vibrant color on my walls. Can this work, or should I stick with earth tones? Help! -Nikki […]
Tips for Using Tile on Fireplace Surrounds and Hearths
Dear Rob: I’ve read about a lot of different ways to use tile on your site, but not much about my latest project. I’d like to use tile to give my old brick fireplace a new look. Do you have any tips before I get started? -Jeff in Ohio Dear Jeff: You can use tile […]
Different Floors for Different Lifestyles
<strong>Dear Rob: We really need to replace the carpeting in our new house, but we aren’t sure what flooring would work best for our family. Although we like the durability of tile, we also have young children and expect my elderly grandmother to move in with us within the next few years. With those needs […]
Advantages of Ceramic and Natural Stone Tile
Dear Rob: I’ve read all about different ways to use tile and hardwood on your site, and I’m still stuck trying to decide whether tile or wood is best for me. I know you’ve already written about the advantages of hardwood, so could you share some advantages of tile as well? -Jen in New Mexico […]
Hardwood Flooring Patterns Create a One of a Kind Look
Dear Rob: While browsing through flooring showrooms, we’ve seen a lot of unique tile patterns that we really like. We’d prefer hardwood, though, so I’m wondering if we can achieve some of these patterns with wood instead. -Joan in Indiana Dear Joan: Hardwood flooring offers more versatility than many people realize. You do not have […]
Benefits of Hardwood Flooring
Dear Rob: I’m considering hardwood floors, but considering how they will cost, I’m worried that I’m going to have “buyer’s remorse” when everything is said and done. Can you please tell me more about the benefits of using hardwood flooring? -Suzan in Colorado Dear Suzan: There are many benefits of hardwood flooring, and to many, […]
Exotic Hardwood Flooring Species
Dear Rob: I want a floor that is really going to stand out – something unusual or exotic. Can you help me out with some information about hardwood flooring beyond the normal oak? -Ron in Arizona Dear Ron: These days, people don’t want to have what their neighbors have in their homes; they want something […]
How Floor Coverings Affect the Size and Feel of Your Room
Dear Rob: The rooms in my home are small, so I’d like to choose a flooring that will help them feel bigger. Any tips? -Rita in Texas Dear Rita: Floor coverings are an important part of your home. Its main purpose is obviously functional, but there are decorative aspects that can help determine the way […]
Choosing Flooring and Other Design Elements Using Product Samples
Dear Rob: I’m in the planning stages of a complete home remodel, and I’m feeling hopelessly overwhelmed. I need to pick flooring finishes, paint colors, tile . . . everything. As I move from store to store, and back to my home. I’m having a terrible time matching materials and deciding how they will “go […]












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