Dear Rob: I am going to install a vent free fireplace in a glass enclosed porch. Presently, I have an unfinished floor that I would like to finish in slate. Do I need to install the slate floor first, prior to installing the fireplace, or can I have the fireplace installed first, then the floor? […]
Never Install New Floors Over Rotted Subfloors
Dear Rob: We currently have carpet over an old wood subfloor that has lifted off of a cement slab. The floor has been flooded four times over the years and now the floor is starting to squeak and feels softer in some places than in others. My dad does not want to tear up the […]
Choosing Dance Floor Finishes
Dear Rob: I’m a dance DJ. One of my regular venues is an Elks Lodge. Their parquet floor is in fair shape, but looks terrible and is difficult to dance on-kinda sticky. We’re going to sand off the finish, gum, heel marks, table drag marks and then refinish the floor. I’ve asked 5 different “experts” […]
Flooring Transitions in Remodels
Dear Rob: I have a problem with a transition from my living room to kitchen that I need advice for. Can you help? I don’t know if the kitchen floor should be pulled up to be level with living room, etc. I am laying down laminate 12.2 ml across from living room into kitchen. Should […]
Installing Flooring over Original Hardwood Floors
Dear Rob: I have a 100 year old farm house that needs a new kitchen floor. The house is rarely occupied so the HVAC does not usually run allowing for moisture and temperature variations. The original tongue and groove pine is still there and in solid form but even when new it was not high […]
Repairing Water Damage on Prefinished Floors
Dear Rob: Are Bruce prefinished floors refinishable in the future? We have water damage from a saltwater aquarium in our foyer, and want to refinish but the stripper doesn’t seem to be taking any veneer off. Can it be sanded off? Thanks, Cindy Dear Cindy: Bruce prefinished flooring can definitely be refinished, and to do […]
Slip Resistant Hardwood Floor Finishes
Dear Rob: I own a dance studio, and we recently installed an engineered hardwood in one of our rooms. This floor looks great and is easily maintained. However, it is too slippery for our dancers to be on their toes. Can you recommend a finish that will provide a little friction, while not compromising the […]
Matching A Wood Floor Stain Color to Existing Wood and Trim Work
Dear Rob: I am having difficulty deciding on a color of wood flooring for my living room. My wood trim is poplar stained a fruitwood color with a vaulted ceiling and front wall which is also wood and stained a similar color. The front wall is mostly windows so there is a lot of light […]
Choosing Bamboo Flooring
Dear Rob: I’ve been shopping for floors lately, and I’m very intrigued by the bamboo flooring products I’ve seen. Can you tell me a little bit about bamboo flooring and the differences between different bamboo flooring products? -Jeff in Wisconsin Dear Jeff: Bamboo flooring’s popularity has not decreased since it was introduced into the flooring […]
Ceramic Tile Installation for Beginners
Dear Rob: I want to install ceramic tile in my kitchen, how hard would it be for me to do it myself? -Patti (With An I) Dear Patti (With An I): That is a great question. The answer depends on a few things: How handy are you? Do you own tools? Are you comfortable with […]
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