Flooring is a huge component to your home's architecture as well as its aesthetic appeal.  On an annual basis, it is recommended to take stock of its condition and either clean or replace it. Make it your 2010 New Year's resolution to tend to whatever your home's flooring needs are.

Fix flooring flaws

Carpeting and rugs - Rugs and carpet takes a beating. Do your rugs have edges that are frayed or have they shrunk into a twisted, puckered square of fabric? Is your area rug or carpet stained and in need of a cleaning? Since flooring covers such a large part of the home, keeping it in good condition will go a long way in making a home appealing.

Replace unsightly rugs and get the carpet cleaned at least annually. If your vacuum is old, consider the purchase of a vacuum that focuses on your family's needs.  If you have family members with allergies, consider a Hypo-allergenic vacuum, if you have stairs, read the reviews of the best vacuums for stairs,  if you have a pet, buy one that will clean up their pet hair with ease!

Tile flooring - If your home has broken tile or missing grout, take the steps to fix the problem area..  Hopefully, you'll have some extra tiles in the garage and can match the grout at your local hardware store. See "Tile and Grout Replacement Tips" for detailed instructions.

Hardwood flooring - If there are boards that need replacing, if high traffic areas show scuffing or wear, or if there are other visible issues, make it your New Year's resolution to correct the situation this year. Contact a reputable professional in your area to correct the situation, or research the web for credible advice on handling the problem. One online resource is the Ask the Builder website where guidelines are published for hardwood floor care. For more information contact:

National Wood Flooring Association
111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard
Chesterfield, MO 63005
800-422-4556
http://www.woodfloors.org

Replace flooring if worn out or damaged

When cleaning or repairing your flooring isn't possible due to damage, make it a financial priority to replace it. If you haven't been paying attention to trends, before taking any action that may require an investment of money,  do research. Look at magazines, research on the web,  and watch a few decorating television shows on HGTV for ideas.

In the southwest, it is popular to forgo carpeting in the living areas that get most of the traffic in the home, using tile or hardwood floor floor instead.  When replacing carpet is a must, consider instead the advantages of a hard surface for your flooring.

• Doesn't trap pollutants and allergens.
• Easy to clean up spills
• Harder for pets to do damage
• Creates a relaxed atmosphere
• Can be covered with an area rug that can be changed out if damaged or when re-decorating
• Trendy choice

Concrete staining in Phoenix Homes

A low cost option when you live in the Southwest is concrete staining. In this area of the country  most homes have concrete beneath the carpet, providing homeowners that option of pulling up the carpeting, and staining the concrete.  Many high end Phoenix homes have concrete floors that are stained for a relaxed yet classy look. Staining concrete floors can be a DIY home project, however if home projects tend to cause marital feuds, there are many companies who provide this service.

The Concrete Network website estimates that a basic concrete stain done by professionals would run around $2 to $4 per square foot. For a 12 x 15 living room that would cost from $360 to $720, which is an inexpensive way to create trendy and attractive flooring that is extremely durable. To see the results check out their website and the video below.

In the Phoenix metro area there are many  companies that provide concrete staining services, such as:

Decorative Concrete Staining & Scoring, Inc
480) 620-1375 Office

Western Design Coatings
(602) 493-3535 Office

Innovation Concrete
(602) 677-3629 Office

(Click here for a contractor  list in the Phoenix area)

Floors make a huge statement in your home, so don't let that be a bad one.  In 2010, set the stage in your home that is warm, inviting, and well groomed.  A good place to start is your floors.

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