ceramic tile http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for ceramic tile Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:14:31 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/ceramic+tile Ceramic Wall Tile http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-wall-tile http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-wall-tile#comments Fri, 10 Nov 2006 22:27:06 +0000 ceramic wall tileceramic tiletile countertopsceramic tileswall tilesslippery when wetsear http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-wall-tile Ceramic tile is nothing new. It has actually been in use for centuries and is one of the more beautiful additions a person can make to their home. are available in many colors, patters and even textures if you are looking for something truly unique. Today's ceramic tiles can be made to look identical in every way to more expensive products like stone and slate. Ceramic tile is usually glazed and looks great in the kitchen or bathroom.

A ceramic tile basically starts out as two simple elements, water and clay. Different types of clay are first ground into a fine powdered and then mixed together. The powdered is then compressed until it forms the body of the tile. Moisture content is reduced through a drying process and then the glaze is applied. The tile is then fired in a kiln at around 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, which fuses the glaze to the surface. During the firing process the glaze takes on a glass like texture.

In addition to ceramic, porcelain can be used to make a very dense, moisture resistant and durable tile. Porcelain unlike many other types of tile can be used as flooring in heavy traffic areas for many years without showing signs of wear.

One decorative way that ceramic tile can be used is with . Different from the tiles used for flooring, wall tiles have a glazed surface that can become very , which is why it isn't used for floors. Wall tiles are also useful when making as well since they are fairly easy to keep clean.

Since the tiles are created for flooring they are less durable then regular tile. Available in a wide range of colors and styles, your wall tile can really serve to bring several elements of a room together. Often times the fixtures in a bathroom and the floor don't seem to work together, but with the addition of wall tile, the two seem to blend in harmony. Start your today for the perfect for your kitchen or bathroom. http://www.ceramictilechoice.com has ceramic wall tiles articles and kitchen tile mural information ]]> Ceramic Tiles to Fit Your Home Areas Perfectly http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-tiles-to-fit-your-home-areas-perfectly http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-tiles-to-fit-your-home-areas-perfectly#comments Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:57:31 +0000 bathroom tilesceramic tilesceramic tileminimal detaildeciding which typekitchen counterswirls http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-tiles-to-fit-your-home-areas-perfectly ceramic tile is much better to use for their home. Often times, this type of dilemma are encountered by people who are doing renovations or those that moved in to a newly built home. Choosing the right ceramic tile can be compared to that of choosing the right dress for an occasion. So how would you know which ceramic tile is suitable for use?

Quality wise, instances of encountering that break easily is very rare, not unless you are clumsy enough or you use a big hammer on a tiled area in your home. Majority of ceramic tiles are strong enough to sit wherever they are rightfully placed. This leads then to considering where you want to put ceramic tiles in your home.

Before you trouble yourself in of ceramic tile you need, ask yourself first about where you want to have it. The two common places to have ceramic tiles inside the home are the bathroom and the kitchen. Often you would find more options of ceramic tiles for kitchens than for bathrooms. Talking about the feel and look, a kitchen ceramic tile has options like a natural stone look or marble. When it comes to , ceramic tiles often are plain in color and have to it. It usually works on a base color, played with or patterns.

Is it important to choose wisely what design of ceramic tile you should use for a bathroom or ? Yes, simply because ceramic tiles create a certain ambience to where it is placed. Placing ceramic tiles having a natural stone look on a kitchen counter adds up to a cozy feel to any kitchen. Not only that, it makes the area more chic and presentable too for your guests. Although this can also depend on the area's paint finishing. Bathrooms having more plain and basic colors are as such because the bathroom is where you can often relax and cleanse. It is a bit distracting if there are quite a lot of things going on in the details of your bathroom tiles.

Now that you have chosen the right ceramic tile for your bathroom or kitchen, what's the next thing you might have to be concerned about? That would have to be maintaining and cleaning the ceramic tiles. Just as there are many types of tiles for your home, the type of grime and stain you may possibly encounter also varies. For one thing, spills are the most easy to clean not unless it is a paint spill. For water, soda, or any liquid spills, mopping is the best way to clean your ceramic tiles. Perhaps the most challenging cleaning task can be found in the bathroom.

Grime usually is at best grip on bathroom tiles. It doesn't only become visible on the tile itself but also on the sides. For this problem, there are active detergents and cleansing agents that suit the scenario. Putting some muscle action to is also required since you have to do some major scrubbing. Then again, you'll be relieved as soon as you see that your ceramic tiles are spic and span after your hard work.Richard Dinae is an architect, providing information and directories about home improvement, please visit Ceramic Tile]]> Ceramic Tile Floor Maintenance Tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-tile-floor-maintenance-tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-tile-floor-maintenance-tips#comments Mon, 14 May 2007 18:25:01 +0000 ceramic tile floorceramic tile floorsbecome more difficulttile surfacebeen widely usedceramic tileshave been widely http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-tile-floor-maintenance-tips Ceramic tiles has become popular and have by home owners long time ago. Due to its unique characteristics of need easy care and maintenance as well as beautiful appearance. However, even though need less care and maintenance compare to the other kind of flooring materials, but you have to make sure that you make the correct way to keep the floor long lasting. So this article will give you some useful guideline and tips about how to take care your ceramic tile floor properly.

According to the fact that we can not keep the floor away from dirty, and every flooring materials need extensive and accurate way of maintenance, and are no exception. However, there are some tips for you in order to reduce the cleaning job, which take a lot of time and energy to do. Probably you can reduce frequency of heavy cleaning jobs on your ceramic tile floor.

Now the first tip of caring your ceramic tile floor is to adjust your behaviour to be conscious to notice any kind of stain that may stick on the floor more frequently and you have to clean it right away when you find them. This behaviour will help you to reduce effort and avoid difficulty to clean them when these stains dry on the floor. If you let that stains dry on the floor, they are not only to clean but also they will attract far more dirt to the floor before you finally get it cleaned up. Fortunately that ceramic tile floor is probably only one material that allows you to be able to sweep and mop as many time as you want without worry about harming the , so it is a good opportunity to clean it often. Moreover, some kind of dirt is really hard to wipe out, for example, rubber and acrylics, if they dry on the floor, they can not be cleaned by water and mop, you need kind of special chemical liquid cleaner to clean them. So be vigilant about protecting the floor by sweeping and mopping regularly.

The other good idea to prevent your ceramic tile floor from sticky dirt is to have a dirt-catching mat somewhere on the floor. Especially it will very effective if you put this mat in front of the door room so the mat will catching dirt off the bottom of people's shoes before they walk into the room. By having this mat, you will not believe that you can reduce time and effort on cleaning your ceramic tile floor. Also it would be better if you buy a mat that easy to clean, because you will have to clean these mats from time to time than it is to have to sweep and mop your whole ceramic tile floor more regularly. The mats also don't show dirt nearly as much as the floor will.

OK, now let's clean it when it need to be cleaned.

However, when the time to do a major clean arrives, but before you start, it is very important to follow the instruction of ceramic floor manufacturer about what kind of cleaner and the type of cleaning chemical that can be used with your ceramic floor. There are several all-purpose cleaners on the market that claim to do a great job on ceramic tile floors, but just be sure that you test them out first before using them on the entire floor. As you can see that the ceramic tile floor is not a material that difficult to clean, but however, it needs the correct method of cleaning and if you apply tips mention above you will live with it happily. Cherdkiat Taesookavat is an architect, providing information and directories about home decor, please visit http://www.ceramic-tiletoday.com/ ]]> How To Choose Ceramic Tiles For Floor Covering. http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-ceramic-tiles-for-floor-covering http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-ceramic-tiles-for-floor-covering#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2007 16:27:08 +0000 ceramic tileceramic tiles100 degrees celsiussquare shaperectangle shapefloor coveringslippery surface http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-ceramic-tiles-for-floor-covering
1. Hard material such as marble, , granite etc.

2. Soft material such as carpet, rubber, wool, other mat that made from synthetic fiber etc.

Ceramic tile is a kind of tile that burned at the temperature about 1,. This will make ceramic has advantage property in terms of strength (hardness), has more density, has high capability to carry weight and has rough surface which corresponds to the usage of . Meanwhile used for covering wall are generally burned two times at temperature about 1,200 degrees Celsius. So they have less chance to shrink and also has capability to carry weight but probably less than ceramic tile designed for floor covering.

Ceramic tile has many different sizes:

- 4X4 inches to square shape 12X12 inches - 2X4 inches, 4X8 inches and 8X10 inches

There is another type of ceramic that has smaller size (about 5X5 centimeter) called mosaics, which generally have to be assembled into one bigger tile, range from 10X10 inches to 12X12 inches to use for covering floor/wall.

Ceramic tile has many pattern and colour, including flat pattern and the pattern that curved out from tile's surface or come with set of pattern, which consist of 12-16 tiles per set. Ceramic tile generally has thickness about 6-8 a millimeters, which may vary depends on model specification and requirement of the company or factory when production.

How to choose

Choosing ceramic tile you have to consider about the area of your house that you are going to use with ceramic such as living room, which may need colourful and pattern ceramic tile or used in kitchen, which may need to have a bit in order to be easier to clean or ceramic tiles used with the area outside the building should not absorb humidity and water.

If you have small room, you should not buy ceramic tile that has large size, which will make your room look not beautiful and you should have forward planning about how you are going to arrange ceramic tiles before you go to the shop to buy them.

When you are choosing tiles, you should try to arrange those tiles to see whether they can compatible to each other and has same shade of colour and pattern. You should also buy additional about 5-10% that exceed amount of your require for spare in case of damage during construction or replacement after damage when have been used for a while.

Detail of specification, model, color, pattern, number and quantity of ceramic tiles should be clearly indicated on the box. This should include date of manufactured and should indicate the grade of tiles so you can consider which type of ceramic that suitable for you room. http://www.house-tile-design.com/ http://www.wholesale-home-carpet.com/ ]]> Thinking of Buying Ceramic Flooring Bathroom Tile Designs? http://www.artwoo.com/article/thinking-of-buying-ceramic-flooring-bathroom-tile-designs http://www.artwoo.com/article/thinking-of-buying-ceramic-flooring-bathroom-tile-designs#comments Mon, 29 Sep 2008 02:50:27 +0000 bathroom tile designsbathroom tile designquarry tilequarry tilestile mosaicporcelain tilesmosaic tile http://www.artwoo.com/article/thinking-of-buying-ceramic-flooring-bathroom-tile-designs
Types of Ceramic Flooring s

Typically ceramic tile is divided into two types. One is called and is made by extrusion from shale or clay that is found in quarries. The other is made from compressing the dust of clay. Both are fairly equal in their look and feel and each are equally represented in wall tile, , and floor bathroom tile designs.

- Quarry tile is a clay ceramic bathroom tile design the lets the natural clay colors stay intact. The color of these flooring tiles comes from the mixture of different clays used as well as the level of heat used to bake them. Unglazed, these tiles are porous and make a great floor because it is very slip resistant.

- Glazed tiles are available in a number of finishes. The ones you want to choose for your bathroom tile design is are the matte or non-slip rough finish. These tiles come in a very high gloss finish as well but these can become quite slippery when wet and not a great choice for floors. If you do want the high gloss appeal, it would be okay to place them around the border of the floor simply for a nice accent.

- Porcelain tile - most people don't know this but are simply ceramic tile that has been baked at much higher temperatures. This effect makes this type of bathroom tile design extremely good for busy areas of your home like the bathroom. The reason is that they are much harder and more durable that regular ceramic tile making them a great choice for bathroom floors.

- Mosaic bathroom tile designs are a slight variation on the mentioned about. These tile designs do show the natural colors of the clay but have color pigments added as well. These types of tile are great if you want that earthy look of natural clay tile but are interested in adding a bit more color that available in nature. These tile designs like the quarry tile can be purchased glazed or natural.

A few tips to consider when buying bathroom tile designs

1. Look around at pictures of bathroom tile designs that you like before going to the tile store

2. Think creatively when deciding how to lay out your pattern. A simple thing like laying the tiles diagonally can add a lot of visual interest.

3. Always always always but more tile than you think you need. You will break some or chip some and you don't want to risk not being able to find the perfect replacement.

4. If you are thinking of laying the tile yourself, keep in mind that the more intricate your bathroom tile designs the more expertise you will need to get it right.

What Size of Ceramic Flooring Bathroom Tile is right?

The decision of what size of the tiles in your bathroom tile design ultimately comes down to personal choice but there are a few guidelines that you might find useful. Ceramic bathroom floor tiles come in many different sizes ranging from small one inch squares to very large tiles of 2 feet. Typically you want to match the size of the square to the size of the room. Large rooms get large tiles and small rooms get small tiles. The reason for this is that if you use small tiles in a large room it can make the room feel busy and if you use large tiles in a small bathroom it will be overpowering.

Why Choose Ceramic Bathroom Flooring Tile?

There is no doubt that ceramic tiles are the most popular in today's modern homes because there are so many styles to choose from. Ceramic bathroom tile designs are very durable and easy to clean and when installed properly give any bathroom a beautiful classy look.Chet has been building homes for over 20 years and is now a published author of do-it-yourself type projects. You can read his website http://www.bathroomtiledesigns.org specifically geared towards bathroom tile designs and bathroom tile ideas.]]> Classic Ceramic Tile Countertops Add Beauty And Function http://www.artwoo.com/article/classic-ceramic-tile-countertops-add-beauty-and-function http://www.artwoo.com/article/classic-ceramic-tile-countertops-add-beauty-and-function#comments Sun, 10 Jun 2007 17:14:51 +0000 ceramic tile countertopsceramic tiles rangetextured tilescountertop materialsenormous appealhome improvement retailersinstructional classes http://www.artwoo.com/article/classic-ceramic-tile-countertops-add-beauty-and-function
Choosing those countertops that will work best within your space comes down to overall design theme, level of functionality desired, and proposed budget. There are many different materials used to make countertops and they differ according to price and durability.

In particular, continue to be one of the more popular on the market today - as much for their beautiful appeal as their resilient and functional surface.

Ceramic tile countertops have such for a number of reasons; owners choose this material as much for its ability to set a warm and gracious tone in the kitchen, as its ability to function successfully for cooking. Such countertops come in individually colored and that when put together make up a larger pattern.

The prices of the even within this category. Hand-painted designs tend to be extremely costly per tile but the effect can be stunning if a few pieces are appropriately added to the overall look.

The installation of ceramic tile countertops can certainly be done by a professional - either the company from which you purchase the ceramic tile or an independent contractor. But many tenacious do-it-yourselfers find the installation of ceramic tile to be the perfect project for them - to be tackled over a long weekend.



Of course, it helps to have as much information as possible; there are free offered at most large that will arm you with the tools and knowledge to get the job done right.

Grout, between the tiles, is also a part of the look and design. Primarily used to hold the ceramic tile in place, it is also a critical modifier of the overall look when installing ceramic tile countertops.

This is evidenced by the fact that grout can be obtained in different colors to match or highlight the color choice of the ceramic tile chosen. When choosing grout it is important to remember that the grout should be sealed to prevent seepage of water that will provide a haven for microorganisms. It is recommended that grout made from acrylic or epoxy be used.

Finally, upon installation of the tile and the addition of the grout, the ceramic tile countertops are either left alone or finished with a glaze. A glaze provides a shine to the finished product and also prevents tile damage that could result from heat, cutting, or staining. If you choose not to apply a glaze the countertop will have a flat =96 rather than shiny =96 appearance.

Ceramic tile countertops are a durable and beautiful way to complement your overall kitchen and add a unique flair to your decor. With some simple installation, before you know it you'll have a kitchen that's sophisticated and appealing. Still looking for the perfect counter tops? Try visiting http://www.typesofcountertops.com - a website that specializes in providing counter top advice, tips and resources including information on corian countertops. ]]> Different Types Of Ceramic Tiles For Bathroom, Kitchen. http://www.artwoo.com/article/different-types-of-ceramic-tiles-for-bathroom-kitchen http://www.artwoo.com/article/different-types-of-ceramic-tiles-for-bathroom-kitchen#comments Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:43:16 +0000 ceramic tilesstone tileceramic tilepersonal preferencebathroom areaolder adultshard time http://www.artwoo.com/article/different-types-of-ceramic-tiles-for-bathroom-kitchen s lately. This is what they want on their floors, walls, and especially the . When it comes to shopping for the type that you want installed, prepare yourself to be overwhelmed. The different types and manufacturers will astound you.

These tiles are available in a wide variety of sizes. From one inch to twenty-four square, the one you decide to use remains a . The one that is what most people choose is the twelve inch by eighteen. You may as well be prepared to spend a generous amount of time when it comes to choosing the style that you will finally end up with on your floors.

If you are thinking of re-doing a kitchen or living room the look that you will want to achieve will dictate what your choice of ceramic tiles will be. Do you want the room to have a warm and inviting look or are you going for the cool and sophisticated look? If the warm look is what you want, try choosing a that looks natural.

There are several types available that range from a natural stone look that includes colors that you would find on natural stone. Some of these tiles may mimic the look of marble. Keep in mind what the other accents in the room are going to be so that you can match your floor with the rest of the room.

If cool is what you want, to give your home a more formal look, a marbleized tile will work. Keep in mind that if you have ceramic tile in your home that is a high gloss type, when it is wet, it is very slippery. Small children and may have a with this type of tile.

One great benefit to ceramic tiles, if you have a small area that you are trying to make appear larger, using larger tiles will create this look. This can work in any area of the home that you want to make look larger than it actually is.

Not only are the types of ceramic tiles available in such a wide variety of styles but the colors are just as varied. The natural stone type may have a mixture of colors, which makes them look more realistic. The other ceramic tiles will range from light to dark with so many colors in between, you will decide on several before you make your final choice.

Many people opt for the smaller ceramic tiles for countertops and back splashes. There are many types of this ceramic tile with or without embellishment. The great thing about using this tile as a back splash is the easy clean up. You do not have to worry about splashing water on it either, as long as you have the grout in and sealed.

It does not matter what you decide to use the ceramic tile on or in, there is a size and color made just for your needs.Ed Terran is the pen name for the editor of My Furniture shop and house fitting listings]]> The Most Often Overlooked Aspect Of Bathroom http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-most-often-overlooked-aspect-of-bathroom http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-most-often-overlooked-aspect-of-bathroom#comments Sat, 13 May 2006 09:32:06 +0000 ceramic floor tilesbathroom remodelinghome remodelingceramic tilesstoneceramic tilehttp http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-most-often-overlooked-aspect-of-bathroom bathroom remodeling that you should take special note of is the floor. Most people don't pay too much attention to the floor when remodeling their bathroom.

The floor of your bathroom should be one of the first places to start when remodeling. This is because the floor gets much more used than other aspects of your bathroom.

That being said, it is also important that you also use the best type of floor that will not only be durable, but also beautiful looking. This does not mean you have to spend fortunes on the floor.

You can get or for your bathroom floor. Such stone or are not too expensive but are mostly durable. So, you can spend just a little more money and still get good quality floor tiles for your bathroom. I know of people who have these stone or for their bathroom floors that have lasted for ages. Yours too can.

But to get the best benefit of stone or ceramic floor for your bathroom, you have to make sure it is properly installed. So, get the help of a professional to properly fix or install your stone or ceramic tile. If it is not properly fixed, it will not last at all.

There was once when I did the mistake of getting an amateur to fix the tiles for my bathroom. Sadly, this did not last at all. I had to get it remodeled after a very short time. I ended up spending much more and wasting valuable time remodeling my bathroom floor. Don't repeat such a mistake.

Do it once and do it the right way and you will enjoy your bathroom floor remodeling for years to come! Bill Johnson Bathroom Remodeling. http://home-remodeling-tipz.info ]]> Ceramic Tile Murals http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-tile-murals http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-tile-murals#comments Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:15:23 +0000 ceramic tile muralshand painted ceramic tilesmolten masscontinuous studyceramic engineeringinorganic substancesgreek origin http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-tile-murals ceramic tile murals, a great design idea.

Ceramic, a word which has a and can work either as an adjective or a noun, pertains to materials which are inorganic and non-metallic and formed by a heating process. A more detailed definition comes from the American Society for Testing and Materials or ASTM, which describes an article made from ceramic as one that has either a glazed or unglazed body of purely or partly crystalline structure, or sometimes of glass, which is produced from non-metallic, and is formed either from the action of heat or a that solidifies upon cooling.

Ceramic materials are known to be hard but brittle and even porous, so is needed in order to develop ceramics and solve the above-mentioned problem traits. Decades ago, ceramic was primarily used to make traditional clays for pottery, as well as tiles and bricks. Today, ceramic materials are vital to the field of and are favorites in the world of interior design, specifically in kitchen modeling or renovation.

Ceramic tile murals are works of art that can brighten up any room of the house. They are a great way to decorate blank, boring spaces in your home. To further increase the value of the murals, you can choose to have them hand-painted. Hand-painted ceramic tiles can be wonderful, not to mention unique, additions to your home (or office, if you wish); they are likely to become conversation pieces during parties or get-togethers.

There are so many scenes that can be hand-painted on a ceramic tile, from breathtaking landscapes to playful cartoons. You can even order matching ceramic tile murals to carry out your chosen theme or motif all throughout the house. A beautiful set of ceramic murals can transform a dull kitchen wall into a inspiring artwork; at the same time, it can put the spotlight on your bathroom, an area that's usually ignored.

Some people think that ceramics only go well with a Tuscan-themed home. On the contrary, there are so many things that can be done with ceramics that they go well with any design, provided proper styling is employed.Naturally, too much ceramics in a futuristic design will be less than perfect.However, we are many websites that offer great tips in designing your home with ceramics, so you won't have any difficulty achieving the look you want. Please visit more info at Ceramic Tile Murals AND Glass Subway Tiles]]> Ceramic Tile Countertops http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-tile-countertops http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-tile-countertops#comments Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:43:18 +0000 tile countertoptile backsplashkitchen countertopdesigns and shapesceramic tilesgranite countertopscontrasting colors http://www.artwoo.com/article/ceramic-tile-countertops
If your remodeling project includes replacing the counter, are becoming increasingly popular as an option for s. You can find tiles in many varieties: porcelain, glazed, mosaic, colored, patterned... just about anything you want. Ceramic tiles are versatile, and come in array of . You can use them for an artistic look, a rustic country look, or upscale. Whatever design you choose to create will enhance your kitchen countertop. Ceramic tiles are low maintainance, and high in style. A is both durable and heat resistant.

When you design your tile countertop, be creative. Instead of a simple, solid color countertop, add some interest with two or three different colors. You can add a repeating pattern of colors, or just insert a few random tiles of a different color. Choose colors that will either blend in with the existing kitchen decor, or something that will contrast. If you choose , though, be careful not to choose colors that will clash. You don't want to be blinded when you walk into your kitchen. As well as solid colors, you can also find painted tiles, with pictures on them. You can add some of these here and there in the counter to add some interest.When planning a tile countertop, be sure to plan a as well. The backsplash can either match the color of the counter, or have a different pattern or color to contrast with the countertop.

are popular in today's kitchens, but the price may be prohibitive. Costs can run from $50-$60 per foot or more. Because of this, granite countertops may not be an option for everyone, despite their popularity. If you like the look of granite, but don't want to pay the price for it, granite tiles are an option. Granite tiles use the same stone, and have the same appeal of a solid granite countertop, except for the price. Granite tiles are just as durable and heat resistant as a solid granite countertop, as well as providing an excellent surface for handling dough. The beauty of granite will compliment almost any style of cabinet and kitchen decor. Granite tiles are a versatile option to ceramic tiles, with a wide range of color options. If you don't want to install granite on your entire counter, then you may want to at least consider laying granite tile on your kitchen island.

Tile countertops, whether ceramic or granite, are a great choice for a new kitchen counter if you're on a budget. A tile countertop can be done in a weekend, and provide endless design opportunities. You can design a countertop that expresses your tastes, and will compliment your kitchen decor.Be sure to visit Kitchen Decor Ideas for more tips and ideas for your kitchen remodeling project.]]> The Right Ceramic Tile For Your Home http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-right-ceramic-tile-for-your-home http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-right-ceramic-tile-for-your-home#comments Thu, 15 Feb 2007 06:27:04 +0000 sized tileslaying tilestilegrout sealermarblespacesnecessary materials http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-right-ceramic-tile-for-your-home tile, there are some important considerations before you begin.

1. Is tile the right choice for this room?

Tile is easy to clean and long lasting, but there are characteristics that make it wrong for certain rooms. Tile holds the cold, so it is not good for a basement; it can be slippery, so it may not be good for an entrance.

2. What is the right tile?

Tiles come in many shapes and sizes, from as small as one inch to as large as two feet. The size of the room should determine the size of the tiles you use. A small room would be overpowered by large tiles, so smaller should be used here and large tiles limited to larger .

There are many choices of styles for tiles, and your personal decorating taste will dictate the one you choose. If you prefer a rustic or natural look, you would choose something rugged rather than a look. The polished marble look would suit a formal design scheme.

Be careful about the texture of the tile. Smooth surfaced tiles can be slippery, a consideration if there are children or elderly people in the household.

3. Pick the right grout color and width

Grout is the cement that is used to fill the space between the tiles, and can be chosen in many different colors to complement the tile. Choosing a wider or narrower grout space will affect the appearance of the tile.

4. Methods of installation

Tile can be installed in many different ways, and the method chosen depends on the material, time allowed and the patience of the installer. The most important step in installation is preparation. Make sure you have all on hand, such as the bonding material, the grout, sealer and all of the right tools.

The tricky part of is to make sure that your cuts are even and that the spaces between all of the tiles is consistent. If, after you have laid out in your mind what is necessary to do the job right, you get cold feet, you can call in a professional.

5. Maintaining tile

Ceramic tile is very easy care. If you take proper care of ceramic tile, it will stay new looking for years. Any household cleaning product can be used to clean tile. Vacuum or sweep the surface, then mop the tiles clean. That's all there is to it. You do have to be careful about dropping objects on ceramic tiles because if they break or crack, it is difficult to replace only one tile. Vince Paxton publishes almost entirely for http://www.insidewoodworking.com , a website on vinyl flooring and kitchen design ideas. You can have a look at his publications over at http://www.insidewoodworking.com/flooring/kitchenflooring.html and other sources for kitchen flooring tips. ]]> Caring For Ceramic Tile http://www.artwoo.com/article/caring-for-ceramic-tile http://www.artwoo.com/article/caring-for-ceramic-tile#comments Sat, 08 Dec 2007 01:20:01 +0000 tile and grout cleanershousehold detergentdetergent residuetile and grout cleaningvapor steamtile floorsgrout lines http://www.artwoo.com/article/caring-for-ceramic-tile tile floors.

The most basic thing that you should do is mop your ceramic floor regularly with a good or floor cleaner. You want to do this often to prevent stains from sinking into your which is much harder to clean. Use the hottest water possible to allow the cleaning chemical to work at maximum efficiency. To mop, mix your water and then mop a thin layer over the entire floor. Let the solution dwell for a few minutes to loosen stuck on soil and food. Then mop the solution up, rinsing and wringing out your mop often. If you find that you have some stubborn spots you can use a soft brush to help you loosen them. Avoid using scouring pads or steel wool which could remove the finish from or scratch your tile. Once you have finished, rinse the floor with clean water. This will remove any from the floor making it brighter and keeping it from re-soiling too quickly. If the grout lines are dirty you can clean them with a concentrated mixture of detergent followed by a good fresh water rinse. For tougher grout line stains consider using a home cleaner to clean them. Get one with a nozzle that directs the steam into a thin stream.

As you can see it is very easy to care for tile floors. If you get to the point where you just can not clean them any longer you should consult a local carpet cleaner for an estimate on . Sometimes it just takes a professional to do the job. Learn more about at http://www.fortwaynecarpetcleaning.info . ]]> Learning How to Clean Housing Tiles http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-how-to-clean-housing-tiles http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-how-to-clean-housing-tiles#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:15:24 +0000 laundry detergentgranite marblebathroom tilesceramic tilesceramic typedifferent colortalc http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-how-to-clean-housing-tiles
There are various kinds of housing tiles that are out in the market. Some tiles are used for flooring while others are for the walls. Whatever type you are using, you must be able to know the specific cleaning methods that must be done to keep the housing tiles at its best condition. There are ceramic, linoleum, granite, marble, and many others. By knowing the composition of the house tile that you have will give you a better knowledge on how to clean it properly. This should be done properly since other ways of cleaning a certain tile may cause damage.

One of the most common tiles is the . They can be glazed or unglazed. The glazed types of are easier to clean and can be maintained in a less complicated manner. However, if you use the wrong materials in cleaning it, it may be scratched or it may even crack. When this happens, dirt may enter the cracked parts so cleaning it would even be harder. If ceramic tiles are well taken care of, they have the possibility to last longer and cleaning it would be easier.

When a tile is broken, replacing it would not be a good idea since the single housing tile may show off and not blend in since the tiles may have . Aside from avoiding to scratch the tiles, the challenge in cleaning tiles is on how to properly clean the in between areas of the tiles or the joints.

The can also be a problem since some soap contains and cause scum from the soap used. In removing the scum, one can use to the tiles. This should be left for several hours and scrubbing the persistent stains can further clean the tiles. There are also some chemicals that can be used to clean the tiles but be careful not to use too much since they can also harm the quality of the tiles. Also, when you are using the cleaning materials that are sold in the market, be very careful in following the instructions. The solutions may contain acids that may be harmful for the human skin.

When spills are on the floor, make sure that you remove it right away so that it will no longer leave stains in the flooring tiles. Regular maintenance would be better than changing the broken or damaged tiles. Also, the tiles should be kept dry.

In making the tiles in the house to last longer, proper maintenance and daily cleaning can be the solution to the problem. Frequent washing it and checking that the materials that you use are actually safe would definitely help in achieving clean and fine-looking housing tiles. When you want to learn how to clean the tiles it would be better if you first learn about the tile itself so that you will not apply the wrong solutions to your housing tiles.housing tile]]> The Chief Tiling Tools http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-chief-tiling-tools http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-chief-tiling-tools#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:36:26 +0000 tile cutterstile sawstile cuttercutter headmetal assemblydistinct qualityconventional wood http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-chief-tiling-tools tile cutter, tile saw, tile nipper, and trowel are the chief tools needed in order to come up with successful tiling projects.

Most tiling projects are easily and successfully done by having the appropriate tools and knowing how to use them correctly. Here's a list of the chief tools that you can't do without in your next tiling assignment.



The tile cutter is a tool designed for cutting and breaking tiles, typically of simple, straight forms and on tiles with up to around 9/16 inches thick. Tile cutters are available in variety of types, from the common, manually operated ones to complicated attachments for power tools. These tools are lightweight, small, low-priced, easy, and safe to use. However, they are relatively slow and produce rather limited forms of cuts. Tile cutters are ideal for small do it yourself tiling jobs that don't require weighty .

A tile cutter is basically a level, stuffed which features a with a scoring wheel and an overhead arm. As the cutter head is pushed down, the scoring wheel touches the top side of the tile, then it is drawn again and again on top of the tile to create a mark. As added force is put on the cutter head, the tile will break along the mark.

Tile Saw

The wet tile saw is designed to meet the of ceramics. It is a tool normally used for large application that calls for more than plain, straight cuts. It's a lot different from saw as conventional saws have the tendency to snap the tile or would overheat and cease cutting. The tile saw normally includes the motor as well as blade set in an overhead stance. It uses a sliding table or sawhorse that can be repositioned manually to shift the tile which is beneath the blade. Underneath the table is a tank made of plastic or metal that carries the water and a water pump to lead the cooling water onto the blade.

In using a tile saw, the tile is set on the sliding table and clasped either with a clamp or manually. As the blade is set in one stand, you can cut the tile at a desired angle by holding it on the sliding table. A tile saw lets users to cut quicker and more precise than a tile cutter plus the edges of cut tiles are smoother and neater.

Tile Nipper

The tile nipper is invented to create spherical cuts in tiles. It can be applied to produce angle or straight cuts but it's a lot easier to employ a tile cutter or tile saw to create these cut types. Since pointed fragments of the ceramic tile can burst from the cut and may cause injury, goggles and other safety glasses need to be worn while cutting.

If you are mounting tiles on a countertop, it is quite trouble-free to mark the ceramic tile that needs to be cut. Although there are instances that marking the tile directly is impossible. In this instance, a template made of cardboard is required and you can transfer the markings to the ceramic tile.

Trowel

The trowels are everyday tools employed in gardening and construction applications. They are manipulated to dig, spread, scoop, and situate. Trowels come in assorted sizes and shapes, and generally feature a metal blade (of various shapes) fixed to a short handle. Some trowels are flat and others are arced.

Notched trowels are the ones used in ceramic tile installation. They provide a bead design which produce uniformity in material's thickness and complete contact with the tile after beating in. These trowels are obtainable in scoop, v-shaped, rectangular, and square types. Rectangular and square trowels are utilized to put thin set mortar to tiles. Scoop, v-notch and square trowels are used for spreading tile adhesives such as grout and cement.

You can acquire tile cutters, tile saws, tile nippers, and trowels at different rates and in multiplicity of styles, depending on its applications. These tiling tools can be bought through tile shops, tool vendors, and home depots.For more information on Tile Tools please visit our website.]]> Easy DIY Flooring Projects -- All About Tiles http://www.artwoo.com/article/easy-diy-flooring-projects-all-about-tiles http://www.artwoo.com/article/easy-diy-flooring-projects-all-about-tiles#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:15:29 +0000 vinyl slatedurable flooringlaying tileflooring materialvinyl tileceramic tilesversatile type http://www.artwoo.com/article/easy-diy-flooring-projects-all-about-tiles
Tiles are versatile.

As a shape, 'tile' doesn't refer only to ceramic. They can be made of vinyl, slate, brick or even wood. That variety makes them the most of flooring. They can be used with equal effectiveness in the basement, the kid's playroom or the foyer. That makes selection a lot of fun, since there are so many types and designs to choose from.

Perhaps you need an ultra- material to cover the entranceway to the home. Ceramic works great. Snow, mud and other outdoor matter present no problem. You may be looking to dress up the bathroom, to give a rich, relaxing look that is also functional. Easy. Vinyl, finished hardwood, ceramic or even slate will do the job.

Tiles are easy to install.

With only a little instruction, anyone can lay tile straight and level. With just a little care, it's hard to go wrong . One might think that getting them all to move along the same line could be tricky. But simple techniques make this easy.

By the same token, it might appear at first blush that getting grout into the space between them could be hard to do well. What about smearing? What about bubbles and cracks? It turns out that, thanks to the excellent materials, laying grout cleanly that lasts forever is a lot easier than it looks.

Tiles are durable.

Once they're down, even inexpensive will last for years and years. Some hundreds of years old are still doing the job in old homes and buildings. Durability arises both from the hardness of the material and the modularity of the design. Tiles can be replaced. Even if one cracks due to weather, faulty manufacturing or just randomly, it's not that difficult to remove it and lay down a replacement.

Tiles are easy to care for.

A quick wet mop and dirt and food disappear. Most stains will wipe up with a sponge. Dust and dog hair can be easily whisked away with a broom or a vacuum cleaner. Grout takes a little more effort, but if it's treated properly a little grout cleaner can keep it sparkling, too.

Most of all, tile is beautiful.

Because tiles are available in materials like slate, polished porcelain types and others, there is a tile that will appeal to all tastes. Whether one prefers the rich dark look of slate, the cheery look and feel of red brick, or the subtle sheen of a soft pink ceramic, there's a tile material that will please the eye.

Look into all the options available with tile and you'll quickly find something that suits your needs.Visit, subscribe to and bookmark: http://www.avr-2808ci.com and http://myhomeimprovementtips.com for your home improvement entertainment projects and Abzorb Mats! And keep up with the latest home improvements for your home and family.]]> Things To Consider Before You Hire A Tile Contractor http://www.artwoo.com/article/things-to-consider-before-you-hire-a-tile-contractor http://www.artwoo.com/article/things-to-consider-before-you-hire-a-tile-contractor#comments Sun, 21 Sep 2008 00:29:24 +0000 tile contractortile contractorstile installationexecutive salariesceramic tilecontractor priceslaw of supply and demand http://www.artwoo.com/article/things-to-consider-before-you-hire-a-tile-contractor tile contractor consider that the market is more competitive and you need to be prepared to compete on quality and price. As a consumer you likewise need to keep in mind that construction jobs are fewer and need to be more aggressive about your demands for that tile contractor project.

are not in short supply especially in the current slow down. The techniques and prices vary from state to state and region to region, but finding a good tile contractor should be an easy task.

Tile are significantly inflated in some parts, because tile contractors are trying to make up for loss revenues due to the nationwide slow down in construction. It is advisable to seek out several bids for , because of this very reason. You may want to consider an open system, where you invite the tile contractor to review your bidders list and ask he write down his bid on your list. The works well and the tile contractor has to decide between earning enough to eat and not earning anything at all.

During the irrational last three years where every one was buying homes no matter what the cost the demand for tile contractors as well as other contractors was so extreme the margins were irrational. It was not uncommon to see a contractor driving a luxury car, but those days are now long gone. These same contractors that thought they were earning because of their own personal effort are now gone. It was market driven income and the same will work in reverse. When shopping for a tile contractor shop aggressively and don't be afraid to bargain prices down. Your efforts to obtain the best price is simply a reflection of the market and you should be able to obtain prices that may have been laughable just 12 months ago.

Tile contractors charge different rates depending on the flooring you choose. There is a price for , another for marble, another for granite and there are different prices for counters and walls. The walls are generally charged at a different rate and require a different degree of skill and expertise. Ceramic tile installation is a very easy task and tile contractors know this, but still may want to take advantage and offer very high prices. The task of ceramic tile installation is easy enough that almost anyone can do it, because of the easy in installing tile, you may run across many unlicensed contractors. Whether you use an unlicensed contractor or not is up to you. For small jobs of around $300 in some states it is perfectly legal to solicit and contract. For larger projects it is not legal to solicit and contract. If you use an unlicensed contractor and you are unhappy with the work, you do not have to pay for it California and some other states. Some unlicensed tile contractors know this and ask for advanced payments, which is advisable not to do, as often the contractor abandons the job.

Regardless of whether the tile contractor is licensed or not, be very wary and do not advance money. In some instances the tile contractor cannot afford to pay for the tile and materials, but there is an easy remedy to the objection, you simply buy the materials yourself. When you take measurements of the area to be tiled keep in mind that you have to add about 10% for waste. The construction industry is very wasteful and on average about 20-30% goes to waste.

During the actual installation of the tile you may also notice a reflection of the culture that was created in the construction industry which basically encourages speed and waste. Before the actual tile installation begins, be sure there is adequate preparation. The type of preparation required is to protect your furniture, walls, carpets, and personal property.

The cutting and mixing will cause splashes and dust which can damage and soil your walls, furniture, and carpet. So be sure care is taken to insure this does not happen. If at all possible be sure the mixing and cutting is down outside your home and if it is near a wall be sure your walls are adequately protect against splashes of materials.

There are of course many more things to consider, but this should give you a start.Find tile contractors here or tile contractors get more jobs at Construction Jobs, Tile contractors, Construction Project, Construction bids, construction work]]> Why Choose Slate Tile Flooring For Your Home? http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-choose-slate-tile-flooring-for-your-home http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-choose-slate-tile-flooring-for-your-home#comments Mon, 09 Jul 2007 17:24:59 +0000 slate tile flooringslate flooringlaminate flooringceramic tilesvariationsfoot trafficcolor patterns http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-choose-slate-tile-flooring-for-your-home slate tile flooring is becoming ever more popular for providing a beautiful finishing touch to any refurbished room in the house especially the bathroom, kitchen and basement or even in an area outdoors.

This is because this beautiful natural stone is not only waterproof, making it the ideal choice for areas where moisture or water may be present, but it is also very durable. Because of its durability it does not require much in the way of maintenance and due to the dark color of the stone it can hide dirt very well.

So is slate tile flooring really the right choice for your home? Below we will take a look at some of the things you will need to consider if you are thinking of having installed in your home.

1. When considering slate tile flooring it is important that you consider the location where you are looking to have it installed. If you are placing it in an area where there is going to be a lot of or if it is going to be outside then you need to choose accordingly.

2. It is also important to remember that slate flooring is by nature not as uniformly colored like certain or hardwood and will be. However these in color can actually be used to your advantage when installing the flooring as it will provide you with a possible pattern for the room in question.

3. Before you actually install the slate tile flooring lay it out in a dry run and this will provide you with a chance to test as well as any thickness variations that may occur between each slate tile. Also you can check out the overall spacing of your slate tile flooring to ensure that it fits into the floor space that you are covering.

By keeping these points in mind when considering slate tile flooring for your home, you should be able to find something that really adds to the design of the room where you want to install it. Not only is it strong and durable and able to resist water, it is also easy to care for because any accidental spills just need to be wiped up using either a cloth or mop.

On the other hand, be aware that there are some downsides to having slate tile flooring in your home. The main one is that it feels cold to walk on if you are barefoot. Also, if it has become highly polished it can be very slippery. This type of tile flooring is also not really the sort of thing you should install in an apartment as it does not absorb sound very well. Ernest Jarquio is a dedicated family man hopelessly addicted to do-it-yourself projects. For more information, visit his website at http://www.flooring2roof.com, where he discusses various subjects such as slate tile flooring, cheap tile flooring and installing tile flooring in your home. ]]> How To Write A Keyword Article http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-write-a-keyword-article http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-write-a-keyword-article#comments Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:19:59 +0000 ceramic floor tilehome improvement tipsceramic tileweb searcherarticle marketingword articlewebsite owner http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-write-a-keyword-article word articles to attract visitors to a website and with the growing use of , there seems to be some benefit to using this method in a company's marketing plan. There is also some confusion about the use of keywords as well as what they are and what they mean to a .

First of all, keywords are those entered into a search engine by an internet user who is looking for specific information. They may not know exactly what they are looking for but, they know what they want. For example, if a person is looking for about replacing , they have the option of entering many different search terms, which really is what keywords are all about.

They may enter the term 'replace ceramic floor' or simply enter 'ceramic floor' and start looking at the search results pages for the information they can use. Terms such as 'replacement floors' or 'replacement ceramics' may also be used and business owners will have no idea what terms the user will look for and when beginning their search most users rarely find what they want on the first few tries. Unless, there is an article somewhere that uses that exact phrase.

Typically, an article will contain a specific search term between four and 12 times, depending on the length of the article and the search time needs to be placed in the article so that the writing remains grammatically correct and the phrase is a natural order as though it belongs there and not used simply to use it. Unfortunately, some websites will use what is termed keyword stuffing, which uses the phrase 30 or 40 times in a four or 500 word article, which is a turn off for the search engines and really offers nothing useful to the .

Articles need to offer some value to the person conducting the search. If the company that sells replacement can produce a series of articles on the best way to remove the old tile, remove the old glue or cement from the surface, how to prepare the surface for new tile and other areas about the subject, they will provide valuable information that can draw visitors to their site where they may actually buy the tile.

These articles can be published on their own website on pages dedicated to helping potential customers learn how to replace the tile. They can also be published on homeowner remodeling sites as tips for others. One thing that articles cannot do is advise the readers to visit a specific site or a specific business. This is unacceptable to search engines as well as to other web ezine publishers.

All published articles can have an author's biography giving the author credit for the article as well as outline their competence in the subject matter. The block on these articles could talk about their experience level in ceramic tile replacement and the years they have been involved in the business as well as mention they operate a business at the website location, including a hot link. Paul Holt is owner of http://PHconsult.biz and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about this topic Paul recommends you visit: http://www.phconsult.biz/ Also visit: http://www.pluginprofitsite.com/main-20355. ]]> Tile Coasters http://www.artwoo.com/article/tile-coasters http://www.artwoo.com/article/tile-coasters#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:50:24 +0000 scrabble tilesfrida kahlovincent van goghdiego rivieradrink coasterpaul gauguinair force academy http://www.artwoo.com/article/tile-coasters Diego Riviera, , , and others.

You can also get humorous ceramic tiles. These have jokes, political statements or funny images on them. An example would be the image of a piggy bank saying the phrase "Change is good." You can also get the old iconic signs like a big peace symbol, the big love image with the crooked "L" or the smiley face.

One drawback of tile coasters is that they are fragile and that they do break easily. Sometimes the condensation from the glass creates suction and this causes the (http://www.thirstycoasters.com/servlet/-strse-Themed-Gift-Sets/Categories) to stick to the tile. This is usually noticed to late by the user of the glass and the tile smashes to the floor.

One of the most unique developments in the industry of tile coasters is AbsorbaStone. These are coasters that work great and look great .They have a textured finish that keeps them from bonding with the bottom of the glass so it does not pick the tile up, drop it and smash it.

This type of coaster is usually backed by cork to keep them skid free. This technology is also used to make cutting boards, trivets and memo boards. Another popular type of coaster is the recycled variety. These are made from recycled ceramic tiles. Images are painted on them and then they are lacquered so they are durable.

Thinking of getting a tile coaster of a different sort? You can now get tile coasters (http://www.thirstycoasters.com/servlet/-strse-1123/Air-Force-Academy-Box/Detail) that are actually made out of . These are easy to make yourself. You simply glue Scrabble tiles to thin cork sheets in clever drink related patterns and then coat the whole thing with a sealant.

You can buy about 100 regular wooden tiles for about $100 from Hasbro, the manufacturer of Scrabble tiles. You can also go to garage sales and buy old games and collect the tiles for making your own tile coasters that way.

There are also plenty of places online where you can get your business logo branded onto some tile coasters. These make a great Christmas gift. These places online that sell customized tiles tend to allow you to upload some kind of image of your own which they then print onto the tile.

You usually order these in bulk although some suppliers of tile coasters will let you do this one by one. These can make great corporate Christmas gifts. The beauty is you can have any type of message printed up on a ceramic tile the way you can a button or a T-shirt or a mug. It is a great way to get the word out about your product.Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in travel, leisure, international cuisine, and fine wines. For a specialty drink coaster or for a variety of tile coasters, please visit http://www.thirstycoasters.com/.]]> Installing New Flooring Diy http://www.artwoo.com/article/installing-new-flooring-diy http://www.artwoo.com/article/installing-new-flooring-diy#comments Fri, 24 Aug 2007 08:25:01 +0000 ceramic tilehome design softwarebumpscrackhard stuffsmooth surfacelinoleum http://www.artwoo.com/article/installing-new-flooring-diy


The first thing you need to do is to purchase . These will usually show you how to lay down some tile and they can help you to know what you need to make fewer mistakes. You will learn how to measure and tips for all the too. You will learn how to visualize your home and the steps you need to get it there.



You should pick out the tile you want that best suites your home. You should know that some tile is better than others, as well as cheaper than others. For instance stone and slate look great, but are pricey. You will also need to seal them and stain them too so you can clean up after them with ease. are a bit cheaper.



When you are getting the surface ready to lay down the new tile you should now that if it is a clean and like or perhaps vinyl, then you don't need to take it up. If it might warp then you should remove it. You don't want to have areas under your new tile that are soft because this can lead to a .



If you are putting the tile down right on the concrete ground that make sure that it is even all over. You can use flat boards on the ground to ensure that you don't have any . If you need to smooth down a certain area than you can use a sander to do so. You can also chisel down some bumps if you need to but try not to make anything worse than it is.



Nothing will ever be totally flat, but you can do your best and make sure that they are not more than 1/16th of an inch of difference in any given area. You have to be aware of how the pressure can make certain areas crack and you must try to prevent this from happening to your new tile.



Your sub-floor should be durable and strong so that it won't move much and lead to cracks on the tile. You can use certain boards or composite spreads to make these areas more even. No matter if you are doing it yourself or hiring a crew check all these things ahead of time to make sure it all goes down well. Linden Walhard writes mainly for http://www.insidewoodworking.com , a website with information about installing flooring and parquet flooring. His articles on hard wood flooring can be encountered on http://www.insidewoodworking.com/flooring/hard_wood_flooring.html and other web publications. ]]>