Squeaky floors are caused by numerous things. The most common is unsecured wood sub-flooring. Or, the metal ductwork beneath a floor can squeak or pop as you walk over it. Visit your new home as it is built to catch for these mistakes.

Painting plywood floors is easy and the results are great. First prime your floor with a special primer. After you are done painting, apply three coats of a clear urethane to give the floor its durability. Apply the urethane once every two years for maintenance.

Cork flooring planks can create a great, long-lasting floor. Installed properly and protected with clear urethane, cork flooring will stand up to your heavy-traffic areas. Discount cork flooring might not be a bargain. Natural cork flooring comes in different hardness.

Installing slate flooring is virtually the same as any ceramic floor. Some slate flooring care products do not properly seal the slate floors. Check these tips on slate installation and cleaner manufacturers.

Old hardwood floor finishes were often varnish and possibly shellac. But in the mid-1960's, new urethane products were introduced. Lead was sometimes added to old varnishes, so sanding old hardwood floors can be dangerous.

Hardwood floors' enemy is water. Follow these tips on hardwood floor installation and maintenance. Cleaning hardwood floors the proper way will prevent flooring damage.

Hardwood floor inlays can dramatically change the look of a room. Inlaid borders and medallions are available in very striking patterns. These illustrations provide just a small sampling of the hardwood inlays available.