Author: David Mann

When it comes to home interior design, there are many options available. However, you’ll need to make the right choice to get the best results.  There are several types of flooring that can be used for your house interior design, but carpeting and hardwood are the most popular ones.

We’ve created this guide on carpeting vs hardwood flooring so that you can learn what factors may affect your decision when choosing between these types of flooring for your home interiors. So, if you’re replacing your floors and wondering how to choose between carpeting vs hardwood flooring, don’t worry. This article is for you.

Sustainability

Carpets

Modern carpets are created by threading closely spaced loops of synthetic fibers through large sheets of backing material. There are also some natural fiber carpets made out of cotton and wool. Most carpets come in synthetic materials, and they’re manufactured in huge rolls where they can be bought in any quantity.

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Hardwood Floor

Modern hardwood flooring comes in one of two forms. There is solid hardwood flooring, which boasts of solid wood that is milled from rough lumber from felled hardwood trees. The boards are smoothly sanded on the top surface and are left slightly rough at the bottom.

Another hardwood flooring form is known as engineered hardwood flooring. This is the most economical type of modern wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring has the same tongue and groove construction and can be installed the same way as solid hardwood floors.

ppearance

Carpet

Appearance is another big difference between hardwood flooring and carpet. Both hardwood and carpet flooring comes in several styles that can meet any interior design, but carpet offers variety in color, texture, and feel. While there’s a substantial difference between hardwood and carpeted floors, carpets are more available in wood-like, making them more decorative.

The great thing about carpet is that you can choose any color, making it a very versatile flooring choice as you can mix and match colors and shades based on other design choices in your room.

Hardwood

The look of hardwood flooring is easily recognizable, and its main appeal is natural wood tone colors and the appealing pattern of wood’s grain. Hardwood flooring creates a bold statement, and that’s why it’s called the prestige in flooring. When it comes to appearance, your style and the style of your house will determine the best flooring option.

Cleanliness and Care

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is easy to care for and maintain with regular cleanups. This flooring type doesn’t require deep cleaning too often. While cleaning hardwood floors, it’s advisable not to use liquid cleaning products as these can warp and damage the natural fibers that make up the floorboards.

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It’s also easier to spot dirt on hardwood floors than carpet floors, making it easier to notice when your floors need a wipe and a good cleaning. Hardwood floor cleanings include sweeping and vacuuming with a hardwood vac to maintain its appearance and condition. Periodic damp mopping with the wood cleaner will also remove deeper dirt and most stains.

Carpet

Cleaning carpet flooring seems daunting because stains can soak and settle permanently on the surface. To prevent stains, turn your rug over once a week to let the other side be exposed to sunlight and air for a day. Not doing so can create a musty smell forming on dark spots in your carpet, especially if you have pets at home.

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Wipe spills immediately using a clean cloth with warm water or a commercially available solution. Regular vacuuming can also help get rid of dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens. If left without vacuuming, these elements can get stuck in the carpet fibers causing unpleasant odors.

Durability and Maintenance

When considering the durability of your hardwood flooring vs carpet, there are different things that you must consider. Don’t only concentrate on the lifespan of the flooring type, but consider the impact of your daily life on it. Factors such as foot traffic, your habits, visitors, and pets will greatly influence the durability of your flooring.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood is a durable material that can last 50 to 60 years if properly maintained. But they’re also more expensive in most cases. When evaluating cost, consider the initial price of the wood flooring and its installation and maintenance costs over time. Think about how much it costs to refinish hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring will also last longer if you care for it properly, both by taking good care of it and making sure that you clean up spills quickly. Hardwood floors can also warp when exposed to too much liquid and can dent and scratch from furniture movement and shoe traffic.

Carpet Flooring

Carpet is a more forgiving floor type. As long as you deal with spills immediately and frequent vacuuming, you won’t have to worry about dents and scratches. However, carpeting still does need occasional professional upkeep, such as cleaning and re-stretching. Occasional professional cleaning service can also extend the life of your carpet.

The best flooring type for durability and maintenance is hardwood flooring because it is made to last and does not need any professional upkeep. Even if you do manage to inflict some damage, hardwood flooring can be refinished or patched, unlike carpeting which has to be completely replaced when damage is done.

Cost and Installation of Carpet and Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood

Professionals usually do hardwood flooring installation because of its weight and intricacy. You will need to foot the bill for this aspect of the project, too, as well as for upkeep in general. A DIY installation can save you money and time, but it can cause you some additional cost if not properly installed.

Image credit: https://diy.sndimg.com/

Fortunately, solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring products are pre-finished in the factory, but you’ll have to pay more to have them pre-finished. Solid hardwood floor costs start at around $4 per square foot and go up from there. And on average, hardwood floors cost about $8 per square installed.

Carpet

Installation of carpeting can be done yourself or by a professional at your request. Carpet padding is about an inch thick, and if you purchase high-quality padding, it will last the life of your carpet. It will cushion your feet from bumps in the floor and keep the carpet fibers uniform and neat-looking.

Image credit: https://www.timberlinehouston.com/

The most convenient flooring for cost and installation is carpet flooring because it can be pulled back to install underlayment for hardwood flooring. It’s also cost-effective compared to hardwood flooring.

For example, perfectly acceptable carpeting may be available for less than $1 per square foot installed. The cost can also run as high as $20 per square foot.On average, most carpets purchased at home centers cost about $3 per square foot, while solid hardwood flooring starts at around $4 to $8 per square foot installed. Also, the cost of professional installation is higher on hardwood floors.

Resale Value

Hardwood

Most homeowners prefer having hard flooring surfaces such as hardwood and ceramic tiles because they’re easy to clean and tend to hide flaws the best. Even estate agents agree that when it comes to carpet or hardwood flooring, hardwood is likely to increase the resale value of your home. Hardwood is a natural material and is much longer-lasting than carpet.

Carpet

Carpeting tends to wear down over time and may show signs such as wrinkles, spots and footprints after a few years of use. All these tend to lower the resale value of the property which you’re trying to sell. Also, new carpet can also lead to home improvement than an old carpet.

They could also be a turn-off for potential homebuyers who’d rather have hardwood that’s clean and in good condition. Therefore, the flooring type with the best resale value is hardwood flooring. Hardwood resale value wins even when you ask real estate agents in the market.

Radiant Flooring

Both carpets and hardwood floors can be installed with radiant heating. And because of the insulating properties, you must be careful when choosing both carpet and radiant heat systems that can work together. In some cases, you may need to set the radiant heat system higher for the carpet to warm sufficiently.

On the other hand, hardwoods work with many radiant heat systems because they transmit heat with little loss. But it’s not recommended to use radiant floor heating under a plank wider than three inches.

Environmental Impact

Carpet

Some natural carpets such as wool have less impact on the environment than synthetic carpeting. Wool and other natural fibers are renewable and biodegradable. Furthermore, most synthetic carpets are made from petroleum which is not renewable and is a non-biodegradable material.

They can break down unevenly, releasing volatile organic compounds as they age. The downside of natural fibers is that they cannot be recycled, and when disposed of in landfills, they will take a very long time to decompose.

Hardwood Flooring

If you’re concerned about the environment and want renewable flooring, then hardwood flooring is your best option. Hardwood is a renewable material, especially if you ensure responsible harvesting and planting of trees.

Homeowners who are looking for more sustainable flooring material can look to hardwood flooring as their best option. Most hardwoods are also recyclable, which means they won’t sit in landfills for decades.

Water and Heat Resistance

Carpet

The synthetic fiber materials used in most modern carpets make them highly resistant to water damage. It’s also important to prevent water from seeping down into carpet padding, which can cause mold and mildew growth. This is especially important with groundwater damage from flooding or leaky roofs.

Additionally, tile carpets can be damaged by heat, such as burning cigarettes and hot pans. Some carpet materials can also emit toxic gases if a serious home fire ignites.

Hardwood Flooring

Wood flooring is not recommended in any location with constant water and moisture. It’s also not recommended for below-grade installation against a concrete slab because contact with concrete can cause swelling. Wood flooring materials also emit formaldehyde gas over time. However, engineered wood flooring may be stable to water and moisture.

Engineered hardwood flooring has a moisture barrier to stop water from seeping into the subfloor before it ever reaches your main joists below. You can also install engineered hardwood flooring directly against concrete slabs that are dry and free of cracks or joints where water could infiltrate.

Comfort and Sound

Carpet

With its soft fibers and insulating pad, carpeting is more comfortable to walk on than hardwood floors. High-pile carpeting is soft and thick underfoot, while lower-pile carpeting feels more like an even surface. Carpet can be made from various materials, including nylon, wool, cotton or synthetic fibers.

The sound absorption of carpet comes from the insulating pad underneath the carpet fibers, but that means the carpet is better at trapping sound inside the house.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are loud compared to carpet, especially when installed on the upper levels; the people below will hear footsteps and other sounds from above. The hardwood floors amplify the sound of children running on the upper levels because it’s a harder surface with no insulation capabilities.

Hardwood floors are less comfortable underfoot, but they have a timeless elegance that carpeting can’t match. Also, since hardwood floors are laid in strips, any surface imperfections can be covered up with a strip of wood over the problem area or damp mopped to free the particles.

FAQs on Carpet and Hardwood Flooring Comparison

Which type of flooring is suitable in an active environment?

High-quality carpets can sustain high foot traffic if you keep them level and smooth to avoid irregular wear.

Which one is the warmer flooring type?

Carpeting is warmer than wood flooring, but only when the carpet is not glued directly onto concrete. Wood floors, on the other hand, allow cold air to move through between individual boards.

Final Thoughts on Carpet vs Hardwood Flooring Comparison

As you can see, there’re many factors you need to consider when choosing between carpet and hardwood flooring. The answer on which one is better depends heavily on your particular situation, budget, and taste.

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Birds are essential to the natural ecosystem, but they need food and water. They’re also a great addition to any garden, as they help in pollination and seed dispersal. However, it can be hard to attract specific birds to your farm if you don’t know their dietary needs.

There’s no need for you to worry anymore. Safflower seeds have everything that birds need. Often confused with sunflower seed, safflower is more unique and is a rarer type of bird food offered at bird feeders.

Thanks to their great nutrition, they’re a useful and uncommon type of bird seed that birds eat, making them popular among backyard birders. If you want to ensure that your garden is filled with beautiful songbirds every season of the year, why not try using safflower seeds?

What is Safflower Seed?

Safflower seed is the seed of the annual safflower plant known as Carthamus tinctorius. This herbaceous annual is in the same family as sunflowers and thistles—safflower seed blooms in red, orange, and yellow with some scruffy foliage.

Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

Safflower seeds prefer arid climates with seasonal rainfall, and the safflower crops are mostly grown for the oil of the seeds and the dyes of the plant. With its growing cultivation, backyard birders are discovering the value and usefulness of this seed.

These seeds are slightly smaller than sunflower seeds as birdseed, but they’re similar in their tapered shape. It has white seeds and is high in protein, fat, and fiber. These nutritional properties make safflower seed a great addition to any bird feeding station.

Birds that Eat Safflower Seeds

Many of the smaller-eating birds feed on safflower. Also, birds with stronger bills familiar with black oil sunflower seed will happily eat safflower seed. They include:

Blue jaysDowny woodpeckersIndigo buntingsNorthern cardinalsCarolina chickadeesMourning dovesBlack-headed grosbeaksHouse finchesEvening grosbeaksPurple finchesBlack-capped chickadees

Some birds may break open the hulls immediately to enjoy the seed meat, while others may cache safflower seeds. Safflower seeds have a bitter taste and different shape than any other birdseed. Birds such as grackles, European starlings, and blackbirds will not eat safflower seed.

This bitter flavor makes them an ideal addition to feeding stations where the bully birds might dominate. It discourages these birds from emptying the tray feeders. Many squirrels will also leave these bird feeders alone. Baffles and other squirrel-proof bird feeders are still wise precautions as fast-footed squirrels may leap onto the tray feeder and scarf down the safflower seed.

How to Feed Safflower Seeds

It can be challenging to offer safflower seeds to backyard birds. At first, the bird may be hesitant to take the seeds, especially if sunflowers are available. Alternatively, you can offer safflower seeds in the larger hopper, tube, and platform feeders. Tossing seed on the ground near shrubby, sheltered areas is also a good way to provide it to the ground feeding birds such as doves and quail.

Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

Mixing two seeds is also a good way to offer safflower, such as mixing it with black oil sunflower and gradually increasing the ratio of safflower to sunflower seeds. This way, some birds will not notice that they are receiving a new type of seed.

How to Introduce a New Feeder to Backyard Birds

As with most other bird seed types, there are many ways you can offer safflower to birds. These include a finch feeder, squirrel-proof bird feeders, or other hanging tube feeders. Since safflower comes in a clear shell, birds can see the seed from above, which will entice them to take it from the feeder.

When purchasing safflower seeds, purchase a larger amount of seed than what you usually give to the birds, as they will take some time to get used to it. Introducing safflower gradually is the key to success.

Where to Purchase Seeds

Safflower is available in most garden centers, but it is also available online. These seeds are not often available in the bird feeding sections in grocery stores and large retailers, but you can also get them in pet and wild bird stores.

How to Plant the Perfect Birdseed Garden

It’s possible to grow safflowers as part of a birdseed garden and allow these seed-bearing flowers to go to seed before harvesting them. Plant safflower seeds in sunny, well-drained areas and use minimal water since they perform best in arid climates and dry conditions. These are great alternatives to backyard feeders, especially if bully birds often overrun your feeders.

Image credit: https://www.asiafarming.com/

How to Store Safflower Seeds

Safflower seeds can be stored for up to five years if kept in a cool, dry place. The best storage container is one that’s airtight and able to keep moisture out. Airtight bags or jars work well for this, as does an old coffee can with a sealed lid. Safflower seeds also freeze well, so you can double bag the seeds and keep them in your freezer for later.

dvantages of Offering Safflower Seeds at Your Bird Feeder

They offer a good level of fat and protein These seed types are relatively cheap and are sold cheaply in bulkYou can easily grow them in your gardenThey’re ideal to use when you want to eliminate those bully birds from your gardenIt can be bought in several ways, including the entire safflower seed bags, in a bird’s seed mix bag, and a safflower seed cylinder

Disadvantages of Safflower Seeds

They can leave behind some when the white shells are crackedNot all birds will appreciate these seeds, so you may need to offer other seed types besides safflower seeds

FAQs on Safflower Seeds

What is the importance of safflower seed?

Safflower seed oil can be used to prevent heart diseases, including hardening of arteries and stroke. It can treat various conditions such as fever, tumor, cough, breathing problems, chest pain, and traumatic injuries.

Final Thought on Safflower Seeds

As nutritional as these seeds are, it is important that you shop for the best safflower seeds. And the more you understand this seed, the more easily you’ll help your birds adapt to new food while minimizing the seed lost to over-aggressive species and feeder pests. While you feed the precious birds with safflower seeds, also remember to learn how to care for the baby birds so they can grow healthy and happy.

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You’ve just moved into a new home, and you’re looking for some Feng Shui tips to help improve your health. The first thing you’re probably learning is how to feng shui your bedroom and the bed becomes the first priority in this. The bed is a very important piece of furniture in your home because it represents you. A bed aligned with the door is one of those bedroom Feng shui mistakes that can affect your energy flow.

This mistake may cause illness, bad luck, or even relationship problems. Therefore, your bed placement affects you in your conscious and unconscious states. This article will give you some tips on how to handle a bed aligned with the door based on good Feng Shui principles so that your bedroom would be a more peaceful and healthier place to stay in every day.

Commanding Position

In Feng Shui, you need to place the bed using the principle of commanding position. Your bed should be located where you can see the door to the bedroom when lying. Your bed shouldn’t be directly in line with the door. According to the command position principle, place your bed diagonal from the door.

Image credit: https://redlotusletter.com/

If you can’t be in the commanding position, don’t worry. You can correct the bed by using a mirror. Place the mirror in a place where you can see the reflection of the door when you’re in bed.

Place the Bed in Relationship to Doors and Windows

A door and a window facing each other in a bedroom can drain its energy. Avoid sleeping with your bed located between two doors or windows. If your room size is limited, make sure the windows are towards the side of the building rather than front or back, where you get more sun exposure, especially sunrise and sunset rays. The best position for your bed is facing the door.

Image credit: https://cf.ltkcdn.net/feng-shui

Avoid having your feet pointing straight out the door. This is known as coffin position. You can also call it the bed-facing door superstition. If the only place for your bed is in line with your door, that is the coffin position, you can still correct it. You can hang a faceted Feng Shui crystal ball halfway between the door and the bed.

Place Headboard Against a Solid Wall

Make sure the headboard of your bed is against a solid wall rather than an open space. This means that you should be supported from the back. Avoid placing your bed with the headboard in the middle of the room. Do not also let the whole bed float in the middle of the room. A headboard facing away from the main door can create a placement problem with different consequences of chi.

The wall behind you is very important because you’ll need it to support yourself. Additionally, avoid windows behind the head of the bed, especially if you’re on the ground floor or have eye issues. Make sure you have a solid bed behind you and not a window.

Consider Beams, Soffits and Sloped Ceilings

For the best bed placement, make sure your roof beams are above you or do not block them. If there are beams, they should be short and fluffy so as not to cause a problem. It is best if they’re just below the ceiling because it can still be a distraction when lying down.

The area above your bed should be free of beams, soffits, and sloped ceilings. These architectural features above your bed can create unnecessary pressure. If you can’t avoid these features, use the drape fabric to conceal the ceiling feature. If it is not a large beam and soffit, blend the feature into the ceiling by painting it the same color. This will make the dropped ceiling areas less oppressive.

Locate Your Bed Away from the Toilet Wall

Toilet walls are not usually the best place to sit on your bed. The vibration and flow of chi energy are much too powerful. This can cause lots of problems with sleeping if you have your head against the toilet wall, so be sure to position your bed away from this area.

Image credit: https://fengshuinexus.com/

Consider the Space on Both Sides of the Bed

If it’s an adult bedroom, you should have open space on the left and right sides of the bed. A good chi recommends not to place your bed with one side up against the wall.

Bed and Bathroom Door Placement

The main bedroom door is a primary concern when placing your bed in the room but don’t overlook other doors. The placement of your bed and the location of your master bedroom’s bathroom door can create very uncomfortable chi problems. Generally, it is not good to place a bed in such a way that the headboard is next to or placed directly in front of the doorway unless you plan on doing some yoga stretching exercises every morning upon waking.

In Feng Shui, bathrooms are a place from which energy leaves the house. If your bed must face the bathroom door, make you close both the bathroom door and bedroom door. You can hang a mirror on the inside of the door facing the bathroom. The mirror will reflect any negative energy leaving the bathroom back into it.

void Electromagnetics in Your Bedroom

Avoid placing your bed next to any electrical sockets or cables, especially those connected directly to the wall. If you tend to watch television in bed, it is best not to have an electrical socket located behind the television. Also, keep electronic devices such as alarm clocks, wireless phones, and printers at least one foot away from where your head will lie every night.

If you must have that TV set in your room, cover it before you sleep. The same goes for laptops and phones. For you to have a good night’s sleep, these electronic devices should not emit radiation near your body.

The congested electrical wires all over the house is also another bad feng shui in the bedroom. Try to put them away or at least cover them up. You shouldn’t also have a desk in your bedroom to optimize the space for good chi.

Choose Restful Art

The artwork in your bedroom will speak a lot about your private life. If you’re looking to attract your partner and still keep things in line with your taste, the artwork you place in your room shouldn’t depict solo persons or objects.

When practicing Feng Shui with artwork in your room, there should be an element of a pair of pieces. Save family photos for other rooms and not your bedroom. Keep the artwork up at eye level. You can also take it higher to increase life force energy. Also, consider perfect colors that match your feng shui bedroom. You can choose the perfect feng shui front door color and make sure you don’t go wrong with anything.

Detoxify and Declutter Your Bedroom Feng Shui

Detoxifying your bedroom is very important because it will help get rid of chemicals and toxic elements from your bedroom and replace them with organic ones. A good start is to use green products and non-toxic cleaning products. Infusing your room with some sweet orange oil can bring good energy and make the room smell a little bit nicer.

Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

Start with the clutter under the bed because it may affect you while sleeping by causing subconscious blocks in your life. A good Feng Shui is to clear the space under the bed so that the energy can flow freely.

FAQs on Feng Shui Tips for Handling a Bed Aligned with the Door

How can you protect yourself if the bed faces the door?

If you find yourself sleeping directly opposite the bedroom door, you can use a floatboard. If you feel trapped by the floatboard, you can create a shield by placing your chest at the end of your bed filled with heavy blankets or a low screen between the bed and the door.

Which way should your bed face Feng Shui?

According to Feng Shui, you can position your bed in different positions and still enjoy it. Your bed can face East, South East, West, North West, and South West. If your bed faces west, you can create the best condition for a good night’s sleep.

Final Thought on Feng Shui Tips for Handling a Bed Aligned with the Door

As you can see, Feng Shui is an ancient practice designed to enhance your well-being and life based on the alignment of particular arrangements and objects around your house or workplace. Try to implement Feng Shui to manage your room’s energy and transform your well-being and life for the better.

The post Feng Shui Tips for a Bed Aligned with the Door appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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Wood floors are beautiful, but they can get damaged easily. This is why you should know how to apply polyurethane to floors correctly. Polyurethane is a very important part of the flooring process because it protects your hardwood from scratches and other damages.

But if you don’t apply it correctly, your efforts will be useless. If you want to learn everything about this topic, keep reading our article.

Follow this step-by-step guide on how to apply polyurethane for floors correctly using the right products and tools. This way, you can be sure that your hardwood flooring will look great with minimal effort on your part.

What You’ll Need

Mineral spiritsWhite vinegarContainer or canNatural bristle brushOil-based polyurethaneWater-based polyurethaneBreathing and synthetic protectionPainter’s tapePaint tray and linersVacuum machineSander machineCutting padMixing stickRoller padGrit sandpaperSteel woolClean clothsPolyurethanePaint brush

Choose the Type of Polyurethane

You can choose water-based polyurethane if your floors are natural color or oil-based polyurethane if your floor has been stained or finished. Water-based polyurethane is the way to go if you’re hoping to complete the project within one day. Oil-based polyurethane tends to be less expensive than water-based, but it takes more prep work and time to complete the job.

Water-based polyurethane looks milky and dries to a clear finish, while oil-based adds a deeper hue to the existing color of the floor. Oil-based also has a strong odor and takes longer to dry.

Make Sure You Have a Well-Ventilated Working Area

One of the most important steps to follow when applying polyurethane is to have a well-ventilated working area. If you plan on applying several coats, it’s best to use a room with a large open window and a fan. Put on proper protective equipment before applying polyurethane.

Make sure your windows are open and use window fans to circulate fresh air throughout the room. Open your doors to allow the smell of polyurethane to escape

Prepare the Floor by Sanding

Lightly sand down rough surface on your wood floor. Sanding down your hardwood flooring is very important because it gives the new coat of polyurethane a nice smooth surface that will allow the finish to adhere. Sweep and mop your floors before sanding; you don’t want sawdust in between coats.

Image caption: https://www.thespruce.com/

If possible, try not to use a hose or power washer to clean your floor as it can damage wood grain and cause water damage to a floor. You might not even know it is damaged. Allow the wood flooring to dry before continuing. Start sanding while considering the condition of your floor.

Rent a sanding machine and use the machine’s user manual to guide you. If your floors are severely damaged, and you want to change the color completely, sand down the wood to bare wood.

On the other hand, you can screen and recoat with polyurethane without sanding down the flooring, but make sure you remove any glue or residue left on the floors. Wipe down your room with a tack cloth to pick up sawdust. Allow your hardwood to dry completely while sanding.

Vacuum Your Floor

The sanding process can kick up a lot of sawdust, so start this step by using a shop vacuum cleaner to carefully suck up the debris. Use a vacuum machine to clean all the dust and unwanted particles from the floor. Carefully clean all corners so that small objects like hair and cotton balls don’t cause a problem later.

Cleaning is very important as it will leave you with a beautiful topcoat. So, after vacuuming, use white vinegar and water to wipe down your floor. Remember to turn on the fan to let the room dry quickly. This will enable your wooden floor to become stronger and more flexible.

Make sure you clean all the edges and corners properly, as this is a major part of the wooden floor. Make sure you use a white vinegar and water solution and also a mop. Don’t forget to wear your gloves while using this product.

Once it’s clean, use a dry cloth to wipe down all remnants of cleaners on your floor. You can then use a hairdryer to make sure there’s no moisture left on the floor. If you’re applying water-based polyurethane, make sure you stain your wooden flooring before applying the polyurethane.

Wipe Down the Surface by Mineral Spirits

After vacuuming, use mineral spirits or paint thinner to wipe down the surface. Apply it with a lint-free cloth, let this dry completely and make sure there are no streaks left behind on your flooring. This will remove all the remaining debris and dust.

Make sure you wipe the entire floor as you pay much attention to cracks and crevices to remove all oil and dust particles. After wiping, allow it to dry fully before coating it with polyurethane. You can find mineral spirits in the paint-and-primer section of home improvement stores, hardware stores, and superstores in your area.

Protect Your Baseboards with Masking Tape

If you have wooden baseboards in your home, make sure to protect them from the overspray of polyurethane when painting your floor with masking tape. This tape will help keep any polyurethane from getting on the baseboards when projecting it onto the floor’s surface. To stick the tape to the wall, just run a wet rag along the surface.

Mix Your Polyurethane

Mixing your polyurethane will help you achieve a durable coating. You can use a big jar or can to get your polyurethane liquid in one container. Pouring all your liquid in one container will help them mix better than in separate containers.

Use a stirrer or paint stick to remove all lumps of polyurethane before application. A stick will help you get all the layers, so there aren’t any shades of color on your floor. Keep stirring until your entire mixture is even and smooth. Your container should also be large enough to be able to mix it without spilling or making a mess.

After all, you wouldn’t want to run out of liquid before applying the liquid in your entire room. When you’re done mixing, shake your can of polyurethane, then pour it on a paint tray.

pplying the Polyurethane

Apply the first coat using a paint brush or painter’s pad. You can also use a bristle brush but not lambswool applicator or foam pads. These tools leave it hard to remove streaks, so be sure to use a good brush when applying polyurethane. Don’t make your layers too thick; they should be about 1/16 of an inch or less.

Use a bristle brush to coat all the corners and edges of your floor. You can use a very thin, light coat on these areas to ensure that they dry correctly and don’t form water bubbles. After that, use an applicator pad or roller pad to brush your polyurethane onto the rest of your floor. This should be a medium to heavy coat, but again, not too thick.

When applying polyurethane with an applicator pad, go in small sections, covering about four to six square feet at a time. You can use one hand for rolling and another for turning the pad over. This process has the potential to become very messy, so you should have something to wipe your hands off as you go.

pply the Second and Third coat

Let the floor dry overnight, then fill in any missed spots with a second coat of polyurethane the next day. Water-based polyurethane products are not as thick as oil-based polyurethane products, and they take less time to dry than oil-based polyurethane.

Image caption: https://static.woodmagazine.com/

So, give it 3-4 hours to dry before applying the next coat. If you want to use an oil-based product, you’ll need to wait one week between coats. After your first coat is fully dried, softly sand the entire floor with 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.

Before applying the second coat, use liquid white vinegar to wipe down the floor. It’s also important to clean your wooden floors before you apply the second coat. Follow the same steps as with your first coat to apply the second coat.

The last thing you want to do is put on too much polyurethane, which will leave oily patches that will be impossible to clean up without damaging your flooring. So apply it sparingly and take your time. One good coat should do the trick for most floors, but you may need to go over certain problem areas twice to achieve a consistent finish.

Let your wood floor sit for three to four hours before sanding and cleaning the surface. Paint the final coat, the third coat, and leave your floor dry for three to four hours to get the prolific finish.

Use Abrasive Pad to Even Out the Surface

To create an even finish and to help with the drying process, it is advisable to rub the polyurethane with a piece of coarse sandpaper or steel wool. This will give you a smoother surface and ensure that your finished product has an attractive sheen.

Recoat the Finish and Let it Dry for 24 Hours

Avoid walking on your floor for 24 hours after applying the final coat. Wait until the polyurethane dries before walking in. Don’t replace your furniture for at least three days, and wait for one week before replacing your rugs and carpets. This will make your floor fully cure.

Image caption: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/

Clean the Floor

Clean up any spills immediately with a damp cloth to prevent stains from setting into the finish. Always use an approved cleaner on your floor, as well as a mop or dry rag to clean it. Avoid using water if possible, as this will create marks and streaks.

FAQS on How to Apply Polyurethane for Floors

What is the best applicator for polyurethane on floors?

Polyurethane is applied with a brush, paint roller, or spraying. Brush application gives an even finish and is recommended for small areas of less than 150 square feet. Rollers are easier to handle on smooth surfaces, while spraying requires more skill but can get into hard-to-reach corners.

How often do I need to apply polyurethane?

Recoating your floor with polyurethane depends on many factors: traffic and use, frequency of cleaning, and how long you wait between coats. Most floors need refinishing every year or two. The first coat should be applied as soon as the old finish has dried thoroughly.

Final Thought on How to Apply Polyurethane for Floors

Polyurethane coating is an extremely useful liquid to improve the durability of your surface. A perfectly wooden floor also makes a home a comfortable place to live in. Make sure you follow the steps mentioned above correctly because using incorrect steps can waste time and money.

Follow this guide on applying polyurethane on hardwood floors to complete your flooring project in the right manner. It is always better to use all available resources before starting with any home improvement activity.

The post How to Apply Polyurethane for Floors appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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If you have a darkroom in your home, it can make the whole place look smaller and more cramped. There are many ways to brighten a dark room, but they all require money or time that most of us don’t have. Here’s a list of ways you can brighten up your dark room without investing much time and money:

Place Your Mirrors Near Light Sources

Although it’s old advice, mirrors can expand your visual space and brighten your dark room. To use mirrors to their fullest potential, ensure that you place them near a light source, such as a window or floor lamp. Large mirrors reflect light and can do wonders for small rooms without windows. To get the best results, make sure your lamp emits ambient lighting.

Install Multiple Light Sources

Placing a lamp near a window isn’t the only way to bring light into your dark rooms. The web is filled with examples of how lights can be used to brighten up a room-so much so that it’s nearly impossible for a single light source to do all the work. If you have many dark corners in your room, install additional light sources. You can add a floor lamp or table lamp to start.

Image caption: https://hips.hearstapps.com/

dd Light Colors and Transparent Furniture to Dark Rooms

Light colors not only decorate your room but can also make dark rooms feel bigger, brighter, and more cheerful. While pastel hues are generally considered light, if you want your room to be brighter, it’s best to choose a lighter tone of the dominant color in the room-for example, if you have an orange room, add light yellow to brighten things up.

Transparent furniture is a great way to increase a dark room’s brightness, especially a small, dim room. Glass tables and shelves allow light from outside to flood in so you can have your cake and eat it too-a a well-lit room with an open layout. Also, a stylish, compact sofa in a lighter color like white, beige, and ivory can make your living room look and feel bigger and more spacious. If you find neutrals and metallic accents too moody, you can bring in a playful throw pillow. This will make your living room or bedroom feel casual without dressing it too much.

Cover Your Floor with Large, Bright Area Rug

An area rug is a quick and easy way to brighten up an otherwise drab room. A big, brightly colored shag rug instantly adds warmth and character to any space, making it the ideal choice for rooms that don’t see much natural light.

This will not only add some softness and texture to your floors but will make your floor glow. This is very important, especially if your dim space features dark floor cardboards. When choosing a color for your rug, think about choosing a rug that contrasts with your floor color. For example, if your floor is dark, choose a light-colored or white rug to brighten up the room.

Keep Your Windows Clean and Clear

A couple of hours washing your windows will brighten up any room, as dirty windows can darken a space by blocking out natural light. And don’t just clean your windows from the outside. Also, wipe those inside panes to ensure that there’s no film obstructing the light from reaching your room.

Make sure you deep clean your windows once a year to make them shine during the winter months. Remember that the less dirt, dust, and debris on your window, the more sunlight will shine through your room.

Introduce Light Fixtures

Overhead lighting in bathrooms isn’t always the most pleasant of spaces, so the addition of light fixtures can brighten up your space. Use single hang lamps above head height for functional lighting that adds interest to an otherwise dull room.

In that case, don’t rely so much on overhead lightings such as those from chandeliers or pendant lights. Instead, add some floor and table lamps to your dark bathroom to allow you enough lighting for grooming and even reading. Keep the light color cool so as not to create a warm atmosphere in an already hot space.

Go for Lighter Lampshades

Opt for lampshades that are made with a light material such as linen or cotton. While darker shades may make a small space seem even smaller, lighter shades will scatter the light and make your space look brighter. A lighter lampshade will help diffuse light without blocking its glow-like opaque shades.

Go for Light Wood Flooring

A dark floor is a great option for a small bathroom, but if you’re stuck with dark-colored tiles, think about replacing them with lighter ones. If your shower stalls and floors are already tiled in dark colors, freshen up the space by installing new light-colored finishing and caulk.

If possible, choose light wood flooring or a light stain that can hide chips and scratches. It will keep the look fresh and bright. If you don’t want to replace your flooring, you can always paint it.

Incorporate Metallic Touches

Make your drab and dreary space lively by adding shiny finishes to your home decor. Metallic touches work well in small bathrooms, especially if they’re used as an accent. Try using metallic tiles, showerheads and faucets, towel racks, light fixtures, and other decorative elements.

Metallic touches help in reflecting light irrespective of where they’re placed. Whether you express them through a light fixture, artwork, or decorative objects, using metallic elements is a great way to liven up dark and dull spaces.

Keep Minimalist on both Furniture and Light Fixtures

Minimalist furniture and light fixtures help in making a dark room brighter. When it comes to furniture, simple designs with clean lines work best in small spaces. Keep your bathroom minimalist by letting go of bulky items such as vanities, large cabinets, and massive furniture pieces.

To light up your room, you’ll need a low-key light fixture. This should give you good light, but you don’t want the light itself to be on your room’s focal point because of the dark color of your walls. For example, if you live in a small apartment with drab walls and want to brighten up your bathroom, install an overhead light that is sleek and simple; it should blend easily into your room’s design.

Avoid oversized furniture; instead, go for light furniture that lies low to the ground. Set a maximum height for your furniture and ensure that each set falls below the set height. Leave ample space between each piece of furniture and give it a careful look to ensure that the scale is right. You can take your time to learn how to arrange furniture and make your room look brighter and lovelier.

void Bringing in Too Much Wall Art

Before bringing in an interior designer, try to limit your decorative accessories because these designers can overdo the decoration. Even if you live in a large mansion and your room is struggling with lighting, try to limit your artwork, furniture, and other decorative accessories.

Even though you love contemporary art, consider that too many modern art pieces might look crowded or give an impression that the room is small. Instead of hanging up everything on the walls, use a wall gallery to create an artistic statement.

Paint the Ceiling Bright White

If you don’t have tall windows or the ceiling is too low, paint it white to make the room appear brighter. White ceilings are also easier to clean since they can reflect light, unlike darker colors that are more difficult to spot dirt on. Painting your ceiling with an eggshell or satin finish will boost your ceiling’s reflective properties.

Image caption: https://cdn.trendir.com/

Consider a Whiteout

If you want to bring in more light into your old room, grab your paint roller and a gallon of white paint, then start painting your walls. But don’t stop; paint everything white from floor to ceiling and even your home decor and furniture. Give your baskets and bed frames some shade, and you’ll love the outcome.

If you feel overwhelmed, you can assign someone to help you out. A too-white room can feel sterile and even a little cold, so make sure to add some character with a warm accent somewhere on your walls. This will not only make your dark room brighter but will also give it a subtle beauty.

Bring in Greenery

Make your room feel more spacious and lighter by bringing in greenery. The crisp white walls and splashes of color will brighten up your dark flooring and narrow space. When bringing natural plants, consider the size since the larger size is better as long as you use a white vessel.

This white vessel can visually bleed into your room and make it feel brighter. Since the plants take up space, they will help diffuse the light and make your dark space look bigger. Choose greenery that thrives in minimal light.

Limit Your Window Treatments

Make the most of natural light in your home. Avoid heavy draperies and window treatments that can block natural light. If you want to put something on the window, consider sheer drapes, blinds, and roman shades that will not take up your wall space. You can also consider opaque treatment to give you privacy while letting light into your room.

Consider a Glass Door

Swap your solid door out with a glass door. This is one of the permanent changes that can make a difference in your dark space. It will let in much more natural light and give the illusion of a bigger room. An exterior door will also allow more natural light into the room from outside, making a big difference. And if it’s an internal door, it will make your room feel more open and bright.

Image caption: https://assets.blog.hgtv.ca/

FAQs on How to Brighten a Dark Room

What colors make a room look brighter?

Colors that make a room look brighter include bright white, off-white, light grays, warm neutrals, and bright and bold colors.

How do you brighten a dark room without natural light?

You can brighten a dark room without natural light by using brighter textures, paints, and furniture.

What do you do when your room is too bright?

If your room is too bright, use darker woods as flooring or wall coverings to absorb some light.

Final Thought on How to Brighten a Dark Room

As you can see, brightening a dark can be a challenge and, at the same time, a good opportunity to add some drama and texture. It’s not easy to get more light into your dark room. It’s doable with some strategic design and planning.

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