Despite the fact that every day is creating and improving more and more floor coverings such as: carpet, laminate flooring, cork flooring, ceramic tiles, a large part of the population gives their preference for natural wood flooring. These coverings will always remain in top positions, for those who care about their health, the health of their families, who value comfort, naturalness and durability. Here are some of the main advantages of wood flooring.

In today’s article we will pay attention to the parquet, engineered and hardwood flooring as the main representatives of the wooden floor coverings, we will give their basic properties and parameters, as well as their brief comparative characteristic. After all, even those who choose wood as a finishing material for their apartment or house, not always understand the difference between the parquet and hardwood flooring, and, often, the advantage is on the side of the one whose price will be slightly less expensive for the purse. If you have also repeatedly asked yourself the question: Does it make sense to overpay when buying the parquet, if the parquet is also a natural material? Now we will try to understand this, emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of our “competitors”, which are so similar at first sight and so different in their construction.

So, in order to determine what is still better and whether it is worth overpaying, let’s touch upon the following questions:

• The construction of solid parquet board and plywood parquet
• Laying methods
• Advantages that the materials being compared have
• The price nuance of the question
• Let’s proceed to the disclosure of the first question and begin with the characteristics of our “competitors”.

What exactly is a parquet and a parquet board? As you have probably already guessed, there are several versions of the names of each of these two structures.

Solid wood

Solid (also parquet or solid hardwood flooring) is, in the classic sense, 100% natural wood. The floor of solid wood has never gone out of fashion, has always been highly valued and spoke of the wealth of its owner. The thickness of solid parquet planks can vary from 14 to 25 mm. Each plank is equipped with a tongue-and-groove (or tongue-and-groove) joint around the perimeter. Parquet can be manufactured from different types of wood, both classic and more familiar to our ears: oak, ash, walnut, birch, maple, alder, growing in Europe, and exotic: Tahuari (Brazilian oak), Jatoba (Brazilian cherry), campas, Sucupira, teak, mahogany, merbau, etc., growing in South America, Brazil, Indonesia, Africa, South-East Asia, etc. Naturally, the cost of exotic varieties of wood is order higher than those growing in our climatic zone.

Parquet Board

Parquet (plywood parquet), however, consists only of a third of the precious veneer of wood (lamella), and the rest of its structure is a few layers of plywood, which can be made from different types of wood. Today the market offers parquet boards of thickness from 11 to 17 mm. The veneer can reach a thickness of 5mm. It is worth noting that when forming the cost of the parquet board one of the determining factors is the thickness of the valuable wood species. I.e. the cost of 2-layered engineered boards with lamella thickness up to 4 mm will be higher than the cost of a similar product with a 2.8 mm lamella thickness. 2-layer engineered boards use tongue and groove joints for joining slats, just like solid planks. A more advanced product is a 3-layer engineered planking, which uses a locking system to join the slats.

It is also worth noting that both solid planks and hardwood flooring strips around the perimeter are equipped with a micro bevel. Bevel not only allows to avoid violation of the protective covering of the boards, but also bears some decorative load – a solid array with bevel looks lighter and neater, each board of such a floor looks isolated, and the whole picture of the floor – complete.

Let’s move on to the second part of the reasoning. So, we have already considered the designs of both “competitors”, highlighted the differences between them and now we know, for sure, that the same appearance does not indicate the same internal stuffing!

Different design also leads to different ways of laying.

Let’s turn first to the solid. Since solid wood is all-natural wood, it is more exposed to environmental influences than plywood parquet or is more responsive to changes in the microclimate. In order to minimize seasonal fluctuations, it is recommended to lay solid wood on a substrate. As a substrate can be used plywood or OSB-plate, which are attached (with glue and screws) to the concrete screed.

Engineered and parquet boards have a simpler method of laying. For the installation of 2-layer engineered boards, as a rule, the method of gluing it directly to the screed is used, but do not forget that the screed must be in perfect condition (flat, not porous, should not crumble). The laying of 3-layer parquet boards with a locking joint can be made by floating (glueless) method on the substrate or by gluing it to the screed.

The most important things to know about the parquet and the parquet flooring, we already know.

Highlight the advantages of these types of materials in the knowledge we’ve already received.

• First, solid, as already noted, it is a solid piece of wood, 100% environmentally friendly natural product, whose structure does not contain any artificial materials, in contrast to the board, where the veneer is only a few millimeters.
• Secondly, laying solid parquet allows you to reinforce the structural strength of the floor in the room. As a rule, the parquet is laid on the plywood with the thickness of not less than 10 mm. With the thickness of the parquet 19.05 mm the total floor level will be almost 3 cm. When laying parquet on the screed, the floor level may be about 14 mm (2-layer engineered boards) or about 17 mm (3-layer parquet boards).
• Thirdly, solid wood provides excellent soundproofing. Thanks to its thickness, it more effectively absorbs the sound of footsteps when walking and various extraneous sounds. If your downstairs neighbors like to play guitar and your children like to play ball, a solid board will protect you and your ears from unnecessary noise.
• Fourthly, wood is known to have excellent thermal insulation properties, so it is very pleasant to walk on the parquet barefoot even in the cold season. It should also be noted that it does not make sense to lay a warm floor under the parquet, because of the great thickness of all the heat will absorb the material itself. By choosing parquet, you are getting a warm floor from nature, thereby saving a great deal of money that is spent on water or electric floor heating. If you do decide to lay a warm floor, we recommend that you look at 2-layer engineered or 3-layer engineered parquet.
• Fifth, solid hardwood flooring is more durable than planks. This is evidenced by the different layer of wear: for the parquet, it is 7 mm, which allows it to resurface 6-7 times, for engineering and parquet board – 4 mm, and it is, respectively, 3-4 sanding. Therefore, the service life of solid flooring is much longer than that of the board.
• Sixth, let’s turn to the method of laying. Parquet, of course, and the complexity and duration of installation inferior to the parquet flooring. However, after laying the floor once, properly, you will never remember to replace it. While the board after a certain period of time you will have to re-lay.
• Seventh, we would like to mention the undeniable advantage of solid wood flooring from exotic wood species. It consists in its unique color, because the solid exotic wood is not tinted, that is its natural color. When the parquet retreatment retains its original appearance and it is enough to cover it with oil or varnish. While with the reshining of tinted parquet, you will first have to achieve the desired shade by applying beiz (a dyeing substance used in tinting parquet, in order to imitate more expensive wood – walnut, teak, mahogany, merbau, etc.) and only after that proceed to coverage with oil or lacquer. Agree that the difficulties with the second version of the sanding is more.
• Eighth, speaking of the solid parquet, it is impossible not to pay attention to such a variety as the radial solid parquet. This parquet is made from wood, located in the core of the trunk, which is characterized by increased density and hardness. Such a parquet belongs to the highest quality category, the wood fibers on the upper surface of the parquet slat are practically parallel along the whole length of the slat, and the radial rays are clearly visible. Radial parquet is more stable to the change of geometric dimensions under the fluctuations of the humidity of the environment, it is less subject to warping and deformation.
• Ninth, it is necessary to note such advantages of engineered and parquet boards in comparison with parquet, as greater stability.

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Why Vinyl Flooring is the Best Choice for Your Kitchen

There are many reasons why vinyl flooring is the best choice for your kitchen. First of all, it is very durable and easy to care for. It can withstand a lot of wear and tear and is resistant to scratches, stains, and spills. Additionally, it is very easy to clean; you can just sweep or mop it as needed. Vinyl flooring is also a very affordable option, which is important for many people. Finally, it comes in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find something that fits your taste and kitchen décor.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing vinyl flooring for your kitchen. First of all, it is not as heat resistant as other materials, so you should avoid putting hot pans or appliances on it. Additionally, it can be slippery when wet, so be sure to use caution when walking on it in bare feet or with wet shoes. Lastly, vinyl flooring is not as durable as some other options, so it may not last as long in a high-traffic kitchen.

Now that you know the pros and cons of vinyl flooring, let’s discuss how to care for it properly. First of all, you should sweep or vacuum it regularly to remove dirt and debris. Additionally, you should mop it with a gentle cleanser as needed. Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the floor. If you spill something on your vinyl floor, be sure to clean it up immediately; if it is left to sit, it can stain the floor.

If you take proper care of your vinyl floor, it will last for many years. However, there are a few things that can damage it. First of all, sunlight can fade the color over time. Additionally, sharp objects can scratch or puncture the flooring. If your vinyl floor does become damaged, there are a few ways to repair it. For small scratches or chips, you can use a touch-up kit; for larger areas of damage, you may need to replace the flooring entirely.

As you can see, vinyl flooring has many benefits and a few drawbacks. However, if you take proper care of it, it will last for many years. So, if you are looking for an affordable, stylish, and easy-to-care-for option for your kitchen, vinyl flooring is a great choice!

Vinyl Flooring in Your Kitchen: The Pros and Cons

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing flooring for your kitchen. You want something that is durable, easy to clean, and stylish. Many people choose vinyl flooring for their kitchens because it meets all of these criteria. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of vinyl flooring and give you tips on how to care for it properly. We will also show you how to spot damage and repair it if necessary. So, whether you are considering vinyl flooring for your next kitchen renovation or just want to learn more about it, keep reading!

How to care for your vinyl floors

Tile roofing is a popular choice for homeowners because it is durable and lasts a long time. However, tile roofing can be expensive and difficult to install, so it is important to know how to care for your tile roof. Tile roofs should be inspected regularly for cracked or missing tiles, and the gutters should be cleaned of leaves and debris to prevent clogging. Tile roofs also require more maintenance than other types of roofing, so it is important to hire a professional roofer who can perform regular repairs and maintenance. With proper care, your tile roof will last for many years.

Tips for cleaning and maintaining your vinyl floor

Tile roofing is a type of roofing that uses tiles made of clay or concrete to cover the roof. Tile roofs are popular in locations with hot climates because they help keep homes cool by reflecting heat away from the house. Tile roofs are also durable and can last for many years with proper maintenance. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your tile roof:

1. Inspect your tile roof regularly for cracked or broken tiles. Damaged tiles can allow water to enter your home, causing damage to the structure and creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive.
Sweep away any debris that has accumulated on your roof, such as leaves or branches. This will help prevent clogs in your gutters and downspouts.
If you have trees near your home, have them trimmed on a regular basis to prevent branches from falling on your roof and causing damage.
When cleaning your tile roof, use a gentle cleanser and soft brush to avoid damaging the tiles. Never use a pressure washer on a tile roof, as this can force water underneath the tiles and cause damage to the structure of your home.
Following these simple tips will help you keep your tile roof in good condition for many years to come.

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Improving your home to match your taste is necessary from time to time, especially if you spend a lot of time at home. However, accompanying home improvement is a long list of financial needs. While home renovation boasts beautiful outcomes, it is worth noting that home improvement projects can be pretty expensive.

Due to its expensive nature, most people usually take loans to improve their homes and furniture inside them. It’s necessary to mention here that this type of loan became one of the most popular ones in Europe and the whole world nowadays. And the demand on it has doubled compared to the previous years. And that’s not surprising, because the consumer lending market changed a lot after the pandemic. More information about these changes you can read here.

Home Improvement Loan: What Is It?

A home improvement loan is an individual loan that a person takes to renovate his or her house. These loans are quite safe and easy-to-get as lenders do not require collaterals. Essentially, a home renovation loan allows you to borrow a set amount which you pay back over a certain period of time.

Usually before applying for this type of loan, people check several loan organizations on comparison websites such as Smslansnabb. The information which is given on such websites help them pick the right company with the most suitable offer.

It is very important before applying for a loan, carefully study the conditions offered by the company. For example, Loanstep — a company that can offer you many kinds of loans with different pay terms.

While applying for this type of loan, you will be required to list what you plan to use the money for. Home improvement loans cover expenses like redecoration, renovation, adding an extension wing to your house, tearing down a wall, and etc. You can use them for everything from buying a new kitchen to making your home more energy efficient.

After approving a loan, you will usually receive your money in a couple of days. Most lenders will allow you to spend this money as you want and they give you the flexibility to choose how long you have to pay money back. More often the payback period is around 6-18 months. Since there is no collateral, lenders depend on your credit scores. If you have a credit score between 6.30 and 6.70, this is a loan for you. These loans have rates between 5% and 35%. You can borrow from $1000 to $100,000.

Pros and Cons of Getting It

There are both advantages & disadvantages of using this type of a loan. Let’s start with the advantages.

First of all, you don’t risk losing your house. The loan company isn’t allowed to seize your property if you don’t pay the money back. The company doesn’t require collateral for home improvement loans.

Secondly, you can borrow a low amount. Sometimes you don’t need too much money to renovate your home, you only need a little. And these types of loans absolutely suit these needs, because they range between $1000 and $10,000.

And if we are talking about disadvantages, the first thing that comes to mind is high interest rates. Home improvement loans have high interest rates. However, these interest rates are usually fixed, and you can pay them back within the repayment terms period. Another bad thing about this loan is that it’s quite difficult to get it approved. If you are a freelancer, for example, and you don’t have a stable income.

Final Thoughts

Anytime you think about borrowing money for your home improvement, it’s important to remember that taking a loan is a serious commitment. Once you have signed on the dotted line, you have agreed to pay back the sum you have borrowed and interests within a certain timeframe, not being able to make the repayments get a lot of people into all kinds of trouble. This includes extra fees for paying late, sinking further into debt as you take on more loans to cover the repayments. So before applying for  loan, you should

A home improvement loan is one of the best and the fastest funding options you can choose from if you would like to renovate your house and to buy furniture or decor. However, you should consider the typical features such as access to a minimal amount of loan and high-interest rates before taking any loan to renovate your home.

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1. The center of the picture should be at eye level, which is about 150-160 cm from the floor. If you do not want to bother – make it as in a museum, there is a standard hanging at a height of 152 centimeters.
2. The optimal width of a painting or a group of paintings is 75-90% of the width of the furniture over which it hangs;
3. Where to place the picture? Choose accent points: over the sofa, dining table or desk, at the head of the bed, above the console. It is important to leave free space around the picture;
4. images of the same size are often hung in a single row;
5. If you want to hang the work above the furniture, make sure that there is a gap of 20 cm;
6. One of the most common mistakes is choosing paintings that are too small for your space. If in doubt, choose a larger painting;
7. If you would like to make a composition out of your paintings, cut out paper models to the size of your pictures, and hang them on your wall with duct tape. This way you will visually see how your wall will look. Edit as needed until you are completely satisfied.

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ANTI-TREND #1: ACID COLORS.
Avoid kitchen fronts in “flat” marker colors (lettuce, orange, red, purple, etc.), such primitive shades are bad tone. And if you hear “modern kitchen” or “high-tech kitchen” from a salesperson, run! There’s a great danger of getting a heavy dose of juicy lime or red poppies:)

WHAT TO REPLACE: COMPLEX COLORS.
If you still want color – choose sophisticated shades: deep blue, mint, dusty pink, emerald. It doesn’t matter if the fronts are dark or pastel, the main thing is that the color has depth and you want to look at it.

ANTI-TREND #2: RADIUS FRONTS
Rounded fronts have long been out of fashion + they’re also at a cost that always come out more expensive than standard. There’s no need to overcomplicate things! This would only be appropriate for rooms with a non-standard round shape, where the geometry requires it.

WHAT TO REPLACE: STRAIGHT FRONTS.
Stake on simple shapes. This is something that will always be relevant, regardless of the fickle fashion trends in kitchen design.

ANTI-TREND #3: PHOTO PRINTS.
Please forget the photo-printed skinnels on the kitchen apron! New York night lights, underwater inhabitants, giant flowers/birds, flying cherries – 99% of these pictures look kolhozny and they certainly will not add style and sophistication to your kitchen.

WHAT TO REPLACE: PLAIN GLASS
Of course, today there is a huge variety of materials, colors and textures for finishing the apron, but if we are talking specifically about a glass apron, then choose a transparent or monochrome glass, which will complement the overall picture of your interior. By the way, you can even put a beautiful wallpaper under it. Tip: It is better to prefer Optiwhite glass, although it is more expensive, but you will not be annoyed by the bottle green shade.

ANTI-TREND #4: BLACK GLOSS.
Be careful with gloss. Not all colors and not all interiors will be glossy. And if the glossy surface is also in black, think twice. Or better yet, think three times! Not only is it impractical, but more often than not it is vulgar and not beautiful.

WHAT TO REPLACE: MATTE BLACK.
If you still want a black kitchen, pay attention to the matte surface, it looks more natural and you want to touch it. But the gloss, in my opinion, is morally outdated. Its artificiality and coldness repulses.

ANTI-TREND #6: THE BAR WITH A “POLE”.
Remember when every second person used to have one in the kitchen? Well, in today’s reality it’s hello from the 90s. Yes, 20 years ago a bar counter with a metal pole on which the holders for glasses/fruit were attached was considered fashionable, but it’s 2019, so down with such “beauty”! Who had one of these? Admit it!))

WHAT TO REPLACE IT WITH: A MINIMALIST BARSTOOL
Today there are a huge number of options for bar counters for all tastes. The main thing is not to make the design too cumbersome, and no pole, you remember?))

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So here are 10 tricks to get rid of cramped space:

1) an accent wall of a rich hue creates depth in the interior, making the space seem larger. In this project, this element is hand-painted with gold, reminiscent of the lush Canadian forests in the sunlight.

2) “No” to unnecessary items prefer quality over quantity, choosing more functional items;

3) as much as possible open floor notice, all the furniture in the living room is elegant, on legs. Our eyes take the floor area for the area of the entire room, so such furniture visually almost do not reduce the room;

4) built-in storage systems are ideal when guests coming in don’t see where you have storage systems at all;

5) do away with doorways where you don’t need them. This way we save not only space, but also the family budget. Here instead of swinging doors sliding + they are made of frosted glass, which added air to the space and the view does not rest against a blank partition;

6) Transparent furniture, look at the glass coffee table, it dissolved into space and looks inconspicuous;

7) white walls look light and airy, but there must be good natural lighting, otherwise they will look dirty gray;

8) kitchen set in the color of the walls + smooth fronts without handles to the ceiling;

9) the less acute corners, the better (give preference to objects of round shape) it is clearly visible on the plan (dining table, carpet, bedside tables, coffee table – their outlines “smooth out” the small space)
10) hanging cabinet in the bathroom, the principle is the same: when the furniture “floats in the air”, the space seems to us less cramped.

So, do you like your apartment? Have you taken any of the techniques to your notice?

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