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How much tile do I need for my project? It is quick and easy to know how much tile you need to purchase.
This guide will show you how to calculate how much tile you require. You’ll soon know much you require for any flooring project and get all the supplies. Your home improvement project will go more smoothly as a result.
Knowing the tile amount is especially beneficial when you’re on a tight budget. You will also know which type of tile works best for your project. Carpet To Go can help you with any tile or flooring question!
If you’re wondering “how to measure how much tile I need,” first gather all your materials. You require the same materials regardless of your tiling project. You will need:
Once you have these supplies, use our easy-to-follow tile calculator below. With this calculator, you multiply the length x width of your space to calculate its square footage. If you measure in inches, divide every measurement by 12 to convert to feet before calculating the space’s total square footage.
You can use numerous tile calculators. Follow the below steps for the most simplified version of this calculator:
Purchasing extra tile also comes in handy if you lay it down at a 45-degree angle. When tiling multiple complicated areas, divide them into smaller squares to make it easier. You can then add all their square footage together to answer, “How many tiles do I need?”
Furthermore, it is vital to account for the smaller, oddly shaped areas and the three walls when tiling a shower. The steps for calculations are the same. You can also divide areas (rectangles or squares) for the process.
Some size recommendations for bathroom tile installations include:
On average, a box of tiles contains 10 square ft.
You can determine how many boxes you require with our “How Much Tile Do I Need” calculator.
Total square footage / square ft. per box = Number of boxes needed (round up, ex. 17.5 = 18)
No. Square footage is the main factor for how to determine how much tile you need. For a fancy pattern, shape, or style, you should use 15% instead of 10% to account for extra tile.
First, split your area into sections of squares and rectangles. You will then convert from inches to feet and multiply length by the width of the wall. Finally, add up all sq. footage of each section to get the total sq. footage.
Length (ft) x width (ft) = (total sq. ft x 10% / sq. ft per box) = total # boxes of tiles
We have shown you the “How much tile do I need?” calculator for your upcoming renovation project. You can now purchase the right amount of tile, no matter the shape of your flooring area.
Carpet To Go can assist with your flooring needs for every room in your home. Let us work together on your renovation project and make the process stress-free.
We provide service to numerous areas in Washington state, including Seattle and Bellevue. Carpet To Go offers vinyl, laminate, carpet, Marmoleum, hardwood floors, and custom area rugs. Call us today at (425) 441-3538 to receive a free estimate.
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People often ask questions like: Can hardwood flooring acclimate in the box? There is a lot of misinformation and confusion regarding how long to acclimate hardwood flooring. Our guide will help you understand the best ways to acclimate and install your flooring.
Hardwood flooring acclimation involves having its moisture content reach equilibrium with its surrounding environment. When there is too much or too little moisture, the flooring can expand or shrink, and it will not fit accurately. That creates problems down the road as you may have to purchase new flooring to reinstall.
Learning how to acclimate wood flooring will help ensure you are installing your floor correctly. Many ask, “How long should wood floors acclimate?” The average recommendation is a minimum of three days. It is always good to consult the flooring manufacturer and the contractors working on your job site.
It is not advisable to leave wood floors on a job site before installation because it can cause many problems. You cannot acclimate wood flooring correctly with this because it will absorb the surrounding moisture. New homes, especially, hold so much that they will damage the new flooring.
Potential problems associated with letting hardwood flooring acclimate on-site include:
A job site with a relative humidity of 70% can result in immediate cupping to the idle flooring, often within 48 hours. The environmental humidity can reach 90% with drywall mudding and wet paint.
The exact flooring dimensions are a necessity for a home or business installation. These dimensions determine critical judgments for the job site project. Therefore, if they change, major problems can occur. Do not store hardwood flooring on-site to keep the dimensions as they should be.
Knowing how long to acclimate hardwood flooring helps avoid the floor expanding too large for the space. Contractors may then have to cut down the flooring to fit, or it simply may become unusable.
Your flooring can get smaller with improper moisture levels and change its dimensions. It also will cause your flooring not to fit as planned. You may end up needing more flooring.
The ideal temperatures to help acclimate wood floors are 60° to 80° F.
Treat tropical wood species with care because they often require more time.
Their recommendations help keep warranties of floors intact. Yours may not remain intact if you do not follow these instructions.
Splitting up flooring into lots helps to increase airflow and helps with acclimation. You are more likely to acclimate flooring in smaller lots provided with good airflow than in one packaged lot.
Wood floors finished on-site need more time to acclimate, often 5 to 7 days. Therefore, the wood floor acclimation time may vary and require more time than expected. Consider different adhesives used when acclimating engineered hardwood floors.
You require multiple conditions in place before installing your floors to ensure they are ready:
You may ask, “Does wood flooring need to acclimate?” The answer is yes. Many people believe the process to acclimate wood flooring is to let it sit at a job site and wait.
However, the answer to “how long should hardwood flooring acclimate?” depends on multiple factors, including the type of wood and moisture content of the environment.
Contractors can bring wood flooring to the job site but only after completing all other work. They can only install flooring when the conditions are optimal. It includes a 30-50% humidity range and no wet elements like paint or plaster drying when the wood floors arrive.
Now that you know how long to acclimate hardwood flooring, Carpet To Go is ready to help you with any of your flooring needs, including nylon carpet flooring. We provide high-quality flooring services to Bellevue, Seattle, and the nearby Washington State areas. Call us today at (425) 441-3527 for a free flooring estimate!
For almost a century, nylon carpet has been the preferred choice of carpet flooring. Nylon was the first authentically synthetic fiber to cover living room floors. Nylon carpets transformed the flooring industry and ushered in the popularity of synthetic carpets.
To this day, nylon carpet is a highly sought-after floor option. However, before investing and installing nylon carpets, consider these pros and cons of nylon carpets.
Nylon is famous for its ability to resist stains better than any other type of carpet. Although the synthetic fibers don’t naturally repel stains, manufacturers treat nylon with stain-fighting technology that provides ultimate stain resistance.
If you have small children or messy pets at home, nylon carpet is a great consideration to provide the look and feel of high-end carpet for years to come. There’s no need to worry about unsightly stains when you shop with a trusted name-brand carpet manufacturer.
Compared to other carpets, nylon is ultra-durable and can easily withstand daily wear and tear. Nylon carpet can handle large amounts of foot traffic and “spring” back to avoid unsightly dents and flat sections of carpet. If you’re worried about carpet holding up to your pets and kids, nylon has you covered.
Additionally, the color does not quickly fade, making it ideal for carpeting high-traffic areas of the home.
Its ability to readapt to its original form no matter the amount of compression makes nylon carpet ideal. Nylon carpet retains its appearance even after a steam cleaning. You should steam clean nylon carpets at a minimum every 12 to 18 months and more often for higher traffic areas.
Nylon carpet has a wider variety than other carpets in terms of style, pattern, and texture. The more extensive assortment of nylon carpet options makes it a good match for homeowners who want full customization over their living space.
Nylon is an environmentally friendly choice for homeowners looking for a more sustainable option. Old nylon carpet is exceptionally recyclable, even in the production process. Manufacturers can reuse synthetic fibers as fishnets, water bottles, and washing machine components from upcycling nylon carpets.
When compared to other synthetic carpets, nylon carpet is expensive. The synthetic fibers used to make nylon carpets from scratch are costly, translating to a higher cost per square foot. Recycling sustainable carpets from old materials isn’t cheap, so the recyclability and environmental benefits come at a cost.
Like most synthetic fibers, nylon cannot regulate temperature like a carpet made from organic products can. Materials like wool stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while nylon does the opposite. Nylon tends to trap moisture, leading to issues like mold if you’re not careful.
Of all the carpets on the market, nylon is the least soft. The stiff fibers that make nylon so durable do not make it comfortable or snuggly. For people who prefer a cozy soft carpet, options like wool or cut-pile carpet would be ideal.
When you rub your feet together on carpet, electricity forms through friction. Static electricity can give an unsuspecting jolt when running on a nylon carpet. If you live in a dry climate, static electricity is more likely to happen as there is no moisture to absorb the shock.
How long a nylon carpet lasts depends on the quality of its fibers. If you purchase a brand-new nylon carpet and place it in a room that doesn’t see too much foot traffic, it can last upwards of twelve to fifteen years. However, a nylon carpet with lower-quality fibers might only last three to five years. If you’re looking to invest in a new type of carpet, make sure to factor in the average lifespan of the carpet.
Now that you know these nylon carpet pros and cons, if you’re looking for a carpet to accommodate a bustling family of active children or outdoor animals, nylon would be a superb carpet for your needs. However, if you are looking for a soft, temperature-regulated flooring option, nylon likely won’t fit your needs.
At Carpets To Go, we can handle any of your carpet considerations. With almost 30 years of experience and a vast showroom of options, we’ve seen it all and can recommend the best carpet for your needs. Additionally, we offer a mobile showroom to-go. Call us today at 425-441-3658 for a free quote on nylon carpet!
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Carpet is an ideal flooring option for many reasons. Its soft plushness makes for a comfortable experience and great insulation. However, because a carpet is a good insulator, it is highly prone to mold.
A few key signs of mold in a carpet make the identification process quick and easy. Here are a few tips on how to detect mold in carpets.
What does mold on carpets look like? To test the carpet for mold, you first need to examine the carpet thoroughly. A visual inspection for signs of mold will show different things depending on the type of mold your carpet may have. Typically, mold spores discolor the carpet on the affected areas as green, brown, black, or white.
When cleaning a carpet, a largely overlooked area is the underside of the carpet. A detailed inspection is necessary if you have padding between your carpet and baseboards. Mold-in carpets may reside on the bottom.
Mold growth is probably present if your carpet has an unpleasant musty odor. Odor inspections are necessary mold tests as healthy carpets do not retain bad smells. A bad smell is a sure sign of mold in carpets.
Anyone can purchase home testing kits to detect mold in carpets. These tests include Petri-dishes, tapes, and pens that change color to reveal if mold growth is present. Most mold home testing kits require 24 to 48 hours to show signs of mold.
If you are having trouble determining whether or not your carpets contain mold, call in the professionals. Mold in carpets can cause various health issues and spread if left unattended, so don’t delay. A full-service flooring company knows the signs to look out for to detect mold in carpets and has industry-leading detection tools to find mold in hard-to-reach places.
Mold in carpets can cause many health issues. People who are allergic to mold are at risk of developing respiratory ailments, and mold can even cause lung infections in immunocompromised children. Common reactions to mold in carpets include:
If mold is visible directly on the carpet, you and your loved ones may be in harm’s way. If the mold is white, green, brown, or black and appears circular, a carpet mold test is necessary. You may need to replace the carpet not only to address the health risks but also to restore your home’s clean carpet.
A stinking carpet wafts musty odors throughout the home and will not stop without removal. Odor issues make for an undesirable living environment and taint surrounding structural items. If you detect signs of mold due to a pungent smell, call the professionals at Carpet To Go right away.
Follow these quick and easy steps to determine if your carpets contain mold.
Touch the affected area to sense dampness if you’ve wondered how to check for mold after water damage. If the carpet is damp to the touch, water damage has affected it.
Signs of mold in carpets often reveal themselves as brown and black spots. Black mold is hazardous and can be the reason for health issues in the home.
Mold in carpet presents a musty odor that permeates the room. The rotten smell is a common trait of mold that chemical agents cannot effectively cover up. The best way to rid a home of odors related to mold is through carpet replacement.
A hidden culprit of mold in the carpet is growth under the carpet. Mold spores thrive in containment areas, and the underside of a carpet is no different.
Discolored stains on the carpet that appear at random are likely mold. A carpet mold test is the best way to determine whether mold is present.
Carpet To Go has provided unmatched service to the Seattle area for 30 years. Our team of professionals and expansive gallery give you the options you need to select your next carpet.
Carpet To Go adheres to the World Floor Covering Code of Conduct to ensure maximum professionalism. In addition, our inventory is always stocked with thousands of yards of carpet to ensure quick installation.
Are you still wondering how to detect mold in your carpets? Call Carpet To Go at 425-441-3658 to discuss the perfect replacement for you and your home!
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Are you wondering how to clean dirty grout in tile floors to keep your home looking clean and hygienic? Most people put off this tedious chore as long as possible. However, it does not have to be the last thing on your to-do list.
Here, we provide fail-safe techniques that detail the best way to clean grout in tile. Read on to make this task easier and enjoy your newly cleaned grout.
So, how do you clean grout in tile floors? Follow this simple technique for an easy way to clean grout in floor tiles.
The first step in how to get grout and tile clean is to brush it using warm water to loosen ingrained dirt.
Lifts ingrained dirt and grime from the grout. Do not use vinegar on unsealed grout.
Apply a baking soda paste, spray with vinegar, and allow to foam. Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush and then rinse with plain water before wiping dry.
Hydrogen peroxide lifts stubborn stains safely on unsealed and sealed grout. Mix with baking soda to make an effective tile and grout cleaning paste.
Oxygen bleach effectively cleans heavily stained grout. Always rinse with clean water and wipe dry to prevent the dirt from resettling into your grout lines.
Commercial grout stain removers effectively remove mold and mildew from grout lines. Brush gently and follow directions on the bottle to avoid damage.
Another effective how-to-clean-grout-on-tile-floor method that works particularly well on heavily soiled surfaces requires using a steam mop. Popular brands include Bissell, Hoover, and Oreck.
An important consideration when thinking about how to clean dirty grout in tile floors relates to chlorine bleach. Use this cleaner sparingly as it weakens and fades grout, causing cracking.
Thinking about how to clean grout lines in tile floors? You’ll need the following materials and equipment:
This grout works best for thin grout lines less than 1/8-inch wide. Use on delicate tile and glass tile surfaces or as unsealed grout.
Makes the best choice for joints 1/8-inch to 3/8-inch wide, providing stability and preventing shrinkage and cracking.
Quarry-type grout works best where the joints are 3/8-inch to ½-inch wide.
This grout is stain-resistant and strong, containing epoxy resin, hardener, and silica fillers.
Daily—we recommend scheduling professional grout and tile cleaning annually.
Professionals maintain the quality and strength of your tile without damage. They also know how to eliminate bacteria and other pathogens that could make you sick.
Yes. Grout is porous and stains easily; sealing prevents corrosion and cracking.
Grout generally takes 24–72 hours to dry.
Professionals avoid over-brushing and harsh cleaning agents that could corrode the grout. They also know how to remove dried grout and stubborn stains on tiles and grout without causing damage.
Yes. Use non-corrosive DIY grout cleaners, such as a mix of dishwashing soap, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda or a lemon juice and cream of tartar mix.
We hope this explainer informed you about how to clean grout from tile floors. At Carpet To Go, we are experts at restoring tile and grout safely without the risk of damage. We are the leading provider of services and products that meet all your flooring needs in and around Seattle.
Schedule an in-home estimate by calling (425) 440-3307 today, and we’ll get your tile and grout, whatever type it is, looking spotless and hygienic. Trust the expert team at Carpet To Go today.
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Removing carpet is a relatively easy project that takes only a few hours. However, not many homeowners know how to remove carpet. Fortunately, learning how to pull out carpet is simpler than you think.
Do you have an old or worn-out carpet? You can revamp your space by pulling out your carpet yourself. All you need is the right tools along with some know-how.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through safely removing your carpet.
You may have several reasons to remove carpet in your home. Some common reasons include:
Before tearing up carpet, you must have the right tools for the job. You should collect the following tools:
Fortunately, acquiring these items is straightforward. Once you have them, you’re ready to learn how to remove carpet.
These steps will teach you how to rip up carpet:
Clear your working area and put on all your safety equipment. This equipment includes safety glasses, protective gloves, knee pads, and a dust mask.
With the area clear and your safety gear on, vacuum the carpet thoroughly. Carpet removal brings up dust and debris including dried mold and mites. After vacuuming, you can proceed to take out the baseboards.
When removing the carpet, start pulling it from one corner, ensuring you avoid the tack strips around the edges. If the carpet doesn’t budge, use your utility knife to cut a small square from the corner. Then, pull on the larger section.
Use your utility knife or a carpet cutter to cut the carpet into strips. Make sure the strips are sizes you can roll up easily.
After cutting, roll the cut section and use duct tape to keep it from unrolling.
Tack strips are narrow pieces of wood that a carpet installer nails to the subfloor. Use your flat pry bar to remove them.
Most padding attaches the subfloor with stapling. So, removing it can be as easy as grabbing a seam and ripping.
Use your scraper to remove the adhesive from the carpet.
Take the rolled-up carpet and padding to your disposal area.
Clean and buff the floor, preparing it for the new carpet you plan to install.
Now you know how to tear up carpet. However, you may wonder whether you should remove it yourself or if you should get professional assistance.
Either option has its pros and cons. For instance, removing the carpet yourself saves you money but exposes you to potential risks. You could get hurt by the tack strips, damage the subfloor, or expose yourself to mold.
Alternatively, professional assistance costs more money. However, professional installation guarantees quality results.
If you opt for professional assistance, enjoy the quality results you deserve by contacting Carpet To Go.
Carpet To Go is the leading flooring provider in Bellevue, WA. We offer many flooring options including tile, laminate, and Marmoleum. We deliver top-quality floor removal, installation, and refinishing services.
Knowing how to remove carpet is a valuable skill. However, our team’s expertise allows us to deliver unmatched results. Call Carpet To Go at 425-441-3658 to learn more.
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Laminate and vinyl floors are two of the most popular flooring options. These materials make up roughly 42% of new flooring installations, showing just how beloved they are.
But why are these floors so popular, and what is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring? Below, we will examine what each flooring option is, what sets them apart, and which is best for your home.
Traditional vinyl floors are sturdy, four-layer flooring solutions that offer a range of aesthetic and functional benefits. There are several different kinds of vinyl flooring, each with a unique appearance, advantages, and drawbacks.
You’ll have many different options to select from if you choose vinyl floor installation over laminate, but these three choices are the most common for homeowners:
Pro and Cons of Vinyl Flooring
All vinyl floors are highly moisture-resistant. These plastic-based floors will withstand water puddles for hours without any signs of deterioration and are durable against other stains and damage as well. Additionally, many vinyl floors are easy for DIY technicians to install without help.
But while vinyl is one of the most durable flooring options, it’s extremely heavy as a result. And while some vinyl floors are easy to install, others aren’t as friendly to flooring amateurs.
Laminate floors are made from fiberboard that comes from wood, giving them a realistic wood-floor appearance without the exorbitant costs of genuine wood planks. Given its material and construction, laminate flooring comes with a long list of unique pros and cons.
Fiberboard is a cost-friendly material, making laminate floors some of the most affordable flooring options available. On average, laminate floors cost $3 per square foot, but you can find cheaper alternatives that mimic the exact appearance of natural wood for as low as $1 per square foot. Additionally, laminate wood flooring is comfortable on bare feet, despite its rigid build.
However, floors made from cheap materials also have their drawbacks. Laminate floors wear down quickly and will need replacing at least once a decade. Additionally, laminate is not a highly water-resistant substance, so you won’t have the luxury of a waterproof laminate floor in high-moisture areas.
The few critical differences between vinyl and laminate floorings make each a better fit for specific rooms and homeowners.
Now that you know the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring, we can look closer at which materials best match your needs.
Laminate is best when you need floors for spaces with minimal moisture. Since laminate is less water-resistant than vinyl, putting it in a room like a bathroom or a kitchen where it will be near constantly running water is just asking for detrimental floor staining.
Due to this, and because laminate is more comfortable than vinyl, it commonly goes in bedrooms. Laminate flooring is an especially strong solution for large bedrooms since it’s typically more cost-effective than vinyl.
Vinyl flooring is the best choice if you need a highly durable, element-resistant floor with a design more unique than traditional wood. Because it’s so strong against water, vinyl is perfect for bathrooms, basements, kitchens, or any space near water-based appliances.
Once you know the difference between laminate and vinyl floors and decide on your ideal solution, you need a team you can trust to provide you with the best-quality floors at a manageable price. So, if you’re ready for new flooring, look no further than Carpet To Go.
Carpet To Go is Seattle’s leading flooring expert. Our vinyl and laminate flooring contractors are dedicated to bringing the best to your home and will set you up with a product that will transform your house from top to bottom.
Contact Carpet To Go today at (425) 689-7559 to learn more.
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Many homeowners believe that a vinyl floor installation is simple—it’s just peel-and-stick, right? If you don’t use the correct installation techniques (even with adhesive tiles), your brand-new floor could end up warping and peeling. Fortunately, we’ve got a step-by-step guide right here. Let’s get started!
Vinyl is undoubtedly one of the most popular choices for flooring, primarily because it’s inexpensive. In addition to its low cost, vinyl flooring has virtually endless customization options, and certain types closely mimic more expensive flooring materials, like wood, tile, stone, etc.
This type of flooring consists of 100% synthetic raw material layers surrounding a dense core. Each type of flooring is slightly different, but most contain the same primary materials:
Vinyl Sheet Flooring Installation: Sheet vinyl comes on a big roll in one sheet, making it an ideal flooring choice to cover large areas.
Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Flooring Tiles: These tiles are square and flexible, with an adhesive backing that makes installation a cinch.
Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation: This type comes in narrow, rectangular pieces that replicate the look of authentic hardwood flooring.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Installation: Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are thick, durable, and created using 3D printing technology; they’re also the most expensive type.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for your next vinyl flooring installation project.
When starting the vinyl floor installation process, your first step is choosing the type you want. Pick between the four major categories—sheet, plank, adhesive, and luxury—and consider aesthetic, intended function, and your budget.
Disassemble the Room: Remove the furniture, rugs, breakables, and any other valuables.
Remove the Baseboards: Use a crowbar or pry bar to loosen and gently remove the baseboards.
Clear Away the Floor Trim Molding: Removing any trim or molding that touches the floor is a critical part of the vinyl plank installation process.
Pull Out the Trim Nails: Carefully remove the remaining trim nails by pulling them straight through the backside of the molding.
Mark the Center of the Room: Measure and mark the center of the room using a snap line and chalk.
Measure the Walls: From the center of the wall, measure to the starting point (don’t forget to subtract the 5/16-inch expansion gap), then mark it at the end of the wall. Use your snap line to mark a straight line on the floor across the wall’s length.
Calculate the Width: For a vinyl plank installation, use the calculation (room width/plank width); for sheet vinyl, measure normally, and then add three inches extra on all sides.
Mark the Vinyl: Measure and mark the vinyl pieces to ensure they’ll fit snugly.
Cut and Fit for Protrusion: Use a utility knife to lightly score the vinyl a few times, then bend it to snap it apart. Ensure that the cut pieces fit without protruding,
Position the Vinyl: Position the cut pieces on the floor to test for fit.
Trim and Fit: Trim any protruding pieces for a tight fit, with no bumps or waves.
Apply Adhesive: If necessary, apply the adhesive and place the vinyl securely in its final position.
Reinstall the Molding: Finally, reinstall the molding, trim, and baseboards.
One of the primary attractions of vinyl flooring for many homeowners is the relatively low cost of materials, labor, and installation. However, your vinyl floor installation cost will vary based on the square footage you need, the type of vinyl you choose, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional.
Cost range: $900 to $3,432
National average: $2,151
Average per square foot: $2 to $12
Vinyl plank installation cost
Materials: $2 to $5 per square foot ($2.50 to $7 for luxury vinyl plank flooring)
Labor: $3 to $10 per square foot
Sheet vinyl flooring installation cost
Materials: $.50 to $2 per square foot
Labor: $1 to $2 per square foot
At Carpet To Go, we have everything you need to tackle your next vinyl floor installation, including luxury and standard tiles, planks, and sheeting in virtually every design and color combination imaginable. We’ve provided Seattle and the surrounding areas with quality flooring at highly competitive prices for over two decades.
Visit us in-store or browse online to see our enormous selection of vinyl, carpeting, laminate, and hardwood flooring. Call us today at (425) 689-7664 to schedule an in-home installation or learn more about our affordable flooring choices in Seattle, WA.
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Tile installation and flooring are among the most popular options for homes and businesses. Luxury vinyl tile flooring and floor tile options, such as ceramic and porcelain, are generally durable and cost-effective and have low maintenance requirements.
However, correct installation is critical to get the best value from your new tile flooring. This guide takes an in-depth look at carrying out a living room, kitchen, or bathroom tile installation.
Before you can install your new tile floor, you need the proper materials:
A tile flooring installation project requires the following tools:
Thorough preparation is necessary to ensure that your tiling project is a success:
Now that your thinset mixture is ready, you can start installing your tile floor. Thinset takes around 40 minutes to harden, depending on the product you use, so plan the timing of your installation project accordingly.
The cost of a tile project installation depends on various factors, including the tile type, the floor area you want to cover, and the necessary preparations. On average, you can expect to pay around $10 to $25 per square foot for materials and installation. The average labor cost ranges from $4 to $35 per square foot.
At Carpet To Go, we are a leading tile floor supplier and installer serving Seattle, WA, and the surrounding areas. If you want to replace your old floor, we will provide you with a comprehensive and one-stop solution, ensuring that you receive lasting value for money. To shop our wide range of available floor tiles or schedule an installation, call us today at 206-693-4543.
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Due to its use on DIY home improvement/house flipping shows, bamboo flooring has been generating tremendous buzz recently. Not only is it an extremely durable flooring material, but when properly finished and maintained it is less susceptible to moisture and high humidity.
Many builders, renovators, and homeowners are choosing bamboo flooring for their bathrooms to give them a hardwood look that is fresh and unique.
Bamboo flooring isn’t new: it’s been around for decades, and the renewed interest in bamboo for hardwood flooring has seen a revival thanks to the sustainable housing movement.
Many construction companies and developers are also turning to bamboo floors as a way to “go green” when sourcing their building materials.
Why is bamboo so much more sustainable? These plants have a rapid growth rate (sometimes as much as several inches in a day), and so they can be harvested and regrown in far shorter periods than hardwood trees. This makes bamboo ideal for preserving natural resources without compromising on the quality and durability of building materials.
It may look like wood, but bamboo is a grass that possesses tough, durable fibers used in construction and commercial applications for thousands of years. The bamboo used in flooring undergoes a series of manufacturing processes that cut them into strips, shreds them to separate the fibers, and bonds them into a sturdy square using heat, pressure, and adhesives.
There are three types of bamboo flooring used in manufacturing:
Vertical bamboo has a striped grain, while horizontal has the “knuckled” look most people think of when they think of bamboo floors. Strand grain, the most expensive type of hardwood floor is actually a weave of bamboo fibers that are interlocked for superior strength and durability. Bamboo is an ideal choice for sustainable hardwood flooring that preserves old-growth hardwood forests.
There are a lot of options for bamboo floors in bathroom and kitchen environments, including:
Of these, the best bamboo flooring options for bathrooms and other damp environments are solid strand bamboo and engineered rigid core strand bamboo.
While bamboo is a more sustainable source for flooring and provides high quality, lower cost option for putting in a hardwood bathroom floor, there are some concerns about certain sources of bamboo flooring.
For example, while it is a greener choice that’s better for the environment and reduces harvesting pressure on exotic hardwoods, the manufacturing processes in countries where the bamboo flooring is made are largely unregulated.
This oversight means some brands of bamboo flooring have a greater potential to contain toxic substances in the adhesive and finish including formaldehyde. Furthermore, the factories in these countries that manufacture bamboo flooring can often generate a larger carbon footprint due to lax emissions standards overseas.
Ecologically conscious consumers seeking to use bamboo flooring should verify their flooring is certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council, as products bearing their seal of approval practice ethical and ecologically sound harvesting and manufacturing processes.
Ready to install a bamboo floor in your bathroom? First, consider the practical advantages and disadvantages of a bamboo bathroom floor.
Here’s a quick rundown:
Now that you understand the pros and cons of putting bamboo floors in bathrooms and other areas of the house, it’s time to learn how bamboo flooring is installed.
If you’re wondering, “How do you install bamboo floors in bathroom?” Here is a sampling of the installation process used by the flooring pros here at Carpet to Go for tongue and groove flooring:
Remove existing flooring and scrub the subfloor clean. If the subfloor isn’t level, then you’ll need to repair holes or dips to ensure an even subfloor surface. Use a concrete moisture meter to ensure the concrete is dry.
Because it is a natural product, your bamboo flooring will need to acclimatize to the room’s environment prior to installation. Lay your boxes of flooring in the bathroom and allow them to sit there for at least 48 hours. Skipping this step and installing bamboo flooring in the bathroom without letting it acclimatize can result in warped floors.
One of the charming characteristics of bamboo flooring is that each plank varies in shade and pattern. Sort out your flooring before installation, creating piles of dark, medium, and light planks, and once you begin laying the floor, stagger the colors around the bathroom to enhance their natural look.
Now it’s time to install your new tongue and groove bamboo flooring! Here’s a list of the tools you’ll need to get started:
To help the bamboo flooring in your bathroom stand the test of time, it’s important to start your installation by laying down a 3-in-1 underlayment on the subfloor. A high-quality underlayment protects your flooring from moisture and, as an added bonus, helps soundproof the room.
Start laying your bamboo flooring, making sure that you leave a ¼” to ½” gap between the flooring and any walls, cabinets, fireplaces, or other elements. The best way to maintain this gap is to use expansion spacers, placing them between the flooring and the wall or whatever other structure the flooring is pushing against.
With changing seasons and humidity, your bamboo flooring will expand and contract. These spaces are necessary to allow the flooring to fluctuate safely.
Since these are directions for a tongue and groove flooring, make sure that you squirt a generous amount of glue in the inside seam of the groove prior to sliding the next plank in place.
Once you’ve applied the glue, push the next plank into position and use your rubber mallet to lock the tongue and groove together firmly.
For maximum security, use bamboo flooring tape to hold the planks together. Remove tape after 10 or so hours.
It’s likely that you’ll need to cut your final row of planks lengthwise, in order to fit them into place. Remember to cut them so that ¼” to ½” of space is left between the flooring and the wall.
Bottom line, the pro versus con of installing a bamboo floor in your bathroom comes down to three points to ponder: source, quality, and design. If ethical and ecologically sound sourcing is important to you, then do your homework and be prepared to spend a bit more on your bamboo flooring.
DIYers and renovators concerned about potential long-term humidity damage should research engineered and well-finished bamboo flooring designed to be less susceptible to absorbing water. Lastly, it would be best if you made sure that the available shades of bamboo flooring will work with the palette of your bathroom design.
Provided you consider these three important points, installing a high-quality bamboo floor in your bathroom can be an investment that pays dividends for years to come.
For nearly 30 years, Carpet To Go has helped home, and business owners select the best flooring for their unique situations. Our massive showroom enables you to get up close and personal with 1,000’s flooring options. Our full-service installation department can usually get your new floor installed within 7 days of your purchase.
If you’re unsure which kind of bamboo flooring is best for your bathroom, or if you’d like to schedule our professional flooring installers to put a gorgeous new floor in your home, contact Carpet To Go today.
Areas We Serve:
Seattle Bamboo Flooring | Bellevue Bamboo Flooring | Redmond Bamboo Flooring | Kirkland Bamboo Flooring | Sammamish Bamboo Flooring | Shoreline Bamboo Flooring | Issaquah Bamboo Flooring | Lynnwood Bamboo Flooring