Home Ideas

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

Often cast aside as a style that doesn’t offer form and function, laminate is actually a jack-of-all-trades material that deserves serious consideration for your home.
Budget-friendly, hardwearing, and easy to install, laminate is the accessible flooring built to withstand pretty much anything and look good doing it, with plenty of options available at The Home Depot.
First, a few clarifications

Laminate is not the same as engineered hardwood, which has a plywood core and a thin veneer of actual hardwood on its surface (for more on hardwood — engineered and not — visit letter H). Instead, laminate is a type of flooring made up of several layers, detailed below from the bottom up:
A moisture-repelling base layer, often made from melamine or plastic, that gives the boards stability
A resin-soaked fiberboard “core” layer, which helps give laminate its signature dent-resistant properties
A “print” or “design” layer, where a pattern of the material the laminate will resemble — like a hardwood such as oak or natural stone — is placed
A protective “wear” layer of clear, hard plastic or resin that secures the print layer and coats the top
Thanks to its construction method, laminate’s design options are pretty much endless, from the “pattern” itself to the type of finish that makes it extra durable. Since the planks are pre-finished ahead of installation, there will be no unwelcome surprises about mismatched colors or differences in wood grain when it arrives.

It can stand up to (almost!) anything
Due to its layered method of production, laminate is one of the best materials on the market for high-traffic areas. High-quality laminate can be counted on to stand up to toy spills in living rooms and soccer cleat stampedes in entryways for at least a decade (and often two). However, it’s still important to take into consideration just how much repetitive motion the flooring will see, particularly when it comes to selecting the finish of the top “wear” layer.

Lansbury Oak 7 mm Thick x 8.03 in. Wide x 47.64 in. Length Laminate Flooring (23.91 sq. ft. / case)
TrafficMASTER homedepot.com
$11.71

Hayes River Oak 12mm Thick x 7-9/16 in. Wide x 50-5/8 in. Length Water Resistant Laminate Flooring (15.95 sq. ft./case)
Home Decorators Collection homedepot.com
$30.14

Outlast+ Paradise Jatoba 10 mm Thick x 5-1/4 in. Wide x 47-1/4 in. Length Laminate Flooring (13.74 sq. ft. / case)
Pergo homedepot.com
$38.33

The rule of thumb is to save “high gloss” laminate for less-busy spaces, and choose a more forgiving finish — like something low gloss, embossed, or one that’s been “hand-scraped” to look like wood — for places where a dog-and-cat wrestling match might break out.

Due to its method of production, laminate is one of the best materials on the market for high-traffic areas.

For additional help in selecting an appropriate product, consult the laminate abrasion class (AC) rating system, which was created in 1994 to help customers understand a certain product’s durability. Numerical rankings range from AC1 (laminate that is suitable for moderate wear, like a guest bedroom) to AC6 (laminate that is suitable for a public space, like a grocery store). Almost all laminates for home use will fall somewhere in between AC1 and AC3, a category of laminate designed for busy residential interiors. Any number above an AC3 is generally uncomfortably hard for normal at-home activities, like walking in socks, and definitely not what you want to feel underfoot when sneaking downstairs for a midnight bowl of ice cream.

Installation is a snap (and lock)
Like most engineered hardwood, the majority of laminate planks are installed using “click-and-lock” technology, interlocking securely atop a previously existing floor or subfloor without using any sort of adhesive, nails, or other agents. (It’s sometimes called a “floating floor” for this reason.) This approachable installation method — in addition to laminate’s reasonable price point — makes it a popular option for people who are on a budget or might want to DIY a flooring upgrade.

Pro Flooring Installation Kit for Vinyl, Laminate and Hardwood Flooring
Roberts homedepot.com
$32.55

“For this kind of floating floor, you need very few tools,” says general contractorJoe Truini. He notes that the tools you do need — like a tapping block to ensure boards are securely set in place — can easily be purchased in a kit. “You might not even need a saw, and could possibly just rent a laminate flooring cutter that looks like a giant paper-cutter guillotine.”Boards typically come in either 8 millimeter or 12 millimeter thickness, and unless the laminate is made with pre-attached underlayment, a high-quality underlayment is necessary for creating a walking surface that doesn’t feel uncomfortably hard and uncushioned. (Visit letter U to learn more about underlayment.) Generally speaking, thicker laminate is more forgiving in installation, which helps hide any dings or nicks in the subflooring, and feels more like hardwood. It’s also a strong contender for a place where actual hardwood can’t go: basements.

But, notably, it’s best to keep this flooring out of bathrooms and laundry rooms, since the majority of laminate doesn’t stand up well to pooling water.

Play by the rules

CKS01 Hardwood & Laminate Cleaning System Kit (with Terry Cloth Mop Cover) by
Bruce homedepot.com
$23.98

This might seem like a no-brainer but, particularly for laminate, do not skip over the manufacturers’ instructions — or risk potentially losing your warranty. This attentiveness doesn’t end after your floors have been beautifully installed by the book. On the contrary, it’s every bit as important, if not more so, for how you tackle cleaning and upkeep over the lifespan of the flooring.

“Laminate floors are more resistant, but that doesn’t mean that they’re bullet proof,” says Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping’s Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Director. She notes that most laminate manufacturers recommend specific cleaning products for their floors. “The point is that you don’t want to damage the finish, and you also don’t want to leave a residue, because residue will dull the floor.” More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

Beauty and durability can sometimes be at odds when it comes to interiors. Heirloom wool armchairs with hand-embroidered peacocks? Beautiful, but easily damaged. Rubber workout tiles in your basement home gym? They get the job done, but not exactly what you’d put in the living room. Finding that rara avis of product design that combines pretty with practical is thrilling, and porcelain tile is both.
Made from a finer, denser clay, and fired at a higher temperature, porcelain is naturally harder and less porous than other kinds of ceramic tiles. This makes it ideal for sinks and other bathroom fixtures, as well as flooring — and The Home Depot stocks hundreds of styles, from simple white penny tiles and subtle squares to exciting patterns and elegant marble impersonators. But style isn’t its only special quality — here are four reasons why it sits in a category of its own.

A wet environment is no problem

Wind River Beige 6 in. x 24 in. Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile (448 sq. ft. / pallet)
Florida Tile Home Collection homedepot.com
$721.73

Fine-grained and ultra-smooth, porcelain is far more impervious to water than other types of ceramic tile. While the bulk of ceramic tile receives a glaze that works to repel water, porcelain is the only type that must have a water absorption rate of 0.5 or lower as defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials. This means it’s a clear choice for bathrooms, mud rooms, or any space where a more porous surface might be harmed by repeat exposure to water droplets, splashes, or wet towels left on the floor. (Hey, it happens.) Porcelain is also the strongest option for any outdoor tiling situation — if you’re in an outdoor-tile-friendly climate zone, that is. (For more on outdoor flooring, see letter O!)

It’s hardier than other tile

Since porcelain is one of the hardest types of tile, it’s a go-to for high-traffic areas. Its superpower is withstanding whatever life throws its way without showing signs of wear, whether that’s attempted scuffings, stain-making incidents, and dings from dropped dishes. If a chip does pop out, porcelain has a steadfast color throughout the tile, minimizing the visibility of the damage. Most other ceramic tiles, on the other hand, have a different color beneath the visible glaze. (Encaustic tile is an exception to this, and to learn more about it, visit letter E.)
Of course, being the toughest tile on the block does come with some downsides. It’s particularly heavy and somewhat more difficult to cut than regular ceramic tile, so it can be tricky to install (but easier than natural stone if that’s the look you want). And while it follows all the same grouting and tile-laying protocol we’ve outlined in letter G, it’s important to guarantee that the underlayment can support the weight of the tile itself (particularly if you’re working on an upper-level of a building or in an older home).

There are so many patterned options

Madison Hex Matte 11-7/8 in. x 10-1/4 in. x 6mm Cool White with Black Dot Porcelain Mosaic Tile
Merola Tile homedepot.com
$3.89

If you’ve decided to use porcelain tile, but also want a geometric pattern for added interest, Jessica Pleasants, project manager at Godwin Residential Construction in New York City, cautions against getting too wild with your Escher-like creation. “It’s important to consider how the design is going to look in four or five years,” she advises, noting that patterns can look dated in a short amount of time. “If you want to use a geometric pattern, go with something a little bit more subtle that has that geometric look but isn’t overly bold.”

It’s a chameleon-like material
Porcelain is also much-beloved because it can mirror practically any type of natural stone, or even a wood grain, while providing durability and longevity.

12 in. x 24 in. Kolasus White Polished Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile (16 sq. ft./case)
Home Decorators Collection homedepot.com
$31.84

“I think porcelain tile is a good alternative to marble because it’s less porous and easier to maintain,” says interior designer Laura Umansky, who loves how easy it is to care for porcelain with simple mopping and soap-and-water spot treatment.

General contractor Joe Truini used porcelain tile that looks like tumbled granite in one of his bathrooms. He says the difference between natural stone materials and porcelain copycats comes down to simplicity of installation, uniform tile cuts, and durability. “The downside of natural stone is Mother Earth made it a billion years ago, and someone carved it out of the earth: there are defects in it,” he says. And yet, he points out, natural stone is often far more expensive than porcelain. “The [porcelain version] is uniform in strength, thickness, and size. It makes it easier to lay.” More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

When jetting off for a saltwater-soaked beach getaway or a woodsy romantic weekend isn’t feasible, an at-home outdoor space can step in (and step up!) and become the low-key backyard oasis you need, minus the plane ticket. And while recreating the feeling of sand between your toes probably isn’t realistic, choosing the right flooring for your outdoor area is the first step towards making every day feel (kind of) like a vacation on your home turf.
Below are several outdoor flooring materials available at The Home Depot to consider when turning your outdoor space into a just-out-the-door getaway.

Area Rugs
A simple-to-execute option is to incorporate an outdoor-friendly area rug, and The Home Depot has a number from which to choose. Natural fibers, like jute, are durable and have an earthy, neutral look, while patterned outdoor rugs can bring a burst of color to a home’s exterior.
Look for rugs that are designated “moisture-proof” or “water-resistant” and, if possible, keep them under awnings, umbrellas, or other covered areas to ensure the least amount of fading from the sun’s rays.

Tile

Vulkon Nero 24 in. x 24 in. Porcelain Paver Tile (14 pieces / 56 sq. ft. / pallet)
MSI homedepot.com
$340.34

Tile is another go-to option to consider when designing your backyard paradise — but it only works well under the right conditions.

Tile floors are commonplace in Florida sunrooms and indoor-outdoor lounging areas across the Southwest, but they are susceptible to cracking in the seasonal cycles of colder climates. Tile is great, says Clements, in “places where you don’t have a freeze and thaw situation, and where you use an appropriate outdoor tile — one that’s not slippery when it gets wet.” He adds that you also need to use the proper adhesives for exterior applications of tile, which differ from the indoor versions.If you live in a more temperate climate, brick is a hardier option that can provide a similar feel to tile while standing up to the weather. It’s naturally slip-resistant, unquestionably durable, and in it for the long haul.
Artificial Grass

Deluxe Artificial Grass Synthetic Lawn Turf,15 ft. W
RealGrass homedepot.com
$46.50

Climate aside, if you’re itching to turn a patch of steamy backyard concrete into something a little bit greener, artificial grass (also called “artificial turf”) might be your flooring of choice. Available in large rolls or plug-and-play tiles, artificial turf is an appealing option if you’re yearning for a hint of greenery, but don’t want the trouble of jackhammering asphalt, sodding, watering, and then (of course) mowing.

But don’t envision this as the astroturf of baseball fields. The artificial turf of today is truly grass-like — nothing plasticky or stiff about it! — and is perfect for kids and pets who romp around. (Many versions even come with built-in cooling technology). The interlocking tiles are particularly convenient because there is no stapling or adhesive required, and they can fit into almost any space, from a high-rise balcony to a full-scale outdoor kitchen. They’re also self-draining, and as for the maintenance? Let’s just say you’ll never have to rev up the weed-whacker.

Composite Wood

15/16 in. x 5-1/4 in. x 12 ft. Brown Square Edge Capped Composite Decking Board
Veranda homedepot.com
$19.77

If you’re interested in the look of hardwood without the potential hassle and expense of upkeep, composite wood decking — made from a blend of sawdust and plastic — is a budget-friendly option that’s appealing to buyers for its stain-repelling status and resistance to UV light (aka no fading). It retains more heat than traditional hardwood, though, so is best for areas that have at least a partially-shaded section.

Hardwood

As a general rule, the hardwoods that work for indoor flooring aren’t the best for an outdoor porch or patio area. Even pressure-treated pine, which you’ve probably stood on while barbecuing at a friend’s house, often turns a yellow-green color after exposure to the elements over the years.
Red cedar is a warm, brick-hued hardwood that’s highly resistant to all outside forces that might cause harm, including sun, cold, rain and bugs! It even develops a sophisticated, silvery tinge over the years. (We like to think of it as the “silver fox” of outdoor flooring.)
Redwood also holds up well against the elements and is highly rot-resistant, particularly when treated with a clear sealant.
Southern yellow pine is another contender when pressure-treated. (Pressure-treated wood has been penetrated with preservative chemicals that help it stand up to the elements.)
In all cases, take into consideration whether the outdoor area will be fully or partially covered (if only partially, expect some fading overtime) as well as the wood’s hardness and durability (for more on this, see letter J for Janka Scale).
Moreover, selecting the appropriate flooring for an outdoor space—unlike indoor flooring, which is much less impacted by what’s going on outside your house—depends largely upon geography. For example, general contractor Mark Clement notes that, living in New England, he often sees century-old porches that were built with Douglas fir. But, he says, “in warmer climates, you have to worry more about insects, so you’re going to need pressure-treated lumber.” More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

Even though you don’t see it after installation, the quality of any tiling project rests on mortar, the thick cement and sand adhesive that secures tiles to a home’s subfloor, or substrate. Selecting the right mortar is paramount, especially if you’re planning to DIY a tile floor. You might not want a version that dries so fast you can’t get tiles secured in the right place, but you also don’t want a process that drags on so long that you’re quite literally watching the floor dry.
Fortunately, there’s a type of mortar out there for every tiling project — many of which are available at The Home Depot — as well as some handy quick-setting products that don’t require it at all.

The makeup of mortar
Made out of cement, sand and a water-retaining agent, mortar keeps tiles firmly grounded, typically with a layer between a 3/16” and a 1/4”. Its mud-like texture also creates a connective barrier between the tiles and the subfloor, ensuring that excess moisture doesn’t leach through.
Much like grout, which fills the gaps in between tiles, mortar is available in mix-on-site or pre-mixed varieties, and which version you choose often depends on the space you’re working with and the type of tile that’s being used. (Just remember that once you mix up the dry version, you’ll have to move quickly to use it all or discard what’s left over!)

Modified vs. unmodified
The most common type of mortar used for indoor flooring projects is a modified thinset mortar. (You’ll find many companies and contractors use the terms “thinset” and “mortar” interchangeably: confusing, but common.)
The Layers of Tile Flooring

Made with plastic or latex polymers mixed in — which gives the mortar increased long-term performance and bond strength — modified thinset mortar repels mold growth and can really stand up to the elements with its flexibility: no shrinking or contracting based on changes in temperature or moisture levels. These properties make modified thinset mortar ideal for flooring areas of the home that will have to stand up to splashing or pooling water, like bathrooms (or tiled shower floors), laundry rooms and mud rooms. A soaking wet dog plodding in from the rain won’t even phase it.
Unmodified thinset mortar doesn’t have additional polymers in the mix, but is the mortar of choice in some specific circumstances, like when installing natural stone or when you’re working with a product that uses a moisture barrier over the subfloor. Both modified and unmodified thinset can also even out any small imperfections in the substrate before the tile goes down and is ready to be grouted.
For larger tiles, a medium-bed mortar is the way to go, which can be applied up to ½” thick and creates a significant barrier between the substrate and the tile itself, useful if a settling foundation shifts or cracks over time. Due to its use of coarse sand, though, medium-bed mortar takes significantly longer to dry than thinset: up to 72 hours.

Make it quick (setting)
So, when does it make sense to use quick-setting mortar, or no mortar at all?
When it comes to quick-setting mortar, small jobs like a shower floor and repairs are a great place to start for homeowners. The sweet spot for product quality and fast installation is a fortified, quick-setting mortar like SpeedSet thinset mortar, which dries in roughly six hours time.
(It’s worth pointing out that one of the most prominent “quick dry” options is epoxy tile mortar, which is water and chemical resistant with shock-proof bonding ability. But this product’s greatest strengths is why it’s typically only used by professional installers: the mortar sets completely in about two hours once spread, and its “pot life” — how long it can stay in the bucket without hardening — is only about 45 minutes.)
And then there are new, innovative products like Quictile by Daltile, which flips the whole notion of mortar on its head.

QuicTile 12 in. x 24 in. Calacatta Marble Polished Porcelain Locking Floor Tile (9.6 sq. ft. / case)
Daltile homedepot.com
$47.90

This type of tile uses three simple steps and what is known as the “floating floor” method to give you brand new flooring in as little as a day. Simply lay down the correct foam underlayment on top of an existing hard surface, click together the tiles of your choice (like marble-looking porcelain or driftwood-esque porcelain), seal with grout, and it’s a wrap. No need to rip out old flooring, no waiting on mortar to dry, and no racing against the clock if it starts hardening too quickly.
Whether you’re quick-setting, going a more traditional route, or trying a time-saver like Quictile, it bears repeating (yet again!) to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and make sure to measure properly to ensure the tile doesn’t end up obstructing any doorways or thresholds. Your tile (and sanity) will thank you. More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

If you’re accustomed to figuring out or completing home improvement projects on your own, knowing when to ask for help can, er, be a challenge. But one small slip-up, or one warning sign ignored could potentially snowball into a much bigger issue down the road, which might not only derail your project, but put your whole house in danger — particularly when you’re talking about flooring.
The Home Depot has a team of licensed flooring installers who can help with anything from carpet to hardwood. But it’s helpful to know what situations might constitute a red flag — here are 5 problems to be aware of that could necessitate help from experts (be they an exterminator or contractor).

Problem: You’re removing potentially hazardous old flooring
Many types of flooring and flooring adhesives common in the mid-20th century didn’t adhere to the environmental and health-conscious practices of today. This is particularly true when it comes to asbestos black mastic: a type of adhesive used well into the late 1970s that contains a fibrous material (asbestos) which can cause mesothelioma, a type of cancer.
If you remove old vinyl, tile or linoleum and see a black, thick adhesive, do not try and scrape it up, scrub it or grind it off. Instead, ask an expert to come in and assess the situation. If it is asbestos black mastic, a professional will likely advise you to leave it in place — not remove it!— and cover it with sealant and new flooring.

Problem: Your house has serious structural issues

Ah, older homes: they’re full of charming details and enough character that we can overlook their minor imperfections — until those flaws turn into major problems. If you’re preparing for a flooring job and notice any of the following, it’s best to call in an expert:

A sloping or sagging floor, which can indicate weakened or broken floor joists
Doors and windows that stick when you try to close them, which can indicate issues with the home’s foundation
Paint that’s blistering on the walls, which can point to excess moisture in places it shouldn’t be, like the walls and floors
Major cracks in existing tile, which could signal foundational issues
A chimney that’s leaning significantly or has cracks in the external mortar
Fixer-uppers can be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make an existing, perhaps historic structure wholly your own, but if the bones of the house aren’t right, you’re likely in for future headaches.

Problem: You notice some creepy crawlers

No one likes to think about little critters scuttling into their homes, but when it comes to flooring projects, some types of bugs are more important to check for than others. Namely: termites. If you see any collections of small, translucent wings around the perimeter of your home, tiny holes in your structural wood or “mud tunnels” through damaged wood, termites have probably taken up residence, and need to be dealt with promptly.

Problem: You don’t understand the instructions
Most flooring materials — laminate, vinyl, grout, you name it — come with extremely specific instructions for how to complete a proper installation, and must be followed to the letter or you risk losing your warranty (yikes!). If you feel completely lost after digging into the instruction manual, don’t take a “try it and see!” approach. Ask an expert for a consultation before you make a mistake that can’t be taken back easily.

Problem: You have water issues

Water damage is a nightmare for homeowners, particularly when it comes to flooring. If there’s any history of water damage inside a home (basement flooding, slow-leaking refrigerator line, etc.) or you notice any signs of water damage — water rings on the ceiling or walls, a mildew-like smell inside the room where you’re planning to work — it’s best to ask an expert to assess the situation before you lay the first tile.

Problem: Your safety is in jeopardy
If there’s ever a point where you feel in over your head — a tool that’s a little too unfamiliar, a material that’s become unmanageable, or you run into a potentially dangerous unforeseen problem (like sketchy electrical wiring or crude, previously-done renovations), call in an expert to help. There’s no need to try and be a hero. More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

Water finds its way onto floors throughout a home, whether via that post-shower tip-toe, a dripping colander, or rain-soaked galoshes.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to protect flooring against the wrath water can unleash (mold, mildew and decay, oh my!), no matter what kind of material is underfoot. Whether you are installing tile, laminate, vinyl or hardwood, here are methods and products — all of which you can find at The Home Depot — that can bring peace of mind when water is present.

Tile
Tile is often seen in bathrooms, entryways and mudrooms not just for its good looks and durability, but because it’s often fairly impenetrable to water, particularly if it’s porcelain tile (for more on it, visit the letter P). The grout that fills in between tiles, though, is porous and susceptible to water damage — it needs a little additional help in repelling moisture.

RedGard 3-1/2 Gal. Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane
Custom Building Products homedepot.com
$143.00

A waterproof membrane that’s added between the substrate and the tiles is key for providing the strongest line of defense against floor damage in a tiled room, followed closely by treating your grout with a specialized grout sealant, which works to create an impenetrable barrier against damage not only from water, but any type of sudsy shampoo (or other chemicals). Sealed grout should last between 5 to 10 years without needing another coat, so think of this as an afternoon’s worth of work that’ll last almost as long as a new roof.

Laminate and vinyl
Laminate flooring companies pride themselves on creating products that stand up against stains, scratches, spills and other flooring disasters. And, as many satisfied customers will tell you, they definitely live up to the hype. When it comes to water damage, though, most laminate flooring is “water-resistant” (not easily damaged by water), not totally waterproof.

SimpleSolutions Medium Tone Laminate Floor Sealant
Pergo homedepot.com
$10.28

This is a situation where product guarantees, manufacturer protocol and the warranty vary greatly from brand to brand, so it’s important to read the fine print. A large portion of “water resistant” laminate can hold its own against daily household spills if the liquid is cleaned up immediately. Some companies recommend using a sealant around vulnerable areas (like kitchen counters and dishwashers) to further prevent water damage. In large part, though, laminate will still buckle and warp when faced with any major flooding incident — a broken pipe, a leaking washing machine — and that isn’t covered by the warranty: something to keep in mind when choosing where laminate should go in your home.
And what about vinyl? Many engineered vinyl planks are already 100 percent waterproof, making them a strong choice for bathrooms and basements. And if you’re looking for an extra layer of security (or your subfloor requires it), consider installing a waterproof membrane or underlayment.

Hardwood

Hardwood is, without a doubt, the most finicky of all flooring when it comes to water, moisture or humidity. That’s why applying a finish on hardwood floors is critical for both their longevity and beauty as the years roll on.

1 Gal. Clear Satin Ultra Thick 2X Water-Based Floor Polyurethane (2-Pack)
Varathane homedepot.com
$108.96

A polyurethane finish (either oil or water-based) is a smart option for protecting hardwood floors because it stands up well against the puddles and splashes of life. Some engineered hardwood is treated with a water resistant sealant by the manufacturer, so double-check the warranty before purchasing so you know how to properly care for it.
And don’t forget to waterproof any outdoor wood floors! All decks, porches and sitting areas should be treated with an outdoor-specific wood sealant in order to guarantee you’ll be able to enjoy your backyard oasis for years to come. More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

Grease tracked onto tile after working in the garage. Science experiments gone awry in the kitchen. Muddy paw prints on the living room carpet. There are countless ways that messes find a way inside our homes.
Fortunately, most situations that seem like a major mess at first glance are actually not too tough to deal with, as long as you don’t let them linger. Below are five tools — affordable, handy workhorses you might not think are as crucial as they are, all of which you can find at The Home Depot — that will ensure your floors stay in tip-top shape for years to come. (For even more information about cleaning ideas for different types of flooring, don’t forget to reference their specific letter in the A to Z Flooring Handbook.)

Tool: Boot Brush
The first thing a cleaning expert will tell you about keeping floors neat is to ban outside shoes from coming inside the home.

Boot And Shoe Scrubber
Sontax homedepot.com
$22.87

“That is my number one [piece of] advice: Take your shoes off at the door,” says Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab. “You may not want to ask guests to take their shoes off, but even if the family itself has [the] habit, it does an amazing job of keeping floors looking better.”
But if there are holdouts among your ranks, or guests don’t quite understand what the hubbub is all about, general contractor Mark Clement of MyFixitUpLife suggests purchasing a shoe and boot brush and parking it right outside the entryway. Ideally, it’ll encourage anyone coming inside to clean off their shoes before entering your home. (Placing welcome mats where shoes can be wiped outside the front door can also help mitigate any superfluous dirt.)

Tool: Wet-Dry Mop
Ditch the dirty mop water and bucket for good with a wet-dry mop, like the GH Seal holder Swiffer Sweeper Dry and Wet Mop. This tool can clean up dust and debris that collects on hard surfaces when in the dry mode, then seamlessly switch into its mop version for bigger jobs, for which wet cloths are attached.
There are even products that come with a built-in spray system for cleaning solution if you’re working in a larger space but still prefer a tool that’s lightweight and more streamlined than a traditional mop. (Yes, please!) Both the wet pads and dry pads from wet-dry mops can be tossed after use, making clean up a breeze.

Tool: Surface-Specific Cleaners

Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Floor Cleaner Spray, 32 oz, 32 Fl Oz
Bona homedepot.com
$7.97

When it comes to cleaning, it’s always best to follow manufacturer’s instructions and the advice of experts, lest you end up with a messy mistake that can’t (easily) be undone. While flooring isn’t a place to improvise with whatever cleaning products you might have on hand, there is often some overlap for which types of flooring they can tackle.
The cleaning process for laminate floors is a good example. “Many cleaners that are safe for hardwood are safe for laminate, too,” Forte notes.
There are also cleaners that pull triple-duty for laminate, stone and tile. (Tip: if you’re looking for an extra layer of protection to make cleaning even easier down the line, consider applying a sealer to appropriate flooring styles, like tile.)
And if you’re an allergy-sufferer, there are cleaning products, like Bona’s Free and Simple for hardwood, that are specifically formulated without dyes and scents.

Tool: Microfiber mop

O-Cedar Dual-Action Microfiber Flip Mop with Telescopic Handle
Brand: O-Cedar homedepot.com
$12.97

Spills turn into stains on floors when they’re not dealt with in a prompt manner, making time seriously of the essence whenever an accident occurs. Whether the mishap takes place on hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or tile, a microfiber mop is a tool you can turn to for its multi-use properties: try it dry for capturing dust in tight spaces, damp for general cleaning, and wet when spills occur.
To use one effectively, Forte recommends working on a small, three-foot square section at a time: Apply the cleaner you are using, mop it with a microfiber mop, and then let it dry. Also take care to buff off any cleaning residue that might linger on top of floors and give them a cloudy look. The goal is a floor that’s spic-and-span, but also shiny.

Tool: Stick Vacuum
It’s not news, per se, but outside of one-off disasters, regular attention and care will keep your flooring in pristine condition for years. One of the best ways to accomplish this is regular vacuuming at least once a week, and a stick vacuum is the space-saving, lighter-weight way to make this task as easy as possible.

V11 Torque Drive Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson homedepot.com
$699.00

“Dust and dirt is abrasive: if you look at sand, dirt and grit, it’s sharp,” Forte explains. “If you walk on that stuff day to day, it can eventually dull the [floor’s] finish.”
Stick vacuums can often pack the same punch as their bulkier canister counterparts (particularly for apartment dwellers or people living in smaller homes) and have some serious perks, including cordless models, versions specifically designed to tackle pet hair and the ability to convert into a handheld model to clean effectively in crevices.
If you have carpet in the house, it doesn’t hurt to call in the pros once a year or so. “Besides vacuuming and removing spills, it’s important to have wall-to-wall carpets professionally deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months,” Forte advises. “Professionals can reapply a stain protecting coat that will help carpets look good longer.” More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

The spectrum of tools needed for different flooring projects can undoubtedly seem intimidating at first (so many saws! so many applicators!) but using the right ones can be the difference between a finished project and a flop. You wouldn’t try to paint a watercolor masterpiece with a kitchen whisk or dig in the garden with measuring spoons, would you?
Fortunately, following a few guiding principles, as well as consulting with professionals like those at The Home Depot, will help ensure you have all the right instruments for the job.

Materials dictate the tools
Not surprisingly, the flooring material you’ve selected is the single biggest determining factor when it comes to what tools you’ll need to get the job done. (For example, the trowels necessary for installing tile have nothing in common with the pneumatic nailer you’ll need for hardwood.) The difficulty level of installation and the number of tools needed to complete the job properly should play into the decision-making process for anyone planning to DIY their own flooring installation or project. For example, renting a drum sander for refinishing your hardwood floors is only a worthwhile endeavor if you’re confident you can successfully use one.

Should you rent vs. buy?

Tools can be a smart investment if you plan on future projects, but when it comes to flooring, how many do you need to actually take home with you forever? To ensure your budget doesn’t take a major hit, you should carefully weigh cost versus return on investment and frequency of use when considering whether to rent flooring tools or buy them. Joe Truini, general contractor and weekly host of Today’s Homeowner Radio, advises homeowners to be honest with themselves about this kind of purchase.
“Some of the tools can be relatively affordable, but are you ever going to use them again?” he inquires. “How many floors is the average person going to install in their lifetime? It may make financial sense to add tools to your garage if you’re building a new house and want to install all of the floors yourself, but otherwise, it’s likely renting is the way to go.”

There’s a saw for that

Saws are integral to so many different types of flooring that you’re bound to use one during a DIY flooring installation. Even with the seriously easy-to-install floating floors like laminate, you still have to cut the boards precisely with a circular saw or jigsaw for where they meet the wall.
And when it comes to actual hardwood? Miter saws, jamb and undercut saws and table saws will become your close personal friends. Tile even takes its own type of saw, the wet saw. If you’re feeling uncertain about which will work best for your project and level of expertise, make sure to ask an expert for guidance.

Spring for an all-in-one installation kit

Pro Flooring Installation Kit for Vinyl, Laminate and Hardwood Flooring
Roberts homedepot.com
$32.55

A useful new development in recent years has been the arrival of flooring toolkits, which package together many of the basic instruments needed to install flooring material properly. Most often made for the installation of luxury vinyl planks, laminate and engineered hardwood, these affordable kits provide items like expansion spacers, tapping blocks and pull bars into a single, ready-to-go bundle, taking the guesswork out of your tool-gathering process. (Bonus: all the items are reusable if you plan to tackle another flooring project.)

Take your room’s temperature

Contractors may use a moisture meter or hygrometer to take an accurate reading of the moisture levels in a home’s substrate and general environment, which can inform material decisions. (For more on waterproofing, visit letter W.) Once your materials have been delivered, it is important to store them in the space they’ll be used so they can adjust or expand to the present moisture level.

Yes, math skills are an essential tool

There’s no getting around that math is one of the most-used tools in flooring projects. A measuring tape, speed square, pencil and more are just a few of the instruments that you’ll need on hand in order to ensure proper installation. Don’t be afraid to use the backs of floor boards or even underlayment to do a bit of addition, and nobody said you couldn’t use a calculator. More