Carpets acquire a noteworthy position when put into use wisely. They possess a supernatural power to catch anyone's eye. Within a short supply of time, they manage to dress up the living room with their warm, soothing and luxurious designs and colors.
The benefits of carpeting are numerous: it is eye-appealing, comfortable, warm, quick to install, available in various colors and textures and can renovate a home's interior.
The basic difference in the types of carpet lies in the way in which they are prepared. Approximately more than 90% of the carpet is tufted by machines that are like huge sewing machines. These machines are fitted with a number of needles; these machines operate at extremely high-speed to stitch rows of face yarn tufted to a synthetic fiber. This process is called the "primary bucking".
Types of Carpet Fiber-
Nylon- One of the most splendid features of Nylon is that Nylon is available in brilliant colors. This fiber is well-known for its wear, soil and mildew resistance power. It has the capability to tolerate the crushing weight of furniture and hold up well in heavily trafficked areas.
Olefin- Earlier, olefin was only used as an outdoor carpet because of its resistance to moisture and mildew, but recent advances in its appearance and textures have made it a likeable stuff for home as well. An extraordinary fact about Olefin is that, despite the greater number of processes involved in its manufacturing, it is still less expensive and fits in the budget. It fulfills various requirements such as it is easy to clean, is strong and resists stains, wear and static electricity.
Polyester- It is the perfect fiber for those who are in search of a luxurious stuff for their home. Polyester fibers are recognized all over for their softness; they offer strong color and luster retention.
At present most of polyester rugs are being made from the recycled PET (polyester) from plastic soda bottles and containers. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of this fiber is that it is not as durable as nylon and Olefin.
Triexta- It is a new comprehensive subclass of polyester. Some of the inspiring features of this carpet is permanent stain resistance, extreme durability and friendlier underfoot. Unlike other manufacturer of synthetic fibers, the manufacturer of Triexta is much greener because of the utilization of renewable resources.
Acrylic- Acrylic fibers are blended with other fibers such as wool because somehow they relate to the look and feel of natural wool. Also, they are less expensive and so blending them with wool is quite a pleasant idea.
Wool- It is definitely the most luxurious natural fiber. Softness, durability and a wide variety of colors available are some of its hallmarks. One of the biggest limitations of wool is the high price of fiber.
Whether it is nylon or polyester or acrylic the truth behind all the carpets is that they all prove out to be an exclusive fancy piece for interiors.
When a room lacks a "certain something," adding one of the many modern rugs currently on the market could be the perfect solution. Adding just this one piece can tie a space together by bringing together the different colors in the furniture and walls. In other words, it can anchor or define a room. What's the best way to use this accessory? The possibilities are countless, but here are a few of them.
- Try using modern rugs to define or separate areas, such as dining areas, seating areas, and foyers. This is very useful in smaller studio apartments, allowing a smaller space to seem like it contains multiple rooms. This trick is also helpful when trying to decorate a larger room, which can actually be fairly difficult. You'll be able to create separate seating areas within one large space.
- They do not just have to be put on the floor or placed underneath a table. They can be utilized as tapestries and hung up on a wall as a sort of giant piece of art. A very colorful design provides lots of options for accent colors that you can then incorporate into your furniture, accent items, and paint colors.
- Think outside the box! Many modern rugs aren't even rectangular anymore. Let the way you group your furniture dictate the shape. With a lot of furniture with sharp lines and clean edges, it might look good to go with an oval or circular option. These are unexpected and will add an interesting element to your space. It can be a conversation starter!
- Adding them to your space can be one of the cheapest and easiest ways to completely revamp a room. You can even change them out based on the seasons. This way, you will never be tired of your home.
- Live somewhere cold and sick of feeling the cold floor on your feet when you step out of bed in the morning? Invest in a nice, fuzzy rug. Popular choices are fur, sheepskin, and hair-on-hide. Although these require a little more maintenance, you'll be grateful for them when the temperature drops.
- Modern rugs aren't just for living rooms and dining rooms! Consider adding one, or a grouping of three or four, to your child's space or nursery. This is an easy, cheap way to inject some whimsy and color into a space.
So if you're ready to add pizazz to your home in a convenient way, it may be time to visit your local store. You'll be surprised how much of a difference it can make!
Have you heard of the green interior design? Also known as the eco-friendly design, this highlights the positive aspects of reducing environmental impact on furniture purchases as well as the improvement of interior air quality.
As a homeowner, choosing to live a green life means living responsibly. The Environmental Protection Agency estimated that Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors where pollutants are more concentrated. This may come as a surprise to you that many outdoor settings are even cleaner when compared to the pollutants that can be found indoors.
Since green design is more about achieving cleaner interiors, it is now being used in many kids' rooms throughout the country. There are now non-toxic nurseries and playrooms - just check out the designs online.
Green Interior Design Basics
There are basic guidelines to follow if you want to set up an ecologically-balanced interior. First, steer clear of paints that contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Such chemicals can have long-term negative effects on your family's health.
Go for organic upholstery. The standard upholstered products in the market these days contain polyurethane foams that are wrapped in dacron. These are man-made materials and are even petroleum-based so they are highly flammable. While they are treated with flame-retardants, they can still be catch fire. Also, they have been known to cause some health issues such as lowered IQ and infertility.
Another green design basic is to choose wood furniture. Find pieces that are made of teak, walnut, maple, oak or any solid wood. These pieces are held together by joinery methods that ensure a stronger bond with less adhesive.
Do not purchase furniture that has particleboard or MDF. These are made from compressed sawdust or shavings bonded by glue, synthetic resins and binders. Adhesives often have formaldehyde that causes nausea, wheezing and serious allergic reactions.
If you have to install rugs in your home, then choose natural fibers like jute, cotton or wool over synthetics. Wool, unlike many of its artificial counterparts, is a natural fire retardant. It also absorbs pollen, dust and moisture so it reduces allergens and humidity on the air.
Synthetic type rugs are often made from polyester, nylon or acetate. Such man-made fibers are also flammable and treated with chemicals that can spike the potency of toxins being releases throughout your home.
One other area that green design focuses on is the conservation of water. Install low-flow showerheads as well a faucet aerators in your bathrooms. It may take a bit longer to finish your bath but this change in your lifestyle guarantees that you are not wasting water as a resource.
There is also the issue of resource management. Eco-friendly interior design is all about using materials that do not deplete quickly. Use a lot of jute, bamboo, coconut, hemp, cork and water hyacinth materials in your home. Yet another strategy is to source your furniture. Look for companies that have committed to sustaining resources. These companies are the ones that are concerned about the impact that a product has on the environment in pollutant terms.
Recycling and upcycling are methods that are heavily used on green designs.
Go Green Offices - Why Not?
When talking about modern office design, it is likely that the discussion centers on trends, colors, furniture choice and the most stylish accent pieces. Businesses, after all, need to exude a professional look. But isn't it also the duty of businesses to make Mother Earth habitable for many more years?
Going green is now a growing trend among offices. More clients seem to be attracted to businesses that care. Instead of merely thinking about profit, offices now put together an environment that poses the least health hazard.
Decorating our homes, offices and surroundings adds a new appeal to the spaces we are used to seeing every day. The same old bedroom wall, dull colored living room, and grey office boardroom can be monotonous to look at. Your surroundings can influence you in a lot of ways. Adding something new to decorate your surroundings can reflect positively on your thoughts, mood, and imagination.
You may decorate your living room in a way that gives a peaceful and soothing sway when you enter your house, or enrich the kid's room with creative and insightful decorations to help them learn and be creative. With the new technology you can easily get affordable, space saving and easy to install decorations themed for your homes, workplaces, stores, and even outdoors.
Living in an urban dwelling usually means that space is expensive and rented. This is a challenging situation for tenants to decorate keeping in view both the limited space and strict rental agreements. The restrictions rule out a lot of decoration options which occupies space or requires change to the physical surroundings. The only option left is to apply decorations to the walls. The best and most affordable option which can cater to all the rules and regulations are vinyl wall decals.
Wall Decals are vinyl stickers, which are easily to paste on to the walls without any extra effort. They are very easy to use, maintain and remove. They are high quality vinyl stickers which are low cost, durable and health-friendly option to decorate your walls. Putting them up is very easily and requires no technical knowhow. They are very thin, with a smooth texture and appear as if painted onto the walls. Another nice thing about Wall Decals is that it can be easily removed without leaving any marks on the walls. It is an ideal option for tenants who can easily remove the wall decals when moving and paste them in their new premises.
Wall Decals are available in numerous colors with limitless shapes and designs. They are perfect space savers for small houses and apartments. If you are a nature lover, you can decorate your walls with beautiful decals of flowers, trees and landscapes. For kids, parents can put up wall decal designs with zoo animals, alphabets, numbers, nursery rhymes, height charts and cartoon characters.
To make the living room livelier, the wall decals can feature a movie scene, inspirational quote or beautiful scenery. Bedroom walls can take a facelift with nice scenery or beautiful headboard decorations. In the offices vinyl wall decals can be used to decorate walls with educational, thoughtful and interesting stuff for employees' motivation. World map wall decals on meeting room walls, cafeterias or help desk walls can be an impressive display of company's worldwide business operations.
Interested in learning more about Wall Decal designs and concepts? Head out to online archives and choose from a nice catalog of your choice from a variety of design options. In addition to a wide variety line, good vendors also provide tips and suggestions on their application in easy steps.
Nowadays there is an enormous range of design options available to anyone remodelling their bathroom or even building a new one. Along with the selection of various bathroom fittings and furnishings is the new and attractive option of wall hung toilets and concealed cisterns.
The concealed cistern is becoming an increasingly popular choice with homeowners due to a number of purported benefits that it can bring to a bathroom. Unlike with a conventional toilet, the cistern is concealed from the naked eye, instead hidden behind a wall. Combined with a stylish wall mounted toilet bowl, it is not hard to understand the benefits of such an installation.
Firstly, a concealed cistern generally makes for relatively simple maintenance, despite the fact that it is hidden behind a wall. Access for any repairs happens through the flush plate, which is visible in the bathroom. Although the cistern is concealed, therefore, it is not difficult to reach in times of need.
One other major benefit of the concealed cistern is the reduced noise in the bathroom. This is because most of the sound created by the flushing of a wall hung toilet is concealed behind the wall, therefore minimising the volume inside the bathroom itself. This can provide a more pleasant experience for the homeowner who has this kind of toilet installed.
Another advantage of the concealed cistern and the wall hung toilet is that they generally make for a much more hygienic and easy-to-clean experience for the homeowner. This is due to the design of the toilet, which is suspended above the floor and therefore creates space for cleaning the floor and wall around the installation.
It is also true that the toilet itself is easier to clean. Smaller in size and with fewer nooks and crannies, the cleaning of the toilet bowl is relatively straight forward with its clearly exposed, wipe-cleanable sides. Both these factors make for more rapid cleaning as well as a more hygienic bathroom.
Concealed cisterns also boast considerable strength and durability, despite these qualities possibly seeming unlikely attributes of a toilet that is effectively 'hanging' off a wall. With the concealed cistern being able to bear up to 400kg in weight, with professional installation it can very easily support even the heaviest of individuals who use it.
There are also environmental advantages to using the wall hung toilet and a concealed cistern. This is because most flush plates have been designed with a dual-flush mechanism. This means that water is saved every time the toilet is used. Of course, the saving of water also brings financial benefits to the homeowner as well.
Despite all of these plus points, however, the perhaps most appreciated aspect of the wall mounted toilet and the concealed cistern is the fact that both of them are very easy on the eye. There are several factors which make the whole concept an extremely attractive option when designing and fitting a bathroom.
As mentioned before, as the cistern is placed in the interior of the wall, there is very little clutter in the actual bathroom itself. This makes for a much cleaner looking design in a bathroom with any unsightly pipes and toilet parts hidden from plain view.
In addition to this, there are number of attractive designs of wall hung toilets now on the market, including classic luxury styles and colourful and quirky options. The vast range now available allows for greater customisation options for a bathroom redesign or build, and means that homeowners can find something that is truly tailored to their taste and the 'feel' that they want to create.
This kind of toilet and concealed cistern are also perfect for anyone looking to create a modern and minimalist look in their home. The streamlined shape of the wall hung toilet can be a perfect addition to other contemporary features such as a frameless shower enclosure or wall hung sink.
There are several major benefits to installing a concealed cistern in a bathroom, ranging from the practical to the stylish. In all instances, consulting an expert in bathroom fittings is recommended to ensure that everyone is able to create a bathroom to fit their specific desires, requirements and tastes.
The bathroom should be a place where you can easily relax and unwind. After all, what is more relaxing than a warm bath?
The way your bathroom is designed can have a huge effect on how easy is it to chill out.
But with these few tips, you can create a relaxing and functional bathroom for you and your family.
Install underfloor heating
Whether you have a tile, laminate or hardwood floor in your bathroom, the floor can get cold - especially if you are stepping out of the bath or shower.
To combat this, you should install underfloor heating. This will keep the floor pleasantly warm, and can even be used as the only heat source in the room - freeing up space that would have used by a radiator or other heater.
Underfloor heating can be easily controlled, so you can switch it on to come on while you are in the bath. When you get out, the floor will be warm - so you won't have to step onto a cold floor.
Get a heated towel rail
A heated towel rail is a real luxury that will add to the comfort of your bathroom.
It can be used to dry damp towels, as well as keeping fresh towels warm, ideal if you need to dry yourself after a cold and rainy day.
What's more, the heated towel rail can act as a heat source for the rest of the room. If you have a small bathroom, the heat given off by the towel rail may be enough to warm if, removing the need for radiators or other heat sources.
Choose a large bath
There are few things more relaxing than lying back in the bath, letting the water soothe your muscles after a hard day. However, if you have a cramped bath, this may not offer the relaxing haven you want.
When you are choosing your bathroom furniture, you should make space for a generous bathtub. This will allow you to stretch out fully and relax while you soak.
Use neutral colours
The colour scheme can also help you relax. To create a relaxing bathroom, you should plan to use soothing, neutral colours.
Not only will these help you relax, but lighter colours will also reflect light, making your bathroom appear bigger than it is. That is a great help, particularly if you have a small bathroom and space is at a premium.
However, even if you have a small bathroom, it can become very relaxing by following these hints.
Wall hung toilets are becoming an increasingly popular option for those looking to create contemporary style bathrooms in their homes or even on their business premises. Compared with their more conventional counterparts, wall hung toilets certainly offer a number of practical benefits. So are these advantages, and how can they affect everyday life in your home?
Wall hung toilets are perhaps most famous for the unique look they have. With a concealed cistern in the wall and a toilet bowl seemingly 'suspended' above the ground, they certainly strike a major contrast with the traditional floor-mounted toilet that many of us are used to. It is this unique design that brings some major pros to any bathroom in any home.
Indeed, the suspended design lends itself very well to the easy cleaning of the bathroom or WC where the toilet is placed. It is simple to clean under and around the wall hung toilet and all areas are easily accessible for someone wielding a mop or a cloth. This allows for more efficient cleaning and guaranteed levels of hygiene which would otherwise be trickier to maintain.
In addition to the suspended design, many wall hung toilets have sides which are very easy to wipe clean, with no difficulty in accessing any nooks and crannies that are typically hard to reach with cleaning products. These two factors combined make for a more efficient cleaning process and improved hygiene standards.
The design of the toilet also lends itself to a superior use of space. As the toilet is not very bulky, it makes for a great space-saver and can be place closer to furniture, shower enclosures or a sink, depending on the desires of the bathroom designer.
This also means that the wall hung toilet can be a great option for small and narrow spaces, allowing for the placing of a toilet in an otherwise awkward area. This can make wall hung toilets ideal for that downstairs water closet or in a small bathroom where many items of bathroom furniture need to be placed in a practical fashion.
The fact that the wall hung toilet is not cluttering up space and that it is easily slotted in next to other bathroom fittings also creates the illusion of a more spacious area. This can be a great solution yet again for the pokey bathroom or WC where homeowners desire to create the illusion of light and space in a small area.
Another significant advantage of the wall hung toilet is the fact that it can be hung at any height required. Whereas floor-mounted toilets are generally only available in one height - that which the very strict design permits - there is much more room for flexibility with a wall-mounted toilet.
This can bring benefits fro those with certain physical concerns, or those who simply have a desired height for comfort or design reasons. In all cases, there is a higher level of customisation available in the bathroom or WC with the wall mounted toilet.
The final factor that makes wall hung toilets a particularly advantageous element in a bathroom is the 'wow' factor that they have. Although increasingly popular, the wall hung toilet is not yet commonplace, and can add a really unique touch to any bathroom whether in a home or a public establishment.
The wall hung toilet has a clean and modern design that adds a touch of class and luxury to a bathroom, making it perfect for homeowners wishing to achieve this effect. The design also matches well with other contemporary features in the home and is complemented by other modern fittings such as frameless shower enclosures.
In conclusion, the wall hung toilet can provide numerous benefits that set it apart from its floor-mounted equivalent. These include the ability to customize the height of the toilet, the space it creates, the easy-to-clean aspect and a truly attractive design that adds a touch of luxury to any modern bathroom.
Different Types of Armchairs
The different styles of feature armchairs vary greatly, and thus must be chosen carefully in order to effectively accentuate and enrich the interior of your home and ensure that they serve the desired purpose. Those boasting clean lines, sharp corners and crisp metal features suitably enhance a more modern interior design scheme, whilst armchairs that are punctuated by elegant, soft lines, rounded corners and earthy finishes have a tendency to complement traditional decors. Here are just a few of the armchair styles that you can choose from.
Wingback Armchairs
Deemed the original accent chair, wingback chairs have long held pride of place in the living room. Evoking sophistication and refinement, high backs, arm rests and winged sides are characteristic of a wingback chair.
Slipper Armchairs
The armless slipper chair is a versatile piece that can be incorporated into a range of spaces, particularly bedrooms and smaller living spaces. Positioned lower to the ground and boasting a supportive, high back, armless slipper chairs can provide a room with comfortable elegance without taking up too much space.
Chaise Lounge Armchairs
The enduring style of a chaise lounge dates back to Ancient Egypt, and is still to this day chosen to deliver fashionable comfort for those who are more leisurely inclined. Fusing the traditional elements of a chair with a footstool, the chaise lounge is essentially an elongated chair that can be used to recline.
Chair & A Half Armchairs
Perfect for those who desire a loveseat, but lack the space for one, a chair and a half is, as it's name suggests, an armchair with a little more room to move. A chair and a half can add comfort and style to your living space, and provide a suitable chair in which to snuggle up with your loved ones or enjoy in solitude.
The Purpose of Feature Armchairs
Providing more than just additional seating, feature armchairs are versatile in their application and the purposes that they serve. When used in isolation, they can accentuate an interior design scheme, inject a burst of colour and/or add another textural element to a room, whereas when used collectively, feature armchairs can unite to create a functional, yet decorative furniture arrangement. Placed within your home office, bedroom or living room for example, feature armchairs can be utilised to complete an existing seating area. Alternatively, you can create a separate space entirely by positioning a plush armchair in a low-traffic area, such as next to a window, accompanied by a small table and lamp, to create a cosy reading nook. Whether it is championed as the focal point of a room or supplements the furnishings that sit alongside it, a feature armchair or two can add visual interest, through it's colour scheme, texture and shape.
How to Choose the Perfect Feature Armchair
When selecting feature armchairs for your home, look to your existing interior design scheme and furnishings, and ensure that comfort and functionality remain at the forefront. Consider the space available and choose armchairs that are in proportion with the size of the room. This will ensure that the armchairs don't distort the configuration of the room and allow people to navigate the surrounding space comfortably. For example, armless slipper chairs are suitable for rooms with limited space, whereas an oversized chair and a half will fit effortlessly in a more sizable living area.
The feel, depth, width and height are key considerations that must be made when shopping for a feature armchair. The chair should be soft to the touch yet still provide the necessary support and be a suitable depth to accommodate the length of your legs. Additionally, the width of the seat and the height of the back and arms are also crucial for luxurious lounging. It is worth noting that feature armchairs don't have to match the couch in the living room, but should complement and accentuate the partnering furnishings and chosen colour scheme to achieve an even balance. If you're struggling to find the perfect armchair or can't bring yourself to part with a treasured piece, reupholstering an existing armchair is also a great way to breathe new life into a room.
Be it modern or traditional in style, create a cosy corner or supplement your existing furnishings with a feature armchair or two that accentuates the style of your home and serves as the perfect place to relax in plush comfort.
How John Croft Design Uses Feature Armchairs
Feature armchairs feature quite heavily in the interior design schemes of many of our projects. Regarded as quite important pieces by the design team, they play an integral role in pulling a design scheme together. Quite often we select couches in more neutral colour schemes and then accent these with armchairs in vibrant prints that inject a burst of colour. With the style and comfort deemed paramount, the feature chairs that we tend to gravitate towards are those with a unique point of difference to create visual interest and a hint of the unexpected.
Do you want to update your bedroom or living room, but you don't have the funds to hire an interior designer? It can be helpful to have someone come into your home to review your room and give you ideas on how you can best utilize the space, but there are a few tips that you can consider before shopping at certain furniture store that will help you think about your room in a new light and gain a better idea of what you should be looking for. Here are 3 design tips that you can consider to improve the energy in a room and get a designer look:
Space
When arranging your furniture, you need to think about the space that you have to work with. You should find the appropriate size of items to help fill the space without the room feeling too crowded or too empty. Think about how people will maneuver throughout the room. There should be plenty of room to open drawers and cabinets and spread your feet out when sitting comfortably on the couch. Think about these things as you measure the space and consider the size of furniture to purchase.
Organization
The items that people are most likely to purchase when designing a living room include a couch, loveseat, oversized chair, coffee table, end table, entertainment center, and accessories. What you really need to think about purchasing are things that can help you with organization. Disorder in a room can disrupt the energy flow, clutter a room, and cause members of your household to struggle to relax. Purchase bins, a footrest with storage space, and other items that can help you control the level of organization in your room.
Arrangement
The arrangement of the room will be closely related to creating good space in the room, but it can also help control the environment. For example, most designers will tell you to use a circular arrangement in your living room to control the flow and harmony of the room. When creating this arrangement, it's a good idea not to have any chair or back to the door, or you can place a mirror across from the space.
When designing your bedroom layout, it's believed to help you get a better night's sleep when your bed isn't aligned with the door, sharing a wall with the toilet, in front of the window, or asymmetrically aligned in the room. Try drawing the layout of your room on a piece of a paper to help you determine the best place to put your bed and other furniture in the room.
When choosing flooring, people often opt to choose materials that are long-lasting, durable and easy to clean. Ceramic floor tiles and porcelain floor tiles are a popular choice for rooms that are likely to become wet, such as the bathroom or the kitchen. For other rooms where water is not an issue, hardwood flooring is the perfect choice.
If you are not confident at DIY, then most joiners and builders have experience of fitting this type of flooring. However, if you are willing to try fitting it yourself, it is not as difficult a task as you might expect. Here is a step-by-step-guide to completing this task.
1) Measure the Room
Measure the room at the longest and widest points. Multiply these two measurements and this will give you the square footage. You need to know this to buy the right amount. Remember to add on 15% to this figure to allow for wastage.
2) Choose Your Flooring
Choose the flooring that best suits your needs and matches the style you are trying to create.
3) Check the Current Floor and Prepare
Look at the existing floorboards in the room. Are they even? Also, look for squeaky floorboards and nail these down. Next, prepare the floor by removing any shoe-moulding and sweeping through thoroughly.
4) Lay Vapour Barrier Paper
Allowing a 4" overlap, lay out the strips of vapour barrier paper and staple to the floor. While you are doing this, mark along the skirting boards where the joists are located in the room.
5) Layout the Boards
It can be helpful to lay out a few boards before beginning to install them as this helps you to visualise what they will look like and where they will go.
6) Fit the First Board
It is important to start in the right place. This should be at the longest wall with no obstructions. Next, you need to snap a chalk line 3/8" out from the baseboard as this will allow for expansion. You should then choose a longboard to begin.
7) Place the Boards
Align the board to the chalk line and drill a pilot hole through the board and the sub floor. At the point of the joists, face-nail the board and then use a nail-set to set the nail. The boards should be laid perpendicular to the floor joists.
8) Hand-Nail the Rolls
Once you have installed two rows, drill a pilot hole through the tongue of every board and then hand-nail the boards. You will only need to do this until there is sufficient clearance for a pneumatic nail gun.
9) Staple the Boards
Next, you will need a pneumatic nail gun. Position the lip of the gun over the edge of the board. Strike firmly with a mallet to drive the nail through the tongue of the board. There should be a nail approximately every 10".
10) How to Cut Up To Skirting Boards
Choose pieces that will fit in the space and then leave between 10" and 12" and cut off there. Use the other piece to start the next row you lay.
11) Clearance Problems
Using the pneumatic drill when you get close to the walls is tricky because of the clearance issue. Instead, drill pilot holes and face-nail the boards in these areas.
12) Last Boards
Sometimes there is only a narrow space for the last boards. If this is the case, you will need to cut the boards lengthwise to fit. Remember to leave room for expansion.
13) Use Wood Putty (plastic wood)
Buy wood putty that matches the flooring and then fill all the nail holes with this. By doing so, you will create a better finish to the job.
With a little patience and by following these step-by-step instructions, you should have wooden flooring that looks fantastic. If the skills needed are beyond your capabilities, then seek the support of an expert and remember you can now buy realistic wood-effect porcelain floor tiles instead if you need to tile a kitchen or bathroom floor.