Renovation & Repair

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,...

If you’ve ever gotten so into a living room dance party that you’ve slid across the floor on a rug, you know just how, uh, risky it can be to have nothing securing it. Fortunately, non-slip rug pads are on the scene to ensure the ground beneath your feet stays cushioned — and firmly anchored in place — while...

If there’s one element of flooring to consider an indispensable ally, it’s underlayment. A thin layer of material that runs between your visible flooring (hardwood, vinyl, tile, you name it) and the subfloor, it’s a hidden problem solver that can address several unexpected flooring issues. Whether you’re counting on it to create a sturdy, level surface for flooring, keep...

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...

Unless you’ve made the decision to use the same flooring throughout an entire house, there are moments of transition between materials that will need to be dealt with as seamlessly as possible. What might seem like a small detail is actually critical for both safety continuity in your home, and there are different types of tools that can be...

If you’ve ever accidentally roundhouse-kicked a floor lamp while following along with an exercise video or dropped a hand-weight on your kitchen tile, you know how difficult it is to work out at home without a designated space. When you’re ready to carve out space for your own home exercise room, installing the proper flooring is critical for both...

High-end design has leaned toward minimalism for the past several decades, evangelizing a streamlined life and home. (Think: the International Style championed by midcentury architect Mies van der Rohe; the black-and-chrome interiors typified by upmarket 1980s apartments or Scandinavian-inspired white and wood that rose to popularity in the 2010s.) Fortunately for the more maximalist among us, the tide is...

Replacing your gutters with a system that helps prevent clogs is one of the best ways to shield against water damage.Installing a sump pump, smart water sensors, and more will also help defend your home against water. There’s usually more to a leaky bathtub than a puddle of water on the floor. When left untreated, even the smallest water damage...