Tools for a Quality Laminate Flooring Installation

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Flooring adds great value to a home and should last a lifetime. It also makes a significant difference in comfort underfoot.

Laminate Flooring

The latest flooring is more stylish and durable than ever. For example, vinyl now incorporates realistic images of reclaimed barn wood that look chic in a den. New porcelain tiles can pass for Calacatta marble in a luxe powder room. Visit https://www.helenaflooringpros.com to learn more.

Laminate flooring is a great alternative to hardwood for many homeowners, especially since it is more affordable. It is also easier to install because of its tongue-and-groove construction. However, installing laminate can be a bit of a challenging project for the first-time installer. To make things a little easier, the right tools can be helpful for a quality result.

A laminate shear is a great tool to use for cutting the laminate planks to length. This tool allows for quick and accurate cuts, and it is easier to control than a miter saw. The shear is also lighter in weight than a jigsaw, which can be tiring to use for a long period of time.

Using a shear for cutting the laminate also helps eliminate any damage that may be caused by an overly sharp blade on a saw or by trying to cut the planks with a power saw. A shear is also useful for creating an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. This is important for laminate floors, as they expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. To create the proper gap, simply cut 1/4″ spacers out of scrap material and place them every one to two feet along the wall.

It is also a good idea to start the installation of your laminate at the doorways, as this will make it easier to undercut jambs and trim. A professional flooring pro also recommends installing the underlayment perpendicular to the way the laminate planks are installed, as this can reduce the likelihood of crinkling noises. In addition, all underlayment seams should be taped with seam tape. This can be purchased at most home improvement stores, although a more durable house wrap tape is also an option.

Start at the Doorway

Flooring is a key design feature that can make a major impact on a space. It can affect the style, feel, and functionality of a room, so it is important to consider all factors before making a final decision. From carpet and vinyl to hardwood and laminate, there are many options available. To make the best choice, it is critical to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of flooring material.

While it’s possible to install flooring yourself, it’s often best to hire a professional. They have the tools and expertise needed to complete the project quickly and correctly. Plus, they can help you find the perfect flooring materials to suit your needs and budget. They may even be able to offer financing, which can make it easier to pay for the installation.

When you’re choosing a flooring company, it’s important to read reviews, especially those from current customers. These can provide helpful insights into the quality of the work, how well the company communicates with clients, and more. You can also check out the company’s website to see what kind of flooring they specialize in and what their typical installation process looks like.

Whether you’re planning to use natural, organic, or recycled materials, you should always look for low-VOC wood finishes and sealants. These will reduce off-gassing and help protect your health. In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid composite wood products, as they are typically made using glues that release formaldehyde into the air. This is a known human carcinogen and serious home air pollutant, so opt for low-VOC products instead.

Cut Laminate with a Miter Saw

A miter saw is essential for making a variety of cuts that are required to install laminate flooring. You can rent one from your local home improvement store or a tool rental center. It is also worth purchasing if you plan on installing many floors in the future. This type of saw will allow you to make crosscuts, rip cuts and even curved cuts. You will need a laminate flooring cutter blade to ensure you get clean and chip-free cuts. This blade has heat expansion slots that dissipate built-up heat and a nonstick coating to protect the blade from heat, gumming and corrosion. Its high alternate top bevel design combines small teeth that face in alternating directions to cut laminate boards with minimal splintering.

When you are making a curved cut, start by measuring the length and width of the obstacle you need to fit around. Use a tape measure to mark this measurement on the back of the board you will be cutting. Next, add 1/4 inch to this measurement. This extra space will prevent the laminate flooring from buckling during installation. You can then cut the laminate board to this size.

If you do not have a miter saw, a handsaw can be used. This is not as efficient as a miter saw but it can still give you clean, professional-looking cuts. When using a handsaw, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your hands. You will also want to clamp the piece of laminate you are cutting down, if possible.

A jigsaw is another good option for making curved cuts in laminate flooring. It is easier to use than a handsaw and can be more precise, especially if you are trying to cut an intricate shape. If you are using a jigsaw, be sure to use a metal-cutting blade with a tooth count of 14 tpi or higher for the best results.

Use Seam Tape

Taping seams of underlayment may seem like a minor detail during flooring installation, but it is essential for creating a flat surface. Neglecting to tape seams can result in uneven floors that will require costly repairs down the road. In addition, gaps in the floorboards can pose a tripping hazard for you and your family. Taping the seams can also help prevent dirt and debris from penetrating the subfloor and causing damage to your new flooring.

When it comes to taping the seams of your underlayment, you’ll want to use a high-quality tape that is designed specifically for flooring. While duct tape or masking tape may work for some applications, it is best to use a tape that is made of strong materials and designed for flooring installation. This type of tape will be durable and able to stand up to foot traffic.

Before you apply your tape, make sure that the area is clean and free of debris and dust. This will ensure that the tape adheres properly and stays in place throughout the installation process. Once you’ve cleaned the area, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the tape to the seams of your underlayment.

Some underlayment products come with a built-in seam tape that eliminates the need to use additional tape. However, if your underlayment doesn’t have built-in seam tape, you can purchase flooring seam tape from a home improvement store. This type of tape is a heavy-duty, contractor grade construction seaming tape that’s easy to use. This tape has a kraft backing and features a contractors grade adhesive that will last through renovations, do-it-yourself projects, and construction jobs.

Install Underlayment Perpendicularly

Floors are a vital part of any home or commercial structure, providing comfort and safety for occupants. They may be constructed from wood planks supported by joists, concrete slabs poured on a foundation, or a combination of these elements. They must support their own weight as well as the load of furniture and the people that walk on them. They also need to be able to resist the movement of water and air.

In construction, builders often apply a plywood underlayment to the floor framing as a base for the flooring finish material. The underlayment consists of sheets of plywood with tongue-and-groove edges that interlock for a secure installation. The underlayment is laid perpendicular to the floor joists for maximum strength and stability. This is a relatively simple procedure and it will ensure that any dents or bumps in the underlayment won’t show through the finished flooring.

Before installing the underlayment, remove any paint or stains and sweep up all nails, screws, staples, and other debris. The underlayment should be installed on dry subflooring. Moisture in the subflooring can cause the underlayment to expand, creating gaps between each panel that can lead to buckling.

During the installation of the underlayment, make sure all seams are taped. This will keep water and other materials from seeping between the underlayment and the underlying subflooring. Use a high-quality waterproof tape. Avoid using house wrap or packing tape, as these can cause an annoying crinkling sound when stepped on.

Types of Flooring That Impact the Look, Performance, & Value of Your Home

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Flooring Fairfield NJ impacts the look, performance & value of your home. Choose a durable material that can handle foot traffic, harsh climates & spills.

Flooring

For those with respiratory sensitivities, consider an option with lower levels of off-gassing VOCs. Wood floors are a good choice, but only sustainable forest ones are recommended.

Hardwood flooring offers a timeless natural beauty that never goes out of style. It can be refinished to restore its original shine, and can be stained or painted in a variety of colors. It adds value to a home, and may increase the resale value. Solid wood floors are usually more expensive than carpet, but they can withstand heavy foot traffic and are easy to clean.

Prefinished hardwood is more durable than wood that is finished on-site, and it can be installed quickly. It is made in a factory, so it’s more resistant to scratches and dents than a site-finished floor, and the finish is packed with aluminum oxide for extra durability. It also has a more consistent look than floors that are finished on-site.

One disadvantage of hardwood is that it can be damaged by moisture. It is hygroscopic, which means it expands and contracts as the humidity changes. This can cause problems like cupping and crowning. Adding a humidifier to the room can help prevent these problems.

Another disadvantage is that wood can scratch and mark easily. It is important to protect it by using doormats at the entrances of rooms, and to use furniture pads under the legs of chairs and sofas. It is also a good idea to ask people to remove their shoes before entering the room, and to keep pet nails short.

The most popular type of wood used for flooring is oak. It has a classic look that works with most design styles, and is fairly affordable. Other types of wood that are used for flooring include hickory, maple and mahogany. All of these options have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to maintenance and cost.

Laminate

This type of flooring is made of a dense core layer of plywood or high-density fiberboard, often overlaid with a transparent wear layer that resists staining and scratching. Most laminates are designed to look like wood, but it is also possible to get stone-look and metal-look options. Some laminate products include an underlayment layer that promotes moisture resistance or adds soundproofing qualities.

The main advantage of this type of flooring is that it’s easy to install, requiring only basic tools and no professional installation services. It is also fairly inexpensive and more convenient to clean than many other types of floors. However, like all materials, laminate floors do have disadvantages, including the fact that they don’t offer the same feeling as natural wood. For this reason, many consumers do not enjoy the feel of laminated floors.

Laminate floors require regular cleaning to prevent surface scratches and abrasions. They should be dust mopped daily and vacuumed weekly to remove grit that can wear down the floor’s finish. You should also consider placing area rugs in high-traffic areas or use a nonslip mat or pad under furniture when moving it across the floor. Wet spills should be wiped up immediately; water left to stand on the laminate can cause stains and more serious damage.

Stains can be removed by rubbing with a cloth moistened with vinegar. Vinegar is less abrasive than commercial floor cleaners and can help to remove caked-on mud and wax. It can also be used to remove rubber, plastic and paint marks. Heel marks can be removed with a blunt plastic scraper and candle wax can be melted with acetone or nail polish remover.

Tile

Tile flooring is an ideal option for high-traffic areas in homes, especially those with children or pets. It resists staining and damage much better than carpeting or hardwood floors. However, it does require regular maintenance and cleaning.

Tile is available in a wide range of colors, patterns and designs. Some even mimic the look of more expensive wood and stone options. The size of tiles varies as well. Large tiles make rooms feel larger and more open, while smaller ones can create a more intimate space. Tiles can also be arranged in a variety of patterns, including herringbone, offset, stacked and mosaic. This allows for more customization and a unique aesthetic.

When it comes to maintenance, tile floors are relatively easy to clean. They need a basic sweep and mop once or twice a week. However, if you are using a grout sealer, it’s important to re-apply every five years. Grout lines can sustain stains and mildew build-up if not properly sealed.

Unlike carpet fibers, tile doesn’t trap allergens like dust, dirt and pet dander, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies. Additionally, it doesn’t release VOCs, which can contaminate indoor air quality. Tile is a great choice for a sustainable home, as it is made of natural materials and recycled content. It is also a good investment, as it can increase your home’s resale value. This is because most buyers see it as a premium flooring material. Adding a tile floor to your kitchen or bathroom can also help you qualify for a home energy rebate, which will save you money on your heating bills in the winter.

Concrete

Concrete floors are long associated with utilitarian areas such as basements and garages, but homeowners have discovered that concrete can also be etched, polished or stained to serve as a beautiful decorative flooring surface. Often, this can be cheaper than laying a new floor material, particularly in smaller spaces where the concrete slab is already in place. Additionally, environmentally conscious consumers can feel good about finishing an existing concrete slab since this eliminates the need to manufacture and install a new material that would require a lot of energy and carbon dioxide.

Traditionally, only a few basic decorating techniques were available for concrete floors. Today, the possibilities are nearly endless. Concrete can be etched to produce a wide variety of designs, polished to create a smooth, glossy finish that amplifies the amount of natural light entering the room and reduces the need for artificial lighting at night, and stained with acid or water-based stain that penetrates into the concrete.

In addition to etching and polishing, concrete can be texturized (created by brushing or stamping the concrete while it is still wet) or stenciled with a pattern. The result is a beautiful and versatile flooring surface that can mimic the appearance of many different pricier materials.

Unsealed concrete is porous and tends to collect dirt, dust, oils, and other contaminates in tiny crevices, which can cause the concrete to become discolored over time. Proper cleaning and sealing methods can make a concrete floor resistant to moisture, making it much easier to clean and keeping it looking great for years.

Unsealed concrete also needs to be heated in cold climates, and proper rugs and carpeting can help to soften the impact of footsteps on the surface. While a concrete floor is durable and easy to maintain, it can be very slippery when wet, and people are often injured falling on these floors.

Granolithic

Granolithic flooring is a type of concrete that mixes granite and other hard-wearing aggregates with cement. It is commonly laid as a screed for concrete floor protection, although it can be used for paving or as a concrete finish. Its advantages include better wear and tear resistance than other types of floors. It can also be polished to create a decorative effect.

There are two methods for laying granolithic flooring: monolithic and prefabricated. In the monolithic method, workers mix the marble and cement together directly in a slab. This is done to achieve a mosaic appearance in the finished flooring. The splinters of marble give the floor a distinct and attractive look.

Prefabricated granolithic is similar to traditional concrete but has a higher aggregate content. It is also more durable and resistant to chemical spills. It is often used in industrial environments. In addition to its durability, granolithic concrete has a high thermal coefficient of conductivity, which means it can keep a room warm more efficiently than other materials.

Another advantage of granolithic concrete is that it can withstand extreme loads, making it an excellent choice for warehouses and factories. It is also easy to clean and stains are unlikely to penetrate the surface. However, it can be cold to walk on and can reflect sound, which can cause noise problems in rooms.

While granolithic concrete can be difficult to maintain, there are several ways to improve its performance. Regular washing with water can help to keep it clean and free from grease stains. For more serious stains, the use of sodium metasilicate, caustic soda or some phosphates may be necessary.

What Everyone Needs To Know About Affiliate Marketing

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Knowing and applying proven methods of affiliate marketing is going to help you to succeed in making a regular profit in your business. You are going to need to take some time to learn the tricks of the trade. Once you learn the tricks that successful affiliates have developed you are ready to take on the challenge of making your business a success.

To increase the success of your affiliate marketing, be sure to test products before you advertise them. If you are displeased with the product, it is likely that your customers or subscribers will be as well. Advertising an unsatisfactory product will decrease your credibility and trustworthiness, while advertising a quality product will do the opposite.

You may have to invest a little bit of capital if you expect big results in affiliate marketing. Do not be afraid to spend some money on ad services that will allow you to better target traffic. This will ultimately increase your presence online and give you many more chances to earn big commissions.

With iTunes’ popularity and a large percentage of Internet users listening to audio files for information, recording a Podcast as an affiliate marketer is a solid way to increase your sales numbers. Hearing you speak will build more trust than simply reading your words, so do not take this tip lightly.

Add content that your readers want along with your affiliate links. If you provide reasons for your audience to click on your links, you will find much better success. If you just type a list of baby items you like with links, you’ll receive much less response than if you type reviews and why you loved these items.

Hopefully you have found these tips to be as valuable as many other affiliates have found them to be. You must really take the time to learn the ropes if you are going to make a success of your business, and this article is a great first step in doing just that!

You can also visit our other websites and post your article.

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Benefits of Commercial Movers

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When it comes to commercial moves, hiring a professional team is often the best solution. These experts know how to pack and move everything – from furniture to electronics. Hiring a professional moving service will save you time, money, and stress. You won’t need to worry about a commercial move disrupting your business operations.

Reduced Costs

One of the major benefits of using commercial Movers In RI is that they can help you reduce your moving costs. This is because they know how to pack and move items efficiently. They also know how to protect them so that they don’t get damaged or broken.

movers

Another benefit is that they are well-trained and organized, which allows them to handle the relocation process as quickly as possible. This ensures that you’re not paying extra for time and resources you don’t need.

They can also save you money by avoiding unnecessary costs like renting a truck. They will take care of everything, including packing, loading, and unloading your stuff.

This will make the entire process a lot easier and less expensive, which is why it’s a good idea to hire them when you need to move your office.

Other ways you can save money when you move is by getting rid of stuff. You can do this by selling, donating, and trashing things that you no longer need or use.

Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency

When you’re planning a big move, you want to make sure it’s as efficient and smooth as possible. This will ensure that you save both time and money in the long run.

Using commercial movers is the best way to accomplish this goal. They’re trained to handle large and heavy items and can complete the job in a fraction of the time it would take you.

They’ll also provide you with the necessary moving tools to make the process go as smoothly as possible. You can trust them to move all of your belongings to their new home or office in no time at all.

There are many benefits to hiring commercial movers for your next move, so make sure to give them a call and get started today. You’ll be glad you did! And you’ll have more time to concentrate on the important things in life. Getting the best movers in Minneapolis will help you get back to doing what you do best!

Improved Technological Infrastructure

A major driver for the development of infrastructure is to meet new and changing needs, particularly those arising from globalisation and rapid urbanisation. These include the need for energy efficiency, a safer environment and more reliable services for the public.

These changes are accompanied by increased competition for a range of assets that were traditionally highly used. In turn, these dynamics are bringing about the adoption of technologies that make some legacy systems obsolete.

To realise the full potential of technological change, decision-makers will need to create an enabling environment for innovation and improvement in infrastructure. This includes research into the ways technology can be incorporated into infrastructure projects, and a reassessment of existing procurement processes that can encourage innovation and improve performance. Ultimately, this can lead to more effective use of existing infrastructure and better stewardship of natural resources. As these factors play out, the pace of technology-driven transformation in infrastructure will continue to increase.

Reduced Stress

Commercial movers can help you and your business with a number of important tasks. For example, they can provide specialized packing materials to keep sensitive equipment safe.

They can also take care of your short and long-term storage needs. They also have equipment like cranes that can move heavy furniture and other items.

One of the most significant aspects of using commercial movers is their ability to reduce your stress level. By reducing the stress associated with moving, you will be able to focus on other areas of your life.

A good way to minimize stress is to plan your move well in advance. This will make sure that nothing is left to chance. It will also help you to save money by avoiding extra costs like repairing damages or paying for unexpected charges due to accidents or theft. By doing this, you can minimize your expenses and still have a smooth transition. This will also help you get the most out of your movers.

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Expert Wood Flooring Repair Tips

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Wood floors are beautiful and durable, but they can get damaged over time. If scratches or dents occur, there are several methods you can try to repair them. These range from disguising them with wax pens and wood markers to using wood filler and sanding.

Sweep your hardwoods regularly to minimise damage. Use rugs and doormats at entrances to keep dirt and debris from grinding into the finish. Consider UV-blocking window coverings to minimise direct sunlight, which can cause fading and discoloration.

Keep the Humidity Levels Right

When it comes to wood flooring, humidity is one of the most important factors. The reason is that wood expands and contracts depending on the relative humidity of the surrounding air, and extreme changes can lead to gaps between floor boards or even buckling. Moisture build-up can be caused by sudden spills that aren’t cleaned up quickly, or it may happen gradually over time from normal household activities.

Ideally, your home should have a humidity range of 35 to 50 percent, which is the optimal level for your hardwood floors. If you find that the relative humidity of your house is too low, use a humidifier to increase the moisture content of your indoor air. Conversely, if the humidity in your home is too high, use a dehumidifier to lower it.

Another way to keep your wood floors healthy is to prevent moisture damage by using protective coatings for your floors. These coatings can be applied with a paintbrush or sprayer and can be sprayed on as needed or at least once per year. These coatings can help protect your floor from stains and other water-related damage, but they won’t stop scratches or dents that occur in the surface of your wood floors.

While wood scratches and dents can be fixed with various methods, some require a professional flooring repair service to ensure the results last. If the damage extends to a large area of your wood floor, you’ll want to refinish the entire area. To do this, you’ll need to sand the affected areas, first with 100-grit sandpaper and then with 150-grit. When the sanding is complete, vacuum the affected areas to remove any dust that’s created. Then, wipe the area with mineral spirits for an oil-based stain or water for a latex stain to clean it before staining it.

If the damage to your wood floor is more severe, you may need to replace a section of your hardwood floors. If this is the case, you should always contact a professional flooring company for a consultation and to collect repair estimates. They can advise you on the best type of flooring to replace your damaged wood floors with, and they can also install it for you.

Protect Furniture Legs

Wood floors are beautiful, but furniture and chair legs can cause unsightly scratches if they’re not properly protected. Unprotected chairs and furniture legs can grind grit into hardwood flooring’s finish, leaving unsightly gouges in the surface of the floor that are often hard to fix and require extensive sanding. You can prevent these scratches with furniture feet protectors that you can buy at your local home improvement store. These protectors are small pads that you attach to the bottom of each furniture leg and act as a cushion between the leg and your floor. They are available in a variety of colors to match the color of your floor and can be easily installed with adhesive.

These are the simplest and most inexpensive option for protecting your floor. Typically made from felt, they are simply stuck to the bottom of each chair or furniture leg and provide a soft layer between your floor and the leg. They are usually also designed to be as discreet as possible so they don’t detract from the look of your floor.

You can purchase nail-on protectors that you screw into the bottom of each leg to provide a more permanent solution to preventing scratching. They are a good choice for those with the time and the tools to install them, but they can be somewhat costly and may not always provide a completely secure fit.

There are also self-adhesive protectors that you can peel and stick to the bottom of your furniture legs. These are often the cheapest and easiest to apply but they have the downside of being less secure than other types of furniture feet protectors and tend to fall off fairly quickly.

For a more creative and long-term solution, you can create your own furniture feet protectors by using old blankets or quilts that you cut to size and then place under the legs of each piece of furniture. This is a great option for those who want to infuse their home’s decor with a personal touch and may be more attractive than the utilitarian alternatives available at your local hardware store.

Keep Pets’ Nails Trimmed

Those claws are a vital tool for your pet’s survival in the wild, but they can cause a lot of damage to your wood floors at home. Keep them trimmed, especially if you have a large dog that is very active. Nail trimmers and a trip to the groomer will help keep claws at a safe length, and they can be painted or even covered with nail caps to minimize scratches. These protective coverings make the nails more difficult to grip on hardwood flooring and furniture, which reduces scratching.

It is also important to pick a flooring material that is less susceptible to scratching from animals’ claws. Hardwoods with a higher Janka rating like oak, hickory and maple are more resistant than softer species of wood like pine or birch. In addition, choosing a floor with a more solid grain pattern instead of a swirled or patterned grain may provide added durability against scratches.

Moisture damage is another common problem for wood floors. Even if the wood is sealed, urine that seeps into the boards can discolor them and leave a dark stain that may not be removable without resealing. It can also create an ammonia-like odor that is almost impossible to get rid of.

Promptly cleaning up any spills and addressing urine accidents as soon as they occur can minimize moisture damage to wood flooring. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may be necessary to sand the wood and use bleach to eliminate any remaining stains and odors before the area can be refinished.

While repairing wood flooring from pets’ damage is inevitable, it is possible to minimize the impact by following these simple steps. Regular maintenance, keeping pets’ nails trimmed and promptly attending to any accidents will ensure that your beautiful wood floors can remain in great condition for years to come. When the time comes for refinishing, professional refinishers can address scratches and dents with ease and beauty. Contact us for a free estimate. We are the local experts!

Avoid Scratches

Scratches and scuffs can mar wood floors, reducing their value and attracting dust. If you can, avoid scratches whenever possible by using soft-soled shoes, a furniture protector, and keeping pet nails trimmed. Then, when they occur, follow these wood floor repair tips to minimize the damage.

First, examine the extent of the scratch. If the scrapes are only on the surface, they may be buffed away with steel wool and progressively finer sandpaper grits. If they are deeper, you will have to use a more intensive approach, such as massaging some oil into the scratches and then staining them with wood marker or blending pencils.

It is also possible to mask minor scratches with wood colorants that match your flooring. These can be purchased at most home improvement stores, though you will have to test several colors until you find one that closely resembles the original stain. A plastic putty knife works well to apply the stain because it is softer than a metal one and will not cause further scratches.

If you are dealing with deep or wide scratches, you will probably need to refinish your wood flooring. This will be more expensive than touching up the scratches, but it will restore the look of your hardwood flooring and extend its life.

To prevent future scratches, ask family members to remove their high heels or other sharp footwear indoors, and keep rugs inside doors to trap the dirt that can scratch wood floors. Similarly, you might consider adding felt pads to the bottoms of chair and table legs so that they don’t damage your hardwood floors when you move them around.

It is also worth considering replacing your office chairs with ones that do not have hard plastic wheels, which can damage the finish on wood floors. Many people solve this problem by placing a mat or rug under their chair, but this is unsightly and doesn’t allow the chair to glide smoothly across the floor. Consider getting swivel office chairs with wooden safe caster wheels instead. This will save you the cost and hassle of refinishing your floor.