Bob and the mason discuss the chimney. Pointing out that we have two flues, one for the boiler in the basement and one for the wood stove. By code, the ceramic flue liners need to be surround by at least four inches of solid masonry (the chimney). The mason tells Bob how they are going to attach the pipe from the wood stove to the flue. Then the mason shows how easy it is to cut a four-inch cement block with a hydraulic jack. The mason and Bob then discuss the supports for the hearth, including a concrete table and a blue stone finishing floor.

John Martin from WarmZone is on hand to show Bob how the medium density fiberboard (MDF) faced with reflective aluminum shielding and precut channels for the Pex hot-water tubing comes together to create a layout for the in-floor radiant heat system. One key advantage to radiant heat is the comfort level, since it is steady heat that is evenly distributed and free from the blowing, particulate matter that can come with forced-air systems. Martin explains how the WarmZone system comes ready-to-install with complete layout diagrams and directions that make it simple for do-it-yourselfers. The panels are set in adhesive, with spacers to temporarily align them and line up the tube channels until the panels are nailed in place. The heat panels then become the substrate for finish floor coverings. Unlike gypcrete, which is a skim-coat concrete application, these panels add very little weight to the floor. Since it is a 5/8-inch product, there is also no need to alter existing door openings. WarmZone specifies a 3/8-inch Pex tubing to deliver the heated water. Martin fits and taps the tubes in place in the channels to complete the installation. Bob then looks at the heat distribution system with supply and return pipes that come directly from the boiler room below. WarmZone has specified three short runs and circuits, which will give steady even heat throughout the space even with the heat loss calculations they have figured. Michael Willburn from WarmZone shows Bob the preassembled boiler-room manifold board and radiant-zone board that are created match the application and arrive ready-to-install from WarmZone. WarmZone takes the information directly from the homeowner, creates the system to fit the job, and then ships it to the site. The homeowner or installer can do all the work without the aid of a plumber until the system is connected to the boiler, at which point a professional installer should verify the connections and operation of the system before firing it up. Initial costs are about double the cost of a traditional baseboard-heat installation, but the operational savings are approximately 30 percent annually.

Wood floor expert Howard Brickman is on the job site installing White Oak hardwood floors from Carlisle Restoration Lumber. Instead of blind nailing the floors to conceal the fasteners, Brickman is using a screw-and-plug method. After locating the joists beneath the subfloor, the floorboards are pre-drilled about halfway through their thickness. Flooring screws are then driven into the pre-drilled holes in the floor, passing through the subfloor and into the joists. The result is a very secure installation. Finally, plugs, which were made from scrap flooring pieces, are inserted into the holes to conceal the screw heads. The plugs are tapped into place with a hammer, and then cut flush with the finish floor using a Japanese-style pull saw.

Bob joins Steve Shelowitz from Williamsburg Parquet Flooring to observe the installation of the hardwood floors in the penthouse apartment. Before the floor is secured, a red rosin paper is laid over the subfloor. The underlayment prevents dust from traveling between the subfloor and the finished floor, and prevents wood-to-wood contact to reduce the possibility of squeaking. The Ash hardwood floors are first roughed into place to determine the layout. Joints are staggered for an attractive layout, and longer boards are placed in the room's most visible areas. The floor's finish is factory applied, and is guaranteed for 50 years of normal residential use.

Lumber Liquidators is the largest direct retailer in the United States specializing in hardwood flooring. We have one of the largest inventories of pre-finished and unfinished hardwood flooring in the industry. From Birdseye maple to exotic Bolivian rosewood to 99-cent oak-- we have the perfect

Bellawood offers over 120 wood flooring varieties, including different wood species, grades, widths, cuts, and thicknesses. We have our own manufacturing facilities and sell direct to the public so no one can beat our quality and prices. Some of our products are over 60% less than traditional

With patience and attention to detail, installing a new wooden floor can be an easy home improvement project. Step 1: Check the first course of flooring.

The first step in keeping your hardwood floors in top shape is to keep grit off them. Use dirt-trapping, walk-off mats at all exterior doors to help prevent dirt, grit and sand from getting inside the building. Throw rugs or small sections of carpet just inside the entrances are also recommended.

You may be able to renew a dull finish without completely refinishing the floor. Still, some hardwood floor manufacturers recommend that only professional refinishers tackle the job. If you decide to do it yourself, begin by sweeping…

Gavin and Cortney have a few tips for the do-it-yourselfer on repairing damaged hardwood floors and sanding them for refinishing.