Ted Cook

ReallyCheapFloors.com Owner

Ted Cook, owner of Really Cheap Floors, is the main writer for ReallyCheapFloors.com and the face of the company's YouTube channel, sharing flooring expertise with customers nationwide.

Black Pet Stains on Your Hardwood Floor? Here's What Actually Works (And When to Stop Trying)

We get it. You're staring at that dark, stubborn stain on your beautiful hardwood floor. Maybe it's been there for months. Maybe you just discovered it under the rug. Either way, you've already tried everything Pinterest suggested, and now you're wondering: Is this floor salvageable, or am I looking at thousands in replacement costs? Here's what no one tells you upfront: That black stain isn't just sitting on your floor—it's actually a chemical burn that goes deep into the wood. The uric acid ... Read more...

The Best Way To Buy Flooring As A Home Flipper: Why Flipping Needs to Save On Floors

As a home flipper, maximizing profit means making smart, cost-effective choices—especially when it comes to flooring. The right floors can boost a property's value without breaking the budget. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to buy flooring for house flipping, helping you save money while creating a stylish, market-ready home! The Flipper's "Go-To" Flooring: An Expert's Top 3 As a flipper, your goal is to find the "sweet spot" of maximum perceived value for the lowest possible ... Read more...

Popular Wood Stain Colors

When it comes to finding a favorite wood stain colors it helps to start with looking at the most popular stains. We list agreed upon staples that stay in favor with flooring installers and DIY-ers. In this blog post, we will delve into ten of our all-time favorite wood stain tints from trusted brands like Minwax and Varathane. Also, different types of wood species interact with various stains differently. We'll explore factors affecting the final appearance and showcase examples of these ... Read more...

The Best Van Life Flooring Options: A Guide

As a van lifer, your flooring is the literal foundation of your home. It needs to be durable enough for a rugged lifestyle, light enough for your vehicle, and resistant to spills, mud, and extreme temperature swings. But what's the best choice? In this guide, we'll cut through the confusion and compare the three best flooring options for a van conversion: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), Engineered Hardwood, and Laminate. We'll help you understand the pros and cons of each so you can confidently build ... Read more...

Vinyl Plank Flooring with Oak Cabinets: Perfect Pairings

Oak cabinets have been around longer than my Grandmother's Grandmother. The cabinet finishes have a timeless appeal to them. But let's be honest, those classic oak cabinets often come with strong orange or yellow undertones that can make a kitchen feel dated. If you're looking to breathe new life into your space, the right vinyl plank floor is the perfect solutionThis combination can create a stunning visual contrast while maintaining the warmth and character of your space. Years ago, Red Oak ... Read more...

The Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring: A Vinyl Flooring Guide

Has anyone tried to tell you that a vinyl plank floor is perfect fo your home? It's hard to tell if this person is trying to sell you something that makes them lots of money or if it actually the flooring proudct to buy.

Overall, lvp is affordable, it  almost looks like a real solid wood floor and it's a truly waterproof floor.  But there is nothing perfect in life so lets cover some drawbacks and learn more about the disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring. I'll cover some durability concerns when heavy foot traffic is in the mix and the possible impact due to toxic chemicals in the cheaper low-quality flooring products out there. We'll also touch upon installation hurdles along with design limitations that sunlight exposure can bring. Why not tag along with me?

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Types of Hardwood Flooring: Wood Species and Construction Options

Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of wood species and construction types, each offering unique beauty and durability. From classic oak to exotic teak, and solid to engineered options, choosing the right hardwood can enhance your home’s style and functionality. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of hardwood flooring to help you find the perfect fit for your space! Did you know that hardwood flooring attracts an average ROI of 70-80%? This is far above that for other flooring ... Read more...

Choosing the Best Nailer for Hardwood Floor Installation: Hardwood Floor Nailer Guide

Looking into a nailer for your hardwood floor install job? Choosing the right nailer is crucial for a successful project. This guide simplifies the process of selecting the right hardwood flooring nailer for installing hardwood flooring, from manual to pneumatic and 16-gauge to 18-gauge. Table Of Contents: Our Hardwood Flooring Nailer Guide: Types and Considerations Manual Nailers Pneumatic Nailers Understanding Nail Gauges and Sizes 15-gauge 16-gauge 18-gauge Matching the ... Read more...

How to Install Peel and Stick Tile on Concrete (2025 DIY Guide)

You've decided to give your concrete floors a fresh new look with a peel and stick tile installation. It's an affordable and seemingly simple DIY project that can transform the appearance of any room in no time. The Honest Truth: Pros & Cons of Peel and Stick on Concrete Before we dive in, let's set some realistic expectations. Peel and stick tile is a fantastic budget-friendly solution, but success depends entirely on perfect preparation. Here’s an honest look at what you can expect ... Read more...

What Color Walls Go With Red Oak Floors: Wall Colors and Paint Ideas

Before you buy a new tub of paint to compliment red oak hardwood lets cover some color theory. Especially if you're trying to do this without your wife's direction! Red oak can mess with ya if you're not careful! Red oak will show lots of wood grain and warm reddish-orange undertones in each hardwood plank. Balancing a natural stain or a strong stained color with a neutral wall paint is the goal to match your home decor vision. Your wall paint only needs complement the floor, it doesn't need ... Read more...