Before you install new flooring in your home, don't just look to what HGTV stars are using, but rather consider the flooring types they adamantly avoid.

Choose spiral-shank or ring-shank; both types grip the wood more strongly than smooth-shank nails. You don’t need a nail set or fill stick. Job one is to locate the joists — the under-floor ...

In our robotic vacuum lab, we measure how well each model is able to remove surface debris from bare floors (hardwood and laminate). We also gauge each one’s ability to navigate the nooks and ...