January 24, 2012 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Work on a Budget Before Buying Tiles

Even though you might be anxious to start your home renovations, stop and do up a budget first. It is the smart way to shop.

Let’s say you want to do your bathroom in some modern black and white tiles and you like the look of marble. You’d love the most elegant tiles, but before you call a Tampa flooring contractor, figure out a budget. While you may adore marble, it may not be something your budget can handle, in which case you will want to consider other alternatives.

There are so many styles of bathroom wall tiles on the market today, that even if you need to rule out something that is too expensive at the moment, you are bound to find something you love and can afford. If you are having trouble figuring out what would work in your home, when you call a Tampa flooring contractor, ask them for their recommendations. They have been in the business for many years and have done hundreds of bathrooms and kitchens. For sure they will have some great ideas that you can afford.

So let’s get back to the budget. You want to redo the bathroom, but do not want to go broke doing it. Figure out how much you are able to spend and then stick to the budget. Sure, it is always a good thing to have a bit extra, just in case. When you just pick a tile, assume you can pay for it and a then a problem crops up, you could be in a jam.

Once you have a price range in mind, you will need to decide if you are going to install it yourself or line up a Tampa flooring company. Either way, you will not have much of a problem choosing what you want, as the market is full of so many different choices – you could do a thousand bathrooms and still not have run out of choices. By the way, do not let anyone tell you that budget tiles are cheaply made and not durable. That is not the case. For instance, ceramic is a budget tile and it is not only waterproof and durable, but quite beautiful.

Start your search online and if you do not like what you find there, visit some tile stores. No matter what way you choose to shop, you are bound to find something that really makes your kitchen or bathroom look terrific.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

January 10, 2012 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Glass Tiles for the Kitchen Can Create a Whole New Look

Tired of how your kitchen looks and want to do something about it? Not sure what to do or where to start? Glass kitchen tiles are the in thing to do in kitchen design. They are easy to clean, maintain and very attractive. If you are worried about their durability, do not be as glass tiles last for years. They also make quite a statement and can make your kitchen more appealing.

Glass kitchen tiles are such a good choice because of their range of colors and styles and they can be applied to your walls, floors, the backsplash by the sink, and even be used as accents throughout the room. It is up to you what you like, but you will be absolutely delighted with the range of choices. If the heart of your home needs sprucing up, glass kitchen tiles may just be the answer to your dilemma.

You might not know this, but these tiles can be either porcelain or ceramic. This makes them ideal for domestic use, in particular as a decorative border or that backsplash you have always wanted. If you plan to do the floor though, those tiles need to be stronger in order to withstand high traffic.

Going to do this upgrade yourself or have a Tampa flooring contractor do it? Either way, the sizes you will likely want are 110 x 100 mm. However, having said that, it largely depends on what you like. Another favorite size is the rectangular tiles, which are 100 x 300 mm. Floor tiles are larger of course, and you can expect to find them anywhere from about 333 x 333 mm to 600 x 300 mm. Again, there are a plethora of sizes and styles, and all you need to do is choose what you like.
Speaking of style, most people choose a design and color that suits their furniture; something that either matches it or complements it. While that is what the vast majority of people do, you do not have to do that if you would prefer something completely different like a checkerboard pattern in black and white or an avant garde brick look in the living room. In other words, do what your intuition tells you to do and do not always follow what is in fashion. You are the one that has to live with your choices for years to come, so you need to love it.

Some people love country-style kitchens and will choose the appropriate kind of tile to achieve that look. For example, matt tiles look quite natural and add a certain quiet, charming elegance to a kitchen. Or, you may prefer a more modern look and want a style that says chic and trendy. The great thing about glass kitchen tiles is that there are no rules to follow. That is why homeowners really appreciate glass kitchen tiles for their versatility and attractiveness.

If you do not want to try and install tiles on your own, then make it a point to call a Tampa flooring contractor and ask them for their recommendations on how to change the interior of your kitchen. With the experience they have, you will love their ideas.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

December 20, 2011 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Hardwood Flooring Is Making a Comeback

Have you noticed the latest photo features in home magazines? Hardwood is front and center.

You might not like hardwood, and that is perfectly fine, as not everyone does. However, if it is something you would definitely consider when upgrading your interior floors, then you will be pleased to note that it is making another comeback. The nation has, once again, fallen in love with hardwood. Whether you know it or not, it is one of the oldest materials available for floors.

However, being old does not mean being blah – far from it. Today, hardwood is customized and detailed, much like buying a new car with options, and you can have pretty much anything you want. The benefits of hardwood? It is long lasting, durable, beautiful, easy to keep clean, and improves the value of your home.

What are the latest trends on the market? They are pretty exciting and will offer you a wide range of choices. For example, wider boards are all the rage and the advantage here is the ability to make a smaller room look bigger. The bigger boards are typically 3 ½ inches wide, as opposed to the usual industry standard of 2 ¼ inches, and this creates a nice, spacious looking room.

Try reclaimed exotic wood for your flooring. The beauty is timeless and the colors are rich and interesting. Additionally, exotic woods are in great demand because they are unique. However, in an ever green conscious world, consumers are starting to demand reclaimed exotic wood, instead of destroying threatened rainforests. Reclaimed wood also has a story; one that will make you feel proud of being green and making an environmentally sustainable flooring choice.

Another trend today is to choose the lighter tones in hardwood, and to ensure they are, like the exotic woods, reclaimed oak. You might not know this, but oak flooring comprises about half of the hardwood flooring industry. If you chose the reclaimed oak, you would have flooring that came from a shipping container, a barn or even an old gymnasium floor. Did you know that the reclaimed oak is tougher than newly harvested trees? This is because the material culled from old buildings used old-growth heartwood.

The whole idea when installing hardwood flooring is to make it look antique and this is a very popular trend to make the new look old. This is where vintage and weathered finishes are coming into play. There are a number of ways to make a new floor look old, such as hand-scraping or using an industrial press, but honestly, this is not something you want to try to do on your own. Check around and talk to contractors if this is the look you want.

Above all else, the leading choice of new flooring for most people is eco-friendly, so if you choose to upgrade your flooring, try the green options. It is a good thing to do and you can choose what is suited to your budget and still feel good about it.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

December 13, 2011 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Porches Are a Great Place for a Flooring Upgrade

When you upgrade the Tampa flooring in your home, do not forget the porch, if you have one. The inside and outside flooring should look pulled together.

Those who love porches will know they are an essential part of a home that is used for nice days to sit and admire the weather in sheltered comfort. Many also kick off their shoes before entering the house, so porches play an important role in keeping your home clean and presenting a welcoming ambiance to visitors. Trouble is, many people considering upgrading their Tampa flooring tend to forget all about the porch. The end result? Nice looking inside floors and porch flooring that has seen better days.

When it is time to do some remodeling or upgrading, why not consider tile, marble, hardwood or even carpet. The choices are endless and you can choose what best suits your living style. For instance, if you have animals, carpet is not the wisest choice, as you could be forever trying to get the grit out of it. On the other hand, tile is easy to sweep and clean, plus, no one gets their nails caught on it.

Let’s assume you have already decided to do something about your porch, but are not sure where to begin. One of the things to keep in mind when upgrading your porch flooring is the age of your home. Flooring that is historically representative of the era it is from can be a great choice. If you have a home built in 1949 with a porch, you may want to consider dark, rot resistant wood such as old-growth Cyprus or longleaf heart pine. If your home is even older, for example old enough to be on a registry, you will need to work with a Tampa flooring contractor to select the best impermeable lumber on the market.

What happens if you rip up the existing carpet or flooring on the porch to prep it for a new look and you find concrete? No worries. Yes, it is a bit difficult to work with, but not impossible. For instance, did you know you can paint or stain concrete and make it look simply smashing? You can also nail into concrete with the right materials too.

Slate is another good selection to upgrade your porch. However, be careful which variety you ultimately choose as some are slick when wet. The last thing you need is to fall on wet slate. If you like how it looks, opt for slate with a rough pattern for traction. Not into slate? Perhaps you would like tile instead. It is very popular right now and the options range from non-skid to frost and water resistant, and it is so easy to find a color scheme you will love.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

November 23, 2011 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Various Marble Colors and Price Points Can Make a Big Difference for a Home Renovation

Torn over what to choose when you remodel your bathroom? Try Tampa marble or composite marble.

Marble is grand, elegant, timeless and almost ethereal in its look. It can add so much character to your bathroom, so make it a serious contender on the remodeling check list. It has been around for centuries and will be around for at least that length of time or longer.

This type of rock is easy to work with, polishes to perfection and gives every room it graces a visual punch that all will appreciate. While most often it comes in white, there is a rainbow of other colors and hues to choose from, including purple and brown. And the thing that really enhances its beauty for homeowners and Tampa marble contractors are the crystal swirls embedded in the stone. Yes, marble is highly sought after. However, there is another, more budget conscious alternative.

You might want to consider marble tiles made from composite, which is marble dust bound with resin. It is a nice alternative to solid marble and may suit your budget better. These days, you might want to check out something called Dark Emperador marble tiles. Honestly, it is difficult to tell the difference between natural marble and a composite.

In fact, try this test if you want to see for yourself. Find a showroom and look at Cappuccino tiles cut from natural marble, and then examine manufactured Cappuccino composite tiles. You will be hard pressed to tell them apart, as visually they are just about identical. You may be pleased with the composite or artificial marble, particularly if your remodeling job is subject to budget constraints.

Composite marble is often used for bathtubs, bathroom fixtures and shower trays, which can provide a home owner with a substantial savings on their renovation bill. And as for the Dark Emperador marble tiles, they originate from Spain and China, and they are strikingly beautiful in large kitchens and bathrooms. However, if you do not like the idea of using a dark tile in either room, consider the lighter beige tiles (like the Cappuccino ones). Their tone is mid-range and they are easy on the eye if you prefer less stark colors like white.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

November 17, 2011 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Hardwood Flooring Enhances the Character of a Home

Believe it or not, hardwood floor has character, personality and completely different designs for any look you want.

Are you thinking about selling your home, or it is just time to do renovations and update it, think about hardwood Tampa flooring. It will boost the look of your home, brighten a room, give it a whole new ambiance and yes, increase the value of your home. Think all hardwood is the same? It is not, and the wide variety of choices available makes it so appealing.

Of course, you do not just decide instantly to install a hardwood floor in your house. You do some research, check out what your friends have, visit some flooring stores and go over a few magazines with home makeover articles in them. The hardwood floors you saw really impressed you and the various looks and colors of hardwood were really appealing. But what will work for your home?

This is a good question that you do need to spend some time considering. This is largely because every house has its own unique personality. You would not want black hardwood floors in a home with red and yellow walls. Or, if you do, then your decorating might be a touch eccentric and you like experimenting. However, generally speaking, most homeowners prefer the warm wood color of quality hardwood.

Hardwood has numerous variations in grains and wood coloring. For instance, there are some dark cherry hardwoods that are gorgeous and can do wonders for your home. On the other hand, some are lighter and have creamy, honey tones. These look marvelous in the sun and can be a favorite place for cats and dogs to soak up the rays will inside on your warm hardwood flooring.

What kind of home do you have? Will its look be enhanced by hardwood? For instance, what if you have a home built in 1949 and it still has original doors and light fixtures from the 1940s? Hardwood would make this place come alive. Linoleum, carpet or something else would kill the atmosphere.

Want hardwood throughout your home? You can definitely do that, but before you do, walk through your home and try to see the rooms with fresh eyes. Are there lots of windows? Do you want contrasting colors in the rooms? Do you already have certain accent pieces of furniture and wall hangings that may dictate what color of floor you could have installed? Ultimately, you choose what feels right to you, but you might want to talk to a Tampa flooring installation expert to see what they recommend.

In the end, choosing hardwood flooring is not always about how it looks, but more about how durable it is and how long it will last and still look good. Select the type of Tampa flooring that will address your needs and once it is installed, enjoy the look.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

October 17, 2011 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

New Concrete Flooring Mimics Marble and Wood

Concrete that looks like wood or marble is a relatively new flooring innovation. This is making a lot of people happy since concrete is not as expensive as other flooring choices. Yes, it is true, concrete flooring can mimic this look and people will not even realize that they are standing on is concrete until they get an up close look.

Make no mistake, concrete flooring is still a mix of water, aggregate and cement. When dry it looks like stone and has superior durability in any location such as retail floors, driveways or in homes. In a home it is ideal for high traffic areas and works well if you have animals with long claws such as a dog.

What is on the market in terms of concrete flooring? Let’s take a quick look at some of the options you can choose for concrete flooring. For instance, stained concrete can have a really interesting speckled and blotchy appearance achieved with stains and acids. This may not be for everyone, but you have a variety of really colorful textures and designs you can try. It is the stain that etches and grabs the color, adhering it to the surface of the concrete.

If the stained look is not your style, then you might like polished concrete flooring. This is treated with a chemical densifier, followed by 12 other steps to finish it that involve grinding and polishing. Needless to say, the grinding and polishing is done with diamond and resin grits. The results are quite esthetically appealing and offer a glossy look. Other bonuses include it is easy to clean, always looks neat and will not allow anything to penetrate it.

Want a wood look? No problem. This is done by combining stained and scored concrete to mimic natural stone surfaces, and yes, you can have it in whatever color you want. Who knew concrete flooring could be so interesting? After all, consider some of the advantages of having a concrete floor. It is strong, cost effective, really easy to keep clean, very hygienic, and highly stain resistant. It is likely that you will not need to replace it any time soon as concrete flooring does not chip, peel, fade or crack.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

October 11, 2011 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Wet Rooms Need Special Tiles For Water Resistance

If you are planning to redo the bathroom, remember you need water resistance tiling. Rooms that have a bathtub, shower, and other bathroom comforts should have tile as a surface. Tile is quite popular and easy to keep clean.

The one thing you need to remember though is that the tile will get a very steady flow of water on it. Thus, it is imperative to have the right tiles in this room. They must be water resistant and not be susceptible to cracking over time. More often than not, these types of tiles come in slabs and in a wide variety of pleasing colors, designs and textures. In other words, if renovation is on your mind or it is time to upgrade, you will love these tiles.

One really smart choice for a wet room includes granite. Not only will it offer you a very unique look, but it has an advantage over other types of tiling. This natural stone has an antibacterial surface that does not hold onto the soap scum, shampoo and other grungy things that fall on it. And of course, the tiles are waterproof and do not need sealing except along the grout line. While granite is a major expense, it is worth it for a variety of reasons. Granite increases the resale value of your home in the future, is very attractive and will last a long time.

For those with a limited budget, there are other attractive and cost effective choices such as ceramic or porcelain flooring. These surfaces have the ability to give a wet room a real lift thanks to the remarkable array of designs and colors. The sky is the limit when choosing ceramics or porcelain. Both are tough and water resistant and when the day is done, they make a statement about your style. Either tile may be sealed for that extra protection against residue build up and water.

Other options include travertine and even slate. The one thing you should know about these surfaces is that they need resealing on a frequent basis – usually every six to 12 months. If this is not something that bothers you, then the only limit to what you do in your wet room is your imagination.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

September 29, 2011 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Marble Tile Creates a Classic, Distinctive Look

Nothing says class and elegance quite like marble tile. Think about the resale value as well.

For the best look you could possibly ever want in your home, consider using marble tile. It is an elegant addition and not that hard to install. In fact, it is accomplished in much the same manner as installing ceramic tiles. The major difference of course, is the difference in the look when you are done.

The nice thing about marble is that it is a totally natural material that is mined from the earth. It is a type of limestone and has been around for centuries. Marble is a timeless, revered stone that originally adorned churches. So when it comes to beautifying your home, it can be stunning.

Marble is loved for its versatility and natural color variations. People are most impressed with the color variations when they use marble to redo their interior spaces. There is one thing you should be aware of, and that is that the natural veining present in marble is a small crack, which means these locations can possibly develop cracks later.

If you are a dedicated do-it-yourself type, then be careful when installing these tiles and make sure the base is solid and completely flat so there is no give. If you do not take the time to lay it correctly, you can end up with cracked tiles.

Another thing to watch out for is something installers refer to as lippage. What this means is that there is a variation in the height of the tile edges when installed. This is directly due to the fact that when the tile is ground from the slabs, the heat generated during the process results in different thicknesses in each tile. While this is not a huge drawback to self installation, you do need to be aware of this and correct for it.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

September 22, 2011 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Tile Can Create a Whole New Look for a Bathroom

When it comes time for the bathroom to be redone, think tile. It is just the ticket to brighten the room up.

Let’s face it. You cannot have the same bathroom day in and day out, year after year, without starting to hate the way it looks. When it is time to do something about it, it does not take a whole lot of cash to accomplish the look you want. The perfect choice for your bathroom when you remodel or even just focus on one part is the tile. It is ideal for the shower, the walls and, yes, even the floor.
At one time, there was not a large selection of tiles to choose from and it got kind of boring. Now, the sky is the limit when it comes to style and design, and, in fact, you may find yourself having a hard time making up your mind. One thing is for sure though – you will definitely find what you want to add some life, texture and panache to your bathroom.

Ceramic tiles have many attractive features. Just remember that the glazed ones are not such a smart choice for areas that have a lot of water. Remember the expression, “Slippery when wet?” This applies to glazed ceramic tiles, so you want to make that the last choice for a floor. So, what is the best choice instead?

You could consider porcelain, which is typically made from fine-grain clays, and a big bonus is that it is moisture and stain resistant. What more could you ask for? It is also a product that takes a lot of traffic and yet still looks great. It is definitely worth a look and its vivid colors and unique designs can give your bathroom a completely new look. Bathrooms are a place where you can mix and match, and use decorative tiles to accent a solid background. Redoing the look is a fun project and not that expensive.

The only thing that might slow you down is if you choose to tile the floor. Tile flooring takes time and a great deal of care. For instance, it is at least a three day project from start time to laying the last tile. If this is what you are going to do, then choose a wear resistant tile that ranks at 5, the highest level. Tiles ranked at 1 are the lowest on the scale, so you would likely want to stay away from those in the bathroom. However, what you choose will depend on your lifestyle, how much traffic you get in the bathroom, and if shoes will be used in there.

What else can you choose for the floor? Try slate, sandstone or even granite, which is rated highly for its finish and how safe it is in bathrooms. When wet, these surfaces are still safe to walk on and less slippery than ceramic tiles. The other nice feature about the choice of stone is how it makes the room feel earthy and comfortable. As you can see, the choices are endless. The prices are reasonable depending on your selection and bathroom size. Tile will make you love your bathroom again. Bravo!

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.