January 31, 2012 in Business, Business News, Household by jferris

Travertine Tiles Are Rising as a Flooring Trending Says Champion Tile and Marble

For homeowners that want a natural and elegant look to their floors, choose travertine tiles.

“I’ve had a great many clients chose travertine tiles when they wanted to upgrade their flooring. Basically, they wanted something elegant, easy to keep and beautiful. Travertine can do all that and more, and because it is in such high demand, you will find the price is a bit higher than other choices out there,” indicated Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company.

Despite that price though, travertine is a popular choice for its longevity, particularly if a homeowner foresees selling in the near future. It is also a highly favored choice for architects and interior designers, largely because it has such an interesting personality. “Travertine tiles tend to look warm and inviting and a bit on the worn side, almost like they have a story to tell,” added Dupre.

It is so interesting in fact that the demand for this style hovers around the 0.85 million ton mark in just the United States alone. What many Americans do not realize, is that travertine is not just found in Italy, but in the western U.S. region. This does tend to bring the price down somewhat since it is available domestically, but it will still be slightly more expensive than other floor tile choices.

“If you love travertine, you can get it in two finishes – natural stone and filled and polished. What’s the difference? The natural look is just that; natural with pitting and it looks worn and comfortable. The filled and polished style features a high-gloss finish, making it a breeze to maintain. This second category is the main choice of interior designers and homeowners,” Dupre said.

Interestingly, many have mistaken travertine tile for marble, as it looks like marble when it has been filled and polished. Others mistake the natural travertine for limestone. “Ultimately, the best thing is that travertine is a natural mimic that stands up to close inspection, graces a home with its natural beauty and can be called anything you like, but still remains utterly beautiful.”

To keep travertine floor tiles looking their best, just sweep the tiles with a soft bristled broom. After sweeping, wipe the floor with a damp mop. “Just how easy is that?” asked Dupre. “Travertine is really popular and if you think you might like to have it in your home, give us a call and we can discuss your project.”

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

January 17, 2012 in Business, Business News, Household by jferris

Save Bathroom and Kitchen Walls from the Effects of Moisture by Installing Tiles Says Champion Tile and Marble

If the bathroom or kitchen does not have wall tiles, there may be wall damage.
“Not a lot of people realize that if their bathroom or kitchen does not have wall tiles that they may have paint or wall paper peeling more often than they think. It’s due to the moisture in the environment and the fact that it soaks through the paint or paper, which is then is absorbed by the plaster,” explained Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company.

For those that may be considering selling their home in the near future, having tiled walls makes good resale sense. Thus, for homes with kitchens and bathrooms without wall tiles, it may be a smart idea to invest in getting those walls tiled to preserve them. There is nothing worse than a damp wall that has never dried out over the years and then one day, someone goes to hang a picture or something else, and a portion of the wall crumbles. “Why leave it until it is too late to do a credible repair job on the wall,” says Dupre, “when you can be proactive and deal with it before it becomes a problem later?”

The good news is that even if the bathroom is not tiled, the tiles needed to accomplish the job are not that expensive. “Usually, you’ll find ceramic tiles in a bathroom, and they are not that pricey,” Dupre commented, “plus they have such a wide variety of colors, styles and themes, that everyone can find something they like for a reasonable price.”

Other choices on the market are natural stone tiles, which have an intrinsic beauty and durability. Stone tiles look very appealing on floors and walls, and in some cases, are a better choice for a bathroom or kitchen depending on the amount of traffic each room gets. For those families with kids and animals, stone tiles may be the better choice.

“The interesting thing about tiles is that they were used extensively in ancient Egypt to dress up the interior of various buildings and residences. Their appeal has not diminished over the centuries, and they are still a popular choice for today’s homeowners,” Dupre said. History shows that thatched roofing was eventually replaced by ceramic roof tiles. Soon, someone discovered that glazing those same tiles made them even more appealing, because they repelled moisture.

“For a little bit of ancient Egypt in your bathroom or kitchen, you might want to choose glazed ceramic tiles and have a blast figuring out what pattern suits your tastes. Home renovations are a lot of fun when you get to play with patterns, textures and colors,” added Dupre.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

December 30, 2011 in Business, Business News, Household by jferris

Laying Ceramic Tile Over Existing Tile is Possible if Done Carefully Says Champion Tile and Marble

Do-it-yourself homeowners like to save time when laying ceramic tile, and often will lay it over existing tile.

“It’s not hard to lay ceramic tile over existing tile, but you do need to take care and take your time if you want an exceptional result and look,” remarked Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company.

Typically, before even trying to put down a ceramic tile floor over existing tile, the condition of what is already down must be taken into consideration. If the existing tile is in good condition, the task will be a bit easier. Ceramic tile must be able to have a good and secure bond to what material is under it. “What you need to check to see if it is in good condition is to find out if the current flooring is still stuck to the subflooring and you don’t get hollow sounds underneath it. If those two things check out, you’re pretty much good to go,” Dupre commented.

The next step is to thoroughly clean the floor to get rid of any grease or dirt before putting anything on top of it. When done, scuff up the tile and grout to help the new mortar stick to the old tile. “Remember to trim your door jams as well, as adding tile on top of an existing floor usually raises the level,” cautioned Dupre. Throw in a new threshold plate and things should work well.

If the existing floor is not in good condition, then start the removal process by getting a sturdy pair of safety glasses. “This is not a fun job and if your eyes are not protected, you’re asking for trouble when you chip the existing tile away,” said Dupre.

If the subflooring is wood, and it was installed on cement backer board, this is a bonus. It is easier to remove. However, tasks such as chipping out the old flooring are better in the hands of a qualified Tampa flooring contractor, as they will ensure the results are professional.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

December 27, 2011 in Business, Business News, Household by jferris

Choose Botticino Marble for Flooring Upgrades Says Champion Tile and Marble

People are starting to talk about Botticino marble when they speak to their Tampa flooring contractor about upgrading their home flooring to something different and stunning.

“Home decor choices are important to give a house its own personality, and to reflect your tastes as well. So, if you’re looking for something different to use when you upgrade your flooring, then consider Botticino marble. You won’t be disappointed that you did,” suggested Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company.

Lately, this particular marble choice has been catching the eye of architects, homeowners and interior designers for a variety of reasons. It is just about unbreakable and is easy to maintain, two really good reasons to consider it for renovation projects. A slab of Botticino marble ranks very high on strength and durability, and that is what a cost conscious and smart homeowner is looking for to make their home stand out. “Whether you want to use it on the floor or for a wall, the end result is quite striking and you will have a look that lasts a lifetime,” added Dupre.

Flooring is an integral part of any home and many people overlook it in favor of that latest hot painting or sculpture, choosing vibrant colors for the walls and accents, but neglect the floor. That one mistake can change the whole feel of a room. “Make no mistake about it, flooring is far more important than some may even imagine,” said Dupre. “In fact, I’ve had customers tell me that they regretted not having their floors upgraded before they moved in, figuring they could get around to it whenever or do it themselves.”

While many homeowners are handy do-it-yourselfers, the vast majority would not know what to do with marble and grout to make it look professional. For this reason, should Botticino marble be chosen for the kitchen or bathroom, then consult a professional Tampa flooring contractor. “This is a job that needs to go well and have good results,” commented Dupre.

Botticino is a good choice for another reason – its moisture resistance makes it the ideal choice for use in showers, bathrooms, pool areas and kitchen backsplashes. Provided the marble is sealed properly, meaning the grout, there are no concerns about mold and mildew. An added bonus with this choice of marble is its stain resilience and ability to ensure heavy objects being moved on it. “Just sweep it regularly to keep ahead of the dust and hair and if you see a small stain, you may use oxygen bleach,” Dupre suggested.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

November 30, 2011 in Business, Business News, Household by jferris

Flooring Experts Recommend Measuring a Space Twice Before Taking on a DIY Project

Do it yourself kind of homeowners will find their project easier if they take their time to do it right.

“There really is no limit to the kind of things a creative homeowner can accomplish on their own,” pointed out Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. “In particular, with the wide selection of various tiles on the market today, they are sure to find just exactly what they want to suit their style and personality.”

Many people do not realize that adding ceramic tiles in different areas of the home increases the value of their home later. This is because the extra style and flair make rooms with the tiles conversation pieces and add an air of elegance to what could have been something ordinary. Intricate styles often capture the attention of buyers who appreciate quality workmanship.

“So, if you do it yourself, do it right the first time, and take the care needed to make the project look stunning when it is completed,” added Dupre. “In other words, measure and work out the details of what you want at least twice before you proceed.”

One of the nice things about ceramic tiles is that they come in just about any size and shape a person could imagine. In fact, they have far more versatility than laminate or wood flooring, which is a very personal choice for a homeowner. Ceramic tiles are easy to use, and there is very little waste when a project is done, particularly if it is done the right way.

“What do you do to ensure things are done the right way?” asked Dupre. “No joke, but measure your available space at least twice before you buy any supplies. This will give you the parameters of what you need and the sizes and types of tile to use. Also, if you’re going to be working in a wet room, this limits your tile selection. So make a note of that when you go tile shopping.”

Once the project details are worked out, assess the different tile options available. What tiles will look good in the space? Get samples and take some home to try them out before buying anything. “You will have to live with your project for many years to come, so make sure you really like the tiles you choose,” Dupre suggested. If all the information for the project is available before it is started, this prevents the installer from running out of materials.

In the final analysis, if a homeowner does not want to try installing ceramic tile on their own, they can always make arrangements for a professional Clearwater tile installation.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

November 28, 2011 in Business, Business News, Household by jferris

Glass Tile Back In Vogue For Flooring and Kitchens Reports Champion Tile and Marble

Glass is making a comeback for homeowners looking for something unique to spice up their living space.

“You might recall that glass mosaic tiles have been on the market for a length of time,” remarked Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. “The interesting thing with those is that, over time, their popularity has been growing. The range of colors offered, the different sizes and the various choices of styles and shapes offer homeowners a really wonderful opportunity to get wildly creative doing home upgrades.”

Lately, there has been some controversy over the installation of the newer glass mosaic tiles, which has some contractors apprehensive. Overall though, with good planning and an understanding of how to install glass mosaic tiles, those apprehensions disappear once the job has gotten underway. It certainly is not the kind of project a homeowner would want to undertake on their own, and consulting with a Clearwater tile installation company will sort out any questions that may be on a homeowner’s mind.

“Generally speaking, these tiles offer a superb alternative for bathroom flooring, kitchens, patios, and entries. The designs are endless and the results can be quite striking,” added Dupre. For an installation to go without a hitch, good mortar mixing and spreading techniques and careful, accurate placement of the tiles is required. One problem that often occurs during placement is that the tiles lose bond. “More often than not, this is because high quality liquid latex wasn’t used; the kind that was specifically made for cement mortars,” said Dupre. “So, it takes more time to install and more care, but the end results are worth it.”
Take care in choosing the right kind of tile for the right kind of application. In other words, although you may use glass mosaic tiles just about anywhere from the spa to a pool and from the kitchen to the patio, it should be noted that high-quality tiles are the key to a superior finished product. Tiles are made to meet what is referred to as ANSI ratings for residential and commercial use and for inside and outside installations.

“The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing something you like when shopping for glass mosaic tiles. It’s an exciting world out there today, and it just keeps getting better and easier for homeowners to find something really smashing to enhance their living space,” said Dupre.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

October 26, 2011 in Business, Business News, Household by jferris

Selling a Home May Require Flooring Upgrades Reports Champion Tile and Marble

When flooring looks awful, the value of the house is not reaching its full potential. Try upgrading the flooring to net more dollars when selling. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors shows the amount of homes being sold in Florida, California, Illinois, New York, and Texas continues to put downward pressure on sales prices in those states. What if new flooring could make a difference in how a home is shown and spark a sale?

“Everyone walks on their floors hundreds of times a day, and thousands of times over a year,” stated Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and Tampa tile installation company. “The wear and tear, stains and spills, scratches and scuffs and cracks and peeling will all start to show. The kitchen and other rooms in your house may look knock out wonderful, but if the flooring looks destroyed, it doesn’t matter what the room looks like. In other words, the floor is the foundation of your home. Take care of it and it will help you sell your house.”

What options are available for upgrading flooring? Typically, there are four and they include tile, laminate, carpet and hardwood. Many people choose tile just for their bathroom and kitchens because it is easier to keep clean and water resistant. “It also does very well in high traffic areas,” Dupre added. “Unfortunately, it does not retain heat all that well and if you live in a colder climate, you might need instant heating elements under it.”

Carpet certainly has its pros and cons, and largely, the choice of carpet depends on a homeowner’s lifestyle. If an individual has younger children, or cats and dogs, then carpet is not a good choice. A carpet trying to survive under those conditions would fail miserably.

Kids are notorious for spilling things and animals have their own unique contributions that get deposited on the carpet. For a family with no kids, carpet might just be the ticket. It warms a room’s atmosphere, comes in striking colors and a wide variety of styles and designs. A good realtor in the area can let a homeowner know if there is a demand for a certain type of flooring in the area.

Laminate looks like hardwood, but is a lot cheaper than hardwood. It does not last as long as hardwood, but for those on a budget, this is the ideal solution to adding a bit of style to their homes. Laminate can make a room look larger but it does have one drawback that irritates people – it is not all that easy to keep clean. It streaks if it is washed in the wrong direction and finding a solution to clean the floors is a challenge.

Hardwood is often touted as the ultimate kind of flooring to have. It is appealing, eye-catching, comes in a variety of colors and is highly durable. While it is often a pricey investment, that investment will be reflected in a higher selling price for the home. It is also easy to clean and maintain.

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

October 25, 2011 in Business, Business News, Environment, Household by jferris

Affordable Solutions Exist to Help Homeowners Combat Bad Tap Water

Areas with solution channels and sinkholes are ripe for contaminated water. This town found that out the hard way.

“When small town America discovers they have a contaminated water problem, nine times out of ten, no one really knows what to do about it,” said Larry Wardell, who writes for H2olabs.com, a provider of water distiller systems that provide truly pure distilled water. “People are left hanging, wondering about their water and authorities are struggling with how to make things better, by either cleaning things up, if possible, or piping water in from somewhere else, which may be another can of worms. Rarely do people think about using water distillers –the perfect solution to contaminated water.”

Take the story of Raspberry Falls. It has been at least five years since they first found bacteria in their well. Testing has been on a continuous basis since then, with the water being treated with low levels of chlorine (another contaminant). Eventually, the Virginia Department of Health said the liquid met public health standards. Residents are not so sure that is the case and are openly wondering about the safety of their families. They do not want their family to be drinking water with coliform present.

The matter is still under review to determine the best way to solve the problem. “Many local residents just want them to get on with it and give them safe water, not dilly-dally around with political issues, money questions and what if scenarios,” added Wardell. “In the meantime, residents are wondering what they need to do to ensure they do have safe water to drink.”

Some have suggested they will turn to bottled water, but in reality, this is not a good option as much of bottled water today is tap water from the same sources the community gets their contaminated water. In reality, residents would be far better served by installing water distillation systems in their homes. They would not have any further questions about how safe their water is with water distillers in the home. It is clean, fresh and safe water on hand and on demand.

To learn more, visit http://www.h2olabs.com.

October 21, 2011 in Business, Business News, Household by jferris

Choosing the Right Flooring Makes a World of Difference In a Home Says Champion Tile and Marble

It is not rocket science that the right flooring in a home will improve its ambience and resale value.

“While you may well have great ideas for your home, you might be stumped when it comes to knowing what kind of flooring is right for you,” said Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. “Honestly, just dive right in and go see for yourself what a terrific variety of choices you have. Just consider your lifestyle first and foremost, and go from there. For instance, if you have dogs, you don’t really want soft pine flooring. Or if you have kids, you will want something that withstands heavy traffic, toys, playing and other things thrown at your floor.”

“Is your budget a concern? No problem, you can tailor your project to your budget. Don’t like some of the wilder styles out there? No problem, you can choose something a little less ‘out there,’” added Dupre. “What you want is out there, all you need to do is match it up to your lifestyle and you’re good to go.”

Here are a few tips that will help in finding the right kind of flooring. What room will the new flooring go in? What does it look like now? How much is that room used? Once those questions are answered, consider how much maintenance the flooring needs and do not be afraid to ask tough questions at the flooring store. What other things need to be taken into consideration when upgrading flooring? Take the time upfront to figure out what is needed and the selection process will go smoothly.

“Before buying anything, consider the price,” Dupre cautioned. “Set a budget and be prepared to stick to it. Add a bit of wiggle room into it just in case there is a flooring option that might only be a couple of extra bucks that really grabs your attention. Remember to add installation costs to the tab if this is not a DIY project.”

Hiring contractors is not always an easy thing to do, but start by asking around for references and speaking to people who have used the company being considered. If there are no references forthcoming, move on and choose another company. The last thing anyone needs is to get ripped off by a flooring contractor who says they will show up and then they don’t, despite having been paid. Any reliable and reputable contractor will not charge up front. They should bill at the end of the job only when the work meets the buyer’s approval.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

September 30, 2011 in Business, Business News, Household by jferris

Laminate Flooring is a Good Choice and Easy to Maintain

For a floor with a long life, choose laminate. It is easy to care for and very durable.

“There are so many flooring choices on the market today it is often really tough for a consumer to know what to choose,” remarked Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. “Here’s an idea – consider laminate flooring. It is a cinch to care for and long lasting. With the wide variety of selections, it really boils down to going the budget conscious route or spending a bit more for top quality. It is all up to you.”

Try not to just buy any laminate flooring or the results might not be what you expected. Even for those on a budget, it is best to shop around for reasonably-priced quality laminate, or the results can be lackluster. Wearability is certainly an important feature to consider as well. “Choose a reliable company, check around with family and friends to see if anyone else has bought laminate from a particular supplier, and make sure the company has a superior customer service department – just in case you run into problems of one kind or another,” added Dupre.

For those looking for a quick fix for floors that desperately need help, they should consider quickstep laminate flooring. It is a good choice for just about any room in a house and is highly versatile. It is also a very popular product because the panels connect easily. As with any other type of flooring, it needs to be cared for and looked after properly to preserve its beauty.

“There are at least three things you can do to keep you laminate flooring looking its very best, and the first one is to clean up spills as quickly as you can,” added Dupre. “Use a damp cloth and deal with things right away if you can.” And for those high traffic areas or locations where spills are guaranteed, such as the bathroom or kitchen, add a rug.

Make certain laminate flooring is swept regularly and use a dust mop to eliminate dust and those tiny particles of grit that make their way into the home on the bottom of shoes or a pet’s paws. It is easy get the dust and dirt up fast, but grains of sand can scratch a floor over time.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.