“Doing your own tiling is kind of fun, but try to remember that before you tackle any type of home renovation you must do the research first. If you jump in, all gung-ho because you found some marvelous tile, but don’t measure first, you may find yourself in a real bind mid-project,” said Champion Tile & Marble owner/operator, Dean Dupre. “The little details of any project are just as, if not more so, important than buying the tiles. So, measure twice, lay it once and you’ll be a happy camper.”
Many DIY aficionados head out the door first thing to buy tile, but forget to purchase all the tools they need to do the job the right way the first time. Make a list. This cannot be emphasized enough. Lists get any eager homeowner out of a tough spot when they start a job on their own and discover they might not have everything they need. If it is written down, it gets purchased, and the job is bound to be done right.
“The thing about tiling jobs is that they hold many surprises and need more tools than one might suspect,” added Dupre. “Do not cheap out on the tools. That old axiom about getting what you paid for is true. Buy cheap and you end up having issues and likely replacing them, which is not too budget friendly.” In other words, take the time to do the preparation work before starting a project.
Most home handymen do not understand the need to start in the middle of the floor. They figure starting in a corner makes sense. “Not so. Houses rarely have completely straight walls. If the tiles are aligned with the walls, the result may look out of line and very unprofessional. Work from the center of the room out and cut, trim and file tiles as you proceed. It’s a much neater job,” added Dupre. “Just make certain to buy more tiles than you might need, just in case.”
The post DIY Tiling? Start in the Middle of the Floor first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>One of the most common types of floating floors on the market is laminate flooring. However, if laminate is not installed correctly, it can be heard shifting when people walk over it. The main advantage of laminate is its durability and low cost. “However, low cost flooring may end up costing you more because it is much harder to clean, and in some cases, almost impossible to keep clean and streak free,” said Dean Dupre, owner/operator of Clearwater, Fla.’s Champion Tile & Marble.
In most instances when a floating floor is installed, there is a fair amount of movement in it because it is fitted over either cement or on top of another floor. If this is installed over an area with moisture issues, the result tends to be disastrous and the dampness disintegrates the laminate overtime. Laminate is not waterproof and a floating laminate floor does not remedy the moisture problem.
Floating laminate flooring keeps company with a few of its country cousins, engineered hardwoods. Not all engineered hardwoods are considered to be floating floors, because some must be nailed or glued down. All hardwood and laminate installations also require some form of underlay; so technically, the floor is not strictly free floating.
Before asking a contractor to install a floating floor or attempt a home renovation project that involves one, it is best to do the research required to select the correct product. For instance, if the floor is to go on top of radiant heating, there is a need to avoid nails and glues. Understanding the reasons why someone would require a floating floor are paramount to getting precisely what is required for various locations in the home. Other flooring may be less expensive and do a better job.
“Another fine choice for a floating floor, provided that is viable in your particular location, is using cork flooring. If cork does not hold any appeal for you, try sourcing vinyl. Some vinyls are floating floors, but choose carefully, because the rule of thumb with vinyl flooring is that most of them are ‘not’ floating floors,” cautioned Dupre.
Since it is so difficult to find a true floating floor, why would a homeowner wish to install one? Installing a floor over a floor, without ripping up the first one, saves times, money and labor. Or, a homeowner has an existing floor that does not handle glue well. There are also certain environmental considerations for putting down a floating floor. An example would be asbestos tile, making removal toxic and/or very expensive.
Floating flooring is a greatly misunderstood concept and it is best to discuss various options with an experienced flooring contractor before proceeding with any home flooring renovation project.
The post To Float a Floor or not to Float a Floor – a Tough Home Renovation Decision first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Marble is subject to staining and fading over time. Rather than replacing the tiles, try using a light coating of wax to bring the shine and glow back. This extends the life of the tile, returns the stone to its once heathy shine and protects the surface from further fading and damage. Although this is not an ideal long-term solution, it does help to delay a major replacement.
Refrain from waxing white marble, though, as it turns the stone a dirty yellow. An acceptable alternative would be using a marble sealer. Sealing the tile also makes it easier to clean, requiring just a damp cloth. Another route many homeowners try is using commercial cleaners and polishes. Make sure to only use the products specifically designed to care for marble.
“Caring for marble can be as easy as occasionally washing the tiles with lukewarm water and wiping them dry,” explains Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble. “Streaking can be taken care of by using a damp chamois. And you only need to do a more in depth cleaning about twice a year, by using dish detergent and warm water, making sure they are rinsed well and wiped dry,”
Companies that sell marble usually carry special cleaning products and most flooring contractors that use marble in projects are able to advise homeowners on what to use to keep their marble looking good for many years. Stick with the polishes and cleaners that have been designed for use on marble, as any other product may damage the marble beyond repair or revival.
“If all else fails when it comes to bringing the luster back to your marble tiles, consult with a tombstone maker,” Dupre adds. However, it is usually easier to stay on top of marble care by meticulously maintaining it on a regular basis, rather than realizing years later that the surface needs to be repaired, replace or refurbished.
The post Faded, Stained Marble, No Problem to Clean first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Always start a home renovation project with a budget, but be smart about it. “If you’re on a tight budget, measure the space you are redoing to determine how many square feet you need,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble, Clearwater, Fla. “There is no point in buying tile you love at $6.00 per square foot and then finding out you can’t afford to do the whole room in question.”
Additionally, tiling jobs do not just involve the tile alone. They typically require sealer, grouting and perhaps special tools for a particular type of tile and/or contrasting tiles to create a different look.
“Some people get so gung-ho about their renovation project that they don’t take time to slow down and carefully figure out what they need and do the measuring more than once. While that might sound like a gigantic pain, measuring twice and cutting once saves money, time and frustration,” says Dupre. Always have a list detailing precisely what is needed to do the job from start to finish. Tile is not the only item needed to redo a bathroom floor.
Do the research before doing the job. Know what kinds of tile are needed for the look that is both desired and professional. For instance, there are two types of tiling needed for remodeling the bathroom: trim and field tile. Field tile comprises the actual job itself – the area being tiled – such as a bathroom wall or shower. It is the largest part of a project. To cover a large area, opt to use the most common sized tile of 12 inches by 12 inches.
“To figure out how much field tile you need, carefully measure the large area of your project, then figure out the square footage. Add in a couple more feet for those just in case moments,” suggests Dupre.
It is usually wise to factor in at least a 20 percent overage when working with tile. That does not just apply to mistakes, but also avoids running out of tile, finding out it is discontinued or on perpetually on back order, or discovering that the extra tile needed is a different lot number or shade.
Renovators usually buy trim tile for several reasons, as border or accent trim. Though one can do the job without trim, it does make the result look far more professional. Accent trim is great for the field tile layout, as a contrast or complimentary accenting, and border trim completes the finished project.
“Marble is indeed a superior choice for flooring, walls, countertops and backsplashes,” states Dean Dupre, owner and operator of Champion Tile and Marble in Clearwater, Fla. “More often these days, those with a bit of wiggle room in their budget are opting to have it installed. Admittedly marble is more expensive than many other choices on the marketplace, but it is often worth the extra money in terms of upgrading a home.”
Homeowners wanting value for their money, enduring style, the utmost chic in design and durability, may want to check out marble. It is favored by decorators, architects, designers and engineers for good reason. It withstands the elements of time, reflects opulence and class and may be used in a variety of places: from court yards to kitchens, front porches to laundry rooms and bathrooms to front hall entries. Once installed, it is there virtually forever and is no longer just used for floors.
An often overlooked use for marble is outdoor tiling. Many considering this kind of renovation to a patio area think that wet marble would be dangerous. It would be dangerous, if it were not for the fact that there are special outdoor marble tiles, carefully roughed up with a minimally gritty, slightly coarse surface.
“The traction that type of surface provides is excellent, even when wet. If you’re contemplating using marble outside,” adds Dupre, “then make sure it is frost-proof and unglazed and the moisture absorption rate comes in at 0.5 percent or less.” When shopping for the right kind of tiles to install outdoors, check the ratings on each exterior tile that indicates slip-resistance capabilities.
Marble holds a unique niche in the hearts of many who want flooring that appeals to their senses. Aesthetically appealing and sensual, it is also appealing for its non-allergenic health benefits. Nothing sticks to marble, unlike carpets, some types of wood flooring and area rugs. Simply put, marble is not vinyl, laminate or ceramic and changes a room’s ambience significantly.
The post Marble Goes With Anything, Anywhere first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>When planning any type of renovation project, particularly one that is intended to upgrade flooring, try something different for a unique look. Go for unusual sizes and not standard 2 ¼ inch red oak panels usually that most builders opt for. While they use that size and product for its relative inexpensiveness, they sacrifice originality by doing so.
If the budget is not a great concern, something out of the ordinary may be a good choice. Trying a random flooring pattern can also give a room that extra pizazz.
Those interested in green options for their flooring renovations need look no further than the United States. There are numerous varieties of interesting flooring available right at home, and buying here supports the local economy. Other countries do not necessarily have renewable resource or managed reforestation programs.
For a more unique take on what to do with hardwood floors, try white oak, cherry, maple or even hickory. “Also check for what is referred to as character grades – planks with personality if you will,” adds Clearwater’s Champion Tile and Marble owner, Dean Dupre. “The flooring with character is memorable and adds a ton of personality to a home.”
For a floor with character, then do not choose select grade wood. That means it is devoid of personality and shows no markings – markings that are the character of the wood to begin with. “Flooring with personality tends to bring out the untold stories hidden in the wood’s planking. Character grades are incredibly interesting,” said Dupre. And, opt for prefinished flooring.
Prefinished flooring is a smart choice, as it avoids having to leave a home while the contractor sands down, stains and refinishes a floor. No one likes dust on their furniture and prefinished flooring may be installed in just one day and not leave behind a mess.
With that said, be wary of flooring warranties. Read the fine print on all products under consideration for a home renovation flooring upgrade. Often the warranty being offered is for floor wear-through only. The chances of a pre-finished hardwood floor wearing through are almost non-existent, as the floor would require refinishing long before it ever wore through its finish.
The post Hardwood Flooring – Variable Options to Consider When Buying first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“One of the most frequent questions I hear from homeowners relates to what to choose for tiling in their kitchen (and other rooms) and how they can make it look totally pulled together and not a mish-mash of tiles,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile & Marble . “The thing with tiles is sometimes a mish-mash isn’t a mish-mash and the resulting design is eye-catching and very appealing. That’s the beauty of tiles.”
When in doubt about how to proceed with tile installation, sit down and figure out the project on a piece of paper. It acts as the roadmap to the finished product. Want a design in different colors? Plan it out and mark which areas are to be certain hues. Know in advance where everything is going to go, and use the predrawn pattern to place tiles in the chosen location.
“Even though tiles look good anywhere you put them, make certain to visualize the finished project,” adds Dupre. “Go to the store and choose tile samples and bring them home. Do a dry run of your design. The more you do in advance of tiling, the better the outcome.”
Finding the right tile is typically about what the homeowner likes and finds appealing. However, before just choosing tiles based on looks, research differences between various tiles on the market. There is a wide range of tile options available, including porcelain, cork, ceramic, vinyl, glass and quarry. Pick tile according to best fit for the chosen room and surface. Flooring tiles are usually bamboo, cork and vinyl, while counters and backsplashes may be ceramic, porcelain or quarry. Glass is usually reserved for backsplashes and walls.
“It’s important to also decide before you go tile shopping just what your budget is going to be and absolutely stick to it,” Dupre points out. “Search for reasonably priced products and stay within your limits. You may always upgrade later. Don’t buy a tile based on looks alone. You might get a shock at the cash register.”
Tile choices should also be based on the lifestyle of the householders. If the family has several children and numerous pets, tiles that are durable and easily maintained are in order. If the tiles meant for the kitchen, choose tiles that are not prone to break, chip or crack. While trying to choose the right tile for the right location may be confusing at first, one only has to keep in mind that choosing tiles is closely tied to a family’s lifestyle.
The post Tiling Does Not Need to be Chaotically Stressful first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Backsplashes didn’t used to be as popular as they are now, but these days, most kitchens have them,” says the owner of Clearwater’s Champion Tile and Marble, Dean Dupre. “And they have, over time, become a way to add a touch of personality to the room. Most people also use them to make a personal statement with color, pattern and design,”
Backsplashes not only keep water off the walls, but also catch food splatters. This is important when it comes to materials that stain easily, such as oil, wine and tomato-based products. Without the protection of a backsplash, walls can easily get permanent stains. For backsplash installation, choose materials that are easy to maintain and wipe clean.
“Although the first inclination is to install a backsplash that matches the flooring, you might want to reconsider that option,” Dupre adds. “Easily installed backsplashes, ones that are lively, exciting and relatively inexpensive, as well as easy to keep clean, are those made from tile.” Try to avoid choosing a granite backsplash as they retain stains and are difficult to clean unless a specific solution is used. This applies even if the granite is sealed. Granite must be resealed every few years.
Tiles have the added advantage of being highly versatile and visually appealing. An owner can also lay out and install them in a design pattern of his or her creation and are relatively inexpensive.
When choosing what material to use for a kitchen backsplash, keep in mind how often various pots and pans may spatter, splash and ding it, and plan accordingly to install something durable. Durability does not have to mean dull, uninteresting and so-so looking tiles that do not add to a kitchen’s ambience, but can now mean exciting colors and patterns, all of which are definitely affordable.
The post Cut Down on Kitchen Messes With Tile Backsplashes first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Before investing in white marble though,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile & Marble in Clearwater, Fla,, “make sure you know the quality of the stone. This means taking the time to carefully examine the stones you want to use. You want only the best and most durable.” In addition, a tile should not show signs of filling: small, dull patches, seen when tilted at a 45-degree angle under a light. If the tiles are filled, they are not high quality, which affects their integrity and durability.
White marble stones may be polished, but the idea is that the finished product looks smooth and attractive. If the stone has been improperly buffed up, swirl marks are visible on the surface. This detracts from the stone’s beauty, while calling its quality into question.
When it comes to white marble tiles, there is currently no existing industry standard. That means any home renovation expert, or even a do-it-yourself kind of individual, needs to personally check the quality of any stones under consideration. Doing so requires carefully judging the material by looking at the back of the tiles first.
The surface must not have a net or mesh covering. “If there is a net or mesh on the back of the tile,” adds Dupre, “it is a weak stone and likely to crack or break and is susceptible to scratching and/or etching.” Make sure the stones have straight edges and are evenly shaped. Straight edges grouting will be easier once the project is finished. Imperfectly shaped tiles or stones are hard to shape for a complete a flooring plan, and installation of such misshapen tiles is difficult.
Most marble is notable for its veining, and white marble is no exception. Veining provides the stone’s character. If white marble tiles do show this characteristic, turn the tile over and check for cracks, or other surface imperfections, along the vein trail. These tiles may still be used in low traffic areas, or on walls. “If you do choose tiles with imperfections, still make sure they are a uniform thickness. Uneven tiles create dangerous floors, ripe for trip and fall accidents,” advises Dupre.
The post Know How to Judge the Quality of White Marble Before Starting Home Renovations first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“It’s true, marble in the kitchen is one of the most attractive, elegant stones you could possibly use to upgrade your personal cooking space,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Marble & Tile in Clearwater, Fla. “Kitchen countertops in particular are spectacular done in white marble.”
Marble is a much sought after stone for a number of reasons, but its main attraction is the uniqueness of the erratic veining that provides an inner elegance that homeowners love. Marble feels like an old friend, yet still holds the power to become a new acquaintance when it comes to improving the home’s interior. The Greeks and Romans used it to good effect and of their creations still standing today, all look breathtakingly beautiful. There is no reason the modern design eye should see it as just a stone for the fireplace hearth or mantel.
Installing marble in any room provides a showcase for this mysterious stone to show off its inner light in a softly reflective manner. Honed marble almost glows in the dark and has an eerie, yet elegant look. “I have heard many of my customers say that marble almost seems to have a life of its own,” Dupre adds.
Trending kitchen upgrades tend to include marble as a backsplash, a countertop or both. The ambience is incredible when smartly paired to compliment wood graining in the cabinets and/or flooring. For that incredibly crisp and authoritative appeal, white Danby, Carrara or Calacatta marble fit the bill. It is considered to be high-fashion and versatile enough to appeal to both modernists and traditionalists.
Although marble holds incredible appeal, it should be noted that it does require more maintenance than other stones, due to its softness. Extra care must be taken to avoid staining and scratching the surface. “If you want marble in the kitchen, choose a harder stone,” advises Dupre. “In general, darker colors are harder and the lighter marbles are softer. If you want a more durable white marble, choose the Danby white, sourced from Vermont. However, you still need to take care not to stain and scratch it.”
The post White Marble is a Huge Hit for Kitchen Renovations first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“People think that to upgrade their home they need to redo the bathroom, tear apart the kitchen, replace flooring and other such major projects,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Marble & Tile in Clearwater, Fla. “Truth is choosing the right tiles to spiff up a room works wonders instead of spending a lot of money you may not have.”
Water resistance is usually an issue for homeowners, particularly in the bath and laundry room areas – two locations that tend to get makeovers when it comes time to sell. Porcelain ceramic tiles handle moisture with aplomb and reduce the chances of slipping and falling. Other types of stone tiles do not handle water well and tend to pool moisture in a thin layer, making secure traction difficult.
One of the best ways to upgrade a home’s flooring into a higher selling price range is porcelain ceramic tiles. They are well-known for their durability and even have the ability to handle more wear-and-tear than either granite or marble tiles while keeping their aesthetic appeal intact.
“Porcelain tiles are made to handle heat and do not burn, so they’re perfect for the kitchen,” adds Dupre. “This tough flooring can even handle having a hot pot dropped on it and not melt or scorch. It may chip a bit if it hits the right way, but it doesn’t burn.”
If choosing ceramic tiles for the kitchen floor, be aware there are various grades or groups of hardness and each grade is suitable for a variety of different things. Group 0 tiles are not fit to be used for flooring and are typically used as wall tiles. Group 1 tiles can only be used in light traffic areas. Group 2 tiles are not for kitchen use or for any areas with high traffic. Group 3 tiles are not for commercial use, but are suited to residential and light use applications. Group 4 tiles handle regular traffic well and Group 5 tiles are specifically for heavy duty traffic, where anything goes.
“Know the area you want to upgrade, do the research and get the right type of tiles for the job,” advises Dupre. “If you get the wrong tiling, you’ll have wasted your time and money.”
The post Porcelain Ceramic Tiles a Trending Choice for Home Makeovers first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>The Chromatic Mosaic Tile collection is unique because of the bubbling chrome used inside the tiles. The tiles are then sealed in colored, clear or smooth glass. When viewed from different angles, surfaces show changing highlights, reflections and refractions. It can help create a child’s fantasy world or add a certain zing to a recreation or bar room area in the basement. These tiles make a stunning focal point in the bathroom and kitchen, livening up the view and brightening any area where they are installed.
“Not everyone wants sparkle and glitter in their homes, but if you have kids that love princess fairy stories or belle-of-the-ball tales, the Chromatic Mosaic Tile collection might be just the right thing for their rooms. You only get to be a kid once, and these sparkly, jewel-colored tiles add a touch of whimsy to any child’s room,” said Dean Dupre, owner and operator at Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida.
There are a number of ways to install these tiles, but by using large block placement, the different colors inside the glass tiles stand out quite clearly. If the renovation budget does not allow for many tiles, consider using fewer to create an elegant border in the bathroom or kitchen. Mixing and matching tiles lets creative installers work on their own custom designs. “You’d never be at a loss for color choices,” added Dupre, “and the collection features some very rich, deep colors to enhance a home.”
These tiles never rub off or fade, and they add charisma wherever they are featured in a home. Beautiful shades add depth to any room, and no two custom patterns created by the DIY installer will be the same.
The post Glass Mosaic Tiles Add Fanciful Glitter to a Home first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Engineered flooring is a popular choice for homeowners on a budget. The surface is a sandwich of multiple wood laminations, with unfinished ply on the bottom and finished wood on the top. Its cross-grain construction looks clean and performs well in high-moisture locations,” explained Dean Dupre, the owner of Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Most engineered wood comes pre-finished, so the top layer is already sanded and sealed. Once installed, it can be walked on immediately. This type of flooring is budget-conscious for two reasons: it is made inexpensively, and it is very easy to install without professional help. “The almost-instant installation bonus of this nail-less flooring is very appealing, and it comes in a variety of attractive choices, including maple, hickory, bamboo and oak,” Dupre said.
Nails are not needed to install engineered flooring, but they may be used depending on the location of the installation. This floor can also be laid by floating, gluing or stapling it. The floating style is most common; long panes are laid by snapping or gluing them together. The sub-floor is not nailed during this process. Homeowners can also apply tongue-in-groove planks joined lengthwise. Laying an engineered floor is a very easy day’s project, and the composite much easier to work with than hardwoods.
Even though this type of flooring comes sanded, it may be sanded up to twice more (depending on its thickness) if the floor sustains dents or scratches. When in doubt, check with an experienced flooring contractor to determine if sanding is appropriate.
http://www.champtile.com/
“The UK tile market is exploding with the latest creative tile trends –- 3D glass tile with bold, snappy colors, ripple mosaic tile, stone or glass mosaic tile and metallic glass tile. They’re quite unique and very eye-catching,” said Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida.
These tiles are not the run-of-the-mill various colored tiles for a home renovation project, intended to look serene and sedate, classic and timeless. They are designed for creative individuals who want to add spice to their living areas and to feature stunning colors that create special effects.
“The interesting colors you’ll find in the UK tiles will allow for truly creative tiling,” added Dupre. “Homeowners can choose their particular brand of glass tiles and match them to other elements in the home. No matter what color you love, be it pumpkin orange or zesty raspberry, you can find it. And the tiles don’t just come in one shade. Sets typically have at least three variations on a theme to allow you to mix and match.”
Special-effects tiles come in various collections, patterns, colors and materials: from glass to stone, from futuristic to 3D. For those who thrive on mixing and matching, the temptation to do something really artistic may capture the moment. Mix in metallic glass tiles with gold, flaming red and deep-water blue. The only limit to working with these tiles is one’s imagination.
“History does repeat itself. This time, it’s taken an old page out of a design book but added vibrant, splashy colors for the entrepreneurial tiling aficionados who love to express themselves with color and new materials,” said Dupre.
The post Special-Effects Trend in Tiling Arrives From Overseas first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Some home projects, including tiling, can be easy and fun. But no matter how experienced you might be, a number of things can still go wrong. If you want a quality installation job, do it right the first time,” advised Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Frequently, would-be installers fail to prep their surface properly. If the surface is not smooth and completely clean, the tiles may not adhere to the wall or floor properly. Grouting needs to go on slowly and smoothly. Clumps dry unevenly and create an uneven final surface.
“Do not dot the corner of your tiles. This does not, contrary to popular belief, make the tile bond stronger. Instead, it ups the chances that the tile will crack when the adhesive shrinks while drying. And speaking of adhesive – choose the right one for the job, or you’ll have problems later,” added Dupre.
Without battens, tiles cannot be positioned correctly vertically or horizontally. Crooked lines create a haphazard-looking floor. Battens prevent installers from having to tear out tiles to start a job over again. Mistakes need to be caught early before the floor is completed. The sooner an error is caught, the easier it is to repair it without dealing with hardened grouting.
“Scrape off excess grouting carefully and accurately. You don’t want the floor to have spots where the grout is protruding up past the tiling. Nothing says “amateur” like a lumpy floor,” Dupre explained. “Before you begin, assemble the correct number of tiles and add about 12 extras in case something goes wrong.”
If a bathroom wall or shower stall is being tiled, ensure the top row of tiles is sealed correctly with the proper sealant. Water gets in behind improperly sealed tiles. Seal tubs only after filling them with water. Tubs move when filled, which can crack sealant in use later.
The post Tiling Mistakes to Avoid at DIY Time first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Instead of doing a whole room, choose to update only the countertops or some other feature. Some homeowners lay marble tiles on the floor and complement them with ceramic sinks and backsplashes. Even as a small accent, marble fills whole rooms with its unique look. Well-edited choices create a quietly understated atmosphere.
Use color to your advantage. For high impact, choose marble with contrasting veins, like grey and white. Then, add more white into the room to highlight the veining. “If you can’t afford much, consider making a marble counter the focal point of the room, then build your design from its texture,” said Dupre.
Those with larger budgets may consider marble tubs the epitome of luxury. But your ceramic tub can light up in the same way with stone-to-stone accents. Limits are only set by the bounds of your creativity.
New treatments and finishes have made marble even more popular. Now, the stone can even stand up the humidity of the kitchen or bathroom. No matter where you place it, remember that your marble must be resealed regularly to ensure durability and keep moisture out.
The post Hints of Marble Add Elegance on a Budget first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Some wood looks great in delicate areas, but won’t do well in a busy home. Other wood stands up to just about anything. Know what you want before you shop,” advised Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Wood flooring hardness is typically measure using the “Janka test.” A steel ball is pressed into a piece of wood forcefully, and the tester measures the amount of pressure needed to insert it. Soft wood, like pine, dents or caves under less pressure than harder woods require. “If you or the kids are prone to dropping things, a wood floor, particularly a softer wood floor, will dent on impact,” added Dupre.
Be wary of marketing generalizations. Today, most flooring options will claim to stand up to “general foot traffic,” but not all consider a busy home — with kids and pets constantly on the move — to fall under that definition. A handsome wood floor may deteriorate fast after the dog digs several gouges out of it and the kids ride their tricycles through the house for fun. For truly indestructible flooring, you should consider other materials entirely.
Wood flooring, no matter its natural hardness, also requires a finish. If that finish is breached, the wood underneath can start to deteriorate as moisture seeps in. All wood floors must be sanded and re-finished yearly.
Consider the location of the wood flooring installation and be aware of the traffic it will handle. Is the wood under consideration tough enough?
The post Does The Hardness of Wood Flooring Matter? first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Bathroom renos can be fun and they can also be a huge pain,” points out the owner of Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida, Dean Dupre. “The DIY crowd dive right in, often finding out later it was not a good idea, not reading any instructions. The experienced folks know to check twice, measure twice, and do it right the right time for an elegant and long-lasting, good-looking job.”
If the bathroom is the project for the day, be sure to use more full-size tiles; in other words, choose a size the suits the bathroom area. Smaller tiles make a larger bathroom look dated, and the installer has a lot of grouting to complete. Larger tiles offer a more modern ambience and less grouting. Edge installation goes relatively smoothly if you cut tiles to the amount of space left and use a wet saw. Creative individuals may want to try different colors and sizes of tiles.
To make the room look elegant and pulled together, try laying tiles in a symmetrical pattern. If the tiles are to be mounted on a wall, make sure the opposing wall looks the same. Different-sized tiles on either side of the room create an odd visual distortion. If the tiles are to be laid on the floor, begin in the center of the room with smaller ones and work out to the edge, and use large tiles to form a border.
“Before cutting anything, measure carefully first. Cutting is not the easiest task, even with a wet saw. So to ensure less damaged tiles, which cramps your design in mind, work slowly while cutting,” suggests Dupre. The cut tiles are generally used as edging, under overhangs, by walls and as borders. In other words, cut tiles are ideal for any area that is less visible. To enhance visibility in areas seen immediately, use full tiles to draw the eye to the point of attention.
“The best tip you will ever benefit from before attempting a tile reno in the bathroom is: Lay your tiles out on a dry surface to see what they will look like. When you have it right in your mind, go to town and get creative. It’s the most fun you will ever have with a renovation,” says Dupre.
The post If Bathroom Renos Are Pending, Pay Attention to the Process of Proper Tiling first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Most garages have a concrete slab, and that is not the best surface to work out on. In fact, it’s really hard on your joints. Aside from that, though, if you have expensive equipment in the garage, you won’t want it resting on cold concrete that may also be cracked and damp. Time to make some changes and make the inside of the workout zone safe and yet durable,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble, Tampa Bay, Florida.
While the ideal flooring would be the kind in boxing gyms or other big-ticket fitness training centers, not everyone can afford it. Are there other options? “Yes, commercial flooring, rubber stall mats and interlocking rubber tiles. Each one of those choices has pros and cons. It is up to you to choose what works the best for your situation and location,” Dupre adds.
Commercial flooring is still too expensive for some. It is the kind found in large gyms, and it comes in a rainbow of colors. Right off the bat, the only way to determine a flooring budget is to ask for a quote. This may put a number of people off, as they interpret that to mean it is expensive. This kind of flooring also comes in a tiled version that may be worth considering because it can be less expensive.
Option number two is to use rubber horse-stall mats, which work out to be about $1.66 per square foot. A lot of garage floor area can be covered for a low price, for those with a limited, no-room-to-wiggle budget. Bonus: these mats are easy to cut down to fit any space and any odd corner. Additionally, they are very durable. Just be prepared to wait for the new-rubber smell to dissipate over time. Also, be aware that this type of matting is quite heavy, which means no bunch-ups when laid in a square.
“Another type of tile to consider is interlocking rubber tiles,” explains Dupre. “This option is the most economical of the three alternatives and is easy to find at sporting goods stores or online. However, the less you pay for something, chances are there may be issues with it. That old ‘You get what you pay for’ adage is quite true with these tiles. However, they do work well for some.”
Interlocking rubber tiles do not stand up to weightlifting equipment being dropped on them, but they may do well when placed under a treadmill or combination home gym rig. “It’s your choice, but at least you have a variety of options to suit your workout routines and equipment,” says Dupre.
The post Living Spaces Are Not the Only Areas That May Need New Flooring first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>