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Home Improvement General | Flooring Supply Shop Blog - Part 7

Category: Home Improvement General

4 ways to save money on new flooring

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Our ATR Tile Leveling System DIY Kit can help you save on new floor installation

Home renovations can be expensive, and that includes new flooring. How do you get the look you want without the huge cost? Follow these handy tips and find out!

Install it yourself if possible

Without taking into account the cost of the materials, one of the biggest expenses of a new flooring project is the labor involved. Doing it yourself is the best way to cut back on cost. Our ATR Tile Leveling System DIY Kit is one of our best-selling products. Check out its great reviews!

Shop around for contractor

If your flooring project is a little too large for you to do alone, do your research to find a suitable contractor at a reasonable price. Our Contractor Locator finds you the best person for the job. And if you are happy with the contractor’s performance, make sure to let us know and we will reward that contractor with gift certificate up to $500.

Keep to your budget

Set yourself a realistic budget to ensure you don’t overspend. No idea how much everything is going to cost? Use our Flooring Calculator to determine the number of tiles and other product amounts required to complete the job

Get value for your money

It’s easy to pick the first materials you like the look of, without much thought to the cost, but doing a little bargain hunting might save you those few extra cents for your budget. Our bathroom and flooring sale items are sold at a fraction of the price without compromising value or quality.

4 signs it’s time for a new floor

Madison
Photo by Andrea Brooks Interiors

Home improvement is one area most people are guilty of procrastinating around. We make excuses we don’t have the ‘time’ or ‘money’ to spare, but there are some occasions when you simply can’t ignore those annoying nags a minute longer. Here are 4 signs it’s time for a new floor.

Your floor is old and outdated

Naturally, floors wear down with age. We walk across our homes everyday, often in our shoes, but it’s true that some materials show signs of wear and tear more  than others. When looking to replace your floor, consider choosing wood or ceramic over vinyl and carpet, for example.

You’re looking to sell your property

Think back to when you first bought your property. Was the floor clean and inviting, or dirty and worn? Not only will installing new flooring improve the appearance and therefore appeal of your home to potential buyers, but it will also increase the value substantially.

Your floor is looking a little uneven

If your floor is made of wood, for example, water damage can cause its surface to warp, and individual pieces look as though they don’t fit the puzzle. Not only does this look unattractive, it is also hazardous, a particular concern if there are children running around the house.

Your floor stands out for the wrong reasons

It’s possible your current flooring remains from the previous owners, or perhaps you installed it when you first moved in. Either way, if you’ve updated your colours or accessories, perhaps it’s time to do the same with your floors. No matter how attractive one particular room is, unattractive flooring will alter its overall appearance.

Looking to install a new floor? Check out our great range of flooring  or contact us with any questions.

Planning a smooth home renovation

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Whether you’re planning for a new kitchen or bathroom, living through a renovation can be stressful, despite what you see on TV. But with the right decisions, budget planning, and style choices, renovating your home can be an extremely rewarding project. Below are our best tips to help your renovation dreams become reality.

Make sure your budget is realistic

The most common mistake homeowners make is maxing out their budget on materials, without putting aside extra for unexpected costs. Do your research before you commit to a number, and make your budget 80% of what you can afford, to allow room for surprises. And remember, most budgets on TV are not realistic!

Draw up a timeline for completion

Even if you have planned to the best of your ability, delays happen. Materials might be out of stock, or contractors may underestimate the time needed to complete a project. Before you get started on renovations, draw up a timeline with the contractor so you know what to expect.

Use expert help where possible

Before choosing to hire someone because they offer cheap labour, make sure they can provide references and draw up a formal contract. Draw up a list of questions you have for them and communicate any concerns you have before starting renovations. And remember, if they sound too good to be true, they probably are!

Find temporary living arrangements if necessary

It’s important to be realistic about living through a renovation. If work is likely to be disruptive to you and/or your family members, consider moving out for a temporary period. Often, the job site will also operate more efficiently without other people being in the way.

Think beyond current trends

Are you choosing a design that can be easily adapted to current trends as they change? Or will your design look dated within a few years? If you’re not sure, often hiring an interior design or decorator is a good investment. They will make sure your visions become reality while offering their expert opinion.

Stretch your budget with our special offers on flooring: Shop now!

Top 5 tips for making your tile and stone floors sparkle

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If you’re looking for a natural look for your floor, which adds character and sparkle to your home, our tile and stone ranges are a great choice. To keep that sparkle all year round, it’s important to know how to clean your floors properly, particularly during the busy summer months. Here we’ve put together our top tips for keeping your floors happy.

Ensure flooring is properly sealed

Your flooring installer should do this, but prompt them to be sure. Also make sure the area between the flooring and wall is caulked to prevent moisture from damaging the floor beneath, which may rot and cause flooring to become soft.

Use the right vacuum

Why? Because sand, grit and dirt are abrasive and can damage your floor’s surface. Use a vacuum, but be sure to use an attachment with a brush or soft surface to avoid scratching the finish. Our Microfiber Cleaning Pad, does just as good a job!

Use doormats at all entrances

Doormats prevent dirt and moisture being tracked onto your floor. While vacuuming is great, keeping the dirt out in the first place is even better! Keep them clean by running a vacuum over weekly.

Easy on the soap!

Damp mopping your tile or stone floor will keep it looking shiny and new. Use soap, rather than detergent, but be sure to rinse well. Too much cleaner or soap can leave a film and cause streaks. Also avoid products containing lemon juice, vinegar or acids, which dull your tiles.

Dry quickly after mopping

What happens when you wet the floor and someone walks through it? The new dirt will quickly set in wet areas, soon becoming hard-to-remove grimes. Use a dry mop straight after to avoid this happening.

Finding the best tile for your kitchen backsplash

A functional and decorative detail, the backsplash is the perfect opportunity to be creative and play with a variety textures and materials. Whether your kitchen is traditional and has a cozy feel or is modern and minimalistic, the style you choose for the backsplash can accentuate your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. However, so many choices can be overwhelming, which is why we have put together a quick guide to our tiles to help you choose the material that meets your needs.

kitchen

Metal
The variety of shades in the aluminum, copper and bronze colors will certainly add character to your kitchen. And if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, our Victorian Metals tile is made with 98% post-consumer recycled aluminum.

City studio apartment
Photo by Black and Milk Residential


Marble
The silky surface of timeless marble tiles not only emphasizes elegance and a contemporary feeling but is also very easy to clean.

Kitchen with glass tile
Photo by Giulietti Schouten Architects 


Glass
Vibrant and colorful glass tiles can liven up solid-hued counters creating a sleek, modern look.

Rollingwood Residence


Stone
Durable and easy to clean, natural stone adds flair to your kitchen with many possibilities in color and texture.

 

Eclectic Industrial Chef


Ceramic
Undoubtedly the most versatile backsplash material, ceramic tile is a popular choice because it’s widely available and comes in a vast range of styles.

Home Improvement General | Flooring Supply Shop Blog - Part 7