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Flooring Supply Shop Blog | Flooring and Floor Heating Supply - Part 10

Upgrade the look of your homes deteriorating Concrete Surface.

Smiths Paint Concrete Counter-top Stains
Concrete Countertop

Decorative Concrete Resurfacing

Many homeowners believe that there is no other solution for the discolored or cracked old concrete flooring except removing and replacing it with a new flooring. However, this is not true, concrete resurfacing is an easy and affordable option available for aging concrete driveway, patio, or other concrete flooring. Resurfacing gives a brand new look to the old flooring and it seems as if a new flooring has been installed. It is a cost-saving and effective way of renovating a deteriorating concrete floor, but it cannot create miracle; hence do not expect it to solve severe buckling, underlying soil issues or other major problems.

Before you plan to opt for resurfacing, you need to assess whether or not the concrete flooring can actually be resurfaced. It is not such a daunting task, and you can do it without any need for professional guidance. You just need to inspect the floor and ensure that there are no deep or large cracks, warp or damages, and also that the soil has not yet begun to settle. In case any of these conditions do exist, resurfacing may not be the ideal solution to overcome such problems. You can even consult a concrete professional who can tell you whether resurfacing the concrete floor is a feasible option.

Smiths Paint Concrete Stains
Restaurant – Concrete floors

There are different types of concrete resurfacing options available, which you can choose to give the floor a whole new look. Overlays are one of the popular options owing to the different patterns that can be achieved by them. You can choose amongst the stampable overlays that look like brick or natural stone, the self-leveling overlays for smooth finish, or the micro-toppings for textured finish or troweled smooth. Most homeowners opt for the spray down overlays that are not only durable but also provide a skid-resistant surface.

Apart from overlays, you can also go for staining, where you can add an appealing solid color to a concrete floor. Moreover, staining produces rich semi-transparent color effects that can look like polished marble or stained wood because the stains seep deep into the concrete. Since the properties of the concrete surfaces vary from one another, hence the effect of staining also varies, and it is this distinctiveness that makes this option interesting.

Smiths Paint Concrete Stains
Exterior – Concrete floors

Another option that you may choose is the stenciled concrete patterns that are available in an array of appealing patterns. A stencil is placed over the concrete surface and a thin decorative coating is applied over it in different ways. There are different ways of applying the coating, such as spray down or trowelling down. You can even use adhesive stencils to create desired patterns on the concrete surface. For creating grids, geometric shapes or more intricate designs, you can select saw cutting option; the concrete is saw cut, after being hardened. You can even create a contrast with the adjacent concrete by staining the pattern in different colors afterward.

Smiths Paint Concrete Stains
Concrete Countertop

Engraving or etching is also a popular choice where attractive designs are etched on the concrete surface, with the help of special tools. Unlike overlays, it is a permanent surface treatment and hence, it is advisable to select patterns only after due consideration. For enhancing the appearance of the resurfaced floor, you can follow it by staining. Apart from these, there are many other resurfacing options available, with the help of which you can upgrade the look of your home’s deteriorating concrete surface.

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How to remove stains without replacing your floor

 

This marble floor was completely restored with our eco-friendly cleaning pads. Check out the final results on this blog post.

There’s no question about it, stains are never good news, but especially not when they ruin expensive furniture or flooring. Often, we jump to conclusions and assume the whole floor will need replacing, but before you panic, have a read of these simple, yet effective solutions.

Of course, the method to remove the stain will vary according to the type of stain and type of flooring, so we’ll go through each scenario.

Spills and Pet Stains

Carpet

Use an eco-friendly white vinegar, which neutralizes odors with its acidity. If dry, sprinkle baking soda and let is sit for a few hours before vacuuming.

Stone

Blot, then wipe the area with  a soft cloth dipped in sudsy water. Next use a dry cloth with rubbing alcohol, and finally, a dry cloth soaked in watered-down bleach.

Vinyl

Combine dish detergent, vinegar and warm water and scrub the area using a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with clean water

Hardwood

First, use floor wax, and if still dark, apply bleach or vinegar and allow to soak for an hour. Rinse with a damp cloth.

Oil-based stains

Carpet

Blot until no oil is left on the paper towel and then rub alcohol onto the stain. Next, apply dish soap and water.

Stone

Create a paste using ammonia or a degreaser. Apply paste to the stain, cover with a plastic bag and wait until dry.

Vinyl

Rub with a vinyl cleaner and water and soak for 15-20 minutes. Wipe with warm water and repeat.

Hardwood

Use dishwashing detergent to break down grease and rinse with water. Once dry, smooth the raised grain with sandpaper.

Water marks

Carpet

Use mineral oil to rub stains with a cloth. Sit overnight and repeat again if necessary.

Stone

Varies by type of natural stone, but generally won’t stain.

Vinyl

Use warm water and white vinegar to remove stain.

Hardwood

Use floor wax and if the stain goes deeper, lightly sand the floor and clean with mineral spirits.

 

Check out our great range of flooring on our website, or contact us for more information: www.flooringsupplyshop.com

 

How to choose the best flooring for your pet

 

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Pet owners will know that once you have a pet, you can’t live without one. Having said that, they do add to the wear and tear of household furnishings, in particular, flooring. If you’re moving into a new place, or considering new flooring, ask yourself a few questions before choosing.

Does your pet shed fur?

If your pet tends to shed a lot of fur, it’s a good idea to avoid choosing carpets, where fur can get lost and cause the floor to smell. Instead, choose floors that are easier to clean, such as laminate or tile flooring.

Is your animal loud?

Hard floors tend to carry a lot more sound, for example, if you have a dog that likes to run around. For this reason, carpet might be a good choice.

Does your animal have trimmed nails?

If your pet has long nails, there’s a good chance they will scratch a laminate floor. Instead, opt for tile flooring, which is less prone to scratches.

Is your pet house-trained?

Just bought a new puppy or kitten? Opt for an odor and stain controlled carpet, or flooring which is easy to clean, such as hardwood or laminate.

To check out our range of flooring, or for more information, visit our website www.flooringsupplyshop.com

 

5 ways to decorate your home with tile

Photo: Ela Haney
Photo: Ela Haney

When your walls and floors start to look a little outdated and worn, tile is a great solution to give your home the finishing touch it needs. There are various types you can use for your surfaces, but here are a few tips to get your started.

Kitchen countertops

Tiling kitchen countertops makes your home look shiny and new, as well as potentially increasing the value of your home.  Choose a stone tile for something longer lasting and practical, or a ceramic tile for a more traditional look.

Bathroom floor

The right bathroom tile with help transform your space into a relaxing spa. If you decide to opt for a design that is clean and simple, create a focal point using your favourite plant or pillar candle to draw the eye into a particular spot.

Kitchen backsplash

Is your dream kitchen rustic and cosy or modern and stylish? Smaller tiles with repeating patterns give a decorative finish, although some opt for larger tiles which are easier to clean. Whatever you choose, backsplash tiles are an easy way to add colour, pattern and texture to your space.

Entryway

The entryway is the first area that people see when coming into your home, so it’s important to make sure your choice is eye-catching and complements your home. For an entryway that is grand and elegant, a marble tile is a great choice.

Fireplace surround

As well as being a cosy spot for your living room, a fireplace can be a statement piece. Whether you choose brick, stone, or mosaic, ensure your choice can withstand the heat as well as adding style to the room.

 

Check out our great range of tiling on our website.

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.

Flooring Supply Shop Blog | Flooring and Floor Heating Supply - Part 10