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Flooring Supply Shop Blog | Flooring and Floor Heating Supply - Part 11

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Your floor is old and outdated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 youre 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.

Creating a true spa experience with LED lighted shower drains

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Imagine having chromotherapy sessions in your own home with every shower. That is what the Royal Drain water activated LED lights drains system offers. As the water runs through the drains colorful lights come on creating an atmosphere for relaxation and opulence.

The water activated LED Illumination is available for both standard and custom shower channels. The system is based on simple battery powered circuit that gets triggered by water. When the water stops running the illumination switches off. Allowing a daily showering duration of 15 minutes, batteries can last for approximately three months.

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The shower drain lights are available in green, blue, red and multicolor. Each of the light colors can trigger different moods or states of mind, according to chromotherapy specialists. Red, for instance, brings warmth, energy and stimulation; green inspires balance and harmony and possesses a soothing influence upon both mind and body; blue is cooling, electric, astringent. The multicolor option offers a mix of all the colors in the spectrum.

Shop now for Royal Drain Water activated LED Lights and take advantage of our fast same-day shipping.

Tiling made easy with ATR levelling tools

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Professional looking tile floors, with even tile edges and straight layout doesn’t require a huge investment or complicated tools. In fact, simple and quick tile placement can be achieved with two small tools called spacers and spindles.

The ATR Tile Levelling Solution Startup Kit comes with  all the items you need to lay out floor or wall tiles quickly and free of stress. The intelligent system keeps the tiles in place while the mortar dries and doesn’t require the use of force. It only takes three easy steps to get the job done:

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We also made a video demonstration of a full ATR Tile Levelling Alignment System application.

The ATR Levelling Startup Kit includes 40 cross spacers, 20 edge spacers, 40 reusable pre assembled spindles all for $49.99, approximately 33% less than competing levelling system. Checkout the kit and other ATR Levelling System products at our shop.

Flooring Supply Shop Blog | Flooring and Floor Heating Supply - Part 11