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Flooring Supply Shop Blog | Flooring and Floor Heating Supply - Part 17

How to Properly Budget and plan your Home Improvement Projects

How to Properly Budget and plan your Home Improvement Projects

Now that 2014 has started, many Los Angeles homeowners are getting their budgets together and making plans for the New Year. For many people the improved economy means that they can finally tackle some of the big home improvement projects they might have had to put off previously.

One of the biggest home improvements you can make which can reap surprisingly dramatic results is replacing your flooring. Try to imagine that old carpeting in the dining room replaced with beautiful, hardwood floors. The whole room could be completely transformed, and the value of your home will no doubt increase. It also helps that new technology and innovations have increased flooring options by the tenfold in the last few years. Just looking at Flooring Supply Shop’s options can show you just how many new options you have.

Flooring Supply Shop

Another thing you may noticed while shopping around is the number of   environmentally friendly options you have. It’s not news that there is a rapidly increasing focus on bringing sustainable materials into every facet of consumer lives, and flooring is no exception to the trend. Unlike a few years ago, there are a huge number of options today.

One option you have if you’re looking to replace some marble in your home, is to actually not replace it at all! If you haven’t heard about our Restoration Training and Cheetah Pads, just let the results speak for themselves. What could be more environmentally friendly than buffing your way to a completely new floor?

However, if you’re searching for a new look in your home that is also Eco-friendly, one of the biggest trends right now is concrete. Yes, you heard that correctly, concrete. This concrete isn’t the boring sidewalk slabs you’re imagining, since the innovations that have been made with concrete are astounding. It can be molded to fit any area, can be dyed or stained to any color, polished until it gives you a high shine look, and – barring any catastrophic events – would never need to be replaced.

 

While concrete is great, one of the newest, coolest, and most environmentally friendly options on the market right now is glass tiles. Eco-friendly glass tiles are made of recycled glass products (like beer bottles) which are then converted into beautiful tiles. It’s really incredible how a bunch of old wine bottles can be transformed into some truly unique flooring. On top of being an environmentally friendly flooring option, many people are using it on the walls of their home or as back-splashes in their kitchen thanks to its light reflecting properties. As an added bonus the tiles are easy to maintain and you won’t have to worry about staining as you would with many traditional types of tiles.

It seems counter intuitive to assume that hardwood floors are eco-friendly, right? Chopping down trees can’t be good for the environment. However, thanks to new advancements you can get hardwood floors without so much as knocking a leaf off of a tree due to engineered hardwood floors. In the past engineered hardwood got a bad rap thanks to it’s less than conventional look, but like every other flooring material out there a few years of time and testing has resulted in a more aesthetic appearance. In addition to being environmentally friendly, it’s usually significantly cheaper than traditional hardwood, sometimes as much as $3 a plank cheaper. They’re also much easier to install than their traditional counterparts.

When making plans for major home renovations it’s easy to get lost in the details and forget about the environmental impact your choices may have. However, it is our responsibility to do our best to use sustainable, eco-friendly products as often as we can, and that includes our flooring. Thanks to the incredible advancements in technology, Eco-friendly floor options are cost effective and very aesthetically pleasing, sometimes more so than non-green options. Just take a look around at some of Flooring Supply Shop’s environmentally friendly options and you can see just how far we’ve come in terms of green flooring options.

Copyright © 2014 FlooringSupplyShop.com

About the Author: Spencer Blohm is a freelance design, lifestyle, and entertainment blogger for Direct-ticket.net. His interests range from interior design to old Hollywood films and can often be found scavenging in vintage and antique stores for his next big find. He lives and works in Chicago.

What You Should Know About DIY Flooring

So you think you are ready to take on a weekend warrior project?That green shag carpet in the den has got to go. Maybe it is the dingy, torn-up vinyl flooring in the kitchen. Before you even start ripping up your old floor, make sure you have the skills, knowledge and tools, or your weekend project could become expensive and cover a few weeks.

Replacing Worn Out Carpeting

Do it Yourself, DIY, Home Improvement, home remodeling, flooring supply, bathroom remodeling, shower remodeling

An experienced DIY enthusiast can rip out old carpet and install new carpeting. The job will be messy — it is amazing how much dirt settles under old carpet. You should put down new padding unless yours is in pristine shape. This project will be easier if you remove the old tack strips and install new tackles ones, as Do-it-yourself.com suggests. Allow the new carpet to acclimate to the temperature of your home for 24 hours before installation to prevent shrinking. You still need to use a stretcher to attach the carpet to the tackles strips.

Requirements for this project include the ability to lift and move a large roll of carpet. You will also need to be able to cut it correctly. One mistake can ruin an expensive project. Seam tape can be used for minor errors.

Laying New Wood Flooring

Do it Yourself, DIY, Home Improvement, home remodeling, flooring supply, bathroom remodeling, shower remodeling

The instructions on the box say the pieces just “snap together”. How much easier could it be? You need to read the part about the sub-floor, if the package even mentions it. Your sub-floor is the base you will be snapping your new floor to according to HomeTips.com. If your sub-floor is wavy, deteriorating or running off at a 30-degree slope, your new floor will look worse with every piece you install.

DIY requirements for this job? You really need more than average handyman skills. You need tools for cutting the flooring to fit as well as a power nailer. When you consider the expense of the materials, you should hire a professional. You can easily do some research online to find contractors in your area that fit your budget for the job.

Installing Vinyl Tile

Do it Yourself, DIY, Home Improvement, home remodeling, flooring supply, bathroom remodeling, shower remodeling

Twelve-inch peel and stick flooring can be installed in a weekend without rocket science skills. One critical aspect of the job is the condition of the floor you are applying the new tile to. If this floor is not even, your new floor will not be either. The tiles are inexpensive enough that one or two mistakes should not be too costly. However, if you plan on removing old flooring, make absolutely certain it does not contain asbestos.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns homeowners that older vinyl flooring may contain asbestos. You may not be able to tell just by looking at the tile — it may require testing. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was frequently used in many building materials from the 1930s through the 1970s. If you are not sure whether asbestos was used, leave it alone.

To end up with a successful project, keep your tiles all going in the right direction. On the back of the tile, you will see an arrow. Each tile you lay needs to have the arrow going in the same direction. You also need to start with a very straight line, in the center of the room, and continue placing the tile straight, according to Do It Yourself. Adjustments and short pieces should occur at the edges of your room. If you work with plain tiles–those without extensive patterns–you will have better results. Save the mosaics for a professional.

Remember to not overestimate your skills when you want new flooring. Simple projects are not always simple. If you are investing a considerable amount of money into the materials, invest in a professional to install the floor. Spend your weekend relaxing while you watch someone else work.

Copyright © 2013 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Article by Joanie Ogden

Step by Step Guide to Refinishing your Bathtub

Do it Yourself, DIY, Home Improvement, home remodeling, flooring supply, bathroom remodeling, shower remodeling

Step by Step Guide to Refinishing your Bathtub

Whether you love do-it-yourself projects or are on a budget and need to do some refurbishing on your own, it`s not hard to refinish a bathtub and you`ll be surprised that you can get it done in a reasonable amount of time. Pretty soon you`ll have a beautiful new tub that will bring new life to your bathroom. It can be a focal point, or you can blend the tub with paint, tile, linens and d?cor that tie the entire room together seamlessly.

Materials:

Abrasive tub cleaner
Paint
Epoxy
Abrasive cleaning pad
Paintbrush
Paint roller
400 to 600 grit wet sandpaper

Step 1

Before doing anything else, you need to clean your tub. Remove any non-slip materials with degreaser. Use a scrubber to thoroughly wash the tub and remove all debris, dirt and other items. Don`t worry about scratching the tub because you won`t be able to tell once your refurbishing project is finished. Rinse the cleaning fluids from the tub once you`re finished so that your paint has a prime surface to adhere to.

Step 2

Sand the tub using 400 to 600 grit wet sandpaper. This serves a couple of purposes. It gets rid of any leftover cleaner on the surface and it gives the new coating a solid place to stick. Make sure you get wet sandpaper because it`s much easier to wash away as you work.

Step 3

Mix the new paint for the tub with epoxy. Make sure the two are very well combined. Look for a kit that makes it easy to combine the correct ratio of paint to epoxy so you don`t damage your tub or have to start the project over. A kit is also a great way to make sure you buy the proper type of paint so you don`t mistakenly end up with something that doesn’t hold up well to contact with water. These kits come in several sizes, allowing you to get just as much product as you need to get the job done.

Step 4

Use a paintbrush to apply the paint to the surface of the tub. Paint in one direction only and apply several thin coats rather than one thick one. Allow an hour or so of drying time between each coat.

Step 5

Use a coordinating color of caulk and apply an even line around the tub, making sure to get the corners. Smooth the caulk as you go to get an even looking appearance. Wait a day or two before using the tub to be sure the paint and caulk is completely dried.

Tips and Tricks

Before getting started with your bathtub refinishing project, it`s a good idea to protect the other surfaces in your bathroom so you don`t have damage or costly repairs to deal with. Put a drop cloth over the toilet and the floor surrounding your tub. That way, if caulk or cleaner splashes or drips, clean-up is easy and you won`t mistakenly ruin something else. Remove all towels, rugs and wall art from the bathroom as well. This will keep them out of the way and protect them from damage.

Once you`re done with the tub refinishing, replace the bathroom essentials, or shop for new items to go with your new and beautiful bathtub. Shop online or in stores for new linens,  wall art and decor items that will make your bathroom look stunning in no time. Consider a new color combination, such as gray and yellow, blue and coral or white and gray to give your bathroom an elegant and classy look. All of these choices look great with a bright white bathtub.

Copyright © 2013 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Announcing the Launch of Our New Website Design

After months of preparation, dedication and hard work to prepare for this exciting day, FlooringSupplyShop is delighted to officially announce the launch our newly designed website. The new site launched on Oct 20th, 2013, and is located at the same address: www.flooringsupplyshop.com
That’s right folks, we took a dose of our own medicine.

At FlooringSupplyShop.com  our goal for the new website is to provide our visitors with an extremely user friendly website. The new innovative site will offer more functionality and easier navigation with more in-depth information about our DIY home improvement products.

The new site is completely fluid, fully responsive and fits all types of browser resolutions. It also has a touch-friendly mobile navigation menu.

So, whether you are “just looking” or you are seeking more specific details about a one of our Ready to Tile Benches to use or maybe seeking more information regarding the difference option building your own shower, we are here to help you learn more as we strive to give the most updated information and offer great learning tools for different types of guests that visit our site.

When you have a few minutes, please review our new site. You will feel the commitment, the passion, and dedication of everyone in the FlooringSupplyShop family. We would appreciate your thoughts on how our efforts have resonated with you.

We hope you like our new website. If you experience any problems using it or if you have any suggestions, please contact us at contact@flooringsupplyshop.com

Composeal Gold and Radiant Heat Flooring Systems

Composeal Gold and Radiant Heat Flooring Systems.

Flexible Crack Isolation Waterproofing and Heat Fused for Floors – Walls – Roof Deck / Terraces – Under “thick bed” Tile Installations

Heat Fused, floor heating underlayment, cork insulation, heating insulation, Composeal Gold, Crack Isolation, composeal blue, Pan Liner, sheet membrane, waterproofing membrane

Buy Now

Many of our customers have been asking us how Radiant Floor Heating Systems should be installed when using COMPOSEAL GOLD. When it comes to installing radiant floor heating, we go through a process called the “installation sandwich.”

As you go through the process of installing Radiant Floor Heating Systems, you can see that the flooring consists of a variety of layers. Like a sandwich, these layers stack on top of one another in order to function properly.

So what is COMPOSEAL GOLD?

COMPOSEAL GOLD is a direct bond membrane made up of a high-density PVC, with non-woven polyester scrim laminated on either side of the 40 mil sheet membrane, for direct bonding to the substrate as well as the ceramic tile or marble above. It does not rot and is highly resistant to solutions containing salts, acids, and alkalis, as well as many organic solvents, alcohols, and oils. COMPOSEAL GOLD is used as a concealed crack isolation (anti-fracture) and/or waterproof membrane under thin-set installations of ceramic tile and marble, terrazzo and brick; for new construction, remodeling or repair, residential and commercial, in kitchens, restaurants, resident entries, steam rooms, radiant heated flooring, shopping malls, etc.

Negligible shrinkage at extreme temperatures, -20° F to 212° F, makes COMPOSEAL GOLD especially ideal for Radiant Heated Flooring Systems. Its scrim is designed specifically for direct bonding on both sides of the “sandwich” in ceramic tile and dimension stone installations. This serves as a Crack-Isolation (uncoupling) membrane that provides adequate support/load distribution for your tile covering, and allows the heat from the system below to radiate up through the installation into the room.

*Always consult with the manufacturer of the radiant heating system for their specific installation instructions for installing radiant heating under ceramic tile.

Step 1: Expose the Subfloor

Remove the old carpet, leaving the subfloor exposed. If necessary, use a scraper to separate the carpet from the floor. Remove excess glue from the cement subfloor with scrapers and an appropriate solvent, making sure to follow the solvent directions.

Step 2: Apply a Crack-Suppression Membrane (COMPOSEAL GOLD)

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply adhesive to the concrete subfloor and lay down the crack-suppression membrane. Apply the adhesive in sections and unroll the membrane onto the floor, using a floor roller to press it flat and work out any air bubbles. Since concrete expands and contracts as the temperature changes, this membrane will help support the floor and prevent cracks in the tiles or grout.

Step 3: Install the Grids for the Radiant Heating System

Install the plastic grids that will hold the radiant-heat wires, using hot glue to adhere the grids to the subfloor. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and space the grids uniformly over the floor to prevent hot and cool patches.

Step 4: Snap the Cables into the Grids

Snap the radiant-heat cables into the grids, keeping them evenly spaced to prevent hot and cool patches in the floor. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on how far apart to space the cables.

Step 5: Mix and Spread the Thinset Mortar

Use a heavy-duty drill with a paddle bit to mix Thinset mortar according to the package instructions. Use a straight-edge trowel to apply a layer of mortar over the electrical cables. When mixed to the correct consistency, the mortar will stick and mound on the trowel without falling off. Make sure to hold the trowel at a consistent angle throughout the job so the mortar bed will have a uniform thickness. Allow the mortar to dry thoroughly before proceeding. Wet or cold weather will slow down the drying process, and below-freezing temperatures can keep the mortar from curing properly. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.

Step 6: Power the Radiant-Heat Floor

The best way to power the radiant-heat floor is to hire a licensed electrician to run a dedicated circuit from the home’s main electrical panel to the correct room. The electrician also can install the control panel/heating sensor in the wall.

Step 7: Determine the Layout

Dry-fit a vertical row of tiles and a horizontal row, leaving space for grout, to determine the best layout. The ideal layout will use as many full tiles as possible. The tiles against the wall should be a half-tile wide or wider.

Step 8: Spread Mortar and Lay the Tiles

Spread mortar on the floor, using the notched edge of the trowel to create deep grooves in the mortar. Press each tile into the mortar, wiggling it gently to seat it. Check the tiles for level and adjust as needed. Use tile spacers to keep an even grout line. Use a wet saw to cut tiles as needed for the perimeter of the floor.

Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a wet saw.

Step 9: Mix and Apply the Grout, and Apply Sealant

After the mortar is dry, mix the tile grout according to the package instructions and apply with a grout float. Use a diagonal motion to apply the grout, working it into the spaces between the tiles. Let the grout dry slightly, then wipe the excess off the tiles with a damp sponge using a diagonal motion.

Let the grout dry completely before sealing. Once the grout sealant is dry, move the furniture back into the room. Let the mortar cure for four weeks before using the radiant-heat system.

CODES, CERTIFICATION

COMPOSEAL 30 and 40 comply with the three major plumbing codes: UPC-IAPMO, SBCCI and BOCA. COMPOSEAL has separate municipal approval where required, e.g. City of Los Angeles, City of Philadelphia (40 mil), Metropolitan Dade County and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (Approval is no longer required in New York City for concealed PVC waterproof membrane).

COMPOSEAL also complies with the Corps of Engineers specs for PVC shower pan material (para 5.8.3.2 15 p1-18) and meets the requirements of FHA Publication 4900.1.

WARRANTY: COMPOSEAL 30 and 40 are warranted against failure for any reason, and in the event of failure, replacement material will be supplied at no charge. This warranty applies only to the membrane itself and not to the manner of installation over which we have no control, and it does not extend to consequential damage or other implied responsibility. COMPOSEAL should last the life of the building.

Made in USA – 100% American Labor and Materials.

Composeal Gold Installation Instructions

Composeal Blue Vinyl Shower Pan Membrane How to Install

Flooring Supply Shop Blog | Flooring and Floor Heating Supply - Part 17