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Flooring | Flooring Supply Shop Blog

Tag: Flooring

Guide in Choosing the Right Flooring Supplies

choosing the right flooring

Selecting the right flooring supplies is an important first step when renovating or building a new space from the ground up. Not only does the flooring materials you choose contribute to the overall aesthetics of the space but it also plays a significant role in its functionality and durability. With a wide range of options available on the market, finding the perfect flooring types can be a daunting task. So, to help simplify the process, here is a comprehensive guide to assist you in choosing the best flooring materials for your needs. 

Consider lifestyle and usage

Here at Flooring Supply Shop, we believe the first step to selecting the right flooring materials is to consider your lifestyle ad how the space will be used. Different areas o your home or commercial space may require varied flooring supply installation. For example, high-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and kitchens demand more durable and easy-to-clean flooring materials, such as ceramic tiles, vinyl planks, or laminate. Moreover, bedrooms and living rooms can benefit from the warmth and comfort of carpet or hardwood flooring. 

 

Assess maintenance requirements

Another important thing to consider is the maintenance and upkeep required for all of the flooring types. Some flooring materials, like natural stone or hardwood, require regular maintenance, such as sealing, polishing, or refinishing, to keep them looking great. Whereas, options like laminate or vinyl require very minimal maintenance. Before your flooring supply installation, assess your willingness and ability to maintain your chosen flooring, and be sure to choose a material that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle. 

 

Durability and longevity are key

We recommend opting for flooring materials that can withstand wear and tear, spills, and impacts, no matter which living space. While all flooring materials, if properly cared for, can last a long time, hardwood, vinyl, and ceramic tile are the top three flooring types known for durability and longevity. Additionally, you should consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer, as it can give you an indication of the expected lifespan and performance of the flooring. 

 

Evaluate moisture resistance 

Moisture resistance is crucial, particularly for places like the bathroom, laundry room, or basement. Since moisture can cause damage, warping, or mold growth in certain flooring materials, you need to select flooring types such as ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, vinyl, or concrete for moisture-prone spaces. However, if you prefer the look of wood, there are types of specialized engineered wood that mimic the look but have better moisture resistance. 

 

Comfort and acoustics

While usually at the bottom of one’s list of considerations, the comfort underfoot and acoustics are especially important for areas like bedrooms and living rooms where you will be spending most of your time at home. Carpet and cork flooring are known for their softness and their ability to absorb sound, making them ideal flooring types for creating a cozy and comfy environment. Alternatively, if you prefer hard surfaces, it’s easy to select area rugs or have acoustic underlays put in during your flooring supply installation to improve comfort and reduce noise in a room. 

 

Have a budget in mind

At the end of the day, you can only select the flooring materials and types that meet your budget. So, before risking any sort of disappointment, determine how much you are willing to spend and explore the flooring options within that price range. Keep in mind that while materials range in price, there may also be additional costs incurred for installation, underlayment, and maintenance. 

 

Seek professional advice

If you are still unsure about what flooring materials are needed for your space, don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with a Flooring Supply Shop specialist. Our team is made up of flooring experts who can provide you with some valuable insight and recommendations based on their years in the business. They can also help you to navigate through various options, consider your specific needs and preferences, and guide you toward the most suitable flooring materials.

Tile tips for your kitchen design

From ceramic to marble, slate to stone, with so many tiles to choose from, tiling your kitchen can be daunting. If you’re completely redesigning your kitchen, it’s tempting to focus more on choosing appliances than the small details like tiles, but they can be the key to your kitchen’s new look and if chosen correctly, will enhance your kitchen beautifully. Here are some things to consider when shopping for kitchen tiles.

Different materials have different qualities

Ceramic tiles
One of the reasons ceramic tiles are so popular in kitchens is their durability. Dropping plates or cutlery, for example, won’t leave a mark. Ceramic tiles withstand lots of traffic and don’t soak up moisture. They can even be slip-resistant with the right finish. Another huge benefit of ceramic tiles is that they are fireproof, which is particularly important in the kitchen.

Porcelain tiles
Similarly to ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles have low water absorption which means they are less likely to be stained. Typically a popular choice for bathroom floors, porcelain is a popular choice for bathroom tiling, although the fact that porcelain tiles are easy to maintain with no polishing or sealing means they are great for kitchens.

Natural stone tiles
Natural stone tiles are popular choices for kitchens due to their wild variations in color and quality. Each tile is completely unique and can look really beautiful as a surface, but it’s important to do your homework when looking for colors. Granite is a popular choice for kitchens, the hardest natural stone and a good natural water repeller.

Color

Create a color scheme
When choosing a colour scheme for your kitchen, a good rule of thumb is to aim for two dominant colors and one accent color, which will enable the room to become whole with separate pieces of color and adds depth to the composition. You may also consider painting your kitchen cabinets or furniture, such as a wooden table and chairs, to match your tile choices.

Choose countertop first
Before choosing your floor or wall tiles, you should first pick out a material and color for your countertops, since they are usually what people notice first when walking into your kitchen. When you come to choosing your flooring, take a sample of your countertop with you to ensure colors are coordinated.

Create contrast
The best kitchen designs have a balance of tones and materials. For example, white is a popular color for cabinets and tile backsplash, but by also using white tiles on your kitchen floor, the room will go from feeling light and fresh to institutional. Try to use a combination of light, medium and dark tones, for example, by matching floors and countertops and having cabinets as a secondary color, or vice versa.

Style

Retro
Retro style kitchens are quickly coming back into fashion and can be the key to making your kitchen pop. Classic and sophisticated, black and white floor tiles are a must-have in retro decorating and also have a timeless appeal that can be paired with more contemporary and traditional style accessories. You can also add a hint of colour by choosing a contrasting tile backsplash.

Modern
If your preference is a modern kitchen, emphasizing grey, black and white in your tile choices will keep your kitchen looking sleek. Pairing granite or marble countertops with stainless steel appliances creates an elegant feel. If you want to design a modern kitchen with a little more color, add a bright mosaic tile backsplash or pick out a vibrant floor finish.

Traditional
The traditional kitchen design is warm and classic and can be interpreted according to your taste. Shades of chocolate brown are a popular choice for floors and countertops, while deep blues and rich reds give a hint of colour on cabinets or accent areas. You might see marble, brick, stone and even wood on the backsplash.

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

 

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!

Flooring | Flooring Supply Shop Blog