contractor-tile

Best Flooring Options When You Own Pets

/in /by
contractor

Here are the best flooring options for when you own pets.

We love our pets, but we don’t love the messes and odors they can sometimes leave behind. Our four-legged family members have accidents from time to time, but we can mitigate the damage by having the right kind of floor for the job. Here are the best flooring options for when you own pets.

Caution: Wood. At first glance, hardwood might seem like a good option. After all, it won’t retain moisture and odor like a carpet would, right? Well, lots of hardwoods aren’t very moisture-resistant. Any messes will have to be cleaned up promptly, or the wood could warp. Also, pet nails and toys could dent and scratch the wood. Some materials, like bamboo, are a bit more water-resistant (and naturally hypo-allergenic) but be sure to ask an expert about your pet situation before spending the money for natural hardwood.

Stone. Stone has been gaining popularity as a flooring material for a few years now, with stuff like slate and granite migrating from the counter to the floor. Stone is great for people with pets, as well. Stone is tough, so it won’t get scratched or dented from nails or pet toys, and it is naturally moisture-resistant.

Vinyl. Gone are the days of rolls of ugly linoleum with hideous patterns. These days, vinyl comes in a wide array of colors and patterns, and can even resemble stone tiles. As a composite material, it won’t soak up messes or odors and is also hypo-allergenic.

Laminate. Get the look of hardwood without the cost. Also, laminate is moisture-resistant and has no actual grain, which can harbor bacteria, pet dander, and odors. Additionally, it will not dent or scratch as easily as some hardwood.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

Tavertine-flooring

Get to Know Your Flooring Series: Travertine

/in /by
Tavertine

An interesting option that is gaining in popularity is travertine tiles.

When it comes to flooring your home, you have many options. Between, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and stone options, it can be difficult to decide on what fits your attitude and lifestyle. One interesting option that is gaining in popularity is travertine tiles.

Travertine is a kind of limestone. It comes in a variety of colors, from light grey to deep coral red, so it is easy to find a shade that matches your existing color palette. It also comes in a variety of patterns and finishes, depending on how it is cut and smoothed. So whether you like smooth and simple, or rustic and pocked, travertine will suit your needs.

As a porous stone, travertine will need to be sealed before being used as flooring, especially in damp areas like kitchens or bathrooms. However, since it is porous, it also lighter and easier to cut than other stone or ceramic options. This makes travertine ideal for rooms with odd corners that may require irregular cuts to fit the floor into.
Travertine is not as durable as some stone, so consider that you may need to buff out some scratches or replace a whole tile every now and then. However, its light weight and wide availability of colors ensures you will be able to replace them easily with tiles that match exactly.

It doesn’t matter if your style is trendy and chic or traditional and rustic, travertine comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes that can form the foundation of any room’s design. It costs a bit more than some other options, but it is an investment in the continued beauty and function of your home.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

Hardwood-office

Buyers Guide Series: Hardwood

/in /by
Hardwood

Highly durable and practical hardwood floors.

Hardwood doesn’t only have the ability to transform a room into a bucolic, warm space; it is also highly durable, practical and can increase the value of your home significantly. It is no surprise then, why we have so many different styles of hardwood flooring to choose from. For many homeowners, such variety in both cost and taste can make buying new hardwood flooring a bit overwhelming and even discouraging. But buying the right hardwood flooring for your home doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

When buying hardwood, it’s important to have an understanding of the basics and that means getting to know and choosing the hardwood species and grade for your project. Being a natural product, each species of hardwood has a distinct grain pattern which makes them unique and valuable. Exotic hardwood such as bamboo, for example, is very popular because of its distinct color and grain patterns. Once you’ve established the species and grade you prefer, finding flooring within your budget will become much easier.

Keep in mind that buying prefinished hardwood floors that are already stained and finished is an option. Though factory or prefinished hardwood floors can be significantly more expensive up front, a factory finish is nevertheless warranted by the manufacturer and makes for a more efficient and convenient installation. Additionally, prefinished floors often last much longer than an on-site finish, meaning you save money over the long term.

Other things to consider when shopping for hardwood flooring are dimensions and size of the planks, photo sensitivity (how natural light will affect the color and look of your floors over time), as well as the wood’s hardness or ability to resist damage from common use. With proper care, top quality hardwood can last a lifetime; follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for information on weather-proofing, floor updates and suitable cleaning products. Whether oak, hickory, or any of the other of the many species available, hardwood flooring will add charm and natural beauty to your home.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

exotic-wood-floors

Monthly Manufacturer Spotlight: Forest Accents

/in /by
wood

With their broad and unique variety of hardwood, Forest Accents can bring your vision to life.

 

Hardwood is renowned for its iconic beauty and unrivaled ability to transform an ordinary space into the remarkable.  Forest Accents offers only the best in hardwood flooring, with a broad range of styles that frees your sense of adventure and allows you take creative control.

Engineered or Solid Wood

When it comes to hardwood, understanding how the material will fit and interact within your project’s environment is vital.  Engineered hardwood is designed to reduce the wood’s rate of natural expansion and contraction, offering protection from the elements in regions with difficult, humid weather.  Solid wood on the other hand generally require s a gap between the wall and the floor in order to allow for swelling; however, because it’s thickness solid wood offers greater structural strength.   Whether engineered or natural hardwood, a qualified Forest Accents retail dealer will help you select the hardwood flooring that works best for you.

Textures and Styles

With Forest Accents you can choose from a wide variety of domestic hardwood species, including Oak, Hickory and Maple.  And for design palettes with international flare, Forest Accents delivers exotic hardwood options such as Brazilian Cherry, Bamboo or African mahogany.

As it is natural product, each species of hardwood bears a distinct grain, making it unique and valuable.  Forest Accents delivers a collection of beautifully surfaced hardwood including hand scraped, wire-brushed and smoked, in an array of beautiful colors ranging from pecan cherry to maple.

Renovating or installing new floors can completely change the look and feel of any space; with their broad and unique variety of hardwood, Forest Accents can bring your vision to life.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

Glazzio-bathroom-glass

Monthly Manufacturer Spotlight: Glazzio Tiles

/in /by
Glazzio

Glazzio Tiles have the unique, vibrant look to set your space apart.

Tile is among the most popular decorative products on the market and when it comes to making a splash, nothing enhances the look of any space like Glazzio Tiles! Glazzio offers only the best in glass tile, with a broad selection of practical, striking designs in an array of colors and styles that enable you to take the creative control you need to make your project come to life.

Whether used at home or your business, Glazzio Tiles have the unique, vibrant look to set your space apart. Impervious to sunlight, water-resistant and completely weatherproof, Glazzio Tile is suitable for just about anywhere, easily adapting for internal and external applications. With Glazzio, you’ll never have to worry about losing that special shine; the tile is super easy to clean and never discolors, ensuring a timeless dazzle.

When it comes to design and applications, with Glazzio the sky is the limit. Use Glazzio to set your business apart by highlighting external building features using energetic Glazzio designs. You can turn your dull kitchen into one you can be proud off; or turn your bathroom into a modern and beautiful space for reflection. Brighten up your garden walls or add the perfect accent to your pool or spa. With Glazzio Tiles, the possibilities are endless.

Whether used for entire walls or simply adding backsplash, with proper spot lighting, incorporating colorful glass tiles into your project can dramatically change the look and feel of any room or space. Glazzio Tiles has everything you need to turn your next project into a stunning work of art. With their broad and unique variety of glass tile, Glazzio Tiles can bring your vision of shining beauty to life.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

contractor-tile

Tips for Choosing the Right Flooring Contractor

/in /by

 

contractor

Picking the right contractor will ensure that you will enjoy your floors for a long time.

The floor of your home is the foundation of your style, the first building block to start making your house into a home. Plus, you’ll be walking on it and looking at it for years to come. In all, if you’re going to spend the time and money on a great floor, you also need a good flooring contractor. Here are some tips on picking the right contractor for you to ensure you will enjoy your floors for a long time.

License to Thrive. When working with contractors, it is important that they are licensed. Not only does it mean that they know what they are doing, but they have also registered with the state and can be held accountable if anything goes wrong. Before working with a contractor, ask to see their license and make sure everything is current.

Get a few quotes in writing. Ask a few different contractors for quotes on time as well as price. If they are different, ask them to explain why it will take longer or shorter than the others. Sometimes, a job could go smoother if the contractor has a good relationship with the supplier. It could take longer if the contractor is unfamiliar with the material. Obviously, you’re looking for someone that can do the job well and not take too long, so take their answers into account before you choose.

Ask around. Many contractors get work exclusively by referral, so they strive to do excellent work each time. Ask your friends and colleagues if they have had a good experience with anyone in town. The contractor will want to keep you as a lead source, so he will do the job well.

Find an expert. Ideally, your contractor will only work with the flooring material you are having installed. If he works with everything under the sun, it’s harder to get really good with one material or technique. Ask what other kinds of floors he does, and hopefully the list isn’t too long. Chat with other, non-floor contractors and see who they would call for your floor material.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

s-CELEBRITIES-WITH-GREEN-HOMES

Outrageous Celebrity Floors

/in /by

We’ve all seen the TV shows where rock stars and movie moguls show a camera crew around their home, showing off expensive cars or high-end home theaters. Turns out, many celebrities take this trend of opulence and excess to a place you might not expect: the floor. Here are some of the more outrageous celebrity floors out there.

 

Walking onGuess-What-Floor-Made-From Money – The Standard Grill in New York.

Millionaire hotelier Andre Balazs wanted to do something different with his hotel restaurant in the old meatpacking district of New York City. Instead of going retro with black-and-white tile, or modern with sleek, shiny marble, Balazs surprised everyone: He used money. The floors of the Stand Grill are “tiled” with thousands of pennies! The shiny copper makes the space feel bright and is certainly a memorable sight to people visiting from all over the world!

 

 

 

 

s-CELEBRITIES-WITH-GREEN-HOMESCelebs Go Green With Radiant Heat.

Celebrities like Daryl Hannah spend their money on technologies that are better for the earth. In her Mailbu hideaway, Hannah has had radiant heat floors installed. The stone has heating elements built into them, which negates the need for ductwork and clanking radiators. Additionally, this is a much more efficient way to heat a house, with cold floors never being a problem again, and the heat rising to warm the rest of the house. It cost a lot up front, but she’s doing her part for the environment.

 

 

 

leather as a flooring materialGreat for a Jacket, or the Floor!

One of the hottest and most unusual trends in flooring in the past few years has been the use of leather as a flooring material. It’s tough, water resistant, and adds a touch of rustic class to any room. Ellen DeGeneres used leather tiles to add a touch of old-book class to the library in her home.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

South Tampa Flooring

Buyers Guide: Stone Tile

/in /by
South Tampa Flooring

The flooring in your home is the literal and metaphorical foundation on which to base the rest of your décor.

When it comes to making your house into a home that reflects your style and personality, one of the most important aspects to consider is the floor. The flooring in your home is the literal and metaphorical foundation on which to base the rest of your décor. When you are first deciding on what flooring materials to consider, it can be very challenging. Between carpet, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl, it can be hard to pick a material that has the perfect combination of color, texture, durability, and cost.

However, one of the most popular flooring options is recent years has been stone tile. While the upfront investment can be significant, it will also last forever. It’s rock. It’s been around for thousands of years and will likely be around for thousands more. Stone will never have to be refinished and only requires minimal cleaning and maintenance to remain beautiful.

Additionally, stone tile comes in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes. Also, the tiles can be arranged in any pattern. You could go for a sleek, minimalist look with no grout and consistent color, or you could go for a complex mosaic pattern with many colors and textures. No matter your personal style, there is a stone tile set out there that will compliment it perfectly.

Stone tile is also naturally moisture-resistant, in addition to being durable. This makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and homes with pets or small children. Keep in mind that durability also means that it is very hard, so it might be fatiguing to stand on for long periods. If you use stone tile in the kitchen, you may also need pads to stand on if you cook frequently.

In all, stone tile offers a variety of great options to complement your home. To see our selection of stone tiles, call to make an appointment with our mobile showroom today!

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

replacing hardwood

Home Value Increases by Replacing Flooring With Hardwood

/in /by
replacing hardwood

A well-maintained hardwood floor has the potential to increase your home value by about 15 percent.

Looking to sell your house but unsure whether or not you want to rip up your floors and replace them with a better material? Although the stats vary depending on other factors, a well-maintained hardwood floor has the potential to increase your home value by about 15 percent.

If the hardwood doesn’t raise your home value, it will surely up your perceived value of the home. Hardwood is fairly affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. It also opens up a room nicely and really makes the house feel like a home. Another great plus of hardwood flooring is that the wood is an excellent insulator and the wood is an excellent option when dealing with allergies for it does not produce mildew, dust mites, or mold.

According to a survey of realtors executed by the National Wood Flooring Association, 82% of the realtors interviewed claimed that homes with hardwood floors sold faster and sometimes for more money. The gleam and glamor of hardwood simply goes unmatched by carpet or tile.

Be smart about where you choose to install your hardwood floors. If you like to lie on the ground in your family room area, chances are the people buying your house will too! If that is the case, opt for hardwood floors in the kitchen area and hallways. This way you can have comfort in the family room and bedrooms, while still getting the open and sophisticated feel of hardwood in your home.

Hardwood is the cream of the crop and it might increase your home value. There is no guarantee, but perspective homebuyers are sure to appreciate a durable and easy upkeep hardwood floor.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

limestone-kitchen

Get To Know Your Flooring: Limestone

/in /by

 

limestone

Transform your home into a lively and unique space.

Limestone is a natural flooring material with the potential to transform your home into a lively and unique space. But when it comes to flooring not all spaces are created equal and neither is all stone suited for every project. Here are a few important details to consider before making your final flooring choice:

Pros

The great news about limestone is that it can afford you great versatility. For being a stone, it is relatively lenient; it can be cut into slabs or bricks and even be cut into planks that are virtually indistinguishable from wood. Another great feature is the fact that Limestone’s a completely natural material, making it a great non-polluting and eco-friendly flooring option. Additionally, buying locally can help eliminate the need for transporting the stone across great distances, minimizing environmental impact even further. Limestone is a great flooring selection because it has the power to connect a space with nature and can add real-world value to your home.

Cons

Limestone is a high-maintenance, porous material that requires regular treatments in order to protect it from spills and moisture. Consider that when you are thinking about limestone for outdoor projects or higher-traffic, moisture-prone rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens as these will require increased fortification. Whatever the application, your limestone should be treated with a below-surface sealer as well as a surface finishing treatment in order to offset its natural vulnerability to stains and spills.

Bottom Line!

No matter the job, Limestone is a good-looking choice! Whether your project is indoors or out in the open, get as much specific information as possible before you buy. Ask your retailer or contractor as many questions as you can and be sure to get the scoop on how often your floors will require maintenance as this can significantly impact costs.
Paying close attention to these details and following proper maintenance guidelines will ensure that your limestone floor sets your home or business apart from the rest and remains stunning for years to come.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.