The idea of updating your home with beautiful new tile floors can be exciting. After all, when looking through tile samples, you will find that there is a plethora of materials, colors, and patterns available to you. Whether you are renovating your bathroom, kitchen or another area of the home, new tile floors will have a significant impact on your home’s design.

Believe it or not, the grout color that you choose can make or break the results of your tiling project. Selecting grout is an aspect of the design project that should not be overlooked. If you are asking, “so how do I choose the right grout color for my project?” We are here to help!

White Tile + Dark Colored Grout

White tile is a popular choice for bathrooms, kitchens and other common areas of the home. If you are considering installing a white tile and pairing it with a very dark grout, the actual focus falls on the grout as opposed to the tiles. Using a black or other deep-hued grout color with white tile helps inject energy and life into a basic patterned tile. Such a high contrast scheme is ideal for spaces where the dominant hues throughout the room are white and black such as a kitchen or bathroom.

Colorful Grout

If you are seeking a look that really pops, you might want to consider using a colorful grout as opposed to a dark or white grout contrast, which can be stark. For example, a colorful grout with white tiles is a fun, unique idea for a bathroom tiling project. Using a colorful grout is bold, but it can be pulled off successfully if that same grout hue is used somewhere else within the space.

Colored Tile + Light Grout

If you have decided to go with a colored tile product such as hunter green or a deep brown, you will find that moving away from a neutral grout color becomes a bit challenging. Using a lighter hue with colored tiles may seem dramatic, but it can help tame vibrancy and provide clean lines and a timeless look.

Colorful Tile + Colorful Grout

Pairing a bold tile product with a colorful grout is daring. If you are ever nervous about the outcome, remember that you can obtain grout color swatches to get an idea of how the project will look in the end. Doing so can be a helpful hack for anyone that wants to see how it will look before committing.

What are the craziest grout color and tile pairings that you have ever seen? We want to hear your stories below in the comment section.

Have you ever been curious about your flooring options, but honestly, do not know where to start? As a first-time homeowner, things can seem overwhelming and daunting. We understand that there are a lot of products out there and you want to choose the right one. To help you in search, we created a simple guide with four popular flooring choices, explained. We hope that this helps you in your selection process!

Your Flooring Needs, Explained:

Hardwood.

• We will begin by starting with the ever-so-coveted Hardwood flooring. Hardwood comes in two options: original hardwood (100% solid) and engineered hardwood (top layer is hardwood with solid backing). Both hardwood options have a seamlessly beautiful look, and they are a stunning addition in any space.
• Original hardwood floors are typically best in rooms that do not produce a lot of humidity or moisture. That is where engineered hardwood takes the cake. Engineered wood has made it possible to add hardwood into areas that you never imagined possible. You can now have it in basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Keep in mind that hardwood is not the most durable flooring choice. Consumers often buy it for its beauty and craftsmanship, rather than its durability. Certain features can help protect your hardwood like hardness and the finishes’ protection level. But with all flooring, you want to be careful not the scratch or dent the flooring.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring.

• This flooring is more durable than typical hardwood floors; therefore, it would work well in active homes. It is resistant to moisture and everyday wear and tear. Luxury Vinyl Flooring can be installed in moisture and humidity rooms (bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements), quite like engineered wood.
• Luxury Vinyl Flooring has the look of stone or wood with ease of cleaning and durability. These floors are 100% waterproof to prevent swelling or buckling. This can be the perfect flooring option for families who need a little wiggle room. Plus, with a wide selection of styles, colors, and textures, you can meet any of your flooring needs with this one product.

Engineered Tile.

• Engineered tile is made up of 70% limestone and 30% other durable materials. Engineered tile is an alternative solution to your traditional ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tile. Homeowners love engineered tile for its long-lasting characteristics as well as being warm and soft to the touch.
• This type of flooring works well in high-moisture areas, and it even can be a great backsplash to your shower or kitchen wall. This flooring has extreme durability for high traffic areas, accidents, drops, and dirt. In fact, the grout is even stained resistant making it extremely user-friendly.

Laminate.

• Laminate is a budget-friendly option for homeowners wanting the look of wood or stone. Plus, this flooring is easy to install and works in any room of your home.
• This flooring has a durability feature helping it to withstand daily wear and tear. It even comes in a wide variety of colors, styles, textures, and looks.

Do any of these flooring types spark your interest? We would love to tell you more and show you our wide selection. Please stop by one of our showrooms or call us with any questions. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you!

Tile floors are beautiful, durable and they can add exceptional style to your home, but how can something so attractive be potentially dangerous? Unfortunately, tile flooring accounts for many injuries due to slips and falls in homes across the world. If you are having trouble keeping your tile floors slip-free, we are here to help! Plus, you do not have to keep your tile floors covered with rugs to keep the floors safe. Let’s take a look! 

Why Do Tile Floors Become Slippery?

There are several reasons why your floors may become slippery. Perhaps the biggest cause of slippery tiles is the failure to clean the surface properly. Slip and fall hazards occur when tile surfaces are not adequately cleaned or are not cleaned frequently. Additional causes include:

• When the appropriate chemicals and tools are not used, it can damage the finish of the floor which makes it slippery.
• Applying too many or not enough coats of finish to the floor
• Using an oily or overused mop on the floor

How to Make Tile Floors Less Slippery

If your tile floors have become slippery, it is time to clean them thoroughly. Throw away any old or soiled dust mops, or you can rent a steam cleaner to remove the oils or product buildup from the tiles. When cleaning the floor, you should use oil-free products along with a grease-fighting cleaner such as dish detergent. You can use a clean sponge or mop to rinse the floors. 

Applying an anti-slip product to your floors can also aid in making the surface less slippery. Many anti-slip products come in powder form and are designed to break down the oil and fats so that it can increase traction.  Use an acid-based product, or you can stick to hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a less expensive alternative which works by drying out the floor while sanitizing and deodorizing. 

When using acid-based products to dry up the floors, you should allow it to soak into the tile so that it is effective. Do not leave the product on the tiles for more than fifteen minutes to avoid eroding the material. In extreme cases, a slippery floor may need to be completely stripped and refinished. 

As always, we recommend checking with your flooring manufacturer before proceeding with any cleaning. Each flooring can be a little different in its needs and usage; therefore, you want to be sure that you use the correct products on your floors.

Thanks for reading!

If you are here to learn more about flooring, you came to the right place. To help buyers become more aware of the products within our market, we have created a quick and easy guide. This guide covers the basic types of flooring that consumers are eagerly buying. If you are interested in learning more, keep reading!

Popular Types of Flooring:

Hardwood.

One of the most classic and timeless choices for homeowners is hardwood floors. Their natural beauty and classic look create for a stunning home. Hardwood can be a breathtaking addition to any home, and it is offered in a wide selection of sizes, styles, and colors to meet your style preferences.

• Best Rooms for Hardwood: Living Room, Dining Room, and/or Bedroom(s).

Carpet.

The other most traditional flooring option is carpet. Carpet adds instant coziness and texture to any space. Carpet can also be an excellent choice for families because of its add plushness and added protection.

• Best Rooms for Carpet: Family Room and/or Bedroom(s).

Laminate.

Laminate takes on the look of popular flooring finishes like stone, wood, tile, and even concrete. Laminate flooring can be installed over top of your existing floors without the need to use nails/glue.

• Best Rooms for Laminate: Kitchen and/or Bathroom.

Ceramic Tile.

Ceramic tile can be one of the most personalized choices for homeowners. From your kitchen backsplash to bathroom floors, ceramic tile can be a beautiful addition in your space. Plus, it comes in an array of colors, shapes, sizes, and even textures for your personal preferences.

• Best Rooms for Ceramic Tile: Kitchen and/or Bathroom.

Natural Stone.

Natural stone withstands moisture and creates a stunning finish inside of any room. With its polished look, you can create a luxurious space in no time. Plus, stone can be used outside; making it the perfect option for outdoor patios.

• Best Rooms for Stone: Kitchens, Bathroom and/or Outdoors.

Vinyl.

Vinyl can be an extraordinary flooring option for homeowners who want a resilient and versatile flooring option. Vinyl flooring has exceptionally low-maintenance and high durability for homeowners who need a little wiggle room in their flooring. With its gorgeous array of choices, you can complete the look of your dreams for less.

• Best Rooms for Vinyl: Kitchen and/or Bathroom.

Are you interested in learning more about a particular product? We would love to help you. Contact us today or visit one of our locations to learn more. Thanks for reading!

Tile is a beautiful statement that provides a clean, fresh look to any room. Maybe you have realized that in recent years, tile has become a trend for walls. Homeowners can incorporate this classic style in their kitchens, bathrooms, and even bedrooms.

Let your imagination go beyond the traditional tile work and envision yourself in a bold, trendy home. Tile can bring a room to life with its decorative patterns and beauty. Let us show you how you can turn your room from blah to ta-dah:

1. Patterns Please.

Bold patterns are all the rage right now. Think about the designs that wallpaper provides but in tile form. You can create a statement wall or complete an entire room with decorative tiles. If you are nervous, try using pattern tiles in smaller rooms like the laundry room or bathroom. 

2. Mix it up.

Mixing and matching tile styles has become a recent trend for bathrooms. You want to make sure that the styles complement one another, but that being said, there are endless options available to customers. 

3. Make a Splash.

Adding backsplash to your kitchen can help complete the overall look. Backsplash helps prevent water and grease damage from getting on your drywall, as well as being easy to clean. Backsplash can transform your space by adding depth and decor to the space. 

4. Color Me Intrigued.

Colorful tile can make a bold statement in any home. A lot of southern homes incorporate colorful tiles to reflect the natural landscapes that you can find outdoors. For example, Floridians love to incorporate bold and light shades of blues to embody the presence of the ocean.

5. Create with Culture.

Tile is a popular form of artwork in many countries. If you are traveling abroad, consider bringing home some pieces of tile artwork to be surrounded by field tile. This way your home always carries a part of your trip and allows you to share stories and memories with guests.

If you are looking to purchase tile for your home, we are eager to help you. We have experts ready to help guide you through your home renovation. Please call us or visit us with any questions.