Month: July 2018

2018 Flooring Trends

July 30, 2018

If you’re in the process of finishing your new home home, or are looking to spruce up your space, flooring is the perfect final piece to tie your aesthetic together. Whether you’re style driven and are a fan of incorporating the latest trends, or are simply looking for the latest practical options to install in your home, below are a few of 2018’s most popular flooring options to consider!

Functional is In!

2018 has seen a surge in flooring selections that are practical as well as sleek and sophisticated. Eco-friendly options like cork and laminate have been rising in popularity, and boast a wide range of benefits for homeowners including increased insulation, natural sound dampening and easy care.

Another big trend is the move towards waterproof flooring, including vinyl and carpet selections. The threat of moisture damage is a constant worry for property owners, and waterproof tiles and planks can help to greatly reduce your overall risk.

Natural Beauty Takes Centre Stage

Synthetic and high gloss flooring are dropping in popularity, with trends increasingly favouring understated natural looks such as stone and wood finishes with a matte finish. In terms of patterns, chevron and herringbone, as well as diagonal, wide length, and mixed width planks remain a steady favourite. Natural looking textures such as smooth, distressed and hand scraped finishes are in as well.

Get the look for less: Love the classic feel of Hardwood, but don’t have the budget? Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Tile are the perfect compromise to get the style you want at a significantly cheaper cost per square foot.

Light and Welcoming

Where older trends favoured dramatic, dark, flooring with lighter accents above, 2018 styles have shifted to the the opposite end. Lighter planking with a warm, bright, feel are extremely popular at the moment, with no immediate signs of fading in the future.

Looking to help your home look its best? Contact Ashley Fine Floors today to learn more!

When to Replace Your Hardwood Floors

July 23, 2018

Do you know how to tell if your hardwood floors are in need of replacing? Despite being durable and a stunning visual piece in your home, even the strongest hardwood planks will need to be replaced over time. Whether you’ve been residing in your home for decades, or have acquired a new property, here are a few telltale signs you might need to consider replacing your flooring in the near future.

Water Damage

Hardwood, especially solid planking, is vulnerable to moisture. Prolonged exposure to spills, leaks, or other forms of liquid can result in visible warping, staining, and lead to the potential of mould growth if left untreated. If you spot signs of water damage, there’s a strong chance you may need to replace at least a portion of your floor, so you’ll want to have a professional evaluate the situation as soon as possible to minimize spreading.

Signs of Decay

As hardwood begins to age, it’s not uncommon for signs of decay to slowly creep in. If your floorboards seem to feel a little more bouncy or spring-like as you step, you’ve found a sure sign that you’re due for a replacement. Other common signs of decay can include buckling, cracking and peeling.

Age

While age isn’t a default indication of when your planks need to be replaced, it can be a helpful deciding factor. The older the flooring is, the more likely it is that replacing is a better option than refinishing. Why? Refinishing can be helpful to reseal younger boards and treat small chips and scratches, but over time, constant refinishing can actually lead to more strain on hardwood overall. If your flooring has been in place for multiple decades, it’s probably time to start fresh.

To Refinish or Replace

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to shy away from the idea of replacing their hardwood floors due to the perceived cost of the process. While it can be costly to lay new flooring down (depending on the materials used and amount of space to be covered), in many ways, replacement can actually be preferable to refinishing. Not only is it much faster, but fresh planks have a brand new lifespan that, with proper care, can save you money in the long term. New flooring is also a fantastic way to boost property value and refresh the whole home.

Are your floors in need of a refresh? Ashley Fine Floors can help! Contact our team today to learn more!

Caring for Newly Installed Tile Flooring

July 16, 2018

Wondering how to care for your freshly laid tile flooring? The good news is, tile floors are remarkably easy to maintain. To make sure you get off to the best start and have long-lasting, gorgeous looking floors, follow our tips below!

Immediately After Installation

It may be tempting to give your brand new floors a wash down, but to ensure your sealing has the time necessary to properly set in, it’s crucial to wait at least 2-4 days before introducing any excess liquid. If you need to clean up any unexpected spills, do so with caution and try to get rid of extra moisture right away. Once things are fully dried, you can focus on a regular cleaning schedule.

Water is Your Friend

“Wait…you want met to put water on my floors? I thought you just said that was bad!” Don’t worry; we can explain! While you never want to leave pools of water sitting on your tiles, when it comes to selecting your ideal cleaning solution, warm water should be your first choice. Why? Water lacks the harsh chemicals often found in other cleaners, and should be enough to handle most spot cleaning jobs.

For the occasional “heavy duty” cleaning where water simply won’t cut it, stick to gentle, neutral PH, based cleansers that are specifically made for tile floors.

Remove Dirt and Debris Before Mopping

As with any flooring, sweeping or vacuuming your tiles prior to moping is a safe bet to help avoid accidental scratching and abrasions caused by leftover grit. To keep your floors in pristine shape, it’s a good idea to sweep weekly, or as needed.

Clean Spills Immediately

Even though tile flooring is quite resistant to liquids, it’s always a good idea to spot clean messes immediately to prevent stains, warping, and avoidable erosion to your sealant. Keeping a microfibre cloth or mop on hand will make it easy to treat spills as they happen

Want to learn more? Contact our experts today!

Vinyl Planks: Your Water Resistant Flooring Choice

July 9, 2018

If you’re in the market for new flooring to complete your bathroom or kitchen renovations, you’ll already know that it’s important to find the right water resistant solution to ensure everything stays in place for the long-term. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a sophisticated, stylish, and low maintenance option for areas of your home that are more prone to moisture exposure. Read on to find out why vinyl is great option to help finish your next reno!

Waterproof vs. Water Resistant

It might sound like common sense, but there’s often quite a bit of confusion when it comes to determining whether or not your flooring is truly waterproof or is water resistant. Fully waterproof flooring is rare, as even the most resistant finishes will typically have some degree of vulnerability where moisture is concerned. Even if your planks are classified as “waterproof” it’s still wise to take precautions and keep prolonged exposure to liquid as minimal as possible.

LVT Benefits

Durable

Besides being extremely water resistant, luxury vinyl tile is extremely durable in general, meaning it can stand up to the demands of high traffic and daily use. The low sheen helps mask dirt and rime, and its soft and flexible backing is easier on the joints while acting as a natural sound barrier.

Stylish

LVT is available in a wide variety of styles, patterns, colours and finishes. No matter your style, vinyl has you covered, giving homeowners an easy way to recreate the look of stone, ceramic, and wood planks at a fraction of the price.

Affordable

As we mentioned above, LVT is significantly cheaper than many other options. If you have a large area to cover, or are simply looking to maximize your style for less, vinyl is a great fit.

Quick Water Tips

Not sure how to keep your vinyl safe from water after installation? Even though the product is naturally very resistant, it’s still best to ensure you’re taking the appropriate measures to prevent prolonged exposure to moisture and other factors that may degrade your finish over time.

  • Mop up spills and standing water as soon as possible
  • Keep an eye on any chemicals that may reach your flooring, especially those you use regularly, but may not be aware of: hairspray, shampoo, lotions, etc.
  • Use gentle cleaning methods to avoid prematurely damaging the seal of your planks.

To learn more about Vinyl Tiles, contact our team today!

Discover the Benefits of Laminate Flooring

July 3, 2018

If your flooring is due for refreshing and you’re in the process of searching for the best replacement, laminate tiling may or may not already be on your radar. If you haven’t discovered the benefits already, below are a few reasons you should consider laminate for your home.

What is Laminate?

Contrary to popular belief, laminate is not made out of plastic. Multiple materials are combine to create four layers: wear, design, core, and backing. Each layer helps the tiles to maintain their original aesthetic and to protect against signs of wear or damage.

Endless Style Options

While some homeowners may still associate laminate with a plastic, dull, appearance, the reality couldn’t be more opposite! Laminate is a fantastic way to achieve a gorgeous hardwood look throughout your home at a fraction of the cost. This is particularly advantageous if you need to cover a large area.

Durable

Despite its relative cheapness per square footage, laminate flooring is extremely durable and easy to maintain. It’s resistance to moisture means it can be installed in areas typically not suitable for traditional hardwood, including bathrooms and kitchens. Cleaning is simple, and a resilient finish means there’s less need to worry about chips or dents: all great factors for families with little ones or pets!

Easy to Install

If you’re looking for a hassle-free, quick installation option, laminate is a fantastic choice! Planks can easily be clicked into place, and can even be installed over radiant heating.

Ready to get started? We can help! Contact the experts at Ashley Fine Floors to find your perfect fit today!