Category: Design Tips

How To Use Floor Tiles to Enhance Your Commercial Space

July 21, 2020

Looking to enhance your home with a flooring solution that’s versatile, durable, and cost-effective? Often one the more unsung heroes of the flooring world, tile has many perks and options to offer property owners, especially when used in a commercial space. Built to withstand the demand of higher daily foot traffic without compromising style, tile can handle the realities of commercial spaces without the need for constant repair, often at a much cheaper cost than most other alternatives. Below, we’ll discuss a few easy ways you can get creative with your use of tile to enhance your space. Read on to learn more!

Create A Colour “Atmosphere”

As with other kinds of flooring, one of the best ways to enhance your space is to employ the basic principles of colour play to create the atmosphere you desire for each room. Darker colours paired with softer lighting will create a more intimate, enclosed dynamic, whereas lighter colours will create a more open feel that can make your space seem much larger and inviting. Knowing how to experiment with colour makes it easy to transform your commercial space into the perfect area for customers and staff alike.

Don’t Be Afraid To Play With Angles And Spacing

Much like colour can shape a room, angling and spacing your tiles can do the same. Larger tiles with more space/grout between them can be used to create a much bolder looker, whereas tighter spaces may benefit from a closer fit between tiles with less obvious grouting. You can also create different patterns and influence a directional flow for your customers to follow.

Showcase Different Areas With The Pop/Wallflower Approach

Draw customers’ eyes to your preferred focal points by using brighter, bolder, tiles where you want them to focus and using more understated colours in areas that require less attention. Selecting grouting that has a more obvious tonal difference to your tiles can also be used as a way to draw the eye, giving you plenty of room to experiment and play when creating your perfect space.

Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment!

Finally, don’t feel like you have to be timid when making your tile selections. With so many options readily on hand, it’s easy to create a dynamic space that delights both customers and staff alike. Partnering with an experienced team of flooring experts makes choosing the right fit simple, and allows you to move forward with confidence, one room at a time.

Ashley Fine Floors: Your Source For Tile Installation and More

For over 25 years, Ashley Fine Floors has been Edmonton’s preferred source for residential and commercial flooring solutions. With a diverse selection of inventory of products featuring leading brands, including a wide selection of Canadian manufacturers, as well as a dedicated team of installation experts, we’re here to help you find the best fit for your space. Learn more by contacting our team today!

Minimize Floor Installation Headaches With Ashley Fine Floors

Finally ready to pull the trigger and upgrade your home’s flooring? Installing new planks or tiles can be a fantastic way to refresh your space, add value, and deal with pesky issues that have made your home less comfortable and unsafe over the years. While it can be tempting to consider DIY options for tiles or planks, many homeowners find that partnering with a skilled installer ultimately saves them time, frustration, and even money in the long run. At Ashley Fine Floors, we’re proud to offer our customers access to full-scale solutions, including installation that guarantees your floors are laid perfectly the first time. Below, we’ll explore some of the reasons to consider professionals installation with a team like Ashley. Read on to learn more!

Experience Leads To Quality

Simply put, even the most experienced of DIY’ers can have difficulty laying floor tiles and planks. Proper installation involves taking a wide variety like ground levelling, moisture levels, flooring materials and more into consideration. Without the right tools and exact know-how under your belt, you can risk improper placement leading to cracks, warps, and other forms of premature damage. Working with a professional helps to eliminate these risks and leads to results you can count on, every single time.

Fewer Headaches

As with above, working with a skilled team means that you’ll have much less to worry about, including measuring, cutting, gluing, laying and all of the other elements involved in the installation. Most DIY’ers quickly find that the various steps and aspects required can take a lot more time (more on that below) and effort than expected, which can often lead to homeowners feeling frustrated and overwhelmed as the project progresses.

Protect Your New Floors

New flooring is an investment that should be protected. Whether you’re installing something as simple as tiling or as ornate as hardwood floors, proper installation will ensure your results last as long as possible. Qualified installers will know all the tips and tricks to avoid common mishaps and errors that can lead to costly reinstalls and more.

Faster Installation

Finally, professional installation can greatly cut down on the time it takes to properly lay everything, which makes it a solid choice for those looking to minimize downtime and get back to normal life as soon as possible. This is particularly valuable from a commercial standpoint as it allows owners to focus on running their business with minimal disruption to daily operations as well.

Ashley Fine Floors: Your Source For Flooring Solutions

For over 25 years, Ashley Fine Floors has been Edmonton’s premier source for flooring solutions. With a gorgeous showroom located in Northwest Edmonton featuring a fantastic selection that includes the top brands in the industry, as well as leading Canadian brands like Mercier, Beaulieu and more. For more information installing tile, carpets, hardwood flooring and all other flooring options, contact our team today!

There’s More in Store With Ashley Fine Floors!

July 14, 2020

Looking to transform your home or commercial space with the perfect finishing touches that help bring your space to life and keeps it shine for the years to come? Flooring is an essential part of any project, from renovations to new builds alike. As the foundation for your daily foot traffic as well as a key part of tying together your overall aesthetic, choosing the right fit is crucial! For nearly 30 years, Ashley Fine Floors has partnered with homeowners from around the Edmonton Region to help them find the best flooring for their needs.

Located in Northwest Edmonton, our gorgeous showroom features some of the most spectacular pieces for the top names in the industry, including Canadian manufacturers like Beaulieu, Shaw, Mercier, and more. Within our inventory, you’ll find:

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Want to create an ultra-luxurious look without breaking the bank? LVT to the rescue! Luxury Vinyl Tile is one of the most popular choices for both home and commercial property owners due to its extreme versatility when it comes to style, as well as the price-friendly cost. For those looking to mimic the look of hardwood, marble, or masonry without the extensive cost, LVT is a fantastic option and requires minimal effort to maintain over the years with the proper initial installation.

Carpet

Think all carpet is created equal? Think again! The carpet tiles you’ll find at Ashley Fine Floors are a far cry from the dreaded shag that many homeowners can often associate it with. With numerous stylish options ready on hand, carpet gives you a softer surface underfoot, as well as an easy way to keep your home insulated during the winter months.

Hardwood

Dying to add a touch of undeniable elegance to your space? Hardwood floors are an instant showstopper and are sure to wow you in any space. Ashley Fine Floors offers both engineered and traditional planks, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Laminate

Want a stylish option that’s a breeze to install and built to last even under heavy foot traffic? Laminate is another popular choice that makes it easy to outfit your space without breaking your budget or compromising on aesthetics. In addition, laminate is remarkably easy to maintain, meaning you’ll have no trouble at all keeping your floors looking their best.

And Much More!

With one of Alberta’s largest selections of available products, Ashley Fine Floors is proud to be your first choice for flooring. Contact us today to learn more!

How To Choose The Perfect Flooring For Your Home Office

November 4, 2019

Planning on transforming your spare bedroom, den, bonus room or basement into a home office? Converting extra space in your home to an office can be a fantastic way to add value to your property while giving yourself room to work in comfort. Selecting the right flooring can elevate the aesthetic of the space, as well as keep things looking pristine for the years to come. Below are a few quick tips to keep in mind when selecting flooring for a home workspace.

Three Key Factors to Keep In Mind

Before you look at specific materials, there are three main questions you need to ask yourself regarding the design and function of your new office space:

How Often Will You Use It?

There’s a large difference between a home office space designated for daily use by freelancers and remote workers versus a space intended to occasionally be used as a workspace. If you plan on spending multiple hours in the room daily, you want to choose a flooring that can handle the wear and tear of chairs and furniture being frequently moved around, etc.

What Do You Need In Your Ideal Office Space?

Everyone’s work habits and requirements are different. Do you need a quiet space to think while you dream up your next business plan? Consider a naturally sound dampening solution like cork flooring or carpet flooring. Do you want an in home space that’s suitable to wow clients when they stop by? Hardwood flooring can take your space from amateur to professional in a heartbeat. By identifying what you need, you can design your aesthetic to fit your requirements with ease.

Budget

Finally, having a clear idea of your overall budget will help guide your flooring selection. Rather than feeling limited by a certain dollar amount, rest assured that there are plenty of options designed to provide any budget with stylish solutions, many of which can mimic higher end finishes like hardwood or stone at a fraction of the cost!

Ready to design the home office of your dreams? We can help! Contact Ashley Fine Floors today to learn more.

Explore Eco-Friendly Flooring Solutions

December 11, 2018

Are you looking for eco-friendly, green flooring solutions that’s built to last? Cork and linoleum tiles are a fantastic way to add style and flare to your home, all with the environment in mind. Learn more about both products below!

Cork Flooring

As a relatively new addition to the flooring world, cork flooring is often an under-utilized option. Made from the cork oak tree by material removed from bark, cork is one of the most sustainable products on the market. Relatively cheap in nature, cork floors offer plenty of benefits to owners, including:

Durability

Cork is extremely flexible as a compound, making it resistant to cracking, abrasions, and less vulnerable to gas and liquids. It is also able to withstand the demands of regular foot traffic, even offering a softer surface for those standing for long periods of time. Once installed, cork flooring can easily stand the test of time!

Fantastic Insulator

Dying to keep your toes warm? Look no further. Cork’s ‘squishy’ interior makes it an excellent insulator that holds heat well, especially when placed over radiant heaters.

Noise Dampener

Along with insulating heat, cork’s make up is also well suited for naturally dampening and absorbing sound. If you’re looking to reduce the transfer of noise between floors or even from room to room, cork can help significantly.

Linoleum

Better known than its cork counterparts, linoleum flooring remains one of the most popular sustainable flooring options. With plenty of style choices and a reputation for long lasting (the lifespan is between 20-40 years!) durability, additional benefits of linoleum include:

Low maintenance

Linoleum’s durable makeup also means it is easy to care for. Even with heavy foot traffic, minimal effort is all it takes to keep your floors looking their best. Naturally water, scratch, stain, and warp resistant, your tiles are designed to withstand heavy demand while staying stylish. Simply sweep off any accumulating dust or debris and mop up spills as needed and you’re covered!

Cost Effective

If you’re looking at a large installation (several rooms or more), linoleum’s price point can be extremely attractive, even after the cost of installation is factored in.

Versatile

While linoleum has an unfortunate rap for being “boring”, the truth is actually quite the opposite! With plenty of styles to choose from, there’s no shortage of eco-friendly options at your fingertips!

Learn more about eco-friendly flooring solutions with Ashley Fine Floors by contacting 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!

Selecting the Tile Flooring For Your Home

June 25, 2018

Are you considering reviving your flooring as your next renovation project? Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is an increasingly popular choice amongst homeowners looking for a cost-effective way to bring a stylish touch to their home. Tile flooring is durable, easy to install and maintain, and able to handle the demands of most environments. If you’re wondering if vinyl tiles would be a good fit for your renovation, here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

Where Are You Installing Your Flooring?

A clear advantage for vinyl tiling is that, unlike other options, it is relatively easy to place anywhere in the home. That said, taking into account the specifics of the area where you plan on placing the tiles will help determine the best kind of finish, texture, and sealing necessary to ensure the longevity of your flooring. Factors you’ll want to address are:

  • Is there an increased presence of moisture in the area (i.e. with bathrooms, or kitchens)?
  • What damaging factors will this area face most often? A bedroom and a mudroom will experience different kinds of wear, for example.
  • Foot traffic levels.

Size and Layout

Knowing the square footage of the area you need to cover will help make sure your tiles fit the space perfectly. Tiling is fairly customizable, but it’s still best to know your area size to ensure everything is made to scale.

Daily Demands

As we said above, vinyl tile is quite durable, but knowing what factors your flooring will need to contend with on a daily basis will help you pick the right tiling for each area of your home.

Budget

Finally, while tiling is versatile and affordable for a wide range of budgets, knowing your ideal dollar amount, both for the initial installation and continual upkeep, will help narrow down your choices. At Ashley Fine Floors, we stock a vast selection of tiles for you to view. Our experienced team is happy to help you find the ideal fit for your home! Contact our team today to learn more!

Discover your HomeStyle with Ashley Fine Floors

May 30, 2017

Ashley Fine Floors is proud to announce that we are an exclusive carrier of Your HomeStyle products at our Edmonton location. Your Homestyle blends modern, elegant and reliable styling into beautiful products, sure to leave your home looking stunning.

Your HomeStyle has products perfect for any need, including Luxury Vinyl Tile, laminate, hardwood, carpet, and sheet vinyl. Whether your personal style is ultra-modern, bohemian, or timelessly elegant, Your Homestyle’s wide range has you covered. Created by Beaulieu in 1999, YHS’ unique color-coded system offers a simplified approach for consumers, catering directly to personal style choices and allowing our sales associate to introduce you to your perfect match with ease! The Your HomeStyle website allows you to take quizzes to decide which style works best for you, and makes it easy to learn more about the products we’re excited to be carrying! Come visit our showroom to see everything up close and to speak to with our flooring experts today.

As an extra bonus, check out our commercial, now running on Global and share with your friends so they’re in the know as well. See you in store!

Basement Renovations: Focus on Flooring

April 13, 2017

Basement renovations remain one of the biggest -both in popularity and project scale- trends for homeowners to tackle. A properly finished basement can become the perfect extra space in your home, with endless options for use. Whether you’re looking to create the perfect play area, media room, home office or something a little more unique, there are a few basic tips to keep in mind while planning your project. Read on to find out how can be prepared, especially when it comes to picking out the right flooring!

Set your budget early on

If you’ve already read our blog on bathroom renovations, you know that budgeting is an important part of the home improvement process.  Setting a firm budget allows you to align your expectations and limitations from the start. As we also discussed in the bathroom piece, it’s important to make sure your final number allows for some wiggle room needed for unexpected last minute expenses. Basement renos tend to be on the pricier and trickier side (depending on what you’re doing), so allowing for a larger cushion is always a good idea.

Check for any sources of moisture

Addressing moisture buildup from wear and tear, foundation cracks, piping/plumbing problems and more is going to be one of your first orders of business, particularly if you’re planning on installing any flooring. Water damage is a frequent culprit that inspires the need for renovation, but it can also be one of your biggest challenges if left untended. Make sure you thoroughly inspect both the interior and exterior of the property (help from a professional is always a safe bet) to identify any sources of exposure and have them taken care of before going any further.

Make sure your plans are up to code

Once you’re sure that your basement is dry and ready to go, your next step is to ensure that any work requiring wiring or any other significant installation is up to code. Additions like heated flooring can be a fantastic investment, but it’s best to have a professional make sure everything is in order before you purchase.

Know your flooring needs

A properly floored basement can be a source of warmth, insulation, and provide a stylish finish to your ideal space. There are a variety of options available, each with their pros and cons depending on your particular circumstances. Below are a few of the most inquired about flooring methods, along with some things to take into consideration for each:

                Hardwood

Hardwood comes in two types, traditional or engineered. Most professionals will avoid the use of traditional wood for basements due to the product’s sensitivity to moisture and temperature changes (which those of us in Calgary in Edmonton are all too familiar with). Those set on a hardwood finish are best off looking at engineered planks, which are more resistant to moisture and sudden changes in temperature. For the best results long term, hardwood may not be your ideal solution.

                Carpet

Carpet can be an excellent way to keep your floors warm and finish your basement in a cost-effective manner. Some people may associate carpet with the shag style that became prevalent in the 70’s, but no need to worry…today’s options are much more refined! Along with being wallet friendly, carpet is easy to install, relatively low-key for maintenance, and different types of versatile options for everyone.

                Luxury Vinyl Tile

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is one of the most popular and heavily requested items in both our Edmonton and Calgary locations. As a much cheaper alternative to hardwood that offers the same appearance (along with many other options), vinyl tiles are an exceptional option for those looking to finish their basement. If you’re worried about keeping your toes warm in the winter, fear not. LVT can safely be installed over heated flooring.

No matter what flooring method you choose, making sure you have a reliable professional on hand to complete the install is a vital piece of your project. At Ashley Fine Floors, we cover the whole process, right from providing materials to installation. Learn more about how we can help you with your remodel today by giving us a call!

Bathroom Renos: Top Tips for Success!

April 11, 2017

Spring is officially here, and eager home renovators are hard at work planning their upcoming projects for the season. Bathroom renovations are one of the top choices for homeowners looking to add value to their property. Bathrooms are typically smaller than other spaces being considered and in theory, cost less than kitchen or basement remodel. They do, however, present a unique set of circumstances to account for. If you’re planning to do sprucing up this season, here are a few tips to keep in mind both before and during your project.

Have a plan before you start

Just like any other project, the best place to start is with a solid plan. Whether you’re an experienced DIY’er or undertaking your first big reno, you’ll want a blueprint to reference as things to progress to make sure everything is on track. If you want to go the extra step, consider meeting with a professional to have them go over and assist you in developing your plan. It may seem costly upfront, but in the long run, you stand to save money, time, and the frustration of having to recalculate when the unexpected happens.

Have a firm budget with built-in flex

Speaking of the unexpected, life’s little detours are something you need to keep in mind while deciding your budget. While you need to have a set final number in mind (because let’s be honest, it’s easy to get distracted by all the new gadgets and designs out there), it’s also wise to build a little wiggle room into that overall spend to account for unplanned expenses. Figure out what your absolute highest amount is, and set your “ideal” cut-off a little below so when push comes to shove, you’re not breaking the bank to get things finished. A word of caution: the word flex is relative. It’s designed to give you the room to bend when needed. That said, your bathroom is an essential part of your daily life, so if you find something you absolutely can’t live without, try meeting with a professional to determine the most cost-effective way to keep both your heart and wallet happy!

Expect to work with your existing plumbing

Unless you plan on doing some heavy-duty remodelling (complete with a hefty price tag), you’ll be working around your home’s current plumbing structure and will need to account for that in your design.

Have a plan to combat moisture and mould build up

One of the unique challenges to a bathroom renovation project is taking into account the moisture that the room is constantly exposed to. Showers, baths, and even washing hands mean that water is a real consideration when it comes to materials. Mould can be a danger with the wrong setup, and health concerns aside, there’s nothing worse than having to tear up and redo your project within a few years because of poor planning the first time around. Work with a company well versed in providing a variety of materials to suit your needs. Ashley Fine Floors, for example, proudly offers all sorts of solutions for our homeowners. From full-tile walk-in showers, steam shower setup, and total waterproofing, we happily work alongside our customers to make sure their project is set up for success! Knowing the products used are suited for longevity gives you peace of mind, and ensures your investment is sound.

If you’re in the Edmonton or Calgary area and are planning a bathroom remodel, give us a call today! One of our experts will be happy to help you find the best solution for your home!