Category: Design Tips

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!

Cork Vinyl Flooring

March 21, 2017

With vinyl flooring remaining a continuously popular staple on the market, Ashley Fine Floors has noticed a growing interest in corked backed vinyl flooring, particularly from our Calgary office. Corked backed flooring has some fantastic benefits for homeowners looking for a cost-effective way to update their living space. Read on to learn more about a few standout features of these unique products!

Built for high traffic areas

Corked backed vinyl has the standard durability of vinyl planks, meaning that they’re able to handle the wear and tear of heavy day to day use. As a bonus, the cushioning provided by the cork means that the flooring is a little gentler on joints for those frequently on their feet.

Waterproof, odor resistant, and antimicrobial

The composition of these planks make them a prime candidate from bathrooms, kitchens, mud rooms, and any other space prone to heavier moisture exposure. Cork’s natural antimicrobial properties help ward off mold and mildew, giving you peace of mind.

Sound dampening and heat insulating

Another added benefit of cork is its heightened ability to absorb sound, making your room less likely to echo, or for noise to cross over into other rooms. Cork also holds heat, meaning your toes will be a little less chilly on those cold winter mornings!

Easy to clean and maintain

The vinyl overlay means that planks are easy to install, and more importantly, have easy upkeep. Where hardwood has the concern of being less resistant to scuffs, dents and scratches, you can rest easy knowing that your floors up to every lifestyle when you choose cork backed vinyl. For this reason, may real estate agents tend to recommend this kind of flooring as a cheaper way to add longstanding value to your home.

If you’re looking at new flooring options for your home, cork backed vinyl is a fantastic option that offers both longevity and style. For more information, visit at us at our Edmonton or Calgary locations, or give us a call!

​Hardwood Floor Installation: A Timeless Enhancement to Your Home

January 20, 2017

With renovation season just around the corner, many homeowners are beginning to plan upcoming projects and find themselves seeking information on both products and professional service providers. Replacing the flooring in your home can seem a particularly daunting task without the proper resources. We at Ashley Fine Floors would like to assist you in your search by providing some basic information explaining the difference between hardwood types, and how you can best decide which is suited for the space you have in mind.

Why Choose Hardwood

While it’s fair to say that there’s no shortage of options when it comes to flooring variety, hardwood installation remains a classic and elegant way to compliment your home’s natural aesthetic. Not only is it a stunning visual piece, but the practical nature of its durability and versatility make hardwood a smart addition to almost every home. Whether you’re considering replacing outdated carpeting, choosing the finishing touches of a new build, or looking for the best option to add resell value to your property, homeowners can easily find an option that suits their needs.

Among the various benefits of hardwood installation is the ease of placement, high quality looks and results, quick cleaning methods, as well as convenience for those with allergies. We take pride in making the process as easy as possible for customers. With our top notch contractors, the installation process is a breeze. Our consultants will help you narrow down choices to select the right fit for your home, then we’ll help you prepare for installation by giving you all the information to make sure you’re prepped for the big day.

Once in place, your new floor will be long lasting and easy to maintain. For those looking to eliminate time spent cleaning, this can be a huge a plus. Dusting can easily be done with microfibre cloths, a floor brush attachment on your vacuum, or even with electrostatic clothes available at the dollar store. For more in depth cleaning to remove build up, simply wipe the surface with a soft clean cloth (never use anything with an abrasive quality to avoid scuffing), lightly damp to the touch. Be sure to wipe away any excess water, and you’re good to go!

Ease of cleaning means that bacteria and dander build up is significantly reduced, making hardwood an excellent choice for those sensitive to environmental allergens. While we do recommend that those with pets be careful in their selection (surfaces can be subject to some wear and tear from constant contact with nails), cleaning up hair or muddy tracks is much faster in comparison to other surfaces.

Selecting the Right Hardwood for Your Home

With all of this in mind, the question often comes down to what kind of hardwood works best for a customer’s needs. Solid hardwood is a standard favourite, with long lasting durability and the ability to sand when a refinish is needed. Solid hardwood is best suited for main floor purposes (as it is more sensitive to heat and moisture), and comes in a variety of different wood options ranging from maple to parquet.

For those looking for flooring options for a basement, kitchen or bathroom installation, engineered hardwood provides a moisture resistant element that makes it easy to have the same elegant finish on any level of your home The ability to be placed over radiant heating makes it easy for your home to stay stylish and warm during colder months. Application over poured concrete finishes in the basement is possible, making it easy for your media centre, entertaining area or private escape to become a finished reality. Like solid hardwood, engineered hardwood comes in a variety of different wood options.

No matter what your job entails, Ashley Fine Floors has a hardwood option for you and is ready to help you get started with peace of mind. Contact us now to connect with either our Edmonton or Calgary locations, and to start planning your dream project today!

How Luxury Vinyl Tile Can Be Your Secret Weapon When it Comes to Style and Durability

Did you know that there’s a flooring style that allows you have the elegance of hardwood, ceramic, or stone at a fraction of the cost? Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) gives you just that, as well of the benefit of being durable,a natural sound barrier and a great option for those that are looking for an option that’s more forgiving on their joints. This lesser known luxurious option is low maintenance, easy to install, and capable of adhering to existing surfaces.

A blend of linoleum and laminate, LVT truly offers home and business owners the best of both worlds. Suitable for high traffic areas that are prone to exposure to moisture, it’s resistance to dents, scuffs, and stains makes it fantastic alternative for customers looking for a versatile solution to fit their space. Luxury vinyl tile allows you to customize your look without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a muted, inviting, or refined aesthetic, your flooring needs can easily be met by this fantastic product.

Maintenance is simple. Grouting will resist cracking, as well as disguise initial dirt build up. To clean, merely damp mop or vacuum with a soft bristle floor attachment as needed. Avoid soap based detergents, excessive water, or abrasive cleaners that may unintentionally scratch or tear the tile.

To find out more about Luxury Vinyl Tiles and how they can best suited for both professional contractors and DIY renovation projects, contact us today!