Category: Flooring General

Installing Linoleum Floors: What You Need To Know

July 27, 2020

Getting ready to take the leap and install new linoleum floors in your home or commercial space? Linoleum is an increasingly popular flooring option among those looking for eco-friendly products that are capable of withstanding the test of time and heavy-foot traffic. With modern linoleum offering plenty of stylish selections at a price-friendly cost point, it has become a major contender in today’s flooring market Canada wide. Ashley Fine Floors is proud to be the Edmonton Region’s Premier provider of flooring solutions, including a wide array of linoleum products. Below, we’ll discuss some key linoleum installation and care tips. Read on to learn more!

Where Can Linoleum Be Installed?

One of the biggest attributes towards choosing linoleum is how incredibly versatile it is. Linoleum’s water-resistant composition makes it ideal for installation in bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, over concrete and radiant heating, and more. Linoleum flooring is home and office-friendly, meaning that commercial and residential property owners can both enjoy the many perks to be found.

Your After Installation Must-Do’s

Once the installation is complete, it’s vital that you follow the care instructions below to ensure your floors have the chance to settle, as well as are protected in the long term. The setting process takes approximately a week, and during this time, it’s imperative that you and all other individuals occupying your space are careful to avoid any wet washing, scrubbing, or any excessive actions that could introduce moisture or disrupt bonding as it takes place. Failure to do so can result in air pockets, warping and other significant issues.

Harsh Chemicals Are Never A Good Idea

While your floors will be incredibly durable once they finish setting, it’s never a good idea to use harsh cleaning agents on linoleum. Part of what makes your planks able to withstand wear and tear without breaking down is the protective seal built on the outer layer of the product, which can be quickly eroded by strong chemicals. When cleaning, try to stick to gentle substances like warm water.

Create A Cleaning Routine

Just like any other flooring type, a key factor in linoleum’s longevity is regular cleaning. Fortunately for those on the go, the maintenance required for linoleum is extremely minimal. Weekly sweeping, vacuuming and mopping will be enough to prevent extensive build-up, and spot cleaning any spills helps to avoid stains before they have a chance to set in. Stay on top of these easy guidelines, and your floors should stay looking their best for years to come!

Linoleum and More At Ashley Fine Floors

Time for a flooring upgrade? Let Ashley Fine Floors help you find the perfect fit! Contact our team today to learn more.

Minimize Floor Installation Headaches With Ashley Fine Floors

July 21, 2020

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 Care For Your Tile Floors

July 9, 2020

Have you joined the ranks of the many homeowners adding floor tiles to your home? These days, tile flooring has become an increasingly popular option due to the wide variety of selection available at cost-effective prices. In addition to plenty of styles to choose from, tile floors are also incredibly easy to maintain, giving you a long lifespan that keeps your home looking gorgeous. Below, we’ll cover some basic tips and tricks to keep in mind when maintaining your floors from right after installation right through to the distant future. Read on to learn more!

Day One Care

Your brand new floors are in place, your room(s) looks stunning, and best of all, installation was a breeze. Now what? While it might be tempting to give your tile a quick wash down, it’s imperative to the setting process that you leave your floors alone for 2-4 days before introducing any additional liquids. Should you need to clean up any sudden spills during this timeframe (we advise trying to use the room minimally during the settling process, if possible), use excess caution and remove moisture right away. Once everything has settled and is secured into place, you can set about implementing a cleaning routine for the future.

No Harsh Chemicals Needed

Once your tiles have set, one of the best ways to prolong the life of your flooring is to carefully choose what kind of liquids you clean with. Warm water is by far the superior choice as it does not contain any abrasive chemicals and can handle the majority of spills and build-up when used promptly. Should you miss a spot and require something with a little more elbow grease, take care to stick to gentle, neutral PH based cleaners that clearly identify that they are tile floor friendly. This will help you avoid the mistake of stripping the valuable protective layer from your tiles and causing premature damage.

Stay On Top Of Dirt and Grit

Left to accumulate and spread, dirt and grit can do a number on any type of flooring. Stay on top of build-up by routinely sweeping or vacuuming, especially prior to moping. This will help to avoid accidental scratches on the surface of your tiles and help them keep looking spotless all year-round

Don’t Let Spills Linger

While tile flooring is resistant to liquids and moisture, it’s still a best practice to spot clean messes as they happen to prevent stains, warping and premature damage to the protective layer of your flooring. Keeping a microfibre cloth or mop on hand will make it easy to treat spills as they happen, prolonging the life and lustre of your floors in the process.

Ashley Fine Floors: Edmonton’s Flooring Experts

Ready to get started with tile today? Ashley Fine Floors is here to help! For over 25 years, our team has partnered with customers throughout the Edmonton Region to find the best flooring solutions for their homes and commercial spaces. With a gorgeous showroom and installation services available, finding the right flooring has never been easier! Contact our experts today to learn more!

Summer Laminate Flooring Care Tips With Ashley Fine Floors

Summer is here! With long sunny days making it the perfect time to spend more time outside, the chance of bringing in dirt, grime and mud, is higher than ever. Left uncared for, these outside details can quickly pose problems for your floors such as build-up, scratches, dents and more. Below, we’ll take a quick look at how you can implement a cleaning routine that helps keep your laminate floors safe and looking their best for the years to come. Read on to learn more!

Why Choose Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a popular option for both home and business owners due to both the cost-effectiveness and the sheer amount of options available. With thousands of patterns and styles to choose from, customizing your space is easy, and installation is quick and painless making it easy to transform a room in no time at all. For those looking to join in on current trends without breaking the bank, laminate is a fantastic option!

Caring For Laminate

Another appealing aspect of laminate flooring, it is relatively simple to care for, even if you’re always on the go. After the initial installation, all it takes to keep your floors looking their best is a quick maintenance routine that is easy to stay on top of, even with a busy schedule. Follow the tips below to keep your laminate floors in flawless shape all year round:

Prevention First

The number one way to keep ANY floor looking sharp is to prevent the introduction of damaging factors in the first place. Adding mats at entryways and ensuring everyone remembers to take off their shoes can go a long way to keeping dirt and grime outdoors, as can routinely wiping Fido’s paws when he comes inside and watching for any other sources that could be bringing dirt into your home.

Sweep Regularly

Sweeping for just a few minutes a few times a week is one of the best ways to prevent the build-up of muck and grimes, as well as reduce your risk for scratches caused by sand or gravel. While it can take some effort to get into a routine, even a few seconds here or there can make a difference!

Stay On Top Of Spills/ Spot Clean

Had an “oops” moment with a beverage? Don’t let liquids sit! While laminate can be resistant to moisture, letting it soak in is a prevalent cause of long term damage and warping. Gentle soak spills up ASAP to avoid stains and other issues.

Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
Finally, part of what keeps laminate floors so durable is its unique outer layer. Using abrasive cleaning liquids or materials can strip this protection away and leave your flooring vulnerable, so it’s best to stick with microfibre cloths and warm water for the majority of your cleaning and always double-check the content of any floor cleaners you have for tougher stains.

Want to learn more about laminate flooring? Contact our experts today!

Linoleum Flooring: Eco-Friendly And Stylish Solutions For Every Property

April 27, 2020

Are you on the hunt for a cost-effective and stylish flooring solution that’s sure to stand up to the demands of everyday life? As one of the most versatile and yet understate options on the market, linoleum boasts plenty of benefits for homeowners to explore. If your flooring is need of a refresh, check out a few of the reasons you should consider using linoleum below!

Perfectly For Eco-Conscious Abodes

One of the most unique advantages of linoleum flooring is that it is an ideal solution for homeowners wishing to reduce their footprint and use more eco-conscious materials. Linoleum is made from all-natural, biodegradable materials as opposed to harsh plastics. In addition, because it lacks the varnishes and other toxic materials found in other flooring options you won’t need to worry about toxic or harmful particles being released into your home over time.

Built to Last

Not only is linoleum designed to handle the strain of day to day demands like heavy foot traffic, pets, and children, it’s also crafted to last in the long term. With proper care, linoleum can last far longer than vinyl products, averaging a lifespan of 20-40 years. This provides superior return on investment for many homeowners.

Easy To Care For

If you’re looking for a floor that can withstand constant foot traffic and still look good with minimal effort, linoleum is a fantastic fit. Naturally water, scratch, stain, and warp resistant, these tiles are designed to stay stylish for the long haul. Simply sweep off any accumulating dust or debris and mop up spills as needed and your floors will be looking good for years to come!

Budget-Friendly

One of the most attractive aspects of linoleum, especially for those looking to renovate on a budget is the competitive price point. Compared to luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or laminate, linoleum is typically cheaper, even when the cost of installing is factored in!

Stylish

Think linoleum is boring? Think again! Linoleum has plenty of versatile styles to choose from, allowing you to enjoy all of the benefits above, along with a fantastic visual compliment.

Want to learn more about linoleum? We can help! Contact the experts at Ashley Fine Floors today.

Top Flooring Trends For 2020

April 20, 2020

2020 Vinyl Flooring Trends

Ready to refresh your home and bring your tired space into the modern world? Renovating your home is an incredibly exciting process that allows you to showcase your inner artist and create the perfect space for the whole family to enjoy. With a new decade underway, 2020 has ushered plenty of new trends to help you transform your home, with luxury vinyl tile quickly emerging as a front runner. Below, we’ll explore some of the most popular designs and styles coming out of the market, as well as explore the benefits of vinyl tile. Read on to learn more!

Wood Grained Flooring That Packs A Punch

Continuing one of the major trends of the past few years, wood-grained flooring is still one of the most popular styles in modern homes. For 2020, bolder stains with rich hues are in high demand. Statement flooring is often offset by lighter walls that, when paired, together, helps to create a dramatic finished product.

Bleached and Blanched Woods

Contrasting with the darker flooring trend, lighter floorboards are also rising in demand. Great for opening up small spaces or adding an “airy” feel to any room, light floorboards are popular for living rooms, kitchens, and many other areas.

Distressed Planks

Another popular trend is flooring designed to look “distressed” or worn. As an instant way to add rustic charm and elegance to your home, stylized floor planks can make a definitive statement in your room of choice.

Black and White Tiles

Moving away from wood looks, black and white tile is seeing a resurgence in bathrooms and kitchens, giving modern homes a touch of vintage flair and elegance.

Graphic Tiles

Much like black and white tiles, graphic tiles instantly brighten up a space and can make a huge statement in your room of choice. Whether you want to add a flash of drama or tie together an overall theme throughout the house, graphic tiles are a fantastic way to let your inner artistry shine through.

Discover The Benefits of Luxury Vinyl Tile At Ashley Fine Floors

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is one of the most in-demand, cost-effective solutions on today’s flooring market. Beloved by homeowners for its ability to mimic higher cost flooring options at a fraction of the price, LVT is durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain. Learn more about our available LVT brands by contacting our team today!

Why Laminate Floors Are A Fantastic Option For Any Home

April 13, 2020

Is your home in need of a flooring refresh? Whether you need to breathe new life into a tired space or are looking to outfit a brand new property, finding the right flooring is the perfect way to bring together the overall aesthetic of your home and bring your overall vision to life. As a long-standing favourite on the market, laminate flooring offers homeowners a stylish and durable solution at a fraction of the cost of other options like hardwood floors. With plenty of benefits to be found, laminate is a valuable asset for any homeowner to consider. Learn more about why you should consider laminate floors for your next refresh below!

Endless Options To Choose From

One of the biggest reasons many homeowners are drawn to laminate is the sheer magnitude of styles and colours that there are to choose from. For those looking to reproduce the look of hardwood, stone, or marble at a fraction of the cost, laminate is an ideal fit that can seamlessly blend into any space with ease.

Easy to Install

Need your flooring installed without the wait? Laminate tiles are easy to click into place and can be installed fast, meaning your space can be ready to go in next to no time!

Moisture Resistant

If you’re looking to replace the flooring in rooms that are more prone to moisture exposure including bathrooms, basements, or kitchens, laminate is a solid match. Laminate is more forgiving where liquids are concerned, making it a good choice for trickier areas of the home.

Easy To Care For

Another selling point for laminate is how easy the planks are to maintain. Busy homeowners will love the minimal upkeep requirements with gentle sweeping to remove sand and grit, as well as the occasional damp mop being all it takes to keep your floors looking their best!

Long-Lasting

Built to withstand the demands of regular foot traffic, as well as denting and warping, laminate is well suited to spaces that would be a poor fit for hardwood and other materials that are easily damaged.

Environmentally Friendly

For those looking for an eco-conscious flooring solution, you’ll be pleased to know that laminate is constructed out of scraps of hardwood and resin, which both reduces waste and creates a long-lasting product for you to enjoy!

Learn More Today!

Are you ready to discover the beauty of laminate? Ashley Fine Floors is happy to help you with all of your flooring needs, right down to a hassle-free install. Contact our team today to learn more!

Spring Cleaning Your Carpets: How To Prevent Dirt and Grim From Taking Over

Spring is just around the corner! Are your carpets ready? With warmer weather on the way and the snow finally beginning to melt, homeowners across Alberta are facing a familiar challenge when it comes to keeping their carpets clean. Mud, dust, and debris all pose as unique seasonal culprits that can quickly deteriorate the condition of your floors without the proper care in place. Learn how you can avoid stains, water damage, and other springtime carpet mishaps by following our quick tips below!

Know What You’re Up Against

As any Albertan will know, the seasonal shifts that we face each year each come with their own distinct challenges when it comes to caring for our homes. Spring can be particularly volatile due to the switch over from months of freezing cold weather and the resulting thaw as temperatures begin to rise. The resulting changes to the landscape present multiple dangers to the condition of your carpets, including:

Mud and Grime

As months of snow that had built up begin to melt, streets, sidewalks, parking lots and everywhere in between become ladder with mud and dirt. While it can be nearly impossible to avoid walking through it, you can prevent mud from entering your home by placing mats at entrance points, always removing your shoes, and regularly vacuuming to catch any grit that may have found a way in otherwise.

Moisture

Moisture can present a significant hazard to any flooring, with carpets being especially vulnerable if exposed for long periods of time. Forgetting to remove boots when going in and out of the home, dropping rain-soaked umbrellas on the floor, and other little moments in between can quickly add up as your carpets underside absorbs any stray drops of moisture you bring into the home. Over time this can lead to carpet rot along with dangerous mould spores spreading throughout the home.

To avoid this, you’ll want to be extra diligent during the spring to stay on top of moisture control, especially if you have pets or little ones in the home. Act on any wet spots you see promptly and use towels to blot up any spills and remove excess liquid as quickly as possible.

Grit and Debris

When nature begins to spring back to life it’s easy to find your home covered in sand, pollen, and dirt, even with your best efforts to avoid the buildup. Avoid the introduction of allergens into your space, as well as the build-up of dirt in your carpets by removing your shoes, having mats at all entrances, and vacuuming regularly.

Keeping your carpets clean during the spring can feel like a challenge, but with a little TLC and a plan in place, you can keep your floors looking their best all year round.

In need of a carpet refresh? Ashley Fine Floors is Edmonton’s leading carpet store of solutions for your home and business. Learn more about how we can help by contacting our team today!

Four Questions To Ask When Choosing Flooring For Your Home

April 6, 2020

Is your home in need of flooring solutions? Whether you need the finishing touches for your new property or are hoping to replace outdated furnishings, finding the right fit for your space is an exciting process. With a little research and patience, making the best choice can be a breeze. For over 25 years, Ashley Fine Floors has been Edmonton’s trusted provider of leading flooring solutions throughout the Capital Region. Our knowledgeable staff know just important it is to find the right option for every room and work alongside our homeowners to help them choose with confidence. Below, we’ll explore a few of the key questions to ask when deciding what flooring works best for your home. Read on to learn more!

Where Is Your Flooring Being Placed?

Different areas of the home will have unique needs that should be considered when looking at flooring options. For example, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements have vastly different requirements to standard bedrooms, living rooms and other areas in the house. Whether you’re outfitting a single room, entire floor, or the whole property, you’ll want to ensure you know exactly what challenges you need to accommodate in order to get the longest life out of your flooring.

For spaces where moisture is a concern (ie. kitchens), choosing a water-resistant option like cork or vinyl tile will help to mitigate challenges, whereas for rooms where insulation and noise dampening are a priority, carpet may be a better fit. Knowing the needs of your home will help you to choose confidently and reduce the chance of premature wear and tear.

What Daily Factors Do You Need To Be Aware Of?

In addition to considering the specific needs of each area of the home, it’s also important to factor in any unique aspects of your lifestyle or daily routine. Homeowners with pets, small children, or wishing to set up a specialty room in their house (home office, workout room, etc) should keep this in mind when looking at flooring options.

What Is Your Budget?

As with any renovation or enhancement project, setting a realistic budget will help in the selection process. While many homeowners often worry that it will be difficult to achieve the look they want with their savings, today’s flooring market has plenty of affordable options that can mimic the aesthetic of higher end solutions at a fraction of the cost. Luxury Vinyl Tile has become increasingly popular due to its durability and the multitude of style options available.

What Are Your Expectations When It Comes To Maintenance?

Finally, one of the vital deciding factors when it comes to finding the best fit for your home comes down to maintenance. While many of the options available today require much less work than older models, it’s important to be realistic about how much time you want to spend where upkeep is concerns. For example, while many homeowners love the rustic elegance of hardwood plank flooring, they may find that precautionary measures required to care for them are less ideal. Regardless of what you choose, Ashely Fine Floors will ensure you know how to care for your new floors, giving you the best chance to have your floors last for as long as possible!

Discover the Ashley Fine Floors Difference Today

With over two decades working alongside Edmontonians to help them find the right flooring solutions for their homes, Ashley Fine Floors is proud to welcome you to our gorgeous showroom featuring many of the top manufacturers in the business, including several Canadian brands! Whether you’re looking to add the finishing touches to your first home, modernize a tired living area, or even just to find a function option that can stand up to the wear and tear of daily use, our experts are happy to meet with you to find the flooring that works for your needs. Contact our team today to learn more!