Category: Flooring General

Five Factors To Consider When Choosing Hardwood Flooring For Your Home

January 21, 2020

Timeless and elegant, hardwood flooring remains a constant favourite among homeowners wishing to add style and value to their property. As a standalone work of art, such floors transform your space and create an unmistakable atmosphere that is sure to make any room stand apart. Due to the considerably large investment involved financially when selecting hardwood, it’s important to be aware of the many factors that can influence the longevity and viability of such flooring within your home. Below are five important elements to consider when installing hardwood.

Does It Mesh With The Overall Style Of Your Home?

If you’re doing a complete overhaul of a major area of your home, matching your flooring to the rest of the house may be less of a concern. Otherwise, it’s important to consider the style of all interior elements when looking at flooring elements. This will help ensure a more natural fit, or a bolder statement, depending on your preference.

Consider Your Staining and Finishing Options

While there’s no denying that hardwood is gorgeous on its own, staining can add additional colour and vibrancy to the wood and enhance its aesthetic appeal. Finishing will change the maintenance requirements by preventing the floor from getting dirty and extending its lifetime. It’s also important that while you can stain most types of wood, you’ll want to pick a stain that is compatible with your desired overall aesthetic.

What Kind Of Subfloor Does Your Home Have?

The kind of sub flooring in your home can influence what style of hardwood works best for your desired space. For those with a plywood sub floor, either traditional or engineered hardwood are suitable, whereas for those with particle board or concrete, you will need to replace it with plywood prior to installing solid or engineered hardwood.

How Much Natural Daylight Do You Get?

While daylight is certainly a blessing in any home, it can pose a challenge for light sensitive hardwood. Planks left in direct sunlight can warp over time, as well as fade. Contrasting, for bright rooms that do not have direct sunlight, choosing the right colours can act as more of a style statement.

Be Honest About Your Lifestyle

As we mentioned earlier, hardwood floors are a considerable investment in any home. Those with young children or pets may find that the natural wear and tear associated with hardwood makes care more difficult, and should select planks equipped to handle the strain of additional stressors.

Want to learn more about choosing hardwood for your home? We’re here to help!

Visit us in store or contact our team today!

What To Know About Vinyl Plank Flooring

January 10, 2020

Durable and affordable, vinyl planks and tile have become an increasingly popular flooring solution for modern homes, rental units, commercial spaces, and more. With an endless selection of styles available, transforming your space into your picture perfect room has never been easier. Learn more about vinyl flooring below!

What Is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring refers to a broad category of products including sheets, tiles, and planks. As a product that came to prominence in the 1940s both during and after the Second World War. As an incredibly durable and yet affordable option, the production and development of vinyl steadily increased, with vinyl planks (often referred to as luxury vinyl tile or LVT) hitting the market in the 1970s. Today, vinyl, in its many forms, serves as a valuable option for home and business owners looking to customize their space at a fraction of the cost of other solutions like hardwood or stone.

Basic Notes On Composition

Vinyl flooring planks are created using a layering technique involving the following components:

  1. A base layer to support the entire plank
  2. Fibreglass to keep the plank flat
  3. A cushioning layer to add bounce and texture
  4. The pattern layer, which determines the overall look (can easily replicate stone, marble, hardwood, and more)
  5. A wear layer to protect the pattern
  6. The topcoat to add sheen and protect the wear layer.

The finished product, particularly where planks are concerned is a rigid, waterproof product that is able to be placed with ease and that stand up to the demands of constant foot traffic over time!

Plenty of Benefits to Be Found

In addition to being cost effective and stylish, there are plenty of benefits to be found with vinyl flooring. Such benefits include ease of installation, long life cycle, simple maintenance, highly water resistant (making it ideal for utility rooms and basements), and more. For those looking for an incredibly versatile solution capable of standing up to regular foot traffic, the demands of pets and little ones, and style without breaking the bank, LVT is ideal.

Luxury Vinyl Tile At Ashley Fine Floors

Ashley Fine Floors is proud to be a leading supplier of flooring solutions for the Edmonton Region. Our inventory features a wide selection of luxury vinyl tile products for you to choose from. Visit us in store, or contact our team 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.

Cork Flooring: Your Perfect Home Or Business Solution

October 28, 2019

Have you discovered the perks of cork flooring? This relatively new addition to the flooring world has plenty to offer property owners and has quickly become a popular option among home and business owners. Whether you’re eco-conscious or are simply looking for a cushioning and heat conserving option for your space, cork flooring is a great fit. Learn more about the benefits of cork, as well explore a few idea areas to install it in your home or business below!

No Shortage of Pros To Consider

Cork is a versatile material that offers multiple perks for residential and commercial spaces. Some of the most positive attributes include:

Eco-friendly

Because cork is a renewable material sourced from the bark of cork oak trees, those who wish to reduce their carbon footprint and work with sustainable materials will be pleased to know that their flooring fits within an eco-friendly home model.

Durable

Cork’s unique makeup makes it incredibly resistant to cracking, furniture dents or abrasions, as well as impermeable to gas and liquids. If you need a solution that lasts, cork is a fantastic option. When cared for correctly, cork flooring can last as long as 40 years!

Great for those with allergies

Looking to breathe fresher air and reduce your exposure to allergens, mold, and mildew? Cork has you covered! Cork is naturally resistant to bacteria, meaning you (and your lungs) can rest easy.

Safe

Cork is fire resistant and only melts at very high temperatures, making it a great fit for commercial spaces, as well as your home.

Comfortable

Cork acts as a natural cushion underfoot, helping to reduce fatigue on joints when standing for long periods of time. This makes it ideal for work spaces, fitness areas, and more. As an added benefit, the cushioning factor also makes it adept at noise reduction, which is perfect for absorbing the sound in entertainment rooms, play areas, etc.

Aesthetically versatile

Think you can’t have all these perks with a killer sense of style? Think again! Not only is cork incredibly functional, but it also comes in a wide variety of tiles, planks, colours, and sizes.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today or visit us in store!

Discover Laminate Flooring at Ashley Fine Floors

October 11, 2019

For over 25 years, Ashley Fine Floors has been Edmonton’s top choice for flooring solutions. With an inventory that features many of the top brands in the industry, including many Canadian selections like Kraus, Beaulieu, and more, our team is proud to partner with home and business owners to find the perfect fit for their space. Among our products, you’ll find laminate tiles that are sure to bring style and elegance to your home at a competitive price.

Learn more about the benefits of laminate flooring below!

Stylish, Made To Last, Affordable

Laminate flooring has been increasingly growing in popularity over the past few years. Far from older styles that were once associated with a duller, plastic appearance, modern laminate offers a versatile palette of textures, finishes, and styles to choose from. Comprised of four layers (wear, design, core, and backing), laminate tiles are crafted to maintain their original aesthetics and protect against premature wear and tear. Benefits of laminate include:

Plenty of Style Options

Looking for a cost effective way to get that elegant hardwood look in your home? Laminate offers home and business owners a wide range of styles to choose from, including finishes like hardwood, marble and stone that are much cheaper than their counterparts.

Easy To Install

Laminate flooring is a breeze to install, with planks clicking into place quickly. For those looking for something to place over radiant heating for those winter months, laminate has you covered as well!

Durable

Whether you have little ones, pets, or are looking for flooring that goes the distance, laminate is a great fit. Moisture and scratch resistant, maintenance is easy, meaning you don’t have to worry about extra housework!

Learn more about the perks of laminate and finding the right fit for your space by contacting Ashley Fine Floors today!

Edmonton’s Top Choice For Timeless Quality Flooring

October 7, 2019

For over 25 years, Ashley Fine Floors has been a preferred supplier of flooring products for the Edmonton Region. As a family owned business, we’re proud to bring our customers high quality solutions, along with exceptional customer service and knowledge. From creating the perfect space in your home to designing an office space that wows clients and staff alike, our team is here to help. Learn more about Ashley Fine Floors, including our services and some standout features of our inventory below!

From Our Family Right To Your Front Door

With over two decades operating in Edmonton under our belt, the Ashley team has helped home and business owners from all walks of life find the perfect flooring fit for their space. 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. From the moment you walk into our gorgeous showroom, we’ll do our very best to make you feel at home, and to answer any questions you have along the way!

A Huge Inventory To Choose From

At Ashley, we make it easy to let your inner interior design star shine! With a vast inventory that features many of today’s top brands, styles, and newest products, you never have to worry about finding a solution that’s just right for your aesthetic vision, as well as your day to day needs. Brands you can find in store include:

  • Beaulieu
  • Kraus
  • Mercier
  • Tarkett
  • TRC Distribution, and more!

Our flooring varieties include hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl tile, cork, and many more to choose from.

Hassle Free Installation

Proper flooring installation of your planks or tiles plays a vital role in ensuring the longevity and appearance of your floors in the years to come. Ashley Fine Floors offers installation services for both residential and commercial clients throughout the region, giving you the peace of mind and the support you deserve.

What Are You Waiting for?

Are you ready to bring timeless elegance or modern flair to your space?  Contact Ashley Fine Floors to learn more about how we can help today!

Signs Of An Improper Flooring Installation

July 29, 2019

You’ve done the research, viewed countless different flooring options, and chosen the perfect fit for your space. Changing up your floors can breathe new life into any home and give you years of enjoyment to look forward to. Now all that’s left to do is installation! Proper installation will not only ensure your floors look their best, but are best prepared to stand the test of time. Below are 3 warning signs of a poor flooring installation to keep an eye on.

1. Large Gaps Between Planks Or Tiles

While different types of flooring will vary in the space required between each plank, large gaps are a key sign that your floors have not been placed with the proper technique. Gaps can increase your odds of water damage, warping, and buckling.

2. Lifting Corners

If planks are placed too closely together, they not be able to seal or adhere properly, leaving them prone to lifting from the foundation or cracking.

3. Premature Signs of Wear

While factors like water damage, excessive dirt built up, use of the wrong cleaning chemicals and more can accelerate the wear and tear on your floors, if you’re taking excellent care of your space and still seeing rapid deterioration, something is amiss.

What To Do

If your floors are displaying any of these issues, it’s best to have them looked at by a qualified team of experts sooner than later. Depending on the root cause, repairs may be easy to facilitate, or may require the floor to be reinstalled. Either way, the sooner you treat the issue, the better chance you have of minimizing lasting damage.

Wondering if your floors need some extra TLC? Need to find a new fit for your home? Ashley Fine Floors can help. Contact our team today to learn more!

Traditional Hardwood Vs Engineered: What You Need To Know

July 23, 2019

Hardwood floors are often seen as the ultimate luxury by homeowners looking to elevate their space and add value to their property. Fully of timeless elegance and style, hardwood flooring give your home an undeniable flair and serves as a worthwhile investment. If you’re considering adding hardwood to your space, check out a few basic facts below.

Engineered Vs. Traditional

An important aspect you’ll want to keep in mind as you begin your search for the best fit for your home is that there are two kinds of planks available: solid (or traditional) and engineered. While both look stunning, there are slight differences you should be aware of.

Solid Hardwood is crafted from a single piece of wood and thicker than its engineered counterpart. This thickness helps allow for resanding over the years, which keeps the planks looking fresh and eliminates minor wear and tear. Solid hardwood is fairly durable, but is particularly vulnerable to water damage, scratches, and shrinking and expanding due to humidity exposure.

Engineered Hardwood is comprised of several layers of high-quality plywood that are fused together, then coated with a hardwood veneer. The finished product is slightly thinner than traditional planks and only allows for planks to be renamed a few times. Contrastingly, engineered hardwood is less susceptible to humidity fluctuations and has more flexibility when it comes to where it can be placed in the home, including over concrete or radiant heating.

Which Works Best?

When it comes to deciding on any flooring materials, it’s always best to keep the unique needs of your space in mind. Depending on the area you’re looking to finish, there are a wide variety of factors to consider, including:

  • Purpose of the space
  • Environmental challenges
  • Exposure to moisture and humidity
  • Potential external damaging factors

It’s also important to bear in mind that while solid hardwood may be more expensive upfront, the ability to resand multiple times will grant extra longevity, whereas engineered hardwood may allow you to outfit more rooms in your home.

Have more questions about Hardwood? Ashley Fine Floors is your first choice team of flooring experts in the Capital region. Contact our team today to learn more.

Keep Your Home Cozy With Cork Flooring

July 19, 2019

Are you looking for a stylish, durable, and eco-friendly flooring solution for your home? As one of the newer additions to the flooring world, cork flooring offers a wide range of benefits to property owners. Learn more about the benefits of cork below!

Designed To Last

One of the main benefits of cork is the fact that, as a compound, it is incredible flexible. This makes tiles resistant to cracking, scratches, abrasions, and even less vulnerable to liquids and gases that may otherwise cause damage. For spaces that experience heavy foot traffic, households that include pets or children, or even those that are required to stand for long periods of time, cork is ideal

Bacteria Resistant

Are you sensitive to dust and other allergens? Cork is naturally resistant to much of the bacteria that causes mould growth or sustains other allergens. This makes it ideal for use in nurseries, homes with pets, kitchens, or any space that wishes to reduce the presence of dander for health reasons.

Built In Insulation

Cork is perfect for keeping your home warm during long, cold, winters due to its natural insulation qualities. The flexible nature of its makeup means that cork retains heat far better than many other flooring options, and since it can also be installed over radiant heating, you’ll never have to worry about cold toes again!

Sound Absorbing

Looking to minimize the transfer of sound between rooms or floors in your home? Much like cork’s insulation advantage, the build of the material easily helps absorb extra vibrations throughout your home, helping to create a quieter environment for everyone.

Environmentally Friendly

If you prefer to have a home that actively reduces its carbon foot print and focuses on sustainability, cork flooring is the perfect fit. Unlike hardwood, or even synthetic options like vinyl, cork is created without harming tress and is easy on the environment as a whole

Stylish

Cork is available in a wide variety of patterns, making it easy to integrate into any space!

Learn more about the benefits of cork by contacting our team today!

How To Choose The Best Materials For Your Basement Flooring

June 28, 2019

Finishing your basement can be a wonderful way to add value to your home, while also creating a functional space for the whole family to enjoy. Selecting the right flooring will help ensure your space is stylish, well insulated, and designed to stand up to the test of time. Basements can pose a unique challenge for homeowners when it comes to choosing the best option for flooring, and require a certain degree of planning to ensure the longevity of your insulation. Learn what factors you need to take into considering while choosing, as well as what types of flooring may work best for your space below!

What You Need to Know

Generally speaking, the number one challenge faced by any property owner looking to install flooring in their basement is preventing moisture build up, as well as adding insulation to the lower level of your home. Lower levels of the home or building are often damper than other spaces in the home, more susceptible to fluctuating temperatures from the ground freezing or warming, and are at a higher risk for flooding than other areas. The right flooring will take both of these factors into account and will be able to stay in place regardless.

What Options Should You Consider?

While every home is different and your foundation may have specific considerations that need to be taken into account, there are a few common options that tend to fair well in the majority of basement spaces. These options include:

Vinyl Planks

Stylish, durable, and particularly resistant to moisture, vinyl flooring is a great option for many basements. Vinyl is affordable, easy to install, and provides a natural sound absorbing/insulating layer for your home. With hundreds of patterns available, planks will seamlessly blend with any environment.

Tile, Ceramic, Or Porcelain

All three of these options are waterproof, making them suitable for basements, and durable enough to stand the test of time. One aspect you may want to consider however, is that tile will be relatively cold on the feet during the winter. Adding rugs will help to offset any coolness, as well as add extra insulation to the area.

Cork

Cork flooring is warm, stylish, and best of all, eco-friendly! For those planning on spending considerable time in their basement, cork can provide amble under foot cushioning for play spaces, workout areas, hobby shops, and more.

What To Avoid

As mentioned, when selecting flooring for your basement, you’ll want to avoid materials that are susceptible to moisture damage. These include planks made out of hardwood, carpet, and more.

Find out more about selecting the perfect option for your basement by contacting Ashley Fine Floors today!