Floor & Decor Diy Divas

Floor Prep: Don’t Overlook the Screws

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Malika

We all know the difference between screws and nails. The design of nails is sharp with flat sides, whereas screws have ridged sides. These ridges are what make it easier to adhere to than nails. This might be obvious, but this small difference when installing flooring can make a huge difference in years to come.

Why would this matter? When floor is installed, the first step involves the sub-floor. It is this sub-floor that attaches to the base with the use of nails or screws. After that, the finished product is placed on top and if tile is used, mortar is spread across to attach the tile to the sub-floor.

As temperatures rise and fall, wood tends to expand and contract. When this happens the nails can loosen, which leads to board being loose. That is what is happening when you walk across floors and hear that annoying squeaking noise. Screws prevent this from happening because they keep the sub-floor firmly in place.

While squeaky floors certainly are frustrating, it is nothing compared to having cracked tile. That is the worst result of having a sub-floor that isn’t properly secured with screws. Once the sub-floor loosens the tile is no long firmly in place and become susceptible to cracking.

We bought our house with tile already in the kitchen. Over the years, most has remained perfectly intact. However, there are several tiles that have cracked due to the fact that nails were used on this portion of the kitchen.

It is imperative that screws are used when you install your tile. And if you do hire a contractor to install your tile, make sure they use screws as well. Remember the contractor is only under the obligation to install the product, so if they run out of the screws mid-way into your installation, they may switch to nails without telling you.

The floor may look beautiful for a couple years after the project is complete before there are any cracks. By this time, any contract that would require this being fixed has now been nullified. So, whether you are taking on a tile installation project yourself or contracting it out, make sure to use screws to effectively secure your flooring and avoid cracked tiles.

Posted in Malika | Tagged cracked tile, Floor Prep DIY, Tile, tile flooring | Leave a comment

Decor Idea: Wood on Walls

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Malika

Paint is a bit passé, wouldn’t you agree? Want to add some pizzazz to your walls? Why not consider wood wall planks? These wall planks come in a variety of colors and you can do so much with them.

Image credit: home-designing.com

Wood paneling gives a warm feel to a room such as a den or bedroom. And restaurants and hotels have been decorating with this look for several years. You can install planks any which way you like: horizontally, vertically, or even diagonally. I recommend one accent wall in your room or hallway, instead of doing every wall.

You’ll need to make sure the surface is stable and not warped in any way before any installation begins. The planks need to be fitted all the way across the walls and this won’t work if the walls are warped in any way. The best way to avoid any irregularities is to install plywood on your wall before you begin the project.

You’ll want to secure the wood to the walls with screws, just as you would on flooring.

Image credit: www.besthomedesigns.org

Choose from laminate or wood on the walls. With laminate, you know you will be using boards that are not as heavy as hardwoods. But the added benefit of using laminate is not ever being bothered with the wood expanding or contracting. Real hardwoods do expand and contract when the weather changes which may be an issue in some homes.

However, with hardwoods, you get a richer look and feel. If you entertain frequently, you may want to choose hardwoods. Guests will be eye to eye with this centerpiece and want to touch and feel it. While laminate is a pretty look, a hardwood is more elegant close up. Whichever you choose, laminate or hardwood, there are plenty of options to choose from at Floor and Decor.

For another take on wood flooring on walls check out this post by the Thrifty Décor Chick: http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/08/diy-wood-planked-wall.html
What do you think? Would you ever install wood on walls in your home?

Posted in Malika | Tagged hardwoods, Laminate, wood on walls | Leave a comment

Pinterest Ideas for Outdoors

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Malika

With Memorial Day come and gone, it seems that summer has officially started. Here in Atlanta, we’ve had warm weather for a while, but something about the recent holiday seems to solidify the kick off of summer. To that end, here are some ideas that I love for transforming your backyard into a welcoming area for parties and gatherings.

I was at a Memorial Day party and the homeowner had done some really cool things with the house he is renovating. There is an updated kitchen, chalkboard wall, and granite counters in his bathroom, but it was the outdoors that struck me. He had constructed a swing for his backyard that hung from an old tree. Unlike many swings that can only support a couple of people, this was huge – supporting as much as 3,000 pounds. I asked him where he got the idea – Pinterest. Lots of cool ideas there. Have you checked out the Floor and Decor Pinterest page yet?

Image Source: http://pinterest.com/ginalisam/

Another kickoff that comes from Memorial Day? It seems to be the start of the summer movie season. Makes sense. Shows are in reruns, so people are looking for ways to entertain themselves. I checked out Floor and Decor’s Pinterest page and saw this image – a backyard transformed into a cozy seating area for movie viewing. How cool is that? All you need is some cushions, inexpensive lighting and a screen and projector. Sounds like a fun way to pass an evening by to me.

Image Source: http://pinterest.com/bockmanforbes/

Small spaces can be problematic when it comes to creating your blissful backyard space. But here’s an idea on Pinterest that seems to be rather relaxing. The slate tile that was used offers a clean and modern look. Not only was the slate tile used on the patio floor, but mirrored in the backsplash of the waterfall as well.

What ideas have you implemented or wanted to try that you’ve seen on Pinterest? Share them here.

Posted in Malika | Tagged decor ideas, Design, outdoor, Pinterest | Leave a comment

Farmhouse Sink: Functional Design Meets Rustic Charm

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Malika

Since kitchen sinks see tons of action, designers have decided to make it a focal point and put focus on their design. Besides the range of materials, sinks are available in many shapes and sizes, to suit the different needs of the consumer.

I love the retro look of a farmhouse kitchen sink, don’t you? That style paired with all the new sleek varieties of tile that are available, is a stunning look. Check out this farmhouse sink I found when I was walking around Floor and Decor the other day.

I’ve seen farmhouse sinks in copper and marble, but never in travertine. The one at Floor and Decor is gorgeous. And the neutral color lends itself to matching with many other colors of tile.

Farmhouse sinks have a front end that hovers above the surrounding countertop. It projects out from the cabinetry below it. These farmhouse sinks are rather deep and come in single as well as double bowl designs.

The most common colors of these sinks are steel, copper and cast iron. Cast iron sinks are then usually covered in an enamel finish. A copper sink, while rare to see, is quite a focal point.

Benefits of a farmhouse sink:
• Deep enough to accommodate heavy utensils such as large pots.
• Any water dripping from the lip of the sink falls to the floor, without damping the wood of the cabinet countertop.
• These sinks are very durable.
• They bring a rustic look to a kitchen as they have been found in rural homes in the past decades.

A farmhouse style sink is a moderate investment, but not only is it pretty it does add a functional element too. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, this is a perfect opportunity to add a unique centerpiece to your remodel. What do you think of farmhouse sinks? What is your favorite material for farmhouse sinks?

Posted in Malika | Tagged farmhouse sink, kitchen sinks, kitchens, sinks | Leave a comment

Floor Revivers

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Malika

Don’t you just love when you finish a new floor installation? Hardwood flooring has a beautiful finish, no matter which type of wood you choose. And tile can liven up even the most dull room. But over time, the flooring will become worn. Hardwood flooring gets nicks and scratches. Grout in tile dulls and isn’t as vibrant as when it was first put in.

So, what do you do? Revive them. Floor and Decor offers several products brighten up and restore grout and hardwood flooring to their original look. Check out the two products below: Grout Rescue and Hardwood Floor Reviver. Now, you can give your flooring that brand new look it had when you first installed it.

Grout Rescue
Has the color in your grout faded out? Give it a refresher with Grout Rescue. This grout rescue product comes in many colors. You can mix them together to best match your current grout color. Use on any grout: sanded, non-sanded or epoxy. You can use it indoors or outdoors too. The only tool you’ll need to apply it is a brush. I love that it is so easy to use and you can be back to your original grout look within about three hours.

Hardwood Floor Reviver
Minwax Hardwood Floor Reviver refreshes hardwood floors that are worn scratched or dull and is available in High-Gloss. Applying Hardwood Floor Reviver requires no sanding or special preparation – just squirt onto the floor, spread it on to the entire floor and let dry. One of the nice things about this is it has no odor and dries quickly. Expect this product to restore and protect your flooring for about 3-6 months, depending on how much traffic your room has. Note you should not use this on laminate flooring as it is designed for genuine hardwood floors.

If your floors, or even counters or walls with tile have lost the luster they once had, revive them with these floor care products. Not only are they super easy to apply, but they won’t have your rooms out of commission for long either.

Posted in Malika | Tagged floor revivers, grout, hardwoods | Leave a comment

8 Reasons to Install Stone

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Malika

1. Stone increases the value of your home for resale. How much better will your home look with stone like travertine or granite vs. linoleum or laminate counters? You can easily make your kitchens and bathrooms look a thousand times better with stone.

2. Offers a unique appearance where no two homes using the same stone will look the same. You never have to worry about duplicating the same look of friends or neighbors as stone varies in color enough to have a different look in each home.

3. Stone is rectified for small grout lines as small as 1/16 inch. Many find the look of nearly no grout line appealing. Of course, it is necessary as most tiles have a slight difference in size (especially natural stone), and adding grout gives the layout a uniform appearance. Grouting also prevents anything from getting in the crevices between the tiles.

4. Stone is very durable. Did you know that Granite is the second hardest mineral under diamond on the hardness scale for minerals? Granite is very scratch resistant and holds up much better under stress and normal traffic than ceramic.

5. Stone naturally tends to stay cool and can actually help to cool homes in warmer climates. This will help lower utility bills during hot summer months.

6. Stones such as slate are well suited for outdoor installation. Just take a look at the picture above, which is slate tile. The slate provides a beautiful variation in color and still holds up the to the outdoor elements though the cold winter and hot summer days.

7. Stone tiles are low maintenance. Despite common misconceptions, stone is very easy to clean and maintain. Just make sure to seal it when it is installed and caring for your stone tile will be a breeze. Sealing granite provides a barrier that prevents anything that is spilled from penetrating the stone. Granite surfaces should be sealed once a year. Higher traffic areas may need to be sealed more often.

8. Variation in choices. The higher variation in choices for stone allow for a greater variety of choices. Stones like slate are well suited for outdoor installation. These sturdy tiles will hold up to the elements and still keep their color nicely.

Not sure where to go from here? We’re here to help. Stop in to Floor and Decor and pick out some of your favorite stone for your remodel. Then speak to one of our in house designers who will help you choose the best stone product, color scheme and design for your remodel.

Posted in Malika | Tagged Granite, stone, Tile, Travertine | Leave a comment

7 Ways to Save on Your Remodel

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Malika

At Floor and Decor, we are always trying to save you money by keeping costs low. But sometimes when thinking about all the options for home remodel, it is easy to get carried away with add ons and extras. But here are some tips for keeping your remodel costs low and staying within your redesign budget.

Image Courtesy of: www.singerreo.com

1. Increase efficiency, not size
Did you know the average cost to expand a kitchen by 200 square feet starts at around $50,000? Make the most of the space you’ve got. When you start adding square footage, you are adding a high amount to your remodel that may not be necessary. Get the most efficient, space saving cabinets so you don’t have to add space to fit items. Replace shelves with pull out drawers. You could easily shell out a few thousand to outfit cabinets with upgrades like dividers, pull–out pot trays, etc, but you’ll save many times that amount by skipping the addition you thought you needed.

2. Weigh long-term costs against short-term savings
One example of this is with siding. It may cost about 20 cents more per foot to get the siding that is already primed and painted. But in the long run it is worth it, because the factory does an excellent job of priming and painting and does this indoors with no exposure to elements like harsh sunlight. This can save you hundreds down the road in repainting cost.

3. Use our Designers
You can hire an interior designer or you could use Floor and Decor designers, whose design services are free of charge. They will help you choose from many design options and coordinate the best look for your room.

4. Work with a contractor
Or do part of the work yourself. Can you handle demolishing your bathroom? Can you handle some of the cleanup or painting after cabinets are installed? If so, negotiate with your contractor and you could save hundreds on your remodel.

5. Wait until contractors are slow
During summer months is the most popular time for home renovations. Contactors are in demand and costs will be the highest. Right after the new year is a very slow time for contractors. So, budget for your project and you can get the most bang for your buck dealing with contractors during this time of year.

6. Don’t move the plumbing
When you move items like the kitchen sink or a toilet, all the plumbing must be changed too. This adds thousands to the cost of a renovation. If you must move the plumbing, make sure it is worth the investment.

7. Plan your remodel with stock sizes in mind
When you buy in stock sizes you save tons of money. Whenever you have to do anything custom, it adds so much money to your remodel, it can easily double your estimate. It is always best to use manufacturers’ off–the–shelf dimensions from the beginning and you will save high price associated with custom work.
Cost of custom doors: $1,500—$2,500
Cost of standard doors: $500–$800

Even if you take into account a few of these cost saving tips, it could save quite a bit on remodel costs. So, here’s to big savings on your remodel!

Posted in Malika | Tagged DIY, remodel, savings | Leave a comment

It’s Patio Season: Pebbles, Tile and Edgers Are What’s Hot!

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Malika

Living in the south, we are lucky to have more warm days than cool ones. So we definitely take full advantage of patios and outdoor spaces whether that means soaking up the sun in the backyard, grilling out on the deck or sipping on a cool drink on the front porch. But I have to tell you, even if I lived in a colder region of the country, I’d be getting as much patio time as I could. So here are some products to help you liven up your outdoor space.

I love these edger pieces. The three dimensional pieces liven up any patio area or outdoor fireplace.

Pebble marble stones are also becoming quite popular. Floor and Decor has several varieties available. When I first glanced at them, I thought they would be uncomfortable to step on. So, I placed a couple on the ground and walked on them. While I wouldn’t want to go on a ten mile hike on these pebbles, light walking on them feels just fine.

If you are more concerned about a smooth surface with the pebble “look” the Casa Antica pebbles might be a good choice. Instead of the slightly rounded feel like the marble pebbles, these are more flat. Both come attached to the mesh backing for easy installation.

Need other patio flooring options? Check out these porcelain patio tiles. Of course, you can put them on an interior if you prefer. In my last home, I had a screened porch with tile flooring. This would have been perfect for that or could even be used in a kitchen. The look is terrific because the large tiles easily install, but give the look of natural, random stones.

For something less uniform, check out these pavers below. While they are not square, the pieces easily connect to one another. So, there is no need to cut the tiles to fit them together.

With the warm summer months up ahead, now’s the time to get working on that patio. Have it done in time for Memorial Day weekend to kick off the summer!

Posted in Malika | Tagged patio, patio flooring, patio pavers, Tile | Leave a comment

When it Comes to Wall Tile, Don’t Be A Square

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Malika

Don’t be a square…at least when it comes to wall tile. There are so many shapes, styles
and textures available at Floor and Decor there’s no reason to limit yourself to a simple
square shape. What’s more, is you don’t have to use just one type of tile. Mix and match
from a wide array of different materials and shapes to create a look that is uniquely yours.

Love hardwoods? Who says they have to be exclusively for floors? Check out this
beautiful wainscoting in this breakfast nook. While it could get rather pricey to put
this look in a large room, by putting in a breakfast nook, it not only saves money, but
separates the nook from the rest of the room and makes it stand out.

How about these curved Luxor tiles? These beautiful tiles are available in both light and
dark tones. They make a fantastic look in a bathroom or in a shower. I’d recommend
using them as an accent area with the coordinating pieces in the picture.

Here is a beautiful sample one of our designers put together. I especially like the light and
dark mix for a powder room. This combines vanilla travertine and the metallica mosaic.
With the vessel sink the design carries through from the wall onto the counters.

Dimensional tile:
Movies aren’t the only things that come in 3-D nowadays! Three dimensional tile is always a cool feature. Check out the tiles below in beveled edges and waves.

Lastly, check out these mesh tiles in blues and earth tones. They are brand new at Floor
and Decor and sure to prove popular for bathrooms.

These are just a few of the samples of tile I found while perusing Floor and Decor. And
although I said it once, it is worth repeating: You can always mix and match to find a
style that is all your own. Also, don’t forget, we have design experts on hand to help you
put together the perfect ensemble as a complimentary service.

Posted in Malika | Tagged wall-tile | Leave a comment

Getting Caulked Up This Spring!

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Malika

My fiancé is so handy! He’s taught me so much about regular home maintenance as well as the how to’s of small to large scale remodels. One of the things he mentions frequently is the importance of caulking. While it may seem like something you would hire a contactor to do, it is rather easy and inexpensive.

With spring here and many of us in the mood for spring cleaning, I thought now would be a good time to share the process of caulking and how easy it is. Now you can add it to your spring chores.

A tube of caulk costs less than a five spot and can also save you lots on your utility bills. You should plan to caulk windows and exterior siding but also areas in your basement and attic. Here are five steps to get you all caulked up this spring:

1. Take a quick walk through your house, checking for places that need a caulk refresh. You’re looking for discolored, cracked or otherwise deteriorating caulk. Two important areas to check are your basement and the area around your windows. Both of these spots can leak a lot of heat, especially during the colder months of the year.
2. Use your knife or scraper to remove any old caulk.
3. After reading the instructions on the caulking gun package, load it into the caulking gun. Ensure it is properly loaded on and remove the tip.
4. Apply the caulk along the cracks in your window’s seal. Use light pressure and make sure you have a consistent flow, not heavy in some spot and light in others.
5.Smooth your caulk with a plastic spoon, popsicle stick or even your fingers and let dry.

The days are longer, so we have more time outdoors to complete patio projects (think slate tile). And with the warmer weather in the air, doesn’t it just motivate you to get more done? What about that tile project, you’ve been putting off? Here’s an easy way to get the done: Adhesive on a roll. So, there’s really no excuse not to take on a spring project or two..

Posted in Malika | Tagged caulking, patio, spring, spring cleaning, tiling | Leave a comment