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What Is Backsplash Tile & Where Should You Put It?

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Kitchen Backsplash Tile

Backsplashes are an expanse of material that usually sits on bathroom or kitchen wall between the countertops and cabinet. Done well, today’s backsplash designs can be a beautiful accent for rooms in your home by completing the interiors of your space with interesting patterns, colors and designs.  Ideally you will want to install a backsplash during your kitchen or bath counter installation. It is best to work with a professional for this type of project.

What are common types of tiles to use for a backsplash?

The most common tiles use for a backsplash are ceramic, porcelain, stone, marble and sometimes even glass.  You should be mindful that not all tiles will cost the same. Tiles are priced by square foot and the cost can vary depending on the type of material. Shopping smart can give you the look you want at a price that’s comfortable for you. Here are a few types of tiles to consider for your backsplash project.

  • The look of marble for less: To mimic the look of expensive marble go for a glazed porcelain tile, with high gloss coated over its surface for shine.
  • Porcelain and ceramic tiles: These types of tiles have many options to make your kitchen traditional to contemporary. With endless designs and options – you’re sure to find a tile that makes your kitchen unique.
  • Stainless steel and natural stone: This material offers a wealth of warmth to your kitchen space. Used together, these materials can create one of a kind looks.
  • Mosaic tile: Mosaic tile packs in smaller patterns and seemingly offer more bang for your buck. Depending on the range of materials – this can be an easy way to turn your kitchen space into a work of art.

Where is the best place to install a backsplash?

Most kitchen backsplashes will be on back walls surrounding sinks and stoves serving both an aesthetic appeal as well as a functioning component to protecting your walls from stains and damage.

In the bath, a backsplash can be added behind toilets and sinks, surrounding showers and even as a functional design element enclosing a sunken tub.  Recently there has been a trend to install a backsplash on a ceiling to define a shower alcove and prevent water damage.

Working with the design professionals at Fred Callaghan Carpet & Flooring will keep your project moving smoothly and help you find your design style.  Give us a call to make an appointment or stop by our Showroom to take a look at the many options available.

Hardwood Flooring Helps Home Resale Value

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Hardwood Flooring Helps Home Resale Value

 

Homeowners are sometimes hesitant to upgrade when it’s time to sell. After all, you won’t be living there much longer, and home remodeling efforts only increase home values by 57% of the average project’s costs, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value report.

But think again, sellers. The cost of inaction can be far greater than the small loss you’ll incur on any home-improvement projects. Making small upgrades over time can serves a actually really help a seller.  You don’t don’t to break-the-bank alterations, either. A simple update to your color palette can go a long way. Getting stuck in time with your home isn’t a smart move and is rarely rewarded financially when you finally sell your home. In fact, not keeping up with current trends may cause your house to linger on the market longer. As a result, you’ll likely have to pay ongoing mortgage, maintenance and staging costs.

Hardwood flooring: It’s what buyers want.

According to HGTV, the top request of homebuyers and renters when looking for a home is hardwood floors. In fact, a study of homebuyer preferences by USA Today using data from the National Association of Realtors found that 54% of homebuyers were willing to pay more for a home with hardwood floors.

Installing hardwood floors can cost between $9 and $12 per square foot, compared with about $3 to $5 per square foot for carpet — so some homeowners opt to install hardwood floors only in some rooms rather than throughout their home. However, carpet typically needs to be replaced if it becomes stained or worn out. Good quality carpet can last about 10 to 15 years, while hardwood floors can last forever.

The return on investment for installing hardwood floors will vary according to your market and other factors, but hardwood flooring can often help your home sell faster.

According to Kiplinger.com 87% of buyers want this feature.

Hardwood flooring offers a cleaner look, is easier to maintain and is more durable than carpet, which needs to be replaced every eight to 10 years. Hardwood can be refinished periodically and lasts a lifetime.

Sellers on a budget may want to buy engineered wood flooring (which is a hardwood veneer wrapped around several layers of plywood, fiberboard and hardwood). The cost to install 120 square feet of engineered wood flooring is $1,239 — about 15% cheaper than pure hardwood flooring.

 

Be sure to stop by our newly expanded Showroom and a take a look at our latest selection of hardwood flooring.

 

 

 

 

 

What Is The Best Floor Tile For Your Kitchen?

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kitchen floor tiles

 

 

Tile flooring is a natural choice for kitchens. Tile is hard, durable, and water-resistant and shrugs off stains. Plus, it’s beautiful—your kitchen flooring ideas will blossom when you look through the huge array of styles, shapes and colors available.

Kitchen floor tile comes in three primary types: porcelain, ceramic and stone. Prices of each type run the gamut, from $2 to $100 per square foot, based on a report from the DIY Network.

Types of Kitchen Tile Flooring

Ceramic and porcelain tile are both made from clay mixtures fired at high temperatures to produce a hard, durable tile. Both come either glazed or unglazed. However, there are important differences.

Porcelain floor tile has sand added to the clay mixture and is made with heat and pressure to produce a tile that’s harder, denser and less porous than regular ceramic tile. It’s a good choice for high-traffic areas, kitchens and bathrooms. It’s tough enough to be used outdoors in any climate.

Glazed porcelain tile has a glass-like coating applied during firing that produces a colored surface. Unglazed porcelain has color added to the clay mixture so the color and pattern is carried all the way through the tile. Any wear or scratches won’t show on unglazed porcelain.

Porcelain tile can be difficult to install and requires special tools and should be installed by a professional installer.

Regular ceramic floor tile is sometimes called “non-porcelain” to clearly differentiate it from porcelain. It’s softer than its porcelain cousin and glazed to create a hard wear surface in virtually any color. Because it’s softer, it’s easier to cut and install, but it is recommended to use a professional installer. Although it’s more porous than porcelain, the glazing creates a surface that’s impervious to kitchen spills and splashes.

Stone floor tiles are made from natural stone including slate, granite, limestone, travertine, and marble. Most stone tiles are porous and need to be resealed with a quality stone sealer every two to three years.

Stone can be polished or honed. Polished stone surfaces are slippery when wet, but the polishing lets the full beauty of the stone show through. Honed stone tiles provide more traction but have a less vibrant look.

While tile can be a great choice for kitchen floors, the hardness that makes tile so desirable as a kitchen floor surface can sometimes be a drawback.  If you are a serious cook be sure to wear comfortable shoes or use a floor mat at the work center, i.e sink, range ,cooking because standing on tile for long periods of time can tire out legs and strain your back.  Tile is also cold on bare feet and if you tend to be clumsy in the kitchen, dropped dishes, mugs and glasses will break on impact.

With today’s many designs and tile selections to choose from you are sure to find the best option to suit your kitchen.

Be sure to stop by our newly expanded Showroom and a take a look at our latest selection of tile for your kitchen project.

How To Care For Your Karastan Carpet?

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How To Care For Your Karastan Carpet?

 

Since 1928, Karastan carpets have been know for their artistry, innovation and craftsmanship.  They offer a selection of sophisticated carpet styles that work equally well with both traditional and contemporary décor for today’s homes and offices.

Keeping your carpet looking it’s best requires a few simple steps that will help protect your investment for many years. No matter what method of cleaning you use, there is one universal recommendation: clean your carpet before it becomes too unsightly. And take immediate action on spills. Natural wool fiber sheds liquid spills, so quick action provides the chance of preventing a stain.

There are several cleaning methods that produce satisfactory results, but each has limitations that should be considered. Here’s a handy reference from Karastanto help you decide which cleaning method is right for you and your carpet:

Dry Foam and Absorbent Pad

Fluffy detergent foam is worked into pile by a variety of machines. Once dry, the residue is vacuumed out. This method uses little water, dries fast, and cleans the surface well. Limitation:  Over-brushing can damage some carpets.

Steam Cleaning (Hot Water Extraction)

Extraction of the cleaning solution and soil leaves little residue and no pile damage. Recommended for all carpet types, this method is most effective when performed by a professional using an external hot water extraction unit. Limitations: Avoid using too much detergent. Follow up with plain water, but caution is required to prevent over-wetting.

Carpet grooming should be incorporated with all professional cleanings. A professional pile lifter vacuum may be effective in restoring matted or ridged carpeting.

Dry Powder

Absorbent particles are worked into the pile with a machine and removed by vacuum. This method uses no water, little skill is required, and the carpet is ready for use immediately. This is a professional or do-it-yourself method. Limitations: It can be difficult to remove all cleaning residue from deep pile. This method also is not that effective for heavily soiled or matted areas.

Caution: Methods and Products to Avoid

The rotary brush wet shampoo method is not recommended for residential carpet as damage may result. Moreover, some do-it-yourself products in aerosol cans may cause rapid re-soiling due to excessive residues. Test on a scrap of carpet first. If the dried product feels sticky, don’t use it. Also avoid all cleaning agents containing an optical brightener (fluorescence) such as those found in many laundry detergents and some carpet cleaning systems.

Be sure to visit our new showroom at Fred Callaghan Carpet & Flooring and find the Karastan style that works right for you!

How To Prevent Scratches In Your Hardwood Flooring?

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How To Prevent Scratches In Your Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring has continued to be a popular selection by homeowners for a variety of reasons. Hardwood floors are longer lasting and can be refinished many times to freshen the look.  Wood is a sustainable, renewable and a natural material. It is easier to spot spills and debris on wood floors to keep floors clean. Wood does not retain allergens. And hardwood flooring is both a traditional and on trend selection for modern homes.   But let’s face it, all hardwood floors scratch over time.  Here are some tips to minimize the scratches and prolong the life and beauty of your hardwood floors:

DOWN WITH DIRT: The number one culprit of scratches is dirt and grit, so clean regularly to minimize this. Get a vacuum designed for hardwood floors, not for carpets.  The wrong vacuum can actually scratch your floors.

SOCKS ONLY: Take off your shoes.  Especially avoid spikey shoes like stilettos and cleats.  Keep a shoe bin at your entranceway.

AREA RUGS: Use area rugs with an area rug pad.  They are particularly helpful in high traffic areas like around the kitchen sink or dining rooms where chairs are frequently pulled out and moved.

CONSIDER WHEELS: Be careful with chairs, cabinets and entertainment centers with wheels.  If your furnishings have wheels, make sure they are non-marking rubber wheel balls.  Be sure to clean the wheels regularly, as dirt or debris that may adhere to them can cause scratches when the wheels are rolled across the floor.

DON’T PUSH:  Most damage to hardwood floors comes from pushing or dragging furniture across the floor when moving or redecorating. Whenever possible find a helper and pick it up and move it.

USE FURNITURE PADS: Furniture pads and glider pads help cushion the feet and corners of heavy furniture and can also serve to slide furniture around so it does not have to be lifted or on wheels.  For chairs that sit on your wooden floor, stick felt pads on their feet.  If the chairs move when people stand up or move, they won’t scratch your floor.

Be sure to stop by our newly expanded Showroom and a take a look at our latest selection of hardwood flooring.