Month: February 2020

One of the most important and long-lasting choices you’ll make while remodeling your kitchen is the flooring. But which kitchen flooring option is best for your home?

While a remodeling services company will be able to help you better understand which materials will work best in your kitchen, here are a few choices (and tips) to consider ahead of time:

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5 Timeless Kitchen Flooring Options to Consider

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Hardwood (The Stylish Option)

Simply put, hardwood floors are gorgeous. While a more expensive option, hardwood floors add a lot of style to your kitchen. Just be sure to choose a hardwood flooring option that is hard enough to withstand heavy foot traffic. You’ll also want to make sure your hardwood is properly sealed and finished by a remodeling expert to protect it from spills.

What type of hardwood is best for kitchens?

Oak and maple are affordable, durable hardwood flooring options for the kitchen. They are considered hardwoods, as opposed to softwoods like cedar, pine and spruce. 

Softwoods tend to dent more easily, are more susceptible to scuffs, scrapes and moisture than hardwoods, and are not ideal in high-traffic areas like the kitchen.

Average Lifespan: 50 to 100 years, with refinishing every 10 years or so (solid hardwood)
Average Cost: $3 – $10 per square foot (oak and maple)

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Linoleum (The Eco-Friendly Option)

The word might trigger memories of your parents’ kitchen, but the truth is linoleum has come a long way in the last century. Though it fell out of favor in the 1950s, linoleum has recently become popular again due to its eco-friendly manufacturing materials: solidified linseed oil, pine resin, cork dust, wood flour and natural mineral fillers. 

It comes in three different styles – sheets, tiles and planks (or panels) – and is incredibly durable and easy to clean. In fact, linoleum has naturally antibacterial properties, making it a great option for the budget-conscious-yet-germ-averse homeowner.

What type of linoleum is best for kitchens?

Linoleum is very durable, but if you’re worried about scratches showing over the years, choose a linoleum with a varied color pattern for your kitchen flooring; this will hide flaws more effectively than solid colors.

As for the style, linoleum sheets are the most popular option due to the number of color choices available, but tiles and planks are fine options for the kitchen as well.

If you’re not a fan of the noise linoleum makes when walked on, you may want to choose cork-backed floating linoleum planks to soften sounds while you’re hustling around your kitchen. 

Average Lifespan: 20 to 40 years
Average Cost: $5 – $7 for sheets or planks; $3 – $5 for tiles

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Tile (The Durable Option)

Porcelain or ceramic tile is a solid, stylish and sturdy flooring option that can stand up to the messes and tests of almost any kitchen. They’ll stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making your kitchen a more comfortable space to cook year round. 

What type of tile flooring is best for kitchens?

Tile’s durability is often classed using the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) abrasion test. There are 5 groups of tile – the higher the number, the higher the tile’s durability. 

For kitchen flooring, you’ll want to choose a tile that is either PEI-3 or PEI 4-rated. PEI 5-rated tile is the hardest, but typically only used in industrial settings. 

Average Lifespan: 75 to 100 years
Average Cost: $7 – $20 per square foot

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Did You Know?

While DIY-ing flooring installs has become popular, you can actually void your flooring material’s warranty with an improper installation, meaning you’ll have to re-purchase all your flooring material and start from scratch.
When hiring kitchen remodeling services, make sure to contact an expert flooring professional to handle your installation. 

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Vinyl (The Budget-Friendly Option)

In many ways, vinyl is one of the top price performers when it comes to kitchen flooring. 

It is affordable to buy and less labor-intensive for a flooring expert to install. It’s fairly durable and is 100% waterproof, making it ideal for kitchens with lots of spills (read: lots of little ones). 

Plus, certain luxury vinyl types can mimic more expensive flooring options like hardwood or ceramic tile, adding a lot of style for less of your budget.

What type of vinyl flooring is best for kitchens?

Like linoleum, vinyl is a resilient flooring type, which means it is softer than non-resilient types like hardwood or tile. Because of this, you’ll want to choose a rigid core vinyl for your kitchen flooring. Rigid core vinyl has a sturdy, firm center that will stand up to heavy wear and tear over the years. 

Average Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
Average Cost: $2.50 – $5 per square foot

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Laminate (The Faux Hardwood Option)

Laminate is very similar to vinyl in look, price and installation type. Both are installed usually via click-lock planks and are similarly durable against foot traffic, and though vinyl is 100% waterproof, laminate is water-resistant enough to withstand spills in the kitchen. And like vinyl, laminate can even mimic the look of real hardwood with its photo-realistic top layers. 

So what’s the big difference? The feel – laminate is made of 99% wood products (particle board), giving it a sturdier, warmer feel underfoot than vinyl, for a fraction of the price of real hardwood. 

What type of laminate flooring is best for kitchens?

Most laminates are fairly similar, but when installing laminate, you can choose to use a premium underlayment to provide a sound barrier between floors, and make your laminate sound more like hardwood when walked on. 

Average Lifespan: 15 to 25 years
Average Cost: $3 – $8 per square foot

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Other Things to Think About When Choosing Kitchen Flooring 

• Maintenance: Looking for simple, easy-to-clean flooring? Linoleum is a naturally antibacterial, no-fuss flooring option compared to hardwood.
• Cost: Looking to stick to a budget? Vinyl and linoleum are going to be your best bet compared to tile or hardwood.
• Moisture-Resistance: While all of these options naturally resist moisture, linoleum and vinyl are virtually 100% moisture-resistant, making them great options if your kitchen shares a door with your mudroom or home’s exterior. 
• Durability: Beyond that, you should also think about your day-to-day life. Do you have kids or pets running through your kitchen? Choose a hard, glazed tile or a tough hardwood that will stand up to pet claws and Tonka truck wheels. 
• Style: Is there a certain look that you’re going for? Hardwood tends to be a much more universally stylish option than some of the lower-maintenance flooring choices. 

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Ready to install your new kitchen floor? Call Handyman Connection

Whatever options you’re considering for your kitchen floor, Handyman Connection is happy to help. We offer various flooring and remodeling services for just about every room in the house, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements and more. Learn more about our expert home maintenance, repair and remodeling services today. 

The post Best Kitchen Flooring Options for 2020 appeared first on Handyman Connection.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Planning a major home remodel or new home build can be a massive undertaking. Enlisting the help of an experienced and knowledgeable general contractor and builder is a good place to start, but there are still some very important things you need to consider before anyone starts swinging a hammer. Meridian Master Builders in Edmonton offer major home renovations and new home construction. They share some tips for planning a major home remodel:

1. Always start with a budget.

Before you do any planning, you must know what your budget is. Then you can start making plans according to that set budget. A budget must be detailed and realistic, which means you’ll have to do some price research on the things you really want in your remodel to make sure they’re possible. This is something that Meridian Master Builders will help you create and stick to.

2. Renovate to solve problems.

You should determine WHY you need the home renovation. Do you need a second bathroom for your growing family? Does your small kitchen feel cramped and you want to be more comfortable eating in the there? Are you just sick of how your home looks and want to refresh its style? Knowing the “why” of remodeling will help designers create the perfect plan for your home. If you’re building a new home, understanding what you don’t like about your old home will help.

3. Don’t go too cheap.

Saving money on your home renovation or home building project is good, but don’t start cutting corners regarding quality to do that. Your budget should include using quality products and materials, installed by professional contractors. If you start to stretch out your budget by opting for the cheapest, you’ll be sorry you did later when things start falling apart. Here are some smarter ways to save on your home renovation.

4. Always get the proper permits.

When you hire a trustworthy general contractor like Meridian Master Builders, they will ensure that all permits and inspections are obtained for your specific home remodel or construction project. If you’re doing a home addition, you’ll have to check with the bylaw office in your jurisdiction to make sure your building project plan will be accepted and that permit fees for such a project aren’t outside of your budget.  

5. Don’t obsess over what’s ‘on trend’.

Somtimes, super popular home design trends are quick to go out of style. If you want your renovation to look great and feel in-style for longer, ask your designer about designs that can pass the test of time. There are many timeless styles that go with virtually any décor and accent pieces and will look very modern. If you get bored of your interior’s style after a few years, your timeless remodel can be refreshed by changing things like furniture, wall colour, window coverings, and other home décor without having to do another major renovation again.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Attaching a deck on your home is a great way to expand your living space. When building your deck, there are endless design choices to make. Putting personal touches into your deck space will make it tailor-made for you and your family. Here are some deck add-on ideas, from Elite Decking in Edmonton.

A shade shelter or roofed area

Building a shade shelter or roofed area as a part of your deck is great for summer. It’ll protect you from the sun or the rain, and you’ll be able to use the deck more. This will add more style to the deck as opposed to a patio table and umbrella that may or may not provide enough shade. Most people choose a pergola for their decks, either with shade lattice or a solid roof.

Built-in planters

Adding built-in planters around your deck will give your deck a more relaxing feel and space to plant your favourite flowers or veggies. The environment will have pops of color all around, making the space feel more inviting. This can be done with the same material used to build the deck to keep the continuity and flow. These plants can also be built along the railings, or anywhere else you may choose.

Custom seating

Need more seating? Adding on benches as a part of your deck can be a great way to do that. Something you can do with the benches is to get cushions or pillows to spruce up the look of your deck, while still maintaining the continuity of it all. You can have storage space beneath built-in benches, for keeping your furniture cushions and other items.

Fencing

If you’re looking for more privacy in your deck, put up a fence around a section of the deck. Not only that, but a fencing deck addition allows for more things to be hung, like lighting or plants. It can also be finished with different hardware to create a more rustic look, or ornaments to add your own personal touch. If you live in a neighbourhood where the homes are built close together, a privacy wall or fence on your deck is a nice option.

Built-in fireplace

Including a fireplace in your deck will provide a living space and focal point for you and your family to gather. You can do a few things with the addition of a fireplace. It can be built above, on the surface, or sunken further down. Fire tables are also a popular option if you want to be able to move the fireplace around or remove it from the deck for winter storage.

Deck Builders in Edmonton

Elite Decking in Edmonton started as a dream that flourished into a company, built on a foundation of skill and business relationships that can accomplish any project with quality and integrity. Their reputation is what keeps their projects alive, and you can count on them delivering every time.

Interested? Check out Elite Decking Ltd. today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

At some point in a drywall’s life, it’s likely to get a few scratches or possibly cracks and holes. While damaged drywall is unsightly, many types of damage can be easily fixed with a little DIY work. Sometimes though, what seems like a minor issue may be a sign of something more serious.

Great Wall Construction in Calgary are expert drywall professionals with over 25 years of experience. They share some typical drywall damage and when it’s time to call them for repair help:

1. Nail holes: no problem!

One of the more common damage that occurs to drywall is leftover nail holes from hanging pictures. While it’s unappealing to have little holes dotting your walls, it’s a simple matter to fix. Just fill the holes with a drywall compound, sand it, wait for it to dry and paint over it. Your walls will look as good as new in no time!

2. Scratches and small dents: safe to DIY

Another typical drywall damage comes from basic day-to-day living but is also easily repaired. Small scratches on your drywall are likely caused by furniture scraping or bumping against the walls. Smaller dents, such as door shaped ones, can be caused by a door swinging open too hard and denting the wall. Neither is appealing to have, but both are easily fixed. A little bit of drywall compound filled into the dents and smoothed will fix any small dents. As for scratches, shallow ones can be painted over, or a small amount of drywall compound spread over to smooth it out. Take a look at this drywall repair guide to patch any holes or dents in your drywall.

3. Cracks: depends on the size

No matter how small a crack in your drywall, no crack should be ignored. Even tiny cracks can spread and become worse, or they may be a sign of more severe damage behind the walls. If it’s a hairline crack over any doors or walls, there’s no need for concern. These are just signs that your house has settled, but it’s not a sign of structural damage. Still, re-tape and paint them and keep an eye out to make sure they don’t reappear.

With larger and much more jagged cracks, it’s a warning sign of a structural problem. These types of cracks do need professional help to both find out the underlying problem and fix it. A thin straight crack, for example, is likely the result of bad drywall taping. While these are easily repaired, it’s better to call in a professional. Sometimes the entire wall was done incorrectly, so the whole section will need to be replaced and redone. It’s always better to have a professional handle it now than constantly try to repair recurring cracks.

4. Discoloured drywall: call the pros!

If you find discolouration around your drywall, call a professional right away. The discolouration may be the result of water damage behind the walls and can quickly worsen. Never try to fix the discoloured section, since the damage may span much farther. Call in a professional to help first locate and stop the leak, then focus on repairing your drywall with the help of a company like Great Wall Construction. It’s best to open up the wall and replace everything, to avoid the risk of any mould developing.

Drywall Contractors in Calgary

Great Wall Construction ensures that every step of your project, you get only the best service and care. They offer everything from renovations, drywall repairs, new homes and more. With over 25 years of experience, they guarantee a professional finish every time.

No matter the project, contact Great Wall Construction for all your drywall needs!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

If you’re planning a new landscape project, you’ve probably also considered what to do with your lawn. Lawns play quite a role in overall landscape design and appeal, so it’s important to have an attractive looking space. There are a lot of ways to do so, from adding new sod or trying to fertilize. Still, nothing is quite so cost-effective and beneficial as trying hydroseeding.

Evergreen Services in Edmonton are a professional landscape maintenance and construction company. They explain just what hydroseeding is and why it’s perfect for your next landscape project:

What is hydroseeding?

Hydroseeding uses a mixture of grass seeds mixed with water, fertilizer and wood mulch. The mixture is put into a tank and attached to a hose, before then being sprayed onto the ground. The combination of mulch and moisture creates a protective layer for the grass seeds to grow in. As the seeds grow, the mixture decomposes, and nutrients are released throughout the seeds. The resulting lawn grows with a deeper root system, providing thick and dark grass as a result.

Cost-effective benefits

There are two main benefits of this method, the first of which is its cost. Hydroseeding costs a fraction of the cost of other methods, such as laying sod. Sodding your lawn also brings the risk of the soil rejecting the grassroots, and the grass then dying. Because hydroseeding starts with the seeds, there is no risk of the grassroots rejecting the new lawn. Plus, hydro seeded lawns still come in quickly, so your lawn will be ready in no time.

Landscaping beneficial

The second benefit, from a landscaping perspective, is that hydroseeding isn’t restricted by any surfaces. If you have a sloped or uneven lawn, hydroseeding can still just easily work since the seeds are sprayed. If you are planning a large landscape project, you want the end result to transform your yard. Once you have the perfect hardscape design or vibrant softscape, you want a lawn to match. Hydroseeding will provide just that and can be applied to any landscape design you have created. Hillsides, slopes or large open areas won’t be a costly addition to grow new grass.

Leave it to the professionals

While hydroseeding is a cost-effective method, it is still important to consider hiring professionals for the job. Both new equipment and the right seeds will need to be purchased if you choose DIY hydroseeding. Professionals, though, will not only have the right equipment but all the skills and knowledge as well. They’ll know what seeds are best for your lawn and how to apply an even layer. Companies like Evergreen Services will also provide lawn care tips or can come back to handle any maintenance.

Landscapers in Edmonton

Evergreen Services has over 20 years of quality landscape service experience and knowledge. They pride themselves in always providing the same high-quality of work in every project and for every customer. Evergreen Services offer landscape maintenance or landscape construction to transform your yard. Whatever landscaping services or questions you may have, they have the solutions and answers.

Don’t hesitate to contact Evergreen Services today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

When it comes to windows, you want the best. Windows are not merely for allowing more light into your home. They offer many other benefits, including adding value to your home, lower energy bills, safer for the environment, and more. With tilt and turn windows, you can have all these benefits. From Karufa Window and Door in Winnipeg, here are four reasons why tilt and turn windows are worth upgrading to.

They’re easy to use and maintain

You may come to a point where it’s time to replace the windows. Why choose tilt and turn? One of the key features of tilt and turn windows is how they function and how easy they are to clean and maintain. They open to the inside, allowing you to easily clean the windows without having to go outside with a  ladder. There is also an attractive screen on the outside, to keep out the bugs. Plus, with this system, you never trap insects between the screen and the sash you would with a casement or awning window.

They offer smart ventilation and security

Tilt and turn windows offer good airflow and ventilation. The bottom section allows the stale air to escape while fresh air is allowed into the house from the top section. In addition to that, these windows are very secure. They have a locking system around the entire sash, so it can lock on all four sides, giving you maximum security and peace of mind.

They’re energy-efficient

Energy efficiency is someone to keep an eye out for when shopping for windows. They have many added benefits that will make your life easier. It will lower your energy bills because less energy will be needed to keep the heat inside your home. Manufactured with Winnipeg winters in mind, all windows from Karufa Window and Door use the latest energy-efficient technology to reduce energy transfer. In the summer, the windows can reflect the heat from the sun. In the winter, they are well-insulated and designed to keep your warm air inside.

Windows in Winnipeg

At Karufa Window and Door, they not only install the right windows and doors in your home, but also install products which are built with lasting quality for the Manitoba climate. Their windows come with a lifetime written warranty.

For more information, check out Karufa Window and Door today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Switching to tile floors in your home may seem like a daunting decision, given all the available choices. From natural stone floors, ceramic or porcelain tile, each offers its own benefits and matches for certain rooms. An easy reason to choose tile, though, is that no matter, tile flooring is a guaranteed value boost!

Tile and Stone Source in Edmonton offer a full range of tile flooring and installation services. They share the best tile flooring to install in each room of your home:

Porcelain and ceramic: kitchens

When it comes to kitchen floors, you want something that is both resilient and moisture resistant. With high foot traffic, possible spills, stains or scrapes, kitchen floors need to be able to stand up to it all. As far as tile flooring goes, ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular choice. They are resistant to both moisture and scratches and are durable against high foot traffic. Both tiles are available in a wide range of colours, designs, and textures so that they can be customized for any kitchen.

Slate: bathrooms

With bathroom flooring, having moisture resistance is a must-have, but so is having a slip-resistant floor. A beautiful floor that gets slippery when wet just isn’t going to work in your bathrooms! Slate flooring, though, is both naturally slip and moisture resistant, making it a perfect choice!

Colour-wise, slate offers a natural cool charcoal colouring, fit for a relaxing bathroom theme. Otherwise, other shades, such as tans or rust browns, can be chosen for any number of personal designs. Slate is also compatible with radiant heat, making it the perfect excuse to add in-floor heating to your bathroom!

Marble: living rooms

Marble may not be the immediate first choice for living rooms, but it adds an undeniable elegance. Living rooms often benefit from a touch of luxury, making a marble floor a perfect choice. While classically installed as white, marble tile is available in browns or golds, which add warmth to the room. Even for high foot traffic living rooms, marble is a durable floor that won’t easily become worn. Plus, marble floors naturally reflect light, adding a natural glow to any room and creating a sense of spaciousness.

Limestone: laundry rooms

Similar to kitchens, laundry room floors must be resistant to moisture, stains, and heavyweights. Despite limestone being soft to walk on, it is an extremely durable floor that can withstand heavy machines. Most importantly, though, limestone is resistant to both mould and bacteria. It is easily cleaned with a simple sweep or a light mop to clean up any spills. Limestone is available in a wide choice of designs, colours, and shapes to match any laundry room décor.

Travertine: feature entryways

When it comes to a grand entrance, choosing the right floor plays a large role in pulling everything together. As the first room that visitors will see, you want a floor with a real wow factor. Travertine tile will provide that factor, thanks to its natural elegance and timeless beauty. It can also easily blend with a variety of other tile materials or with different designs. For example, a travertine mosaic in an entryway will effortlessly transform your floor. Take a look at the mosaic and design ideas to use with a travertine entrance floor. Practically as well, travertine is highly durable and won’t get damaged from high traffic. Scratches, mud or snow also won’t damage the floor as long as it properly sealed.

Tile Contractors in Edmonton

Tile and Stone Source pride themselves in helping their customers make the best choice for new tile flooring. They offer a range of tile and mosaic flooring, as well as provide installation services. No matter what your tile needs may be, Tile and Stone Source are there to provide a stress-free experience.

Don’t hesitate to contact Tile and Stone Source for any questions or needs!

Click to Find the >>>> Tile Installers in Edmonton.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk