While it may sound counterintuitive to start tiling a floor in the middle of the room, there is a good reason for doing it. “Doing your own tiling is kind of fun, but try to remember that before you tackle any type of home renovation you must do the research first. If you jump in, all gung-ho because you found some marvelous tile, but don’t measure first, you may find yourself in a real bind […]

Floating floors are not secured to the floor beneath them in the traditional manner, with glue or nails. Instead, they are fastened by the edges utilizing shoe molding and transitions. One of the most common types of floating floors on the market is laminate flooring. However, if laminate is not installed correctly, it can be heard shifting when people walk over it. The main advantage of laminate is its durability and low cost. “However, low […]

Although the porosity of marble means it needs more care than other natural stones, it is not difficult to keep clean. Marble is subject to staining and fading over time. Rather than replacing the tiles, try using a light coating of wax to bring the shine and glow back. This extends the life of the tile, returns the stone to its once heathy shine and protects the surface from further fading and damage. Although this […]

When getting ready for a home renovation project that involves cutting tile, be cautious. Measure twice, cut once. Always start a home renovation project with a budget, but be smart about it. “If you’re on a tight budget, measure the space you are redoing to determine how many square feet you need,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble, Clearwater, Fla. “There is no point in buying tile you love at $6.00 per […]

Marble is still not a commonly chosen option for flooring upgrades, largely due to budget constraints. However, it is becoming more prominent for many homeowners wanting that “something extra.” “Marble is indeed a superior choice for flooring, walls, countertops and backsplashes,” states Dean Dupre, owner and operator of Champion Tile and Marble in Clearwater, Fla. “More often these days, those with a bit of wiggle room in their budget are opting to have it installed. […]

Not everyone wants natural stone or tiles for their home renovation projects. Some prefer the stunning option of hardwood flooring. When planning any type of renovation project, particularly one that is intended to upgrade flooring, try something different for a unique look. Go for unusual sizes and not standard 2 ¼ inch red oak panels usually that most builders opt for. While they use that size and product for its relative inexpensiveness, they sacrifice originality […]

One of the best investments a homeowner can make, for sheer enjoyment or for resale, is installing statement-making white marble. “Before investing in white marble though,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile & Marble in Clearwater, Fla,, “make sure you know the quality of the stone. This means taking the time to carefully examine the stones you want to use. You want only the best and most durable.” In addition, a tile should not […]

Since everyone spends so much time in the bathroom on a daily basis, it only makes sense to make that room a stunning focal point of the home. There are a number of ways to make the bathroom one of the nicest rooms in the house: painting, trimming, splashes of color, bright towels, decorative window curtains and even wall hangings. What is one to do when it’s time to totally redo the room and make […]

Homeowners looking for something completely wild and exquisitely classy should consider the Chromatic Mosaic Tile collection for their updates. The Chromatic Mosaic Tile collection is unique because of the bubbling chrome used inside the tiles. The tiles are then sealed in colored, clear or smooth glass. When viewed from different angles, surfaces show changing highlights, reflections and refractions. It can help create a child’s fantasy world or add a certain zing to a recreation or […]

For an economical home renovation option, consider engineered flooring. “Engineered flooring is a popular choice for homeowners on a budget. The surface is a sandwich of multiple wood laminations, with unfinished ply on the bottom and finished wood on the top. Its cross-grain construction looks clean and performs well in high-moisture locations,” explained Dean Dupre, the owner of Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida. Most engineered wood comes pre-finished, so the top layer […]