Personal home renovation projects risk some pitfalls. “Some home projects, including tiling, can be easy and fun. But no matter how experienced you might be, a number of things can still go wrong. If you want a quality installation job, do it right the first time,” advised Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida. Frequently, would-be installers fail to prep their surface properly. If the surface is not smooth and […]

DIY-ers love doing tackling projects around the house. If tiling is next on the list, it will require research and care. Tiling is not as easy as it looks. House, home and hearth need professional installation and finishing to look stunning. Those wishing to install tiling themselves should strive for a professional understanding. Read and study proper techniques. A poorly done job becomes a massive expense very quickly, especially if flawed grouting and sealing are […]

When used in accentwork, marble can support an inexpensive kitchen or bathroom upgrade. “You can have the elegance and benefits of marble even if you really can’t afford complete marble surfaces. You can pull off some seriously stunning looks by using marble as an accent,” said Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida. Instead of doing a whole room, choose to update only the countertops or some other feature. Some […]

Does it matter how hard hardwood is? Most people consider the look, width and price of different woods when choosing flooring, but not many consider their firmness. “Some wood looks great in delicate areas, but won’t do well in a busy home. Other wood stands up to just about anything. Know what you want before you shop,” advised Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida. Wood flooring hardness is typically […]

There are four rules of thumb to observe when tiling. “Bathroom renos can be fun and they can also be a huge pain,” points out the owner of Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida, Dean Dupre. “The DIY crowd dive right in, often finding out later it was not a good idea, not reading any instructions. The experienced folks know to check twice, measure twice, and do it right the right time for […]

Most people think tiles are for the floor. These days, tiling the wall is the hot new trend. When new trends hit the market, you tend to see a lot of homeowners rushing out to try the latest fad. Right now, the hottest trending new idea is to tile walls. According to a number of real estate agents, properties with elegantly tiled walls are selling very well. And why not? The tiling slabs add a […]

Laying hardwood floor does not mean just putting it down and leaving it. Beware of cupping and buckling. Many DIY homeowners feel they can install their own flooring, and many do a fine job. However, when it comes to hardwood, there are a few extra things to be aware of; buckling and cupping are two of them. A warping process transforms wood flooring after prolonged exposure to humidity and moisture. The wood absorbs the moisture, […]

During renovation, many homeowners are drawn to ceramic tiling. Tiles are suitable not only for flooring, but also for counters, tubs, sinks and even walls. Ceramic tiles offer beauty, flexibility, texture, color and value. Moreover, ceramic is exceptionally durable. Tiles have survived the test of time for centuries. Some have been recovered in sound condition from ancient Egyptian and Roman ruins. Your home will hardly need to become an ancient ruin for its tile to […]

Kitchens are unique for a number of reasons. If you are renovating, make sure to choose flooring that will stand up to heavy traffic and spills. Without a doubt, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Just about everything — from cooking to entertainment to homework — happens in its friendly atmosphere. People come. People go. People pass through and spend time. It’s always a room with stories to tell, and over time, the […]

Time to renovate your home’s interior? Why not focus on the floors first? There are a vast number of flooring options on the market today. So many, in fact, that it can be confusing to consider every choice. Would ceramic look good in the kitchen? Would marble work in the bathroom? What about hardwood flooring? They are all valid questions, and the simplest solution is to choose something that instinctively appeals to you. Find something […]