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Matte Finish Tiles 0

In the past gloss tiles was where it was at. That was then this is now. Matte finish tiles are all the rage. A big plus to the matte finish is that they do not show smudges and water as easy at the gloss tiles do. This makes them great for the bathroom and the kitchen. The low shine makes them easier to maintain. Check out the matte finish and see if it is right for your next project.

https://floorlife.com/products/optima-porcelain-tile-collection-graphite-matte-12x24

Wokring in Heat 0

The temperatures are rising!

Grout, mortar, adhesive, waterproofing membranes, cement, plasters, and stucco are heat sensitive. Here are some tips to help you with your project in this heat.

Remember the heat can speed up curing and reduce working time.

The surface temperature is more important than the air temperature. Monitor the surface temperature of the installation.

 To reduce surface temperature, dampen the area before you work on it. Make sure to remove any excess water before starting.

If possible, work at the coolest parts of the day such as the morning or evening.

Store materials between 40°F and 90°F to extend the shelf life and working time. Do not store any products in direct sunlight.

After the project is complete cover for one to two days to help curing at a more normal rate.

Brick Tiles Trend 0

One of 2019’s biggest trends are brick tiles. Porcelain tiles come in all different colors such as, ivory, white, red or taupe. These brick tiles can go anywhere. Homeowners favorite places to put them are walls, floors and fireplaces. The porcelain tiles give your home the warmth of the brick without the hassle of caring for real bricks. Doesn’t matter if you use it as a backsplash or an accent wall, these brick tiles will be sure to give your home a unique look.

Alfresco Rooms 0

An alfresco room is an outdoor room you can enjoy year-round. The idea is to have a smooth transition from the inside to the outside. This can be achieved by using flooring, colors and lights. Some alfresco rooms can be as simple as a sitting room or as extravagant a kitchen and dining area. It depends on how big your space is.

https://floorlife.com/products/arterra-porcelain-paver-praia-grey-24x24

Grade of Porcelain Tile 0

The grade of porcelain tile is determined by the mixture of the materials used to create it and the thickness of the tile. A lower grade does not mean it is poor quality, it is just made for a different purpose.

The strongest being 5 and the least durable being 1.

Grade 1 is meant for walls only. These tiles are not recommended for floors and countertops.

Grade 2 is best for light traffic rooms and walls.

Grade 3 are made for most residential floor tiles and can stand up for moderate foot traffic.

Grade 4 most common in most commercial installations. Best for high traffic areas.

Grade 5 toughest porcelain tile available on the market. This is popular for schools, stores and industrial buildings.

DIY Travertine Paver 0

If you are looking to update your back yard, adding travertine pavers is an affordable way to do so.

1 Plan

Choose the pavers you want and the design you want to do. Make sure you have enough to complete the project. Mark the layout of your patio or walkway.

2 Prepare the Foundation

Dig up the area. The depth will depend on the thickness of the pavers. Lay landscape fabric to help block weeds from popping up in-between the pavers.

3 Install the Base

A gravel paver base will provide the support needed for both patio and walkways. Wet the area and tamp it down until the layer is compacted. Make sure you level the surface before you install the pavers.

4 Install the Pavers

For a patio start laying the pavers from the corner and continue working toward the middle.

For a walkway lay the pavers on the outer borders and continue filling in the rest. For both projects, make sure to install edging along the perimeter every 12 inches.

5 Add Jointing Sand

Use a push broom to add paver jointing sand over the area. Let sure for about 24 hours.

6 Finalize finishing Touches  

Add your own personal touches of décor.