The most important as well as the most daunting aspect of setting tiles is to achieve perfect leveling. A common hindrance faced while setting larger format, thicker tiles as well as un gauged and thin tiles is the uneven floor foundation, which makes leveling all the more difficult. As a result, tiles that seemed leveled during installation often have unevenness in the height, once the thinset or adhesive cures, which is unappealing. This can, however, be overcome with the help of ‘Raimondi Tile Spacer Leveling System’ that ensures perfect leveling of the tiles. Fabricated using quality raw material, these spacers are durable, cost effective and easy to use. Not only does it result in proper leveling of the tiles, but also facilitate the tile setting process.

Achieving a smooth level surface, the Raimondi leveling spacers can be used for tiles with varied dimensions. For a tile thickness of minimum 1/8", maximum 1/2", a minimum 3/32" joint is required, which at times is difficult to achieve. However, with the help of the spacers it is no longer a daunting task and can easily be accomplished in just few minutes. Depending upon your requirement, you can select amongst the different Raimondi leveling system kits that include leveling wedges, spacer clips and installation pliers.

One does not have to be a well-qualified professional to use the Raimondi leveling spacers. These spacers are quick and easy to set & remove, and homeowners can do it on their own, without any professional guidance. In case you plan to install tiles on your own, you can make use of these spacers for proper leveling of the tiles. After spreading the tile adhesive, you need to insert the support underneath the tiles on all the sides. In case of larger and thicker tiles, it is advisable to use two support instead of one, on all four sides. Once properly done, set the tiles over the adhesive, and to strengthen the bond you can beat it with a rubber mallet. Next, you need to insert the wedges into the support, which can be easily done by using the special traction-adjustable pliers. However, you need to exercise caution not to pass the breaking point. After the tile adhesive sets and cures, the leveling support needs to be removed, which can be done with the help of special traction-adjustable pliers or rubber mallet. Instead of using these tools, you can easily remove these supports by simply kicking them with your feet, but make sure to beat parallel to the joint.

Not only is the Raimondi leveling spacer easy to set and remove, but has various other features that have made it a preferred choice of many, especially tile installers. Consuming less time and effort, it holds the tiles firmly in place. One does not have to worry about the voids or coverage as the Raimondi leveling spacer enhances the adhesion of the thinset to the tiles. Rather than pulling tiles from the thinset, these are pushed into it, which is easier. Since it is quick and easy, it greatly improves the overall quality of the tile installing project.

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The post Raimondi Tile Spacer Leveling System first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

A number of individuals undertake ‘Do It Yourself’ home renovation projects as a hobby. Some of the most popular DIY projects include painting, tiling and grouting. However, it is important to properly complete the job at hand. An improper home renovation job can result in significant repairs and maintenance expenses in the future.

One of the prerequisites for undertaking a DIY project is the availability of proper and effective tools for the job at hand. Having proper tools can significantly reduce the efforts involved in completing a home renovation project. Furthermore, the right tools can also ensure that the job is done properly the first time, so that there are no repairs and maintenance requirements in the future.

While tiling, one of the common problems faced by DIY enthusiasts is that of lippage. Lippage occurs when tiles are not set properly, and can affect the aesthetics of the tiled area. Furthermore, lippage can also cause the tiles to crack and break in the future. It is for this reason that you should consider using a tool such as the Tuscan Leveling System. Such tools are specially designed for DIY enthusiasts, and ensure that the tiles are set in a uniform manner.

Another tool that could help you in your tiling project is a tile spacer. The main purpose of a tile spacer is to ensure that all the tiles are set at equal distance apart. Tile spacers will also enable you to create straight grout lines, thereby ensuring a uniform finish.

Most people generally call in a professional contractor when they need to design a shower area, but there are a number of tools that can enable you to complete this task by yourself. Quick pitch systems and ready to tile shower pans are two such tools that can enable you to create a custom designed shower area by yourself. These tools can ensure that a standard slope of 1/4” is created on the shower floor. Furthermore, a ready to tile shower pan can be tiled immediately after installation, thereby saving on the total construction time.

Certain projects such as plumbing, carpentry, roofing and landscaping require you to create a level slope for maximum effectiveness. It is in order to complete such projects in a proper manner that you require tools such as Montgomery degree pitch level. These tools are easy to use, and can enable you to effectively check the pitch or slope.

Finally, apart from the specific tools for particular projects you should ensure that you have adequate safety equipment. Some of the commonly used safety gear includes respiratory masks, knee pads, gloves and cleaning cloth.

Undertaking a DIY project offers a number of benefits over hiring a contractor for the job. Not only does a DIY project bring about a sense of accomplishment, but also results in significant cost savings. Therefore, it is important to have adequate tools and equipments in order to be properly prepared for the DIY project. This will ensure that your project is completed in a timely and a proper manner.

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The post Do you have adequate tools to finish DIY task first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

Certain things are more comforting for a ‘Do It Yourself’ enthusiast than completing a home renovation project without any professional assistance. DIY lovers, although enthusiastic about completing a project all by themselves require proper tools and resources to effectively complete the job at hand. A trip to the local hardware store can get you access to a number of different tools and equipment; however, selecting the right ones can be a difficult job.

Bathroom renovation is one of the most complex DIY jobs since any complications in tiling or waterproofing can result in significant damage to the surrounding areas. It is for this reason that tools such as Pro Pan, ready to tile shower pans and Quick Pitch are widely used in a bathroom renovation job. Pro Pan and ready to tile shower pans come with a standard slope of 1/4” inch per foot, thereby ensuring a perfectly sloped shower floor. Further, Kirb perfect offers an easy solution to building a shower curb, thereby ensuring that water does not spill outside the shower area.

Tiling & grouting is another job that can create a problem for people who prefer to complete their home renovation job themselves without any professional help. Tiles have to be placed at an equal distance to smooth transitions. Further, the grouting job has to be completed in an effective manner so as to ensure proper sealing, and that the water does not seep through the grout. This job can be effectively completed by using tile spacers and grout caulk thinset. Further, DIY enthusiasts can also find a variety of tile trims that can add an appealing look to the tiling of a room.

One of the common problems faced by people while installing stone or ceramic tiles is that of lippage. This not only disrupts the aesthetics of the room but can also result in cracks in the tiled floor. This problem can be easily solved by using the revolutionary Tuscan leveling system. Using this system will ensure a perfectly level tiled floor and will also make the tiling job easy and convenient.

Be it a job for carpentry, landscaping, or plumbing, a number of DIY enthusiasts find it difficult to find that perfect level pitch. An effective slope level indicator can prove to be more than handy in measuring and correcting the slope level of a place. Such slope levels are ideal for use by roofers, contractors, carpenters, engineers and most importantly by ‘Do It Yourself’ enthusiasts.

Finally, safety is an issue that concerns most people before they embark on their DIY endeavor. Certain safety tools such as a face mask, gloves, knee pads and clean up bags are essential in order to successfully complete a home renovation project.

Therefore, it is prominent that there are a variety of choices of tools for a DIY enthusiast to select from in order to successfully complete a home improvement project. Proper tools and equipment will not only help in timely completion of a job but will also ensure that it is completed in an effective and proper manner.

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The post Effective tools for a DIY enthusiasts first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

So, the floor is tiled, the grouting is done, now what? That is the question I have asked in the past after completely what seemed to be the monumental task of installing a new floor. Something still didn’t look right. I had these gaps where my floor met carpet or some other type of flooring. Something about the way the tile butted right up next to the wall didn’t seem right either. That is when a friend told me about trim and transitions. Now I’m going to be your friend and pass on this invaluable information.

First off, we’ll cover transitions. Transitions are designed to make a smooth…wait for it…transition between different types of flooring. There are basically three types:

T-molding-T-molding is for joining two floors that are of the same height. This could be a tile floor to a different tile floor, or tile to a laminate floor of equal thickness. It is strictly for floors, so if you have twin children, it will not help you keep them together.

Reducer-This wonderful product is designed to create a smooth look between a floor of a higher height down to carpet, or some other surface that sits lower. Unfortunately, it is not designed melt away the pounds, although that would be nice.

Stair Nose-No, it’s not just a playground taunt. It a transition designed to join your new flooring with a staircase. It comes in several varieties including pig, pug, ski-slope, and Caesar. That last part was a joke.

Okay, so now how about some trim? If you are really good, you can just cut the tile pieces along the wall edge so that they fit flush to the wall or leave a grout line equal to the other grout lines in the floor. I’m not that good, so I would typically add a base shoe of some type to the existing baseboard to cover those irregular cut edges. The most common base shoe is quarter-round, but in our home we took a fancier type of ceiling trim and used it as a base shoe. Maybe you want to try that. Another great alternative is removing the wooden baseboard and using some of the scrap tile pieces to make a matching tile baseboard to go with your project.

Necessity is the mother of invention, so depending on how many boo boos you made and how big they were, you may need to get creative with your trim and transitions to give it the smooth look you desire. There are lots of options out there, and you can also create your own. I have had to do that a few times, but the floors look great now…no seriously!

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The post Flooring: Adding the Finishing Touch first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

Installing Hardwood Floors over Radiant Heated Sub Floors

Installing Hardwood Floors over Radiant Heated Sub Floors

• Oak, Ash, Hickory, and Walnut species Engineered Hardwood products, > ½” thickness normally are approved for installation over radiant heated subfloors using either Adhered or Floating installation methods if applicable for the product.

• Nail or Staple Down installation methods are not recommended for Radiant Heated Sub Floors.

•  Engineered product constructions thinner than ½” will require review by the Hardwood manufacture before installation; along with a location registration and an acknowledgment letter, verifying that the project is approved and warranted.

• Radiant Heating Systems used must be designed and controlled specifically for Hardwood flooring by the system manufacturer, and include an Outside Temperature Probe, and Surface Temperature Controls.

• The end consumer should be aware that minor gaping between wood planks during the heating season is a normal occurrence with hardwood flooring installed over radiant heated subfloors.

• Proper humidity controls within the home or business will help to minimize the natural wood reaction to seasonally changing climate conditions.

• Indoor climate should be maintained between 60-80° F and a relative humidity range of 35%-65%.

Adhere to the following guidelines for a successful installation :

• Newly installed water type radiant heated flooring systems should be in operational mode with the temperature set between 64° -72°F, for a minimum of 4 weeks to insure that all sub floor moisture has properly dried.

• Older water type radiant floor heat systems should be fully pressure tested, properly maintained, and set to a minimum of 64°F, for at least 4 days before flooring delivery; acclimation, or installation processes may begin.

• All radiant heating systems must be set to room temp. (A minimum of 64°F), for at least 4 days before flooring delivery; acclimation, or installation processes may begin.

• Always check wood sub floors to insure that the moisture content is less than 14% using an accurate wood moisture meter.

• Concrete sub floors must register “dry”, using a reliable concrete moisture meter.

• The pH level of concrete sub floors should register between 6 and 9, on a fourteen point pH scale.

• Sub floors must fully comply with these “dry” requirements before proceeding with the delivery, acclimation, or installation of the wood flooring at the job site.

• Regulate the job site to insure that the relative humidity is between 35% and 65%, and that temperature is between 60° and 80° F, throughout the flooring delivery, acclimation, installation and any required curing processes.

• Deliver and acclimate the engineered hardwood flooring, for at least 48 hours before installation begins.

• Install the hardwood flooring according to the instructions that pertain to the product.

• After completing the installation, do not change the radiant heat setting for 48 hrs.

• Throughout the life of the installation, 3 to 5 degree daily increments must be used when adjusting system temperature for either upward or lower adjustments; so that the hardwood flooring can adjust to the temperature changes in a gradual manner.

• Never raise the flooring surface temperature setting above 85 degrees Fahrenheit

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It is the dilemma that has taken place in millions of homes across America and the globe: “I want a beautiful look for my home, but I also don’t have tons of money to spend.” There was a time when you couldn’t have your cake and eat it too. The emergence of laminate flooring for homes over the last twenty years has made that elegant look affordable. But what is the difference between laminate and hardwood flooring? Is one really better than the other? Let’s take a deeper look and see what we can find.

Hardwood flooring is, as the name implies, made of solid wood throughout. Flooring aficionados and decorators have always dinged hardwood for its susceptibility to moisture and it’s price. The flooring industry has an answer for this: Engineered hardwood flooring. Engineered hardwood flooring has a hardwood veneer surface constructed of cross-laminated layers of wood. By contrast, laminated flooring is a “picture” of wood that is attached to a fiberboard composite. This lies beneath a clear finish of melamine. This makes it much less expensive while giving it a similar look to hardwood. Before making your choice, there are four questions you should ask yourself.

What happens to it when it gets wet?

Traditional hardwood floors are very sensitive to changes in humidity and moisture. If you have pets that are not house-trained, you would do well to stay away from the hardwoods. I wouldn’t recommend them for kitchens, bathrooms, or anything below grade either. If you have a kitchen or bathroom that you just have to have hardwoods in, go with the engineered hardwood. It requires a moisture barrier to be laid down first, which eliminates this problem. Many, but not all, laminate floors are water resistant. This provides even more protection for your floor.
Winner: Laminates!

How easy is it to install?

Laminate floors are a project that most any do-it-yourselfer can handle on their own. They are installed as a floating floor, and many varieties simply click together and lock in place. Engineered hardwoods are not as easy to install, but can still be done by someone with a degree of skill. Professionals in most cases should install hardwoods. That being said, I know people who have installed hardwoods themselves and their floors look great. I guess it just depends on your confidence in that area.
Winner: Laminates!

How long will they last?

Both hardwoods and laminates are fairly long lasting. Hardwoods do tend to scratch and dent much easier than laminates. That means the claws of your dog or house cat, ferret, tiger, or any other pet will cause damage to your new floor. Laminates however are susceptible to chipping. Hardwoods can fade if placed in areas of direct sunlight. Laminates do not fade and are stain resistant. Hardwoods can be refinished to look like new again. Significant damage to laminates may require the entire floor to be replaced. Also, laminates are usually given about a 20-year life span. Because of the ability to refinish your hardwood floors, they can last you a lifetime.
Winner: Hardwoods!

How great will they look in my home?

Let me tell you this. I have had both, I have seen both, and I have installed both. I can tell you unequivocally that hardwoods look better. Maybe this is because laminate flooring is just a picture of wood. Maybe it is the fact that hardwoods allow for a variety of wood grain patterns while laminates repeat their pattern every five boards. Maybe it is the authentic “old- timey”: look. Whatever it is I would wager that if you surveyed ten people, nine of them would say that hardwoods look better. Winner: Hardwoods! And the champion is…neither. It is kind of a draw. Laminates are cheaper, slightly more durable and offer a similar look to hardwoods. However, hardwoods last much longer, increase the value of your home more, and look better than laminates. You should probably consider your budget, and what your long-term flooring needs are and make your choice. You really can’t go wrong either way.

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The post Laminate vs. Hardwood: Take it to the Floor first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.

Did you always believe that a bathroom is only a place to have a shower? Well, you will be surprised to know that your bathroom can provide you with a relaxing and rejuvenating experience which will make your senses completely fresh! The Preformed Ready to tile shower pans offer a very neat and clean appearance to your bathrooms and lend it an enchanting appearance! The ready to install Preformed shower pans will prove to be very convenient and lend a brand new appearance to your bathroom.

The Preformed shower pans are truly unique in the sense that they can be easily installed and offer a complete look. The Preformed shower pans are completely water proof and ready to tile. These pans are made from high density expanded Polystyrene, concrete backer board, Preformed mesh and a liquid waterproof membrane finish. The Preformed panels are very lightweight and hence perfect for this purpose.

The Preformed shower pans are also designed to be rot free and thus do not degrade easily. These pans generally come with an integrated side splash which make them completely waterproof. The Preformed shower pans can be easily set using thin material while other tiles generally require epoxy material. The Preformed shower pans are also certified NTA and have also cleared the Robinson floor test.

Along with Preformed shower pans, other accessories can have various implications on your various flooring activities. For instance, the Sun Touch floor heating systems ensure that your interiors are sun kissed and completely warm! The radiant sun heating systems offer a complete solution for interior heating thus decreasing your dependence on artificial sources of energy.

Flooring is not restricted to your bathrooms and living rooms but also attempts to lend your kitchen a neat and clean appearance. Using the perfect tiles in the kitchen can make your work easier and also provide a sophisticated appearance to your kitchen. Flooring products have also embraced technology and offer exciting gadgets like Loud Mouth Monitor which ensures safety by eliminating loose wires.

Flooring Supply Shop offers Preformed shower pans. The company also provide various products like shower pans and radiant floor heating solutions which are important for the purpose of flooring. The website www.flooringsupplyshop.com provides complete information about the company.

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The post Preformed shower pans: Freshness at its best first appeared on Flooring Supply Shop Blog.