From the Floors Up

How to Choose Tiles for Outdoor Spaces

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Are you considering tiling your outdoor space? Whether it is a patio or another area, if you are thinking about upgrading your outdoor space by installing tiles, it is important to know that at all tiles are not created equally. So, what does that mean? According to the experts, the types of tiles that you would traditionally install in your home’s interior is not ideal for outdoors. When tiling outdoor spaces, it is essential to purchase tiles that are manufactured with materials that can stand up to outside elements.

How can you find the right tile that fits your needs? First, it is essential to conduct a detailed inspection of the area you are planning on installing the tile. Consider factors such as: 

  • Temperature
  • What Type of Grounding (Your Base)
  • Moisture Level 

Choosing the Right Type of Tile

If you enjoy the look of hardwood and want to extend it to the outside area, you should opt for wood-like tiles made from porcelain. As you may know, other flooring options other than tiles are not an ideal flooring solution for outdoor environments.

Light or Dark Tiles

Deciding what type of tile design you are going to install in an outdoor space can be challenging. If you are stuck trying to decide whether to opt for light or dark toned tiles, you should observe the area at different times throughout the day. If the area is well lit during nighttime hours and the sunny during the daytime than dark, earthy tone tiles can look great in the area. On the other hand, lighter-hued tiles, like white or cream-colored tiles, will brighten up a space making it ideal for outdoor spaces that are not well light during the day or night.

Consider Installing Natural Stone

Natural stone such as slate, limestone, and quartzite are ideal flooring choices for outdoor environments. Such flooring is made up of natural materials that easily complement the area. You can use natural stone to create a pathway to the garden, or front door, and it can really bring the design of the patio together. Authenticate the look by choosing a natural stone with colors that harmonize with your landscaping features or elements in your home’s exterior.

We hope you found these three tricks helpful. Be sure to visit us weekly for more expert advice. Thanks for reading!

Frequently Asked Questions About Roofs

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Your roof is a vital part of your home’s structural integrity. If your roof begins to leak and goes unattended for too long, it can open a plethora of more unwanted and expensive problems. If you are considering replacing your roof, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. Well, have no fear, we are here to help. Here, you can find some of the most frequently asked questions about roofing.

How Long Should a New Roof System Last?

Typically, roofs are marketed as thirty years shingles–however, most roofing system last twenty to twenty-five years with proper care. Different shingles can offer different life expectancy. Wood shake roofs are known to last for longer times than fiber cement shingles while asphalt shingles or composition roofs can last less time than fiber cement shingles.

What Roofing Shingles Are Best for My Roof?

A determining factor to this question is what are you looking for out of your roof shingles? Consider if your home experiences high wind. You should also determine how long you are planning on living in your home while one of the most important factors for most individuals is cost.

What if My New Roofing System Leaks After Installation?

Do not panic! Contact your contractor or the people who took care of your installation. Let them know exactly what is going on so they can address the issue, and remember that this is why it is best to go through a company that has reliable reviews and warranties.

Full Roof Replacement Verses Re-Cover the Existing Roof System

It is best to get a couple of roofing professionals’ opinions. If your roof is relatively new, you may be able to recover a bad area; however, roofing professionals will look at where the leak is and the extent of it, the moisture infiltration it has had on the insulation layer, and if it has jeopardized the structural integrity of the home.

Can I Replace My Roof Myself?

If you consider yourself a good handyman around the house, you may be able to tackle this project. This is a very labor-intensive job and can be physically demanding. If you are questioning your ability to do it, it may be best to hire a professional. As we discussed prior, a contractor will know how to troubleshoot situations that may occur after installation. This is the main concern that you will have when doing your own work.

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Tips for Healthy and Happy Green Lawn

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If you drive around your neighborhood, you may notice that certain homeowners take better care of their lawns than others. They have green, lush yards that almost seem effortless. Having a great front yard is not difficult, but it does take patience and dedication. Transform your lawn from drab to fab this spring with these easy lawn maintenance tips:

Set The Soil

Remove all weeds from your yard, especially their roots. Then, grab your rototiller and loosen the soil to at least six inches deep. Next, slowly add in loam with sand and topsoil to your yard. Lastly, take a roller to help pack down your yard’s soil and grab a metal rake to go over the freshly soiled area.

Seed Your Yard

Seeding by hand has become a recent trend with homeowners because it is widely used by farmers. You will want to seed your front yard to help with growth.

Mow on The Highest Setting

You do not want to mow your grass too short; therefore, you should place your mower’s blade on the highest setting. The tall grass will help the yard discourage the growth of new weeds.

Water, Water, Water

Your yard only needs to be watered once a week, but it requires deep water. The weekly watering can help deter pests from attaching to your grass.

  • Note: If your grass has been freshly seeded, you will want to water it every day for five to ten minutes. Newly seeded grass needs to be damp, but not soaked. Once your seeds are sprouted, you can begin to water it once a day for fifteen to twenty minutes.

Fertilize

Buy a fertilizer that has micronutrients (sulfur, copper, and iron) in it to assure your grass is adequately fed. Also, use dolomitic lime every couple of years to help balance the soil’s pH levels.

Remove Any New Weeds

Mow your yard frequently to remove any weeds before they distribute throughout your lawn.

Aerate Your Lawn

You can take a pair of soccer shoes and walk through your yard to help air out your lawn. This is important for the nutrients and oxygen to move throughout your lawn.

Each yard will see different results depending on the grass and climate of your area. For more information on lawn maintenance, visit The United States Department of Agriculture’s website. Thanks for reading!

Genius Ways to Light up The Night

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Outdoor lighting is essential, especially during the summertime and holidays. Choosing the appropriate outdoor lighting for your home can become challenging and overwhelming. Before you pick and choose randomly, we want to make sure you know about all your outdoor lighting options.

Genius Ways to Light up The Night:

1. Tiki Torches.

These are perfect for outdoor parties and gathering because they embody the vibes of the islands. Plus, you can get insect repellant tiki torches to help discourage unwanted party crashers.

2. Chandelier.

If you are looking to bring indoor beauty to the outdoors, incorporating a chandelier may just be the perfect thing for you. Chandeliers are exquisitely beautiful and draw attention to the lighting by making a bold statement. If you have an outdoor dining area, incorporating a chandelier can add the perfect finishing touches.

3. Step Lights.

Do you find yourself stumbling to get inside once it gets dark out? If you do, adding lights to your steps can be a huge lifesaver. You will never have to wonder “where do the steps end” ever again!

4. Lanterns.

From paper to glass lanterns, you have a wide selection of styles to choose from when designing your backyard. Lanterns add a warm glow and are very subtle in their beauty. Do not be afraid to hang them from trees, posts or a string above your backyard.

5. Candles.

Want to create a romantic night? Incorporate some candles throughout your backyard’s dining area to set the tone for the perfect night. Candles add a warmth that many light sources cannot master.

6. Stringed Lights.

We are obsessed with Edison bulbs because they are energy-efficient and stylish. Add stringed Edison bulbs throughout your backyard to create a vintage look.

7. Fire Pit.

Fire pits add the perfect touch to outdoor gatherings. They provide a warm meeting place on chilly nights as well as a stylish addition to any backyard. 

Whether you are preparing for the holidays or the summertime, it is never too late to focus on your home’s lighting. Thanks for reading! 

Curb Appeal 101

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Curb appeal is your home’s first impression to the public. Not everyone will have the pleasure of coming into your home, but many people will have the opportunity to see your home’s exterior. Your curb appeal should never be neglected in your overall home’s design. The exterior of your home has just as much influence on the home’s overall feel as the interior. To make sure that you are giving your exterior the proper attention, we made a list of four curb appeal tips that you cannot neglect!
 
Curb Appeal 101: 
  • Lawn
Your lawn is one of the most significant contributing factors to your curb appeal. Lawn maintenance is key to making your curb appeal better. This goes further than just mowing your grass or raking leaves. Keep your shrubs trimmed, and your trees hedged. If you have a flower garden, make sure it is well kept. Try to dedicate at least one day a week to lawn maintenance to prevent it from becoming an overwhelming project and to keep up on it.
 
  • Entranceway
Your main entrance is the gateway to your home. It needs to be easily accessible whether by pathway or sidewalk. Your door can make a great statement towards your overall curb appeal. If your front entry is worn down or outdated, you may want to consider refurbishing your door or replacing it all together. Symmetry can help create balance in your entrance. You may want to invest in plants or a welcoming mat to decorate your home’s front entrance.
 
  • Windows
Windows also play a significant role in your curb appeal. Not only do you want to upgrade your windows for economic reasons but aesthetic reasons as well. Pay close attention to what people can see when looking through your windows from the curbs. If you keep the inside of your home messy but it can be seen from the road, this can hurt your curb appeal as well. Try to get matching curtains for your whole house as well or pay attention to the colors to show your keen eye for detail.
 
Adding curb appeal is essential to your home’s design and overall look. Remember to invest time into lawn maintenance and keep your curb appeal strong. For more great tip and tricks visit us at From The Floors Up. 

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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