We don’t get many installation spotlight posts from our friends in Oregon so this is a treat. Here Roman Marble Granite and Tile used skylights glass grey stack as a band in a back splash with the 4×8 evolution bianco tiles. Looks great!
Monthly Archive for March, 2009
A few words of wisdom about hiring professionals versus amateurs as discussed in ”remodeling reminders“ two weeks ago.
“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” -Red Adair (blowout/oil firefighter pioneer)
Darren Thomas from Art Tile did it again, with a fabulous install of Groove Lava 18×18 on the walls and Bali Black Island Rocks for the pan in a steam shower. Looks great!!
With spring comes new fashion and with new fashion comes new design. New to Statements is the glass line from Rex in their new Neoedonismo collection, Extralight.
Extralight comes in 10 colors ranging from everything from Ruby (red) to Black. To go along with the amazing colors are two amazing shapes; penny rounds and very tiny squares-just slightly bigger then our I Frammenti.
Trendir, the home decorating trend magazine describes Extralight as, “…gorgeous multihued glass varieties sparkle and shimmer as they catch the light.” Trendir is so right, when set into a white background these little glass tiles add an unexpected elegance like no other to any room. Able to stand alone, but easily accompanied by something more subdued they are perfect addition to anywhere you can use tile.
When its texture, color and sparkle you want, look no further. For all you need is some Extralight.
When people do things great it should be screamed from the roof tops. When someone in your company does something great it should be screamed on the internet.
Our fearless leader and president Ryan Calkins is just that someone. Ryan and some friends founded the nonprofit Seattle Microfinance Organization, or SeaMo where people interested in Microfinance can meet and discuss.
Last night, Calkins, along with childhood friend and non-profit Kiva creator Matt Flannery spoke about Microfinancing at Seattle’s Town Hall. For more information please see the full article Friendship Pays a Path by Helping the Poor in todays Seattle Times.
Oh installers how we love thee. Without them this industry would be even more challenging. They bring so much tile expertise to the table. It is with this knowledge and expertise which prompted this post. Jamen, co-owner and installer from Icon Stoneworks (360-990-3660), was in yesterday with a little David Letterman style Top Ten List of things to remember when doing a remodel.
1. Something to consider when doing a kitchen backsplash is outlet placement. Jamen suggested placing outlets under the cabinets. This makes your design smoother and is easier to use in the long run.
2. If you have two different floors that bump up to each other, plan the thickness of the under-lamenant. Most installers can do this for you but it is still something to consider and discuss prior to picking your tile.
3. Like I mentioned last week Schluter is a great and often less expensive alternative to sometimes more costly bullnose or trim pieces
4. Very important: Make sure you or your installer remove all preexisting materials before the install. Also check for damages and see if any repairs are necessary. It is always better to start with a clean slate when remodeling. .The 20% your saving now by not doing having a clean slate now could cost you a 120% in 6 to 8 months.
5. When looking for shower pan tiles you should use 4″x4″ or smaller for proper sloping.
6. Time!! Research your tile choice ahead of time. Some tile is special order so make sure you have the time if necessary so you get something you truly want and not something you are ok with, but will hate in two years.
7. Remember your color choices. Try not to get something that will date itself in a few years.
8. Remember it is NOT cheaper or faster to do it twice. On that note make sure your installer is a reputable one who preferably is licensed and bonded and will not take costly shortcuts.
9. When using grout and thinset, check with the manufacturer’s recommendations and always read directions about application and sealing procedures.
10. Counting the cost. Don’t be scared of the highest estimate. The highest estimate is not always the worst. It often will cover all your bases, because remember, there are always unexpected surprises. ALWAYS!
