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Synthetic Granite Vs Granite – Which is Better?

Synthetic Granite Vs Granite - Which is Better.png

What are the differences between granite and synthetic granite?

Granite

  1. Expensive
  2. Waterproof
  3. Natural strokes

Synthetic Granite

  1. Versatile
  2. Wide variety of looks
  3. Affordable

 

Tiles are undoubtedly the best way for you to transform any part of your home into something beautiful and personal. They’re capable of producing both a wide array of abstract, patterned, and natural looks. It shouldn’t be surprising that you make such materials like natural stone a part of your next home renovation. You might even encounter the debate involving synthetic granite vs granite in choosing which tile is perfect for that elusive natural finish.

 

Granite

Granite has been a popular choice among many kinds of residential and even commercial spaces. These tiles have long been associated with luxury and there’s certainly no secret as to why. The production of granite slabs that have been distributed for use is just so complex — starting from the drilling process up until the polishing and refinement stages.

The stone itself is made of many kinds of crystalline and minerals — like quartz and feldspar —  that have been solidified and clumped together with the help of a cooling process. Tile manufacturers have to drill out large blocks of granite from quarries themselves, and then subject the material to further machining to transform them into slabs. As such, natural stone tiles or slabs, have many advantages — they not only offer a natural look, but they’re also long-lasting and easy to maintain.

Expensive

Tiles that are manufactured from natural materials are typically more expensive compared to their synthetic, or man-made counterparts. As mentioned before, granite slabs are mainly composed of raw materials such as quartz, feldspar, and other crystalline. Once the mining process has culminated, the material would still have to undergo other exhaustive mechanisms in order to make the granite fit for distribution.

Knowing this, it’s no surprise that granite is one of the most expensive materials on the market. More than that, installing granite can also be a difficult undertaking. There needs to be precision in both the cutting, fabrication, and application stages in order to make full use of the material.

Waterproof

Granite slabs are naturally waterproof and non-moisture absorbent. This means that they don’t easily break under certain environmental conditions. You wouldn’t even have to worry about spilling a bit of water or juice on your granite-top counters since the stone’s non-absorbent qualities protect against this.

With waterproof granite, you’ll avoid common interior designing pitfalls like molds that may be difficult to clean. This also makes the job of cleaning granite tiles so much easier compared to wood, for example.

Natural Strokes

Who wouldn’t want to make nature a part of their home? There’s nothing like the beautiful appeal of granite slabs to brighten up your living space.

One of the best things about granite is the multitude of designs that you’ll be presented with. No two granite slabs are the same, allowing you to take advantage of non-monotonous patterns, natural strokes, and lively formations for your spaces. Each slab gives your space a more unique look — you can be sure that your environment won’t be anything like you’ve seen before.

Granite tiles are perfect for any kind of home design, whether it be industrial, contemporary, brutalist, or what have you. Textures of granite slabs are very natural to the touch, making them the perfect addition to different interior design movements.

 

Synthetic granite

Synthetic granite

Unlike natural granite, synthetic granite is imbued with man-made materials that emulate the look and feel of real granite. Though there’s still a percentage of natural materials involved in the production process, resins, polyesters, acrylics, dyes, and pulverized marble take the fore.

The term “synthetic granite” may also refer to liquid or epoxy granite. This largely depends on the raw material and the process that was used. Unlike your typical synthetic granite slabs, liquid granite isn’t at all a tile, but rather a kind of reinforced concrete, wherein the design can be manipulated in the pouring and decorating process. Synthetic granite is affordable and comes in uniform finishes that some homeowners might look for.

Versatile

Versatile

Synthetic granite can provide a much more structured and uniform yet versatile design for each man-made tile that you’re presented with. With this in mind, you’ll have the freedom to come up with a multitude of synthetic granite arrangements and combinations to create clean-cut looks to your satisfaction.

clean-cut looks to your satisfaction

The most widely-used application for synthetic granites can be found across many kitchen countertops as well as furniture. They can easily complement various installations like backsplashes, wall cabinets, or stainless steel sink cutouts. Due to the many colors and patterns that you can choose from, you’d be able to design a beautiful space that’s worthy to grace the covers of interior design publications.

Wide variety of looks

Both synthetic granite and real granite gives you the option of choosing from over a wide range of looks and designs. Since synthetic granite makes use of acrylics and dyes, you can find brighter colors or different patterns that come in different shades. You can easily make synthetic granite a part of your contemporary homes — you need only choose the color scheme or pattern which best suits your preferences.

Affordable

Both real granite and synthetic granite score high on the affordability criteria. Though this doesn’t mean that you can’t make synthetic granite a great addition to your luxury home. With the right designs, you can easily come up with a look that comes close to those exhibited by natural stone tiles. If you’re on a tight budget, you can easily turn to synthetic granite slabs to create an aesthetically-appealing, yet cost-efficient room design.

 

Key Takeaway

It may be challenging to choose between synthetic granite vs granite. You can expect to spend a lot more on real granite. Despite this, there are many price-friendly natural stone tile options that you can find in the market. Synthetic granite has the full capacity to mimic and even surpass the appearance of real granite. Manufacturers of synthetic tiles are also capable of including mixtures of different dyes and pigments to create a completely unique look.

Need help finding the most ideal synthetic granite designs to achieve your dream look? Let Floor Center help you out! Our wide array of synthetic granite tiles might just be the missing piece you’re looking for to get that perfect tile design. Click here to get in touch with us today!

We’re also on Viber! Be the first to know the latest tile tips, trends, and promos! Join our  FC Tile Viber Community.

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Achieve an Industrial-Look with These Tile Designs

Achieve an Industrial-Look with These Tile Designs

What are the perfect tiles to achieve an industrial look?

  1. Brick Wall Tile Q362
  2. Concrete Tile P142-4
  3. Stone-Patterned P131-4

 

When you think of industrial tile designs, what usually comes to mind? Basic colors and hues such as grey, black, and white may come to the fore. Let’s dissect the word industrial— in history, we’ve seen this associated with factory processes which saw a great rise especially during the industrial revolution.

The concept inherent in “industrial” has since seeped its way into interior designs. In fact, many contemporary interiors and architectural styles have been able to incorporate industrial elements. From shape and space to color, this design has certainly made waves and will continue to do so. Want to achieve this elusive look for your home? Allow these tiles to help you out.

 

Brick Wall Tiles Q362

Brick Wall Tiles Q362

Sticking to the basics now, one of the color foundations for industrial spaces has seen the prominence of such shades like grey, black, and white. Due to the flexibility of the design, many like to incorporate these colors to create a natural, yet modern look.

Simplistic industrial designs abound almost everywhere. If you’ve ever gone warehouse grocery shopping in your life, then you’ll notice the barebones structuring’s focus on exposed brick designs, particularly with the colors, tubing, and wiring. This approach comes close to brutalist techniques with distinct unfinished features. The 30×60 Q362 exhibits exactly just that.

The tile’s remarkability is precisely evident in its simple design of brown with natural brick marking. Though the preference is certainly up to you, the Q362 is highly-suitable for living rooms and bedrooms. Don’t let the ubiquitous masonry-like color fool you, because this tile is made to be accompanied by wooden furniture or other types of contemporary fixtures that come in monochromatic color palettes. Spruce up the look by adding beautiful indoor plants such as a cast-iron plant or your choice of potted herbs.

 

Concrete Tile P142-4

Concrete Tile P142-4

Concrete is definitely one of the first things that pops into your mind when thinking about industrial interiors. The thing with concrete tiles, however, is that they’re just so ubiquitous. It may be difficult to develop an industrial interior look without sticking to formulaic arrangements. Coming up with industrial looks is all about experimentation and versatility, hence, making Floor Center’s 60×60 P142-4 a good tile design to consider.

The P142-4 is perfect for almost any part of your house you can think of, which includes living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and even commercial spaces. Because of the rustic feel, you want to add furniture that can contrast, yet subsequently, complement the design.

For example, you can adorn your commercial space predominantly stainless steel chairs, glass-inspired furnishing, and other modern kitchen appliances. If you’re planning to have this tile applied for your space, go with darker-colored steel bars, glass tables, and yellow drop lights for a stylish appeal.

 

Natural stone-patterned P131-4

Natural stone-patterned P131-4

When renovating your interior space, it’s important that you take into account all aspects of home design. Focusing too much on choosing the right kind of furniture can inevitably make you overlook one of the most important elements — wall and floor design.

You may make the mistake of simply applying basic shades of grey or white, for example. But if you’re inexperienced with this medium, then all sorts of painting mistakes can go wrong.

Fortunately, the 60X60 P131-4 makes the job easier for you. Featuring natural patterns that are scattered over the tile’s surface, this grey tile makes for a perfect addition to any space. Get creative with this tile — have it as part of your teenager’s refurbished bedroom. Or, you can install it as part of your bathrooms. Whichever you end up with is guaranteed to create a sleek finish.

 

Key Takeaway

The industrial tile designs above will surely brighten up any space. It’s never an inopportune time to get into a home refurbishing project— choose these tiles to help get the job done for you.

Achieving an industrial look is all about sticking to basic elements while simultaneously adding a hint of creativity. Because each tile is just so easy to work with, you can combine them with virtually any design that you can think of. Click here to check out other available Floor Center tile options!

We’re also on Viber! Be the first to know the latest tile tips, trends, and promos! Join our  FC Tile Viber Community.

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Best Tiles to Protect Our Elderly

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What are the best tiles for our elderly?

  1. Matte-Finish Tiles
  • Has Anti-Slip Properties
  • Easy Maintenance
  • Smooth Texture
  1. Rustic Tiles
  • High Slip-Resistance
  • Durable
  • Wide Variety of Design Options

 

Your home should be a safe haven for everyone, especially those who are of age. Incorporating more protective features like installing more accessibility options such as extra door handles, or additional ramps, is one way to go about it. Apart from this, we should also consider looking into the best tiles to protect our elderly. You’d want to make sure that they would have a safe experience in simply roaming around the house. Continue reading to learn more.

 

Matte-Finish Tiles

[60x60] P126-4

Unlike glossy finishes, matte-finish tiles don’t present potential safety hazards such as slippages. They’re more sand-like in nature, meaning they create better traction between the surface and the soles of footwear. Anyone, especially the elderly in your household, may be able to more easily and safely navigate rooms which have been designed with matte-finish tiles — even if they’re walking barefoot.

 

Has Anti-Slip Properties

Matte-finish tiles have high anti-slip properties that can make walking easier. This means that you can come up with a range of ideas on where you can install matte-finish tiles. They’re great not only for kitchen or bathroom walls, but they also make perfect additions for entryways or kitchen countertops.

If you’re thinking of design ideas, try out Floor Center’s matte-finish L35 30×30 cm tile. It not only has all the defining features of this kind of texture, but it also comes at a decorative rustic brown color with rectangular patterns. This tile is suitable for use for dining rooms, living rooms, bedroom walls, or kitchen spaces. Your elderly loved one will surely appreciate the pleasant design and safety features present in this matte surface tile.

 

Easy Maintenance

Keeping your house clean won’t pose a challenge with the right matte tiles. Cleaning puddles, dirt, and grime won’t be difficult to do due to the texture of the surface. You may simply make use of all-purpose cleaning products that can retain the form and appearance of the matte tile. Even the most stubborn stains can easily be cleaned using a simple mop dipped in a white vinegar and water solution.

 

Smooth Texture

Matte-finish tiles are extremely comfortable to walk on due to their smooth finish. They’re not rough to the touch and can bring about an air of calmness in whichever part of your home you install them in. You don’t even have to worry about the warm tropical climate in the country — these matte tiles can easily adapt to it.

You may want to check out the L31 30×30 cm tile which features a set of meticulously-installed stones and pebble patterns. This classic-looking tile makes a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor entryways or even your bedrooms. Have them as a sleek wall, or floor tile design to achieve a contemporary, yet timeless aesthetic.

 

Rustic Tiles

[60x60] M108-4

Rustic tiles are somewhat similar to matte tiles, but the texture of these tiles is much rougher and the raw materials utilized can range from natural products such as stone or clay.

Compared to matte tiles, however, rustic tiles provide a greater level of traction due to the highly-scattered surface. They can serve as a more secure flooring for the elderly, especially due to their sensitive physical stature.

 

High Slip-Resistance

Whichever part of the house rustic tiles are applied in, they’re sure to provide an additional protective layer for the floors. They’re highly slip-resistant and may come in a range of sizes to fit walls, floors, aisles, or corridors. They’re fit for low-density environments where not much foot traffic takes place, making them suitable for travel for everyone.

 

Durable

Though many types of tiles available in the market are already durable, rustic tiles are considerably more durable because they make use of natural raw materials in the manufacturing process. Synthetic or artificial raw materials may have a shorter life span compared to rustic tiles and may break easily due to the brittleness. Rustic tiles, however, can last longer even if subject to stresses in the external environment.

 

Wide Variety of Design Options

There’s no limit on how you can choose to style your rustic tiles. The use of natural materials means that these tiles naturally look beautiful and will easily brighten up any room.

Though natural, rugged, and rough-edged looks are the main defining features of the rustic design, you could also incorporate other bright and vibrant colors to enhance the appeal of these tiles. Floor Center’s rustic green-colored 2021 20×20 cm tile is the best choice for this. The green color is vibrant, yet easy on the eyes. You’ll easily be able to transform the look of your living room, dining room, or bedroom floors with this decorative rustic tile.

 

Key Takeaway

There are many different approaches you can take to make your home much more livable for those of age. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by checking out matte and rustic tiles — the best tiles to protect our elderly.

Both tiles are anti-slip in nature, allowing you to create a safer household for your grandmother or grandfather. You can also achieve a number of design options with both of these classic and durable tiles — allowing you to double down on both the fun and the functionality.

The next time you’re having a home remodeling, consider the senior members of your household. Protecting them is sometimes as simple as choosing the right tile. Click here to check out more products with Floor Center!

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Vinyl Tiles vs Linoleum

Vinyl Tiles vs Linoleum

What’s the difference between vinyl and linoleum tiles?

  1. Ease of installation
  2. Level of maintenance
  3. Manufacturing process
  4. Appearance
  5. Cost

 

When you think about tiles, some of the materials that come to mind are ceramic, porcelain, or even stone. But did you know there are actually other materials which tiles can be made of? In fact, these materials may probably be softer than the ones you’re used to. Of course, two types of flooring reign in this debate — vinyl tiles vs linoleum. Both tiles seem to have similar qualities and characteristics at first glance, but you’ll eventually find why this isn’t necessarily the case. Read on to learn more about their distinct features.

 

Ease of installation

One of the main differences between vinyl and linoleum has to do with the ease of installation. Generally, vinyl tiles are the better choice in this regard because they’re far easier to install compared to linoleum.

Linoleum typically comes in the form of sheets which need to be applied with tools such as a trowel or a floor roller. Having this in mind, you can already imagine the difficulty in applying this to a floor surface in your house because of the high level of precision required.

Vinyl tiles, on the other hand, come in the form of adhesives or planks which you can easily glue to your floor. They take up far less installation time compared to linoleum tiles. These tiles can easily be cut in the desired sizing to adjust it to the size of any room.

 

Level of maintenance

two white pendant lamps

A major difference between vinyl and linoleum is that the latter may need to be sealed far more often, unlike vinyl. Nevertheless, the two don’t necessarily differ much when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.

Vinyl tiles are resistant to both water and moisture, meaning they can easily be cleaned using the most common household cleaning techniques. Mounds of dust and dirt can be removed using a broom or a vacuum cleaner for maximum effect. After this surface preparation, you can already use a lightly damp floor mop to shine the floor.

Linoleum can also be cleaned in the same way, except that you may need to pay more attention to its adhesion. It needs to be resealed at least once a year in order to retain its quality. First, you need to prepare the surface through simply cleaning. After, apply a comprehensive coating of an acrylic floor sealant product using a mop and leave it out to dry.

 

Manufacturing process

Vinyl is primarily produced using polyvinyl chloride — most commonly known as PVC. Due to its high strength and durability, this material is also widely used in pipe manufacturing. As mentioned before, the resulting product is a vinyl sheet that can be cut in different tile sizes.

Meanwhile, linoleum is made with natural ingredients such as sawdust, finely-ground limestone, linseed oil, as well as other naturally-occurring pigments to add a splash of color.

 

Appearance

Appearance

PVC material is considered to be synthetic. This already gives you an idea of just how many design options can be done using vinyl tiles or sheets. If you want more eye-popping colors that can aid any room in your house stand out, vinyl tiles are the best way to go.

However, homeowners typically look to vinyl tiles to achieve the natural appearance of wood material for their floors, without the maintenance drawbacks of actual wood.

Since linoleum is made out of different natural materials, the design options are far more limited compared to vinyl. This is because the color of the material is present not only on the surface of the material but in its entirety. Choose linoleum tiles if you want to achieve lighter colors or more basic floor designs.

 

Cost

Vinyl tiles are the most cost-effective options to achieve beautiful and high-quality flooring — whether it be for commercial or residential flooring installations. They’re generally less expensive compared to linoleum, but the difference isn’t at all staggering.

Despite this, the price of either linoleum sheet or vinyl tile ultimately depends on the design and the manufacturer. Floor Center in the particular has a wide range of affordable, wood-look vinyl planks that comes in different shades and colors. Beautiful floor designs don’t have to come at a price — you’ll be able to take advantage of superior looks accompanied by reasonable price points.

 

Key Takeaway

In the vinyl tiles vs linoleum debate, it’s not difficult to come up with a decision on which tile to use.

Both tiles may seem similar on the surface, but they largely differ on the availability of design options, pricing, ease of installation, as well as, manufacturing process. Vinyl, on the other hand, is moisture-proof and can emulate the natural, and rustic appearance of wood.

This article will hopefully give you the right idea on making the right choice for your flooring design. Click here to contact Floor Center for more information!

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Tiles Perfect for Outdoor Spaces

Tiles Perfect for Outdoor Spaces

What are the perfect tiles for your outdoor spaces?

  1. Stone-patterned I-3465
  2. Matte 1580P3
  3. Rustic I-3461-6
  4. Rustic dark gray ZX-W6613AGG-HT
  5. Brick-designed P-3614

 

Any time is always a good time to change up the look of your outdoor space. Or if you don’t have one and are planning to install a veranda, gazebo, or a classic wooden deck for your backyard, then you may want to look into outdoor tiles for this endeavor.

Sometimes, the right outdoor tile can already make the difference between beautiful backyard decks, awe-inspiring veranda installations, and slipshod looks. There are simply not enough words to describe how important tiles are in enhancing the look of any outdoor space. Featuring timeless and contemporary designs, now is your best chance of experiencing the great outdoors with these perfect tiles.

 

Stone-patterned I-3465

empty outdoor patio table and chair with cushions

[30×30] I-3465

The first tile on this list will certainly cater to anyone wanting to add a layer of texture and pattern for their outdoor spaces. The stone-patterned I-3465 is fit for both outdoor and indoor tilework, allowing for endless possibilities when it comes to versatile designs.

If you have a small garden in your backyard, then the lush greenery would do well to be complemented with this aesthetically-appealing and beautifully-textured tile. Use them as a garden walkway that separates the banal from the extraordinary. Or, you may also have this tile as part of larger-scale outdoor designs of your own choosing — it’s all up to you and your creativity.

 

Matte 1580P3

Dinner table setting in modern villa terrace

[15×80] 1580P3

Matte tiles also make the best outdoor tiles, but you may want to be more careful, especially when it comes to design. You’d want to incorporate pastel colors, or simply lighter shades of your favorite colors like beige, or dark brown. The matte-styled 1580P3 from Floor Center is your friend when it comes to these designs.

Though the tile appears to be plain at first glance, it’s able to bring a breath of fresh air to your patio. This light brown tile which features minimal linear textures on the bottom would be able to add a charming quality for your patio. Make your potted plants and outdoor lighting stand out with this attractive look.

 

Rustic I-3461-6

empty chair in restaurant

 [30×30] I-3461-6 and [29.2×59.2] H-3B59913

Rustic is your most trusted best friend when it comes to outdoor looks. You always want to go for natural designs which bring out the best for this kind of space. With the rustic look brought about by the I-3461-6, you’ll be able to experience rustic beauty in all of its glory.

Like most of the tiles already mentioned on this list, this patterned tile’s versatility is unparalleled. They can serve as great additions for balconies or verandas. If you have an overgrown backyard space, this tile can also help bring about a neat appearance. You may also use this tile as a patio walkway or garden entryway.

 

Rustic dark gray ZX-W6613AGG-HT

Young businessman with skateboard walking in rush

[60×60] ZX-W6613AGG-HT

Nothing says “outdoors” quite like the rustic dark gray ZX-W6613AGG-HT. You’ll be surprised at just how much the material is still able to produce such a magnificent design — this tile is truly able to subvert your expectations. Adopt this sleek look for your patio, porch, gardens, and other high traffic areas!

 

Brick-designed P-3614

[30x60] P-3614 Render

[30×60] P-3614

The P-3614 is your gateway to the great outdoors. It has all the classic elements of an outdoor tile that brings out the best in any outdoor project that you have in mind. You may find yourself one day looking at your bare garden and wondering how you were able to stand such bare-looking spaces for so long. Fortunately, this tile has all the answers for you.

There is such a thing as achieving a strategically-designed outdoor space without sacrificing on the appearance. For example, a 30×60 cm tile such as this one can easily brighten up the upper portions of outdoor walls.

 

Key Takeaway

Achieving a breezy, stylish, and rustic outdoor appearance can be made possible with the outdoor tiles mentioned above.

These tiles create versatile looks, allowing you to play around to get the one that best meets your design preferences. From stone-look to matte-black looks, this set of tiles is all you need to have an outdoors that is worthy to grace the front pages of interior design magazines. Click here to explore more products with Floor Center!

We’re also on Viber! Be the first to know the latest tile tips, trends, and promos! Join our  FC Tile Viber Community.

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How to Take Care of Your Flooring During the Rainy Season

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What type of flooring do you need to take care of during this rainy season?

  1. Ceramic tiles
  2. Wooden
  3. Vinyl tiles
  4. Stone

 

Cleaning your floors is important at all times, no matter the time and place. However, some seasons definitely require more attention than others. In particular, floor care during the rainy season is a lot more different from what you may be used to. If you’re just doing the minimum when it comes to this kind of task, then it’s time to reconsider the methods you’re using. Continue reading to learn more!

 

Ceramic tiles

shutterstock_792867079

Though ceramic tiles are fairly simple to clean, you may need to pay more attention to them during the rainy season. There are many ways this kind of flooring can be affected. One is if there are minor, but repairable leaks in your ceiling and another is if someone’s damp footwear travels on this surface. Droplets of water, if left unattended for a long time may leave out a stain buildup, or film, that may be laborious to clean up.

Luckily, vinegar can easily wipe these stains out. Use a solution of around ¼ cup of vinegar with a bucket of warm water. You need to conduct surface preparation on the ceramic tiles, so make sure that you thoroughly sweep with a broom or a vacuum cleaner, ensuring any loose debris, dirt, or dust have been eliminated. After, you need to simply dip a mop into the vinegar solution and start cleaning. Make sure you begin cleaning at one corner of the room before moving on to the next.

 

Wooden

[60x60] P20(CL20)

Wood is a highly sensitive material — it can easily lose its quality and appeal once it’s been left soaked in water. This is why you have to make sure that you avoid your wooden floors from attaining any kind of moisture. You need to focus on the other elements in your house and not just your floor area.

To maintain the quality of wooden floors, make sure that each leak in your house has already been fixed. Stay on top of your roof maintenance, most crucially now as the rainy season begins approaching. On another note, it’s important that you constantly remind yourself and your family members to avoid bringing in wet objects such as umbrellas, raincoats, and damp clothing inside your wooden-tiled floors.

The best piece of advice when it comes to maintaining wooden floors is to immediately mop up a pool of water with a dry rag or mop — don’t wait for the water to be absorbed by the material.

 

Vinyl tiles

two white pendant lamps

If someone in your household has a habit of not wiping off the soles of their shoes on a doormat before entering your vinyl-floored house, then you may want to help them change this habit. Though vinyl tiles are already durable on their own, you still need to make an effort in removing stains coming from rainwater, or murky water mixed with soil.

Cleaning vinyl floors can be done through everyday household items such as bleach and water. Before anything else, make sure you have done the proper surface preparation. After, a simple solution of bleach and water can easily remove these stubborn stains. Submerge a mop or a large rag into the solution for at least an hour before you begin cleaning.

 

Stone

[30x60] S364

Stone tiles are most commonly applied as outdoor floorings. These tiles will probably be the hardest hit among any other tile you have in your house. Sustaining their appearance and material in time for the rainy season may require you to do more complicated techniques.

Since most stone tiles are naturally porous, sealing them with a protective layer of coating helps protect it against the effects of moisture. This is usually done prior to tile installation, but in case you missed out on that, it’s not yet too late for you.

To reiterate, you need to have your stone tiles undergo surface preparation. Use a broom or a vacuum to remove mounds of dirt and dust. After, lightly scrub the surface by using a sponge and some warm water. Leave it out to dry before applying your sealant using a paintbrush. Make sure to even out your application so that each stone tile is equally protected. Allow the sealant to settle for at least two hours, or as directed by the product.

 

Key Takeaway

Floor care during the rainy season requires you to understand the environmental effects of rain on different kinds of flooring material.

As mentioned before, most of these can be relatively easy to clean on their own using simple materials such as warm water, or a mop. However, some of them need more care and attention as you anticipate the wet season.

The tips above can hopefully allow you to get started with your rainy day flooring preparation. Click here to contact Floor Center for more information!

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How Home Design Will Change After COVID-19

How Home Design Will Change After COVID-19

What are the different ways home design will change post-COVID-19?

  1. Emphasis on hygienic building materials
  2. More flexible home layouts
  3. Greater spaces between areas
  4. Requirement for safe outdoor spaces

 

COVID-19 has affected almost every kind of industry imaginable. You don’t even have to look far to see the effects of the pandemic on most of the economic sectors in the country. Part of this sector is the world of real estate and interior design. There’s no question that home design after COVID-19 will be drastically different from what people have already been accustomed to.

By simply understanding the many implications of the virus on industries, you would also be able to easily imagine the kind of changes and modifications that will be implemented. Two things can be identified as being at the forefront when it comes to post-COVID-19 interior spaces — social distancing and maintenance of proper hygiene. Continue reading to learn more about the many ways home design will be altered after COVID-19.

 

Emphasis on hygienic building materials

Emphasis on hygienic building materials

After COVID-19 there would likely be a greater emphasis and consideration when it comes to the kind of building materials that are used. In particular, homeowners would likely begin focusing on using easier-to-clean materials and those which do not really require extensive maintenance.

There are many ways for this to be achieved. It can be through something as simple as choosing porcelain or ceramic tiles. Floor Center’s tiles are perfect for this because they not only meet whatever needs you may have, in terms of enhancing appearance, but they’re also not difficult to maintain.

By using these kinds of tiles and building materials of the same nature, you can better guarantee yours, as well as, your family’s safety.

 

More flexible home layouts

More flexible home layouts

Aside from the utilization of hygienic building materials, many homes that will be built after COVID-19 would prefer the presence of more versatile and flexible home layouts. One cannot underestimate the importance of mental health wellness and physical health wellness — these two are tied together, after all — in coming up with appropriate post-COVID-19 home designs.

Flexible home layouts mean that there would be a construction of more rooms inside a residential space. These rooms are built for the purpose of accommodating a wide variety of activities and simultaneously promoting the need for social distancing. With a higher level of flexibility allotted to each space, there is also more freedom in modifying the function of a particular room.

 

Greater spaces between areas

Greater spaces between areas

Social distancing is probably one of the most common phrases people may have heard during quarantine. There is a greater need now more than ever to establish spaces as a way of keeping everyone safe from infection or even cross-contamination.

This need for greater spaces would also be reflected in architectural styles after COVID-19. The addition of a larger physical space enables families living inside a house to have a greater breathing room, helping them become more productive and efficient in each of their respective activities as well.

As there is no slowdown in the foreseeable future when it comes to the popularity of work from home setups, ample house spaces provide a key for this.

 

Requirement for safe outdoor spaces

Requirement for safe outdoor spaces

Authorities have not been stopping short of constantly reminding the public not to go outside. This is, after all, one of the safety measures in giving yourself a better chance of not contracting the virus. However, this isn’t to say that heading outdoors is already a thing of the past — it need only undergo the necessary modifications.

In applying this concept to home design settings, it simply means that more people would likely increase the demand to create safer outdoor spaces for their homes. These outdoor spaces are great in offering homeowners a safer way of enjoying the outdoors, without compromising on their safety. They may experiment on the kind of outdoor space that may want to have for their homes — they may opt for roofed verandas, sturdy backyard decks, a patio, or a gazebo.

 

Key Takeaway

Home design after COVID-19 may put more emphasis on sanitation and livable breathing space. Depending on the preference of future homeowners, architects may make a variety of suggestions to accommodate these home designs.

Changes in home design, however, are not only limited to the ones which have already been written above — as the virus continues impacting the architectural/home design sector, many more COVID-19 friendly home innovations will eventually flourish. Click here to contact Floor Center for more information!

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Achieve an Art-Deco Look with These Tile Designs

Minimalistic interior of living apartment room

What tile designs are perfect for an art deco look?

  1. Marble-look
  2. Cement-look
  3. Terrazo designs

 

Contemporary interior designs seem to be the trend nowadays. Modern residential or even commercial spaces make use of seamless looks with predominantly uniform patterns which are all characteristic of this style trend. It’s probably uncommon to find modern homes that make use of more vibrant and eye-popping visuals due to the demand for more of these minimalist-fusion styles. Styles like art deco have largely gone unnoticed – maybe because of the hesitation and a lack of knowledge on how to achieve this look. However, as long as you have the right tile designs for an art deco look, this elusive style of the early twentieth century will eventually be in your grasp.

The influence of the 1920s on interior design is probably one of the most underrated and overlooked movements, with respect to today’s current design trends. Designs of wildly-shaped geometrical patterns with precise finishes are not everyone’s cup of tea, after all. To dispel popular opinion, this style is actually one of the most versatile styles out there. It can be fused with contemporary, rustic, or even Mediterranean designs to create a modern look that is by all means art deco in nature. Continue reading for these art deco-appropriate tiles which can bring out your artistic expression and flair for interior design.

 

Marble-look

3d rendering living room sofa background

[60×60] QG26032

In the beginning, the natural finish brought about by marble look tiles may seem to defy all the conventions of an art deco style. The latter has largely focused on vibrant colors and striking shapes and patterns which are reminiscent of North American and European architecture styles in the 1920s.

Despite this, however, marble tiles actually make the perfect complement for any art-deco inspired design. The black marble-inspired design of Floor Center’s 60×60 QG26032 makes the best choice for this endeavor. Natural patterns emulating real marble are simply visually-appealing to anyone who sees it. Art deco is all about achieving the highest level of opulence – this beautifully-designed marble-like tile can easily polish and brighten up the spaces of any living room, bedroom, or dining room.

 

Cement-look

[60x60] 6186P

[60×60] 6186P

You’re probably wondering why cement-look tiles are part of this list. It’s quite simple, really – the industrial element of these tile designs will easily take anyone back to a time of visually-stunning architectural elements and sheer extravagance.

There is one bit of a challenge when it comes to selecting cement looks for your interior. It’s all about beautifully striking the balance between industrial, and art-deco style. Simply leaning too much into the former may achieve the outcome which is the exact opposite of your desired intent.

The right kind of tile for this job is the 60×60 6186P. A distinctive feature about this tile is that it has been applied with a matte finish, which can offer your interior with an enhanced look of smoothness. These style fusions tread the fine balance of industrial-art deco, resulting in a style which is just what you’re looking for.

 

Terrazo designs

[60x60] M107-4

[60×60] M107-4

For all this article has written about how art deco has taken inspiration from creative patterns and shapes, it sure does take a while to give you the perfectly-patterned idea to achieve the art deco look. So without further ado, it’s apt that we now look into a stylistically-marble pattern tile – Floor Center’s 60×60 M107-4.

As an art deco tile, this option meets all the basic elements: eye-popping, vibrant, and heavily-patterned. This tile is considerably more playful than the ones you’ve previously encountered in this article as it combines elemental marble looks in the varied colors of black, white, blue, and gray.

This is truly the poster-boy tile for art deco pieces – its vestiges of the early 20th-century architecture will truly take you back to a time of Haute living, fine dining, and fleeting moments of temperance.

 

Key Takeaway

Art deco is all about opulence and extravagance. You may find yourself second-guessing on incorporating this style because of its many patterns, colorful visuals, and countless shapes.

Luckily for you, you have the freedom to craft your own 1920s style with these tile designs for an art deco look. Click here to check out more design tips with Floor Center!