Rustic Bathroom Vanities To Upgrade Your Outhouse

Rustic bathroom style is in right now, and I for one am thrilled. Rustic bathrooms are so cozy, unique and nostalgic. It takes the best of nature, farmhouse chic, and craftsman characteristics and combines them to take a sometimes cold feeling space and makes it feel warm. Here are a few examples of unique rustic bathroom vanities that will upgrade your outhouse in a flash!

1. The Live Edge Slab Rustic Bathroom Vanity

live edge bathroom vanity louisville newport cincinatti
A live edge is when a slab of wood has not been cut on all sides and the natural edge of the tree is visible. This is an incredible feature to have in your home, whether it is your bathroom vanity, your kitchen countertop, island top, or kitchen table. It can be used in so many ways and is fairly affordable! Look for a local lumber yard to help you out. Now, just find the perfect vessel, undermount or drop in sink and you’ve got a rustic look instantly!


2. Bourbon Barrel Bathroom Vanity

 
Bourbon Barrel Bathroom Vanity Louisville Cincinnati Newport Kentucky
 
Living in Kentucky, Bourbon Barrels are a big part of our culture and heritage. We live in Bourbon country, and we’re proud of it. One great way to pay homage to our great state is by using bourbon barrels as a bathroom vanity! You can use an undermount or drop-in sink, but the easiest would be a vessel sink, as you only need to drill one small hole, and not much more. Regardless of where you live, this is a great rustic touch for a bathroom.

3. James Martin Driftwood Double Vanity

 
James Martin Vanities James Martin Furniture Louisville Cincinnati Newport
 
James Martin Furniture Style Vanities are some of the most well made, beautiful pieces that we’ve seen for bathrooms. One style called “Savannah Driftwood” Is one of my very favorites for the rustic feel that it brings. Shop James Martin Vanities 50% off or more in our store today! Quantities are limited for many styles, but we can always custom order any James Martin Vanity that interests you.

Bathroom Vanities Bathroom Vanity Louisville Newport Cincinnati

4. Industrial Farm Trough Bathroom Vanity

 
rustic bathroom vanity louisville newport cincinnati ohio
 
This is such a creative idea! You definitely need some space to pull off this bathroom vanity, but how unique! Finding an old farm trough may be the hardest part, but after that, simply create some wood countertops, polyurethane of course, and add a stainless steel undermount sink (found here). Voila! Rustic bathroom accomplished.

5. Distressed Dresser Bathroom Vanity

 
rustic bathroom vanities Cincinnati louisville newport

One of my favorite rustic bathroom vanity ideas is to take an old antique dresser, update it (or not) and add a vessel sink. It is pretty easy and painless. It adds a beautiful farmhouse chic feel to your bathroom that you just can’t find brand new.

Builders Surplus offers many bathroom vanity sink options. While many of our in stock and custom order products are online, the best deals are found in store. Quantities are limited, so stop by today! Bathroom Vanities in Louisville, Bathroom Vanities in Newport and Bathroom Vanities in Cincinnati are also available daily!
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Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Allie Bloyd
 

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

Perfect Rental House Remodeling Materials

  Rental house remodeling or remodeling for a flip is a balance. You need to find the materials that will turn your home into an appealing option for buyers, with style and charm. But, you also have to make sure to get the most affordable options to increase your profits on the property. Today, we’ll be going over some of the best options for style, durability and price that will help you turn your home into one that buyers love, as well as one with little maintenance and upkeep. Lets get started!

Kitchen Cabinets for Rental House Remodeling

Kitchen cabinets are one of the most expensive parts of remodeling. We have several great options for affordable cabinets for rental house remodeling.    

In Stock White Shaker Cabinets

Our white shaker cabinets are the perfect choice for rental homes. They are super affordable, ready to pick up any day, and feature:
  • Framed Cabinet with Full Overlay Doors and Drawers
  • Under Mount Epoxy Drawer Glides
  • Concealed European Style Hinges
  • Five Piece HDF Door
  • ½” Plywood Box with Painted Exterior
  • Glue & Staple or Metal Clip Assembly
  • UV Coated Natural Interior
Perfect shaker cabinet for rental house remodeling The quality is superior and the price in comparison is unbelievable. Our customers love them, and we’re sure you will, too.

In Stock Unfinished Alder Cabinets

Our unfinished alder cabinets are a very popular choice. They are a classic shaker style and can be stained or painted any color you choose. They are incredibly affordable and are all wood construction. Want to go classic? Paint them white! Want to be trendy? Paint them grey! Want to go traditional? Stain them a rich espresso. The choice is yours!

Waypoint Cabinets

Waypoint cabinets is a very popular semi-custom cabinet line. If you have time to wait while they’re delivered,you can get an amazing product for a great value with Waypoint. They run 2-3 promotions every month that can save you $1,000 or more on your cabinet purchase. The 400, 500 or Thermofoil lines would be great, affordable options for your rental home or flip.

Countertops for Rental House Remodeling

Countertops are a critical aspect of rental house remodeling as they are are very important to many renters and buyers.

Granite Countertops

Granite is always a popular choice, but choosing the wrong one can cost you an arm and a leg. Then, an installer will charge you for fabrication, cutting out the sink, etc. Don’t get ripped off on granite. Builders Surplus offers prefabricated granite countertops starting at $39.99/sf AND that includes installation and fabrications! That is a deal that can get buyers or renters into your house and keep your margins high.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate is another great choice for a rental, as it’s affordable and there are so many attractive colors these days. We have many in stock colors, ready to take home with you, or the endless style options of custom laminate. The wait is a little longer and the price is a little higher, but it’s still one of the most affordable options.

Tile Choices for Rental Homes

Floor Tile

As far as tile flooring goes, I would always recommend a wood look tile. It is stylish and classic, durable, and affordable. Wood look tile is very popular right now, but it won’t soon go out of style, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it to keep up with the trends. You can get gorgeous wood look tile starting at just $1.89/sf, like our popular Carolina Timber. There are tons of colors to choose from, from modern to rustic.
Wood Look Tile - Rental House Remodeling

Carolina Timber Wood Look Tile – $1.89/SF

Another versatile tile that we carry is the Legend Blanco or Sigaro Dunes for just $1.99/sf. They are large format tile, so they go down quickly. They are neutral and will fit most any color scheme which is important with rental house remodeling or when flipping a house. You don’t want to choose something too unique that it may turn buyers off. These tile flooring choices will work great as a kitchen floor, bathroom floor, or in a shower surround.

Legend Blanco Large Format Tile $1.99/SF

Shower Tile

I think that a tiled shower can be a huge selling point when renting or flipping a home. Renters and buyers feel like its a luxurious touch. I would suggest a large format tile that goes up quickly, like the two mentioned above. Our Ivory tile is a great neutral, it’s affordable, and can be paired with many different mosaic styles to add an extra pop. The shower below uses the Ivory tile and a 1×1 mosaic for a flip property. The property sold in less than 3 days and the buyer said that finishes like this played a large part in her decision!
Shower Tile for Rental Home Remodeling

Ivory Large Format Tile with 1×1 Mesh Back Mosaic Tile

Backsplash Tile

  • Subway tile – This is always a popular choice for rental house remodeling. It can go with any style so buyers can easily picture their kitchen decor inside. It’s affordable, at only $.22 a piece! There are many other colors and materials of subway tile that you can choose from as well. While it’s a bit more expensive it could add an extra pop in terms of design.
  • Mosaic mesh back tile – There are so many options in this department, but we would recommend opting for a neutral color and a gender neutral pattern. While the popular arabesque style is so beautiful, it may not be the best fit for a bachelor pad. These are easy to install and there are many cost effective options.
top backsplash ideas for your home

Flooring for Rental Houses

Flooring for rental homes is very important. Replacing flooring can be expensive, so you want something durable that will stand up to years of wear and tear. Like mentioned above, tile is a great choice and wood look tile is very popular and aesthetically pleasing. While solid hardwood may be very sought after by buyers, it’s a little less important for renters. If you’re flipping a home, you may want to consider solid wood if the area and price point supports it, but otherwise, we’re a huge fan of LVT.
LVT - Rental House Remodeling

Coretec LVT in Odessa Grey

LVT is 100% waterproof and extremely scratch and dent resistant. For this reason, it doesn’t need to be replaced very often. You won’t have to worry about pets, as water damage doesn’t happen with LVT and claws don’t often cause any damage. LVT starts at just $1.79/sq ft, so the price is even more attractive! Laminate is another good option, but water damage can occur and scratches happen much more commonly with this material. Other than tile, LVT is our top choice for main living spaces. Carpet, while more difficult to keep clean, can be very attractive to buyers or renters when it’s in bedrooms. Just make sure you get something that is affordable to replace if damage occurs.

Bathroom Vanities for Rental House Remodeling

You can spend a lot on bathroom vanities without really trying. However, nice vanities are big selling points. If you don’t have much storage then vanity storage is crucial. Double vanities in master bathrooms are very sought after as well.

Bathroom Vanity Material:

You don’t want to penny pinch with particle board construction and find yourself replacing them due to water damage and warping. Go for all wood construction. Even if the price is a little bit more, you will save money in replacements down the road and they will keep their shape and beauty much longer.

Bathroom Vanity Style:

Shaker style is always popular. It can fit a variety of styles and renters will love it. Raised panel styles can be nice, but they will generally fit a more traditional style. Check out our selection of in stock vanities. We have a variety of shaker styles, furniture styles, and raised panel, all for amazing prices that will help your margins.
shaker style bathroom vanity

White Shaker Vanity by Ginger Creek

Vanity Tops:

If the area allows, go for granite. You can save up to 70% off on granite vanity tops by shopping at Builders Surplus, so high style doesn’t have to come at a high price. The term “granite” in home listings will get buyers or renters in and ready to look!

Doors & Windows for Rental Homes

Doors and windows can be expensive, but they will save your renter money on electricity bills, which can be a great selling point. Make sure you shop our selection of surplus windows before looking elsewhere. They are all brand new, first quality windows but for a fraction of the price. Click here to see our selection!
silverline by andersen windows

Click here to shop windows!

As far as doors go, a good one can be huge for curb appeal, getting more buyers or renters through the door. It’s your homes first impression. Our Signamark doors are prefect for rentals as they are beautiful, durable and affordable. You won’t be disappointed! I hope this has been helpful and that you’ve gotten some great ideas on materials you can use in your rental house remodeling. Good luck!  
Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
 
Written By: Allie Bloyd

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

Most Affordable and Stylish Bathroom Tile

What’s going on, pros? I hope business is well and thriving underneath the warm weather we’ve been having. It’s about time, right? So, if you have a bathroom remodel coming up then you’ll really appreciate this blog post. We’re going to go over a few of the most affordable and stylish bathroom tiles that we have to offer at Builders Surplus. You can legitimately get everything, without spending everything!

Golden Honey Ledger Stone Bathroom Tile

bathroom tile Louisville Cincinnati Builders Surplus

CLICK TO SHOP!

Ledger Stone has made a major impact in the tile industry, in my opinion. If you’ve noticed, “look-alike” products continue to gain popularity, and Ledger Stone gained its varsity letters before any of them. The one featured below is a fan-favorite, for sure. It’s gorgeous in any setting, but especially bathrooms and, oddly enough, fireplaces, too. Simply stunning. While it does LOOK amazing in the shower, do let your customers know that it is difficult to clean. It needs to be completely waterproof behind the tile or you will get mold.

bathroom tile Louisville Cincinnati Builders Surplus
So, you can get this stylish, trendy bathroom tile for only $5.99/piece, right here at Builders Surplus. Now, this is one of the priciest product to make this list, but for good reason. If you’re a fan of texture in aesthetics, then this product is for you.

Black Penny Round Mosaic Bathroom Tile

bathroom tile Louisville Cincinnati Builders Surplus

CLICK TO SHOP!

I’m a huge fan of contract in a bathroom, and the Black Penny Round Mosaic bathroom tile is perfect for setting up that kind of style. I’ve always imagined a white floor tile with this product used as a backsplash. It’s timeless. It’s classic. And so eye-appealing. Plus, I’m a huge fan of curvature during any kind of design, so this pattern hits me right in the feels.
bathroom tile Louisville Cincinnati Builders Surplus

Right now, you can get this contrast-maker for only $4.99/sq. ft. One more thing about this, though, is its versatility. Where I’m more inclined to install this bathroom tile as a backsplash, it’s fine for a shower floor, too!

Legend Blanco Large Format Tile

bathroom tile Louisville Cincinnati Builders Surplus

Click to Shop!

I enjoy the movement in this tile. And it’s a subtle gray, too, ya know? Not too deep, not too light. Just right. Now, this is a Large Format Tile, so the possibilities are pretty much endless, in terms of install. Personally, I think this color belongs on the floor, maybe with a dark vanity top or something of that nature.

bathroom tile Louisville Cincinnati Builders Surplus
As we proceed, you’ll see that these prices really are unmatched, y’all, starting with this one. You can get this Legend Blanco bathroom tile for ONLY $1.99/sq. ft. Heckuva deal, right? Stylish, moderately-neutral, and all for a good price. Come in and seriously get everything without spending everything.

Portland Beige 18×18 Bathroom Tile

Another large format tile, Portland Beige is another one of my favorites due to its tone and color. But, what’s really attractive about this piece is its price. Right now, you can get this tile for only $0.69/sq. ft! That’s less than three quarters, everyone.

bathroom tile Louisville Cincinnati Builders Surplus

CLICK TO SHOP!

 

 

Whisper White 3×6 Subway Bathroom Tile

bathroom tile Louisville Cincinnati Builders Surplus

CLICK TO SHOP!

This classic, tried-and-true still does wonders in establishing that a traditional look. Honestly, folks, what’s not to like about it. Remember me talking about contrast earlier with the Black Penny — well — this is its counterpart.
bathroom tile Louisville Cincinnati Builders Surplus subway tile

But once again, the most attractive trait here is the price, everyone. Only $0.22/piece. Yeah, you read that right. LESS THAN A QUARTER. That’s exceptional. Come scoop this up.

These are just a few choices from our vast collection of bathroom tile, everyone. If I’ve piqued your interest, and you’d like to poke around a little bit more, please feel free to head right here! It’ll break our selection down by category, and you can see for yourselves how great these deals are. Hope to see you in one of our stores sometime soon! Until then, stay safe and be blessed!


Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets.
In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

Home Value: 5 Easy Ways to Increase It

What’s going on, everyone? I do hope you’re well and enjoying the much-anticipated warm weather. Where it seemed like it was a rather mild winter, it felt like ages to me.  If you’re a summer baby like yours truly, then you literally countdown the days until April or May, where you can enjoy a nice drive with the windows down and music up. Plus, now that it’s warm, we can all start working on the most important asset we have — our home. In this blog post, I’ll discuss five ways to easily increase home value. May the warmth inspire and spark creativity, y’all. Let’s begin!

The Best Ways To Increase Home Value

Focus on the Entry Door

So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that curb appeal is a monstrous factor when it comes to home value. The front door simply further emphasizes this incredibly significant factor. Essentially, it pulls the eye in and acts as a main focal point to the entire house. Think about it, when you have guests over, what is the first course of action? Walking through the front door. So, naturally, that’s what the eye is going to be attracted to.     home value   Don’t be afraid to get a little quirky when it comes to your front door, either. Want to make it a crazy-cool color? Do it. Want to splash some sort of design on it? Go ahead. I encourage you to make it your own and let it standout. Because, honestly, it’s going to anyway.   home value  

Upgrade the Kitchen

Now, listen, I know those three words can seem a bit vague, and even once it’s broken down, it can still be a bit overwhelming. So for all intensive purposes, I’ll just name two components of a kitchen. Also note that your kitchen is arguably (but who would argue) the most important room in the entire house. Because of this, simply renovating a few things will no doubt increase home value. For sure. Cabinets: You may be surprised to know that simply switching out the cabinets in your kitchen will do wonders as far as aesthetics. Maybe you’re tired of the type of cabinet and color, or you’re like me and get antsy when you’ve staring at the same scenery for far too long. I encourage you to take a good, hard look at your cabinets and see if you’d like to make some changes. Remix it up. home value   Countertops: In my opinion, countertops can make or break a kitchen’s overall look. With this in mind, if you’ve been preparing your meals over, say, formica countertops then I think you’d really enjoy a granite or quartz countertops. They’re both sleek, modern-looking, and the characteristics for both are far more superior — in strength, durability, accident-resistance, and maintenance.   home value  

Beautify your Bathroom

Kitchens and baths, y’all, that’s where it’s at for value’s sake. These rooms allow a person to express themselves artistically and make a style their own. Like I mentioned before, don’t be afraid to go above and beyond. After all, IT IS your home. Do what you will. However, if you’re going to be selling in the near future, keep the style one that will appeal to a broad range of buyers. Vanities: A bathroom doesn’t call for as much space as a kitchen does, sure, but I’d be lying if I said that these pieces aren’t essential to your bathroom design. Take the same advice I gave you about your kitchen cabinetry and recreate a different design — use interesting colors, textures, and styles and make things harmoniously blend. home value Vanity tops: Much like your kitchen countertops, a vanity top can make or break the design. Now, if it were me, I’d take a look at our cultured marble tops, in addition to our large selection of vanity tops. We truly have some beautiful colors that will blend nicely with any design. I promise you.    

Watch your Windows

Windows may seem like a small aspect in home design, but I’m telling you, replacing the old with the new will greatly increase your home value. At Builders Surplus, we carry Silverline by Andersen windows, and they’re true beauties. Available in different designs and styles, these babies will quite literally make each room brighter.   home value   Another thing I kinda like about windows is that they’re two sides of the same coin. We talked about the importance of curb appeal before, and windows sort of add to that enhanced focus, but they’re also very endearing on the inside, as well.   Plus, if you’re kinda crafty, you can enrich the look and put a beautiful set of moulding around each window, achieving that ‘craftsmen’ style perfectly. Just a little food for thought if you want to really increase home value.     home value  

Spruce Up the Outside

This probably goes without saying, but a well-maintained, neat, and even colorful yard is going to get some looks. If you want to increase home value, this is definitely an area I’d focus on. Curb appeal, remember? If your grass is as green as a golf course, there’s a nice blend of trees, flowers, and bushes — all neatly clipped — and everything looks proper and perfect, don’t be surprised to see a car come to a slow crawl, peeking in.   home value     Having a yard that’s pleasing to the eye is going to get you those seriously-this-just-went-on-the-market kind of offers, and who doesn’t want to be in that driver’s seat, no pun intended. Just don’t make it TOO busy, you know what I mean. Keep it nice. Keep it neat. Keep it complete.   home value     I hope these five things gave you a bit of insight and, hopefully, some inspiration to make some renovations to increase home value. Change isn’t all bad, people! Remember that, and keep on enjoying this weather! Hope to see y’all in here soon, but until then be safe and stay blessed!  
Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation! Written By: Chris Chamberlain

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

5 Bathroom Styles You Must See Before You Remodel

Okay, before you start the demo phase, which is incidentally my favorite phase, you absolutely positively have to look at these five bathroom styles. Now, I understand that if you have a sledgehammer on deck then you’ve probably (hopefully) already have your design plans in order and you’re quite ready break ground on this bad boy, BUT that doesn’t mean that you can’t allow of a few minor adjustments. Today, I’d like to discuss a few bathroom options, putting everything into perspective in terms of style, including vanities, tops, plumbing, sinks, and tiles.

Traditional Bathroom Styles

The tried-and-true style, as I like to call it. Some call it ordinary, some call it plain, I simply see it for what it is – classic. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going back to the roots without the fancy-shmancy accommodations that some other styles may provide. I’m not knocking other styles, I’m just saying that going the “traditional” route is almost like going to your hometown after a years and years from settling elsewhere. It’s comfortable. It’s safe, and it still provides that warm glow deep in your soul that filters throughout. Simply put, it’s home. And it’s as they say: There’s nothing wrong with going home.

bathroom styles

Modern Bathroom Styles

We’re talking glass showers, sleek sink fixtures, lone freestanding tub, large windows, and as much space as you can manage with this style. The greatest thing about the modern-style is how sleek everything looks. The picture below is actually identified as “modern-minimalist,” and when you get a good look at it, you’ll understand why, but as it is, every element of the bathroom is tasteful, sleek, elegant. It’s easy on color to give away its rich texture. In all of these bathroom styles, this has to be my favorite. Especially since it’s low-key minimalist themed as well. Very sophisticated.

bathroom styles

Hamptons Bathroom Styles

Something I’ve actually very recently been doing a bit of research on, is the Hampton-style. As you can see in the picture below, this style boasts very neutral colors, the majority being white and prides itself on chicness. Subway tile is usually infused in the mix or marble, one of the two. As far as the vanity goes, the shaker style is what’s best for the Hampton look. Usually, again, white to emphasis it’s standout, bright aura. Another added note with this style is the sconce lighting that usually hangs on either side of the mirror, or in the middle. The tapware is usually chrome or nickel-plated. Definitely more of a traditional feel when it comes to the fixtures. Anyhow…I think it’s pretty cool. What do you think?

bathroom styles

Contemporary Bathroom Styles

Similar to the modern style, contemporary brings you an extremely sleek design. Notice how the colors are all very neutral save for one, small accent wall in the background. The fixtures aren’t your common, typical ones, either. They’re fixed to the wall, which completely eradicates any “traditional” style make-up in this design. The look it portrays clearly defines as it a style that lives in the now, in the present, but still establishes room for variation. For example, you could accompany these tones with that of a Hampton-style and still get the same effect, if that makes sense. It’s not my favorite, I admit, but I do appreciate the bold nature of this type of style. For sure.

bathroom styles

Rustic Bathroom Styles

Ah, the rustic look. Who doesn’t like this kind of style is my question. This style of bathroom gives you many options to explore your creativity and allows you to antique some aspects of your bathroom and really push forth that rustic, classically-aged look that I like. In the picture below, I really really like the door style. It’s a craftsman style door setting, but it fits in with the rest of the bathroom. To make a project out of it, you could find an unfinished alder cabinet and reclaim the wood to give it that aged look. This style can usually be found in your country-themed houses, as it really works well with that design. What do you think?
bathroom styles


Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

Family Friendly Remodeling Materials

It doesn’t matter if you have a bigger family or a smaller one, accidents are just going to happen. Someone is going to knock over the grape juice all over the kitchen countertops, muddy footprints will trail the floors all the way up to the culprit’s bedroom, someone’s going to neglect the “clean bathroom” chore for weeks at a time, leaving soap scum and grime to everyone’s displeasure, spices will be misplaced or unfortunately found in the fridge, and crumbs will layer the living room floor no matter how many times you vacuum. Families and messes go together like the mop and the broom in the closet down the hallway. It’s inevitable. BUT…there are some remodeling materials that you can use in your renovation that will alleviate some of the stress that these messes bring, some even eradicating them altogether. In this post, we’ll detail some of these remodeling materials, which you’ll undoubtedly think about the next time you’re wiping up spaghetti sauce that’s dribbled down the cabinet door.  

Remodeling Materials – Quartz Countertops

So, there’s a term that I need to say here, and at first glance I, too, was like, “Uhhhh…is that a word?” Wipe-ability. I hyphenated it for your sake, but apparently, this is a thing. It means exactly what you think it does, and it goes in context with the first remodeling material I have for you today. Quartz countertops are undoubtedly the easiest surface to maintain. It’s a non-porous material, so there’s no chance of anything staining. It’s also extremely durable; it won’t chip, crack, scratch, or scuff.     remodeling materials   remodeling materials      

Remodeling Materials – CoreTEC Flooring

New-age technology combined with a stunning, jaw-dropping look, CoreTEC is a flooring like no other. It’s best characteristic and the main reason it makes this list? 100% waterproof. Not water-resilient. Water. Proof. You could dump an entire gallon of whatever on these floors, leave for the weekend, and you’d come back to it staring right back at you like, “What? Was that supposed to phase me or something?” It doesn’t warp. It doesn’t buckle. It doesn’t act like your typical hardwood flooring at all. Too legit. And we have these lovely remodeling materials right here, in store, ready to be installed. Click here to check out our inventory.     remodeling materials

Remodeling Materials – Tiled Shower Walls

In general, tile is your safest bet when it comes to having a low-maintenance floor. But tiled shower walls exemplifies this characteristic. Heavily. As opposed to fiberglass shower walls, soap scum, dirt, and grime are easier to clean and maintain with a tiled shower wall. It can be as simple as purchasing an After Shower cleaner and wiping the walls down each time. Easy as pie. SIDENOTE: If you do tile your shower walls, refrain from using white grout. Those are TERRIBLY difficult to clean and you’ll curse the day you ever decided that. And chiseling out grout is no fun. Trust me. I know. To check out some of our tile options, click here!         remodeling materials  

remodeling materials

Remodeling Materials – Kitchen Organizers

Everything just seems to run smoother in the family when you can find the things you’re wanting when you need them. Kitchen organizers are an excellent way to sort out all of your cooking essentials and save some space. Cause after all, counter space can be scarce within any family and in the morning when you’re frantically trying to make breakfast or make lunches for the day, you need as much space as you can get. Installing one of these inexpensive kitchen organizers makes for one of the best remodeling materials on this list. They’re handy and have a way of revolutionizing your organizational patterns in the kitchen. We have an abundance in stock, as well. Head here to shop! remodeling materials  

Remodeling Materials – Kitchen Island

A kitchen island can be used as one of those hot spots in the house, ya know? A place where people gather to do homework, eat meals, and discuss their day. To me, a kitchen island is one of those assets that just bring together AND they’re one of the most functional tools in a kitchen design. More space. More storage. Less hassle.   remodeling materials   It’s in my hopes that these researching materials will meet your family friendly needs. Once again, we have most of these beneficial products in store! So, come on down to one of our two locations in Louisville and Cincinnati, and get started on your renovation today!  
Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are one of the leading providers of  kitchen cabinets, tile, flooring, windows and doors in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design comes as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients, home improvement pros & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation! Written by: Chris Chamberlain      

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

PRO: Additional Options to Impress Your Clients

How’s it going, professionals? I hope business is well, and that you’re so slammed with jobs, you honestly don’t know what to do with yourself at the moment. It’s better to have an abundance of jobs than to be stressing where your next one will be, am I right? Today, I’d like to discuss a few options, quite literally, on how you can maintain repeating customers in your queue. You’ll do this by simply impressing your clients in a way that shows off your finesse as a master of your trade.
In essence, you’ll suggest options that may have been overlooked in the initial design and will hopefully having your customers so satisfied with your expertise that they’ll go to no one else but you during their next renovation. To do so, I’ll break it down by a number of categories – kitchen, bath, flooring, tile, and doors – and provide a suggestion that one, enhances the look of the design, and two, will make your customer very happy that they called you. Cause that’s what it’s all about, right?

Kitchen Options – Crown Moulding

It’s no secret that cabinets are a significant factor in any kitchen design. They’re essential for the appearance of the kitchen style, but also for functionality as well. Typically, larger families require more kitchen space, from both the countertops and cabinets. The trick is to blend both together, using aesthetics as well as how functional the cabinets are to produce a design that gives you the best of both worlds. Those two words in bold, two lines above are yet another way to enhance the look of the kitchen without your customer’s digging too deep into their wallets.
The Crown Moulding option is one that can COMPLETELY change the look of a kitchen. Yes, it’s that drastic. It makes the difference of your standard cabinet look to something more elegant, elaborate, and sophisticated. At a pretty low cost. There’s a wide variety of options, too. Everything from extremely intricate designs to simple, smooth beveled edges. Just throw it out as a suggestion, and let your customers determine if they like the look or not. But – and I’m willing to bet – they’ll appreciate the tip.

options

Bath Options – Backsplash

Ah, talk about an enhancement. A tiled backsplash in a kitchen is almost mandatory once you’ve installed a couple during bathroom renovations. It’s simply a lovely feature, and I have a theory on why that is. Bear with me here, but a design is only as good as the components that it’s made of. Let’s take the color aspect of it all. If the colors do not work, the design does not work. But if the colors mesh well with another then it becomes appealing to the eye. So, when it comes to a backsplash, it’s just another asset, or component, that helps blend in the colors in the design.
Plus, look at the materials you’re dealing with, vanity alone. You have the color of the vanity, the color of the countertop, the wall paint color, accessories, and so on…and then when you add a backsplash, it just pulls everything together to make something quite extraordinary. Once again, low on cost, relatively easy on install, and tremendous on appearance. I love this option. Your clients will, as well. Take a peek at our backsplash tile options on our website. We have a wide variety of styles and finishes that will accommodate a number if designs!

Flooring Options – Quarter Round

In the remodeling industry, as you know, you hear the phrase “finishing touches” multiple times in conversation. Putting in quarter round after you’ve installed the floor and finished trimming the room is simply one of those things you can do to really “complete” a room. That God awful gap between the base boards and the floor is simply not a good look, and yes, I know that some people are fine with it to lower costs, but the look is ten times better when it’s taken care of. Maybe twenty.
I’d definitely suggest this option if you’re renovating a wide, open area like a basement or something of that nature. Closets and storage rooms aren’t as important, but in rooms where there’s going to be a flow of traffic, where your clients will entertain their guests, and so on…this is an excellent option. It’s the dot on the ‘i’ and the cross on the ‘t’.

options

Tile Options – Decorative Mosaic

Out of all the options that I’ll list in this post, this is the one that I’d highly suggest. Especially if you’re installing a tiled shower or a backsplash. My father likes to call them “decos,” for short, and we’ve installed quite a bit of them for a number of clients. They absolutely love the look. To me, personally, I think it’s best exemplified in a stand-up, tiled shower. Placing them about eye level, the color blends (or contrast, if you prefer) just make it truly legit design.
Honestly, that’s as best as I can say it. It’s just a 100%, cool-as-all-get-out, bad@$$ design. Straight up. I implore you to at least suggest “deco” tiles when on your next tile job. It’s stunning. Simply stunning. Again, we have a vast amount of some of the finest design and trends in decorative mosaic tiles that one can ask for. Go take a look right here!

[bscolumns class=”one_third”]12 x 12 Silver Grey Mixed Glass Mosaic Decorative Tile at Builders Surplus in Louisville KentuckyBamboo Storm Porcelain & Glass at Builders Surplus in Louisville Kentucky

options

Door Options – Custom Paint it

You have many of your standard colors out there to work with, it is true. But, if you want to really make a lasting impression, suggest to your client that they purchase a custom paint to finish of their door. It may seem a bit…quirky, sure, but I’m telling you, it’s effective. Last summer, one of my father’s longtime clients had us install an exterior door for them. The lady of the house wanted the front door to “pop,” so we went with this Canary Yellow color.
\And I’ll tell ya what, if I wasn’t almost blinded while about 50 times as I applied the paint. Super bright. Vivid. Distinct. At first, I thought these characteristics were faults, but once we installed it, and drove up on it for the first time, I began to appreciate its vivacity. It drew the eye, and to me, that’s what mattered most. Suggest a custom paint color, urge your client to think outside of the box, to have a one of a kind feature in a home that will make it entirely their own. Suggest these options, and watch the effects unfurl.
options


Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are one of the leading providers of  kitchen cabinets, tile, flooring, windows and doors in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design comes as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients, home improvement pros & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written by: Chris Chamberlain

Why Waypoint Cabinets Are Fan Favorites

    waypoint cabinets   At Builders Surplus, we feature some of the finest cabinetry lines that your money can buy. One of these lovely lines is Waypoint Cabinets, and they’re very much sought after in both kitchen and bathroom designs. Today, I’d like to discuss the many reasons why these cabinets are such a fan favorite and continue to be one of our best-sellers in store.  

The Variety

Hey, when it comes to refinishing your bathroom or kitchen, you can never have too many options. Indecisiveness out the window, having an excellent variation of options makes the whole process easier instead of being limited to only two or three choices. So, when it comes to people loving Waypoint Cabinets, having a variety is definitely one of the more redeeming qualities. The company has five collections to choose from – the 400, 500, 600, 700, and Thermofoil series – and that’s just where the choices begin. You’re also able to pick from a variety of door styles, stain colors, and finishes including Auburn Glaze, Espresso, Honey, Cognac, Silk, Linen, and Stone. And that’s just to name a few. Seriously, folks, endless possibilities here.      

The Quality

Above anything else, this is what Waypoint is known for. It’s true, there are many cabinet companies in the market, but this line is known for achieving that beautiful combination of an aesthetically-pleasing cabinet with prime functionality, which allows these stunning cabinets to be at the forefront of any design. The quality is exquisite. They use a sturdy hardwood when manufacturing their cabinets, making them extremely durable. Cabinets are used on the daily – constantly opening and closing – so it’s best if you look for ones that will last in longevity. In knowing this, Waypoint produces a product that is built beautifully AND build to last. I’d say this is one of, if not, the primary reason for Waypoint’s popularity.

The Creation

Waypoint Cabinets are made right here in the U.S.A. For those of you that shop local and know why it’s important to, you’ll understand why this is a pretty big deal. These days it seems like we’ve lost all of our materials and manufacturers to foreign estates, but when you come across a product like Waypoint’s and also find out that they’re right here, on this soil, you take note. Furthermore, they are made with some of the finest woods that God’s green Earth has to offer and cut into many different shapes and styles so as to accommodate a realm of different designs. Yes, they’re thoughtful like that.          

The Promotions

Every month, Waypoint comes through with at least two promotional offers that are designed to give you, the customer, a better bang for your buck. Some of these offers entail a free cabinet from any given series, or a 10% discount on the 600/700 series, and so on and so forth. If you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen or bathroom, these promotions are perfect for you! The promos are activated with orders of twelve cabinets or more, and on some of them, the offers can be combined. They’re serious incentives, and when you take a look at what you’re getting, you begin to realize the benefits of the whole package. It’s very, very difficult to pass up. Take a look at our Promotions page and see what deals you can get this month!           In all, Waypoint Cabinets are truly amazing products, ones that will ensure you of a beautiful kitchen design. It’s because of this that I strongly suggest you come take a look at what we have to offer in store at any of our two locations in Louisville or Cincinnati. Don’t just take my word for it, everyone. If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, and you’d like a bit of advice on styles, on cabinetry or otherwise, then come on in for a FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION! We’d be glad to help you on your way to a dream renovation!  
Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation! Written By: Chris Chamberlain  

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

What To Look For When Buying a Bathroom Vanity?

Maybe you’re on the last leg of a pretty extensive bathroom remodel, or you’re just looking for a quick fix, a sly change to satisfy your need to switch up a look that’s been spread out too long for your liking. In any case, it doesn’t matter why you’re out shopping, but what does are the particulars for what you’re shopping for. Today, I’d like to dive into what you should look for when you’re buying a bathroom vanity.

Bathroom Vanity Size

Obviously, this is important, right? We can’t be having a too-small or too-big cabinet just chillin’ in the bathroom, not properly installed. That’s simply preposterous. So, before you go out, you should have the proper measurements. It’s known that vanities come in standard sizes, so you should be okay for the most part. But, for example, if you’re looking for a vanity that accompanies his or her sinks, then you need to know the exact measurements for them. So on and so forth.

bathroom vanity

Bathroom Vanity Drawer Space

Arguably, the most important, in my opinion. If you’re anything like my girlfriend, you have loads of cosmetic supplies. Now, whether those supplies are necessary is subject for another blog post, and not one that I’d like to write in fear of her finding it, but I digress. Shop for a vanity that accommodates your any and every need. If it’s a family bathroom, you might need quite a bit of drawer space. And, please, don’t be fooled by the “dummy” drawers. You know, the ones that look like they pullout, but then you try and you silently curse yourself. Sometimes designs aren’t quite as functional as you’d like them to be.

bathroom vanity

Bathroom Vanity Color

It’s safe to say that your bathroom has a certain style, a certain theme that you’ve incorporated for the entire room. But even if it doesn’t, some vanity colors are just going too look better than others in a certain area. This especially goes for paint color. You’re not going to put a dark vanity in a purple bathroom, are you? Here, I’ll rephrase that, you shouldn’t. Seriously don’t. But when you’re shopping, keep the colors of your bathroom in mind. Please.

bathroom vanity

Bathroom Vanity Style

Now, going along with what I’ve mentioned before about adhering to the design of your bathroom, you should keep in mind the style. There are many types of vanity styles – traditional, contemporary, rustic, modern, you get the gist of it. Bottom line is, you don’t want clashing styles in a bathroom. It’s way too small of space, so it’ll be highly noticeable, eye-cringing, and just overall extremely problematic. ‘Tis a no-go.

bathroom vanity

Bathroom Vanity Versatility

Some wood materials that vanities have to offer are more versatile than others. For example, if you’re wanting to create a rustic look on your own, instead of buying it as is, then you’ll need to purchase one that has the right material. Most come in hardwood, manufactured wood, metal, or glass. Wood is obviously the go to choice for pulling of the rustic look, sanding the surface, antiquing and aging it. So, if you’re like me, and have the tendency to get bored with the same look over the years, make sure you choose a material that allows your creativity to thrive.

bathroom vanity

Bathroom Vanity Bathroom Fixtures

When I say fixtures, I’m encompassing an embodiment of accessories here. Sink faucet, soap dishes, lotion pumps, toothbrush holders – the whole nine. The trick of perfecting any look or any design is having the ability to have each element of the room blend beautifully and accentuate authentically. You’d like it to look like each piece was literally MADE for the room. With that said, think of everything you’d like to incorporate and adhere your bathroom vanity it. The result is exquisite. Trust me.

bathroom vanity

Alright, folks, there, written above, are six factors you should keep in mind as you shop for your bathroom vanity! I know it may seem like a lot to think about, but if you want to achieve the best look possible in your bathroom, you should probably adhere to it.


Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of bathroom remodeling and spa bathroom design materials in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

A Comparison of Cabinet Wood Type

hickory
So you’re shopping for cabinets, huh? Maybe from Wellborn or Waypoint, and you’ve not quite figured out what kind of material you’d like to use in your kitchen or bathroom. Fact of the matter is, there are plenty of variations to choose from when it comes to cabinetry, one of the defining characteristics being wood type. Today, I’d like to list the several wood types that are available in cabinets and mention some of the qualities to give you a better of understanding of what you’re getting!

Red Oak Cabinet Wood Type

Oak, in general, is a very hard, heavy kind of wood, which often gives the impression of strength and durability. And in actuality, for such a solid, long-lasting cabinet wood type, it’s not as expensive as one might think. The course grain in this material often varies from vertical grain swoops to a more distinctive “swoop” pattern, providing more curvature in the grain. It’s an absolutely timeless material, for sure.
One of the main reasons why I prefer this material over others is it’s versatility. Choosing this material gives you the option of staining it to your fancy. Which, if you’re like me, and grow too accustomed to a certain look over a period of time, then this will be the way to go. A refreshing look is merely a couple stain coats away.

redoak

White Oak Cabinet Wood Type

White Oak is obviously very similar to its “red” counterpart, except for one bit – it’s a little stronger. With more golden tones, this wood type will give you the elegant look that you desire, and is literally perfect with any style. As pictured, White Oak is definitely more subtle in its grain. It seems softer, gentler than the red oak. I’d love to tell you that it’s similar in price, but the fact is, most times it’s only available in custom order.
I’ll say this much, too, a clear finish will brilliantly highlight the grain in this cabinet wood type. On the other hand,  stain could possibly oversaturate it, exaggerating the grain, making it look kind of two-toned. Not a good look.

whiteoak

Maple Cabinet Wood Type

Maple gives you this lovely look of fine-grain with a gentle, light color. Now, it is slightly more expensive than oak, but it’s not near as dense. It can be stained, but in my opinion if you want to achieve the best look, simply apply a thin coat of clear or natural finish to enhance the texture of this wood type. Trust me, the effects are magnificent in Maple.
This look provides a more contemporary approach to your kitchen or bath remodel. It’s known as a shock-resistant material, as well, and is incredibly durable. It takes paint like a breeze, too! Very versatile, and it’s made to withstand great temperatures and won’t crack or warp like some other materials may do. Sidenote: Because of the aforementioned, this material is quite popular for heavier cabinetry, such as dressers and kitchen cabinets.

maple

Hickory Cabinet Wood Type

Lighter than oak, but very, very similar in grain pattern and durability. It’s one of the strongest, hardest woods out there! There’s a sort of yellowish hue to it, almost creamy, and where it can also be stained, this material (much like Maple) is better suited with a fine layer of clear coat or natural finish. This is simply to emphasize the wonderful grain lines.
I’m a sucker for them, so I’ll be going that route each and every time. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it, right? More often than not, this material has been used to achieve that lovely rustic style. Because of this, it’s rarely seen as a custom or semi-custom cabinetry. It also needs to be noted that where this type is usually seen with a creamy color, it can also be seen in a dark reddish brown color OR nearly black. Dark hickory is 100% a favorite of mine.

hickory

Cherry Cabinet Wood Type

This material is hard enough to withstand a number of mishaps. Attention parents, if you have little ones running around your kitchen, this material just might be the one for you. It can be used for a number of styles, but is more commonly seen as elegant and formal as a traditional style. Although, there is some versatility to it. I’ve seen this wood type achieved magnificently in contemporary kitchen designs.
One of the absolute best qualities of this cabinet wood type is how it literally ages in time, growing darker with the days. Yes, just like fine wine, the unique look deeps through the years. Now, this type is a bit costly, mind you, which is why it’s often seen as a “luxury” wood.

cherry

Birch Cabinet Wood Type

A fine, fine, durably built wood that is slightly darker than maple, but not by much. It takes finishes very well, and is versatile in that it can guise as a more luxurious wood with a few, simple tweaks. When it’s stained properly, the look can do wonders, disguising as a Maple or Cherry wood type. Because of it’s irregular color, birch is relatively inexpensive. In fact, it’s 25-75% cheaper than other types like cherry or maple.

birch

Pine Cabinet Wood Type

Ah, now here’s one that sits apart from the rest. Pine is the ONLY softwood species that is commonly used in cabinetry. Because of this, it dents more easier than the others. Definitely not impenetrable, this one. Interestingly enough, this wood type is often used for rustic pieces, like farmhouse-style tables and chairs. If you’ve ever been to Cracker Barrel, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. And now I’m thinking about biscuits and gravy. Excellent.
It’s low-cost, takes paint well, but where some might say it’s perfect for kids’ furniture, I beg to differ. Kids can be a rowdy bunch, especially in the playroom, and this material simply isn’t built for that kind of debauchery. Just throwin’ that out there.

pine

Okay, people, there’s seven of the most commonly used cabinet wood types found in kitchen and bath cabinetry. As you can see, the majority of them get an A for durability, which should be a significant factor in your decision-making process! I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that we offer some fine cabinetry here at Builders Surplus that features these amazing cabinet wood types. Come check out what we have, and we would be glad to offer our professional advice during a free kitchen design consultation. Until the, be safe, stay blessed, and enjoy 2017!


Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

MADE IN THE US: One Reason to Love Wellborn Cabinets

  Admit it, when you purchase an item from a store and see the “Made in the U.S.” tag, it kinda sorta makes you feel good about your purchase, doesn’t it? I’d venture to say it’s solely because you know that you’ve just supported a company that has its roots instilled in the soil you walk on. It is a homegrown, homemade product that you’ve bought with your hard earned cash. As is the cycle of our nation’s system, and so therefore, you boost the economy, further benefitting businesses locally AND nationally.     This is why, and I’m sure you know, there’s been an influx in buying locally and supporting companies that manufacture goods in America. This is not to say that you don’t condone or intentionally not seek to benefit foreign exchange, but it’s good to know when your money is circulating within the confines of your nation. Simple as that. And that is yet another reason we love Wellborn Cabinets! They’re made right here in the U. S. of A. Today, I’d like to talk a little bit about these homemade cabinets, detailing some history, and why they’re such a hot commodity at our stores.

About Wellborn Cabinets

1961   The Wellborn family have owned and operated Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., since 1961. Think about it, that’s more than fifty years of success! Any business that makes it past the 50-year mark absolutely has a timeless product, in my opinion. You simply don’t make it that far without providing customers a timeless, durable product. The company was originally founded by Paul and Doug Wellborn, and they’re located in the Deep South, in Ashland, Alabama. Their primary goal is a prime reason for their lengthy success. In their website, their goal is “to provide kitchen and bath cabinets crafted by dedicated Wellborn employees with the utmost quality and care.” aerial-photo-1100-x-479   The company had humble beginnings, starting out in a 3,200 sq. ft (holy smokes) building that manufactured cost-effective kitchen and bath cabinets and specialized in kitchen and bath contract sales for government-financed housing. Thirty five years after its inception, Paul Wellborn bought the entire company, became the sole owner, and switched up the Wellborn Cabinet clientele, focusing primarily on residential kitchen and bath dealers. Since then, the company has expanded its reach in both size and product selection, branching out to 6 product lines. In present day, Paul and the Wellborn family manufacture the company cabinets from start to finish in a 2,000,000 sq. ft. (pick up your jaw) facility in Ashland. Their tagline reads: Wellborn Cabinet, Time Tested, Quality Craftsmanship…Your Whole Home Solution. In essence, this company is about their business, and they are NOT playing around. You have to appreciate this kind of dedication.  

Wellborn Cabinets – Made in the U.S.A.

godblessamerica   Like I explained before, it’s nice knowing the products you purchase are made here in this great nation. Wellborn Cabinets knows this, and they’ve dedicated their work to keep producing that same quality throughout its history. Their facility completely controls quality from the timber that arrives from the sawmill to the finished cabinet. This, as they say, will ensure you of a premium, quality cabinet. 100% Guaranteed. Also, this company is listed on numerous Made in America/USA websites with other manufacturers who also produce their products here, including MadeinUSA.com, KeepitUSAmade.com, and Backintheusa.us.    

Wellborn Cabinets Go Green

    environment   This company is in line with a heavy commitment to our environment and for good reason, right? Their website states, “environmental stewardship has been part of Wellborn’s culture since the beginning. This responsibility has always been about more than just words and has been proven through decades of actions, investments, and practices.” Here’s another little tidbit that I find equally as fascinating: Wellborn has recycling programs that utilize wood waste to generate power and steam and continue to lower Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions through technology. In fact, the energy they gain from waste powers hear for 5, 124 homes in one year. That’s incredible.   greenchoice   The company “utilizes steam from from the wood fired co-generation plant in the dry kilns, heating ovens, and paint room. The process saves approximately 300,000 (MCF) thousand cubic feet of natural gas annually, a non-renewable energy source, by using collected shavings.  They also partner with their contributors to further their environmental practices! This, as they say on their page, is why you’ll find the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) Environmental Stewardship Program seal on their cabinetry. It’s clairvoyantly clear that this company has pushed themselves in the right direction towards a better future, perfecting their practices for a safer, cleaner environment. It is as their “Green” page states, “For Our Planet – Today, Tomorrow and Always” and “For the Future of Our Children.” I’m not quite sure you can find a more giving or environmentally-conscious company than this one, folks.     children   And there you have it, folks, a company that prides itself on being born right here in the U.S.A. They’re committed, focused, detail-oriented, and have a persistent drive to manufacture a quality product to produce lasting, satisfied smile, and all in an environmentally-safe way. You can’t make up this kind of genius, y’all. I urge you to the utmost degree to check these guys out when you consider doing a kitchen or bath remodel. As I’ve detailed above, you will not be disappointed. In the slightest. Until next time, everyone, be safe, and enjoy this new year! Stay blessed!  
Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation! Written By: Chris Chamberlain    

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

Low Maintenance Bathroom Sinks For Families

bathroom sinks
 
I think we can all agree that bathrooms are an area in a household that generally requires a little more effort to keep up than other rooms in your home. If you’re like me, you dread the day you’ve dedicated to cleaning this room because, let’s just be honest, there are about fifty other things you’d rather spend your Sunday afternoon doing. Cleaning sinks? 100% not one of them, especially with Fall weather in the horizon.
Much rather be at a pumpkin patch at Huber’s farms, or preparing a Halloween costume for a party, or taking a lazy day, sipping hot, flavored coffee and cuddled up next to Cailey, my girlfriend, breaking into a Harry Potter marathon. THAT is my ideal Sunday. But, alas, we’re human, and we tend to get a bit messy, and messes were meant to be cleaned. Luckily, there are products that you can install that will make cleaning day just a little bit easier. Like a sink, for example. You may not be aware of this, but some sink material and styles are better than others in terms of maintenance.
 

Stainless Steel Bathroom Sinks

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Believe it or not, this style is actually trending in bathroom design. Now, I know you’re probably thinking that stainless steel belongs more in a kitchen than it does a bathroom, but I think you’d be surprised by the look. That’s not exactly why it’s such a hot trend right now, however. It’s the low-maintenance and upkeep that sets these bathroom sinks apart from the rest. According to a consumer report, this material withstood a number of tests to prove its outstanding durability.
“They fended off stains from cleaning products and drain cleaner, and also resisted heat, dents, and dings.” My opinion? This is a very unique idea. If you’re looking to go against the grain and reap the benefits in the process, I’d consider this choice, for sure.
 

All-in-One Bathroom Sinks

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This sink style is actually pretty neat, if you ask me. The sink itself is molded to the countertop. You simply fasten it to the wall, and you’re all but done. I suggest this style because it is stupid easy to clean, seeing as there’s no ridges or seams to contend with. In one smooth, fluid motion, you can clean this bathroom sink without the worry of having to deal with nooks and edges.
Typically, these sinks are available in porcelain and ceramic, which a more standard material for your sinks, but within reason. Also, this type of sink is perfect for family bathrooms. With the amount of traffic and use, maintenance tends to always be on the mind.
 

Vessel Bathroom Sinks

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Ah, my personal favorite. I can still remember when my dad first installed one of these for a previous customer. He’d already done so when I visited the work site, and when I walked into the fairly large bathroom, it was literally the first thing that caught my eye. Jaw dropped a bit, and I’m pretty sure something like, “Woah!” escaped my mouth. Or an excited expletive, I can’t really remember.
The point here is, it’s a mesmerizing look. Truly. It’s a beautiful crafted sink bowl that sits on top of the countertop. But be careful when you install it, though. Set it too high and washing your hands will be a task like no other – extremely uncomfortable. These are available in a variety of finishes like polished stainless steel, hand-painted porcelain, carved stone and spun glass. These are all durable materials, particularly the stainless steel as we’ve discussed before.
 

Material of Bathroom Sinks

Just a little fair warning before we part ways today. According to the consumer report I talked about earlier, you shouldn’t always be prone to go with the most common materials in a bathroom sink. In fact, the report said, you should look at other ones first before going that route. This is solely because during their tests, tempered glass, enameled cast iron, and some of the acrylic sinks dented slightly or chipped away during their impact tests. But, let’s be real here, you’re not going to be hammering down on your sink for no reason, right?
I hope you enjoyed this blog post, and it gave you a little insight on which sink will be the best for you and your household! Just remember, sometimes, in the long run, going against the grain is an absolutely great thing that provides a stunning effect.
 
 

25 Easy Remodeling Ideas to Transform Your Home

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There are times when you look around your place and have the need to change the scenery a bit. Not completely renovate the entire place, but maybe add a touch of color here or make something crafty to hang on the wall there. Take a look at your countertops, tile, carpet, and flooring options, and see if you have room for improvement. Honestly, it could be as simple as applying a new bead of caulk. Just know that finishing touches are where the money accrues!  Here is a list of 25 ideas to hopefully inspire you when you get that itch to change something. They’re relatively easy, inexpensive, and most of the things needed can be acquired here at Builders Surplus. Grab a nice, cold drink and allow me to entertain you with a nice, crafty list. Enjoy! remodeling ideas

1. Remodeling Ideas – Paint your Interior Doors

Add some color to your interior doors to brighten up your household. Go bold, or play with more neutral colors. Either way, it’s a simple, cost-effective way to switch things up a bit. remodeling ideas

2. Add Trim to Your Windows

Framing your windows is an excellent way to add elaborate detail to an otherwise plain feature. You can frame it entirely OR simply put up a piece of moulding at the top to give it a refined look. remodeling ideas

3. Update your Cabinet Hardware

Give your kitchen and bath cabinets a new look by switching the old hardware with a new, sleekly finished look. Now, it may not seem like much as you read this, but I can assure you that once you’ve switched them out and take a step back, you’ll be surprised by the difference! remodeling ideas

4. Apply a Different Stain to a Wood Finish

If you’re like me, seeing the same color day in and day out can become a monotonous routine, but there’s always a way to break that slump. Simply apply a different colored stain of your choosing to the wood finishes in your home, like your bannister rails, cabinets, and trim! remodeling ideas

5. Chalkboard in your Kitchen

One of my favorite remodeling ideas, and this one is actually becoming quite popular as a kitchen trend. A bit quirky, yes. But think of all the possibilities – no more forgetting stuff at the grocery store and then there’s always the sweet message or two. Pretty neat! remodeling ideas

6. Mirrors on your Closet Doors

You can create some depth to your bedroom by hanging mirrors on your closet doors. Not only that, but you don’t have to spend time getting ready in the bathroom. No more “hogging up the mirror.” remodeling ideas

7. Build Shelves in your Bathroom

An excellent DIY project for a beautiful, weekend afternoon. Building and installing shelves of your own gives you the ability to amplify your style in your bathroom AND alleviates wasted space. See that relatively blank wall there? Make it useful by hanging some shelves. Great visually and functionally. remodeling ideas  

Tile-Shop-Ad

8. A Floor Renovation

This idea is great if you have carpet in certain parts of your house because getting rid of it is relatively simple as opposed to tile or hardwood floors. Good news! If this is something you’re looking for, we have a plethora of brilliant styles of tile and marvelous hardwood flooring to give your house the sophisticated look you’ve been looking for! remodeling ideas

9. Install a Backsplash

You can do so in your bathroom or kitchen, but either way, backsplashes add to the overall design of each. It’s a finishing touch that doesn’t take too long, isn’t expensive, and once again, we have a number of products here at Builders Surplus that are low-cost AND low-maintenance. It’s a win-win, right? remodeling ideas

10. Put in a Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet

This addition is almost purely for functionality, but whoever said they wouldn’t use this if their house came with it is downright insane. Simply put, a pull-out kitchen sink makes doing that dreaded chore that much easier. A bit of technology that anyone could get behind, in my opinion. remodeling ideas

11. Liven the Atmosphere with Plants

Throw in some greenery around the house, and let nature run its course. It’s one thing to have added decor and make it your own style, but if there’s one element that you can never (usually) go wrong with, it’s having some plants around the house. In the corners or on the sink in the bathroom. remodeling ideas

12. Let there be Light!

Recessed lighting is truly brilliant. There aren’t any outrageous fixtures hanging from the ceiling. It’s just a small, circular instrument snuggled into the ceiling, and boy, can it emit some rays! When done right, it is magnificent. remodeling ideas

13. Use a Barn Door

Cover pantries or closets with a Barn Door. At Builders Surplus, we love this door style, it’s rustic, it’s unique, and it’s relatively easy to install! remodeling ideas

14. Add Ledge Stone tile

Another favorite here at Builders Surplus, this style of tile is excellent for backsplashes, but the look, to me, is perfectly epitomized around a fireplace. There’s just something about the stone look by a fireplace that makes it warm and inviting. Can you say, “good book by the fire?” remodeling ideas    

15. Switch out your Countertops

Now, I can understand if this seems a bit destructive, but in all actuality it’s not, and it doesn’t really matter which style you choose to upgrade them with, it will still be with it. Here at Builders Surplus, we have a number of options to choose from. Choices sure to spruce up your kitchens and baths in no time! remodeling ideas

16. Install a new Front Door

Your front yard is the essence of curb appeal, right? Installing a new front door, whether it’s fiberglass, or maybe even an iron door, the look will enhance your curb appeal sevenfold and provokes a more inviting, welcoming aura. remodeling ideas

17. Apply a Fresh Bead of Caulk

Noted as one of the many finishing touches in any household, sometimes it’s prudent to strip away the old and apply the new. You can do this around bathtubs, countertops, and windows! remodeling ideas   Amerock-Shop-Ad

18. Switch out your Door Hardware 

These little mechanisms often go unnoticed, but I can assure you, as soon as you update them you’ll appreciate the look and functionality. Most builders put in standard hardware, so if you’re looking to spruce things up a bit, don’t be afraid to make a change. This is another one of those easy remodeling ideas, for sure. remodeling ideas

19. Lay down Tile on your Front Porch

If you have a concreted front porch, then this look is perfect for you. My father and I installed a brilliant looking tile on my parent’s front porch, and it turned out fantastic. remodeling ideas

20. Put on a New Roof

Fact of the matter is, shingles fade over time. It is because of this that I suggest you look into a metal roof. Now, your first thought might be the sound of the rain pounding above you, but there are sound barriers that alleviate that nuisance. Above all, this is one of the more noticeable remodeling ideas because of its significance in curb appeal. remodeling ideas

21. Paint the Garage Floor

Unless it’s your thing, concrete can be kind of bleh. So the garage floor can be perceived as the usual, un-changing thing that you just merely have to deal with. But painting it completely changes the look of your garage. I should know, I did it last summer. It’s easy, pretty fun really, and extremely low-maintenance. remodeling ideas

22. Look at New Windows

Windows have been known to deteriorate over time, and once they do, they will give you nothing but problems. Take a good hard look at every window in the household and take note of air seeping through the seems. Also, it may just be time to update them. Bring in natural light in style! remodeling ideas

23. Get some New Light Switch Covers

Maybe you’ve just painted your walls, and Almond light switch covers just don’t seem to blend in with anything anymore. Or, you want to be quirky. There are tons of ideas and styles out there to add a gentle hue to your room. Make it your own! remodeling ideas   Wellborn Cabinets Shop

24. Put up a Skylight

Hands down one of my favorite remodeling ideas. If you’re a fan of natural light like I am then this is perfect for you. Bring the outside world in by installing one of these bad boys. I can promise you won’t regret it. remodeling ideas

25. Install New Cabinets

Want to really change the look of your kitchen? Bring in a batch of new kitchen cabinetry, and you’ll surely achieve that. Plus, we have lines from the most brilliant brands here at Builders Surplus like Wellborn, Waypoint, and our very own, Ginger Creek!  
Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation! Written by: Chris Chamberlain            

Simple Design Choices to Sell Your Home Quicker

design choices If you’re looking to sell your home, odds are you’re already feeling a bit overwhelmed. Figures roll around your head, you start to look at your home a little more closely, needing to repair this, needing to repair that. In all, putting your house on your market can (and should) give you a bit of perspective. I am, of course, referencing the flip-the-script mentality, a buyer’s perspective. It can be difficult using empathy and tying up the laces of someone else’s shoes, but all in all, you need not worry. Here are some design choices to make sure you sell your home as quick as possible and for more money. Check it out.

Bathroom Design Choices

design choices     Among the many areas in a household, an elegant bathroom can absolutely sway an opinion. Let’s break into that buyer’s perspective and use a bit of imagination. You’re touring a gorgeous home with a beautiful kitchen, elegant flooring, unique designs, nice color detail, and then you get to the bathroom, and that happy expression slides off your face instantly. Unappealing bathrooms makes a house less attractive because a buyer has to weigh in the cost and time of a remodel. Instantly. And they haven’t even closed on the house yet. It’s just one of those things. design choices   Tile-Shop-Ad On the other hand, a bathroom design such as the one above boosts you home’s value drastically. According to Zillow, a “bathroom remodel of this type results in a $1.71 increase in home value for every $1.00 spent on the product.” See what I mean? The renovation can simply be done by adding a new bathroom sink and fixture, getting rid of the fiberglass shower and installing a brilliant shower tile. Vanities, light fixtures, and toilets are other simple additions that will turn a once “just-okay” bathroom into beautifully designed, welcoming-to-the-eye, one-of-a-kind bathroom. At Builders Surplus, we have beautiful in-stock vanities, design-oriented tile, and even freestanding tubs that are sure to awe to anyone!

Exterior Design Choices

 
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Blue house exterior with yellow door, new windows, flowers, plants, and covered porch area.

  I’ve written about it before, and I’ll write about it again – curb appeal is significant.  Whether a home buyer pairs with a realtor or decides to go the old fashioned way by scoping the neighborhoods, they are at some point in time going to pull up to the front of the house. Appearance is everything in this regard, and it’s important to realize this relatively early, so you can get started on a nice design. The options are endless. My opinion? It’s the safest best if you want to do something simple and easy. Focus on the front door. US news reports that if you do something as simple as painting or replacing, it can bring the highest return of any other project – whomping 96%!  The priority here is to heighten the aesthetics to your exterior. Make it new, make it fresh, and make it shine. design choices And if you’re looking for a company to meet those kind of demands, look no further but to Andersen doors. We carry them here at Builders Surplus, and trust us, they provide the best products – hands down. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, and you’d like to go with something a little more elaborate, we have some really outstanding French patio doors and an absolutely stunning iron door for an excellent price! See for yourself here.

Kitchen Design Choices

design choices   Wellborn-Shop-Ad Ah, the kitchen. The most prominent place in the house, so it’s easy to understand that there’s a certain care, a certain emphasis that should be placed on this space. Now, in terms of this post, I’m definitely not saying you need to completely destroy the kitchen and start from scratch. No, that’s overdoing it a little bit. We’re going with the simple take on things, remember. Updating certain aspects of your kitchen can go a long way. In fact, according to Zillow, a minor kitchen remodel could recoup 83.1% of your costs. An excellent number for your investment. The Zillow article also states that anything outdated can immediately turn buyer’s off. Luckily, there are a few adjustments you can make that can lead to a big payoff. design choices Something as simple as changing your kitchen cabinet hardware can make the style more relevant and intriguing. Another is switching your cabinets to improve design. Here at Builders Surplus, we have these simple design choices readily available. We carry awesome cabinet hardware from well-known brands like Top Knobs, Jeffrey Alexander, and Amerock! Looking for cabinets? Once again, nothing but the top (and affordable) lines at Builders Surplus. Contact one of our designers to learn more about our Wellborn and Waypoint cabinetry lines!
Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation! Written By: Chris Chamberlain

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

Easy DIY Decor Pieces to Refresh Your Bathroom Design

There are a plethora of little projects you can do yourself that can and will add to your bathroom design. Sure, a bathroom is full of accessories and hardware, but little knick-knacks can add character, and it gives you the ability to make your bathroom unique. Plus, they’re extremely fun to make, and you’ll definitely want to show them off somehow. So, why not your bathroom?
bathroom design

Add Shelves to Enhance Bathroom Design

Building shelves and stacking them vertically in your bathroom does a number of things. It allows for more storage space, which is usually great for any sized bathroom, for one. But it also relieves you of the look of unwanted wall space, adding a bit of character to an otherwise plain wall. Also, you don’t necessarily have to stack cosmetics on them, either. If you have a themed bathroom, use the shelves to decorate and emphasize your theme by filling them with tiny decorations!
bathroom design

Introduce Some New Lighting

There’s nothing wrong with a little more lighting in your bathroom, especially if you have elements in your design that are screaming to be emphasized. If you have a large vanity, consider hanging some lights such as these! Drape them in the corners, so they’re out of the way and create a better looking ambiance in your bathroom. It’s as simple as finding a fixture that fits your design and running a bit of wire. Well worth it for a look such as this one, and it adds to functionality as well!
bathroom design

Make a Clever Sign using Bold Typography

Whether it’s a quote, a family inside joke, or just merely a word, making a clever sign is an excellent added feature for a bathroom design! You can get creative with the type of style, too! A rustic looking sign or maybe something more modern looking? Whatever it is, this idea gives you the ability to truly make your bathroom design your own!
bathroom design

Paint an Accent Wall

Now, truly, I’ve never even thought about doing this before, because it’s such a small space, but it really does add to the design, making it pop out a bit. This is an excellent idea for those that don’t want the traditional one color, neutral kind of design and would rather go with something quirky and fun…like an accent wall. Honestly, out of this list, I deem this one my favorite. Simple, easy (if you don’t mind painting like I do) and can make quite a change of appearance for such a minimal effort.
bathroom design

Make a Collage

Maybe you’re a collector of magazine cutouts, or photographs of animals, or you just have a bunch of stuff that you’re relatively sentimental about and want to flaunt it somewhere, but there’s no room in your bedroom. Ta-dah! You now have a place to put it. Okay, okay, it may seem a little quirky, but I think it’s kind of fun. You could decorate a wall with a bunch of photos of your friends, loved ones, the little ones in the family. I think as far as decorations go, the bathroom is a space that is extremely underrated. In fact, in every decorated bathroom I’ve been into, I’ve had to compliment the owner because it truly is a rarity.
bathroom design

A Breath of Fresh Air

Add some vegetation to the mix, and breathe in that fresh oxygen! Seriously, adding some plants into your bathroom is actually a pretty neat idea. For one, when was the last time you walked into someone’s home and you saw a natural-green plant soaking up some sun rays. Yeah, me either. Fancy restaurants are one thing, but rarely in someone’s home.
bathroom design

Create your Own Bathroom Towel Rack

Much like the clever sign, you can use the same approach and build your own towel rack. Grab a few pieces of wood of your choosing, fasten them together, stain it, pain it, or leave it! Hardest part is making sure you hit a couple of studs behind the wall, and there you have it! A cost-effective way of holding your towels, and all in a decorative fashion.
candles

Design Your Own Candle Holders

It’s no secret that candles and bathrooms go hand-in-hand right? Why not make yourself some cool-looking candle holders using your own design? It’s simple, easy-to-make and will work brilliantly with a fresh soothing scent!
 
Now, there’s a whole realm of ideas to work with, so don’t be afraid to explore your own creative outlet! It’s in my hopes that these 8 ideas did their job in sparking you with some inspiration for your bathroom design. The next time you look to enhance a room in your house, don’t overlook the bathroom, and remember these ideas. Add some character, get creative, and make it your own!
 


Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
 
Written By: Chris Chamberlain
 
 
 
 

The Top Knobs by Top Knobs

Hola! Alright, so today we’re going to talk a little bit about cabinetry accessories and how easy it is to upgrade your entire kitchen or bathroom in the smallest way – knobs. It’s insane to think about how this one little item, most often barely the size of a ping pong ball, can completely change the look and feel of cabinet design. More specifically, I’d like to look at the top knobs by Top Knobs, a company with a plethora of unique, decorate cabinet hardware, complete with style and design.
 

Top Knobs – Transitional Style

 
Top Knobs
 
 
 
 
 

top_knobs4On the Top Knobs blog page, they’ve recently written about a project they just finished up for a family that lives in Washington D.C. The pictures you see above is the finished product, and this pull directly above it is what they used. Characterized as a Transitional Design (a mixture of Traditional and Contemporary styles),  the Pennington pull bar has a sleek finish to it, and as you can tell, really pulls off the modern look of the family’s rowhouse kitchen. The elegance and richness of the pull bar blends so well with the color and cabinet design. One of my favorite things about this company is that it’s in no way narrow-minded. Yes, their company is promptly labeled “Top Knobs,” but they offer other variations, like this one, giving homeowners plenty of options to choose from.
 

Top Knobs – Contemporary Style


 
 
 

 
 

 
After perusing around the Top Knobs website and blog, which by the way could be a huge time suck if you’re interested, I have to say that my personal favorite is the Traditional style. Featured above is their Aspen II collection, and I think it’s brilliant. One of the main characteristics of the contemporary style is its sleek design, and that is fully displayed in this beautiful collection. The twig pull (pictured right above) is downright fantastic! Notice this design is complimented greatly by the color of the cabinetry. I’d say this design and collection would go great with darker toned cabinets, allowing this design to literally shine. I have a plan to flip a house in the next couple of years, and let me tell ya, I’ll most definitely be looking into this Aspen collection.
 

Top Knobs – Traditional Style

 

 

 
See, this is another thing I love about Top Knobs – they’re so creative! The first knob in the above pictures sports a traditional design, but a contemporary finish. And the result is spectacular, isn’t it? This classic style is often known as “old world,” which is exactly how this company refers it to. This kind of design has been around for a millennia, withstanding the test of time. The inspiration for this certain style is derived from architecture that has lasted through the ages. Think of Greek and Roman architecture, and you can definitely see the similarities. The picture right above features the usual traditional style of handles. I think these would work perfectly with antique-styled cabinetry. It would be the icing on the cake to give off that real, authentic Victorian look.
 

Top Knobs

This is a company that has been heavily recognized throughout the interior design industry. It’s been featured in many publications and has been awarded numerous times for its outstanding innovation and superior design. What I’ve given is merely a glimpse of what this company has to offer. Literally all of their collections boasts of beautiful design work and creativity. There’s one thing that is abundantly clear when it  comes to the entire company and its sophisticated product – there’s hundreds of choices and they’re all the right one.
 


 
Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
 
Written by: Chris Chamberlain
 

Choosing Wall Tile to Match Bathroom Vanities

Hola! Alright, so you have your brand new, fresh-out-of-the-wrapping bathroom vanity. It’s placed properly, fastened tight to the interior wall, and maybe you’ve even hooked up the plumbing to the sink along with the countertop. In essence, you’ve never been more excited to wash your hands before in your life. After doing so, that next thought springs into your head, the next step to really put that finishing touch on your vanity – what wall tile will look best? Well, luckily, I’m here to tell you of a couple of options to choose from. And it can be as simple (or as complex) as you’d like it to be!
 

Contrasting Light Tile to Dark Vanity

If you really want to accentuate your vanity, I’d suggest going with a light-colored tile. The pictures above demonstrate how a lighter tile can make your vanity pop, giving it the proper attention it needs. Contrast in any design platform plays with a viewer’s eyes a bit and is perfect for redirecting or emphasizing a particular piece. Notice how the wall tile from the picture on the left contains smaller dark tiles, as well. We’ll get to this a bit later, but it brings out the darker tone of the vanity, giving a nice blend to the whole bathroom. The picture in the middle sports a classy white tile, and the vanity’s contrast sets it apart, but it works! Never be afraid in the effects of contrast. It adds visual interest and appeals to the eye. Uniformity and blending definitely has its perks, but this design element is simply too attractive to dismiss. Literally.
 
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A Blending of Colors

Sometimes going with the grain just makes sense. As you can see, the pictures above exemplify that statement perfectly. Matching wall tile with the color of your vanity gives your bathroom design a sense of unity and can make for a stunning visual effect. The first picture displays a marvelous, antique-style vanity. The soft brown hue of the wall tile allows the entire display to streamline the eye’s focus in unison. In essence, it’s a beautiful blend of style and color. The picture in the middle is my personal favorite, though. But I’m a sucker for the natural pine stain color, so there’s no surprise there. Notice how the wall tile really hones that color in and makes it shine. Now, earlier I told you how a wall tile can bring out a color in a vanity. The picture on the right is a prime example of how a subtle blend between the vanity and wall color can make your primary color jump out at you! Like an exclamation point. At Builder’s Surplus, we offer a cast of tile brands that will help you pull of this look. We’ll help you in the design process and make sure your vision becomes a reality.
 
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The Products to Choose

Daltile is one of the best products in the business, in my opinion, but you don’t have to take my word for it. You’ve just glanced at their product, and I’m willing to bet you liked what you saw. But, see, that’s the thing about Daltile – there’s so much to choose from. I think we can all agree that when it comes to home restoration/renovation, variety is essential, right? Daltile’s selection is bar none, yes, but it’s the quality that really sets this product from the rest. Established since 1947, the company has acquired a tremendous reputation for their innovative ideas, and it’s directly reflected in their designs. And you know what the best part is? This awesomely legit product is available through special order at Builders Surplus. Come talk to us in person or set something up so we can get things rolling on your bathroom remodel! You can do so here. 
 


Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written by: Chris Chamberlain
 
 

Affordable Style: Cultured Marble Vanity Tops

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Hey everyone! This is LeighAnne and today we’re going to be discussing the benefits and affordable styles of cultured marble vanity tops. Natural stone has a long tradition of being the first choice among homeowners and designers but it can often be expensive and exceed your budget. However, with its elegant appearance and refined style, cultured marble is a sensible choice and a true bargain that won’t sacrifice beauty or durability. Whether you are designing or building a home or you are a landlord trying to decide on the most efficient bathroom materials, read on to discover why we believe cultured marble vanity tops are such a reliable and affordable choice.

Cultured marble vanity tops are less expensive to install yet they will increase the overall value of your home.

 

What is Cultured Marble?

Cultured Marble Vanity Tops at Builders Surplus in Louisville and Newport Kentucky
Cultured marble is an intricate blend of stone particles and resins that are combined with color pigments to produce a range of colors and natural looking patterns. Cultured marble is cast in molds after being mixed to create specific pieces such as bathtubs, sinks, countertops, backsplashes, moldings, trim, shower walls and shower pans.

Many Styles and Shapes of Cultured Marble Vanity Tops:

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Bathroom vanity tops made from cultured marble can be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes. The possibilities of design and style are endless. This is an added element of versatility that isn’t found with other natural materials. Cultured marble consist of a combination of polyester resins that are mixed with marble dust and pigments. Once all of these are blended, the mixture is poured into a clear, gel-coated mold in whatever shape or size you desire and then left to set. As a result of this process, our designers can work with you to create just about any shape or size can be custom made to fit your needs.




Cultured Marble Vanity Tops Available in Any Color:

Cultured Marble Vanity Tops at Builders Surplus in Louisville and Newport Kentucky
In its natural state, cultured marble is off-white but adding a few drops of color can result in blended marble tones that capture the beauty and texture of nature. You can customize the colors by adding any color you can imagine, such as grey, blue, brown, yellow or a combination of many colors. One of our most popular cultured marble vanity top styles is a simplistic yet elegant white on white swirl that hints at a touch of color and accentuates the rich look of luxury. For those needing more color, we also offer Sandy Beach, a neutral tan color that coordinates with any bathroom style or design and is available in a single or double vanity top. With the creative freedom to choose from endless options, cultured marble vanity tops can provide the ultimate look in decor and design.

Maintaining and Caring For Cultured Marble Vanity Tops:

Cultured Marble Vanity Tops at Builders Surplus in Louisville and Newport Kentucky
Natural stone is porous and soaks up liquids very easily so it must be cleaned using specific cleaning products. In addition to requiring careful cleaning and limitations in cleaning products, natural stone also runs a risk of being stained or damaged from liquid setting in. Since cultured marble vanity tops consist of a gel coat on the outside that acts as a protective layer, it is much more durable and versatile. The outside gel layer creates a non-porous layer that results in cultured marble vanity tops that are extremely tough and resistant to stains, mildew and chips. Cultured marble can be easily cleaned with most cleaning supplies and simply need to be wiped down in order to maintain its beauty and shine.




How Does Cultured Marble Compare In Value to Natural Stone?

Cultured Marble Vanity Tops at Builders Surplus in Louisville and Newport Kentucky
Cultured marble makes any bathroom a place of beauty with the look of natural stone at a more affordable price. When you compare the price points between natural stone and cultured marble, you are faced with two completely different figures resulting in cultured marble vanity tops being the most cost-effective choice to install. The bottom line is that cultured marble vanity tops are less expensive to create and install yet they will increase the overall value of your home just as natural stone will.
 
As you can see, there are multiple benefits of choosing cultured marble as a vanity top because it is an economic alternative to natural stone. We carry a wide range of cultured marble vanity top options (purchase includes a sink bowl) at both our Louisville store and our Newport store.  Come into our showroom and see for yourself how cultured marble vanity tops are an affordable, easy to care for option to quickly upgrade your bathroom without breaking your budget.
 
Written By: LeighAnne Turner


Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

How To Install a Quartz Vanity Top & Undermount Sink

 


Hi! I’m Allie and I’m here at Builders Surplus. Today, I’m going to show you how to install your own under-mount sink and vanity top on a bathroom vanity. The products that we’re going to be using are:


Click picture for more INFO!

 

 

Step 1: Add Silicon to Vanity Top

Flip over vanity top so that it lays face down. Be careful, as it can be heavy. You will then fill the caulking gun with the kitchen & bath silicon (can be purchased in either of our locations). You will then apply a bead of silicon to the outer edge of the sink opening. You don’t want to put too much, but do apply a generous amount.
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Step 2: Apply Under Mount Sink

The next step will be to take your under mount sink and lay it face down on the opening that you have just covered in silicon. Do your best to make sure it lines up as evenly as possible. We are going to give it some pressure for just a couple of minutes. This is to let it adhere better to the silicon. *Optional: You may use 2 of the included clamps on opposite ends of the sink for additional support if you do not have 24 hours to let it dry face down. You will need to screw them in the pre-drilled holes securely. If you let it dry for 24 hours, using these clamps are not required.*

 

 

Step 3: Secure Faucet to Vanity

Now that you sink is secured to your vanity top, you are ready to attach your faucet. First, you will take the washer and screw off of your faucet. Take bottom of the faucet through the center, pre-drilled hole in your vanity top. You will then take your washer and slide it over top of the brass pole on the bottom of the faucet. Then, take your screw and screw it on to the brass pole as well. You can hand tighten this, or use a wrench, whatever you feel most comfortable with. Now that we have your vanity top and sink fully put together, we will now apply it to the vanity.

Step 4: Apply Vanity Top to Bathroom Vanity

Now that we are ready to adhere the completed vanity top to vanity, you will need to pull out your caulking gun and kitchen & bath silicon. Apply a thick bead of silicon to all 4 sides of the bathroom vanity. Now that we are done preparing the vanity, you will most likely need to find someone to help you get the vanity top on. They can be heavy, and you need to make sure you can lift it high enough that the faucet pipes will clear the back of the bathroom vanity. You will align it as best you can. Let it adhere for 24 hours before moving it again.


There you have it! A perfectly functional bathroom vanity with a new vanity top and under mount sink. Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done and run that water with pride! You’re now a DIY Dominator! Check back weekly for more great articles, DIY’s and How-To’s from the Builders Surplus team!



Builders Surplus is a full service remodeling company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, which comes as a free service to our clients. We sell building supplies ranging from unused surplus, to first quality in stock, to high end custom order and everything in between. We also provide measurement and full installation services. Our core products consist of kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities (single vanities and double vanities), interior doors, exterior doors, sinks, faucets, granite countertops, quartz countertops, laminate countertops, windows, and more! If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. Happy Remodeling! Written By: Allie Bloyd

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

Jack and Jill Bathrooms & Kids Bath Design

Jack and Jill bathrooms are a great option, especially for large families. The idea behind this design is that one bathroom serves two bedrooms while allowing people to come and go as they like. A Jack and Jill bathroom usually includes separate sinks or a double vanity, but the users share the bath, shower and toilet areas. They make sense when private bathrooms for each bedroom are not physically or financially an option.

 

Jack and Jill bathrooms usually includes separate sinks or double vanities but users share a bath, shower and toilet areas.

 

Jack and Jill Bathroom SInks
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PRIVACY

 By giving each kid equal access to the bathroom from two different bedrooms, no one is able to lay claim on the bathroom and they are able to have their privacy. You can ensure privacy by putting locks on both doors from the bathroom side and the bedroom side. Since the bathroom can be locked from either side, the bedrooms still remain separate and private. And having those locks mean the bath can be made private as well.

 

Jack and Jill Bathroom in Cool Blue Theme

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Double Vanities For Jack and Jill Bathrooms

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CREATIVITY

Jack and Jill bathrooms are one of the best places to let a kid’s imagination go wild. Let each kid customize their area with items that best reflect his or her personality. If they are allowed to create their own space by picking things out or decorating in their style, it will feel more personalized to each of them. They may prefer to choose a theme or favorite character that they love or they may just stick with designs that feature abstract shapes, stripes or polka dots. Tile and backsplash offer many creative ways to add color, pattern and style to a Jack and Jill bathroom, not to mention it’s easy to wipe down and maintain.

 

Double Vanities in Jack and Jill Bathrooms

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SEPARATE BUT EQUAL

You can make sharing easier by making sure each kid has their own bathroom accessories in addition to having their own sink or vanity. This separate but equal approach presents kids with an opportunity to create their own space and take responsibility for taking care of it.  It is important to create enough space for each kid to have separate storage areas where they can keep their towels, toiletries and belongings apart from one another.

 

Towel holder suggestions for Jack and Jill Bathroom
One of the first things kids want to establish is what colors they prefer. Kid’s bathrooms tend to be much more colorful with wall paint, wallpaper and even decals to embellish the creative vibe. Bright colors are popular with kids, especially those bold primary colors.

 

Jack and Jill Double Sink Mounts

Click Image To Shop Tile

 

There are also many options to explore for adding decor to the walls of a Jack and Jill bathroom. There are many DIY prints that you can customize and frame that personalize the character of each individual kid. You can also include creative ways to encourage your kids to stay on top of brushing their teeth. One of the best projects I did with my kids was this DIY dinosaur toothbrush holder.

 

dinosaur toothbrush holder
Be sure to take photos and send them to us if you do decide to create a Jack and Jill bathroom in your home. We would absolutely love to see your work and efforts in designing your home.
To read more on bathroom design, consider:

 

Builders Surplus is a full service remodeling company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, which comes as a free service to our clients. We sell building supplies ranging from unused surplus, to first quality in stock, to high end custom order and everything in between. We also provide measurement and full installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. Happy Remodeling!

 
Written By: LeighAnne Turner