Life Is Good When You’ve Got Tile That Looks Like Wood!

I know my father wants wood look tile, he just doesn’t know it yet. My dad constantly gripes about how he has a hardwood entrance to the house but that the rest of it is carpet. He says he’d much rather have hardwood throughout. He also gripes about the cost, and maintenance, and this, that and the other when it comes to the possibility of hardwood. So I’ve come to the conclusion that all he really just wants is the look of hardwood! Well, because I work at Builders Surplus I’ve let him in on the secret. He can have the look of hardwood throughout his home without all of the hassle!

Well, what exactly is this secret stuff?

The secret is Wood Look Tile! It’s made from porcelain or ceramic and can stand up to just about everything that natural hardwood can’t! Thanks to modern technology the detail that is put into the process of creating this style of tile is that it mirrors the look and feel of real hardwood so accurately that even experts are sometimes stumped.

How durable is this ‘wood look tile’?

Wood-look tile can stand up to just about anything that hardwood can and even some things that natural hardwood cannot. For instance, did you know you can put wood look tile in your bathroom and your basement (try that with natural hardwood. Blech.)! Tile doesn’t need to acclimate and it stands up to water much better than other types of flooring, so you’ll never have to worry about it warping or rotting. This stuff is also very easy to clean and maintain! Sure, a well maintained, a real hardwood floor can last you 100 years or more, but on that same note, a tile that is taken care of properly will last you the same timeframe if not longer!

However, porcelain is porous so you will want to clean any spills up quickly or you will run the risk of staining the surface of the tile.

What does it cost?

This is the question that everyone wants the answer to and, actually, it runs fairly comparable to natural hardwood. Some hardwood is less expensive, just like some hardwoods are more expensive than it’s tile doppelgänger. The price of real hardwood will depend on it’s finish and especially on the rarity of the wood being used, with tile you’re main expense is going to be brand and size of the tile.

Will I like the look of tile just as much as real hardwood?

I’m willing to bet that you will! You’ll hear others snicker that wood look tile doesn’t feel like real wood and that the grout that is sometimes used to place the tile ruins the illusion. Daltile wrote a short piece to dispel these myths about wood look tile, check it out if you’re having any doubts.
The other part of this question that isn’t stated is ‘will I like the color(s) offered?’ Again, this answer is yes. Like I said earlier, technology has come so far when creating the look of wood on tile that not only do they use multiple images of wood grain to make sure the pattern isn’t repeated over and over again on a noticeable level, they can make the wood look like just about any color or wood type that you can imagine. There are tiles that reflect a lighter, smooth wood look similar to pine and there are other tiles that have a dark color with a rough texture like distressed barn wood.

Shop around our own selection and you’ll be able to see exactly what I am talking about. We have many styles in stock, ready to take home, as well as other styles of wood look tile that we can custom order for your specific flooring renovation project!

At Builders Surplus, we’re a friendly renovation company that’s here to help you with all your home improvement needs. We’ve got two convenient locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Florence, Kentucky, so we’re never too far away to lend a hand to our friends in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our specialties include interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, and building materials – we’ve got everything you need to create the home of your dreams! Best of all, our interior design services and measurements are always completely free for our clients.

No matter what your budget is, we’ve got building materials that will work for you. From unfinished kitchen cabinets to top-of-the-line Wellborn cabinets, we’ve got something for everyone. And if you’re looking for installation services, we’ve got you covered there too. Our team is always happy to answer any questions you may have, and we’d love to set up a free design consultation with one of our talented interior designers. We’re passionate about sharing our knowledge with our clients and potential home renovators, which is why we regularly write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement on our website. So make sure to check back often for our latest article! We’re here to help you create the home of your dreams, so let’s get started today. Happy Renovation!

Written By: Kat Updated by Todd 2023

October 25, 2019

5 Renovation Mistakes You Cannot Afford To Make

Anyone who has watched HGTV has seen plenty of renovation mistakes. Any renovation is an undertaking–ask every contractor and every homeowner that has been part of a remodel. From the accidents that can occur to the ever-growing budget, taking on a reno project requires time, dedication, sweat, and patience. From our experts to you, we have come up with the list of five renovation mistakes you cannot afford to make!

Low-Balling the Budget

Surprises are going to happen. Sometimes they are good: like finding original hardwood floors underneath the carpet in pristine condition. Sometimes they are horrifying: like finding asbestos in your home’s walls. While installing backsplash, you might damage the wall and have to replace some of the drywall. Peeking inside the drywall, you could find electrical issues. Then, the next thing you know, you’re dealing with more than just installing backsplash. We suggest setting aside 15% of the total project cost (potentially more for older homes) for unexpected expenses. This is your safety net in the event that unforeseen issues occur. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t break the bank at the first sign of the unexpected.

Floor Drains: the Laundry Room Essential

This is one of the renovation mistakes that you may not consider. A laundry room drain is required by code in most areas, but some people still omit it. If there is ever a break in your washing machine hose, you’ll flood your house. A floor drain directs the water into your home’s main drain system. And please, do not try a DIY installation. This can turn into another one of our renovation mistakes. You will absolutely need a professional plumber, but again, you’ll have peace of mind, as flood insurance is not covered by most basic homeowner’s insurance plans.

Granite, Granite, Granite

Of course, it is popular, but granite isn’t the only option for the kitchen. Renovators could choose a different material for the countertops that can save tons of money in the kitchen! Our non-granite picks: butcher block, plate steel, or a nice laminate for those who don’t necessarily have the budget for premium marble or granite. Explore the options that will work best for your family to avoid regret down the road. Don’t break your budget trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Hidden Gems

Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t useful. A bathroom membrane system (which goes under tile) prevents popping and cracking, and keeps water from getting into the substructure. Think about it: If you’re spending $15,000 on a bathroom, spend an extra $1,000 to ensure you’ll never have a mold problem. This is one of those renovation mistakes that could end up costing big bucks down the line.

Floored: Ultimate Renovation Mistakes

Most contractors typically buy 20% extra flooring since it is prone to cuts and breakage during installation. There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to find an exact match if you need to order more during a long remodeling project. Most retailers often let you return unopened boxes for a refund, so you shouldn’t get stuck with too much material. It’s also nice to have extra in case of damage down the road. If you suffer and water damage (especially in the kitchen) or a pet scratches deeply or has an accident that stains, you’ll be glad you did.

For more tips on avoiding costly remodeling mistakes, download our FREE Home Reno 101 Checklist and sign-up for our newsletter, which has the latest tips and tricks, design trends, special offers, and expert knowledge on renovations!

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: KH

October 18, 2019

Backsplash Ideas For Your Kitchen Style!

Today, we’ll be offering up some of the best backsplash ideas for your kitchen that are on the scene this season. Backsplash is the best accessory that you can add to your kitchen to make it unique or give it a real wow factor, so choosing the right tile for you is crucial. In the past, backsplash has been limited to certain shapes, materials, or sizes. Well, the past is in the past, because today, you can use virtually ANY tile choice you please and make it your own, if done the right way of course. Here are some of our favorite picks in no particular order that may be somewhat unconventional, but definitely memorable.

1. Ledger Stone Backsplash Ideas

This ledger stone is called Gold Rush, and we offer this in stock, every day. There are 6 different color variations, but the result with all of them is the same: unique, rough around the edges, while still looking high class. It works perfectly with the rustic or craftsman style. Ledger stone backsplash ideas are some of my favorites, because they aren’t overdone & are not seen on a very regular basis, making them even more unique.

2. Arabesque Pattern Backsplash

The arabesque pattern backsplash is probably one of my very favorites in this list. It looks elegant, somewhat vintage, and also works with the farmhouse or rustic vibe when used appropriately. The unique shape catches your eye and keeps your interest. Definitely a more feminine choice, but I have known men that are fond of it as well! We offer the Arabesque Antique White in store as one of our in stock backsplash options, found here.

3. Brick Tile Backsplash Options

This red brick is actually a TILE, making it that much more appealing! Brick is hot right now, and brick backsplash ideas are gorgeous! It works for both males and females in the industrial style, rustic style, farmhouse style, or even the traditional style. The fact that it’s a tile makes it fairly easy to install, and while this is a custom order product from our store, it has a very short lead time. This Capella Red Brick Tile is definitely a winner in my opinion.

4. Large Tile “Flooring” Backsplash Ideas

This is a definitely a recent trend. People are no longer sticking to the basic, small, backsplash tile to complete their kitchen. Today, it is becoming quite common to take a typical floor tile and install it as your backsplash. This grey backsplash is extremely versatile in terms of color palettes that will match and styles that it will coordinate with. We offer a large selection of this type of tile in store, as well as in our custom order options. To see our in stock tile selection, click here.

5. Traditional Subway Tile With a Twist

Subway tile backsplash is one of the most classic and commonly used backsplash ideas. There are many colors to choose from in several different materials, but this is a new twist on an old favorite. The tiles are no longer flat, but have a wavy texture to them that gives it a “handmade” look. We love it and so far, our customers have too!

6. Textured Pebble Stone Backsplash

Click Photo To View Product

This is one of the most surprising of the backsplash ideas, in my opinion. This is typically not a tile that you see used for backsplash in kitchens. I have seen this in many bathrooms, on the floors of showers, etc, but it is so gorgeous in the photo above! It gives it a very zen feeling. That, paired with the neutrals of black quartz countertops and white shaker cabinets, make it a neutral, peaceful kitchen that most people would love to have!

7. Bright Colored Glass Mosaic

Click Photo To View Image

This is another one of the backsplash ideas that has been primarily used in bathrooms up until recently. The shimmery, bright, glass mosaic tile makes a big statement and gives the kitchen a colorful pop! These are typically best suited with neutral colored cabinets. This blue tile is another of our in stock options in our Cincinnati / Newport location, as well as our Louisville, Ky location.

8. Geometric Patterned Backsplash

Carrara marble backsplash is a popular choice, and has been for years. It is the ultimate in luxury and style. However, the shapes that this gorgeous stone is being made into have definitely changed over the years. The geometric and hexagon shapes are extremely popular right now, in any material, but pair that with the classic elegance of marble, and you’ve definitely got a winner on your hards. Any kitchen would be so lucky to be graced by its presence.

9. Mixed Metals Mosaics

Click Photo To View Product

Mixing metals with glass mosaics is a great new trend that we love! It adds a bit of shine and glam without being overly girly. The backsplash above is a great choice for men and women alike. It is definitely a great choice for modern and contemporary styles. Get more ideas for other metal backsplash ideas here.

10. Bead Board Backsplash

Bead board is such a simple, classic piece that can go in virtually every room of your home. The rise of the farmhouse style has definitely increased the use of bead board. This is one of the most simple ideas that adds a very lovely touch to whatever space you add it to, which in this case would be your kitchen. This is custom order option available in our store that will make your favorite room stand out in the crowd while adding a cozy, home grown feel.

We hope yo have enjoyed our list of the top 10 backsplash ideas for your kitchen! If you have questions on any of the backsplash options that we offer, or would like help with design and installation, please reach out to us and we will be happy to help! Thanks for reading and don’t forget to like, share and pin away! Please sign up for our newsletter to receive great content on a bi-weekly basis.

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 designerswe would encourage you to do so. Happy Remodeling!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

September 25, 2019

Bathroom Vanity Material – Pros and Cons

Bathroom Vanity Materials – Pros and Cons

Choosing the perfect bathroom vanity is tough enough as it is, but when you factor in bathroom vanity materials, it becomes even tougher. Whether you’re fully renovating your bathroom layout or simply updating your decor, you will need to consider what is best for you, your home and your wallet – long term. No one renovates or updates to come back and do it again in a year or two. While choosing the first cheap, attractive vanity you see may seem like a no brainer, it would do you well do do a little research (or just read this article!).

In vanities or cabinets, you will most often find Solid Wood, Plywood, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), or Particle Board as the material listed. It can be confusing as to what you need to base your decisions on. Obviously price and durability are the most important. While ALL vanities work, they may not ALL work for YOU. Your daily hygiene habits and design choices can play a part in what will hold up best in your bathroom. Let’s look at a Comparison.

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Most Common Bathroom Vanity Materials

Bathroom Vanity Material – Particle board

Composite sheet material made by combining wood particles with glue and then heated and pressed into sheets
Classified by particle size and overall density
Some particle board is stronger than others

Pros

Price; cost less to produce and less to buy
Can be covered with wood veneer, melamine, or laminate

Cons

Sags over extended period of time and under the weight of solid surface countertops, such as granite or quartz.
VERY easily damaged by water, and most importantly, steam

You may not realize how much steam comes into contact with your vanity. Every time you shower, take a bath, or even have the hot water running for more than a few seconds, your vanity is subject to the steam. This will cause the material to break down, and you will need a replacement.

The photo below is of a water damaged particle board vanity

For this reason, we do not use particle board for our bathroom vanity materials at either of our retail locations. While profit margins might be higher, we value our clients and want their purchases to last as long as humanly possible.

Bathroom Vanity Material – MDF:

Engineered wood composite similar to particle board, but denser and stronger
Compressed using tiny bits of wood, for a long time and at high temperatures

Pros

Price
Smooth surface
No knots or splinters around edges
Takes paint extremely well; custom cabinet or vanity makers won’t want to paint real wood due to the cracking of the paint

Cons

High maintenance (not easily repairable if chipped or cracked)
Exposure to water causes swelling
Glue within makes it difficult to sink nails or screws
Cannot be stained

Plywood

Plywood is made from veneers of wood glued into layers that form sheets. Like particle board, these bathroom vanity materials come in a variety of thicknesses and qualities.

On the low-end, soft woods, quick dry glues, and voids can be often found between the layers. This plywood is usually coated with a plastic that has a wood grain pattern applied because the wood they use isn’t very attractive and may not finish well.

On the high end however, it is a very attractive wood and a truly solid choice (no pun intended) for your bathroom vanity. It VERY rarely will degrade.

Cautions:

While you want to be cautious of water damage with all types of woods, high end plywood has a pretty high success rate in terms of holding up for a long period of time.

Some people question a vanity that has plywood on the sides or back, and wonder if solid wood would be a better choice? In reality, it’s not. The plywood will be more stable over the long run than solid wood. That is because the plywood will not move due to moisture/humidity/temperature changes like solid wood does.

If covered in veneer, it will be as stable as the plywood and will not chip/peel except under unusual circumstances. In that case, it would effect real wood in the same way. Plywood is a great choice for bathroom vanity materials, which is why we carry them in our stores.

Solid Wood:

While nothing really compares with solid wood in most projects, it actually is not ALWAYS the best choice for a bathroom vanity. Solid wood comes in two variations; solid wood (all natural real wood) and solid hardwood.

Durability:

Solid hardwood is the most durable wood material and is made from woods like oak, cherry and maple. Solid wood has the tendency to shrink and expand as humidity changes. Expansion can cause cracks in the painted finish and also warping (in extreme cases).

Benefits:

Real wood is porous in nature so it will absorb water molecules in the air. However, I won’t dare say that real wood is a bad material. It’s been used for centuries and is still the preferred option by many contractors and builders. The strength and durability of solid wood is why many choose to go with wood bath vanities, so it really depends on what you find most important. By keeping humidity in control, most homeowners won’t have any problems with this beautiful material. It works best with a natural or stained finish, as opposed to paint.

Happy Remodeling!

Want to learn more about bathroom remodeling?

June 10, 2019

How The Right Bathroom Layout Can Save You Money!

Today I’d like to discuss an aspect of planning that gets overlooked in a bathroom remodel: Bathroom Layout Options. When it comes to the design, you need to know your layout, first and foremost. The size, fixed plumbing, vanity size you’ll need, and so on. Allow me to dive in a few bathroom layout options! We’ll cover small, medium, and master bath options to make you aware of everything you should consider before breaking ground. Let’s get to it them.

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Planning a Bathroom Layout

Before we start looking at some of the more popular bathroom layout options, let’s go over what we need to consider first, shall we? Again, the most important step in any remodeling process is planning. Get all of your ducks in a row, so to speak, meaning, hone your vision and then act on it. Have a good basis of what you want to achieve before setting up your design appointment, measurements, what you like, dislike, etc. That way, when it’s time, everything is decided and ready for action.

Size: Define what you’re working with first and accommodate. Are you remodeling the main bathroom in the living area, small/family bathroom upstairs, or the master bath, full of space and opportunity? Your layout, you’ll find, is contingent on the amount of space you have.

Privacy: In understanding that this isn’t the customary approach, it’s one I am quite fond of, having designed and installed some myself. If you have space, make some sort of barrier between the entrance and the toilet, for privacy’s sake. Apparently, there are studies show that hiding the toilet from sight “can make a big difference mentally.”

Note A privacy panel of tempered glass atop a half wall, for example.

Vanity: This also depends on space, but you need to know what size vanity you’d like. Are there going to be two people sharing this bathroom, would you like his or her sinks, or maybe you just need a single vanity? Save some space and possibly put a separate “getting ready” station next to it, another grooming station, if you will. All things to consider.

Shower/Bath: Walk-in showers are all the rage in the industry. They maximize space, emphasize luxury, and are incredibly appealing for resale. If you have space, the perfect layout, to me, would be a beautiful, walk-in, tiled shower accompanied by a freestanding tub, either set in the middle or niched in a space. For less spacious bathrooms, many homeowners are just going for the walk-in. As long as you have a tub somewhere in the house, you’re good for resale.

Plumbing: When you start moving plumbing around, your labor costs skyrocket. If you can manage it, try to layout your design with the existing plumbing. It could literally save you thousands.

Popular Bathroom Layout Options

So there’s this term called “wet walls,” which means any wall that has plumbing on it, pretty much. The wall your shower, tub, sinks are located on. You should know that fewer wet walls mean lower cost because plumbing is not cheap, folks. If you’re looking for a low-budget bathroom, go with one wet wall. The only drawback is that you’re limited on your design in that way. A layout with plumbing in two walls is a bit more work, but it allows for a few options. A three wet wall design offers the most flexibility, but of course, can get costly.
I’ve detailed three of the most prominent bathroom layouts in bathroom design right now below! Use this as inspiration to gain a better understanding of what you’d like to do with your remodel!

Three-Quarters Style: Featuring one wet wall, all of the bathroom’s plumbing adheres to one wall, like a circuit of sorts. This saves labor and supply expenses, but you’re limited on design. Even so, with a bath and a sink, this is a pretty popular design for smaller areas.

Full Bath: As I stressed before, this is the most ideal. Having a shower in your bathroom with the option of a bath just covers most people’s wants and wishes. There’s usually room in this design for a double vanity, or as I mentioned before, an extra “grooming” station of the sort.

Storage Space: Two sinks extend out for an appealing entry, across from a linen closet. This design is centered storage for toiletries and cosmetics. Perfect for Master Baths, and as you can see, the Master closet in the above picture extends into the bathroom, shielding the toilet and providing just a little more privacy. Also features a walk-in shower!

If you’re ready for a full bathroom remodel, don’t start without speaking to one of our professional bathroom designers first! It’s FREE! Click here to get started!

April 10, 2019

Why A Freestanding Tub Could Change Your Life!

Ah, the freestanding tub. I can’t tell you how many people in my life have said, “I want one of those so bad,” but fail to tell me why. Well, today I’m going to talk about why these baths are so appealing and continue to be such a hot commodity. If you have one, fill it up, grab the iPad, and read along as you slowly nod your head in agreement. If you don’t have one, I can guarantee that by the end of this post, you’ll at least consider it if you haven’t already.

A Freestanding Tub WILL Relax You

There’s a reason why in every movie or show that has a scene with one of these bad boys, the actor/actress is super relaxed. Case in point, taking a bath in one of these tubs is simply soothing. Unlike the Jacuzzi tubs fitted with jets and streams, a freestanding tub is set in silence, allowing you to soak in the solace that will inevitably de-stress you. Pour a glass of wine, light a candle or two, fill up one of these wonders with warm water, climb in, and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.