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

How To Measure For Kitchen Countertops-Builders Surplus

How To Measure For Countertops

Hey, this is Todd Bauer with Builder Surplus. I’m going to take a quick moment to help you learn how to calculate square footage requirements for Granite and Quartz countertops.

I have a small kitchen layout here that I have drawn in and it kind of represents a typical L-shaped kitchen with an island.

I am going to walk you through quickly how to calculate out the number of square feet you’re going to need.

I’ve already done a little bit of pre-work here. In this particular layout, we have an L-shaped kitchen with a sink on this wall. Here a stove, an island and there’s your refrigerator.

There is going to be basically four calculations that we need to do in order to calculate your square footage. Let’s just dive right into it!

First of all, the length from the corner in this particular corner to the end of your current countertop you need to measure that. In my example, I have 120”. Countertops (by design) are roughly 25.5” deep so I’ve marked that here.

For the corner here, after we turned the corner and head down I want you to measure from the corner to where, in this case, the stove would begin, and I get a measurement in my diagram of 66”.

Stoves traditionally are 30” across. Yours should probably that way as well. In my example, this last piece is 48” wide.

My island currently is 36” deep by 60” long and that’s pretty standard for a small basic island.

Now the math. The first thing we’re going to do is calculate the number of square feet on the left leg of this L. If I take 120” and I multiply it by 25.5”, I’m going to calculate the number of square feet for this piece of the Land that’s perfect.

In my example over here, 120” x 25.5” = 3060 sq. inches. I am going to take you through the calculation to get square inches and then at the end we’re going to turn it into square feet.

For the second piece of the L, if you remember at the beginning, I noted that from the corner to the stove we have 66”. Now we’ve already taken 25.5” of that and we’ve accommodated for it on the left leg so we’re going to need to reduce the 66” by 25.5” and that’s going to get us to 40.5”. If we take our 40.5” which is the new distance from here to the stove and we multiply that by our 25.5”, we’re going to get 1032.75 square inches.

Piece C on the other side of the stove is 48” x 25.5” and that gets us 1224 square inches and then lastly, the island 60” x 36” multiply those two together to get us to 2160 square inches.

These numbers are large but they are going to get small really quick here.

Once you have your 4 pieces calculated I’d like you to just add them up and in my example, the total is 7476.75 square inches. Divide that by the number of square inches in one square foot and that’s 144”. You just take 12” x 12” to get 144” by dividing your total square inches by the square inches in one foot. You are going to get the number of square feet and in this example, we have 51.9 square feet.

That’s the number you need to bring with you when you come to Builder Surplus to get a calculation on how much it’s going to cost to replace your countertops.

The only other things I am going to have you note would be any cutouts. A cutout in this particular example is right here where I have a sink and that’s it for this particular one.

You may have a cooktop cut out but in my example, I have a stove so there is no cut. The only other thing that might be handy to bring with you would be if your island has an overhang where the granite or the quartz extend beyond the edge of the cabinets and how far is the overhang so that we can pretty much do the calculation here.

If your countertop island depth is 36” we’re calculating the overhang to be about 12” but just double-check and make sure and with that a little bit of information it’s that easy with the math that I’ve shown you today.

Maybe with a quick diagram and a calculator you’ll be able to come up with the number of square feet that you need for your countertops!

Schedule your FREE countertop consultation today with one of our experienced designers!

Happy Remodeling!

June 19, 2019

13 OURTRAGEOUS SILESTONE KITCHEN ISLANDS (3)

13 Outrageous Silestone Quartz Kitchen Islands

Want to see 13 gorgeous and outrageous Silestone quartz kitchen islands? An incredible island is not only a visual focal point for your kitchen, it's a gathering place for your family. It's form and function at it's finest. But who says kitchen islands have to be boring? Not these homeowners! Lets see these fun and funky designs, all made with Silestone Quartz.

What is Silestone, you might ask? In short, it's a combination of natural quartz and other raw materials that are extraordinarily hard and resilient. These characteristics combine to create an ideal surface for kitchen countertops, bathrooms, flooring and wall siding. It's scratch, stain and heat resistant and antibacterial. They have some of the most gorgeous colors on the market today!

Quartz is becoming the #1 countertop material and these islands showcase it in a BIG way!

13 Silestone Quartz Kitchen Islands - Fun Shapes & Bold Colors!

1. Amazon River and 2. Orange Fuego

1. Silestone Amazon River Quartz Island

2. Silestone Orange Fuego Quartz Island

In order to get an amazing kitchen island, you can either choose a unique shape, or a unique color, like the two choices above!

3 . Silestone Mesa Dreis Kitchen Island

3. Silestone Mesa-Dreis - Click to shop Silestone Countertops!

This unique island can easily sit 6 for your next casual dinner, but the look is anything but laid back! The black and red combination paired with the interesting edge shape make this island unforgettable!

Schedule Your FREE COUNTERTOP CONSULTATION!

4. Silestone Black and White Geometric Island

This incredible black and white waterfall kitchen island is beyond stunning. The shape is so out of the ordinary that guests can only stare at the beautiful form and countertop! A waterfall edge island alone is enough to turn heads, but add it with an upside down triangle attached to it and you've got a showstopper!

Would you ever have something like this in your home?

5. Silestone Polar Cap And Iron Ore

5. Silestone Polar Cap And Iron Ore - Click to shop silestone!

While this may be one of the more tame islands we showcase, it's gorgeous in it's own right! The levels make it ideal for eating and cooking at the same time, perfect to chat with the family after a long day.

6. Silestone Brunette Fraccaroli and Acqua Fraccaroli Two Toned Modern Island

Silestone Brunette-Fraccaroli-1-•-Acqua-Fraccaroli Tuca-Reines

Silestone Brunette Fraccaroli and Acqua Fraccaroli Countertops - Click here to shop Silestone Counertops!

This island is truly one of a kind! The double layers give it depth, the unique colors give it interest, and the interesting shape holds your eye! You can guarantee that no one would forget an island like this!

7. Crisp White Silestone Quartz Mega Island

This crisp white, double level island is the perfect place to food prep or sit. It's neutral color pairs nicely with the bold backsplash, wall and stove color, as well as the dark cabinets on the island itself!

8. Silestone Orange Fuego Cook Top Island

This modern quartz island is a chefs dream! The cooktop faces an open layout so that you can cook and entertain guests at the same time! The orange fuego color is BOLD, but life is about taking chances, right?

9. Silestone Fully Loaded Centerpiece Island

This LARGE island has got everything you need! Storage, cook top, sink and seating areas. Who could ask for more?

10. Silestone Cemento Spa Gathering Island

All I can say is WOW! This crips, clean kitchen has a super large curved island that fits the shape of the kitchen perfectly and allows you to interact with guests in a natural way, or eat with your family at every meal!

11. Silestone Black Waterfall Island

Silestone Marquina Waterfall Island - Click to shop Silestone!

This stunning island is one of my favorites on the list! It's such a huge contrast from the rest of the kitchen that it pops in the best way! The deep veining make a bold statement and the dark black is elegant and classic. The waterfall edge is always a luxurious feature!

12. Silestone Cemento Sana Vieira Cooler Island

SILESTONE CEMENTO-SANA-M-VIEIRA-SANTOS CARLOS-PIRATININGA

Can you say man cave? This is the perfect island to store all of your beer or cold wines! It has a much classier look that a basic white mini-fridge! Elevate the look of your party room with a fun island like this!

13. Silestone Haruo Mikami Kitchen Wide Island Set

This cool kitchen island almost looks like it belongs in an industrial kitchen! The size and setup are ideal for a professional chef, and because Silestone is antibacterial, you'll never even need a cutting board!

Which island is your favorite? Would you ever choose such a bold design? Let us know below or schedule your FREE Kitchen or Countertop design consultation below!

Schedule Your FREE COUNTERTOP CONSULTATION!

Builders Surplus is a discount remodeling retailer and service provider. We carry everything you could need for your kitchen, bathroom, windows, doors and floors! If you need installation, design or measuring services, we can handle that, too. We're the one stop shop for your remodel, and we make it as pain free as possible so that you get the most gorgeous remodel for the lowest price, with the least amount of stress! Call or visit us today to see how we can help on your next project!

November 20, 2018

Remodeling in Stages: Beat the Budget

Today, we're going to cover an incredible renovation strategy: How to remodel in stages to beat the budget.

If you have a ton you want to do, but not all the funds you need to do it, then this blog is for you.

If you're specifically interested in how to remodel a kitchen on a budget, click here when you're done reading this article.

Schedule Your FREE Kitchen & Bath Design Appointment!

Sit Down & Plan

It's always a good idea to have a game plan, although most people tend to wing it in a remodel. That's something you should NEVER do.

Many homeowners do a project here and a project there, only to realize that their next project requires that they rip up the one they just completed!

Hindsight is, as they say, twenty-twenty.

Once the idea hits that you're ready to remodel, it's time to sit and plan. If you want to beat the budget, this is seriously the first step. Detail exactly what you want, and try not to worry about money or finances. I know that' s easier said than done, but understand that there are several financing options available. First, you need to plan what you want and what you want to accomplish.

You want a kitchen remodel, right? Ask yourself what it looks like in the end and go from there. No one expects you to have every single facet or feature outlined, but it's a good idea to envision your ideal living space and go from there. Think big, narrow down later. Think you'll be surprised on what you can accomplish with a little bit of creativity and open-mindedness.

Beat the Budget: Remodel in Steps

Functionality: What's not Working?

Once you've planned your dream, your dreamscape, if you will..let's look at what's not working. For the sake of this blog post, I'm going to use the remodel approach of one my friends to sort of detail the steps.

So, what's not working in your home? The gutters are leaking, making it sound like Niagara Falls on your front porch, the HVAC is on the fritz and needs to be tended to ASAP, or the guest bathroom toilet doesn't work and you're hosting Thanksgiving in a matter of months. All very pressing things.

While you're jotting these things down, it's a good idea to ask yourself, "What's going to make me the most happy when this gets fixed?"

When people come visit, are you tired of having to show someone the bathroom in the basement or use the master bath every time? Those gutters kinda make it difficult to leisurely read during the incoming rainstorm, too, don't they. These are just, ya know, pains in the butt. Let's attack those before we get to the big things. That's how you effectively beat the budget.

Structural Stuff

Look at the things that you'd like done structurally. Understand, too, that the majority of these things can be done by yourself. The more you can accomplish using your hands without having to bring in more help and hiring a crew, the better. We're trying to keep cost down.

So for my friend, these were things like removing walls, side panels, wall paper, drywall damages...and paint. Little emphasis on paint because it's very, very important to get this done before the next step: Flooring.

All wall work should be done beforehand. The last thing you want is paint drips, drywall mud, scratches and scuff on the brand new flooring you just purchased. This is why it's good to think ahead. It's time to beat the budget, friends!

Flooring

My friend quite simply didn't like the floors in her home. As soon as the two steps above were completed, it was time to get the flooring down. This is where the fun comes in as far as options go, too. There are a vast number of flooring options out there: Hardwood, Luxury Vinyl Tile, Laminate, Ceramic Tile, Porcelain Tile, Wood-Look Tile, Patterned Tile, and Carpet.

Each option has their own advantages and disadvantages, and it's not really a matter of, "which one's better?" Choose the option that best suits your lifestyle. If you have children or pets or both, then you're going to want something durable, scratch-resistant, waterproof, stain-denying, and low-maintenance. You could go with Luxury Vinyl Tile, an option that brilliantly exhibits all of the above.

Cabinets/Countertops

My friend built their countertops, so we can't really go off their experience for this aspect. BUT...if you want different countertops and prefer a low-cost option, go with laminate. It's a lovely, cost-effective option that will undoubtedly give you the look you seek; I'll advise you of something, though.

Your kitchen countertops are an overworked surface. I wrote it that way cause they really are. Reminiscent of Atlas holding up the entire world, that's a lot of stress we put them through. We cook, bake, chop, pound, grind, spill, bang, slice, cut, and cover all through that surface. Just because you go with a low-cost option doesn't mean it's better for you in the long run. I elaborate a bit more on that concept in a blog post right here.

The same goes for your kitchen cabinets, which are easily the most expensive aspect of your kitchen remodel. If you go for the cheap option now, you may find yourself in the same situation 3-5 years from now. Go for something with a more longevity, something durable, long-lasting, and equally as attractive and jaw-dropping.

Backsplash

Now we can get kinda crazy with creativity. Kitchen backsplashes can do absolute wonders to the look of a kitchen. Go with Subway Tile or Mesh Back, maybe even Patterned Tile if you're not a messy cook. Throw in some deco pieces, create a unique design, and you have a cooking space that's as good and appealing as the dishes you may (or may not) create in them.

Time to Finesse

Now that you have the major areas of your home finished, let's tackle the less important areas: Bathroom, Living Room, Study, Dining Room, etc. We leave these last because we should finish the rooms that we, the homeowners, are in. It's okay to be selfish during this time, okay? Aunt Mary will be just fine if there isn't any crown moulding in the guest bedroom.

Schedule Your FREE Kitchen & Bath Design Appointment!

And speaking of, of course, this IS the time for those finishing touches. crown moulding, cabinet door hardware, door knobs, paintings, portraits, curtains, all of the decor you can think of. Make it yours. Make it your own. Beat the Budget.

All right, there it is. A way to go about things without stressing over the budget. Sure, put a deadline on when you want it to be done, but give yourself a break. If it takes three years, cool, it takes three years. It's your home.

If you do everything one stage at a time, you'll not only save on money, but you'll do so with low stress, mess, and hassle. Take things one project at a time and know that everything will be just fine. Best of luck, beat the budget!

October 3, 2018

Countertop Trends: The looks of the moment

2017 was a great year for kitchen design, with many beautiful countertop trends. Today, we’ll be covering all of them! Some new, and some we’ve been seeing for a while, but all stunning in their own way.

Any great kitchen needs a great countertop, and we’ll show you several options to take your kitchen to the next level!

Want to get started on your own kitchen remodel or countertop replacement? Click here to schedule a free design consultation!

Countertop Trends from 2017 and Beyond

1. Quarz is {Still} in!

Quartz has been making a statement in countertop trends for the last several years, and it’s here to stay.

Quartz has so many incredible qualities, that it’s no wonder. Silestone quartz is completely antibacterial, so it’s great for restaurants and kitchens alike. Quartz is the strongest of all countertop materials, so it’s not going to scratch or chip easily. It’s heat and stain resistant and very low maintenance and easy to clean!

We’re seeing a lot of solid whites, grays, and some looks with sparkle and movement!

Want to Explore New Cambria Quartz Colors? Click Here!

Schedule Your FREE Kitchen & Bath Design Appointment!

2. Marble and Marble Looks

Marble has been hot in the world of countertop trends, with it’s bright white base and light veining. While some people love marble, some find it a little too high maintenance. That’s why many opt for quartz colors that imitate marble. There are so many colors of quartz, due to the fact that it’s man made, so you can find many variations of quartz that looks like marble so that you can find the perfect fit for your home!

ella_k_asidedina_002_16_1260x960-1-1024x780

3. Light, Neutral Colors

Clean looks are in right now, but not everyone wants a sterile kitchen environment. While solid whites may not be the most popular, light and neutral colors are definitly center stage. Grey’s are one of my favorite neutrals of the moment. You’ll find many light granite options but the options are endless with quartz. Bright, bold colors are fading away at the moment.

4. Clean lines

Clean lines are important to discuss when talking about countertop trends. We’re seeing lots of eased edges as well as double radius, which is a soft curve on the top and bottom of the edge of the countertop. For modern homes, waterfall countertops can give clean lines while providing a big impact. Opting for an undermount sink as opposed to a drop in also gives more of a seamless look.

5. Laminate Countertops

Laminate has come leaps and bounds in the last few years in terms of style options and quality. Some prices may have gone up a bit because of it, but it’s still going to be your most affordable countertop option. You can get marble looks, wood looks, granite looks and more. You don’t have to sacrifice style due to price when you choose laminate countertops.

6. Butcherblock Countertops

Butcherblock is one of my favorite countertop trends! I’m a lover of all things wood. It gives you a gorgeous rustic, farmhouse or cottage feel. It can be your main countertop or an accent piece on an island. It’s a bit more high maintenance than other materials due to keeping it sealed, but it’s definitely worth the small bit of time and effort you’ll put into it.

7. No countertop style backsplash

In the past it has been very common to have a short backsplash made of your countertop material. This is not nearly as popular, as people are opting to tile their entire backsplash area.

Click to learn more about Kitchen Remodeling Through Facebook Messenger!

Conclusion

Countertops will always be a huge part of a kitchen design. While you don’t want to go too ‘trendy’, it’s great to know what we’re seeing in terms of design trends. We hope this list of the hottest countertop trends will inspire you for your own kitchen remodel!

Don’t forget, our kitchen and bathroom design services are always FREE! Let a professional designer help you select the perfect countertop for your home. Click here to schedule a free design consultation!

Schedule Your FREE Kitchen & Bath Design Appointment!

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

December 1, 2017

Easy ways to refresh your home for the holidays

The holiday season is one that is primarily spent with friends and family, making it a great time to want to refresh your home! However, you may not want to do a full on remodel. In this article, we’ll show you some less intensive remodeling projects that you can knock out in a short period of time to refresh your home in time for Turkey Day and eggnog by the fire!

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Refresh your home with ease!

Update Your Countertops

This is one of the more major upgrades i’ve listed, but updating your countertops is one of the best ways to refresh your home. Replacing countertops doesn’t have to be an intensive, long term project. If all you’re doing is switching your tops, you can order your your new countertops while you still have some on your cabinets. They can template right over top of your existing countertops, so that means you’ll remove them, or have them removed, right before installation. While the process could take 3-4 weeks in terms of order, template and installation, it won’t effect your daily life one bit! And the end result will no doubt be fabulous!

polished-black-granite-countertop refresh your home

Click to shop countertops!

Upgrade your Front Door

Most people agree that updating your front door is an amazing way to refresh your home. Not just great for looks and energy efficiency, a new front door can give you a great return on investment if and when you decide to sell. This is the first impression of your home to the outside world, so you want it to be a good one. Not to mention how great it will look with your beautiful holiday wreaths!

Add a Kitchen Backsplash

A backsplash is an amazing way to add personality and style to your kitchen! If you don’t already have one, it’s a perfect way to refresh your home and make the same old kitchen feel new again. With so many style, size and color options, there is something for everyone! You can try to do it yourself, or you can hire someone to do it for a relatively small price tag.

Click to shop tile!

Switch out your Powder Room Vanity

Your powder room is the bathroom that gets a ton of use, as any guests will find their way there, and your family will typically use when they’re in the common areas. For this reason, they can get beat up and grungy fairly quickly if you’re not careful. Switching out the vanity in your powder room or guest bathroom is a great way to refresh your home. You could find a cool color, a more modern style, or something that doesn’t have nicks, dings, or stains all over it. It can really do a lot for the rest of the space! Because these bathrooms are typically smaller, so are their vanities, which means they are cheaper as well! A pedestal sinks is a great way to go, but our new 24″ furniture style vanities would be another perfect choice for any space.

Click to shop vanities!

Add Decorative Corbels

Adding corbels underneath your kitchen island, shelves, or even cabinets is a great way to add some pop in the kitchen! You can add them under your fireplace mantle as well for a more decorative and cozy feel. Corbels aren’t too pricey and the look they bring is stunning!

Change your Cabinet Hardware

Changing your cabinet hardware is a great way to completely change the look of your cabinets! Go with a different finish (Yes, you can mix finishes!) or with a completely different style, and you’re kitchen will feel new in a flash! This is one of the most affordable and easiest ways to refresh your home! This is definitly a project you could do yourself, and quickly.

Switch out your patio door(s)

Patio doors are a great way to feel connected to the outside. They bring in that great natural light and look gorgeous in any home! But how old are your patio doors? If they’re like mine, they’re old. They get scratched by the dogs when they’re trying to get in, they get colored on by the kids. And they aren’t exactly on the top of my deep cleaning list, so they can start to look rough. Replacing your patio doors with some full-lite, bright white stunners is a great way to update your space!

Upgrade your kitchen faucet

Upgrading a kitchen faucet is not only a great way to refresh your home, it’s a functional idea before the holidays! I love my high arc faucet with a sprayer. You get the food off of pots and pans easily, can fill large pots easily and can get all the gunk out of your sink with the extended spray head. Perfect for holiday cooking!

Add Crown Moulding

Crown moulding is a perfect way to add a finished, elegant touch to your home. It makes your ceilings look higher and your home look more complete. It’s not TOO difficult to install yourself, and if you don’t need a ton of it, the price is pretty low. You wouldn’t believe the difference some crown could make!

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Get a Large Kitchen Sink

Getting a new kitchen sink can be a small task, or a slightly larger task. If you have a top mount sink, it could be simple. If you’re trying to change out an undermount, especially if you want to switch sink shapes, that could be difficult. But if your switching your countertops as well, it won’t be a challenge at all. If you fall into the easy side of this upgrade, go big! While everyone has different needs, I’ve found that my HUGE single bowl sink has been awesome. We’ve bathed our baby, can thaw large cuts of meat easily, can wash any fruits and veggies we choose, and fill or clean large pots of pans. The benefits are great when it comes to cooking, so it’s a perfect way to refresh your home for the holidays!
There are our top 10 easy ways to refresh your home this holiday season! Which one’s will you try?

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

October 13, 2017

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Kitchen Remodel

If you’re reading this, you’re most likely considering a kitchen remodel, or you’re about to begin one. Either way, being prepared is always the best way to go. Some people have an idea of what they expect to encounter in a kitchen remodel, but it’s not always accurate. So, we’re going to go over exactly what you can expect when working with a designer and getting a kitchen installation.

Using a Designer for a Kitchen Remodel

You may think it’s expensive to use a professional kitchen designer for your kitchen remodel. That’s not the case, at least when you work with Builders Surplus! Our design services are FREE! So, unless you’re an expert, there is no reason not to use these amazing services. They will help you find the product lines that fit your wants and needs, help you stay within budget, and alert you to any issues that may arise with any desired layout changes and help you find solutions. Here’s how the process works.

1. Initial Consultation

This meeting occurs in Builders Surplus location. In this meeting, budget is determined, as well as cabinet door style and what kind of design aesthetic you’re looking for, if you have not already decided. Product lines will be discussed and you will learn the differences in them. What is most durable, eco-friendly, budget friendly, etc.

2. Measurements

If you have your own measurements, we can get started on your design, but measurements will need to be done by us for us to guarantee the fit. If you are using your own installers, they will need to guarantee the fit for you. Measurements are VERY important in making sure your design comes out perfectly.

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3. Design is Generated

Depending on kitchen size, complexity and number of people ahead of you waiting for designs, your time frame for receiving this can vary between 1-3 weeks. Initial layout is generated based on the info given in step 1 and 2. This is done in a computer system that allows you to see a 3D image of your desired kitchen with the products you choose for your kitchen remodel. HOW COOL!

4. Reviews and Changes

You could have 1 to 2 additional rounds of changes and revisions. The more up front information you can give your designer about your preferences and budget, the more accurate your initial design will be, meaning there are fewer changes to make, and you can start your kitchen remodel sooner.

5. Products are Ordered & Delivered

Take home your in stock products or arrange for quick pickup. The rest will be delivered to your home or to our store (Depending on your cabinet line) in around 4 weeks. About 1 week before your delivery, your designer will be in touch with you to make sure your installation or pick up/delivery are on schedule. During delivery, it is possible that damage can occur to your products. Please be aware of this. This could delay your kitchen remodel a bit as the manufacturer will need to send replacements. Manufacturer backorders do happen occasionally as well.

- TIP: While you are waiting for your cabinets to arrive, start preparing your temporary kitchen or easy to prepare meals (if you are also ordering custom countertops).
- TIP: Please have cabinet hardware in your possession before your cabinet installation date, otherwise we will not be able to install.

Kitchen Remodel Installation

Many people aren’t really sure exactly what takes place during an installation. The most important thing I can tell you is that this is a PROCESS, not an EVENT. Keeping that in mind will put your expectations in the right place and allow for a more enjoyable remodeling experience.

6. Installation is Scheduled

It is not necessary that you be home during the entire installation process, but you will be required to be there to let the team in and at the end of the process for the final walk through so that you can verify the job is completed to your standards and sign the final paperwork. Please note that because unforeseen issues can arise, it could change the install date, so keep this in mind when deciding to use vacation days or take off work for the entire process.

7. Cabinet Installation

Installations are typically completed within 2 days, depending on size of kitchen. Please note that we do not connect or disconnect plumbing for appliances. Our installers are not certified plumbers, so take care of this beforehand.

NOTE: Door and drawer fronts will typically be crooked and not lined up during installation. They will fix this at the end of the process.
NOTE: There will be dust, debris, and trash. Your installer will do their best to limit this, but is a part of the process. A good installer will clean up at the end of each day.

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8.Countertop Template

When your cabinet installation is completed, your countertops can be templated. The installer will let your designer know what date the cabinet installation is being done so that templating can be set up. It could take up to 2 weeks to get your template done depending on which countertops you’re getting. Your sinks and faucets will need to be in your possession and all cabinets must be attached to the walls in order for this step to take place.

NOTE: Because templating cannot be done until every cabinet is installed in it’s final position, if any of your cabinets were damaged in transit, this can delay this step.

9. Countertop Installation

Time frames can vary depending on the countertop you’ve chosen for your kitchen remodel. In Stock granite can be installed within 1 week. In Stock laminate is installed by kitchen installer during cabinet installation. Custom countertops are installed anywhere from 10 days to 4 weeks. This depends on the season and the schedule of the installers. Be prepared to live without countertops for a month. See our blog on setting up a temporary kitchen. Preparing in advance can make this time much easier and eliminate stress for your family. Sinks and faucets will still need to be connected by a plumber after this step.

10. Backsplash Installation

This typically takes another 2 days.
After Backsplash is installed, you should be complete, unless your installers would be installing your cabinet hardware. If you are getting flooring installation done, that would be your first step before any of this occurs.
That’s about it folks! I hope we’ve covered this process to your liking and that it makes your kitchen remodel go smoother knowing what to expect!

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

July 20, 2017

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Kitchen Remodel

If you’re reading this, you’re most likely considering a kitchen remodel, or you’re about to begin one. Either way, being prepared is always the best way to go. Some people have an idea of what they expect to encounter in a kitchen remodel, but it’s not always accurate. So, we’re going to go over exactly what you can expect when working with a designer and getting a kitchen installation.

Using a Designer for a Kitchen Remodel

You may think it’s expensive to use a professional kitchen designer for your kitchen remodel. That’s not the case, at least when you work with Builders Surplus! Our design services are FREE! So, unless you’re an expert, there is no reason not to use these amazing services. They will help you find the product lines that fit your wants and needs, help you stay within budget, and alert you to any issues that may arise with any desired layout changes and help you find solutions. Here’s how the process works.

1. Initial Consultation

This meeting occurs in Builders Surplus location. In this meeting, budget is determined, as well as cabinet door style and what kind of design aesthetic you’re looking for, if you have not already decided. Product lines will be discussed and you will learn the differences in them. What is most durable, eco-friendly, budget friendly, etc.

2. Measurements

If you have your own measurements, we can get started on your design, but measurements will need to be done by us for us to guarantee the fit. If you are using your own installers, they will need to guarantee the fit for you. Measurements are VERY important in making sure your design comes out perfectly.

3. Design is Generated

Depending on kitchen size, complexity and number of people ahead of you waiting for designs, your time frame for receiving this can vary between 1-3 weeks. Initial layout is generated based on the info given in step 1 and 2. This is done in a computer system that allows you to see a 3D image of your desired kitchen with the products you choose for your kitchen remodel. HOW COOL!

4. Reviews and Changes

You could have 1 to 2 additional rounds of changes and revisions. The more up front information you can give your designer about your preferences and budget, the more accurate your initial design will be, meaning there are fewer changes to make, and you can start your kitchen remodel sooner.

5. Products are Ordered & Delivered

Take home your in stock products or arrange for quick pickup. The rest will be delivered to your home or to our store (Depending on your cabinet line) in around 4 weeks. About 1 week before your delivery, your designer will be in touch with you to make sure your installation or pick up/delivery are on schedule. During delivery, it is possible that damage can occur to your products. Please be aware of this. This could delay your kitchen remodel a bit as the manufacturer will need to send replacements. Manufacturer backorders do happen occasionally as well.

- TIP: While you are waiting for your cabinets to arrive, start preparing your temporary kitchen or easy to prepare meals (if you are also ordering custom countertops).
- TIP: Please have cabinet hardware in your possession before your cabinet installation date, otherwise we will not be able to install.

Kitchen Remodel Installation

Many people aren’t really sure exactly what takes place during an installation. The most important thing I can tell you is that this is a PROCESS, not an EVENT. Keeping that in mind will put your expectations in the right place and allow for a more enjoyable remodeling experience.

6. Installation is Scheduled

It is not necessary that you be home during the entire installation process, but you will be required to be there to let the team in and at the end of the process for the final walk through so that you can verify the job is completed to your standards and sign the final paperwork. Please note that because unforeseen issues can arise, it could change the install date, so keep this in mind when deciding to use vacation days or take off work for the entire process.

7. Cabinet Installation

Installations are typically completed within 2 days, depending on size of kitchen. Please note that we do not connect or disconnect plumbing for appliances. Our installers are not certified plumbers, so take care of this beforehand.

NOTE: Door and drawer fronts will typically be crooked and not lined up during installation. They will fix this at the end of the process.
NOTE: There will be dust, debris, and trash. Your installer will do their best to limit this, but is a part of the process. A good installer will clean up at the end of each day.

8.Countertop Template

When your cabinet installation is completed, your countertops can be templated. The installer will let your designer know what date the cabinet installation is being done so that templating can be set up. It could take up to 2 weeks to get your template done depending on which countertops you’re getting. Your sinks and faucets will need to be in your possession and all cabinets must be attached to the walls in order for this step to take place.

NOTE: Because templating cannot be done until every cabinet is installed in it’s final position, if any of your cabinets were damaged in transit, this can delay this step.

9. Countertop Installation

Time frames can vary depending on the countertop you’ve chosen for your kitchen remodel. In Stock granite can be installed within 1 week. In Stock laminate is installed by kitchen installer during cabinet installation. Custom countertops are installed anywhere from 10 days to 4 weeks. This depends on the season and the schedule of the installers. Be prepared to live without countertops for a month. See our blog on setting up a temporary kitchen. Preparing in advance can make this time much easier and eliminate stress for your family. Sinks and faucets will still need to be connected by a plumber after this step.

10. Backsplash Installation

This typically takes another 2 days.
After Backsplash is installed, you should be complete, unless your installers would be installing your cabinet hardware. If you are getting flooring installation done, that would be your first step before any of this occurs.
That’s about it folks! I hope we’ve covered this process to your liking and that it makes your kitchen remodel go smoother knowing what to expect!

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

July 20, 2017

Countertop Materials Compared

Hello, everyone! So, today I’d like to talk a little bit about countertop materials. There’s the always-cool Quartz, the greatness that is Granite, the lovely-though-inexpensive Laminate, and the beautiful Butcher Block. Each are lovely, but they definitely have different characteristics about them that set them apart. In this blog post, we’ll sort through those subtle differences and compare them!

Countertop Materials: Quartz

Ah, Quartz. This man-made engineered stone is formed by a combination of ground quartz, which is a natural hard mineral, and polymers and pigments. This mixture performs a very tough, very hard surface, and the visuals are beautiful:
Durability: EXTRA. DURABLE. Some of us are pretty tough in the kitchen, like yours truly, and accidents tend to happen more of than not. Quartz is very forgiving in that short of beating a blender to it a couple hundred times, you’ll be free of cracks, scratches or dents. It’s also extremely heat resistant. This is the most durable of all countertop materials. It’s also antibacterial which is a huge bonus.

Tritium Click for more details!

Looks: Quartz sports a very glossy sheen to its surface in most cases, which you’ll find extremely attractive. It can also be found in a matte finish. It’s rich, luxurious, and compliments any setting that it’s in.

Toffee Click for more details!

Colors: Because it’s manmade, there is every color under the sun available. Nearly every color that this countertop has to offer will amaze you. We carry some awesome colors like Cool Naranja (Bright Orange) or natural colors like Pacific, featured below.

Pacific Click for more details!

Price: At Builders Surplus, we carry the finest brands of countertops, including Silestone, Cambria and VICOSTONE. Right now, you can get this gorgeous countertop material for as low as $50-$120 per square foot, depending on the brand and color you choose.

Kalahari Click for more details!

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Countertop Materials: Granite

Granite may possibly be my favorite countertop material, and one of the reasons is that you can use this surface like it IS an actual rock. It’s very durable and very beautiful. However, it does require a little extra maintenance as far as sealing goes. It’s a porous stone, so it can be stained if it’s not sealed properly.
Durability: Seriously, rock solid. It’s Superman strong. However, it’s not quite as durable as quartz. It’s pretty heat and scratch resistant, so that’s a huge plus.

Verde Butterfly Click for more details!

Looks: Granite shows the grains in the stone. They appear as specks or veins that blend in with the consistency of the entire slab, and because of this, there can be a variety of colors displayed in one countertop. I personally love this trait.

Juparana Click for more details!

Colors: Like I just mentioned, each slab is a little different with the grain and consistency. Granite is formed by igneous rock, so it also gives you that feel, that texture that’s really sought after in kitchen designs. In store, we carry the likes of Verde Butterfly or Black Crystal. However, we carry many more custom granite colors so that you can find exactly what you’re looking for!

Diamond Flower Click for more details!

Price: We have a plethora of beautiful pieces, all at a very nice price. For example, at Builders Surplus, you can get this countertop material FULLY INSTALLED starting at just $39.99 per square foot! Prices will vary depending on the color you choose.

Black Crystal Click for more details!

Countertop Materials: Laminate

Now, there are some that won’t bother with laminate because they deem it “too cheap,” but I can assure you that the material we carry is everything but. The attractiveness of Laminate is definitly there, but at an affordable price. But, what’s wrong for a paying little and receiving a lot, right? It’s like we said, “it is the perfect balance between budget and style.”
Durability: It goes without saying that Laminate isn’t nearly as durable as Quartz or Granite, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to crack if you set a soda can on top of it. They’re made from layers and layers of particleboard to create a complete, solid surface. It’s not very heat resistant, though, so beware.

Lapidus-Brown Click for more details!

Looks: The cool thing about Laminate is that they can be made to imitate other, more elaborate countertop materials, specifically granite, wood or even stainless steel. Pretty neat if you ask me. They won’t have the glossy finish that most of the natural stone will have, but it will still have a nice gleam to it.

Jamocha Click for more details!

Colors: Once again, we have a variety of colors. We carry several options in stock and then we also have a plethora of colors available for custom order. You can definitly get any look you’re searching for in one way or another. I’ll say this, though, this countertop material definitely tends to have a more of a solid color base than other materials, simply because of its genetic makeup.

Constantine Click for more details!

Price: Definitely an affordable piece of countertop. Perfect for fitting in to any type of budget, the price point tends to be a defining feature. Especially when it comes to full remodels. This countertop material typically ranges from $10-$20 per square foot.

Countertop Materials: Butcher Block

Of the list, this is my second favorite. This countertop material is available as a custom order option, and boy let me tell ya, it’s awesome. Ever watch those cooking shows where a chef is just slicing-and-dicing on what looks like the biggest cutting board you’ve ever seen in your life? Welcome to the Butcher Block, a cook’s pride and joy.

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Durability: Now, it is wood, so keep that in mind. Unless you like the look of a used cutting board, and some do, you should still consider using a cutting board to prepare your meals. But still, it’s tough and the longevity is pretty impressive, but you have to take care of it.
Looks: It’s wood, you know what I mean? It’s that classic, timeless appearance that literally fits with any style. But it definitely compliments the traditional, rustic, and country-village looks, giving off that warm, soothing feeling.

Colors: Wood is porous, so if you order this countertop material in an unfinished style, you can always stain it to the color of your liking before applying a sealer. However, most butcher block countertops will already come with a stain and sealer on them. They may required to be resealed over the years. Note: You’re going to want apply a sealer on this. You don’t want Tuesday’s spaghetti sauce to be a defining feature.
Price: Like I mentioned before, this is available as a custom order product, but typically these countertops tend to range from $50-100 per square foot. It’s definitely worth the price in my opinion.
Well, there you have it! A comparison of the top countertop materials and their pros and cons. However, if you have any other questions related to countertop materials, don’t hesitate to let us know. As a leading countertop material provider in Louisville and Cincinnati, we’re always here to help!

July 7, 2017

Our favorite Silestone Countertop Colors!

There are so many amazing Silestone countertop colors, and today we’re going to go over our favorite! First of all, what is Silestone? Silestone is a combination of natural quartz and other raw materials that are super hard and resilient. These characteristics combine to create an incredible surface for kitchen countertops, bathrooms, flooring and wall siding. It offers beauty similar to natural stone in a wide range of colors and extraordinary textures. Silestone is highly resistant to staining caused by many everyday products.

Top Silestone Countertop Colors This Year

1. Charcoal Soapstone

The Charcoal Soapstone is my favorite of the Silestone Countertop colors! It’s matte finish is not too flashy. It’s got movement and will contrast beautifully next to any color scheme! What a stunner.

2. Serena

The Serena comes from Silestone’s Eternal Series. It’s similar to the Charcoal soapstone in it’s matte finish and beautiful veining, but it’s grey tone can add just the right industrial touch to your kitchen or bathroom!

3. White Storm

White storm is a perfect Silestone Countertop color. Solid white is very trendy right now, but also classic. It will coordinate with any color scheme, cabinet color, or design style. It’s easy to keep clean because it is so stain resistant, so don’t be afraid!

4. Naranja Cool

Naranja Cool is not for the faint of heart, but it is truly a showstopper! Silestone offers many fun colors, because as a man made stone the options are endless. But I love the happy orange because it’s modern without being cold, as the style can sometimes feel. That will wake you up every morning!

5. Olivia

Olivia is a very interesting Silestone countertop color! It gets it’s name from the beautiful olive green tone. It may not be your first thought when you are thinking about countertop colors, but it will give your space and earthy, natural vibe. Take a risk and it will pay off!

6. Albedo

Albedo comes from Silestone’s influencer series. It’s beautiful swirls and speckles keep it so visually interesting and the blue and white tones can take on a Mediterranean, classic or contemporary feel. Changing up the edge can switch up the look up a lot, too!

7. Santa Fe Brown

Santa Fe Brown brings back the gorgeous matte finish I love so much! This will work very well in a kitchen or bathroom with natural vibes. It’s earth tones are very refreshing! The veining also adds movement and interest.

8. Azul Ugarit

Azul Ugarit is one of the more traditional colors on our list today. The speckles are always a classic look and adds depth and dimension. The blues and browns will match a variety of cabinet colors. This comes from the Silestone Mediterranean.

9. Creamstone

Creamstone is just that, creamy and oh so dreamy! This beautiful neutral will match any kitchen cabinet color and a variety of styles, which is one reason why we love it so much. Neutral will never go out of style, so you can guarantee that even if you sell down the road, it will be a good investment.

10. Aquatint

Aquatint holds a special place in my heart, and our last spot for our favorite Silestone countertop colors. I am a lover of all things aqua, so you can’t blame me for going ga-ga over it. It’s fresh, giving it a gorgeous ocean feel. It can also work with a more contemporary look, or with white cabinets can be very trendy.

There you have it, our top 10 favorite Silestone Countertop colors! Which is your favorite, or is yours not on the list? Let us know in the comments below!

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, kitchen countertops, backsplash tile, and cabinet hardware 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

June 23, 2017

Why Should I Buy Quartz Countertops?

Are you wondering if you should buy quartz countertops? Countertops for your kitchen or bathroom can be a major investment, so weighing all the options is definitly in your best interest. There are several different materials that you could choose from when selecting countertops, and quartz is one of the most popular.
Quartz Countertops are made up of natural quartz and other man made materials like resins, polymers and pigments. The end result is a very hard surface that is ideal for kitchen countertops, bathrooms, flooring or accent walls. There are several reasons why the choice to buy quartz countertops is a good one.

Quartz Countertops have the largest color selection

naranja-cool-silestone-why-buy-quartz-countertops

Click to see more Silestone Quartz Colors!

Because quartz is a man made product, the color options are much more robust than you would find with a surface like granite. There are natural looking designs that imitate marble, with a white base and light veining. You can also find the speckled look that imitates beautiful granite countertops. Then, you have your exciting colors, such as neon orange, red, blue, aqua, and even more unique color combinations and patterns. This is a big reason that people opt to buy quartz countertops.

When you buy quartz countertops, your environmental impact is low

Quartz is the second most abundant material found in the earth’s crust. This means that you can find it easily, meaning less excavation time. Many quartz manufacturers, such as Silestone, are GreenGuard Certified for low emissions when creating their quartz countertops. Companies such as Cambria mine and produce right here in the USA, meaning its not only easy on the environment, but good for the economy as well. For some, this is as good of a reason as any to buy quartz countertops.

Quartz Countertops are the hardest of all countertop surfaces

Quartz countertops are the most durable countertop material that you can find. That is because of it’s intense hardness. This hardness comes not only from the materials but from the way that it’s produced. Quartz is a 7 on the MOHS hardness scale, and second only to diamonds. Quartz countertops are much harder than quartz or marble, meaning they could take a beating from pots, pans or anything else you could throw their way and they’ll still look fabulous. This is a great reason to buy quartz countertops.

Quartz countertops are extremely heat resistant

Quartz is very heat resistant. This is important when having them in a kitchen using hot pots and pans.

Click to see more Quartz countertop options!

Quartz Countertops are stain resistant

Quartz is a nonporous material. Granite and marble are both porous materials. They both have capillary channels between the minerals and if you spill something on unsealed marble or granite, chances are it will stain fairly easily. Quartz has no channels and it never requires sealing, so it’s ideal for wine drinkers, or those who have their fair share of accidents in the kitchen.

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Quartz Countertops are low maintenance

Quartz is extremely low maintenance. You can clean it with a simple soap and water combo, and you’ll be good to go. It is an antibacterial surface and you could cut food right on it’s surface and it would be considered safe. Quartz is used in the majority of commercial kitchens for this reason. With all of the other housework that piles up, no fuss maintenance is a perfect reason to buy quarts countertops.

Quartz is the most scratch resistant of all countertop surfaces

As we mentioned above, quartz countertops are extremely hard. Because of this, it is extremely difficult to scratch them. This means you can feel at ease using sharp knives and other utensils, even directly on your countertop.

When you buy quartz countertops, your ROI is high

Everything we’ve listed about quartz countertops so far, goes into it’s incredibly high return on investment, or RIO. The beautiful colors and low maintenance care are very popular with buyers if you’re looking to sell. It’s been proven in studies that the term “quartz countertops” in home listings help to sell the properties faster, and for more money. The heat resistance, stain resistance, hardness, and difficulty scratching, means that you won’t have to replace your countertops nearly as quickly as you would with other materials. They will stay looking brilliant for decades! The price for quartz can be higher than common granite, but lower than exotic granite. However, you get what you pay for and more when you buy quartz countertops.

Click here to see our Quartz Countertop 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 remodeling, bathroom remodeling, flooring and tile installations, windows and doors in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, quartz countertops, granite countertops, marble countertops, bathroom vanity tops, 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

June 14, 2017

The Hottest New Cambria Quartz Colors

Cambria Quartz is our top of the line quartz countertop product. It’s amazing colors and high quality makes it a customer favorite. Today, we’re going to be showing off the hottest new Cambria Quartz products and you’re sure to love them!

cambria-quartz-countertops-louisville-cincinnati-newport

Want to Compare All the Countertop Materials? Click Here When You're Done With his article!

Why Buy Quartz Countertops In The First Place?

If you’re not up to date on quartz, then you’re missing out. A few of the most important aspects to know about quartz countertops and Cambria quartz are:

Quartz is a man made product
Because it’s man made, the color selections are endless!
Quartz is the strongest and most durable countertop material
Cambria Quartz Countertops are super scratch resistant – ranks #7 on Mohs hardness scale (That’s really good!)
Quartz is extremely heat resistant
Quartz is easy to clean
Quartz is nonporous making it an antibacterial surface

Those are just a few of the things we love about quartz.

What Makes Cambria Quartz Countertops Special?

Cambria Quartz Countertops are some of our favorite countertops in the world! But what makes Cambria Quartz so special?

Cambria Quartz is a Family Owned company. They take pride in their work and it surely shows!
Cambria Quartz is MADE IN THE USA! That’s very important to us, and we know it is for many of you as well.
They’ve been in business 80 years! That says something.
Their are true innovators in the field.
Builders Surplus has Cambria Countertops for the LOWEST PRICE in the area!

Why Should You Choose Quartz Countertops? Learn More Here!

The Amazing New Cambria Quartz Colors!

Ok, let’s get to it! Cambria has 8 new STUNNING quartz colors in their portfolio, and I for one am a huge fan. Here we go! Click here to see more of our favorite Cambria colors!

1. Clareanne – Cambria Quartz Marble Collection

Clareanne is an amazing new color with a gorgeous matte finish. Matte is a very popular trend in countertops right now. This design is elegant and flowing and the calming design features a light gray background with end-to-end linear white threads that weave across the face of the quartz.

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2. Queen Anne – Cambria Quartz Marble Collection

Very similar to Clareanne, Queen Anne is a velvety gray-marbled design. The background provides clean canvas for the dramatic white flowing veins that intertwine, creating imperial movement and depth. The veins are much more elaborate than the Clareanne but still provide an elegant matte finish.

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3. Beaumont – Cambria Quartz Coastal Collection

The beautiful Beaumont design is one of my absolute favorites! It provides soft swirls of warm cream and beige are accented with shimmering gold and crystal-white veining to create a gracious and welcoming effect. It gives a raw feel with the gold flecks and a very polished appearance in the cream areas. The thick veining is dramatic and is definitely a show stopper!

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4. Kelvingrove – Cambria Quartz Coastal Collection

The Kelvingrove is an incredible design from the Coastal collection, and it definitely evokes the feel of the beach. It’s aqua hues and tan veins give the movement of water. It’s warm and nurturing Earth tones of taupe, white, and the robin’s egg blue-green blend organically in striking variation and glistening streams that prove not all masterpieces hang on the wall.

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5. Annicca – Cambria Quartz Marble Collection

The new Annica is amazing! A new spin on classic marble, a neutral white background is infused with subtle gray veins and regal gold and purple sparkle that recall the majesty of court during the reign of Queen Anne. The incredibly dramatic lines draw your eye from one end of the room to the other, giving the feeling of wide open spaces!

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6. Skye – Cambria Quartz Waterstone Collection

The Skye design is intense and incredible! The vibrant blues, greens, and grays dance with white veins that mimic the white caps found off the rugged shores of Skye. Twisting and turning with intense, multi-dimensional patterns, this dynamic design presents an unprecedented reflection of nature in all its glory. This is an amazing addition to the Cambria Quartz design collection. It would be striking against white cabinets.

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7. Rose Bay – Cambria Quartz Marble Collection

Rose Bay creates a striking contrast! A white foundation is infused with robust black marble veining, creating a intense abstract effect where opposites definitely attract. The tone and colors are very consistent throughout the slab.

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8. Rosedale – Cambria Quartz Marble Collection

The Rosedale is the sister of Rose Bay. Intricate black and white splashes and veins fade across the surface, creating a slight ombré effect, reminiscent of crumbling stone structures that stand in testament to days gone by.

There you have it! The gorgeous new Cambria quartz colors for 2017! What’s your favorite of the new Cambria Quartz colors? Let us know in the comments below! Click here to see more of our favorite Cambria colors!

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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 are one of the leading providers of kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, flooring and tile installations, windows and doors in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, quartz countertops, granite countertops, marble countertops, bathroom vanity tops, 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

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June 2, 2017

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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.

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Whisper White 3×6 Subway Bathroom Tile

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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.

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

May 5, 2017

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.

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’.

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!

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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.

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

April 7, 2017

5 Best DIY Granite Countertop Cleaners

Granite countertop cleaners can be tricky. If you’ve ever been interested in granite countertops, or own granite countertops yourself, you have most likely heard about the “tedious” granite countertop maintenance. Most people believe that it is very difficult to keep granite countertops clean without damaging the stone, but that is simply not the case. However, there are some things you should and should not do to maintain the integrity of the stone.

What NOT to use for granite countertop cleaners:

Some people think that the proper granite countertop cleaners will be expensive. Because of that, they try and save money by using certain chemicals. This is not only untrue, but will have the opposite effect. It will cost you a lot more time and money in the long run. Do not attempt to use generic cleaners like bleach, degreasers, glass cleaners, or any other household cleaners on your granite countertops. These are acid based cleaners, or contain alkalis or other chemicals that will destroy the sealer that is protecting your granite countertops. Granite countertop cleaners should not contain these ingredients. It will leave your granite, marble or other stone more vulnerable to staining.
Because these typical cleansers are not going to work for you, we’ve come up with the 5 best DIY granite countertop cleaners that you can make at home to protect those surfaces you love so much!

Do It Yourself Granite Countertop Cleaners:

1.Jillee’s Home made Granite Countertop Cleaner: Onegoodthingbyjillee.com

Her Recipe:

1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol (or cheap vodka)
3 drops of Dawn or other dish soap (Castile soap would also be a good alternative if you prefer)
Water
5-10 drops essential oil (optional – to help mask the alcohol smell)

Put the rubbing alcohol or vodka into a 16 oz spray bottle. Add the dish soap, essential oil and fill up the rest of the bottle with water.
Now give it a few shakes….THEN give it a try! It should give your countertops a nice, clean shine. Works on appliances too! All at a FRACTION of the price of the store-bought stuff.

2. Cambria Bold’s Granite Countert Cleaning Solution: thekitchn.com

Cambria’s contribution to our granite countertop cleaners is a little less of a formula, and a little more of a process. Here is what she has found works best:

What You Need

Materials
Warm water
Mild or gentle dish soap
Dish cloth
Clean microfiber cloth or terrycloth towel
Isopropyl alcohol (optional)

Instructions

Wet your dish cloth with warm, soapy water. Fill the sink with warm water and a mild dish soap, then thoroughly wet a clean dish cloth.
Wipe down the granite countertops. You don’t need us to tell you how to do this part. Just wipe away any spills or crumbs on your countertop!
Dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaking. Dry and buff your granite countertop thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or soft terry cloth towel to avoid streaking.
Shine and disinfect with a water and isopropyl alcohol solution. To periodically disinfect your granite countertops, remove soap residue, and restore shine, mix together a 50:50 solution of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol. Spray onto the granite, allow to sit for 3-5 minutes, then rinse with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Enjoy your nice, shiny, clean granite countertops!

3. Clean Mama’s Granite Cleaner: Cleanmama.net

Clean mama’s recipe is pretty simple, but super effective! It’s one of our favorite, easy DIY granite countertop cleaners.
INGREDIENTS:

3 Tablespoons rubbing alcohol
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon castile soap (citrus orange is my favorite)

TOOLS:

measuring cup
measuring spoon
microfiber or a cleaning cloth
funnel
clean and empty spray bottle

Combine ingredients, close spray bottle, shake, and clean!

4. Nature Hack’s Easy Granite Cleaner: naturehacks.com

Nature Hack’s idea for granite countertop cleaners doesn’t get much easier than this:

1/2 cup baking soda
2 cups water

Mix in a spray bottle and wipe off with a cloth!

5. Sherry’s heavy duty granite countertop cleaners: overthrowmartha.com

3 oz Parts Distilled Water (or soft water)
1 oz Part Alcohol
1 oz Baking Soda
Essential Oils

AND

1 part 100% Acetone (dark granite)

OR

1 part Hydrogen Peroxide (light granite)
3 parts Distilled water

Mix the distilled water, the alcohol and the baking soda in a 3:1:1 mixture in a jar. Shake it up.

In spray bottle, mix the distilled water and the alcohol OR hydrogen peroxide, depending on the color of your granite. Make this 3 parts water to 1 part acetone or hydrogen peroxide.

On a clean granite surface, pour some of the baking soda/alcohol/water liquid directly onto the counter. Use a microfiber cloth to push the liquid around to deep clean the countertop. If you have any old caked on food stains, you can pour a little extra baking soda onto the site directly, wet it with the mixture and lightly scrub.

After you have cleaned the granite, you will need to wipe it down with a wet microfiber cloth.

Now spray the acetone/hydrogen peroxide cleaner on the granite and wipe down with a microfiber cloth. Wipe away the excess with a microfiber cloth.

The NON-DIY Solution:

For our last cleaner, it’s not exactly DIY, but it does work wonders! We sell it here at Builders Surplus and our customers have had wonderful results. It’s called Rock Doctor and it’s a natural way to clean without harming your granite countertops. We also offer the sealer and polish along with the granite countertop cleaners.

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

November 7, 2016

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.”

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?”

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

October 24, 2016

Granite Countertop Obsession: How it Started & Why

As a granite countertop provider, we’ve seen first hand the granite countertop obsession. While we’re in no way complaining, it is interesting to know how this obsession came to be, and why. Home remodeling trends don’t often happen overnight, but they do feel like they pop out of nowhere. We can all attest to the fact that on HGTV, the only REAL resource for home renovation information (did you catch my sarcastic tone?), every one of their house hunters in any of their top TV shows, give or take a few, will ALWAYS beg for granite countertops in their new purchase.

Why is this? There are so many great materials for kitchen countertops, like quartz, marble, laminate, stainless steel, butcher block, concrete, and the once hugely popular tile. Granite isn’t the cheapest. It isn’t the easiest to maintain. It isn’t always the prettiest if you ask me. And it’s also not the most durable. So how did this American Granite Countertop Obsession happen, and why?

The Beginning of the Granite Countertop Obsession

Granite Countertops really made their debut in the mid 1980’s. The color options were very limited, it was still widely unknown, and it was extremely expensive. It was not considered a top of the line countertop material at the time. Yet here we are, 30+ years later, and the granite countertop obsession is still in full force. How did it grow so fast to be such a luxury standard in home renovation and construction?

New Kitchen

Granite Globalization

When granite first started to rear it’s head, it was a very local or regional business. You would need to find a local source, within a few states of you, to source this product. It was extremely heavy and there were only a few craftsman that had experience cutting it well for residential and commercial applications. Extracting granite from the earth was hard and risky work. Quarries could be terrible conditions to work in. But where there is demand for a product or service, there are people who want to make a living providing it.
Quarrying granite in the United States was difficult, time consuming, and not the best perfected craft at the time. However, there was a demand beginning to rise in the United States due to articles in the Los Angeles Times among other things. Wherever you have demand, you have other countries who want to get in on the action. And in this case, they could offer it for a much better price. They also had a larger labor force willing to dig out and refine the granite.
Granite is found all over the world. Italy started off as a big player, but eventually, Brazil and India and China became the leaders in the industry. There was, and still is, an excess of granite found in these countries, so they were trying to get rid of as much of it as they could for the best prices possible. New colors from different areas of the world began to emerge and the trend continued to develop.

Shipping Advances Advance The Granite Countertop Obsession

Granite countertops jumped on the container shipping train. Container shipping was able to lower the cost greatly for builders and consumers, making it a much more attainable material for your regular home owner, instead of just for the upper echelon of society. Before it began being shipped in containers, the prices of transport were much higher because they were being shipped individually and the costs were more in line with local prices.

Skilled Cutters Come From Computers

In the past when a shop received a slab of granite, it needed to be cut by hand to the perfect dimensions and shaven perfectly to give the best finish and edge. In the wonderful world of technology, we have computers that cut your granite slabs precisely, and CAD programs that help the cutting equipment conquer even the most intricate designs. This helps out greatly when you’re talking about holes for your sink and faucet, that could take a lot of time by hand. The increased efficiency in cutting has also lowered the costs of granite compared to when it was first interdicted into the market.

The Housing Boom Blows Up Granite Countertop Obsession

When the housing boom of the early 2000’s was taking place, granite was just along for the ride. New construction was at a high, and with the new developments in color, technology and the more affordable costs of granite, it became a material that every builder was putting into their new buildings. This made the public think that a “new” building needed granite, that this was the material of the future. While the public often looks to new construction trends as the best new trends in home renovation and building materials, those who were renovating older homes also thought that granite is what they should choose.

Granite is a great material for countertops, but few people understand the reasons that started the granite countertop obsession in the united states. Hopefully this has been enlightening for you! Do you love granite or do you prefer other materials in your home? Let us know in the comments below!

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 granite countertops, quartz countertops and laminate countertops 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

October 18, 2016

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?

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

September 13, 2016

Get the Look: Coastal Kitchen

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Summer is beginning to turn to fall in the coming weeks and that means that families are returning from their beach vacations in droves. Gone will be the days of sun-kissed skin and relaxing morning mimosas on the veranda or energetic days building sand castles with kiddos. No, it’ll be back to the same old routine day after day. After a vacation like that everyone will be wanting to take a piece of the beach home with them! Bring yours into your home by transforming your cooking space into a coastal kitchen – then your entire family can relive every day as if they were by the sand!

Get the Look: Coastal Kitchen

Coastal Colors

The quintessential colors of a coastal kitchen – like any beach themed space – are white, beige and some variation of blue. Darker colors like Navy bring a more refined taste to a room while brighter, saturated colors like aqua are more fun and definitely add personality. Alternatively, a good compromise is to go with a pastel blue which allows for more light and brightness to enter the room but it also feels more delicate.

Countertops

Cambria has a beautiful selection of quartz countertops that directly reflect the sands of different coasts found from around the world. However any sandy colored countertop will mimic the swirls of an expanse of wet and dry sand on the beach!
Alternatively, wood textures work really well in a coastal kitchen. Opt for a butcher-block countertop to add some texture and a unique focal point to your kitchen.

Cabinets

Depending on the look and feel that you’re wanting to achieve there are several different cabinet styles that you can choose from to complete your coastal kitchen.
Choosing a lightly stained, natural wood like hickory that shows it’s different colored banding creates a more earthy and natural feel. However, the trend in painted cabinets continues to show no signs of abating!
Shaker cabinets prove to be a simple and classic addition. Wellborn cabinets has several distinct beadboard styles which are a little more detailed in Harbour, Bridgeport, New Haven, and Nantucket.

Flooring

Flooring is by far the easiest decision you have to make when you have a coastal kitchen. Wood-look floors – it doesn’t matter if they’re real hardwood, laminate, LVT, or WPC – a textured, weathered wood-look floor brings in that old drift-wood feel that makes the space feel slightly less polished, but definitely more authentic!

Backsplash

This can be a tricky portion to figure out in a kitchen design! There are so many different styles of backsplash that even if someone ordered the same cabinets, countertops and floors, their backsplashes would be completely different! Backsplash tile can dramatically change the mood and personality of your space!
Opt for a shimmery blue tile for a more funky oceanic look while a patterned tile that depicts shells or sea life is more traditional!

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: Kat Flaherty

August 5, 2016

How To: Do a kitchen remodel on a budget

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If you haven’t already, most homeowners can probably agree that if they had their choice of rooms to renovate, a kitchen remodel would probably be on the top of their list. We spend so much time in our kitchen, whether it be cooking for the family, snacking, helping the kids with homework, or entertaining. But why do they have to be so darn expensive? The cost (or assumed cost) can be a huge deterring factor in some people taking the steps to change a room they hate into a room that brings joy, beauty and functionality to their homes and lives. In this article, I’ll show you that the $50,000 kitchen remodel ideal is not always the case, and that you can do a kitchen remodel on a budget – any budget.
As a Millennial with limited funds, my husband and I moved into a home that needed a complete gut renovation. The stress of thinking of how to pay for it made me get creative in how I would get the look I needed for a price we could afford. While it took us a year, we now have an amazing looking kitchen that cost us a total of about $2,500. Here are some of the ways to accomplish a kitchen remodel on a budget in your own home.

Every Kitchen Remodel On a Budget Needs Priorities

In order to do your kitchen remodel on a budget, you’re going to have to prioritize your wants and needs. What is most important to you? If you MUST have granite or quartz countertops, you’re going to have to get creative with your cabinets or tile. If you think you can’t live without custom cabinets, your countertop budget is going to need to take a hit. We all have things that are important to us, and figuring out what yours are will help the process go smoother and stay on budget.

A Kitchen Remodel Can Be Done In Stages

Another misconception often shown on your favorite HGTV show is that if you want a kitchen remodel, you should just knock it out all at once. While that may be ideal, it’s not often feasible. A kitchen remodel on a budget could need to be done in stages. Keep in mind that you can’t get new countertops until your cabinets are in place, so typically if you are buying new cabinets, this must be the first step. It’s also difficult to live without a countertop, so you will most likely want this done next. Tile, shelving, and fixtures can be done last as long as you have something to use in the meantime. If this is the way you need to structure your remodel, get a plan together. Put it on the calendar and honor your commitment to it.

Be Patient. Shop Surplus.

As a surplus store, we get new items in on a weekly basis that are offered at a huge discount. These products could have been discontinued or have not met the exact color standard of the manufacture, but are 100% quality and unused products. However, when they’re gone, they’re gone. You can save a lot of money by stopping in often and seeing what new surplus products are available for your remodel. If you are patient, it can really pay off.

How to Save On Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets are most likely you’re #1 expense in a kitchen remodel. But, it doesn’t have to be expensive. For a kitchen remodel on a budget, you need to save on cabinetry. You have several options here. First, determine if your cabinets can be salvaged and upgraded, or if they need to be replaced completely.

Outdated Cabinets:

If your kitchen cabinets are simply outdated, consider painting them instead of replacing. You won’t believe what a good coat of paint and some new hardware can do to the look of kitchen cabinets. Sometime you can play into the retro feel of your old cabinets and make them fit right in after a facelift. Some crown moulding can also go a long way in upgrading the look of your cabinets as a whole for a relatively low price. Building a “box” on top of 36″ cabinets and adding crown on the top, then painting the box, can give the look of ceiling height cabinets as well, which is another high end look that you can achieve for less.

Image courtesy of Sugar Bee Crafts

Un-useable Cabinets:

Go stock. Some people want custom. In that case, prepare to spend more. But if you’re flexible, this is the way to go. Our In Stock Unfinished Alder cabinets is what I choose, and I am such an advocate! At about $67/lin. ft, the price is unbeatable. They are a classic shaker style and can be painted or stained any color your heart desires! I chose robins egg blue, which would have cost me a fortune if I had wanted custom cabinets in that color. You can easily update the in stock shaker cabinets with some glass doors for a high end look. Ask us about how to do this in store! Our Honey Ash are a raised panel, and I think they look awesome painted a white or grey. Going stock doesn’t mean bland or boring. You can still put your personal touches on these cabinets to make them your own.

New Cabinet Hardware For a New Look

Cabinet hardware is one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to give your kitchen a facelift. Check out the difference from the simple hardware change below. Many older kitchens have noticeably older hardware styles. Update them and see the immediate difference!

Floating Shelves Vs. Upper Cabinets

Floating shelves are a hot trend right now, but I feel that they will always look good and stand the test of time. Many people opt for floating or open shelves as opposed to upper cabinets. This can save you big money! You can make the shelves yourself or purchase them for a much lower price than a cabinet. Make sure you have dishes that you’re ok to have on display, or just buy some that go with the feel of your kitchen for a great statement in itself! That’s how to do a kitchen remodel on a budget!

Bargain Backsplash

Wallpaper Instead of Backsplash

For a kitchen remodel on a budget, you need to save on backsplash. Some people will be morally opposed to this, but I happen to love wallpaper. You can get a very eclectic look by opting for wallpaper instead of backsplash, or in addition to it. You may spend a small amount on backsplash for the area right next to your countertops, but go for a dramatic look by taking the wallpaper to the ceiling instead of going to the ceiling with your tile.

Beadboard

Another way to save on backsplash is to use bead board. This classic, cottage or farmhouse look may not work for everyone, but if you like it, it can offer huge savings. Its easy to install yourself, too!

Subway Tile

Ceramic subway tile is another great bargain backsplash option. This elegant, classic tile will always be in style and goes with virtually every design taste and cabinet design. At about 30-40 cents per piece, it is a great value. You can definitely install it yourself, although for large spaces it can take some time. Smaller spaces are a breeze in my opinion.

DIY Tile Installation

If you want to save some money, learn to install your own tile. You can rent wet saws from home depot for about $70 a day. Do your research and learn how to use it before you rent so that you’re not paying for the machine while you’re still learning the basics. A mesh back tile or subway tile would be the easiest to install, although you may want to stay away from intricate patterns like arabesque. Although it is a mesh back, it’s not too easy for a new DIYer. Check out this video on how to install subway tile backsplash.

Creative Kitchen Countertops

Countertops are your other big expense. Get creative with these countertop solutions.

Butcher Block Countertops

While butcher block countertops CAN get expensive, you can find some very affordable wood countertop options that will cost less than granite (in most cases) and quartz that will add some serious character to your home.

Laminate Countertops that Imitate Marble or Granite

Laminate countertops are your most affordable countertop option. The technology has greatly improved in their manufacturing and you can get laminate that looks like marble or granite. If you don’t care about stone, go for the same look at a lower price.

Prefab Granite (Prefabricated)

At Builders Surplus, our prefab granite countertops start at $39.99/sq ft. Fully Installed! That is more than a 50% discount from most granite countertops. Prefab granite countertops works for MOST kitchen layouts. See if this is an option for you! There are 8 colors to choose from that will give you the high end look for less!

Concrete Countertops

Your price on concrete countertops are going to heavily depend on the contractor you find to do them. The majority of the cost involved is labor. Shop around and find a contractor that will do it at a discount, and concrete countertops become a very attractive option for a pretty affordable price! They are also extremely low maintenance and durable.

We hope this has helped you realize that a kitchen remodel on a budget is possible! What options will your consider for your kitchen remodel? Let us know in the comments below!

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

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July 25, 2016

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