Your Guide to Waterproof Flooring!

Introduction to Waterproof Flooring

In today’s world, homeowners are constantly seeking ways to improve the functionality and durability of their living spaces while maintaining a stylish and modern aesthetic. One of the most significant aspects to consider when designing or remodeling a home is the flooring. With a variety of options available, waterproof flooring has emerged as an increasingly popular choice for many households. This type of flooring provides numerous benefits, including resistance to water damage, easy maintenance, and durability in high-traffic areas. Whether you’re on a tight budget, have young children or pets, or simply want a long-lasting and low-maintenance flooring solution, waterproof flooring is an ideal choice. In this blog post, we will explore the two main waterproof flooring options – luxury vinyl flooring and waterproof laminate – and help you understand their unique features, histories, and benefits. By the end of this post, you will have the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about the best waterproof flooring solution for your home.

Two Main Waterproof Flooring Options

When it comes to selecting waterproof flooring, there are two primary options that cater to different preferences and requirements. Understanding the unique features and benefits of each option will help you make the best choice for your home.

a. Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT or LVP)

Luxury Vinyl Flooring, also known as Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), is a highly versatile and durable flooring option made from multiple layers of PVC vinyl. LVT and LVP are designed to closely mimic the appearance of natural materials, such as hardwood or stone, while providing the added benefits of water resistance, easy installation, and low maintenance. Luxury vinyl flooring is ideal for homeowners who want the look and feel of natural materials without the high cost or susceptibility to water damage.

b. Waterproof Laminate

Waterproof laminate is an innovative flooring option that offers the benefits of traditional laminate flooring while incorporating enhanced water resistance. Unlike standard laminate flooring, which is only water-resistant, waterproof laminate features a surface that is impervious to water, making it suitable for areas prone to spills or moisture. However, it is important to note that only the surface of waterproof laminate is waterproof, and water damage can still occur if moisture seeps into the cracks or underneath the flooring. Waterproof laminate is a good option for those seeking an affordable, stylish, and moderately water-resistant flooring solution.

By comparing the features and benefits of luxury vinyl flooring and waterproof laminate, you can determine the best waterproof flooring option for your specific needs and preferences.

WATERPROOF LAMINATE

Comparing Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Flooring

When choosing between laminate and luxury vinyl flooring, it’s essential to understand their differences in terms of composition, durability, water resistance, and other factors. By examining these differences, you can make an informed decision about the best waterproof flooring solution for your home.

a. Material Composition

Laminate flooring is composed of multiple layers, with its primary layer (the core) made of high-density fiberboard. This provides laminate flooring with rigidity and strength. On the other hand, luxury vinyl flooring is made primarily of PVC vinyl, which makes it dimensionally stable and flexible. Learn more about laminate vs. luxury vinyl flooring in our blog post.

b. Water Resistance

While waterproof laminate has a water-resistant surface, only the surface is waterproof. If water penetrates the cracks or seeps underneath the flooring, damage can occur. Luxury vinyl flooring, in contrast, is entirely waterproof, making it a more suitable option for areas prone to moisture or spills. Discover more about waterproof flooring options on our blog.

c. Durability and Maintenance

Both laminate and luxury vinyl flooring are durable and low-maintenance options. However, luxury vinyl flooring is generally more resistant to dents, scratches, and fading caused by sunlight exposure, making it a more robust choice for high-traffic areas and households with children or pets. Read our blog post on the durability of luxury vinyl flooring for more information.

d. Appearance and Cost

Laminate flooring can closely mimic the appearance of real hardwood floors or slate at a lower cost, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. Luxury vinyl flooring also offers a wide range of design options that closely resemble natural materials, often at a competitive price point. Explore our blog on affordable flooring options for more insights.

e. Environmental and Health Factors

Laminate flooring is considered an environmentally friendly choice due to its composition, which often includes recycled materials. Additionally, some laminate flooring options are resistant to chemicals and burns, providing added safety benefits. Luxury vinyl flooring, on the other hand, offers built-in soundproofing and often doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that can impact indoor air quality. Check out our blog post on eco-friendly flooring choices for more information.

By comparing laminate and luxury vinyl flooring across these key factors, you can make a well-informed decision about the best waterproof flooring option to suit your specific needs, budget, and design preferences.

Top Waterproof Flooring Brands to Consider

With numerous waterproof flooring options available in the market, it’s important to choose a reliable brand that offers high-quality products. Here are five top brands for waterproof flooring, each offering exceptional durability, style, and performance

REVWOD WHICKAM GRAY

Mohawk RevWood

Mohawk RevWood is a revolutionary laminate flooring option that combines the beauty of hardwood with the performance of laminate. This waterproof flooring is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear while maintaining its attractive appearance. Check out our Mohawk RevWood collection at Builders Surplus.

ELIPTICAL OAK

COREtec

COREtec is a leading brand in luxury vinyl flooring, offering 100% waterproof planks that are both durable and visually appealing. With innovative core structures and an attached cork underlayment, COREtec floors provide excellent soundproofing and comfort. Explore our COREtec flooring options at Builders Surplus.

PERGO CHANCING SEAFOAM CEDAR

Pergo

Pergo is a well-known brand in the laminate flooring industry, offering waterproof laminate options that are both stylish and functional. Pergo’s waterproof laminate flooring is designed to resist spills, stains, and scratches, making it an excellent choice for busy households. Discover our selection of Pergo waterproof laminate flooring at Builders Surplus.

CYRUS AKADIA

Cyrus from MSI

Cyrus is a popular luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring brand that provides a wide range of waterproof and stylish flooring options. Their LVP products are designed to mimic the look of real wood or stone, offering a durable and low-maintenance alternative to traditional flooring materials. Browse our Cyrus luxury vinyl plank collection at Builders Surplus.

ANDOVER KINGSDOWN GRAY

Andover from MSI

Andover is a premium line of luxury vinyl planks by MSI that offers beautiful, waterproof flooring options with realistic wood and stone textures. These durable LVP products are designed for easy installation and long-lasting performance, making them an excellent choice for any home. Check out our Andover luxury vinyl plank offerings at Builders Surplus.

By considering these top waterproof flooring brands, you can find the perfect solution for your home renovation project. Visit Builders Surplus to explore these brands further and find the ideal waterproof flooring option to suit your specific needs and preferences.

Tips for Choosing and Installing Waterproof Flooring

Selecting and installing waterproof flooring can be a seamless process if you follow the right guidelines. Here are some tips and resources to help you make the best decisions for your home:

a. Assess Your Needs

Before diving into the various waterproof flooring options, assess your specific needs. Consider factors such as your budget, preferred aesthetics, room usage, and moisture levels. This comprehensive guide on how to choose the right flooring from The Spruce can help you get started.

b. Research Waterproof Flooring Types

Take the time to research different types of waterproof flooring, including laminate and luxury vinyl options, to determine which best suits your requirements. This detailed comparison of laminate and luxury vinyl flooring from Flooring Inc. can provide valuable insights.

c. Explore Brands and Styles

Explore various brands and styles of waterproof flooring to find the perfect match for your home’s design and functionality. This roundup of the best waterproof flooring brands from Floor Critics can help you narrow down your choices.

d. Consult a Professional

When in doubt, consult a flooring professional to help you make the best decision for your home. They can guide you through the selection process and provide expert advice on installation. Find a trusted flooring professional near you through HomeAdvisor.

e. Proper Installation

Ensure proper installation of your waterproof flooring to maximize its performance and longevity. This step-by-step guide on how to install luxury vinyl plank flooring from DIY Network can be a valuable resource for do-it-yourself enthusiasts.

By following these tips and utilizing the provided resources, you can confidently choose and install waterproof flooring in your home, creating a durable and stylish space that stands the test of time.

In conclusion, waterproof flooring is a versatile and practical solution for homeowners looking to combine style, durability, and moisture resistance. With various types and brands available, it’s essential to research your options, consult professionals, and follow proper installation and maintenance practices. By doing so, you can create a beautiful, long-lasting floor that stands up to the challenges of daily life and enhances your home’s overall appeal. 🏡✨😊

Don’t forget to visit our website at www.builderssurplus.us for more information and inspiration on waterproof flooring options. Happy renovating! 🛠️🎉 T.B.

If you’re ready to upgrade to luxury vinyl flooring, Builders Surplus offers top brands at unbeatable prices. Click here to explore our extensive Luxury Vinyl collection, and visit our store to pick up your new flooring today!

Schedule your Free Tile or Flooring Consultation Today!

March 26, 2023

Home Value: 5 Easy Ways to Increase It

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

The Best Ways To Increase Home Value

Focus on the Entry Door

So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that curb appeal is a monstrous factor when it comes to home value. The front door simply further emphasizes this incredibly significant factor. Essentially, it pulls the eye in and acts as a main focal point to the entire house. Think about it, when you have guests over, what is the first course of action? Walking through the front door. So, naturally, that’s what the eye is going to be attracted to.

Don’t be afraid to get a little quirky when it comes to your front door, either. Want to make it a crazy-cool color? Do it. Want to splash some sort of design on it? Go ahead. I encourage you to make it your own and let it standout. Because, honestly, it’s going to anyway.

Upgrade the Kitchen

Now, listen, I know those three words can seem a bit vague, and even once it’s broken down, it can still be a bit overwhelming. So for all intensive purposes, I’ll just name two components of a kitchen. Also note that your kitchen is arguably (but who would argue) the most important room in the entire house. Because of this, simply renovating a few things will no doubt increase home value. For sure. Cabinets: You may be surprised to know that simply switching out the cabinets in your kitchen will do wonders as far as aesthetics. Maybe you’re tired of the type of cabinet and color, or you’re like me and get antsy when you’ve staring at the same scenery for far too long. I encourage you to take a good, hard look at your cabinets and see if you’d like to make some changes. Remix it up.

Countertops: In my opinion, countertops can make or break a kitchen’s overall look. With this in mind, if you’ve been preparing your meals over, say, formica countertops then I think you’d really enjoy a granite or quartz countertops. They’re both sleek, modern-looking, and the characteristics for both are far more superior — in strength, durability, accident-resistance, and maintenance.

Beautify your Bathroom

Kitchens and baths, y’all, that’s where it’s at for value’s sake. These rooms allow a person to express themselves artistically and make a style their own. Like I mentioned before, don’t be afraid to go above and beyond. After all, IT IS your home. Do what you will. However, if you’re going to be selling in the near future, keep the style one that will appeal to a broad range of buyers. Vanities: A bathroom doesn’t call for as much space as a kitchen does, sure, but I’d be lying if I said that these pieces aren’t essential to your bathroom design. Take the same advice I gave you about your kitchen cabinetry and recreate a different design — use interesting colors, textures, and styles and make things harmoniously blend.

Vanity tops: Much like your kitchen countertops, a vanity top can make or break the design. Now, if it were me, I’d take a look at our cultured marble tops, in addition to our large selection of vanity tops. We truly have some beautiful colors that will blend nicely with any design. I promise you.

Watch your Windows

Windows may seem like a small aspect in home design, but I’m telling you, replacing the old with the new will greatly increase your home value. At Builders Surplus, we carry Silverline by Andersen windows, and they’re true beauties. Available in different designs and styles, these babies will quite literally make each room brighter.

Another thing I kinda like about windows is that they’re two sides of the same coin. We talked about the importance of curb appeal before, and windows sort of add to that enhanced focus, but they’re also very endearing on the inside, as well.

Plus, if you’re kinda crafty, you can enrich the look and put a beautiful set of moulding around each window, achieving that ‘craftsmen’ style perfectly. Just a little food for thought if you want to really increase home value.

Spruce Up the Outside

This probably goes without saying, but a well-maintained, neat, and even colorful yard is going to get some looks. If you want to increase home value, this is definitely an area I’d focus on. Curb appeal, remember? If your grass is as green as a golf course, there’s a nice blend of trees, flowers, and bushes — all neatly clipped — and everything looks proper and perfect, don’t be surprised to see a car come to a slow crawl, peeking in.

Having a yard that’s pleasing to the eye is going to get you those seriously-this-just-went-on-the-market kind of offers, and who doesn’t want to be in that driver’s seat, no pun intended. Just don’t make it TOO busy, you know what I mean. Keep it nice. Keep it neat. Keep it complete.

I hope these five things gave you a bit of insight and, hopefully, some inspiration to make some renovations to increase home value. Change isn’t all bad, people! Remember that, and keep on enjoying this weather! Hope to see y’all in here soon, but until then be safe and stay blessed!

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

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

May 2, 2017

Our Favorite Stains For Unfinished Hardwood Floors

If there’s one thing I know, hardwood floors simply give that feel of class, sophistication, and beauty that can only be described as timeless.
Today, I’d like to discuss one of the aspects of unfinished hardwood floors – its versatility. I am, of course, speaking on the fact that it can be stained to a color of your choosing, and in this blog post, we’ll go over a few of my personal favorites that I’ve come across while working for my father at his home remodeling business.

The Product & Its Many Colors

My father holds the brand, Minwax, with the highest regard. In fact, that’s literally the only stain he uses, no matter what the piece. Now, I can go ahead and tell you that this is for good reason. It just coats SO darn well.
To be specific, the product he uses has been coined Minwax Wood Finish™, and it is available in no less than 26 colors. Talk about a variety, right? Sidenote: Where it does coat beautifully with just one application, for best results you should apply two. It will bring out the richness in the color, and you can just thank me later.

Dark Walnut Stain

There’s something about darker hardwood floors that I really appreciate. To me, Dark Walnut brings out the texture in this style of flooring. It’s rich. It’s long-lasting. It exudes that feeling that I mentioned earlier.
And, let me tell ya, if you’re one to open up the windows on a warm, gorgeous days, the way natural light hits this color is simply mesmerizing. Dark tones, bright smiles with these stains. Outstanding.

English Chestnut Stain

Ah, the traditional approach. Whenever I think of a stained floor, this is what comes to mind because it seems like the “tried and true” approach, if I’m being honest.
Not to say that it’s boring or timid in showing its flavor, but it’s just been known to get the job done — which is simply to accentuate the grain of the unfinished hardwood — much like the “Natural” stain color would, if you know what I mean. A bit of a reddish hue, this color works wonders in colonial-style houses. Lovely.

Ipswich Pine Stain

I have to admit, every time I read the color of this stain, I think of the movie, “The Covenant,” an extremely underrated movie about a batch of brothers who are considered descendants of the “Witches of Ipswich.”
Anyway, sorry for that little tidbit, just sayin’. Back to the blog. This color has a yellowish hue to it that I really admire. It’s nearly like “Natural” because of how light it is, but it exhibits something different, a lovelier feel in my opinion. This stained floor will work wonders underneath darker furniture. Oh, yes.

Jacobean Stain

Ah, my favorite, which is why I saved it for last. Now, remember how I mentioned that I like darker colored hardwood floors? Well, this is IT. No, not the clown. Let’s not go down that road. We’ll stick to these floors.
Number one, how legit is that name? Go ahead and say it, like, three times. Jay-CO-Bean. So cool. I just love how incredibly RICH this color is. The dark swirls, smooth blend of lighter tones, and it’s ability to go anywhere.

Alright, folks, there’s a little insight into some of my favorite stain colors! If it were me, I’d STRONGLY consider the Jacobean if it blends well with the style of your home and everything.
For something a bit lighter, hit up good ole Ipswich, or throw all of my words in the trash and pick from the other 21 colors. But I will say and will suggest once more, Minwax is definitely the way to go. Have fun this Spring, be safe, and stay blessed!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are 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 25, 2017

5 Bathroom Styles You Must See Before You Remodel

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

Traditional Bathroom Styles

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

Modern Bathroom Styles

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

Hamptons Bathroom Styles

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

Contemporary Bathroom Styles

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

Rustic Bathroom Styles

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

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

April 21, 2017

Family Friendly Remodeling Materials

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

Remodeling Materials – Quartz Countertops

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

Remodeling Materials – CoreTEC Flooring

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

Remodeling Materials – Tiled Shower Walls

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

Remodeling Materials – Kitchen Organizers

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

Remodeling Materials – Kitchen Island

A kitchen island can be used as one of those hot spots in the house, ya know? A place where people gather to do homework, eat meals, and discuss their day. To me, a kitchen island is one of those assets that just bring together AND they’re one of the most functional tools in a kitchen design. More space. More storage. Less hassle.

It’s in my hopes that these researching materials will meet your family friendly needs. Once again, we have most of these beneficial products in store! So, come on down to one of our two locations in Louisville and Cincinnati, and get started on your renovation today!

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

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

April 14, 2017

2017 Tile Trends You'll Go Crazy For

We’re three months into 2017, everyone, and I hope it’s going as well as you’d hope thus far. Winter is nearly behind us, and pretty soon, we’ll be setting our eyes upon the beginnings of one of my favorite seasons – Spring. And with a new year, new trends begin to pop up, and that doesn’t exclude designs and styles in the home renovation industry, right? Today, I’d like to specifically discuss tile trends for 2017.
Now, at Builders Surplus, we have a plethora of designs for your tile flooring needs, including, but not limited to polished porcelain, large format tile, and our lovely Daltile line. Not to mention, my personal favorite, wood-look tile. Elegant sleek feel of tile with the genuine appearance of wood. Exceptional. Alright, let’s look at what’s hot right now! Oh, look, this first one looks familiar…

Wood-Look Tile

A hot topic, indeed. But, honestly, no surprise here. Wood-look tile has been gripping homeowners across the nation for quite a few months now, and for good reason. It’s incredibly durable, maintaining the ability to withstand cracks, warps, dents, scratches, and chips. Perfect for those clumsy relatives you may have or turnt-up toddlers want to see what happens “when this glass meets that floor.”
Whatever the accident may be, wood-look will have you covered. What’s more is that you can install this tile anywhere. Yep, anywhere, including bathrooms. The material used in wood-look actually repels liquids. No more stains. No more mold. No more warping. That alone makes this style one of the finer tile trends of 2017, you know what I mean?

Hexagon-Patterned Tile

There’s just something about this design that has sparked a near insane interest in flooring departments everywhere. And, I get, ya know? When it comes to any designs, you must stick to what appeals to the eye. Sometimes regular patterns go amiss because of their standard square patterns, no matter how colorful or intriguing the tile is itself. But, you throw a bit of geometrical curvature down on the floor and you end up with something truly mesmerizing, extremely hard to miss, and downright jaw-dropping. Definitely makes the list for most exciting tile trends of the year.

Dark Tile

You know as well as I do that color is a primary element in any design. That statement continues to reign true through 2017, and now we’ve begun to see a piqued interest in darker tiles. If used correctly given the other elements in the room, a darker tile can exude relaxation and solace in a luxurious fashion. One of the more popular tile colors that we’ll see through the year is gray. It may seem like an ordinary, mundane color, but when used with other rich colors, you can get that relaxing, tranquil feel you’ve been looking for. Sidenote: Darker tiles are also obviously easier to clean. Just a plus on top of a plus.

Brick-Look Tile

Listen, I love the cobblestone look. Love it. It’s probably because of weird fascination with all things 18th century London, but there’s just something about walking across cobblestones that visually takes me across the Pond, holding a coffee, wearing a peacoat, and looking down the lines of cafes, wondering where I’m going to for a sip of tea and a crumb of a crumpet. But then again, maybe I’m not so weird because brick-look tile is one of the hottest tile trends to date and it exhibits the same feel.
People love this look because it’s different. It is far from your usual flooring. It’s a bit quirky, which for some is all the more reason, but it’s also a design that continues to amaze people. With that said, this design is not going anywhere fast. Expect it to be a hot commodity for some years to come.

Cement-Look Tile

Honestly, the all-encompassing hottest trend is flooring that looks like something it’s not. Wood-look, Brick-Look, and now, Cement-Look tile. It’s extremely endearing, folks. I’ve talked about it a few times in previous blog posts, but it’s just interesting to me that a material that is widely known for industrial purposes had made its way into people’s living room and hallways – in a glorious fashion.

Herringbone & Chevron Patterns

Another one that shouldn’t be much of a surprise. These patterns continue to “wow” people because of the inevitable. It WILL get your attention and nine times out of ten, you WILL like it. Now, yes it’s going to continue well into 2017, but I don’t expect this trend to last forever, honestly. It’s a pattern and once people start looking at the same thing for a long, extended period of time, well, they get bored. And then it’s onto the next attractive, more appealing design or pattern.

Well, everyone, keep your eye out for these colors, designs, and patterns for the months to come! I’m sure you’ll find that there’s a reason these characteristics continue to amaze everyone in the industry. What’s your favorite one of these 2017 tile trends? Feel free to leave a comment or let me know by sending me an email! And if you’re in the industry or you’re looking to install some new floors, come on into one of your two locations in Louisville or Cincinnati! Until then, be safe and stay blessed!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We 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

April 11, 2017

2017 Tile Trends You’ll Go Crazy For

We’re three months into 2017, everyone, and I hope it’s going as well as you’d hope thus far. Winter is nearly behind us, and pretty soon, we’ll be setting our eyes upon the beginnings of one of my favorite seasons – Spring. And with a new year, new trends begin to pop up, and that doesn’t exclude designs and styles in the home renovation industry, right? Today, I’d like to specifically discuss tile trends for 2017.
Now, at Builders Surplus, we have a plethora of designs for your tile flooring needs, including, but not limited to polished porcelain, large format tile, and our lovely Daltile line. Not to mention, my personal favorite, wood-look tile. Elegant sleek feel of tile with the genuine appearance of wood. Exceptional. Alright, let’s look at what’s hot right now! Oh, look, this first one looks familiar…

Wood-Look Tile

A hot topic, indeed. But, honestly, no surprise here. Wood-look tile has been gripping homeowners across the nation for quite a few months now, and for good reason. It’s incredibly durable, maintaining the ability to withstand cracks, warps, dents, scratches, and chips. Perfect for those clumsy relatives you may have or turnt-up toddlers want to see what happens “when this glass meets that floor.”
Whatever the accident may be, wood-look will have you covered. What’s more is that you can install this tile anywhere. Yep, anywhere, including bathrooms. The material used in wood-look actually repels liquids. No more stains. No more mold. No more warping. That alone makes this style one of the finer tile trends of 2017, you know what I mean?

Hexagon-Patterned Tile

There’s just something about this design that has sparked a near insane interest in flooring departments everywhere. And, I get, ya know? When it comes to any designs, you must stick to what appeals to the eye. Sometimes regular patterns go amiss because of their standard square patterns, no matter how colorful or intriguing the tile is itself. But, you throw a bit of geometrical curvature down on the floor and you end up with something truly mesmerizing, extremely hard to miss, and downright jaw-dropping. Definitely makes the list for most exciting tile trends of the year.

Dark Tile

You know as well as I do that color is a primary element in any design. That statement continues to reign true through 2017, and now we’ve begun to see a piqued interest in darker tiles. If used correctly given the other elements in the room, a darker tile can exude relaxation and solace in a luxurious fashion. One of the more popular tile colors that we’ll see through the year is gray. It may seem like an ordinary, mundane color, but when used with other rich colors, you can get that relaxing, tranquil feel you’ve been looking for. Sidenote: Darker tiles are also obviously easier to clean. Just a plus on top of a plus.

Brick-Look Tile

Listen, I love the cobblestone look. Love it. It’s probably because of weird fascination with all things 18th century London, but there’s just something about walking across cobblestones that visually takes me across the Pond, holding a coffee, wearing a peacoat, and looking down the lines of cafes, wondering where I’m going to for a sip of tea and a crumb of a crumpet. But then again, maybe I’m not so weird because brick-look tile is one of the hottest tile trends to date and it exhibits the same feel.
People love this look because it’s different. It is far from your usual flooring. It’s a bit quirky, which for some is all the more reason, but it’s also a design that continues to amaze people. With that said, this design is not going anywhere fast. Expect it to be a hot commodity for some years to come.

Cement-Look Tile

Honestly, the all-encompassing hottest trend is flooring that looks like something it’s not. Wood-look, Brick-Look, and now, Cement-Look tile. It’s extremely endearing, folks. I’ve talked about it a few times in previous blog posts, but it’s just interesting to me that a material that is widely known for industrial purposes had made its way into people’s living room and hallways – in a glorious fashion.

Herringbone & Chevron Patterns

Another one that shouldn’t be much of a surprise. These patterns continue to “wow” people because of the inevitable. It WILL get your attention and nine times out of ten, you WILL like it. Now, yes it’s going to continue well into 2017, but I don’t expect this trend to last forever, honestly. It’s a pattern and once people start looking at the same thing for a long, extended period of time, well, they get bored. And then it’s onto the next attractive, more appealing design or pattern.

Well, everyone, keep your eye out for these colors, designs, and patterns for the months to come! I’m sure you’ll find that there’s a reason these characteristics continue to amaze everyone in the industry. What’s your favorite one of these 2017 tile trends? Feel free to leave a comment or let me know by sending me an email! And if you’re in the industry or you’re looking to install some new floors, come on into one of your two locations in Louisville or Cincinnati! Until then, be safe and stay blessed!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We 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

April 11, 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

Why Waypoint Cabinets Are Fan Favorites

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

The Variety

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

The Quality

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

The Creation

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

The Promotions

Every month, Waypoint comes through with at least two promotional offers that are designed to give you, the customer, a better bang for your buck. Some of these offers entail a free cabinet from any given series, or a 10% discount on the 600/700 series, and so on and so forth. If you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen or bathroom, these promotions are perfect for you! The promos are activated with orders of twelve cabinets or more, and on some of them, the offers can be combined. They’re serious incentives, and when you take a look at what you’re getting, you begin to realize the benefits of the whole package. It’s very, very difficult to pass up. Take a look at our Promotions page and see what deals you can get this month!

In all, Waypoint Cabinets are truly amazing products, ones that will ensure you of a beautiful kitchen design. It’s because of this that I strongly suggest you come take a look at what we have to offer in store at any of our two locations in Louisville or Cincinnati. Don’t just take my word for it, everyone. If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, and you’d like a bit of advice on styles, on cabinetry or otherwise, then come on in for a FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION! We’d be glad to help you on your way to a dream renovation!

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

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March 21, 2017

A Comparison of Cabinet Wood Type

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

Red Oak Cabinet Wood Type

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

White Oak Cabinet Wood Type

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

Maple Cabinet Wood Type

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

Hickory Cabinet Wood Type

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

Cherry Cabinet Wood Type

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

Birch Cabinet Wood Type

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

Pine Cabinet Wood Type

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

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

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

February 7, 2017

MADE IN THE US: One Reason to Love Wellborn Cabinets

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Admit it, when you purchase an item from a store and see the “Made in the U.S.” tag, it kinda sorta makes you feel good about your purchase, doesn’t it? I’d venture to say it’s solely because you know that you’ve just supported a company that has its roots instilled in the soil you walk on. It is a homegrown, homemade product that you’ve bought with your hard earned cash. As is the cycle of our nation’s system, and so therefore, you boost the economy, further benefitting businesses locally AND nationally.

This is why, and I’m sure you know, there’s been an influx in buying locally and supporting companies that manufacture goods in America. This is not to say that you don’t condone or intentionally not seek to benefit foreign exchange, but it’s good to know when your money is circulating within the confines of your nation. Simple as that. And that is yet another reason we love Wellborn Cabinets! They’re made right here in the U. S. of A. Today, I’d like to talk a little bit about these homemade cabinets, detailing some history, and why they’re such a hot commodity at our stores.

About Wellborn Cabinets

The Wellborn family have owned and operated Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., since 1961. Think about it, that’s more than fifty years of success! Any business that makes it past the 50-year mark absolutely has a timeless product, in my opinion. You simply don’t make it that far without providing customers a timeless, durable product. The company was originally founded by Paul and Doug Wellborn, and they’re located in the Deep South, in Ashland, Alabama. Their primary goal is a prime reason for their lengthy success. In their website, their goal is “to provide kitchen and bath cabinets crafted by dedicated Wellborn employees with the utmost quality and care.”

The company had humble beginnings, starting out in a 3,200 sq. ft (holy smokes) building that manufactured cost-effective kitchen and bath cabinets and specialized in kitchen and bath contract sales for government-financed housing. Thirty five years after its inception, Paul Wellborn bought the entire company, became the sole owner, and switched up the Wellborn Cabinet clientele, focusing primarily on residential kitchen and bath dealers. Since then, the company has expanded its reach in both size and product selection, branching out to 6 product lines. In present day, Paul and the Wellborn family manufacture the company cabinets from start to finish in a 2,000,000 sq. ft. (pick up your jaw) facility in Ashland. Their tagline reads: Wellborn Cabinet, Time Tested, Quality Craftsmanship…Your Whole Home Solution. In essence, this company is about their business, and they are NOT playing around. You have to appreciate this kind of dedication.

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

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

Wellborn Cabinets Go Green

This company is in line with a heavy commitment to our environment and for good reason, right? Their website states, “environmental stewardship has been part of Wellborn’s culture since the beginning. This responsibility has always been about more than just words and has been proven through decades of actions, investments, and practices.” Here’s another little tidbit that I find equally as fascinating: Wellborn has recycling programs that utilize wood waste to generate power and steam and continue to lower Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions through technology. In fact, the energy they gain from waste powers hear for 5, 124 homes in one year. That’s incredible.

The company “utilizes steam from from the wood fired co-generation plant in the dry kilns, heating ovens, and paint room. The process saves approximately 300,000 (MCF) thousand cubic feet of natural gas annually, a non-renewable energy source, by using collected shavings. They also partner with their contributors to further their environmental practices! This, as they say on their page, is why you’ll find the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) Environmental Stewardship Program seal on their cabinetry. It’s clairvoyantly clear that this company has pushed themselves in the right direction towards a better future, perfecting their practices for a safer, cleaner environment. It is as their “Green” page states, “For Our Planet – Today, Tomorrow and Always” and “For the Future of Our Children.” I’m not quite sure you can find a more giving or environmentally-conscious company than this one, folks.

And there you have it, folks, a company that prides itself on being born right here in the U.S.A. They’re committed, focused, detail-oriented, and have a persistent drive to manufacture a quality product to produce lasting, satisfied smile, and all in an environmentally-safe way. You can’t make up this kind of genius, y’all. I urge you to the utmost degree to check these guys out when you consider doing a kitchen or bath remodel. As I’ve detailed above, you will not be disappointed. In the slightest. Until next time, everyone, be safe, and enjoy this new year! Stay blessed!

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

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

January 23, 2017

Craftsman Style Window for Extra Charm

Ah, the Craftsman Style Window. Arguably, many homeowners favorite style of windows, and rightfully so! It alleviates the look of the usual, plain-jane and ordinary window to one of planned architecture. It’s just another way to add a bit of curvature into the design of your house, and cast some light on the beauty of a well-designed home. Take note, while these are not exactly considered a rare style, it certainly will provoke a similar reaction as if it was. Without further ado, let’s talk about some things you can do to achieve this lovely look of elegance in the windows of your home.

Craftsman Style Window – Getting the Look

With this style, it is ALL finish work. And I mean that quite literally. To achieve the craftsman appearance, it comes down to the finishing touches. What do I mean by finishing touches? The trim and the moulding. As this style is mainly seen and closely related to what’s called “Bungalow-styled” houses, you’ll find that the windows all have accompanied moulding and trim to them.
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With that said, typically these types of houses are all seen with double hung grid windows in combination with casement awning and/or picture windows. This allows for more natural light to seep through.

Like I mentioned before, the prominent part about this look is the finish work. Craftsman moulding is what gives this style its name. It’s commonly found in the American Bungalow, as well. It’s easy to install, very affordable, and big, which just adds to the look. If you’re starting from scratch, make sure you apply a high-resolution paint job. I’m talking PURE-WHITE finish, make it shiny, glossy even. It’s an added element to that style that shouts at you…in a good way, of course.

Once you’ve trimmed out the entire window, the bottom, top, and the sides, you’re pretty much almost there. Now it’s time to fill the gaps with caulk. Once again, another finishing touch that is super important to achieving this look!
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Allow the caulk to dry for a solid 24 hours. You can never be too sure with that stuff, trust me. Make sure the whole area is clean, the caulk beads look straight and in unison, and there you go! You have it! The craftsman look!

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

November 4, 2016

Reclaimed Wood Flooring: DIY it from Unfinished Wood

Reclaimed Wood Flooring is such a unique style, one that’s all on its own. It epitomizes the rustic approach and is perfect for cottage settings, or even the traditional style kitchen. Today, I’m going to discuss on how you can achieve this look by doing-it-yourself and using unfinished wood flooring.

Reclaimed Wood Flooring – Using Unfinished Wood

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The first step to this process would be, of course, to get your primary material, unfinished wood. Think of these pieces as a clean slate, an empty canvas just waiting to be drawn upon. It provides an opportunity for limitless creativity, and allows you to create the style you have in mind. In the reclaimed look. Lucky for you, we have what you need at Builders Surplus, with plenty of unfinished wood in-stock for your choosing!

Reclaimed Wood Flooring – Roughing It Up!

Some of these methods I gained from the people at younghouselove.com – they have brilliant ideas for stuff like this, and I definitely took note!
Sanding: After you purchase your unfinished woods, it’s time to start roughing it up a bit. First, sand the surface, making it smooth. Getting rid of the initial texture will already make the wood look a bit aged! Next, it’s time to start roughing up the wood!

Bag of Screws: I’ve seen plenty of techniques on distressing wood, and this one right here, although peculiar, results in an excellent effect. Smack a bag of screws across your sanded surface and notice the little dimples it creates! Just enough to set off the texture, and for it to look weathered.

Hammer it!: Now don’t pick up a hammer and go Thor on your unfinished wood, now. Instead, place small dents across each board. Scatter them out, and don’t make it look like a hammer was there. Remember, the key to pulling off this look is for it look like time/weather created it, not you.

Groove it!: Use a long screw with threading and press down, using the threads to groove the soft wood. You can switch it up, too! Perform all of these techniques on the board – OR – make it a variety and distress each one differently. It’s up to you!

Screw Small Holes: Ever looked at a piece of old wood and noticed all the small holes from insects and bugs? Pretty cool, right? Achieve this look by piloting small holes with a drill bit across the tops of the board!

Sand It Again: Now that you’ve beat it up a bit, sand it to give it the smooth texture. Not too much or you’ll end up undoing what you just did. Press down lightly in circular motions, and that should do the trick.!

Reclaimed Wood Flooring – It’s Stain Time

Alright, now this another choice that is solely yours, but I’m here to tell you that the darker the stain the better. Of course, you can mix it up with some lighter stains, for sure. All of it doesn’t have to be dark, and to be honest, it shouldn’t be if you’re trying to get the true reclaimed wood flooring look. To name some off the top of my head, Dark Cherry, Red Oak, Maple, Red Mahogany, and Dark Walnut are just some of the choices you have. Pair those with lighter stains like Pickled Oak, Pickled White, Honeytone, and Winter White, and you’ll achieve the look. Trust me. As for the brand, I highly suggest Rust-Oleum. They have the best stain, hands down, everything from deck stain to distressed look. They’re excellent.

Now, mind you, these are just some ideas for you. There are a plethora of methods you can do to distress wood and create a variety for your reclaimed wood flooring. This post is just for you to gain inspiration and ensure you that it’s actually an easier process than it looks. And it’s really, really fun. Hope this inspired you even in the slightest, and that you think about this idea during your next remodel! Take care and stay blessed!

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

November 1, 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

Small Bathroom: Choosing the Right Vanity & Tile

A small bathroom is one of the worst things on the planet. I remember the one in my first apartment, there was barely any space to move, you had to close the door to open the vanity cabinet but you also had to stand off to the side or sit on the toilet sideways so you didn’t hit your shins! There are many different factors that can keep someone from being able to do much about a small bathroom; whether it be that you’re stuck in an apartment and can’t make any structural changes or you own your own home, but you don’t have the budget to do a full bathroom remodel at the moment.

Updating your tile and replacing your vanity are a couple of the easiest and most inexpensive ways that you can make your bathroom appear more open. We’ve got some tips and tricks on how you can utilize these to make your cramped bath appear “bigger on the inside.”

Be Basic

Simplicity is key when you’re wanting to make a small bathroom feel bigger! Skip the highly decorative and opt-in for more simplistic shapes and styles. In a space like this, less is more.
The subway tile look is super popular, and it’s a really basic look that’s also classy. However, what needs to be remembered with tile is size. Go for larger format tile – the less lines and grout, the better. This creates a longer line that isn’t broken up which makes the space appear larger because the pattern is continuous.
There are two ways to go with vanities her. You can choose a pedestal sink and be really minimal, but if you must have some storage space choose a floating single-sink vanity or one with open shelves instead of cabinets or drawers. A floating vanity will open up the floor space, which breaks up the space less, while an open vanity (shelves instead of drawers) moves your eye through the room and makes you think about what you really need in your bath.

Color is Key

This goes along with keeping it simple. When it comes to color in a small space you want to choose a single color or monochromatic theme. Brighter colors work best in small spaces, especially whites – plus white is classy!
Select bright, glossy white tile or backsplash that is bigger than the palm of your hand at least (remember go big or go home with the whole tile selection). If you have a light color scheme that isn’t white then keep your tile selection in that hue, it’ll still make the room feel bigger. However, it’s a little more complicated where you already have a dark bath. When you have a dark space that you can’t completely overhaul you can still choose a lighter wall tile or backsplash. Remember, you want to try to break up the colors and patterns as little as possible!

Lighter vanities are often less popular because bathrooms are already pretty bright so a vanity is the perfect piece to contrast lighter colors! This is where you can have some fun if you want to. Keep the vanity white (or whatever single color the rest of your bathroom is) especially if it’s one with drawers and cabinets, this breaks up the space less and makes a small bathroom feel larger. If you think you can spare to have some color feel free to contrast the room with a darker vanity, however, this will work best with an open style shelf vanity.

There are plenty of other tips to make your small bathroom look and feel larger, updating your tile and replacing your vanity are just a couple of the easiest and most inexpensive ways that you can make your cramped bathroom space look and feel “bigger on the inside.”

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

July 15, 2016

James Martin Furniture: Luxury Bathroom Style

James Martin Furniture produces some high-end, beautiful vanity sets and pieces! With over 100 years in the business it’s apparent that they definitely know what they are doing and what their customer base wants! James Martin is a luxury bathroom furniture brand that is dedicated to the idea of craftsmanship and pride in their products.

What is James Martin Furniture?

James Martin Furniture is a high-end, quality, luxury brand of bathroom vanities pieces and sets. The founders of James Martin Furniture set out 100 years ago to unite their combined experiences and build an uncompromising brand of bathroom cabinets that rivaled the style, techniques and qualities of other home furniture brands – even to this day! The founders of James Martin Furniture believed – and the company still believes – that by integrating the style of fine home furnishings into your bathroom that your bathroom space could become a space of beauty within your home and one of your favorite spaces to come home to relax and unwind!

Why James Martin Vanities?

The bathroom furniture pieces created by the James Martin brand start out as genuine North American harvested hardwood. This wood is selected by the buyers who inspect each slab to endure that it meets the strict standards that are held by the James Martin brand. The wood is then ready to be made into the cabinet construction materials through a process of drying and moisture testing that ensures that the selected lot will yield the very best treated product.
The cabinets are then hand crafted and each component is created and installed by a skilled team of craftsmen. Such high-quality labor is put into these pieces that even the designs are hand carved into the wood to create a truly unique and beautiful piece of art. At each stage of production quality control experts are there to keep an eye and supervise the creation of the vanities and ensure that they are up to strict quality standards. The finish – whether it be stained or painted – is applied in several layers through several steps to give the cabinet depth and a richness of color. Finally, the vanity cabinet is once again checked by a quality control expert and given the green light to be sold as a one of a kind James Martin Furniture vanity cabinet.

James Martin Furniture Vanity Cabinets are one of the worlds leading producers of bathroom furniture and it definitely elevates the look and feel of any bath. If you’re looking for something different and more luxurious than a traditional cabinet vanity then consider adding a James Martin Vanity to your remodel!

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

June 1, 2016

Wilsonart: Laminate Countertops With a High End Look

Some homeowners don’t consider laminate countertops much of an upgrade when redoing their kitchen. At most, they probably think that it’s better than no countertops. But laminate isn’t all bad! In fact, you’re doing yourself a disservice on an affordable, and stylish option by not considering it!
Like all laminate countertops, Wilsonart makes theirs out of a combination of layers of decorative and craft papers that are fused with acrylic, wood fibers and other hardeners in a high pressure press machine. Unlike other brands of laminate countertops, Wilsonart’s holds all sorts of seals for sustainability compliance from several different organizations concerned with the health of us humans and the sustainability of our planet. They’re indoor air certified and a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, just to name a couple.

Other than the fact that Wilsonart is clearly raising the bar on how laminate countertop quality and manufacturing processes are done, here are some other reasons that you should consider a laminate countertop during your next kitchen or bath renovation.

Quick & Lazy Cleanup

I would choose a laminate countertop for this reason alone. I hate cleaning – I mean, who honestly likes to clean? As long as you don’t use any abrasive cleaners on the surface then all you need is a damp rag and a little bit of soap. Wipe up any spots or spills and you’re done!

Minimal Maintenance

With granite, marble or butcher block countertops there can be quite a bit of maintenance. Butcher block needs to be re-oiled, and granite and marble need to be re-sealed. Laminate just needs a trivet to protect it from hot pans and a cutting board to prevent scratching. And unlike other solid surface countertops that chip, you’ve got to replace the whole thing; with laminate countertops if a piece chips off you can typically replace a much smaller area to fix it!

More Options

Sure, granite and other solid surface countertops have a large color selection to choose from but the printing processes of old have come a long way! Today, laminate countertops can mimic stone, wood, or any other natural material. Not to mention that you can also choose from an array of funky colors and patterns, and that brown line that appears at the edge? Forget about it. Laminate countertops can look as solid as ever, even with specialty edges! Wilsonart, in particular takes everything a step further. With them you can custom design your own laminate countertops! Because it can be cut into just about any shape there’s no limit to what you can have created just for you and your kitchen!

Price on Point

Laminate countertops are probably the least expensive option – you know, aside from having no countertops. The price for laminate can start at about $25 per square foot (including installation). Compare a $1,500 dollar price for laminate countertops to the $5000 dollar price of a marble countertop! That’s money I can spend elsewhere, on me, or the rest of my home.

Down side to Laminate Countertops?

There isn’t much. Laminate doesn’t do as well as raising your ROI (return on investment) in your home, so if you’re selling it might not be for you. As well it can dull and discolor from direct heat (remember when I said to use a trivet?), or abrasive and harsh chemical cleaners. It also scratches easily (I also said something about using a cutting board). No product is perfect but following some simple precautions should keep your laminate countertops looking beautiful for years to come!

Laminate gets a bad wrap for being on the cheap end of the spectrum, whether it be flooring or especially countertops. The thing is, that’s just not the case anymore! Laminate countertops have come a long way in the past several years! They might not be the most popular but with a low price point and thousands of options to choose from that are becoming more and more realistic every day, there is no reason why you shouldn’t at least give it a nod and a wink!

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

April 19, 2016

Cork Flooring by US Floors: Comfy, Cozy & Chic

March 30, 2016

It's Natural: Color Inspiration from Nature

I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to natural textures and scenes, of old architecture and macro imagery, of my favorite color palettes. Some of the most gorgeous color palettes can be found outdoors and with a little help, you can come up with an entire scheme for a room. You’ve dreamed, you’ve built, you’ve remodeled. The walls are up and the floor is done, so what’s next? The room’s design! But where is a good starting point? I am into design that is centered around color palettes and I use color theory to aid in setting the mood for a room. Do I want it dark and calming, warm and cozy, trendy and fresh? There are so many different avenues you could choose, but I think the best way is by taking inspiration from nature.
Today, I have put together four color palettes that utilize the great outdoors as interior inspiration.

In Hot Lava Color Palette

The Great Outdoors Color Palette

Pink Oasis Color Palette

Into the Wild Color Palette

It is easy to draw ideas from our surroundings. We encourage every to take a step outside and snap shots of what you are inspired by. Tag your photos on Instagram with #builderssurplus and tell us how you’ll incorporate it in your design!

March 17, 2016

Bachelor Pad Essentials

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When most people think about bachelor pads, we envision 20-somethings living in a crowded, unkempt apartment with hand-me-down furniture and pizza boxes serving as a coffee table. It is the kind of place mothers dread thinking about and girlfriends pray they don’t have to set foot in. But there’s nothing a little tough love and brainstorming can’t fix! So, fellas, I have a list of bachelor pad essentials that will help you have an amazing cool-guy home that isn’t full of feminine design. Let’s get started.

Table for the Team

From poker players to tabletop gamers, every bachelor needs a table where he and his buddies can gather around for some fun. There are so many designs you can go with that aren’t over the top. Simple is best, yes? Go for more length than width, with thin planks and legs. It won’t seem bulky and you can fit a few more chairs around it. For those of you in a relationship, you can’t go wrong with a dinner that isn’t being served on a coffee table in front of the TV.

Workspace / Fun Place

Whether you are plugging away on a project, checking social media, or invested in a MMO campaign, you’ll need a place that is multi-functional. I like the rough, industrial aspect of this workspace design. It is dark, a little dramatic, and it looks like it was pulled out of a long, lost wartime factory. You’ll need plenty of drawers to store important documents and it can also serve as an area to display awards and (a few) of your prized possessions.

Centered Entertainment

You aren’t in college anymore, so there is no need to display giant speakers and have your TV on a stand your old roommate’s friend’s friend handed down to you. Make the television a focal point in the room with a mounted stand. Shelves on either side of it make for more storage space. You could also invest in a wireless surround system that doesn’t require cords to be strewn all over the floor.

Treat Yo’ Windows

Curtains aren’t only for women and serve for purposes other than decoration. They are important for insulation, reducing noise, and preventing flooring and furniture fading in a bachelor pad. Depending on your style, you could choose masculine or neutral colors (cobalt, grey, hunter green.) There is also the trend of geometric, minimalist patterns (pinstripes, honeycombs, plaid.) Dress up your windows; we promise you won’t regret it when you want to sleep in late.

Eye for Art

For those of you who can’t stand a bare wall, we’ve got creative ideas to display your favorite things. An architect or designer or could have engineer prints made of his favorite projects; a sports fanatic could have vintage memorabilia displayed in shadow boxes. You don’t have to purchase new art–use the things you have! This creative design of tools hanging from the wall is both aesthetically pleasing and you already have everything you need to get handy around the home. Other ideas include: framing comic books, collaging old nautical maps, and using floating shelves to show of your growing vinyl collection.

For more ideas on how to style your bachelor pad, check out the Pinterest board we have put together. If you have an amazing design idea in your own home, feel free to tag us on Instagram @builderssurplus and we’ll be sure to re-gram it!

March 14, 2016

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If you’re ready to upgrade to luxury vinyl flooring, Builders Surplus offers top brands at unbeatable prices. Click here to explore our extensive Luxury Vinyl collection, and visit our store to pick up your new flooring today!

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Remodeling Materials – CoreTEC Flooring

Remodeling Materials – Tiled Shower Walls

Remodeling Materials – Kitchen Organizers

Remodeling Materials – Kitchen Island

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Wood-Look Tile

Hexagon-Patterned Tile

Dark Tile

Brick-Look Tile

Cement-Look Tile

Herringbone & Chevron Patterns

Wood-Look Tile

Hexagon-Patterned Tile

Dark Tile

Brick-Look Tile

Cement-Look Tile

Herringbone & Chevron Patterns

Kitchen Options – Crown Moulding

Bath Options – Backsplash

Flooring Options – Quarter Round

Tile Options – Decorative Mosaic

Door Options – Custom Paint it

The Variety

The Quality

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The Creation

The Promotions

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Red Oak Cabinet Wood Type

White Oak Cabinet Wood Type

Maple Cabinet Wood Type

Hickory Cabinet Wood Type

Cherry Cabinet Wood Type

Birch Cabinet Wood Type

Pine Cabinet Wood Type

About Wellborn Cabinets

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

Wellborn Cabinets Go Green

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