Clearwater, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2012 -- Ceramic tiles provide a stylish and yet modern ambiance to any home. Thankfully, they are also easy to maintain.

“There is a good reason why ceramic tiles are so popular,” indicates Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. “They are stylish, easy to take care of and reasonably priced. Not only that, they also feature a huge variety of designs, colors, styles and sizes. For homeowners that want variety in their homes, ceramic tiles fit the bill.”

The hottest trend is to use large tiles to make a statement, and by large, the best choice is usually 12” by 12” or 16” by 16”. These look amazing in any room and can be mixed and matched with other, smaller tiles to really accentuate a room’s texture and presence. Tiles like this are highly versatile and aesthetically pleasing, no matter where they are used in the home. “And keeping them clean is a snap,” added Dupre. “This is a huge bonus in today’s hectic world.”

Keeping ceramic tiles clean is literally as easy as finding something that works for the homeowner, whether it be a mop or a Swiffer Jet, and maintaining a cleaning schedule. There are no special cleaners, no intricately formulated, high-end solutions for the tiles and no particular way to clean them. “People just need to whip out a rag or mop, use warm water, a touch of white vinegar or any generic cleanser, and they are done. Speaking of cleaning, homeowners love ceramic tile because the blended colors do not show stains or other crud,” Dupre outlined.

Homeowners who want to upgrade their floors, walls or other spaces, should try to get high quality ceramic tiles. That will ensure they do not break and will outlast everyone that lives in the house. Ceramic tile flooring is made to be waterproof, durable and functional. There are no bubbles under it, not like with laminate or hardwood flooring. And, ceramic tiles can go literally anywhere in a home, from the bathroom to the laundry room and from the kitchen to the master bedroom.

It is hard not to like ceramic tiles, particularly when they are not only attractive, withstand just about anything thrown at them, but are affordable as well. With the clear choice being beauty and affordability, ceramic tiles may well be worth it. They are a super investment for any property, and for those that like updating their house, they can install the tiles on their own.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/ceramic-tiles-top-the-list-of-versatile-attractive-home-upgrades-says-clearwater-flooring-contractor-132192.htm

Clearwater, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/05/2012 -- Never settle for the first quote for any flooring projects. Contact at least three contractors first.

“This really amazes me,” explains Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. “But so many people just go out, hit one store or contractor and hire them on the spot. They rarely take the time to get quotes on a job, which is a shame because they could really save some money.”

Sourcing quotes does not have to be a big process. It just means that a homeowner calls around to three different flooring contractors and gets a quote for the exact same job at each place. Often the differences in pricing may amaze those looking to ultimately save some money on their hardwood flooring job. “Know before you call or visit for a quote, what kind of hardwood you want. Three quotes will instantly give you an idea of what is out there on the market, and who has room for lower prices due to competition,” Dupre advised.

Make certain research is done before asking for a quote; the kind of research that will tell a person roughly how much they may expect to pay for the hardwood flooring of their choice. It is always a good idea to have alternatives to the first choice in case the budget just can’t handle a higher price.

Those who have a rule of thumb on pricing for flooring often do better when it comes to buying it because they know what their budget is and can stick to it. Walking into a flooring store without a clue as to prices for hardwood may end up in a purchase that sets the bank account back further than planned.

“And for heaven’s sake, know the sizes of your rooms before you go buy flooring,” Dupre added. “I have seen hundreds of people over the years trying to guess the dimensions of their rooms. This doesn’t work. They either underestimate or overestimate. Either way, it’s a pain for them to run out of flooring or have too much left over.” Before leaving home, measure every room that needs upgrading and be prepared.

For those that are serious about buying flooring the same day they go looking for it, they should take a larger vehicle and extra help to carry it. Or, get it delivered for a few extra dollars and save some time and hassle. Hardwood flooring comes in boxes, and if the area to be redone is large, those boxes are awkward and heavy.

“And don’t forget all the little extras you might need, like underlay and beading. I’ve seen people leave a store with just the flooring, only to come back later and ask for what else they need. Do it right the first time, and the project will go a whole lot smoother,” suggested Dupre.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/be-a-smart-renovator-and-get-three-quotes-for-hardwood-flooring-says-tampa-flooring-company-130344.htm

Clearwater, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/28/2012 -- For those looking to sell their homes and have a budget to do so, remodeling will typically increase the sale price of the home.

“Even in this tough economy, people still buy and sell homes; even those on a budget. It is possible, provided you choose with care. For instance, one of the best ways to remodel a home is by using marble mosaic tiles. You don’t have to go whole home; just do a bit here and there and keep working on it over time. The results will be quite amazing and very attractive,” assured Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company.

Marble mosaic tiles add style to a home with their beautiful artistry. Additionally, they come in ready-to-install sizes and shapes. What could possibly be easier? These mosaic tiles are not only easy to install, they are easy to clean and maintain. The polished tiles are typically the tile of choice, largely due to their water resistance. “So if you want to liven up a room or two, you could put these attractive tiles in the kitchen and bathroom or by the outdoor pool,” Dupre suggested.

Every home could have marble mosaic tiles on the same block and no one would have the same thing. They come in an enormous range of colors and texture, and a buyer can get literally anything they want. Whether they choose to buy online or visit a showroom, the price of marble mosaic tiles is still affordable, and the results are stunningly impressive.

“If you’re looking for long lasting tiles that are cost effective, decorative and easy to self install, marble mosaic tiles would fit the bill. Yes, it takes patience to install if you’re doing it yourself, plus an eye for detail, but it can be done. If you’re not certain about wanting to tackle such a job, you might want to call a Tampa flooring specialist and have them quote the job,” Dupre suggested. It is always better to hire an expert if there any doubts about the quality and ease of self installation.

There is a myth floating around that marble mosaic tiles take a lot of time to clean. Typically, if there are serious spills, frequent exposure to moisture and improper care, this would be true. However, if a homeowner takes the time to care for their tiles, they are easy to maintain. “If you want, you can cover the flooring with a rug and sweep it daily to keep the grit factor at bay. It would be a shame to cover such a beautiful floor with carpet, but the choice is ultimately yours to make. Just know that marble mosaic tile is a breeze to care for and will retain its beauty for years to come,” stated Dupre.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/marble-mosaic-tiles-are-a-good-choice-for-remodeling-a-home-says-champion-tile-and-marble-129122.htm

Clearwater, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/09/2012 -- People spend way more time in the bathroom than they think, so it only makes good sense to have an eye appealing room.

“The bathroom is likely the second most frequented place in the home, right after the kitchen. Why not make it look marvelous? After all, if you spend a lot of time in there, it might as well be appealing. If you’re thinking about upgrading it, take some time to sit down and sketch out some bathroom designs. For this, you will want to take a look at what is on the market in terms of bathroom tile, and visit a Clearwater flooring contractor to see what is popular,” suggested Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater flooring, Tampa flooring, and tile installation company.

There are so many different types of bathroom tiles on the market today that it should not be hard to find something to make the powder room come alive. The sky is the limit, and when considering what would work in the bathroom, go with what is appealing, colorful, unique and creates a relaxing atmosphere. “After all, it’s your bathroom and you can do what you want in it,” added Dupre.

For those that would rather let a Clearwater flooring contractor do the work, they might want to spend some time finding out what types of tile would work in their living space and what kind of tile would add value to the home and improve its overall appearance and presentation.

Selecting tile for the bathroom is more about determining the mood that makes everyone feel like they want to spend time in there. It is about themes, textures, patterns and eye appeal. “Based on what you want, like and feel comfortable with, you can pick anything that appeals to you, and even have it suit your budget as well,” Dupre indicated.

Remember that when choosing bathroom tile, making the right selection for the moisture levels is a main consideration. There are a wide range of tiles to consider, including natural stone tiles, glass mosaic tiles, ceramic and porcelain tiles. “If you want a very distinctive look and feel to the bathroom, you might want to consider natural stone tiles. They are in big demand, plus they are virtually ageless and will appeal to just about everyone,” he added.

For those that like the appeal of bright and bold colors, the world of tiles is full of choices. Consider different graphics, appealing and unique patterns, natural stones, vibrant tiles or something subtle and elegant. Ideally, staying away from darker colors is a smart move, as that can make an area look smaller. “If your bathroom is a postage stamp, try neutral colors or lighter shades. It will liven the whole room up,” Dupre suggested.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/give-the-bathroom-some-style-by-installing-tiles-says-champion-tile-and-marble-126342.htm

Clearwater, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/27/2012 -- For homeowners that want a natural and elegant look to their floors, choose travertine tiles.

“I’ve had a great many clients chose travertine tiles when they wanted to upgrade their flooring. Basically, they wanted something elegant, easy to keep and beautiful. Travertine can do all that and more, and because it is in such high demand, you will find the price is a bit higher than other choices out there,” indicated Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company.

Despite that price though, travertine is a popular choice for its longevity, particularly if a homeowner foresees selling in the near future. It is also a highly favored choice for architects and interior designers, largely because it has such an interesting personality. “Travertine tiles tend to look warm and inviting and a bit on the worn side, almost like they have a story to tell,” added Dupre.

It is so interesting in fact that the demand for this style hovers around the 0.85 million ton mark in just the United States alone. What many Americans do not realize, is that travertine is not just found in Italy, but in the western U.S. region. This does tend to bring the price down somewhat since it is available domestically, but it will still be slightly more expensive than other floor tile choices.

“If you love travertine, you can get it in two finishes – natural stone and filled and polished. What’s the difference? The natural look is just that; natural with pitting and it looks worn and comfortable. The filled and polished style features a high-gloss finish, making it a breeze to maintain. This second category is the main choice of interior designers and homeowners,” Dupre said.

Interestingly, many have mistaken travertine tile for marble, as it looks like marble when it has been filled and polished. Others mistake the natural travertine for limestone. “Ultimately, the best thing is that travertine is a natural mimic that stands up to close inspection, graces a home with its natural beauty and can be called anything you like, but still remains utterly beautiful.”

To keep travertine floor tiles looking their best, just sweep the tiles with a soft bristled broom. After sweeping, wipe the floor with a damp mop. “Just how easy is that?” asked Dupre. “Travertine is really popular and if you think you might like to have it in your home, give us a call and we can discuss your project.”

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/travertine-tiles-are-rising-as-a-flooring-trending-says-champion-tile-and-marble-121689.htm

Clearwater, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/13/2012 -- If the bathroom or kitchen does not have wall tiles, there may be wall damage.

“Not a lot of people realize that if their bathroom or kitchen does not have wall tiles that they may have paint or wall paper peeling more often than they think. It’s due to the moisture in the environment and the fact that it soaks through the paint or paper, which is then is absorbed by the plaster,” explained Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company.

For those that may be considering selling their home in the near future, having tiled walls makes good resale sense. Thus, for homes with kitchens and bathrooms without wall tiles, it may be a smart idea to invest in getting those walls tiled to preserve them. There is nothing worse than a damp wall that has never dried out over the years and then one day, someone goes to hang a picture or something else, and a portion of the wall crumbles. “Why leave it until it is too late to do a credible repair job on the wall,” says Dupre, “when you can be proactive and deal with it before it becomes a problem later?”

The good news is that even if the bathroom is not tiled, the tiles needed to accomplish the job are not that expensive. “Usually, you’ll find ceramic tiles in a bathroom, and they are not that pricey,” Dupre commented, “plus they have such a wide variety of colors, styles and themes, that everyone can find something they like for a reasonable price.”

Other choices on the market are natural stone tiles, which have an intrinsic beauty and durability. Stone tiles look very appealing on floors and walls, and in some cases, are a better choice for a bathroom or kitchen depending on the amount of traffic each room gets. For those families with kids and animals, stone tiles may be the better choice.

“The interesting thing about tiles is that they were used extensively in ancient Egypt to dress up the interior of various buildings and residences. Their appeal has not diminished over the centuries, and they are still a popular choice for today’s homeowners,” Dupre said. History shows that thatched roofing was eventually replaced by ceramic roof tiles. Soon, someone discovered that glazing those same tiles made them even more appealing, because they repelled moisture.

“For a little bit of ancient Egypt in your bathroom or kitchen, you might want to choose glazed ceramic tiles and have a blast figuring out what pattern suits your tastes. Home renovations are a lot of fun when you get to play with patterns, textures and colors,” added Dupre.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/save-bathroom-and-kitchen-walls-from-the-effects-of-moisture-by-installing-tiles-says-champion-tile-and-marble-121688.htm

Clearwater, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/20/2011 -- People are starting to talk about Botticino marble when they speak to their Tampa flooring contractor about upgrading their home flooring to something different and stunning.

“Home decor choices are important to give a house its own personality, and to reflect your tastes as well. So, if you’re looking for something different to use when you upgrade your flooring, then consider Botticino marble. You won’t be disappointed that you did,” suggested Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company.

Lately, this particular marble choice has been catching the eye of architects, homeowners and interior designers for a variety of reasons. It is just about unbreakable and is easy to maintain, two really good reasons to consider it for renovation projects. A slab of Botticino marble ranks very high on strength and durability, and that is what a cost conscious and smart homeowner is looking for to make their home stand out. “Whether you want to use it on the floor or for a wall, the end result is quite striking and you will have a look that lasts a lifetime,” added Dupre.

Flooring is an integral part of any home and many people overlook it in favor of that latest hot painting or sculpture, choosing vibrant colors for the walls and accents, but neglect the floor. That one mistake can change the whole feel of a room. “Make no mistake about it, flooring is far more important than some may even imagine,” said Dupre. “In fact, I’ve had customers tell me that they regretted not having their floors upgraded before they moved in, figuring they could get around to it whenever or do it themselves.”

While many homeowners are handy do-it-yourselfers, the vast majority would not know what to do with marble and grout to make it look professional. For this reason, should Botticino marble be chosen for the kitchen or bathroom, then consult a professional Tampa flooring contractor. “This is a job that needs to go well and have good results,” commented Dupre.

Botticino is a good choice for another reason – its moisture resistance makes it the ideal choice for use in showers, bathrooms, pool areas and kitchen backsplashes. Provided the marble is sealed properly, meaning the grout, there are no concerns about mold and mildew. An added bonus with this choice of marble is its stain resilience and ability to ensure heavy objects being moved on it. “Just sweep it regularly to keep ahead of the dust and hair and if you see a small stain, you may use oxygen bleach,” Dupre suggested.

To learn more, visit http://www.champtile.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/choose-botticino-marble-for-flooring-upgrades-says-champion-tile-and-marble-119707.htm