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The Structure

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Welcome to week two of our guest blog series! If you are new to this series, in August, ICC Floors will be featuring a guest blog series from our very own, Blake Powell. In this series, Blake Powell tackled an extraordinary DIY project, where he built a custom outdoor bar that features a big green egg smoker. He is here to share with you what he learned and show you how you can do it yourself. No professional experience is required! Let’s take a look at part two! How he built the structure: 

 
 

“In this part of the series, we are going to focus on how I built the actual structure of the bar. I previously mentioned it in the last post, but I want to reiterate the fact that this bar was built around my green egg smoker. I was in search of a bar that could entertain guests, hold trays of food, and house my green egg smoker. Instead of buying something generic, I decided to build the construct for myself to fit my needs. You will find that this process is an easy do-it-yourself project. Plus, you can find the materials at ICC Floors.” 

“Before I started, I ordered my Schluter Kerdi Boards from ICC Floors.”

“To begin, I built the bar out of Kerdi-board by Schluter. The Kerdi-board was two-inches thick, and I adhered it with Schluter’s Kerdi-Fix.”

Schluter®-KERDI-FIX is a waterproofing membrane that makes an air-tight sealing system to avoid leaks and the potential of mold/mildew growth. 

“Next, I marked out the area in which I wanted to place the bar.”

“After I figured out the placement, I gently placed my bar structure into its proper place against the tiles.”

“Here is a back-view of what the construct looked like.”

“While constructing the overall structure of the bar, I realized that I did not properly create a ‘supporting structure’ to hold the weight of the countertops. In the end, I paid for it. . . I had to work around the current bar structure and dig three feet down, in order to put the 4″x4″ posts around the back of the structure.”

Pro-Tip: I recommend either placing your posts in before setting up the structure or better yet, pour a concrete slab for your bar structure to sit on. 

At ICC Floors, our experienced Schluter Specialists can help with your next DIY project. From finding the right product to offering guidance during installation, we are here for you! We also have installers that are trained to install Schluter products properly. Let us handle all your waterproofing needs. To view more information on Schluter and our project selection, please visit https://www.iccfloors.com/Schluter.

“Be sure to check back next week to see the materials I chose and how I installed them.”

-Blake Powell

Prep Work

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For the month of August, ICC Floors will be featuring a guest blog series from our very own, Blake Powell. In this series, Blake Powell tackled an extraordinary DIY project, where he built a custom outdoor bar that features a big green egg smoker. He is here to share with you what he learned and show you how you can do it yourself. No professional experience is required! Let’s take a look. 

“Framed around my big green egg smoker, I wanted to create a bar that welcomed guests and provided an area to entertain with an ample amount of space for trays and friends. With that intention in mind, I got to work. I want to emphasize that this project can be done by anyone of any skill level with products that can be purchased right from ICC Floors.”

We began by tearing out the existing concrete.

By using a sod cutter to get to the dirt.

Next, we leveled out the dirt and got sand to fill in the area. We used a 4-inch to a 5-inch sand base.

Lesson Learned: I recommend laying stone pebbles down first then leveling it then adding sand for even more structure.
 
Pro-Tip: If you are not capable of leveling yourself, it is worth the money to hire someone to level the surface for you because leveling is crucial! I hired concrete professionals to level the sand for me because of the level of difficulty. Trust me; it is worth the money. 
 
To help with water runoff, I recommend creating a slope. We sloped it at a ratio of 1/8″ inch: 1 foot. 
 

The professionals began to level the sand for me.

Next, we began to lay down the pavers.

Trend Alert: Big pavers have become a more recent trend for homeowners. It helps to widen the area and gives the illusion of a bigger space.

Pro-Tip: Make sure that you take your time when placing down the pavers. Sit them down one by one and make sure that they are perfect before continuing.

Lesson Learned: Add black mesh (used in landscaping) to avoid having to weed between the pavers. 

Paver Information: 

  • Style: Daltile Dignitary 24” x 24”  
  • Color: Superior Taupe DR08
  • Size: 2 CM thickness
  • Link to Product Information: https://www.iccfloors.com/product/29436854/daltile_dignitary_eminence_grey_dr10-7241. 

 

“Be sure to check back next week to learn how I created the structure of the bar.” 

-Blake Powell

Three Things You Need to Consider When Remodeling Your Kitchen

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Of course, it would be amazing to be able to spend as much as you want on your kitchen renovation project; however, the reality is that you are probably working within a set budget. When you are working with a budget, you will have to make some compromises along the way; therefore, it is important to renovate smartly. When making such tough decisions, be aware of what matters most to you. Here are some key tradeoffs you should consider making when it comes down to the “nitty-gritty:”

1. How You Will Be Using the Kitchen.

First off, before the renovation of your kitchen begins, you should be clear on how you will want to use your new kitchen. For example, some people remodel their kitchen so that they can have more space to cook and entertain their guests. Others redesign their kitchens to be more efficient. Whatever your needs, be sure to set aside goals that will help you make the right decisions as your budget starts to decrease.

2. Realistic Needs.

When remodeling your kitchen, you should think about how many people your kitchen will serve on a daily basis. If you have a small kitchen, but entertain on occasions, a kitchen with double range ovens and a 48-inch wide refrigerator may not be suitable. Many experts recommend designing with your maximum capacity needs. Try to balance your wants with the space’s size. Be reasonable with your decisions to help maximize the space’s overall potential without overwhelming it or weighing it down. 

3. Invest When Needed. 

During a remodel, it can be important to understand when to invest in a certain kitchen material. Design experts recommend spending more money on higher quality items to ensure a lifelong use. When homeowners pick the most inexpensive item on the market, it can often end up hurting them in the future. You want to invest in your home’s future with high-quality materials. Maybe that means saving for a longer period of time or progressively building up your kitchen’s design. Whatever your final decision may be, we recommend considering the product and the overall value that it brings to the table.

We hope you enjoyed these tips for remodeling your kitchen. If you are in the market for new cabinets, floors, or paint, ICC Floors is your one-stop destination for all things remodeling. Stop by one of our three beautiful showrooms or call us for more information. We look forward to working with you.


Choosing Color

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Think about it. There are an infinite amount of paint colors out there. It can feel like a lot of pressure to choose the “right” one. If you are stressed out and do not know where to start, you do not need to worry. We are here to help! With our top five tips, you can have ease of mind while selecting your colors. Let’s see how:

Choosing Color 101: 

1. One Sided. 

If you were to glance at a color wheel, you would notice warm tones on one side and cool tones on the other side. When you use colors within the same tone, you will discover it to be more visually appealing and well-balanced. It can look awkward or mismatched when you pair cool tone items with warm tone items; therefore, we recommend sticking to the color wheel’s tone placement.

2. Know The Terms. 

  • Monochromatic: the different tints and shades of one color used throughout a space. 
  • Analogous: the use of colors that adjacent to one another on the color wheel. 
  • Complementary: the use of two colors that are oppositely located from one another on the color wheel. 

3. It’s Finished. 

A paint’s sheen/finish can actually be an essential part of the decision process. There are a variety of options to choose from including: 

  • Semi-Gloss: reflective
  • Matte: durable
  • Flat: low sheen

4. Accent It. 

Think of colors that will go well with your initial color. You want to accent it with visually pleasing colors. Design experts recommend going from light to dark. You would ideally like your floors to be the darkest, walls to be the medium shade, and ceiling to be the lightest. Within the shades, look for hues that complement one another. 

5. How’s It Look?

Wow, can a color change in different lighting. Light can play an important role in a color’s appearance. You will want to sample the color in different lighting (artificial vs. natural) to ensure that you like it.

  • Pro-Tip: Be sure to sample your paint color in different areas of the room, which all receive different amounts of lighting. It will help assure you that you truly love your color choice. 

Do you need more assistance in choosing the perfect color? We would love to help! Stop by our showroom or call us for more information. 

Picking The Perfect Paint

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Paint is a budget-friendly remedy to help personalize and design your space. It can easily transform a boring room into a lively, energetic space. With so many different colors and hues of paints to choose, the challenge of finding the perfect color can be quite tricky. To help you, we gathered some of the top-rated Benjamin Moore colors for you to consider adding in your space. Let’s take a look! 

Gray Owl

For a great neutral feeling atmosphere, incorporate Benjamin Moore Gray Owl.  This is a fantastic shade of gray that works great at keeping a room simplistic or allowing other colors to really pop.  Gray Owl also compliments Classic Colors and looks great on two-toned walls as a balancing tone.

Lavender Mist

Benjamin Moore Lavender Mist will illuminate your space while giving a calm vibe throughout your home.  This tranquil color is a more relaxed hue of purple that uses muted tones to amplify other accent pieces in the room.  This is a must color for anyone trying to give a room a cool-toned, elegant vibe.

Oklahoma Wheat

This warm tone will make a bold statement in any room.  Allow Benjamin Moore Oklahoma Wheat to transform your kitchen or bath into an elegant country oasis. This timeless color can enhance your room and plays great off natural woods and leathers in your room.  

Salmon Peach

There is nothing fishy or fruity about this great blend of corals and apricots hues.  Benjamin Moore Salmon Peach is the perfect remedy to add a vibrant flair to your room.  Salmon Peach will add cozy comfort with it warm welcoming.

White Heaven

For a neutral blend, while leaning towards white hues, this color is great for a making a room feel brighter.  This airy color will open your space up and keep it feeling well illuminated.  If you are looking to stay away from a generic white and still give credit to what the color can do for a room, this is the perfect solution for you.

Palladian Blue 

With this heavenly blue tone, you can give a room a calming, zen feel.   This soft blue compliments grays and greens while not being overwhelming.  This passive blue has been a go-to color choice for designers.  Add this to your home to give a mature yet luxurious vibe. 

Research these colors and decide what will suit your space best.  These bold and elegant colors allow you to look through a wide spectrum of cooler and warmer tones.  Do not feel limited to staying with one color either.  Striped walls or two-toned spaces can create a unique, personalized space.  When designing your home, find a color which makes you happy.  Your space should be a reflection of you and feel personalized towards your needs.  

Rigid Core by Armstrong

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Transform the way you see flooring with Rigid Core by Armstrong Flooring.

Rigid Core by Armstrong Flooring: 

Rigid Core Flooring: It is a hybrid flooring with elegant style and waterproof, scratch-proof, and stain resistant characteristics help to make it a popular choice amongst consumers. 

Why Chose Rigid Core?

1. Comfort. Rigid core is often times considered more comfortable and appealing than traditional hardwood and tile. Plus, with a quieting effect, it can help create a more tranquil and relaxing space. 

2. Wide Variety. Rigid Core is available is a wide selection of natural wood and stone to offer homeowners with plenty of choices. Plus, the look and texture are extremely authentic helping it to look just like the “real thing.”

    Choices to choose from:

    • Hardwood Styles
    • Textures + Effects
    • Classic Stone Styles

3. Resilient. 

  • Scratch, Stain + Dent Resistant.

The top layer (the wear layer) provides a layer of protection against your everyday wear and tear. Plus, you will find that rigid core is extremely easy to maintain and clean. If you are looking for the perfect rigid core flooring choice for active homes, PRYZM and Luxury Plank with Rigid Core are perfect for kids and pets. 

  • 100% Waterproof. 

Yes, you read that right. Rigid core is actually 100% waterproof. That means that you can place rigid core inside of moisture-attracting rooms without the worry of your flooring swelling, buckling or losing form from exposure to water. 

4. Installation. 

Rigid core can be installed on the first floor, second floor, and basement rooms—basically anywhere! This flooring can be a great idea in rooms that get a lot of foot traffic and use. It can also be installed inside of high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements! 

5. GreatAlternative to Hardwood. 

Rigid Core Flooring can be the perfect alternative to hardwood floors. Plus, you can add rigid core in rooms that you would not want to add hardwood like kitchens and bathrooms. That is right, the rigid core can be placed inside of moisture-attracting rooms because it is 100% waterproof. Rigid core lets homeowners add the look of hardwood inside of rooms that they never imagined possible! 

Are you interested in learning more about rigid core floors by Armstrong Flooring? We would love to assist you in the search. Stop by one of our beautiful showrooms or view our online showroom at https://bit.ly/2yNF75O