Spend time thinking about the kind of floor and/or countertop you want and consider what is appropriate for your lifestyle and space. This will help you make informed choices when selecting materials.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of ten things to consider when selecting both a new floor and a new countertop.

…when selecting a new floor

1. Why do you need new floors?
   Identifying your reasons for replacing or adding flooring will help crystallize your objectives and needs. Think about the function of the room…is it practical, recreational or formal? This is important to know, as it will help you select the appropriate material.
   
   
2. What rooms do you want to install the new flooring in?
   Have a rough estimate of the size of each room. Don’t forget about stairways, hallways and basement.  Also, it’s important to think about whether furniture or appliances will need to be moved to accommodate the new flooring so you can be prepared.
   
   
3. What materials are you considering?
   There are many creative and unique flooring products on the market. Do you want something soft or hard, warm or cold, durable? Do you want to create an interesting pattern or a work of art? Do you want your new floor to increase the value of your house?
   
   
4. Have you looked through design magazines to see what is stylish or trendy?
   
   
5. How is the room/house furnished and decorated? What style are you trying to achieve?
   Have samples of paint colours, fabrics, wallpaper or any other design elements in your home on hand when you are selecting your new floor.
   
   
6. What is under your existing flooring?
   This is important to know because each floor is only as good as the sub-floor below it. Bousada can examine your sub-floor and make the appropriate repairs so that your new floor is long lasting.
   
   
7. What kind of light and how much light illuminates the room?
   This is useful knowledge as some flooring materials fade in sunlight and most materials look different under various lighting conditions.
   
   
8. Would you like to heat your new floor?
   Under floor heating is an affordable yet luxurious addition to any home – and can make a real difference during cold winters.
   
   
9. Is your climate especially moist or humid?
   This is important to know because some flooring materials are greatly affected by humidity. A Bousada sales associate can help you determine which material is best suited to your climate.
   
   
10. Have you considered an eco-friendly floor?
    A Bousada sales associates can tell you which flooring materials are better for the environment such as, bamboo and cork.

…when selecting a new countertop

1. Do you entertain, enjoy cooking or spend a lot of time in the kitchen?
   If yes, we can help you select a unique countertop [Link to 81] to set your kitchen apart from all others.
   
   
2. What is the design of your kitchen?
   Have you selected a feature or an overall style and concept?
   
   
3. What is the focal point of your kitchen design?
   An interesting, artistic and unique countertop can make your kitchen design pop.
   
   
4. What’s most important to you: a stunning look or practicality? Do you want a combination of both?
   This decision will affect the types of materials you should use.
   
   
5. Consider your material options before selecting and designing your countertop. There is an array of materials for you to choose from, including: granite, marble, limestone and alabaster, onyx.
   
   
6. How is your kitchen furnished and decorated?
   Have samples of paint colours, cabinetry and any other important design elements on hand when you’re selecting and designing your new countertop.
   
   
7. What are you considering for a backsplash material?
   Our sales/design consultants can offer some suggestions. Glass, natural stone and decorative tiles are just a few options.
   
   
8. What type of sink, faucets and other fixtures are you using?
   Are you going to have an undermount sink?  (Hint: If you have already purchased your fixtures make sure you keep the template from your sink and faucets.)
   
   
9. Do you have an old countertop that needs to be removed?
   Before the installation, one of our craftsmen will remove the old countertop and make a template for the new one.
   
   
10. Each piece of natural stone is unique so keep in mind that the slab that is used to make the countertop may look different than the sample you see in our gallery.
    It is for this reason that our sales associates have photos of the warehouse slabs on hand or invite clients to the warehouse to see each piece of slab they are purchasing.