Floor Tiles and the different options

Author: tim warrington

When thinking about floor tiles there are many different types, materials, colours and styles in which to choose from. Depending on what room you are tiling will also determine the material of tile you choose. If you are tiling bathrooms especially, the tiles you choose will have to be suitable for areas of moisture and will almost certainly need sealing in order to protect them. Natural stone tiles which are very popular kitchen floor tiles will also need to be sealed in order to maintain their appearance and protect them from spillages and stains.

Natural floor tiles are a popular choice for kitchens and come in many forms, colours and styles, they are ideal for the kitchen because they are incredibly durable and strong and are ideal for busy areas. Natural stone tiles are also used in Bathrooms and again make ideal tiles once they are sealed and treated.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are also popular floor tiles because they are also strong and durable and incredibly easy to maintain and clean. Porcelain tiles are also great for areas where there is moisture because their absorption level is very low, this makes them ideal for bathrooms. Porcelain tiles are also very hygienic, much like ceramic tiles they do not absorb moisture easily keeping them hygienic and making them easy to clean.

Other super floor options include slate tiles and quarry tiles which also make great additions to busy areas. Quarry tiles are not often used in bathrooms but are incredibly popular in kitchens as home owners revert back to the good old country cottage feel. Quarry tiles are great for both indoors and outdoors because they are incredibly durable and strong. Quarry tiles in kitchens areas are always better sealed to protect the tile material and once sealed will maintain their appearance for many years.

Slate tiles are also now becoming more popular as floor tiles and the advantages of slate tiles are endless, they are slip resistant, heat resistant and because they are generally a darker tile, they hide any marks really well. Slate tiles are also very easy to maintain and come in some very earthy shades. Slate tile shades of colour vary and this can add a unique and individual style to any home.

Choosing floor tiles will largely depend on your preferences and your individual style and the existing decor that you have. Taking your time and considering all the options is the key when choosing floor tiles.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/floor-tiles-and-the-different-options-4561791.html

About the Author

Tile choice offer a wide variety of Tile choice for the walls and floor, we also offer advice and information on Tiles and Tiling. http://www.tilechoice.co.uk

Swimming Pool Design & Construction Information

Author: HoraceMead When you are considering the construction of a swimming pool in your house or garden there are many different phases of the construction process that you should consider carefully. Unless you are very good at home improvement projects, you will not even attempt the project alone, and will enlist the help of a construction firm. By visiting your local swimming pool suppliers you'll get an initial idea of the cost of the build and the time scale. These plans will have to be submitted for approval as any main construction work you take out on your land. Once your plans to build a swimming pool have been accepted after that you can begin the excavation work for your pool. Initially the site will be cleared and levelled and the formation of your pool will be painted on the ground. With a paint line around the approximate perimeter of your pool, then the diggers could then start their work; based on the dimensions of the pool, the initial dig will take one to two days. Once the pool is dug, after that it is time to introduce the plumbing system and electrics. This actually should only be attempted by professional, as well as trenches would be dug to lay essential pipe work. Simultaneously, suction and return lines as well as vacuum lines will be introduced. There is also the option to put in lines for heating the pool, as well as for water features at this point. Once this stage is complete, the constructor will move on to the stage generally known as rebar. It is the introduction of steel and bailing wire in a criss cross design. This stage normally takes a day for an experienced crew. When the pool is reinforced with the criss-cross mesh of rebar, it could then be filled up with concrete. Gunite or shotcrete are utilized at this stage, as well as with the application, your swimming pool will finally start to take shape. The concrete mix would be pumped to the pool through a pipe and once in place, your would be required to wash down your pool every day in order to finish the expansion technique of the concrete before it sets; the particular pool structure will absorb lots of water in this interesting process. When the concrete mix has set and is firmly in place, after that you can begin to tile your swimming pool and add water features, benches and jump rocks. With the introduction of the tiles, your pool will actually start to take shape. After the tiling is finished, all that is left is to place down the decking as well as installation of water pumps etc. At this stage, lights and other features will be installed, making your pool almost ready for use. At this stage, we're almost able to fill our pool and start to enjoy our new construction. All that is left is to clear up the site and get your garden or back yard looking itself again instead of such as building site. Once finished, you must keep in mind to follow the cleaning instructions for your pool and keep it clean and with the correct levels of chemicals in order for it to be safe to use.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/swimming-pool-design-construction-information-4527485.html

About the Author To find out more about swimming pool construction, visit ==> Swimming Pool Construction