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

Home Improvement: What Exterior Paint Should I Use?

Author: James Nystrom

So you have come to the decision that you want to update your home, starting with the outside. The first thing that you need to think about is the preparation for the outside painting of your house. It would be very unwise just to paint over the old exterior with a few coats of paint as this will cause the paint to peel quickly and won't adhere properly to the house. Instead, clean the walls thoroughly and remove any old peeling paint with a pressure washer or industrial sander. This will help the new paint to cover the area better and mean that you won't have to go over it with four or five coats.

When you have the area prepared, you should start to think about what sort of paint you are going to use. There are many different types of paint that range from anti mold paint that has special antibacterial properties which stops the mold from growing to special finishes that give the appearance of pebble dashing etc. All exterior paints should be able to withstand all the elements such as wind, rain, sun and frost.

Finally you should consider the color of your exterior paint. You may live in a particular neighborhood that has a certain style of house which leans towards specific colors. If this isn't the case then the world is your oyster!

You could choose and color you like from classic white to wild pink! If you do decide to go for a dark color, it might be nice to paint your windows, doors and panels with a bright white paint. This will make them stand out, give your dark color a bit more of an edge and will also brighten up your house. Painting your exterior is a great way to add value to your home so why not think about what color you could paint your home!

Whether you are planning to put your property on the market or make it more comfortable, there is a lot to be gained from making home renovations. Visit us today if you're looking for Minnesota exterior painting or Minneapolis interior painting contractor.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/home-improvement-what-exterior-paint-should-i-use-4399643.html

About the Author

I'm a fulltime feelance writer and my many years of experience make me a truly hands on expert in the field of home remodeling.

Take The Time To Seal Your Grout

Author: Lynn Bulmer

Ceramic tile is one of the most durable, low maintenance floors you'll ever have. However, just like any well used surface, there are certain things you can do to keep to keep your floor looking its best.

One simple step home owners often over look is the process of sealing the grout. Many are under the impression that since the glazed tiles themselves don't require sealing, that the same goes for the grout. Many installers will say the grout doesn't require sealing, but doing so will make the tiles easier to clean and stay clean. It also helps to repel water and stains from the porous grout surface. This simple process also goes a long way for homeowners who are preparing their home for sale. An clean entrance with a sparkling grout line makes a great first impression.

Follow these simple steps to seal the grout in your ceramic tile floor.

If you have a new floor, wait at least 30 days to allow the grout time to fully cure before sealing.

Clean the tiles with a neutral PH cleaner before sealing. Use a damp mop to prevent water from pooling in the joints. Never clean with bleach or strong acids such as vinegar, as they will break down the grout in time. For an existing floor, you may need to scrub the grout lines with a small brush to remove any stains and dirt. Rinse with clean water and dry the tiles completely.

There are two main types of sealers: Penetrating sealer is used with cementitious grout that chemically attaches itself to the grout, repelling water. Topical sealers coat the surface of the grout, repelling stains and water until the product is worn off.

Usually topical sealers are cheaper, but may give a plastic appearance to the grout. This type of sealer is not recommended for showers or wet areas, as they tend to retain any moisture that may make its way into the grout.

The penetrating sealers are a little pricier, but are more durable. Instead of simply coating the grout, they are absorbed by it.

If the sealer you've purchased doesn't come with an applicator, invest in a separate bottle with a built in roller applicator to make your job easier. Usually the bottle will come with a selection of rollers, simply attach the one that best fits your grout line and roll on.

Later, be sure to clean any existing sealer that may have strayed onto the tiles before it dries, or you'll never get it off.

Sometimes the grout on existing floors is badly stained and even cleaning doesn't help. In those situations, a grout stain pen will work wonders. Choose a color that most closely resembles your grout color and run it along the grout line. It also contains a sealer, so it does two jobs in one.

The sealer will eventually wear off and you can expect to repeat this process about every two years. You'll know its time when the tiles seem to get harder to keep clean. Try not to mix brands; the finished result is much more effective when you re-apply the same product.

About the Author:

View the many Washington D.C. homes for sale at LynnBulmer.com. Let Lynn be your guide to Kent DC real estate.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/take-the-time-to-seal-your-grout--799134.html

Right Way to Fix Leaks in Your Basement

Hundreds of Americans are dreaming of owning their own home. Right now they might be renting an apartment or another home and are restricted to doing things the way that the landlord wants them. They feel constricted and like they are not able to truly decorate it or make it their own. Owning a home of their very own is liberating and allows you to make the decision without having to consult with someone else.

Those of you who own homes understand this feeling – but can attest that there are certain negatives to owning a home. The biggest one is the facts that the responsibility to find someone to fix repairs and to pay for those repairs no longer falls to someone else. That is all on your shoulder and the costs can sometimes be high.

One of the biggest problems that older homes and a few newer homes can have is a basement that leaks through the floors and sometimes the walls. This problem can cause serious water damage and can be a place for fungus and mold to grow unhindered if it is not taken care of fast and efficiently.

The good thing is this very big problem can be fixed – but it requires the right tools and patience. If you want to save yourself some money you can fix the leak yourself. If done right you will save yourself from hiring a professional – which can cost hundreds of dollars.

One of the first things that you will need to do is to find where the leak is coming from. Most likely it will be coming from your basement floor – but it is possible for the walls to have a few problems. Once you have found all of the holes you must patch them up and seal them completely.

Once you have finished all of the patching it is time to apply the waterproof mix. There are many types of basement floor waterproofing mixes. Most of them will only require that you add water before placing it in the designated area. Just make sure that you follow the directions carefully.

Depending on what mix you chose you, will either have to spray down the floors and walls with water or keep them completely dry. Some mixes cannot be applied to walls that have been painted. If this is the case you will need to sand down the paint before applying the mix.

Apply the basement floor waterproofing mix onto the designated area using a stiff brush. Rub it in a circular motion over the wall or floor. You only need to apply the mix to the area that has been leaking. It is important to go out to the edges and only a few inches beyond to ensure that it is properly sealed – but not too far. Once the mix has completely dried and not able to rub off soak it with water and let it set overnight. You may have to apply the mix more than once.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Baring it to the essentials, you’d say that kitchen remodeling should be easy, as easy as pointing your finger over the right direction: putting the refrigerator here and installing the sink there. That, however, is the planning of a conventional designer living decades ago. There are now so many magazines and books to tell you the best kitchen remodeling tips.

The kitchen of today has evolved more than what it is naturally intended for. Yes, it still has to grill those tenderloins to meaty juiciness, but today the kitchen has to put up a number of guests in its confines. Treatment of kitchens had made many to consider these rooms as guest accommodating next to living rooms. While in the past they are more inclined for efficiency, over the years kitchens are becoming as much aesthetically pleasing and comfortable as it is efficient as the margin that separates the two becomes more blurred.

Yet, the kitchen is still easy to plan or remodel as long as during the designing phase, these kitchen remodeling tips are in close regard. So don’t scratch that blank matter yet. Get it filled with these kitchen remodeling tips.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips 1

Are you a housewife that juggles everything: baking, babysitting, and doing the dishes? Then increase your scope by putting your domain in the midst of the household. Design your kitchen (and your household) such that it would make the kitchen the center of the household.

There are several boons that come along with this design. Previously we have discussed how the kitchen has become an accommodation room than in the past. This design will also allow the patron to entertain visitor while periodically checking her cooking. As for the visitor, he will get to know what to expect for dinner.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips 2

Wood as a major material in kitchens is a common approach. However, wood is bad for places that gets a lot of heat and steam, even with exhaust. Wood softens when over-exposed and paint expands and also softens. However, wood is essential for cabinets and similar fixtures. Glass is a new approach for countertops, tables and sinks. These materials don’t hold grease in smoke, unlike wood and is easier to clean and maintain sanitarily.


Kitchen Remodeling Tips 3

Tabletop integration is another new feature in most modern remodeling ideas. These ideas are rather new, and the applications to them are yet to show. However, most integration designs shown over popular kitchen remodeling sites are quite gorgeous.

Modernising your home

Everybody wants their home to have the latest fashionable ornaments, pictures and furniture to make it attractive and appealing to anyone who views it and also for you as the owner to be proud of your home.
Your home reflects your personality and therefore speaks a lot about you as a person, so you wouldn’t want your house to look dingy, dull and old fashioned when your guests arrive.
Another problem is miss-matching furniture. If your house is decorated with original antiques or ornaments and pictures to suit its era, it would be pointless in buying a brand new modern sofa to put with it as it would look alienated. But to decorate the whole house from scratch would also be very expensive and there’s no point struggling to pay for it in time for your guests or family to arrive.
You will find if you search around that there are many other cheaper options to modernising your home in a short amount of time and the internet is a good place to start your search. The most popular of these options is furniture rental.
Not only do furniture rental companies have a huge range of different styles of furniture to suit your home but the process to rent your chosen furnishings is quick and easy and after your chosen time scale is up they simply come to your home to collect it again. From tables and chairs to lamps and rugs, furniture hire companies supply a whole range of different furniture to suit your home and make it a nicer place for everyone.
Nothing could be easier than booking furniture over the internet for it to arrive in plenty of time for your guests to turn up and having no hassle for it to be taken away again once they have left. With items such as mirrors and lights, it can also be nice to add these smaller bits and pieces to add character, warmth or detail to your residence.
The furniture these companies supply also come in a number of colours so if trying to match the other furniture in your room with a new item you will find no problem with colours or sets if you’re looking to start your chosen room from scratch. The furnishings are all of excellent quality and wooden objects such as tables, desks etc are made of fine materials such as Oak or Walnut wood.



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About the Author: Laura room works for a company where you can you find furnishings for any occasion with furniture rental