Why should you choose brand name flooring

One of major decisions that every homeowner needs to make is to choose the right flooring material for their home. The wide variety of flooring options, make the decision all the more daunting. However, choosing brand name flooring material, over generic flooring options, proves beneficial for homeowners in several ways. Although, homeowners may have to pay little more for these branded products but it is worth spending the extra money as brand name flooring products are durable and cost effective. Once installed, homeowners can enjoy the benefit of good durable flooring, for years to come.
Branded products are beneficial in every way, as it offers better quality, guarantee and material which is durable. The leading brand names offer customers a wide range of options, including different materials such as marble, hardwood, tiles and laminate flooring. These are available in wide choices of colors, patterns and styles, which make it easier for the buyer to choose from. Moreover, the brand names ensure quality. Whatever branded flooring material you buy, would come with assured quality, which is worth all the investment. In addition, one of the biggest advantages of branded products is that all these flooring options are durable. With proper maintenance and care, the branded flooring options are long lasting which increase the overall value of the house. A company becomes a brand only when it offers quality and durable products, which eventually earns them a broad clientele. Hence, if you choose a brand name, you can be rest assured that the product is of high quality which will be long lasting.

The leading brands in the field constantly carry out research & development, in order to produce new and innovative products. The options available to the customers increase manifold with the introduction of new & useful products. Companies also offer customized solutions to incorporate the specific requirements of their customers. Moreover, with the increasing competition, companies strive to offer better quality products at lower rates, which eventually saves customers significant amount of money.

In addition, branded products last longer, and the flooring does not demand frequent repairs. Good quality branded products makes the flooring strong & durable to withstand greater foot traffic without fading and staining. With the use of branded products the maintenance cost for flooring decreases, which add on to the savings for the customers. An important reason why customers should opt for branded products is because these products come with a warranty. For the sake of their reputation, big brands of the industry ensure to provide quality products that prove beneficial to the customer.
Owing to all this certain companies have become household names and leading brands, whose products can be bought by customers with surety of quality and durability. Hence, in case you are contemplating with the idea of purchasing flooring for your home, consider buying brand name products. Though you may have to pay a little more for these branded products; it will save you time, effort and money as these lasts longer and offer value for your money.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

The fact about Glass Tile

For centuries, glass has been a featured material in mosaic media to decorate and articulate a building. Glass tiles are essentially pieces of glass formed into consistent shapes. Glass mosaic tiles are suitable for both internal and external applications as they are impervious to frost, sunlight, and water. This quality makes it best suited for wet or constantly submerged areas. They are easy to clean, maintain, and they never discolor. Glass tiles have a varied application in black slashes of drawing-room, dining, kitchen, bath-room etc…, They are also used to highlight certain features. The spot lighting has further increased their use. Although glass tiles are complex to install the benefits and beauty makes us over see.
Production methods determine look and feel of a glass tile. There are four major types of glass tile based on their manufacturing method.
They are Smalti tile, Fused glass, Sintered and Glass casting
In addition, there are two other eminent glass surface treatments for these tiles: slumping and etching.
Smalti tile is type of glass tile which is Frosted glass, or opaque glass. It has been in use from ancient times. “Smalti” is an Italian word, and refers to a glass paste. Smalti is made by mixing molten glass with metal oxides for color. Translucent Smalti is a popular variant of smalti glass tile. It looks like stained glass with uniform colors.
Byzantine Glass is another smalti variant made from thinner slabs of glass. Metallic Smalti is a swirl of a copper-bearing mineral added into the molten glass before it is pressed. Gold Smalti are made by applying a gold leaf and a thin layer of blown glass.
Fused Tile is manufactured using the fusion method. In this type a flat glass is cut into tiles shapes and then fired in a furnace. The clear glass will show the tile until treated with a color. In this method colors are added to the top or bottom of the glass. Fused glass tiles are characterized with a translucent area and a layer of opaque color visible through the tile. These tiles are further treated with an etching or other coating, for aesthetics or abrasion.
Sintered glass tile is a variety made by pressing glass powder into dies and then heated until the particles fuse. The color is either added into the powder or added topically after cooling. Unlike smalti tiles, sintered tiles tend to have a uniform look. This milky and scratch-resistant finish makes it versatile.
Cast tile is made by inserting chunks of glass into a mold which gives it a layered look. Most recycled glass tile products are made using this method making it environment friendly.

All these variants can be treated to slumping and etching. Slumped glasses are curved into convex/concave shape during firing. Etched glass is a process of applying a thin-translucent layer on the surface of a tile. All these features give glass tile a unique appearance which is unachievable with the conventional tiles. The reverberant and depth of color makes them unique.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

How to Install ProPan with ProPanel shower pan system

How to Install ProPan with ProPanel shower pan system

Dry fit ProPan® on the shower area. Make sure to pay attention to the location of the center of the drain.
Pan edges may be cut to size pan. If modified, the 1/2" manufactured channel must be re cut to allow for proper installation of ProPanel®.

Apply a medium bed, latex modified thin-set to the floor area and the underside of pan. Use a 1/2" x 1/2" notched trowel.

Apply a liberal coat of PVC or ABS cleaner and solvent cement to the drainpipe and inside the drain where the connection will be made. Note: Solvent choice based on drain type. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Set pan into the wet thin-set and apply pressure to achieve complete coverage. Level pan to insure proper drainage plane.

ProPanel® Lightweight Waterproof Backer Board Installation:
Apply a 1/2" continuous thick bead of polyurethane sealant into the
channel of the ProPan®. Using 1/2" ProPanel® Backer Board, set the board into the sealant until you see sealant oozing out along the joint. Spread excess sealant ensuring a continuous seal at the joint.

Fasten ProPanel® directly to framing with ProPanel® fasteners starting 1 foot above the shower pan. Whenever 2 boards come together to make a joint, apply a 1/2" bead of sealant on board edges. All boards must be fit together tightly allowing sealant to ooze from joint. Spread excess sealant ensuring a continuous seal at the joint.

Next, determine location of ProPan® Curb. Affix curb to floor by applying a 1/2" modified mortar bed to floor and underside of curb. Before setting curb in place, apply a bead of polyurethane to ProPan® channel and to the adjoining wall panels.

Screw square strainer down to correct height to match tile. Pack thin-set or pea gravel into area cut out for strainer adjustment.

All fasteners must be completely covered with sealant and spread to form a seal. After installation is complete, it is specified to apply another bead of sealant on all joints, especially on the ProPan® perimeter and curb, to fill any voids in sealant.

Always install tile according to Tile Council of North America (TCNA) guidelines
Complete floor and wall kit Include: ProPan base, Solid Curb, Light weight backer board ProPanel’s, Polyurethane Sealants, Fasteners
Floor kit include: ProPan and Solid Curb
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

How to install vinyl flooring effectively

There are a number of factors that need to be considered while selecting a flooring type for your house. Durability, ease of installation, moisture resistance and the cost are some of the major factors that people consider while selecting flooring. Vinyl is one of the most popular flooring types since it stands good on all of the above mentioned factors. Vinyl flooring offers high aesthetics and is quite inexpensive as compared to a number of other flooring types.
However, in order to get maximum benefit out of your vinyl flooring it is essential to install it properly. One of the key considerations in installing vinyl flooring is the sub floor. Vinyl requires the foundation to be even and smooth so that the finish is of the highest quality. It is for this reason that sanded plywood is considered to be the ideal choice of sub floors for vinyl flooring. Another effective option is to install the vinyl flooring over the existing one. This will eliminate the need to install a new sub floor before using vinyl flooring.
Before you start installing vinyl flooring it is essential to take the exact measurements of the room concerned. This will enable you to accurately estimate the amount of vinyl that you need to purchase. Furthermore, it is always advised to purchase a little extra vinyl to allow for trimming and cutting after the installation.
In case you are installing vinyl over your existing sub floor you need to ensure that it is smooth and free from any holes. In case there are holes in your sub floor you should use a patching mixture to fill them before you install vinyl.

Cutting vinyl can be a tricky job, and it is not uncommon to hear of vinyl tearing while it is being laid down. You should lay down the vinyl cover over the area that needs to be floored and mark the exact places to be cut. Make sure that you have left some extra space to trim and cut later.
Adhesive is another crucial step that can determine the durability and effectiveness of your vinyl flooring. You should purchase a high quality adhesive material and should apply it evenly to ensure strong adhesive. Apply firm pressure while laying down the flooring. You should allow the adhesion to dry for at least two hours before using the floor. Even after a strong bond has been created it is essential to carefully move any furniture over the flooring. This is so, since even a minor tear would require to re-do the entire job again.
Since vinyl floors require less maintenance, and are highly durable they have become the material of choice in a number of commercial establishments as well as households. However, adequate care needs to be taken while installing vinyl for maximum effectiveness. Although, a number of individuals consider it to be a ‘do-it-yourself’ job, in case you are not confident about it; it would be advisable to avail the services of a professional contractor.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Home Gym A Great Addition to Your Home

Being healthy is what every individual yearns for, and the chase for fitness is ongoing for ensuring a better lifestyle. Shortage of time in today’s busy life makes it impossible to regularly visit gyms, fitness clubs, and other such places. In order to solve this problem, homeowners are increasingly opting for personal home gyms.
Home gym is a great addition to your home, as you have the freedom to exercise whenever you get time. Whatever short-term expenses you incur in designing the home gym, proves beneficial in the long run. This is so because you do not to spend money on paying any fees or on traveling to the fitness center. Hence, a home gym aids in keeping you and your family healthy along with saving a good amount of money.
Arranging gymnasium equipment in your house is a simple process, but designing the gym room properly can become tedious, for which, you need to be little patient, until the room becomes operational. There are several experts who can assist you in arranging and maintaining a home gym. With their guidance and assistance, you need to make a few right choices while designing the room, so that you own a gym where you would love to go and spend quality time by exercising.
Select a room that is large enough to accommodate various exercising equipment. In case your room is not that large, you can put a wall-size mirror to visually enhance the size of the room. Make the room interesting and attractive with the help of happy colors, wall murals and artwork. You can even hang photos of models on the wall with the ideal body you are striving to achieve. Additionally, you can also install music system in the room so that you can enjoy relaxing music while exercising. If you wish, you can even install a television set, where you can catch the latest news updates or matches while exercising.
With the advancement in technology, there are several user-friendly exercising equipment available in the market. Amongst these options, you can easily find equipment that matches your requirements and budget. Buying a treadmill is the best choice if you enjoy walking or jogging; however you should purchase bicycle if you enjoy cardiovascular workout.
It is usually recommended that before you purchase any of this equipment, you must consult an expert. It becomes all the more important to seek professional help if you are totally unaware about the various equipment. You should only purchase branded equipment, as these are safe and often come with a guarantee against manufacturing defects. Additionally, keep in perspective the size of the gym room while purchasing equipment so that you buy only those equipment that will easily fit into the room.
Thus, considering your requirements and budget, along with these simple guidelines, you can easily design your home gym.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Warm cozy Floors home during winters

Winters are beautiful and visually appealing with plenty of snowfall, however this also leads to drop in temperature, beyond comfort One of the biggest discomforts in the winter season are cold floors. This problem however, can be rectified by installing rradiant floor heating system which will keep the flooring as well as the interiors of your house, warm all through the freezing winter season. These affordable and easy to install radiant heating system are increasingly being used by individuals around the world.
The thermostat controlled heating system installed in your house keeps the air warm and not the floor, which results in significant difference between the air and floor temperature. However, with the radiant floor heating system you can easily eliminate the discomforts caused due to the cold floors. These are safe, cost effective and can be installed under any type of flooring such as tile, concrete, asphalt or brick with ease. Radiant floor heating systems prove beneficial even for clearing up the snow from driveway, stairs and patios.

However, before purchasing radiant floor heating systems, one needs to take into consideration certain important factors. Radiant floor heating systems should be certified safe and easy to install. Another important consideration is the system’s heat output, which can be varied as per individual choice. In case one wants a warm floor then you need a moderate heating system with low output, however if you want to keep the entire room warm, then you need a system with higher output. Moreover, one must choose a system with a thermostat control which can be conveniently programmed according to the need and maintain optimum temperature throughout the day. This ensures that there is no wastage of energy, which results in low power consumption. Furthermore, since higher EMF is associated with certain ill effects, hence you consider a system that works effectively and does not increase the EMF significantly. There are many reliable companies in the market which offer customized floor heating systems to meet your specific requirements in terms of size and dimensions, thereby enabling you to install these systems anywhere, be it kitchen, bathroom or outside.
There are so many advantages offered by the radiant floor heating system offers that it has become a must for winters. There is no need to make alteration to the room décor as these heating systems are installed below the flooring, without significantly raising the floor level, as it has compact dimensions. Moreover, these systems can be easily installed below any type of flooring, be it tiles, carpet or hardwood; and has minimal maintenance needs. The radiant floor heating systems are ideal for keeping not just the floors but interiors of the home warm as well; consequently you can turn down your main thermostat by few degrees and save on the power bills.

Hence, to have warm and comfortable winters, get the “radiant floor heating system” installed at your place before the start of the winter season. Moreover, this is one luxury which is efficient as well as affordable.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Warm cozy Floors home during winters

Winters are beautiful and visually appealing with plenty of snowfall, however this also leads to drop in temperature, beyond comfort One of the biggest discomforts in the winter season are cold floors. This problem however, can be rectified by installing rradiant floor heating system which will keep the flooring as well as the interiors of your house, warm all through the freezing winter season. These affordable and easy to install radiant heating system are increasingly being used by individuals around the world.

The thermostat controlled heating system installed in your house keeps the air warm and not the floor, which results in significant difference between the air and floor temperature. However, with the radiant floor heating system you can easily eliminate the discomforts caused due to the cold floors. These are safe, cost effective and can be installed under any type of flooring such as tile, concrete, asphalt or brick with ease. Radiant floor heating systems prove beneficial even for clearing up the snow from driveway, stairs and patios.

However, before purchasing radiant floor heating systems, one needs to take into consideration certain important factors. Radiant floor heating systems should be certified safe and easy to install. Another important consideration is the system’s heat output, which can be varied as per individual choice. In case one wants a warm floor then you need a moderate heating system with low output, however if you want to keep the entire room warm, then you need a system with higher output. Moreover, one must choose a system with a thermostat control which can be conveniently programmed according to the need and maintain optimum temperature throughout the day. This ensures that there is no wastage of energy, which results in low power consumption. Furthermore, since higher EMF is associated with certain ill effects, hence you consider a system that works effectively and does not increase the EMF significantly. There are many reliable companies in the market which offer customized floor heating systems to meet your specific requirements in terms of size and dimensions, thereby enabling you to install these systems anywhere, be it kitchen, bathroom or outside.

There are so many advantages offered by the radiant floor heating system offers that it has become a must for winters. There is no need to make alteration to the room décor as these heating systems are installed below the flooring, without significantly raising the floor level, as it has compact dimensions. Moreover, these systems can be easily installed below any type of flooring, be it tiles, carpet or hardwood; and has minimal maintenance needs. The radiant floor heating systems are ideal for keeping not just the floors but interiors of the home warm as well; consequently you can turn down your main thermostat by few degrees and save on the power bills.

Hence, to have warm and comfortable winters, get the “radiant floor heating system” installed at your place before the start of the winter season. Moreover, this is one luxury which is efficient as well as affordable.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Add a Touch of Class by Installing Hardwood Paneling

Wood paneling adds rich elegance to the decor of any place, be it a living room, dining room, foyer or stairways. Since ages, it has been one of the most preferred home decorating styles, which is not even too difficult to maintain. The Hardwood Molding or Paneling is available in wide range of options, varying in terms of surface finish, patterns, layout, and dimensions. Depending upon your choice, you can either go for waist high paneling or for entire wall wood paneling. For an old-world charm, you can choose amongst different styles like Queen Anne, Colonial, or Georgian. Not only does it adds a touch a class to the room, but can also be used for concealing visible wiring, switchboards or any kind of wall imperfections.
There are different types of wall paneling options to choose from, such as the raised wood panels. The raised wood panels represent the colonial period of American architecture and are available in just about any type of wood. These are generally installed in the lower third of the wall and transform it from ordinary to extraordinary, along with adding class to room. However, if you wish to add old west character to your home, you can select the knotty pine wood paneling. Mostly sold as tongue and groove boards, the wood surface of these panels has knots and strong grain, giving uniqueness to the room.

Another popular wood paneling option is the cypress wood panels that are sold as tongue and groove panels. These are highly sought-after by homeowners because the cypress wood panels are not only appealing and beautiful but are also resistant to insects, rot or decay. Cypress wood paneling may not be the cheapest option available but it is still a great investment that can drastically enhance the appearance of any house and add to its value. In contrast, a more economical but attractive wood paneling option is the beadboard, which is a wood siding with vertical lines, also referred to as beads, engraved on the surface. In order to achieve a stunning outcome, you can install these in a similar fashion as raised wood panels. You also have the option to choose between the veneered and solid wood beadboard panels.
You can also opt for the recessed and flat wood paneling that are often installed on the lower half or third of the wall. These are generally plain and simple, and are often finished naturally or painted, instead of being stained. It is advisable to seek assistance from an expert craftsman regarding the layout, for getting the desired results. Besides these, there are various other wood paneling options available in the market, such as rough sawn plank boards and log siding.
Depending upon the desired results, you can choose dark or light wood wall paneling to change the overall look of your house. Since there are numerous shades of wood available in the market, it can easily blend with any kind of decor. Moreover, these are easy to install and can be done by experienced DIY enthusiasts, without much inconvenience. Owing to all these features, wood paneling has increasingly become one of most preferred choices for enhancing the beauty and character of your home.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Trend Setter in Home Furnishing

Home furnishing has always been thought off as the most tedious task in home management. The time consumption that takes place is something that has always been a hindrance in home furnishing. House owners these days have shifted focus to an all new concept of home furnishing. Popular trends in home furnishing include mixing old and new, classic and contemporary. Furniture has always been on prime radar of the house owners. They look for a mixed blend of beauty of the art and color in the furniture. But, choosing the right blend and in appropriate measures is the key. Furniture makers have been very responsive to this fashion, so now it’s easier than ever to purchase fine reproductions of vintage and modern collections. So here are some important trend setting aspects and designs that make your living area complete. You can either opt for singular collection or blend of many depending on your requirements and taste.

Gold Furniture: This is one of the major trend setters as far as home furnishing is concerned. Regarded as one of the oldest and royal home furnishing design, gold furniture types are no more luxurious and costly. Gold French furniture is nowadays usually finished in genuine gold leaf, and artisans make sure to give a distressing look to those areas where most natural wear would have occurred. The outcome is just awesome. This is a hard earned creation as it undergoes a multi tasking process of hand sanding, filling, sealing, painting and antique aging. Rich Rococo pieces, such as beds and chests of drawers are hand-carved, again, following the methods used hundreds of years ago.
The Vintage Style: Again a very effective and costumer centric furniture pattern. Vintage is generally a blend of Rococo furniture and chateau style. Versailles style is way over the top, but using a few rococo and baroque style items, such as a reproduction chateau de Versailles chandelier or a beautiful gilt mirror will give a glamorous look to your contemporary home. People with large dining rooms generally prefer this style of furniture.

The Mirrored Furniture: This is generally used when house owners want to bring some sanity to the house. Instead of glitter of artwork, many a times the mirror furniture is preferred by house owners. If you want something more exotic, choose a couple of items from a popular silver embossed range and mix them with white painted chateau furniture.
The Real Budget Design Ideas: If a budget based home furnishing is your cup of tea, then here are some important designing ideas for you. De Cluttering is always a good idea to start with. Minimizing accumulation is the key. This can be done by deciding which items must be retained and which can be thrown out or given away. Then be sure to maintain this system on an ongoing basis. Color management also plays a very vital role. Consulting a home furnishing expert also can be of great help. You’ll better understand how to incorporate color, lighting and texture into a room and also receive valuable tips on ensuring furnishings are in proportion with other things in a room for visual appeal.
With the wealth of information available, designing your first home or redesigning the interior of your existing home becomes a fun and exciting and cheap project rather than a stressful chore. By combining your creativity with tips gathered from various cheap or free publications, your home interior design project is sure to turn out to be a stunning success. As a final suggestion, surfing the internet and finding different combination’s and permutations that work can also provide relevant inputs.

I hope these inputs help you enhance some knowledge on catching the right trend in home furnishing.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Reasons for Using Rugs over Your Floor

Every homeowner wants his or her home to look the best and different from the rest. You can easily do this with the help of rugs. There are different types of rugs available in the market and one has an ample choice to select from. These are available in different sizes, patterns, designs and colors which blend well in any type of interior. The rugs provide an elegant and aesthetic appeal to the place, along with adding instant warmth to the room. These days, more and more homeowners are using rugs to add color and style to their place.
The rugs break the monotony of a room. A large room filled with furniture looks quite barren which can easily be transformed into an aesthetically appealing room with the help of rugs. You can either use one large rug or several smaller ones. The smaller rugs can be of the same color & pattern or of contrasting colors to give an entirely different look. You can even segregate the whole room into different areas by using rugs of different styles and colors. This is not only visually appealing but also beneficial. The rugs protect the flooring underneath and help in avoiding scratches or any other damage due to friction.

Over the years, due to wear and tear the floors develop scratches and deep indents, and if you are looking for an option to overcome these, rugs prove to be an affordable and beneficial option. By placing carpets on the floor you can easily hide the deep indents or scratches on the floor as well as preserve it from further damages. You can easily do it on your own without any professional help. Moreover, since these are not that expensive, you can change the rugs every season and give a new look to your place.
Using rugs throughout the home are a great way of saving energy. This is so because rugs add warmth to a room and provide better insulation which resists heat flow, making the room warm. As a result you can turn down the thermostat by a few degrees and save on your energy bills. Moreover, on cold winters stepping on a warmer rug instead of cold floor feels nice. Rugs are even safe for children since they cushion the fall when playing, thereby reducing the risk of injuries. Rugs are easy to maintain and do not demand excessive care. You can easily clean a rug with vacuum cleaner.

In order to add style to the room, it is important to choose the right kind of rug. There are certain things that you need to consider while selecting a rug, such as size and texture of the rug. If budget is not a constraint, you can choose the fine Persian rugs which look great in any part of the house. The color of the rug must be chosen wisely so that it complements the decor of the house. Moreover, rugs are green flooring options which add warmth, style and great looks to your home.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Installation of a ceramic toilet paper holder without tile surrounding

Installation of a ceramic toilet paper holder without tile surrounding
(Same procedure with minor changes can apply to almost any of the bathroom accessories)

Installing a ceramic toilet paper holder is not a difficult task. Before you get started, you will want to gather these tools and materials:

• Hammer
• Keyhole Saw
• Razor Knife
• Chisel
• Caulk gun
• Tape Measure
• Level
• Shop-Vac
• Pencil
• Tube of Caulk
• Ceramic tile grout
• Masking Tape
• Construction Adhesive

The first step is to determine exactly where you want to install your ceramic toilet paper holder. Most fixtures are approximately six inches long by five inches wide. On the back of the fixture you will see a square that is slightly smaller than the fixture and raised about one half inch. This smaller, raised, area will be the actual size of the hole we are going to cut into the wall. For this example we are going to assume that the raised area is five inches by four inches.
Before we do any cutting, we need to mark the wall. Hold a level on the wall at the height where the bottom of your toilet paper holder will be. Make sure the level reads level. Next, place the fixture on top of the level. Trace around the two sides and the top of the fixture with a pencil. Then remove the fixture and draw a line across the top of the level.
You should now have a nice level square drawn on the wall. However, this square is going to be the actual fixture size six by five and not the smaller size of the raised portion on the back (the size we need our hole to be). Remember that most of the time your raised area will be about 1 inch shorter in both length and width. So, take a tape measure and measure one half inch from the bottom pencil line you made to the center of the square and make a new mark. Do this for the other three sides as well. Next, take the level and place it on the mark you made from the bottom and draw another level line, making sure not to allow your pencil mark to go outside of the original square you drew on the wall. Do this for the sides and the top as well.
Take a keyhole saw and carefully cut out the inside smaller square you marked on the wall. If you hit a stud while cutting you can use a razor knife or box cutter to finish the job. Now make sure that the fixture fits in the hole. If it doesn’t, make adjustments as necessary to get a good fit.
We are now ready to glue the fixture into place. You may use either construction adhesive or unsanded tile grout for this purpose. The grout is easier to clean up if you accidentally get some on the wall, but the choice is up to you.
Construction Adhesive:

• Be careful and use it sparingly. A small bead around the back edge and in between the raised portion of the fixture is plenty
• Place the fixture into the hole and press firmly. Use masking tape to hold the fixture in place until the adhesive dries.
• Be sure to clean up and adhesive that got onto the outside of the fixture before it dries
• After the adhesive dries remove the tape and place a small bead of latex caulk around the entire fixture and you are ready roll

Unsanded Tile Grout:

• Mix a small amount of grout with water in a bucket. The grout should be about the consistency of peanut butter, and the size of a softball, when mixed.
• Place a softball size pile of grout on the back of the fixture and press it firmly into the hole.
• While holding the fixture into place with one hand, use the other to wipe off any excess grout. You can avoid using latex caulk by smoothing the joints around the fixture with your finger.
• The fixture should stay in place by itself, but you can use some making tape to hold it in place if it does not.
• Take a damp sponge and wipe the walls and any excess grout that may have gotten on the fixture.
• Once the grout is dry, you may install the roller and tissue.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

How to repair towel bar

How to repair towel bar

How to replace a broken acrylic or plastic bar
1. Cut old bar using hand saw, (hold bar “gently” with one hand), remove gently form bar making sure not shaking the brackets

2. Insert one end to place and mark other end with pencil.

3. Remove insert and cut bar at mark, put back insert at end piece.

4. Put back, you may need to apply little pressure inserting 2nd end back in to bracket

Read all specifications above carefully.

Why to use a colored grout sealer

One of the most essential aspects of a tiling job is grouting the empty spaces between two tiles. Grouting would keep the tiled floor bonded together for a long duration of time. Grout between two tiles also prevents them from rubbing against each other and cracking. Although effective, grout is a porous substance that can easily absorb moisture and any liquid that is spilled on the floor. It is for this reason that the process of sealing the grout becomes highly essential.
Grout is generally available in two forms: sanded and un-sanded. The use of sanded or un-sanded grout would depend on the tile material as well as the size of tile joints. Irrespective of the type of grout being used, applying a layer of grout sealer is important for high durability of the floor.
A grout sealer prevents the percolation of moisture into the grout, thereby preventing problems such as mildew and mold. Along with this benefit, a grout sealer would also prevent discoloration and staining of the grouted area. Any liquid that is dropped on the tiled floor would stay on top of the grout due to the applied sealer. This would give you more time to clean the liquid before the grout absorbs it, thereby preventing staining.

Grout sealer is available in two variants: clear sealer and color sealer. Application of a clear grout sealer would not alter the color of the grout and would ensure that the grout retains its natural color. On the other hand, a color grout matches with the color and design of the tiles, thereby allowing for a uniform look to the tiled floor.
A colored grout is either used to match with the tile composition or allow for a contrast in the look of the floor. Colored grout can even be used in case the earlier grouting has stained due to some reason. A colored grout sealer is generally available in a wide range of colors, thereby allowing you to easily select one as per your specific requirements.
Along with enhancing the visuals of your tiled floor, color grout offers a number of other advantages as well. Color grout is generally odorless, thereby creating a clean environment in the room. These sealers reduce the ongoing maintenance expenses significantly and enable the use of natural cleaners.

You can apply color grout in two ways; by the “brush-on method” or the “spray-on method”. In the brush-on method the sealer is applied directly to the grout using a brush. In a spray-on method, the sealer is sprayed over the entire floor. The sealer over the grout gets absorbed while the sealer over the tiles gets evaporated.
The method used by you to seal the grout would depend on various factors such as your budget and type of sealing material. Due to its numerous advantages, the “color grout sealer” is being widely used by homeowners. Not only does a color sealer enable you to change the visuals of the floor as per your requirements, it enhances the durability of the floor as well.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Flooring advice for your kitchen

It is generally believed by homeowners that kitchen and bathroom are two of the most important areas for a renovation project. This is so, since these areas are exposed to high moisture content, and the flooring in these areas gets affected by moisture very easily. Some of the factors that can affect your decision to select a flooring option for your kitchen include; your budget, design consideration and your usage of the kitchen.
Most people select different flooring for each room in their house. However, selecting common flooring in all the rooms of the house is a popular trend that is becoming popular day by day. So if you are looking to change the flooring of your kitchen, you can select the same flooring as that in the surrounding areas. This continuity will give your house a more comfortable and attractive look. Some flooring options such as stone can be laid in the kitchen as well as other surrounding rooms effectively.
Going green is the latest trend in kitchen flooring. Flooring material such as stone, tile and porcelain would be ideal in your kitchen. Furthermore, wood and wood laminate would also enhance the aesthetic look in your kitchen. However, in case you are opting for wood or laminate, you should select a dark shade and thick grained flooring for maximum utility.
While selecting flooring for your kitchen you should give more emphasis to practicality rather than aesthetics. For example, if you have kids and pets in your house you should opt for a strong and durable option, such as stone. This is so since other material such as hardwood and laminate can scratch easily. Even certain varieties of porcelain, which is considered to be a tough material, can crack and chip easily in the kitchen.
In case you are looking for a low budget option that offers aesthetics, as well as durability, then laminate would be the ideal choice. Laminate would imitate the looks of hardwood flooring, but would offer better durability. Furthermore, the cost of installing laminate flooring is quite reasonable as compared to other flooring options. The low cost and high aesthetics of laminate make it a preferred choice, not just for the kitchen floor, but for floors in other rooms as well.
Talking to a professional flooring contractor is generally a good idea since they would be able to determine the right flooring option for your kitchen. A professional will not only help you determine your flooring requirements but will help you with the purchase process as well. A flooring contractor will ensure that your kitchen flooring offers maximum value for your investment in it.
Kitchen is one of the most actively used locations in a house; therefore, it becomes essential to select the right flooring option. Not only should the flooring match with the decor of your house but should also be easy to maintain and clean. Vinyl, stone and laminate are considered to be ideal options for the kitchen floor. The right floor will go a long way, in the way your kitchen looks
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

How to Install Glass Tiles

Among the numerous tiles available, homeowners are increasingly choosing glass tiles that add a unique look to their homes. Glass tiles are available in an assortment of colors, sizes, designs, shapes and styles that can easily blend with the decor of any room. In case you are thinking about installing glass tiles, you can choose amongst the various options, such as clear glass, frosted and bubble glass tile. Any of these glass tile options can easily spruce up any room in your home.
Choosing amongst these unique and beautiful tiling options is a daunting task, but once you have made the selection, it is time for installation. Installing glass tiles is not that difficult for experienced DIY enthusiasts; however, amateur DIY enthusiasts may need to be little careful while performing the task. If you are planning to install glass tiles, foremost, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment needed to complete the task.
For installation, first, you need to prepare the substrate; ensure that the surface on which the tiles need to be installed is smooth, flat and without any cracks. The substrate should also be dry as well as perfectly clean so as to effectively apply the adhesive. Next, you need to apply is the thin-set; generally white, acrylic modified thin-set mortar is recommended by experts. It is usually available in pre-mix form, and is thus easy to use. Make sure not to use mastic adhesives, as these tend to become yellow with passing time.

For applying the thin-set, you can use the notched side of a 3/16″ V-notch trowel, which is easily available in the market. Hold the tool at an angle of 45° to the substrate for applying the adhesive. Make sure that the thin-set is thick enough to provide a strong grip, but not too thick as it may result in uneven surface, along with irregular spots and shrinkage. In case there are any ridges, you can smoother them with the long flat edge of the trowel, while taking precaution not to remove any thin-set.
Once the thin-set is appropriately applied, its time to install the glass tiles. You can cut the tiles into small pieces as these are easy to install. You can either use a mosaic glass cutter with blades shaped like small wheels or use a wet saw. After getting the desired size, ensure that the tile’s mesh side is clean, dry and free of any dust or debris. Be careful to install the tiles with its mesh side facing the contact surface. To ensure a tight, even bonding with the thin-set, use a wooden block held against the tile sheets and tap on it lightly. Make sure to remove any excess adhesive from the edges. Leave the tiles undisturbed during the curing time, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

After this, you can grout the joints with the help of rubber grout float, for increased performance and longevity of the glass tiles. It is advised to choose white colored un-sanded grout with a latex additive for fine finish; however, you may also choose other colors for added effect. Last but not the least, add an anti-microbial and mildew inhibitors that will protect the tiles against mold and mildew menace.
Following these simple steps, you can efficiently install the beautiful glass tiles in your home, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
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Tips for effective floor buffing

Like other parts of the house, hardwood flooring also requires maintenance. Over the years, with constant wear & tear the floor starts losing its luster. Though, a lot of people resort to changing the flooring when it starts to wear down; this however is not an advisable option.
One of the most effective ways of dealing with worn out flooring is by buffing it. One can easily use buffing for refinishing the floor, so that it looks as good as new.
Instead of replacing the old hardwood flooring with a new one, most homeowners prefer buffing the flooring, which saves them time as well as money. Using harsh chemicals is not advisable as it will actually harm the floor by either staining it or affecting its natural sheen. Buffing on the other hand is safer and can help keep the fresh look of the floor, as if it was new. Moreover, buffing can be easily done on every type of flooring, whether it is marble or hardwood, with the help of a buffing machine. In case of carpet flooring, one can use the brush attachment instead of pads in the buffing machine; which effectively cleans and scrubs the carpet thoroughly.
It is a process, which can easily be accomplished by DIY enthusiasts. Whatever may be the type of floor you wish to buff; it should first be dust mopped and cleaned thoroughly. Next, you need to install the buffing pad and set the speed of the machine at 1-2 ft. per second. Move the machine in a straight line, overlapping each pass by 2-4 inches. You need to buff the floor till the required gloss is achieved. Similarly, repeat the whole process in other areas of the floor as well. Check the pads, and change them in case they have become dirty or worn out. After buffing is complete, dust mop the floor and follow it by wet vacuuming. Make sure to clean all the equipment, before storage.
Although it is easy, there are certain things that one needs to take care of while buffing the hardwood floor. Replace worn out pads as it can cause scratches on the floor. You need to select the appropriate pad and solution for the type of floor to be buffed. It is advisable that you evenly spread the solution over the particular section of the floor, and buff the area two to three times for best results. While buffing the floor, you must ensure to start from the end of the room, moving backwards, so that you do not step on the cleaned floor.
You will need to apply three different solutions, namely stripping, wax and polish solution. Though using a floor buffing machine is not very difficult; it is advisable to exercise caution since the buffing machine is quite big in size.
Flooring is the most essential part of any house and hence, requires utmost care. By just following some of the simple measures mentioned above, you can have a clean, shiny and durable flooring.
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