Monday, March 29, 2010

The most effective way of achieving a lippage free floor

Marble and stone flooring are widely used by people to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their house; however, while installing marbles or stones on the floor and on the walls a common problem faced by many is that of lippage. Lippage refers to a situation where adjacent marble or stone tiles are not on the same level. This uneven surface level brings about an irregular finish, thereby affecting the aesthetics of the house. Further, marble tiles that are not evenly laid out are more likely to crack.

br>
It is always better to eliminate the problem of lippage while laying out a tile or a stone floor to prevent any expenses on repairs later. In case of a marble floor, eliminating lippage would require extensive grinding, which would consume a lot of your time and money. Further, you would be required to polish the marble once the grinding work has been completed.

In order to avoid this problem one needs to take care of lippage at the time of laying out the floor. In case you are facing the problem of lippage, the ‘Tuscan Leveling System’ can help you. This is a revolutionary product that can help you lay out a lippage free stone or tile floor, in a convenient and affordable manner. By using the Tuscan Leveling System you will be able to ensure that there is no settling from shrinkage, thereby eliminating the need to re-lift the tiles in order to level them. The easy to use mechanism of Tuscan Leveling System is so convenient that one does not need to hire external help to fix the problem. This further helps in reducing your repair costs.

A major factor that produces lippage is the spacing or the grout joint between the tiles. A narrow grout joint significantly accentuates lippage; it is therefore advisable not to keep the grout joint too close to each other. The Tuscan Leveling System straps will automatically create a grout joint of 1/32”, and will ensure that the problem of lippage does not occur due to grout spacing. Further, Tuscan Leveling System is highly flexible and can be used along with all common spacers, thereby ensuring that you are able to set stones and tiles in an even manner and with the desired distance between them.

In case you are installing tiles that are significantly large in size, the chance of lippage increases. The Tuscan Leveling system works ideally with tiles that are 12 inches or more, thereby ensuring that you easily & conveniently are able to use large tiles without worrying about lippage. Although lippage is not a very serious problem and can be fixed, it is still recommended to eliminate it during the initial stages to avoid any troubles later. It is for this reason that products such as the Tuscan Leveling system are constantly gaining popularity. Not only does the Tuscan Leveling System eliminate lippage, but it also reduces the installation time significantly, thereby ensuring high utility and value for money.

Click Here to View Action Video

Saturday, March 27, 2010

How to improve the effectiveness of your hardwood flooring

Most people are opting for hardwood flooring over traditional wall to wall carpeting due to the various benefits offered by it. Some of the advantages of hardwood flooring include its longevity, easy to clean nature and its aesthetic appeal. Further, due to the longevity of hardwood flooring, the resale value of your house will also increase significantly.

Apart from the numerous benefits that are offered by hardwood flooring, you can take a few steps on your own to enhance its effectiveness. One of the first steps that you can take in order to ensure maximum effectiveness out of your hardwood flooring is to install it properly. There are numerous methods through which you can install a hardwood floor such as nailing or gluing it. It is always beneficial to consult an expert to get an idea about the best way to install hardwood flooring in your house.

Hardwood floors have a natural warm and cozy look, and wood is an effective insulator. You can further enhance the insulation properties of your hardwood floor by taking two steps; adding extra insulation and installing a floor heating system. Extra insulation can be added in the form of wool, cellulose, wood fiber boards and plant fiber boards. An extra layer of insulation will ensure that heat does not escape from the floor, thereby keeping it warm and cozy. You can also opt for an effective under-floor heating system to enhance the insulation properties of your hardwood flooring. An under-floor heating system will further enable you to save on your energy bills by not only heating the floor but the entire room as well. This will let you turn down your main thermostat a few degrees, thereby resulting in significant savings on electricity.

Regular cleaning and shining of your hardwood flooring will enhance the longevity of your hardwood flooring. You can use high quality varnish or vinegar regularly to shine your hardwood floor and to ensure that it remains shiny and smooth all year round.

Protecting your hardwood flooring from direct sunlight and denting is essential to keep it looking attractive for a long period of time. Portions of your hardwood floor that are exposed to direct sunlight will get discolored easily, in order to avoid discoloration you will need to keep your curtains closed or place a rug over such areas. In order to avoid denting on the floor you will need to provide padding under heavy furniture; also, you must avoid dragging objects over hardwood floors.

Finally, moisture is the biggest enemy of hardwood floors and excess exposure to it can lead to serious mold problems; for this reason, applying a waterproofing chemical is necessary, especially in areas where exposure to moisture is unavoidable.

Although hardwood floors are aesthetically attractive and long lasting, they require constant care and maintenance. By following the above mentioned steps, you will be able to ensure that your hardwood flooring remains attractive & strong for a long time to come.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Ready To Tile Shelves Bears everything

One of the most personal spaces in your home is your bathroom where you can spend some quality time and feel completely relaxed. The bathroom accessories can go a long way in helping you to provide an elegant appeal to your shower. The ready to tile shelves have emerged as one of the most fascinating bathroom accessories which can be fitted easily into your shower to create an organized look. You can customize the shelves as per your requirement to create a magnificent blend.

With a rapid increase in the exciting range of shower products you surely need some extra space in your bathroom. The shelves serve this purpose perfectly as they are designed to offer you sufficient space. The shelves allow you to store all your favorite shower stuff at one place to enjoy a complete shower. The shelves can blend perfectly with your surrounding walls and create an effect which is simply beyond words. The shower seats can also be an interesting addition to your shower which will help you give yourself a royal treatment while bathing.

The shower shelves have evolved as one of the most effective tools for managing space in your shower and lend a fresh and bright appearance to it. The shelves can be easily installed in your shower and blend perfectly with the interiors. The shelves can be used for storing your shower stuff and also for enjoying an extended session in the shower. Available in a variety of materials these seats and shelves are perfectly suitable for your shower and will add a new dimension to your bathroom.

The shower shelves have a tremendous load bearing capacity and can withstand heavy weights. This means you can carelessly sit on your shower shelf and enjoy a relaxed shower without having to worry about your safety. This capability is achieved through the engineering of shear force instead of tension loading. The shower benches can be easily installed in your shower area to enjoy an uninterrupted experience. The benches and shelves are very user friendly and do not require any additional waterproofing or structural reinforcement. Following proper installation procedures will ensure that the shelves are fixed in the best possible manner.

The shower seats are also a great addition for your bathroom as they can add an element of elegance to your bathroom. The shower seats will offer you a personal seating space in the bathroom and help you to rejuvenate yourself. These seats are also very helpful for physically challenged people as they can sit comfortably on them. The seats are designed to be water resistant which makes them anti corrosive and saves you the hassles of water proofing. The seats are generally made form granite and marble and a few also have marble flooring on the top. A few seats may also have ceramic tiles on the top and hence it is important to ensure that you use only certified chemicals to clean the seats.

Unlike the traditional shower seats which required hours to install the modern seats can be installed in a matter of time. The present shower benches come with one piece frame that can be installed easily with the help of fasteners which are supplied with it. This eliminates the need for any structural reinforcement and makes installation very simple. The high density Polystyrene shower seats are also gaining in popularity today. These seats are extremely light weight and can be installed without any hassles. Proper care of the shower seats will enhance their life and ensure that you enjoy a comfortable shower.

Choosing the perfect accessories and following the proper installation techniques will help you create a shower which stands out in all respects. Accessories like shower seats and shelves will enhance the appearance of your bathroom and also offer various capabilities. It is a sound investment which will help you enjoy each and every minute under the shower.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Use eco friendly products for a healthier home

A number of people complain of dizziness, breathlessness and general uneasiness while using a cleaning solvent. One of the primary causes for this could be sue to the harmful chemicals that are present in cleaning solutions used by you. Apart from such short term effects, harmful chemicals in traditional cleaning solutions are known to cause serious conditions such as cancer.

Ammonia, Chlorine Bleach, Phosphates and Sodium Hydroxide are some of the chemicals that are found in cleaning solutions. These chemicals are not only harmful to humans, but cause severe damage to the environment as well. It is for this reason that you are recommended to use eco friendly cleaning solutions instead of traditional ones that contain harmful chemicals.

A numbers of eco friendly solutions are available in the market these days; however, it is important to carefully analyze their constituents in order to be sure of their eco friendly nature. A few things that you should consider while selecting an eco friendly cleaning solution include their pH levels, level of solvents and their biodegradable nature. Cleaning solutions that have pH levels of either more than 7 or less than 7 are considered to be highly corrosive; therefore, you should look out for a cleaning solution that has a neutral pH level. Solvents such as PGEs (Propylene Glycol Ethers) and EGEs (Ethylene glycol ethers) are also considered to be harmful and should be avoided in a cleaning solution. Finally, it is important to consider the biodegradable nature of your cleaning solution to ensure that it does not harm the environment.

Use of eco friendly cleaning solutions will benefit you & your family by reducing the risk of allergies as well as of toxins. Children and the elderly are generally more prone to allergies that are caused by chemicals found in cleaning solutions. Bleaches, phosphates and perfumes found in most cleaning agents are known to cause severe allergies. It is important to realize this correlation between allergies and such chemicals, and to reduce the use of these harmful chemicals by purchasing eco friendly cleaning solutions.

Most of the traditional cleaning solutions contain toxins that can cause severe conditions such as cancer and respiratory problems. Such solutions, when sprayed or applied to the surface, pose a risk of inhalation, and severe medical conditions in the future. In order to ensure that your house stays free of such toxins, an ideal solution is to phase out the use of traditional cleaning solutions and replace them with eco friendly ones.

Not only are eco friendly products safe for humans and for the environment, their eco friendly nature enhances their cleaning capacity. Such solutions contain effective alkaline formula to ensure that they are safe as well as effective to use on all kinds of stones and tiles. With the numerous benefits of green cleaning solutions becoming apparent, more & more people are opting for the green way of cleaning their house. You too can eliminate the source of toxins and allergens in your house by replacing your traditional cleaning solvents with eco friendly ones.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Select the right contractor for your home improvement project

If you are planning to make renovations to your house, you need to be careful while selecting the contractor for the job. A hasty decision in such a situation can lead to extra repair or maintenance expenses.

Although there is no dearth of contractors, you need to select the one who can fulfill your specific requirements, just the way you desire. Before finalizing a contractor you need to take into consideration some important factors.

Though, you may find numerous listings of contractors in the yellow pages or on the internet, however it would be advisable to do some reference checks by consulting your friends or relatives who may have got their homes renovated.

In case you are unable to find any recommendations from your family or friends, then you can resort to any of the contractor referral service websites on the internet. Selecting the right contractor is highly crucial, since only a well experienced contractor would be able to execute your home renovation project with perfection.

Once you have shortlisted the contractors, it is advisable to do some reference checks from their previous clients; getting a background on the kind of work they have done will give you a clear insight on the quality & skill of their work. You will also be able to assess whether the contractor understands your requirements or not.

Checking the credentials of the contractor is an important step and should not be overlooked. You can contact your state’s licensing agency to determine the validation of the certificates and licenses held by the contractor. Another important aspect that you should look for is the liability insurance cover held by the contractor. Carrying adequate general Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Insurance is essential to avoid unnecessary claims of negligence arising against you.

Get estimates and compares contractors on the basis of what they are charging for your particular project. However, one word of caution to people who want to select contractors solely on the basis of their price; a low priced estimate could be due to the fact that the contractor uses low quality material to complete a job. Although such a deal will cost you less, it is generally not recommended to opt for it.

Finally, after you have shortlisted and finalized a contractor you should get all the agreements in writing. Carefully review this written document and only if everything is satisfactory, sign a contract. A contract should contain various details such as the starting and completion date of the project, the payment terms, detailed job specifications as well as a ‘right to cancel’ clause that would allow you to cancel the contract within a specified period of time in case you are not satisfied.

Although the task of short listing and selecting a contractor for your home renovation project can be quite complex, by following the above mentioned points you will definitely be able to select a contractor who will execute your home improvement project as per your requirements for the best price.

Find a Contractor in your area

Contractor submit your listing to our Contractor Directory

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Bathroom Accessories Ready To Tile A precious gift

If you always thought that a bathroom is just a place to take a shower then think again! The present day bathrooms have evolved as a design destination and are always open to new idea and innovations. Brand new shower accessories have completely metamorphosed the landscape of your shower. The ready to tile accessories lend a Mediterranean charm to your bathroom and gives it a distinct identity. These accessories will enhance the aesthetic appeal as well as the capabilities of your bathroom.

There is nothing complicated about these bathroom accessories. They are very simple to tile

and hardly occupy any space. But they can bring about a sea of change in your bathroom. These accessories will make your bathroom look bigger and also help you to discover new areas which you never thought existed. The accessories will allow you to store all your shower products inside the bathroom itself helping you to employ your bedroom cupboards for a different purpose. Space management is what these accessories bring to your bathroom in a very cost efficient manner. Right from that soap dish to the shower seat the bathroom accessories will personalize your bathroom. Let’s have a look at these small wonders

Travertine Soap Dish:

The soap dish in your bathroom has a fascinating piece of history attached to it. It is made from the same travertine which found its way into the Roman Colosseum. Naturally this soap dish will remind you of the opulence of the Roman royalty and take you back in time. The travertine soap dishes are pre sealed and come with mounting projection on the back. The dish proves to be perfect for storing your favorite bath soap and also prevents it from melting away. The soap dish can be installed easily simply by following a few basic instructions.

Towel Holder:

Every house maker will swear by a decent towel holder. There is nothing worse in the world than watching used towels lying carelessly on the bed. Made from natural stone the towel holders have a very distinguished appearance and bring in tremendous glaze to your bathroom. They can be easily mounted on vertical walls and allow you to lend a clean and tidy appearance not only to your bathroom but the entire home as well.

Shower shelves:

Let’s add a bit of humor to your bathroom now with tempered glass shelves. Tempered glass also known as “Prince Rupert’s Drops’ owing to their peculiar tear drop shape and was used as a practical joke by the Bavarian King in the the 16th Century. These shelves bring is the same vivacity into your bathrooms and also make it look bigger. These shelves can be easily mounted on your vertical walls and have an impressive load bearing capacity. They provide you with that much needed extra space in your bathroom without invading into the existing space.

Shower Seats:

If you travel back in time you will tumble across the Roman empire which was surely one of the mightiest empire in the world. A little detailed study will reveal the importance given by them to a holistic bath. The Romans indulged themselves in a rejuvenating bath which ensured cleanliness and kept them healthy. Now even you can share this secret in your shower with the stone shower seats. Easily mountable to the vertical walls these seats are very safe and will ensure that you can enjoy extended showers in your bathroom. Wherever you are just do what the Romans did!

Shower accessories are designed to blend perfectly with your bathroom and create a charming effect. They will meet all your expectations and make the shower your own personal area. A well laid out shower will help you to replicate a spa right inside your home and lose yourself completely to the soothing effect of a rejuvenating shower. The modern day bathroom accessories are designed by best known designers and bring in a designer feel to your shower. So go ahead and soak yourself in pure luxury.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Make your shower your own spa

Don’t you look forward to a splendid bath everyday to rejuvenate yourself completely? Now you can make your shower truly special with the help of bathroom accessories. These accessories will customize your bathroom and help you enjoy a marvelous experience. The Preformed ready to tile shower pans prove to be a very useful addition to your bathroom as it keeps the floors dry and ensures proper drainage of waste water.

The modern day shower pans are ergonomically designed to easily fit into your bathroom. These shower pans are manufactured from high density expanded polystyrene, concrete backer board, fiberglass mesh and a liquid waterproof membrane finish. The entire drain assembly is already installed into the shower pan.. The shower pans are 100% water proof and ready to tile. The fiberglass shower pans are lighter than comparable fiber glass or plastic showers which makes them suitable for your bathroom. The drain is in built and adjustable for your chosen tile thickness which makes installation very easy.

The ready to tile shower pans include the square shower drains which are free from screws and are available in various color selection. The absence of screws means that these drains can be easily lifted to retrieve precious items like rings which may have accidentally fallen in shower. Moreover using screw drivers can seriously dent the finish of surface and scratch it. The square shower drains come with a grade puller which helps in pulling the square pan easily. These pans are a completely revolutionary product which will make your bathroom truly special.

The shower pans are 100% waterproof and completely insulated from rot or degrading You should always choose a shower pan which can be set using a modify thin setting material while other pans require to use an epoxy setting material. The ready to tile shower pans can be set up in minutes which come as a welcome break when compared to conventional methods.

The preformed ready to tile shower pans are the perfect solution as far as the challenges of the modern shower system are concerned. These pans can be easily installed in your shower and provide a suitable outlet for waste water. The shower pans will blend perfectly with the overall design of your bathroom and create a truly marvelous effect. The pans will ensure that your bathroom presents a clean and dry look. Made from environmental friendly products the shower pans are free from any hazards and ensure that they have a minimal impact on the nature. A 35 year warranty on these shower pans speaks a lot about the quality of these products.

The preformed shower pans can also play an important role in preserving the environment. With the development of technology the waste water running down from your washing machine or shower can be reused for irrigation purposes thus reducing the strain on the depleting resources of water. Refereed as ‘Grey Water’ it is unique idea which will help you contribute to the environment in a truly unique manner. The preformed shower pans can prove to be very helpful in this endeavor as they offer an effective channel for water drainage and ensure that water is not wasted. Their unique design makes them perfect for this purpose and ensures that your bathroom can contribute in a positive manner.

You can further accentuate the beauty of your shower with the help of the latest shower accessories. The accessories like shower benches and shelves create a lot of additional space in your bathroom and help you to enjoy a wonderful experience. A professional installer will ensure that all your bathroom accessories are fitted according to latest specifications. The accessories can illuminate your bathroom and are simply perfect for your shower. Choosing the right kind of accessories will make your bathroom special and help you recharge your batteries with a warm aromatic oil shower.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

New Contractor Locator Is a Win-Win For Both The Customer and Contractor

Free Service From The Flooring Supply Shop Matches Customers With The Contractors They Need

The Flooring Supply Shop recognizes that too often when a customer purchases a new product, they either lack the time or skill to install it on their own. The problem has always been finding a contractor the customer could trust. That problem has been eliminated with the contractor locator service now being offered at the Flooring Supply Shop. Customers can search by zip code and distance from their home to find just the right contractor for their home improvement project. Contractors can sign up to be part of the listing by going to:

http://www.flooringsupplyshop.com/contractors_directory

The best part about the service is its price…FREE! There is no “finders” fee for the customer, nor any registration costs or fees to the contractor. Contractors can actually receive a reward of up to $500 dollars for successful completion of a contracted job. This new service is one of the many ways The Flooring Supply Shop puts the needs of its customers first and shows dedication to the top contractors throughout the United States.

About The Flooring Supply Shop

FlooringSupplyShop.com is a seamless, totally integrated, interface to back-end customer service, inventory, and order processing departments. At FlooringSupplyshop.com you get the convenience of 24/7 online ordering and customer service. Since 1986, flooringsupplyshop.com and International Flooring Center, Inc. have been providing a broad selection of Tile, Tools, Setting Material, equipment and accessories. They ship directly to contractors, and DIY homeowners.And provide outstanding service. For more information, visit them today at http://www.flooringsupplyshop.com/.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Become our fan on facebook http://ping.fm/zX2IJ

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Space management for your showers

Don’t you think that a bathroom can prove to be the best refuge to escape the fury of your wife and spend some quiet and peaceful moments all by yourself? It isn’t a bad idea to equip your bathroom with everything you need to keep yourself occupied. The ready to tile niches will provide you with additional space in your bathroom and also bring a dash of lively colors. A perfect tool for space management these niches will make you bathroom highly functional.

With the rapid involvement in the personal care products, the space in your bathroom has suddenly appeared to be scarce. You do need a lot of space to store those shower gels and aroma candles without making your bathroom look cluttered. This is where the shower niches step in. These niches provide you with undiscovered spaces in your bathroom and help you lend a customized look to it. The niches can be easily tiled which makes them even more functional.

As we are talking about water here so it will be really helpful if you ensure that the shower niches are corrosion free and do not degrade easily. A waterproof niche ensures that these products can handle the challenges of a modern bathroom in a better manner. The shower niches should also have insulative features which prevent condensation in the wall cavity. These features will ensure that the niches never rot or degrade and enjoy an extended life span.

The shower niches can be tiled as per the tiles of the surrounding walls thus helping them to create a perfect blend. These niches are ready to tile which makes the installation process a matter of minutes and not hours. During installation of niches, the first thing you would need to decide is the height of the niche. Also, make use of only polyurethane sealant to adhere niche to studs. In order to provide maximum support to niche on the wall, it is imperative to install a horizontal cross bracing, regardless of whether you are installing it on an existing wall or a new construction.

These niches will provide you with a lot of space and enable you to lend an organized look to your bathroom like never before. The shower niches are available in a wide variety of dimensions, allowing you to choose one which blends perfectly with the interiors of your bathroom.

Another bathroom accessory which can help you explore new dimensions in your bathroom is the shower shelves. The tempered glass shelves for instance can add a completely new dimension to your shower and create space out of thin air. The unique thing about these shelves is that they make your bathroom look larger. The shelves can be easily installed on vertical wall and can be used for storing shower products. They also find use in living room for displaying those powerful speakers. Maybe, you can even have your own personal stereo in your shower and listen to calm music while you enjoy a hot aroma bath!

The modern day showers are becoming a style statement and a personal recreation space. Another fascinating addition to your shower can be the shower seats which help you create a waterfall inside your bathroom. Yes! Just sit on these seats and let the warm water serenade you entire body. This is surely the best way to pamper you and feel completely rejuvenated. The shower seats have a tremendous load bearing capacity thus making them absolutely safe.

Bathroom accessories will help you lend a customized appeal to your bathroom and create an effect which is not only pleasing to the eyes but also offers a lot of functionalities. Designed by some of the most competent people in the world the scope of bathroom accessories is evolving by the day allowing you to add some magic to your bathrooms. So just forget all your worries and enjoy a comfortable shower which will surely touch your soul.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Design an elegant and effective shower area

The shower area, for most people, is their own private space where they can refresh and rejuvenate themselves. It is due to this reason that a shower area should be designed and constructed with extreme care and precision. One of the most important components of a shower area is the shower pan. Shower pan is the area between the tiled floor and the sub floor, and is crucial to maintain the integrity of the shower area.

In case your shower pans area is such that water accumulates there, you could face serious problems of mould growth. Further, in case your shower pan leaks, there could be damage to your shower floor. One of the most effective solutions to this problem is ProPan, which is an easy to install shower pan floor. ProPan is a waterproof shower pan that can be ideally installed in shower areas of different sizes, thereby ensuring high utility.

Although ProPan is available in different standard sizes, one of the biggest advantages of using ProPan is that it can be modified, cut or extended according to the specific size of the shower area. This feature ensures that your contractor can cut the Pan at the job site as per the requirements.

ProPan is a ready to tile shower pan that eliminates the need to set up a separate layer of pan liner. Although a pan liner is widely used to prevent leakage to the sub floor, there are chances of water accumulating over this pan liner, thereby resulting in the growth of mould. ProPan comes with a pre-formed pitch of ¼” per foot, thereby ensuring that there is no water accumulation below the shower floor. This standardized slope makes sure that any water that seeps through the tiled floor is directed effectively towards the drain opening.

Another benefit offered by ProPan is that it comes with a full foam curb assembly, which can also be customized as per the shower size area. Two of the most time consuming and crucial activities related to building a shower area are constructing a shower curb and waterproofing the sub floor. By installing ProPan, you will be able to effectively take care of both these activities, thereby ensuring a perfect shower area.

The ease of installation and high utility of ProPan systems have ensured that they are widely used for flooring and tiling activities. As compared to traditional mud beds that took 2 to 3 days to set-in, ProPan can be installed in a matter of hours. Further, its ready to tile feature ensures that you are able to design and construct an effective shower area within a short period of time and without the assistance of professionals. ProPan is manufactured using rot proof material to ensure that it remains effective for a long period of time.

An improperly built shower area will require regular maintenance and additions from your side; therefore, it is essential that you get it right the first time. This has been made possible through the use of a ready to tile shower pan such as ProPan.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Upgrading To Series E4400 Grates With PVD Finishes

Instructions:

The E501 Upgrade Kit is used to re-size an older ebbe square drain opening within a completed shower to accept a new ebbe PVD Finish Drain Grate, eliminating the need to tear out the old drain and tile.

Items you will need:

1.ebbe E40K 4″ square drain upgrade kit containing:

(Template Shown Upside Down)

1/4″ Router Bit With Guide Bearing

2. Router with a 1/4″ collet

Step 1

Install the bit as far into your 1/4″ router collet as the bearing will allow and tighten. Adjust the height of the router base plate so that the top of the bearing is even with the bottom of the plate as shown above.

Old EZ4400 Drain Installed Into A Tiled Shower Floor

Close-up view of an Ebbe EZ4400 Drain

NOTE: You will be using router to remove unwanted plastic material at each corner and along each straight edge. This is necessary to allow the new grate to fit within the newly cut plastic opening.

Step 2

Insert the template into the square drain opening on the shower floor. Four “L” shaped legs will fit within the drain opening as pictured.

Step 3

Adjust the four set screws down until each is in contact with the tile. This is to stabilize the template and keep it from tipping outward when routing. Make sure that the template is stable all around before cutting.

Step 4:

Place the router base plate flat against the template and the bit within the opening away from the edge turn the router on. Cut in a clockwise direction around the entire perimeter of the opening. Corners will require more time. Remove all material at each corner. Do Not use excessive outward pressure along perimeter edges as this may create too much clearance.

Step 5

Remove the template, vacuum up the router shavings and insert the new grate into the opening. Repeat step 4 with more outward pressure if more clearance is needed. You are now ready to enjoy the benefits of the new E-Series drain grates with the PVD finish for years of easy trouble free maintenance on your square shower drain.

Cleaning Suggestions

Do Not use cleaners containing ammonia, bleach or acid.

Use a mild detergent (such as dish washing soap). Do Not use abrasive cleaners.

Rinse and be sure to wipe the entire surface dry.

Your bathroom’s best friend – Square shower drain

Which is the best place to go in the world when you want to spend some quality time with yourself? Well, surely your bathroom! It is your own personal space where you can make some fantastic plans without any disturbance. Just listen to your favorite music or feel the soothing effect of the aroma oils, your bathroom allows you to be the master of your space. A neat and dry bathroom has a very calm effect on your senses and helps you unwind yourself. The Square shower drains will keep your bathroom dry and ensure that water is drained out in a proper manner.

The Square shower drains are designed to perfection to fit the contours of your bathroom. Made from 100% PVD (Physical vapor deposition) these drains have the most durable finishes available in the market. PVD bonds to the stainless steel base metal with a molecular level bond. This protects the PVD surface from peeling off unlike chrome or other electroplated finishes. The PVD designs are available in various metallic colors which are developed by employing the use of variety of inert glasses and exotic metals. The PVD coating process is green and environmental friendly. There are no issues with toxic chemicals and water contamination.

Made from stainless steel clad glass or polymer composite frame these drains are designed to meet the requirements of your shower. The various designer finishes helps the square drains to blend perfectly with the shower pans and creates a truly marvelous effect.

As the shower drains spend most of their time in direct contact with water, it is advisable that they should be manufactured from a non corrosive material. The drain grates are made from heavy dies cast zinc which makes them corrosion resistant. This ensures a longer life for the drains and will save you the hassle of changing them from time to time. A functional shower drain will maintain a hygienic bathroom and keep your bathroom free from odor.

Another feature which makes the shower drains perfect for your bathroom is the minimal grout rim. This provides a rigid frame to grout to and also a perfect flush finish to the grate without being noticed. It lends the square drain a clean look and allows the grate to set flush into the tile without the appearance of a frame. The grout locking perimeter edges is also an effective design which ensures that the square shower drain is thoroughly attached to the surrounding structure and mortar.

It’s time to go back to school now. Remember how squares were always so easy to understand than those confusing circles? The same applies to the shower drains too. A square drain allows simple cuts as compared to a round one and saves precious time. These drains do not require any grinding to match the radius and are hence easy to install. Another value added feature is the use of heavy drain gates which are made from die cast zinc and offer years of service without rusting.

Even you can care for the square shower drains by keeping a few points in mind. Ensure that the cleaners you use for your bathroom are free from ammonia, bleach or acids. Abrasive cleaners can damage the beauty of the tiles and so it is better to sue a mild cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and be sure to wipe the entire surface dry. Keeping these few points in mind will help you to prolong the life of your floors.

The modern day ready to tile shower pans come installed with the square shower drains which eliminates the need for installing the square shower drains separately. These pans offer a lot of flexibility to the contractors to try new ideas in the bathroom space. The shower pans have emerged as a solution for handling the growing challenges posed by the ever expanding shower products like body sprays multiple shower heads etc. These drains perfectly complement the modern bathroom both aesthetically and functionally. An experienced installer will ensure that the fixtures are installed as per proper guidelines.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Contractor submition directory and locator

Are you a contractor? Want more exposure for your website? Want more free leads? Want to appear higher in rankings but don’t have deep pockets? Submitting your site for FREE to our contractor locator directory is a great way to get exposure for your site.

We have 10,000s customers and the need contractor for the material the purchase from us.

The reason we provide this listing for free is to be able to provide our 10,000s of customers buying from us all type of flooring and floor heating material all over the US, with contractors in their area.

If you’re looking for customers in your area, you’ve come to the right place. Submit your information and customers will find you when they click “Find contractor in your area” and search by zip code.

• List of trades:

• Air Conditioning Contractors • Attic and Basement Contractors • Bathroom Contractors • Cabinet Contractors • Carpentry Contractors • Carpet Contractors • Cleaning Contractors • Closet and Storage Contractors • Concrete, Brick and Stone Contractors • Countertop Contractors • Deck & Porch Contractors • Demolition Contractors • Drywall and Plastering Contractors • Electrical Contractors • Environmental and Disaster Services • Excavation Contractors • Fence Contractors • Fireplace Contractors
Flooring Contractors • Foundation and Retaining Wall Contractors • Garage Contractors • General Contractors • Gutter and Drainage Contractors • Handyman Services • Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) • Home and Residential Architects • Home and Room Addition Contractors • Home Appraisal & Inspection • Home Improvement • Home Insulation Contractors • Home Renovation • Home Security Systems •Kitchen Remodeling Contractors • Landscape Contractors • Masonry and Stucco Contractors • Mold Remediation Contractors • New Home Construction • Painting and Wallcovering Contractors • Patio & Paving Contractors • Pest Control • Plumbing Contractors • Roofing Contractors • Siding Contractors • Sunrooms • Swimming Pool Contractors • Tile and Stone Contractors • Waterproofing Contractors • Window and Door Contractors • Other

We at FlooringSupplyShp.com are not charging any commission fees to you or your customers. The service is 100% free for you and the homeowner.

And it’s not just free service that we’re giving. You also get a 5% (up to $500.00) discount coupon to be used on our website for each contractor that provides service to one of our customers.

In case you don’t already have a website, you may want to use your Diggerslist.com free contractor profile web page.

Prevent mold in your shower area

Mold and mildew are two of the most common problems faced by homeowners in their shower area. Since mold and mildew require a moist and humid environment to grow, any water accumulation over, or under your shower floor can become a breeding ground for them. Therefore, it is important that you have a perfectly pitched pan liner as well as tiled floor to ensure that water is effectively directed towards the drain weep holes, and does not accumulate over the pan liner or the tiles.

A typical shower consists of a layer of mortar in between the pan liner and the tiled floor. Since water can easily seep through the tiles and grout on your shower floor, the mortar layer gets wet easily. Unless a proper environment is available, the mortar layer tends to remain moist for a long duration of time. Further, water can also accumulate over the pan liner in case there is not adequate pan liner slope to direct the accumulated water to the drain weep holes. This problem can be solved by having your pan liner sloped towards the drain weep holes. This slope will ensure that water does not accumulate over the pan liner and does not act as a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

The standard slope, which is accepted for a pan liner to ensure effective drainage of water to the drain weep holes, is 1/4” per foot. It is crucial to build the right slope since an inadequately sloped shower will result in puddling and accumulation of water, and over sloped floor will not feel right. In order to achieve this perfect slope of 1/4” per foot, you can use Pre Pitch, which is a unique screeding tool. Pre Pitch can be effectively used on plywood sub floors as well as concrete sub floors, and is ideal for shower areas of all sizes. Pre Pitch will further ensure that water does not leak through the pan liner and damage the sub floor.

In order to prevent mold, you also need to ensure that the water from your shower area does not spread to the surrounding areas. This can be effectively achieved by building a curb around your shower area. A curb will act as a dam and will prevent splashing of water to the surrounding walls. Since the walls and floor around the shower area are susceptible to getting wet and mold growth, you can prevent it from occurring by building an effective curb around your shower area.

Thus, we can see that two of the most important tools to prevent mold growth are a properly sloped pan liner and an effective curb. Pan liner slope will prevent accumulation of water, and a curb will ensure that water does not splash around to the surrounding walls and floor. So while designing and building a shower area in your house, it is essential to consider these factors in order to ensure that you do not face the problems of mold and mildew in the future.

Select only the best ready to tile shower pans

your shower pan forms the base of your shower area, and it is important to make the right selection in order to avail maximum utility out of it. In most shower areas, a waterproof pan liner is placed below the tiled floor and the mortar to ensure that the sub floor is not damaged by the water that seeps through. However, the main concern with such a set up is that water can accumulate over the pan liner, thereby leading to mold growth. It is for this reason that you should consider installing a ready to tile shower pan under your tiled floor.

A ready to tile shower pan eliminates the need to create a separate layer of pan liner, thereby removing the chances of water accumulation and mold growth. Another reason why this system is gaining popularity is that tiling can be started as soon as the pan is installed. This significantly reduces the completion time of your shower area. However, while selecting a ready to tile shower pan you should ensure whether it is strong enough to hold the weight of the tiled floor. A strong and durable ready to tile shower pan should be made up of lasting materials such as polystyrene.

Another important factor to consider while purchasing a ready to tile shower pan is the slope of the pan floor. Since the pan floor will direct the accumulated water towards the drain weep holes, it is essential for it to have the appropriate slope. The standard slope of a pan floor should be 1/4” per foot to ensure that any water that seeps through the tiled floor is effectively directed towards the drain.

Since not all shower areas are of the same size, finding the appropriate sized ready to tile shower floor can become a difficult task. However, ProPan is a high utility ready to tile shower pan that can be easily cut or extended to suit to the specific size of your shower area. ProPan also comes with a curb attachment to ensure that an effective curb can be built on the shower floor conveniently.

High quality ready to tile shower pans such as ProPan also accommodate a square drain, which is much easier to install and tile as compared to a round one. A square drain is free of screws, thereby ensuring that you can easily open it to retrieve your belongings from the drain. Therefore, in case you are looking to install a square drain in your shower area, you should select a ready to tile shower pan that accommodate such a drain.

ProPan is an easy to install ready to tile pan floor that significantly enhance the effectiveness of your shower area. By installing ProPan in your shower area you will be able to ensure that it remains mold free and completely dry. Further, a ready to tile pan floor will also ensure that you do not incur excess expenditure on unnecessary repairs and maintenance to your shower floor and shower sub floor.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Constituents of a perfect shower

For most individuals, a perfect shower would be leak proof, would have perfect drainage and would have the appropriate pan liner and tiled floor slope. As attractive as it may sound, building a technically perfect shower area can be a difficult and time consuming task. Further, any miscalculation while building any constituent could result in significant maintenance and repairs expenses for you in the future. Let us take a look in detail at some of the parts of a perfect shower:

Your tiled shower floor area is essential since it is your first line of defense against leakage to the sub floor. Your tiled shower floor should have an adequate pitch to effectively direct water towards the drain. In case the slope is inadequate water would accumulate and would leak through the tiles and the grout. In order to slope your shower floor adequately you can use Quick Pitch, which is an effective and easy to install tool. Quick Pitch can be used in showers of different areas, thereby allowing you to build a shower floor that is perfectly pitched and leakage free.

Even after tiling and grouting your shower floor there is bound to be leakage to the mortar layer beds. The key to this problem is to place an effective and waterproof liner over the sub floor. Not only is placing a pan liner important, but sloping it appropriately is important as well. This slope will ensure that the water seeping through the tiles and grout does not accumulate over the pan liner and is effectively drained into the weep holes. In order to achieve a perfect slope you can either avail the services of an expert, or you can use tools such as Pre Pitch. Pre Pitch is easy to install floor drainage system that ensures a standard pan liner slope of 1/4” per foot. Tools such as Pre Pitch can enable you to construct a perfectly sloped pan liner, thereby ensuring no accumulation of water below the mortar bed.

The curb of your shower area will make sure that water does not splash out, and does not damage the surrounding areas. Although a curb is an essential constituent of a shower, there are chances of damage to the pan liner while installing the curb in your shower area. In order to eliminate this problem, Kirp Perfect offers the ideal solution. Kirb Perfect can be installed even without the use of wooden blocks, thereby eliminating the need to nail it to the floor. This in turn eliminates any chances of damage to the pan liner.

Thus, we can see that although creating a perfect shower area is a complex task, it can be made easy and effective through the use of tools such as Quick Pitch, Pre Pitch and Kirb Perfect. A perfectly sloped shower area will ensure that there is no leakage and damage to the sub floor. Further, a perfectly sloped floor will also eliminate the growth of mold on your shower floor, thereby ensuring that you are able to enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.

Order of installtion

1st. Kirb Perfect

2nd. Pre Pitch

3rd. Quick Pitch

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Ready To Tile Shower Bench: Comfortably elegant

As an owner of your new house you must have surely planned a unique appearance for your entire home. Well apart, from the living room and the bedroom one area where you can simply create wonders is the bathroom. You can make your shower very versatile and lend it a customized appearance as per your taste. A ready to tile shower bench can prove to be a great addition to your shower and make it look really elegant.

The concept of designer bathrooms is gaining popularity around the world today. The modern day bathrooms are a blend of utility and creativity which lends it a distinct appeal. The focus area is to create an effect which transcends the boundary between natural and artificial elegance. A well planned bathroom is not only pleasing to your eyes but also to your senses. A complete portfolio of bathroom accessories will help you give a definition to your bathroom.

A shower bench will bring in the concept of furniture in your bathroom. It offers a great way to use your shower as a personal retreat to sit back and relax. A bench allows you to replicate the effect of a spa in your bathroom and wash away all the worries under the stream of warm flowing water. With the development of sophisticated shower columns a bench is almost a necessity in your bathroom as it offers a completely refreshing experience.

The most commonly found shower benches are the free standing ones which can be easily lifted. The folding shower benches have also been used in the past but in the recent years built in shower benches have gained a lot of popularity. These benches have a great load bearing capacity and also blend in perfectly with the architecture of the bathroom. The showers seats are ready to tile and can be installed at any stage in your bathroom.

The permanent shower seats are made from heavy duty high-density expanded polystyrene or metal which give them a superior load bearing capacity and reduces the chances of breakage. They are also treated for being water resistant so that there is no requirement for additional waterproofing at the time of installation. To give these seats a natural appearance they are also at times made from granite or marble. The use of stone proves to be Eco friendly and also brings a rustic charm into your bathroom.

The installation process of shower seats has also undergone complete revolution over the years. The modern shower seats can be installed easily as they are very lightweight. The triangle shape helps them get fitted easily into your shower and also blend perfectly with the bathroom. These seats are perfect for places where the walls are plumb. A normal leveling of the wall will ensure that the shower seats can be installed easily.

You can even complement the shower seats with the shelves in your bathroom. The shelves provide excellent space management solutions and are perfect for stacking your towel and cosmetics. The shelves will ensure that your favorite soap is only at an arm's distance from you. The tempered glass bathroom shelves have gained in popularity in recent years as they are free from corrosion and also make the bathroom look larger. The glass shelves also have a tremendous load bearing capacity and thus ensure complete safety.

The present day bathroom is throwing up many surprises and will completely delight you with its exciting designs and patterns. The insights of some of the most renowned designers like Antonio Bullo and David Chipperfield is lending a bright new concept to bathrooms. A shower is no longer just a bathing area but your own personal space which can help you unwind and relax. The use of environmentally friendly products in furnishing is also bringing a lot of sunshine to the new age bathrooms.

Flooring Supply Shop Blog