2010 July | Baths and Tiles

Shower Arms – Cool and Comfortable Bathroom Accessories

Have you ever felt any discomfort while bathing under a shower? The water may not be falling in right angles or where you want it to fall. Or perhaps there is a leak in the fixtures making it very uncomfortable to take a bath. This is could be due to the wrong choice of the shower arm or a leakage. The arm is actually the pipe that attaches the plumbing on the wall to the shower head from which the water falls on you. If you did not position it correctly you may have these discomforts while bathing. Shower arms come in various sizes, shapes, styles, finishes and variations.

There are two types of arms. Some are very simple and hold the shower head just against the wall while some use arms of different sizes and shapes at the end one which you can find the shower heads. You can choose the design and style according to your personal taste or the decor of your bathroom. The arms are of great use because they can help you the use the bathroom space in a proper way by extending to the center of the bathroom. Some kinds of arms can be suspended over your heads. The different shapes of the arms for example, the s shaped or the gooseneck shower arm are placed merely for decorative purposes apart from letting you use the maximum space. They however, look very stylish and sophisticated and add value to the decor of the bathroom. The suspended types will let you have the water falling straight on your head from the ceiling. These are especially ideal for homes which have high ceiling.

These arms are usually made of waterproof metals. Since water falls on them often they have to be waterproof to prevent rust and other types of damages. So when you choose a new shower head arm for your bathroom you need to take into account this factor. Some bathrooms look very simple and stylish with the use of the extended arm. But if you need it to look fancier you can use the various shapes of these arms. Most often people like to use the rain shower head which enables water to fall on your body like rain without having a piercing effect. This kind of shower head may not be very effective if you use it directly on the wall. For this, the extended arm will be more perfect because you will be able to enjoy a perfect and relaxing bath. Now that you know about the types of arms you can try and fix any broken arm by yourself. If you have all the necessary tools, you can easily replace your old or leaky arm without the help of a professional.

First you have to shut off the water supply to the arm before you start your work. Locate the shut off valves and shut the water supply. Use firm pliers of the vise grips to hold the arm tightly. With the help of the wrench on the nut, loosen it counterclockwise. Now you can easily unscrew it and remove it. If it is difficult you can use a cloth dipped in vinegar to dissolve the deposits and loosen the nut. Now hold the arm tightly and turn it counterclockwise to remove it. If it doesn’t come off easily use lubricating oil like WD-40. Spray it on the threads and wait for about two hours.

Once the arm is removed you can replace it with a new arm according to the design choice to match your bathroom decor. One thing you need to be careful while buying is the kind of threads on the arms. Most of these are made of male threads on both the ends while some manufactures make them with female threads on the other end. The female thread side is usually attached to the wall. Fixing an arm would take only a few minutes if you are able to remove the fixtures easily. In case there are deposits in between the threads you need to wait for some time until they dissolve and can be removed easily. After fixing the new arm you attach a matching shower head according to your choice.

Now that you know to make a replacement, your bathroom would never be an uncomfortable place. While choosing these you need to ensure that they go well with the interior design of your bathroom. Buy quality products so that they will not get damaged fast. Do not buy cheap products because they may not stay long. For beautiful designs and finishes you can shop at your local home improvement stores. Before you going to the stores you can also browse the Internet and read all about these fixtures, their types and price ranges. You can make your purchase online if you are happy with any particular design. You need to consider the shipping charges also while shopping online.

Single Hole Bathroom Faucet: Give Your Sink a Streamlined Look

A single hole bathroom faucet can give the space a very streamlined look. Installation is fairly simple as well. It requires no more work than for a product with three holes, for the two water control knobs and the spigot. A multi-directional handle is a common feature of all products, regardless of style or price.

There are many different styles and price ranges for such products. They can be found in home improvement centers, building supply stores and through many online stores. Even if you do not plan on purchasing such a product online, browsing through the many catalogs available can help you determine the best styles for your sink and vanity. Prices can vary greatly, from around $65 for in inexpensive model with a chrome finish, to several hundred, for a highly polished top of the line product.

Classic styles consist of many curves and more rounded shapes. They can be found in brass, brushed nickel and many other finishes. For the home, there are hundreds of classic styles. A brass fixture may look good with marble or granite counter tops on a vanity with a sleek hard wood finish. Some towel bars or other fixtures in a coordinating finish can add quite a bit of elegance to the space and can give it a feel of luxury.

Though stainless steel or nickel finishes may not appear as elegant, they can still work well in a more traditional space. The features such as rounded handles and plenty of detailing on the spigot and handle are what determine the style. They can work well with a variety of color schemes and will generally be easier to coordinate with the tub or shower fixtures. They will work well in traditional decors that use plenty of dark tones, such as burgundy, navy, olive and forest green. Even light fixtures can be used to carry out the traditional theme.

For an even more classic look, models with a ceramic or glass lever can be purchased. Such items look great with spaces that contain plenty of white tile or perhaps even older spaces with a claw foot tub and a pedestal sink. Levers made of ceramic or glass can also be coordinated with linen cabinet door handles or drawer pulls. There are so many options in classic styling that regardless of whether the color scheme includes rich gold tones, classic whites and pastels, or deep fall shades, you will be able to find a traditional style for your sink and vanity.

More modern products are typically less rounded in style. They are more square is flat in shape. Many choices are also available in modern themes. Much of what you select for the modern space depends the style of the sink and the rest of the room’s decor. The squarish styles in brushed nickel work well with modern pedestal sinks or with those in wall mount or corner vanity units.

There is a wide variety of contemporary single hole bathroom faucets for many new sinks and vanities or various styles of sink mounts. A very elegant new style is a vessel sink of a lightly tinted color glass. Such products typically rest on the counter, as opposed to resting in a cut out space. Nothing carries out the style of such a sink, like a vessel spigot. Some come with a simple side handle. Others come with a top lever that rests on the top of the fixture.

For an even more futuristic look, there are models that include a tinted glass disc closer to the base. These are designed to provide a smooth flow or wide stream that mimics a gently flowing river. Such products provide a more unique style, while also providing a relaxing feel to the space. Glass is very sleek and can pick up various tones or hues from the decor in a space, such as from wall colors, curtains and other decorative elements.

Because water gently flows from several small holes from several locations around the base, it takes less time to fill up a sink and less water is likely to be wasted. Not only is this a very ecologically friendly option, it has some additional benefits as well. Small children will have an easier time washing hands with a wider water flow and are likely to get hands cleaner. Glass is

While some models include a glass disc, while works well with glass vessel sinks, others include a wide stainless steel base for the water to flow from. This type of product will look great with a stainless steel sink or basin. Those models with glass can cost as much as $600, while the steel products cost slightly less, at around $500. There are many less costly options in contemporary styles. It is wise to look in a variety of placed before settling on the right product for your sink.

Filed Under: Bathroom, Hardware Tagged With: bathroom faucet, single hole bathroom faucet, single hole bathroom faucets

Thermostatic Mixer Shower: Why They’re Worth the Money

Mixer showers are efficient in providing you the right amount of temperature after blending cold and hot water. For these mixers to perform effectively both the hot and cold water have to be of the same pressure. So most of these mixers can be installed to the mains fed systems, low pressure systems, high pressure systems or a tank fed system. A thermostatic shower mixer has a pre-set thermostat which can sense the change in the temperature and resolve any situation which arises out of temperature changes. There are some advanced thermostatic mixer showers which can stop the water flow whenever a malfunction is observed. Most of these devices have a specific temperature to limit the user from choosing very high temperatures.

Most of the home owners are ready to spend large amounts of money to increase the luxury and opulence of their bathrooms. One way of making this possible in your home is by using a very good thermostatic bath shower mixer. Such kinds of designer and functional accessories are growing in the market and pampering the users with a lot of versatile functions. Though bathrooms were initially not given much of an importance in terms of decor and comfort, people these days are realizing the importance of bathrooms and making them a more comfortable place to enjoy.

There are a number of designer thermostatic shower mixers from which you can choose a design suitable to the interior design and complement other accessories. Another important part of these showers is the thermostatic shower mixer valves. A thermostatic shower mixer valve controls the mixing of cold and hot water entering the shower head. The manual valve helps you to manually control and maintain the temperature of water coming out of the shower head. The thermostatic valve however will do the adjustments by itself when it is set for regulating the flow of water at a particular temperature. If there is any variations in the temperature the valve makes the necessary adjustments to get a constant flow of water at the required temperature.

Most of these valves can maintain the variations up to about 1 degree and provide constant flow of water. When there is any major problem in the system the water flow will be automatically shut off. You can either choose the manual or the thermostatic valves for your showers. Most often these valves are used for power showers for providing the best output consistency. The greatest advantage of using the thermostatic valve is that there is complete safety during the shower with the provision of cut off water supply during extreme temperature variations. You can also get a constant temperature for your shower. This feature is useful when you have children and elderly people at home.

When you have decided to buy these kinds of showers for your home you may seek the guidance of the store owners to know about various products and their features, prices etc. But this can be helpful to some extend only because the store’s aim is to make money and they can easily coax you into buying some of their products by providing good reviews. If you are a customer who do not know much about these then you can be easily tempted to buy their products. To overcome such situations you can always do some research prior to your purchase. You can browse the Internet and read a lot of product reviews about valves, mixers and thermostatic shower mixer tap etc where you shall come to know about the exact advantages and disadvantages of using a particular product. You can also know the various brands and prices and make your purchase accordingly.

Browsing will give you a fair idea about the products available and their functioning. You can also understand about the functions like temperature moderation, pressure of water, shower facilities etc. You will also come to know about the working of the thermostat and why it is advantageous over the regular kind of mixers. You may also make use of a shopping guide to know about the important aspects of the products you are in need of. It will give you a clear idea about the various parts and their functions, top models and brands, their price ranges etc.

The shopping guide will also tell you about the places where you can find these products. If you have a home improvement store in your locality you can check out for your favorite products. But if you are not able to find them, you can try shopping online too. Most of the manufacturers offer their products online. You need to check for the warranty of the products and also understand the terms and conditions regarding refunding if you want to return the product in case of defaults. Also know about the shipping and installation charges, tax, delivery charge etc. Do not fall prey to scamster websites which take away all your money without shipping the products.

Filed Under: Bathroom, Showers Tagged With: thermostatic bath shower mixer, thermostatic mixer shower, thermostatic mixer showers, thermostatic shower mixer, thermostatic shower mixer valve

Cleaning Tile Floors – Easy Homemade Solutions

Cleaning tile floors can be a challenging task. However, it largely depends on the kind of tiles you have used in your home. When you have tile floors you need to take care of two things – whenever something pills on the floor you have to wipe it immediately. Second, if you clean your floors regularly, you can prevent the use of harsh chemicals and hard work. When you have children or pets around spills often happen. You need to keep some clean absorbent cloth handy so that whenever there is a spill you can immediately mop it off using the cloth.

Even if water spills on the floor you have to wipe it off immediately because it can accumulate dust and solidify giving an unsightly appearance. In the same way, you need to be careful when children are around because they can accidentally spill their drinks or other liquids. Even muddy footprints need to be cleared immediately. During rainy seasons it is better to keep a towel outside so that people who enter inside can use it to wipe their feet clean. This would help you to keep your floor clean to a great extent. To have clean tile floors you need to maintain your tiles properly by cleaning it regularly. Most of the people clean the tiles only when it becomes very dirty. But then you may need to use harsh chemicals which may damage your floor.

Floor Maintenance

To clean tile floors you can use a duster or sweep them clean to remove all the dust and other materials. Do not press hard because the dirt can cause scratches on the floor. Mopping the floor with a damp cloth is also ideal. This will not only keep the floor clean but you will not be using any harsh chemicals to clean the floor. This can be done at least once a week to have your tiles sparkling clean.

Cleaning Different Types of Flooring

The cleaning procedures also depend on the kind of floors used. You can use the following homemade formulas for cleaning the tiles. For cleaning ceramic tile floors it is best to use a clean damp cloth. But it may be difficult to clean the grout. For cleaning floor tile grout use a capful of rubbing alcohol in a gallon of water and use it on the grout. It can be cleaned easily.

How to clean tile floors made of vinyl? Take a cup of vinegar in a gallon of water. Use a mop dipped in this solution and clean tile floor with this. After this use clean water and mop the floor.

For stone tile floor cleaning you may require special cleaner. You cannot use vinegar because the acid could damage the marble. So you have to use a mild solution made of water and dish soap. After cleaning floor tiles with this liquid, use clean water.

In case there is wax accumulation on the tiles you can use a homemade stripper to get rid of the wax. Take a cup of your detergent and half cup of ammonia in one gallon of water which is warm. Also use a stiff brush for effective cleaning. Once the cleaning is over you can reapply the wax for protecting the floor.

Grout Cleaning

Grout Cleaning The grout gets dirty very quickly especially in your kitchen and bathroom areas. The bathroom often has mold or mildew and cause grout stains. In the kitchen, the grout gets dirty due to food stains, household traffic and backsplashes. For cleaning these stains you can use some simple household materials like baking soda or vinegar. You can use vinegar and water in equal amounts or make a paste using water and baking soda. Use any of these on the grout. Use a brush and scrub well. It is better to scrub in circular movements for removing the dirt from the grout. After removing the stain rinse with clear water and mop it dry using cloth or paper towels.

If the grout is tough you may have to use some commercial cleaners. You can get some of them from the market and use after diluting with water. Here are some general grout cleaning tips to help you.

First try cleaning grout using water. This will help to get rid of debris on the surface. If your grout is colored, do not use bleach because it can cause discoloration. The brush used for grout cleaning needs to be stiff. You can use old toothbrushes for this purpose. Do not use brushes made of metal. They can damage the grout. While using commercial cleaning agents ensure that the rooms are properly ventilated. You have to use protective gear like gloves and glasses while handling chemical cleaners. Before using the cleaner you can also test it on a small area to see if it is safe or causes any damage. The most important thing to remember is never mix two kinds of cleaners together. Since these are chemicals you may never know what reactions could take place. There could be dangerous fumes or skin irritations. After grout is clean apply a grout sealer for fresh looking floors.

Filed Under: Featured, Tile Tagged With: clean tile floors, cleaning ceramic tile floors, cleaning tile floors, how to clean tile floors, tile floor cleaning

The Exciting And Traveling Life Of A Plastic Ceiling Tile

What, why and how are three questions every consumer should ask about a plastic ceiling tile before they consider purchasing and installing one. However most people never consider the history of the tile installed on their ceiling. These are installed because someone said they should be, they were easy and they solved the problem. There is much more to this story that needs to be told. This story includes what they are, why they should be used and most importantly how to use them with flair and distinction.

These wonderful tiles provide safety and comfort in the room they are installed in. Plastic ceiling tiles are made of plastic, often the material is polystyrene. These are manufactured around the world and sold in a variety of places and stores. This material has a Class A fire rating, meaning it slows down fire and also features an insulation quality up to a 4.55 R value. These can be used indoors or outdoors and are washable with mild detergent. The plastic material does not collect mildew or fungus or attract insects of any kind. In addition these are water resistant, do not flake, crumble or stain easily and can be used in areas of high humidity. Basically plastic ceiling tiles are a versatile and durable product that provides years of attractive use with minor maintenance; these are cheap, easy-to-care for and look good.

Plastic Ceiling Tile Versatile panels have thousands of uses; they were designed for a suspended ceiling. With the snap together grid system, a suspended ceiling can be installed quickly with minimal effort and no tools. This is suspended at least 4 inches below another ceiling on an easy-to-assemble grid system. These panels come in a 2′ x 4′ or 2′ x 2′ sizes and gently rest on top of the color-coordinated grids. Very quickly a room can have an attractive, specially selected brand-new ceiling with no dry walling, painting or texturing. Once it is installed, the work is done.

These white panels reflect up to 94% of the light in the room. However the property owner is not limited to white, this comes in a multitude of colors with 16 different ceiling grid colors. Besides different colors, wood shades of cherry, oak and maple are available as well as different metallic colors including bronze, gold, aged silver, aluminum, brass, chrome, smoke and old world or weathered copper. Many companies will color tiles for special orders, or owners can paint the tile the desired shade. The grids can complement, coordinate or contrast the plastic ceiling tiles creating unique and different looks. There are even grid covers available to change the look of an existing suspended ceiling.

The choices of design are unbelievable and mind-boggling. There is a wide variety available in flat or nearly flat surfaces with lightly stenciled designs giving an all-ver look or interesting relieves like seashells, flowers, wreathes and boxes. Three-dimensional panels include Gothic, French, Spanish, exotic animal skins as well as any other figure or symbol imaginable. These can be fairly flat or extremely deep, creating opportunities to customize each space. Some of the more exotic plastic ceiling tiles are hand painted, framed and hung on the walls for artwork. The plastic material is easy to form; if a shopper is looking for a particular design to complement the decor of the room, that shopper can probably find it somewhere.

This durable material can be used in many unusual settings with style and finesse. A bold look in the kitchen will be a backsplash that appears to be old world copper in an old world design placed behind the counter tops. This look could be extended over an ornate flared stove exhaust system giving the appearance of a hand made, metal cover created at great expense. Ornate white panels could frame the fireplace and be painted an attractive color a shade or two lighter or darker than the color of the walls to create a customized look bringing harmony and uniformity to that room. Using decorative plastic ceiling tiles instead of wallpaper on the end of the dining room creates an easy-care solution to a dull and boring wall. On the ceiling and walls of the porch or outdoor room area that is dark and dingy, plastic ceiling tiles create instant beauty, color and versatility. If a bold style and color is chosen and the homeowner gets tired of it in a few months or years, a simple coat of paint will solve the problem at a very minimal cost adding years of carefree and enjoyable service to this versatile product.

A plastic ceiling tile creates a wonderful new space anywhere it is placed. These are very affordable and for a minor investment that even a husband will approve, a homeowner can have the custom dining room ceiling that oozes old world charm and creates the decor that will be raved about for years to come.

Filed Under: Tile Tagged With: ceiling tile, ceiling tiles, plastic ceiling tile, plastic ceiling tiles, plastic tile

Tile Work is Simple and Fun!

Custom tiles are a great way to show your creative side. Custom tile work allows you to add your own design personality to your kitchen or bathroom. There are several places to get wonderful ideas about color and design. Ceramic tiles are most commonly used in kitchen, bathrooms and foyers. However, tiles can be used in any room. Tiles work well to make a focal point in a room. Ceramic tiles are both beautiful to look at and extremely durable. Most people love that ceramic tile is easy to clean. Many people do not know that ceramic tile actually helps to prevent humidity. That is the reason that it helps to prevent germs and fungi from forming. This is why many laboratories and hospitals installed ceramic tile flooring.

There is an amazing history of the Pharaohs using ceramic tiles to decorate the pyramids. Ceramic tiles have been used through out Europe and America for centuries. People have created beautiful artwork in their homes and places of business. Ceramic tiles are not just used for flooring. They can be used to create visually pleasing murals on wall and ceilings. Tiles work by using three basic natural elements: clay, water and fire. Custom tile work can provide a beautiful natural design element to your home. It is a great benefit when you are selling a home. If you are improving your home to put it up for sale, be sure to keep the tile colors neutral. Using ceramic tiles is inexpensive beautiful way to add style and texture to a home design.

When you are deciding how to decorate your living space with ceramic tile there are several things that need to be considered. Is your tile work going to be strictly decorative? What is your budget for the tile project? Are you planning to install the tile yourself or do you need to hire an expert? If you are planning to use tile flooring in your office that is a great choice. Keep in mind that if you are tiling a high traffic it is best to keep the grout the same color as tile. This will camouflage the dirt. If you have a limited budget for your project then consider using a discontinued tile. In addition, many companies will give you a discount if you allow them to take pictures of the completed project for advertising. Be sure that you measure the area accurately. It is always best to order slightly more than you need. You might need to replace a broken tile in the future.

You can save some money by renting tools and completing the project yourself. It is best to hire a professional so that you limit the chance of a mistake being made. If you do decide to hire a professional tile installation expert, be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau for a reference. Personal references are also a great help. Be sure to check with friend and family for project referrals. Also, check with the place that you purchase the tile. Sometimes these companies provide specials on installation when you purchase the product through them. Many contractors provide a warranty on their work be sure to ask about this before you sign a contract. Tiling work can be dirty and hard on your body. Hiring a professional allows you that ability to relax knowing that you have an expert on the job.

If you do decide to complete the project yourself, you can get some great ideas for color and style in magazine. Some of the new home improvement shows have great tips and advice. In addition, the Internet is a great tool for looking up information on the tools that are required. For example, when you complete a bathroom tile work project you may want to consider ceramic tiles that are slip resistant. Kitchen tile work provides a durable, beautiful workspace. Ceramic tiles can be used to create an amazing back splash. This can make a plain kitchen extraordinary. A tile countertop can be a great way to make an inexpensive improvement to your kitchen or bathroom.

Ceramic tile has been around for a long time and will continue to satisfy people for many years to come. Using custom tile work in your home or office is a great way to add style and class to your home. Ceramic tile work is a great way to add value to your home with a minimal investment. Many people are using ceramic tile in the installation of their pools. It allows you to customize all aspects of you home design. Slip resistant tile is also a great product to use around the pool.

So start looking for the ceramic tile that best suits your style and taste. Once you have finished the project you will have added the perfect artistic touch to your home or office. This is going to be something that will benefit you for many years to come.

Filed Under: Tile Tagged With: ceramic tile work, custom tile work, tile work, tile works, tiling work

An Introduction to Glass Splashbacks

A splashback can be made from any one of a number of materials – glass, faux tin, tin, river rock, stainless steel – and placed behind an oven top or kitchen sink and counter area to catch splashes of oil, water or other substances. You can buy ovens with these helpful additions included or you can buy them separately.

Glass splashbacks come in a number of colors and sizes. It is important first of all to measure the area where you intend to put the splashbacks glass to make sure you get the right size. This is especially important if you choose to purchase the glass splashback online as often it is hard or even impossible to return an item of this nature that has been bought online in the wrong size.

Kitchen Splashbacks Come in a Variety of Materials and Styles

You should also take into consideration the color scheme of the kitchen and make sure the glass splashback you are considering purchasing would match well with the kitchen decor. There are a number of coloured glass splashbacks on the market that are quite lovely but it will not look lovely in your kitchen if the color clashes. If you are not sure whether a coloured one would look good in your kitchen, then you may want to purchase a white or clear one that is sure not to clash with the kitchen decor.

No matter what kind of splashback you intend to purchase, you can find an online site or regular store or both that has it for sale. There are a number of sites that both have kitchen glass splashbacks for sale in a range of colors, sizes and styles; these sites, unlike many other online retail sites, do not charge extra for tax and shipping. The price you see listed on these sites is how much the splashback is going to cost.

A black glass splashback could be just the right color for your kitchen, depending on the style and color scheme you have. You can buy a Heartland AG-P030284 Paragon 44in Splashback Metallic Black Glass from an online retail site for $330 with free shipping. If you do not need something quite this large, or if you would prefer black to metallic black, then the 36″ Curved Black Glass Splash Back selling $165 may be a good option for you. You can also purchase this particular splashback glass in blue.

If you want something that is truly colourful and will stand out in your kitchen, then you may want to consider a red, orange, pink or blue kitchen glass splashback. While these colours would not be suitable in many kitchens, a colourful splashbacks glass may be just what you need to brighten up the kitchen a bit and make it look a lot more cheery.

You may also want to consider a different material entirely, depending on how much you can afford to spend on a splashback and what kind of material you think would work best in your kitchen. One option is purchasing purchasing tiles as opposed to a ready made splashbacks glass; you would then install the tiles over the area where the glass would have been put.

For those who feel that glass is the best choice of material, there are kitchen glass splashback tiles for sale both online and at Home Depot. The exact cost depends on what the exact tiles you buy. They are sold in packs of varying amounts.

The main downside to having glass kitchen splashbacks tiles installed is that it takes a lot of work. Unless you have experience or the aptitude for carpentry work, you may need to hire a professional to come in and cut and set the tiles. While setting tiles can be a do it yourself job, it is not easy and you would need to know what you are doing, or else you may need to have it redone later on by a professional.

However, tiles, be they made from glass or ceramic, have advantages over solid color kitchen glass splashbacks. You can create some beautiful designs with tiles that are sure to enhance your kitchen’s decor. The tiles, once set, are quite durable and will last you a long time.

When shopping for tile, steel or glass splashbacks for kitchens online, there are a few things that you should always be aware of. For one, make sure that the splashback is for the kitchen; some are made more for bathrooms. Besides that, as was touched on above, make sure the site ships for free; if they do not, then find out the shipping costs so that you know how much you will need to pay in all. Lastly, be sure you are aware of the site’s policy regarding returns; this policy differs from site to site.

Filed Under: Backsplashes, Featured, Tile Tagged With: black glass splashback, glass splashback, glass splashbacks, glass splashbacks for kitchens, splashback glass

Plastic Ceiling Tiles: Exploring Various Options

Anyone homeowner looking for a great option to spruce up the interior of their house can choose plastic ceiling tiles as an inexpensive and practical means of design and support. Unlike tiles constructed from stone or wood, plastic is the cheapest building material available and requires practically no upkeep. A wide variety of ceiling tiles can be found at major home improvement stores — such as giants like Home Depot or Lowe’s, or even online — in various models and colors. A plastic ceiling tile format may only cost around twenty to thirty dollars to install on a ten by ten foot surface, nearly a tenth the cost of metal or ceramic fixtures. Indeed, plastic can even be painted in any custom design or color to a customers specifications — a popular choice for families with small kids who want to be in on the design process and paint their own ceiling!

Basic White Plastic Ceiling Tile

Before any type of decision is made about choosing or purchasing sets of tiles, it is crucial to figure out the exact specifications required for a room or an entire house, along with any building codes that might restrict certain options for tiling. While few houses have any specific limits, some ceilings are load bearing fixtures that are difficult or even dangerous to install further products on. Other construction materials carry the electrical wires or plumbing tubes so close to the surface that using nails or screws to install tiles can rupture a line. Ensure, furthermore, that the particular plastic is clean and sterile before purchase, or else mildew and mold can grow and either cause the material to rot or produce harmful spores.

Home improvement stores often have do it yourself demonstrations of installing materials or repairing fixtures, but plastic ceiling tiles are very low maintenance and do not require any specific training. Nonetheless, it is important to know what tools are required for installation of a complete ceiling set. Glue is an easy and low effort means of attaching ceiling fixtures, but all glue must be industrial strength and capable of setting to metal, wood, or drywall. This glue is considerably more expensive than paper and wood glue; it is also much more toxic, so that accidents require hospitalization. If you would prefer to install tile sets with nails or screws, there is less risk of slipping tiles, but much greater effort required to install the set.

Plastic tile is most often used in bathrooms, as the plastic does not absorb water and will retain its shape over a wide range of temperatures; unlike wood there is no concern for rot, and unlike metal there is no concern over rust. Indeed, plastic ceiling tile options for bathrooms outsell the rest by so much that it may be difficult to find colors and patterns that are meant to fit in other rooms. Darker, earth tones are much rarer among plastics — the default color is simple white — as the reflective material is also meant to circulate more light around a room.

Ornate Plastic Ceiling Tile with Bronze Appearance

Painting plastic tiles is a simple affair. Always choose water based paints — for the same reason to choose plastic in a bathroom — so that there is no smearing or running of colors. Cheap paint for plastic may be difficult to find at home improvement stores, as the paint sold is either meant for outdoor use, or in an indoor capacity the paint should quickly dry against wood or wallpaper. Indeed, the best option is often turning to an art supply store for one or more colors. These paints not only retain their form and color in the face of exposure to water, but also have a range of hues that may be more desirable for the aesthetically inclined or for enthusiastic kids.

Although plastic alone is a cheap and durable material, some artisans combine plastic tiles with metals to produce a much more ornate look for your home’s ceilings. As plastic does not hold water, it is easy to loop metal wire or fixtures through the tiles without having to be concerned about warping or rust. Copper is a popular choice — again, mostly for bathrooms, as copper is lighter colored — and is so inexpensive a metal that a square foot of copper woven plastic tile only costs a few cents more than the standard plates.

If you are interested in a new look for the ceiling of any or all the rooms in your house, plastic ceiling tiles provide strength and ease of mind with their support and without the need for constant care. Check out local stores for product inventories and designs, as well as any suggestions for installation. While paying for installation is usually not necessary, homeowners with delicate ceilings or large exposure to electrical wiring should get consider investing in a professional’s capabilities for proper procedure.

Filed Under: Tile Tagged With: ceiling tile, ceiling tiles, plastic ceiling tile, plastic ceiling tiles, tile

Bi Fold Shower Door: The Basics

A bi fold shower door is made from two sections that fold in an accordion-style design. It is the ideal choice in bathrooms that have limited space or are laid out in a way that restricts door movement. If an open-out style is not feasible, this is the best alternative to containing the water within the shower.

The design of these products creates a wider shower opening without requiring a lot of space to do so. They open inward, allowing water to drip into the shower instead of on the bathroom floor. This minimizes slipping hazards and makes soggy bath mats a thing of the past. A person will not need to sop up puddles of water from the floor if one of these products is used.

Bi fold shower doors make use of a track system to provide smooth opening and closing. The tracks are usually made from non-rusting metal, heavy duty plastic, or another durable material. They are easy to clean with a rag, toothbrush, and some household cleaning solution. The more updated versions will not pool water in the track because they are angled to allow the water to flow back onto the shower wall panels and down the drain.

Basco Bi-Fold Shower Door

These products are available for purchase online and in most home improvement stores. Some product lines and companies allow for user customization of components such as glass design and hardware. The Web sites contain illustrations of the designs of each available style and users can browse these in order to decide what would be appropriate in their bathrooms.

The Basco framed door is one popular product in this category and it retails for just under $550. It is made for use with shower/tub combinations, comes in a height of 67 inches, and can be order to fit tubs a width of 23 ½ to 36 ½ inches. The standard glass type is obscure, which is see-through but has a blurry appearance when someone is looking into it. This product can also be ordered with clear, rain, cascade, fluted, or heirloom styles of glass, at no additional charge. The standard finish is silver, but gold can be ordered without incurring any added cost. Consumers can select an aqua glide protection for the glass that will keep it looking new for a longer period.

When purchasing one of these items, the consumer can also buy a complimentary shower system or column. The column contains multiple spray heads and various storage compartments built into one piece. The system includes faucets, regulator, and a showerhead, but each piece is independent of the other. There are other system options like a wide diameter showerhead and overhead square sprayer.

Prior to purchasing a bi fold shower door, an individual should identify whether a standard or custom configuration is required. Comparison-shopping can be done online and in retail stores in order to find the best product. Things to consider include the type of glass, color of frame, size, and whether a shower system or column will be required.

Filed Under: Bathroom, Showers Tagged With: basco shower door, bi fold shower door, bi fold shower doors

Update The Bathroom Using Shower Wall Panels

Shower wall panels are an alternative to the classic white ceramic tile and modern stone enclosures. These products can be placed on a single side or enclose three sides of the shower area. They are made of different materials ranging from the inexpensive to the elegant. Each style of this product will add a clean, smooth appearance to the area.

At a price of less than $60, consumers can purchase the American Shower Tempo Wall Kit that surrounds the tub. This item fits 49 to 62 inches across the back and 28.5 to 32 inches on the ends. It is made from textured white plastic and contains two shelves within each corner. It comes in five pieces and the back panel of the product can be cut to accommodate a window.

The Swanstone Solid Surface shower wall panel measures 36×72 inches and is made of authentic solid surface. This material contains texture and color all the way through it and it cannot wear away. There is no grout to clean and the surface will not mold or mildew. The panel can be glued directly on top of an existing surface and the material can be trimmed to fit different size stalls. If purchased online, this item will often be tax-free and have no shipping charges. One panel retails for approximately $255 and consumers can rest assured that the cost is well worth it because this product has consistently received good consumer reviews.

The Onyx Collection of shower walls panels are available in any color, design, and height that a consumer desires. This product comes in gloss and matte finishes and slate or tile designs. It is a solid color throughout and measures approximately 3/8 inch thick. One panel will usually suffice for each wall and each is sold as a separate piece. The items designed to be used as the side walls have two finished edges and the back panel contains a finished top edge.

These products are attached to the wall using adhesive silicone that comes in colors to match the wall. There are also corner trims available to seal the corners, providing added protection and a finished look. Consumers can even select from various designer inlays, including borders, stripes, and graphical patterns. The shower wall panel is easy to clean using either diluted white vinegar or a gel-gloss product designed to maintain the sleek appearance.

The reason many people choose these items is that they are easier to install than ceramic bathroom tile. Tiles require a lot of measuring and cutting using a tile saw, which can be quite time-consuming and messy. These alternative products can be linked together using a tongue and groove system to cover the wall. Cutting to fit the size of the stall and application of adhesive and sealant are usually the only steps required. There are comparable products available for the ceiling, should the consumer wish to enclose the entire area.

Shower wall panels are a quick way to give the bathroom a new look that will require little upkeep for years to come. These products come in many colors and they have different design effects and extra features like shelves and soap dishes. They can be installed using only a few tools and relatively little skill, making for the perfect weekend project around the home.

Filed Under: Bathroom, Showers Tagged With: shower panel, shower panels, shower wall panel, shower wall panels, shower walls panels