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Using Tile Medallions to Create Masterpieces for your Home’s Floor Setting

Tile floors are some of the most popular model floors on the market today due to the beautiful designs and patterns to choose from, its durable long lasting features as well as ease in its care. Laying a floor with a tile medallion creates an especially attractive centerpiece for your home and can enhance an entranceway or formal dining room.  Due to the accessibility of designs of tile medallions, you will have no problem finding a particular design for your home décor.

Tiles also come in many colors, textures and materials such as porcelain, stone, man-made tiles or wood.  A tile floor can be laid in diverse patterns to reflect the ambiance of your home décor.  Patterns may include triangle, diagonal, diamond or custom design.  The following tips may be helpful when laying a tile floor in an original pattern of your choosing.

The first step would be to make a rough sketch of the floor design you desire on a piece of paper so you can envision what it will look like once it is laid out on your floor.  Take your time to decide the type of pattern you want as this is probably the design you will have in your home for years to come.  Carefully consider how your design will mix and match with the rest of your home décor or how in the future it will be easy to match another décor with your design.  Also take into consideration the placement of your floor tile medallion that it coordinates well with its location.

The next step is to measure the entire floor space where your tile is to be laid and copy these measurements onto a sheet of graph paper.  You are going to transfer the outline of your design to the graph paper with the same proportions of your actual tile.  This will aid you in laying down the tiles to exact specifications. Next make ready the base floor by cleaning, leveling and smoothing its surface.  For optimum results make sure your floor is prepared as best as it can be.

Beginning with one side of the floor start laying the first set of tiles, conforming to your original design on graph paper.  Check and doublecheck your work to make sure everything is being done correctly.  Then spreading mastic or floor cement over the back of your first tile, press it into place, repeating this process with all the remaining tiles.  Last apply your grout in the cracks between your tiles as needed.

Mosaic tile medallions can be created in either a direct or indirect method.  Using a direct method entails setting small pieces of tile directly onto your cement.  The indirect method requires a little more work. The pieces are first laid face down on paper or some other surface with a temporary bonding agent to complete a design.  Then the entire section is set onto a floor setting and the paper is removed.  The results is a lovely mosaic floor.

Once your entire tile floor has been laid it is suggested you observe a waiting period of at least two days before allowing walking or other use of the floor.  Room temperature should be kept normal with no additional moisture so both mastic and grout can dry properly.

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Salter Bathroom Scales: Quality and Diversity

Whether one is looking for a digital scale or one with an analog readout, Salter bathroom scales are sure to provide many high-quality options. They make a wide variety of scales, some which are more basic and designed just for checking one’s weight and little else–a Salter bathroom scale for the person who loves simple things. Others are more complex and will check things such as BMI, or Body Mass Index. There is also a scale that monitors body fat. This is essentially the same thing as BMI, and in both cases these complex scales will help the user to know if they are losing weight from fat, as they most likely are intending to do, or if they are losing muscle or water mass instead, as many people do accidentally when they first begin working out. These scales with their in-depth features are perfect for the enthusiast who needs to know more than just their weight, who wants to know about the overall health of their body.

The Salter electronic bathroom scale is ideal for the man or woman just looking to keep track of their weight; it is also perfect for the athlete whose weight is very important for weight classes and playing weights. The scale displays the weight in a large digital readout, the numbers big enough that one does not have to squint or bend over to read them, wondering about the differences between zeros and eights. It can handle up to four hundred pounds, which means even the biggest of athletes should be able to use it without trouble. This is a scale that can be quickly used before or after a shower, or before bed. The perfect addition to any bathroom, most Salter electronic bathroom scales are white and silver and will not clash with the color scheme of the room.

Filed Under: Accessories, Bathroom Tagged With: , , ,

Choosing a Bathroom Vanity Unit – Tips, Options and Prices

There are many different kinds of bathroom vanity units; prices vary a lot depending on the style and brand name you choose and where you buy it from.  When checking the measurements of vanity unit needed, you may also want to note that bathroom vanity units UK and bathroom vanity units US use different measurements.  It is important to get the right size; a vanity that is too large or too small will not suit your bathroom.  Be sure to measure the bathroom first of all and then double check the unit to be sure it is the right size for your bathroom.

Getting the right color is also important.  Vanity units bathrooms can be either made entirely from glass or have wooden cupboards underneath.  You will want to ensure the cupboard and counter top color match well with the existing decor.  Try to choose a unit that is lighter in color if your bathroom is small and/or does not get much natural lighting.  A darker colored unit may be better suited to a larger and/or better lit bathroom.

Vanity units for bathroom come in different styles – there are modern ones, traditional ones and antique ones.  Be sure the style is suitable for your bathroom so the vanity does not clash and appear out of place.  It should also be noted that antique vanities are often the most expensive of the above listed three choices.

While a 30″ bathroom vanity unit can often cost over $1,000, it is possible to find some that include both vanity, counter top and sink that cost a fair bit under this amount.  The simple yet nicely designed Stufur Home Lynette Single Sink Bath Vanity costs just a bit over $600 and the vanity set also includes a sink bowl and mirror; the counter top is sold separately.  Another affordable model by this same brand name is the Stufer Home Catherine Single Sink Bath Vanity (mirror not included).

Pegasus is another reasonably priced brand name.  While the listed price only includes the actual vanity, this part is quite affordable; the complete vanity should not cost over $1,000 although this would depend in large part on what type of counter top and sink you add, and whether you add a mirror and/or other amenities to the package.  Pegasus’ bathroom vanities range in price from over $200 up to around $800.  Some of the most affordable models are the Pegasus Eurasia 30″ Vanity with Matching Mirror selling for $233 and the Pegasus 30″ Vanity from The Naples Series selling for around $320.

Shopping for a vanity can be a bit tricky as often only the vanity itself is included in the listed price; the counter top and sink bowl must be bought separately and often cost about as much as the vanity itself, or more in some cases.  It is important to take note of this fact if you shop online, as the thumbnail photo will show the full set but reading the description carefully will give you a clearer idea of what is actually included.

Filed Under: Bathroom, Vanity Tagged With: , , , ,

Creating Copper Tiles and Backsplashes

Copper has been used for centuries and by countless cultures for several multifarious reasons. Kitchen items are among the top creations that take advantage of the reddish-orange metal for its high thermal qualities. Now copper is being incorporated into more uses within the kitchen area of a home. This beautiful metal blends wonderfully into many types of decor themes that the room may already have.

Backsplashes are a functional part of kitchen. The backsplashes work wonderfully to prevent grease and water splashes from wreaking havoc on the wall beneath them. They come in several styles and designs. Copper backsplashes can be formed with one entire sheet or several small tiles. A sheet of copper can be purchased with a smooth surface or a textured one. The textured copper can effortlessly become a piece of art in the kitchen as well as fulfill its duty as a first-class backsplash. The copper tile backsplash will furthermore be attainable in numerous surface finishes from textured to smooth.

A newer material has recently been developed to help homeowners create charming backsplashes at a fraction of the cost of real copper. This fake material was created with the same exact feel of the real thing and when applied no one knows the difference. This faux copper comes on rolls that are as effortlessly applied as contact paper is. A clever person will be able to create their own style of copper tiles from this roll of fake copper as well as develop their own unique looking backsplash from it. Since these rolls are less expensive than real copper is than mistakes during the application of it are more forgivable.

Copper slate tiles are created with gorgeous earth tones throughout them. They can be used inside the home to construct backsplashes, countertops and even floors. These tiles can also be used in outdoor areas to create exquisite outdoor room floors. This natural material is highly durable and can withstand outdoor weather conditions easily.

Copper wall tiles can be easily applied by the homeowner without the use of a contractor to do the job. The job requires a very high strength glue that can be sprayed onto the wall. This spray glue should be allowed a few minutes, roughly five, to dry to a tacky state. Leaving the protective covering on the front of the tile gently take the tiles and press it onto the glue. Each tile should be applied the same way and they must touch on all sides. Metal scissors or snips can be used to trim tiles that are too large for the placement. After all the tiles and trims have been applied the protective film can be removed.

Cleaning tiles made of copper can be a little confusing as there are several types of  these tiles on the market. They can be sealed or unsealed. Sealed means that the tiles are covered with a sealant or lacquer. These finishes are applied to help protect the tile from damage. Sealed tiles do not need a lot of care with cleaning.  Bleach will not hurt the sealed or lacquered tiles.Unsealed tiles have the tendency to change colors over time. With frequent cleaning of the unsealed tiles the colors will not change.  To clean standard tiles made of copper a copper cleaner is the best to product to use. A homemade version of this cleaner can be created with just a little lemon juice and salt. These items should be used sparingly on copper as it has a tendency to change the copper color.

Filed Under: Backsplashes, Tile Tagged With: , , , ,

Small Bathtubs Save You Space and Money

If you are interested in small bathtubs then you have likely grown tired of your current bathtub and would like something new. Porcelain is a material that has been used in the creation of these tubs for several decades and there are a lot of people that still live in homes or apartments that have yet to upgrade to a different material. The problem with this is that the material is very dense and also fragile which can lead to cracking over time. Additionally, you will find that these tubs are more difficult to keep clean and this means that they also attract a lot of dirt and grime. If you own one of these you may have noticed that simply using the bath will cause it to become dirty. The only way to treat this would be to clean the dirt that is left behind on a daily basis. This labor can be a waste of time and most people simply do not want to invest a few hours each day in order to keep the tub clean, especially considering that it will become dirty all over again the next morning.

If you have experienced this trouble and hoped for something better, you should purchase a small bathtub online because the prices are very low. In fact, you can find discounted products that are less than half the price that you would pay at a retail store. The reason why you want to purchase this is so that it looks great, it will save time and save money. The easiest way to accomplish this is to place the order through a discounted website on the Internet and have the product arrive at your door within a few days. This eliminates all the hassle from the shopping process. Also, because there are some many different choices available you will be able to find the best one for the look of your bathroom.

Using a tub that is smaller in size is the easiest way to save space in the bathroom; if you are redesigning a bathroom or just want to add a tub to a half bathroom you would be able to do this by purchasing a walk-in tub. The advantage of purchasing one of these is that you eliminate wasted space in the bathroom. You can install the bath wherever you like and they are made of a material that is light as plastic. This will provide you with a great experience because it is easy to clean. The material will never experience cracking because it is very durable and since it is light you will easily be able to set it up in any room of your choosing. You will find that this type of tub is available in small and large sizes so that you can fit them into the available space you have. Choosing a smaller more compact model will save you money and time. If you are tired of the old tub that you have, move yourself into the future and buy one of these now.

Filed Under: Bathroom, Bathtubs Tagged With: , , , ,

Basin Sinks – Options and Prices

Basin sinks come in all size, styles, shapes and colors.  There are rectangular, round, square and oval shaped sinks and basins on the market and they can be made from marble, ceramic, vitreous china and glass.  The prices vary a lot depending on what size, style and brand name you choose.

When choosing what kind of bathroom sink basin you want to install in your bathroom, consider the color of the tiles and what kind of decor you want the bathroom to have.  You may want to opt for a white or a lighter color basin sink if the bathroom does not get a lot of natural light.  White will help to brighten up the bathroom a bit; darker colors such as black are more suitable for larger bathrooms and/or bathrooms with a lot of natural lighting.

Consider also how large or small the bathroom is.  If your bathroom is very small, you may want to consider putting in a corner sink.  Corner sinks often attach to the wall and do not take up much room in the bathroom.  This gives you more space and helps the bathroom to not look too cluttered. A corner sink and basin set can be quite attractive if you buy a decorative one.  If you have the budget for it, you may even want to consider purchasing a corner bathroom vanity set.  These are quite small but decorative in style and would give you some counter top space for needed items.

If you opt for a corner sink, then an affordable brand name to consider is Elizabethan Classics.  You can buy a corner sink made from this brand name for around $85.  Barclay is another affordable brand name; their corner sinks cost in the range of $110 – $125.  A corner bathroom vanity usually costs at least close to $400 and often quite a bit more.

If the bathroom is medium sized or large, you may want to consider adding a bathroom vanity set instead of only putting in a sink.  There are many different types of bathroom vanity sets and they come in many different sizes.  A basic bathroom vanity set should include cupboard space, a counter top and a sink basin although it is important to note that many retailers do not sell all these parts together and you would need to check carefully to ensure what exactly is included.

Bathroom vanity sets, while nice looking, are also a bit pricey.  Many of them cost well over $1,000 although there are a few that are in the $600 – $900 range.  A few affordable ones that you may want to consider are the Dorchester Modern Vanity with Porcelain Counter top, the Morranti Cherry Modern Vanity with Glass Counter top and the Bianca 24″ Wall-Mounted Modern Vanity; these come with either a man made stone counter top or glass counter top; both cost around $900.

If you opt to simply install a wall mount or floor mount sink as opposed to a vanity, then you will find that they are a lot more affordable.  In fact, if you have a very limited budget, you can get some wall mounted bathroom sink basins that cost under $100, although many cost in the $100 – $200 range, especially if you want something more decorative in style.  Some of the more affordable sink basins you may want to consider  are the Kohler Chesapeake Basin Wall Hung Bathroom Sink, the Kohler Kingston Basin Wall Hung Sink and the American Standard Lucerne Wall Hung Sink.

If you are looking for sinks basins that are more decorative in style, then Kraus makes some very stylish options such as the Kraus Tiger Vessel Style Bathroom Sink and the Kraus Clear 34mm Edge Glass Vessel Sink Decus Bathroom  with Chrome Faucet.  Be aware, however, that a Kraus sink usually costs upwards of $200.

If you have a very large bathroom, then you may want to consider purchasing a double basin bathroom sink.  You can either buy the sinks alone or a vanity set that has double sinks.  The latter may be a good option as a vanity will not only improve a bathroom’s decor but also help it to not appear too bare and empty.  A double sink bathroom vanity usually cost at least around $1,500.  One of the more affordable options are the Dreamline Black Double Basin Contemporary Vanity Set.  This particular set costs a little under $1,000 for the sinks and counter top space, and then around $600 more for the cupboards and mirrors, which are both optional.  Another good option is a Belle Foret vanity.  These are done in antique parchment, dark cherry and medium oak and cost under $1,500; these vanity sets include the sink cupboards and counter.  It should be noted, however, that these particular vanity sets are more antique in style and may not be suited to a more contemporary style bathroom.

Filed Under: Bathroom, Sinks Tagged With: , , , ,

Bi-Fold Shower Doors: What are they, why do you need one?

A bi-fold shower door is appropriate for a small bathroom with space limitations.  This bathroom door will come in handy when the home owner desires a bathroom door that does not encroach on space outside the bathroom.  This bathroom door will also serve well in situations where a bathroom’s shower tray actually limits the movements of the bathroom’s standard door. This impressive door saves on space as it usually folds inwards instead of outside as the normal bathroom door usually does.  Minimum space is used for the door area as this door will “accordion” itself inwards from where it folds back.  Bi-fold shower doors are not only economical on space but they also have other excellent features as stated below.

They are inexpensive

Bi Fold Shower DoorMost home owners, who opt for these doors, do so not only because of the space saving features of these doors but also because these doors are basically cheap.  With their affordable price tags, they will be ideal for the first time home owners or for those renting out a premise for short periods of time.  Those who have build extensions to their present houses will also find these doors quite ideal as they save on the cost of having to buy expensive doors for just extensions which may be rarely used parts of the house.

Practicability

One outstanding feature of these excellent bathroom doors is their practicability.  First and foremost they seem the only sought of bathroom doors that will fit well in corners and in small bathrooms. They are in other words, doors that can be used in a wide range of scenarios where space is a limiting factor yet there is a great need to have a bathroom at such a space.

They can also be easily installed without the need for expertise plumbing knowledge and removing these doors will also be a simple affair. Also concerning these doors is that, they can be changed as frequent as the home owner likes.

Convenient sizes

These fantastic doors also come in very convenient sizes. This has the direct implication that the homeowner need not worry about space limitation. Even in the worst possible scenario, where space is such a limiting factor, there will be a door that would possibly be obtained to fit the small space.  Popular sizes of these doors include 700 mm, 760mm, 800mm, 900mm and 1000 mm.

Durable structures with durable materials

The bathroom is one such location in the house that will need durable doors with structures that can’t be damaged with water.  The superior durability of the bi-fold door is further bolstered by the superior draining abilities this door has. As a matter of fact, the frame used to make bi fold doors is usually made from durable material that won’t break easily from a simple bang.  The hinges of these excellent doors are further made with stainless steel. Stainless steel has the impressive feature of being water resistant while at the same time being strong and long lasting.

Impressive colors

Despite the rarity with which the bathroom place is normally used; many people won’t mind some bits and patches of colors adorning its door frames. Actually, there are few color schemes that can adorn the bi –fold shower frame. This ranges from simple colors as white and clear glass to far much impressive colors like silver and chrome. Ensure the color scheme chosen blends well with other design elements in the bathroom. There are varied color schemes for the door frames to choose from. There are precisely varied options to choose from when it comes to the bi fold door frame.

Careful design elements

It goes without much emphasis that most bi fold shower doors have careful design elements that gives much attention to even the smallest design elements.  Popular bi-fold brands such as Manhattan bi-folds come with superfluous design elements that will in most cases feature clean lines and truly remarkable angles. To the individual obsessed with bathroom beauty, there are an awesome many truly remarkable bi-folds to choose from. The awesomeness of these doors majorly lies in their innovative quality elements.

Superb fittings

A door is not primarily the door frame. Accurately, the full description of a door should encompass the fittings and other design elements that make the door truly an impressive structure. Important fittings in a door will include handles and also the hinges. It is to be found that most top class bi-fold doors will even have handles containing fully chromed aluminum bolts. In some cases the hinges may contain concealed fittings.  The hinges of bi-folds are particular made to ensure that the door will smoothly glide when opened and closed.

All in all, it is apparent that bi fold shower doors will in most cases be the doors most homeowners opt for, majorly because of their hassle free nature.

Filed Under: Bathroom, Showers Tagged With: , , , ,