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Home Improvement General | Flooring Supply Shop Blog - Part 19

Simple Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for DIY

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Kitchen is an integral part of any house, where the family can sit together and enjoy fun time together. Kitchen thus should look attractive and enticing to every member of the family. One of the easiest ways of making a kitchen look appealing is by installing backsplash in the kitchen. The backsplash protects the wall at the back of the stove and the sink from heat and water splashes. Framing the sink and the stove, by installing attractive designs in this area can drastically change the overall look of the kitchen.

Kitchen backsplash is not difficult to design and one can use this option to add to the aesthetic value of the room. It is available in a wide range of options, in terms of material, colors, designs, patterns and others; thereby, suiting the preference and budget of several homeowners. One of the simplest and most affordable kitchen backsplash options is the ceramic tiles that are available in an array of attractive colors, patterns, and sizes. One can either select a color similar to the color of the wall or create contrast by using distinct colors. In order to avoid making the backsplash flat, one can use ceramic tiles with embossed designs, such as vegetables, fruits or some intricate geometrical patterns.

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Homeowners may even choose slate, terracotta, marble, or other stones that gel with the decor of the kitchen. For a contemporary look with an ultra-urban appeal, homeowners can choose metal backsplash, which are often available in copper and tin. With the help of metal backsplash, especially stainless steel backsplash, one can easily achieve lean, sleek and smooth finish. The metal backsplash especially looks great with wooden cabinets and polished granite counter tops.

Besides these, homeowners can also use mosaic tiles that are available in glass, metal, and ceramic. Mosaic tiles provide the option to create a large number of interesting designs and add uniqueness to the kitchen. Other options include murals and hand-painted tiles in subtle colors and designs. Homeowners can even go for picture frame designs that can create a focal point above the cook-top for more elaborate tile pattern, mural or mosaic. Niches and ledges can even add interesting and useful elements to the kitchen. Generally placed behind cook-top or above the sink, these are used for displaying colorful bottles, plants or others.

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With so many options, homeowners have a wide range of choices and can easily choose amongst them as per their preference. Since it is not such a daunting task, it can easily be done by DIY enthusiasts. In case you plan to install kitchen backsplash while remodeling your kitchen, you need to be methodical and organized. Having chosen the backsplash option, you need to measure the area carefully where you want to install the backsplash. Put down the math on paper and make sure to keep a consistent space in between tiles, which can easily be achieved with the help of tile spacers. Next, cut the tiles into desired dimensions, with the help of tile saw that can be rented from market. Thereafter, apply adhesive on the area as well as on the back of the tile and set it firmly on the desired area. It is generally advised to work from center towards the edges. Once the adhesive is dry and tile is set, grout between the tiles; leave it for 48 hours and thereafter apply a sealer over it, for protection against water.

With little bit of effort and planning, you can easily change the entire look of your kitchen to make it more appealing.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Different Siding Options for Your Home

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Most homeowners feel that renovating a house means painting the house, updating landscape, or adding new features like windows. However, these are not the only ways to enhance the appearance of the exterior of one’s home. A convenient and not so tiresome option of improving the overall look of your house is to install new sidings. Sidings can dramatically change the appearance of the home’s exterior and there are many different types of sidings available in the market. Depending upon their preference and budget, they can easily choose among the numerous attractive options.

Amongst the various options available, vinyl sidings are probably the most widely used option. Available in a wide range of styles, colors and qualities, these prefinished sidings meet the expectations of many homeowners. The vinyl sidings have improved steadily over the past few years. The vinyl sidings look similar to horizontal wood sidings, but these do not require as much maintenance as latter. Though these can be applied over old sidings, it is much easier to apply these over solid sheathing.

Vinyl sidings are quite sturdy and do not rust or corrode, but as these get older, they tend to become brittle. These are available in a wide range of colors in different clapboard widths, textures, and horizontal & vertical styles. These resist humidity, sun, wind and rain, as well as do not attract termites. The vinyl sidings are also available in a wide range of decorative classic millwork, including shutters, dentil moldings, corner posts, as well as door and window surrounds.

Apart from vinyl sidings, one may even opt for metal sidings that are robust, sturdy, and durable. Mostly available as aluminum and steel sidings, these offer better energy efficiency that translates into lower heating and cooling costs. Another great siding option is the wood siding which is available in different patterns that can be applied horizontally as well as vertically. These sidings are generally applied over solid sheathing and building paper layer. The wood sidings are available in a wide range of lengths, widths, thicknesses, and patterns. One may choose amongst tongue and groove siding, wooden lap board, and split log siding, which are quite popular. Availability of so many different options help in adding uniqueness to the home’s exterior and can last for many years, with proper maintenance. One needs to take proper care of wood sidings to prevent damages caused due to pest infestation or mold growth.

Homeowners also have the option to choose stucco siding that is fabricated using Portland cement, lime, sand, and water. These sidings are long lasting, easy to maintain, and fire resistant. The stucco sidings are applied over a lath base in three coats, which ensure durable, strong, and seamless exterior. One may even install these over mesh, having an expansive acrylic-polymer finish, that contract and expand with the changing weather. This flexibility helps in minimizing cracks, thereby ensuring longevity. Besides these, there are many other siding options that homeowners can choose.

With so many different types of sidings available, it is easy for homeowners to create an attractive exterior of their home, as per their choice and budget.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Pictures provides by CertainTeed Corporation

Does Your Home Have A Sinking Foundation

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One of the most structurally significant aspects of your house is the foundation that supports the whole building. In order to maintain its integrity and keep it standing for decades, the foundation needs to be solid, firm and strong. In case the house is not set on a solid foundation, it may give rise to a host of problems. If the foundation is set improperly or over an unstable soil, it may lead to sinking foundation, which needs to be addressed at the earliest. This will not only prevent further damage to the house, but will also save you repair costs, if the situation got worse.

Foremost, you need to ascertain whether or not your house stands on a sinking foundation. In case you observe that your home is gradually slanting to one side, you definitely have some foundation problem that needs to be resolved immediately. Besides this, there are various other symptoms, which can indicate that your home has a sinking foundation. Presence of jammed or misaligned windows and doors indicate that there is a sinking foundation problem. You can even lookout for cracks in the slabs, basements and on walls of your home. Formation of water puddles near the base of your house may also imply that there is some problem with the foundation. Foundation problem is also indicated by the occurrence of upheaval of the floors or if the floors tend to become sloped. Areas that have unstable soil may have increased risk of sinking foundation and homeowners living in such areas must watch out for any such occurrences.

After examination, if you feel that your house does have a sinking foundation, you must address this issue without any delay. Foremost, you need to get your house inspected by a professional. To detect foundation problems, it is generally advised to hire a structural engineer, who will not only examine your house but will also suggest what needs to be done to rectify the problem. Structural engineers only give suggestion, they do not perform the repair work on their own; this is the job of general contractor or a foundation specialist. Since the structural engineers do not have any vested interest or concerns about monetary incentives, they give an accurate and unbiased review of the situation.

Once you are aware of the exact problems, the next step is to hire foundation specialist or general contractor. The sinking foundation repair can incur heavy expenses and be tricky; hence, you will have to make a wise decision about hiring the right professional. You will have to get several quotes as well as look at the overall profile and credentials of the professional, you plan to hire. Before you hire anyone, check references to ensure that the professional has successfully accomplished a similar task, without any hassle.

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There are various techniques used for repairing sinking foundation, depending upon the actual problem. Commonly used, the high-pressure grouting improves integrity by injecting grout into the soil. Additionally, this is also effective in lifting up the structure of the house. A permanent and affordable solution for sinking foundation is the introduction of load-bearing piers that lift and stabilize the foundation. In case of presence of fill material or high water table, helical piers are used.

Addressing the sinking foundation is important and adequate steps must be taken to ensure that the foundation is strong enough to firmly hold up the house over the long haul.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Home Gym A Great Addition to Your Home

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Being healthy is what every individual yearns for, and the chase for fitness is ongoing for ensuring a better lifestyle. Shortage of time in today’s busy life makes it impossible to regularly visit gyms, fitness clubs, and other such places. In order to solve this problem, homeowners are increasingly opting for personal home gyms.

Home gym is a great addition to your home, as you have the freedom to exercise whenever you get time. Whatever short-term expenses you incur in designing the home gym, proves beneficial in the long run. This is so because you do not to spend money on paying any fees or on traveling to the fitness center. Hence, a home gym aids in keeping you and your family healthy along with saving a good amount of money.

Arranging gymnasium equipment in your house is a simple process, but designing the gym room properly can become tedious, for which, you need to be little patient, until the room becomes operational. There are several experts who can assist you in arranging and maintaining a home gym. With their guidance and assistance, you need to make a few right choices while designing the room, so that you own a gym where you would love to go and spend quality time by exercising.

Select a room that is large enough to accommodate various exercising equipment. In case your room is not that large, you can put a wall-size mirror to visually enhance the size of the room. Make the room interesting and attractive with the help of happy colors, wall murals and artwork. You can even hang photos of models on the wall with the ideal body you are striving to achieve. Additionally, you can also install music system in the room so that you can enjoy relaxing music while exercising. If you wish, you can even install a television set, where you can catch the latest news updates or matches while exercising.

With the advancement in technology, there are several user-friendly exercising equipment available in the market. Amongst these options, you can easily find equipment that matches your requirements and budget. Buying a treadmill is the best choice if you enjoy walking or jogging; however you should purchase bicycle if you enjoy cardiovascular workout.

It is usually recommended that before you purchase any of this equipment, you must consult an expert. It becomes all the more important to seek professional help if you are totally unaware about the various equipment. You should only purchase branded equipment, as these are safe and often come with a guarantee against manufacturing defects. Additionally, keep in perspective the size of the gym room while purchasing equipment so that you buy only those equipment that will easily fit into the room.

Thus, considering your requirements and budget, along with these simple guidelines, you can easily design your home gym.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Trend Setter in Home Furnishing

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

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Gold Furniture: This is one of the major trend setters as far as home furnishing is concerned. Regarded as one of the oldest and royal home furnishing design, gold furniture types are no more luxurious and costly. Gold French furniture is nowadays usually finished in genuine gold leaf, and artisans make sure to give a distressing look to those areas where most natural wear would have occurred. The outcome is just awesome. This is a hard earned creation as it undergoes a multi tasking process of hand sanding, filling, sealing, painting and antique aging. Rich Rococo pieces, such as beds and chests of drawers are hand-carved, again, following the methods used hundreds of years ago.

The Vintage Style: Again a very effective and costumer centric furniture pattern. Vintage is generally a blend of Rococo furniture and chateau style. Versailles style is way over the top, but using a few rococo and baroque style items, such as a reproduction chateau de Versailles chandelier or a beautiful gilt mirror will give a glamorous look to your contemporary home. People with large dining rooms generally prefer this style of furniture.

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The Mirrored Furniture: This is generally used when house owners want to bring some sanity to the house. Instead of glitter of artwork, many a times the mirror furniture is preferred by house owners. If you want something more exotic, choose a couple of items from a popular silver embossed range and mix them with white painted chateau furniture.

The Real Budget Design Ideas: If a budget based home furnishing is your cup of tea, then here are some important designing ideas for you. De Cluttering is always a good idea to start with. Minimizing accumulation is the key. This can be done by deciding which items must be retained and which can be thrown out or given away. Then be sure to maintain this system on an ongoing basis. Color management also plays a very vital role. Consulting a home furnishing expert also can be of great help. You’ll better understand how to incorporate color, lighting and texture into a room and also receive valuable tips on ensuring furnishings are in proportion with other things in a room for visual appeal.

With the wealth of information available, designing your first home or redesigning the interior of your existing home becomes a fun and exciting and cheap project rather than a stressful chore. By combining your creativity with tips gathered from various cheap or free publications, your home interior design project is sure to turn out to be a stunning success. As a final suggestion, surfing the internet and finding different combination’s and permutations that work can also provide relevant inputs.

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I hope these inputs help you enhance some knowledge on catching the right trend in home furnishing.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Home Improvement General | Flooring Supply Shop Blog - Part 19