The book opens with basics of ceramic and stone tile that walks the reader through the process of picking the right tile for their home, the kinds of tools they will need to complete various projects and how to prepare for a new tile installation. We appreciated this section since it does go into more information on the many different types of tile as well as their suggested uses. If you've always wanted a certain kind of tile, you may find that it's really not meant for that purpose, so this is a great place to start before you end up spending too much money on tile selection.

This section provides an absolutely exhaustive list of the tools you'll need and what purpose they serve. This is perfect for beginners who may not know exactly what they will need to get each type of job done. It also serves as a handy shopping list. Even the most complex tools are completely explained so that anyone can pick one up and begin using it properly.

The section on removing old flooring or countertops is very useful and contains some tips that will make the job go a lot faster. This is perfect for those who are not used to ripping out old tile and contains some safety tips that will make it a lot less dangerous for those who are new. In keeping with the times, this last section also includes a how-to on installing a floor warming system. This is not only energy efficient, but can greatly add to the value of your home. While you've got your old floor ripped out, you may as well take advantage of this new method of heating.

Moving on to the projects section, there are plenty of tasks here that will probably have you itching to redo something, anything in your home. They are all broken down so that anyone can follow them and get great results. You'll get how-to's on proper planning, and a material's list that makes it even easier to make sure you have everything you need before you get started.

While it includes plenty of flooring and countertop how-to's, we appreciated the projects on backsplashes, shower bases and the more extensive forms of flooring that include intricate designs. Everything is laid out logically and it very easy to follow.
Overall, this is an incredibly helpful book that more than deserves a place in your bookshelf. If you've got a tile project coming up, it's definitely a must-have. Even if you don't, after you read the book, you'll undoubtedly want to start one.

Originally posted 2008-11-21 05:14:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Review of the Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair Black and Decker are known for the terrific DIY guides and this title is no exception. As the name suggests, you’re getting step by step photo instructions that make it easy for anyone to fix up their own home without having to be a professional handy person. You’ll get......
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1. Replace all your hardware.

Most of us are dealing with the stock knobs and drawer pulls that came with our homes. Depending on how old your house is, this probably means they are pretty dated. A simple change of some hardware can make your whole kitchen feel like it's brand new and it will look much more current. Look for brushed nickel finishes for an edgy look, or go with black iron for a more traditional and country approach.

The sky is really the limit with today's hardware and you'll have a lot of options. If you can't decide which one works for you, get one of each of the styles you like (keep the receipt) and try them out live in your own kitchen. Return the ones you don't like and get the rest of the hardware to complete your kitchen.

2. Replace aging fixtures and/or sinks.

Again, we're dealing with something that came stock with your home and since our faucets get so much wear, it's probably past time to get it replaced. There are so many new options out there that it may be a little overwhelming.

Try to stick with a finish that matches your new hardware, or have some fun with some copper fixtures. Just remember to buy the fixtures that will fit your existing sink, unless you are planning on replacing that too. A new sink is cheaper than you might think and this can really change up the whole kitchen. Look for one that solves your existing problems (not enough room, too shallow, etc...) while still fitting in your existing cabinet.

3. Put in a new floor.

With today's new laminate flooring or peel and stick tiles, it is a lot easier and more economical to get an entirely new kitchen floor. Stay away from dated floral and marble prints and feel free to get a little edgier with your design. A dark floor gives a kitchen a very dramatic look, but if your kitchen is on the small side, look for a light colored material.

Since the goal is a cheap makeover, we really recommend going with a flooring that is easy to install on your own. For example, laminate flooring can just click together over your existing floor and doesn't require a lot of labor or know-how to get the job done. If you've got the skills and the budget, we really recommend ceramic tiles for a modern and fresh look.

These are just three simple ideas that can dramatically change your kitchen in just a few hours. See what you can come up with and then get that makeover started!

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-12-08 21:29:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• DIY Home Flooring Repairs Methods by which floors are repaired depend entirely on the type of floor you currently have. Factors like the type of floor, and damage severity are important points to consider for repairs. Repairing Ceramic Tile Nothing ruins a kitchen or bathroom floor like a chipped or cracked tile. Luckily, ceramic......
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1 - First and foremost, you should begin the process by removing the tiles that have become broken. You should remove any excess grout near the broken tiles using a grout saw. Bring in a hammer and a chisel as well, which will help you break the tile into equal pieces so that you can remove them and the remaining grout with the assistance of a putty knife.

2 - Now you should use a putty knife and a chisel and use these tools to even out your tile adhesive. Make sure that you consult a tile dealer that is knowledgeable before you purchase the right tile adhesive. Make sure that the adhesive that you choose is suitable for the bathroom tiles and the bathroom wall that you are working with because durability is absolutely vital when it comes to your bathroom tiling work.

3 - Now you should fix the new tiles onto the bathroom wall surface from wherever you removed previously broken tile. Make sure that you are pressing the tiles in gently so that they are perfectly affixed. You should also make sure that no liquids or foot traffic are allowed near the tiles for a twenty four hour period while the adhesive is drying.

4 - Next create a grout mixture and fill in all of the joints between the new tiles and those surrounding them. Place the grout on a trowel tool and use it to spread the grout evenly between each joint. Make sure that the excess grout is properly removed from the tile surface.

5 - Apply a sealer to keep water from seeping into the grout or between the tiles.

You can easily undertake this particular DIY project with a minimum number of tools and know how, but it is vital that you consult a knowledgeable expert if you have questions rather than making foolhardy guesses regarding your work.

Photo Credits: drcorneilus

Originally posted 2009-06-18 14:56:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Exterior Maintenance:

Often, the source of moisture or flooding begins outside the home. Gutters collect and move mass amounts of water on a single home with just a few inches of rainfall. A quick inspection of your gutters, down spouts, and the grading surrounding your foundation can indicate a potential problem. Gutters should be clean and properly sized for your home. Down spouts should draw drainage away from the home, to the lowest portion of your lot. In other words, the water should be directed to where it would drain naturally. Some areas allow drainage systems to be connected to city storm sewers and retention basins. Check with the water and sewer department in your area before making any changes that involve public systems.

The surface grading around your home should provide a gentle slope away from your foundation, pulling any added rainfall or moisture back into your lawn. Most building codes state that the surface grading should, in the first ten feet from the house, slope down at least six inches. Check with your local building codes to find out the specifics for your area.

Interior Maintenance:

Some basic steps for keeping your basement moisture free are to provide proper ventilation for dryers, bathrooms or any other sources of moisture, and making certain that your sump pump is in proper working order. It is essential in dealing with moisture, and during a flood can save homeowners thousands of dollars. A dehumidifier can help remove moisture from the air, which can aid in the prevention of the formation of mold.

Applying a waterproof sealant can keep moisture at bay and is not only easy, but relatively inexpensive to apply. Walls and flooring must be prepared before the sealant is applied, by scraping away loose materials, filling in cracks, and creating the cleanest surface possible by vacuuming. Simply follow the instructions included with the sealant for application and drying processes. If a sealant has been used in the past, but is no longer effective, you may need to remove the old material from your flooring before applying a fresh coat. This can be time consuming, but a little bit of extra work in the beginning of the process will yield a dry, moisture free basement in the long run.

Flooring Solutions:

If your basement is mostly used for doing laundry and completing small projects, a fresh, bright coat of paint is often enough to improve the appearance and help keep moisture at bay. However, a finished basement may have carpeting, tiles, and even hardwood flooring in some cases. Moisture and flooding can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage on these types of materials.

A simple, attractive and cost-effective alternative to these typical flooring materials is water resistant carpet tiles. Not only do carpet tiles not require a carpet pad, which can become soaked with water, causing a nightmare for homeowners dealing with flooding, but the tiles themselves are often water resistant and can be individually removed, cleaned, dried, and replaced in their original position at no cost to the home owner.

With a little knowledge and preparation, you can have not only a dry basement, but an attractive and inviting space that will likely add to the ultimate resale value of your home.

This was a guest post written by Jason Capshaw. Jason Capshaw is a weekend warrior and former general contractor. He loves woodworking and spending time on home improvements.

Photo Credits: cafemama

Originally posted 2010-02-05 16:29:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Repairing Ceramic Tile

Nothing ruins a kitchen or bathroom floor like a chipped or cracked tile. Luckily, ceramic tile as a floor is awesome in that making a repair does not entail pulling up the entire floor. You can remove just the affected tile and some of the surrounding tile to make the repair and leave the rest intact. All you have to do is grind the grout down and then break out the old tile. Then you can replace it and re grout it and all will be well. Another method of repair is re-grouting, where you remove the old grout and install new grout. Use a handheld saw or a rotary tool for the grout removal, then install the new grout and the sealer and you will have a floor that looks brand new.

Repairing Hardwood Floor

If you have a hardwood floor with a scratch, it may feel like an expensive repair, but it can actually be both inexpensive and quite simple for you to take care of. Depending on the type of hardware floor that you have as well as the color of the wood, there are often filler materials that are similar to caulk but that are designed to repair the scratches. Most hardwood floor manufactures also provide repair kits in all of the color options that they produce, meaning that you can buy a repair kit pretty easily to make sure that you properly match the color of your floor. A more severe scratch or a gouge may require sanding to remove the finish before conducting the repair. You will also have to re-stain the hardwood floor in order to match the rest of the floor's color. It's always a good idea to check out hardwood flooring prices before starting to get a feel of what's an acceptable budget for refinishing your hardwood floor.

Repairing Vinyl Floor Tile

Individual tiles made out of vinyl are more than likely the easiest type of floor repair that you could possibly tackle when it comes to doing the work yourself. This is also probably one of the cheaper types of floor repairs that you could tackle on your own. If you have a tile that is either stained or damaged, you can peel a corner up with a putty knife in order to begin the removal process, and then use a hair dryer to heat the underside up to loosen the adhesive. The hot air is going to moisten up the glue, which will allow you to peel that tile right up. Then you can apply glue and simply lay down the new replacement tile, completing the repair.

Then you can repeat this process as you need to in order to install more tiles as needed. Repair the entire damaged area tile by tile and you are good to go.

Photo Credits: mtneer_man

Originally posted 2009-11-13 03:33:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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