remodel / restore

• When To Choose Quartz Over Granite

  

  Granite is a natural stone valued for its distinctive patterns and traditional look. Quartz is an artificial material made from natural stone particles combined with resins, forming a surface that is impermeable, low-maintenance, and highly customisable. Their selection is based on factors such as design flexibility, durability, and care requirements. Here’s when to choose quartz countertop installation over granite:

  Choose for Durability

  Use quartz when installing a surface that is resistant to heavy use in kitchens or bathrooms. The material is non-porous, making it difficult for liquids to leak in. This prevents stains from substances such as wine, coffee, or oils. It also makes it simple to clean, as you wipe spills off the surface.

  Quartz countertop installation also inhibits bacterial growth, boosting cleanliness without additional chemical processes. It doesn’t require resealing after the initial sealing, unlike natural stone, which requires ongoing maintenance. Its hardness of 7.0-7.5 on the Mohs scale means that knives or utensils cannot scratch it, making it durable for everyday use.

  Quartz’s resistance to chipping makes it suitable for busy families or high-traffic areas. It is also water and heat-resistant and can be used around sinks and stoves with limited precautions. Quartz offers long-term performance and low maintenance, making it a practical option for daily surfaces.

  Choose for Variety

  Quartz is also the ideal choice when you require an extensive range of colors, designs, and finishes to suit any design style. It can imitate natural stones such as granite and marble, providing aesthetics without the maintenance burden. Quartz may also feature contemporary patterns, such as concrete-like textures or metal accents. The polished surface finish provides a glossy look, while the honed or matte surfaces offer a soft, low-profile appearance. Its flexibility allows it to complement both traditional kitchens and modern commercial spaces.

  Choose for Customization

  Select quartz where you require exact cutting and edge selection to match specific layouts or designs. Slabs may be tailored to the necessary thickness to enhance durability or create a visual effect. Edge details, including beveled, rounded, squared, or waterfall, provide further customization.

  Quartz goes beyond countertops to backsplash, built-in sinks, islands, and tabletops. The uniform pattern and color provide smooth, continuous surfaces across large areas. The professional installation makes it strong, aligned, and has maximum visual appeal. Quartz is also suitable for commercial applications, offering the same style across different surfaces.

  Choose for Low Care

  Quartz is an appropriate option when low maintenance and long service life are priorities. Cleaning can be done with soap and water alone, without harsh chemicals, and the stain- and scratch-resistant properties help maintain its appearance despite heavy use. Quartz is less absorbent than natural stone, which helps prevent discoloration and bacterial growth. It does not crack or warp under normal temperature variations. This material is safe for heavy use and suitable for residential or commercial applications.

  Schedule Quartz Countertop Installation

  Quartz countertop installation is a good option when durability, design flexibility, customization, and low maintenance are key. It has a long service life, requires minimal maintenance, and offers a broad range of aesthetic options. Quartz can be used in kitchens and commercial spaces without compromising style or comfort, according to homeowners and designers. Browse quartz selections now to find the best style for your countertops.

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• Designing a Multi-Functional Kitchen for Entertaining

  

  Remodeling your kitchen allows you to add features that improve its functionality and efficiency. If you frequently entertain, specific design updates, such as larger countertops, can make the kitchen more functional for hosting. Collaborating with a kitchen remodeling company helps you create a multi-functional space that caters to your entertaining needs. Here are some ways to design a multi-functional kitchen for entertaining:

  Maximize Counter Space

  Counter space enables you to set up a buffet-style serving area and prep food when entertaining guests. You can use a kitchen island or peninsula to increase your counter space. If you have limited space, adding pull-out countertops or fold-down tables creates additional work surfaces. With kitchen remodeling, you can design your counters with entertainment in mind.

  Counter space offers a social area for your guests, allowing them to sit and chat while you cook. You may add barstools to the counter for a more casual dining option. The counter also provides space to set out snacks and drinks during parties or gatherings. For an open kitchen layout, adding an island with a counter can serve as a natural divider between the cooking and living spaces. This allows for easy interaction with guests while still allowing food to be prepared.

  Incorporate Smart Storage

  Designing your kitchen with storage options creates a more organized and functional space. A clutter-free environment is possible with pull-out cabinets, drawers, and shelves. You get to maximize the space in your kitchen, making it easier to store and find items. Some innovative storage options to use include:

  • Pull-out pantry shelves for easy access to dry goods
  • Customized drawers for pots, pans, and other cooking utensils
  • Vertical dividers for cookie sheets and cutting boards
  • Spice racks attached to cabinet doors

  Enhance Lighting Design

  Adding lighting design to your kitchen creates a welcoming atmosphere and makes it easier to work in. You may install dimmer switches for different moods and tasks and use LED lights for energy efficiency. Pendant lights over the island or dining table serve as a decorative element and can also provide task lighting for dining. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates work surfaces and can be used as night lights for those midnight snacks.

  Add Seating Options

  Integrating seating options into your kitchen design allows for a more functional and inviting space. A breakfast bar or island with stools not only adds extra seating for guests but also provides a place to eat meals. Balancing your kitchen’s layout with seating options can create a more social atmosphere.

  A designated seating area in the kitchen allows for convenient interaction between the cook and guests. This can be beneficial when entertaining or simply catching up with family members while preparing meals. Include comfortable seating and a small table for games or homework to make your kitchen even more multi-functional.

  Invest in Kitchen Remodeling

  Engaging a home remodeling company to design and renovate your kitchen supports a custom solution. You can choose from a range of materials and install new countertops or cabinets that are durable and visually appealing. Contact a kitchen remodeling company to get more ideas for your project.

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• How Water Softeners Improve Appliance Lifespan and Efficiency

  

  Mineral buildup in plumbing and appliances creates resistance that reduces efficiency over time. Hard water accelerates this process, while water softeners help prevent it. By reducing strain, appliances operate more efficiently and maintain more stable internal conditions. Here’s how water softeners improve appliance lifespan and performance:

  Reduced Scale Buildup

  Softer water reduces mineral deposits that commonly accumulate inside household appliances. Mineral scale can interfere with moving parts, eventually hindering smooth operation. When internal components face fewer obstructions, appliances tend to operate more consistently over time. Cleaner internal surfaces also reduce the likelihood of unexpected maintenance caused by heavy buildup.

  Better Heating Performance

  Heating components operate more efficiently when mineral coatings are removed because nothing is left to insulate or obstruct their surfaces. Without this layer of scale, heat transfers directly into the water, allowing it to reach the desired temperature more quickly and with less energy. Heating systems function more predictably, since their internal components remain in consistent, unobstructed thermal contact.

  Scale-free surfaces also help prevent temperature fluctuations that can occur during repeated heating cycles, particularly when buildup acts as an uneven barrier. By reducing mineral interference to very low levels, water softeners limit the efficiency losses that typically develop in hard-water environments. Over time, these improvements can support better heating performance, lower energy demands, and even contribute to a longer service life for water-heating equipment.

  Lower Energy Consumption

  Softened water allows appliances to use less total power during their regular cycles because the absence of hard-water minerals reduces internal resistance. In hard water, mineral deposits can restrict water flow or impede moving parts, and this added resistance forces motors and heating elements to work harder. When those strains are removed, appliances are able to operate closer to the efficiency levels they were originally designed to achieve.

  Reduced mineral buildup also helps keep appliances in a more stable operating condition, which can contribute to more consistent energy consumption over time. Because components face fewer repeated stresses from scale buildup, long-term mechanical wear may decline, and performance is less likely to degrade unexpectedly. These effects result in lower operational strain and more reliable appliance performance.

  Long Component Life

  Internal parts can last longer because abrasive minerals are no longer present to react with or wear down sensitive components. Pumps, seals, and valves operate more smoothly and efficiently, as softened water greatly reduces friction inside the system. With this decrease in internal stress, appliances are less likely to experience unexpected service interruptions or premature part failures. As these parts maintain their condition over extended periods, the overall system benefits from steadier performance and fewer repairs. Such gains in durability can extend the appliance’s total life cycle and, in many cases, reduce the need for early replacements.

  Get Water Softeners for Your Home

  Softened water creates a less demanding operating environment, which can help appliances run more steadily. When mineral interruptions are minimized, heating and cleaning processes may function more consistently. Lower mineral exposure also lessens wear on internal components, allowing some systems to operate for longer periods between service needs. These improvements may lead to more predictable daily performance. If you want to lessen the impact of hard water on your household equipment, find a reputable water softener supplier today.

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• 3 Lighting Fixtures in a Bathroom

  

  Bathroom renovations refresh your home, and thoughtful lighting enhances them by improving the room’s functionality and everyday usability. When you add well-placed lights, the room becomes brighter, and the layout supports daily routines. Here are three lighting fixture options in a bathroom:

   

  1. Overhead Light Fixtures

   

  Adding light fixtures directly to your bathroom ceiling or upper walls can create a balanced lighting scheme and improve the ambiance. Overhead fixtures provide the primary source of light in a bathroom. A bathroom ceiling light distributes general illumination from the center of the room. You can achieve this with a flush-mount ceiling fixture or a semi-flush mount that drops a few inches from the ceiling. Homeowners might select a chandelier or pendant lights to introduce a unique visual focal point to the ceiling. For broader coverage, a bathroom remodeling contractor can position recessed lighting across the ceiling to increase overall illumination.

   

  Overhead ceiling lights can distribute light across the shower area without creating deep shadows. The lights are typically positioned to increase visibility as you step in and out of the shower on a wet bathroom floor. Ceiling fixtures also direct light onto the area where you shampoo or apply soap. Some bath and shower light fixtures are designed with integrated housings suitable for damp locations. These fixtures come in a variety of designs and finishes. Homeowners select them to coordinate with existing hardware and theme. Additional decorative bathroom lights can be used around tubs or alcoves to refine the overall style of casual or formal bathrooms.

   

  2. Task Lighting Fixtures

   

  Task lighting targets specific areas that benefit from brighter, more focused illumination. An expert in bathroom renovations helps you determine the appropriate placement for these fixtures. Bright wall sconces above or beside sinks increase light on the countertop zone and above the sink. Vertical lighting fixtures around the vanity or near shower stalls direct light toward the face, providing visibility for detailed grooming. These task-oriented fixtures can be wired to independent switches or dimmers so users can adjust the light level based on the time of day or specific needs.

   

  3. Accent Light Fixtures

   

  Accent lighting fixtures are designed to emphasize particular elements of the bathroom. Wall-mounted strips or small spotlights above artwork or decorative installations can draw attention to those pieces. Fixtures placed on each side of unique architectural features, such as niches or textured walls, can highlight their form and produce subtle shadows. Accent lighting should also be integrated into shelving or below floating vanities. This helps to outline shapes and surfaces. For more complex layouts, bathroom remodeling professionals can provide insight into sculptural or specialty fixtures that align with the room’s proportions and materials.

   

  Explore Lighting in Bathroom Renovations

   

  Whether you are initiating a complete bathroom remodel or updating a single feature, planning the lighting layout is key to successful bathroom renovations. Planning helps coordinate ambiance, visibility, and the practical use of newly improved spaces. A consultation with a bathroom builder or designer can provide lighting placement options, fixture specifications, and code-compliant installation plans for your project.

   

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• Choosing the Best Hardware for Your Cabinets

  

  Installing new cabinets in a remodel changes the look of the room and is a significant upgrade. They are fitted with doors and drawers and can include other components that support specific functions. Selecting the proper hardware for the cabinet, such as handles, hinges, and drawer slides, depends on factors like material, size, and color, which can affect both usability and aesthetics. Here are a few tips for choosing the best hardware for your cabinets:

   

  Evaluate Cabinet Material and Size

  Choosing hardware for your cabinet depends on factors such as the cabinet’s material and color. If your cabinet is made of wood, select hardware that does not split or dent the surface when tightening the screws. When choosing hardware for metal cabinetry, confirm that the selected components integrate visually and mechanically with the metal construction, and also match in texture.

  A larger cabinet may require longer knobs and pulls than a smaller cabinet. Heavy cabinetry has doors and drawers that require more force to open than those of a lightweight cabinet. In such cases, hardware with longer extensions can provide additional leverage for opening and closing. To open drawers or cabinet doors, you need grips large enough to fit your fingers and grip securely. If the hardware is smaller than your fingers, the holding surface may reduce grip and increase contact pressure on the cabinet finish.

   

  Check Hardware Placement

  When choosing hardware for your cabinets, its placement plays a key role in how easily you access and use your furniture and storage spaces. A handle positioned at an appropriate cabinet height makes it easier to reach and retrieve items. Placement includes both utility and circulation factors. Hardware choices that balance aesthetics with functional reach and clearance support both appearance and day-to-day use. You can place the most important items in your cabinets toward the bottom so they are easier to reach.

   

  Assess Lighting Effects

  Cabinet hardware design is influenced by both natural and artificial lighting. How specific materials and finishes reflect or absorb the lighting environment can affect your decision. Bright spaces incorporate reflective or light-colored hardware that maintains a sense of openness and visible detail. Rooms with limited lighting frequently use hardware with matte or darker finishes that reduce reflections and can visually emphasize form and contour. Evaluate the arrangement of artificial light and whether it is directed toward hardware in ways that produce noticeable glare. These conditions can guide the choice of finishes that support visibility for practical tasks while limiting distracting reflections.

   

  Select Quality Hardware for Cabinets

  Quality cabinet hardware appears in a wide range of styles. This includes antique and modern, formal and casual, and simple and ornate. Some users select hardware that closely matches the current room character, while others introduce deliberate contrasts within a consistent design plan. Neutral hardware may reduce the likelihood of strong stylistic clashes if the room motif changes later. Durable, well-constructed hardware can support the everyday operation of custom home and office cabinetry over extended use. When choosing cabinets, evaluate hardware that complements both function and design, enhancing usability while reflecting the overall interior style.

   

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• How to Choose the Perfect Fireplace Tile for Your Home Style

  

  A fireplace is more than a source of warmth—it is often the centerpiece of a living room, a space around which families gather and guests are welcomed. The design choices surrounding a fireplace can dramatically influence the overall aesthetic of a home, and one of the most impactful decisions is selecting the right fireplace tiles. The tiles you choose can complement your home style, enhance visual appeal, and provide long-lasting durability. This guide explores how to choose the perfect fireplace tile to match your home style while maintaining functionality and timeless design.

  Understanding the Role of Fireplace Tiles

  Fireplace tiles serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose. Visually, they frame the hearth, set the tone for the room, and can make a striking design statement. Functionally, tiles protect the surrounding area from heat and fire-related damage while offering a surface that is easy to maintain. Choosing tiles that align with your overall décor ensures the fireplace blends seamlessly into your living space rather than standing out awkwardly. The combination of style, durability, and practicality makes tiles an essential element in fireplace design.

  Beyond aesthetics and function, fireplace tiles create a sense of harmony in a room. Their colors, patterns, and textures can complement walls, flooring, and furniture, tying the entire space together. They also offer versatility, allowing homeowners to update a room’s look without a full renovation. A well-chosen tile can make a fireplace the visual anchor of a room, creating warmth and inviting ambiance, both physically and stylistically.

  Assessing Your Home Style

  Before selecting fireplace tiles, it is crucial to consider the style of your home. Different architectural and interior styles require different tile designs to maintain cohesion.

  • Modern/Minimalist: Sleek surfaces, neutral tones, and clean lines define this style. Large-format tiles with minimal grout lines and subtle textures work best, providing a polished and uncluttered look.
  • Traditional/Classical: Ornate patterns, marble, or intricately designed ceramic tiles suit classic homes. Warm neutrals like beige, taupe, or soft gray maintain an elegant, timeless feel.
  • Rustic/Cottage: Stone, slate, and earthy-colored tiles enhance a cozy, nature-inspired vibe. Textured tiles can create a handcrafted aesthetic that complements wooden beams or vintage furniture.
  • Eclectic/Bohemian: Vibrant colors, patterned tiles, and mixed textures reflect a free-spirited design. Combining multiple tile types or mosaics can produce a unique, personalized fireplace centerpiece.
  • Industrial/Contemporary: Concrete-look tiles, metallic accents, and matte finishes support a sleek, urban aesthetic. Simple geometric layouts or bold accent tiles create visual interest while maintaining a modern edge.

  Matching the tile to your home style ensures that the fireplace enhances rather than clashes with your existing décor, creating a cohesive and balanced environment.

  Choosing the Right Tile Material

  The material of fireplace tiles affects both their appearance and performance. Each material has its own benefits and is better suited to certain styles and practical needs:

  • Ceramic Tiles: Affordable, versatile, and available in countless colors and patterns, ceramic tiles are ideal for homeowners seeking style flexibility without breaking the budget. They are durable and heat-resistant, making them suitable for frequent use.
  • Porcelain Tiles: More durable than ceramic, porcelain resists heat, moisture, and staining. Its sleek appearance works well in modern or minimalist homes, and it comes in both glossy and matte finishes.
  • Natural Stone Tiles: Marble, travertine, and slate bring natural beauty and texture to a fireplace. Their variations in color and pattern add depth, making the fireplace a striking focal point. Stone tiles are excellent for rustic, traditional, or luxurious designs.
  • Glass Tiles: Reflective and modern, glass tiles capture the glow of the fire, enhancing ambiance. They are easy to clean and pair beautifully with contemporary décor.
  • Textured Tiles: Textured or embossed tiles add dimension and tactile interest, making the fireplace visually engaging. They are particularly effective in creating warmth and depth in traditional or eclectic spaces.

  The combination of material and style is essential to achieving a fireplace that balances aesthetics with functionality, creating a lasting impression for years to come.

  Selecting Colors and Patterns

  Color and pattern influence the mood of a room and the visual impact of the fireplace. Choosing hues that reflect your style and complement your home’s palette is critical:

  • Warm Neutrals: Creams, beiges, and browns provide a timeless, cozy feel that suits nearly any home style. Neutral tiles can also serve as a backdrop for seasonal décor or accent pieces.
  • Deep, Rich Colors: Burgundy, navy, or charcoal tiles create a snug, luxurious ambiance, perfect for living spaces designed for comfort and relaxation.
  • Patterned Tiles: Herringbone, mosaic, or geometric patterns introduce visual complexity and personality. They are ideal for eclectic, contemporary, or artistic homes where the fireplace is a statement piece.
  • Layered Textures: Mixing smooth and textured tiles adds depth and dimension, enhancing warmth and making the fireplace a visual focal point.

  Selecting the right colors and patterns ensures the fireplace resonates with the room’s mood and complements the overall home style.

  Practical Considerations

  While style is important, practical considerations cannot be overlooked:

  • Size and Scale: Large-format tiles suit bigger fireplaces and create a clean, modern look, while smaller tiles or mosaics can work well for compact hearths or intricate designs.
  • Heat Resistance: Ensure that the chosen material can withstand regular exposure to heat without cracking or discoloring.
  • Maintenance: Some materials, such as natural stone, require sealing and routine cleaning, while porcelain or ceramic is relatively low-maintenance. Consider the level of care you are willing to commit to.
  • Budget: Factor in not only the cost of the tiles themselves but also installation, maintenance, and potential long-term upgrades.

  Balancing these practical aspects with style considerations ensures a fireplace that is both beautiful and functional.

  Installation Tips

  Proper installation enhances safety, durability, and visual appeal. Homeowners should decide whether to attempt a DIY approach or hire a professional installer. Professionals ensure the correct use of heat-resistant adhesives, appropriate grout spacing, and secure placement, which is especially critical for natural stone or glass tiles.

  Attention to detail during installation—including alignment with the mantel, consistent grout lines, and proper sealing—contributes to a finished fireplace that looks polished and lasts for years. Improper installation can compromise both the aesthetic and safety of the fireplace, so careful planning is essential.

  Styling and Accessorizing Around the Tiles

  Fireplace tiles form the backdrop for additional design elements that enhance the room’s warmth and cohesion:

  • Mantel Design: Complement the tile with wood, stone, or metal mantels that coordinate with the fireplace style.
  • Wall and Furniture Coordination: Choose paint, wall treatments, and furnishings that highlight or contrast with the tile, creating balance and depth.
  • Seasonal Décor and Accents: Candles, throws, and decorative objects can emphasize the warmth and personality of the fireplace area.

  By thoughtfully pairing tiles with complementary décor, the fireplace becomes a true centerpiece that elevates the room’s style and ambiance.

  Conclusion

  Choosing the perfect fireplace tile requires balancing style, material, color, and practical considerations. Whether your home features modern minimalism, rustic charm, or eclectic flair, selecting the right tile can enhance both aesthetics and functionality. From the material’s durability to its color, texture, and pattern, every choice contributes to a fireplace that is visually striking, cohesive with your home style, and built to withstand daily use. Thoughtful selection and careful installation ensure that your fireplace remains a central, inviting feature of your home for years to come.

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• new materials for kitchen and bath

  

  While most of these lend themselves more to a modern kitchen or bath, it's certainly possible to take advantage of advances in materials science in a more traditional remodel as well. For example, I've seen several new Craftsman kitchens using pre-cast and cast-on-site concrete for countertops, and what looks industrial in a modern setting can look warm and complementary in a classic wooden kitchen. Further, now that dyes and inclusions can be added to concrete to give it a bit more character, it's a much more flexible product than it was when it first became popular as a countertop material several years ago.

  Recycled glass and wood, blocks of pressed fibers, resins and other manufactured materials and even more arcane products are being repurposed as countertop, tile, flooring and more. Take a look at a few products and manufacturers I've discovered in the last few months:

  tile / glass / stone

  • Una Terra sells interesting, unique tiles made all over the world – from Italian specialty glass mosaics to American-made stone, they've got some really neat stuff (as well as high-resolution PDFs so you can see the tile up close, something I wish more vendors offered).
  • Marazzi sells porcelain, glass, ceramic and metal-glaz tiles in a small range of basic shades and tones.
  • Bisazza is the American vendor for a large Italian glass and porcelain mosaic tilemaker.
  • Hakatai are my favorite American tilemakers & sellers. Based in Oregon, they produce hundreds of mosaic tiles in glass and other materials for pools, walls, counters, floors, murals and any other flat surface you can imagine. Well, almost.
  • Sonoma Cast Stone sells concrete, kitchen and bath surrounds, tiles & pavers and other items and materials in a wide array of colors.
  • Concrete Network is not a seller, but rather a sourcing site for folks looking for a concrete contractor. The website also includes a big gallery of photos of concrete in use – as countertops, fireplace surrounds, flooring, furniture, sinks and more.
  • IceStone is made from recycled glass and concrete, and comes in a 24-standard color palette with an infinite number of custom options.

  wood

  • Ebony & Co sell hardwood, antique / salvaged, old-growth pine and bespoke wooden parquetry floors in a huge range of woods and finishes. They are also one of the few wood floring vendors who sell specific grades to be used in conjunction with underfloor heating installations.
  • Bamboo Hardwoods has sold sheets of pressed bamboo lumber for flooring, furniture and other products since 1995. They also have a line of custom bamboo cabinetry for kitchen & bath.
  • Teragren sells bamboo flooring, panels designed for cabinetry and furniture, and veneers.
  • Windfall Lumber sells "sustainably harvested wood products," including flooring, mouldings, countertops, decking and whole timbers.
  • New York City's Habitus sells tile, stone, cement, Japanese stucco, porcelain and more, but what they are known for are their cork products: mosaic tiles, floor and wall panels, fabrics, and more. High resolution PDFs are available for download.
  • Treefrog makes and sells exotic wood laminates in interesting patterns and textures
  • Plyboo is a flexible plywood made from bamboo, and is often used for cabinetry and furnituremaking.

  other stuff

  • Yemm & Hart makes decorative polyethylene sheeting and flooring made from recycled tires, just like the stuff that was under the monkey bars when you were a kid – but colorful, stronger, and it won't break up and track all over the place.
  • Lumicor seems all over the news lately. The product is essentially a type of architectural resin which is strong enough to be used as structural material and interesting enough to be decorative. It can be cast thick or thin, and is sometimes used for countertop and tabletop material. It is often cast with various types of fibers embedded, and can be made in an enormous range of colors, textures and opacities. Their portfolio shows several dozen different uses – in homes, retail settings, office space and elsewhere.
  • Paperstone is what it sounds like: a solid surface material, great for countertops, made from recycled paper that has been transformed under enormous pressure.
  • Richlite is another popular product made from a paper fiber-based composite. It was originally distributed as a surface for commercial kitchens and baths in the 1950s, but is enjoying a resurgence as a domestic surface. It is also used for skateboard parks, of all things! It's generally considered a green alternative to Corian and manufactured granite, as it can very closely resemble those materials.
  • Brooklyn's Bettencourt Green Building Supplies sells many of these items, including Richlite, Paperstone, Plyboo bamboo butcherblock, Durapalm coconut flooring, cork, Kirei board, wheatboard and lots more.

  Additionally, Green Home Guide, which can usually be counted on for good and unbiased advice on building materials, has a guide to choosing countertop material; they also have a buyers' guide to green flooring materials, which should give you some general budget information.

  Finally, don't discount the reliable standbys: Corian kitchen worktops are affordable, last forever, quick to fab and install, and look absolutely fantastic. Many contractors are happy to use something tried and true, rather than playing with new materials they've never encountered before. In the UK, we strongly recommend Unique Fabrications in Milton Keynes, who can take on any job, from complex industrial and commercial spaces to residential kitchens and baths.

  cc-licensed image by sierravalleygirl

• Tools Every Homeowner Should Have for Small Projects & Repairs

  

  As a homeowner, you know that keeping your home in order is not easy. Your house can seem like there’s one problem after another–therefore, being prepared to fix any problem when it occurs as fast as possible requires the right tools to tackle them in short order (or at least knock out the projects until the professionals can handle them). Let’s take a look at the basic tools for home repair that every homeowner should have on hand. 

  Hammer

  If there’s one tool that you’re going to need, it’s a hammer. Make sure to get a clawhammer so that you can remove nails and pry materials apart easily.

  Vise Grips

  Vise grips can help you get a grip on tough surfaces or hold something in place while you work on the other end. By adjusting the screw at the end, you can widen/narrow the open end and stabilize all sorts of materials hands-free. 

  Tape Measure

  There are plenty of construction measuring tools out there so it’s important to find the right ones for your needs. You’re going to need to measure materials sooner or later, so a diameter tape measure makes it a cinch. Make sure to purchase an easy-lock tape measure that measure at least 12 feet or more. If you need something a little bigger and more visual, consider a wide blade tape measure. Pocket rods are also good to have depending on how much DIY you actually plan to do.

  Combination Pliers

  For all manual applications, pliers come in handy (pun intended) in nearly every situation in your home. Whether you are tightening bolts, twisting/cutting wire, removing screws, and more, you’re going to need combination pliers to get a grip.

  Screwdrivers

  Screwdrivers are mandatory when it comes to most small projects and repairs around the house. Make sure to have a variety of screwdrivers of different head sizes and types, such as the common Phillips and flathead varieties, but also Pozidriv, Torx, Hexagon, and Security T which are included on new products and appliances.

  Level

  Symmetry is the name of the game when it comes to making perfect fits and a beautiful home. From leveling your kitchen counters to hanging a picture, a bubble level is the perfect tool for the job. For more involved projects, invest in a laser level for enhanced precision. The type of level you want depends on the projects you plan to do. For more masonry focused crafts, choose the best level for masons. 

  Power Drill

  When you’ve got a lot of materials to bring together or tear apart, there’s nothing like a power drill to handle most tasks around the house. 

  Utility Knife

  Don’t sacrifice the silverware. By using a utility knife, you can make precise cuts and scores on most materials (i.e. drywall). 

  Tapes

  There are few things as indispensable as tape for semi-permanent repairs. Gather a wide variety of tapes of different strengths and applications, such as electrical tape, duct tape, plumbers tape, teflon tape, and more.

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• ofuro: Japanese soaking tubs

   

  pictured above: a beautiful custom wooden ofuro designed & built by Bartok Design

  A few years ago, I remodeled my bathroom, and removed a traditional shower/tub combo. In replacing it with a tiled shower stall and a tub, I faced a dilemma: how to fit these two new items in the same space? Luckily, my solution was Kohler's Greek Soaking Tub, substantially deeper, wider and shorter than their traditional tubs. However, I originally investigated building a custom Japanese soaking tub – or ofuro – before discarding that idea in favor of my lower-cost Kohler alternative.

  My father is facing a similar project: he wants to turn the upstairs in his 1917 Craftsman home into a small apartment, with the 1/2 bath currently there becoming a full, albeit tiny, bathroom. Being that the entire upstairs of his house is finished in rich rough wood – mostly raw redwood planks and other woods – he wants the bath to be similarly subtle and consistent, so I recommended an ofuro.

  One of the best resources on the subject is Bruce Smith & Yoshiko Yamamoto's Japanese Baths book – lots of eyecandy and ideas in it. But here are some other resources that may be useful.

  • Hydro Systems' 4040 round/square soaking tub
  • Neo-Metro's luxury baths
  • THG's Yoko
  • Neptune makes some larger whirlpools in a vaguely Japanese style
  • MTI has a huge line of luxury baths, including several space-saving corner models and a few deep soakers
  • online retailer Signature Hardware has a nice consolidated listing for several different makers of unorthodox bath & soaking tubs
  • I saw a Cabuchon tub recently installed in Portland, Oregon; it looked great but I couldn't exactly strip down and take a bath at the cocktail party where I saw it
  • Bathpro's Yubune are short and deep
  • TeakTubs look gorgeous but I'm not sure how safe they'd be on a second story, but as long as they're sealed well, I know teak shouldn't split or swell, so maybe they're fine
  • Robert's Hot Tubs makes some really nice tubs, several of which are bathroom-sized
  • Bartok Design's custom Japanese tubs are beautiful and minimalist
  • Driftwood Design also makes custom wooden baths
  • master carpenter Hiroshi Sakaguchi also makes custom tubs, all of which are absolutely gorgeous
  • of course, if the floor is strong enough, you can always frame & pour your own concrete tub to fit any possible shape or space
  • for less than $900, you can have a portable ofuro that will fit in a large shower stall or which can be placed above a drain on a tiled floor – something you can take with you, and one of the simplest solutions to this sort of problem. No reason you can't use a flexible filler, with a hook on the wall above it to turn it into a shower!
• 5 Tips on Water Damage Repair

  infographic presented by ISI Building Products – building materials manufacturers

  Water damage can wreak havoc in any home that it decides to hit. This is something that you might not want to deal with, but when the time comes, you have to know what to do. When the water ruins everything that it touches, including the home that you’re living in, then you’re going to have a problem when the time comes. There are many ways to go about removing the water and moisture from the home and the air so you can get back on track to living.

  1. Dehumidifiers are able to provide the home with less moisture. These machines essentially pull the water from the air and collect it inside a reservoir. It will need to be dumped out, but can continue to pull the water around it, inside it.
  2. Using an air mover can also dry out the many items that have been water damaged. This is because the air mover works like a fan, but on a much bigger scale. You’re able to move the air around the area, and with the help of a dehumidifier, the room can feel much more dryer.
  3. Water damage restoration can be done through professionals, though they might charge a bit more than you’d like to pay, depending on your budget.
  4. Removing the soaked and damaged items from the area can help with the cleaning up, and drying out of the area. You want to ensure that everything that has been ruined is properly disposed of so the foundation of the home can be worked on next.
  5. The small cracks, breaks and other areas of the home that became wet should be cleaned out and dried completely to ensure that this water does not seep into any other areas of the foundation, and cause further problems and damage to the home.

  For more information about water damage restoration, contact Aer Industries for both residential and wholesale sales.

  partnered post • CC-licensed image by Jo Naylor