How to Tile a Bathroom

These videos show you how to tile your bathroom countertops yourself.  Tiling a bathroom counter is an easy bathroom remodeling project to give your room a new look.  These videos were put together by the gentleman in the video Dave - check out Dave's YouTube videos here.



The second video explains how to cut tiles around objects in your project.  If you are not comfortable with tiling a bathroom or kitchen, you can always use granite counters.  You can turn to a local installer for the granite and installation.

Improving your Home - Start with the bathroom

You already know that making improvements to your home, not only adds beauty to your living area, but also increases your home's value. To make sure you are getting the most value for your effort, you need to find the best advice to help with your home improvement project. Check out the valuable tips in this article.

Easy Ways Improving the Bathroom
When improving your house, there are some projects that you can do yourself and others that you cannot. If you feel like you can complete a simple task like repainting the kitchen, then by all means do it, in order to save yourself some extra money. Just be sure that you know what you're getting yourself into before you start a project. You don't want to try and remodel your bathroom and find out half way through that you're not sure if you can complete the task without hitting a pipeline.

Grout :: The Most Important Step in Installing Tile

Most tile installers will tell you that their least favorite part of the job is grouting. Grouting tile is a monotonous shoulder workout typically passed off to the least senior tiling professional on the crew. However, grouting is one of the most important tasks in a tiling project. Too often tile installations are ruined by a bad grout job. Inexperience can lead to splotchy grout, uneven joints or flaking of the grout.

Unlike the original grout products that were made out of portland cement mixed with water, modern grout products are stronger, come in diverse colors and are easier to use. The most important items for tile installers to pay mind to are the type of grout used, proper mixing, even application and thorough cleaning.

To determine the correct type of grout for a project the width of the joint is what needs to be considered. There are two main types of grout -- sanded and unsanded. Unsanded grout is used for any tile with joints less than 1/8 of an inch wide The finish is smooth and fairly easy to clean. Sanded grout on the other hand is used in joints wider than 1/8 of an inch and is sometimes called floor grout or joint filler. Sanded grout provides the necessary strength for wider joints because it resists hairline cracks caused by shrinkage. Sanded grout is rougher and harder to clean then unsanded grout making it less popular for use on kitchen and bathroom countertops. Sanded grout is primarily associated with floor tile; however, it should be used on any tile with wide set joints, no matter where the tile is being installed. When using sanded grout on any vertical project be sure that you have plenty of time set aside to finish the project. Unsanded grout clings to vertical surfaces, but sanded grout will roll down the wall or other vertical project surface. To avoid a more difficult cleaning process later on, make sure that you have a drop cloth under your workspace when working with sanded grout products on shower walls, kitchen back splashes and other vertical spaces.

Granite is A Great Upgrade

Home improvement can be tricky at times, but is well worth it. You not only create a better home for yourself on the inside, but improve the look on the outside, to impress your neighbors. Home improvements also, make you feel good that you have done your best to create a beautiful home for you and your family.

Granite
When renovating your kitchen, avoid tiled counters. Tiled countertops are less sanitary than granite countertops, because food and other contaminants can build up in the spaces between the tiles. Tile countertops can also crack or even shatter if a heavy dish is dropped onto them, unlike countertops made of more modern materials.

When it comes to home improvement, consider purchasing quality products in stead of cheaper ones, and this will result in a much higher return on your investment. While you may save money initially by the cost of the parts, their durability may be much lesser than those of higher quality. An example of this would be buying a quality granite countertop instead of Formica.

Choosing Materials for your Bathroom Makeover

It is easy to feel overwhelmed walking through a fancy showroom or home improvement store when searching for the right materials for your bathroom remodel.  You have so many options in color, sizes, textures and of course price.  Today more than ever, manufacturers have great looking materials designed to meet different budget points.

Materials Don't Have to Be Expensive
If your ideal bathroom has marble or granite tiles, try going with a ceramic tile look-a-like if you have a tight budget.  Maybe you are looking into glass block for a wall or look-through in your bathroom.  Have you looked into acrylic versions?  They are less expensive and actually more durable.  If you are looking at brushed platinum for your faucets, you can substitute with a brushed nickel to achieve the same look.

You have such a variety of options to go with when buying faucets, flooring, countertops and cabinets.  The variety of styles, materials and price has never been greater.  The good thing is the fixtures, fittings and other elements are more geared for the do-it-yourselfer who wants to change the look of their bathroom without hiring a contractor.

Will Granite Countertops Stain?

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen, upgrading the countertops should be at the top of your list of things to do. Aside from appliances, these are the one thing people use the most, for obvious reasons. Given the amount of use they receive from cooking and storing items, spending the money on quality material is worth it. Laminate may be cheaper than stone, but it is also much more susceptible to damage. These types of countertops are notorious for cracking, warping and deteriorating faster. Thus, one tried and true alternative that is more affordable than ever these days, is granite. Well-known for its rugged yet aesthetic charm, granite has long been the go-to choice for homeowners.

Clean Granite Countertops in Due Time to Prevent Stains

No matter what color or style you choose, your countertops will be guaranteed to stay in pristine condition for a long time. That is, if you take care of them the right way. Although one of the top benefits of this stone is its ability to resist stains, it should be noted that even it can become discolored. This typically happens when water and cooking oils are left on the countertops for an extended period of time, rather than being cleaned up shortly after they occur. This doesn't mean you have to rush to wipe away spills, but you shouldn't let them stay idle for longer than a few minutes. Also, don't be concerned if you notice a dark spot on the stone if water has been soaking for a short amount of time, as the moisture will evaporate shortly afterwards. To prevent staining and discoloration, you should make it a habit to clean spills right away. If you have children, stress the importance of cleaning them on a regular basis and make it a daily chore.

How to Remove Stains from Granite Countertops

Contrary to popular belief, staining is not a permanent issue with these types of countertops. Even those caused by cooking oils can be removed quite easily, with the proper equipment of course.



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Frequently Asked Questions About Granite

What is Granite?
Granite is a coarse grained crystalline igneous rock composed primarily of quartz and feldspar. It forms from slowly cooling magma that is subjected to extreme pressures deep beneath the earth's surface.

How much does granite cost?
We charge by the square foot and that price includes the material, the fabrication work (including cutting and polishing), the templating process, and the installation. We are happy to provide quotes at no charge or obligation.

For the most accurate quote, we ask that you send us the cabinet layout, the type of sink you are planning on using and stove or cook top information. If possible, show on your drawing any areas that have more than a 1 ½ “ overhang and areas that require back splash. We can give you a price in three ranges, which cover 90% of the colors we carry. We also carry nearly 1,000 remnants that can be used on smaller projects at a substantial savings.

Does granite chip or stain?
Granite is a very dense material and under normal conditions it is chip and scratch resistant. However, pots, pans and other heavy objects may chip the square edge around a sink area. Several other edge profiles are available that will look beautiful and reduce the chances of chipping.