6 Simple Steps to Tile Your Kitchen Wall

You can avail a number of benefits by remodeling your kitchen. Along with enhancing the look and feel of your kitchen, the remodeling project will further contribute towards increasing the resale value of your property. There are a number of options to make your kitchen visually appealing. But you can always consider adding tiles to the kitchen wall to enhance the area visually without putting any extra effort. Also, you have options to pick from a variety of tiles like glass tiles or ceramic tiles. At the same time, you can also consider installing the tiles on your own to save money.

 

Steps to Add Tiles to Your Kitchen Wall

1. The kitchen wall needs to be prepared properly for the tiling project. You must identify and patch the dents and holes in the kitchen wall. Before starting the project, you also need to ensure that all electrical outlets are turned off. You also have to wash the wall thoroughly by using clean water and a sponge.
2. It is a good idea to add tiles to the wall without using mortar. By avoiding mortar, you can easily know the final look of the wall. However, you must arrange the tiles on the wall several times till you decide the final pattern. If you are doing a mosaic, it becomes essential to decide the desired pattern. 
3. Based on your choice of pattern, some of the tiles may need to be cut. After measuring the tiles, you can mark these using a pencil, and then use a wet saw to cut straight edges. The curved edges of the tiles also need to be chipped using a nipper. Also, the sharp edges need to be smoothened using a carborundum stone.
4. After resizing the tiles, you have to prepare the adhesive or mortar according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. It is also a good idea to spread a ¼ inch layer of mortar on a small area of the wall using a notched towel. However, the towel needs to be hold at 45 degrees to create ridges in the mortar.
5. Now you have to place a tile on the kitchen wall, and push it lightly into the mortar. But you must push the tile quickly, as the mortar or adhesive dies quickly. At the same time, you also need to ensure that the tiles are level by using a level. Also, you have to put spacers between tiles.  Now allow the mortar to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the mortal becomes dry, remove the spacers.
6. Finally, mix the grout according to manufacturer’s instructions. Spread the grout over tiles after placing some amount of grout on a rubber float. However, you need to ensure that the grout is placed in between the tiles. After spreading the grout, wait for about 15 minutes. The wash the haze off the tile using a sponge and a bucket of water.

It is also a good idea to hire professional kitchen remodeling services to add tiles to your kitchen wall in a convenient and hassle-free way. The experience and expertise of seasoned handymen will further make it easier for you to retain the aesthetic value of your kitchen over a longer period of time.

Innovative Ideas You can Use while Finishing a Basement

You can always consider remodeling the basement of your house to   avail a number of advantages. In addition to extending your living space, you can further increase the resale value of the property by renovating the basement. However, you must prepare a basement renovation strategy by concentrating on a number of important factors. It is also important to identify factors like lower ceiling, dam walls and floors that can affect the finishing of your basement. At the same time, you also need to make a basement finishing budget by taking into account the expenses required to hire electricians, plumbers and construction experts.

Opt for a Basement Finishing System

Most homeowners hire contractors to finish the basement by building furring strips or stud walls attached to the wallboard. However, you can always consider installing basement finishingsystems offered by different companies. These systems are designed with all components required to convert an unfinished basement into a comfortable and stylish living space. Along with the finished ceilings and walls, a basement finishing system also includes door installation, lighting, trim work and other electrical work.

Some of the expensive systems available in the market also comes with windows, flooring, air conditioning, ventilation and customized plumbing services. As the conventional materials used by contractors are prone to mold, mildew, warping and water damages, many homeowners invest in basement finishing systems maintain the look and feel of their basement over a longer period of time. The systems use waterproof materials that can be easily cleaned and dried.

Understand the Right Way to Carpet the Basement

The basement area of a house is cooler than its other parts. So many homeowners install carpeting to keep the finished basement area warmer during winter months. But you must remember that the carpets can be damaged due to dampness and moisture issues. Further, the basement becomes damp during humid summer months, despite not having any moisture issue. So it is always important to understand the right way to install carpeting. 

You have a number of options to prepare the basement properly for carpeting. You can consider putting a layer of polystyrene foam over the basement flooring, and top it using a layer of plywood. Further, the plywood can be secured by using concrete screws in the pre-drilled holes. Alternatively, you have option to protect the carpeting by installing water-resistant wafer board.

These boards are further connected to a layer of dimpled plastic in the form of interlocking tiles. You can simply place the interlocking tiles between the plywood and concrete to prevent seeping up of moisture from the concrete. Also, you can consider installing alternative flooring like tiles to avoid the moisture issues.

You can always consider opting for professional basement finishing service providers to optimize the look and feel of renovated basement area. Some of these companies also offer customized basement finishing service according to your needs and budget. Also, the service provider allows you to avail the services of experienced electricians, plumbers and construction experts without putting any extra effort.

Important Points to Keep in Mind while Selecting a Shower Head

Earlier, homeowners had options to pick from limited models of shower heads. But the modern homeowners can choose from a wide variety of shower heads from the local and online home improvement stores. So you can decide the size, style and color of the shower head according to your specific needs. Along with the standard chrome and brushed nickel models, you also have options to pick the round rain-shower heads. However, it is always important to evaluate different shower head models to ensure that it will perfectly complement your bathroom.

Tips to Pick the Right Shower Head for Your Bathroom

Option to Position the Shower: Based on your choice, you can choose from the fixed, adjustable as well handheld shower heads. As the name indicates, the fixed shower head will remain in the same position. But the adjustable models allow users to change their position while remaining anchored to the bathroom wall. On the other hand, you can use the handheld shower head in a flexible way according to the position of your body.

Check the Shower System: Your choice of shower head will also be impacted by the shower system. Normally, the shower systems are designed by combining different shower heads. So you must check your existing shower system to decide the types of shower heads required to complement the custom-made unit.

Consider the Décor of Your Bathroom: It is always important to pick a shower head that perfectly complements the décor of your bathroom. Along with the models with brushed and chrome finished, you can even opt for the round rain-shower models designed with multi-spray shower heads. So the shower head selected by you must complement the bathroom sink faucet up to a great extent.

Water Saving Feature: You can enhance the energy-efficiency of your bathroom by choosing a shower head that is effective in saving water. The latest shower head models are designed with water saving features. But there are still many models that offer a much lower water output. So you must compare the shower heads according to their individual water output capacity.