Copyright (c) 2008 Smoky Mountain Painting

Replacement of a damaged or broken section of tile is not as hard of a task as you may think.

Frequently, the most difficult part is attempting to locate an suitable match. Once you have located a match to replace the broken section of tile then all you’ll require is some tools and materials to get going. You’ll need a small bag of grout, grout sealer, tile adhesive, a putty knife, a chisel, a nailset and a hammer. When you have acquired these items you’re ready to begin.

Get rid of all the grout which surrounds the broken section of tile using a chisel or putty knife and a hammer. Next, wearing your eye protection, use a nailset and a hammer to place a hole in the center of the broken tile. Be cautious not to chip any of the bordering tiles, and avoid pushing the nailset into the material underneath.

Using a glass cutter mark an X across the face of the tile from corner to corner. Next, using a hammer and chisel, start to gently strike the tile beginning at the center of the damaged tile.

Take out all the remaining pieces of the busted tile. Using your putty knife to scrape the region clear of all left over debris. There will commonly be quite a bit of debris left over so be sure to scrape the area well.

Next, you should prime the area using a latex primer and allow it to completely dry out before continuing.

After the primer has completely dried out, test fit the new tile in the opening. It should bear an equal opening on all sides and must as well be flush to the bordering surfaces. Apply the adhesive material to the back of the tile and directly position it into the area that’s being repaired. Be sure to apply even pressure using both hands, lightly twisting on the new tile until it’s level with the bordering tiles.

Using masking tape or painters tape, tape the new piece of tile to the bordering area and leave it to set up for eight to twelve hours before continuing to the next step.

After the tile has set up, remove the tape and clean around the repaired tile once again be certain that no debris or dust have gathered in the cracks.

Blend the grout following the manufacturers instructions. Using a float, load it with the grout that you have just blended. Spread out the grout over the repaired area, be sure to push it into the cracks. Scrape away all extra grout by positioning your float at an angle and making certain the grout is even and smooth. Permit the grout to set up for approximately two hours before continuing to the next step.

Get rid of all of the extra grout using a moist sponge. Rinse out the sponge often and keep it clean. Permit the grout to dry for at least twenty four hours before exposing it to water.

After three to four days the new grout will be fully cured. You can now apply a grout sealer on the new grout. You can purchase grout sealer at most local paint or hardware stores.

Replacement of a damaged tile is a fairly easy chore and the majority of homeowners should not have any trouble completing this job.

Your new swimming pool and spa should be a very inviting place to spend time. Don’t design a backyard that will be boring and unattractive, add in options which will complete your backyard.

Now is the time to decide if you would like to include tile mosaics in your pool. Once you have completed your new pool and spa, the looks of your backyard oasis will depend on the options which can be added to your new project. Options such as; upgraded decking, colored lights, water features, special tile and in the pool tile mosaics.

Custom tile mosaics which can be added will add a finishing touch to any pool and spa. Tile mosaics can be fabricated and manufactured in just about any size, shape, color and design imaginable. Designs include; fish, shells, reef scenes, dolphins, beach balls, turtles, cartoon characters, mermaids, sports logos and the list goes on and on. Most mosaics are now available with a shadow design. The shadow design allows the mosaics to appear more realistic in the water and is a great option to consider. Tile mosaics are available from a variety of manufactures, some using small pieces of tile to others which use much larger tile pieces.

Tile mosaics can be installed on the floor of the pool and also on the side walls of the pool. Small items can also be installed on steps and benches but one must use caution when installing mosaics in these locations that the items will not be slippery when people are entering or exiting the pool or spa. Please also keep in mind that if you live in a climate that experiences freeze conditions, check with the manufacture of the mosaics you are considering, making sure their items are frost proof tiles.

Once you have decided on the particular tile mosaics, check with your construction company and ask them to allow you to place the mosaics in the exactly in the pool and spa location you would like. Mosaic location in the pool is very important to obtain the desired visual effect. When choosing a particular item or design, try to visualize if the piece will look better on the walls for a side view or if the mosaic appear better on the floor of the pool for a top down look.

Once your new swimming pool is completed, sit back and enjoy your new backyard oasis complete with fish, turtles, dolphins and whatever else you might enjoy.

Copyright (c) 2008 Able Skills

A new ceramic tiled floor can really improve the look of your home. Ceramic tiles are very practicle, hard wearing and attractive. Following the information below will help you acheive a quality ceramic tile floor in no time at all.

Step #1: Prepare the Floor

Depending on whether the floor you are tiling was previously tiled or carpeted, it will first need to be prepared for tiles to be laid. If there was carpet on the floor it will need to be removed along with any backing or glue. In addition, the surface will need to be made perfectly smooth and preferably dust-free. Keep in mind that the wood floor on which the tiles will lay needs to be as flat as possible. Otherwise, the tiles will not lay straight and water may puddle, which is unsightly and can be dangerous.

It is possible for ceramic tiles to be laid on top of other tiles, but only where the lower layer is in good condition with no cracks. Otherwise, the lower layer of tile will affect the new layer. This is why it is not recommended.

Any fasteners need to be flush with the floor and there should be no lumps, bumps or nails to compromise the integrity of the tiles. The preparation of the floor and the material used to prepare the surface for the tiles to be laid depends on the current condition of the floor. Therefore, you should research your options carefully, perhaps taking advice from the DIY shop.

Step #2: Prep Doors and Other Obstacles

Inevitably, you will have a few obstacles in your way when tiling a floor. Where a door opens into the room, whether it be a walkway door or a floor-level cupboard, you will need to trim the door bottom in order to make sure it can open smoothly and without hitting on your new tiles once they are installed.

Step #3: Get Your Trowel and Mix the Thinset

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the thinset. Just keep in mind that you should only mix as much thinset as you can use in two hours. You will also need to make sure the notch size of the trowel is the same depth as the tiles, as this gives good adhesion and also allows any air to escape after the tile is laid.

Step #4: Find the Center

You need to begin tiling from the center of the room. In order to find the centre, locate the midpoint of each wall and snap chalk lines. If this tile line bisects a unit, such as the bath or a vanity, then make sure the tile has at least 2 inches width. Otherwise, it may snap when cutting or laying and it will have a generally untidy appearance. Move the centre tile where necessary to obtain this fit. It is important, of course, to work all this out before the application of adhesive!

Step #5: Lay the Tiles

When laying your tiles, be sure to press them down ith a slight twist of the wrist. You should also use spacers in order to give a good, tidy, even fit. It is important to avoid ‘lippage’, where the edge of one tile is higher than the one next to it. Even pressure when laying the tiles helps with this.

You can use either a wet saw or a tile cutter to trim the tiles to size and lay them around the edges. Smaller cuts, such as those needed for going around pipework, can be made with hand cutters and a file.

Step #6: Finishing It Off

The tiles can set overnight, then scrape any residue of thinset from the tile surface or joints. Apply grout from the center of the room to the outside, pushing it in first in line with the joint, then diagonal to them. After grouting, let the tiles dry for at least 30 minutes and don’t be too aggressive in wiping up the mess. Otherwise, it might pull out of the joints.

If you’d like to attempt this job yourself rather than hiring someone to do it for you, you may feel more confident after taking a course in tiling – and you will also learn more advanced techniques that can help you do an even more exciting design.

Remodeling your kitchen will improve the function of your home and will also increase the resale value. Some things to consider when thinking of remodeling your kitchen include cabinet styles, counter tops, appliances and tile style.

When deciding on cabinet styles you first have to decide whether you would like to build your own or purchase ones already built. There are many websites and home stores that can provide you with the materials to build your own. If you chose to purchase already built cabinets or build to suit cabinets your next step would be to decide on what type of cabinets you would like. You can choose from a variety of styles and finishes including woods or laminates. Which ever way your chose to go, make sure you pick a cabinet style that will fit the mood and design of your kitchen and home.

When deciding on kitchen countertops you must first choose what type of countertop material you would like. Some of the most popular picks include granite, ceramic, laminates, marble and stainless steel. Once you choose the material you must decide whether to install it yourself or have it professionally installed. If you choose to install it yourself there are many do it yourself books and websites that will walk you thru the process of removing your old counter top and replacing it with your new one. If you choose to have it professionally done, it is as easy as going into your local home store deciding on your countertop and setting up an appointment to have it installed.

The most important thing when choosing your kitchen appliances is to choose ones that will match the mood and design of your kitchen. If you have a more modern kitchen you may want to go with stainless steel; if your kitchen is more country you may want to stick to your basic black or white. When designing your new kitchen, you may also want to consider having built in appliances. Once you decide which type of appliances you want, you have many options for purchasing them; online, home stores and electronic stores all offer appliances now.

One of your final steps in completing your new kitchen is choosing your backsplash tile. You have many options for choosing your style such as glass, stone, marble, mosaic tile and moroccan tile. Two of the more popular styles are the mosaic and moroccan which are both available for you to purchase online. Once you have purchased these online, most sites will offer you detailed information on how to install the tiles properly. Backsplash tiles are also available for purchase at home good stores and most will also come and install them for you.