Using the right types of stone in your garden can create the perfect tranquil environment commonly associated with homes in South America and Europe. Whether you should take on the project yourself or hire a professional will depend on your personal skills and needs. Read the full article courtesy of the Ottawa Citizen
The key to satisfaction and a real sense of accomplishment is doing as much of the work yourself as possible. You can also save a lot of money by building your own stone retaining wall in your garden instead of paying somebody else to get it done. Read the full article on Hub Pages
When the time comes to give your bathroom a make over, one of the main features that you are likely to replace is your countertops. Not only do they endure a fair amount of wear and tear but they are a vital part in determining the style of the room. Now, before rushing out and buying whatever seems good at the time, it would be a good idea to consider installing slate countertops. While some people might say that slate can be a bit on the pricey side, it is important to know and understand all of the wonderful advantages of this material. Firstly, slate is durable which means that it will stand the test of time. Sure, you aren’t going to be chopping or performing kitchen-style duties in the bathroom but it doesn’t hurt to invest in a surface that could last you the better part of a lifetime.
Stone finishes, floors and countertops have been popular for many years. Not only can they be found in kitchens but they can really spruce up your bathroom décor as well. Limestone is a really popular choice in terms of materials and, because of its many advantages, it’s really no surprise. Limestone, although not as tough as granite, is still extremely durable. When you consider the needs of your bathroom compared to the amount of pressure it would be under in a kitchen environment, it’s easy to see why limestone is still such a great choice. Your bathroom countertops are not made for cutting, chopping and food prep so you really don’t need anything extremely heavy duty. Limestone is also extremely attractive and its deluxe appearance resembles that of marble. The sandy or white colour that it comes in will compliment any bathroom and, even if you decide to change your
Natural stone is getting more popular when creating that rustic look in your home. According to architects the use of stone need not be restricted to outdoors! Read full article courtesy of The Hindu.
Wooden countertops in your kitchen are quite an attractive feature. They do, however, need replacing now and then. The good news is that this need not be a job for the pros. Save money on your kitchen renovation by removing your wooden kitchen countertops yourself. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to a brand new kitchen in no time: Shut off the water You don’t want water all over your kitchen so make sure you turn off the water before you begin. Turn the taps on (both hot and cold) to empty the water lines. Disconnect drains and fixtures Disconnect all drains, taps and any other fixtures. Have a bucket handy to catch any water that may still be in the drain. Remove the sink and other features If you have a garbage disposal, make sure that it has been unplugged before you remove it.
Selecting the right kind of stone countertops for your bathroom will depend on a number of factors such as style, preference and your budget of course. Your bathroom is a high traffic room and you aren’t likely to renovate it too often. So, when making your choice, you should consider the pros and cons of each of your options. Marble screams elegance and is available in a multitude of colours. It is, however, one of the more expensive options and more susceptible to stains. Stains can be prevented if the correct measures are taken as soon as the surface is installed. Limestone gives a more primitive, natural look and is a readily available material. There are a number of colours to choose from and it is known for its matt finish. Since it is a highly absorbent substance, regular cleaning is essential. Slate is known for its durability and tends
Quartz worktops contain a mixture of crushed quartz and resin. The ratio is about 93% quartz to 7% resin and they are available in various shades of colours and patterns. When choosing the right countertops for your bathroom, quartz should definitely be considered. Here are some advantages to fitting quartz countertops in your bathroom: – Quartz countertops are extremely tough. In fact, they are as strong as granite but a lot easier for professionals to work with and install. – Quartz is also non-porous. This means that it will not require any kind of sealing, ever. There is just about no maintenance involved in keeping quarts countertops looking good as new. – Since they are non-porous, another advantage is the fact that bacteria cannot make itself at home. When it comes to cleanliness, the bathroom is susceptible to bacteria. Keeping surfaces clean is essential for general health and, with quartz
Marble is known for its unique appearance and it is the sense of elegance that makes it one of the most popular choices in many bathrooms. Marble is formed from either dolomite or limestone rock that is exposed to extreme pressure and heat to create a superb end result. If you are considering installing marble countertops in your bathroom, you are in for a real treat! As mentioned above, marble surfaces are synonymous with luxury and decadence. They will turn any ordinary bathroom into a welcoming and fancy feature of your home. This is great for your own personal sense of pleasure and will surely impress your guests too. Bathrooms tend to look best when they are designed with a light, airy theme in mind. A clean yet inviting atmosphere needs to be created and marble can certainly help you achieve this look. The surface glows with a kind of
Your bathroom might not sound like a major selling point of your home and, in many cases, home owners don’t invest much in terms of bathroom décor. That being said, this is one room that will either leave your guests impressed or reluctant to return for another visit. Unlike your kitchen, your bathroom countertops are unlikely to hold anything more than soap, health and beauty products and perhaps a decorative item like a vase of fresh flowers or a scented candle. There might not be any need for your worktops to be resistant under pressure but you also wouldn’t want to choose something that absorbs water and other microscopic properties. In addition, by investing in a durable surface like granite, you can be sure that it will stand the test of time. You may pay more now but, since you won’t be replacing them in a hurry, they will more
