Matching Colored Caulk with Colored Grout

 You can purchase colored grout at your local home improvement center. In many tile projects, you will need to use grout in between the tiles you lay and you will need to apply a layer of caulk to the sides and edges of the tiled surface. One would sometimes think that you can only find grout in whites and grays and that caulk can only be found in the same types of shades, but with the improvement in technology, there are many different color solutions that will allow you to match your grout with your caulk. Below are a few tips to remember when you are going to match the two different products.

Whites and Grays

The simplest and easiest way to match the grout with the caulk is to keep with a standard color solution. Whites and grays tend to be the most frequently used and readily available products on home improvement shelves. You will not need to worry about running out of a supplied color, either with the caulk or the grout.

Browns, Tans, and Neutrals

Another increasingly popular choice in the color wheel for tile projects are neutral colors. If you pick a tile that will work with a neutral brown caulk or grout, you will have several different options to choose from. You should not have any trouble finding a color that will match or complement the tiles you lay.

Reds, Yellows, and Other Brights

If you are instead looking to create a tiling project with many different colors or with colors that are not as widely used, you will have a more difficult time finding a caulk and a grout that will match perfectly. With the advent of additional coloring techniques, it is not as difficult as it once was. The big box home improvement stores usually only carry the standard colors. To find something that will match well, go online to a caulk and grout supply store. You can also look for a tile supply store, as they sometimes carry the types of products that will give you the ability to match two material colors. Colorfast, as an example, carries a wide variety of grout, caulk tubes, and kits. The caulk usually comes in a tube and will need to be mixed before application.

Sheen and Shine

When you look to match the caulk with your grout, consider the type of shine you wish to use. Grout is usually a non-shiny material that is applied in between the tiles. Caulk tends to have a wet look. If you add a sealer to your grout and tile, you can use a shiny type of caulk to match the shine. If you instead intend to leave the tile natural in look, you should consider finding a caulk that does not shine as much and that has a low luster appeal.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Install Carpet to Laminate Floor Transition Pieces

Installing different flooring in different rooms can create the need for a floor transition. This device ensures the two adjacent areas of floor do not touch, and it can cover up loose ends that would otherwise cause people to trip. Different types of flooring require different transition moldings. You will learn in this article how to achieve the right look between carpet and laminate flooring.

What You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
•  Screws
•  Transition piece
•  Hammer
•  Carpet

Step 1 - Lay the Floors

Before you can install your floor transition, you need to lay the floors as closely together as you can. The laminate flooring should be built right up to the door frame, or whatever will form the break between the two types of flooring.

When you lay the carpet, leave the edge which will connect with the laminate flooring turned up. Ensure both carpet and laminate flooring is clean, with no debris on the subfloor.

Step 2 - Install the Floor Transition Piece

Installing a carpet transition piece is different from hardwood. The carpet molding will be flat on one side but will have a lip on the other with a series of raised teeth. This is the side which faces the carpet. Place your transition piece into the end of the laminate and tap it into place firmly with your hammer. Once the transition piece is over the floor, screw it in securely.

Step 3 - Finish the Carpet

Now you are ready to finish laying the carpet. Place tacks as usual all along the edge, until you come to the transition molding. Lay the carpet flat out on top of the piece; then use two screws to keep the carpet and the molding flat against the subfloor. If you are using an underlay, you may also tack this into the molding at the same time.

Step 4 - Finish the Floor Transition Piece

Your molding will now be ready to take the top piece. This will have to be cut with a saw or similar implement. What you use depends upon the tools you own; so long as it cuts the transition top piece, the tool does not really matter. Unlike the hardwood molding, which has a sort of slip, this will be a tough metal piece which will form a lip over each side of the floor.

After you cut the top, you need to lay it perfectly straight across the molding part and tap it onto the transition piece with the hammer. You will know when the top is in place, as the tapping will make a different noise.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Installing a Hardwood-Carpet Transition

 Properly installing a hardwood-carpet transition piece is often part of a successful hardwood installation. In order to properly transition from hardwood to carpet, you need to make sure that you install the right trim piece. This will give it a very professional and finished look.

What You'll Need:

• End molding
•  Saw
•  Liquid nails
•  Hammer
•  Nails
•  Tape measure
•  Knee kicker
•  Carpet stair tool

Measure the Opening

Before you can install hardwood to carpet transition, you need to know how big of an opening you have. Most of these transition pieces come in 6-foot lengths, and you should plan accordingly. Therefore, if your opening is 8 feet wide, then you are most likely going to need two pieces to do the job. Take your tape measure and get the dimension from one end of the opening to the other. Write that dimension down to the nearest inch so that you don't forget it when you get to the store.

Purchase the Transition

Once you know the dimension that you need, purchase the proper transition piece. There are many different types of transition pieces that are available for wood flooring. You should be able to get a matching piece for the type of wood that you bought. Check with the store where you purchased your hardwood first. They may have the proper transition piece in stock, or they can usually order for you if not.

If they do not have access to the transition piece that you need, check other flooring stores as many of them have an abundance of transition pieces laying around. The transition piece that you need is called an end mold and is often referred to as a carpet reducer. This type of transition looks like an "L" shape. Make sure that you leave the store with the right transition piece for the job.

Cut the Transition

Measure again just to be exact and get the dimension that you need. Mark the dimension on your transition piece and then cut it with the saw. Make sure to make a clean cut so that there is not a jagged edge on the end of the transition, and so that it will fit in the doorway properly.

Install the Transition

If you're on a wood subfloor, you may be able to nail the transition piece in place. You can also use liquid nails to glue it down to the subfloor. Cover the edge of the wood with one end and glue the other end to the ground. Then stretch the carpet up to the side of the transition piece with the knee kicker and tuck the edges into the tac strip with the stair tool.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Cardiff Tile Doctor Details the Restoration of a Quarry Tiled Floor in Penarth

This client from Penarth contacted Tile Doctor to see if their 100-year-old Quarry tiled floor which had broken and missing tiles could be salvaged. The property dated back to 1890 and had experienced many years of wear and tear and it certainly showed. One of the biggest problems however would be to renovate the area in front of the old fireplace where a hearth was once situated.

It was clear the area in front of the fireplace would need to be rebuilt using matching replacement quarry tiles more of which would be needed for the other repairs that needed doing. Once that was done the floor would then need a deep clean and a fresh sealer applied to give the whole floor a consistent appearance.

I worked out a comprehensive quote which included the repairs and renovation work. This was accepted by the client and a date set for the work to start.

   

Cleaning and Repairing a Quarry Tiled Room

Work started with the tile repairs which involved breaking out the damaged tiles and those in front of the old fireplace and then cleaning up the floor ready for the replacement tiles to be installed.

 

Quarry tiles are still very popular, so it wasn't a problem finding matching replacements which I had manage to source before work commenced. The replacements were then laid in-line with the existing tiles using rapid set adhesive and grouted in.

Once the tiles had set, I was able to start the cleaning process which started with scraping off as much cement, paint, and plaster residue off the floor as possible. This was then followed up with a deep clean of the tile and grout using a mixture of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean combined 50:50 with with Tile Doctor Nanotech HBU Cleaner.

After leaving these products to soak in for ten minutes I worked by hand scrubbing in 1m2 sections at a time, cleaning and rinsing with water and vacuuming up the waste with a wet vacuum as I progressed. Doing it this way ensures maximum attention to detail and ensures the floor is as clean as possible. 

Once done, the floor was given an acid rinse using Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up which was brushed onto the floor and extracted with the wet vacuum as before. Old floors like this don't have a damp proof membrane and are susceptible to efflorescence, giving the floor an acid rinse like this counters salts and helps further clean the tiles.

After another rinse and extraction with the wet vacuum the floor was left overnight to dry.

   

Sealing a Quarry Tiled Floor in Penarth

The next morning the floor was tested for moisture with a damp meter and the readings confirmed it had dried sufficiently to accept a sealer. I don’t recommend sealing a damp floor as it impacts the sealers’ ability to cure and leads to a patchy finish.

Sealing started with the application of a single coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is a very durable and breathable sealer which being an impregnator provides an excellent base. The customer wanted a shiny finish so this was followed up with a couple of coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go. This product further protects the floor and adds a subtle shine which together with the Colour Grow really brought out the colours in the Quarry tiles. As you can see the red colour of the floor looks vibrant and stunning after the two different sealers were applied.

My client was delighted with the result and offered to recommended Tile Doctor to their family and friends which was nice. For aftercare I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner which is a gentle but effective tile cleaner that's ideal for cleaning sealed floors.

Source: Quarry Tile Restoration Products and Services in Penarth South Wales

How to Clean Hand Scraped Bamboo Flooring

What You'll Need:

• Broom
•  Dustpan
•  Mop
•  Water and white vinegar solution

Cleaninghand scraped bamboo flooringis one of the things you should consider when buying and installing this type of flooring. It is also one of the most important things you need to know if your office or house hashand scraped bamboo flooring.

Bamboo, the tallest and the most popular grass, has been widely used in different ways. Like any other building and flooring materials, there are appropriate ways of cleaning it. Your flooring is one of your investments so you really have to keep it clean and protect it regularly. Your supplier should have given you the instruction guide on the proper care and maintenance of your bamboo flooring. But if the supplier did not or you have forgotten where you placed the instruction guide, here are some of the easy-to-follow tips in cleaninghand scraped bamboo flooring:

Step one

Move all the furniture out of the room. Do not drag or pull your furniture. Always carry all the heavy pieces because pulling them will damage the floor and cause permanent marks on it. Remove the carpets and rugs carefully. Begin by sweeping up the room you are planning to clean. The room should be free from residues, debris, dust, and other minute matters such as nails, pins, and screws. Use your broom and dustpan for this job.

Step two

Buy an appropriate “wood safe” floor cleaner. Do not use heavy detergents, concentrated chemicals and abrasives because these can damage your bamboo flooring permanently. When there aren’t any “wood safe” floor cleaners available, you can create your own mixture of one-fourth cup of white vinegar to every one-quart of water. If your floor is already free from residues and dirt, get a gallon of warm water and add the recommended amount of “wood safe” floor cleaner. Mix it well so you will be able to produce an even, suitable mixture.

Step three

You will need a mop for yourhand scraped bamboo flooring. Before you start cleaning the floor, make sure you squeeze out the mop completely. Large amounts of water should not be left on the bamboo floor so moisture and molds will not develop in the floor.

Step four

Carefully wipe the floor with the mop in a back and forth motion. The entire area of the floor should be covered. Do not omit any dirty areas so your hand scraped bamboo flooring will have even color and tone.

Step five

Keep your bamboo flooring clean by mopping at least once a week.

Step six

One way to protect your bamboo flooring from getting dirty is to use rugs or carpets in areas where people often walk or stay. By doing so, the floor is exposed to less dirt and residue because the mats, rugs, or carpets filter it. If you have indoor plants, do not place them on top of your floor. Water and moisture might concentrate on the floor, thus, your flooring may fade; molds and bacteria could grow in that area which will lead to staining.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Prefinished Bamboo Flooring: Pros and Cons

 Prefinished bamboo flooring is a convenient choice for homeowners who prefer a ready-made and easy-to-install floor type. The floor is manufactured right through to the final finishing stages. This eliminates the need for further processing work on-site which is usually required for unfinished floors. Various urethanes are used during finishing to give the floor an enduring beauty. Urethanes also protect it from the usual wear and tear effects that come with use. You can get prefinished bamboo floors in natural and carbonized varieties as well as vertical and horizontal versions. Below are the pros and cons of prefinished bamboo floors.

Pros of Prefinished Bamboo Flooring

Prefinished bamboo floors don’t require further processes like sealing, sanding, or staining after installation. Once properly installed, the floor can be used right away. The quick turnaround time is helpful where time is an issue. If you’re looking for a bamboo floor type that will retain its attractive look for several years, prefinished is an excellent choice.

The floor surface is highly resistant to chipping, dents, and scratches. The prefinished surface bears up well in high traffic areas such as the living room or kitchen while retaining its attractive appearance. This makes it one of the most durable floor types available. Prefinished floors often come with an extended warranty. Many manufacturers offer a warranty ranging from 15 to 25 years. Such a floor definitely adds to your home value.

The low maintenance requirements of prefinished bamboo floors make them a favorite with many bamboo floor lovers. Simply use a mop to get rid of dust and dirt. Once in a while, you can do a deep cleaning job using special cleaners that are appropriate for bamboo floors. The floor doesn’t develop stains which makes maintenance even easier.

For those who frequently suffer allergies, a prefinished bamboo floor can help control your allergic reactions. Its hypoallergenic quality guarantees that no allergens will get trapped on the floor. This makes it a safe and effective way of controlling allergies for household members. The versatility of prefinished bamboo floors also endears them to many. The floors easily blend with various decors, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Prefinished bamboo floors easily add to the beauty, elegance, and ambiance of a room.

Cons

The color variety for prefinished floors is rather limited. Unlike unfinished floors which can be further stained into whatever color you choose, the prefinished variety restricts you to a smaller color range. This may be disappointing when trying to achieve a unique color scheme. Should a portion of the floor get damaged and repair becomes necessary, the damaged portion may not match the rest of the floor once sanding has been done.

Replacement becomes necessary which ends up being a more costly exercise than repair. The prefinished boards are beveled on the edges to eliminate the sharp edges. This is because the boards have varying heights and thicknesses when being processed in the factory. Bevelling creates grooves that may feel uncomfortable when walked upon. It also makes it impossible to achieve a flawless, uniform appearance.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Essex Tile Doctor Reveals how to Remove Years of Dirt from Terracotta Floor Tiles

The Terracotta tiles in the kitchen of this property in Danbury near Chelmsford were installed by the owners only five years prior. At the time they didn't like the light colour of the terracotta, so they were sealed with a black pigment added to the sealer in an attempt to darken the floor. Five years later and the sealer had clearly failed, and the tiles and grout were now seriously filthy and impossible to clean.

I wanted to be certain I could remove the dirt and old sealer so whilst at the property surveying the floor I did a cleaning test with Tile Doctor Remove and Go scrubbed into a couple of tiles by hand. The product worked really well and easily cleaned the tiles and grout with excellent results (see picture).

The difference was quite striking and equally impressive so after I worked out a quote, they were more than happy to get me booked in to complete the floor.

Deep Cleaning a Terracotta Tiled Kitchen Floor

I returned on the agreed date and immediately set about applying the same process to get the Terracotta tile and grout clean. I used a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go working it into the tiles using a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine which also cleaned the grout lines.

The Terracotta was rinsed, and the soiling extracted with a wet vacuum. Once done the tiles and grout were inspected and any stubborn areas re-treated using the same process until I was satisfied the Terracotta, and grout was as clean as possible.

The underfloor heating was switched on and used to dry the floor overnight so it would be dry and ready for sealing the next day. This was a helpful addition and avoided the need for me to get the fan dryers out overnight.

Sealing a Terracotta Tiled Kitchen

Terracotta is made from clay and as a result is a very porous material, because of this it took eight coats sealer before it was fully sealed. I applied Tile Doctor Colour Grow sealer for this, it contains a colour enhancing formula which really brought out the orange and red colours in the tile.

This sealer is an impregnator that works by soaking into the tile, occupying the pores and ensuring dirt remains on the surface where it is easily cleaned away. It will provide long term protection moving forward and it improves the appearance of the floor without the tiles becoming too shiny.

I think you will agree from the photographs that the floor was completely transformed, and I’m pleased to say the owner was really happy and shocked to see it so different from before.

For aftercare cleaning I recommended Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner, this is a pH neutral product which will ensure the newly applied sealer retains its integrity. Many household cleaning products are simply too strong and will strip away the sealer with use.

Source: Terracotta Tile Cleaning and Renovation Products and Services in Danbury Essex