Home Improvement is the complete home improvement resource. Our collection of home improvement tips and articles include articles on kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, outdoors, decks and patios, and bedrooms. The list of home improvement articles are set up to be easy to find and easy to read.
Outdoor Lighting Installation
Outdoor lighting is not only a beautiful addition for your backyard but functional. For enhancing landscaping, you can install lighting that is low voltage to provide illumination. Other benefits of outdoor lighting include safety, and overall ambience. Low voltage kits are sold at many hardware and home improvement stores and come with a built-in transformer that has a timer. This feature allows you to choose when to have the lights turn on and off, adding convenience.
The transformers are able to use a household 120-volt and make it safe to run 12 volts. To install low lighting for your outdoors, a GFCI receptacle will be required on the exterior of your home. If you do not presently have on, an electrician will need to install one. Most importantly, always contact your local gas and electric company before you start to dig to ensure there are no underground cables or pipes.
For installation, choose the type of lights you prefer and keep in mind the areas you want to illuminate. Generally, you will find lights in four or seven watt so if you plan to brighten a large area you may need more lights than expected. Make sure the transformer has adequate wattage where additional lights could be added in the future. Be sure you have a diagram from which to work, which will help you stay on track of where you want the lighting to be installed. In addition, make good notes so you are reminded of problem areas, or specifics as to what you want to be illuminated. For example, you may have numerous types of plants and flowers on the south side of the house but in particular, you want your prized roses to shine.
After you have purchased the correct number of lights, position them to coordinate with your diagram. Typically, lights will come with a stake that can be driven into soft dirt easily. For this reason, the evening before you do the installation, water the ground thoroughly and then the morning of, sprinkle it with water so the ground is soft. Lay the lights down where the will be installed and then starting at the GFCI receptacle, lay out the cable so it runs to where the lights have been laid out. The cable above ground will be buried so no need to worry about anything being unsightly. Make sure you leave enough excessive cable at the transformer for each of the lights, which will allow you to move your lights later on. Each light has two wires with a metal tip. By putting one tab on each side of the cable and snapping it together, the light is installed. When the tip is pierced into the cable, the electrical connection is created. If the light does not come on, make sure these tabs are secured together.
You will then separate the wires at the end of the electrical cable and strip �-inch of insulation. The two screws on the transformer will be loosened and the bare wires you just stripped slid under the correct terminal. Once complete, plug in the transformer, and turn it on. Look at each light to ensure it is working. Keep in mind that if the day is bright and sunny, it may be difficult to tell if they are on so you may need to shield the light from the sun or recheck when it starts to get dark. With a small shovel, you need to dig down 5 inches to bury the cable. Once the cable is buried, cover it with dirt and compact it down. Finally, set the timer to come on, go off at the desired time, and enjoy your new lights.
24 Kasım 2008 Pazartesi
OUTDOOR
There is something very magical about owning a garden pond. As you sit outdoors on your patio or deck at night, listening to the sound of the crickets and the gurgling of your pond, you feel as though you are camping somewhere deep in the country. During the day, the sound of the fountain creates a calming atmosphere to help you forget about all the worries of the day.
Garden ponds have become so popular that many homes now enjoy the ambience. In fact, the very essence of water as it trickles down over rocks is such a powerful median that homes all across the world have indoor ponds. The great thing about a water pond is that it can be as small or large as you like. If you want something small and more intimate, a nice indoor pond would be ideal. If you want something more elaborate, you could create a Japanese garden pond with lily pads and Koi fish.
Often, people who create a pond are thrilled to discover that the number of animals and birds increase, as they come to drink from the water. You might even experience butterflies and frogs, all making their way to the cool retreat. Therefore, if you want your pond to attract wildlife, be sure you use only special water treatments not to harm them.
Water ponds can be made by digging out earth and pouring concrete to setting a prefabricated liner into the hole. Most often, these ponds are about three to five feet in diameter and with the addition of a fountain, statue, some plants, rocks, and perhaps a light fixture, you have an amazing place to relax and enjoy.
If you live in an apartment or have a small yard, you can create a wonderful pond by using an old half-whiskey barrel, found at most hardware and home improvement stores. By lining the bottom with a special black, plastic liner, you can add a pump, a water fountain, a few fish and plants, and have a beautiful pond. Just be sure if creating a barrel pond on your apartment balcony that you find out first the weight restrictions.
When creating a pond in your backyard, be sure the drainage holes (if you choose to have one) always flow away from the house. The best option is to use a pump that re-circulates the water, especially if you plan to have fish in the pond. You should also use a filter to keep the water clean and make sure the pump and any lighting is submersible. By using these few things, the maintenance of the pond will decrease and the amount of time available to enjoy it will increase.
Making ponds is not a difficult task and the results are truly amazing. You will find that you spend more time outdoors away from the television just to watch the fish and listen to the sound of the water.
Garden ponds have become so popular that many homes now enjoy the ambience. In fact, the very essence of water as it trickles down over rocks is such a powerful median that homes all across the world have indoor ponds. The great thing about a water pond is that it can be as small or large as you like. If you want something small and more intimate, a nice indoor pond would be ideal. If you want something more elaborate, you could create a Japanese garden pond with lily pads and Koi fish.
Often, people who create a pond are thrilled to discover that the number of animals and birds increase, as they come to drink from the water. You might even experience butterflies and frogs, all making their way to the cool retreat. Therefore, if you want your pond to attract wildlife, be sure you use only special water treatments not to harm them.
Water ponds can be made by digging out earth and pouring concrete to setting a prefabricated liner into the hole. Most often, these ponds are about three to five feet in diameter and with the addition of a fountain, statue, some plants, rocks, and perhaps a light fixture, you have an amazing place to relax and enjoy.
If you live in an apartment or have a small yard, you can create a wonderful pond by using an old half-whiskey barrel, found at most hardware and home improvement stores. By lining the bottom with a special black, plastic liner, you can add a pump, a water fountain, a few fish and plants, and have a beautiful pond. Just be sure if creating a barrel pond on your apartment balcony that you find out first the weight restrictions.
When creating a pond in your backyard, be sure the drainage holes (if you choose to have one) always flow away from the house. The best option is to use a pump that re-circulates the water, especially if you plan to have fish in the pond. You should also use a filter to keep the water clean and make sure the pump and any lighting is submersible. By using these few things, the maintenance of the pond will decrease and the amount of time available to enjoy it will increase.
Making ponds is not a difficult task and the results are truly amazing. You will find that you spend more time outdoors away from the television just to watch the fish and listen to the sound of the water.
LIVING
To warm up a room or add character, there is no better way than by adding an indoor rug. You can take a simple room and enhance it with color and texture or take a busy, colorful room and tone it down by choosing a soft, easy color. Indoor rugs come in every style, color, texture, and size imaginable. Therefore, if you are eager to give your room a completely new look, you can simply by adding or changing the rug.
The nice thing about indoor rugs is that they are so versatile. You can use an indoor rug as an accent or the focal point of the room. You can create a funky, contemporary look or one that is subtle and cozy. Since there are literally thousands of options available, you need to give thought to a few factors before shopping for your new indoor rug.
Determine if you want the rug to enhance the room�s d�cor or for the rug to take center stage. If you want the rug to capture the attention of the room, instead of buying a complex pattern, choose an indoor rug with a center medallion. If the room has a fireplace, which would be the natural focal point, then choose a rug that would compliment the fireplace rather than compete with it.
What type of furniture do you have? Is the fabric busy, colorful, and loaded with texture or simplistic? What color are the walls? Do you have off-white painted walls or bright colors or wallpaper treatments? If you have a lot of patterns and color, then you should go with a subdued rub whereas with off-white walls, you could be bolder in your choice.
Think about the amount of traffic in the room where you want to place the rug. This will help you determine the type of material to use as well as color and pattern. If you choose a solid light to medium color, then dirt would show easily whereas a heavier pattern would help hide the dirt.
The d�cor of your room is another important consideration in that you want an indoor rug to enhance the room. If possible, take paint samples or wallpaper and fabric swatches with you when shopping for a rug.
Consider the side of the room. If you have a small room, you want to stay with lighter colored rugs, which will help open the room up while darker rugs can make a large room feel cozier and more inviting.
The style of your room will help you choose texture. For instance, if you have a contemporary loft, you would want something with varying textures to compliment that style. However, if you have a country room or one with hardwood floors, then a jute rug or one made of sisal would be the ideal choice.
Finally, consider the shape of the room. Rugs come in a number of shapes other than rectangular so do not be afraid to venture away from tradition.
If you are not sure the right size rug to choose, remember that the smaller rugs, measuring from 4x6-feet to 6x9-feet are used under coffee tables. If you are going with an area rug, choose one that will sit beneath all four legs of the table and one that is about the same width and length of the furnishings. Accent rugs can be placed anywhere on the floor where furniture is not placed. To give you a good guideline to follow, you can refer to the following:
-Dining Room | An 8-foot wide rug is standard. You want the legs of the chairs to stay on the rug when pulled out for someone to sit down. Start by measuring the width and length of the table and then add 4 inches all the way around to determine the size of the rug needed.
-Entire Room | You want to ensure any floor showing is equal on all sides. The standard size rug would be an 8x11-foot and in this case, the front legs of furniture should be on the rug while the back legs can come off the rug.
Fibers are also important, as you will see from the information provided:
-Cotton | Soft, comes in multiple colors, and not as durable as wool
-Jute | Very soft but can fade in direct sunlight and when moist, can disintegrate
-Nylon | Durable, versatile, and easy to clean/maintain
-Polypropylene/Olefin | Highly stain resistant, repels water and stains
-Sisal | Very strong and durable, static-free, and colorfast
-Wool | Durable, soft, easy to clean, can be dyed, and a superior fiber
The nice thing about indoor rugs is that they are so versatile. You can use an indoor rug as an accent or the focal point of the room. You can create a funky, contemporary look or one that is subtle and cozy. Since there are literally thousands of options available, you need to give thought to a few factors before shopping for your new indoor rug.
Determine if you want the rug to enhance the room�s d�cor or for the rug to take center stage. If you want the rug to capture the attention of the room, instead of buying a complex pattern, choose an indoor rug with a center medallion. If the room has a fireplace, which would be the natural focal point, then choose a rug that would compliment the fireplace rather than compete with it.
What type of furniture do you have? Is the fabric busy, colorful, and loaded with texture or simplistic? What color are the walls? Do you have off-white painted walls or bright colors or wallpaper treatments? If you have a lot of patterns and color, then you should go with a subdued rub whereas with off-white walls, you could be bolder in your choice.
Think about the amount of traffic in the room where you want to place the rug. This will help you determine the type of material to use as well as color and pattern. If you choose a solid light to medium color, then dirt would show easily whereas a heavier pattern would help hide the dirt.
The d�cor of your room is another important consideration in that you want an indoor rug to enhance the room. If possible, take paint samples or wallpaper and fabric swatches with you when shopping for a rug.
Consider the side of the room. If you have a small room, you want to stay with lighter colored rugs, which will help open the room up while darker rugs can make a large room feel cozier and more inviting.
The style of your room will help you choose texture. For instance, if you have a contemporary loft, you would want something with varying textures to compliment that style. However, if you have a country room or one with hardwood floors, then a jute rug or one made of sisal would be the ideal choice.
Finally, consider the shape of the room. Rugs come in a number of shapes other than rectangular so do not be afraid to venture away from tradition.
If you are not sure the right size rug to choose, remember that the smaller rugs, measuring from 4x6-feet to 6x9-feet are used under coffee tables. If you are going with an area rug, choose one that will sit beneath all four legs of the table and one that is about the same width and length of the furnishings. Accent rugs can be placed anywhere on the floor where furniture is not placed. To give you a good guideline to follow, you can refer to the following:
-Dining Room | An 8-foot wide rug is standard. You want the legs of the chairs to stay on the rug when pulled out for someone to sit down. Start by measuring the width and length of the table and then add 4 inches all the way around to determine the size of the rug needed.
-Entire Room | You want to ensure any floor showing is equal on all sides. The standard size rug would be an 8x11-foot and in this case, the front legs of furniture should be on the rug while the back legs can come off the rug.
Fibers are also important, as you will see from the information provided:
-Acrylic | High resistance to stains, sunlight, and mildew
-Cotton | Soft, comes in multiple colors, and not as durable as wool
-Jute | Very soft but can fade in direct sunlight and when moist, can disintegrate
-Nylon | Durable, versatile, and easy to clean/maintain
-Polypropylene/Olefin | Highly stain resistant, repels water and stains
-Sisal | Very strong and durable, static-free, and colorfast
-Wool | Durable, soft, easy to clean, can be dyed, and a superior fiber
DECKS & PATIOS
When it comes to building a deck or patio, you want to keep two words in mind - comfort and functionality. Your deck or patio needs to be large enough to accommodate your needs. Before your deck or patio is built, decide how it will be used.
Space large enough for outdoor furniture and a barbecue grill where you and your family can relax and enjoy the outdoors
Large deck that will accommodate numerous people during parties and outdoor gatherings
Small intimate space for reading or relaxing
Deck or patio that will offer privacy from neighbors and noise
Safe design for small children and pets
Regardless of the purpose, most people want privacy and space without feeling as though they are confined. A great example would be if you live in an area where the homes are close together and the neighborhood tends to be noisy. Building a deck or patio with a dividing partition would be ideal. You want balance in design, size, and even materials. If your home is contemporary in style, a redwood deck would look out of place, just as a modern, geometrical deck would look funny built onto a Cape Cod. If your home is built from brick, incorporate some brick into the design. The same would be true if your home were constructed of wood or adobe. You want to have the deck or patio built with materials that will compliment your home and not look like a separate entity.
Other considerations include the landscaping, which is actually an important part of the complete look. The area needs to be aesthetically pleasing and if your deck or patio will be in direct sunlight, you might consider plants and trees that can provide nice afternoon shade. Using different types of climbing ivy, you can create a beautiful appearance on the partition or railing. Remember, you want your deck or patio to be a place of relaxation and tranquility, a place to escape from your busy day at the office or school.
Be sure to work with a builder that knows all the up to date codes and safe materials to use. For patios, some of the materials used for flooring can create a slick surface during rain, and some woods can splinter. Additionally, proper lighting needs to be considered to ensure people can see the steps going down into the yard. Safety is always a number one priority no matter what type of deck or patio you have built. If you have concerns that your home has no space for an addition, you would be surprised at the many available options. A flat is the perfect type of home for a wraparound deck or patio, providing functionality, roomy space, and making your entire home an appearance of being larger. If you have a yard that has sloping, building a detached deck or patio is ideal. This allows you to make the most out of difficult terrain while still enjoying a place of retreat. Even a home without adequate yard space can accommodate a deck or patio by having it built on top of the garage or house. Whatever design you go with, you want your deck or patio to lure people outdoors. You want this area to be inviting and comfortable. By adding French doors, potted plants, ornate railings, built-in seating, and even a nice, gentle flowing fountain will make your deck or patio extra special.
Space large enough for outdoor furniture and a barbecue grill where you and your family can relax and enjoy the outdoors
Large deck that will accommodate numerous people during parties and outdoor gatherings
Small intimate space for reading or relaxing
Deck or patio that will offer privacy from neighbors and noise
Safe design for small children and pets
Regardless of the purpose, most people want privacy and space without feeling as though they are confined. A great example would be if you live in an area where the homes are close together and the neighborhood tends to be noisy. Building a deck or patio with a dividing partition would be ideal. You want balance in design, size, and even materials. If your home is contemporary in style, a redwood deck would look out of place, just as a modern, geometrical deck would look funny built onto a Cape Cod. If your home is built from brick, incorporate some brick into the design. The same would be true if your home were constructed of wood or adobe. You want to have the deck or patio built with materials that will compliment your home and not look like a separate entity.
Other considerations include the landscaping, which is actually an important part of the complete look. The area needs to be aesthetically pleasing and if your deck or patio will be in direct sunlight, you might consider plants and trees that can provide nice afternoon shade. Using different types of climbing ivy, you can create a beautiful appearance on the partition or railing. Remember, you want your deck or patio to be a place of relaxation and tranquility, a place to escape from your busy day at the office or school.
Be sure to work with a builder that knows all the up to date codes and safe materials to use. For patios, some of the materials used for flooring can create a slick surface during rain, and some woods can splinter. Additionally, proper lighting needs to be considered to ensure people can see the steps going down into the yard. Safety is always a number one priority no matter what type of deck or patio you have built. If you have concerns that your home has no space for an addition, you would be surprised at the many available options. A flat is the perfect type of home for a wraparound deck or patio, providing functionality, roomy space, and making your entire home an appearance of being larger. If you have a yard that has sloping, building a detached deck or patio is ideal. This allows you to make the most out of difficult terrain while still enjoying a place of retreat. Even a home without adequate yard space can accommodate a deck or patio by having it built on top of the garage or house. Whatever design you go with, you want your deck or patio to lure people outdoors. You want this area to be inviting and comfortable. By adding French doors, potted plants, ornate railings, built-in seating, and even a nice, gentle flowing fountain will make your deck or patio extra special.
BEDROOM
Many years ago, a canopy bed was something special for a little girl's room. Today, the elegance and sophistication of a canopy bed can be enjoyed by anyone. Canopy beds can be created in a number of ways and are perfect for any d�cor and any age.
If you want to create a romantic bedroom that you and your spouse can enjoy, consider creating a canopy bed by creating a small box section on the ceiling above where the bed will be situated, using four 1" x 8" pieces of lumber. Choosing rich, warm-toned fabric, cut smooth pieces that measure 1" x 8" and glue them to each side of the wood so it cannot be seen, or if you prefer, you can paint the wood a coordinating color to the fabric or stain it a nice mahogany or oak. Then, measure four panels, each measuring 16-inches wide by the length needed to reach your bedroom floor. This measurement is after a two-inch hem has been completed all the way around and a one-inch open-ended loop at the top for a tension rod, if used. Check your local fabric discount stores to save additional money.
The box is constructed using strong wood glue and two-inch finishing nails that are driven in at an angle, providing extra strength. Be sure to countersink the nails and then fill the hole with wood putty. Next, sand the surface over the dried putty so it is even and cannot be seen.
Hanging the fabric can be done in one of two ways. The first is to run the open loop of each panel through a tension rod that will fit the length of 8-inches. Use a total of four rods, each for a panel and fitting snuggly inside the box. The second option is to use a staple gun and start by tacking one end of a panel in a corner of the box and then taking the opposite end of the panel and tacking it to the opposite end of the same side of the board. Then gather the rest of the panel, spacing the gathering evenly along that one board. When finished, install the next panel, and so on until all are hung. You will then sweep two of the panels together to one side of the bed, and the other two panels to the other. The result is a beautiful canopy that is elegant.
By using different materials, the look can be changed dramatically. For example, a single female may want to use soft, chiffon-type material in two different pastel colors, creating a soft, feminine look. If the canopy will be used for a teenager, you can use themed material or bold colors. Other options for fabric are to consider pre-made curtains and even designer bed sheets. The possibilities are amazing and your bedroom will look incredible.
If you want to create a romantic bedroom that you and your spouse can enjoy, consider creating a canopy bed by creating a small box section on the ceiling above where the bed will be situated, using four 1" x 8" pieces of lumber. Choosing rich, warm-toned fabric, cut smooth pieces that measure 1" x 8" and glue them to each side of the wood so it cannot be seen, or if you prefer, you can paint the wood a coordinating color to the fabric or stain it a nice mahogany or oak. Then, measure four panels, each measuring 16-inches wide by the length needed to reach your bedroom floor. This measurement is after a two-inch hem has been completed all the way around and a one-inch open-ended loop at the top for a tension rod, if used. Check your local fabric discount stores to save additional money.
The box is constructed using strong wood glue and two-inch finishing nails that are driven in at an angle, providing extra strength. Be sure to countersink the nails and then fill the hole with wood putty. Next, sand the surface over the dried putty so it is even and cannot be seen.
Hanging the fabric can be done in one of two ways. The first is to run the open loop of each panel through a tension rod that will fit the length of 8-inches. Use a total of four rods, each for a panel and fitting snuggly inside the box. The second option is to use a staple gun and start by tacking one end of a panel in a corner of the box and then taking the opposite end of the panel and tacking it to the opposite end of the same side of the board. Then gather the rest of the panel, spacing the gathering evenly along that one board. When finished, install the next panel, and so on until all are hung. You will then sweep two of the panels together to one side of the bed, and the other two panels to the other. The result is a beautiful canopy that is elegant.
By using different materials, the look can be changed dramatically. For example, a single female may want to use soft, chiffon-type material in two different pastel colors, creating a soft, feminine look. If the canopy will be used for a teenager, you can use themed material or bold colors. Other options for fabric are to consider pre-made curtains and even designer bed sheets. The possibilities are amazing and your bedroom will look incredible.
BATHROOM
Do-it-yourself projects are fun and the results gratifying. With a little help, you can transform your outdated bathroom into a magnificent room that is contemporary and fresh. Pulling in energetic colors is one way to achieve this transformation. To give you an idea of how you can accomplish this, you could paint the walls of your bathroom periwinkle. For the window curtains, choose a pattern that incorporates both a small and large-scale design and use colors of purple, wine, green, and periwinkle. Next, remove your cabinet doors and drawers. Sand down to get any loose areas of paint or debris off, preparing the surface for painting. Use a good primer and then choose a red color that matches the color in the curtain fabric. Add new contemporary hardware, a matching red shower curtain, bath rugs that have several different colors of green that you will make, and then for accents, use items with touches of gold. The bathroom will be bold, cheery, modern, and completely new.
The great thing about this type of bathroom design is that most of the items you can make yourself. For example, the window curtain, shower curtain, rugs, painting the cabinets, and even some of the accent pieces can all be handmade. We touched on how to prepare and paint the cabinets but what about the rugs.
Making green quilted rugs will make getting out of the tub a pleasure to your feet. Rugs can be made by choosing fabric of various shades of green and cutting it for a 24 x 30 inch rug. This is the finished measurement so you will need to add 1 � inches on each side for the seams. After cutting the top piece from the green fabric, you need to cut a second layer the same size made from batting, and a third layer of muslin. The bottom layer of muslin needs to be 1 inch larger than the top fabric and batting piece. The batting will go in between the fabric and muslin, with the muslin extending � inch over the fabric on all sides.
Next, pin all the layers together with a quilt grid on top. Machine-quilt on the grid and when finished, trim off the excess batting and muslin so they are the same size as the top fabric layer. To add cording, you will need to measure the perimeter of the mat and then add a couple of inches to accommodate the corners. Now cut out 4-inch bias-cut strips to match this length. Sew this into one long strip, pressing the seams open. The 1-inch cording will be centered on the wrong side of the strip and the fabric folded over to enclose. Make sure you match the long edges. Using a zipper foot attachment, stitch close to the cording and then pin it on the right side of the top fabric layer going along the perimeter of the mat, again matching the raw edges. Keeping a �-inch seam allowance and sew this together. Finally, the seam allowance will be pressed to the muslin and all layers will be topstitched. To finish the rug, a nonskid backing will need to be adhered to the back under the mat. These are not difficult to make as long as you follow directions and take your time. Your new bathroom design will bring an entirely new look to your home!
The great thing about this type of bathroom design is that most of the items you can make yourself. For example, the window curtain, shower curtain, rugs, painting the cabinets, and even some of the accent pieces can all be handmade. We touched on how to prepare and paint the cabinets but what about the rugs.
Making green quilted rugs will make getting out of the tub a pleasure to your feet. Rugs can be made by choosing fabric of various shades of green and cutting it for a 24 x 30 inch rug. This is the finished measurement so you will need to add 1 � inches on each side for the seams. After cutting the top piece from the green fabric, you need to cut a second layer the same size made from batting, and a third layer of muslin. The bottom layer of muslin needs to be 1 inch larger than the top fabric and batting piece. The batting will go in between the fabric and muslin, with the muslin extending � inch over the fabric on all sides.
Next, pin all the layers together with a quilt grid on top. Machine-quilt on the grid and when finished, trim off the excess batting and muslin so they are the same size as the top fabric layer. To add cording, you will need to measure the perimeter of the mat and then add a couple of inches to accommodate the corners. Now cut out 4-inch bias-cut strips to match this length. Sew this into one long strip, pressing the seams open. The 1-inch cording will be centered on the wrong side of the strip and the fabric folded over to enclose. Make sure you match the long edges. Using a zipper foot attachment, stitch close to the cording and then pin it on the right side of the top fabric layer going along the perimeter of the mat, again matching the raw edges. Keeping a �-inch seam allowance and sew this together. Finally, the seam allowance will be pressed to the muslin and all layers will be topstitched. To finish the rug, a nonskid backing will need to be adhered to the back under the mat. These are not difficult to make as long as you follow directions and take your time. Your new bathroom design will bring an entirely new look to your home!
KITCHEN
If you want to give your kitchen a fresh, new look, changing out the flooring can make a huge difference. The great thing about changing flooring is that you can replace it at any time. In other words, it can be a stand-alone project or something you do as a part of changing the entire kitchen. Regardless, your kitchen will look amazing and the value of your home will benefit.
In most cases, a new floor can be placed over an old floor as long as the sub-flooring is in good condition. Just keep in mind that if the flooring will be connecting to other rooms, there would be issues with imbalance. Therefore, while this is an option, the better choice would be to tear out the old floor and have new flooring installed, especially if the new floor is hardwood.
Let us say you wanted to install vinyl flooring. For this type of flooring, the best option is to buy sheets. Just be sure that you use the type of adhesive recommended by the manufacturer in that it is different from other adhesives. You should first create a template made of paper of the floor�s perimeter and measurements. Roll the paper along the edges of the room and then tape it into place any place where there would be a seam or a place where the tile would turn a corner.
Using the template you created, you can then cut the sheet of vinyl, making sure you allow a minimum of 5% more than the actual room size for cutting and waste. Depending on the pattern, you may need to allow even more so you can match the pattern up correctly.
Before you actually put adhesive down on the floor, be sure you do a test fit with all the pieces. Once you know that pieces are cur correctly, you can then use the adhesive, starting with a small section of the floor and working the piece of vinyl down before moving on to the next section. Do this for all of the cut pieces, allowing overlap on the first piece at the area where the seam will be.
You then want to lay a straight edge down along the overlap and line it up with the seam. Cut down both pieces of the vinyl from one end to the other end. Once all the pieces are in place, you want to remove any of the scrap pieces. Then apply adhesive to the edges using a roller and then press the seams together to fully bond.
Keep in mind that some of the vinyl may only need some perimeter bonding at the seams and edges. In that case, you should lay a sheet of vinyl down so it fits into the corners well. Once in place, cut the seam, spread some adhesive under the seam and then put pressure on the edges to make it seal.
If you are more interested in hardwood or ceramic flooring, you can follow the instructions by the manufacturer. However, with these types of floors, there is a bit more work involved and some level of expertise is helpful. Therefore, if you have never put hardwood or ceramic flooring down, you should expect to get some help or hire a professional.
In most cases, a new floor can be placed over an old floor as long as the sub-flooring is in good condition. Just keep in mind that if the flooring will be connecting to other rooms, there would be issues with imbalance. Therefore, while this is an option, the better choice would be to tear out the old floor and have new flooring installed, especially if the new floor is hardwood.
Let us say you wanted to install vinyl flooring. For this type of flooring, the best option is to buy sheets. Just be sure that you use the type of adhesive recommended by the manufacturer in that it is different from other adhesives. You should first create a template made of paper of the floor�s perimeter and measurements. Roll the paper along the edges of the room and then tape it into place any place where there would be a seam or a place where the tile would turn a corner.
Using the template you created, you can then cut the sheet of vinyl, making sure you allow a minimum of 5% more than the actual room size for cutting and waste. Depending on the pattern, you may need to allow even more so you can match the pattern up correctly.
Before you actually put adhesive down on the floor, be sure you do a test fit with all the pieces. Once you know that pieces are cur correctly, you can then use the adhesive, starting with a small section of the floor and working the piece of vinyl down before moving on to the next section. Do this for all of the cut pieces, allowing overlap on the first piece at the area where the seam will be.
You then want to lay a straight edge down along the overlap and line it up with the seam. Cut down both pieces of the vinyl from one end to the other end. Once all the pieces are in place, you want to remove any of the scrap pieces. Then apply adhesive to the edges using a roller and then press the seams together to fully bond.
Keep in mind that some of the vinyl may only need some perimeter bonding at the seams and edges. In that case, you should lay a sheet of vinyl down so it fits into the corners well. Once in place, cut the seam, spread some adhesive under the seam and then put pressure on the edges to make it seal.
If you are more interested in hardwood or ceramic flooring, you can follow the instructions by the manufacturer. However, with these types of floors, there is a bit more work involved and some level of expertise is helpful. Therefore, if you have never put hardwood or ceramic flooring down, you should expect to get some help or hire a professional.
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