Month: May 2018

As you are renovating your bathroom, you will find that you need to make multiple decisions about the materials that you are using throughout the space. One of those decisions will be about the flooring material that you will be using in your shower. While you may think that there possibly couldn’t be that many options and that they are all the same anyway, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Most of the flooring materials for showers are different and you will need to consider the qualities of each when making your final decision.

Here are the pros and cons of shower flooring materials:

Travertine

There are many styles of travertine and that is why this natural stone material is such a popular choice for showers. This material is slip resistant and it can last a long time before needing to be replaced. The downsides of travertine are that it can get stained easily and it needs to be sealed regularly.

Glass

You may be wondering why anyone would put glass on their shower floor, but this material is practically maintenance free. A little glass cleaner and a cloth is all you will need to keep your shower floor sparkling clean. Unfortunately, shower floors made from glass can be very slippery. This material can also be pricey.

Wood

Wooden floors are commonly seen in saunas, but they can be used in showers too. The wooden slats are installed over the base of the shower, so that water can drain properly. The wood will need to be sealed regularly and it can warp and discolor over time. The one major issue with wooden shower floors is that you will not have access to your shower drain, which can be a problem if it gets clogged.

Marble

You may love the look of marble, and who wouldn’t with all the beautiful swirls. This material is very versatile and can be used to create numerous size tiles. Marble can stain and scratch easily and it needs to be sealed prior to its first use. This material can be slippery, and it is expensive too.

Porcelain

Porcelain is durable and waterproof, so you will not need to worry about scratching it or ruining it with soap. This material has numerous finishes, which means that you can have a shower that looks like marble, wood, stone, or another one of your favorite materials. The only problem with porcelain is that the grout can be difficult to keep clean. We recommend choosing porcelain tiles that have a textured surface to prevent slipping.

Your contractor can help you choose the shower flooring material that will work best for you and that is within your budget. The decision may be difficult at first, but in the end, you will love the one that you choose.

There are so many things that you need to consider when you are planning a kitchen remodel, that it can make your head spin. However, all the planning with be worthwhile when you manage to create the kitchen of your dreams.

Here are 5 questions that you should have answers to before you finalize the plans for your kitchen remodel:

How will you use this space?

Knowing how you will be using your kitchen is very important and you realistically cannot create a plan for remodeling your kitchen without being aware of the answer. The answer to this question will also assist you in figuring out the answers to many other questions that follow during the planning process. A couple sample answers include your children using the space for homework and whether or not you plan on doing a lot of cooking in there. Your answers will determine the direction of your plans.

What items are on your wish list?

Everyone has a wish list of items that they simply must have in their dream kitchen, and you are no exception. You may want a fabulous window seat to sit on while you are cooking, while others may prefer smart appliances, antique furniture, or a beer keg.

What items should I compromise on?

You may have just created a wish list for your remodeled kitchen, but that doesn’t mean that you will get everything on your list. A smaller budget might mean fewer dream items, while smaller spaces might mean reconfiguring the layout and crossing items that won’t fit off your list.

What is the most efficient layout for my space?

It can be difficult to determine the most efficient layout for your remodeled kitchen, which is why we recommend that you hire a professional for this process. A kitchen designer can help you create the different zones in this space to ensure that it flows the way that you need it to.

Where should your lights be located?

You are going to need more than one light inside your kitchen, so that the space works for all your needs. Pendant lights will work well over an island, while under the cabinet lighting is perfect for food prep. Lighting along the floor will help you find your way to the kitchen for a midnight snack and lights inside your cabinets will add ambiance to the space.

You should never begin to plan any remodeling project until you have the answers to many basic questions. Your kitchen remodel is no different and once you answer the necessary questions, you will find that it is quite easy to create a plan for this space.