Are Terracotta Tiles a High-Maintenance Product?

Traditionally made terracotta tiles are, without doubt, beautiful but many people are discouraged from using them in their homes because they are concerned about the high levels of maintenance required to keep them looking good. The thought of sealing the tiles regularly can be a deterrent to many people especially when there are contemporary alternatives such as porcelain tiles which require minimal maintenance, if any.

But there are, in fact, two types of terracotta tiles manufactured now: the more typical unglazed tiles, which do, indeed, require extensive maintenance, but also glazed tiles which require minimal maintenance.

Unglazed terracotta has been used in private homes extensively in the past although it is now less popular simply due to the change in interior trends. The type of maintenance that it required was treatment with linseed oil and wax or sealing with a synthetic sealant. The traditional oil and wax method involved applying several coats of linseed oil with a soft cloth after the tiles were laid but before the grouting was done. The oil would darken the natural terracotta color and once dry the routing was done and was followed by a coat of clear wax.The disadvantage of this method was that the wax needed to be reapplied regularly to maintain the sheen and would eventually have to be stripped off and the waxing process started again. Understandably this is the process that deters people from using terracotta.

The less traditional approach requires applying several coats of a synthetic sealant which can last for up to 3 years and never needs to be stripped back as it can just be applied over the existing sealer to revitalize the finish.

However, neither approach could be termed "low-maintenance" but, fortunately, for those who love the rustic charm and warm tones of terracotta some manufacturers are now manufacturing glazed terracotta tiles which genuinely are low maintenance.

All terracotta tiles are made from a workable mixture of clay and water that is shaped as required and then left to dry naturally before being fired in a kiln. Whilst the technique is ancient there have been considerable improvements in its implementation due to technological advances which have enabled terracotta tiles to be created with a glazed surface.

The clay used to make terracotta tiles is extracted from a quarry and grinding machines are usually used to reduce the clay to a powder. The water is then added to form a paste and the tiles can either be created by hand, for a more rustic look, or by machine, for a sleeker, more modern look.

Once dry the kiln-firing of the tiles is done with the high temperatures making a tougher, more stable glazed terracotta tile. Because of the high-temperature glazing these types of tiles need none of the tedious maintenance procedures that the more traditional, unglazed tiles require. Yet they have the look and feel of a hand made tile with natural variations in color adding to their unique beauty without the maintenance headache.

Glazed terracotta tiles are typically supplied in batches that have a range of colors within the same color spectrum to ensure your floor will never look bland and "too perfect". Mass produced ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles can never achieve this type of unique beauty because every tile is the same.

Shop Water Features Made of Marble for a Strong Focal Point   Creating That WOW Factor In Your Home On A Budget   Water Fountains for the Home Come in an Array of Styles   The Different Styles of Oak Floors for Your Home   Oriental Rugs And Persian Carpets: Best Wool For Rug Weaving   

Swimming Pool Lights - A Different Experience

People like to swim, even if it is in a swimming pool and the enjoyment of taking a dip can be extended at night. But for safety reasons many are limited to swimming at night. This is especially true for children since taking a dip in the pool at night is not ideal as many problems can happen. In most cases, many often have difficulty seeing in the dark let alone see what others are doing. But the existence of swimming pool lights can make it possible for adult and children to swim at night.

To prevent any accidents in the pool especially on the swimming bath deck, a homeowner will need to shine light fully around the pool area and its outer surrounding. Giving light to this place ensures the safety of every individual who are taking a dip. At the same time, it provides the convenience to walk around the sides of the phone and in the swimming pool deck.

In addition, the lights can make your natatorium look stunningly beautiful. This can be useful when you intend to create a romantic vibe all throughout the night.

They can also give added excitement to the swimmers. Having lights on the swimming pool is a must-have for homeowners who want to make their evening swimming special.

Lights catered for the pool are available in various colours, shapes and sizes. These days, pool lights underwater have plenty of advantages to offer making them relatively easy to use as lights. Some pool lights underwater have a power switch so you have the option to turn them off when you are not planning to use your lap pool.

You can also take a look at other kinds of pool lights underwater that can automatically change colours to give an added effect experience in your swimming lap. The different lighting effect are installed in various part of the swimming pool that gives you that feeling of swimming in a different surrounding while you are on the water.

The Nitelighter aboveground swimming pool lights valued at $70 are economical lights to have around. It has a uniquely patented reflector designed for maximum lighting. One light is very sufficient to be illuminated on any aboveground swimming pool. It has the following features:

• chemical resistant lens • with fuse overload protection • a 28 ft. Cord (including transformer and plug) • Powers at 35 Watts • Tested to UL Standard 676 and Certified by ETL • Will not interfere with water return.

The Challenger Nova Floating swimming pool lights are valued at $79. They consist of the following features:

• illuminates your pool with up to 8 hours of glowing light • can work in all types of pools, as well as lakes and ponds • is specially-designed with plastic shell that will not fade in direct exposure to sunlight or pool chemicals • with LED lights that can last up to 100,000 hours • comes complete with rechargeable batteries and charger

4 Reasons Why You Need Solar Pool Panels   Select Your Swimming Pool Cautiously To Ensure Easy Maintenance   The Keys to Keeping Pool Water Looking Great   Advantages Of Screened Pool Enclosures   Three Swimming Pool Concerns and the Swimming Pool Supplies Needed To Resolve Them   Swimming Pool Safety Covers   

How to Prepare When Choosing a Custom Home Builder

So, you've made the decision to build a custom home. Now comes the next step: Finding yourself a builder. You might be tempted to go with the first custom home builder you come across just because you're in a hurry to get to the next step, but don't! Taking some time to research properly will pay off in the end when your new home is finished with a minimal amount of problems, issues or extra costs, and you finally have the house you've always dreamed of.

Get your questions straight

Make a list of questions you have about how they work, what standards they adhere to, how much time they usually take on building a single house, etc., and send it to their office. Some questions will be able to be answered by email like this, but other questions you really want to meet with the builder in person in order to see how seriously they take the issue.

Make an appearance

You definitely want to visit their office in person in order to make sure that they are a legitimate company. Ask to see their license and permit to operate in their area as well as proof of how long they have been operating there. While you're there, ask about the warranty they provide and ask to see any materials you can of previous projects. If you can, also ask to be toured around any houses built by them, and inspect every detail first-hand.

Look to the past

Any reputable custom home builder will have a history of building homes in any period and type of economy. How has the builder's company been doing financially for the past two or three years? Look at their activities during a recession or during a time when the economy was tough; did they still receive jobs on a consistent basis? If so, chances are better that you are dealing with a quality builder company that can be trusted.

Pay attention to communication

How much a builder chooses to communicate with you about your future home as well as their past homes says volumes about how trustworthy they are. If the builder is happy to share stories and details of their projects, that can be a sign of confidence and past successes. If on the other hand they do not want to discuss them or seem vague or hazy when discussing yours, you might want to look around some more.

Don't go alone

When you are making a decision of this type, you are ultimately deciding upon something that will affect you for many years down the road, if not for the rest of your life. Be sure to have someone beside you that has had experience in the past with buildilng a custom home, or knows the custom home industry well themselves. This type of know-how can make all the difference between choosing a builder that's going to hang you up with problems and uncertainties, and one that will quickly and effectively deliver the home you've always dreamed of.

Custom Home Builders - Why You Need One   10 Steps to Owning Your Log Home   Why Every Step In Planning Your Home Construction Is Exciting?   Using Dry Ice Blasting to Prep Your Concrete   How To Save Money on Construction   

Best 11 Storage Tips for Small Spaces at Home

Finding storage space can be a hassle when you are living in a smaller home. Inevitably, space is limited. Here are 11 storage tips for you that will solve your storage woes and at the same time, leaving you with a cozy, intimate and organized home:

Purchasing made to measure furniture - In a small space, sizing down is probably the only choice available. Many a time, furniture comes in fixed size and shapes and they often have shapes that take up lots of excess space. Purchasing custom built in cabinets and closets allows efficient space utilization, albeit expensive. Be sure to custom make a to-the-ceiling cupboard to provide both maximum storage and emphasize the room's height. Going vertically up - Going up, literally, is one of the most efficient storage methods available. It dramatically increases your square footage exponentially! There are many places you can store things vertically. Consider using the back of the door or a wall. Hang pots and pans on the kitchen wall to save space in the kitchen. Install wooden bookshelves behind the bedroom door and you not only save on space, you also create a fresh look. Building a media storage system - A television set can easily be up to 42 inches today. Yes it provides the family with superb entertainment, but it also takes up precious space. Build storage ideas around your television set such as shelves and cupboards. Place the television set on a television console and you have space to store your CDs. Look under the stairs - The space under the stairs are often overlooked and wasted as a result. However, it is perfect for storing rarely used items such as elaborate dining utensils, display family photos and keep special items tucked away safely. Tiny spaces - We are often faced with tiny spaces that don't seem to be able to keep anything inside it. However, by building shallow drawers into these tiny spaces, we are able to store items such as cookie sheets and towels. Under the bed - There is ample space under the bed and it is sufficient enough to place pull-out boxes beneath which can keep away bulky toys and clothes. Even better still, you can keep suitcases and keep them out of sight. For an even efficient way of storage, purchase a bed frame with built in drawers. Turning bed's headboard into storage - An even smarter way of storage, purchase a bed with a big headboard which can be used for storage. Headboards are convenient for frequent accesses and you can store your blankets, pillows, bolsters as well as bed sheets in it. Using boxes and baskets - Baskets and boxes not only appear neater, they also create ample storage spaces for smaller items. You can keep anything in them ranging from jewellery to toys. They can be d isplayed out openly and even add to your décor. They are also easily transported from one place to the other. Stack the colourful boxes and baskets up with contrasting colours to provide a visual interest. Reconsidering furnitures - Many bedroom furnitures are pretty but are very much useless. They takes up loads of space yet provide little to none storage spaces. Nightstands are pretty, but don't do much except holding your bedtime book and mobile phone. Purchase a bed with a shelved headboard if you must and you can store the same items as previously. You can also store books, clothes and other items. Smart kitchen cabinets - Thru the use of corner spaces, more storage ability is added to the cabinets. The added spaces are just nice to store small appliances and pans. Not only does this method increase storage capacity, it also removes items from the kitchen top, allowing it to be neater and less cluttered. Stack and stack - Stacking is a very efficient way of storing things. Whenever possible, try to stack things. In the case of clothes, stack clothes that are seldom used, as high as possible. In the same dimensions, stacking allows you to store way more clothes as compared to hanging them in the wardrobe. Self-Storage - Does This Storage Solution Have Any Advantages?   The Benefits of Renting Self Storage Facilities   Finding the Best Garage Doors   A Guide to Garage Organization Systems   Global Trend In Self Storage   Summer Time Made Easy With Self Storage