DIY Supermarket

For those who wish to modernise their bathroom, but aren’t confident that their Do It Yourself (DIY) skills are sufficiently good to undertake a complete renovation, an inexpensive and easy way of changing the look of the room is to invest in some chic bathroom accessories.

Bathroom accessories can range from changing the taps and Triton showerheads to curtains and blinds.  Some people have found that just by adding a fresh coat of paint and upgrading their bathroom cabinet the room can be transformed.

New tiles are another very efficient way of revitalising a room and uplifting a jaded colour scheme.  Most of the DIY websites and manuals provide instructions on how to tile a room without having to employ an expensive professional.

Even a simple touch, for example, adding flowers or plants to a bathroom, can change the overall feel of the place.  There are many types and styles of plant pots on the market and most of them are inexpensive.  It is always a good idea to ensure that soap and make-up are stored tidily and an investment in some good quality shelving can enhance a room. 

Lighting is also very important.  A well-designed lighting system can only enhance a room and make it appear more inviting.  Since electricity and water can be a lethal combination it is a good idea to have any electrical work in the bathroom inspected by a reliable electrician.  Motion sensitive mirrors are a dynamic innovation that will add interest to any bathroom.

There are numerous examples of bathroom sink currently on the market.  Some of these are made from marble; others use the standard porcelain construction.  If someone doesn’t have the sufficient finances to buy a totally new bathroom suite, then a change of basin could suffice to renew the room.

Though many more contemporary designs have sprung up in recent years, the classic, elegant baths are still a popular choice for the bathroom suite.  The following is an introduction to some of the more coveted models.

First and foremost, most classic bath designs are freestanding, since bathtubs were not traditionally built into the wall.  The feet that may be on such bathtubs are wide ranging, but one of the most popular foot designs is the claw foot.  The claw foot provides a look that is both unique and elegant.  A traditional chrome foot is also common with classic bath designs.  The boat style bath does not have feet.

As far as the design for the tub part of the bath, there are several available.  Popular examples include the slipper style bath, where one end is raised to create a more ideal lounging environment, and the double ended tub, where both ends of the tub are rounded instead of having one end flat.  There is also the double slipper tub, which entails both ends of the tub being raised and sloped.

There is no such thing as a typical bathroom.  Bathroom furniture comes in all shapes and sizes, and in many different materials, from traditional porcelain through to flash Italian marble or contemporary glass and chrome.  Some bathrooms are based around the bath.  Either free standing and set in the middle of the floor, perhaps with the novelty of claw feet or in the more commonplace style of a boxed in rectangular bathtub, set against one wall.

Though a bath lends itself to a long, hot soak, a lack of time often makes it is more desirable to be able to make use of a shower, for quick, efficient hygiene solutions.  However, not everybody prefers to wash standing up, and a bath will always be the mainstay of an efficient bathroom, although very small closet-type bathrooms may only contain a shower unit, and not have a bath at all.  This is the smallest bathing solution of all.

If you have the luxury of lots of space, then you may have a complete wet room for an exhilarating all over body wash, maybe complete with water jets and a supersize showerhead.  However you choose to groom yourself to get clean and to get ready to go out, a bathroom will always be the go-to room in your household for the purposes of personal hygiene.  In the 20th century, a bathroom became standard fare in all-British housing, and it is an everyday luxury we can no longer do without.

Though water is extensively used in the bathroom, this does not mean it can be allowed to get everywhere as it can rot wood and cause mould.  Implementing tips to caulk a bath properly can prevent water slipping into crevices and the skills can be transferred to other receptacles where water use is common, such as sinks and shower cubicles. 

Timing Is Key

Remember that caulking must be allowed to dry completely in order to be effective and must be undisturbed during this period.  Accordingly, plan the caulking of the bath procedure during a period when it can be allowed to dry.

Keep the Area Clean

Clean and dry the area where the caulk is to be applied before commencing with the caulking process to ensure that the caulk can bond properly.  Using a degreasing solvent and a soft cloth will ensure that the surfaces will be cleansed of any grime not visible to the naked eye.  Moisture, dust, grime and foreign objects can prevent the caulk from being effective.   

Choose the Right Product

Many types of caulk are silicone based as this material helps to prevent the ingress of water from wherever it is applied.  However, there is also latex based caulking on the market, which may be preferable depending on the purpose for which it will be used.  In addition, some brands of caulk have antifungal properties that make it particularly beneficial for the bathroom. 

Application

A caulking gun is the most common method of applying the sealant, which will make it beneficial to test the trigger in order to get used to it.  On some newspaper or scrap cardboard, apply the caulk to practice doing so evenly and to get a feel for the pressure needed for the trigger.  To ensure a neat result, lay masking or painter’s tape along either side of the seam.

Old tile grout can make even the most stunning floors and walls look unattractive. Tile grout is prone to cracking and the development of mildew in damp areas such as bathrooms. However, you can re-grout your tiles to make your flooring and walls look as good as new. The re-grouting of tiling is a simple and affordable task.

Before you begin re-grouting your tiles, you will need to choose the colour of grout. Choose a colour that matches your tiles.  Bathroom tiles are normally grouted in white but there is a wide choice of alternative colours.

Use a grout saw to rake along the grout lines; alternatively you can use a small screwdriver. Take care not to injure yourself when you perform this step, as the edges of tiles can be as sharp as glass.

Once all the grout is removed, vacuum the space in between the tiles to remove any debris.

Mix up the grout according to the instructions found on the product packaging. When it has been left for the required time to cure, push the grout into the spaces between the tiles, using a sponge on walls or a float on tiled floors.

Run the sponge/float over the tiles to remove any unwanted grout. Wait ten minutes and clean any excess grout from the top of the tiles.

Leave the grout to dry for three days before sealing the grout with the aid of a grout sealer.

We may forget about the value of our bathroom linens, but there’s no denying the exquisite feeling of stepping out of a bathtub and wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy bath towel. However, if you don’t care for your bathroom accessories properly, your towels won’t stay soft and fluffy for long.

Wash Your Linens Correctly

Keep your bath linens separate from your other laundry on washday. Don’t put other types of clothing in the washing machine with your towels and cloths. You should also wash your linens with warm water, rather than hot water, to avoid wearing down the fibres.

Help Your Linens Stay Absorbent

Stay near the washing machine while your towels and washcloths are being cleaned. During the rinse cycle, add a full cup of white vinegar to the water during one linen wash each month. Vinegar helps to strip the towels of any detergent residue that remains from previous washings, making the towels more absorbent in the long run.

Get Rid of Mildew

It’s always best to avoid mildew in the first place if you can. Drying wet linens completely and washing them each week generally prevents mildew from developing. However, if your towels and cloths begin to mildew, put them in the washing machine with very hot water. Pour in one to two cups of white vinegar and wash the linens as normal. After the wash cycle is completed, wash the linens again with regular detergent, then dry them on high heat.

The great thing about modern mosaic tiles is that they are attached to a mesh backing, so they are evenly spaced out. This also means that when you come to tiling around tricky shapes such as electrical sockets, you won’t be tile cutting. You may still have to break some mosaics in half, to get right up to the edge, but that is a whole lot easier than shaping larger tiles.

Another advantage is that if you are left with a small space to fill, you can just detach a single tile to use individually. Mosaics are extremely versatile. Another advantage to mosaic tiles is that you don’t need to think about repeating a pattern. Just line up each section of mosaics and any pattern of colours or shapes is effortlessly repeated.

As with any tiling job, you still need to mark a level line on the wall as your starting point and work downwards. If you are covering the entire wall, you still need to establish a true plumb line. You also need to make sure that if the tiles make up a pattern or are of alternating colours, you place them the right way up.

Once the mosaic tiles are in position and the adhesive is set, you can apply the grout. This too is an easier job than with bigger tiles because you can sweep a layer of grout over the whole area. You then just wipe off the excess, revealing the beautiful tiles and uniform, level grout.

Bathroom furniture comes in all shapes, sizes, and finishes.  In much the same way as we fit out our kitchens, our bathrooms are now getting the same treatment.  If you are planning to renovate your bathroom, it is worth investigating the bathroom furniture on offer.  You will find sleek, space saving options and solutions to many of your bathroom headaches.

Installing the right pieces of bathroom furniture is the secret to solving the problem of clutter.  We will always need storage space for toilet rolls, toiletries, and towels, and bathroom furniture gives us exactly that.  Whether it is a bathroom cabinet filled with bath oils, a large drawer unit for towels, or an inbuilt laundry basket, ensuring that you fit your bathroom with furniture that meets your specific needs is essential.

Cleverly designed bathroom furniture can house a wash basin in a vanity unit whilst simultaneously concealing ugly plumbing pipe work.  In the same way, wall mounted toilets with concealed cisterns help to create clean lines and minimalist finishes.  Wall mounted furniture functions well in smaller bathrooms as it creates the illusion of more space and makes floors easier to clean.

When you tile a room, it is likely that you will need to cut tiles to fit around the edges against the walls.  In order to cut the tiles you will need to use either a manual tile cutter or an electric cutter.  If you need to cut an ‘L’ shaped tile you will definitely need to use an electric tile cutter. 

Manual Cutters

Manual cutters tend to differ in the way they are used.   You should read the instructions carefully to ensure you get the best result.

Electric Cutters

Electric cutters tend to give better results and one that has water lubrication will give you the best results. 

Cutting the Tiles

In order to measure the edging tile you should place the tile on top of another full tile.  Now place the tiles against the wall. Use a third tile on top as a measurement for where the middle tile needs to be cut.  Mark the line with a tile marker. 

When cutting you should cut the tile a little bit less than the line you have drawn.  This is because it will then allow room for the grout and sealant. 

Laying the Cut Tiles

When you are ready to lay the cut tiles, apply adhesive to the back of each tile.  Position the tile, making sure it is level and aligned correctly.  You should then leave it for around 24 hours to dry before you stand on it.

A quality fitted bathroom has come to be viewed as one of the most important features of a modern house, whether as a haven to relax in or simply as an efficient and hygienic space to have a quick shower before work.  Working with an experienced bathroom fitter, as well as a reputable plumber, during your remodel can help to ensure the job is done properly, with shower trays that are leak-free and bathroom furniture that is fitted accurately.  Decent bathroom suites need not cost a fortune; however, and can be embellished with upmarket accessories such as taps or shower enclosures.  

Luxury tiles can make bathrooms feel more opulent and special.  Many modern homes now also include a wet room, which is a fully tiled ‘walk-in’ shower area complete with under floor drainage.  In some cases, wet rooms have replaced the traditional bathroom suite altogether.  Proving to be both modern and stylish, this room does away with the need for a separate shower tray, shower cubicle or shower enclosure, and can provide an elegant design solution for a home with limited space. 

An enterprising idea might be to convert an unused cupboard or redundant space under the stairs into a small but effective bathroom, whether it contains a shower cubicle, full bathroom suite, or simply a toilet and sink to provide extra cloakroom facilities.  When it comes to selling a house in today’s competitive market, estate agents often agree that an additional bathroom or shower can make the difference and give your property the edge.