DIY Guide: Steps To Install Ceramic/Porcelain Tile Floor

If you are looking for something that can resist water and stain better than wood and stone then tile in Evergreen is probably your number one choice. Tiles are usually made with ceramic or glazed porcelain, both waterproof materials due to no pores on their surface. They can be customized to look like wood and stone if needed. Their costs range from 0.5-7 dollars per sq. ft. for ceramic and 3-10 dollars per sq. ft. for porcelain. Those who prefer stone floors at a lower price can opt for stone tiling. It takes some time, effort and resources to install but you can do it yourself if you have the tools needed.

Tools & Materials Needed For Tile Installation
These are the materials and tools that you will need for tiling your floor:

• Tiles
• Mortar
• Drill
• Screws
• Grout
• Grout float
• Sealant
• Cement board
• Chalk line
• Tile saw
• Trowel
• Measuring tape
• Tile spacers
• Sponge

You can buy the tiles and other materials from a tiling shop. Other tools and materials can be bought from a hardware store.

Steps To Install Tiles
Once you have gathered the necessary materials and tools, these are the steps you need to take:

• Lay Cement Board

You need a strong subfloor before tiling your room for a strong floor. A weak subfloor like plywood may not bond well with the thin slabs and can be unstable. You need a cement board to support the new floor. You will also need it if the floor seems uneven when walking on it. To install it, brush some thin-set latex mortar over the floor, press the boards to the floor with your weight and screw them to the subfloor with a drill and some screws at the edges with a gap of 8 inches in between.

• Find The Room’s Centerpoint

Measure the width and the length of the room with a measuring tape and mark the centerpoints with a chalk line. The points at which centers of the width and the length meet is the room’s centerpoint. Mark it with the chalk line.

• Test Tiles On Floor

Place the thin slabs over the floor without any mortar in the pattern you have in mind. Start with the center tile. Make sure that the tiles at the edges are placed such that you will only need to cut it half or less than half of it.

• Cut Tiles

Measure the portion of the slabs you have to cut out and use a tile saw to make the cuts accurately.

• Lay Mortar

Apply the mortar or tile cement on the center portion of the floor or where you will begin tiling. Don’t apply it to the whole room yet.

• Place Tiles

Place the first tile on the center of the room over the mortar. Use tile spacers to account for the gap needed for the grout. Then apply more mortar and place more tiles and spacers until the whole floor is covered.

• Let It Dry

Let the mortar dry overnight and after it dries remove the spacers if needed.

• Pour Grout

Mix the grout according to the instructions given on the package and pour them between the slabs. Use a grout float to push the grout in the joints. Make sure that all the gaps are filled.

• Clean Floor

Wipe the excess grout with a wet sponge while taking care not to pull any grout out of the gaps.

• Apply Sealants

Once the grout dries, apply a sealant on it to protect it from water damage. You will need to apply sealants on the slabs as well if it is made out of stone instead of ceramic or porcelain.

• Finishing Touches

Once the sealant dries, clean the floor. Now it’s ready for normal use.

The procedure takes at least two days to finish. Now that you understand the process, you call install tile in Evergreen. You can install it on the floors of the kitchen, bathroom or any other wet area.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Installing Vinyl Flooring

Over the years, many people have been turning to vinyl floors as the alternative to wood floors because of its affordability and ease of installation among other advantages. It is more common in offices and institutions but some homeowners also use this material due to its impressive properties. However, there have been many concerns about polyvinyl chloride’s impact on health and the environment that makes people hesitant to install it. Its durability is also subject to care. Before you head on to decide for flooring in Denver it is important to consider the pros and cons and see if the pros are worth investing in and dealing with the cons.

Pros Of Vinyl Flooring
Here are the main reasons you might want to install vinyl floors:

• Affordable: Vinyl is the most affordable flooring option in the market. Depending on the type of vinyl floor you buy, it can cost anywhere between USD 0.5 to 5 per square foot, with sheet vinyl being the cheapest and commercial luxury being the costliest.
• Low Maintenance: Vinyl surfaces are easier to clean than other surfaces like wood. You simply need to sweep the dirt and grit away to keep it spotless. You can use a mop and the proper cleaning agent depending on the type of stain to do the task.
• High Water Resistance: PVC surfaces don’t let water pass through them easily, this makes the material good for rooms like bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens where water tends to splash around.
• Comfortable Surface: Unlike stone or ceramic tiles, vinyl is soft and does not get cold which makes it comfortable to walk on. It’s also softer than wood so more comfortable. Some vinyl sheets and tiles have a padded layer underneath that makes the floor more comfortable to walk on.
• Durable: A flooring installed and maintained properly can last up to twenty years, which makes it ideal for commercial spaces and institutions with heavy foot traffic. This saves a lot of money on flooring. The material’s durability depends on its structure. Solid and composite vinyl tiles are resistant to scratches, printed vinyl is only as durable as the wear surface and fiberglass-reinforced vinyl is flexible and durable.

Cons Of Vinyl Flooring
Here are the main reasons you might not want to install vinyl floors:

• Susceptible To Damage: While vinyl is tough, it is vulnerable to damage due to sharp objects hitting the surface. Heavy furniture can dent the surface when placed and tear it if dragged along the surface. Exposure to sunlight can cause the floor’s color to fade and the heat can damage it over time.
• Difficult To Repair: It may be tough but it’s not easy to repair. If the floor gets damaged, it needs to be replaced. This is easier with vinyl tiles and planks where damaged pieces can be removed and replaced. WIth sheets, you either need to cut out the damaged part and replace it or replace it completely. In the former case, the floor may be mismatched while the latter would cost more.
• Ecological Waste: Vinyl does not degrade easily, it takes a lot of time. It’s usually not recyclable so it ends up in the landfill and causes land pollution. They use non-renewable resources like petroleum and natural gas during the manufacturing process.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Vinyl floors are made from toxic chemicals that release gases after installation that causes nausea, eye irritation or respiratory problems. Most of the gas is released soon after the installation but some may remain.
• Rubber Stains: Vinyl is resistant to most stains but reacts with the rubber when they rub together. This often happens with shoes and rugs that have a rubber layer underneath. When they rub, a chemical reaction causes the floor to discolor and stain.

These are the main benefits and drawbacks that you must consider before installing vinyl flooring in Denver. If you feel that the pros outweigh the cons in your case then consider vinyl floors else look for other options.

Things to Check Before Renting Your First Apartment!

 

Once you’ve decided to be out there living on your own, you must be stuck for searching for an ideal apartment that would fit in all your dreams and needs all at once. The best thing to do before you begin searching for your first apartment is budget for upfront and the long-term costs with all the things you’ll need to buy for your luxury apartment in downtown Denver Make a wish list of furniture, conceptualizing the decor and thinking about where you’ll put everything for the right of passage to move into your first apartment.

Things to Keep In Mind Before Renting Your First Apartment!:

Budget
It is important to remember both, the short-term and the long-term costs while selecting your ideal apartment.
Long-term costs mainly include rent and utility bills whereas the short-term costs include an application fee, security deposit, and other expenses. Do not forget to keep extra cash on hand for managing and moving other expenses that you might be spending on our additional needs.

Upfront & Long-term Costs
Rent is not the only concern while you move out to stay alone. Between the application fees, a security deposit and first and last month's rent, you're going to shell out some serious money before you even get the keys to your first apartment.

To budget for this, plan on having a few months' rents already in the bank to cover costs.
Make sure after you move-in, you will be having your long-term costs that will range from monthly utilities to be purchased, regularly. The list may vary based on your needs, but it may include:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Internet and cable
• Cell phone service
• Water, sewer, and trash
• Groceries
• Gas
• Clothing

Criteria & Location
Of course, every individual has different requirements such as wanting a studio or single bedroom or a luxury apartment in downtown Denver?
Along with this, the location matters a lot to know where you wish to be situated. You must write down each and every criterion for your apartment and keep the list as handy as you did with your searches. If you are bound to stick with a specific neighborhood, you may check google maps for that particular area make a selection to shortlist the places.

Rental Application
After you have found an apartment, your next step is to fill out a rental application. As part of the application process, you might be required to provide employment info, bank statements, credit scores, etc. If you don’t have the best credit, don’t worry. Make sure you have all the paperwork ready and in place, so there are no delays in the process.

Lease
Once you get the lease in your hand, read it thoroughly, and don’t be shy to ask any questions for the clarification of the process. The apartment is yours now for a couple of months, so it is important to know all the important facts, such as monthly rent due date, maintenance policy, cost of amenities, sublease policy, parking fees, etc.
If you don't agree with something in the lease, it is highly recommended to discuss it with

your property manager. It’s not a big deal to ask for the changes to your lease, but one thing you must keep in mind is, not to assume that you'll win every discussion.

Moving into your first rental apartment may seem like an overwhelming process, but it gives us that pleasurable feeling for finally entering into the first stages of adulthood. Well, congratulate yourself on making it this far, because once you are moved in and settled, you will be enjoying your new space. And for the next time you have to move, you will know exactly how to go about it, from the tip to toe.

Self-Help Techniques For Sudden Hemorrhoidal Flare-Ups

Getting older has a different kind of strange feeling along with various benefits and drawbacks as well. In the latter half of your life, you are likely to develop hemorrhoids. These swollen blood vessels occur majorly on the outer rectum and anus which has the capability of turning your bowel movements into intensely painful experiences.
Hemorrhoids commonly come in two varieties: The internal type and the external type. As the name suggests, the internal hemorrhoids sprout from within the rectum whereas, the external ones develop on the anus itself. Although there are many options that you can for Hemorrhoid relief at home which is proven to be effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids such as hemorrhoid creams, wipes, over-the-counter medications and more, which are easily available at your nearest medical stores or pharmacies.

What Are The Self-Help Techniques To Treat Hemorrhoidal Pain?

Step Up With Fiber-Rich Diet:
The most important thing is to have a fiber-rich diet. Foods that help hemorrhoids broadly includes a fiber supplement to get 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day. To start, you can begin with psyllium husk fiber supplement, If psyllium causes gas or bloating, try a supplement containing wheat dextrin or methylcellulose.

Sitz Bath:
Don’t overlook the relief that is proven to be effective and offer wide relief having sitz baths. Using a basin that fits properly under the toilet seat and soaks the inflamed area in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times a day is proven to be essentially beneficial.

Off-the-shelf remedies:
Over-the-counter products include witch hazel infused pads and soothing creams, which works but only to some extent. If this doesn’t work, ask your doctor about prescription preparations.

Lubricate the process:
Mixing a tablespoon of mineral oil with applesauce or yogurt and eat it at breakfast or lunch allows stool to slide by hemorrhoids more easily. Having a smoother process to eat or swallow helps to soften your stool thereby making it easier to pass.
But don’t do this for a long period, because this might result in you having to place a liner in your undergarments to absorb any oil leakage.

Try elevation: 
Elevating your feet a bit with a step stool as you sit on the toilet results in changing your position to the poop thereby making the rectum in a way that will allow for your stool to pass easier.

Scientific Logic Behind The Usage Of The Creams:

Hemorrhoid creams, help provide relief by shrinking the veins around the anus and tightening the skin This idea is based on the old formulation of Preparation H that included an ingredient known as live yeast-cell derivative (LYCD). LYCD hasn’t been included in hemorrhoid creams since the 1990s. But various researches by (FDA) have banned the use of LYCD in hemorrhoid creams due to a lack of studies supporting its safety and effectiveness in treating hemorrhoids. That’s when manufacturers of Preparation H decided to switch out the ingredients. Broadly discussing the effects of creams these days that are sold in the United States and around the area, contain the active ingredients phenylephrine or hydrocortisone which have abilities to shrink the blood vessels.

Possible Side Effects May Include:

The side effects depend on what type of hemorrhoid cream you’re using. The creams are advised not to overuse as they may cause:

• Fragileness of the skin
• Red and swollen veins
• Thinning of the skin

If hemorrhoids continue to persist no matter what steps you take to reduce them, or they begin to bleed, you must consult your doctor about medical procedures to remove or reduce hemorrhoids. If hemorrhoids don’t reduce even after home remedies or over-the-counter medications, then it’s the time to go for a surgery. Two minimally invasive techniques known as the rubber-band ligation and laser, infrared, or bipolar coagulation can shrink internal hemorrhoids. Some people may require surgery (hemorrhoidectomy) to take care of the problem.

The CBD Wellness Trend: How Does It Help To Benefit Your Dogs?

We all know the wellness trend of CBD is reaching heights, but when it comes to CBD for dogs, there is plenty of information floating around online. Especially, if you are a dog owner, you must be considered to have the best for your pup, which revolves around the question of how much you actually know about CBD!

What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is found in cannabis and hemp. It is important to note that if you are willing to choose CBD salve for your pet, you must check if it contains the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. CBD products are said to be derived from hemp and not from marijuana.

How Does CBD Affect Dogs?
Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors which is located in the central and peripheral nervous systems, which helps to maintain balance in the body and keep it in a normal healthy state. It is proven that CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties and anti-nausea effects along with appetite-stimulation which has anti-anxiety impacts too that can be conclusive data to use for other benefits as well. There is also anecdotal evidence from dog owners suggesting it can treat pain, especially neuropathic pain thereby helping to control seizures.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of CBD In Dogs?
Everything comes with the advantages and disadvantages at the same time. To minimize any potential side effects, make sure you are following the proper dosage.
Some of the common side effects are:

Dry Mouth
CBD is proven beneficial in decreasing the production of saliva when it comes to dogs and their health, CBD has an innate capability of manifesting this as an increased thirst for them.

Lowered Blood Pressure
High doses of CBD have been known to cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, even though the drop is considered to be small, but it has the potential of creating a brief feeling of light-headedness.

Drowsiness

Since CBD is helpful in treating anxiety, various dog owners have used it in order to calm the effect of CBD causing slight drowsiness, especially when the doses are high.

CBD has not been approved or issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration unless one is aware of the amount of dosage which can be highly toxic. It is always advisable to start out with small amounts to see the minor effects along with checking it with your veterinarian first if you are willing to start with something new for your dog.

Few Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying CBD Oil!

Once you plan to try the treatment for your dog, there are few things you must keep in mind as not all oils are same, but if you are opting for some high-quality CBD oil, you must look into these before buying:

• Look for organic: There is no point in purchasing oil that contains pesticides, fungicides or various solvents. Whatever you are choosing needs to be organic.
• Get the analysis: Make sure to get the certificate from the manufacturer to get the entire information about the product which you are purchasing. Many CBD products contain only small amounts of CBD, but you must make sure there is little or no THC in the product.
• Don’t price the shop: You cannot deny the fact saying “The higher the quality and purity, the higher the cost”. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to go for a cheaper option that could have toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals. Make sure the CBD oil you buy is free of additives.
• Buy CBD as a liquid: You can wish to buy dog treats containing CBD, but the best form to administer is an oil or tincture. This is a good way how you can adjust your dog’s dose drop by drop.

Explore The Top Essential Decor Items Every Bathroom Must Have

Customizing your bathroom is a process, as complicated as creative. Most people try to put down the strain of ideating from their shoulders by getting in touch with a custom bathroom contractor in denver who then caters them with a bucket full of creative plans to decorate their bathrooms. But not everyone can afford to hire a contractor merely for the purpose of giving creative ideas for the customization. And that’s where we enter for your rescue. A bathroom should not just look beautiful it must look as practical as possible. And to help you out, we have shortlisted the top most essential items that every bathroom must have. With this you can achieve a modern yet elegant bathroom in least efforts.

Greenery
Adding greenery to a room is just like adding life to it regardless of the purpose it serves. Consider housing a potted plant or a vase of flowers in your bathroom. The moisture level of the place makes it an excellent surrounding for succulents, orchids and ferns to reside. Also, the presence of plants in the bathroom would make, whosoever uses the restroom, feel good. If you don’t have a countertop free to carry the plant, you could consider using a base and place it behind the toilet or use a hanging plant and put it in any good corner. However, keep in mind that it is not necessary for you to place original plants. You can switch to the idea of housing artificial plants as well.

Work of art
Pieces of art on the walls of a bathroom can bring in that exclusive touch of personality, interest, sophistication and a lot more to the place. You can add a personal touch to your bathroom by executing the idea of incorporating large-scale wallpapers that would ultimately master your space with an artistic statement. Also, if you have a lot of space in your bathroom then you could also consider a gallery wall.

Organized countertop
An organized bathroom reflects the functionality and practicality of your ideas. Organization has always been the key to cleanliness and attraction. You can consider getting trays to carry items that you use more often. This would help your vanity look even more organized. Also, you can choose from a wide range of design, shapes and sizes that are available for trays. This was just one example of getting your bathroom clear. You can do a lot more.

Lighting
Lights have the ability to make or break your bathroom’s decor. They bring you not just vision but also a vibe that can have its own effects on your mood whenever you use the restroom. If you are looking forward to create a spa like vibe then lighting is something that you should begin your ideation with.

Basktes
Baskets have always been a weapon of storage and texture. They come being available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and designs that you can feel free to choose from. They can serve for different purposes like storing towels, or brushes or for putting in worn clothes and still look quite much handy.

Unique floorcloth
You must not ignore getting a much stylish yet comfortable rug for your feet to land into, everytime you move in or out of the bathroom. These floorcloths come in several designs and patterns that can add warmth and texture to the look of your bathroom. Also, each of them come being extremely durable and practical as they carry the ability to withstand a lot of water and humidity.

Accessories
Accessories can always help you to add on to the look of anything and everything. Get stylish soaps, towels, bottles, candles and other stuff for your bathroom to make it look more beautiful, elegant and sophisticated.

Explore With Us The Ways In Which Shower Bases Have Changed Over The Years

Shower base designs have seen quite a dramatic change over the past few years. These shower pans act as a barricade between the shower and rest of the bathroom and come in a wide range of options which is probably why it has been trending over a period. Being trending also means that it has become an essential part of the bathroom which you must not forget to get installed if you are looking forward to get a shower replacement in denver. Well, you can feel free to choose between a wide range of such bases. Showers, over the past few years, have become a lot more than just a place to bathe. With the spa-style facilities, they have turned into no less than a private space of daily relaxation for many. Getting a shower base installed is much easierand affordable as compared to putting on new tiles to the floor of a new bathroom. And with this blog, we will present to you the ways in which the shower trays have changed over a period of time.

Design and materials
A major noticeable change in the shower bases over the past couple of years includes the introduction of the two most trending materials, acrylic and fiberglass. Each of these materials come being easily installable and are one of the most suitable stuff for conventional settings. Also, the focus, lately, has been shifted to gaining more of a luxurious experience which has made the way for tile or stone shower bases that comes being attractive enough to hit the expectations.

Tile bases
The expectations from a shower has been raised to being catered with a luxurious spa- like experience which can only be an outcome of using the most appropriate and suitable tiles in the bathroom. Using the tiles and the shower bases in a creative way can help you build a modern yet trending washroom without a need to invest into high quality fixtures. Tiles bases have noticeably ruled the showerbases for the past couple of years.

Conversion from tub to shower
A gradual decline in the interest of a majority of the population has been witnessed for the traditional tub-shower combination. There would be hardly anyone, over the past years, who would prefer to use a tub instead of shower and this is one of the major reasons of the changing trends. The past few years have experienced a drift in favor of the free-standing and space saving showers. The bathtubs, on the other hand, can still be for those who are looking forward for comfort.

Waterproof base
The waterproof shower bases earlier, used to be a combination of rubber or copper lines that were meant to protect the floor from getting into contact with excessive moisture. In the past, people use to consider the tile and grout material to be waterproof but that was nothing more than a false assumption. Any such type of buildup requires a waterproof membrane which is what the modern designs are all about. In the recent trends you could come across membranes like those of sheet, liquid and foam base.

Curbless shower bases 
There are a bunch of reasons that have served as the pillars to discard the presence of curbs around the showers over the past few years. The curbless showers have made their way down from the europeon countries, where the shower base curbs were considered no less than a tripping hazard, to the north american bathrooms, which adopted them as a sort of sleek and trendy design. The linear drains to shower pan designs have also come up being inspired by them and have catered the homeowners with the benefits of easy cleaning.