Top Choices in Bathroom Flooring

Though most people choose flooring based solely on looks, it's important to keep in mind that your bathroom floor must be able to withstand moisture, high temperatures and humidity. If your bathroom's remodel calls for new floors, here are some options to consider.

Ceramic Tile: Ceramic tile is the material used in most bathrooms because its water-resistance. The tiles are available in a vast variety of colors and patterns and you can take your creativity to another level with colored grouts and install them in patterns that give a customized look. Tiles with a textured surface help keep floors from being slippery underfoot, and grout can be sealed for ease of cleaning. One thing to keep in mind is that ceramic tiles can be cold to the touch however in-floor heat can put a permanent end to cold feet. Electric in-floor heating, also known as radiant heat, is most commonly used in bathroom remodels. A thin mat is installed on the sub floor, which is then covered in self-leveling cement. You can do the area right in front of the vanity where you stand in the morning or right in front of the shower. Kruse Home Improvement has installed electric radiant heating for some of our customers. Contact us for more information.

 

Photo taken from KHI Gallery

Porcelain, glass, granite and travertine tiles can also be used in bathroom flooring. These are more expensive than ceramic, but can be arranged in an infinite number of patterns. Porcelain and stone have color that goes all the way through the tile, so chips are less obvious. The main drawback to granite is that it can be extremely slippery when wet so it is often combined with limestone tiles or a wood inlay for added safety.

 

Although ceramic tiles are durable and hygienic, you need to pay attention to the porosity rating; it's critical in a space such as a bathroom that it’s moisture-proof. The porosity classifications range from impervious (the least absorbent) to vitreous, semi-vitreous and, finally, non-vitreous (the most absorbent).



Laminate: If you like the look of wood but want a floor that can withstand damp towels and frequent moisture, laminate treated with water repellent is the way to go. Laminate is factory-finished, and it can be put in over an existing floor, making installation a snap. While laminate can look like real wood, it lacks the warmth typically associated with natural wood, and it can be noisy. On the plus side, it's durable and easy to clean, making it a logical choice for many bathrooms.

Photo taken from KHI Gallery

Hardwood: Even hardwood floors can be a viable option in the bathroom if they're finished to be water resistant. A few good coats of clear gloss sealant will keep it watertight.  Part of hardwood flooring's charm is that it lends a sense of warmth to your bathroom. Plus, if hardwood is your flooring of choice throughout the rest of the house, you'll create a congruent look. Hardwood floors can be stained or painted to complement the rest of the room's decor.

Natural Stone: Stone is easy to care for and durable, but it does require a strong subfloor. It can be slippery when wet, especially in a polished form. When used for flooring, stone can be honed (ground flat but not polished) or textured (by sandblasting). Unpolished forms may require a sealant to prevent stains and it may be wise to keep a pair of slippers handy as it tends to be cold underfoot.
 

Vinyl: Vinyl comes in sheets or tiles. For a budget bathroom remodel, sheet vinyl is a good bet. It's easy to install and is available in a wide array of colors and patterns. Sheet vinyl comes in rolls that are 6- or 12-feet wide, providing a seamless look. Vinyl tiles, on the other hand, are typically 12 to 18 inches square and come in a variety of different patterns. Tiles are usually easy to install, and it's simple to replace just one, if need be. Adrawback to vinyl floors is that the edges can curl, and peel-and-stick vinyl tiles aren't recommended for the baths because water may seep between the tiles and damage the sub-floor.  Vinyl is easy to clean and effectively resists stains and moisture.

 

For more information on bathroom flooring call Kruse Home Improvement at 860-877-0775.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KHI Quarterly V2 Q4

FEATURED PROJECT: THE MILLER’S MASTER BATH

When I met Ron and Dorothy Miller a year ago regarding the renovation of their master bathroom, I immediately took note of the large size of the bathroom and was excited by the possibilities it offered. The bathroom was an original to the home and had a typical 48” acrylic, one-piece shower, as well as a large Jacuzzi tub that had been turned into an expensive laundry basket.

In planning the details of this project, the Millers and I decided to allow as much natural light into the room as possible as there was only one, welded double hung window in the room facing to the east. We removed the partition wall that had separated the shower alcove from the rest of the bathroom and fabricated a large walk-in shower with a solid glass block wall. This not only created an attractive barrier for the shower but allowed the light to permeate throughout the entire room as well.

Another interesting feature of this job (which is becoming more and more popular) was the installation of electric radiant heat floors that were installed under the tile. The product is manufactured by a company called Nuheat and allows consistent even heat in an area with no cold spots. Each system is specifically designed to fit any room and disperse the appropriate amount of heat for that space in which it is to be installed. The heating is controlled thermostatically and will regulate the ambient heat in the room. A great advantage to the Nuheat heating is less dependence on additional heat sources, as well as reduced energy costs associated with heating.

For the cabinetry selection, the Millers wanted simple shaker style door panels which were made from Cherry and stained a dark espresso color. We kept with the size of the original double vanity and added a floor-to-ceiling hutch, as well as custom fabricated medicine cabinets and mirror frame, all matching the vanity style and color. The dark color of the cabinetry complemented the light natural tones of the tile and wall color, making everything in the room shine beautifully. The cabinets and custom woodwork were built by Marc Pompei of Pompei Carpentry Services in Plainville.

In addition to the work in the bathroom, we also renovated the master closet. One of the goals was to open up the entire space as one large room. This was done by removing the existing fluorescent lighting and the closet partition. We then installed new 5” LED recessed lights which provided maximum visibility throughout the space.

A custom built closet system was fabricated and mounted using the same materials and finish as the bathroom cabinetry. The three walls of the room were surrounded with a combination of drawers, adjustable shelves and hanging rods to accommodate all forms of attire. Once again we had Marc Pompei build all of the custom woodwork in the closet.

We are really proud of the way this job turned out and we had a great time working with Ron and Dorothy throughout the process. We have already done several other projects for the Millers and look forward to seeing them again soon. Thanks Ron and Dorothy for the opportunity!

NUHEAT ELECTRIC FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM

Nuheat Floor Heating Systems are clean soundless systems that provide radiant zone heating to various types of flooring surfaces including tile, stone, granite, laminate and engineered wood. Heat radiates from the entire floor surface as opposed to a single vent or baseboard heater. They are very energy efficient and allow you to heat room by room, use by use, where you want and when you want it. It is controlled by a thermostat which ensures that it is only in use when needed. As a result, energy consumption is greatly reduced. For example, a 30 square foot heated area of Nuheat will only use the same electricity as three 100-watt light bulbs. Nuheat does not generate any dust or airborne pollutants. The system itself has no particle or material decomposition and once installed is 100% maintenance free and will last the lifetime of your floors.

source: http://www.nuheat.com/

The actual cost of operating Nuheat Floor Heating Systems will depend on the size of the floor area, cost of electricity in your area and length of time the Nuheat system will be turned on. Traditionally, electric baseboard heaters are installed according to the rule of thumb that each room should be heated by 34 BTU (British Thermal Units) per square foot (given average insulation). Nuheat produces over 41 BTU per square foot. The table to the right shows a comparison of the BTU output at various square footages for Nuheat and electric baseboard heaters. BTU Sample Output BTU Sample Output BTU Sample Output.

To determine how much it will cost to operate Nuheat Floor Heating Systems in your home, use the Operating Cost Calculator found at http://www.nuheat.com/.

All Nuheat Floor Heating Systems are covered by a 25-year warranty.

WHY GLASS BLOCK?

One of the most attractive showers you can install in your home is a glass block shower. The shower is constructed of thick glass “bricks”. The glass allows light to penetrate from the rest of bathroom and through any outdoor windows reducing the need for artificial lighting. They are opaque and give a hint of only the slightest silhouette behind the glass. The end result is a light and open feeling shower but one that still gives you the privacy you desire.



Glass block wall designed and installed by KHI

 Although glass block is very popular in showers, many people are choosing glass block windows to reduce their home energy costs. A standard glass-block window has an insulating value about equal to a standard double-pane thermal window and because they are much thicker than most glass, they are the most durable type of window available. Since glass block is air tight, replacing your existing basement windows with glass block windows will result in the basement being warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. No more cold air drafts in the winter; warm air stays inside your home.

In addition to being energy efficient, another advantage of having glass block windows is to increase the

security of your home. One of the easiest ways for an intruder to enter your house is through a basement window, especially if it is damaged or doesn't lock properly. These windows are nearly impossible to break through and because it offers privacy, a would-be thief won't be able to see inside.

Glass Block is one of the more cutting edge building materials on the market today. It can enhance a bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, entryway or other living area. If you’re looking for ways to cut energy costs yet add design flair to your home, you may want to consider adding glass blocks to your next project.

source: http://www.servicemagic.com

  

Re-caulking Your Shower

If you ask any local handyman or contractor how often you should re-caulk your shower and tub, most will say about every three to five years however, some people choose to make this a yearly task. It’s important to remove old caulk because moisture can get inside your wall which in turn can cause mildew and even damage sheetrock.

If you decide to take on this project yourself, here are the steps to take when replacing the caulk:

Clean the area: Use a bathroom cleanser/soap scum remover to pre-clean the area. Cut or scrape away old caulk with a knife or razor blade. It should peel off easily. To soften stubborn and/or dried caulk use commercial caulk remover or a hairdryer to warm the caulk. This will allow you to scrape it away more easily. You can also use a heat gun however, be careful not to overheat any particular area of the bathtub or shower stall. Work your way around the edge of the tub or shower, softening and then removing the caulk with your razor, screwdriver or knife. Note: New silicone caulk will not bond to old silicone caulk; therefore it is important that the seam area be cleaned thoroughly prior to caulking.

Check for mildew: Vacuum up remaining bits of caulk and clean the seams with rubbing alcohol to remove leftover caulk, soap scum, and other materials that accumulate in the shower’s corners. Check to see if there is mildew growing behind the caulk. If so, use a mildew killer or a mixture of bleach and water to get rid of it. Let the area dry thoroughly (24 to 36 hours) before you start re-caulking. Note: Make sure you use a caulk meant for bathroom applications. Usually these types of caulk are mildew resistant.

Caulking: Place strips of masking tape approximately 1/8 inch from the seam to prevent caulk from spilling over onto tile or walls. Place the caulk in the caulk gun and cut off the container’s tip with scissors (using a caulking gun is much easier to use the caulk you have to squeeze out like toothpaste; you’ll have more control over where the caulk is going). Depress the caulk gun’s trigger and run the caulk along the seam in a smooth, steady motion, leaving a thin bead of caulk which covers the seam completely. Make sure you put on enough or it will not provide complete protection. As you dispense the caulk, use this handyman trick and smooth it out with a wet finger. Tip: If you are caulking a shower stall, work from the inside out. Caulk the inside seams first, followed by the external ones. Also, caulk the vertical line first, followed by the horizontal lines. Caulk the vertical lines from top to bottom to ensure the best look.

Let it dry: Once you’ve caulked all the seams, wait at least 30 minutes and then remove the tape. Wait 24 to 48 hours before using the shower or tub. If possible, don’t use the bathroom at all during this time. Caulk will dry more completely in an unused bathroom.

Re-caulking can be a difficult and timely task. Even with the proper techniques it can still take a long time to complete and not look as good as you want. If you don’t have patience, you may want to hire a local handyman to re-caulk for you.

For more information on how to properly caulking visit NATCO.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Color and Lighting for an Inviting Bathroom

Though a bathroom is a necessity in every home, there are things that you can do to make your bathroom not only functional but a place for relaxation and tranquility.

How should you design a bathroom? According to the Home Improvement Blog, you should first think of the color. Consider the following:

Some may feel that White is plain and sterile looking. You’d be better not making your bathroom completely white. Some psychologists feel shades of Blue or Green can create a more calming and peaceful feeling. Try combining the two.

Combinations of Black and White colors will not only create a formal atmosphere in your bathroom, it can give a modern day retro look as well.


An inviting bathroom created by
Kruse Home Improvement



Warmer tones such as Red, Orange, Gold and Yellow will make your bathroom cozy with a more intimate feeling.

 

As designers say, the color you choose expresses a part of you. Always remember that for an inviting theme a room needs color. It’s not a bad idea to buy a bright red rug or colorful shower curtains for a bold, refreshing atmosphere. Express yourself and make your bathroom a sanctum of spiritual tranquility.

If you are remodeling your bathroom, consider a variety of lighting options. Bright lighting will make your bathroom more inviting. Dim lighting may be soothing for a soak in the tub but could make problems while shaving or applying makeup. You can also add a mirror. This is one of the tricks that you can use to give the impression of a wider and brighter bathroom, as it will reflect light from the lamps. With this, you do not need to buy extra lights.

8 Betsy Lane Bathroom Renovation

Beautifully designed classic bathroom with brushed nickel accessories, granite counter and undermount sink.

Granite countertops with a brushed nickel classic faucet

Brushed nickel shower fixture


Interior view of the tiled shower

Photography provided by: Alexis Stein Photography

Tall Timbers Bathroom Renovation

Interior shot of the custom designed shower, detailing the tile accent and niche.

A close up of the small shower ledge.

Beautifully detailed tile work.

Double undermount vanity sinks with granite counter tops.

Transition from from the hardwood flooring to the tile.