There are plenty of different types of wall coverings for bathrooms. But tile has definitely stood the test of time for its versatility and attractive finish. You can tile the area around the tub, put in a backsplash behind the sink, or cover the whole wall with tile. It all depends on the effect you want and how much time/money you are ready spend.

Getting It Right

An enormous range of sizes are available, but walls generally feature smaller tiles than floors. If you can find tiles that will fit edge to edge across a wall exactly, that’s perfect. If that’s not possible, a larger tile size will usually look better cut in half than a small tile. If you do use very small tiles, pick ones that come fixed in a matrix in prefabricated sections. This makes installation faster and more accurate.

Tips & Know How

• Dry surfaces are required. Give the entire bathroom space time to dry out completely before starting. After the project is completed, you will need to allow another 48 hours of drying time.
• Include proper spacing between the tiles for grout during the initial measuring process.
• Insert spacers to help keep the tile in alignment while the adhesives dry. These are especially important for wall tiles because gravity tends to make them shift downward.
• Use a good grout sealer as a final step once everything else has been cleaned up and dried out.

A complete cleaning up after roofing repair is absolutely necessary for safety reasons and to make your property tidy again. A professional who does the repair for you should perform this service as part of the contract. You should sign off on their work only after you have inspected your yard to make sure they did a thorough job. It’s not unreasonable for you to ask them to check the yard one more time for nails before they leave.

What about DIY Roofing?

If the repair is a do-it-yourself project, you’ll need to really know what to look for when you do the cleanup. Loose shingles and packing materials are the easy things to spot and pickup. 

Look on top of the roof too. Some items such as tools or leftover materials might be left in places where they can subsequently be moved by wind and rain. These can damage the repair job that you just completed. In addition they can clog or damage your gutter system. Speaking of which, remember to check the gutters. Nails can easily find their way there during construction or repair work. From there they can end up near downspouts on the lawn below.

Check for nails on the lawn anywhere near the edge of the roof. Most will fall within a few feet of the edge, but you need to look six to ten feet out to make sure. This is especially true for a multiple story home. If there are slopes in the landscape or paving, then loose items can travel even further. Any leftover materials strewn out on the grass can damage your lawn equipment. Nails can also turn into dangerous projectiles if you hit them with a mower or weedeater.

You can usually purchase or rent a magnetic sweep from a home improvement store. This tool will help you locate nails more easily and effectively than searching visually.

Gutters with guards are often touted as being basically maintenance free. While they may keep out some debris, they don’t protect against colonization by social wasps that prefer secluded areas to build their nests. You should inspect your gutters regularly and be on the lookout for any wasp activity in the vicinity of your roof.

European paper wasps are the most likely species you will encounter when cleaning your gutters. These insects typically only become aggressive and sting when their nests are disturbed. However, a home owner cannot ignore gutter maintenance to avoid the danger posed by wasps. A large paper wasp nest can easily clog the gutter system and make it basically useless. Also, one nest can turn into many in a fairly short period of time when the population is left unchecked. Young queens will build new nests as soon as they have the opportunity and will look for protected places to hibernate over the winter.

Controlling Social Wasps

Inspection for paper wasps is particularly important during the spring and autumn. The fall months are when the male drones are raised and the entire colony becomes easily agitated. These males fertilize numerous female queens who will then start building nests the next spring. The only effective method to control these pests is to spray a colony with wasp killer as soon as you detect the nest.

Spraying at dawn or dusk is most likely to kill the whole nest’s population. Wear heavy protective clothing and place the ladder as far as possible from the site you are spraying while still being in range to spray accurately. You don’t want the wasps swarming around you and causing you to lose your balance in a panic. After the nest’s population is completely eradicated, you may be able to use a coat hanger to detach the nest. If the nest is small enough, you can then use a hose to wash it through the downspout. Otherwise, you will have to disassemble that section of gutter to remove the nest.

If you love the old fashioned look of Italian interior design, you may want to add this motif to your home. Kitchens are an ideal location for this style of décor. Tuscan texture for the kitchen or dining area is a characteristic wall finish that cannot be replicated using wallpaper. There are two methods you can use to create this effect. Both require a bit of artistic flair to pull off properly.

Simulated Mudding

Apply a much thicker layer of mud or joint compound (tapping mud) than normal over the sheetrock. This forms rough and random angular patterns over the entire wall surface. Randomness is the key to success.

Don’t worry about any so called mistakes as you apply the mud on the wall with a trowel. Any imperfection actually adds beauty to the surface. Try to create some sort of balance and consistency over the entire wall’s surface, but don’t get too detailed. Just slap it on.

Apply a light colored latex paint over the mud with a rectangular roller. Don’t press down too hard. Let the paint roller go where it wants to. Don’t work the paint into all the crevices created by the mud. Let it dry.

Use a lint free rag to apply a heavy layer of oil based stain over the wall. Then use a second lint free rag to wipe off the excess.

Faux Color Painting

Faux paint techniques create a similar visual effect over an initially smooth sheetrock surface. Sand the wall surface completely smooth. Use a W pattern to apply a base color of latex paint. Let it dry and do a second layer with the same base.

Highlight the wall with a mixture of a small amount of white gloss paint and a dark colored latex paint (in the same color family as the base paint). This combination creates a textured appearance similar to the mud. Do not cover the original coat completely; let some of the base paint show through.

Another dark color of paint can be used to create an additional layer of highlights over this surface. Load only the tip of the brush and wipe off any excess before applying the paint.

Use a damp rag to lightly lift up the paint in a tapping kind of motion. This creates additional texture. You can leave this step out or do additional one of wiping off the paint with a different rag. It’s your choice. Success depends on drying times and how fast you work.

When tile grout in the kitchen begins to get grungy and nasty, most of the grime is composed of dirt, oils, and mashed food particles. Sometimes a bit of mildew will also grow on the grout if the conditions are moist enough. This is both unsightly and unsanitary. Even grout that is properly sealed can start looking old and dirty after a while. However, kitchens with tiles floors can look like new again if the grout is spotless. Mopping the floors doesn’t usually accomplish this goal. These surfaces must be rinsed to get rid of any soap or cleaning agent used. If any detergents are left behind, these will attract more dirt and grime and trap it in the grout over a short period of time.

• Regularly sweep or vacuum any loose crud. Clean hard to reach corners, behind cupboards, underneath refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. Tiny food particles can attract roaches and rodents that will leave behind feces. These disgusting substances can be inadvertently mashed into the grout.

• Use a heavy duty plastic scrub brush to clean the grout. An old toothbrush is not stiff enough. Do not use a wire brush. The metal bristles can damage the grout and create additional problems.

• Common tile cleaners often work well enough as long as you are willing to scrub. Try the least harsh products first and then switch incrementally to the more caustic ones as needed. Hydrogen peroxide or bleach may do a good job removing stains but can ruin colored grout. Do not mix chemicals (it’s dangerous).

• Use a squeegee to help rinse the floor. Water based vacuums and floor cleaning machines can sometimes be used to get rid of most of the dirty water. Rinse twice for best results.

Staining brick during masonry projects is a common practice among professional contractors. They usually only do this to individual bricks to make them match the others in a batch. This is sometimes required because it is difficult to get absolute consistency from one batch of manufactured bricks to the next. Staining brick already in place as part of a wall is more difficult and time consuming than painting, but the results are more elegant. The stains used are proprietary in nature and are brick specific. Consult a brick supplier when considering stain as part of masonry repair.

DIY Repair or Professional Help

A local brick supplier can recommend a base brick that comes close to one used for your home. If the brick used in your siding is still manufactured, they might be able to order you a very close match. They can also suggest a good stain product and a professional who knows how to apply it properly. Having a professional do the job for you and ensure that it looks right might be especially important for highly visible areas of the exterior facade of your home. You can perform the job yourself if there are only a few bricks that need to be stained to match the rest of the wall. If there is a large area that needs to be stained, this is more difficult. The masking required to protect the mortar can be very time consuming.

Wood and composite siding must generally be repainted or given a touch up every few years. Applying more than one layer of paint is usually a good idea. The first coat is more of an insulating layer, while the second is for resisting wear and tear. Some home improvement experts recommend that the primer, sealer and first layer of paint be brushed on. The finish coat can be sprayed.

Using a Brush

A brush allows the primer and paint to be thoroughly worked into the surface of the siding. This is a necessity for long-term durability. The problem with brush application is that the appearance of the paint can look uneven unless extreme care is taken. This greatly increases the amount of time necessary to do the job properly.

It is important not to overload the paint brush. Instead, it should be loaded lightly with paint at the tip of the brush hairs. The handle of the paintbrush should be held gently as if it were a pencil or pen. Most of the handle should be sticking up through the space in between the thumb and forefinger. Holding and working the paint brush like a writing instrument allows far greater control and creates less spillage.

Using a Spray Gun

Spray painting with an air compressor and nozzle is much faster than painting by hand. If this application mode is used for all coats, care must be taken to cover the siding’s surface completely. When done properly, the surface tends to dry evenly. A spray paint finish coat can make the entire paint job look much more professional.

Spraying should be done in a back and forth motion that overlaps portions already covered. Even motion must be maintained and should not be too slow. Too much paint applied in any one location will cause dripping. Because droplets are sprayed into the air, tiny paint particles can easily be breathed in. It’s best to wear a protective mask and protective clothing when spray painting. Overspray is likely with this method, so any areas that need to remain paint-free should be draped or masked.

Faucets and sinks shouldn’t be overlooked when considering accessibility, safety, and ease of use for bathrooms. The height of a sink and how far the user has to reach to operate the handles is something to think about when installing facilities. If someone is using a wheelchair or a walker, they shouldn’t be forced to lean too far forward to use a sink. Small children should be able to reach a high sink using a sturdy step stool that will not shift or tip over. A step stool that slides out from under the sink is one option to consider since it can be stored out of the way when not in use.

Faucet Considerations

Certain types of faucets are more difficult to use than others. For someone with limited muscle control, chronic hand pain, or severe arthritis, twisting a knob can be a challenging task. Traditional faucet handles that have to be gripped and twisted can be replaced by lever style handles that make it easier to turn the water on or off.

Streamlined single touch faucets that respond to light hand pressure are available for both kitchen and bathroom sinks and are simple for pretty much everyone to use. In certain circumstances, it might be best to install an infrared motion sensor that automatically turns the water on and off as needed.

Adding an anti-scald temperature controller is another great idea. This makes the bathroom sink safer for small children. It also makes sense for individuals with limited sensation in their hands who may not be aware that the water is hot enough to cause injury.

Painting a brick house is not a project that should be done on a whim. It is a large undertaking that commits you to continued exterior maintenance throughout the lifespan of the house. Once you coat brick siding, you cannot go back and remove the paint unless you replace the affected masonry or use expensive sandblasters. Regardless, you are committed to a totally new look.

Prepare The Surface

Preparing the exterior brick surface is an extensive task. It includes the following: cleaning, repairing (includes sealing & caulking around windows), and priming. Removal of stains can be done with a spray washer at about 1,500 to 2,000 psi. Be careful not to damage any of the mortar or you will have more repair work to do. A stiff brush can sometimes help to remove debris and stains. The brick surface must be ultra clean for the primer to adhere properly.

Primer

After a thorough cleaning, use primer on any stained or repaired areas first. These spots may require a second coat after you’ve have primed the rest of the home’s exterior. Fast drying 100% acrylic primers are recommended.

Paint

Actually painting brick can be difficult. All the bumps, grooves and pits that are part of the natural surface of brick can impede the application of a consistent coat. While a paintbrush can be used, it requires more effort on brick than it would when painting a smooth surface. For this reason, painting with a compressor and a spray nozzle is recommended.

The versatility of fast-growing bamboo plants is just amazing. As a truly renewable resource, this woody substance is considered eco-friendly. Building materials made from high quality bamboo are strong and weather resistant. Entire homes have been built in some parts of the world using nothing but bamboo. Given these facts, it’s not surprising to hear that there is such a thing as bamboo siding. In modern construction, it is rare to see a whole home veneered with bamboo siding. More often, it is used for decorative purposes to accent parts of the home with a tropical feel.

Real Bamboo

Bamboo can be carefully processed to simulate hardwood flooring and real wood siding. The material must be specially treated with several chemicals and sealed with polyurethane before it can be used as a reliable siding material. It’s often sold in prefabricated interlocking panels for easy installation. Not all authentic bamboo products are created equal. Bamboo harvested too early in its life cycle is generally substandard and easily damaged. In contrast, bamboo harvested from mature stock tends to be extremely durable. If you can dent the material with your thumbnail, it is poor quality and shouldn’t be used for interior or exterior home improvement projects.

Faux Bamboo

Some of the bamboo siding on the market is not really bamboo at all. Also, not all imitation bamboo is the same. The cheap stuff can be less expensive than real bamboo, but is not nearly as durable. On the other hand, high quality faux bamboo is made entirely from a polyurethane veneer and is artfully sculpted to look like the real thing. The accurate color and textural details make this product difficult to distinguish from actual bamboo even on close inspection. It has to be custom made which adds to the price, but it is actually tougher than bamboo. It can better withstand heat, moisture, cold, and sunlight without ever cracking or fading. Polyurethane is also lightweight. Faux bamboo siding also comes in interlocking panels for quick and easy installation for a DIY project.

Modifying the bathrooms in your house to make them more accessible is actually a smart idea even if you don’t currently have someone with a disability in your family. It’s wise to keep in mind that each one of us is only temporarily able-bodied. If you love your home and plan to “age in place” or if you anticipate bringing an elderly parent into your household at some point, it’s a good idea to make modifications now. This will be an additional benefit if you or a family member experiences an unexpected injury or illness. Here are the top factors to take into consideration when planning this type of home improvement project.

Wider Door

Many architects and contractors fail to realize the problems associated with a 24” bathroom door for elderly and disabled home owners. That’s the standard residential size and is entirely too small for a wheelchair to get through. While some bathroom doors are a bit larger, they are rarely the 32” minimum needed for access. If there is a corner that must be navigated, then a minimum of 36” of clearance width is required. A project like widening a bathroom door takes two people with moderate carpentry and drywall skills about 8 hours to finish.

Bathtub & Toilet

High tub walls can make it extremely hazardous for someone struggling to get in or out. The slightest amount of moisture can create slick surfaces that increase the risk of falling. Both showers and tubs can be difficult to maneuver without hand holds. Consider installing grab bars in these areas to increase safety for all users. Also, consider adding a seat option in the shower or choosing a walk in tub with a door that eliminates the need to step in and out over the side. Grab bars near the toilet can make it easier for a person in a wheelchair to transfer to and from the seat. Most of these items can be readily installed by anyone with the proper tools and a good set of instructions.

Wooden gutters are relatively rare. These days, they are a specialty item that can add a great deal of value to a home. They tend to be very strong and sturdy as well as being attractive. Wood gutters are almost exclusively found on older houses – especially those designed in the Victorian style. Depending on consistency of maintenance and the type of wood they are made from, these gutters can last up to 100 years.

The main reason to install wooden gutters as opposed to other types is to improve the exterior aesthetics of the home. Often, they are designed to blend in with the natural façade and the eaves on the building. Sometimes, the only way to tell that gutters are actually present is when you spot the downspouts.

Wooden gutters have fallen out of favor because of the material’s high cost. Builders prefer to install vinyl or metal gutters. However, home owners are beginning to choose wooden gutters again. This resurgence in popularity is most evident in California and a few other areas along the West coast.

Wooden gutters can be cut in a variety of shapes to optimize both their look and performance. The material has a somewhat rough surface compared to metal and plastic. So, wooden gutters tend to be cut larger or deeper than standards gutters so they can handle the required volume of rainwater. Redwood is the preferred species of wood because it is both strong and resistant to water penetration. Painting once a year helps ensure consistent performance and to keep peeling to a minimum.