However, there are ways to infuse elegance in tile installations without incurring high costs.  Here are some tips to assist in lowering the cost of ceramic or porcelain tile installations without compromising the look and design of the area.

Tips to Lower Cost of Tile Installation

1.  Always choose the economical size of tiles for the tile field.  These are typically 6″ x 6″ or 4″ x 4″ sizes.

2. Avoid smaller sizes or irregular sizes which can be more expensive.

3.  Mix more expensive tiles such as sculpted or hand-painted tiles as highlights together with cheaper or more plain tiles.  Natural stone can also be mixed with a ceramic field.  Place these highlights on areas that are easily visible so their value is not undermined.

4.  If only plain colored ceramic tiles can fit the budget, create a design by mixing 2 or more colors.

If you are one of the growing number of people taking an interest in feng shui (like us) you may wonder how it can be applied in the kitchen in general to make the heart of your home an even nicer place to be. So, in the interests of research we set out to find out:

Kitchen cabinet Hardware and Feng Shui

One of the guiding principles of feng shui in general is simplification and organization – two things that any kitchen can benefit from. To this end feng shui practitioners advise that you choose kitchen cabinet hardware that has sleek lines and clean, solid design. There is no one style that is particularly feng shui friendly but cabinet pulls and drawer handles should be simple and easy to handle.

Kitchen Colors and Feng Shui

Colors that make up the Fire element family – reds and oranges primarily – should be used sparingly in a feng shui friendly kitchen as they are said to create a feeling of disharmony in the room. Feng Shui masters advise that cooler colors – blues, greens and beiges – are a better choice for a happy kitchen.

Kitchen Organization and Feng Shui

These days you can purchase kitchen cabinets that have all kinds of neat storage solutions built into them, designed to make kitchen organization easier. These cabinets are very much in line with feng shui thinking which demands that everything in a room have a designated place. Another feng shui belief is that leaving garbage in the kitchen overnight invites bad luck and by taking the trash out every day the homeowner is inviting new opportunity into the home.

Feng Shui Odds and Ends for the Kitchen

In Feng Shui the placement of certain small items into a room is believed to make a huge difference, as do certain actions. A bowl of fruit placed centrally in your kitchen is said to attract wealth to the home while plants bring a new vitality. Sweeping, mopping or vacuuming is also believed to decrease financial stress . Apparently you should also avoid eating while sitting next to a toaster or a microwave as that can cause emotional upset and encourage argument between family members.

The first thing that crops up in the average homeowner’s mind at that point is, what on earth is a Janka scale and why should I care?

The Janka scale or the Janka rating system measures the relative hardness of wood. In scientific terms this is the force in pounds required to embed a 0.444 inches (11.28 mm) steel ball into wood up to half its diameter. This leaves a 100 square mm indentation in the wood being tested. The Janka scale thus tells us how hard the wood is.

The hardness of a certain hardwood flooring option has two important considerations. The harder the wood is the better it will withstand wear and tear over a long period of time. A higher Janka rating thus indicates greater durability and stability. Such woods are ideal for flooring and can put up with a lot of foot traffic and a considerable amount of abuse.

On the other hand the harder the wood the more difficult it is for the amateur to work with. A hardwood that ranks high on the Janka scale is going to be difficult to cut with the tools that the average homeowner has in their garage or basement. It is for this reason that the installation of such hardwoods is best left to a professional.

At this point you may be wondering exactly how the various species of hardwood stack up against one another in general. One of the hardest hardwood flooring options available on the market today is an exotic – Brazilian Walnut, also known as Ipe. It boasts a Janka rating of 3680, compared to the better known Red Oak which averages a 1290.

Most good hardwood flooring retailers will have a comparison chart on hand listing the Janka ratings of all the products they sell (although many great salespeople know them right off the top of their heads anyway)

A certain hardwood’s rank on the Janka scale should certainly be a consideration when choosing hardwood flooring but not the only one. All hardwood flooring is pretty tough and you should not dismiss a certain species just because it has a slightly lower Janka rating than another.

Ceramic tiles can be put to great use as a flooring material, on walls and can be added to counter tops and offer endless design and decorating opportunities to homeowners everywhere. What you may not realize though is just how long ceramic tile has been around.

The earliest ancestors of the modern ceramic tile date back to prehistoric times. Made from clay dug from the sides of riverbanks these early tiles were crudely shaped and not as strong as their modern counterparts but even back then craftsman were adding pigments for a splash of color and carving patterns into their surface before they were left to bake in the sun.

It was apparently the ancient Egyptians who first came up with the idea of firing tiles in a kiln to give them extra strength. The Romans and the Greeks then put ceramic tiles to great use for the floors, roofs, and even the plumbing in their buildings.

Around the same time the Chinese were using a white clay called kaolin to create the earliest forerunners of porcelain ceramic tiles. Persian ceramicists, inspired by imported Chinese porcelain, created a decorative tradition that spread across South Asia, North Africa, into Spain with the Moors, and eventually throughout Europe.

Great examples of these ancient ceramic tiles can still be seen today. Although the manufacturing process has changed over the years the usefulness and attractive appearance of ceramic tile has not. Walk into a great tile store and you will be faced with a myriad of ceramic tile choices that can be used for almost any purpose in and/or around the house. All you have to decide is which of the many choices are the right ones for your needs.

Kitchen countertops provide a significant effect on the tone and overall design of a kitchen.  Aside from its aesthetic value, countertops are also one of the most used as these are the areas where all the pre-cooking and food preparations are done.  A kitchen countertop’s level of durability will depend on the type of activity a home will have on the kitchen.

Here is a simple guide that will give you insights on the type of materials used as kitchen countertops.  The perfect kitchen countertop will make a kitchen look wonderful and will serve the family for years over cooking, eating, consultations with mom, and midnight snacks.

1.  Quartz Countertops – Over the years, new design trends crop up that give homeowners fresh kitchen ideas.  Quartz countertops are the newest trend that is gaining popularity in the US.  Though there are counters made from slabs of natural quartz, engineered quartz (95% ground natural quartz & 5% polymer resins) has proven to be the better option than its natural counterpart.

Quartz gives the same elegance and look of granite, but with almost limitless color options.  It is virtually indestructible being harder than granite, scratch and stain resistant, and non-porous.  As such, it does not require periodic resealing and considered to be the most sanitary of all countertop materials as it does not absorb moisture and liquid that can breed bacteria.  Because of its durability, manufacturers provide a warranty which is not offered similarly to other countertop materials.  Probably the only reason that homeowners will not opt for quartz is because of the high price tag.  Some brands on the market include DuPont Zodiaq®, LG Viatera®, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone®.

2.  Granite Countertops – Of all natural stones, granite has been the top choice of homeowners because of its resiliency compared to other stones.  If installed properly, it is very hard and hardly chips even with heavy impact.  It is heat and stain resistant.  However, it will require resealing periodically as it can absorb moisture and liquid.  And since it is natural stone, colors are limited and not perfectly uniform.  Though quite expensive, the price of granite countertops have considerably been less steep the past years with more supply and manufacturers available in the market.

3.  Solid Surface Countertops – Another type of luxury countertop are solid surface countertops.  These are counters made from blended acrylic polymers and stone-derived materials.  Solid surface countertops are likewise hard and durable.  As the name suggests, these are solid with the color and design permeating through and through.  Its major advantage is that it has limitless colors and designs and can come with matching sinks and backsplashes.  However, it is vulnerable to heat and stains.  But minor damages can be repaired by sanding to reveal a new surface.

4.  Concrete Countertops – Concrete is another option for those with kitchens of unusual shape.  It can be tinted to almost any color or embedded with stones, jewels, fossils, or shells to match a kitchen design.  However, it can crack and will require periodic sealing since it is porous.

5.  Wood or Butcher’s Block – The advantage of wood is that gives a warm and homey look to any kitchen.  However, it requires frequent oil application to protect it from damage caused by water.  It is vulnerable to heat and can be burned.  Like solid surface, minor damages can be sanded out to reveal a new surface.  Current kitchen design trends usually mix wood countertops with other surface materials like quartz or granite.

6.  Stainless Steel – Steel is another option for those who do not want the burden of constant maintenance.  It is non-porous and never loses its shine.  However, it is prone to scratching and dents.  It is also less preferred for homes as it gives off a cold and industrial look.

7.  Laminate Countertops – For those on a budget, laminate countertops can be a good choice.  Laminate counters are made from plastic-coated synthetics that are easy to wipe and clean.  The advantage is that it can come in any design or color  since anything can be printed on the paper under the resin sheet.  Some are even made to mimic other surfaces like metal, wood, or stone.  However, it is susceptible to scratches, chips, and burns which cannot be repaired.  Damages need to be replaced.

8.  Ceramic Tile -  Another affordable option for kitchen countertops are ceramic tiles.  This is another popular choice because of the limitless design ideas that it offers.  Of all the surface materials, ceramic is the most resistant to heat.  But it is prone to cracks, chips, and stains on the grout.  Those who use ceramic tiles for their counters usually purchase extra tiles to replace damaged ones over time.  Manufacturers don’t keep the same designs in stock over a long period.

It should be noted that ceramic countertops can be made into elegant or charming designs for any kitchen despite its low price.  It is the most versatile surface for any countertop which can come in almost any color, design, or shape.   It’s the only material that can be made into mosaics that can result in works of art.  Of course, there are ceramic tiles that can be more expensive than quartz or granite.  Hand-painted ceramics or terra cotta tiles are quire expensive and will give any kitchen that charming French provincial look.

In choosing the perfect kitchen countertop, always remember to balance design, function, and budget.  Some focus too much on design that will complement a style they prefer only to neglect function and durability.  If a family is a heavy kitchen user, durability and function should be considered.  Otherwise, it could mean having a good-looking kitchen that will have to be remodeled only after  a few years.

On the other hand, neglecting budget could mean spending unnecessarily on a durable and elegant kitchen countertop that is hardly used while the rest of the kitchen accessories and appliances suffer from the budget constraints and does not match the expensive countertop.

But there is another reason to consider bamboo when choosing a new floor – the sheer beauty of it.

Although many people think that bamboo has to be a pale light color it is actually available in shades from the lightest blond to rich dark amber that simply screams warmth and richness.

Some colors are created by boiling the bamboo before it becomes a flooring plank while others are created with the adding various dyes at certain stages of production.

In addition, over time, a bamboo floor will eventually gain a nice patina, and if cared for well, will begin to warm and meld into a variety of tones and hues that add a lot of unique charm to floors.

If you examine pictures of centuries old bamboo flooring in Asia you will see that time has changed them into works of art, each with its own beautiful whorls and intricate color tones. And of course the fact that these floors still exist is a testament to just how durable this “grass” flooring really is.

With hundreds, if not thousands of different choices finding the perfect ceramic tile for your project can be a daunting task.

When narrowing down those options it is well worth remembering that the size of the ceramic tile you choose is every bit as important as the design and the color.

Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of sizes, from the tiniest mosaic tiles that are about an inch square to huge almost slab like versions mainly suited to outdoor use.

Each tile size exists for a reason. Some, especially the smallest tiles, trace their origins back to the Roman baths and the architecture of Ancient Greece.

Other sizes were standardized during the post Second World War building boom. Still more were created to suit the appetites of modern mall builders, who wanted to cover larger areas with fewer tiles. The rest exist simply because they are aesthetically pleasing.

There is no hard and fast rule for what particular size has to be used for any given project. That is part of the beauty of using ceramic tile in your home, it allows a level of design freedom that is almost unequalled by any other choice.

If you are unsure about how the size of a tile will affect the overall design do not be afraid to ask a salesperson at the tile showroom or store for their input. They may even be able to show you examples of each size installed to help you envisage how it will look in your home

Finding a ceramic tile you like is easy – there are thousands to choose from. Before you bought though make sure that the tile you have fallen in love with is suitable for use in the area where you intend to lay it.  All ceramic tiling is hard but some is tougher than others.

To aid consumers in their choice all ceramic tile is graded according to its hardness and where it is most suited for use. Here are the industry standard ceramic floor tile guidelines:

Grade I – light traffic: residential bathroom floors where bare or stocking feet are the normal.

Grade II – medium traffic: home interiors where little abrasion occurs. Don’t use in kitchens or entries.

Grade III – medium heavy traffic: any home interior.

Grade IV – heavy traffic: homes or light to medium commercial areas.

Grade V – extra heavy Traffic: use it anywhere, even outside.

If you are buying ceramic floor tiles for use in the bathroom you should also pay attention to its porosity rating – that is how much water the ceramic tile is likely to absorb.

Generally ceramic tiles are rated for their water absorption properties as follows: impervious (least absorbent), Vitreous, Semi-vitreous, and non-vitreous (most absorbent).

The logical way to go for a room like the bathroom is the impervious grade, as you need a ceramic tile that is as close to waterproof as possible if you want the floor to remain looking its best for years to come.

If you are not sure which of the tiles you are looking at is best suited to your needs do not be afraid to ask before you buy. A good ceramic tile salesperson wants their customers to be as happy as possible with their choices and will be more than willing to take the extra time to help you make the right choice.

Hardwood floors are considered a major investment in any home.  Homeowners spend on hardwood floors because of their warm and comforting feel in the home, durability, and the enhanced value it can give their home.  Despite its durability, hardwood floors are vulnerable to liquid, stains, and scratches.  Though most hardwood floors now come with protection, these bear the brunt of the traffic and wear off eventually.  Here are some tips in cleaning your hardwood floor safely and also how to protect your floor from damage and make sure it lasts decades as hardwood floors are meant to endure.

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

1)  Sweep your hardwood floor regularly with a broom to remove dirt and grit that can cause scratches on the surface finish.  It’s also advisable to vacuum (without a beater bat) your hardwood flooring about twice a week to siphon off those dirt that the broom could not get to.

2)  Use a damp mop to clean your hardwood floor once in a while.  Do not use a wet mop as this can damage your wood floor.  After using a damp mop, dry off any excess moisture with a dry mop.

3)  Remember that when you are cleaning/mopping your hardwood floor, it is actually the coating or finishing that you are cleaning.  As such, it would be a good idea to determine the kind of finish was applied on your hardwood floor to know what type of cleaner would be safe to use.  Normally, your retailer will have a recommended cleaner for you.   Make sure you also clarify the terms of your warranty.  The wrong cleaner can actually void the warranty on your hardwood floor.

4)  The protective coating and finish on your hardwood floor will eventually wear out, most especially on areas with high traffic.  To determine the state of the finish, you can put a drop of water on the area.  If it beads up, the protection is still good.  Otherwise, you will need to retouch the coating on that area.  If the coating appears to have worn off on most areas, it may be a good time to refurbish the finishing on your floor.  It will also involve sanding the surface to remove the remaining coats before applying the new coats.  Sanding will likewise correct minor scratches and stains.

Protecting Hardwood Floors

1)  Door mats and rugs are good to have in your home because it traps dirt and grit that can scratch your hardwood floor.

2)  Avoid wearing stiletto shoes or any type of shoe that can scratch or dent your wood floor.

3)  When moving furniture, do not drag them across your hardwood floor.  Lift them instead to avoid scratches.  It is also advisable to place flannel protectors under the foot of your furniture.

4)  Put window treatments or curtains on windows where the sun can directly touch your hardwood floors.  Sun exposure will cause color fading on your hardwood floors.

5) Do not wax the floor, especially if you plan on recoating your floor.  Wax can leave residue and will prevent some finishing or coats from adhering to your hardwood floors.

Follow these guidelines diligently and it is certain that your hardwood floors will just be as good for the residents of your home in the next generation.  And remember that if there are any doubts on how you can remove stains or repairs, it is still best to consult with a professional to handle the situation.

Waterproofing can either be through water repellants or through staining.  Staining is more popular because it allows more flexibility in the color of the wood and can be matched with the house design.  Stains can either be solid to match the trims of the home or washed stain which allows for the grains of the wood to show through. On the other hand, water repellants resists most water stains and oils.

When installing a new wooden deck, it would be best to wait a few months before applying any treatment since most woods that are newly bought have been pre-treated and any additional treatment will not penetrate the wood.