Tuesday 30 December 2008

The Art of Buying Bathroom Sinks Online

Before you purchase your bathroom sink, there are a few things you should know. Will your bathroom have a vanity on which the sink will be mounted? Or, do you want a pedestal sink or simply a wall mounted sink with nothing hoisting it up?


If you need an above the counter sink for a vanity, you will need to know the dimensions of your vanity so that you can decide how big or small of a sink you can put on top. You will also need to know what type of sink you are looking for. If you need some help figuring out which type of sink you need, you can hire a contractor or a plumber to assist you. Another important thing you need to know about buying a sink is that the plumbing equipment usually does not come with the sink. The plumbing supplies, including the p-trap, drain, and stop valves, have to be bought separately. You also have to make sure you have enough in your budget to accommodate these both the sink and the plumbing supplies. A sink without plumbing equipment will be of no use to you.


After you gather all this information, the fun part begins. You can pick the shape you want, and there are many shapes to choose from: square sinks, oval sinks, round sinks, asymmetrical sinks, pedestal sinks, and more. You can also match your sink color with the theme of your entire bathroom. There are also many options for colors: white, black, pink floral, grey floral, platinum, Pergamon, and so forth. If you are truly looking for luxury, you can choose a ceramic sink with marble. Once you have picked out everything you want, you will need to find it online.


In order to find what you want online, you will have to do a search. If you just type bathroom sink you will find many sinks, but very few will match what you are looking for. You will need to know the size, color, and price of the sink in order to narrow your search down.


A great website to do such a search on is: TotalBath. All you have to do is go to the sinks page and you can search by price, size, finish, and so forth. They have great discounts and offer free shipping as well.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_Shuhay

Sunday 28 December 2008

Getting the Most Out of Your Bathroom Design Project

In many new homes and in plenty of remodels, the bathrooms are no longer just spaces of functionality but are becoming personal relaxation spas, especially master bathrooms. People want a room where they can linger luxuriously in hot, bubbling tubs, and groom themselves for the day in the most pleasant and pampering ways possible.


With that said, there are still plenty of opinions on the matter as to what exactly transforms this particular space into that showering and primping paradise. The most important thing is to create a design that suits both your functional and aesthetic desires.


You can start by making a plan. Analyze the space you have available. How would you like to better utilize it? For some, a huge, jacuzzi tub is the main feature of their dream decor. For others, beautiful wall-to-wall tile with custom design work is most important.


For others still, the cabinetry is what they would most like to change. While you might want to consider a trained professional, a designer, to help you get the most out of your remodel, you will still need to have a clear idea of what you would like to be able to do in that space.


If you're not sure about the options and style trends available to you, you might do well to visit your local drug store and pick up a home improvement or remodeling magazine and look for ideas. You might discover that there are so many more ways to customize your "day spa" than you thought possible. For instance, you can have a linen tower bathroom cabinet positioned in such a way that you can hide a television inside to watch when soaking for exorbitant amounts of time.


Another good way to find out what amenities and features are available is by visiting a local showroom, especially one that lets you get in and have a hands-on experience. It's nice to be able to actually visualize what certain spaces could look like and how certain bathroom cabinetry will work with specific counter tops and other fixtures. Plus, the designer there will be able to give you all sorts of useful information about style and color.


Once you have surveyed your options and determined your plan, the best place to start may be to choose the exact bathroom cabinets you want and build the rest of the style around them. The cabinets are often one of the most striking features of the bathroom and certainly they set the tone for the entire room.


There are several types of bathroom cabinetry that you may need to decide on. First and foremost, there is the vanity. This is typically one of the centerpieces of the bathroom. After you have pinpointed the style and color you want, you can then decide if and where you need other bathroom cabinets like linen towers for storage, built-in hampers and storage units above the toilet.


In many new homes and in plenty of remodels, the bathrooms are no longer just spaces of functionality but are becoming personal relaxation spas, especially master bathrooms. People want a room where they can linger luxuriously in hot, bubbling tubs, and groom themselves for the day in the most pleasant and pampering ways possible.


With that said, there are still plenty of opinions on the matter as to what exactly transforms this particular space into that showering and primping paradise. The most important thing is to create a design that suits both your functional and aesthetic desires.


You can start by making a plan. Analyze the space you have available. How would you like to better utilize it? For some, a huge, jacuzzi tub is the main feature of their dream decor. For others, beautiful wall-to-wall tile with custom design work is most important.


For others still, the cabinetry is what they would most like to change. While you might want to consider a trained professional, a designer, to help you get the most out of your remodel, you will still need to have a clear idea of what you would like to be able to do in that space.


If you're not sure about the options and style trends available to you, you might do well to visit your local drug store and pick up a home improvement or remodeling magazine and look for ideas. You might discover that there are so many more ways to customize your "day spa" than you thought possible. For instance, you can have a linen tower bathroom cabinet positioned in such a way that you can hide a television inside to watch when soaking for exorbitant amounts of time.


Another good way to find out what amenities and features are available is by visiting a local showroom, especially one that lets you get in and have a hands-on experience. It's nice to be able to actually visualize what certain spaces could look like and how certain bathroom cabinetry will work with specific counter tops and other fixtures. Plus, the designer there will be able to give you all sorts of useful information about style and color.


Once you have surveyed your options and determined your plan, the best place to start may be to choose the exact bathroom cabinets you want and build the rest of the style around them. The cabinets are often one of the most striking features of the bathroom and certainly they set the tone for the entire room.


There are several types of bathroom cabinetry that you may need to decide on. First and foremost, there is the vanity. This is typically one of the centerpieces of the bathroom. After you have pinpointed the style and color you want, you can then decide if and where you need other bathroom cabinets like linen towers for storage, built-in hampers and storage units above the toilet.


And then of course, you can narrow down the details and the organization of the design, like built-in dividers inside the drawers, cabinets to easily store and hide your commonly used grooming appliances, and cosmetic slide-out trays.


With all the choices today, you can put together a princely bathroom suite complete with all the beauty and practicality your hope for.


And then of course, you can narrow down the details and the organization of the design, like built-in dividers inside the drawers, cabinets to easily store and hide your commonly used grooming appliances, and cosmetic slide-out trays.


With all the choices today, you can put together a princely bathroom suite complete with all the beauty and practicality your hope for.


Once you decide on the look your want for your bathroom, you can look for a firm that makes show-stopping bathroom cabinetry. Tampa remodeling company is an award-winning cabinetry firm that can exceed your expectations. Visit them here http://www.eurotechcabinetry.com.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

Friday 26 December 2008

5 Big Reasons Why You Should Get a Shower Filter

Let's face it. Tap water is full of contaminants and there is no excuse for you not to have a drinking water filter. However, is tap water safe for bathing and showering? Studies show that bathing and showering in tap water is just as dangerous, if not more dangerous than drinking it. Here are 5 big reasons why you should consider getting a shower filter.


1. Chlorine has a very drying effect. It strips your skin and hair of its natural protective oils. If you've ever gone to a swimming pool, you know how drying chlorinated water can be on your skin. You may not realize that tap water has just as much or often more chlorine than swimming pool water. If you use a shower filter, you will notice that your skin and hair feel much softer within days. Furthermore, the chemicals in tap water are known to cause skin irritation and allergies so people who suffer from these problems would benefit greatly from a shower filter.


2. Ever feel really tired and fatigued? That is probably because you've been breathing chloroform. When chlorine vaporizes and combines with organic compounds, it becomes chloroform steam. Breathing chloroform can cause fatigue and it is a respiratory irritant. So is tap water safe for bathing and showering? It is not because breathing chloroform can lead to allergies, asthma, and bronchitis as well.


3. When you shower with tap water, more than double the amount of chemicals in tap water are inhaled and absorbed through your skin than when you drink it. Your pores open up when you take a warm shower so you absorb a high level of chemicals. Over one-fourth of the US Olympic Swim Team suffers from asthma due to the fact that they inhale so much chlorine. The easiest way to reduce the amount of chemicals you are exposed to daily is through using a shower filter.


4. Is tap water safe for bathing and showering? Not if you want to have good air quality in your home. Homes that don't have shower filters have a detectable level of chloroform in the air. If you take showers with chlorinated water, the chlorine will get released in the air and eventually cause respiratory problems.


5. In a ten-minute shower, you are exposed to the same amount of chloroform as you would be if you drank 2 liters of tap water. So is tap water safe for bathing and showering? It's easy to see that it's actually more dangerous to bathe in tap water than to drink it so your best option is to use a shower filter along with your drinking filter.


Do yourself a favor and get a shower filter for your home. Bathing and showering in tap water is very dangerous and a drinking water filter alone is not enough to protect you and your family from the harmful contaminants in tap water. Within days of using a shower water filter, you will notice that your skin and hair feel softer, your energy levels are higher, and your respiratory system refreshed. Is tap water safe for bathing and showering? No, it is more dangerous than drinking tap water so get a shower filter before it's too late.


William Lin is an avid proponent of optimum health through high quality water sources. See his groundbreaking new research for free by visiting William's site at Pure Filtered Safe Water to learn about his research on health through cleaner, healthier water.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Lin

Wednesday 24 December 2008

Quick Tips For the Bathroom Vanity Shopper

Bathroom vanities seem to be the newest "it" item in bathroom re-design and remodeling. Blending the elements of both form and functionality, these easy-to-install appliances instantly add sophistication and elegance to any bathroom. Installing a vanity will make your bathroom seem warmer and more inviting than ever before.


When it comes to selecting a bathroom vanity, you have quite a lot of options. Vanities are often contemporary or traditional in design, respectively yielding a sleek, clean, and polished look or a more rustic, wamer, and cozy personality. While most vanity cabinets are manufactured in wood, ranging from oak and mahogany to cherry and teak, some are built from quality metals like stainless steel or bronzed copper plate. As far as countertops go, you have a nearly limitless selection: tempered glass, steel, copper, sealed zebra wood, granite, onyx, marble, and porcelain, to name a few. The styles and colors vary, as well. But perhaps you aren't interested in previously constructed bathroom vanities? Maybe you want a more personal design, perhaps one that reflects your personality a bit more clearly.


If this is indeed the case, there's no cause for alarm, and no reason to worry. A good handful of retailers on the internet offer a sort of customization service: this gives you the ability to, basically, design your own personal bathroom vanity in a unique and interesting way. These customization options are sure to pique the interest of any self-respecting Do-It-Yourself-er.


But before you get to shopping, consider a few of the following pointers: first, take into account the dimensions of your bathroom. Larger bathrooms, obviously, can effectively accommodate larger vanities, and maybe even conveniently luxurious double bathroom vanities. But if you plan on installing your bathroom vanity in a smaller bathroom, consider investing in a wall-mounted vanity, a small vanity, or, for maximum space efficiency, a corner vanity. Corner bath vanities are built in a quarter-circle shape, much like a "pie slice," so that they are perfectly suited to be installed in any corner without sacrificing any of the aesthetic value or charm of the vanity itself. Corner vanities may be out of the way, but they don't sacrifice any good looks or usefulness to get there!


Which brings me to the next consideration: manner and extent of use. How many people share your bathroom? How many people argue over sink space? If more than one individual will use the vanty, it may be worth your while to look into an investment in double bathroom vanities. These vanities have two sinks, two mirrors, and two storage cabinets, so people can perform their hygienic tasks simultaneously, without the fuss.


Finally, consider the price. Bathroom vanities cover a significant price range, from particularly expensive to tremendously affordable. Take note, though: the most expensive product, when it comes to vanities, is not always the "best" product. It may be in your best interests to avoid the cheapest models, however. So do some research, shop around a little, and read user reviews to see whether or not a certain manufacturer delivers a quality product. Once the quality is established, you should feel free to peruse each item without particular concern for price; simply choose the vanity product that is best suited to your tastes and needs! If you're really strapped for cash, though, and still want a vanity, then consider looking into discount stores (which often carry warehouse-priced items, or items that more expensive stores simply couldn't sell or carry), internet auction sites, and online "classifieds" like Craigslist.com.


Wyatt Frisk is a freelance writer, working in San Diego. He is an expert on bathroom vanities and is a home and bathroom design hobbyist. When he's not busy writing informative articles on the value and benefit of double bathroom vanities, he's plotting out new floorplans for his "dream" bathroom.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wyatt_Frisk

Tuesday 23 December 2008

Luxury Bathroom Suite

A luxury bathroom suite is the most relaxing room in a house and describes the home owner's personal tastes. It really is an important room that should be designed with care and own personal features. A luxurious bathroom doesn't necessarily have to have a sitting whirlpool bath in the middle of a room nor does it need to have a dynamic wet room shower screen, it's the look and your own personal preference in style and taste that counts.


Creating a luxury bathroom suite isn't always the easiest home improvement job one can undertake. A different variety of colours, furniture and lighting is just some of the simple steps to take when transforming your old shabby bathroom into creating a luxury one that you feel comfortable in. Having a bathroom that is luxurious will create a mood of happiness the moment someone steps into it - you'll actually want to be in a room that you've always thought about not entering.


Making a few changes can actually make a bathroom feel warm and inviting - take for example the lighting, it's the most important source to making you feel comfortable in any living space around you and using different lighting effects can and will brighten up that dark and dingy bathroom you once thought wouldn't be possible.


Another change is quite importantly the paint job - this will dramatically change the atmosphere and mood in any room. Smaller bathrooms should really be designed with a lighter effect as this creates a bigger sense of space where as darker colours do not. However it is possible to create a luxurious bathroom that looks bigger with darker colours if you use the right lighting effects.


Furniture in a bathroom can take up a lot of space, but there are many different options to still have storage with your bathroom still giving off the bigger atmosphere. A set master piece - such as a huge sink with no pedestal is a good way to automatically give visitors the feeling of luxury as soon as they enter the room so this should definitely be taken into account.


Luxury furniture and products could range from whirlpool baths to wide mirrors that reflect the light source simultaneously. These products are preference based so your luxury bathroom can be just as luxurious without them!


Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms who supply Luxury Bathrooms for the UK market.


Bella Bathrooms is an online retailer formed by 2 plumbers from the North East of England. Having hands on experience of custom bathroom installation and products has enabled Bella Bathrooms Ltd to only select quality bathroom products for their online shop. They sell bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, showers and bath related products for consumers through the United Kingdom.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Chapman

Saturday 20 December 2008

How to Lay Bathroom Tile

Laying bathroom tile is a lot more basic than it looks. When speaking of bathroom tile, I am speaking of ceramic tile. The way to lay ceramic tile is universal, no matter what size the tile. However, sometimes it is cheaper to buy the larger tiles. Please note that larger tiles do break easier.


To lay bathroom tile you must first completely clean the bathroom floor of all debris. You should only see the wood of the floor. Next you want to measure the floor. Measure wall to wall, even though it includes areas you will not be tiling. Extra tile may be needed if one or two get cracked or cut wrong. After deciding what kind of tile you need, you can figure out how much tile you need. For instance, if you have a 8 x 10 room, you need 80 square feet of tile. You also need 80 sq. ft. of concrete board. Cover the entire floor in cement board, securing it to the floor with decking screws and a thin layer of mortar underneath the concrete board. Make sure there are no gaps between sheets of concrete board. Next find the center of the room. Mark the center of the room. This is where you begin to tile.


Please not that there is a way to make the tiles look centered even if the room is not in square. Instead of laying the tiles in a vertical or horizontal line with the room, you can lay them in a diagonal line. This makes it difficult to see that the room is out of square.


Once you have found the center of the room and decided how to lay your tile, spread mortar on a small area of the floor, working from the center outward. The direction depends which way you are going so you can get out of the room without destroying the tile. Keep in mind it should not be walked on for 24 hours. The mortar should be spread with a tool made especially for spreading floor adhesive as it grooved to allow for even spreading. Make sure to wear protective gloves as the mortar can be irritating to the skin.


Place the tile on the mortar and twist until it is secure. The twisting releases the air trapped under the tile. Do not lean on the tile or press it down with your knee. Make sure tile is exactly where you want it. Place spacers around the tile. Lay next following the same steps until all the tile is on the floor. Let sit for a minimum of twenty four hours and then grout the tile.


Find out how to avoid lots of other mistakes when laying tile and learn the tricks of the tiling trade at How To Lay Tile


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_Maria_Stammberger

Wednesday 17 December 2008

Three Ideas For Upgrading Your Bathroom on the Cheap

It's that fun holiday time of year, and there is nothing better than having our friends and family over for gatherings with way too much food and drink, good times, and checking out our house. Wait...checking out our house! Even though that's not the intention of holiday parties, we know that our family and friends are checking out our house, and there are some easy and cheap things you can do make your guest bathroom as nice as it can be for your parties and gatherings. Here are some ideas:

1. Replace the shower curtain or partition with beautiful new shower doors. You would be surprised at how much just putting a new acrylic or glass door improves the entire look of your bathroom, and by extension, your entire house! Replacing an entire shower can be costly, but if you replace just the doors, it will give you the look of a new shower at a fraction of the price. You can get a clear glass door, a sliding door, a fixed door you attach to the top of the tub, or a entirely new acrylic shower stall. I have found that doing the measurements and shopping online is the cheapest and easiest way to do this, and it's so easy to install it yourself.

2. Replace the bathroom sink and shower fixtures. It's expensive to replace those large ticket items, such as a bathroom vanity or bathtub, but you can spruce up what you have. You can replace the sink faucet and handles, and the bathtub faucet and handles to upgrade your bathroom. After you install these and make sure you caulk the area around new fixtures, make sure to give you vanity and tub a good cleaning and polish it to a shine. They will sparkle with the cleaning love, and the new fixtures will fit in with such a spotless bathroom.

3. Get some new holiday towels or linens. Towels and bathroom linens aren't something we replace all the time, and you'd be amazed at how much better your bathroom will look with just a couple new hand and bath towels. If you go with holiday towels, it makes your home that much more festive for the season, and shows that you've left no stone unturned for your holiday decorating.

I hope these thrifty but effective ideas help get you started on sprucing up that bathroom for your festivities. And upgrading your bathroom is something you can enjoy all year!

If you would like more information on acrylic shower stalls or the different options for shower doors, please visit the Unlimited Showers website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Worthington

Thursday 11 December 2008

Lighting Up Your Bathroom Mirror

When you are in a bathroom, you would want to feel comfortable with it. Thus, you should make sure that the design of this room is according to the kind that you want. There are many things that you can put in your bathroom so that it will look more inviting. Of course you should not forget to keep it clean and keep organized but you should also remember that you can make the aura of your bathroom better through adding different fixtures in it. It would also help if you have a theme followed or a color coordination so that your bathroom will look more organized and unified.


One of the things that you can put is a bathroom mirror. You should know that there are many kinds of mirrors that you can use and there are more kinds available in the market. Thus, you can easily look for the kind that you would need. If you have a theme followed in your bathroom, then you can make your choice of bathroom mirror suitable for the theme. Also, there are different sizes and shapes available, so no matter how big or small your bathroom is you can make choose the kind of mirror that would suit the space. Added to this, a bathroom would not be complete if you do not put a mirror.


The bathroom mirrors that you should buy will not only be used for decorative purposes. However, there are many kinds of mirrors that can play that part well because of their designs. The mirrors are also useful and it can reflect you and help you check your look.


However, you should remember that even if the bathroom mirror can be a big help, you can always augment its look through decorating it properly or by making sure that you put proper lighting in your bathroom. You should also check the position of the mirror relative to the height of the people who are going to use it and also based from the area where the lighting would be located. You should remember that light is important if you want to have properly reflected images in the mirror so you should be very careful in choosing the lighting material that you will use.


You should check the positioning of the materials like the bulbs and the mirror so that you will be able to get the proper lighting. The mirror is not only used as an accessory in the bathroom so you should make sure that it is properly used. This can be done if you are able to get rid of the unnecessary shadows reflected in your bathroom mirror With this importance, you should allot enough time searching for the kind of mirror that you will use and the lighting that would come with it.

Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company


Monday 8 December 2008

Bathroom Tile Installation - 5 Tips For Success

Bathroom tile installation is a great upgrade for any bathroom. Many homeowners tackle this job themselves. It's really not that hard provided you learn about the tricks that you must get right. For example think about these five tricks for bathroom floor tile installing.


A firm foundation.

Floor tile can be installed over all kinds of surfaces. But the one essential needed for a good installation is stability. Often bathroom floors have some water damage and are a little bit spongy. If a floor has any give to it at all, that's a floor that will have cracked tile. There is one sure way to have a solid floor and that's to use cement board as an underlayment for your floor. Be sure to learn about cement board.


Start at the right spot.

Bathrooms are often smaller rooms. You'll be cutting tile to fit on at least two walls. Make sure you start in the center or at one of the walls so the cut tiles are least visible. Nothing looks worse than tile grout lines that are running off at an angle from a wall right in plain sight!


Plumbing done right.

The toilet will have to come up for floor installation. Make sure you're ready to reset the toilet. Have all the hardware on hand. Be sure the mounting bolts are long enough for the new toilet height.


Lots of cuts.

In a small room like a bathroom, you'll get to do quite a few bathroom tile trimming cuts. You'll need your nippers for any curve cuts, like around the toilet. Plus you'll need at least a small tile saw and a tile cutter board is helpful too. None of these tools has to be very expensive. Even light duty tile saws aren't very expensive.


Grout is key.

Grout isn't waterproof. Water slowly seeps through regular masonry grout. So it's a good idea to keep bathroom tile grout well sealed. Also consider using an epoxy grout in a bathroom tile installation. This grout solves the grout leaking problem. But epoxy is highly toxic and not safe to breathe. Get a good mask.


Ceramic bathroom tile is practical and beautiful. With the right information, most anyone can install tile and produce a professional looking job. Just get the few key tricks right and you'll have a great addition to a bathroom.


Get more tips for bathroom tile installation at our site.


Al Bullington invites you to visit http://installingceramictile.net for answers to your tile questions.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Bullington

Tuesday 2 December 2008

The Importance of a Good Bathtub

Although drawing a bath is not a term used very often today, it has the potential of being used more. The reason being that taking a bath is the in thing again. With the uprising of such places as Bath & Body Works and Bed Bath & Beyond, taking a bath has become once again new and exciting.


These companies sell such products as bath soaps, bath soaks, salts, sugars, and much more. All these items add to the relaxing abilities of a simple soak. Not only relaxing you but helping rejuvenate your skin, and some say your attitude.


With bathing becoming more prominent again having the right tools becomes very important. Just as you would not try to build a shed with a butter knife and hammer, you should not try to take a relaxing bath with bath salts and in the kitchen sink. Making sure that your bathtub is right for you is the key to having the best possible bathing experience.


Most of us have taken a bath in a small bathtub and it typically is not enjoyable, that is to say unless you are a Keebler Elf. So the first thing is to make sure that your bathtub is the right size for you. Can you fit comfortably; will it hold enough water so your whole body can soak? These are some questions that should and must be asked when deciding on the right bathtub for you.


With the many different types of bathtubs out there, you will be able to find one that will fit your needs perfectly. One of the bonuses of choosing a bathtub today is that there is an option that will fit any if not all needs. Another plus to choosing today is the added ability of being able to choose one that will also maximize space in your bathroom. With other choices you can have a bathtub that will give other benefits. Like insulated bathtubs will decrease drafty areas in your house while being able to keep your bath warmer for longer.


When choosing a bathtub whether new or a refurbished antique make sure that all aspects of bathing are taken into consideration. Happy bathing!


If you would like more information on American Standard Bathtubs or bathtubs in general, please visit the bathtub-information.com website.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hal_Johnson