Find the answers to your home improvement questions.
Cork is an environmentally friendly flooring material that’s soft underfoot and easy on the eyes. Cork has been used as flooring for decades, but its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, largely due to its beauty and sustainability. Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, . . . Read more
A successful tile installation depends largely on the type substrate the tile is adhered to. Whether it’s a wall, floor, or countertop tile installation, using the right substrate is crucial for preventing cracks and breaks in the tile and grout. Backer board is the best substrate for tile. Plywood and . . . Read more
Porcelain tile is hard, resilient and scratch resistant, making it an ideal pick for outdoor walkways, patios, decks and dining areas. When cold weather comes though, there’s a good chance you won’t be enjoying many meals al fresco or relaxing on your deck, at least until the spring thaw arrives. . . . Read more
The average floor takes a ton of abuse. Shoes, pets, kids and furniture all take their toll, leaving your floors looking worse for wear. While materials like natural stone, laminate, porcelain tile and even hardwood are designed to be durable, you still need to put some effort in when it . . . Read more
Laying tile is a fairly straightforward DIY project if you’re familiar with the components, processes, and tools of the job. One of the most important factors for tiling success is the type and condition of the substrate, or the surface upon which the tile will be laid. In some situations, . . . Read more
Hardwood floors give your space an elegant, timeless appearance that exudes pure class. Wood is also a strong material that can stand up to a lot of abuse from foot traffic, pets, kids and the rigors of day-to-day life. Of course, your floors won’t look their best without some sort . . . Read more
Before any work on a DIY project can begin, there are certain safety guidelines to consider and follow throughout the duration of the project. Wear safety goggles. Unplug any power tools when making adjustments and when not in use. Make sure all power tools are grounded. Check the power cord . . . Read more
Mortar bonds bricks and other units of masonry together and adheres tiles to an underlayment. Mortar provides structural integrity to a wall, floor, or other structure but is flexible enough to allow shifting without cracking. Mortar is not the same as cement, concrete, or grout. Cement is the binding element . . . Read more
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. The ideal humidity for the home is around 40 to 50 percent, which is high enough to prevent things from drying out but low enough to prevent damage and mold growth. High humidity in the home can cause serious problems . . . Read more
Large format tile makes a dramatic statement in any space and are commonly chosen in both wall and floor applications to give a clean and modern look to a large area. While large format tiles are a great way to provide a modern look to a large space, they do . . . Read more