Regenesis Home and Garden » Bathroom

Why You Really Don’t Need to Learn How to Tile a Bathroom Floor

Genie Simmons — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:19:04 +0000

Tiling a bathroom floor is not a necessary home skill to learn. It ranks along how to repair a Betamax player or how to operate an abacus. Of course, if you were a contract remodeler that would be a different matter since you would be using this skill for your livelihood. For a common homeowner with a different job and a family, however, learning how to tile a bathroom is just a waste of time and energy.

In order to learn something properly, you need time, energy, and a lot of practice. The same is required when learning how to tile a bathroom floor. Do you really have time for that now, above and beyond your work and family? The primary motivation for learning how to tile is probably to save money. If you miss a day or two’s worth of work, do you actually save money? You have a lot on your plate already, so why add something that you wouldn’t really need in the long run?

Okay, let’s say succeed in wasting your time and you actually get to learn how to tile your bathroom properly. You have an aesthetically pleasing bathroom interior because of that, congratulations on a job well done. Now what? It’s not like you’ll be laying tiles on a regular basis after that. A rough estimate would be you’d need to actually lay tiles, at the very least, twice in your lifetime. I’m talking about tile laying for your own purposes, and not in exchange for compensation.

Instead of risking a botched up bathroom floor, stick with the professionals and let them tile your bathroom. It’s much more convenient and everyone and you get your money’s worth since these people are actually skilled and experienced in the craft of laying bathroom floor tiles. There’s a world of difference between being stingy and being smart. Hiring professionals to do your bathroom tile job is being smart.

Shower Storage Problems Solved With Corner Shower Trays

Genie Simmons — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:17:07 +0000

Whether you live in a custom-built home or a small apartment, your shower organizer is always presents a quandary. The size and shape of your shower will dictate what kind of solution will be best for you. A large walk-in shower will have different needs than a shower stall so you have to gauge your desires against your space.

A small shower that is no more than a stall will require corner shower trays. These are generally supported by a pole that extends from the top to the bottom of the shower stall. Commercial trays generally have fixed shelves although some do come with adjustable options. These corner trays are convenient because they offer a place to keep your essentials in one part of the shower and take up a limited amount of space. The downside is they can become grungy and are liable to collect soap and mold if not cleaned on a regular basis.

Low profile shower trays offer a great solution for baths that double as showers. They do not take up much room and provide ample space for body cleansing products. However, they do require frequent cleaning like the shower trays mentioned above. The best advantage to these low profile trays are that they are generally easy to move and can accommodate any type of bath.

Walk in shower trays are perhaps the best option if you have the space. They can be mobile as well as easy to clean. The biggest criteria for these is the space needed for all your cleansing needs. These trays are generally of higher quality and actually easier to clean than less expensive shower trays.

The shower is where people do some of their best thinking and planning for the day. Those moments when you sing, think or just enjoy the feel of hot water should not be taken lightly. The proper adjunct, no matter what the size of the shower, is important.

Upgrade An Outdated Bathroom With Designer Shower Baths

Genie Simmons — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:32:05 +0000

A full bathroom renovation is a great way to improve the appearance and the value of a home. Homeowners, who do not have the money to invest in a full renovation, can improve the look of their bathroom by updating the existing elements of the room. Replacing an outdated bathtub with one of today’s designer shower baths is a fantastic way to improve the look and function of a bathroom. Homeowners can select a unique, stylish or practical design.

Many homeowners who are making limited bathroom upgrades select steam shower baths. Most of the standard steam showers cost around $1500-$2000. Common steam shower features are body massage jets and steam sauna temperature controls. Steam showers are not only relaxing; they also improve blood circulation and relieve chronic back pain and other health problems. The modern steam showers come in a variety of gorgeous designs and do not take up much space.

People, who want one of the best steam showers on the market, should consider one of the luxury models. The expensive steam showers are designed with luxury in mind. The computerized models come with special features such as a built-in radio, extra massage jets and a remote control. They also include a separate sauna area within the glass shower enclosure. A luxury steam shower that includes a separate sauna area retails for around $4000. Homeowners on a tight budget should consider upgrading their bathroom with one of the contemporary square shower baths. This is a terrific upgrade option for homeowners who do not want to spend a fortune on upgrades. The new shower enclosure costs around $1000 and will give a bathroom an entirely new look.

Whether homeowners want to modernize their bathroom or turn the space into a luxurious spa, the easiest way to improve the room is with shower upgrades. Homeowners should also replace outdated bathroom tiles with new ones and add a fresh coat of paint. A brand new window and window coverings and a new set of bathroom lights will complete the project and increase the value of the home.

Get More Storage In Your Bathroom With Shower Caddies

Genie Simmons — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:41:05 +0000

There is one thing, even about larger showers is that they are still quite small. Another thing is that we will normally find that we need quite a lot of different items with us in the shower, so having a bit of extra storage in there is a great idea and it helps to save other storage areas in the bathroom and having things lying around. There are two types of shower storage that work the best, these are either metal or plastic shower caddies, or the pocketed shower curtain.

Metal shower caddies are normally going to be stainless steel. Stainless steel shower caddies are normally going to be hung from the shower head. The stainless steel shower caddy looks really nice but will look its best when it is hung in a marble or granite walk in shower. Most other metal shower caddies will be made from tin or cold rolled steel, which needs to be rubberized to stop it from rusting. Shower caddies can come with baskets, shelves, little cabinets or all of these things. Some of the biggest companies that make shower caddies are Kohler, InterDesign and Simplehuman.

Pocketed shower curtains can either be used on their own or in conjunction with the shower caddy. The pockets on these shower curtains can be used to store everything you need in shower like shampoo, soap, razors, and much more. If you combine them with shower caddies you will find that you have more storage space than you could ever use.

The internet is a great place to find both of these items. There are hundreds of sites selling them along with auction sites like eBay, so you have a massive choice to pick from and the prices will be very reasonable. When looking online you will be able to find out more about the different types of storage and also read reviews about the different retailers, so that you are sure you pick the best storage solution for your shower.

Tips On Buying Steam Shower Units

Genie Simmons — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:43:06 +0000

Many people prefer to have steam shower units in their bathrooms but are either unable to afford one or not sure as to which one to buy. For the most part, home steam shower units are for luxurious purposes as they allow people to let out their toxins before and while showering.

If you are in the market for one of these bathroom fixtures, here are some tips that can help you choose the best unit in the market:

Size Matters

Not everyone has the luxury of having a large bathroom which means that you may have to be a bit modest when it comes to the size of the steam unit. The good news is that there are several unit sizes available in various stores so you can pick out just the right size for your bathroom. In most cases, the preferable size is that which can fit at least two people at the same time, relative of course to the total bathroom area.

Compare Features

People have various needs depending on their lifestyle as well as their expectations regarding certain merchandise. As in the case of steam showers, it is necessary to know and understand how each unit works and which ones have the best features. It is imperative that you buy something that is easy to control and adjust as far as the steam settings are concerned.

Corner steam shower units are very popular as they are great space savers. You might also want a unit that can be set to blow out scented or aromatic steam in case you want to have a spa-like treatment in your own home.

Scout for Online Deals

Bathroom fixtures such as this is very popular so many manufacturers offer it online in order to reach more potential customers. If you are looking to save some cash, it is best to compare prevailing rates prior to purchase.

Decorate with Useful Bathroom Canisters

Genie Simmons — Sun, 29 May 2011 07:01:03 +0000

There are a lot of products available to choose from when decorating a home. Among some of the more decorative items are the ceramic canisters, which are also versatile in design because they work well in a number of different room settings.

These unique storage canisters can be purchased as single items or in sets containing three or four. Most people are familiar with the ceramic canister set used in the kitchen to hold flour, tea, coffee and sugar. These specially designed containers will often have the words of the items being stored etched or printed on the outer surface making them a little different than the bathroom canisters.

When looking for these products specifically with the intent of placing them in your bath area, you will find some sets available in collections that can include matching towels, rugs and soap dishes. The materials used to create these small storage items can range from decorative glass to colorful plastic.

Solid colored ceramic canisters can be used to enhance a color scheme that uses contrasting shades. A light tan set will offset a room decorated in colors of pastel blue and cream. Some designer pieces might have images on the front surface that can be used to pick up a specific theme such as seashells or fish.

There are many things that can be kept inside a decorative container including scented mixtures of potpourri. In a bath setting they are also good for storing little bars of soap, as well as, small hair fasteners.

When used in other rooms in the house, these functional accent pieces can hold everything from jewelry to individually wrapped snack foods. They also make great candy jars and come with their own matching lids. You will find a variety of styles available at most department stores in the home decor aisle.

Expert Plumbing Advice on Diverter Valve Issues

Genie Simmons — Wed, 18 May 2011 05:48:04 +0000

In a shower-bathtub combination, a specialized faucet assembly is installed so that the flow of water can be directed to either the showerhead or the bathtub spout as needed. Champs Plumbing experts explain that a shower diverter valve is a integral part of the combination faucet assembly. The shower diverter valve is typically a small handle or button that is engaged by pulling or pushing. When a shower diverter valve is engaged, it diverts the water upwards so that water comes out of the showerhead. When disengaged, the water flows out of the bathtub spout so that a bath could be run. In this post, experts from Champs Plumbing provide advice on how to handle certain diverter valve issues.

The diverter valve basically works by providing the necessary pressure that will allow water to run against gravity upward to the showerhead. When you engage the diverter valve, it blocks off the tub faucet so that the water is forced upward through the shower.

As shower diverter valves age, they become subject to wear and tear. The material used in shower diverters also progressively disintegrate as a result of constant exposure to hot water. Sediment also builds up within the valve, causing it to malfunction. When the integrity of the shower diverter valve is compromised, it cannot effectively block the tub faucet, and therefore creates less pressure to push the water up. Therefore, you will notice that some water still continue to trickle from the tub spout even if the diverter valve is fully engaged.

The diverter valve assembly can be easily taken apart for inspection and maintenance. Simply pry off the top of the faucet handle and loosed the central top screw. Removing the faucet handle will allow you to visualize the diverter valve. Simply unscrew the valve assembly from the stem nut and remove the stem screw and washer. If all parts seem to be intact, a simple cleaning will make it good as new. Otherwise, replace the entire diverter assembly. Your friendly local Champs Plumbing professional would be happy to do this for you.

Fixed Shower Heads

Genie Simmons — Fri, 13 May 2011 12:39:05 +0000

When it comes to shower heads there are two main types, and these are hand held and fixed shower heads. Their names really indicate the difference between them, with hand held needing some kind of riser and holder to keep it in place, and fixed being secured to either the wall or ceiling via a shower arm. Hand held showers will also require a shower hose to run the water from it’s source to the head itself, whereas on fixed showers, the water is delivered via the shower arm directly, killing two birds with one stone. The only exception to this is if you have a very large rainfall style shower head, that requires extra fixings in order to ensure it is secured properly to the ceiling, as some of the larger styles can be incredibly heavy.

Fixed shower heads are a fantastic addition to any bathroom, as once they are in place there is very little that can go wrong with them. Hand held shower heads can be dropped and damaged, and the shower hose, which is often subjected to a great deal of wear and tear, can split and start to leak, leading to impaired performance from your shower. With most shower heads now featuring easy clean nozzles, you can simply run your hand over the jets of your fixed shower head to ensure that there is no limescale build up that might impede the flow of water. Some fixed heads also come with a swivel connection, that allows you to slightly adjust the angle at which your shower head points, so you can enjoy the best flow of water possible.

There are some fantastic deals to be found when it comes to buying a new shower head, it is just a case of looking around until you find the shower head you like at a price that suits you. The great thing about online shopping is that you can check many different suppliers at the click of a button, so you can make sure that you are getting the best value for money when you make your final purchase. Updating your fixed shower head can add a whole new lease of life to your bathroom, and will also ensure that you get the best shower experience possible, day in day out.

Luxury Shower Curtains That Are Ideal for Your Bathrooms

Genie Simmons — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:18:07 +0000

There is no doubt that the shower where you bath is your place of repose. Its calm and tranquil atmosphere helps you to relax and loosen up. And because of this, it is just a good idea to beautify your shower room, by installing luxury shower curtains, aside from placing neatly arranged towels and a spotless mirror on the wall.

Aside from keeping the water to splash all over your bathroom, the shower curtain helps in making great improvement on the overall look of the bathroom. The curtains come in several different designs, colors and sizes. The curtains are also made of different fabrics – silks, satin, sheer, vinyl and cotton. The most luxurious is perhaps those that are made of specialty weaves like knits and jacquard. There are also those that have embroidery designs and are embellished with lace elements, as well as beautiful valances, fringes, ruffles, pleats and tie-ups.

Most of the luxury shower curtains being sold now comes with liners and are usually machine washable. It also comes with several other accessories such as curtain rods, hooks and rings. And when you purchase a shower curtain, always consider the size of your shower so to get the curtain rod with the right length and also to know how many hooks or rings you need.

Since our shower rooms can be very noisy sometimes due to some exposed pipes and the sound of the water falling out of the shower, not to mention the sound of the blow-dryer when drying the hair, it is a good idea to soundproof your shower by installing soundproof curtains in it. Just because the walls in your home have insulation, does not mean that there are also insulation on the interior walls that could help to reduce the noise. Bathroom walls for instance, have no insulation on the all, and that’s the reason why you can always hear it when someone is using the bath.

The Advantages of the Bath Shower Combo

Genie Simmons — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 10:16:14 +0000

While walk-in showers have their own unique and efficacious brand of speed and efficiency of hygiene, there are some functions that all the hot water in the world cannot add. I speak of course of the relaxation function. Some people consider a hot shower to be the greatest thing in the world after a long day, a stressful encounter with a boss, a co worker, or a peer, or even just for fun. However the hot shower, in the end, still retains one critical element against relaxation: and that is in order to take one, you must remain standing up.

Meanwhile the bathtub, which is a device meant for reclining in whilst filled the basin is filled with water. While this fulfills very strongly the relaxation function, the bathtub has other problems. If you mean to take only a quick bath for the purposes of hygiene, then the bathtub is obviously lacking in functionality, and you may as well fill a pail for the purposes of a rapid sponge bath which would clean you off much faster than immersion in a tub full of water.

The bath shower combo however is a very common combination that combines both of the best aspects of the shower and the bathtub in the most literal sense possible. This sense is by jamming both of the systems together. There is of course the shower water delivery system, and the faucets that dispense water into the tub. The primary advantage of this combination is that with very little effort one can either relax or get clean with great rapidity. There are no complex switches or mechanisms; you can either stand in the bathtub and take a shower, or lie in the bathtub and take a bath. It’s that simple.

The bathtub plus shower system is without a doubt a great amalgamation of two synergistic technologies that most clearly exhibit humanity’s finest ideas at work. For when you have one good thing, and another good thing, then clearly the first thing to think of is to jam those two things together and see if they work.