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Home Ideas & Inspiration

Ideas & Inspiration

Gas or Electric Stove? The Real Difference for Your Kitchen Design

Gas or Electric Stove? The Real Difference for Your Kitchen Design

August 24, 2021

Here at Fossil Blu, we get involved in a lot of kitchen remodels, and we know your design doesn't stop at the sink. Redesigning your kitchen, you make some pretty big decisions including what type of stovetop you want to install. Debating between gas or electric burners? Here's our expert insight on the difference between and why to make either choice for your new stovetop! 

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Choosing The Best Tile for Your Kitchen or Bath Remodel

Choosing The Best Tile for Your Kitchen or Bath Remodel

August 12, 2021

Choosing The Best Tile for Your Kitchen or Bath Remodel


 

When considering a bath or kitchen remodel, you probably feel excitement, confusion, and maybe even a little fear.  Part of the confusion and fear may be from not really understanding all the options available and being afraid you might make the wrong choice.  To help you make the decision that's right for you, here are some things you may want to consider.

Types of Tile

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is perhaps the most popular tile for bathrooms and kitchens, both on the floor and as back splashes or shower surrounds.  Ceramic tiles are made from clay, that is then heated in a kiln and cooled to harden.  They are less dense, softer, and more porous than porcelain tiles.  However, this makes them easier to cut, and less expensive to buy.  Most all ceramic tile is glazed, which helps in resisting water absorption.  It feels cool to the touch, which makes it popular in warmer climates.  It resists heat, which makes it perfect for countertops or backsplashes.  

Ceramics are classic, and have a wide range of colors and styles available, From the traditional subway tile, to colorful patterns, ceramic tile is a favorite for any space in your bathroom or kitchen.  

Porcelain Tile

Many people have confusion about the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile.  Porcelain tile is a subset of ceramic tile, but fires at a higher temperature, making it less porous, more durable, and with a harder finish.  It can be purchased glazed or unglazed, but glazed tiles have more variety in shape and color.  Unglazed tiles, also called full-bodied tiles, have color running through the entire piece, making them last longer and make more resistant to scratching or chipping.  

Because of the versatility and durability of porcelain tile, they are great for high-use, or high traffic areas.

Glass Tile  

Glass tiles, typically used on walls and backsplashes, have come a long way over the years.  You can get them in just about any style from subway to mosaics, and in any finish, from clear to frosted, or metallic to glossy.  They can add interest to a backsplash and are ideal for kitchen use because they are stain resistant. They add sparkle to your shower surround while repelling moisture at the same time.  Glass tiles are not a good choice for some floors since they more easily chipped in high traffic areas.   

Glass tile is versatile, offers many color and size options, and resists staining.  They come in a large range of prices and do require regular cleaning.

Natural Stone Tile

Natural stone is a beautiful material and looks great in areas with natural or rustic design.  You can get stone cut into nearly any shape and can be purchased with a matte or glossy finish.  It is usually a higher end option for the most elegant of styles.  Limestone, marble and sandstone all fall in this category, each offering a unique look and feel to your project.

Natural stone tiles are considered a luxurious option for floors and walls.  Natural stone, however, is porous and must be sealed and resealed on a regular basis to retain their natural beauty.

Metal Tiles

Not as popular or as available as other tile types, metal is often the choice for modern bathrooms or even kitchens.  They are a great contrast to matte cabinets and walls, and can be mixed with glass tiles, different metals, or ceramics.  Some metal-looking tiles are actually porcelain tiles with a metallic paint applied for that overall look.  Metal tiles are best used as accents and can be overwhelming if done in large areas.

Metal tiles, or metal looking tiles, add sparkle and interest and go best in an industrial or modern setting.  Used primarily in bathrooms, they can also highlight a kitchen wall or backsplash.  

How to Install

Of course, installation is going to depend on what area of your kitchen or bath you are doing and what type of tile you are using.  The best tile choices will only be successful if the right amount of planning takes place before the project begins.  

  1. Prepare the surface.

    • This is the most important step.  Your surface needs to be level, clean and dry.  Vacuum any dust from the area.  If doing a floor, or if the wall is uneven, consider using backer board or a tile underlayment that is readily available in home improvement stores.
  2.  Measure the area and plan the layout.

    • This part of the planning portion of your installation is essential.  You don't want to get halfway through the job and find out you don't have enough product.  Take into consideration electrical outlets, furnace vents, and other areas that you must tile around.  If you are using trim pieces for edges or design features, make sure you have all the pieces you need.  
  3. Gather Your Equipment.

    • You will need tile spacers, so that the tile will be equidistant from each other on all sides.  This determines the size of your grout lines, so remember the larger the spacer, the more grout will show.  A level will assure you that you are applying the same amount of thinset and your floor or wall is level.  Have a rubber mallet handy in case you need to level out your tiles a bit.  
    • Have on hand a notched trowel, a float, and a sponge for applying grout and cleaning the surface.
    • Grout can be purchased in several colors.  You may want a grout the same color as your tile, or one to complement or contrast. 
    • Your tiles should be premeasured and laid out in the pattern that you have decided on.
  4.  Apply thinset.  

    • Do this in small sections, just a few feet at a time.   Use the level and mallet to make sure they are even, and keep your spaces in to make sure they remain square.  If doing a wall or backsplash, you may need to hold tiles in place until set with painters tape.  After your project is completed, let it set for 24 hours.
  5.  Apply grout.

    • Apply the grout and let it set for about a half hour and then use a damp sponge to remove any excess.  When totally dry, apply a grout sealer.

 Your Remodel

Regardless of which tile is right for you, if you are choosing trendy metallic, or classic ceramic, your kitchen or bathroom remodel should be exciting and stress-free.  Let us help by delivering the perfect sink for your room.   Contact us for more information or just to ask a question.  We look forward to hearing from you

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Does Your Kitchen Need a Refresh? Modest Budget Remodel Ideas

Does Your Kitchen Need a Refresh? Modest Budget Remodel Ideas

August 02, 2021

When it comes time for a kitchen remodel, you may not have a large nest-egg to spend on a full tear-down and rebuild renovation. Fortunately, you don't need that kind of investment. Kitchens can be updated and redecorated with many clever and budget-friendly resurfacing techniques

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8 Great Ways to Decorate with Planters in Your Kitchen Design

8 Great Ways to Decorate with Planters in Your Kitchen Design

July 19, 2021

Bring your kitchen to life with living greenery. From herb gardens to blooming flowers, home chefs often find the vibrancy of living plants can finally make a clean kitchen feel warm and complete.

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Installing a Farmhouse Sink: Choosing Premade or Custom Cabinets

Installing a Farmhouse Sink: Choosing Premade or Custom Cabinets

July 15, 2021

Installing a farmhouse sink is a great way to improve the form and function of your kitchen. It is a profound upgrade from a typical drop-in sink and also requires a larger space in the cabinet and countertop. So how should you plan for your cabinetry?

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Colorful Appliances are the Hottest Trend in Kitchen Design

Colorful Appliances are the Hottest Trend in Kitchen Design

July 02, 2021

Kitchen trends come and go but appliances stay the same: or so we thought. Usually, when we talk about stylistic kitchen updates, we're talking about the cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, and even the floor, but not the appliances. Why? Because appliances have been stainless-steel and white enamel for decades.

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How to Mix Metal Finishes in Kitchen Design

How to Mix Metal Finishes in Kitchen Design

June 24, 2021

Mixed metals hit home decor big-time in 2018 and the trend has every sign of lasting for a decade or more. In the last four years, we've seen mixed metals expand from a novelty decoration idea to the sophisticated look of modern luxury design.

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The 8 Most Valuable Kitchen Appliance Trends of 2021

The 8 Most Valuable Kitchen Appliance Trends of 2021

June 14, 2021

Kitchen design is a powerful way to change the feel and function of a home. The appliances you choose and the floorplan you design define the entire flow of the house. Every year, appliances get a little more advanced and new stylishly useful appliance trends are introduced. 

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Where to Invest Time and Money to Get the Most Resale Value from Your Home

Where to Invest Time and Money to Get the Most Resale Value from Your Home

June 02, 2021

The housing market is hot! However, you must be strategic in order to take advantage of the available market opportunities. Whether you are looking to build equity or want to sell your home for top dollar, you need to take care of the property to increase its value. 

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Why is Your Dishwasher Making Grinding Noises?

Why is Your Dishwasher Making Grinding Noises?

May 26, 2021

Here at Fossil Blu we have worked next to many a home dishwasher. While your sink may be new and beautiful, that dishwasher may have seen better days. Today, we're here to show how your dishwasher can be fixed so it's as elegant (and quiet) as the rest of your kitchen design.

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8 Accessories that Enhance the Function of Your Farmhouse Sink

8 Accessories that Enhance the Function of Your Farmhouse Sink

May 13, 2021

Farmhouse sinks are deep, rectangular, and rewarding to work with. In a farmhouse sink, you can do an entire load of dishes by hand or prepare a feast in washed vegetables. Farmhouse sinks are ideal for thawing large quantities of frozen food, cleaning large objects, filling buckets, or even conducting fun at-home science experiments. 

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The Benefits of Using a Sink Grid in Your Farmhouse Sink

The Benefits of Using a Sink Grid in Your Farmhouse Sink

May 04, 2021

Installing a beautiful new farmhouse sink into your kitchen is a great way to make room for all the dishes and cool home projects you could dream of. The deep basin and shining finish combine to make your kitchen into a beautiful hub of activity. However, many homeowners with a new farmhouse sink quickly perceive a few unique challenges with a pristine and deep sink basin.

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