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Should You Consider Terrazzo Tile in Your Flooring?

by with No Comment BlogTiles & Tiling

With different designs and properties in the market, choosing the perfect tiles for your home may come as a challenge. But this one particular type of tile flooring never loses its charm in the tiles market.

Terrazzo is a composite building material that is used for flooring, walls, countertops, or any custom products. Its consistent popularity is attributed to its overall versatility and durability. From corporate buildings to bathrooms or bedrooms, terrazzo is always among the best choices.

What’s in the Tile?

This trendy Italian terrazzo tile is composed of granite, quartz, marble, shell, or glass chips and many other compatible materials. To perfectly bind the materials together, a cement or epoxy matrix is used.

Terrazo tile has metal strips that create defined sections, transition of interesting colors, decorative patterns, and allows crack mitigation. Meanwhile, its divider strips are formed from aluminum (using epoxy terrazzo only), plastic, zinc, or brass.

Benefits of Terrazo Flooring

  • Provides a touch sophistication and aesthetics to any interiors
  • Uses recycled materials so it is guaranteed to support environmental protection
  • Wide variety of color and design
  • Easy to clean that only a sweep and mop is enough
  • Suitable to any home areas, both indoor and outdoor
  • Can be used with underfloor heating
  • Ultra durable that it can last to about 75 to 100 years 
  • Water-, stain-, mold-, and microbe-resistant

Drawbacks of Terrazo Tile

  • Relatively expensive compared with other flooring options in the market
  • Prone to cracking, which may be difficult to repair, if not installed properly
  • Maintenance requirements may be some sort of a challenge
  • On cold winter months, the flooring material may feel cold and hard

Historical Background

Terrazo’s history can be traced in Italy where marble was the primary choice of building material more than 500 years ago. Back then, Venetian workers used scrap fragments of marble they collected from their high-end projects. They used them to improve their own homes.

It is also believed that terrazzo is related to the seminato (seed) technique. In this approach, workers would throw huge chunks of marble chips into wet cement, which is set for grounding and polishing afterward.  This is where the generic form of the tile originated.

Though the popular belief is that Venetian invented terrazzo, archaeological evidences presented that such flooring has long been used in Turkey about 10,000 years ago.

Give it a Try

There’s a different sense of contentment when all your home renovation ideas come to life. If this is a project that you have already saved up for, you can consider using terrazzo tiles or your own tile of choice. When you do, opt for the professional and experts in tile installation in Darwin so you can be sure of a quality service.

This is where we come in at iTileNT. Send us an email or call us at +61 0400 729 303, 8:00AM to 5:00PM.


Sources:
https://terrazzco.com/what-is-terrazzo/
https://floorcritics.com/terrazzo-floor/

 

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A Quick Guide for Small Bathroom Renovation

by with No Comment Blog

Even before the popularity of small homes, the bathroom was typically just a small space at home. Given this, many will think that it will be difficult to remodel it. However, there are bathroom design tricks and ideas that will surely give any small bathroom space a total makeover.

Small Bathroom Renovation Tips

1. Choose light, monochromatic colour scheme 

Dark colour tends to give a cave-like atmosphere. By using monochromatic and light colours from the paint to the furnishings, the small bathroom will feel like a huge space. Similar floor and wall tile colour will also contribute a light feel.

2. Use colourful small items

If you go for light colours in the bathroom when you renovate it, pick out small colourful items. They can be a cute little red rug or blue soap dish. A bit of colours from these bathroom articles will inject a livelier feel for a wonderful bath time.

3. Create reflective surfaces

To add a wider space feel, reflective surfaces will hugely help. Try to add a mirror the size of an entire main wall. Not only mirrors can create reflections. Even glossy fixtures can contribute to the vibe. Therefore, go for tubs, sinks, countertops, or anything that will create a shiny, reflective appearance.

4. Opt for pocket doors

Pocket doors can save up space for any small or big bathrooms. It may consume just a tiny part of the entry wall. However, if done appropriately, this type of door will let you maximize the entire bathroom space.

5. Smart storage matters

Tucked everything neatly into a customized or multi-purpose countertop. When we say customized or multi-purpose, it means it will allow you to have some space to place your coffee or hair dryer on. Just put what is essential for use in the bathroom like towels or hygiene supplies. Don’t make it an extension of your closet.

What You Need to Consider

small bathroom renovation

Functionality for the primary persons who will use the bathroom. If there are children or elderly who will use it, think carefully if your idea of renovation will be appropriate for them.

Renovation timeline. Apparently, it will cost you more if you want the project to be done the soonest time possible. Otherwise, be willing to wait a little more if urgency is not a thing to be concerned of.

DIY or contractor. It’s you who can perfectly assess if the project is fully manageable by you or you will need the expertise of a contractor. If you are confident enough that you have the skills, time, and money to carry out everything needed for the renovation, go for DIY. Otherwise, seek the expertise of a trusted bathroom renovation contractor like iTileNT.

Our team at iTileNT has more than 20 years of experience doing a full range of demolition, waterproofing, plumbing, and tiling services in Darwin, Palmerston, and Humpty Doo. Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help you.

Sources:

https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/8-tips-for-remodeling-a-tiny-bathroom-52243

https://www.thespruce.com/remodel-small-bathrooms-efficiently-1821379

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Bathroom Renovation Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

by with No Comment Blog

So, you’ve finally decided to renovate your bathroom. Of course, this is a decision that takes careful consideration since you’re going to invest time, effort and money to see this renovation through its completion.

However, there are a lot of homeowners that may have chosen to undertake such a project on a whim. Every project should come up with a plan instead of an emotional urge because of a Pinterest inspiration.

If you’re about to make your bathroom undergo renovation, here are common mistakes you need to avoid.

Over-Reliance on DIY Procedure

It can be tempting to look into YouTube on how to do stuff and possibly save money. Also, there are a lot of individuals who share their tips and tricks on the internet as well. You can try these DIY strategies but only to a certain degree. If you aren’t knowledgeable with bathroom renovations, it’s better to hire a professional to do the job.

Not Having a Budget

When you make a plan for your bathroom, you have to include the financial aspect too. It’s not only about the layout, the new toiletries, or the colour scheme. You can look into several idea boards like Pinterest and the internet to have an idea of what you desire for your bathroom. Then, decide on how much you’re willing to spend for this look. Please take note that there will be features that are expensive and you’ll have to decide to lose it or find an alternative.

Unable to Consider a Bathroom Layout

Contrary to popular belief, your bathroom’s layout is just as important as the overall theme of the room. It may be too late to realize that you can’t get out of the shower without bumping into a cabinet. Or, you find yourself stuck between the sink and a drawer while trying to sit on the toilet.

Inadequate Storage for Items

Your bathroom is a personal haven for relaxation and hygiene. Without drawers or cabinets, you’re bound to make your bathroom a place of annoying proportions. If you lack storage, you can install eye-level cupboards, or install hanging racks. Such fixtures will make your bathroom trip more comfortable.

Now that we’ve tackled these common mistakes for bathroom renovation, we hope that you plan and prevent these costly errors from happening. If you aren’t fully aware of how to accomplish your much-anticipated dream bathroom, there’s no harm in asking for a professional’s help.

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What Makes A Roman Bathtub A Breathtaking Bathroom Experience

by with No Comment Blog

Have you seen a movie where the Romans seem to enjoy taking their time for a bath? For them, this moment of the day is crucial not only for hygiene but for relaxation. There is no doubt than when you soak yourself to a calming bath, it seems all of your troubles go away.

If you want to experience such a majestic experience, you can try having a Roman bathtub for your next bathroom renovation project. But what makes this piece of furniture exceptional? Read on below.

What is Roman Bathtub?

As some of you may have noticed, a Roman bathtub occupies an ample space. One of the main features of a Roman tub is that it needs a lot of water and is spacious so that a person can lounge comfortably. What’s the point of having a Roman bathtub if it isn’t large enough to sink yourself in?

Next, you’ll never see a Roman bathtub with air or jet streams. Why is this so? Simple. Roman tubs are made for the serene and comfortable moments. You soak yourself with bath bombs or aromatherapy candles burning on the side.

Features of a Roman Bathtub

  1. Spacious and Huge Water Capacity

 As we mentioned earlier, Roman bathtubs make you feel “at home” or cozy when you’re soaking yourself in a warm bath. Roman tubs are built to envelop your body with ease as if you’re swimming in a vast and calm ocean.

  1. Thick Decks and Walls

 A true testimony to the pressure of water the Roman bathtub holds is the visible thickness of deck and walls. Thinner baths like modern ones naturally don’t hold as much water as of the Roman tubs.

  1. Roman Tub Fillers

 In the old times, Roman tubs have faucets installed on walls that adequately fill the tub at a large volume. Since this isn’t feasible for a modern residential set-up, what replaced these faucets are roman tub fillers. These fillers have long and arched spouts that don’t obstruct your bathing experience and fill the tub.

  1. Luxurious Design and Efficient Water Installation

 Romans are known for their extravagance and lavish lifestyle. If you want to bring this experience in your bathroom, a Roman bathtub is a perfect touch of luxury you need! Plus, if you consult your trusted professional for the installation of a Roman bath, you’ll notice how the tub fillers aren’t located on the head or the foot-end of the tub. It’s situated in the middle of the tub.

If you want to make your home a spot of extravagant vibes and luxurious experience, there’s no harm opting for the installation of a Roman bathtub.

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Bathroom Tiling Trends for 2020: When Style Meets Function

by with No Comment BlogTile Trend

Does 2020 feel like a time for bathroom renovations? If you have the resources and you’re feeling a little too dull with your current bathroom set-up, then you’re definitely up for a bit of mix-up. When it comes to bathroom renovations, one affordable yet significant change most homeowners choose is their walls or floors.

If you plan to mix them up, you can do so with the flexibility of tiling. To keep you up to date with the trends of tiling, we compiled the most stylish ones that meet practical application and function. Read them below.

1.    Wooden Look

There’s something extravagant yet comforting when you lay your eyes on a hardwood wall or flooring. The good thing is, you don’t have to pay the actual price of hardwood installation for you to experience the vibe. You can purchase hardwood looking tiles both in dark and lighter tones in your nearest hardware store!

2.    Matte Finish Tiles

Rising in popularity is the newest innovation for tiling, which is called, matte finish tiles. Unique in texture and overall look, matte finish tiles are becoming a favourite for its easy-to-maintain feature. Aside from choosing matte finish tiles for your bathroom floor, you can use them for walls and countertops.

3.    Lines and Geometric Shapes

Whether you’re into geometry or not, hexagon-shaped tiles and other geometrical features are one of the trendiest options for tiling nowadays. You can play around its compelling appeal and exercise creativeness with lines and shapes. If you don’t know how to maximize its space-conscious effects, you can always ask for professional help.

4.    Gray and White Tones

Who wouldn’t want to grace their bathroom with the classic grey and white tones? Does that exemplify elegance? If you want your bathroom to stand the test of time regarding practicality, style, and function, going with grey and white hues for your tiles is the best way to go.

5.    Black and White Stencils

Is retro or vintage more of your style? If it is, don’t miss out on this trendy renovation for your bathroom. Black and white patterns are mesmerizing, fun, and bring a splash of the good, old times.

Now that we have compiled the tiling trends for 2020, you can plan your next bathroom renovation accordingly. Choose a style and color scheme that fits your budget, your theme, and your vibe. If you need any help with installation or professional guidance, call on your reliable service provider to get started.

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Having Kids? Here are Renovation Tips to Make Your Bathroom Kid-Friendly!

by with No Comment Blog

Welcoming a child in your home is a breathtaking feat to experience. From cute baby steps to the countless hours of chasing and sweet episodes, a child brings joy to a home. As they grow older, their curious nature kicks in. Putting stuff in their mouth, smelling anything they come across with and walking around the house are the most common activities they undertake.

If you are eager to make your home kid-friendly, it’s time to assess your bathroom and modify it to avoid accidents.

Design With Their Perspective in Mind

Let your kids’ imagination help you out in making this step possible. Ask them what they’d like to see when they take a bath. Aside from the floating ducks, try unisex options like animals, nature, and sports.

After decorating, it’s time to factor in on how they can access their soaps, shampoos, and towels by themselves. Is the towel bar appropriate for their height? How about the hooks and tissue holder? Also, your floor must have a gripping tool like rubber mats to avoid slips and falls.

Give Them the Best of Both Worlds

Kids, as they grow old, will have varied preferences when it comes to bathing. They might enjoy splashing in the tub now and whine for a shower tomorrow. Who knows? In this case, a tub/shower combo is the way to go.

Practice Safety at Every Age

A bathroom is a place where accidents can happen. From every nook and corner of a bathroom, hazards must be minimized. Here are areas you can check and modify for everyone’s safety.

  • Purchase rubber mats and other non-slip materials.
  • If possible, buy a step tool that is non-skid and non-tipping.
  • Have a mesh bag for bath toys as they are tripping hazards.
  • Install locks on cabinets and drawers that contain choking hazards and chemicals like industrial cleaners, medicine, and more.

Install Numerous Sinks or Have Another Kid-Only Bathroom

Chances are, you’ve fought with your partner because of sink control. If you did, you could expect the same scenario with your kids. To avoid fights and mini skirmishes, consider installing different-sized sinks and have each kid their drawer.

If you have the financial capability, you can also opt for an additional kids-only bathroom where they don’t have to deal with adult things and other hazards like chemicals and medicines.

Since your child doesn’t have much control of their environment, you, as a parent is responsible for keeping it safe yet functional. If you need help with kid-friendly fixtures and other bathroom installations, you can reach out to us! We’d be more than happy to help.

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A Homeowner’s Mini-Guide to Screeding

by with No Comment Blog

As every aspect of our homes is subject to wear and tear, a homeowner might feel the need to renovate or redecorate his home. One point of renovation can be a house’s flooring scheme. Whether you have a tiled, wooden or carpeted floor, having a levelled and sturdy base is essential for a floor that is beyond compare.

With this in mind, we’re going to discuss what floor screeding is and other questions you might have before subjecting your home to this significant renovation.

What is Screeding?

Screeding utilizes a specialized variety of concrete that is mixed and poured onto your home’s concrete base. Then, the mixture is levelled and smoothened so that when it’s finished, you’ll have the floor ready for installation of flooring materials such as tiles, wood, and carpets.

Can I Choose Screeding as My Final Flooring Option?

Yes, you certainly can! It doesn’t matter if you have a commercial, industrial, or residential space; if you decide to have the final screeded floor as your option, you’re good to go! However, most residential areas would opt to have the screeded floor as a precedent to a flooring option like tiles or wood.

If you’re into the minimalist and cost-efficient option, sticking to the final screeding product is a practical choice. But, if you want to explore your creative side and would want to adore the floor with other choices, you can discuss it with your trusted service contractor.

How Long Do I Have to Wait Before a Screeding is Completed?

As most service contractors would state, a screeding project is completed for a minimum of 12 hours to a maximum of 48 hours. However, if you’re planning to put furniture and fixtures on the floor, you’ll have to wait until 28-30 days. As per the flooring choices, a one-week waiting period is recommended before installation.

Where Can Floor Screeding be Done?

The good thing about floor screeding is that it can be accomplished into any property or any areas. Screeding is very flexible and heavy-duty that it can accommodate your flooring needs.

What are Preparations to be Done Before a Floor Screeding?

Before a floor screeding is done, several processes must be completed first. The processes include diamond grinding, crack and joint repairs, shot blasting and scarifying.

Is There Any Maintenance that Needs to be Done for Screeding?

One of the greatest things about floor screeding is that it requires minimal to none maintenance. This makes screeding as one of the most cost-efficient flooring option.

As you ponder whether to submit your home to floor screeding, it is recommended that you talk with a reliable service contractor to assess its benefits and functionality to your home. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’d be more than happy to help.

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Affordable Bathroom Renovations To Try This Autumn

by with No Comment Bathroom RenovationBathroom renovation costBlogCheap Bathroom Renovations

As summer has come and gone, the arrival of autumn will surely brush everyone with its playful yet mellow vibes. Autumn reminds everyone to shift from outdoor picnics and beaches to indoor feasts and get-togethers.

If you want to adore your home and your bathroom, particularly with fall mementos and autumn decorations, here’s how you can do it.

Stick to an Autumn Color Palette

The easiest way for your bathroom to space be filled with autumn wonder is to have your area splashed with fall colours. Autumn colours include shades of brown, purple, red, orange, and yellow. If you want a festive and exciting vibe, then splashes of orange and burgundy red is a great choice. For a calmer and grounded feel, shades of brown can help.

Bring Outdoor Elements Inside Your Bathroom

Outdoor elements like dried leaves, flowers, and pinecones can exist with your bathroom necessities. Decorate your bathroom with natural and organic pieces. No need to purchase plastic items. All you have to do is pick out several items outside and bring them in your space. You’ll be surprised to see how cozy and exciting it looks.

Choose Autumn-Scented Candles

The smell of autumn brings the nostalgic wonder of childhood. Aside from the memories it brings, the great apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and pumpkin pies scents are always the best. These food items are not only limited to the kitchen, but it can be present in your bathroom as well. Having a bathroom with autumn scents envelops you with the cute displays and cozy fragrances.

Have Autumn-Colored Linens and Fabric

From the curtains to the drapes, to the towels and the rugs, choose autumn-coloured linens to warm you up. Since autumn is a prelude to a chilly season, these colours will warm you up and your guests should they use your bathroom.

Decorate with Autumn-Inspired Art and Décor

Aside from using outdoor elements in your bathroom, you can always decorate with fall-inspired art pieces. These are not limited to photographs, paintings, and even wallpapers that remind you of this mellow season.

Final Notes

These tips and tricks mentioned above are just the most fundamental measures you can try with incorporating autumn in your bathroom renovation. You can always think of other affordable renovation inspirations that you can mix and match with ours above. If you need professional help with autumn-themed bathroom renovations, you can always reach out to us, and we’d be more than happy to help you.

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Make Your Bathroom Look Stylish and Ready for the Winter

by with No Comment Bathroom RenovationBlog

The winter is two more seasons away, yet we couldn’t get help and be excited about bathroom renovation tips that you can try, even as a DIY project. Winter 2020 is something we can all take inspiration when it comes to bathroom renovations.

Although it may seem far-fetched and confusing at first, there are areas that you can spice up to make your winter more stunning and more functional. Are you ready to make your bathroom get prepared for the winter? Take note of these tips.

Comfy, Warm and Plush Flooring Items

Whether your bathroom has tiles, wood, or cement as its primary flooring, you can make it feel cozy and warm by laying a plush carpet over the surface. If wall-to-wall flooring doesn’t appeal to your taste, some cute and icy-looking rugs can compensate. Don’t forget to play with the colour and texture of rugs to match the overall bathroom vibe.

Play With Your Room’s Reflection through a Changed Mirror

Mirrors have a way of making your bathroom appear more spacious and classier. To optimize your bathroom’s mirror, make sure you pick out a shape that complements the area’s style. For Winter 2020, the trend for mirrors has been the latest capsule-shaped ones. Why? These latest bathroom mirrors are versatile, uniquely-shaped, functional, and adaptable to the contrast of the room.

Go for Warmer Lighting

The winter cold is something that makes people feel nostalgic and wondrous. With this in mind, wouldn’t it be more amazing to capitalize on this feel-good vibe and use warm lighting to feed your nostalgic desires? Small chandeliers, pendant lights, and lamps can add to these feelings of coziness and warmth.

Rearrange Cabinets or Redecorate with Winter Pieces

To give a different aesthetic and vibe, how about mixing items in your room and rearrange it? If not, how about adding winter pieces to embrace the season. Putting a snowflake decorative piece, glass and candle items, and mementos that remind you of winter fun are helpful.

Change Bathroom Accessories to Match Winter Theme

One effective way of embracing the winter season in your bathroom is to change your accessories. Have a fresh set of towels, glassware, mats, scents, and more. The key to making this thing work is to determine your winter style and stick with that.

If you have any fantastic ideas to meet the wonder of winter, don’t hesitate to voice them out. Also, we hope that you can try at least one of the mentioned tips to make your winter bathroom renovation fun, affordable, and exciting.

This piece was first published as ItileNT Blog.

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Effective Ways of Cutting Bathroom Renovation Costs

by with No Comment Bathroom RenovationBlog

When it comes to a particular section of your home, there is no doubt that your bathroom needs extra care. It’s easy to swoon with the Pinterest-worthy posts that don an extravagant bathroom renovation project. However, if you don’t have the funds to make your guilty pleasures possible, you can always find a way to minimize your spending.

For this bathroom renovation guide, we’ll discuss several ways of cutting your bathroom renovation costs.

Avoid Disarranging Your Existing Plumbing Footprint

When it comes to bathroom renovations, you might be interested in moving the shower from one point to another. If not, maybe the sink or the bathtub. However, plumbing concerns can be expensive and takes too much time to complete. Keep in mind that you don’t need a fancy arrangement for a bathroom renovation to be effective.

Don’t Underestimate a Fresh Coat of Paint

People wrongly assume that a bathroom renovation requires a new wall, a new floor, and a set of modern bathroom accessories. Although it wouldn’t hurt to ask for a tiled wall, this is not a considerable answer if you don’t have the budget for it. To save money, how about getting your walls splashed with a fresh coat of paint?

Splurge in One Area Only

If you can’t help but be inspired by what you see online, create a budget for a section of your bathroom that you want to be sparkling, magnificent, and stunning. For example, choosing to glam up your vanity requires you to keep your renovation efforts on other areas, a low-profile.

Little Tweaks Matter

When it comes to bathroom renovations, it doesn’t always have to be grand or magnanimous. Sometimes, what you need are the little details to make your bathroom pop. A change in the doorknob, faucet heads, and curtains can do. Moreover, you can add in a few pieces of artwork or intricate hand-crafted projects to make your bathroom feel and look like new.

Spicing Things Up With Lighting

Making your bathroom appear illuminated with a new shade of light can give off a unique vibe. Instead of a lightbulb to adorn your ceiling, how about purchasing a second-hand lampshade that you think is going to match your bathroom’s overall theme? You can also experiment with glow-in-the-dark stickers for a cheap and easy installation!

Final Words

When it comes to bathroom renovations, your creativity, and your budget must always be considered. These two factors determine your limitations and capabilities. However, you can always go the extra mile by being resourceful. The most important thing to remember about bathroom renovations is that the style must never compromise with function.

This article was originally published at ItileNT.