From the Floors Up

Five Fabulous Ways to Use Laminate on Your Walls

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Homeowners are raving about the wonders of laminate. Not only does laminate work well on your floors, but you can also install it on your walls! With the broadest selection of colors and textures available to consumers, you can create a stylish space on a budget. Let’s take a look at five ways homeowners are using laminate on their walls:

Five Fabulous Ways to Use Laminate on Your Walls:

1. Featured as an Accent Wall.

Laminate can help make a statement in your space by using it to frame your room. It can work exceptionally well in bedrooms that do not feature a headboard. When selecting your laminate, if you already have hardwood floors in the space, you want to choose a laminate in a contrasting/complementary color. You want the wall to stand out as well as accent the space.

2. Displayed inside of Built-In’s/Shelving/Insets.

Installing laminate inside of your home’s built-in’s, shelving, or insets is a unique approach to this classic storage option. The laminate helps to draw attention to the cut-out and frame it as a visually appealing piece. For even more creativity, design experts recommend switching back and forth between vertical and horizontal installment in each different cut-out. 

3. Placed above Your Fireplace.

By lining the top of your fireplace with laminate, you can help elevate your room and make the room look larger. This is an inexpensive way to create a larger space on a budget.

        • Pro-Tip: If you decide to hang your television on top of the laminate, experts recommend adding a sheet of plywood underneath for support with weight-bearing screws. This will help ensure your television is secure and ready for watching. 

4. Installed as a Kitchen Backsplash.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly and rustic backsplash for your kitchen, laminate is the perfect choice for you! It can help add character to your kitchen with its charming wooden look. This design works well in kitchens that have painted cabinetry or open shelving because wood (backsplash) on wood (cabinets) can feel a bit intense.

5. Designed into Bathroom.

Laminate can be an affordable, durable option for homeowners looking to dress up their bathroom walls. It helps to give the bathroom a cozy, cabin feel and creates a breath-taking finished product.

We hope that you feel inspired by all the different possibilities. For more user-friendly tips and tricks, please visit us at From The Floors Up. 

Expert Advice on How to Install Backsplash (Part Three)

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Once your tile has been installed, allow the adhesive to dry.  You may want to keep outlet covers off while grouting. Know that some sanded grout can actually remove the finishing on tiles.  You may need to invest in grout without sand for your home project.  You should also check with the manufacturer for the proper grout sealer. An appropriate sealer of grout will help prevent cracking in the grout.  It can also prevent spills from absorbing into the grout and discoloring the area.  Grout sealer is an important step to make sure your home backsplash looks perfect for years to come.

Grouting

Once your tiles are set, you can remove your tile spacers.  Put on your rubber gloves when applying sanded grout.  You may need to mix your grout depending on your purchase.  Use your bucket and add water and grout to create a homogeneous mixture.  For premade grout, you are ready to go without mixture.  Once your grout is prepared, apply the grout onto tiles.  Use your grout float at a ninety-degree angle and sweep grout into the crevasses.  Next, use a wet sponge to remove excess grout from the top of tiles.  You may need to repeat this process several times.  Make sure you do not remove grout from where you want it to be while cleaning the tiles.  Now use a dampened rag to remove the remaining grout from the tile surface. This must be done before the grout hardens, so be wise with your time.  Once your grout has set, you can apply the recommended sealer.  Using a paintbrush, apply your sealer to your grout.  Allow your sealer to dry.  Most sealers do not appear glossy when applied, so read the manufactures recommended drying time.

It is best to hire a professional for this type of installation. If you do decide to install backsplash yourself, be careful and do your research. Measure all cuts before making them and have fun.  This project can be a day-long project so prepare for it.  For more tips from the floors up, visit our blog hub here. 

Expert Advice on How to Install Backsplash (Part Two)

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Having the right tools for the job will set you up for success. Like any project, your preparation is crucial before installation. Learn how to properly prep and install your tiles below to have a better understanding of the installation process:
Prep
First, you need to measure and decide how you would like to layout your backsplash. Decide if you want your tiles on a forty-five-degree angle or straight across.  Wipe down your wall with a wet sponge and remove all dust and dirt.  If there is prior adhesive, you may need to sand to get your wall to an even coat.   Remove all outlet covers as well as light switch covers.  You will want to loosen your outlets as well, so they can sit on top of your tiles you are installing.  Use your notched trowel and spread out your tile adhesive. Next, take your level to make sure your tiles are level.  You may also want to pencil in all the spots you are tiling, so your adhesive is not spread in access areas.  Spread your adhesive in the regions that you can tackle in thirty-minute increments. Do not put adhesive over the whole wall immediately. Some wall tiles will come with built-in spacers, but if not, make sure to have your spacers ready.
Installing Tiles
By now, you should know how you want your design to look.  If you are doing a brick layout or a herringbone, measure your tiles and make your cuts using a tile cutter.  Start from the bottom up and use your spacers to keep the tiles even and from sliding.  You can now use your grout float as well to press the tiles and make sure that they are evenly spaced from the wall.  For your outlets or cuts that may need an “L” cut, use a pencil or washable marker and draw out your cuts.  Take your tiles to your wet saw and make the appropriate cuts.  Whenever making any cuts, remember to put on your safety glasses and be extremely careful.  The wet saw is not forgiving and can severely hurt you.  Remember, loose particles can also fly into your eyes even without power tools when cutting.  Continue installing your tiles and making cuts as needed.  Build the pattern of your tiles as you go and do not try to jump ahead.  Use your rag or sponge to remove any access glue that may have come through the grout lines.  Allow tiles to set depending on the time length your tile adhesive suggests.
Cut your tiles slowly and carefully. Try to be meticulous on your cuts and sand and rough edges. The time you invest in the project can show in the end-product. Check out Expert Advice on How to Install Backsplash | Part 3 to find out the final stage of grouting your tiles.

Expert Advice on How to Install Backsplash (Part One)

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Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It is where you prepare your food, and it can also serve as a casual hangout. Amongst the many stylish additions in a kitchen, backsplash serves multiple purposes in your kitchen and may be worth the investment. Backsplash not only gives your kitchen a completed look as well as adds character to your home, but it is easy to clean and prevents splashing onto your walls. With thousands of styles available, picking the perfect backsplash for your home can be a fun and perfect way to personalize your style. To help you in the process, we put together the step by step installation if you are looking to tackle this project yourself. Let’s take a look and see how:

Supplies

The right supplies will help make this task go a lot smoother. Installing backsplash takes some artistic skills as well as handwork skills. It is recommended to hire a professional for this home improvement, but if you would like to do it yourself, you will need to pick up or rent a couple of tools.

You will need:

1. The tile of your choice
2. The grout of your choice (Note: some sanded grout may take off the finish of your tile)
3. A sponge
4. Some rags
5. A bucket
6. Tile Adhesive
7. Drill with a mixing attachment
8. Tile Cutting hand tools
9. Level
10. Grout Float
11. Wet Saw
12. Tile Spacers
13. Notched Trowel
14. Pencil or Washable Marker
15. Rubber Gloves
16. Caulking Gun
17. Caulk
18. Paintbrush
19. Safety Glasses

Having the right tools and equipment is essential. Your kitchen’s backsplash can be tricky, and it is best to hire a professional for the job. If you do decide to do this project yourself, make sure to invest in all the correct safety equipment as well. Some power tools can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. Installing your own backsplash is a great way to become united with your home and invest time into home projects. Your custom style and design can show throughout your installation. Continue reading Expert Advice on How to Install Backsplash | Part 2 to learn how to properly install your tile.

Wallpaper in the Kitchen

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Screen Shot 2013-05-21 at 2.24.59 PMThere is a current design trend for wallpaper throughout the home. Wallpaper was once thought to be old fashioned and outdated, but not anymore. The patterns and colors of today’s wallpapers are anything but the wallpaper your mother or grandmother had.  Beautiful colors, historic and vintage patterns, and new materials mean that wallpaper is one trend that will be with us for a while.

Because of the popularity of wallpaper, we are seeing it used throughout the home; from bathrooms to hallways and every room in between.  There is a wallpaper design that can work for any room.  Some wallpaper is subtler than others in their color and patterns.  We are even seeing wallpaper used in kitchens.

The kitchen pictured here has a subtle diamond patterned wallpaper design throughout.  If you choose to use wallpaper as a way to add color to a backsplash, consider covering the paper with glass for protection.  However, some wallpaper can be wiped with a moist cloth. These are probably a good choice for the kitchen with all of the splashes and spills.

When adding any color or pattern to a kitchen or any room always take into consideration your flooring. If you have a tile or patterned floor, also consider the color and scale of the floor pattern when choosing a pattern for the walls.  The same is true for stone or wood floors. Choose a wallpaper design that will coordinate with your floor, cabinets, and hardware for a cohesive looking kitchen.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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