From the Floors Up

Three Weekend Projects to Increase Your Curb Appeal

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In today’s chaotic and busy society, it can be challenging to set aside time for home projects. We avoid starting projects that we cannot finish. However, not all home projects take months to complete. In fact, we put together some easy-to-complete weekend projects. With the right task and a focused mindset, you can spruce up your home simply over the weekend. Here are our top picks to tackle this weekend on your home:

Painting Your Front Door

Your front door’s appearance can make or break your curb appeal. Painting your front door can take a couple of hours, but the bold statement it can make is well worth it. Consider applying primary colors to make a strong statement like blue, yellow, or red. These can really stand out and transform the look of your home.

Build a Fire Pit

This outdoor remedy is cost-friendly and can be very rewarding. Simply add a fire pit to your yard. Dig an area and build a stone pit around it. This cozy area can make your yard feel more welcoming. With a couple of bench seats or chairs, you can turn an empty area in your yard to a summer night hang out for you and your friends and family!

DIY Dutch Door

This project is a great home renovation for families with young pets or children. A Dutch door is a door that is horizontally cut in half. You will need to relocate your hinges and buy another set to secure the top. First, make sure your door is solid wood. Cutting hollow doors can leave unfinished, awkward seam points. Be very accurate with your cut. This project can be great to allow you to keep an eye on your children or pets in a room while they cannot escape.

These simple weekend projects are affordable and time friendly. Try doing some of these this weekend. There is no greater feeling of accomplishment than a fun DIY project in your own home. We would love to hear from you. Comment below what are weekend projects you suggest.

How to Seal Natural Stone Floors Yourself

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Do you love your natural stone flooring? No doubt, selecting the right flooring that best complements your home was challenging. Now that you have settled on a flooring material, it is time to protect your investment. Unlike traditional flooring materials, natural stone requires special attention so that it keeps its natural glow. Since stone floors are especially vulnerable, you will need to apply a sealant to ensure that it stays intact.

Hiring a flooring expert to do the job for you is excellent, but if it is not in the budget, it is something you can complete yourself. To help, here is how you can achieve professional results when sealing your natural stone floors:

Materials 

  • Stone sealant that has been manufacturer-recommended for your specific stone floors 
  • Vacuum cleaner 
  • Cloth 
  • A soft bristle brush 
  • Residue Remover 
  • Pair of gloves 

Begin by Cleaning

Before you begin sealing your stone floors, you will have to conduct a thorough cleaning of your floors. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust, and be sure to get the corners as well. Next, use a mild cleaning solution to clean the floors further. Instead of using a mop, dip a cloth into the solution and wipe the floors until they are spotless. Just remember, using harsh materials during the cleaning process can erode the natural stone. Instead, use a residue cleaner to remove stubborn stains. After you have cleaned the floors, you will need to make sure the floors are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Select Your Sealant

Next, it is time to select a sealant that is right for your natural stone floors, and that fits your personal taste. The sealant should be derived from fluoropolymer technology. Make sure you purchase a sealant that is compatible with your stone flooring. For example, do you want to achieve a glossy or matte finish? There are sealants on the market that can provide you with either look.

The Type of Stone Matters

What type of stone flooring are you utilizing? Because the sealing method is mainly dependant on the stone type. Terracotta, limestone, and sandstone should be sealed before it is installed, and tile grouting takes place. Apply sealant to the front, back and side surfaces. Marble, travertine, and granite have to be sealed at the top and edges. These stone types can be sealed after they have been laid and grouted.

Applying the Sealant

While wearing your gloves, you can apply the sealant solution with a paintbrush to the floors. To create a polished look, apply the sealant in the same direction. Just remember that the sealant needs a couple of hours to cure.

Voila, you successfully sealed your natural stone floors! You can expect the sealant to last for at least five years before you will need to redo the process. If you have any questions, please leave us a comment.

How to Reburish Your Cabinets

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Refinishing cabinets can save homeowners a lot of money during a redesign. By doing the cabinets yourself, you can create the custom look you desired without dropping loads of cash. Plus, the process of refurbishing is quick and easy.

Label The Doors

To avoid future confusion, label which door belongs with which cabinet by assigning numbers. Rip off a piece of tape and write the number with a permanent marker. Door one belongs with cabinet one and vice-versa.

Fill Holes with Wood Putty

This step is optional depending on whether or not you are planning on using the original hardware. If you decide to buy new hardware, fill the original holes with wood putty.

Sand The Wood

Begin by lightly sanding the wood surface to remove any remaining sheen.

Prime Coat The Cabinets

Invest in a quality primer for this project. If you are using a darker paint on your cabinets, buy a tinted primer. If you are painting a lighter color on the cabinets, you will apply fewer coats of paint and primer.

Rent an HVLP Paint Sprayer (Optional)

HVLP paint sprayers can be rented at your local home improvement stores and help with the overall quality and professional look of your cabinets. This sprayer helps avoid streak marks caused by an unsteady hand.

Use a Jig

Mark with a jig where you want your new hardware to be on the cabinet.

Reinstall Doors

You will need to match the doors with the numbers from before, and we are in business.

Apply Touch-ups

Basic touch-ups can be done after installation.

Place Hardware

By now, you should have decided whether or not you want to use your previous hardware or new hardware. New hardware allows you to add your personal touch to the piece. Consider playing around with different sizes and shapes to add character.

Protect with Felt Door Dampers

These help to protect the doors from everyday use. We encourage you to place them on to protect your recently refurbished cabinets.

Revamping your cabinets will add character to the room. Whether you are restoring the kitchen or the bathroom, it is an inexpensive but charismatic look for all budgets.

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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