How good are ceramic floor tiles?

Ceramic floor tiles have been around for years. There durability makes them one of the best choices. If you are planning to install ceramic floor tiles, equip yourself with its pros and cons

Ceramic tiles give slightly porous appearance to the floor. They look great and are easy to clean. An additional advantage is that you cannot have enough of it, they come in many varieties, with interesting colors to size choices suiting different needs.

What is so good about ceramic tiles?



There are lots of pros of installing ceramic tiles:

1. They look good: When it comes to looks, they are just irresistible. These are glazed tiles and look of a blemish less ceramic tile floor is delighting.

2. They are easy to clean: Ceramic tiles do not get stubborn stains or scratches, hence, your floor appears neat and clean. Yes, grouts can be a problem, but then that is the case with many other tiles as well. Just a little grout cleaning makes the floor look new.

3. You don’t have to spend a lot on their maintenance: Ceramic tiles are glazed tiles and do not require waxing etc., thus saving a lot of your time and effort.

4. They are durable: Ceramic tiles are durable unless exposed to a very high footfall zone. If installed properly, it can be years before you see first sign of cracks appearing on it.

5. They can be installed in number of patterns: Their look and size options enables their installing in number of patterns. You can get ceramic tiles in large sizes as well; people who want to avoid the grout problem often prefer larger size. These tiles can be laid down in square or rectangular patterns. You can even choose more than one color for tiles to create a distinct pattern on floor.

What is not so good about ceramic tiles?



Like many other things, there are a few not-so-convenient features of ceramic tiles which must be noted before buying these:

1. Installing these is not the easiest of the tasks: It's not as if their installation requires knowledge of rocket science. Installation process is the same; but you need to use really good quality grout and an experienced labourer to get it done. If ceramic tiles aren’t sealed properly, grout turns black sooner and they are more vulnerable to cracks.

2. They might not be the best choice for bathroom or kitchen: Ceramic tiles maybe a little slippery for places like bathrooms. The best thing is to choose tiles with texture, which are usually not so slippery. Secondly, if you are using these tiles in bathroom, you have to make sure that you wipe off water when you are done.

3. They are not the best choice for high footfall zones: Ceramic tiles are durable, but they are not a right choice for high footfall areas like lobby. Though, this does not mean that they are delicate, but still why take chances.

Cleaning tips

 In case of stain a little detergent and a soft scrub is enough to clean ceramic tiles. You just need to rub the tiles a little and then wash them off with the help of water.

Utilize your bathroom space to the fullest

In space starved urban dwellings, a super-spacious bathroom is often a luxury beyond reach. Still, people want to pep it up to the best of its capacity. This can be done. A bathroom built over a large area may not necessarily be the best. It’s smart planning that makes it so. Find answers to a few most vital questions here:

Usually architects give a broader design of partitions and they do not provide internal detailing, not unless you have asked for it. If you are doing the layout on your own, be very cautious about what you do with the space. Know one simple rule, a bathroom looks best with sufficient open floor area.

The importance of free space


Whatever size your bathroom is, it must have a little free space to make it look good. You may want to include some fancy products in your bathroom, but this isn’t the wisest of ideas if all that it does is to make the bathroom look all crammed up!
Thanks to designers, you have size and design options to almost all sort of tools and equipment. So your goal must be to include items that make the bathroom look good besides being useful.

List down the items you want to install in your bathroom


Making a list would help you understand the real requirements and save you of unnecessary clutter. This would also give you an idea of how large a piece does your bathroom actually require.

How to make the list


Divide this list into three parts: Essentials, Desired and Optional.

List 1: Essentials: This is the most important list. Identify essential items that your bathroom must have.
Wash basin, basin mirror, toilet, toilet paper holder, geyser, laundry rack, toothbrush holder, a small vanity, towel rack, soap dish (in case you need to fix this on the wall) etc. would fall under this category.
This list will not include necessary equipment like faucets etc. which are installed during constructions.
* The size of products should be proportional to your bathroom space. An extra large mirror would not look good in a normal sized bathroom. Similarly do not go for an extra large cabinet.

List 2: Desired: This list should include items that you wish to install in your bathroom. The items included in this category may be the once that have caught your fancy. Since you are done with the first list by now, you would have a fair idea of the space left with you.
a) You can write down details of products like a fancy shower panel, bath tub, jacuzzi etc. in this list (Of course you wouldn’t go for all of it in one bathroom, select the one that may fit well within the bathroom space).
b) If you wanted to include some additional stuff like an extra cabinet for your makeup products, a linen closet, a dresser, steam showers etc., include it in this list.
c) Whatever product you finalize later, try to visualize your bathroom with all of it and see how much free area would be available. If the bathroom appears a little over-crowded, make some vital changes. For example: You can replace an extra large jacuzzi bathtub with a slick shower panel or steam shower to save some space.

List 3: Optional: As the name says, items on this list must come last, that is only after picking items from the first two lists.
If your bathroom space still permits inclusion of some other items, go ahead and include that fancy seating, LED, music system, decoration space, that you have always wanted in your bathroom.
Remember, more items you include in your bathroom, more free space it requires. So, be wary of creating a clutter.

Making the final selection


The final selection will need fair analysis of all the three lists.
1. List the items you have zeroed in on in one list according to the priority.
2. Finalize the item size keeping in view space occupied by each item on the list. You may need to reduce the size of the cabinet to create a little space, or you may need to zero in on a smaller bathtub.
3. DO NOT compromise on the essentials. Selecting a smaller washbasin or toilet to be able to place a vase in not a wise idea. This selection should entirely be based on the functionality of the products.

Note: What is essential for someone may fit in someone else’s ‘desired list’. Not everyone may find a shower panel essential. The list should be totally based on personal needs and priorities (and of course, budget)!

How to select the right bathtub?

Market is so flooded with varieties of bathtubs that there can be no best choice. In such a competitive scenario, how should you select ‘the one’ for yourself? Here is a five step guide to selecting the right bathtub:

Plan your budget
This is the first thing you gotta do. If you are planning to go have a look at the market and then buy any piece that catches your fancy, you would end up being even more confused. The prices of bathtubs are so different that you cannot go on looking for just any price range. While finalizing a budget, longevity of the bathtub should be kept in mind too. A good quality bathtub is usually a buy of life. So plan your budget sensibly.

Finalize the size and design requirements
Do not go finalizing a bathtub unless you have a fair idea of the kind of design and shape you want. Jot down your personal requirements like what length, breadth or depth would be ideal for you, whether you want a bathtub for two, what kind of color and design would go with your interior etc.
Do not forget to measure the bathroom space. You cannot install an extra large bathtub in a medium sized bathroom. A bathtub must have a little free space around it, so when you measure the tub areas leave at least one feet space on all sides (or as suggested by your architect). For smaller bathroom spaces, smaller bathtubs are available as well. So make a selection based on the space availability.

Do some research about material
This is one of the most important steps. Before going to a bathtub dealer, it is wise to do your bit of homework. You should know what all materials are available in your price range. Research about their pros and cons and talk to your dealer about all of it. The cheapest of the bathtubs have some monetary value attached to them; hence, you should look for an option that is durable, doesn’t fade easily and is easy to repair. This would save you of an extra expenditure of replacing a bathtub due to some damage later.

Compare the available options
Once you are clear about your budget and design preferences, try and locate dealers who have most range of products within your price range. Usually the dealers aiming at luxurious collection have less samples of mid-range or cheaper bathtubs. Similarly, housing reasonably priced products have scarce high-end pieces. So, there are better chances of grabbing a deal at an outlet displaying bathtubs in your price range. These may not be difficult to locate as mostly luxurious and budget stores like to promote themselves according to their USP.

Give a thought to the installing process
Though installing of a bath tub is a one time process, there is no guarantee that you would not need to uninstall or re-install a bathtub ever. Alongwith the preferred dimensions of a bathtub, write the dimensions of the door of the bathroom as well. If your bathtub is very large and heavy, it would be difficult to pass it through the bathroom door if you ever need to uninstall it. So pay attention to every bit, right from the strength of the bathroom floor to the side space between walls of the bathroom and the bathtub.

Like many other things, a bathtub too shouldn't be purchased on the basis of its design. Even the simplest design looks good if it gels well with the interior.

Know what Bathtub Material is good for you. See this link: http://disdesign.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/understanding-the-bathtub-material/

Understanding the Bathtub Material

A bathtub is often selected on the basis of its look and capacity of the buyer’s wallet. Know about best and worst of different bathtub materials here, and bowl over your dealer with the tid-bits of details while he is busy bragging about his stuff...

Porcelain Bathtubs


There is no doubt that porcelain bathtubs are one of the most popular choices. Their being reasonably priced and not-so-fussy to maintain also contributes a lot to their popularity. The bathtubs do not get damaged easily, but they are not totally unforgiving to scratches and all. Once they get scratches or bruises, be ready to live with it because you cannot get rid of them. Usually they are easy to clean.
Porcelain bathtubs are actually made of steel shells, fused with porcelain enamel to form a shiny, glassy coating, which actually looks great!
Now, to talk of the bathtub using experience, this material is cold to touch. Usually porcelain bathtubs aren’t longer than 5 and a half feet. Though there can be some pretty nice exceptions.
Budget factor: Porcelain bathtubs are popular because they are not very expensive.

Fiberglass Bathtubs


Fiberglass bathtubs are made of layers of fiberglass held together with polyester resins. It is also known as FRP and is a molded bathtub. Fiberglass bathtubs are very light-weighted as compared to the usual bathtub options. They are inexpensive and cracks and all can be repaired using an epoxy resin kit.
Now look at some negative features of fiberglass bathtubs. Fiberglass bathtubs are strong, yes, but do remember that a fiberglass bathtub is a molded bathtub, and like many molded equipment, even this bathtub may break under more weight or pressure. Like lots of things that are made of fiber, a fiberglass bathtub too sustains scratches very easily. Bad news is this that you cannot get rid of these scratches.Your dealer may try to convince you with its shiny colorful surface, the fact is, it wears off with time and the fiberglass bathtub will start getting dull over the years.
Budget factor: Fiberglass bathtubs are one of the most decently priced bathtubs available in markets.

Cultured Marble Bathtubs and Marble Bathtubs


Cultured Marble bathtubs do look like made of marble, actually they are made of limestone and polyester resins. A real marble bathtub is made of marble, but you have to be very careful while selecting one out of these two varieties. Cultured Marble bathtubs suffer less scratches, so with real marble bathtubs. One fact is that though marble bathtubs are luxurious and costly, even they can break. Both of these tubs are easy to clean and do not harbor moulds and mildews. (In pic Stone Forest Papillian Bathtub)
Budget factor: Cultured marble bathtubs are costlier than acrylic bathtubs yet a cheaper option than cast iron or marble bathtubs.

Acrylic Bathtubs


Acrylic bathtubs are one of the most popular options available. They are light weighted, shiny, easy to clean and convenient to install. An acrylic bathtub gets scratched easily, the good thing is that it is repairable. You can even get it painted in some other color, if you decide to change its color sometime later. Acrylic bathtubs usually face competition from cast iron bathtubs when it comes to the bathing experience. There are lots of sizes and varieties available.
Acrylic bathtubs lose heat easily, so you can arrange for double insulation. Talk to your dealer regarding this and see if he can help you out. Or may be you can invest in a maintenance water heater.
Budget factor: Acrylic bathtubs are reasonably priced.

Cast Iron Bathtubs


If you are one of those who like to soak for longer duration, cast iron bathtubs are for you. They can hold heat for longer duration thus saving you the expenditure and pain of arranging insulation (Though you would not bother this cost much if you are ready to spend on a cast iron bathtub).  Cast iron bathtubs look very decent; though sometimes they tend to put off buyers due to their heavy weight. They are very heavy, thus not very easy to install. You may need to understand how much weight your floor can bear, before going for a cast iron bathtub or any other option for that matter. (In pic, cast iron bathtub by Devon & Devon)
Budget factor: Usually, these are one of the costliest options among bathtubs.

Whichever bathtub you decide upon, it’s important to give a thought to the installing process. Remember, the problems you face during installation, may get repeated when you are uninstalling or re-installing a bathtub, probability of which can not be negated. See the depth and size of the tub carefully, because at the end, it is the bathing experience that matters.

(Pics for representational purpose only)

Ergonomic Furniture: An Addition, Essential To Your House

With the trend of healthy living catching up, ergonomic furniture is the new interior trend to go by. It’s cool. It’s stylish. And it is the IT thing of the moment. Go for it!



First things first. If this entire buzz around these ‘ergonomic things’ makes no sense to you, let us start by understanding how ergonomic products actually work. These are based on a simple principle of an action (or product, or whatever) that aims at achieving the twin goal of productivity and health. Coming to the ergonomic furniture, these are designed so as to achieve this twin goal of functionality and health (read relaxation, comfort, etc.).

Does this look good?


Absolutely! Leave aside the furniture like a massage chair etc., ergonomic furniture, built specifically for homes, has this amazing blend of design and health benefits. Just to take an example, an ergonomic chair would be designed to give you lumbar support besides serving the purpose of a good looking furniture.

How to buy ergonomic furniture?


While this is true that the ergonomic furniture is made to support your health, you should take a call only after doing your bit of homework. Like any other thing, try a furniture as well before sealing the deal.
Before buying and seating set, sit on it, relax for a bit and try to understand if your back has the right support or not. While sitting, try to do every thing that you do while you are using a similar furniture at home. The ideal ergonomic furniture would not let your body bend in awkward postures. The seat would be comfortable enough to keep strain off the thighs and waist area. While you bend down, turn backwards, understand if the furniture is making any of these movements restrictive. After all your body knows what is best for you.

What kind of furniture to buy?
1. Ergonomic furniture is slightly costly. If it is crossing your budget, the best thing would be to buy one chair for yourself (and every member of your family).
2. The best buy would be for the living room. If you can buy an entire set of ergonomic furniture for your living space, nothing like it. If you cannot, not a problem. Buy a set for the living room.
3. If you are buying a sofa set, pay special attention to its seating. Most people tend to lie down on the sofa, so you got to check it that way as well. Same with tables. Make sure that they are high enough not to make you bend too low. But they should not be too high as well.
4. Always check the furniture’s height. Your feet should reach the floor and should not bend in the process as well.