DirectBuy Home Improvement Blog

Types Of Flooring for Showers

Shower TilesShower floors have to endure a lot more than standard ones. They need to be able to withstand daily cycles of being flooded and then drying out completely, resist cracking and be impervious to soap and shampoo. There are two types of flooring that have proven themselves able to handle all of these demands.

Tile Shower Floors

Glazed ceramic tiles are usually used for this type of flooring. The tiles are typically much smaller than the ones found in a kitchen or other dry room. The small size allows them to be sloped towards the drain without suffering from cracks. Since they’re glazed, they don’t absorb soap and shampoo like porous tiles would.

Metal Flooring

Metal shower floors are best described as “cheap but effective.” They do the job, but they aren’t very comfortable to stand on. They will also eventually start to rust if they’re made of steel. Still, they can be useful for second showers or other placements where all that is needed is basic functionality.

When you’re aiming to have a nice looking bathroom, tile shower floors are definitely the way to go. Tiles are available in all sorts of colors and designs, and perform admirably under the demands of daily use.

Create a beautiful tile design within your price range with direct insider prices from DirectBuy. You’ll find natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, slate, marble, granite and more to add the perfect look to your home décor.

Marble Tile Decorating Ideas

Marble FlooringMarble is a high end material that adds a glamorous look to a home. Using this material in a tile format can save you money while maintaining the elegant appearance. Marble possesses many good qualities and can be used in a variety of ways.

Features of Marble Tile

Marble is a naturally occurring stone material. It showcases veins that demonstrate character. Most marble has a light color, such as beige and white. This makes the grout easy to blend in with the rest of the tile, making a continuous appearance that does not look broken up by the grout lines.

Placement Ideas

Marble tile can be used in a variety of locations. Use the tile in a foyer to create a dramatic entrance. Tile for bathroom flooring reflects the luxury of a high end hotel suite bathroom. Marble can also create a lustrous appearance in a kitchen. Tile can also be used as an elegant countertop material. Create a focal point in your kitchen or bathroom with a beautiful marble backsplash. Line your shower wall with tile for an elegant effect.

Marble is a high end material that can be made more affordable when it is bought in a tile format. Add a stunning effect to your home with this type of tile.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of tile for use within your home and outdoors to help you express your style and creativity throughout your home. Great savings help you save money for other projects too.

How to Use Tile in Family Rooms

Tile FlooringA family room is so-called because it it a room in which the family can “hang out” and be comfortable. This is the room that often holds the family computer, television and music and video systems.

A family room, by definition, is casual. The furnishings, flooring and decorations should all be able to withstand the rough and tumble of children, pets and family.

Floor

Children and pets can be especially hard on carpet. Children and adults snack in the family room while playing games or watching movies. Invariably, food or other things will get dropped that will stain carpet. However, you can use tile in family rooms. Tile flooring is not easily stained. Spills can be quickly wiped up without a problem.

Walls

Tile in family rooms can also be used to accent the decor of the rooms. Tile that reflects the style of the room can encircle the room just below the ceiling to add accent. The tile draws the eye upward and gives the room a more expansive “feel.”

Using tile in the family room enhances the style of the room. Floor tile also protects the floor from spills, stains and rough housing children.

Whatever your choice in tile, when you’re ready to remodel and add a new look to your home, think DirectBuy for savings with zero retail markup direct from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers.

How to Clean Grout off Glass Tile

Cleaning TileGlass tile provides a beautiful, elegant finish to any place it adorns. Whether it is your bathroom or kitchen, there is a little maintenance involved to keep the tile as clean as possible. With normal wear and tear grout may get on the tile. This should be removed as soon as possible. Included below are tips on how to clean grout off of glass tile.

Use A Washcloth

Take a soft washcloth soaked in warm soapy water. Scrub the grout stained tile using a little force and circular motions. Take a dry cloth and wipe up any remaining residue. You many have to repeat this method a few times if the stains are old. The use of steel wood in place of the washcloth will also cut some of your work in half.

Fingernail Polish Remover

The acetone in fingernail polish is an excellent dissolving agent for grout stuck on glass tiles. Take a small amount and pour it over the area that is stained. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it up with a damp cloth.

Staying on top of the maintenance of your tile is important. There are many methods available to keep the grout between your tile at bay. The washcloth, steel wood and nail polish remover are just a few common methods used.

For all your home remodeling needs, whether kitchen, bath or any other area of your home, DirectBuy has top-quality products to help you create the perfect atmosphere for you and your family – all at prices to help you save money.

 

Laying Natural Stone Tiles in Your Home

Stone TileReplacing the floors of your home or just a few rooms is a popular project many people are interested in pursuing. One of the best materials you could use in your home for flooring is natural stone tile. Not only are these tiles a beautiful fit for many decorating styles, it can also help improve the value of your home dramatically.

Choosing the Ideal Natural Stone

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to natural stone flooring. These tiles vary in colors, types, and prices quite drastically so you should invest time into browsing through all of the options.

Comparing Prices from Retailers

The cost of natural stone tiles can add up quickly, so it’s a good idea to check out several retailers and their prices. Adding up the cost of tiles and the labor for installation will help you get a clear idea of how much you are going to be spending on the project.

Laying new natural stone tiles in your home can make a huge difference in the overall look. Your guests and future buyers will love this sophisticated touch you have added to your home and the durability is going to ensure it looks great for years to come.

DirectBuy carries marble and other natural stones to help you create the design and atmosphere you want for your home. With direct insider prices from leading manufacturers and authorized suppliers of top-quality marble, you can create the home of your dreams.

Unique Ways to Use Slate Tiles Throughout Your Home

Slate TileHave you ever seen tile flooring or backsplashes in one of those home magazines and wonder if your home can look that beautiful? You can design a home that will look expensive for little of nothing with slate tiles.

Unique Ideas

There are a lot of unique ways to use slate tiles throughout your home. You can use them to frame your outside or inside doorway. You can use them to panel your basement wall instead of using the typical white finish. You can use them on the deck leading to an outside hot tub. However you use them, slate tiles are a modern way to update any home.

Slate Tile Design

With some ingenuity you can create beautiful designs with slate tiles. First, find two or three different designs with the same color scheme. Then match each tile as if you were putting together pieces of a puzzle. Now you have your own unique slate tile design for your décor.

Slate tiles are the best way to add a modern touch to any home. Whether you are trying something new or finding new ways to update your home slate tiles will bring out the best in your home.

For beautiful tile of all types, including natural stone, see what DirectBuy has to offer at prices with zero retail markup.

Why you Should Put Tile in Laundry Rooms

Tile FlooringThere are many benefits to using tile in laundry rooms. The room will be easier to clean, more welcoming and it will actually feel more luxurious. Leave the linoleum behind when you are remodeling this space, and choose tile flooring to go under the washer and dryer.

Less Maintenance

Tile isn’t prone to staining, making it a great choice for this space where laundry detergent and fabric softener might spill. Easy to clean and resistant to scratching, you can easily move your baskets around without fear of damaging the floor.

Welcoming

Tile looks welcoming and inviting in any room. It will actually make your laundry room a more attractive place. You will find that you don’t mind the cycle as much, because the room feels more welcoming and less like a dungeon.

Luxurious

There is no reason the laundry room can’t feel luxurious. It’s an important part of your house, and it should be just as beautiful and welcoming as the rest of your home. You spend a lot of time in this room, so you deserve to have one that is attractive and lovely. When you put tile in laundry rooms, you are choosing to create a functional space that is also welcoming and luxurious. It will certainly be more attractive, and it might even make doing laundry more enjoyable.

For a great selection in ceramic tile and other great products for your home, DirectBuy has a wide selection of top quality products from flooring to furnishings to help you create a beautiful home environment.

Uses for Tile Outdoors

Outdoor TileTile isn’t just for the interior of your home. You can easily use tile outdoors to add beauty and style to your outdoor living spaces. Here are some of the ways you can add tile to the patio and even front porch for visual appeal and style.

Floor Covering

Tumbled tiles with a slight texture will provide you with some traction, making them a great choice for walkways, patios and decks. Seal the tiles to prevent them from cracking in cool weather, and you will have a surface that is elegant and luxurious.

Outdoor Kitchens

Cooking outside is growing in popularity, and outdoor kitchens are showing up even in modest homes. Use tiles to create an elegant backsplash or countertop that will stand up the weather and provide you with a beautiful focal point.

Furnishings

Tile is a great choice for outdoor tables. You can add a splash of color that won’t fade in the sun and can even handle the weather. Breathe new life into an old picnic table by covering the top in a beautiful tile mosaic that will grace your patio and become a cherished centerpiece.

There are definite uses for tile outdoors. Whether it used to cover an unsightly wood deck or to grace an outdoor kitchen, it will lend your deck and elegant and luxurious feel that you will love.

DirectBuy carries a wide selection of different types of tile to make your home the showplace you want it to be. Direct insider prices help you choose high quality tile flooring and stay within your budget.

Selecting the Right Tile Backsplashes

Kitchen BacksplahesPlaces For Backsplashes

Tile backsplashes are used used in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas to accentuate the decor of these rooms. A backsplash usually appears along the wall in the kitchen, for example, between range hoods and stoves.

Those with larger kitchens may place them between cabinets and countertops. In bathrooms, these tiles can be used to bring out dull colors between mirrors or counters or in shower stalls. Place them in the waiting area or break rooms of your business to create a more home-like environment.

Types Of Backsplashes

There are several different types of backsplashes, including glass, stone mix, metal and a combination of glass and stone. Designs can vary from small squares of alternating colors to large, highly texturized structures.

You can also purchase a number of patterns that match your room’s decor. Choose wicker designs to match baskets or benches. You an also replicate brickwork or dark wood paneling with tile backsplashes. There are patterns and colors to match any type of look and mood you need.

Determine your budget and needs, then select the backsplash design that best meets your needs.

When you’re ready for natural stone and other types of tile for your home building or home remodeling project, check out the great savings at DirectBuy

Why Use Tile on a Fireplace Surround

Tile FireplaceA fireplace adds warmth and beauty to any home. But if you want to enhance that warmth and beauty with a custom look, use ceramic tile. Tile Fireplace Surrounds add a fully customizable look to any fireplace.

Tile is impervious to heat and stains and is very hard, so you won’t have to worry about banging it with firewood or tools. Since tile comes in sizes from less than an inch to over 18 inches, you can find the right look and fit for your fireplace and home décor.

What Makes Tile Better Than Other Finishes

Tile is a fired clay product and as such is completely heat-proof, which as you can guess, would be important in a fireplace surface. Unglazed tile has a variation in shade that enhances the beauty and warmth of any installation, but is particularly appropriate for a fireplace.

Glazed tile is available in an endless array of colors, textures, and surfaces. If you are looking for a surface that will add beauty and functionality, while being low-maintenance, Tile Fireplace Surrounds are the best choice.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of tile for use within your home and outdoors to help you express your style and creativity throughout your home. Great savings help you save money for other projects too.