How to cover over terracotta tiles?
HU-224888933
5 years ago
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HU-224888933
5 years agoRelated Discussions
How to cover slate floor
Comments (15)hi there, yes you can cover slate floors depending on the finish of the floor in question. Slate floors vary depending on the finish and the quality of the slate. The majority of slate floors I have dealt with have come with two major factors to consider: A high quality natural slate floor hand laid will have variations in the floor surface. the only way to properly cover them is to grind them down to an even layer - very very messy. There are a number of high quality materials that are economic that you can use to cover them. The range of new vinyl flooring which looks exact;ly like timber is superb for this type of flooring. I recommend FORMFIT which is a vinyl floor plank that has an inbuilt rubber underlay for sound proofing but is inflexible in nature so that it will not lose its shape and is perfect for existing tiled floors with large grout lines ( you will not see the grout lines with compression) once it is laid. It is also sun-proof and water resistant and can be laid in wet areas (laundries, guest toilets and even bathrooms - so long as there is a hob for the shower recess. The installers will generally do a site visit to guarantee the material is APPROPRIATE for the surface area. So I recommend that you always get a product and installation GUARANTEE. This is the warranty that will ensure the correct material has been installed for the existing surface area. Some slate floors will still require a self leveling concrete after grind down - but again it depends on the variations in the floor. Some Slate floors are perfectly okay to have this material laid straight over it and require no real preparation. Again I always ask for my manufacturer and installer guarantee for every job. The installers will also advise you whether your doors ( if you are using the material in rooms) will need to be skimmed as each plank is approximately 5 - 6mm in thickness. I can highly recommend the new vinyl planks - do not be deterred by the material - the quality that has been developed for this material has surpassed its previous namesake and it is superb underfoot. The thickness of the plank and the engineering of this manufactured product is designed for hard use and wear and tear and is very difficult to scratch - they were originally manufactured for retail flooring surfaces. I have completed over 50 renovations in the last couple of years using this product and can thoroughly recommend it. If you are after a good supplier I am happy to recommend my supplier and installer ( if you are Perth based). Ive had several private emails asking me to further elaborate on this topic so I hope this is clear! Please advise if you need any further information! Happy to Help! Cheers Lorena...See Morevinyl planks over tiles with under floor heating
Comments (7)As Australias largest supplier of hydronic heating, we have been providing Australian homes with stylish, safe and comfortable hydronic heating and cooling solutions. As exclusive stockists of an extensive range of premium products, we ensure that all homes can enjoy the benefits of a low carbon, energy efficient system. We have just released an industry leading guide on Underfloor Heating, that contains information for both homeowners and installers, I believe the content within would be the perfect for many commenters on this post. If you're unsure on how to proceed with your project I recommend you take full advantage of our personalised consultation service, available for both homeowners and installers. Using the latest design software and coupled with the expertise of our Customer Service Team, you can rest easy knowing that we’ll design a bespoke solution that delivers superior comfort that is also environmentally friendly and energy efficient. If you would like a copy please email me on sophieo@huntheat.com.au, alternatively head to our blog to download a copy: Hunt Heating Blog...See MorePractical design tips for designing your over 50's forever home
Comments (0)The process of designing the home that you plan to retire and grow old gracefully in can be a daunting and overwhelming one. Putting a little more effort and investment in at the initial design stages can save you time and money in the long run. With a few clever products that you may not even be aware exist, and a couple of important fore-thoughts you can rest assured that whatever may happen in the future, your retirement home is up to the job without looking institutionalised. Floorplan, Site & General inclusions Consider a single level home on a relatively flat block. The less level changes required the better. If you are purchasing an existing home and find this situation is too rare or outside your budget, look for homes that have living spaces and at least one bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor. If staircases are unavoidable ensure they are wide enough to accommodate a stair lift in the future (a minimum 820mm). Windows sills should be low enough that visibility out is possible from a seated position. Windows should be easy to open, close and lock. All doorways and entryways should be 820mm wide at a minimum with halls and thoroughfares 1000mm wide. This includes either side of the bed for access in and out. Undercover access from the parking area to the house is important to avoid slip hazards. If building a new home, plan for additional framework (nogging) as required in areas where you would later install grab rails. That is, by any steps, next to the toilet and in the shower area (see more under bathroom). Consider touch operated electrical switches or the larger style switches. Switchplates should be in a contrasting colour to the wall. Door Hardware Keys can be painful and difficult for older people and pin numbers can easily be forgotten. Fingerprint scanning door security is a good option if you can make the investment. If not an option, ensure any locks and opening devices can be utilised easily with one hand, avoid the kind where you need to turn the key while at the same time operating the lever. Ensure all door hardware is of the lever variety and all include safety release latches on privacy locks (or go without privacy locks). Knobs will become difficult to grasp and turn in later life. Landscaping Consider fencing that doesn't impede visibility from a seated position, enabling a person to sit and watch the world go buy and not feel too enclosed. Planting should be relatively low maintenance. Avoid planting a lot of trees that require annual pruning and consider native plants that do not require daily watering but attract wildlife to your garden that you can enjoy watching. Install sensor lighting to outdoor areas and all entryways. An accessible outdoor area with raised garden beds is also a good consideration to enable people with limited mobility to still enjoy time outdoors. Kitchen Your kitchen should be well lit with task lighting over working areas. There should be adequate space around working areas with good flow between functions. The benchtop and cupboards should contrast in colour to assist with visual impairment. You may like to consider including a benchtop at a lower level with leg space underneath in the case of future wheelchair access. This can act as an island dining table while not required for seated accessibility. A drawer that you can convert into a pull out work bench is an alternative. Power switches should be in a contrasting colour to the back splash. Ensure you include plenty of storage space in the base cabinets with drawers being a preference for ease of access. Overhead storage will be difficult to access in later life. Handles should be of the pull variety rather than knobs. Consider internal cupboard lighting for visibility. Appliances should have simplistic, visual cues, be easy to operate and be clearly identifiable as 'on' or 'off'. Bathroom The bathroom is usually the one area where the greatest amount of re-thinking is required. What is traditionally kept small and private now needs to consider accessibility and assistance. Bathrooms should be large enough to be able to move freely with a mobility aid and leg room under basins may be something you like to consider in case of wheelchair access. Separate toilet rooms need to be large enough to allow for grab rails, or toilet chair and a wheel chair or walking frame. They also need to be large enough that a person can be assisted. The ideal size would be 1000mm wide by 2000mm long. If this is not achievable with your current floor plan you may consider installing a toilet in the main bathroom area, which may mean foregoing or removal of a bath tub. Additional framework (nogging) should be planned along the wall next to the toilet and on the rear and one side wall of the shower enclosure to incorporate grab rails at a later date. These should be located on either side of stud 800 - 810mm from floor level. The shower should be hobless, with no track or step that could cause a trip hazard and be large enough for wheelchair, frame or shower chair access (around 1200mm square is optimum with 900mm at minimum). Ensure the door, taps and shower head is positioned in a way that can be comfortably utilised by an assistant. The shower head should be on a rail to allow height adjustment and include a removeable handpiece on a flexible hose. Install flickmixer style taps for ease of operation. Temperature control is an important safety consideration when designing for old age. You do not want the chance of accidental scalding if the tap is bumped or operated incorrectly. Thermostatic mixing valves allow you to set the temperature of the water in your house or bathroom from a central point however they usually come with a high price tag. A much more affordable and simplistic option is to choose tapware that is fitted with an adjustable cartridge. This simple device allows you to limit the maximum temperature of an outlet by simply preventing the handle from turning passed a predetermined point (for more on this feature watch this video from Dorf tapware). Bathroom tile choice should take vision into consideration. An all white bathroom is not a good option for old age. As most sanitary fixtures are white, wall and floor tiles should be in a contrasting colour, as well as contrasting to each other (around a 30% contrast is optimal). See my post here for examples and inspiration. Decor Floor coverings should be easy to clean and maintain and have a good slip rating. The colour should be in a contrasting tone to the walls. Doors should also be painted in a contrasting colour for aiding visual impairment and dementia care. Window furnishings should be easy to operate, remote operated blinds and curtains are available and a good consideration if you can afford the additional investment. Ensure bookcases and freestanding furniture is secured to the wall to prevent toppling over in the case of someone grabbing it for stability. If this still seems overwhelming for you then we are here to help. Billy Hoo Studio offers interior design consultations Australia-wide via our online service with a designer experienced both professionally and personally in design for accessibility, assisted living, dementia care and over 50's living. Please get in touch to talk further about how we can help. To see full article click here...See MoreCovered Deck Design Issue
Comments (30)i use a laptop and couldn't manage without being able to edit all my misspelling... and Rose, we think of minimum ceiling height being 2.4m but you also need to allow for the thickness of the frame so first measure from the bottom of the upstairs windows to the ground to see how much space is available...the frame will need to be 15 -30cm thick depending on the length of each beam so there needs to be enough space for the frame, ceiling height and then maybe dig down for a level space and. as siruskey asked, why a deck when a gravel or pavers could be easier if you don't want the structure to obstruct the upstairs windows to allow for enough height...See MoreAus Joinery Kitchens Pty Ltd
5 years agoHU-224888933
5 years agoAus Joinery Kitchens Pty Ltd
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
HU-224888933Original Author