Before, During, After Tips for your Next Tile DIY.
As the weather cools you may be more inspired to jump on a DIY project. We’ve pulled together a few tips to keep in mind during your next tile DIY. Grab your trowel, tile marker and knee pads, and let’s get going.
Before : Prep the space
Set yourself up for success and get your tools and space ready. Vacuum or sweep up as much left over debris from the floor. Make sure if there are any deep cracks or inconsistencies in the base floor to level them as best as possible to create a more even floor.
During: Take your time
After: Exit gracefully
What tips have helped you when DIY tiling your space? Join in the conversation on social or leave a comment below. Our in-house designers are also here to guide you in your remodel journey and can be reached at one of our showrooms in Louisville or Lexington.
Must-have tile tools for your next DIY project.
Are you ready to tackle a tiling project but don’t know what you need to get started? We discuss the top tile tools for your next DIY project.
To Begin: Chalk Line
Tiling is about straight lines. Fill the tool with chalk powder, shake it up, and unreel the string to the desired length. Snap the string to get a legible blue line as needed. This technique is used to define the tiling area before you begin your DIY project. A laser level line can be used as well.
Application: Trowels
Trowels are used for laying thinset mortar or mastic. From the mixing bucket to the installation site they provide the right amount of substance to the tile. Trowels come in different sizes and there are two basic types: the v-notch and square-notch.
Finish it off : Grout Float
Every tiling project includes grouting. This process includes filling the spaces in between tiles with freshly mixed grout, and scraping the tiles clean of excess grout. Enter a grout float which will help get the job done. Choose a rubber grout float for walls or floors and don’t forget to take a sponge to the surface for easy clean-up.
Do you have questions about the tools you need for a DIY project? Mees specialists are happy to discuss your project with you. We provide underlayment material, tile, grout, sealers and other tools for need to get the job done! Give us a call at (502)-969-5858.
Chipped or Cracked: Our Top Tips for Granite Repair
Is your granite in need of repair? We discuss DIY advice for granite chips and cracks to keep your countertops looking new. Mees has all the necessary tools to complete minor repair projects and the staff on hand for those times you need a pro.
Chipped Granite
Granite is a very durable material, but if it happens to chip, a repair is possible taking these DIY steps. First, prep your surface area by taping it off. Then use the same granite aggregate color as the counter stone. Mix the stone powder with clear epoxy to create a paste. Wearing gloves, pat the mixture into the chip. Speed up the curing time with an industrial heat gun which should be pointed six inches aways from the chip. Turn the heat gun on for one minute, and then pat down the paste, repeating multiple times until it is hardened. Make sure the patch is cool and hard before grinding it out.
Cracked Granite
Whether it’s a hairline crack that occured during installation or a separated crack that is a result of heavy impact, it can be repaired by filling with an acrylic or using a color-matched epoxy to glue the pieces back together. Many times a hairline crack won’t worsen and can be taken care of with a simple sealant. For deeper cracks you’ll want to bring in the pros to help you refinish the countertop and make sure the fix appears even by blending the crack itself with the surrounding surface color and shine.
Looking for granite repair help? Mees specialists have the knowledge, skills, and experience. Call us today at 502-969-5858.
Three Granite & Cabinet Color Combinations to Try
Selecting the right color scheme for a room can be tricky when you don’t have a particular theme in mind. Whether you’re going for a stark contrast or complementary colors, we break down three granite and cabinet combinations to consider.
Go Modern
For a modern look, choose contrasting counters and cabinets like black granite (Black Galaxy, Black Pearl, or Via Lactea) with white cabinets. These darker stones stand out against white creating an eye-catching contrast.
Try Traditional
If your taste leans more toward traditional, pair light oak or maple cabinets with brown-toned granite like Golden Beach, Nettuno Bordeaux, or New Venetian. By combining the brown tones you create a classic, warm, and rustic feel that’s inviting for any guest.
Complimentary Whites
Create a clean, crisp look with whites for your next home renovation. White Taupe, Absolute White, and Alaskan White granite pair well with white cabinets. Plus, an all white palate allows you to play around with pops of color or metallics like brass accents.
Any questions about cabinet and stone combinations? Our design consultants can offer advice that aligns with your style and needs. Visit our showroom in Louisville or Lexington and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more design tips.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Granite
Whether you’re picking out granite for your home remodel or selecting stone for a new build, color selection is important. As one of the largest granite importers in Kentucky we know a thing or two about selecting the right granite slabs. Here are a few things you should consider:
Lighting
When choosing granite for a room, analyze the lighting. Dark granite is an excellent choice for rooms with a lot of natural light, or if you’re concerned about dirt showing. Speckled stone and lighter granite go well in smaller rooms. Factor in the size of the room with the amount of light. This is important because dark stone can make rooms appear smaller.
Say Yes to Samples
Although small granite samples may not authentically represent the entire granite slab, bring a few to your home and view them against your floors and cabinetry along with the lighting. Bringing a stone into its potential setting is a beneficial way to see how it ties in all elements of a room.
Bring Materials to the Showrooms
Want to know if we carry a certain stone? Check out our array of samples online under “Products” or, better yet, visit our showrooms and talk with a specialist today!
Easy Ways to Clean + Care for Granite, Marble & Quartz
When it comes to selecting new surfaces for your kitchen, it’s important to choose the best option for your lifestyle. Before you commit to a particular stone, learn how to care for each. We take a look at what it takes to maintain granite, marble and quartz on a daily basis. .
Cleaning Granite
Wash granite countertops with warm soapy water to remove spills or leftover residue. Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners such as lemon juice, Windex, hydrofluoric acid, vinegar or ammonia which can deteriorate the surface.
Granite Care
Seal your granite once a year. This adds a layer of protection from spills and keeps stone looking new. First clean the countertop, then apply the sealer spray and let it sit on the surface for 30 min. Remove excess spray with a dry towel and don’t place anything on the granite for 6 hours. If that sounds like too much effort you can always call in the pros at Mees to take over.
)
Marble Cleaning
Like granite, use a mild, non-acidic cleaner. Never use utensils to remove buildup as they scrape the stone, instead try hot water!
Marble Care
Marble is a porous surface, and while beautiful, it requires the most maintenance out of the three stones. Every three to six months you’ll need to apply a marble stone sealer to the clean countertop surface. You should clean in small sections and let the sealer sit for at least 30 min. To see if it is ready, pour a few drops of water on the surface, if the water beads, you’re done!
Quartz Cleaning
Quartz is non-porous making it a fairly low maintenance stone. Hot water and a sponge are sufficient for most spills, and just a touch of dish soap will work well on stubborn or greasy spills. Just like granite and marble, you’ll want to avoid using acidic cleaners.
Quartz Care
While quartz doesn’t require sealing, it still needs to be handled with care. Use coasters to prevent rings, trivets with hot dishes, and remember to blot spills with a paper towel to avoid spreading any spills.
(Photos via Houzz)