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Whether you need to cover a kitchen backsplash, redo the floor in your powder room, or pick finishes and materials for an entire house, tile is a big part of many remodeling projects. But walk into a tile showroom or home improvement store, and you may be overwhelmed with options. Cement or porcelain? White or off-white subway tiles? Glass tiles etched and painted with songbirds or a marble mosaic that looks straight out of Pompeii?
To get your money’s worth, and a job that looks good and lasts, here are 15 tips on tiling—from finding a good contractor to checking the finishing details.
Whether it’s routine or an emergency, sometimes you need a good plumber. Fortunately, we’ve found many excellent plumbing outfits in the area, including many that not only rate best for quality work, but also are among the lowest in price.
Whatever company you choose, dealing wisely with the plumber produces better work and saves you money.
Following these rules will help reduce the seriousness and frequency of plumbing problems.
Are you ready for a kitchen makeover? Here's advice on planning your space, finding the right designers, suppliers, and contractors, and getting good prices.
When the time comes for a kitchen redo, you certainly should go with finishes and fixtures that you love. But make sure they fit current and up-and-coming cabinet and countertop trends before signing any contracts or swinging a demo hammer.
Countertop materials range from wood to plastics to metal to stone. Manufactured quartz—formed from stone chips, resins, and pigments—is edging out natural stone materials in popularity, thanks in part to its durability and its availability in zillions of colors.