That's our Motto...
In order to get best results we follow certain procedures. In a sense, we need to BE SQUARE. Being square doesn't necessarily mean being "close minded" or boring, it can also mean having discipline and being straight forward. Every project we start by finding a straight wall to base our tile installation from. We make sure the tiles are SQUARE with that wall, and that way we can achieve symmetry. Symmetry is a keyword when it comes to tile installation. It's something we always strive for. We also strive for considering other aspects of the project, including plumbing, level of floor and walls, and most importantly meeting our clients expectations. There were many instances where I was called to check up to possibly fix other people's work. It pains me to say that there are a lot of "tile installers" out there deceiving homeowners. I feel really bad because most of the time they only realize that they have been deceived after the fact, when there's water damage on a shower install project for instance. Being SQUARE is in our DNA as a business and it's how we make a difference in our community.
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Are you thinking about upgrading your bathroom? Going marble might be just the way to go. The classic timeless look is one of its many advantages. Nowadays most customers are opting for the modern, porcelain more of a straight look design on their bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes but I for one am always in awe of a Marble Bathroom stunning look after it's done. The project in the picture was concluded last Christmas and my customer was kind enough to send me pictures after the tub and fixtures were installed and am I amazed by it.
It's very important to keep all the tiles clean and dry as much as possible during installation. That might prove to be a difficult job because most of the tile cuts are done with a wet saw which, by definition will get the tiles wet, but once it's done it's important to dry them all with a rag or towel during installation, that will guarantee a strong bond and avoid stains. On a side note it's important to remember that marble is a natural type of stone which is the cause of its tone and shade variations but it is also one of its charms and reason for uniqueness of character. Another important thing is to properly apply good sealer after installation. Check with manufacturer if it should be done before and/or after grout, some marble require sealant before grouting. Corners should be kept clean as much as possible to avoid build up of minerals as it's gets used over the years.
One of the big positives of having a marble tile bathroom done in my opinion is that most of the times it ages well. Marble tends to take a lot longer to look dated, specially if you go with a more neutral look and color. I have heard plenty of stories of how difficult it is working with family. I sure have a lot to add on that front, me and my dad have been working on and off together for almost 20 years. It is rough, I tell you that much. I grew up hearing I'm the spitting image of him, no one can dispute I'm not his son and so forth but on the other hand, I'm so not like him. Personality wise we don't have anything in common. He is funny, I take things too seriously, He doesn’t fret, I stress a lot, He's too subjective, I'm too objective... In other words He's light, I'm heavy. I tend to come out too strong in the way I express myself and he tends to be too sensitive about my way of being, instead of understanding what it is I'm saying. And I think over the years these differences have been made even bigger, it's like we inhabit disparate worlds of thought and we don't know which words to use to understand each other. Can you imagine how difficult that would make our day to day activities at work? By being the way I am have closed off the door for big growth opportunities and I will tell you why: Throughout the years I have been able to deliver above average satisfaction to all of my customers, building a strong reputation and exposing my brand to a certain limited level. My experiences in life though have made me choose to build a shield around myself where my trust tolerance level is very low which presents itself as a huge barrier when it comes to leadership and makes it impossible for me to delegate new people to be part of this journey that is Davie Mac Tile. Another thing is is the fact that, by being so meticulous and serious about my work I tend to expect the same level of effort out of other people that would eventually work with me which I realize is unattainable and... At the end of the day I also realize it might be kind of unbearable to work with me... Well, my dad has been dealing with all that this whole time. He's been there. We've had horrible fights over the years but he's been present whenever I needed it. He's been there with his powerful lightness. Sometimes I wonder what's going to be when won't be able to be together anymore, how would we carry on? I hope that in my case, if he goes on first, I have had finally passed on to me how to be there for someone like he is there for me: regardless of anything. Davi Santos
Tile Installer If your child has been diagnosed with autism, you may be wondering if you need to make some changes around your house. According to Very Well Health, children with autism often experience sensory overload. Therefore, living in an environment with typical household decor and design choices can actually be quite distressing for them. However, you may be worried that redesigning certain rooms will be too expensive for your budget.
Rest assured that making simple changes to your household to help your child with autism can be within your budget. Here are a few budget-friendly interior design tips for parents of children with autism. Soft Color Scheme It might be time to spend an afternoon repainting your child’s room. Being in a room with walls painted in bright, bold shades can be overwhelming for a child with autism, and a few cans of paint won’t cost you much. According to How to Adult, your child will likely respond more positively to softer colors and pastel hues. Consider painting their bedroom walls with pastel blues, greens, and purples, which can be quite relaxing to look at. You can find affordable paints and painting supplies at Lowes and save quite a bit more money by checking out their Deal of the Day regularly and signing up for cashback offers by joining a deal site like Rakuten. For the rest of your home, try going with a neutral color scheme. You may also decide to change up any tile floors or walls if you find that the colors or patterns will cause too much visual stimulation. Whether you need to simplify the look of your kitchen’s backsplash or redo the tile floors in the bathroom, contact Davie Mac Tile for professional installation. Reduce Noise Children with autism are especially sensitive to loud noises. Even if you happen to live in a busy, urban neighborhood, you can take steps to reduce noise levels in your home. Thick, heavy curtains, rugs over hardwood floors, and tapestries on the walls can work wonders. Before you purchase these items, be aware that children with autism can have strong preferences for certain textures over others, so keep this in mind as you outfit your home. Natural Lighting Exposure to bright or flickering lights can upset children with autism. Sudden shifts in lighting can have a similar effect. You can adjust the lighting in your household with minimal costs and effort, and it can make a significant impact on your child’s well-being. According to Theraspecs, many people with autism react negatively to fluorescent lighting. Try to create space in your home where natural light can illuminate the rooms wherever possible. Incandescent light bulbs are also highly preferable to fluorescent lighting, and they are quite affordable. Another possibility? Choosing light fixtures that will be compatible with a dimmer switch. Using a dimmer switch will allow you or your child to precisely adjust the lighting in the room if necessary. In addition, avoid choosing furniture or decor with shiny surfaces, which can reflect bright light. Organization Keeping your home tidy and organized will help ensure your child’s safety. Don’t feel like you need to set up a fancy, expensive organizing system. Secure containers and sturdy shelves will get the job done, and you can find these for low prices at many retailers. Take extra precautions in the kitchen, where your child could get ahold of sharp objects. Your child may be highly attached to certain toys that they reach for when they are distressed or nervous. Have a specific place where you can store these toys, such as clear bins with picture labels. It’s also important to keep the play area separate from other rooms in the house for your child’s safety and well-being. Try to designate different zones in the play area for each activity. Chances are, you do not have to move into an entirely new house or spend thousands of dollars on renovations in order to make your house a safe oasis for your child with autism. By making smart choices about color schemes, lighting, and more, you can redesign your space to suit your child’s needs. Colaboration by Lin Buckner Sensorykid.info Tiles are an amazing artistic way of decorating floors and walls and can be used in many areas of the home. But making your next tiling project a success isn’t just about choosing the right color and style - how the tiles are laid will have a big influence on how a space is viewed and feels. If this is your first time looking to have tiles installed don't be put off by some of the many patterns involved. Just give yourself plenty of time to think about the design carefully and you'll find that these patterns can and will make a world of a difference. Also, a quick tip when purchasing tiles, make sure all tiles used have the same batch numbers so there is no variation in color or size. Straight Grid The most common and simplest tiling pattern. The tiles are laid in straight lines so the grout lines end up like a grid. A great tip when buying your tiles is to make sure that they all have the same batch number. Different batches may have slight color variations that will show up in the finished product. You’ll find the batch number on the packaging. Diagonal Diagonal is similar to the straight pattern except the tiles are laid on a 45-degree angle, turning square tiles into diamonds. This style can be used with a border as a feature in a kitchen backsplash or for an entire floor to make a small room look bigger. It’s perfect for a bathroom accent. Herringbone Perfect for hallways or outdoor paths, as the “V” in the pattern acts like arrows pointing you in the right direction, the herringbone pattern is achieved by laying rectangular tiles in a zig-zag pattern. Basket Weave Also using rectangular tiles, the basket weave pattern has two tiles laid next to each other to form a square. The following pair of tiles are laid at 90 degrees to the first and so on. The horizontal and vertical tiles then alternate on following rows. This gives the impression that the tiles are woven over and under each other like a basket. Windmill To create the windmill pattern, four rectangular tiles are arranged around a square tile in the centre. Using a square tile and grout in a contrasting color to the rectangles really make this pattern stand out. It can look busy on a floor but is good for a shower or as a border. Pin Wheel Similar to the windmill, this design uses a small square tile surrounded by much larger square tiles to create the effect of a spinning pinwheel. Tiles in contrasting colors should be chosen for the best effect. Running Bond Stretcher bond uses square or rectangular tiles that are laid like bricks in a wall. The end of each tile is lined up with the centre of the tiles that are both directly above and below it. This creates a staggered, but cohesive look. Cobblestone This pattern starts with rectangular tiles laid in the herringbone style. Around the edges of these it has smaller square tiles to create a larger pattern that is then repeated across the floor. This is a look suited to more traditional styles. English Bond English bond uses alternating rows of rectangular and square tiles. The square tiles are centered on the rectangles and the ends of all the tiles line up between rows. English Cross Bond Similar to the English bond except that the rectangular tiles in the alternating rows are staggered like the pattern in a stretcher bond. As you can see these are only 10 of tile patterns we can choose from and have an infinite of unique ways of decorating your home. The amazing thing is that with color, shapes and formats we can create something only you will have and to me that's one of the most appealing reasons to have tile installed at our homes.
A kitchen remodel should represent 10 to 20 percent of your home's value.
Add style with lighting, tile and hardware. Granite is resistant to stains, but a sealant should be applied to minimize absorption. Stainless steel is the most sanitary of the major kitchen materials. Cabinets typically amount to half the cost of a kitchen remodel. Remodeling your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Survey indicates that you can recoup 88% of your investment in a minor kitchen remodeling. kitchen island = 32" minimum space between cabinets. 42" is preferred Preserve the "triangle" design - sink, refrigerator and stove 6 Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid 1. Measure Properly for appliances: Width, Hight and Depth 2. Evaluate Cabinet Strength: Wiggle the drawer a little bit; Put on a little weight while you push them close; 3. Take samples home with you: Play, throw some wine on it 4. Order Attic Stock: extra material that you keep on hand 5. Think about your sink: One sink don't do all, one for food prep another for cleaning 6. Work with a professional by Jenny Wise If your child is on the autism spectrum, your parenting style may look different. Children with autism have different needs, requiring more protective home interiors and backyards. Since children with autism can be sensitive to a wide variety of sights, smells, and sounds, it is particularly important to design their bedroom in such a way that it is a peaceful, relaxing place, free of potentially triggering stimuli. Here are some ways you can design and organize the perfect bedroom for your child on the autism spectrum.
Choose a color scheme that soothes your child The main thing you should be aware of when designing a bedroom for your child with autism is that many children on the autism spectrum experience significant amounts of sensory sensitivity, though the exact amounts and characteristics of that sensitivity are highly individual. For some children, bright colors like the boldest versions of warm reds and yellows can be triggering. Red, in particular, is stimulating color and might leave her awake and energetic well past bedtime. The goal of a child’s bedroom, as with any bedroom, is to create a calm, peaceful space where she can feel safe and comfortable as she prepares to go to sleep. A good rule of thumb is to design your child’s bedroom around soft, soothing colors. Light blues and neutral tones like gray and cream are calming, and that is the tone you want to set. Finally, be sure to choose a paint that is non-toxic and VOC free to keep surfaces easy to wash and safe for your child in the event that she develops the habit of licking surfaces. Don’t forget to keep the soothing theme going in their bathroom. Choose a tile that’s neutral in color and avoid bold patterns and color breaks. The paint should likewise be as soft as possible since their nighttime bath is likely an important part of their winding down routine. Ensure your child has clean air to breathe It’s important to make sure the air your child is breathing in her room is fresh and free from contaminants. However, this is not as simple as installing a garden-variety air freshener because many children with autism are particularly sensitive to smells -- this forum illustrates how severe the issues is. One poster compares being exposed to strong smells as being locked in a port-a-potty; others insist that overpowering perfumes make it almost impossible to function. Instead, opt for a scentless option like an air purifier. Particularly if you or anyone in the house is a smoker, an air purifier is a great way to eliminate odors and potential contaminants like smoke or allergens from the air to ensure your child experiences a great night’s sleep. As an added bonus, purifiers also will increase your child’s health in general and can emit a low-level hum that your child may find soothing. Keep the room soft, safe, and functional As you are organizing and decorating the room, keep your child’s safety in mind. Opting for a frameless bed will help eliminate sharp corners and prevent accidents. Reduce clutter with plenty of low-level organizational options, pushing bookcases and other furniture back against the walls to provide a large amount of space for your child to play. Add a soft but easily cleaned carpet to make play safer for your child. Depending on your child’s needs, preferences, and age, you may want to include other pieces of furniture in addition to the bed like a bean bag chair, small chairs, or a balance ball. You’ll also need to consider the lighting in your child’s bedroom. Incandescent or the softest, warmest form of LED light is best. LED is particularly beneficial because they don’t get as hot as traditional bulbs. (Be careful, though, when choosing LED lights to make sure they are warm enough for your child’s needs.) Fluorescent lights are not ideal for bedrooms in general; they often rapidly flicker and emit a strong buzz. Your child with autism may be sensitive to both of these, which can add to her stress levels instead of relieving them. Designing a bedroom for your child on the autism spectrum doesn’t have to be difficult. With a few changes, you can design a bedroom that provides a safe, soothing haven for your child. By keeping in mind your child’s individual needs, and using soft, safe colors and pieces of furniture in your design, you will ensure your child can rest comfortably. Photo Credit: pixabay.com ![]() We are working on this project remodeling a master bathroom this week and I just could not get over how sexy this design for a bathroom is. First this mosaic for the floor is so sleek and modern and to my taste simply amazing. What a great choice by the designer to go with something so unique like a basket weave design which it does not feel like a basket weave at all. At least it doesn't look like the basket weave mosaics we have done in the past, which I think it's great! It's not often that tile manufactures come up with things like that and I just love when that happens: It's something but it doesn't look like that something we name it after, so... it's something else! Something new, something no one has seen it yet. A new star is born! Thassos Marble with Gray inserts Now, what really impresses me is how well it pair with a linear drain by Quick Drain USA. People should really get on board of this train. Even if we do it we a curb it still looks like "OF Course!" How didn't we think of this before? It makes so much sense. I don't know if maybe I'm only really excited with this one pairing so well with the mosaic but it just makes so much sense. That's why I felt inspired to write this post since it's been so long I haven't posted anything. ![]() The process of installing this is really straight forward but very meticulous with making sure waterproofing is well done. 1. We pack the floor with cement making sure the drain is level, straight and well supported. 2. We apply a first coat of HydroBan by Laticrete 3. Add an extra layer of security with Laticrete Waterproofing Membrane. With it we cover everything, including the drain. 4. Then add another rich coat of HydroBan to the whole spectrum. ![]() I Like to apply waterproofing material vigorously, 4 to 5 coats of it. Once it dries it creates 1/8 to 3/16 of inch thick impermeable waterproof membrane, which I like very much. The next day I have a little trick using blue tape that actually is very helpful for laying mosaics in a smooth manner. Check it out on this little video I made. ![]() Beautiful Thassos Marble with Gray inserts ![]() This is what have done so far, Still waiting on the stones to be delivered so we can finish the curb and the niche, which always bring every else together. Stay tuned! More often than I would like to I encounter Homeowners frustrated with bad work done by contractors whose present themselves as professionals. They usually have a sad demeanor and a lost look. They think something is off, but they can't really put their finger on it. How come we end up with something so different than what we saw on Houzz? Well, as a tile setter myself let's say it's a tiled shower stall project they had going on and they're suspicions about. Then they call another contractor to check it out and this is where I come in when I get the call. The urge to make a face is contained by my subpar sense of etiquette as my eyes gaze upon such unbelievable work of art (not). The look of disbelief once on the Homeowner pales in comparison to the look I'm trying to hide. As someone whose they seek a solution/opinion from, I need to be thoughtful and try to alleviate the situation by restraining my impressions to a brief comment and jump to solutions right away. In regards to tiling the problem might aways be worse than it looks. In a bathroom tile installation project for example aesthetics it's only 50%, the other 50% it's its functionality, its ability to make water go down the drain only and preventing moisture from getting inside the walls. It seems to me tile setting requires steady hands like no other trade and - here comes the catch - being clean. This goes for every trade, really, but if you find yourself in a situation where you suspect something is off, pay attention to Cleanliness! I can't stress this enough. Good professionals will be mindful of your home as a whole, not just the area they're working on. If you want to spare yourself of further problems, don't double down and keep on betting on a loose horse. If you notice the contractor is not clean and organized, take action and cut your losses. ![]()
Let’s talk tile floors for a moment, here. Tile floors provide that clean, beautiful, natural feel for any room. They’re popular choices for kitchens and bathrooms because they protect the floors from water damage, keep the floors from becoming slippery, and there are plenty of stunning options available for every taste and style. But tile itself is only a portion of the luxury that awaits your new floors.
What is Radiant Flooring Radiant floors are on everybody’s remodel wish list lately. Radiant heating, in the case of bathroom flooring, is a layer of heating beneath the floor that amplifies the heat from a heating source and distributes it across an entire floor. Examples of these systems can be found from NuHeat and from Schluter. As a result of this wonderful heating system, your bathroom floor is as warm as summer beach sand every time you walk on it. In other words: no more frozen feet in the mornings! Aside from being a treat every time you walk into your bathroom or kitchen, radiant heated floors have other benefits as well. For one, they’re warmer than normal flooring, therefore they help keep the floor dry as they help the water evaporate faster. Beyond that, radiant heated floors are also an eco-friendly approach to heating. According to energy.gov, “It is more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating because it eliminates duct losses. People with allergies often prefer radiant heat because it doesn’t distribute allergens like forced air systems can.” The Difficulties of Radiant Flooring and Tile There are numerous ways in which people use radiant heat in their home. It can be used in walls, floors, with carpet, and more. But by far, the most common way that radiant heating is used is underneath ceramic tile in the bathroom. Ceramic tile is a popular choice to use with radiant heating because it works well as a conductor for heat (meaning you save energy and have more heat) and actually stores some of the heat so it doesn’t require the heater to continuously run. It’s also a popular choice for the variety of styles, shapes, and aesthetics, as well as for its durability and ability to protect the system below. For the most efficiency and best payoff, ceramic tile is the best bet. However, installing a radiant heating system in the floor and tiles on top of it isn’t a walk in the park for the Do It Yourself-er. There are numerous reasons why people shy away from taking this task on themselves. For one, there is a laundry list of steps to take to ensure that the system is installed correctly. Any misstep can result in an equally long list of problems, such as appliances and fixture sinking, uneven heating, and leaking, that will likely require replacing the entire floor and heating system. There are also specific products and instructions that need to be obtained, and some of those products like priming and mesh aren’t easily found at local hardware stores. Tile and radiant heated floors are a wonderful combination, but the installation is best left to professionals. Go with a Pro When in doubt, it’s best to go with a pro. This is especially true for tricky, detailed projects like radiant floor heating coupled with tile. While it might be above budget for your renovation project, or might bring it close, it’s a lot cheaper to hire a professional who’s going to do it right the first time. The cost of ripping up your new flooring when something goes wrong and needing to get the supplies to do it all over again can over double your project cost. If you’re gifting yourself the luxury of a heated tile floor in your bathroom or kitchen, you deserve to give yourself the luxury of making the installation process somebody else’s responsibility. Life’s a lot easier when you go with a pro! |
Davi Santos
Tile Installer, guitar player, universe explorer. Archives
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