This week, learn why a glass cooktop can shatter and hear the easy way to remove acorns from your yard. (Adobe Stock/matzaball, Getty Images Signature)
Hour 1
Hear how much money you can save by installing luxury vinyl tile yourself, what to do about thermal expansion gaps in crown molding and more.
Save Big by Installing LVT Yourself
Got a tight budget? You can save hundreds by installing luxury vinyl tile yourself. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Luxury vinyl tile is a great option for homeowners looking for a durable, waterproof, and easy-to-clean flooring option.
Also, it’s one of the most affordable flooring options, making it a great choice for budget-conscious homeowners. Joe researched the costs and here’s what he found:
Most people pay on average $1,400 to have 200 square feet of vinyl plank flooring installed. However, you can buy luxury vinyl for $2.50-$4 per square foot at The Home Depot.
So, if you install it yourself, it could only cost you between $500-800. That’s a saving, on average, of $600-900 over a professionally installed job!
You don’t need any special tools to install luxury vinyl tile. A box cutter is all it takes to cut the tiles.
The number one mistake people make when installing is cutting it tight against a wall. All floating floors require an expansion space — you’ll need anywhere from a quarter inch to half an inch.
Run the luxury vinyl tile up to the baseboard and cover the gap with shoe molding. Just be sure to secure the shoe molding to the baseboard.
Follow the directions exactly regarding any underlayment. Depending on the type you buy, the underlayment could already be attached.
Changes in humidity or temperature can cause gaps in crown molding. (Chris Vogler)
This is the first winter that Chris in Alabama has spent in his new home, and he’s seeing the effects of thermal expansion. Over the past months, he says significant gaps have shown up in the crown molding throughout the house.
“Should I ask my builder to correct the issue? If the gaps are filled will it cause the molding to buckle when it gets warmer?” he asks.
It’s amazing how much materials in a home expand and contract, and probably nowhere is it more evident than when you’re looking at crown molding.
These gaps will usually close on their own once warmer weather comes back around. If you have some gaps that are very pronounced, here’s what you can do:
Nail it in place: Use a nail gun to secure the crown molding to the wall.
Fill it with caulk: Instead of using traditional caulk, carefully apply an acrylic latex caulk. The trick is to barely feed it into the cracked area, so that when it does close back, it remains flexible. The gap will still appear but it won’t be as deep or as noticeable.
Hour 2
Listen to learn the easy way to remove acorns from your yard, why a glass cooktop can shatter, what you need to do to cover terracotta tile and more.
Eliminating an Acorn Overload
Removing acorns from your yard can be a tricky task, but with some patience and the right tools, you can get the job done. (matzaball, Getty Images Signature)
This is nuts! A homeowner says he has more than 250,000 acorns in his front yard.
“Besides raking, which I hate, how can I pick up the acorns? My self-propelled lawnmower doesn’t have the power to pick them up. Is there a piece of equipment suitable for the job?” he asks.
Here’s what you can use to remove from a yard:
Leaf blower: A leaf blower can blow the acorns into a pile, making them easier to collect. Bonus tip: Use a tarp to contain the acorns while blowing them, making cleanup even easier!
Lawn vacuum: A lawn vacuum can suck up acorns and remove them from the yard. These can be pricey, so see if you can rent one, or hire a landscaper who owns one to use in your yard.
To eliminate this problem in the future, prevent the acorns from falling in the first place. If possible, remove the tree or prune it so that it does not produce as many acorns.
Some chemical treatments can prevent acorn production, but only a professional arborist should apply them.
Keep in mind — removing acorns can be time-consuming and you might need to repeat it as new acorns fall. Always wear safety gear to protect yourself from falling acorns and be aware of insects or critters in the acorns or hiding in the tree.
‘Why Did My Glass Cooktop Shatter?’
A glass stovetop can shatter for several reasons, including sudden temperature changes, improper installation and manufacturing defects. (Adobe Stock)
A homeowner says the tempered glass on his gas cooktop suddenly shattered the other day, even though it wasn’t on and he didn’t drop anything onto it.
“What would cause that to happen?” he asks.
Tempered glass is designed to be strong and durable, but it can shatter unexpectedly for several reasons. Some of the most common causes of tempered glass shattering include:
Improper installation: If the cooktop is not installed correctly, it can put stress on the glass and cause it to shatter. For instance, if the countertop is overlapping the cooktop, it could put some stress on the top, eventually causing it to shatter.
Thermal stress: If the cooktop or the glass is exposed to rapid changes in temperature, such as from a hot pot being placed on a cold cooktop or vice versa, it can cause thermal stress and cause the glass to shatter.
Manufacturing defects: Sometimes, tempered glass can have manufacturing defects that make it more prone to shattering. If this is the case, report it to the manufacturer.
You can call a professional to replace the glass cooktop, but it might be expensive. Consider replacing it with a stove that doesn’t have a glass cooktop.
To prevent a glass cooktop from shattering, follow these tips:
Don’t place a hot pot on a cold cooktop or turn the cooktop on high and immediately place a cold pot on it. This can cause thermal stress and can cause the glass to shatter.
Use cookware with flat bottoms to distribute heat evenly and prevent warping or bending.
Do not slide cookware across the cooktop, as it can scratch or chip the glass.
Do =n’t place heavy objects, such as cast iron pans or pressure cookers, on the cooktop as they can cause impact damage.
Clean the cooktop regularly with a mild detergent and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any dirt, grime or stains.
Use a stovetop cover to protect the cooktop from scratches or stains when not in use.
Do not overheat the cooktop, as it can cause the glass to overheat and shatter.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the care and use of your cooktop.
Covering Terracotta Tile
Terracotta tile can be cold to the touch, which may not be comfortable for some people, especially during the winter. (Michelle West)
A homeowner has terracotta tiles throughout her second-floor California condo.
“The surface is too hard, very uncomfortable!” she says. “Can we have more comfortable flooring installed on top? It seems like removal will be very expensive, disruptive and noisy.”
Because traditional terracotta flooring has such an irregular surface, you’ll want to apply a self-leveling underlayment to create a smooth, even surface for installing another type of flooring over it.
You might run into the problem of raising the floor height too much to where it can block appliances from opening or make them not level with your cabinets and counters. Check the height of the new flooring to make sure this won’t happen after you’ve installed it.
There are several options for covering terracotta tiles, including:
Vinyl flooring: Vinyl flooring can be installed over the existing tiles and is durable and easy to clean.
Engineered hardwood flooring: Engineered hardwood flooring can be installed over the existing tiles and provide a warm and natural look.
Laminate flooring: Laminate flooring can also be installed over the existing tiles and is available in many styles and colors.
Floating floor: A floating floor is a type of flooring that is not attached to the subfloor, this type of flooring can be installed over the terracotta tiles and can be made of different materials like laminate, engineered hardwood, or cork.
Consult with a professional flooring specialist to determine the best option for your specific situation.
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Simple Solutions
Need to remove standing water from a clogged sink? This toy doubles as a siphon pump! (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Pool-Toy Plumbing Tool — Before repairing most plumbing clogs, you must first remove any standing water. Now, you could use a sponge or wet/dry vac, but here’s another option: take a kid’s water-squirting toy, commonly called a water blaster, and use it like a siphon pump. Simply place the nozzle of the toy into the water and draw back on the handle to suck up the water. Then you can squirt it into a bucket, toilet or tub. This is great for sink clogs, toilet clogs, or if you have a malfunctioning washing machine that has water standing in the tub.
Filtering paint through a window screen catches any impurities or particles. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Paint Screen Saver — When using paint from a previously opened can, it’s best to pass the paint through a filter to screen out dried paint chips and other small bits of debris. You can buy disposable paint filters, but they’re flimsy, not reusable and the paint flows through much too slowly. Instead, use a piece of vinyl insect screening. Cut the screen about 12 or 14in. square, secure it to a new, clean paint can with three small spring clamps, and then pour the old paint through the screen. When done, rinse out the screen with a garden hose and save it for the next paint job.
The tile we’re using has a built-in pad so there’s no need to install an underlayment. Start in a corner of the longest wall in the room, placing the tiles with the tongue side out.
The tongue on luxury vinyl tile is the small flat edge on one side of the tile that’s angled to lock into the bottom side of another tile (the groove side).
Cut the outer boards down to ensure you have equal-sized pieces on either side of the room. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
To ensure we have equal-sized cut pieces on either side of the room, we cut our first row of tiles down to 8 and 3/4 inches.
Luxury vinyl tile expands and contracts, so give it some room by spacing it about 3/8 of an inch away from the wall. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Space each piece about 3/8 of an inch from the wall so there’s room for expansion. For this luxury vinyl tile, we’re aligning them with the base molding because it’s a little wider than that measurement.
On the first row, you’ll only need to snap the end joints together. For the next row, align the end joint then tilt the tile down so the longer joint lines up.
Staggering the rows prevents unattractive gaps between the luxury vinyl tile. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Offset each new row by half from the previous one before tapping both joints in place with a rubber mallet.
You don’t have to use a saw to cut luxury vinyl tile. Simply score it with a utility knife and snap it off. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
When you need to cut the tile, simply align the tile and mark the edges at the obstacle, then connect the lines using a speed square. Cuts can be made with a saw or with a utility knife to score and snap the tiles.
This week, hear how to fill in scratches on a wood floor, relevel a brick walkway, and more. (Joanne Millum/Terri Dudley)
Hour 1
Listen to hear how to fill in scratches on a wood floor, relevel a brick walkway, and more.
Fixing Scratched Floors
Scratches on wood floors are an eyesore, but you can lessen the look of them. (Joanne Millum)
Joanne Millum has beautiful hardwood floors in her mid-century home. Unfortunately, when a repairman moved the fridge to check a filter, it left gouges and scratches across the wood grain.
She wants to know: “Is there any way to fix that? One side is worse than the other.”
The only way to completely get rid of scratches is to refinish the floor.
But first, go to The Home Depot and get some Rejuvenate Wood Floor Restorer. This product is like a cleaner/filler for wood floors.
Clean your wood floors first, and apply it to the damaged area. This will help blend in the scratches to the rest of the floor.
Here’s our suggestion for preventing future scratches near the fridge — Cut a thin piece of paneling to the width of the refrigerator, and store it in the garage. Whenever you need to take the fridge out, tip it and slide the paneling under it to prevent any scratches.
Releveling an Uneven Brick Walkway
These unlevel bricks on this walkway are a tripping hazard. (Terri Dudley)
Tree roots have shifted the bricks on Terri Dudley’s walkway, and it’s now become a tripping hazard. The tree has since been cut down, but the roots are still intact around the stump and under the walkway.
“I am a widow with a disabled daughter. Do you have any suggestions on how to make it safe?” she asks.
In a situation like this, it’s hard to tell what can fix the problem until you start removing the bricks. Depending on how the bricks are installed, it could damage the bricks bringing them out of there unless they’re loosely laid.
Don’t touch the bricks that are flat and smooth. Remove all of the ones that are displaced, and use a reciprocating saw to cut the root from the walkway. Pack in some soil or some crushed rocks, and replace the bricks. Fill in any voids with sand.
This may not get it 100 percent level, but it will eliminate the trip hazard.
Hour 2
Listen to learn how to fix peeling paint, drill into tile, correct gaps in bamboo floors and more.
Fix for Peeling Paint in a Bathroom
Warm, moist air can cause paint to peel from walls. (Taveesaksri, Getty Images)
The paint is peeling off the ceiling in Philip Costa’s bathroom. He says the ceiling was plastered with a swirled pattern, and only a few areas are peeling.
“Do you have any ideas on how to fix this,” he asks.
First, you need to make sure your exhaust fan is working to remove all the hot, moist air in the bathroom.
The problem with exhaust fans is they get dirty and become ineffective. Try this test: take one square piece of toilet paper, turn the fan on, then hold it about an inch away from the grill. It should attach itself immediately to the fan, indicating the fan is drawing air up.
Make sure the exhaust fan is vented all the way to the outside. Make sure the air is coming out outside.
First, scrap all the paint off and sand the ceiling. Next, paint the whole ceiling with a bonding primer. Then, repaint it with two coats of acrylic latex paint. This binds it well.
This, coupled with making sure the hot, moist air is vented out, should eliminate the peeling paint.
Tip for Drilling into Tile
When drilling through tile, apply masking tape to keep the drill bit in place. (Getty Images)
Louis Sanchez just remodeled her master bathroom, which included tiling around the three walls of the toilet alcove. The tile extends up about 36 inches and is trimmed along the top edge with a natural-stone chair rail.
Before installing the tile, the toilet paper holder was screwed to the drywall.
“How would you suggest I attach the holder to the tile? I’m pretty handy, but I’m concerned about cracking our brand-new tile job.”
Trying to drill through a ceramic tile surround can be a challenge. The slick, glazed surface makes the masonry drill bit walk all over the tile.
I’ve heard some suggestions about using a nail to tap a slight indentation in the tile for a starting point, but this may end up cracking your tile.
Instead, try this: Place an “X” made from masking tape on the spot you want to drill. Use a pencil to mark the location on the top of the tape. The paper surface of the tape will keep your drill bit in place, allowing you to drill the hole where you need it.
Once drilled, simply remove the tape, and you’re ready to install the toilet paper holder. I recommend using a toggle bolt that goes through the tile into the cavity in the wall.
Of course, if you’re worried about ruining the new tile, you can do away with the attached toilet paper holder and opt for a free-standing one instead.
Gaps in Bamboo Floors
Bamboo flooring can expand and contract like regular hardwood. (gyro, Getty Images)
Cathy Cooly had bamboo hardwood floors installed in her dining in 2013. She’s since noticed a gap that’s about 4 feet long and about 1/8-inch wide.
“What can I do to stop it from gapping or what can I do to remove the gap in the floor?” she asks.
A bamboo hardwood floor is typically glued down, so you can’t move the boards as you can with laminate floating floors.
You can try to fill in the gap with wood putty, but consider that the gap could be caused by thermal expansion.
In the wintertime, wood contracts, so that could be why the gap is noticeable. If you wait until summer, the wood might expand and fill the gap on its own.
Fill it with something flexible, like caulk to accommodate for the expansion.
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Simple Solutions
Carving jack-o-lanterns offers an opportunity to show your creative side. Give that pumpkin a personality — but light it without a flame! (DepositPhotos)
Jack-O’-Lantern Tips — After carving your Halloween pumpkin, dip it into an ice bath with one cup of bleach. Let it soak for several minutes, then dry it off and rub petroleum jelly onto the edges of all the cutouts.
This will help seal in moisture and make your jack-o’-lantern stay fresh throughout the holiday.
Many modern range hoods have LED lights that are flush with the surface, making them difficult to remove for replacement or cleaning. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Bulb Removal Tip — Many modern range hoods have LED lights that are flush with the surface, making them difficult to remove for replacement or cleaning.
Plus, the bulbs aren’t threaded into a socket, but instead must be pushed up into the housing and rotated slightly to disengage it from two protruding lugs.
So, here’s how to remove flush bulbs: Take a length of duct tape and pinch it in the middle to create a T-shape with a tab that will serve as a handle. Stick the tape to the bulb, push up and twist it counter-clockwise.
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Everyone loves the look of real wood flooring, but real wood can be easily damaged even with the best finish. Lifeproof’s new luxury vinyl plank flooring is designed to give you the look you want while it stands up to the bumps and scrapes of life.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Lifeproof high-traffic vinyl has extreme scratch and dent resistance to protect your floor from wear and tear. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Innovative rigid core technology makes this flooring more dent-resistant and hides subfloor imperfections. So, you can install it over most existing surfaces, like tile, wood, concrete and vinyl.
The flooring also comes with a pre-attached underlayment, which helps reduce sound and feels more comfortable under your feet.
Lifeproof luxury vinyl plank flooring is 100% waterproof, making it an affordable alternative to hardwood flooring that is easy to maintain and clean. (The Home Depot)
Because it’s waterproof, you can clean it with a wet or steam mop!
It has anti-microbial protection for the lifetime of the product that inhibits the growth of odor and stain-causing mold and mildew on both the top surface and the pad.
Lifeproof vinyl flooring is an easy DIY or professional installation. Simply drop, lock, and tap into place and the room is done. (The Home Depot)
Easy Installation
This vinyl plank flooring is easy to install — simply drop, lock, and tap into place and the room is done.
It doesn’t require any acclimation and can withstand extreme temperatures from -25 degrees F to 155 degrees F, so you can even install it in sunrooms.
Lifeproof Waterproof High Traffic Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is available in 11 authentic wood look colors, and they’re backed by a Lifetime Residential Warranty.
Watch the video to learn all about this Best New Product!
Aesthetically speaking, one of the most important decisions when choosing grout is whether it will blend with or stand out from the tile.
Light grout between light tiles can make your installation look like a single uniform piece — ideal for minimalist design. On the other hand, contrasting dark grout with light tiles makes a bold statement.
To pick grout color based on the impact you want your finished design to have, consider the following:
In This Article
Choose grout color based on the tiles’ style and design. (MultimediaDean/Getty Images)
Tile Design
Consider the tile’s characteristics and appearance. Then, answer these questions to ensure a successful installation:
Are the tiles patterned or do they have a solid color? With patterned tile, pick a grout color that best matches the tile edges so the pattern isn’t interrupted.
Are they natural stone or manufactured ceramic? For more contrast with natural stone tile, pick a darker color to highlight the dark veins.
If it is glass tile, is it transparent or opaque? White grout accentuates clear, iridescent and translucent glass tile.
Are there mosaic sheets or accents, and do they contain differently-colored tiles? Pick a neutral grout that works well with all the colors, or try a grout that’s light or dark enough for contrast.
Once you’ve answered these questions, it will be easier to determine which grout color will best suit the project.
When picking grout color for a backsplash, consider coordinating the color with the countertops. (TimAbramowitz, Getty Images Signature)
Room Colors
Look beyond the colors in the tile for grout color inspiration. Consider the walls, surfaces or fixtures, and use color theory to find a grout color based on those.
Maryville University describes color theory as the art of combining colors based on the color wheel to create harmonious color schemes.
Complementary colors are found opposite each other on the color wheel. (Adobe Stock)
The color wheel is an arrangement of all colors on the spectrum based on their relationships. To choose a grout color, use the wheel to create a color palette and find a complementary color.
Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. They enhance each other’s intensity when placed right next to each other, which is why they’re often used to create bold, high-contrast images that pop.
So, for instance, if your room is blue, choose a grout color with orange or yellow hues. Or if your room has shades of green, find a grout that has hints of mauve.
Dirt and spills are more noticeable on lighter-colored grout. (makasanaphoto, Canva)
Cleaning and Maintenance
Grout color can also have a major impact on tile installation and maintenance.
A lighter-colored grout can be easier to clean off the surface of tile during installation but is more difficult to maintain in high-traffic areas.
Dirt and spills are more noticeable, though a good sealer and cleaner can help to maintain the look of the original installation.
Darker grouts, meanwhile, may be more challenging to clean and are more noticeable on the surface of porous tile. Pre-sealing the tile can help eliminate this issue.
Once installed, darker grout does not show wear, dirt or damage as easily. In commercial kitchens, darker grout accents tiles and reduces the appearance of stains.
Fusion Pro Grout from Custom Building Products is stain resistant — no sealing is required. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Custom Building Products Grout Selection
Once you choose a color, the next important decision is what type of grout to use.
Custom Building Products’ designer-inspired palette of grout colors provides 40 of the most popular shades.
Whether your installation requires a subtle color that matches the tile or a striking shade that accents your installation’s beauty, you can find the perfect grout with the performance characteristics that you need.
Grout Types
Fusion Pro Single Component Grout is a professional-grade sanded grout that features stain resistance with no sealing required. You don’t need to mix any other components to this grout, so it’s ready to use and easy to spread and clean. Fusion Pro can be installed in commercial and residential environments, interiors and exteriors, and on walls, floors and shower floors. Its patented formulation can be applied on all tiles and has built-in Microban antimicrobial product protection.
Prism Ultimate Performance Grout: Prism’s calcium Aluminate cement-based, latex polymer-modified formula offers consistent color with no shading regardless of tile type, temperature or humidity, and it will not effloresce. The rapid-setting formula results in high early strength and dense grout joints up to a half-inch. A unique blend of lightweight recycled glass and fine aggregate sand allows for a smooth consistency that is easy to spread and clean.
Polyblend Plus Sanded is a polymer-modified, cement-based sanded grout that produces hard, dense joints that resist shrinking, cracking, and wear. Formulated for durability, Polyblend Plus Sanded Grout accommodates 1/8- to 1/2-inch joints for interior or exterior installations, including floors, countertops, walls, ceilings, showers, fountains, and pools.
Polyblend Plus Non-Sanded is a polymer-modified, cement-based unsanded grout designed for highly glazed or polished tile, marble and natural stone that sanded grouts would scratch. This durable, non-shrinking grout accommodates joints up to 1/8-inch and can be used for interior or exterior installations, including floors, countertops, walls, ceilings, showers, fountains and pools.
SimpleGrout Pre-Mixed Grout is no-mix, no-mess alternative to traditional grout. This sanded, shrink- and crack-resistant formula also resists common household stains. SimpleGrout is easy to use, ideal for grout restoration and is available in eight colors.
No matter which grout you choose, always mix it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, if required. Improperly mixing the grout can lead to uneven color pigment distribution, which causes blotchy and inconsistently colored grout lines.
You don’t have to mix single-component grouts like Fusion Pro and premixed grouts like SimpleGrout; the color is already evenly distributed.
Find a caulk that matches the color of your grout for use on movement joints and changes of plane like Custom’s Commercial 100% Silicone Caulk. It’s easier to match grout colors when selecting both products from the same manufacturer, as the manufacturer will have designed the products to have the same hue.
Grout usually takes several days to cure and set, so if you’re concerned about color right after installation, give it time to get its final color.
Similarly, the color of the powder before installation and curing is different from the color of the finished plaster treated. Slight variations may occur based on mixing methods and drying conditions.
