• The Complete Bathroom Guide for the People of Wirral

  • This Month's Recommended Bathroom Installation Company For Wirral are...

    Recommended bathroom installation companies serving the Wirral area

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    Grand Designs Construction

    Beautiful Wirral based bathroom installers and general builders

    Grand Designs Construction are a local Wirral building firm who have been specialising in installing bathrooms for years. Based upon recommendations and fantastic examples of work, they are our installation company recommendation of the month.

    Also consider...

    Do you have a conservatory? Did you know you can now use it all year round?

    Pure Conservatories in Wirral are pioneering the Leka system which is a solid warm roof that can be placed onto your existing conservatory. Your existing roof is removed and replaced with a tiled roof with a smooth plastered interior ceiling. This allows you to use it any time of the year just like you would a home extension.

  • Beautiful Bathrooms

    Creating that perfect look

  • How to Find the Right Bathroom Install Company

    A Guide to Choosing the Right Bathroom Installers in Wirral

    Bathrooms Wirral is a guide to creating that extra special bathroom for your home. The bathroom is a very important room in any home. In fact, it is highly revered. It impacts not only on you and your family but also the overall value of your home. Therefore, it is imperative that you care and maintain it properly. We would also like this opportunity to tell you about another company offering conservatories in Wirral with warm solid roofs called Pure Conservatories that allow you to use your conservatory all year round and these make great outdoor bathrooms if you have the outdoor space and privacy for them.

     

    That can be done in many different ways. However, when it comes to repairs and installations, it all comes down to finding the right bathroom install company. Below is a breakdown of essential tips and qualities you should look out for in a company.

     

    Dependent on following the right procedure and utilizing the tips mentioned above. A good company guarantees impeccable work.

     

    Once you find the best in the business, you will have very little to worry about.

    Experience

     

    The number of years a company has been doing bathroom installations is extremely important. It is easier and more convenient to work with experienced individuals. You stand a greater chance of getting satisfactory results with them than any other company. They have a better understanding of their job and tend know how to deal with different types of clients. Their expertise on varying sets of installation designs is unmatched. Apart from doing their job, they will also advise you accordingly and help in decision making.
     

    Communication

    The right bathroom install company has to be people you can get along with. Your communication with the company is paramount to getting things done the right way. They should have an open, reliable, and effective communication system that enables you to reach out to them at any given time. On the other hand, the company should also relay all the necessary details regarding your engagement with them. This involves providing necessary documents which prove their legitimacy and giving all the details about the contractual agreement. Everything has to be made clear.

    Reputation

    Your journey to finding the right bathroom install company would at one point have to consider the reputation of the said company. Reputable companies are usually good at what they do and offer nothing short of a perfect job. It is the reason why so many people love their services. In an effort to protect and even improve on the reputation, they would go the extra mile to ensure you are satisfied. You can ask around for reference and recommendations from friends and family and even check online reviews. They would give you an insight of what to expect from the company.

    Portfolio

     

    Before getting into any agreement, make sure you check out their portfolio. Look at some of their previous works and analyze the styles used to set up sinks, basins, and general outlook of the bathrooms. The portfolio has the ultimate proof to any of the claims made by the bathroom install company.

     

    Cost

     

    Eventually, you will have to pay the company. It would help a lot if you can get a quote in advance to see if it is within your budget allocation. Ask about available packages, offers, and discounts. It is all about getting the work done professionally at an affordable rate. Even when presented with fixed rates only, you should not be afraid to negotiate for a reduced fee. You can then proceed to ask about the payment plans available before settling on the most convenient one.

    Your chances of finding the right bathroom install company are largely depe

     

  • Which Type of Bathroom Tile Should You Choose?

    There is a wide range of bathroom tiles - here is an easy overview for you to make it simpler

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    Bathroom tiles are available in a large number of materials. The important factor to consider while choosing bathroom tiles is vitreosity, that is, the tiles ability to absorb water. This is because not all tiles can be used in wet spots. Vitreous tiles don’t absorb water and work well in places prone to splashing like sinks and bath tabs. Non vitreous tiles absorb water and are best used only for accent areas. The other point to note is that glazed tiles are impervious to water, while unglazed tiles are not. To prevent slipping, bathroom tiles should rated for use on floors.

     

    Types of bathroom tiles

     

    There is a wide range of bathroom tiles. Porcelain, ceramic and vinyl tiles are the most popular because they are the most practical.

     

     

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    Vinyl tiles 

     

    These are the most popular bathroom flooring material because of the high degree of practicality and low cost. They are also considered the easiest to install, most durable, safest and most comfortable to the bare foot.

     

    Porcelain and ceramic tiles

     

    These are very attractive and are available in a very wide range of patterns, designs, colours and shapes. If glazed they are ideal for baths, sinks and areas surrounding the water taps. They are ease to maintain and are resistant to scratches and wear.

     

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    Glass tiles

     

    Glass tiles are usually quite elegant and luminous. In the bathroom these tiles are often used as focal points on walls or in mosaics. They resist staining and are impervious to liquids. The textures glass tile holds well and resists slips. They can be used on the bathroom floor, walls, and in areas around the bath tab and sinks.

     

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    Marble tiles

     

    Marble is natural stone naturally created from limestone. Marble tiles can be veined or patterned giving an interesting colour to your bathroom. They come in a range of sizes, and can be highly polished. Marble is not impervious. Regular cleaning and sealing are recommended. Marble is generally more expensive than similar looking porcelain or ceramic tiles.

     

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    Metal tiles

     

    These tiles are made from resin with a metallic coating, or from solid metal. They are available in a number of finishes including stainless steel, copper, bronze, etc. Metal tiles are generally used as bathroom accents together with other types of tiles.

     

    Decorative tiles

     

    These tiles are made from a number of materials. They are decorated or embossed with a variety of patterns, or images such as birds, plants, leaves stripes, etc. These can be used as a mosaic or mural, as an accent or in a border.

     

    Granite tiles

     

    These are available in a wide range of textures and colours. Grand is harder than other natural stones and works well floor material in frequently used or high traffic places or as countertops.

     

    Plastic Laminate tiles

     

    These tiles are a good choice as floor and wall material. They are ease to clean and durable. However, they can absorb moisture, and standing water can infiltrate the tiles core leading in the material to expand and buckle.

     

    Linoleum tiles

     

    These tiles are well suited to the bathroom floor. Linoleum is made of cork powder, linseed oil, wood floor, and ground limestone and pigments. It is claimed to naturally inhibit the growth of micro-organism and to repel dust and dirt, while retaining its color. These tiles look great and their design makes them easy to install. However, they can be relatively expensive.

     

    Stone tiles

     

    Stone tiles have become popular in the bathroom. These tiles are made from a number of materials including natural stone, slate, limestone, and travertine. They are available in a range of colours including greens, reds, gold, creams and blues. They are also available in a broad range of textures including etched, cleft, sandblasted, tumbled and flamed variations. Stone tiles are not impervious and require more maintenance. Regular cleaning and sealing is recommended.

     

    Wood tiles

     

    This type of tiles is for the bold. They are generally used as floor tiles. If water penetrates the finish, they can stain permanently. During installation, the tiles must be carefully sealed at all joints and around the perimeter. These tiles are not recommended in full baths that are frequently used.

     

    Cork tiles

     

    These tiles are usually used as bathroom floor material, because they are easy on the feet, and warm to the touch. They come in variety of colours and are easy to install. It is recommended to go for finished cork tiles. The unfinished tiles must be protected with two coats of polyurethane.

    When selecting your tiles consider the attractiveness, ease of installation, durability, safety, and comfort of the bathroom tile. Before purchasing porcelain, ceramic or glass tiles for use on bathroom floors, make sure they are rated for use on floors. Ceramic should have a coefficiency of friction greater than 50. In the case of porcelain choose tiles that are PEI III and above.

     

  • Floor Type & Adhesives

    Get the foundation right for a long lasting finish

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    Ceramic, Porcelain & their Adhesives

    Which to use and how

    Generally speaking ceramic tiles are used as wall tiles and porcelain tiles are used on floors. This is because porcelain is more hard wearing and if you were to put ceramic on the floor they would likely crack.

     

    Laying on a wooden floor

    You need to consider what is currently on the floor before you tile. You can't tile straight onto the floor boards in your bathroom, you will need to lay marine ply and make sure that it is properly fixed down with no lips or raised points before you can consider laying your tiles.

    You also must make sure that you use a flexible adhesive to be able to cope with the movement that will naturally occur because the tiles are laid onto a wooden floor.

     

    Save money by using the right adhesives

    For your wall tiles make sure that you use an adhesive that is designed for bathrooms. Around the bath / shower area you will need to use an adhesive designed specifically for shower areas but you can actually get away with a less specific adhesive for the rest of the walls tiles because they will not subjected to as much water as the shower / bath area.

  • Get the right look for your bathroom

    Choosing the Right Bathroom Accessories

  • Accessories

    When we first move out of our home and start our lives either alone or with a partner, most of us are slow to invest in things like bathroom accessories. We may start with a soap dish and a toothbrush holder, but most of us don't go a lot further than that. Maybe we buy a few matching towels to put out when company comes over, but for the most part, bathroom accessorizing is not a high priority.

    As you become older and start wanting to make a better impression on people, you realize how important your home is and how it reflects you as a person. Bathroom accessories may seem like of minor importance, but they are one of the most noticed items in your home. This is because when your company comes over, the only time they are alone and able to inspect what you have is when they are in the bathroom. And, they do look around!

    So, when you are looking for bathroom accessories, the first thing you should do is who will be in the bathroom. Most of us have one bathroom that we use as our day-to-day bathroom and one that stays primarily untouched for a company. Because each of these bathrooms has a separate function, they should be designed differently. The "company" bathroom should reflect your style and be luxurious for your company. The nice towels, the beautiful fixtures, and the nice amenities all go in this bathroom.

    But that doesn't mean that you can't have nice bathroom accessories in your day-to-day bathroom! When you are choosing accessories for your bathroom, you need to make sure that they are sturdy and easy to clean. By choosing a bathroom set - cup, toothbrush holder, soap dish, etc. - that is dishwasher-proof, you can save a lot of time. And, by making sure all of these items are clean, you will prevent germs from spreading through your household.

    Other accessories such as towel racks, tissue boxes, places for extra towels or guest soaps are always nice to have and will make you feel better about your bathroom. Because your bathroom is such a busy place, though, make sure there isn't too much clutter. The less you have on your counter, the better. Just make sure that all of the items match the color scheme, style, and theme of your bathroom.

    You may be tempted to go to the high-end department stores to look for bathroom accessories, and there is no doubt that you won't find some spectacular items there, but you will be paying way too much. By shopping online or in a discount store, you will have a better variety of items to choose from and by saving money, you will even be able to change your bathroom with the seasons or for special occasions. After all, a nice holiday motif is great in the winter when family comes to stay, and when they're gone, you can go back to your everyday accessories and towels.

     

    Choosing the Right Bath Accessories


    The first thing that one has to consider when decorating the bathroom is the price range you can work within. Adding bath accessories, bathroom decor, fixtures, paint, and all sorts of building materials in the correct manner is not easy. To be safe, pad your budget with an extra of 10 percent to 25 percent for unforeseen spending and emergencies.

    Online shopping can help you out in choosing accessories, but only up to a point. There is no substitute for going shopping yourself, do the legwork. Go to as many hardware stores as you possibly can and do not decide on what to buy until you have compared prices and quality of at least three of the same items.

    But if there is no other way than to go online to shop, do it. The Internet can be a big help. You can join forums to discuss with people who know about bath accessories for bathroom building and decorating.

    It is also important to mull over the number of people who use your bathroom and see if the size of your bathroom is adequate. For the main bathrooms, you have to organize and maintain them. Bathroom accessories like towel holders, toilet cupboards, and toilet cleaner holders will help ease the clutter of your bathroom.

    When you have already done the project budgeting and picked the materials you want to buy, make a choice as to the overall theme for your bathroom. Tropical, Nautical, and Tuscany are some of the most popular motifs. Choose the colors that you prefer to work with. You do not have to limit the colors you use to one, and several is all right as long as they do not garishly clash.

    For the overall theme, you can start with a painted background or wallpaper to set the general tone. Then you can select towels to unify the colors of the background and surrounding objects. Then you can start selecting bath accessories that complement the rooms theme.

  • Creating a Beautiful Bathroom

    Ever Wondered How Designers Make Those Bathrooms Look Amazing?

  • Choosing the Best Bathroom For Your Home

    There are so many different bathroom styles out there for you to choose from. A great bathroom in your home, hotel or rentals is not only an inspiration but also a plus to your visitors or clients. In the UK, having a great bathroom is very important whether at home or hotel. The trick is being able to pair the style you have in mind with the house you're putting it into. This usually provides the greatest challenge for people who are designing a bathroom for the first time. It can be a nervous time because you want the finished room to look the same as the room you visualized before you started the process.

    Before making a start on redecorating your bathroom it's a great idea to sketch out your current bathroom design. Include as much detail as possible - wall width and length, the same for floor cabinets, your bathtub, the location of all electrical outlets and switches and the distance from the nearest wall to the center of the toilet and sink drain. This will save you trying to remember where something was or how big it was later on.

    One of the first problems you'll probably run into is locating all the existing plumbing piles and wiring that's in or around your bathroom. If uncovering any of these requires a major overhaul or changes to the structural integrity of your home then it might be worth reconsidering your overall plan. Even those structural changes might seem minor the costs can quickly spiral out of control.

    When you're looking at bathroom design it's a good idea to look at the current layout of the bathroom and see what areas need the most attention first. If the flooring is in a poor state of repair then that's a major problem to be fixed. If the fixtures and fittings are badly out-of-date, cracked or badly work then there's a great starting point.

    If you're lucky your bathroom was built with all of the plumbing and water supply systems and drains in just one wall. This will save you a huge amount of time when working with these but also makes repairing any existing problems far, far easier.

    Electricity is a feature of all modern bathrooms and is one of the key areas you need to take extra special care with. Electricity and water mixed = fatal consequences. Personally any electrical work I've ever had done in a bathroom has always been taken care of a by a professional electrician. One simple mistake when you're wiring something in your bathroom could cause serious injury or death. Don't take any chances.

    Once you've figured out how you want your new bathroom to look, you can begin selecting fixture upgrades for things such as the bathtub, sink and toilet by browsing online stores or taking a trip to your local bathroom supply store. Shop around - there's a lot of great deals to be had; especially on clearance items. Will you go with a traditional bathtub or a clawfoot style? Will you have a wall mounted sink or a vanity based sink? There's a lot of decisions to make before you even spend one cent.

    Make sure that you design a bathroom which allows for plenty of storage space. Vanity cabinets are usually the primary source for this; however, you can also have a small storage closet built in for towels and other necessities. Just watch out for how much floor space you might lose doing this. Space is something that many bathrooms is missing so don't allow yourself to fall into this trap. There's nothing worse than a bathroom full of so much "stuff" that you can barely even turn around inside it.

  • Choosing a Bathtub

    Make Sure You Get the Right Bathtub

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    When choosing the right bath you need to consider three main factors. These are;
    • The bathtub types
    • The installation options
    • The type of material used to make the tub

    Types of Tubs

    1. Whirlpool and Air Tubs- A whirlpool usually forces water via the strategically placed jets while the air tab drives a soothing, sturdy stream of air to the water. Air tubs are cheaper as compared to whirlpool; this is because whirlpool requires extra plumbing.
    2. Standard- this is a multi-purpose and an affordable tub. It can be purchased locally. It is mostly found in alcove installation and serves as a tub as well as a shower.
    3. Walk in – it can be dangerous to climb in and out of a tub that is usually slippery but this type of tub is great for those who have concerns with mobility.
    4. Soaking – they have extra-depth dimensions that make it possible for the person in the bath to completely submerge his/her body. It can either be free-standing or inbuilt.

    A Guide to Installation Methods for Tubs

    1. Platform – tubs made for this type of installation are usually dropped into a deck-like structure which has been built with its own enclosure mostly near the shower. This method of installation works best with air baths and whirlpools because the space under the deck can be used to hide and house hardware, pumps and plumbing which can be accessed through the removable panel.
    2. Under-mount – aesthetics is only the factor that differentiates under-mount and platforms tubs. Deck-top usually covers the under-mount rim and it is either a tile or stone that synchronizes with the surrounding materials. It is supported underneath unlike the platform which hangs from the deck.
    3. Alcove – they are also known as a recessed tub, this type of installation fits best for rectangular tubs adjoining three walls.
    4. Freestanding baths are very popular; they are vogue and form a resort-like experience in any bathroom. They usually look great when installed in larger bathrooms making them the center of attraction

    When choosing the right bath, consider the material they are made up of.

     

    These materials include;

     

    Acrylic – It is a plastic material that resembles an enameled iron cast but it is much lighter. It is usually easy to form making the ideal choice for air tubs and whirlpools. It is easy to repair this kind of material as compared to porcelain.
    1. Composite – this is an engineered material that has been coated in enamel. It has the ability to retain heat as a cast-iron tub though its weight is triple down. This nature makes it the best in second-story bathrooms.
    2. Cast Iron – it fashions the most long-lasting and durable tubs in the home. Due to its heaviness, it usually requires reinforcement.
    3. Cultured Marble – It is a solid material made from crushed marble that has been set in resin and covered with a transparent gel coat. Cracks in this type of material cannot be repaired but scratches can be varnished out.
    4. Fiberglass Gel-coat - It is also known as FRP (fiberglass-reinforced plastic), it has an easy to clean surface created by the Gel-coat. It is cheaper than acrylic but less durable. It usually cracks if hit very hard.
    5. Porcelain on Steel – it is almost similar to cast iron in terms of appearance and heat retention but has a lesser weight. It is usually susceptible to rusting and chipping.

  • When to Replace Your Bathroom

    How long is too long?

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    Tired Old Wornout Bathroom

    People of Wirral, here's some advice

    Are you tired of your old bathroom and ready for new bathroom? A good rule to live by is to update your bathroom every seven to ten years. It might come as a surprise for some, but seven years is actually the average amount of time an American lives in one house. There are many factors that contribute to that number, but if we go off of raw data, you can see that an updated bathroom might be in your future. A new bathroom gives your home a new look. Your visitors or clients will feel comfortable. Bathroom is a very important place and should be given the attention it requires. A new bathroom will make you want to shower again and again!

    Take a look at your bathroom. There is a good chance that it is "dated" and has aged without you noticing. Too many times people live their lives and don't see what is in front of them every day. That blue tile from the nineteen seventies or that gaudy white vanity that went out in the eighties might still be part of your bathroom scene. It's OK, these things get overlooked until someone brings it to your attention and here is what you can do.

    When I do a bathroom renovation the first question is always: "How much will this cost me?" It is a fair question and it is especially pertinent in today's volatile restate market. My answer has recently changed. I now say, buy the supplies online and I will work with you on the install price. Yes buying bathroom products online has saved me thousands and now it can do the same for you.


    A bathroom is a place to relax, unwind and let the troubles of the day wash away yet many designers don't take this into account, allocating it the smallest space they can in a house and equipping it with only the bare essentials.
    While building new bathroom you will also need to think about things like storage, bathroom cabinet, mirror, shaver point, extractor fan, lighting, seating and laundry basket. All of these items are optional, but can add to the ambience and usefulness of the bathroom. If you have the space, why not use it?

    This is where the CAD bathroom design software comes in very useful. You can play around with the positioning of everything you decide to include until you are happy with the positioning. Consider space as well as just fitting in everything you desire - a spacious room will be more relaxing than one crammed with fixtures and fittings!

    There are many ways to create the perfect, relaxing bathroom through good design and layout, whether you're starting from scratch in a new build, extending a bathroom space or remodeling an existing one in a set space. Always remember that a bathroom is a functional room as well, so whatever 'extras' you decide to incorporate need to be able to stand up to the rigors of water, steam and constant use as well as add to the overall ambience of the bathroom.