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Everyone needs a long, nice soak to unwind after a stressful day. And slipping into the shimmering suds makes it feel like you are on a mini-vacation. Also, owning a luxurious bathtub is one indulgence that will pay for itself repeatedly compared to visiting the spa. 

So, if your bathroom does not feel like a spa, it needs a remodeling. Whether you are looking for something that will fit your matching décor or one of the latest bathroom features, this article is here to inspire you. So that you can dim your lights, turn on soft music; sink into your tub and soak away the stress.  

Freestanding Tubs

These tubs have all four sides exposed. They are the opposite of alcove tubs that are surrounded by 1, 2, or 3 walls. Freestanding tubs typically sit on the bathroom floor. They do not have any platform or feet supporting them, yet they function like built-in or alcove tubs.

These tubs come in a wide range of sizes and shapes such as the Japanese, single-ended, double-ended, double slipper, and single slipper. They offer many benefits especially in bathrooms that can appear bigger with a bathtub that occupies less space.

If you want your bathroom to have a modern look, freestanding baths can give you this look. Most spas have replaced their garden and jetted tubs with freestanding options. You can fix the tubs anywhere; just ensure that the spot will accommodate a plumbing line. 

Bathroom Ideas with Freestanding Bathtubs

Freestanding bathtubs are flexible in appearance and that is one of their selling points. They come in rectangular and standard oval shapes. You can also find them as round, square, and corner configurations.

When you want to purchase one, allow your imagination to make the choice. Imagine your tub in an egg shape, a freeform, or an hourglass shape; there are tons of choices at your disposal. Since you can fix the tub anywhere, if the appropriate plumbing is installed, it will make a good choice for a bathroom that is oddly-shaped. 

Additionally, you can place the bathtub under a skylight or in the middle of the bathroom with a piece of side furniture. The slipper tubs are quite popular, too. They have one sloping, higher side that allows you to recline effortlessly while in the tub. You can also find the double slipper styles that have both sides raised.

If you choose the slipper tub style, you will be rewarded with an amazing shape and comfort. It is ergonomically designed compared to other shapes. Other optional features to consider in freestanding tubs are:

1. A roll-top – Its edges appear rolled, giving it a soft finish.
2. Clawfoot – This is usually present in footed tubs and it comes in different styles, both contemporary and traditional. It helps to elevate the tub.
3. A decorative base – There are tubs that sit inside or atop a base, pedestal, or cladding. Some of these surrounds and bases have storage to make up for the missing decks on the bathtubs.

Furthermore, you may consider buying removable trays or shelves, so your things can stay dry. You can fix them across the tub’s top to hold toiletries, wine glass, or books. A caddy for the bathroom can also offer extra storage.

To take your bathroom experience to a different level, consider placing add-ons such as lights, multimedia capabilities, pillows, and aromatherapy. You may want to check out this website to find other irresistible ideas.

Pedestal Tubs

These are an off-shoot of clawfoot tub designs. But in place of feet, they use plinths or pedestals to elevate the bathtub off the floor. The pedestal bathtubs are a mix of modern and vintage styles. 

You can also make them stand out in your bathroom by designing them to sit far from the wall. This is even easier because the tubs do not need any deck or surround. You can either tuck them in alcoves or make a statement when you place them at the center of the bathroom. Your bathroom designer or contractor can design a suitable position for the plumbing.

Pedestal bathtubs are like freestanding bathtubs. The only difference is the extra height they provide because of the pedestals. You can find them in various sizes and shapes like the freestanding tubs. There are double-ended, double slipper, and slipper styles. 

Each style has an elevation on the base. Additionally, some models merge the tub and base into a whole system while others separate them. This means you will join them during installation. 

Bathroom Ideas with Pedestal Bathtubs

There are different styles of pedestal bathtubs. They include cast iron, acrylic, copper, and stone models. Traditionally, tubs are made of cast iron and coated with porcelain. You can still find such models, but they are quite heavy. 

Today, many lightweight materials are used in the manufacturing of bathtubs like acrylic tubs. They are not difficult to fix, especially on the upper levels of a home. You can also find tubs with solid surfaces. They are created using engineered resin and stone. 

Additionally, the copper tubs give off striking looks, but they are more expensive compared to other materials. So, you must be committed to maintaining them before you decide to make a purchase. Pedestal tub designs have sleek, neat lines that produce an elegant look. And you can choose from a range of shapes like a rectangle, oval, or a bowl.

Most products include faucets like the telephone faucets that come in nickel or chrome finishes. You can also get a shower attachment if you want your bathtub to serve a dual purpose. Like the freestanding tubs, other options to choose from include the following:

1. The elegant edge with a rolled top.
2. A double-ended design where the two sides are rounded.
3. The slipper design where one side is elevated and sloped, offering a reclining comfort.
4. The double slipper where both sides are elevated.

Most pedestal bathtubs have a soft, white finish, but you can request a different color to suit your style. If you want something unexpected and bold, you can consider a red or black with some silver finishing.

Conclusion

Whether you want a freestanding or pedestal tub, you will find them in various styles. However, materials like the engineered stone and cast iron that has a porcelain coating offer not only beauty but also durability.

Many people, including in Austin TX are embracing the installation of artificial turf on their property. Offering cheaper maintenance and all-year-round greenery, installing artificial grass is easier compared to previous times. If you love getting things done, you may want to save some money by completing the installation yourself.

This could be quite tricky at first but purchasing synthetic grass from a reliable supplier is definitely a good point to begin. They usually offer helpful, informative guide that will not only help you install but also maintain the turf, keeping it green and as good as new for a long time. In this article, we will share tips to install artificial turf in Austin TX, so you won’t be at a loss on what to do.

Installation of Artificial Turf – Top Tips for You

So, here’s what you need to know before installing fake grass yourself:

1. Lay Out the Foundations

Preparing the ground is an integral aspect of fixing a turf that will look good for a long time. If the ground is uneven, you have to do some landscaping before laying the fake grass. Also, ensure you take away the existing grass if any. Remove large stones and weeds to make the ground level and ready for installation.

2. Smoothen the Ground

Artificial turf will be extremely easy to lay if the ground is smooth. It will also enable the turf to settle correctly. To achieve an even ground, fill the space where you want to lay the turf with limestone aggregate. Also, add grano dust, then compact the area.

You can consider using flooring float to achieve a smoother finish. Sometimes after weed removal, they may come back; this is not good for your turf. So, to stop them from resurfacing, lay a membrane of geo-textile. This will lock them out, giving your lawn a flawless look year-round.

3. Lay the Turf

Roll out your turf and carefully lay it into position. You can trim the edges to get an awesome finish. A jointing tape will be useful in connecting turf pieces together if the installation area is a large one. This tape is available in stores where artificial grasses are sold.

Artificial grasses are gaining much attention lately. And with many places running low on water, we need an alternative that will take away the burden of watering the lawn every day. You can click on https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-artificial-grass/ to see the different types of fake grass available in the market.

Benefits of Installing Artificial Turf

When you compare natural grass to artificial turf, the benefits of installing the latter are outstanding. In places like Austin TX where there is a possibility of water shortage, homeowners need a solution for maintaining beautiful lawns without violating the guidelines for landscaping or water restrictions of the Homeowners Association in their neighborhood.

The following are the benefits of installing artificial turf:

1. No Maintenance

Although retailers of fake grasses overstate that they do not need maintenance, a minimal level of maintenance is necessary. This is still advantageous because you can now spend less time on lawn care and more time relaxing or enjoying family activities.

2. Eliminates Puddling

Before installing the turf, valleys and grooves where water may accumulate are eliminated. Also, the space is smoothed out and rolled. In the process, small channels of irrigation are created to drain off excess water thereby preventing the formation of water puddles.

3. Eliminates Grass Stains 

With fake grasses, kids could play as much as they desire and won’t get mud or unsightly grass stains on shoes and clothing. When they slide on natural grass, they will have brown or green streaks on their clothes, which are difficult to remove. 

4. No Ruts and Bare Spots

Natural grass forms pathways when the foot traffic on it is high. Also, ruts and bare spots form easily on it. But artificial turf resists pressure despite being stepped on constantly. It is highly resilient; its blades bounce back, keeping it upright, provided its filler is in good condition.

5. Shade Does Not Pose Any Problem

Natural grass will fade and even die in shaded places. But fake grass does not need direct sunlight to survive. It can stay in a shade because whether there is water and sunlight or none, it will still maintain its size and color.

6. Safe for Pets and Children

Most fake grass brands contain anti-bacterial properties which prevent the spread of bacteria and germs. Therefore, pets and children can play outdoors and won’t be exposed to toxic chemicals, harmful pesticides, or fertilizers used in natural grass maintenance. 

7. No Need for Harsh Fertilizers

Since it does not spread or grow, fake grass is vibrant and beautiful without the regular application of fertilizers. It will remain green, toxin-free, and lush. The use of harsh fertilizers is disastrous to the sustainability of the environment. 

It causes the overpopulation of algae in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. You may want to visit this website to read more about it.

8. Suitable for Recreational Spots

The grass is suitable for recreational spots like tennis courts, volleyball courts, as well as patio and putting greens surfaces. It is extremely wear-resistant and can withstand heavy foot traffic. You can cut it into various shapes, which is good for areas with odd shapes or when you want to create different patterns.

9. Drought Resistant

Fake grasses only require occasional rinsing to prevent bad smell and accumulation of dust. Apart from those, they do not require water, making them suitable for places with severe drought conditions. A shortage in water supply can result in water restrictions as well as penalties for violators.

10. Cost-Effective

Fake grasses are durable and cost-effective. It may seem expensive initially, but it is a good investment that will improve your home’s value for many years. When you check the costs of buying and installing artificial turf, including the minimal time and money for maintaining it, you will realize that it will pay off after a few years.

Conclusion 

Artificial turf has a lot of advantages and we discussed some of them in this article. We also shared some tips to help you install one on your property. If you do not feel like installing it yourself, you can always contact a professional. 

Setting up a playroom for your children to use can give them an incredible space to feel comfortable and relaxed in as they play. Though most will no doubt focus on the walls and furniture when trying to create a playroom, the floor you choose also needs to be thought about carefully. 

Here are some of the things you need to think about when trying to select the right floor for your children’s playroom.

Wood Floors

Wood floors are not often the best option for a playroom. While they look highly prestigious, they are obviously quite hard. If a little one was to take a tumble, there is a chance that they could hurt themselves quite badly. Introducing rugs can happen, but if you were to put a rug down across the whole room then you might as well carpet it. 

The other major consideration that comes with a wood flooring is how waterproof it is. In short, it can be difficult to find a wood floor that will hold off against any type of water damage. This makes it a poor choice for a playroom. Be it a spill from a cup or someone being a little over-enthusiastic while crafting, there is always a chance that something is going to spill. If it is not cleaned up immediately, it could then warp the wood.

LVT Flooring

LVT flooring could be an amazing option for a playroom. It is soft underfoot and will provide some cushion if someone were to fall over. It is also incredibly easy to care for. Even if your little one does spill something, you should be able to clean it up quickly and easily without damaging the floor underneath.

One of the other big advantages of LVT flooring is the many patterns that you can find for it. Click here to have a browse of some of the options open to you. While wood floors will always be the classic look a stone pattern might work better depending on the overall theme you have planned for your playroom. This is one room that you can really bring a little bit of style when decorating, so don’t be afraid to pick a pattern that you would never have anywhere else in your home if it means your children get a beautiful place to play.

Carpet

Finally, you might consider carpet for your playroom. There are several obvious advantages to this. It is obviously warm underfoot, and very soft. If a child trips of carpet, they are unlikely to get injured in the same way that they might on a wood floor. Carpet also comes in a variety of different colours and patterns. You could even find a fun one with a print that matches the rest of the room if you are going for a heavily themed space.

However, the big disadvantage with carpet is how difficult it is to clean. You need to make sure that spills are seen to as soon as they happen as they can quickly ruin the carpet otherwise. There is also massive potential for staining. Nothing will make a carpet look old and tatty quite like a few stains in the wrong places. 

These are three options you could consider for a space that needs to be able to handle whatever your children might want to throw at it. Take the time to find a flooring that is going to tie in with the aesthetics of the room while also being robust enough to stand up and last well no matter how rough playtime might get.