Search results for "Apply recommendations" in Home Design Ideas

Photo by Casey Dunn
Kitchen - contemporary l-shaped kitchen idea in Houston with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, gray backsplash, paneled appliances and an island
Kitchen - contemporary l-shaped kitchen idea in Houston with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, gray backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Photo by: Andrew Pogue Photography
Living room - contemporary open concept living room idea in Denver with white walls
Living room - contemporary open concept living room idea in Denver with white walls

Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner over the holidays or having friends over for an impromptu dinner party, our custom slate blue, gold, and cream ikat table runner with a tailored border and simple golden yellow linen napkins are the perfect table top décor staples for any party.
Shop and create your custom accents loomdecor.com
Find the right local pro for your project

Two smaller bedrooms were combined to create a generous Master Suite with a dressing area and built-in closets. John Wilbanks Photography
Inspiration for a craftsman bedroom remodel in Seattle with multicolored walls
Inspiration for a craftsman bedroom remodel in Seattle with multicolored walls

Mid-sized trendy l-shaped porcelain tile open concept kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Lark Gilmer-Smothermon
Trendy guest bedroom photo in Other with gray walls and no fireplace
Trendy guest bedroom photo in Other with gray walls and no fireplace

Frenchmen's Club Mod by Krista Watterworth Design Studio. Photography by Mark Roskams
Transitional light wood floor living room photo in Miami with gray walls
Transitional light wood floor living room photo in Miami with gray walls

Materials Needed:
Side Console
Dixie Belle White Lightning Cleaner
Dixie Belle Weeping Willow Chalk Paint
Dixie Belle Best Dang Wax (Clear)
Dixie Belle Chocolate Chalk Mineral Paint
Dixie Belle Retro Lattice Stencil
Dixie Belle Coffee Bean Chalk Mineral Paint
Dixie Belle Synthetic Paintbrush
Clean, lint-free cloths
Before You Begin:
Ensure that your side console is clean and free from any dust, dirt, or grease. If necessary, sand the surface lightly to create a smooth painting surface.
Step 1: Clean with White Lightning
Use Dixie Belle White Lightning Cleaner to thoroughly clean the side console. This will remove any lingering residues and prepare the surface for painting. Follow the instructions on the cleaner, and make sure the surface is completely dry before proceeding.
Step 2: Paint with Weeping Willow
Stir the Weeping Willow Chalk Paint well before use. Apply an even coat of Weeping Willow paint to the entire side console using a paintbrush or foam roller. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat if needed. The chalk paint dries relatively quickly, but follow the recommended drying time on the product.
Step 3: Apply Best Dang Wax with Chocolate Chalk Paint
After the Weeping Willow paint has dried, use a clean cloth or brush to apply a layer of Best Dang Wax (Clear) over the painted surface. For added depth and dimension, mix a small amount of Chocolate Chalk Mineral Paint into the wax. Apply the wax mixture evenly, focusing on details and edges. Allow the wax to dry and buff it to a desired sheen using a clean, lint-free cloth.
Step 4: Stencil the Top with Retro Lattice
Secure the Retro Lattice Stencil to the top of the side console using painter's tape to prevent it from moving during the stenciling process. Using a brush or foam roller, apply Coffee Bean Chalk Mineral Paint over the stencil, ensuring even coverage. Carefully remove the stencil while the paint is still wet to reveal the pattern. Allow the painted design to dry completely.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Inspect the entire side console for any touch-ups or additional detailing. If needed, apply extra coats of paint or wax to achieve the desired finish. Once satisfied with the results, allow the piece to cure fully according to the paint manufacturer's recommendations.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Upcycled Side Console
Place your revamped side console in its designated space and revel in the transformation. The combination of Weeping Willow, Best Dang Wax, and the Retro Lattice stencil has turned a simple side console into a unique and visually appealing piece of upcycled furniture, adding charm and character to your living space.

Standard annual or mechanical Chimney cleaning for gas and wood burning fireplaces typically works to remove any type of buildup as well as checking for the structural integrity of the chimney. Maintaining an annual chimney cleaning will meet the national safety standard set by the NFPA, CSIA, IRC and NCSG, helping homeowners avoid chimney fires and blockages.
Why does safety matter? Did you know that there was a chimney fire in Marengo in January? Or a chimney fire at a Peotone home at the end of March? Or a log cabin fire caused by the chimney in June? That’s just a few that happened in the past 7 months.
Why Does a Chimney Cleaning Matter?
Chimney sweeps also known as chimney cleanings, fireplace cleanings, or fireplace sweeps. Regardless of what you call it, it still means the same thing.
Chimney cleaning for gas and wood burning fireplaces serve 3 key purposes:
confirming structural integrity
removing flammable deposits and
obstruction-free assurance.
Homeowners with gas or wood burning fireplaces benefit from each of these safeguards.
The National Fire Protection Association addresses this directly through NFPA 211, a widely recognized fire safety code. The standard states that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents require inspection at least once a year for soundness, free from deposits, and correct clearances, with cleaning, maintenance, and repairs to be done whenever needed.
This annual requirement applies equally to gas and wood burning fireplaces. Organizations including the Chimney Safety Institute of America, the National Chimney Sweep Guild, International Residential code and the National Fire Protection Association each reference this standard as the requirement for home fire safety.
Free 14-Point Certified Written Inspection
Every chimney sweep completed through Superior Chimney includes a complimentary 14-point certified written inspection along with photo documentation delivered to you by email. This documentation gives homeowners a clear visual record of their chimney system.
The written report covers the condition of the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, firebox, chimney crown, and chimney cap, among other components examined during a standard visit. Photo documentation captures each area so homeowners can review the findings independently of the technician’s verbal summary. Written inspection reports allow families to track the condition of their fireplace chimney system over time.
Chimney Cleaning and Structural Integrity
A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technician, such as Superior Chimney technicians, visually examines the chimney from the top opening to the firebox below, gaining a full evaluation of the interior.
When chimney rods and brushes pass through the chimney system, loose pieces of fire clay tile, damaged tile joints, or crumbling brick sometimes fall down into the fireplace. This debris can mean there is an integrity problem. By knowing this is a problem, will protect families and their homes. Now it’s time to take care of it and call in a certified chimney technician.
Fireplace Cleaning and Creosote Removal
Creosote, is the technical name for soot. Soot forms as a natural byproduct of burning wood. Smoke traveling upward through the chimney and leaves deposits of creosote along the interior walls. With every fire, a little more gets built up.
The issue with creosote is that it is highly flammable and is the leading cause of chimney fires nationwide. Removing the buildup through regular chimney cleanings keeps a fireplace serviceable for continuous use throughout the spring, fall and winter seasons.
Standard and mechanical chimney cleanings pay close attention to the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, and firebox in a single service visit. Superior Chimney performs each fireplace chimney inspection using a no-mess process that protects the home during service. This keeps soot contained within specialized equipment rather than the living room.
An Obstruction Free Chimney
Several conditions create blockages within a chimney system. Bird, squirrel, bat and raccoon nesting material, feces, and debris frequently accumulate inside an unprotected flue, especially during spring and summer months when the fireplace sits unused.
Excessive creosote accumulation or a collapsed chimney liner can restrict proper airflow. Homeowners that address obstructions with a chimney inspection will be able to maintain proper draft and ventilation with their gas or wood burning fireplace. This will reduce the risk of smoke backing into the home.
Gas Chimney Cleaning Compared to Wood burning Chimney Cleaning
Gas and wood burning fireplaces share the same annual chimney inspection requirement. Whether you are burning wood, gas or a “pile of shirts” there is still heat and flame that requires worthy firewalls to protect the home from heat transfer. Fire worthiness and checking the firewall integrity is priority.
Wood burning fireplaces generate creosote that builds along the flue liner with every fire. Gas fireplace systems accumulate lighter deposits along with potential venting obstructions, since gas appliances rely heavily on venting for safe combustion byproduct release. Each system accumulates different residues that need attention.
A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technician from Superior Chimney adjusts the specific cleaning approach based on fuel type. However, the same core safety elements apply: structural integrity, deposit removal, and clear airflow.
What Happens During a Chimney Cleaning?
A typical chimney inspection begins with a walkthrough of the fireplace and the chimney on top of the roof, allowing the technician to record any visible concerns the homeowner reported in advance as well as any new findings.
The certified technician then covers the immediate hearth area with protective material before setting up specialized equipment designed to contain creosote throughout the cleaning and inspection.
Chimney rods and brushes pass through the flue liner to loosen and remove creosote deposits along the smoke chamber, smoke shelf, and damper. The certified technician inspects each section closely for loose or crumbling firewall, cracked joints, or other signs of weak structural damage.
A final walkthrough of the firebox and chimney completes the visual inspection. Photo documentation captures each component, and the certified written report is sent to the homeowner by email. This consistent process gives homeowners the documentation they need to compare year to year.
Chimney Cleaning Safety Standards
The table below summarizes the organizations that set national chimney safety standards, along with their specific requirements for fireplace chimney sweeps.
NFPA211
National Fire Protection Association
Annual inspection for soundness, deposit buildup, and correct clearances; cleaning and repairs completed as needed
CSIA
Chimney Safety Institute of America
Certifies technicians through testing on chimney and venting system knowledge
NCSG
National Chimney Sweep Guild
Establishes trade standards and best practices for chimney sweep professionals
How Often Should You Schedule a Chimney Cleaning and Inspection?
CSIA recommends scheduling chimney cleaning and inspection annually by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. This recommendation applies to gas and wood burning fireplaces, regardless of how frequently a household uses the fireplace and especially in freeze/thaw geographic areas.
Regular chimney sweeps save lives, since a clean fireplace chimney rarely catches fire. CSIA encourages homeowners to rely on Certified Chimney Sweeps, as these technicians undergo regular testing on the complexities of chimney and venting systems throughout their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a chimney sweep? A chimney sweep includes the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, and firebox, removing creosote while checking for obstructions and structural concerns throughout the chimney system (NOT the ashpit).
How often should gas and wood burning fireplaces receive chimney sweeps? CSIA, NFPA, IRC and NCSG guidelines each call for chimney sweeps at least once a year for gas and wood burning fireplace systems.
Why does creosote removal matter for fireplace safety? Creosote is highly flammable and builds along the interior walls of a fireplace chimney with every fire, creating conditions that lead directly to chimney fires when left in place over time. Creosote is unburned particles from the combustion chamber.
Who should perform a fireplace chimney sweep? CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technicians complete fireplace chimney sweeps after passing regular testing on chimney and venting system knowledge, meeting the certification standard recognized across the industry.
Does a fireplace chimney sweep remove animal nests and debris? No, a fireplace chimney sweep addresses soot and creosote, while significant nesting material, feces, or collapsed liner debris often calls for dedicated obstruction removal alongside the standard service.
What does the free 14-point inspection include? The complimentary 14-point certified written inspection documents the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, firebox, crown, and cap through photo evidence delivered directly by email for homeowner records.
Choose Superior Chimney for Your Certified Chimney Inspection
All service technicians completing chimney sweeps through Superior Chimney hold National Certification through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), reflecting the training standard recommended by fire safety organizations nationwide.
Scheduling regular chimney sweeps to clean gas and wood burning fireplace systems protects a home from fire risk, preserves the structural integrity of the chimney, and keeps airflow clear for proper, continuous use throughout the year. Contact us today to schedule a chimney inspection at 877-244-6349.

Please send us a message or contact us for custom orders - barudecor.com/custom-order/ Please include the dimensions, wood preference, and delivery location. For reference, this countertop was made of solid black walnut, butcher block style.
Made from solid premium wood, our countertops are a perfect complement to your homes and businesses. Whether you’re looking to revamp your kitchen, bars, and restaurants to give a luxurious vibe, our custom countertops are made with natural material and give a rich appearance. They add value to your space and create a more inviting space.
We only work with premium-grade woods like Teak, Walnut, White Oak, Ash, and Maple. Our pieces are completely customizable in terms of dimensions, edge designs, and finishes. We also have a CNC machine for making any cutouts precisely.
Every statement piece is handcrafted in our shop based in San Diego using only the finest quality hardwood. We place a lot of care and experience into each one of our pieces for years of memories to come. Our slabs are sustainably sourced from different regions in the US, Central & South America and we work closely with our clients to select them.
**Handmade item - Each piece is Custom Built To Order and finishes can vary, hence your piece will have a slight variation from the item shown in the photo as every piece of wood is different.
We ship to all US via truck freight and all our tables are wrapped carefully and placed inside a wooden crate with high-quality insulation to ensure safe arrival.
LEAD TIME: Our lead time varies from time to time but it is approximately 3-5 weeks plus 7-10 transit. We will let you know prior to placing the order. Rush orders are available for an additional fee depending on the project.
FINISH: We work with different options for Residential and Commercial use such as Rubio Monocoat, Osmo Polix Hardwax oil, and Commercial Grade Conversion Varnish. Our finish maintains the natural look and feel of the wood, all while offering protection and durability.
Here are some recommendations for keeping your countertop beautiful for a good time. Like every wood, maintenance depends a lot on how it is used. No matter what kind of sealant we apply liquids always win (with only one exception, an epoxy coating that looks like plastic, not very attractive).
- I recommend always using coasters, keeping hot pans away from the surface, and never letting water sits on them.
- For cleaning just a light mixture of soap and water and NEVER use harsh products like comet or Scotch Bright pads.
If you follow the recommendations the countertop will look fresh and clean for at least 2 years and then you may want to consider re-sanding and coating again which is super easy with Rubio Monocoat oil finish.
There is also a great maintenance oil developed by Rubio Monocoat - “Rubio Monocoat Renew” that refreshes, restores, and protects surfaces treated with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C (the one we use for all our furniture).
It’s recommended whenever the surface feels too dry or rough and it is super easy to apply in 3 steps:
1- Clean and dry the surface
2- Apply the oil using cloth rags, brush, or sponge
3- With kitchen tissue or cotton cloth remove all the excess oil within 10-15 min.
The surface should be dry after 6-8 hours.

Keep art supplies and games contained in our Tint Stacking Drawers and Grid Totes on elfa® shelving. Both The Drawers and Totes are the perfect size for stacking and can easily be moved from room to room.

Pepper plants are a delightful addition to any garden, offering a vibrant burst of color and spice to your culinary creations. However, even experienced gardeners can encounter challenges when growing pepper plants. In this blog, we'll explore some common issues you might face and provide practical solutions to help your pepper plants thrive.
1. Slow or Stunted Growth
Issue: Slow or stunted growth in pepper plants can be discouraging, but there are specific steps you can take to address this issue effectively.
Solution:
a. Soil Health:
- Well-Draining Soil: Ensure your pepper plants are in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots, which can inhibit growth.
- Organic Matter: Incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve its texture and nutrient content.
- pH Level: Test the soil pH and adjust it to the ideal range between 6.0 and 6.8 using lime or sulfur as needed.
b. Fertilization:
- Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for vegetables to provide essential nutrients steadily throughout the growing season.
- Compost: Amend the soil with compost to enhance nutrient availability and soil structure. This can promote healthier growth.
c. Watering:
- Consistent Moisture: Maintain consistent soil moisture levels by watering your pepper plants regularly but avoid waterlogging. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting based on your local climate and weather conditions.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
2. Yellowing Leaves
Issue: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of various underlying problems, but addressing them promptly can restore the vibrancy of your pepper plants.
Solution:
a. Nutrient Deficiencies:
- Balanced Fertilization: Use a well-balanced fertilizer that includes micronutrients to address nutrient deficiencies.
- Specific Nutrients: If you suspect a particular deficiency, such as magnesium, iron, or nitrogen, apply the appropriate nutrient supplement following package instructions.
b. Pest and Disease Control:
- Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect the leaves and stems for common pests like aphids and mites. Remove affected leaves and treat with organic pesticides if necessary.
- Disease Management: Look out for signs of diseases like bacterial leaf spot or fungal issues. Apply organic fungicides or bactericides as recommended.
3. Blossom Drop
Issue: When pepper plants drop their blossoms prematurely, it can hinder fruit development and lead to disappointment.
Solution:
a. Temperature Control:
- Stable Temperatures: Ensure your pepper plants are exposed to consistent temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C) during flowering. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations by providing shelter or using row covers.
b. Pollination:
- Assist with Pollination: If growing peppers indoors or in a greenhouse, help with pollination by gently shaking the plants or using a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers. Outdoor pepper plants are usually pollinated by insects.
4. Wilting Plants
Issue: Wilting or drooping pepper plants can be a sign of various problems, but proper care can revive them.
Solution:
a. Watering:
- Consistent Moisture: Adjust your watering routine to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water early in the day to prevent fungal issues.
- Drainage: Ensure proper soil drainage by amending the soil or using raised beds to prevent waterlogged roots.
b. Pest Control:
- Pest Inspection: Examine the undersides of leaves for signs of pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Treat infestations promptly with biological insecticides.
5. Curling Leaves
Issue: Curling or misshapen leaves indicate stress in pepper plants, which can be caused by various factors.
Solution:
a. Environmental Stress:
- Stable Conditions: Ensure your pepper plants are in an environment with stable humidity, temperature, and adequate air circulation. Avoid sudden changes in conditions.
- Proper Ventilation: Adequate air circulation can reduce humidity and prevent fungal issues.
b. Pest and Disease Management:
- Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases, addressing them promptly with organic remedies as needed.
6. Sunscald
Issue: Sunscald can lead to discolored, leathery patches on pepper fruits when exposed to intense sunlight.
Solution:
a. Shade Cloth:
- Sun Protection: Shield your pepper plants from harsh sunlight during the hottest part of the day using shade cloth or by planting them where they receive some filtered sunlight.
b. Pruning:
- Fruit Shading: Prune excess foliage to allow better fruit shading, reducing the risk of sunscald. Ensure that there's a balance between foliage and fruit.
7. Pepper Plant Pests and Diseases
Issue: Aphids, mites, whiteflies, and various diseases can affect pepper plants, but you can manage them effectively.
Solution:
a. Regular Inspection:
- Vigilant Monitoring: Regularly inspect your pepper plants for signs of pests or diseases, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves and stems.
b. Organic Remedies:
- Pest Control: Use organic remedies like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth for pest control.
- Disease Management: Apply organic fungicides or bactericides as recommended to manage diseases like powdery mildew or bacterial spot.
While growing pepper plants can present various challenges, these common issues are manageable with the right knowledge and care. Regular monitoring, proper soil preparation, and timely intervention can help you enjoy a bountiful harvest of vibrant, spicy peppers. Remember that gardening is a learning experience, and each challenge you face is an opportunity to improve your skills and enjoy the rewards of homegrown peppers in your favorite dishes.

There are 97 leaf tile tiles in 1 m2.
The product size is 9cmx15 cmx 1cm. The back side is matt-based and serrated, the front side is glazed and glossy polished.
Leaf Çini ceramic tile features are a dimension that expresses the structure as a multi-colored color with the tile tiles decorations.
- Material made of ceramic material. Tiles are converted into water and cleaning materials.
- Decorating the leaf tile tile for many years. Color and pattern do not exist.
- Water and moisture clean thanks to the glossy glazed polished.
- It does not form mold.
- In places where Leaf Tile tiles are used, we breathe cool and warm in summer.
- Figure the days of sound waves taking advantage of the reflective feature of the days in the regions caused by Leafy Tiles.
- Kütahya tiles are against the sun, wind and exterior.
- Leaf Tiles and easy to use.
- Kütahya and Iznik patterned shaped tile tile models and prices are the most suitable examples.
It is used between countertops in kitchens.
Ceramic-based hexagons are suitable for use as wall tiles in bathrooms.
Production is made in pools, flooring, pool interior flooring, design design and design.
For floor tiles, it can be designed to be comprehensive in detail to floor tiles.
Leaf Tile Tile Application
First of all, the area to be applied should be flat, if not, it should be corrected. Thin plaster should be applied to the area. Cement-based adhesive mortar should be used as adhesive mortar. The adhesive mortar is applied to the surface to be applied regularly and evenly with a fine notched trowel. Kütahya and İznik patterned tile tiles are placed on the surface to be laid. For non-slip and a flat application, you can press on it using a spirit level or wedge. It is an important issue that the Kütahya and Iznik tiles with Ottoman and Seljuk motifs complement each other.
After bonding the tile tiles to the surface, the grouting is ready for application. Normally, tiles are laid without joints. After the grouting material is prepared in accordance with the instructions, it is applied on the tile tiles. We recommend that you prefer antibacterial grouts, especially for patterned tile ceramic tiles that you will apply in your kitchens and bathrooms. After the joint application, the excess joints remaining on the tiles whose flooring has been completed are removed by wiping them with a wet sponge.
Please note that international buyers are responsible for any duties/customs charges and import taxes associated with shipping to their respective countries. These fees are calculated and imposed by your country when the item arrives in the country.

Carpet Cleaning Methods in Singapore
Is your house full of rugs made of different fabrics? And, are you confused about its cleaning methods? This confusion is easy to happen when there are several rugs in your home. In those situations, consulting carpet cleaning services in Singapore is the best solution for you.
Different carpet fabrics require different cleaning methods to be applied, as applying a single method can damage the texture and appearance of the carpet. So, here in this blog, we will discuss the different types of carpet fabrics and the cleaning methods used by the best carpet cleaning company.
Different carpet fabrics require different cleaning methods to be applied
Different carpet fabrics require different cleaning methods to be applied
4 Types of carpets and best cleaning method
Synthetic Carpets: Synthetic carpets are found in most households as they are abundant in the market. They are easy to maintain and need to be cleaned regularly because dusting is quick on such fabrics. For cleaning of synthetic carpets, you can contact cheap carpet cleaning in Singapore, as the frequency of cleaning is high. Also, the method adopted for cleaning synthetic carpets usually involves dry-chem cleaning or soap-free cleaning methods.
Wool Carpets: Wool carpets can stain and collect dust easily, but you shouldn’t clean them with soap and water. Wool has excellent water absorption and takes a long time to dry completely. Therefore, to clean wool carpets, it is better to consult a professional carpet cleaner, as they have a better knowledge of applying the right cleaning method. Usually, the dry cleaning method is applied to make the carpet faster and cleaner.
Polyester Carpets: Polyester is one of the forms of synthetic fabric that has been one of the most popular carpet fabrics for a long time. This fabric is known for its luxurious feel and comes in a variety of colors. These mats are hydrophobic and stain resistant, however, they are not very durable, especially when exposed to the sun. Therefore, you should not apply the usual soap and water cleaning method to this fabric but entrust the task to professionals.
Berber Carpets: Berber carpets give you a soft, comfortable feeling when you step on them, and with this carpet fabric you need to wash it often because the dust treatment process happens quickly. Weekly vacuuming is recommended along with professional deep cleaning every three months. To clean Berber carpets, you can choose the regular soap and water method, but be careful with rubbing as it can damage the fabric texture.
Conclusion
Ocean Cleans Singapore we provide the best cleaning service in Singapore. With our 20 years of experience, you’ll enjoy the luxury of deep-cleaned rugs at an incredible price. We have extensive knowledge of different carpet fabrics and use the most appropriate and advanced cleaning technology and methods. So, to enjoy the pleasure of having clean carpets at your residence, feel free in availing our excellent services!

This job was for a repeat client in Toft near Cambridge who had aa stunning large hallway that was tiled in beautiful pale Limestone. My client had asked me back to work on the floor having previously completed the deep clean and seal of a Terracotta floor previously.
The Limestone tiling in the entrance hall had years of some type of topical sealer applied to it. This caused the stone to look slightly discoloured and from certain lights showed up hundreds of scratches and smudges embedded in the seal. I’ve tried to capture this problem in the photographs on this page, but it was very difficult.
A topical sealer sits on the surface of the tile where it is vulnerable to scratching, hallways are generally high traffic areas and so more likely to see this sort of problem. Ideally an impregnating sealer should have been applied, impregnators work by occupying the pores in the stone thus preventing soiling from becoming ingrained in the stone.
Before starting we protected the woodwork against splashing with blue film, I don’t usually make a great deal of mess, but you can never be too careful when working in someone’s property especially one as beautiful as this.
To strip off the old sealer I began by applying a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go to the Limestone tiles. I split the floor into sections and used a 400-grit diamond burnishing pad to work the Tile Doctor Remove and Go into the tiles. The floor was then rinsed off using our high-pressure cleaning system that applies pressurised hot water to the floor whilst simultaneously extracting the soil with its built-in vacuum. The system is quite heavy, so it is built into my van, and I run a large flexible hose to a spinner tool that does the cleaning. It is an expensive tool, but it saves a lot of time and leaves the floor fairly dry afterwards.
The 400-grit pad had released a lot of the sealer but there were quite a few layers to get through, so I changed the burnishing pad to a coarse 200-grit pad and repeated the process. After another rinse and extract I would see it had the desired effect and I was able to carry on building up the finish on the Limestone by apply the 400-grit followed by the 800, 1500 grit pads. It was a large floor and so this took up much of the day so once complete I left for the day so it could dry off overnight.
The next day I finished the polishing process with the application of a 3000-grit burnishing pad which is applied with a little water sprayed onto the tile and really brings up the polish on the stone. This process has the added advantage of leaving the floor dry so not long afterwards I was able to move on to sealing.
For this floor two coats of Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal were applied, it is an impregnating sealer that won’t alter the colour of the tiles leaving a natural look.
My client was much happier with the new finish and has asked for another quotation on some more Terracotta flooring that needs attention. For aftercare I recommend using Tile Doctor stone soap, it’s a special formula that builds on the patina which will help maintain the polished appearance of the Limestone.
Tom Conlon
Cambridge Tile Doctor

Please include the dimensions, wood preference, and delivery location. For reference, this countertop was made of solid black walnut, butcher block style.
Made from solid premium wood, our countertops are a perfect complement to your homes and businesses. Whether you’re looking to revamp your kitchen, bars, and restaurants to give a luxurious vibe, our custom countertops are made with natural material and give a rich appearance. They add value to your space and create a more inviting space.
We only work with premium-grade woods like Teak, Walnut, White Oak, Ash, and Maple. Our pieces are completely customizable in terms of dimensions, edge designs, and finishes. We also have a CNC machine for making any cutouts precisely.
Every statement piece is handcrafted in our shop based in San Diego using only the finest quality hardwood. We place a lot of care and experience into each one of our pieces for years of memories to come. Our slabs are sustainably sourced from different regions in the US, Central & South America and we work closely with our clients to select them.
**Handmade item - Each piece is Custom Built To Order and finishes can vary, hence your piece will have a slight variation from the item shown in the photo as every piece of wood is different.
We ship to all US via truck freight and all our tables are wrapped carefully and placed inside a wooden crate with high-quality insulation to ensure safe arrival.
LEAD TIME: Our lead time varies from time to time but it is approximately 3-5 weeks plus 7-10 transit. We will let you know prior to placing the order. Rush orders are available for an additional fee depending on the project.
FINISH: We work with different options for Residential and Commercial use such as Rubio Monocoat, Osmo Polix Hardwax oil, and Commercial Grade Conversion Varnish. Our finish maintains the natural look and feel of the wood, all while offering protection and durability.
Here are some recommendations for keeping your countertop beautiful for a good time. Like every wood, maintenance depends a lot on how it is used. No matter what kind of sealant we apply liquids always win (with only one exception, an epoxy coating that looks like plastic, not very attractive).
- I recommend always using coasters, keeping hot pans away from the surface, and never letting water sits on them.
- For cleaning just a light mixture of soap and water and NEVER use harsh products like comet or Scotch Bright pads.
If you follow the recommendations the countertop will look fresh and clean for at least 2 years and then you may want to consider re-sanding and coating again which is super easy with Rubio Monocoat oil finish.
There is also a great maintenance oil developed by Rubio Monocoat - “Rubio Monocoat Renew” that refreshes, restores, and protects surfaces treated with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C (the one we use for all our furniture).
It’s recommended whenever the surface feels too dry or rough and it is super easy to apply in 3 steps:
1- Clean and dry the surface
2- Apply the oil using cloth rags, brush, or sponge
3- With kitchen tissue or cotton cloth remove all the excess oil within 10-15 min.
The surface should be dry after 6-8 hours.

Step #1 Apply BM CLEAN
As you can see in the 'Before' picture above, this cedar deck was extremly dirty. This required an extra step in comparison to the typical deck stripping process. My paint rep at Benjamin Moore recommended a product called CLEAN. It comes in one gallon plastic containers and can be applied out of a plastic pail or with a garden sprayer. We used a Garden sprayer and chose a flat tip for application. The three gallon garden sprayer was filled with 2 gallons of water and one gallon of the CLEAN solution. This is a strong mixture and can be reduced to up to 6 parts water and one part of the Benjamin Moore CLEAN.
This approximately 22x20 deck had a board running perpindicular to the rest of the floor boards which divided it into 2 equal parts. Our method was to apply the solution to 3-4 of these 10' boards at a time. Allow it to set up for a few minutes and then scrub away with the deck brush. The agitation loosens up the dirt and grime and is then removed with a pressure washer a board a time. The flat tip on the pressure washer was almost the same width as the floor board. It is important to clean the sides of the board too because any remaining dirt or stain will be visible.
Benjamin Moore Deck Restoration products named Clean,Restore,brighten
Step #2 Apply BM RESTORE
The second step is exactly the same as the first step but with a different solution called Benjamin Moore RESTORE. The deck was dry before we started the 2nd step becuase it was baking hot outside. You use the same 2/1 mixture of water to chemical. This chemical will remove the stain still present in the deck floor. Make sure to rinse the garden sprayer clean before adding the restore solution. Unlike the BM CLEAN, the BM RESTORE has an orange-ish color in appearance. It did a fine job of removing most of the stain, but not 100% of it. There were a few areas that required a 3rd coat of restore but the process was quicker.
Step #3 Apply BM BRIGHTEN
The third step is exactly the same as the first two step but the chemical solution used was Benjamin Moore 'BRIGHTEN'. Again, the garden sprayer was cleaned and filled with 2 parts water and one part Brighten. The brightener not only lightens the wood but it also neutralizes the previous stripper solution. As stated before the Restore adds a bit of color and the Brighten will remove any traces of it. you still have to agitate the brightener with a scrub brush and either pressure wash it off or use a garden hose. We used the pressure washer for faster results. After it dries the wood look a lot brighter but we still found some spots of stain that had not come off.
Apply Sikkens Stain
As stated above the stain we used is called "Sikkens Proluxe" which is basically just a slight re-branding of the classic Sikkens Stain. The formula is exactly the same. In fact, the secondary name is still called 'Cetol' SRD RE. The color chosen was "CEDAR".
The weather was quite hot for a typical Calgary Spring day so we stained a 10' section of floor board at a time. The deck has a metal railing so the supporting feet had to be brushed in with a 2.5" natural bristle paint brush. for the rest of the job a 6" Wooster natural bristle deck brush was used. The handle was remove and a broom handle was inserted. The stain was stirred frequently and poured into a plastic Simms brand roller pan. Semi transparent Oil based stain has the consistency of water so you need to be careful not to spill any of it. When applying to a board you hit the sides first with the brush and then fillin the rest. Ten feet of floor board can be stain in a short period of time. it's important not to leave any streaks so it is adviseable to back-brush the entie length before moving on to the next board. The staining only took about 2.5 hours to complete. One coat is the manufacturers recommendation.
One last thing about Sikkens Stain. To maintain this beautiful look the deck should be re- coated once a year, preferably every spring. It's like applying sunscreen yearly to protect the wood against further damage. Two gallons was enough to cover this 450 sq foot deck.
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