Search results for "Relieve" in Home Design Ideas

Clear Rift Sawn White Oak Flooring
Excelsior Wood Products, LLC is a full service mill and lumber supplier specializing in antique and reclaimed wood. We have the capacity to produce and ship reclaimed flooring, custom moldings, custom siding, decking, sawn and hand hewn beams, architectural millwork and a wide range of other specialty wood products to customers across the United States. As a custom mill, we also have the flexibility to produce products made from just about any type of wood, to your exact specifications.
We offer flooring at a variety of widths and lengths ... unfinished or prefinished with VOC free materials. We offer original face and textured finishes. We mill to 3/4" with an extra thick wear layer to ensure longevity and durability. We inspect every board to maximize usability and remove unsound defects. Our custom flooring is precision milled tongue and groove including back relieved.
Excelsior Wood Products, LLC is a full service mill and lumber supplier specializing in antique and reclaimed wood. We have the capacity to produce and ship reclaimed flooring, custom moldings, custom siding, decking, sawn and hand hewn beams, architectural millwork and a wide range of other specialty wood products to customers across the United States. As a custom mill, we also have the flexibility to produce products made from just about any type of wood, to your exact specifications.
We offer flooring at a variety of widths and lengths ... unfinished or prefinished with VOC free materials. We offer original face and textured finishes. We mill to 3/4" with an extra thick wear layer to ensure longevity and durability. We inspect every board to maximize usability and remove unsound defects. Our custom flooring is precision milled tongue and groove including back relieved.
Our mission: "Deliver the highest quality natural material, along with excellent personal customer service.”
Please feel free to visit our website www.excelsiorwood.com, call (845) 339-6630 or email christina@excelsiorwood.com, come tour our facility or let us bring samples to you.339-6630 or email christina@excelsiorwood.com, come tour our facility or let us bring samples to you.

Custom Staircase - Rift sawn white oak.
Excelsior Wood Products, LLC is a full service mill and lumber supplier specializing in antique and reclaimed wood. We have the capacity to produce and ship reclaimed flooring, custom moldings, custom siding, decking, sawn and hand hewn beams, architectural millwork and a wide range of other specialty wood products to customers across the United States. As a custom mill, we also have the flexibility to produce products made from just about any type of wood, to your exact specifications.
We offer flooring at a variety of widths and lengths ... unfinished or pre-finished with VOC free materials. We offer original face and textured finishes. We mill to 3/4" with an extra thick wear layer to ensure longevity and durability. We inspect every board to maximize usability and remove unsound defects. Our custom flooring is precision milled tongue and groove including back relieved.
Excelsior Wood Products, LLC is a full service mill and lumber supplier specializing in antique and reclaimed wood. We have the capacity to produce and ship reclaimed flooring, custom moldings, custom siding, decking, sawn and hand hewn beams, architectural millwork and a wide range of other specialty wood products to customers across the United States. As a custom mill, we also have the flexibility to produce products made from just about any type of wood, to your exact specifications.
We offer flooring at a variety of widths and lengths ... unfinished or pre-finished with VOC free materials. We offer original face and textured finishes. We mill to 3/4" with an extra thick wear layer to ensure longevity and durability. We inspect every board to maximize usability and remove unsound defects. Our custom flooring is precision milled tongue and groove including back relieved.
Our mission: "Deliver the highest quality natural material, along with excellent personal customer service.”
Please feel free to visit our website www.excelsiorwood.com, call (845) 339-6630 or email christina@excelsiorwood.com, come tour our facility or let us bring samples to you.339-6630 or email christina@excelsiorwood.com, come tour our facility or let us bring samples to you.

The solid brass or bronze hardware is satined and colored using a double dip antiquing process to give a rich gray-brown tone. Some of the coloring is carefully buffed off by hand to give a naturally worn look. The final step of hand waxing brings out additional patina and protects the finish while allowing it to age naturally over time.
Cleaning with mild soap and water and then buffing the surface dry with a soft cloth is recommended. Applying a coat of Decorative Hardware Wax will protect the finish.
Find the right local pro for your project

Finishing touches on a landscape drainage project. Note the drain grate in the foreground. This connects underground french drains running under the pavers which relieves side yard flooding. The paver path goes out to the front yard driveway and so the trash cans can be easily moved to the curb.

A restorative bedroom begins with comfort that helps your body truly relax. This inviting space features the Doctor's Choice® Original Plush Mattress from Denver Mattress, designed for sleepers who prefer a softer feel without sacrificing the support needed for healthy sleep.
Engineered to provide enhanced pressure relief while helping maintain proper spinal alignment, the Doctor's Choice® Original Plush is ideal for side sleepers and anyone seeking a more cushioned sleep experience. The mattress works in harmony with the room's calming design to create an environment focused on comfort, recovery, and uninterrupted rest.
Warm wood furnishings, soft blue bedding, natural textures, and soothing lighting come together to create a welcoming retreat where relaxation takes priority. The result is a bedroom that supports both physical comfort and overall well-being, helping you wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

Why Mattress Thickness Is One of the Most Misunderstood Specs
When most people shop for a memory foam mattress, they focus on firmness, materials, and brand. Thickness tends to be an afterthought — or worse, treated as a proxy for quality. The assumption goes: thicker equals better. That assumption is wrong in a meaningful number of cases, and getting it wrong means waking up with exactly the kind of stiffness, pressure pain, or lower back ache you bought a new mattress to avoid.
The right thickness for a memory foam mattress is not a single number. It is a combination of your body weight, your sleep position, and any specific health conditions you are managing. A 14-inch mattress that provides ideal support for a 250-pound side sleeper may cause a 115-pound stomach sleeper to experience spinal misalignment all night. A 10-inch mattress that works perfectly for a back sleeper of average build offers inadequate pressure relief for a heavier side sleeper whose hips need to sink further into the comfort layer before the support base engages.
This guide maps thickness to the factors that actually determine whether a mattress works for your body. It covers the science of mattress layers, the three primary variables (weight, position, condition), and a complete decision table so you can find your ideal thickness without guesswork.
Understanding Mattress Thickness: Layers, Not Just Height
A memory foam mattress’s total thickness is the sum of its individual layers, and those layers serve entirely different functions. Two mattresses that are both 12 inches thick may feel radically different because their comfort layer depths and support core thicknesses are distributed differently.
The Two Parts That Matter
Every memory foam mattress has two functional zones: the comfort layer at the top and the support core at the bottom. The comfort layer — which in quality mattresses consists of gel-infused viscoelastic foam, transition foam, and a cooling cover — is the zone that contours to your body, relieves pressure, and cushions the joints. The support core — high-density foam or pocketed springs in a hybrid — is the zone that keeps the spine aligned and prevents the entire body from sinking into the mattress.
The key relationship is this: the comfort layer must be deep enough for your body’s heaviest pressure points to sink in fully before the firmer support core pushes back. If it is too shallow, those pressure points press against a firm surface and cause localised pain. If the support core is too thin, the whole mattress sags under body weight and the spine loses alignment regardless of how comfortable the top feels.
Here is how EGOHOME’s Black series layers map to these functions:
Layer
Material
Function
EGOHOME Technology
Cover (0.5–1")
Fabric + cooling tech
Temperature regulation, hygiene
Anti-heat™ Graphene Cooling Cover
Comfort layer (2–6")
Gel foam, AeroFusion™
Pressure relief, contouring
Copper Gel AeroFusion™ Foam
Transition layer (1–2")
Mid-density foam
Prevents sinkage past comfort zone
BraceSleeper™ Support Foam (upper)
Support core (6–12")
High-density foam or coils
Spinal alignment, edge support
BraceSleeper™ Support Foam (core)
Thickness alone does not tell you how a mattress will perform. A 14-inch mattress with a 2-inch comfort layer and a 12-inch support core will feel firm and supportive. A 14-inch mattress with a 6-inch comfort layer and an 8-inch support core will feel plush and contouring. Always check the comfort layer depth, not just the total inches.
Memory Foam Mattress Thickness Ranges: What Each Category Delivers
Here is a complete breakdown of what to expect from each thickness range and who each suits best:
Thickness
Profile
Best Use Case
Body Weight
Best Sleep Position
6–8"
Low profile
Children, bunk beds, guest rooms, adjustable bases
Under 130 lbs
Kids, lightweight, occasional use
8–10"
Standard-thin
Stomach sleepers, lightweight adults, budget setups
Under 130 lbs
Stomach, lightweight back sleepers
10–12"
Standard
Most adults, back sleepers, back pain relief
130–230 lbs
Back, stomach, combo sleepers
12–14"
High-profile
Side sleepers, plus-size, pressure relief
130–230 lbs+
Side sleepers, hip/shoulder pain
14"+
Premium
Plus-size sleepers, heavy duos, luxury setups
230 lbs+
Plus-size, side sleepers, chronic pain
6–8 Inches: Low-Profile (Specific Use Cases Only)
Low-profile mattresses in the 6 to 8 inch range are designed for specific applications rather than general adult use. They work well on bunk beds and trundle beds where height clearance is limited, for children’s beds where a lower sleep surface is safer, on adjustable bases where the mattress needs to flex significantly, and for lightweight individuals under 130 pounds who need minimal depth to reach the support core. For a standard adult of average build, a mattress under 8 inches is unlikely to provide adequate comfort layer depth for sustained pressure relief.
8–10 Inches: Standard-Thin (Stomach Sleepers and Lightweight Adults)
The 8 to 10 inch range is the practical starting point for most adult use. At this thickness, there is enough comfort layer to provide basic pressure relief without the excessive depth that allows heavier body sections to sink past the support zone. Stomach sleepers in particular benefit from this range: when sleeping face down, the goal is to keep the hips from sinking lower than the shoulders and chest, which would create a downward bow in the lumbar spine. A thinner mattress with a firmer feel prevents this hyperextension more reliably than a thicker, softer model. EGOHOME offers 8-inch memory foam options suited to this profile.
10–12 Inches: Standard (The Sweet Spot for Most Adults)
The 10 to 12 inch range is the most broadly appropriate thickness for adults of standard build. At this depth, a quality memory foam mattress contains enough comfort layer material to contour genuinely around the hips and shoulders without allowing the body to bottom out into the support core. It also contains enough support core depth to maintain spinal alignment under continuous body weight across seven or eight hours. Back sleepers of standard weight (130 to 230 pounds) typically find this range the most supportive, as the lumbar region receives adequate underlying resistance without the excessive softness that taller mattresses can develop under consistent pressure.
12–14 Inches: High-Profile (Side Sleepers and Plus-Size Sleepers)
The 12 to 14 inch range addresses two specific needs: side sleepers who require a deep enough comfort layer to allow the shoulder and hip to sink in while the waist remains supported, and heavier individuals whose body weight requires more foam depth before reaching full support core engagement. For a side sleeper of standard or higher body weight, a comfort layer of less than 4 to 6 inches is often not deep enough for the shoulder to sink fully into an aligned position. The result is an upward lateral bow in the thoracic spine that causes shoulder and upper back pain upon waking. The EGOHOME Black 14-inch Pro and Hybrid models are built specifically for this thickness range.
14 Inches and Above: Premium and Plus-Size
Mattresses at 14 inches or more are appropriate for plus-size sleepers over 230 pounds and for couples where one partner is significantly heavier. At higher body weights, a greater depth of both comfort material and support foam is required because the heavier load compresses the foam more aggressively. A support core that adequately resists a 160-pound sleeper may allow excessive sinkage under a 280-pound sleeper, causing the hips to drop past the point of lumbar support. EGOHOME’s Black 14-inch Firm model includes a 12-inch BraceSleeper™ Support Foam core specifically designed to resist this deep compression under higher body weights.
Thickness by Body Weight: The Primary Determining Factor
Body weight is the single most important variable in thickness selection because it directly determines how far the body sinks into the foam. The same mattress will feel completely different to a 120-pound sleeper versus a 240-pound sleeper, because the heavier person compresses the foam significantly more deeply.
Lightweight Sleepers (Under 130 lbs)
Lightweight sleepers do not need and often cannot benefit from thick mattresses. Because they exert less pressure on the foam, they may not compress a 14-inch mattress deeply enough to feel the support core at all, resulting in a floating sensation with insufficient underlying resistance. For lightweight sleepers, 8 to 10 inches provides adequate comfort layer depth for full pressure relief. The EGOHOME Black 10-inch Classic (medium feel) is the appropriate starting point for this weight category.
Standard-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)
Standard-weight adults represent the broadest population of mattress buyers, and the 10 to 12 inch range was designed specifically for this group. At this weight range, the body compresses the comfort layer meaningfully enough for the foam to contour around pressure points, while the support core remains thick enough to prevent excessive sinkage. The EGOHOME Black 12-inch and the Black 10-inch ranges both address this category, with the 12-inch models being more appropriate for side sleepers who need the extra comfort layer depth.
Plus-Size Sleepers (Over 230 lbs)
Heavier sleepers require 12 to 14 inches at minimum to prevent bottoming out — the point at which body weight compresses through the comfort layer entirely and the sleeper feels the firm support core directly. Bottoming out eliminates pressure relief completely and can significantly worsen joint pain and lower back stiffness. EGOHOME recommends a suggested maximum of 300 pounds per person across their mattress range, and the 14-inch Hybrid and 14-inch Firm models are engineered with the deeper support cores required to handle higher body weights without performance degradation over time.
Thickness by Sleep Position: Matching Depth to Alignment Needs
Side Sleepers: 12 Inches or More
Side sleeping places the body’s heaviest pressure points — the shoulder and hip — in direct contact with the mattress. These points need to sink into the comfort layer deeply enough that the spine remains horizontal from head to toe. If the comfort layer is too thin or too firm, the shoulder cannot descend fully into the mattress, and the spine develops an upward lateral curve between the shoulder and the head. This causes the neck, shoulder, and upper back tension that many side sleepers report upon waking.
Side sleepers of standard weight need at least 12 inches, with a soft to medium-soft comfort layer. EGOHOME’s Black 12-inch Pro (soft feel, 7.5 out of 10 cooling score) is specifically recommended for side sleepers managing back, shoulder, or joint pain. The Black 14-inch Pro (medium-soft, 8 out of 10 cooling) adds additional comfort layer depth for those who need greater pressure relief.
Back Sleepers: 10–12 Inches
Back sleeping is the most spinal-alignment-friendly position because the body’s weight is distributed relatively evenly across the mattress. The primary challenge for back sleepers is lumbar support: the natural inward curve of the lower back creates a gap between the lumbar spine and the mattress surface that must be filled by the foam contouring upward into it. A mattress that is too soft allows the pelvis to sink excessively, flattening this curve and creating lower back compression. A mattress that is too firm cannot conform into the lumbar curve at all.
For back sleepers, 10 to 12 inches with a medium or medium-firm feel provides the optimal combination. EGOHOME’s Black 12-inch Hybrid (medium-firm, 6.5 out of 10 cooling) is specifically noted as ideal for back sleepers, combining pocketed spring zoned support with gel foam contouring for precise lumbar engagement.
Stomach Sleepers: 8–10 Inches
Stomach sleepers face the opposite alignment challenge from side sleepers. Rather than needing the mattress to yield deeply at the joints, they need the mattress to maintain a flat, firm surface that prevents the hips from sinking below the chest. If the hips drop lower than the upper body, the lumbar spine hyperextends into an arched position that compresses the posterior vertebral joints and causes significant lower back pain.
Stomach sleepers need a thinner mattress with a firmer feel. The EGOHOME Black 14-inch Firm is specifically recommended for stomach sleepers and heavier sleepers who need maximum surface resistance. Its 12-inch BraceSleeper™ Support Foam core provides the deep, unyielding base that prevents hip sinkage without requiring a thin mattress that compromises comfort.
Best Thickness for Back Pain: The Medium-Firm 10–12 Inch Principle
For people managing chronic lower back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, or general spinal stiffness, mattress thickness interacts with back health in a specific way that differs from general sleep comfort recommendations.
The key principle for back pain is controlled contouring. You need enough foam depth to relieve pressure at the hips and shoulders, but not so much depth that the foam develops a sag under the heavier sections of the body over time. Excessive thickness combined with a soft comfort layer is one of the most common causes of mattress-induced back pain — the sleeper sinks into a gentle hammock shape that feels comfortable initially but compresses the lumbar discs continuously throughout the night.
10–12 Inches: The Optimal Back Pain Range
A medium-firm mattress of 10 to 12 inches addresses both needs simultaneously. It provides adequate foam depth for genuine pressure relief at the hips and shoulders without the risk of comfort layer collapse that taller, softer mattresses can develop. The support core at this thickness is deep enough to maintain consistent lumbar support from the first night through years of regular use.
For side sleepers with lower back pain, the recommendation extends to 12 inches with a soft feel to ensure the hip can sink into full alignment. For back sleepers with lower back pain, 10 to 12 inches with a medium-firm feel is the target. For stomach sleepers with lower back pain, a firmer feel at any thickness is more important than depth — preventing hip sinkage is the priority.
⚠️ Mattresses over 14 inches with very soft comfort layers are a common hidden cause of lower back pain. The deep softness feels luxurious initially but allows the lumbar region to sag into misalignment through the night. If you sleep on a thick, very soft mattress and wake with lower back stiffness, the mattress — not your position — may be the cause.
Complete Thickness Decision Table: Your Position × Your Weight
Use this table to find your recommended thickness and the matching EGOHOME model:
Sleep Position
Body Weight
Ideal Thickness
EGOHOME Recommendation
Side sleeper
Under 130 lbs
12"
EGOHOME Black 12” Pro (soft, 7.5/10 cool)
Side sleeper
130–230 lbs
12–14"
EGOHOME Black 14” Pro (medium-soft, 8/10 cool)
Side sleeper
Over 230 lbs
14"
EGOHOME Black 14” Hybrid (medium-firm, 8.5/10 cool)
Back sleeper
Under 130 lbs
10"
EGOHOME Black 10” Classic (medium, 6/10 cool)
Back sleeper
130–230 lbs
10–12"
EGOHOME Black 12” Hybrid (medium-firm, 6.5/10 cool)
Back sleeper
Over 230 lbs
12–14"
EGOHOME Black 14” Hybrid (medium-firm, 8.5/10 cool)
Stomach sleeper
Under 130 lbs
8–10"
EGOHOME 8" Memory Foam (firm, standard support)
Stomach sleeper
130–230 lbs
10–12"
EGOHOME Black 10” Hybrid (medium-firm, 6.5/10 cool)
Stomach sleeper
Over 230 lbs
12–14"
EGOHOME Black 14” Firm (firm, 7/10 cool)
Combination
Any weight
10–14"
EGOHOME Black 14” Pro or 14” Hybrid
? If you are between two categories — for example, a 220-pound back sleeper with occasional side sleeping — choose the model suited to your heavier variable. A 12” hybrid model handles the heavier weight and still adapts to position changes. When in doubt, go medium-firm over soft.
EGOHOME Memory Foam Mattresses by Thickness
EGOHOME’s range spans 6 to 14 inches across memory foam and hybrid constructions, with every model carrying CertiPUR-US® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, a 10-year warranty, a 100-night home trial, and free shipping and returns across the contiguous U.S.
For 8–10 Inch Needs
The EGOHOME 8-inch memory foam and Black 10-inch Classic and Hybrid models cover the lightweight and stomach sleeper range. The 10-inch Classic offers a medium feel suited to back and side sleepers under 130 pounds. The 10-inch Hybrid adds pocketed spring support for better lumbar engagement and airflow.
For 10–12 Inch Needs
The EGOHOME Black 12-inch range — Classic, Pro, and Hybrid — is the most widely applicable thickness tier. The 12-inch Classic (soft, cool 6/10) suits side sleepers and those with joint pain. The 12-inch Hybrid (medium-firm, cool 6.5/10) is specifically recommended for back sleepers and standard-weight adults across positions. The 12-inch Pro (soft, cool 7.5/10) is the top choice for side sleepers dealing with shoulder or hip pain.
For 12–14 Inch Needs
The EGOHOME Black 14-inch series is the flagship range. The 14-inch Pro (medium-soft, cool 8/10) is designed for side sleepers and pressure-relief-first buyers. The 14-inch Hybrid (medium-firm, cool 8.5/10) handles all sleep positions and is the strongest all-rounder in the range. The 14-inch Firm is built for stomach sleepers and heavier individuals, with a 12-inch BraceSleeper™ Support Foam core that resists sinkage under higher body weights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a thicker memory foam mattress always better?
No. Thickness should match your body weight and sleep position, not simply be maximised. A 14-inch mattress with a very soft comfort layer can cause back pain in lightweight sleepers or stomach sleepers by allowing excessive sinkage. A well-calibrated 10-inch mattress will consistently outperform an oversized 14-inch model for the wrong body type.
What thickness of memory foam is good for back pain?
A medium-firm mattress of 10 to 12 inches is the most widely recommended range for lower back pain. It provides enough foam depth for genuine pressure relief without the risk of comfort layer collapse that causes lumbar sagging. Side sleepers with back pain may benefit from 12 inches with a softer feel to ensure hip and shoulder alignment.
What is the minimum thickness for a memory foam mattress for adults?
For most adults, 8 inches is the practical minimum for sustained comfort. Below 8 inches, there is often insufficient comfort layer depth for pressure relief across a full night of sleep. The exception is stomach sleepers who may intentionally choose 8 inches for a firmer surface that prevents hip sinkage.
Does mattress thickness affect how long it lasts?
Yes, indirectly. A mattress that is too thin for the body weight it supports will experience faster comfort layer compression and develop sags and pressure indentations earlier than one appropriately sized for that load. Choosing the correct thickness for your weight extends the usable lifespan of the mattress. EGOHOME mattresses are expected to last 6 to 8 years with proper care, with regular rotation every 3 to 6 months recommended.
Can I use a thick mattress on an adjustable base?
Memory foam mattresses up to 14 inches are generally compatible with adjustable bases, though the mattress should be flexible enough to bend at the head and foot sections without cracking or deforming. EGOHOME mattresses are confirmed compatible with adjustable bases. For very thick or firm mattresses, check the specific flex requirements of your adjustable base before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
The best thickness for a memory foam mattress is not the thickest you can find or the most expensive number on the specification sheet. It is the thickness that aligns precisely with your body weight, your sleep position, and any specific conditions you are managing — then pairs that depth with a comfort layer and support core calibrated to work

Earlier this summer I was called out to this job in the garden of a house in the city of Ely to inspect a freshly laid porcelain tiled patio with grout haze issues. The builder who had installed the patio hadn’t removed all the grout from the textured surface of the tile before it had dried. This was probably due to the hot weather which reduces drying times and has caught many tilers out. Multiple repeat visits by the builder trying followed who spent countless hours trying to remove the grout haze, unfortunately due to the textured surface of the tile he was unable to remove it and the patio was left looking awful.
Like the builder we are increasingly finding modern grouts, which although more durable, are very difficult to remove. Fortunately belonging to the Tile Doctor network, I had already been made aware of this problem and was able to offer a solution.
I arranged to pay the property a visit to demonstrate a potential solution and quote for resolving the issues. Even though the grout haze was indeed difficult to remove it wasn’t impossible if you know how. The demonstration came out well and relieved that they had finally found a solution to the problem booked me in to get the work carried out.
On my return I started with the application of a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up. This product is ideal for removing grout haze or smears as they often referred to; however, being acidic we don’t recommend it for use on every surface so if your using it yourself do check the label first. I left it to soak in for ten minutes before being agitated with a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary buffer
The weather was good, so it wasn’t a problem working outside and once all the grout smears were removed, I finished off by giving the whole patio a high-pressure rinse. I use a van mounted rinse/extraction system for this that applies warm water at high pressure onto the patio to dislodge dirt and then extracts the waste into a separate tank in the vehicle. It was an expensive investment but makes light work of jobs like this.
It took around four to five cleans to complete the job, by the late afternoon the grout haze was gone, and the porcelain patio looked completely transformed. It was quite a warm day, so the patio soon dried allowing my client to use it later that day. I should mention that this variety of Porcelain tiles were not the micro porous type and therefore did not need to be sealed.
Relieved the problem was finally resolved and happy with the result my client left the following feedback:
Amazing service, they were able to provide us with a quote and demo before we agreed to work. We are so happy with the results we have as our patio slabs looked ruined to the eye but the Tile Doctor managed to get them looking brand new.
Tom Conlon
Cambridge Tile Doctor

Being connected and surrounded by nature allows us to feel relaxed and calm but with the current world situation, the present way of life cuts people off from nature. With little access to green areas plus the hustle and bustle of urban society, people are exposed to stress that can accumulate easily and quickly over time. Stress can be dealt with by nature. Introducing a “Therapeutic Outdoor Space” designed to be a pocket space to relieve stress on a tiring day. This form of landscaping aims to balance the body, mind, and spirit in a stable state where it uses 30% of landscape and 70% of hardscape create with natural materials allowing humans who visit the space to relax through all their 5 senses relieving the accumulated stress from the fast-paced urban lifestyle.

Grout haze or grout smears as it is often called can be a huge problem when laying tiles. Grout haze is basically grout that has been left to dry on the surface of the tile after installation. It’s a common problem which is exacerbated by the use of quick drying products. Take for example this interesting Wood Effect Ceramic Tile installation at a house in Guildford following installation by a builder.
I was a bit slow in following up on the initial enquiry as we had been very busy so by the time, I got in touch I was told they had employed someone else to carry out the work. I apologised for my late response and said to call me if he needed help in the future. Three days later I got a call so we arranged a visit so that I could carry out a test and quote a price.
As it turns out the builder had returned and failed to remove the grout haze and so had a rival firm that seemed more interested in selling unnecessary sealer than fixing the problem. I was astonished to see what a state the builder had left his floor. Grout was all over the floor with footprints walked across thresholds and more. I could understand it if there was some grout was missed after installation but not to this level!
I carried out a successful test and confirmed to the customer that there was absolutely no need to rip and replace his £2k floor. We agreed a date to resolve the problem and to say he was relieved was an understatement!
The builders had used Mapei grout which contains polymers. Polymers offer better flexibility and adhesion, however in order to remove the grout haze we would first need to break down the polymers in the grout first and this is why the rival firm failed.
With that in mind, my first action was to apply Tile Doctor Remove and Go to the floor and leave it to dwell for five to ten minutes. I then worked it into the tile using a scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine.
After washing the soil away with warm water and extracting with a wet vacuum I applied Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up to treat the grout. Grout Clean-up is an acid-based product that breaks down the grout so it can be rinsed away and extracted as before. Afterwards I rinsed the floor with warm water and extracted again to remove any trace of product and neutralise the floor. After removing as much moisture as possible with the wet vacuum I speed dried the tiles with a blower.
Ceramic tiles won’t accept a sealer so once the floor had dried the job was finished and it took less than a day.
The customer was over the moon with the difference. While his floor was in such a state, he has been unable to bring in new furniture as the serious possibility of removing the tiles was hanging over him.
Relieved that the problem was now resolved he kindly left the following review:
“I had a floor that had just been laid with very heavy grout haze. I had already had advice from two other professional floor cleaners who had advised me that the floor was irreparable and would need to be pulled up. As soon as I spoke with Rupert, it was clear he was extremely knowledgeable. He asked questions none of the other companies had. By understanding the specific nature of the problem, he was able to solve it by first removing the grout polymers and then applying an acid wash. The floor came up brilliantly. Rupert was the only person I spoke to that could fix this, everyone else told me I needed to replace my floor! Superbly knowledgeable, professional and did an excellent job. Don’t bother speaking to anyone else, just call Rupert! “
Rupert Mcleod
West Surrey Tile Doctor

Note: These chairs are now sold as a combo seat + base.
Simply timeless. Our iconic, top-selling Cairo Chair is an essential mid-century mod design element. Featuring a recyclable, molded plastic base, Cairo was designed for comfort, durability and style. Although it looks simple, the advanced design of the seat actually cradles the body, relieving pressure on the legs. Made from recyclable, ecologically friendly ABS plastic, in white, black, and light grey.Note: These chairs are now sold as a combo seat + base.
Simply timeless. Our iconic, top-selling Cairo Chair is an essential mid-century mod design element. Featuring a recyclable, molded plastic base, Cairo was designed for comfort, durability and style. Although it looks simple, the advanced design of the seat actually cradles the body, relieving pressure on the legs. Made from recyclable, ecologically friendly ABS plastic, in white, black, and light grey.

In addition to the pantry, the client wanted to organize and have her vitamins and pain relievers in the kitchen. There is less humidity and moisture in the kitchen than the bathroom which is better for the pills. We used containers she already owned and grouped like with like.

Overview
Whole house refurbishment, double storey wrap around extension and large loft conversion.
The Brief
Create a WOW factor space, add glamour and fun and give the house a street side and garden side, both different.
Our Solution
This project was exciting from the start, the client wanted to entertain in a WOW factor space, have a panoramic view of the garden (which was to be landscaped), add bedrooms and a great master suite.
We had some key elements to introduce such as an aquarium separating two rooms; double height spaces and a gloss kitchen, all of which manifest themselves in the completed scheme.
Architecture is a process taking a schedule of areas, some key desires and needs, mixing the functionality and creating space.
New spaces transform a house making it more valuable, giving it kerb appeal and making it feel like a different building. All of which happened at Ailsa Road.

DOMUS RESIDENCE, YALETOWN | 2015
| PHOTO CREDIT |
Janis Nicolay
| PROJECT PROFILE |
Renovation & Styling Project
906 sq.ft | 11th Floor | Yaletown | Ledingham Design,Built 2003
1 Bedroom + 2 Bath + Den + Living / Dining Room + Balcony
| DESIGN TEAM |
Interior Design | GAILE GUEVARA
Design Team | Laura Melling, Anahita Mafi, Foojan Kasravi, Rebecca Raymond
| CONSTRUCTION TEAM |
Builder | Projekt Home
| SOURCE GUIDE |
Accessories - Decorative objects | Teixidors Cushions available through Provide
Accessories - Area rug |
Bedding | Stonewashed Belgian Linen Collection provided by Restoration Hardware + Hendrik Lou
Closets | Ikea - Pax Wardrobe Storage System
Furniture - Bedframe & Bedside Tables by CB2
Furniture - Dining Table | Custom Table by Ben Barber Studio
Furniture - Dining Chair | Hay about a chair provided by Vancouver Special
Furniture - Bed | Facade Grey Queen Bed from CB2
Furniture - Bedside Table | Shake Nightstand from CB2
Hardwood Flooring | Kentwood Originals - Brushed Oak Snohomish by Metropolitan Floors
Lighting - Accent | LineLight By Lock & Mortice
Lighting - Decorative | Bocci 28d Provided by Bocci

Toronto’s Upside Development completed this contemporary new construction in Otonabee, North York.
Living room - mid-sized contemporary formal and enclosed light wood floor and beige floor living room idea in Toronto with white walls
Living room - mid-sized contemporary formal and enclosed light wood floor and beige floor living room idea in Toronto with white walls

Attractive living as an architectural experiment: a 136-year-old water tower, a listed building with a spectacular 360-degree panorama view over the City of London. The task, to transform it into a superior residence, initially seemed an absolute impossibility. But when the owners came across architect Mike Collier, they had found a partner who was to make the impossible possible. The tower, which had been empty for decades, underwent radical renovation work and was extended by a four-storey cube containing kitchen, dining and living room - connected by glazed tunnels and a lift shaft. The kitchen, realised by Enclosure Interiors in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with furniture from LEICHT is the very heart of living in this new building.
Shiny white matt-lacquered kitchen fronts (AVANCE-LR), tone-on-tone with the worktops, reflect the light in the room and thus create expanse and openness. The surface of the handle-less kitchen fronts has a horizontal relief embossing; depending on the light incidence, this results in a vitally structured surface. The free-standing preparation isle with its vertical side panels with a seamlessly integrated sink represents the transition between kitchen and living room. The fronts of the floor units facing the dining table were extended to the floor to do away with the plinth typical of most kitchens. Ceiling-high tall units on the wall provide plenty of storage space; the electrical appliances are integrated here invisible to the eye. Floor units on a high plinth which thus appear to be floating form the actual cooking centre within the kitchen, attached to the wall. A range of handle-less wall units concludes the glazed niche at the top.
LEICHT international: “Architecture and kitchen” in the centre of London. www.LeichtUSA.com

Example of a 1960s l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary porcelain tile sunroom remodel in Vancouver with a wood stove and a standard ceiling
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