Beginner's Guide to Quarry Tiles

But quarry tile is markedly different from other tiles in that it is not very porous or glazed. Learn more about the qualities of quarry tile and where to use this beautiful natural tile. What Is Quarry Tile? Hyper-Studio / Getty Images Commercial buildings use quarry tile because it is very durable and hides stains well. Quarry Tiles Are Slightly Absorbent Various types of tile absorb water at different rates....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 244 words · Carolyn Smith

Beginner’s Guide to Bathtub Refinishing: 9 Simple Steps

The epoxy coating comes in white or a few other basic colors. The main steps for bathtub refinishing with a kit include cleaning, sanding, and coating the tub. Warning Bathtub refinishing kits emit toxic fumes. The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz launch the bathroom exhaust fan while you work. Place a box fan in an open window to remove gasses. Wear manufacturer-recommended breathing protection such as a respirator when sanding or applying the refinishing product....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 494 words · Jessica May

Begonias Need Special Care in The Fall—What You Should Do Right Now For Happy Plants

If you live in zones 7 and lower here is how to keep your begonias alive during winter. Here are some general rules for overwintering plants. Want more gardening tips? oopoontongoo / Getty Images Tuberous Begonias Tuberous begonias are sensitive to hard frost and don’t tolerate temperatures below 45F. Freezing kills the entire plant so you should probably dig, cure, and store the tubers overwinter. The first light frost causes leaves to die back....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 477 words · Craig Miller

Behr's 2024 Color of the Year Is Here to Awaken Your Senses

Its a timeless color, modern color that brings sophistication into any room in your home." “A white (like last years color) definitely complements a color like Cracked Pepper. It balances, coordinates, and is a very grounding moment.” Behr Paint We recognize the growing desire for using darker colors throughout spaces, Jodi Allen said in the press release. “It can be a classic, Cape Cod color that you use as accents....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 119 words · Kevin Torres

Behr's 2025 Color of the Year Is the Rich, Sophisticated Hue We've Been Waiting For

Want more design inspiration? And that might be due to the nostalgia we feel about red, says Fishburne. “Red has always been a very welcoming, optimist color,” Fishburne tells The Spruce. Behr Paint “It’s very welcoming,” Woelfel tells The Spruce. “It has great curb appeal, especially if it’s painted in a high-gloss finish.” Behr Paint is available exclusively atThe Home Depot. Behr Paint Behr Paint Behr Paint

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 67 words · Edward Hubbard

Beneficial Nematodes: How to Use Them for Gardening

piyaset/ Getty Images Good garden soil teems with life and activity. What goes on beneath the soil constitutes an entire ecosystem with microorganisms, insects, and invertebrates. Beneficial nematodes can help rid your garden of some common insect pests. piyaset/ Getty Images What Are Nematodes? Both types are parasitic and thrive in the moist environment surrounding plant roots. The key difference is that root-knot nematodesMeloidogyne sppdamage plants by invading and corrupting the plant’s root system....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 298 words · Alex Williams

Benjamin Moore's 2025 Color of the Year, Cinnamon Slate, Proves "In-Between" Hues Are In

Benjamin Moore Benjamin Moore announced their2025 color of the year, and it’sdreamy. If you’ve been waiting for a neutral yet romantic hue, you’re in luck. It’s not only rich and warm, but its inviting tone will add depth to any room! Benjamin Moore “Cinnamon Slate is an inviting hue that offers enduring style and modern sensibility. Want more design inspiration? We couldn’t agree more. Benjamin Moore If you need ideas about how to use this color in your home, look no further!...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 115 words · Charles Matthews

Berber Carpet: Pros and Cons, Cost, Durability, and More

Is Berber Carpet Right for Your Home? What Is Berber Carpet? It’s inspired by the weaving style of the Berber people of North Africa. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly Today, Berber carpet can be flecked, multi-colored, or solid-colored. Berber is made from olefin, nylon, polyester, triexta, or wool and wool blends. Berber has become increasingly popular because it is considered less expensive than other residential carpet styles. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 213 words · Stephen Griffith

Best and Worst Companion Plants for Cilantro

Cilantro does well near plants that add nitrogen to the soil. Nitrogen converts to nitrates which add nutrients to your cilantro. One good bet is to plant some tall annual flowers. The Spruce / K. Dave Bad Cilantro Companion Plants There are some plants that should not be planted near cilantro. This makes cilantro a great companion to other plants in yourherb or vegetable garden. Cilantro also attracts beneficial insects with its unique and pungent fragrance....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 116 words · Cynthia Thomas

Best and Worst Companion Plants for Watermelons

Lavender and borage can help promote pollination, while pole or bush beans can increase nitrogen in the soil. It’s important to avoid planting certain species near watermelons, which can attract pests. Ready to start your summer garden? The Spruce / K. Dave These are the best and worst companion plants for watermelon. It’s also important to consider crop rotationfor successful watermelon plants. The striped cucumber beetle can also transmit bacterial wilt, a deadly plant virus....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 203 words · Jason Cohen

Best and Worst Flooring Choices for Wet Areas

Laminate flooring, therefore, is usually a poor choice for damp locations. One exception to the rule iscarpeting. Except for relatively rare wool and cotton carpet blends, most carpeting is synthetic and fully inorganic. Tamara Staples / Getty Images But because carpeting traps and holds moisture, it is a very poor choice for damp locations. All of the materials themselves are100 percent waterproof. These flooring coverings can be used with confidencein kitchens, full family bathrooms, and basements....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 153 words · Maria Yoder

Best Cement Boards for the Shower

So, it’s critical that the shower be waterproof. Wheneverinstalling tilein any area of your house, you need a specialsubstrateor base layer. Cement board comes both in 1/4-inch-thick and 1/2-inch-thick versions. The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz Even the slightest amount of movement in a building structure can telegraph to the tile and crack it. When water leaks behind shower tile, the results can be devastating. Best Cement Boards and Applications There are several acceptable applications of cement board in the shower....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 348 words · Melanie Chavez

Best Couch Fabrics: 9 Types of Materials to Suit Your Space and Lifestyle

Each material has benefits and potential drawbacks, from resistance to stains to durability levels. snag the fabric that works best for your lifestyle and thetype of couchyou are upholstering. Want more design inspiration? The Spruce / Jacob Fox Easy to dye, cotton is available in an infinite variety of patterns and colors. Be sure that cotton couch fabric is treated to make it more resistant against staining. Choose linen upholstery orslip covers for your couchif you enjoy a natural look with a casually rumpled appearance....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 303 words · Joshua Sanchez