The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz When purchasing grout, you have a choice between sanded vs. unsanded grout. Bothgroutsdo have some overlapping uses. But your tile will look better if you might choose the best one for the job. The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz Seal with a pH-neutral, water-based, penetrating sealer. Unsanded grout is easier to work with than sanded grout on vertical surfaces such as tiled shower walls. Sanded grout is widely available, has the greatest range of mixed color choices, and reduces grout shrinkage....

Along with staining and top-coating,sanding your wood flooris a major component of refinishing the floor. Floor sanders are special tools designed for floor use only. Most homeowners will not have these types of sanders in their workshops. The Spruce / Margot Cavin However, it is not necessary to purchase these expensive pieces of equipment. Tip Smaller shop size belt and orbital sanders can be useful for hard to get to spots....

Even the exact same paint color can take on totally different looks based on the sheen you choose. “Its low gloss makes it a good option for most walls and ceilings. Tip When in doubt, always use the lowest sheen for painting ceilings. The Spruce / Kevin Norris However, certainbrandsoffer modern matte solutions that are more durable and can hold up to regular wipe-downs. Matte paint’s lower light reflectivity makes it perfect for hiding imperfections....

What Is Satin Nickel? Satin nickel is a nickel plating finish with a smooth texture and a soft luster. Satin nickel is commonly used for faucets, doorknobs, cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures, and more. karayuschij / Getty Images What Is Brushed Nickel? Brushed nickel is a nickel plating finish with a matte, brushed texture. However, brushed nickel maintains an elegant look that can blend with many interior design styles. Brushed nickel is often used for appliance handles, faucets, door hardware, and more....

Properly doing so ensures you’ve got the option to enjoy these stunning flowers year after year. Removing dahlia tubers at the right time is just as important as knowing the proper technique for winter storage. Want more gardening tips? Maryviolet / Getty Images When Should You Dig Up Dahlias? Dahlias areprized flowersworth digging up if they dont typically survive the winter in your area. Using sterilized pruning tools, remove all the stems and rotten or damaged tubers....

Want more design inspiration? She also notes that future homeowners might find the system you choose to be too complex and confusing. What to do instead? John Keeble / Getty Images Opt for the essentials. Cerminara recommends putting that portion of your budget towards landscaping and your existing outside areas. “They rarely provide a strong return on investment,” she says. imaginima / Getty Images They limit flexibility and can be seen as too niche....

Why should high prices keep us from a celebrated Easter craft? Luckily, they don’t have to. Try these five less-expensive, and self-tested, alternatives to decorating real eggs this Easter. The Spruce / Candace Madonna Want more design inspiration? Potato Eggs It’s hard to believe what you see above were actually oncepotatoes. The possibilities are endless. The Spruce / Candace Madonna I’ll have them for Easters to come. Pasta Shell Eggs Paintedpastacrafts are nothing new, but the shell shape threw me for a loop....

Cavan Images / Getty Images Sweet, juicy watermelons are a delightful addition to the table every summer. Learn how to save watermelon seeds for planting next spring. Properly storedwatermelon seeds can lastup to five years. Cavan Images / Getty Images Watermelons for Eating and Seeds Watermelons should be harvested at just the right time. Watermelons do not ripen off the vine. If you harvest them too early, they will be watery and not sweet....

Some of these methods will even enhance your garden, by adding fragrant plants, or wildlife-attracting features. Read on to learn more about how to get rid of mosquitos in the backyard naturally. These fragrant flowers are not only known mosquito deterrents but also attract beneficial pollinators. Luc Pouliot / Getty Images Planting garlic or chives in the vegetable garden can also help repel mosquitoes. Want more gardening tips? Shake the bottle gently before each use to disperse the oils....

Carol Yepes / Getty Images Professional gardeners are always asked to recommend their favorite houseplants. But what about the varieties they caution plant lovers against? To find out, we asked the expertshere’s what they had to say about their least favorite houseplants. Carol Yepes / Getty Images Want more gardening tips? “I absolutely adore lavender as an outdoor plant. “I am not a fan of poinsettias,” Carter shares. ​The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong...

And why stop there? Midcentury modern tile is pretty easy to recognize due to its geometric look. She notes that what differentiates midcentury modern tile from other styles is how it’s installed. @boisemidcenturyhomes/ Instagram Pick your favorite shapes and colors and get ready to liven up your home. “Tile works great in areas that can get wet,” Nepacena says. And there’s no reason to stick with simple hues, she adds....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. When shopping, consider the shape, size, andlocation of your poolto find the perfect option. The Spruce Some also come with additional accessories like basketballs or pumps, so you dont have to buy them separately. We recommend considering who will be using the hoop most often as you shop. The simple assembly takes just five minutes and requires no tools....

Learn more here about seed stratification and scarification and how to use these methods. What is Seed Stratification? This occurs naturally if the seeds are left outdoors or in acold framethroughout the winter or early spring. The Spruce / Lacey Johnson Gardeners can break the dormancy of these seeds by mimicking the required conditions indoors. What is Stratification? It is a means for them to survive the seasons and germinate when conditions are more favorable....