Learn the key differences Layered flooring systems are flexible, sturdy, inexpensive, and easy to build. The floor covering and underlayment rest on a thick, solid subfloor supported by sturdy joists. Floor covering is not structural, so it will always have a subfloor under it. The Spruce / Margot Cavin Underlayment Underlayment is the optional thin buffer between the floor covering and the subflooring. The subfloor is nailed to the top of the joists....

But to perform adequately they depend on an underlying flooring structure that is also sturdy and rigid. Not every floor has all three components. There are six subfloor/underlayment structures that are widely accepted for ceramic tile floors. The Spruce / Margot Cavin It is commonly sold in 1/4- or 1/2-inch-thick sheets that are three-by-five feet or four-by-eight feet in size. This is a heavy material, so the smaller sheets are somewhat easier to install, especially for DIYers....

All homes have a main service panel. It is essentially a satellite circuit breaker panel that has its own breakers. What Is an Electrical Subpanel? BanksPhotos/Getty Images An electrical subpanel is also called a satellite circuit breaker panel. However, you or your electrician will need tocalculate how much of a loada subpanel can handle. The space that may need a subpanel usually has specific or heavy electric needs. The Spruce / Michela Buttignol...

JannHuizenga / Getty Images Succulents are often associated with dry, warm climates and mild winters. Will Succulents Survive Winter? Whether succulents survive winter depends on their hardiness. JannHuizenga / Getty Images They wont survive the winter outdoors in most areas and need to be brought inside for the winter. Want more gardening tips? When Is the Right Time to Bring Succulents Indoors? beekeepx / Getty Images The exact temperature tolerance depends on the punch in of succulent....

Put down the watering can with these drought-tolerant houseplants. Getty Images / Adrienne Bresnahan Succulentsare known as sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants that arelow maintenanceand easy going. Warm weather is when most succulents thrive, so what should you do once colder temperatures set in? Getty Images / Adrienne Bresnahan Meet the Expert Abby Perryis a master gardener and owner of Abby’s Garden Parties. If you don’t have a cold-hardy succulent, verify to bring it in before the first frost....

Read on to see what plants to grow now that will last until December. They tend to like partial sun and partial shade, and don’t appreciate too much warmth. Want more gardening tips? The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Dahlias The Spruce / LetAcia Almeida Dahliasare another kind of flower that should last until December. These pretty blooms originate from Mexico and South America, but surprisingly last throughout the fall months!...

Most pumps only require a maintenance check once or twice a year. Learn the seven core sump pump maintenance steps and how to spot problems in advance. What Is a Sump Pump? The Spruce / Kevin Norris A sump pump is an electric pump that moves water from the basement to the exterior. When the water level reaches a pre-determined height, the pump automatically turns on and expels the water....

Were highlighting talented Black interior designers who are thriving in the industry today. What made you decide that being a designer was your calling? How would you describe your style and approach to designing spaces? The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Nick Glimenakis Photography I approach my designs with something meaningful or important to my clients. I am always thinking of how to evoke a feeling through design....

Although its hardy inUSDA growing zones 5 to 9it’s not always perennial. This is an undemanding plant that performs best and can be grown almost anywhere as an annual. Sweet alyssum works beautifully as both a ‘filler’ and ‘spiller’ in containers and hanging baskets. cynoclub / Getty Images It can work as aground cover or living mulch. In climates with winter freezing, sweet alyssum can only be grown outdoors as an annual....

These climbing plants are most often seen trained up trellises or fences or spilling over the sides of pots. Despite having “pea” in their name, they are not edible and are toxic to humansand pets. Sweet peas lend a cottage feel to gardens. The Spruce / Letícia Almeida Fast-growing sweet peas are an instant nostalgic reminder of the beautiful, rambunctious old-fashioned gardens. These vintage varieties were selected for their vibrant colors and intense fragrance....

Joan Vanderschut / Courtesy of BHG The 1930s and 1940s were unique decades marked both by war and hope. Linoleum flooring was especially popular and could be found in many designs, patterns, and bold colors. Linoleum flooring frequently featured a checkerboard pattern of two alternating colors. Joan Vanderschut / Courtesy of BHG The most popular enameled appliance is the stove. Besides appliances, enameled metal tables, sinks, and other kitchen fixtures were also popular....

Tankless water heaters heat the water as soon as the tap is turned on. Tank water heaters heat the water in advance in a large storage tank. Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient, but tank water heaters are more economical and easier to install. MileA / Getty Images Tankless vs. The heating source consists of two heat exchangers located in the center of the water heater. Tankless water heaters are sometimes called on-demand, instant, or instantaneous water heaters....

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work? They also need to be kept away from rain or splashed water. They are typically dedicated-use heaters, meaning the unit serves one sink, faucet, shower, etc. Mark Hunt / Getty Images Point-of-use tankless water heaters are less expensive than whole-house units. Whole-House Tankless Water Heaters Whole-house units are much more expensive than point-of-use units. Remember, pre-1992 showerheads can use six times more water than a bathroom sink faucet....