May 24th, 2013
Close up view of new decorative Interior shower wall panels - Cleveland Ohio
In the 70’s and 80’s many bathrooms used products like jetted tubs and fiberglass wall surrounds. While jetted tubs might have made sense for that time – these products just aren’t a fit with homeowners today who lack the time to take baths. In addition the low cost fiberglass tub surrounds in many homes are beginning to show their age (many have yellowed or cracked) and are hard to keep clean. This is exactly the dilemma that faced the Mockabee family of Cleveland Ohio (who had an existing jetted bathtub/shower surround combination with old fiberglass walls). Learn below how they converted their tub and showering area into a low maintenance, high style and functioning shower.
Before conversion to a shower - jetted tub with fiberglass wall surrounds - Cleveland Ohio project
Continue reading “Converting a jetted bathtub into a low maintenance high style shower” »
Tags: interior panels, interior shower panels, jetted tub, low maintenance shower, remodeling a bathroom, shower panels, shower surround, tub to shower conversion, wall surrounds, wedi, wedi base
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May 13th, 2013
After Glass Block Church Windows at St James Episcopal Church with Composite Trim Board
Let’s face it – single pane wood framed windows have a lot of pitfalls – they are poor insulators, can be broken into easily and the frames surrounding the sashes deteriorate over time. Transform Construction contacted the Columbus Glass Block division of Innovate Building Solutions to find a long lasting and high quality solution for this problem. The old basement windows to be replaced were part of a basement renovation for St. James Episcopal Church. Learn below the advantages of glass block church windows and the installation approach used to ensure these windows last over time.
Before - single pane wood framed windows at St. James Episcopal Church in Columbus Ohio before glass blocks were installed
Continue reading “Replacing Single Pane Basement & Bathroom Church Windows with Glass Blocks In Columbus Ohio” »
Tags: basement windows, bathroom windows, church replacement windows, church windows, Columbus church windows, glass block windows, single pane windows
Posted in Basement Remodeling, Glass Block | No Comments »
May 3rd, 2013
Colored & Frosted Glass Block Shower Wall Using Finished End Blocks
Are you looking for more privacy (without having to use blinds or curtains) for a bathroom window (or basement window for that matter)? Do you want to move some colored light from one space to another while having a understated look? If so – frosted glass blocks are an option to consider. Learn below what a frosted glass block is, the various options available and where they can be used to create add privacy, create a cool mood or just provide a decorative look in a residential or commercial space.
Continue reading “Frosted Glass Blocks Create a Cool Mood, Privacy & Unique Style to any Room” »
Tags: colored glass block, frosted blocks, frosted glass block, frosted glass blocks, Glass Block, glass block options, glass block sizes, glass blocks, privacy wall, shower wall
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April 27th, 2013
Glass block shower wall using 8 x 8 colored glass blocks and 4 x 8 alternating blocks
When you live in Southern California it’s essential to make every inch of a small bathroom count….and that’s exactly what Jeff R. accomplished in his recent bath renovation project. As Jeff said, “The bathroom in our 75 year old home was shot. The tile had hairline cracks, the shower area was dark, the shower pan was failing, and the earthquakes and tremors where part of the cause of the tile falling apart.” It was not possible to change the size or layout of this room – so the challenge would be to make the space nicer and more functional…but how?
Before renovation - old tile shower enclosure was closed in by stud walls
Learn below how Jeff, his wife, an interior designer and their contractor not only used materials like a unique “floating” glass block wall to create a fresh contemporary look – but also embraced a famous tile design element to make their small space sparkle.
Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Transforming a 75 year old small bathroom with a glass block tile shower – San Diego California” »
Tags: Catalina tile, Catalina tile California, colored glass block shower, frosted glass block, glass block shower, glass block sizes, Small bathroom renovation, small bathroom San Diego California, unique glass block
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April 19th, 2013
Rosemarie Rossetti & Mark Leder in Universal Design Master Bathroom
Who ever said accessible bath design cannot look cool and relaxing has never visited the home of Rosemarie Rossetti and Mark Leder. This home – built in Columbus Ohio – is a living example of how inspired design can also be a safe and functional space for people of all abilities, sizes or ages. This home called the Universal Design Living Laboratory is the brainchild of Rosemarie and Mark and will be open to the general public in a few short months.
This article (which is Part 2 in a series– Part 1 looked at the Guest Bath) will look at the key features and benefits of an accessible and universal design master bathroom.
Continue reading “Anatomy of an Accessible & Universal Design Master Bathroom – A Visit to the Universal Design Living Laboratory (Part 2)” »
Tags: accessible bath, accessible master bath, accessible master bathroom, glass block mural windows, toilet room, UDLL, universal bathroom, universal design
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April 13th, 2013
Garage windows using glass blocks being mortared for high security and increased privacy
You may be asking – why should anyone care about the windows being used in a garage and why would glass block windows make sense in this space? Well in case you haven’t noticed garages are becoming a “hot” area of a home. Check out some of these facts:
- According to the U.S. Census 1.3 million garages per year are being converted into living space.
- From the National Association of Home Builders in 1950 58% of new homes had no garage – today 91% of new homes have a garage and 83% have a 2 car garage or more.
- 17% of new homes in the United States have a 3 car garage.
So – what is prompting this increased interest in garages and what does that have to do with glass block windows? The reality is homeowners are looking for cost effective spaces that can be used as “flex” areas (i.e. for more than one use). In addition to parking cars people are now using garages for hobby and craft areas, workshops, children’s play rooms, ping pong and pool tables, poker rooms and exercise rooms. With this increased interest (and money) being put into garages there is a need for better windows– that is where garage glass block windows come into place.
Learn below the benefits and options of these windows vs. the old single pane windows that are generally installed when the garage was built.
Continue reading “Garage Windows with Glass Blocks – An Excellent Product for an Area Growing in Importance” »
Tags: acrylic block, game room, garage remodeling, garage solutions, garage window, garage windows, Glass Block, glass block garage windows, glass block windows, poker room
Posted in Exterior Remodeling, Glass Block | No Comments »
March 29th, 2013
Colored and frosted glass blocks using 4 x 8 and 8 x 8 blocks in a bath window
When most people think of making a glass block window, shower or wall they envision 8” x 8” units being stacked on top of each other – but why settle for a boring look when you can jazz things up using different sizes, patterns and colors? Learn 5 tips below to add some pop to your next glass block project.
Continue reading “5 Tips to Use Glass Block Sizes, Shapes & Colors for a Unique Window, Shower or Wall Design” »
Tags: color glass blocks, curved glass block, Glass Block, glass block shapes, glass block shower, glass block sizes, sizes of glass blocks
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March 22nd, 2013
Entry Door Sidelights with Glass Blocks
To add to the curb appeal and provide light many homes have entry door sidelights– that is the good news. The bad news is these sidelights provide an easy and quick place for a burglar to enter your home. While you could use wire in the glass or wrought iron bars for security they can make the appearance of your home look industrial or just not fit your home’s décor. Fortunately there is another option – a glass block sidelight. Learn below the advantages of using glass blocks, the decorative options, best prefabrication techniques and installation tips.
Continue reading “Entry Door Sidelights with Glass Block can add Security, Privacy, Style & Reduce Costs” »
Tags: entry door lights, entry door windows, entry doors, front door sidelights, Glass Block, glass block sidelights, sidelight, sidelights
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March 15th, 2013
Decorative DIY Interior Tub Wall Panels with an Accent Strip and Corner Shelf
Let’s face it – grout can be a real pain to deal with in a shower or tub area – but cheap plastic or fiberglass surrounds aren’t the answer because they just don’t last (and are prone to discoloration and cracking). In addition tile walls can be problematic with mold and mildew. So what type of shower wall panels can create a cool low maintenance space for a DIY’er that’s easy to work with and won’t bust the budget? Learn about 3 interior wall systems below that can achieve this objective.
Continue reading “Choosing Decorative DIY Shower & Tub Wall Panels that Eliminates Grout” »
Tags: decorative wall panels, diy shower, diy tub, diy wall panels, interior wall, shower inserts, shower wall panel, shower wall panels
Posted in Bathroom Remodeling | No Comments »
March 8th, 2013
Curved sliding glass enclosure from Fleurco using a 54 x 54 acrylic base
There is nothing quite as sleek, stylish and contemporary as a curved glass shower enclosure – but the question is can they be affordable? Learn below the benefits of these systems, the most popular types of curved glass showers, where they can be used and what are some of the more cost effective options.
Continue reading “Curved & Bent Glass Shower Enclosures – Cool, but can they be affordable?” »
Tags: bent glass, clear glass blocks, curved glass, curved glass block, curved glass shower, curved shower door, curved shower enclosure, curved shower glass, fleurco shower, frameless shower glass
Posted in Bathroom Remodeling, Glass Block | No Comments »
