Next you take tile cement, commonly known as thin set or mortar, and spread a thin coating over the surface. Place your tiles in the cement according to the pattern you drew. After the cement has set, (don't be in too big of a hurry) fill the gaps between the tiles with tile grout. Most people think grout is available only in white but if you look in a hardware store you'll find many different colors of grout available. Just being informed can protect you or people you know from being conned by a contractor. Asking the contractor the "right" questions gives you a piece of mind that is priceless. There's a lot to learn about which products to use and what procedures best meet your individual needs. Because of this lack of knowledge, homeowners can easily be taken advantage of by people calling themselves home improvement contractors. Kitchen remodeling runs the gamut from small upgrades, to a full-scale luxury remodeling venture. Small upgrades could include changing the hardware on your cabinets, refacing the cabinets, or replacing them. Or perhaps you might want to replace that scuffed floor, or resurface your countertops. Such simple changes can make an enormous difference in your space. Any remodeling professional worth his or her name, will have invested in the coursework and passed rigorous tests in order to earn a particular certification. Be aware, however, that all certifications are not created equal. Check out what it took to be certified in the area they say they are certified in. Painted wood cabinets may warp when stripped so be advised to try one cabinet door first. Metal cabinets should be stripped, buffed, and lacquered to prevent them from rusting. Stone countertops are compatible with old-fashioned kitchens as long as the stone is honed to a soft finish not sleek and modern. Durability is important in today's full families and ease of maintenance should be taken into consideration too. These are different floorings to be considered: Wood fits a variety of decor styles and is warm underfoot, easy on the legs and is basically a quiet floor option. The maintenance and durability of a wood floor depend greatly on what species of wood is being used and how that wood is finished.