Just to let you know – we crossed the 1000 mark in comments & questions under the 25 posts on this blog. These FAQ’s on home interiors are probably as rich in information and inputs as the posts themselves and the best part is that these have come up through “live” issues & questions raised by “you”.
So if you haven’t done so already then I would strongly suggest you browse through the comments section of the posts.
Happy Reading
NM
Hello NM
you mentioned everything, best material, best place to buy etc etc. but not on Carpenter. How and where to hire best carpenter. Any suggestion, or best practices that we need to follow.
Thanks
Pravin
Pravin, the only way to judge a carpenter is from his past work. Even then there is really no guarantee of the quality of output specific to your project as most decent carpenters have nowadays become contractors and leave the end execution in the hands of their boys.
Rgds
NM
Hi Nandita
Thank you for your blog which helps several people like me venturing into renovation or interior decoration for their homes by themselves and are always lost and looking for some genuine information.
Would like to know if there is an affordable alternative to fenesta for sound proofing windows/balconies
Thanks in Advance
Hi i have been following posts recently, thanks for all the information you have been sharing with Us. I have bought a house in Chennai and am planning to get my interiors done.
-My master bedroom has wooden flooring, can you suggest how best to take care of these flooring. Can we wash with wet mob after draining most of the water from it?
– Secondly, in general what is the life of an average wood work (i know it depends on the material u use for making it) and how best to take care for extending their life?
– Can you give a ball point figure on how much does a mirror finish laminate costs?
Ramky
Yes, there are a number of smaller players making/ supplying UPVC windows in Bangalore you can Google for these.
Rgds
NM
Wooden flooring (both Laminated and pure wood) can be mopped with a damp cloth.
Good Quality MDF/ Particle Board (note that the one used in ready made furniture in the market is NOT good quality) should last 4-6 years depending on usage.
Stuff in good quality Ply/ Board should last forever if used properly.
The only advise on how to take care of woodwork is to NOT allow your maids/ staff to misuse it and to fix any issues the moment you see them
On your last point – costs vary from brand to brand and based on the exact finish.
Rgds
NM
Thanks for your reply. Further I have some thing more to clarify. I find in many bathrooms (also some of them done by you thru the photos you posted) wood work being done. Shall we use the same material like water proof marine ply in bathroom also. Is there any specific laminate that should be used considering the moisture/dampness/wetness so that it does not peel off or give away.
Waterproof ply is fine to use in the Bathrooms. You may use waterproof adhesive if the wood is going to be in regular contact with water. Ordinary adhesive will however be able to withstand normal moisture conditions
Rgds
NM
hi,
We are planning to do our kitchen with membrane finish. Can membrane finish be done with ply wood or will only with MDF. How durable is ply wood + membrane finished shutters…
Rgds,
SP
Yes nowadays membrane is available on Ply, however it is priced at the premium end of the market.
Rgds
NM
Hi Nandita,
Thanks for your blog. I was planning to get a bookshelf made for my kids and was confused if i should use MDF or board. And in addition was wondering if about the pro and con of using Duco paint vs spray paint. I know duco is expensice but does the end result justify the cost difference?
Thanks,
Achin
Duco gives an exclusive finish provided the painter knows his work. The cost justification is frankly ones own individual judgement
Rgds
NM
Thanks a ton for the response. Just a few other questions. Does duco give the same finish on all surfaces MDF and Board? Also one person said he would get it done on Mango wood. Is Mango wood a good wood for a bookshelf? Also would duco give a good finish on Mango wood as well?
Mango wood is soft wood and is a strict NO. You may use either MDF or Board – regular painters would want to use MDF as it is "easier" to finish than Board but that's ok.
Rgds
NM
Hi I m David.a 3d designer….Wanted to know IF u would like to have 3d designs for your execution.
REgarDs
David
8884949885
Hi Nandita. We are doing the kitchen interiors of our new home. We are your typical category 1 customers who know exactly what they want 😉 My sister is designing the interiors and I have a very trusted and highly experienced carpenter too. Im very keen to have a kitchen done in a high gloss finish. Ive been advised there are several ways to achieve this
1. Duco Paint
2. Spray Paint
3. Glossy laminates which are hand pressed
4. Glossy laminates which are machine pressed
Which of the above will give me the desired high glossy look with a ultra smooth finish? Which is really practical to use in a typically Indian kitchen. Can you help me gain some insight and prespective?
Thanks!
M&M
Since you have a carpenter doing the kitchen it will be best for you to use Tough Gloss Laminates – these have a higher scratch resistance than regular glossy laminates.
Rgds
NM