There are so many types of patio stones that you can choose from, it is often hard to choose the ones you want. One aspect of stones that people often don’t pay much attention to is the cut of the stone. This can affect the ease with which you can lay them yourself. Some of the typical designs of sawing are:
Chopstone – this produces a rough cut in varying thickness and in random sizes of stone.
Builder – these are irregular shapes and can be anywhere from 3 to 5 inches thick.
Sawn – this is sawed at various heights on the top and bottom to produce straight lines making it easier to lay the stones on a patio.
Natural stone – usually flagstone, it has irregular shapes, but it does retain its natural color.
It is not hard to install the stones on your patio without having to hire a contractor to do the job for you. You do have to make sure the area is level, but even if it is not this will look all right because you are using stones and this gives a natural look to the outdoor area. When you lay the stones, make sure they are close together. If you do need to cut a stone you can use a masonry blade in your circular saw to do the cutting.
After you have all the stones laid in place, you should sprinkle sand over the surface and then sweep it so that the sand goes down between the cracks.
Stone that you use for a patio is not heavy enough to use in a driveway. It is designed for walking on, making it suitable for walkways, but you would crack it easily if you drove your vehicle over it. There are many colors available and you don’t have to stick to the same color. When you mix and match various colors of the same stone, you can create a really beautiful effect for your patio. You just have to make sure you use all the same types of stones.
For lots of information on patio design and other decks and patios related topics, visit Patios and Decks at http://patiosanddecks.77sites.com/
Choosing Patio Stones
Basement Moisture Sealing: Top Four Steps to Sealing Basements
Basements can let in water, especially during heavy rains. Sealing basements from excess moisture is a great way to add an extra layer of protection against the elements. Problems resulting from water leaks and moisture damage can result in thousands of dollars worth of damage. Here are some tips that will help you seal your basement properly.
1- Moisture can enter your basement in a variety of different ways. When you are sealing your basement you need to keep this in mind. Water can enter your basement through cracks in the concrete, especially during heavy rains. Also, since concrete is porous, it allows a certain amount of water vapor into your basement. To combat the water vapor, people often use a humidifier. However, this method only masks the problem. Sealing the basement offers a much more lasting solution.
2- To seal the basement properly you need to first make sure that all sources of moisture inside the basement are eradicated. One common way moisture forms in the basement is through the dryer vent. Make sure the vent releases the moisture outside. The second way is through the air conditioning ducts. Make sure you insulate them properly to prevent any condensation from forming.
3- The next step to sealing basements is to make sure any rainwater that falls doesn’t go near the foundation. You may need to install a series of gutters and drains to accomplish this, depending on your situation.
4- After you divert the rainwater away from the foundation, the next step to sealing foundations is to make sure openings for any pipes, ducts, etc are properly sealed. Do a thorough inspection of all pipes and ducts to make sure nothing is leaking. Although you may not see any leaks, keep in mind that even the smallest bit of moisture can be damaging, so seal everything with the proper caulking material. Also make sure you caulk and seal any holes in the corners and in the ceiling.
It may take a while to find every area that needs to be sealed, but the more meticulous you are the better your chances of finding everything. After you seal everything, it is a good idea to install a humidifier for extra insurance. If you have a recurrent problem with flooding, it is also a good idea to purchase and install a sump pump.
Carlo Morelli writes for http://www.onlineTips.org, where you can read more about the best basement sealers, and basement dehumidifiers
Choosing The Perfect Basement Flooring
The basement is one of the most important but often overlooked parts of a house. Usually relegated to a storage area and nothing more, the basement can actually be used for quite a number of things, and any other uses you may plan on putting your basement through will be an important factor in deciding what type of flooring you should use for it. Here are some of the most common and popular types of basement flooring used, and their purposes, and pros and cons.
Concrete - plain old concrete flooring is the most common thing you'll see in people's basements. This is for households that regard the basement as just a place to store stuff. Concrete flooring is best for basements that see a lot of traffic, with people hauling stuff to and from it. It is especially suitable for people who decided to set up a home workshop and plunked it in the basement, as the man of the house will often haul stuff to and from the basement to happily tinker, saw, hammer, and drill away. The punishement that raw concrete can take is best suited for this. The bad thing about plain old concrete is, of course, it's aesthetic value - or lack thereof.
Ceramic Tile - this is a good alternative to concrete, though ceramic tile isn't an option for basements that see a lot of hard, heavy stuff hauled to and from it on a regular basis. On the other hand, it's perfect for basements that housewives have gone and converted into a room for placing the washer and dryer machines. Moisture is a natural occurence in most basements due to the humidity of the air running beneath a house, so ceramic tile protects the floor from water damage.
Hardwood Laminate - this is the ideal flooring for basements that have been converted into another floor of the house. More often than not, this means that instead of a storage space, the basement has been turned into a game room, function room, library, music room, or whatever. Hardwood laminate is a warm and attractive flooring for these converted basements, but remember if you go with this option that these rooms need a good ventilation system because of the air moisture buildup that basements usually suffer from. If the basement remains closed off, the humidity will eventually damage the wood.
Thick Carpeting - this is the simplest way to dress up a basement. As mentioned earlier, concrete is the floor of choice for most people. Thick carpeting is not a good idea if the basement usually sees people hauling and dragging heavy objects across it's surface all the time. However, if the basement is often used for storing relatively small objects that don't need to be dragged along, carpeting is an option to soften the look of the basement. An air dehumidifier is needed for carpeted basements, however, because otherwise the basement's air moisture will cause mold build-ups in the carpet.
Rubber/Foam Mats - this is basically a cross between the ideas of using carpeting and ceramic tile. Unlike carpets, rubber mats have the twin advantages of being waterproof and won't really have any problems with mold build-up. It's biggest advantage however is it's noise insulating capability. This is often a good choice for busy basements which see a lot of activity and noise, as the mats will also act to dampen sounds coming from the basement. In tandem with this, the basement walls and ceiling can also be lined with acoustic insulating material to make sure that even working with power tools in the basement during the dead of the night won't wake up the rest of the household.
Radiant Heating - lastly, radiant heating panels are the ideal choice for houses in cold environments. These panels are sturdy, waterproof, and actually trap and hold heat, keeping houses warm even in the dead of winter. The biggest drawback to this type of flooring is it's inapplicability for houses in hotter environments, since basements are naturally hot and the trapped heat in basements is what causes the air humidity in them. This type of flooring would only amplify the problem in a house situated in, say, the tropics.
For more tips on home improvement visit http://www.perfecthomedecor.com - a site that offers interior decorating tips for every room in the house as well as more tips on basement decorating.
Bathroom Products for Remodeling Projects
Spacious or convenient? How would you furnish some 7 square feet of bathroom space with every bathroom essentials? Will it have a tub, or would it be sporting just a shower room? Will be the bathroom dual accommodating or will the bathroom accommodate only one patron at a time? Modern bathrooms have become more conservatively spacious than in the older models often having only a lavatory and a shower but even then for some, life’s pleasantries like a tub and a sauna shouldn’t be compromised.
That’s why bathroom products for remodeling have evolved to meet the criteria for space consciousness without sacrificing comfort. Now, the bulk of the old heavy tubs are peeled away and newer designs have several features incorporated, often tagged as a combo facility that has several components. Like for instance the Wasauna Steam Shower and Whirlpool Combo WAS-2245. It is essentially a shower room tub but enclosed to trapped steam and moisture in, turning the multipurpose shower tub into an efficient sauna. It incorporates several massage jets, including along the foot to accommodate a relaxing massage bath. Features can be controlled by a digital control panel outside for obviously safe purposes, but a hands-free telephone can be accessed from within.
Sinks have gone a long way too. Because sinks and vanities are notoriously hard to aesthetically fit to any areas, newer designs have attained the ease of fitting them to almost any wall with aesthetical results. These designs can be free standing, just like a fountain, installed into a counter (a common design), or integrated into a table surface. Like the Wasauna Bathroom Vanity Table WAS-0003. It is very much like a glass table; in fact the sink is made of tempered glass. A few other vanities spark elegance more than this Wasauna design. This vanity table includes a mirror and a mini shelf. Wasauna offers two designs of the vanity tale, dual and a single capacity.
Porcelain sinks are still a popular choice to those budget-conscious, or those restrooms that are intended for the public. At mostly white or beige (since these colors are considerably sanitary looking) porcelain sinks also have gone a long way from being casual looking. Take a peek at the designs seen at victoriaplumb.com: www.victoriaplumb.com/Contemporary_toilet_sinks.html
Are you considering a bathroom remodeling project soon? Check out those bathroom products for remodeling projects on these following links.
Wasauna Steam Shower and Whirlpool Combo WAS-2245: http://www.wasauna.com/steam-shower.html
Wasauna’s Bathroom Vanity Table WAS-0003: http://www.wasauna.com/double-sink-bathroom-vanity.html
Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Remodeling and runs a highly popular and comprehensive Home Remodeling web site. For more articles and resources on Home Remodeling related topics, Remodeling Contractors, Home Remodeling Loans, Remodeling Ideas and much more visit his site at:
=>http://remodeling.need-to-know.net/
Types of Bathroom Sinks
Bathroom sinks come in many shapes and sizes designed to complement any bathroom size and style. Listed below are the most common bathroom sink styles.
Self Rimming Sinks
Also called countertop sinks, these sinks are come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and hole configurations. They are mounted from above the counter with a visible rim that fits in the hole of the counter top. When ordering this type of sink, be sure to take into consideration whether your faucet requires a single hole, 4” center set or 8” widespread configuration and be sure to order the sink in the same corresponding configuration.
Undermount Sinks
Also known as undercounter sinks, are installed from underneath a solid surface counter top, such as granite, stone or manmade material and does not have a “rim.” To install this style of sink you may need a mounting kit.
Pedestal Sinks
These are freestanding sinks that sit on their own bases. They are usually generously sized for everyday use and are beautifully styled. Pedestal sinks are perfect for small bathrooms and powder room because they save space but they don’t offer any underneath storage space. When selecting a pedestal sink, be sure to consider the finish of the exposed plumbing items underneath.
Vessel Style Sinks
Also known as above-counter sinks, vessel sinks can be mounted on ornate stands that brilliantly hold their own in your bathroom design. This style offers new exciting shapes, designs and colors, and stands freely on cabinets to make a big fashion statement. Wall-mount faucets work well with this style sink, however some manufacturers offer a tempered glass faucet stand which butts up to the glass vessels and hides the base of deck-mount faucets. Some vessels are manufactured with an overflow but most are without an overflow, so a grid drain must be installed to prevent accidental over filling.
Console Sinks
Console Sinks combine the style of a pedestal while at the same time providing larger counter areas. The sink and countertop are one. Because of the larger counter area, console sinks come complete with either (2) or (4) legs for support. This style offers a lot of choices in size and style of sink; oval, rectangular, square and round, and you can choose a single or double bowl. They are easy to clean and offer extra counter space. Standard sizes are available and custom orders can be placed.
Wall Hung Sinks
Installed on the wall, they save both floor and cabinet space. Like Pedestal lavatories, they are very popular in smaller bathrooms. They can be installed at any height and are usually offered with an optional towel bar.
Visit Faucet.com for a wide variety of quality bathroom sinks. Call and speak with one of our product specialists to find the right bathroom sink for your home.
Concrete Patio Designs
Have you ever thought of using different concrete patio designs to spruce up your old patio or use concrete when building a new patio or deck? Concrete can actually add to the ambiance of your home and garden. It comes in a wide range of colors, such as warm earthy tones, variegated shadings, and almost any shade of gray you want. It can look like brick or wood and add to the appeal of the patio where you like to relax and spend a lazy summer evening.
There are certain factors that you should take into considering with your patio design. It can be attached to any part of the house, but it can also be freestanding – no more than a concrete slab that you decorate as your outdoor living room for the summer. An important factor in the design in the position of the patio is its relation to the sun and the direction from which the prevailing winds blow. You want to place the patio where you will get the most sun and the most shelter from the wind.
When you start building the patio, the distance from the top of the concrete floor to the top of the door should not be more than eight feet. A patio should also slope away from the house at the rate of 1/8 inch for every running foot. You can design openings in the floor of the patio to place a grill or a fire pit or even places where you can plant flowers.
A patio does not have to rectangular shaped or square. They can take any shape you wish to have. When you design the patio, you need to calculate how much cement it will take, so that you have enough to mix when it comes time to pour the cement. If you run out and have to wait to get more cement, it is possible to see a join where the new cement joins onto that which is partially or fully set.
For lots of information on patio design and other decks and patios related topics, visit Patios and Decks at http://patiosanddecks.77sites.com/
Choosing Deck Coatings
Two of the most valuable attributes of a deck is that is be durable and functional. That is, it should last a long time and serve its purpose while offering protection and safety to those using it. For these reasons manufacturers have developed a number of products that perform these two tasks, being various deck coatings. These deck coatings range in purpose from providing defense against weathering agents to giving a deck a non-stick surface.
Of the non-stick products, several have ground up items in them, which provides the aforementioned effect while still keeping the deck surface smooth, even on bare feet. A particular type, poly-crete, can actually be used to create a surface somewhat like slate when applied to plywood. Of the products with ground up pieces in them, rubber is the more common additive, but walnut shells are also frequently used. Sand is another anti-slip ingredient in many of these products and in fact, is invisible in clear coatings. A nice feature of these non-stick coatings is that they can easily be sanded off. A disadvantage of these coatings is that some do not take well to various paints and epoxies. Latex paint however, does work fine to paint over these coatings.
Products offering waterproofing can not only be applied to decks but also indoor surfaces including even vertical surfaces. These products, when dry, create a non-porous film over surfaces. 3M™, a United States based company, supplies many of these articles with the advantages of being UV resistant, low odor and non-flammable. It also offers Scotch-Clad™ TC deck coating, which is one of the most durable
water-resistant commodities on the market. Products supplied by other manufacturers include Versa Deck and Versa Deck Plus, which both employ a fiberglass system, with the former being used on concrete decks and the later being utilized on plywood surfaces, and Elasto Shield, which is a latex waterproofing membrane used over existing waterproof coatings to offer additional support.
For lots of information on the best deck material and other decks and patios related topics, visit http://www.decks-and-patios.com
Planning Outdoor Living Space
In the homebuilding industry, the first sign of Spring is the sighting of the landscaping trucks. Like birds returning from warmer climes, they suddenly appear in front of homes throughout the neighborhood and get everyone to wondering "what is going on over there?"
Spring is the time for home improvement projects to move outside. But in the rush to get something started, good planning and design can be left behind. And while most gardening bloopers are easily corrected, rebuilding a too-small deck or relocating a 300-pound root ball isn't any fun at all.
Landscaping projects can be perfect for the do-it-yourselfer. Plantscaping work doesn't require a building permit, and there are endless resources available to help with the design and construction of decks, patios, pergolas, and screened porches. The key is planning, and that's where a design professional can be a valuable partner in helping prevent costly blunders.
Since the same planning oversights seem to happen over and over again, I've enlisted the help of Jeff Davis of Scioto Landscaping in coming up with the following list of common outdoor living space mistakes - and how to avoid them.
Problem #1: Lack of an overall landscaping plan. Like any other design project, a good landscape considers the entire environment. It isn't uncommon to see a landscape begin with one style in the front yard, and finish with a completely different style by the time the work gets around to the back. A chaotic and disconnected landscape is the result if a coherent plan isn't prepared up front.
Solution: Start with an overall plan for the whole environment - including what not to do and where not to do it - and implement it in stages as time and budget permit. Even if the design evolves as it's executed, a clear road map will assure that a consistent character is maintained throughout.
Problem #2: Decks and patios are undersized. A sense of scale is hard to grasp without the familiar architectural landmarks of walls, doors, and furniture. A deck or patio may seem quite large when it's laid out and built, but it's often too small once tables and chairs are in place. If a deck or patio is too small to move comfortably around in, it won't get used.
Solution: Arrange all of the table, chairs, benches, or other furniture on the ground first, and then plan the space around them. Leave at least three feet from the edge of a table to the nearest edge of the hardscape element. Plan several smaller, connected areas for each outdoor activity or furniture arrangement and use a variety of materials; combine a wood deck with a brick patio, for example.
Problem #3: New plants are not thriving. A source of much gardening frustration is that beautiful flowering plant that looked so nice at the nursery, but never took hold at home.
Solution: Choose plants that are appropriate for the regional climate and the microclimate of your yard. Don't assume that every plant for sale in the nursery is automatically appropriate for your yard, or even for your part of the country. Many common plants are very sensitive to the amount of light and water they receive, and to the quality of the soil. Too many amateur landscapers choose plants strictly on looks without giving proper consideration to suitability.
Problem #4: Underestimating the cost of the project.
Solution: Start with a rule of thumb - for a new house, it takes a landscape budget of about 10% of the cost of the construction of the home to install a fully developed outdoor environment. For more budget-minded projects, establish your spending limits first, and then concentrate that budget on one or two areas of the landscape. You'll get much more enjoyment from smaller areas of high quality than you will from cheap work spread over the whole landscape. Determine which parts of the landscape are the most permanent and implement those projects first. Build the decks and patios now and add the plantings later.
Problem #5: All available options not considered.
Solution: Your ability to visualize creative solutions is limited by your experience. Just seeing a wide variety of landscape designs can open your eyes to new possibilities for your yard. Go to backyard garden tours, walk public gardens, hit the home and garden shows, and visit your local library. Ask your landscape professional for tours of projects similar to yours. You'll be surprised by the variety of creative solutions you'll find.
Decorating Outdoor Decks and Patios With Themes
Decks and Patios don't count towards square footage in your home, but they sure do go a long way towards making a home feel larger, more inviting, and fun. Decks and patios can be wonderful places to entertain friends and family, or they can be secluded quiet spots for you to get away from the hustle of everyday life. Whichever you choose... the key to having great decks and patios is to decorate them with a theme.
One popular deck or patio theme is the outdoor barbecue. Now technically this is a function of the area, but using a touch of decorating flair, you can make it into an overall theme too. For instance, putting rustic furniture on your patio or deck would give it a country or western BBQ theme. This works wonderfully when you have a firepit-style barbecue grill, or an outdoor fireplace. If your preference is upscale and classy, and your barbecue equipment is the shiny, fancy, large cookstation-style, try setting up a bistro theme instead.
If you have kids of course, it helps to go with a fun theme instead. A beach theme is an excellent example here: Colorful beach chairs and sun umbrellas set the tone wonderfully. You can even use ropes, sails, nets, and lifeguard floats to hang from the sides of your fun deck, and post flags from different Caribbean or Mediterranean countries on the corners of the deck. Keeping a chest inside of beach paraphernalia - floats, leis, sunglasses, and even a pirate's eye patch will keep your children entertained as you try to prepare dinner.
A country theme is also wonderful for decks and patios. Try using old barrels as both tables and chairs for this theme. To make the chairs: Cut part of the barrel to leave a curved "back", then nail the top into place as a seat. You can even put checkered chair cushions on these to enhance them further. And of course, small decorating touches such as old soda bottles, signs, tools, and flowers help enhance and round out the overall look.
Whatever theme you decide to use on your deck, the essentials are a table and chairs with some extra seating and side tables. If your deck is too small for that, you can simply purchase a couple of Adirondack chairs and side tables to match. Your parties may be smaller, but you can always put a picnic table in the yard to seat more people. Choose your own theme; a deck is a place where you can put your favorite random items to good use. So from Coca-Cola to country to classic, create your own deck decorations and spend the rest of the summer enjoying your friends on your jazzy new deck.
© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Want more decorating tips, ideas and advice? Please Visit http://www.DIYHomeDecorating.com where you'll find articles about a variety of home decorating styles, indoor and outdoor decorating ideas, decorating photos and much more!
Choosing Deck Paint
Since decks have been growing in popularity the demand for deck paint and stain has consequently grown. There are many kinds of deck finishes ranging from water based latex ones to conventional penetrating ones each providing opaque, semi-transparent, and clear finishes. To protect decks and ensure a longer life of the finish, many homeowners are using a semi-transparent or opaque coating to their decks.
To prepare a deck for paint application, be sure to thoroughly clean or power wash the surface and railings to rid them of dirt, mildew and previous coatings. It is also wise to purchase and apply brightening products, which will restore the deck to its original appearance, if a clear finish is to be used.
When painting a deck a wise method involves using both a brush and a roller, one after another, to achieve maximum coverage and a quality coating. First, using the brush, start with the railing and work down to the deck and gradually in toward the house. Switch then, to a roller and paint in the same manner, painting from an outside edge in to the house.
An alternate way to put a finish on a deck is to use a spraying technique. It is much faster but the problem of overspray must be compensated for by protecting any nearby scrubs and bushes. One way to achieve this protective shield is to tape paper or old sheets to the outside of the railing. This will serve to catch any of the access paint. The equipment used to apply the stain in this manner can easily be rented at various hardware, rental, and paint stores. While at one of these stores it may be beneficial to inquire about the size of tip and pressure gauge to use as it depends on the type of stain being administered to the deck. The spraying process is the same as described for the brush and roller system, with the rails being painted first.
For lots of information on building deck railings and other decks and patios related topics, visit Decks and Patios.com at http://www.decks-and-patios.com
Four Seasons Sunrooms vs Decks and Patios
As the summer months once again approach and families begin their outdoor activities, the question that's raised by many looking to add extra space to their house is which avenue to take. Now, more than ever, there is an abundance of options available to homeowners looking to expand their living space through home improvements. Expanding your living space through the use of decks, patios, and four season sunrooms is a great way to add value and space to your home as well as let you enjoy the yard you've worked so hard to cultivate. The only question is which option is best suited to your needs.
Each option offers both pros and cons that can effect the decision, and those, coupled with where you live, can be a determining factor in which avenue you take. Whichever you pick, you and your family are sure to enjoy the time you'll spend there together.
The first, and arguably the most popular, option most homeowners look at to expand their living space is a deck or patio. Decks and patios have both upside and downside depending on what your needs are. Perhaps the biggest upside to decks and patios is the ease of construction and cost of doing so. While many homeowners can and will undertake the building of a deck or patio themselves, there are plenty of companies, such as Creative Energy and Deck America, that can construct a top quality deck in only a few days at an affordable rate. The obvious downside to decks and patios is the lack of cover. While there are a variety of ways to protect and cover them, snow, rain, wind, and the temperature will prevent you from using your deck or patio year round, reducing the time you can enjoy it.
Because of the limitations of decks and patios, another option becoming popular with homeowners is screened decks and patios. While the cost of screening in your deck or patio is more prohibitive, the roof and walls will allow you to keep using the space for a larger portion of the year, keeping rain, snow, and insects away. The disadvantage to the screened deck or patio is that while it will keep most of the weather out, wind and temperature can't be regulated very easily. If you live in an area that gets very hot or very cold, it will be reflected inside of your screened deck or patio. Both of these factors will determine how much time you can spend in your deck or patio.
Given the limitations and disadvantages of both screened decks and patios and regular decks and patios, the choice that is growing in popularity is the four seasons sunroom. The advantages of the sunroom seem nearly limitless, giving your family the opportunity to use the room year round, raise the value of your home considerably, and customize the design of the room through a variety of glass and frame options. More and more homeowners are taking this route when deciding to add an extension to their homes.
The glass of the sunroom is superior to the screens used on many decks and patios as it allows you the same views as the screens, but protects you from the elements while allowing you to regulate the temperature inside. This makes it available for regular use year round, no matter what it might be like outside. While a four seasons sunroom will cost more than a screened deck or patio, it will also allow for more use and increase the value of your home significantly. Both of these features alone help to offset the cost of having a four seasons sunroom installed on your home.
Any option to expand your living space is going to help you enjoy your home more, increase the value of your house, and look beautiful. Choosing which option works best for you and your family really comes down to how much time you intend to spend in the new extension. Decks and patios will be fine in the warm months, but enclosed areas, like the four seasons sunroom, will allow you longer periods of relaxation and family fun in your own private retreat.
Travis Guilbeau works for Creative Energy of Richmond, VA. Creative Energy is central Virginia's home improvement experts specializing in four seasons sunrooms. On the web at: http://www.creativeenergyexteriors.com/sunrooms.htm
Outdoor Living on Your Deck or Patio
Building a wooden deck onto the back of your home or in your backyard or adding a patio adds value to your house and gives you another space for living and entertaining. A deck or patio is a wonderful place to host a party or to have a few friends over to relax with drinks. It increases the amount of livable space of your home by allowing you to move some of your indoor activities outside. Many people spend most of their summers outdoors on their decks and patios.
Some creative things you can do with your deck or pation are things such as adding another eating area, creating a play space for children, and adding another place to cook and prepare meals. Some people go as far as creating an entire outdoor cooking, eating, and living room area on their decks.
Most people use their decks or patios as an outdoor eating area and many have gas grills to help with cooking. Today, though, more and more people are building entire kitchens on their decks and patios. The sky is the limit as manufacturers are creating outdoor food prep and kitchen equipment specifically geared for the outdoors. Stainless abounds as it is weatherproof and looks good even after a heavy rainstorm. Gas is still the preferred fuel for outdoor cooking. Sinks and small refrigerators are also becoming popular outdoors. It makes food prep and cleanup much easier if you have a sink right near your outdoor gas cook stove.
Outdoor dining furniture has improved over the years. Previously, you had you choice of metal tables and chairs. Now, you will find all types of exotic woods, man-made wicker, and even weatherproof upholstered furniture for your outdoor dining area.
And for relaxing, the days of folding lawn chairs are over! Overstuffed chairs with water-resistant fabrics are popular, as are synthetic wicker furnishings with weatherproof cushions. And the fabric choices are vast allowing you to color coordinate with almost any outdoor décor on your deck or patio.
So don’t think of your deck or patio as simply a place to hang out outdoors. Think of them as an extension of your indoor living space.
Dean Novosat is an avid do-it-yourselfer who has built several decks and porches. He writes for http://www.decks-patio.com
Shower Faucets
The market is flooded with an unlimited range of choices for shower faucets, from polished chrome, antiques and brass, to polished and stained nickel and gold, acrylic, brass, stainless steel, copper, and mix-and-match combinations. While individual preference and taste plays a major role, quality must not be compromised for cost. PVD shower faucets are popular for their scald-guarding and temperature-regulation properties. Gerber faucets have also found increasing popularity, for their ability to fight water’s corrosive properties. Durability and deliverance should be as essential as the aesthetic appeal of a shower faucet.
Shower faucets, in contrast to kitchen faucets, are often chosen on the basis of their aesthetic appeal rather than functionality. While style and appearance is important, the functional utility and practicality should not be neglected. A shower experience provides a reclusive haven, and a heavenly solitude in a relaxed and stylish environment. Hence, appearance and practicality both matter. A shower faucet must complement and enhance the bathroom’s look. Care must be taken to see that the shower faucets fit the lavatory, address the requirements of the unit and meet your performance expectations. A 4” center lavatory faucet looks appealing, but is difficult to clean in comparison to an 8” center lavatory faucet. Most modern faucets are washerless ones, as the washers which used to control the flow of water have never been durable.
It is advisable to purchase your shower faucet, bathtub and other bathroom fixtures from the same place, to ensure that they can be installed and fitted properly. It is always advisable to seek the opinion of an expert plumber or designer when purchasing shower faucets. Other things to be kept in mind are the type of finish, style and design desired, requirements of the lavatory, cost, type of handle, effect desired, and the feasibility and opportunity to bring out those effects. Accordion-folding shower doors are another efficient and inexpensive modern choice. They can be fixed and are easily replaceable, durable, safer than glass, easy to maintain, aesthetically appealing and available worldwide.
Ceiling Fixtures For Your Bathroom And Decor
Our bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in our home. We spend a great deal of time in them preparing for our day, during the day for quick touch-ups and in the evening to wash away the day’s stress and tension. The lighting we choose for our bathrooms is essential for creating just the right atmosphere in this multi-tasking room.
When considering lighting options, think about the overall look and style of the bathroom in which you are installing the ceiling light fixtures. Whether it is a flush or semi-flush ceiling mount, it should compliment the décor of your bathroom and at the same time provide the proper lighting. For smaller bathrooms, consider light fixtures on a smaller scale. More spacious bathrooms can accommodate larger and more ornate fixtures. A smaller bathroom might only require one or two light fixtures, whereas a larger bathroom space might need several ceiling light fixtures. No matter what style of ceiling lighting you choose, it should fit the overall look of the bathroom and add to the ambiance.
Some examples of the ceiling lighting fixtures available for your bathroom would be recessed lighting fixtures, flush-mounted, semi-flush mounted, fixtures for chandeliers, monorail lighting or energy-efficient ceiling light fixtures. Thankfully, they come in styles that will accentuate and beautify just about any décor. Their styles can be anything from rustic, Tiffany, traditional, trendy and stylish, Victorian, very conventional, or tropical, to name a few. Installing a dimmer on your ceiling light fixtures might be a consideration since there are many tasks for which a bathroom is used. Shaving, brushing teeth, applying makeup, styling hair, reading, relaxing, and showering are simply a few of the things we do in our bathrooms. Each activity requires a different level of light. For relaxing in a bath, soft light would be welcomed. For shaving, flossing our teeth or for the times we need to clean the bathroom, a brighter level of light would be desired. Indirect lighting fixtures would be a welcome choice in a bathroom with a lot of counter space and a large, reflective floor space. The indirect light will help reduce the glare on the eyes and the visual fatigue that can develop when someone is constantly in direct lighting.
Just as in any other room of your home, an important consideration when choosing a ceiling light fixture is to determine how much light the fixture will diffuse or disperse into space. If the fixture is beautiful, but isn’t efficient, will absorb too much of the light, or won’t take light bulbs that will sufficiently light up your space, then you are wasting your money. Always search for those lighting choices that will maximize the efficiency of the light bulbs and highlight your unique bathroom décor. Last, but not least, don’t forget to consider color, finish and height from the floor when installing your bathroom ceiling light fixture. No one should have to bend over to avoid hitting a fixture with their head. Remember these simple guidelines, and you’ll have purposeful and attractive ceiling light fixtures complimenting your bathroom’s décor.
Des S is the founder of SNSLamps.com,which is a division of SNSDesigns, Inc. They carry wide selection of unique table lamps. They offer the most popular housewarming ideas, such as tiffany style lamps, table lamps, buffet lamps for everyone.
Bathroom Showers Can Be Remodeled In Your Bathroom
Bathroom showers are one of the best ways to update the look of your bathroom. You can change the personality and character of your bathroom with the help of a new shower or a new style of shower. If you would like to update the look of your bath showers, start by having a plan and a budget to follow. The type of shower makeover that you can do depends on these factors and the space that you have.
Designing Around Size
Perhaps the most important feature is having the right design for your bathroom showers. The key to successfully remodeling is having very specific measurements taken and the details worked out. Having the plumbing already in place is a very helpful way of keeping the price down as changing the location of these features in your bathroom showers is anything but cheap to do.
Yet, there is more to selecting the right bathroom showers than just the place you will put it. You have many options in bathroom showers to consider including multiple jets as well as massaging showerheads. Plus, you will want to focus on the area around the shower such as the tiles or flooring in the area. Some bathroom showers that are most affordable are fiberglass, pre made options where you will have the bathtub and the shower molded together. Or, you can look for more luxurious options including bathrooms that offer a whole new look for the room.
Choosing The Right Option For You
There are many bathroom showers that you can select from. For example, you may want to consider bathroom showers that offer different looks and designs. You also have the ability to select other features for the room such as the vanity and the toilet. What's more, you have to think about the fixtures within the bathroom and even the mirrors in that room. Which type of tile will you use that will coordinate with everything? The good news is that you can purchase bathroom showers that offer all types of looks.
Look At Some Types
There are some popular options in bathroom showers for you to consider. Some of the most popular are those that do not have any doors or even those that have no doors to them. This provides a very contemporary look to them. You can create the type of shower that you want from an affordable acrylic shower or a full tile shower.
A good way to make sure that the bathroom showers that you add to your bathroom are going to match the rest of your bathroom is to use the hardware to help you. For example, a poplar choice is brushed nickel. If your faucet is brushed nickel, be sure that this matches in the shower as well. When you do this, you will find that the end result is a well designed, beautiful bathroom shower.
Adam Peters is the consultant for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Find more publications about shower curtain rods at his website.
A Summary Of The Types Of Window Blinds Available
Panel Blinds
The panel blind is the new and innovative shading solution for larger windows and patio doors and look fabulous in both contemporary and traditional interior design schemes.
Also stunning as a stylish room divider, the panel blind is available in a diverse range of colours and designs.
What makes the panel blind unique is the wide panels that reflect and filter daylight so effectively.
When open, the panels stack neatly behind one another allowing maximum light into the room. Sliding the panels into the closed position creates a complete fabric screen providing light control and increased privacy.
Venetian Blinds
Venetian blinds are available as pleated and traditional venetian blinds and can be designed to fit uPVC windows and doors including tilt and turn style and skylight windows.
Venetian blinds offer the following features:
* stylish and contemporary appearance
* quick and easy installation
* no holes drilled into windows or doors
* controls sunlight
* enhances privacy
* improves insulation
* easily removable for cleaning
* leaves window sills clutter free
An advantage of the Venetian blind system is the fact that the amount of light can be varied with raising or lowering the blind. Venetian blinds also give a degree of privacy whilst still allowing light into the living space
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds offer a similar light control function to Venetian blinds. Light can be continuously varied whilst provided a degree of privacy to the living space.
Pleated Blinds
Pleated blinds can be tailored perfectly into both rectangular windows and skylights or into those awkward spaces in conservatory roofs. With pricing very similar to ordinary fitted pleats, these high quality blinds will add grace and value to your special room.
Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are available in a very wide range of fabrics, colours and designs.
Many designs are available with sculptured lower edge that create a pleasing shape when partly lowered and give the blind a more finished and attractive appearance.
Roller blinds can be fitted to most types of window and conservatory.
Pinoleum Blinds
Roman blinds have a larger and bolder pleat. When raised, the pleats lie behind each other giving a very distinctive look.
The clean, modern outlines of Roman blinds has made them very popular for today's interiors, offering a stylish and economical alternative to roller blinds and pleated blinds.
Pinoleum Blinds
An exotic collection of woods and bamboos that filter the light into your room to create a calm, soothing ambience that can be adjusted as the climate changes.
The range of woods and bamboos are specially selected from sustainable forests around the world.
Natural weave blinds can be made to satisfy any style or shape of window. Roman style blinds are specifically designed for conservatory roofs and shaped windows.
http://www.toplinewindows.com
Getting Wicker Shades Sunroom Style
When you install a sunroom in your home. the desire to do so normally comes from the urge to spend time in the sun. but on your own terms. The enclosure allows you to avoid the bugs and pests of the outdoors and to control the environment’s temperature. Tinted or glazed windows will reduce the strength of the sunlight that comes through. and often the majority of the sun’s harmful rays as well. However. they don’t give you as many options for controlling the light that enters the room as sunroom shades do. And after a few weeks or months of enjoying your new sunroom. you may discover that you would like to be able to control the amount of light that actually enters the room at different points in the day. Just as you have curtains or window treatments on the other windows in your home. you can find ceiling shades. sunroom light control for the skylights in your room. a number of options to create a curtain for sunroom windows. sunroom window blinds or other sunroom window treatment options. These various shades and window treatments will give you the ability to control the light and heat that enters the room exactly to your comfort level and specifications.
Getting Ceiling Shades Sunroom Style
If you have skylights in your sunroom. then ceiling shades. sunroom style. are designed to fit into the existing frame of your window. If you purchase the shades from the same company that created your sunroom. then the sunroom window treatment that you choose should already be available in the size and shape that you need. If not. or if you had your sunroom custom-designed to your own specifications. don’t worry. You will still be able to find shades to meet your needs. In these cases. you might find that there are no pre-built tracks to accommodate the shades. This isn’t a problem. It just means that the company that installs the shades will need to install stripping to act as tracks for the shades. The fabric that is used for these kind of ceiling shades will be important in the resulting ability to control the amount of heat and light that is allowed to pass into the room. You will want to ask the manufacturer about the different fabrics that they have available. Certain fabrics will stop different levels of light and heat. For example. if you just want to cut down on the amount of glare in the room. you’ll want a fabric that stops 20 to 30% of the light. But if you want to be able to totally block out the sunlight coming through your skylights. ask about midnight shades. When paired with windows that have the right kind of glazing. these shades can block up to 99% of the light entering through the skylight.
If you have a solarium type of sunroom. such that the entire ceiling is made of windows. some of which are oddly shaped or curved instead of flat. you can still find the shades that you need. The shades will likely need to be custom-fit to your particular windows. creating the right shade for each individual window shape. The shades are designed to have tension so that they will stay flat against the glass and not droop down. However. you will need to decide when designing your sunroom window blinds. which ones you will want to be moveable and which ones can be stationary.
Control Options for Sunroom Window Blinds
Sunroom window blinds can be moved and controlled by a number of different methods. The simplest and least expensive method is by manually manipulating them by a cord pull. handle. or a telescopic pole that you use to reach the track in order to push them open or pull them closed. However. you can also have the shades motorized. If you choose to motorize them. you have a variety of options for controlling them. They can either be hardwired into the power supply of your home or powered by individual batteries. They can be controlled by switches mounted to the wall or by a remote control device. There are also some automatic motorized options. such as blinds that have a sensor in order to open or close automatically at dusk and dawn. Of course. the more complex your shade system gets. the more expensive it will be. And if you do select motorized shades. you will need to account for the eventual costs associated with servicing or replacing the motor.
However. not every sunroom window treatment needs to be so complex. For the lower windows that do not receive direct sunlight throughout the day. you may find that a curtain for sunroom windows is enough light control. If you want to keep the look airy and light. be sure that you select fabrics that are lightweight and give a ‘breezy’ feel. But if you are concerned about privacy or being able to block more light from coming in. you will want to consider sunroom window blinds. That way you can lower and raise them as needed to keep your sunroom feeling comfortable and private.
Andrew Caxton is the author and editor of many resources published at http://www.allsunrooms.com. For additional information regarding sunroom furniture or wicker furniture go to wicker sunroom shades
5 Signs That Your Air Conditioner Filter May Be Causing Problems
In an effort to reduce indoor pollution in your home you may actually be impacting your air conditioner in a negative way. Installing a very efficient air conditioner filter is one of those things that can have a negative impact. A high efficiency air filter can negatively impact air conditioner performance. Your ultimate goal is to have the most efficient air conditioner filter possible while having the least impact air conditioner performance.
Five Signs Of Trouble:
1.Evaporator Coil Ices Up
2.Long Run Times
3.Poor Air Flow From The Vents
4.Collapsing Filters
5.Unit Stops Cooling For No Apparent Reason
The Evaporator Ices Up Every Couple Of Months Or Even More Often
This is a common problem with air conditioning equipment and is related to air flow or low load conditions. Air conditioners are designed to have a minimum amount of air flow for each ton of cooling. When air flow falls below design requirements the evaporator coil can ice up. If you are experiencing this problem you can use a slightly less efficient air filter. If this is only a problem every few months then all you need to do is change the filter in you air conditioner more frequently.
Long Run Time Means More Energy Consumption
This is a problem that you may or may not be aware of. If better air quality is more important than slightly higher operating costs then ignore this one, unless you are also experiencing symptom number one also. The solution to this problem is more frequent filter changes or a less efficient filter.
Poor Air Flow From The Vents
Assuming you have a properly sized duct system that has balanced air flow to all rooms you should feel the same amount of air coming from all vents. If you notice that air flow from the vents that are the farthest from the main duct line or on other floors begins to decline as filter change time approaches then you should consider changing your filter more often or using a less efficient filter.
Collapsing Filters
This can happen when filters are in the system too long and they become so dirty and restrict air flow so badly that they actually are sucked right out of the filter rack. More durable filters will stay in the filter rack and cause the same symptoms as number one above. The solution is to change filters more often, use better quality filters or both.
Unit Stops Cooling
Some air conditioner manufacturers install Freeze Stats in air handlers to prevent problems with icing up. When the evaporator temperature becomes too low, a thermostat will open and not allow the compressor to operate. When the evaporator temperature returns to its normal range the thermostat closes and the unit returns to normal operation.
These are some of the most common problems that you may encounter with your air conditioner. The solution to these problems is to change your air conditioner filter regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. If following manufacturer guidelines does not correct the problem then you may want to consider a filter that has less of an impact on air flow.
For answers to all of your air conditioner filter questions visit us at www.furnacefiltercare.com. Take part in our surveys, ask for help or browse through our informative articles.
