Category Archives: Home Improvement

Home Improvement

5 Tips for Landscaping Small Spaces: Container Gardens for Patios & Porches


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Landscaping in a small outdoor space can seem tricky, especially if you’re confined to a small patio, porch or balcony. Small spaces are a blessing and curse. While you may not have the room for a full garden, landscaping maintenance is a lot simpler in a confined space. With a bit of planning and the right containers, you can dress up your outdoor space with more than just holiday lights and a couple of folding chairs.

1. Have multiple focal points

Potted Plants

Give your space visual appeal by having more than one focal point in the landscaping. This means having more than one potted plant in a corner. As you plan the elements for your patio, balcony or porch, think visual discovery. For example, use unusual containers like pitchers, an old dresser, a pedestal sink or glass jars that you recycled. Use a larger container to make a water garden. Mix tall and short plants in one container. Add some garden art and use repetition to draw the eye.

2. Know thy plants

Plant Varieties

When you have a container garden, choosing the right plants is as important as their arrangements. First, consider the conditions on your patio, porch or balcony. For instance, does it get full or partial sun? Is it windy? Then find the types of plants that grow well within the microclimate and learn a bit about their care and needs. If you’re a gardening novice, choose plants that are simple to maintain. As you repot the plants that you purchase, use the recommended potting mix and container so there is sufficient drainage.

3. Grow up

Potted Flowers

When the space on the ground is limited, consider the vertical spaces available. Secure a trellis to a wall for climbing plants, for example. Mount gutters onto a wall for rows of plants and leafy vegetables. Hang a shoe organizer from a door and add plants in the pockets. Cover the outsides of a shipping pallet with landscaping fabric, add dirt, lay the pallet against the wall and add plants. Mount canning jars with plants in them on the wall.

4. Don’t forget the flowers

Patio Landscaping2

If you have a themed container garden filled with mostly green plants, add some pots with colorful flowers. Not only are blooms beautiful, they attract pollinating insects like bees and butterflies that will help your garden thrive. If you have a container garden with herbs, consider adding edible flowers like borage, nasturtium and calendula. Some flowers are also great at repelling pests, such as lavender and marigolds.

5. Landscaping maintenance

Small Spaces Landscaping Ideas

As you plan your container gardens, group plants that have similar landscaping maintenance needs. This means not planting succulents, for example, with ferns. The plants that you group together should have similar sunlight, watering, feeding and drainage requirements. As your plants blossom, pinch off faded blooms to encourage more flowers to grow. Pruning and trimming is another landscaping maintenance job that you can’t neglect to ensure that you have enough space to enjoy your small garden when you’re outside.

Landscaping in a small space can be just as rewarding as tending to a larger garden. Be creative and thoughtful about where you place the containers, and share the bounty with your family and friends.

Guest author Steve Stewart is President of Landscape East & West, award-winning Portland landscaping contractors. Landscape East & West is a full-service landscaping company specializing in sustainable landscape maintenance, outdoor kitchen and patio design, and much more. Visit LandscapeEast.com to view services and portfolio.

Home Improvement

Laminate Flooring – Buying And Installing


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Laminate flooring offers a long-lasting alternative to stone and real wood at a fraction of the price. What’s more? It is easy to install and maintain, and this makes it ideal for a do-it-yourself-er.

laminate floorsFeatures to consider when budgeting and purchasing laminate flooring online include:

Floor Thickness

Laminate flooring comes in various thicknesses ranging from 7-12 millimeters. Buying a thicker laminate is always better so as to prevent bending due to unevenness of floors; it also helps in sound reduction.

AC Rating

This entails a laminate’s resistance to wear. It ranges from 1-5 with the level of durability being the highest number, AC5. As for AC1 laminate, it is recommendable for rooms with little feet movement such as bedrooms. On the other hand, AC5 is ideal for a lot of foot movement such as that in department stores; it goes without saying that it’s also the most expensive option.

Flooring Texture

Laminate flooring comes with various textures like high glass, hand scrapped and embossed. This allows the buyer to choose what suits them best from a variety of options on offer. The high glass has a mirror finish that makes it more appealing.

The beauty of online purchases is that you can browse through multiple samples before settling on your best buy –all at the comfort of your home- provided you have internet access. Most online retailers will also provide the cost of various laminate floors beside the samples.

The basic tools needed for a self-installation are a measuring-tape, dry erasable marker to ensure correct measurements, reversed jigsaw blade and an undercut saw to trim the door and avoid door jams.

Most of these tools are available from sites like ebay.com pr craigslist.com at pocket-friendly prices.

The Installation Process laying laminate floors

  1. Measure the room in which you intend to install and calculate the number of packs needed. As a safety precaution, buy an extra set in case there are accidents or mistakes and always have some money set aside in case there’s damage to the ones bought.
  2. Lay the laminate flooring on a dry leveled surface. Ensure that all floorboards are fitted well and if the floor is old, use self-smoothing material that dries up the floor.
  3. Lay the boards on the same direction. In a square room, lay the boards facing the direction of incoming light. Start from the corner and lay the boards on the first two rows along the longest straight wall.
  4. Place plastic spacers of 60cm between the board and wall. Make sure the spacers are all around the edge of the floor. Join the boards using adhesive. The last board may need trimming to fit in.
  5. Begin the second row with the cutoff of the last board. When done, remove the spacers and put the skirting board over the new boards. Then you can polish or paint.

If this proves hard to follow, there are online installation videos; and recommendable sites include youtube.com, homedepot.com and diynetwork.com, which can show you how to go about it.

Author Colin McD: We recently had our kitchen flooring replaced with some new laminate (originally had vinyl tiles) and for the first time I managed to do it myself, all by myself! If you take the time it is something you can do yourself, and without too much hassle (2 and a half hours for a medium size room is all it took).

Home Improvement

Finding A Throne Fit For Your Home: Choosing A Toilet That’s Right For You


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Toilet DiagramThe porcelain throne. The royal office. The can. The loo. The john. The WC. Mrs. Murphy. Known by many names, the toilet is a central component of any home. However, in spite of its frequent use and functionality, many homeowners overlook this necessary appliance in their bathroom renovations.

Rather than running to the nearest hardware or plumbing outlet for a toilet right off the line, consider taking more care in your toilet purchases. After all, not all toilets are created equal. There are makes and models to fit anyone’s style, taste, and preferences. From the whimsical to the eco-friendly, there is a throne fit for your home.

Conservative

Traditional Toilets:

For the conservative homeowners, there are two main types of toilets to choose from: gravity flushing and vacuum flushing.

The former relies on gravity—surprise, surprise—to power each flush. The pressure from the water tank works to push the water through a complete cycle. That is why you can flush a toilet even when the power is out as long as you have water to refill the tank.

Modern Toilets:

Modern varieties, on the other hand, create a vacuum to pull—rather than push—the water from the bowl through the pipes. This type of toilet provides a more powerful and cleaner flush, but is also a more expensive choice than the gravity-flushing commode.

Of these two, you have a variety of types and looks to choose from. From one-piece to two-piece sets, compare both function and style to find a throne fit for a king—or at least good enough for the rest of your family.

Green

Eco-Friendly Toilets

Low-flow Toilets:

Like a traditional toilet,  low-flow toilets use gravity to power each flush, but require less water to do so. That’s good from a water saving viewpoint, but bad if you tend to have heavier loads to deposit. It makes for more frequent plunging, and a greater chance of insanitary (and frankly obnoxious) overflowing.

Dual flushing:

Dual flushing toilets have been around for a while, but are only recently becoming popular on this side of the pond. They feature two settings: half-volume and full-volume flushes. The half-volume button uses half the water typically expended in one flush for lighter loads. The full-volume setting utilizes more water for heavier loads that may require more forceful cleaning. For the eco-minded consumer, equipping a toilet with two different settings enables greater conservation and reduced waste.

Composting Toilets:

About 90% of our waste is made up of water. Composting toilets take advantage of this in a system of evaporation that converts the remaining solid waste into rich fertilizing soil. Additionally, the system is odor-free, and sanitary—using special processes to eliminate any viruses or pathogens in the waste so that it is safe to use and recycle.

A word of advice: Composting toilets do require some special plumbing adjustments and specifications. Therefore, before you invest time and money to install one, it would be wise to have a drain inspection and evaluation from a certified plumbing professional.

Paperless Toilets:

Paperless toilets are another trend that is gaining popularity in the green movement. Many people are installing separate bidets in their bathrooms, or all-in-one toilets that reduce the amount of paper consumed. It does use more water though, so for many it is a “lesser of two evils” issue.

Waterless:

Finally, for those set on eliminating water waste, waterless toilets are a great option. Some use jets of air to flush waste, and others incinerate it. They can use electricity, propane, natural gas, and even diesel fuel in a variety of methods that reduce waste into sterile ash.

Personalized/Unique

Novelty toilets:

If you can imagine a crazy shape for a toilet, it probably exists. There are toilets in a variety of shapes and colors, from people to teapots, to your favorite TV characters. These novelty toilets are not for the conservative bathroom. Whether you have a quirky home in general, or simply enjoy adding unique accents to your décor, you can likely find a toilet to fit your personal tastes—however whimsical they may be.

Luxury toilets:

For those of you who are just rolling in the dough, you can find toilets that truly resemble the thrones for which they are nicknamed. Looking to impress your wife? A diamond encrusted seat cover is just the ticket. Prefer a little more comfort? Pick up a model with heated seats, a foot warmer, and even a built-in sound system. With a commode like that, “restroom” may no longer be just a euphemism!

Specialty toilets:

But, personalization isn’t just for the quirky and rich out there. Many households require special features and accommodations. For example, for elderly customers or those with disabilities, there are various specialty toilets available to meet their specific needs. So, whether you wish to indulge a whim or accommodate special needs, there are multiple options available to suit every type and personality.

Next time you are in the market for a new commode, don’t just go for the same old toilet everyone else has; find one that fits your needs and your style, and never have a boring bathroom time ever again!

Michael David is a freelance journalist and blogger living in New York City. Michael loves writing about DIY projects, home improvement, and garden-related topics.

Home Improvement

Electricians Tell Their Secrets: 5 Of The Worst DIY Attempts


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man

Image by: sturti

Over 14 million men in Britain have admitted that, when DIY work has gone wrong, it resulted in wrecking their home. More than half confessed to still having at least one DIY project unfinished in their property. Each job on average totals up to £170 – which means that there’s an enormous 2 million pounds worth of DIY fix ups to be done in the UK!

Most people prefer to do their own handy work instead of calling in the professionals. This may seem a cheaper alternative since it would save money to do it yourself rather than paying somebody to do the same job.

But this is how DIY disasters are caused. Electrician Martin from MF Electrical in Heanor agrees: “It is whether it has been done safely and won’t endanger a life. Is it worth taking the risk rather than getting a professional in to do it?”

We asked some professional electricians about some of the worst DIY attempts they had seen. Here’s what they had to say.

Dangerous

“A couple had an immersion heater wired in coax TV cable, an 8.5kw shower wired in orange lawn mower flex. One of the classics we used to see regularly was tin foil wrapped round the old style cartridge fuse in fuse boxes.” – Martin from MF Electrical in Heanor

“I think the worst thing that I’ve found would be a ‘junction box’ in a loft. This was basically the connections snapped out of a light fitting and left underneath loft insulation live and with all the live parts exposed.” – Kirsty from Kirsty Cockerill Electrical

“My friend’s husband took some power out to the garden deck. He ran a socket out there and then ran some lights off that. He did it all in 1mm lighting cable and didn’t consider IP ratings (protection from moisture). He plugged in a couple of heaters. There was a big bang!” – Karen from She’s Electric

Bizarre

“I was called out to a home where the lady of the house was getting a shock as she washed her hair in the kitchen sink. It turned out to be a DIY light at the bottom of the stairs her husband had installed – I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether or not it was intentional!” – Roger from C.J. Timms

“Joists catching fire, since the builder drilled half of it out so that his downlight would fit, sockets and showers with no earth, whole houses with no earthing, circuit tripping as a socket under sink was full of spilled fabric conditioner.” – Donna from ATB Electrical

So now you know how not to do it, here are few sage words of wisdom from those electrical pros in the know. 

Helpful Tips

“If you have an old-style fuse box, get it replaced. It could save you and your family’s lives.” – Roger from C.J. Timms

“Never risk it and check it yourself. Most electricians will give you free advice, so if in doubt just give someone a call. It could end up costing you more in the long run if you try to fix it yourself.” – Kirsty from Kirsty Cockerill Electrical

“Just because it works doesn’t necessarily mean its safe. If you are at all worried about your electrics, get them properly tested.” – Donna from ATB Electrical

So what’s the moral of the story, boys and girls? Don’t try attempting any DIY work if you’re not 100% what you’re doing. You may end up paying out more to repair any faulty D.I.Y than actually having a professional do it for you.

Have you ever had a disastrous DIY attempt? Or got any of your own tips? Let me know in the comments below.

Sarah Garvey has a fair share of knowledge of electrician DIY work, especially about ICT and from her own personal experience. She recommends Alert Electrical.

Home Improvement

Top Five Reasons Why You Shouldn’t ‘Do It Yourself’ When It Comes To House Painting


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In these times of economic hardship, it is often very tempting to do as many things as you can yourself when it comes to home improvement or household tasks, rather than paying the professionals to do it for you. In many cases this is absolutely fine and does make monetary sense, but when it comes to external house painting, it can very much be a false economy. There are a number of reasons why this is the case and this article will run you through the top five in the hope that you will be dissuaded from making the mistake of trying to take the task on your own shoulders.

You Should Never Bite off More than you Can Chew

Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

The fact of the matter is that some decorating jobs are a lot simpler than they first appear, but exterior house painting does not fit within this category. To get a good, or even an acceptable final result takes a great deal of expertise and skill. If you do not have the experience of carrying out house painting regularly then you are unlikely to possess the prerequisite skills.

Do You Really Have Time?

If you look at the exterior of your home it may be easy to misapprehend just how large the surface area that requires painting really is. If you take the time to really think about it you will realize that there is in fact a lot of coverage required and, when you consider that more than one coat is likely to be required, you start to get the picture of just how much time you will have to set aside to paint it yourself. Add to this the fact that any work done at height invariably takes a lot longer and you really do have to ask yourself whether you really have time to do it yourself.

The Weather is a Factor

Feeding into the fact that doing it yourself will take longer than having your house painted professionally, is the fact that you have to consider the weather as an extra factor. You simply cannot re-paint exterior walls in the rain or wet weather and, as such, the quicker that you can get the job done when the sun does shine, the better hope you have of everything being finished and dry before the next shower.

It May Not be as Cheap as You Think

SavingWhilst the main reason you may be tempted to paint your house yourself would be the fact that you believe it will be cheaper than bringing in the professionals, you may be surprised at how little difference there may be. This is true as, unless you happen to have the kind of specialist equipment and ladders required for working at height, buying these can be very expensive and almost wholly destroy any economic benefits of doing the job yourself.

Working at Height is Hard

A final point to remember is that even if you don’t believe to have a fear of heights, doing work and decorating at height is difficult and, if not done correctly, can be dangerous. If you have any concerns in this kind of area then you shouldn’t, therefore, even consider taking on the task of painting the exterior of your house yourself.

James is a writer, blogger and DIY expert having cut his teeth at Never Paint Again. An exernal wall covering and coating specialist in Plymouth, Devon.

Home Improvement

5 Simple Steps to an Organized Garage


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The garage is one of the most underutilized areas in the home. Many times people begin to place boxes, totes, and miscellaneous items in their garage. Soon enough, the garage becomes a cluttered dumping ground for the whole family. The garage is the optimal space to store and organize your family’s things and should be fully taken advantage of. Here are a few simple steps to an organized and functional garage.

Decision Time:

The first step to an organized garage is making decisions. If an item hasn’t been used in the last 3 years, chances are you’ll never use it in the next 3 years. Make decisions based on this rule of thumb to rid yourself of a lot of unnecessary clutter. Separate items in a “keep” pile and a “donate” pile.

Donate:

Once you’ve separated your things, donate gently used and useful items to your local charity. Donating to a local charity is a great way to give back to your community, recycle and receive a tax deduction. Who wouldn’t find those reasons appealing? Now, you’re ready to start organizing your garage!

Designate:

Now that you’re left with the items you could never part with, it’s time to assign them to a designated spot. Sports equipment, off-season items, tools, and yard equipment should all have a space of their own to call home.

Bins and Labels:

Store things in clear plastic bins to easily identify its contents. If you prefer a more uniform look, store things in a colored bin and label them according to their contents.

Bring Everything Up:

Garage Storage System

In order to maximize on your available space and create more usable square footage, store things up on the wall, above windows and doors and from the ceiling. Utilize shelving, hooks and overhead racks to take advantage of wall and overhead space to store things up and out of the way.

Store off-season and less frequently used items up high. This keeps them out of the way while still allowing for easy access when they are needed. Store more frequently used items, such as kids’ toys and sports equipment and yard tools lower on the wall and in cabinets for daily easy access.

By taking full advantage of your garage you will discover just how much space it actually has to offer. By storing and organizing your items up off the floor you will once again feel in control of your garage.

Monkey Bars Garage Storage Systems is a garage storage and organization company serving Sacramento homeowners with solutions and tips for an organized garage.

Home Improvement

Popcorn Ceiling Removal: Tile Options For Your Popcorn Ceiling


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When you want to find an affordable way to update your popcorn ceiling, you might want to consider ceiling tiles.  They are an easy, economical choice for a new look to any room in your house.  However, you may be surprised to learn how many options are available.

Acoustic Tiles

Acoustic tiles are designed to reduce noise because it absorbs the sounds.  These tiles are usually made from fiberglass or spun mineral fibers.  White is the traditional choice for color with acoustic tiles, but you can also find them in beige, blue, or gray.  These tiles are often used in music rooms or homes with more than one living space.

You can choose from different brands and thicknesses of acoustic tiles.  They also have different levels of sound absorption all the way up to 80 percent so you will want to choose carefully.

Plastic Tiles

Plastic is an economical material for people who are on a budget.  They are designed to be fire safe and often provide some insulation.  Some plastic tiles are even made to look like tin tiles with the metallic finish.  You can also find ones with ornate patterns or borders that look like crown molding.  They come in different colors and can even give the appearance of stone.

ceiling tiles

Tin Tiles

If you want the look of real tin, you can still find these tiles to cover your popcorn ceiling.  However, they are more expensive than other types of tiles and are more difficult to work with.  You need proper tools to cut the tin to the correct size, so you may want to have the job professionally done if you choose this type of tile.  You can also use other metals such as brass, copper, and steel to achieve the look of tin tiles.

Cork Tiles

Cork is a great choice of material for people who are concerned about using eco-friendly products.  They are also easy to install and come in waxed or unwaxed options.  Waxed cork brings out the color in the tiles along with the texture; it also gives tiles a shine.  The unwaxed choice allows the natural look to shine through.  This type of tile also provides good insulation.

Other Criteria for Tiles to Cover Popcorn Ceilings

You can get lightweight or heavier ceiling tiles, depending on the material and requirement for noise absorption.  Most tiles are either designed to be vacuumed or cleaned with a damp cloth.  The majority of tiles measure a square of 12 inches by 12 inches but you can find other sizes up to 20 inches if you prefer a different size for your ceiling.

Other things to consider include the warranty and the price.  There is quite a range in price, depending on material and size.  One tile can cost from just a few dollars to close to a hundred dollars.  Cost will increase if you need a grid system for your tiles.  How you install your tiles will depend somewhat on the condition of your ceiling.  It can be helpful to talk with a professional to know which options work best for your situation.  They can look at the condition of your current popcorn ceiling and offer advice, but the final decision is up to you.

Before you buy your tiles, you will want to decide on the style you are looking for as well as the colors in the rest of the room.  They are a great way to update your room and hide the popcorn ceiling without the cost and complication of replacing it.  You can choose to handle the project yourself or hire a professional company to get the job done easily and quickly.

Olger Fallas Painting is a house painter in Maplewood New Jersey specializing in removing lead paint from old homes.

Home Improvement

Above-Ground Versus In-Ground Swimming Pools


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If you and your family are ready to have a pool installed in your backyard so that you can invite all of your friends and family over to enjoy it with you throughout the hot summer season when one of the best things to do is go for a swim to cool off and have fun, you have two choices: above-ground and in-ground pools. This choice may be difficult, and you may have already given it quite some thought but come up empty when it is time to really come to a decision.

To help you determine whether an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool is really best for your backyard, continue reading for the pros and cons associated with each.

Costs

In-ground pools are much more expensive than above-ground pools because they need to be installed directly into the ground in your backyard. Therefore, if you are on a tight budget, an above-ground pool may be your only option. Just keep in mind that, at least for the short-term, an above-ground pool may be more affordable. But in the long run, a durable and long-lasting in-ground pool is really your best bet because above-ground pools will eventually need to be replaced.

Labor

There is a lot more labor involved with above-ground pools that are taken down at the end of every season because the following year you have to construct them all over again. If you don’t mind the labor, the affordable above-ground pools available are a great option.

There are also sturdy above-ground pools that can be permanently set in your yard without the need to take them down and put them back up each year. You will need to drain out or treat the water, though, and keep it covered tightly throughout the rest of the year, just as you would an in-ground pool.

Both in-ground and permanent above-ground pools can either be drained and thoroughly cleaned at the end of each season, or you can tightly seal them at the end of the summer. If you use a mesh cover, you will need to continue treating the water throughout the winter with chemicals and the pumps turned on so that it is ready to go when the next summer season arrives. If you use a solid cover instead, you can winterize all of the equipment and add the chemicals and chlorine necessary to last throughout the winter instead.

Space

In-ground pools take up a lot more space in your backyard. Above-ground pools, on the other hand, come in a variety of sizes to suit your preferences and needs. If you do not have a lot of space, or you want to give yourself extra space by taking down your small above-ground pool when you are done with it, it would be best to avoid an in-ground pool.

In-ground and above-ground pools both come with their sets of benefits and drawbacks. Your choice between the two will depend upon the amount of money you have for a pool, the amount of space in your yard, and your expectations for its maintenance.

Derek Tyler is an architect by profession and he enjoys writing articles that mainly focus on landscape design. He enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge and he is currently a consultant at B-Rod Pools in Westport.

Home Improvement

Incorporating Reclaimed Wood into your Home or Apartment


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With more companies and contractors seeking LEED certification, it’s not uncommon to see the use of reclaimed wood in remodels and new buildings. What a lot of people don’t know is that it’s simple to use this earth-friendly material in a home or apartment. From reclaimed hardwood flooring to simple crafts, reclaimed lumber isn’t just beneficial for the environment and a green solution for your space – it’s also an investment that’s full of character.

About Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed lumber comes from objects that have had a previous life, such as barns, shipping palettes or wine casks. After the wood has been salvaged, dried and milled, professionals turn it into new products you can use in your home.

Alternatively, DIY enthusiasts can source reclaimed wood from garage sales, thrift stores, classified ads or retailers that sell salvaged building supplies. If you wish to go the DIY route, be picky about the wood you choose. Always look for lumber that was never chemically treated so you don’t get exposed to toxins. Also, carefully inspect the wood for signs of insects so you don’t introduce unwanted pests into your home.

Incorporating Reclaimed Wood into Your Home

Using reclaimed lumber in your home design is simple, as many designers and contractors offer affordable reclaimed wood options. When working on a wood craft of your own, there’s a good chance you can replace virgin wood from the hardware store with reclaimed wood. Here are some ideas:

Reclaimed Wood Floors

Reclaimed hardwood flooring

One of the main advantages reclaimed lumber has over newly harvested wood is its strength, durability and extra resistance to moisture (because it’s drier and comes from old-growth trees). Consider using reclaimed hardwood flooring in the shared living areas of your home. The unique patina of the lumber, and the variety of available shades, make it possible to perfectly complement your home’s décor.

Decks

Some types of reclaimed lumber resist the elements so well you can use them to build or resurface a deck. Consider incorporating old beams into steps and built-in benches.

Wood veneer panels

Veneer panels made out of reclaimed redwood provide an affordable option that gives you the look of solid wood at a fraction of the cost. Because the panels are more stable than virgin wood, they’re less prone to the effects of humidity and alternating temperatures. Wood panels are ideal for:

  • Walls
  • Casework
  • Frames
  • Cabinetry
  • Doors

Flower boxes and raised beds

With some old shipping pallets and basic building supplies, you can make simple flower boxes and raised garden beds over the weekend.

Cutting board

If you have the know-how, use untreated hardwood (stay away from soft timbers) to make a unique cutting board. If saws and sandpaper aren’t for you, check out stores that sell kitchenware, as many now offer reclaimed wood products such as wine racks and salad tongs.

Birdhouses

Another great weekend project, birdhouses are simple to make (especially with kids).

Reclaimed Wood Frames

Picture frames 

You don’t need many materials to make yourself some amazing picture frames from reclaimed wood. If the wood has an interesting pattern, use a light stain on it.

The use of reclaimed wood is a design trend that’s here to stay. By incorporating this eco-friendly material into your home, you help reduce deforestation and keep perfectly usable materials out of landfills. Talk to a dealer who specialized in reclaimed wood to learn more about its uses and benefits.

Author Bio:

This post was contributed by Viridian Reclaimed Wood, a reclaimed wood flooring, paneling and furniture salvaging and materials company based in Portland, Oregon. Viridian focuses on using environmentally responsible raw materials and manufacturing processes to build products that last generations  and than can in turn be easily reclaimed at the end of their life cycle.

Home Improvement

Frosted Glass Doors for Modern day Homes and Offices


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There are lots of raw materials that are useful to build doors such as wood, steel, and many others. Even so, glass doors are a brilliant way to offer a spectacular appearance to your home. Frosted glass doors are an even better choice to enhance the beauty of your home. These doors are superb as they offer privacy; either partial or complete from the outside world. They are slowing becoming a trend that introduces beauty and elegance to every corner of the house without a lot of cost. You might notice these doors in Hotels quite a bit; they tend to use them as Entry doors, Interior doors, Pantry doors and also Bathroom doors. Sans Soucie Art Glass is among the top companies that provide these doors completely installed in a wide range of price.

Frosted glass doors are able to create fantastic, stylish and contemporary layouts on the doors, and the advantage of frosted glass over normal clear glass is that frosting the glass creates and obscured effect, providing privacy for office, bedroom, as well as shower and window glass.  Despite the fact that glass is frosted and obscure, the amount of light that passes thru the glass and into the room is the same, but diffused – and free frame glare, creating a wonderfully, well-lit space, with sunshine coming in from just about everywhere. Without question, a well lit room full of sunshine as opposed to a dimly lit room does indeed brighten everyone’s day, so the more sunlight the better.  The team at Sans Soucie Art Glass helps you understand what kind of pattern will suit your door glass based on the amount of sunlight it receives, your décor style and your budget.

Etching Methods

Etched using a number of methods, the most popular frosted glass door etching is sandblasting.  Glass thickness will vary depending on exterior or interior use, as well as the sandblast effect chosen.  Thicker glass is required for heavier, deeper sandblast carving, so a minimum of 3/8” glass will be used, and for exteriors, the glass will be dual pane.  All glass for doors, windows and showers will be tempered for safety and for doors for indoor use; the glass will be 1/8” thick on average.

Practicality

Even though frosted glass doors can be utilized as the material for folding doors, think about the practicality; glass folding on another glass would certainly build a very thick folding door, and that could be incredibly troublesome and hard to use. In its place, consider using frosted doors for pocket doors or bypass doors; glass is best when in its element and used on a sliding door, because it is hard to find glass to act correctly against a wooden frame as in conventional wood doors. Sans Soucie Art Glass are well-known for high-quality workmanship and versatility, their glass doors turn any glass product into an incredible work of art.

Frosted glass doors are also excellent as pivot doors, typically found in five star hotels or restaurants.   Pivot doors can also be used in your home or office on a smaller scale.  They give both beauty and a sensible way of getting around.  You can also use this kind of glass door as the door to your pantry, obscuring the view to the inside, though sunlight can still pass through it. These glass doors are also one of the best shower doors for bathrooms, as their translucent condition does not make it possible for visitors to look inside.

Advantages

One advantage of frosted glass doors is they are low maintenance and will last for years. Unlike some woods and other materials. Cleaning is easy, and depending on where the glass is installed, regular cleaning and wiping of the glass will be sufficient. Certain textures that have color require special care.

Author’s Bio:

Today, together with his wife LeeAnn, Chauncey and his team of highly skilled artisans and glaziers, have earned a well-established name and reputation for Sans Soucie. Known among thousands of homeowners, designers, builders and developers for creating the highest quality etched, carved and leaded art glass available in the industry, Sans Soucie is also known for its broad-range design versatility and outstanding level of customer service and satisfaction.