Home Improvement

by: ARA (ARA) - Arbors, trellises and pergolas have been adding art and structure to outdoor living spaces and gardens for centuries For anyone looking to add space, style and elegance to their garden, these versatile wooden structures are practical projects that can be built in a single weekend. Fall is an ideal time to consider outdoor architectural upgrades. While it may be your last major project of the season, your appreciation for the effort will grow when spring 2004 arrives. The structure is already in place, ready to enjoy as plants grow and flowers bloom around it. A popular building material for a wooden pergola is Western red cedar. It s stable, resilient, and durable without the dangers of chemical treatment. Safety is important for people making building material choices, says Peter Lang, general manager for the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. Cedar looks beautiful and is among the most durable woods. For hundreds of years, cedar has been highly prized for its natural compounds that resist rot and mildew. While western red cedar s natural qualities have always been recognized, these are taking on new, heightened value among builders -- from professionals to do-it-yourselfers. Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a recommendation to avoid chemically treated wood, specifically wood treated with a form of arsenic. Recent studies have linked the arsenic in treated wood to cancer. Above-ground structures like pergolas, which might once have been built with treated wood, can be safely built with real cedar, known as the Tree of Life to the Indians of the Northwest Pacific coast. You may have seen pergolas on houses and called them trellises or arbors. Like a trellis or an arbor, a pergola can support vines or climbing roses. And like a free-standing arbor, a pergola can filter light with its lattice-like canopy. Pergolas are often used as covered or open-roofed gateways to homes, paths, and gardens. Consider attaching the pergola to your home, using it to shelter a path between the main house and a garage or other outbuilding. Because the overhead spans are supported by uprights, they can be made any size. Remember, one of the great appeals of the pergola is that it's a piece of architecture. In its simplest form, a freestanding pergola in the garden provides a unique focal point. It can also serve as an effective soft screen from neighbors, additional shelter for a walkway, or the frame for a view of another feature within the garden. A pergola gives a deck ch2024ter and provides new options for decoration and design. Pergolas and arbors are great for vines, other climbing plants such as roses, and hanging baskets. If you don't have a green thumb, adorn the pergola with lights or decoration for special occasions. With slight changes of the supporting columns and overhead lattice, a pergola can fit almost any house style. The basics of pergola construction are readily available online or from your trusted home improvement store. Before you tackle the project on your own or with professional help, here are few handy reminders. * Ensure that the posts can handle the weight of the overhead beams. For optimum performance, posts should be attached to ready-made concrete footings purchased from your building supply dealer. This will help keep moisture away from the base of the posts. * Take special care when deciding the proportions of posts and crossbeams. A set of 4-by-4 inch posts would be ideal with 2-by-6 inch boards nailed vertically for main-beams and crossbeams. * Make sure the structure s angles are precise to fit the dimensions you want. * Make sure the posts are vertically straight and even in height. Ensure the main beams are level and evenly spaced in parallel to each other. Use a carpenter s level for precision. * Finally, add decorative flair to the crossbeams with a simple cutting, such as a quarter circle from the underside ends of each crossbeam. A pergola can make a dramatic change in the yard and garden. It can enhance a style or be the final detail. Better yet, you can do it in a single weekend. To begin the construction process of a pergola or any cedar outdoor project, visit www.cedar-outdoor.org or call the WRCLA at (866) 778-9096 for free project ideas. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content

by: Mike Yeager Zebra rugs or zebra print rugs are hot commodities these days. These rugs are patterned after the irregular patterns in the actually animals coat. While zebra rugs tend to just be prints, it is possible to find a zebra skin rug as well. Of course, the more environmentally friendly choice is the zebra print rug. Zebra rugs are not hard to come by. They are available in the "natural" colors of the animals which is a white and brown mix. But, you can also find them in varying color schemes to match just about any room or area. Zebra rugs don't always look natural as you can even find them in hot pink and blue! To find a zebra rug to purchase for your home, check out the widely available items online. First, you can find them in rug specialty stores as well, or if not, you should be able to order them through those dealers. Otherwise, if you would like the convenience and wide selection, check out the multitude zebra rugs that are available online. To find such places, simply type into any major search engine the words, "zebra rug" and you will find many links to pages of zebra rugs with many dealers near and far. Also, to find them you may try to look in home improvement stores as they tend to carry a larger line of area rugs than most department stores. Zebra rugs can be a stylish addition to any home, Of course, the cost of these rugs can very depending on size, authenticity, and if it s a zebra print or a zebra skin rug. In order to find the right type, price range, and color scheme for your home in a zebra rug, do some additional research. Seeing as many choices as possible will give you more selection and help in your search for the perfect zebra rug. About the author: Publisher http://www.article-treasure.com/

by: Robert Clarke Are you thinking about taking on a good do-it-yourself home improvement project? With some simple tools and a few tips from a professional installer, you can take on the job of installing your own vinyl replacement windows.2024 Advantages The newer vinyl replacement windows have many benefits to offer owners of older homes. First of all, it s all but impossible to find stock windows at your local lumber yard or home improvement center that fit the measurement of the openings from your old windows. Since the newer vinyl replacement windows are made-to-order, the size you get will be a perfect fit. Another advantage to considering vinyl replacement windows is, you don t have to cut the window existing opening bigger to accommodate a larger window or patch the inside walls and siding because the new window is smaller than the old opening. Since the new replacement windows will be built to fit your existing openings, no other major alterations need to happen. Usually, a little caulking and some minor touch-up painting is all that s necessary. Some other important advantages of installing new vinyl replacement windows are also inviting. You can expect some energy savings on your fuel bill because of the better insulating properties of thermo pane glass. The glass can also be tinted to reflect heat or to block UV rays. You ll love the tilt-in panes for easy cleaning. No more risky trips up the ladder. Newer windows usually have fewer problems with condensation in winter time because of the better insulating properties of the newer glass panes. Measuring You ll need to take an exact measurement, height and width of each window frame to be replaced. Put a small piece of masking tape on each window and give it a number for identification. Write the number of each window on a list, along with the height and width measurements for each window. Tell your window supplier to tag each window ordered with the corresponding number from your list. This will be a great time saver later on when the windows arrive. You ll know exactly where each window goes. When measuring, use a carpenters framing square to check each window for square. If a window is 1/8th inch out of square, you ll need to deduct 1/8th inch from your measurement(s). Use a small level also to check for level and plumb. If the top and bottom of the window opening are level, yet the opening is out of square, there s a good chance that the side openings are not plumb. If the side opening is 1/8th inch out of plumb, deduct 1/8th inch from the width measurement. Usually, your window supplier can give you a printed sheet with their measuring and ordering guidelines. Don t worry; most windows are built with sliding top or side moldings to make up for out of square openings. 2024 Installation It s best if you have a helper, at least someone to hold the window in place while you attach the mounting screws. From inside the home, use a flat pry bar to remove the stop moldings on the sides and top of the window. Pull the bottom sash inside. You ll have to cut the weighted ropes on each side to release the window. The lead weights will then drop down inside the wall cavity. Don t worry, you won t need them. Once the bottom sash is out, remove the top sash the same way. Use a paint scraper to clear away any paint chips that might prevent the new window frame from sitting properly. You should then brush and vacuum any debris and dust from the opening. Slide the new window into the opening to check the fit. If all looks good, remove the window and prepare the opening for installation. Each window manufacturer may have their own specific instructions for installation. Generally, you ll want to run a bead of caulking on the sill and sides for the new window to set in. Most windows will have pre-drilled openings in the sides for mounting screws, which are also usually provided. Next, set the new window back into the opening. Press the unit forward to rest against the outside window stop moldings. Check the window for plumb on the sides. Use wooden shims to move the unit as needed. Once the frame is plumb in the opening, check it with your framing square. Again, shim as needed to get the unit square. The next thing you ll want to check is that the unit is plumb, from inside, to outside. Again, use wooden shims to force your new window unit into plumb. You ll also want to take note where the mounting screws will go and put wooden shims in, as necessary, to fill any voids where screws will be placed. After installing the mounting screws, check each window for smooth operation. You may find it necessary at this point, to remove or add shims for proper operation of the window. After you are comfortable with the operation of each unit, you ll want to slide the extension moldings on the top and sides, to take up any extra space. You can then apply a bead of caulk around all four sides of the window, inside and out. Summary To install new vinyl replacement windows is not rocket science. With these tips, some simple tools and printed instructions from your supplier, you can easily install your own vinyl replacement windows. ARTICLE REPRINT PERMISSION You may reprint the above article in your electronic or print newsletter; however, please include my byline and bio and keep the article intact. I retain all copyrights. Copyright 2005 http://www.contractorsusa.info/ About the author: Robert Clarke has operated several home improvement companies over the last 30 years. He is the owner of ContractorsUSA,Inc, a nationwide contractor referral service at http://www.contractorsusa.info/. Get more information about vinyl replacement windows at http://www.contractorsusa.info/replacement-window-installer.html

Welding Basics for Beginners by: Kenzie Thompson Welding has been around for centuries, though not in the forms most commonly used today. One of the first welding processes ever used was known as forge welding. Forge welding attempts to join two metals through a process of heating, and then pounding and striking. It's what blacksmiths did. But since then, there have been quite a few advancements in the welding world. With these new methods and techniques, welding has left the confines of industrial settings and can now be done practically anywhere - even underwater or in outer space! As you can guess from the history of welding, the ability to join two or more pieces of metal together in a strong bond has been fundamental in our advancements in all areas of life, from housing to transportation; from manufacturing to repairs. Understanding welding basics can come in handy at work, but it will just as often come in handy around the house, in the workshop or on the farm. Because of this, welding is a skill that almost anyone can benefit from, male or female, young or old. Why Weld? If you own any equipment or machinery that is metal, welding will certainly serve as a useful skill. Some typical goals of a welding job include: Fixing stress cracks Reinforcing weak joints, and Cutting/shaping new parts and adapters from raw plating. For chores like these, many welders rely on a process known as arc welding. Arc welding is a method where during the welding process, an electrical current jumps through an air gap (between a positively charged electrode and a negatively charged steel plate) and produces an enormous amount of heat. This heat is produced at the end of a welding rod, and when it does, metal can be melted. Well, it's a little more complicated than that, but the concept is the same. Perhaps the most common and economical welding method used today is AC (alternating current) arc welding. You can locate a simple AC welder just about anywhere, such as your local farm store or home improvement center. This welding process is ideal for most of your simple, routine welding jobs. Therefore, AC arc welding is ideal for those of you just starting out. Minimize Your Risk While arc welding isn't incredibly complicated, there are a few risks and hazards that you should be aware of: 1. Exposure to radiation2024 2. Flying sparks (in the form of globs of molten metal) 3. Electric Shock 4. Fumes 5. Damage to your eyes, and 6. Burns However, by wearing protective clothing and specialized welding helmets and other gear, you can greatly reduce the inherent risks of welding. Here are a few other tips to help keep you safe while arc welding: Make sure to work on a dry floor. Wear thick rubber shoes and dry leather welding gloves. Be sure to use insulated electrode holders. Check to make sure that your equipment is all properly grounded. Keep your work area properly ventilated to avoid inhaling any potentially toxic fumes. Be on the look out for flying bits of melted metal. Most importantly, be aware of any other people who are around you. If they aren't wearing the proper gear, then keep them away from your project. This will get you started welding safely - one of the most important things when learning a new craft. About the author: Kenzie Thompson practices both ornamental and industrial welding on his 5 acre ranch in Northern California. For more information on Welding Basics, visit http://www.weldingadvisor.com.

by: Guy Morris It has often been said that the heart of the home is the kitchen. If that is really true, then why is it that some kitchen designs just don t seem to support more than one cook or guest at a time? You can turn your kitchen into a functional and beautiful workspace and gathering place for the entire family. Even if you have limited square footage, there just may be more room for expansion, storage, and oh yeah, cooking in your kitchen than you think. Counters & Cabinets Storage is definitely a consideration in designing a functional kitchen. If you are limited by floor space, just look up. There is often a great deal of space between the counter tops and ceiling that just isn t being used in a kitchen. Look at the space above the refrigerator. Is yours just collecting dust or take out menus? If so, add a cabinet and you ve got a great place to store seldom used platters or treats you want to keep hidden from the children. Kitchen cabinets also don t have to be limited to one side of the countertop. If your kitchen design has a peninsula or island, you can use the ends and back side for more cabinet storage space. Kitchen cabinets come in more styles and finishes that you can imagine. However, if your budget is limited then you don t need to replace them for an entirely new look. Cabinet refacing lets you select cabinet patterns that are up to date and beautiful. New countertops don t always need to be included in this home improvement project either. Laminate countertops come with repair strips that will give new life to a worn surface. Laying Out Completely New Kitchen Designs If your budget calls for a complete renovation, then now is the time to really think about layouts and maybe calling in some specialist. The basic theory is that there should be no more than 2 steps between work stations. That means you should be able to go from the sink to stove in 2 steps; from the range to the refrigerator in 2 steps and so on. However, with today s extra large sized kitchens that s not the case any more. You still should choose layouts that consider how much time it takes to accomplish the normal tasks of putting dishes away from the dishwasher or getting foods from the refrigerator to the stove. The newest gadgets in these mega kitchens make timesaving and energy efficiency into an art form. There are refrigerator drawers right next to the range and microwaves that brew your coffee while making your toast! Fixtures and Furniture The finishing touches are what make kitchen designs more inviting than ever. The furnishings, light fixtures and even the cabinet hardware can make kitchens into real living rooms. Look for task lighting that can highlight work spaces and then radiant lighting for atmosphere. You can even turn the legs of old furniture or newel posts into bases for centre islands to make you kitchen furnishings blend with the rest of the house. Get creative and enjoy doing much more than cooking in your new kitchen. 2024 About the author: Guy Morris is author and designer of the website http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com. He is featuring kitchen cabinets and articles on kitchen designs http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/kitchen-designs.html.

by: Allan Wilson As we love to have a comfortable place to sleep so do the animals. So there are various types of beds for the pets to give them a comfortable sleep. Most of us have the dog as a pet. For the pets we specially have these beds designed for their fullest comfort. This type of beds mainly includes the outdoors beds, luxury beds, and puppy beds. For the various types of dogs there are various types of beds like the large dog beds and the small dog beds. Whereas when we look out for a bed for a cat then there are various types of beds depending upon the breed and the size of the cat. Comfort and luxury: The beds not only provide comfort but also look great due to the material used. Some of the pet beds are made up of the micro velvet nylon. The specialty of this is that it is washable. Due to the flexibility of the pet bed it can be used in traveling. The other advantages of these beds are that the machine can wash it and the covers are also removable and replaceable. Pet beds are available in various colors. Material used for the pet beds: The material used is not just for comfort but for style also. There are various types and sizes of these pet beds. Some of the pet beds are rectangular in shape. The material used for the pet bed is polyfiber, which is washable and removable. There are various sizes of the beds right from small to extra large. Some pet beds are round in shape for the protection of the animal. These beds are used specially when the animal is small in size or by age. The thick inner cushion provides with the fullest comfort to the animal. Other varieties of pet beds: The other varieties of pet beds mainly include the ones with the shape of a doughnut while others are reversible. The reversible beds have an advantage that both sides can use them. The inner cushion is removable and it can be washed easily. Some of these pet beds have an additional advantage of a crate pad. Bed for cats: The beds for cats are mainly required so that they are shielded from the winter and protected from the floor, which is cold. Most of the cat beds are made specially considering the window or the porch. To make the cats more comfortable the beds have a system of heating. This controls the temperature of the bed and the cats are prot2024d from cold. Other advantages of the Pet beds: The pet beds give the animals their own space and the house has a more organized look. These beds can be bought online also. About the author: For more interesting articles about home improvement, home decor and generally anything that helps improve your home then please visit: http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com

by: Alison Cole Are you handy? Think you can build a gazebo from scratch? There are plenty of gazebo plans available free in libraries and online. There are also blueprints available for fees ranging from $8 to $200. The more expensive gazebo plans are architectural blueprints, which are much more specific and best suited to the experienced contractor. But a talented home improvement buff can make good use of the less expensive options available. A good free gazebo plan is available from the Build Eazy website. There you will find links to complete plans for 5 basic gazebos of varying sizes and styles to suit most tastes and uses. There plans are free. There are several things to think about before starting to build a gazebo. You will need some basic carpentry tools such as a level and a screw gun. You will also need a compound miter saw or sliding compound miter saw. These machines afford the angular cutting abilities you will need when fashioning the various sections of the gazebo. The sliding version is best for larger pieces of wood. You can either bolt the gazebo to a concrete slab or pre-existing wood floor, or you can create the gazebo with a built-in floor. In the latter case, you will need to pour one concrete pier for each post. Contact your local building department to find out how deep the concrete piers should be, and whether there are any underground cables you should try to avoid. Three kinds of woods are commonly used to build outdoor structures: pine, cedar, and redwood. Pine is the softest and easiest to work with, but it decomposes the fastest. Cedar and redwood are harder and more expensive, but age well. Alternatively, you can build a metal or vinyl gazebo. But unless you have all the heavy machinery for fabricating the parts, you ll need to buy a gazebo kit. These come in sections for you to assemble using the included hardware. A level and a screw gun are usually all that are needed. You might need help from a buddy, especially for the roof sections. There are lots of options when it comes to building your own gazebo, and you don t have to be a carpentry star to get really good results. And just think, when you re done building your gazebo, you can sit inside it and just enjoy the shade. About the author: Gazebos Info provides detailed information about spa, garden, patio, canopy, screened, metal, and vinyl gazebos, as well as gazebo plans and kits. Gazebos Info is the sister site of Awnings Web.

by: David Chandler Most people would like to revitalize their interior walls with some colorful paint, but are too afraid to make the leap from off-white or beige. The homeowner is afraid that a daring color choice may not match their furniture, will be too bright, and have a host of other reasons. Painting your walls is a basic element of design and can enhance any room for only $50. Your furniture and artwork can take on a new look with a designer flare just by painting your walls. So, the first question you may ask is how do I choose the right color? Below are some recommendations to help you choose. The first recommendation is to choose a tinted neutral. Instead of choosing rich, deep colors for your first project, you will likely feel more comfortable with a neutral color such as beige or gray and thus will not date the room or create a jarring palate that you will easily tire of. At your local home improvement store, you will be faced with a sea of color swatches - hundr2024of versions of basic beige and gray to choose from. So before you visit your local paint store, consider these steps in choosing the right color for you. If you like the feel of a warm and cozy room - think of fireplaces, brown leather and sunsets - then you'll want to start with a beige tone. Now, consider your furniture and accessories. What colors do you see? If you have a lot of black or navy, you may wish to choose beige with orange or pink undertones to keep the look warm. If you have browns or reds in your furniture, select cooler beige with ashy tones to avoid 'overheating' your room. If you prefer a cooler, airy look - chrome, glass, and shades of icy blue - then select gray tones. Some stores will have a 'true gray' color swatch which you can use to compare with their designer selections. On comparison, you will notice that each gray has undertones. Some will have blue or lavender tones; others may have green or even a hint of pink. Using the same guide as stated above, identify the main colors of furniture and accessories in the room. Use green or pink toned grey with cool toned furnishings to avoid it from feeling like an icebox. Use blue or lavender undertones in rooms with warmer colored furnishings. If you undecided between beige and gray, than the easiest color to work with is green. Keeping it in a muted tone will make it very easy to live with, and will work with most color palates. Painting your rooms with color will bring a finishing designer touch to your home.

A Primer on Selecting and Using the Right Table Saw by: Jim Laframboise Just imagine - the sharp, toothed blades of a table saw ripping through your stack of wood, cross cutting them with pinpoint accuracy on the marked line. Or consider this scenario: trimming little pieces of wood to create a straight cut catering to the dimensions of a life-size model dollhouse. Making accurate cuts cannot be stressed enough in the woodworking game. Marking and cutting precisely along the layout line may seem like a science, but it does not need to be. By realizing the intricacies of an adept table saw, you'll work like a pro. To begin with, table saws are very versatile pieces of cutting equipment. They have the capacity to tackle both thin and thick pieces of wood and adapt with different cutting methods like ripping, beveling (forming a cut angle other than a 90 degree angle) and mitering. The trademark home improvement tool, table saws have a less margin of error than widely misused circular saws that have a tendency to mis-cut from time to time. It all begins and ends with the type of blade used. Most standard table saws are equipped with a 10-inch carbide blade, excellent for general-purpose use. However, the introduction of new & improved blades into the market has created a variety of cutting options for the wood shopper. Replace carbide blades with the 12" 60T (tooth) Tungsten Carbide Tipped Saw Blade and you can really notice a major difference in each cut. Choosing the right table saw requires a bit of strategical thinking and an analysis of your current woodshop situation. Table saws for under $200 are for occasional-use suitable for fast ripping on small lengths of wood. $200 to $400 table saws are frequent use, mid-range machines excellent for taking care of most ripping jobs. Investing in a $400 plus table saw remains your best bet for extensive woodworking projects like carpentry and furniture making. They are powered by quieter motors and cover a large surface area with more cut depth, taking on the thickest slabs reserved for the most hardcore woodworkers. If you frequently cover large, intensive projects - look for a table saw with more work-support surface. Many saws come with table extensions that allow them to cut more towards the center of the wood piece. However, the portable table saw is the No. 1 option for polished woodworkers today. It is more convenient than bulkier, heavier table saws and usually constructed with aluminum for easy transport. In addition, leg sets could be purchased to complement its use. Adjustments to different depth and range of cuts are done by simply raising and lowering the blade according to wood thickness. In addition, blades can be tilted to conquer bevel cuts. Whatever you do - make sure you install blade guards or have a locking fence come standard with it. Your fingers are for using, not for disposing carelessly. With the right table saw selecting mindset, you should be able to purchase the right table saw that you'll use for years to come.

by: Marcus Peterson The quality of the wear layer determines frequency of refinishing of hardwood floors. Poor quality products can not withstand being refinished even once. The thicker the wear layer, the more refinishing it can withstand. Good quality engineered flooring can be refinished two or three times depending on subfloor s smoothness and experience of refinisher. Refinishing a hardwood floor is a time consuming process and requires the proper techniques, tools and patience for the best results. The process consists of three stages: sanding, staining and finishing. You can rent a floor sander from a home improvement store or flooring company. It is a heavy equipment you may need assistance in using it. Remove any nails, staples or tacks from the floor to prevent tearing the sand paper. Use 20 grit sandpaper in the sander. Make sure that sander follows wood grain direction instead of across the grain. If the machine is switched on, it should not remain static. After sanding entire floor, replace 20 grit sandpaper with 100 grit paper to remove lines and scratches on the floor. The room should be well ventilated while sanding, and it is important to wear a dust mask. After sanding, you may either stain your floor it or leave as it is. Sweep sawdust after sanding is completed. Fine dust can be removed with shop vacuum. If you choose to stain your floor, apply stain in the corner to see whether it is of your choice or not. With the help of brush apply stain in the room. Then you can even it with rag. If required, coat once more after the first coat dries. Let the floor dry completely. Then go for the finish. Work area should be ventilated properly as vapors in the finish are harmful to your health. Mix the finish well in the container. Use a brush or roller to apply the finish. Drying may take over three hours. Apply second coat which should be left and least overnight, and up to three days, for drying. Refinishing is a means to increase durability of the floor and enhance its appearance, and is a three-stage process of sanding, staining, and finishing. About the author: Hard Wood Floors provides detailed information on installing, cleaning and refinishing various types of hardwood floors, including engineered, solid, long-strip, exotic, pre-finished, and cheap hardwood floors. Hard Wood Floors is the sister site of Bamboo Flooring Web.