Saturday, October 2, 2010

Green ways to decorate and design your kitchen

After decades of neglect, the environment is starting to get the attention it deserves, and rightly so. As a result, some homeowners are choosing to implement green projects in their kitchens, especially since the kitchen can use a lot of energy by means of apparatus which constantly executed and dripping water regularly.
Here are some tips for each category in your kitchen so you can choose a green decoration scheme based on your needs and budget.

Appliances and water saving green technology


Energy star appliances are getting lots of attention, and with the current range of options and pricing, upgrade their old appliances to more efficient energy options is feasible. Energy star appliances use anywhere from 10 to 50% less energy.
Don't underestimate your kitchen faucet as a potential source of water conservation. especially if your budget does not include new devices, consider choosing a kitchen faucet with an aerator. You will have the same pressure of water with less volume.A recirculating pump will keep your hot water on your touch, not meaning that no running water for up to one minute waiting for hot water.

Items Going Green


Cabinets and countertops are seminal components that affect the appearance of your kitchen. If you are considering to present your cabinets kitchen cabinet refacing, a popular option is to choose a wood which has not been terminated with urea-formaldehyde, which emit harmful gases. You can also choose green materials such as wheatboard which is finished with non-toxic products.

Recycled quartz countertops are the most popular option and green are designed by DuPont Zodiaq CaesarStone, Silestone, and IceStone.These quartz countertops prevalent mildew are recycled and heat resistant. they offer a wide range of color options with good color depth and a pinch of glow that complements any kitchen.

Green overwhelming


If you are considering upgrading your kitchen flooring, before going the route of laminate flooring, do some research into green options as cork flooring, linoleum or reclaimed wood and bamboo.Bamboo is popular because it is easily extendible and was improved to be more durable, as well as the stand up better to moisture.Cork is environmentally friendly and you will have a many color options, just make sure you like the texture and look before committing.
Because linoleum is manufactured with linseed oil, Rosin and wood flour, is durable and environmentally friendly to produce.If they are defined in tile, consider buying recycled tile that was well preserved, perhaps a terracotta warriors to a warm, rustic look.

Do not discard it!


If you are upgrading your kitchen all or only some items, do not forget how you dispose of items you are overriding. After all, playing their instruments present in landfill does not justify buying Energy Star appliances. instead, sell or donate your used equipment (whether in working conditions). this way, someone is going to reuse them and this will prevent them from clogging up in a landfill. Ditto for replacing cabinets and countertops. If you're taking down their lockers, take pictures first and try and sell the lot or donate to their charity, local home improvement that reuses your materials, such as Habitat for humanity in this way, you'll have done their part for the environment.
Bob Fischer is the renowned author of a multitude of articles of kitchen design. He is also a famous composer and photographer of many portraits of kitchen design.

How to select scraped//Distressed Hardwood Flooring

Hand-scraped and Distressed floors are becoming a popular choice in upscale homes and commercial buildings today. These floors are a more recent trend, but has its roots in history. Before modern sanding methods today, floors were hand scraped on site to do the floors flat. Today's hand scraping is done to add texture, richness and uniqueness.
Distressed hardwood flooring is done by machine or by hand. In an effort to reduce labor costs high, manufacturers have created machine-if looking distressed and scraped floors. These are cheaper imitations of the real thing. The problem with the machine default replay is distressing.As you look through the floor you see the same repeating pattern across the floor. This doesn't have a natural feel to the ground.
Real hand scraped is exactly that-handmade. When done correctly, this method creates a truly unique floor. These floors are very differ from texture added to the floor and the skill of the person by scraping the word.
Some manufacturers are just denting, stated or thinning the word.Others are unequal sanding the word to create a look worn. others Still are scraping the whole surface of the coating creating original hand made look. A few lines of products that the customer to choose between heavy and light scraping. True Craftsmen can create an appearance recovered with black holes, divisions and other marks of character that occurs naturally.
The work used in hand scraping varies greatly. Some installers floor simply have his crew scrape the word after it is installed at home.Results depends largely on the ability of the person or persons making the scraping. lack of control and expertise can lead to disastrous results. Scraping is that a factory environment is also varied. Some are using illegal immigrants for the work of scraping; an enterprise uses the federal penitentiary system, smartly not advertised as such. Yet another usa Pennsylvania Amish craftsmen to create your collection Amish Hand-scraped.
Some homeowners are buying unfinished scraped floors and applying the finish on the site, but most are choosing prefinished.These floors require special methods to prepare the word for the finishing. Regular site sanding can destroy the texture of the floor that the client is paying more expensive lines. are being completed by hand sometimes referred to as "hand rubbed". Most prefinished floors is excellent and create the convenience and speed of installation for the contractor and the owner either.
One of the great advantages of a prefinished flooring is the ability of each Board to move independently with moisture changes In site at home. finishing the obligations requiring the finish between planks in order to divide the word contracts of dry humidity levels.These cracks rarely create a problem and are natural wooden floors, they are less noticeable in microbevelled prefinished floors.
Scraped floors that have finished darker tend to show more than scraping natural finished floors.This is due to a combination of finishing in scratches causing shadows draw your attention to the character on the floor. Most manufacturers of wooden floors have websites showing consumers how the floors have displays in many distributors near your home so that you can actually see and feel what you're buying.
Hand scraped floors aren't cheap. They are for anyone looking for a truly unique look. The cheapest machine made of material of distressed hardwood floors can retail around $ 10 per square metre. you'll pay $ 15 and up per square metre for hand scraped. most things in life, the real thing is difficult to imitate and most people know a false when they see it. a real hand scraped floor will be a unique, warm, rich in look to your home and will be guaranteed an absolute piece of conversation with friends and visitors.

Maple Flooring-the traditional way of renovating your home flooring

Hundreds of years already has been since maple flooring was discovered and still only grows stronger than ever in terms of popularity and sponsorship of customers. Yes, this type of coating really has been labeled as traditional wood flooring due to its variety of style as the Board broad, rustic or old coating type, the type of flooring deliberately distressed and even the type recovered from wood flooring.
And when you install your flooring for your home, make it a point that such floors should never be installed over concrete slabs or configure below ground level due to its very high sensitivity to moisture.In addition, when you're on your way to decide your flooring, take a look at all your needs and ask yourself if you really need a hard and durable floor for your home truly. then you can only consider going for the Green ambarizada ironwood, wood, Cork, teak or if you are very worried about water resistance in his coat.

Maple Flooring in variable Weather Conditions


Remember that there will be breaks unpleasant looking ugly and openings that will appear in your maple Flooring when moisture dries on floors, as well as when floors contract during winter days. Furthermore, during the days of Summer, expect will expand their maple Flooring and, naturally, openings caused by excessive moisture during the days of very cold suddenly go dry. While the wood planks used for your flooring can bend or Cup until due to humidity or moisture. That is why it is advisable that first announcement above all, that you must acclimate their wood and that should always be suitable placeholder or ready for any expansion that you may be having to your maple Flooring in the future.

Installation


To install, the type of nail-down installation is the most suitable for this type of coating.Later on you will have to do some juts touches of re-coating, as well as some refinishing to make your home look excited flooring and appearing more like real solid hardwood. What's even more good news is that owners get to choose from a wider selection of hardwood flooring.Gone are those days when you can only choose between oak and pine. Indeed, the market for floorings of exotic hardwood was discovered and indeed, now became a big deal for a lot of shops, as well as your local home improvement stores.In addition, check always the grain of each specimen of the type of wood that you like. Some coating materials, like tigerwood, as well as the zebrawood, both have vibrant grain. while others keep soft and gentle material grains such as satinwood and rubberwood. And more importantly, always hire the services of a professional when having your maple Flooring installed so you can be sure that you have the best quality of the Interior of your home.


Jim Roberts has written articles for 5 years in a variety of topics of interest, Visit its newest passion and find the latest methods and technology about maple Flooring.

Antique Wood Floor

Old wood flooring, wooden flooring or recovered, recycled coating is of historic buildings, built in and around the turn of the century. Many believe that old wood floors bring rich tradition and warm atmosphere for your holiday. If your goal is more traditional, contemporary rustic or refined, regally magnificent reclaimed wood from the past of America is truly the heart and soul of the vision of today's elite design.

Many believe that the old wood flooring is the choice of those who want a beauty and uniqueness that will express individuality and style undying. Wooden floors, without doubt, give a heat home and strength. Reclaimed wood flooring adds style but not only a story as well.Normally today many manufacturers of reputable antique flooring are located in the South and West, but there is also a small virtual industry also salespeople. Regardless of the provider is advisable to choose one that has been a seller established for a while.

First and foremost means any coating, new or old, must be capable of supporting human weight and daily activities. While this seems quite logical and there is no need to be indicated, this is something to be taken into consideration when dealing with old wooden floors. Old wood flooring is very old wood that can be unstable due to decay, insect damage and other various elements.Ideally, wood, that has been ravaged by time, water leaks and bugs is not what you're looking for. manufacturer's job Is to cut and discard any lumber that has cell damage sufficient to allow it to crush when stepped. While this increases the already very high waste factor is another mark of a good producer and something that should look for a serious buyer.

Although there are some legitimate concerns, old hardwood floors are truly unmatched in terms of beauty, the density and clarity.In addition, old wood is valuable for its historical importance alone. reclaimed wood or old is usually provided by buildings built around the turn of the century and, as consequence, is a reflection on the history of certain regions and times.Old wood floors are also very popular with people involved with environmental issues surrounding logging forestry.Old wood floors using lumber of old growth forests harvested decades ago, therefore, reducing the need for harvest of current life.

If style, sophistication and a little history unique is what you're looking for in the coating, old hardwood floor can be the choice for you. many experts agree, since recycled wood is the original old means forest growth, the result has unmatched architectural quality and character. not only is perfect for coating that is also used in wooden frames, trusses, open beam ceilings, exposed headers, trellis work, furniture, Mantles, staves and moldings.


Christine Beals is a professional writer that provides information to wood flooring of A1 where you will find information about the old hardwood floor and many more types of wood flooring.

Exotic hardwood flooring makes your legs look good


Truly, it's hard to beat the timeless beauty that old wooden floor or cork flooring can offer. The type of wood used is a personal preference and basically depends on your choice of lifestyle. Your new wooden flooring is going to be elegant and eye appeal and supplement any type of room decor. Different from its default traditional Oak flooring that is common in many new homes, exotic wood flooring can be beautiful and impressive.

Hardwood flooring is durable and will last nearly all life with the proper care. Exotic wood flooring comes in a variety of species, stains, finishes and patterns available for selection. Besides being hypoallergenic, hardwood flooring is environmentally friendly. It increases the market value of real estate and convenience of your home.Coating now costs is an affordable option and worth every penny. If you are considering exotic hardwood flooring, you have to ask yourself, "I'm choosing wood better coating type available for practical reasons or is simply a luxury?

There are many different types of exotic timbers as bamboo flooring, tiger-eye Australian, cork flooring, old wood flooring and the list goes on and on. maintenance must be one of its considerations when selecting a fine wood for your flooring. Exotic wood types as Brazilian Brazilian walnut, teak, rosewood TietĂȘ and Santos mahogany pampering will require less because of its high ranking Janka hardness.

According to tests performed by the laboratory U.S. forest, some types of exotic timbers are more durable than others.They use a rating system official called the hardness of Janka. classification based on pounds of pressure needed to embed a diameter 0,444 inches steel ball half its diameter in wood. It is interesting to make some comparisons. Looking for white pine as an example leads 380 pounds of pressure, Douglas fir, 660 pounds and American cherry flooring, 950 pounds.

Many of the exotic timbers are to thousands. The Brazilian teak wood flooring has a rating of Janka 3540. It is excellent for families with large animals in growth and requires less maintenance and repair due to wear. If you are expecting a lot of heavy use and foot traffic, Brazilian Cherry has a rating of 2.820 and can be better than Cyprus Australian hard. Brazilian Cherry can miss the wide range of shades of Brown cream filled with character dark knots that Cyprus can offer, but has a huge hardness rating that is double-clicked. Moreover, the cost of coating is less expensive per square foot than Cyprus boardbag similar grade.The cost savings can be as much as $ 1. 65 or more! The higher the level of hardness, the less you need to take precautionary measures to prevent damage surface for the simple fact that is more durable. Bamboo flooring, for example, is extremely resistant and use a large family.

Households without children small heavy foot traffic and may require lower hardness ratings and do not need to pay the higher costs associated with installing exotic hardwood floors. Hardwood flooring continues to be a good option and a good investment for most families.You don't have to ask your flooring halfway around the world to get a durable hardwood floor and impressive. Many national and local providers offer American hardwood with excellent durability and longevity that requires minimal maintenance and the maintenance of wooden flooring. The key is the quality of the wood quality. Clear degrees offering warm inviting along with fine grains of wood are excellent. You want to select degrees that show character marks that occur naturally. Hardwood flooring Antique offers a degree of excellent character and a rustic country that is particularly attractive with certain types of home design and interior decoration.

Consider the time-saving convenience of hardwood flooring refinished. It reduces the overall costs of floor wood including the contractor's facility. Finishing and polishing is not required and planks of wood floors refinished move independently with humidity changes.Seasonal changes are less stressful in coating, for floor separations become less transparent over time.A popular hardwood flooring, chic is the wooden floor hand-scraped, distressed and valued, previously used which offers a classic look.The Word adds resource and the value to the owner because the character flaws.

Distressed wood flooring is huge when combined with a classical and elegant decoration, adding a rustic look.Is a delicious combination of chic and shabby, hard to UpStage. Hiring the right contractor to do your installation will help protect your investment and ensure the success of the project.Try posting your project online and then sit and wait for the contractors to reach you. There are lots of flooring contractors in standby mode just waiting for the competitive offering of your project, ready to give you great service at the best price. Be critical of your contractor portfolio, references and the company profile. be sure to contact your references to ensure you get a quality service, there is no obligation of any kind in hiring any consultant and verify that there are no hidden fees. do your homework and create your masterpiece today!








The price of Terry is a successful web editor and expert author and is a regular contributor to [http://www.hardwood-flooring-discount.com/bruce-hardwood-flooring.html]. explore the world of laminate flooring: http://www.hardwood-flooring-discount.com/alloc-laminate-flooring.html


Sorting Out The Wood From The Trees – the best Woods for hardwood flooring

The American novel with wood floors has never been stronger after hundreds of years; this traditional flooring option for American homes is more popular than ever. Traditional wood flooring-exemplified by styles like wide plank flooring, flooring or deliberately rustic, antique distressed floors, even reclaimed hardwood floors is appearing in homes across the country. How "green" construction becomes more significant, hardwood floors are one of the choices more renewable, environmentally conscious for builders and owners.


So, let's say you've decided to install a plank floor looking for seniority, broad, in your living room. Maybe you're remodeling, maybe you just bought your home and need to get rid of the shag rug yellow stained, ugly, that looks like it was installed around the time that John Travolta did Saturday Night Fever. But what kind of wood floors you achieve? The choices, with many species of wood on the market, can seem overwhelming. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right kind of wood for your project.


Firstly, there is no set of rules. It's your floor in your home or condo and most importantly, you'll be happy with your choice. With that in mind, consider common ways that different woods were used in the past. Over time, it has become traditional to use certain kinds of architectural coating in certain styles of wood. For example, broad white pine plank is closely associated with a look of American Colonial East Coast. It was the wood more widely available to our ancestors. Most of the houses of the season, by necessity, were rustic, and remained the style. In contrast, classic white oak, another perfect choice for wide plank flooring, is often associated with stylish wooden floors, or more formal.


The use of different wood species in different configurations might easier is seen by the type of house. But remember, these are guidelines only. Wood is a very versatile material, and the same wood can often work in a variety of configurations. Most African hardwoods listed below can be ordered in one of several grades, adding flexibility. Fuzziness is the smoothest, often results in an elegant appearance. Country and rustic degrees are more gross, sometimes more sorrowful looking degrees, giving an ancient appearance or country into the ground.


Wood floors to the traditional style Homes


Warm, elegant floors are often found in traditional American homes, such as colonial style houses and Georgia. Suggested Timbers for a traditional architecture include:


-Eastern White Pine is a thin, smooth wood grains, knotty, with a very smooth texture. It is very true for old houses, creating a warm tone and classic.


-A subtle grain Cherry. tight, medium hardness and a dark red color are hallmarks of cherry flooring. The cherry red color continues to deepen over the years, resulting in a warm tone that is almost unparalleled. A cherry wood flooring works well in formal definitions or country.


-White Oak wood tight with a grained, dense and difficult. A hardwood floor white oak is seen on many classic American homes. The fuzziness gives a more traditional look, while country grade white oak, more knotty in appearance, can be used to create a hardwood floor looking more rustic.


-Pine heart. One of the best-loved all American hardwoods. A pine wood floor of the heart is another proven American look. Wood Is a very difficult, with a grain of dramatic, like a flame and a color orange pumpkin. it works wonderfully in a country or a traditional setting.


Hardwood floor for modern or contemporary Homes


-Hard Maple.This durable wood has a grain tight, narrow and is one of the hardest wood available. hard maple Flooring looks clear, light and is perfect for light, contemporary rooms with plenty of Windows design.you hard maple used in settings that require an extremely resistant surface, such as a gym.


-Birch. Other resistant, dense wood, Birch has a tight grain and a subtle, sometimes running pattern.Birch wood is perfect for a modern, light floor.


-Hickory. A very hard, tight grain, usually with some knots and sometimes the grain can be dramatic. A floor of Hickory can work so well in a country like in a modern.


-Walnut. A popular choice, Walnut is medium-hard, with colouring marbleized tiles and suitable for natural finishes.Walnut flooring is a very versatile wood, suitable for many architectural styles.


Hardwood floor for style Country houses


Heart-Pine.The pine hardwood floor heart classic looks so good in a country setting as it does in a traditional to a country, or rustic wooden floor, big heart pine plank is a perfect choice with its calls such as grain and color as a pumpkin.


-Eastern White Pine. pine plain white refined, knotty, East creates a hardwood floor that will look right at home in a country style house has been the wood choice in homes in the country for generations.


-White oak character degree for a hardwood floor looking more rustic, the default character degree flecked white Oak, very suitable for the quarter-sawn flooring is an excellent choice.


-Oak plank flooring. refined, quarter-sawn, wide red oak country creates a timeless look that will enhance any home country style.


Hardwood floor for each style of House


Built-in styles and architecture are not limited to some classic looks. There are an infinite variety of decorations and hardwood floors complement them all from a pine hardwood floor in a fifth country heart French Eastern white pine flooring in a log home, a rich, red, Santos mahogany ride in a classic style library 19TH century, the options are almost limitless. do some research on the Internet, maybe look at a few image galleries of wood flooring and let your imagination take wing. go outside for some showrooms and see and, more importantly, touch wood. Genuine wood is a material that you almost have to fall in love and when you find the right wood for your project, you just know it.


Neil Street is a site editor and writer, associated with Kellogg Hardwood Lumber, a company known for its high quality, custom wide plank flooring.


 


 

Friday, October 1, 2010

Ten great reasons to choose a wooden floors

Many homeowners are faced with a decision when it comes to coatings. For the majority, it boils down to a choice between wood or carpeting. While initially it may seem a little more affordable for choosing carpeting on wood, when you think through the pros and cons, it becomes clear that wood is really the best option for your wallet, to their health and their environment. Here are ten great reasons why:


They add the value of your home and are a great investment over time. Homebuyers love wood flooring, and if there comes a time to sell your House, it will add to its appeal and value.
Wood flooring helps control allergens. The wood not trap hair, dust, pollen and other allergens. Getting rid of carpeting, wall to wall is often a first step recommended by doctors as part of reducing household allergens. A wooden floor is easily cleaned with green products or non-toxic.
Look and feel beautiful! Wood is a timeless, coating material that actually can improve over time, such as its color and mellow Tone and deepen.
Functional and flexible-wood flooring can be used in almost any room in a House. Furthermore, as area rugs can be easily replaced, a hardwood floor allows Redecorate a bedroom in a new style, without having to replace the flooring.
Hardwood floors are low maintenance and easy to care for. Once the word is stained and sealed properly, you do not need to do a lot! Spills are a cinch to wipe clean and simple sweeping or vacuuming is everything you need on a regular basis to keep the ground looking beautiful.
Many choices are a nearly unlimited variety of timbers to choose from, ranging from elegant rustic pine hardwood. And the great variety of spots, plus options like wide plank flooring, distressed, quarter sawn look and much more, make appropriate wood floors for any style of home.
Durability. Other coatings is actually recycled and premium, hundreds of years after it was created? Certainly not carpeting! Hardwood floors are extremely durable and can last for generations.
Flexible Installation. Today, the installation options are easier than ever. You can order your hardwood floor in the traditional way and have that finished on site. Or, if you don't want sanding and finishing that occur in your home, you can order the coating of wood floors, which will come with a factory finish multi, all ready to install. No fuss, no mess!
Hardwood floors are a feature green, sustainable and recyclable. According to the American Hardwood Information Center, almost double hardwood flooring is cultivated annually in the United States as is harvested today, the volume of wood in American forests is 90% higher than it was 50 years and with much wood today being recovered, it is a great choice to help preserve the environment.
Last but not least, you'll love it! The story of wood flooring dating back centuries. Today, a beautiful wooden floor is more appreciated than ever. That's because nothing can replace the feeling, warmth, brightness, comfort and convenience, a real wood floor.


Neil Street is a site editor and writer, associated with Kellogg Hardwood Lumber, a company known for its high quality, custom wood flooring.


 


 

Searching For Homes made with ecological sustainable materials

Numerous Movements have been exercised by public organizations, private groups and even home associations to address the increasing environmental degradation. The real estate world has participated actively in show their support to this cause. And it is through dissemination of houses built with sustainable materials-ecological or popularly known as green homes. If you are a home buyer hopefully, this type of home would certainly benefit you, your family and the environment.


However, before you can buy this house, you have to be understood about what makes a eco-house. Building materials are the basics that make a qualified green home. So, you have to look to the grades of materials used in construction of such goods. Firstly, the materials must be made or produced locally in comparison with imported products; these are cheaper primarily because there are huge savings of energy and fuel to transport them.


And with the shortest period of transport, there is less harm to the environment. They also must come from renewable sources, i.e. they must be produced a rich resource. For example, some plywood producers provide details about their manufacturing practices to obtain ingredients of a controlled area. This site is usually a forest maintained by researchers and scientists. These people then oversee that each tree cut is replaced by a new, or any endangered species are protected and not used for production.


The durability is also an intrinsic characteristic of more ecologically sustainable materials. Most resistant trees groves are known to overcome even the life of humans. These are generally resistant against water damage, mold and other bacterial formation when handled properly. Because of this quality, you can be sure of low maintenance and cost-effectiveness. Repairs and replacements are very unlikely. You can also save on cleaning chemicals. Most of these materials only need damp mop or cloth water and vinegar in preservation.


In addition, its natural composition makes them free of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. These harmful emissions waste typically come from building construction components made of plastic and asbestos. And speaking of his natural quality, they present aesthetic attributes that make a home look fresh and inviting. Versatility is also another feature they have. These can be used for wall panels, roof, roofing and finishing.


There are numerous ecological and sustainable materials. These include wood as bamboo coconut, lumber, rattan, narrates and mango. Green homes use them as hardwood floors or panes. These woods are becoming more popular in areas where natural disasters strike frequently as these are flexible. On the one hand, Japanese households with bamboo floors provide classification of cylinders to resist earthquakes. Dry lumber and Wood recovered from old structures are large components such as these have proven to survive disasters like fire. Cork, a material known to sounproof, is another material that is durable enough to generate maximum insulation interior. This can be used as dunnage or moisture barriers installed on top of a concrete base.


Also there are very few roofing technologies that ensure the energy consumption, resist the resistance and providing effective indoor temperature. Composed of fibrous cement, wood shingles and recycled metals are top picks for roofing materials. Some houses have also integrated solar panels with recycled Metal roof such as aluminum; brass and copper were also transformed into tiles. These are versatile in terms of appearance-rustic or modern as they come in different sizes, shapes, colors, design and texture. Polished, vibrated, tangle, brilliant, sand or rough texture trendy are some available in multiple markets.


Another efficient components commonly found in green homes are the newest Windows. Throughout the manufacturing process and installation of this essential House, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) rates of such product. Windows should accomplish the following tasks: heat loss prevention, glass condensation and wet training, blocking heat gain and UV rays, broad penetration of light and air leak.


There are a number of sources where you can learn more about these materials. Some home builder’s websites, e-books and local awareness groups support the cause of improving the condition of the Earth. These usually provide free newsletters, forums and lists of the latest eco-friendly materials and homes. Its effort to buy a green home can then be more guided.


The real estate market can be an enjoyable, rewarding and profitable for you if you are an owner, a buyer, an owner or simply an enthusiast of real estate, get to know more about the latest on the housing market now read more about it here: Green Buildings in Buckeye and Eco-Friendly Sunland Village Homes.


 


 

Wood flooring-how to choose the best


Selecting the perfect wood flooring for your home requires careful consideration of its overall theme, installation requirements and your budget. You need to be familiar with the different styles of wood flooring so you can make an informed choice between products. You'll save money by selecting the correct wood flooring for your project and the result is something that you can be proud of and enjoy for many years.

Wood planks

Wood flooring styles during approximately 4 "wide planks are considered. typical widths range from 4" to 6 "Although you can get up to 12" wide gangways. The problem with going too broad is that there is more expansion and contraction across the grain with the wider plates and you might end up with the differences between the planks. The moisture in your home changes with the seasons, the wood planks can absorb moisture or give it away, changing its width.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineering Coating is made of laminated wood layers in alternation of grains, such as plywood, so it is very stable floors. This is the best choice of hardwood flooring if the floor is being placed concrete or in the basement since he won't expand with the highest levels of humidity.It has a thin veneer or wear layer on top of real wood so that it can only be refinished a limited number of hardwood flooring times. Solid can be refinished often if necessary.

Reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood flooring is one of the hottest trends now.The reclaimed wood comes from the old railway trestles, barns or logs that had sunk during his travels down delivery of Rio. wood recycling is environmentally friendly, but it also gives you incredible wood with character and a unique story. reclaimed wood is a perfect complement to a design or rustic log cabin.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is not really hardwood but instead of an image of laminated wood manmade material. one of the cheaper types of coating and generally easier putting yourself, very good quality laminate flooring is durable and resistant to pet owners. often available as a floating floor where the strips laminated click set for quick installation.

By carefully consider your budget along with the distinct appeal of each of these styles of hardwood flooring, you can find the perfect fit for you to establish the overall appearance of your home.








If you enjoyed reading about hardwood flooring, you can find out where to buy wood flooring with discount.

Brian Gabriel is a licensed contractor, mechanical engineer and log home builder in the mountains of Western North Carolina. He is the author and creator of site Connection Log Cabin, created to offer advice, tips, ideas and resources related to cabins.


How to buy furniture, kitchen

When it comes to designing your kitchen, choosing a worktop is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Not only does it have to look good, it has to endure heavy use. So before you buy, consider whether you'd be prepared to put in some effort to maintain its look, or would rather have something more durable. Then think about aesthetics.
'Your choice largely depends on the style of your kitchen,' says Lizzie Beesley, conceptual designer at Second Nature Kitchens. 'If you want to create impact with your units, you may want a toned-down work surface, but if you have neutral doors, the worktop material can make a real statement.'
Work surfaces such as stone and stainless steel need to be templated by the manufacturer to fit your kitchen exactly, with cut-outs for the sink and hob, and this will affect your budget.
But it may well be worth it. 'The right choice is a good investment and can turn a modest kitchen into something special,' says Annette White of Chiltern Marble. So which surface is right for you? Read on to find out.
KITCHEN WORKTOP TRENDS
'The polarisation in the thickness of worktops is still a major direction - there's no middle ground, worktops need to be either deep or shallow,' says Anjum Ahmed, product and marketing director at Magnet. 'The slim worktop sector is dominated by glass and compact laminate, while thicker worktops tend to appear in oaks and dark timber or specialist materials.'
There is a huge trend for mixing materials,' says Max de Winter, project designer at Poggenpohl. 'It's not unusual to find two, three or even four different surfaces in one kitchen. As kitchen and living areas are now more integrated, one material throughout the space would feel too overpowering. Instead, use a warm wood on a breakfast bar for example, stainless steel in a prep area and coloured glass as a highlight.'
Edging, be it glass, timber or coloured acrylic, is a top trend. 'For a very modern look, style up a standard laminate with a contrasting edge in wood or stainless steel,' suggests Jude Keenan, kitchen planner at John Lewis. 'This is possible on both square and curved-edge tops.'
'A big trend at the moment is a 50mm worktop with a 30 degree bevelled edge,' says Boffi's Steven Salt. 'This can be in any material, and the tapered edge means the surface appears to be floating above the units, giving the ultimate minimalist look.'
The profile (ie the edge) of the work surface can also make a difference to the overall feel. The rounded edges of the Eighties and Nineties are a thing of the past, and the latest surfaces have a completely square edge, a pencil round (where the edge is just slightly rounded) or a chamfer where just a tiny bit of the corner is shaved off.
LAMINATE WORKTOPS
Modern laminate worktops are a world away from the Nineties surfaces that tried (and more often than not failed) to imitate their natural counterparts.
'Laminates have moved on so much, even in the last three years,' says Simon Wilde, head of marketing at Formica. 'New textures, finishes and printing techniques have given them added dimension and depth.'
Choose from hundreds of colours and finishes, including realistic wood grains, polished and matt stones, sparkling faux granites, concrete, high-shine surfaces and bright, solid colours. Laminate is now also available in thicknesses of up to 60mm.
PROS: Low maintenance and low cost. Laminate is one of the cheapest ways to get the look on a budget, and can be a fraction of the price of the real McCoy. If you're handy with your power tools, you can cut and fit it yourself.
CONS: Some laminates can get scorched and scratched if not cared for properly, and laminate surfaces can have conspicuous seams. They're non-repairable if damaged.
WOODEN WORKTOPS
Hardwood worktops such as oak, cherry, maple, walnut, teak and mahogany are the best way to bring a warm, rich quality to a kitchen.
'Costs vary depending on the wood you choose,' says Lizzie Beesley. 'A simple oak surface will cost a lot less than exotic, on-trend zebrano, wenge or walnut.'
Finger-staved wood tops, where little planks are glued together, are a less pricey way to get the look. Remember to buy from a sustainable source.
'We're even using wood reclaimed from mountain chalets,' says Steven Salt, showroom manager at Boffi. 'These surfaces have a chunky, rustic look, which provides an amazing contrast in an otherwise clean-lined, modern kitchen.'
Wipe wood after food prep, mop up any spills straight away to prevent staining and avoid abrasive cleaning products.
PROS: With inherent natural antibacterial properties, wood is a hygienic option. Relatively simple to install and repair, it can be sanded down to remove blemishes. It can also be an inexpensive choice, depending on which wood you go for.
CONS: Timber takes some effort to keep it in good condition and needs oiling several times over the first week, and then once or twice a year. 'We recommend a hard wax oil to provide added protection against water damage and help maintain the wood,' says Peter Keane, MD of The Natural Wood Flooring Company. Less hard-wearing than some materials, wood can get scorched, scratched and stained. It can also warp if it's not fitted correctly, and it doesn't take well to prolonged exposure to water.
STONE WORKTOPS
Strong, natural and cool, granite is the most popular stone used for work surfaces, and can suit traditional or ultra-modern schemes.
'Granite differs in colour, texture and crystalline structure, producing a range of colours and patterns,' says Annette White. 'Black is always popular, but other colours include greens, blues and browns.'
A polished surface is timeless, but try a honed finish for a modern alternative.
'Or combine a rough surface with a smooth edge, or vice versa,' suggests Lizzie Beesley.
Granite is porous so must be sealed, which should be repeated annually. Costs vary hugely depending on the rarity of the stone.
Other stones such as limestone and marble also make beautiful work surfaces. Marble can add a real wow factor, but it's much more delicate than granite and can be damaged by alcohol, sugar and acids such as lemon juice. It's prone to staining and scratching so requires a lot of TLC.
PROS: Stone gives a real quality feel to a kitchen. Granite is virtually indestructible, and heat, mould and mildew resistant.
CONS: If it does get damaged, stone is non-repairable. It takes skill to fit, and you'll need quality carcasses to support the heavy slabs.
ENGINEERED STONE WORKTOPS

Engineered or composite stone, such as Zodiaq and Silestone, is made from a high percentage of crushed quartz mixed with resin, and is even tougher than the real thing. Stain, chip and heat resistant, it comes in a vast range of colours and textures.
PROS: Colour is consistent, so it's easier to match than natural stone, and it requires no extra treatments so is low maintenance.
CONS: Doesn't have the unique qualities found in natural materials. It comes in large sheets and needs professional fitting.
COMPOSITE WORKTOPS

Contrary to popular belief, not all composites are alike, although there is a tendency to group man-made solid materials together under the same term. This can be misleading, as their properties can vary considerably, depending on the materials they're made from (for example, whether they contain acrylic resin or polyester, or have a high quartz content).
The most well-known composite, Corian, is the second most-popular type of work surface after stone, with more than 70 colours available, including modern brights and heavy-grained hues. Ice white is an enduring bestseller.
PROS: Composites can be fabricated into virtually any shape or design, and they can be joined together in a way that forms invisible seams, creating a smooth, sleek overall look. Sinks, hobs and other features such as upstands can be integrated and moulded into what appears to be a single piece. Composites are hygienic and easy to clean, and while they can get stained and scratched, you can polish out blemishes as you might T Cut a car, maintaining their appearance for many years.
CONS: It's essential that a professional takes an accurate template, so you can't save money by installing it yourself.
STAINLESS STEEL WORKTOPS
Stainless steel is great for a high-tech look. Normally used in professional kitchens, worktops of virtually any shape and size can be produced as a single unit, and sinks, splashbacks and upstands can be integrated to provide a sleek surface. Choose from a polished or brushed-satin finish.
PROS: Very tough and robust, with excellent heat and stain resistance. Stainless steel is hygienic, impervious to stains and the only surface you can use bleach on.
CONS: It can be cold and noisy, and shows scratches and grease marks, although after a while scratches will join together, creating an attractive patina.
GLASS WORKTOPS
Best suited to modern kitchens, glass can be lit from below, and its reflective surface helps boost the feeling of space.
PROS: Great for use as a focal point. Very hygienic and water resistant.
CONS: It gets scratched and chips easily, joins are highly visible, and it's expensive.
CONCRETE WORKTOPS
Hardwearing concrete is seamless and can be formed in any shape to flow around other elements.
'We can make concrete in colours from antique white through reds to black using natural pigments,' says Jonathan Reid, director of concrete surface company White & Reid. 'It also makes a fantastic in/out material, so you can run a top from a kitchen to your outside space.'
PROS: Can be repaired if chipped, and stripped back if it becomes stained.
CONS: It needs care and must be treated with a penetrative sealant. It's not cheap.







You can find more information on interior design and interior design ideas at Livingetc

Rustic Log Cabin Decorating

Rustic or decorate the log cabin can seem like a huge task, but don't let it get you down. Start small by using elements of rustic decor but great plan with an interior design of the whole cabana established. Dividing it into the living rooms or areas and take you step by step.
Big Plan with interior design themes of Log Home
Start with choosing a general theme of decoration. Many people like the themes of wildlife for cabin decoration, such as elk, wolves, bear, Elk or ducks. If you will do this route for sure you really love it because it becomes very easy to select cabin bear or moose with elements of decoration and very soon you can be overrun with forest animals in your cabin. Nature themes include pine cones, pine and maple leafs.
Other subjects of Interior design log cabin are areas and eras as decoration of casa do Lago, Western Ranch, look at the Lodge, North Woods, South-West and Adirondack style. Each cabin decorating theme looks great and many rustic decor accents and furniture can be found in these styles for your country lodge or log cabin.
Don't be afraid to mix them the way you like. Choose different rustic design elements from various sources; perhaps decorate different rooms in your cabin on the rustic plank different themes to give this feature robust rustic country.
Another idea for a log home interior design theme would be an eclectic mix of antiques and imported items. This really opens things up and almost everything that interests can be embedded in your log cabin decor general plan.
Start small with elements of log cabin decor
Start with individual booth decorations as rustic lighting fixtures. A style of cabin combination of light and fan can anchor an entire room or plan around different dominant characteristics, such as the chimney. The fireplace mantle and stone log can suggest topics for cabin interior decoration, as birch bark canoes and pines alternating plates, bear and elk coat hooks, ceiling lights with metal art, a wrought-iron furniture of silhouette or fireplace screen branch.
Or start with a small lounge-the smallest room in the House makes it easier that wants to show. Highlight their bathrooms with rustic hardware or towel bars of wrought iron. Add a substantial-themed exterior mirror and a bear or moose light switch covers. Vanity lighting rustic sets the mood.
Colors and textures
Interior design of the log cabin can crushed by the monolithic look of wood everywhere you turn. Log walls, hardwood floors and paneling or log on the ceilings, the dominant visual aspect is wood. Some people like this, but others prefer to have some colors thrown into the mix to deactivate the beautiful golden wood tones of logs and timber.
Don't be afraid to install some drywall in its inner walls. Use this as a blank screen to add color to a room. Add a texture to the walls with plaster and give you some depth. A bright color translates the cabin lighting and lighting all over the place. Soft earth tones combine well with the log cabin look and provide some contrast with the rich tones of logs.
Soft keys and lighting
Cabin lights take a new role with its ability to set a mood or improve a rustic decor theme. Wooden houses are not common and their fixtures should be, or not. The high ceilings a Cathedral great room call luminaries of large and dramatic as an antler chandelier, a chandelier cedar log or a chandelier of birch bark canoe that focus the eye and make a statement. Use pine cone wall lamps or wall lamps limb to continue the rustic decor in natural stairs. Rustic table lamps and lights dinner complement your theme.
Fireplaces
What would a hut without a chimney? Nothing summarizes the rustic log home comfort of living as a stone fireplace against logs and timber. Although there are many factors involved in designing the perfect fireplace, the most notable features is the fireplace and mantle. Using artificial stone or manufactured for the face of oven can reduce the load weight by a factor of 6 or 7.
Choosing a mantle can be an intensely personal choice and a key element of your cabin decor, but you can rarely go wrong with using a massive wood of reclaimed wood, or a red cedar log sawn in half and resting on two log Corbels, or slice sawn raw a log with the hand bark showing or slabs of stone set in a cavity above the fireplace. This is an opportunity to let your imagination free, but remember that there are minimum clearances required for flammable materials.
Iron Walls for Log Cabins
An ideal combination in almost each cabana is decorating theme with wrought iron and wood logs. They complement each other with their strength and rustic simplicity. Iron Rails contrast nicely with light wood inside and anchor down feeling of solidity and permanence.
Log cabin flooring
The floors are one of its biggest cabana decorative elements, but its importance is often forgotten or minimized. The choices that you make to your home flooring partially log will dictate the overall design and look of your booth technology. You may make flooring a significant decoration item or you can choose to make your flooring become a background to show parts as soft leather sofas, rustic wooden tables and benches of wrought iron.
You can make a small room feel larger using the coating that is lighter in color than the walls mix their coating cabin with stone or tile entrances that get more wear. Mixture or contrast this with wood floors and use carpets to smooth wood and help set indoors. Combine it with leather carpets and cushions.
Kitchen cabinet and bathroom Vanity Hardware
An easy upgrade for your log home interior design is replacing the kitchen cabinet hardware and the hardware of vanities. This is easily done with just a screwdriver and you can choose from dozens of different styles, rustic decor as bear and elk drawer pulls, brass pine cone knobs and bear door knob backing plates silhouette.
Hut home decorating interior design or log can be as simple as choosing some rustic decor elements to enhance your stateroom decoration or as large as select an overall theme for your project log cabin interior and ensure that everything is designed and worked around this theme.
If you enjoyed reading about rustic decor, you may like to learn more about log home interior design.
Brian Gabriel is a licensed contractor, mechanical engineer and log home builder in the mountains of Western North Carolina. He is the author and creator of site Connection Log Cabin, created to offer advice, tips, ideas and resources related to cabins.

Reclaimed wood flooring-Go Green

Hardwood floors are a healthy choice, they require less chemicals to clean than other floor coverings and they don't trap dust and fumes in fibres or grow mold in plaster. More and more people are choosing wood floors for someone with allergies. Don't be surprised if a doctor recommends a hardwood floor for your spine and joints. Wood is know to give a little and can be easier on your legs and feet. Antiques and reclaimed wood floors are an ever popular trend in the coating. Reclaimed wood can provide the benefits of old growth timber with the added more than a single tree forest life is sacrificed. This is where the green life comes into play.
Reclaimed wood and old can be bleached appearance of new, or sometimes consumers look for wood with nail holes, bolt holes and another fastener marks these characteristics of the resource. old wood rustic character brands has many years of use and exposure to the elements.
Many of the floors of buildings come about to be demolished or in the process of being refurbished.Old wood flooring can be reclaimed lumber recovered old barns and dismantled buildings. antiques and distressed hardwood floors are appreciated for their beauty, stability and patina. Old wood in distress and is usually vintage of repossessed houses, barns and structures.
A rustic wooden floors have individual character as knots, different color variations, any marks of insects, surface check and different patterns of grains.Recovered or old flooring usually comes from old growth forests of our American history.Today they still can be found on floors in old houses and historic structures in many parts of the country. this wood displays the character unmatched by any artificial means.Wide plank flooring can also come from lumber newly old growth. using wider widths and lengths will reduce the number of amendments from end to end on the ground that creates a look of authentic history.
Much of this vintage recycled wood comes from old growth forest and was used to build old buildings. this wood vintage has unmatched architectural quality and character, not to mention beauty.
Some old timber flooring, sometimes called a country wood flooring is made from recovered Oak, cherry, maple, Hickory, Walnut, chestnut, Oak and other vintage white wood recovered.
There are two floors are exactly alike and can usually be found in random widths. hardwood flooring recovered can contain characteristics inherent in aged wood, including knots cracked, slight surface holes, insects and nails, verification of time and color variation.
Benefits of using wooden floors: floor The Reclaimed and Antique wooden ancient Rrerrque beauty and defining character that cannot be found in lumber recently.
the wood recycling is an alternative to cutting of trees. This is good for the environment.
the reclaimed wood was transformed by nature and that is a link to our past. Have a piece of history in your home can be very rewarding.
the character and patina of wood cannot be duplicated.
the oldest wooden growth is denser and more dimensionally stable than wood new growth that are most desirable traits for wood flooring.
the certain species such as the American Chestnut can only be found through reclaimed wood suppliers.
What about old wood on radiant heat?The use of radiant heating systems is growing in popularity in the United States, especially in wooden floors. Radiant heat is an excellent source of heating.
With the proper acclimation and installation methods, reclaimed and Antique wood is an exceptional choice over radiant heat.Radiant heat is healthier for wood than alternative heating systems.The heat is distributed evenly throughout the ground at a low temperature.Each plate is exposed to the same amount of heat and does not encounter an uneven drying.Radiant Heating actually replicates the natural process that suffered an old wood.The wood that was used to support a factory, barn or building was exposed for decades for a regular increase and decrease of temperature and humidity.In some cases, the wood of which the plates were cut were slightly expanding and contracting for more than a century in your previous installation.Radiant heat analysis and uniform distribution affects the lining similarly wood, but the impact is much less dramatic with wood Antique or reclaimed than lumber newly because it has already been through this cycle for years!
Prices in General, the price of coating recovered is somewhat higher prices for wood uninstalled can start at $ 5.95 per square foot and can score greater than r $ 22.00. the price of recycled wood and reclaimed Antique wood floor will vary with the size, grade, size, quantity and character of the surface of the material and the material is bought in its existing condition or re-manufactured/milled to your specifications. the cost of recycled wood is usually more expensive than wood new degree type and size. If wood goes through the process closed, it will add nominally this cost basis to offset the expense involved in cleaning,-nailing, re-manufacturing and classification. the process of transforming the reclaimed wood coating can be lengthy and involves considerable time, money and experience.
In conclusion, recovered wood floors are becoming increasingly popular because some consumers ' in historic preservation and also to advance green building design. These Woods often offer superior qualities of wood which grew slowly and is often denser than wood more quickly grew. Vintage and antique reclaimed wood adds warmth, character and atmosphere of a country house. this wood has abundant natural features character. Some boards are usually larger and have a character and charm that display an instinctive sense of harmony and the spirit of life in the country. a sense of history, an era when using solid wood flooring was how the House was built. If you already have a hardwood floor reclaimed or Antique or are thinking about buying one, just think a little in u.s. history is or can be part of your House. A concept that exciting!







http://www.eliteconsultantsinc.com 845 246 4737 or 516-887-5437
Your certificate Hardwood Inspection Company serving the Tri-State area.
Reclaimed Hardwood Floors-keep it green
By David Barkstedt Elite Consultants Inc 516 887-5437 http://www.eliteconsultantsinc.com
NOFMA Inspector & NWFA certified wood