Make Your House Unique

Cookie-cutter houses fill subdivisions across the country.

A house can be as unique as its inhabitants, and your home can become a direct reflection of your personality.Each decorative element and accent can contribute to making your home extraordinary. You may not be the only one on the planet with your particular floor plan (if you are, you've got a head start), but the difference is in the details. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

A Unique Exterior

1. Bird feeders can be both decorative and functional.

Adorn your lawn with interesting ornaments you haven't seen elsewhere. A small fountain, a colony of garden gnomes or artfully arranged bird feeders are not as common as plain grass or stone. To ensure your yard is as unique as you, choose ornaments that you enjoy. If you prefer a whimsical look, statues of fairy tale creatures may be nice accents to your front yard. Those who want a dignified, somber look may add a wrought-iron fence and a large, crystal gazing ball as the lawn's centerpiece.

2. Small changes, like painting the front door, can freshen a house's entire look.

Repaint or side the exterior of your house using a color that doesn't already appear in your neighborhood. If changing the color of your home isn't an option, you may elect to paint your front door.

3. Shutters do not have to be functional to add panache to windows.

Add shutters to your windows or remove existing shutters. Outdoor window treatments can drastically change the face of a house.

4. Natural decor can add a splash of color to a home's exterior.

Add decorative accents to the front, back and sides of your house. Wrought-iron street numbers or sculptures of wildlife may be in order, or you may choose more colorful options like a few vines of carefully placed ivy.

A Unique Interior

5. Antique technology can be used as decor.

Add mirrors, paintings, photographs or tapestries throughout your home. Mirrors, for example, can create the illusion that your home is larger than it is or be arranged to reflect your favorite pieces. Frame and mount several rare, antique posters to form an unusual pattern that will become the focal point of the room.

6. A dressmaker's mannequin can be adorned with clothing, jewelry, scarves or nothing at all.

Create a focal point in the main rooms of your home. For example, place a large easel holding a painting you created, a tall bookshelf or other attention-grabbing object beside the television in your living room. Add oddly shaped lamps around your dining table. Place an antique dressmaker's mannequin in the corner of your bedroom (but only if it won't keep you awake at night).

7. You don't need an expensive chandelier to achieve a classy, elegant look.

Arrange a custom lighting scheme in your home that highlights your uncommon objects. If you have track lighting, point it toward the focal points you have chosen. Place lamps in front of mirrors. Add a colored hood or cover to hanging lights to change the feel of a room.

Tags: your home, dressmaker mannequin, focal point, front door, your front

Cast Iron Grill Pan Cooking

Cast Iron Grill Pan

Cast iron grill pans are perfect for indoor grilling and low fat cooking. A seasoned cast iron pan needs little to no fat. The heavy pan holds heat well so that meat sears quickly draining away the fat. The food obtains attractive grill marks, sealing in juices and flavors. Take care of your cast iron grill pan and you will enjoy many years of use. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Seasoning the Pan

Cast iron pans need to be seasoned before the first use. Coat the pan generously with vegetable oil or shortening and place it in a hot oven for about an hour. When it has cooled, wipe away the excess oil and wash it in soapy water. Your goal is to leave a thin coat of baked-on grease on the pan. The seasoning will build on the pan each time it is used and create a natural non-stick coating on the pan. After each use, rinse the pan with hot soapy water and dry it immediately. Do not put your cast iron grill pan in the dishwasher or allow it to soak in water.

What to Cook

Cast iron grill pans can be used for any food that you would normally cook on the grill. Meats, fish, shrimp, vegetables and fruits can all be cooked quickly on a pre-heated cast iron grill pan. While grilling tomatoes on cast iron is fine, acidic foods like tomatoes can interact with the iron. Recipes that call for long cooking times of acidic foods should not be cooked or stored in cast iron.

Cook

For best results, pre-heat the cast iron grill pan before use and allow foods to come to room temperature before grilling. If you follow these two rules, you should not need any oil on your pan. Season the food on both sides then place it in the pan. When the food is almost halfway done and grill marks have developed, turn the food over with tongs and finish cooking on the other side. If the food is stuck, allow it to cook a little longer before turning, the meat will release when it is ready to be turned. Turn down the heat if the food is cooking too fast or producing too much smoke. Be careful. Cast iron gets extremely hot and the heat will transmit into the handle. Use an insulated potholder or oven mitt when handling the pan.

Tags: cast iron, iron grill, cast iron, acidic foods, Cast iron

Decorating A Mantel With A Country Style

Decorate a fireplace mantel with rustic wrought iron pieces.

A country-inspired mantel will complement a fireplace's warm glow. Decorating a fireplace mantel with nature-inspired pieces and relaxed fabrics will infuse your home with casual elegance. Use vintage pieces and fresh items to create a customized mantel look. Use welcoming farmhouses, rustic barns and country fields and orchards as decor inspiration. Mix country pieces with festive items to create a charming holiday mantel; update mantel decor to reflect changing seasons and special occasions. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Set the stage for country-inspired decor with charming fabric. Place a long vintage scarf featuring fruit or floral embroidery details on the top of an empty mantel. Choose a pink, green, yellow or red gingham printed runner for a fresh look. Design your own runner by sewing together vibrantly hued paisley-printed bandanas.

2. Place black wrought iron lanterns on both ends of the mantel as country-inspired anchoring pieces. Set burnt orange, pomegranate red, rust brown or gold-hued pillar candles inside the lanterns to provide a soft glow.

3. Use fresh fruit to infuse the mantel with a pop of color. Place vibrant limes and lemons in a crystal bowl for a summer-inspired look. Enhance a wood bowl with green and red apples as autumn-inspired decor.

4. Display fresh-picked wildflowers on the mantel for an authentic country look. Place the flowers in a vintage glass canning jar or an antique pink or green crystal vase.

5. Create country-inspired holiday decor using pine cones. Fill a large clear vase with pine cones and mini pumpkins and gourds and place it on a mantel to add autumn flair to your home. Cover pine cones with silver or gold spray paint and place them in a vase with sprigs of red berries as festive Christmas decor.

Tags: pine cones, fireplace mantel, fireplace mantel with, items create, mantel with, pink green

Decorating Ideas For A Bedroom With A Metal Headboard

A metal bed can be the centerpiece of many decor styles.

A metal headboard can have a subdued, sleek, modern look or a lived-in, antique patina that is evocative of an era gone by. No matter what your decor style and sense, use a metal headboard as the focal point of your bedroom. Build upon the metal frame as a foundation and accessorize with furniture, textiles and wall art to bring out your own individualized look. Does this Spark an idea?

Sleek Modern

A headboard made from brushed silver metal, black wrought iron or a combination of metal and wood can present a sleek and classic look when designed with simple lines and contours. You can use your metal headboard as the centerpiece of your room or integrate is as a part of your decor, complementing it with tables and other accent pieces made from similar metal materials. To keep your sleek and uncomplicated lines, use bedding without frills or ruffles and minimal accessories so your overall look is uncluttered.

Shabby Chic

An ornate, vintage metal headboard is a classic shabby chic decorative piece. You can often find older metal headboards at thrift shops or salvage yards that you can easily makeover with sandpaper and a can of spray paint to update their look while keeping their shabby charm. If you can't find a suitable headboard, you can repurpose an old decorative wrought iron fence for the same purpose. This style of decor is often depicted with fluffy piles of pillows covered in vintage pillowcases, duvets covered in floral prints and soft, comfortable throw blankets. A comfortable, lived-in look and feel is the goal of this look, so don't be afraid to install a comfortable chair or vintage lamps to make your room both pretty and functional.

Country French

Country French decor is defined by bright yellows, periwinkle blues, gilded mirrors and accessories as well as antique furniture. You can surround your antique metal headboard with yellow and blue bedding for an authentic country French look and decorate your room with a wooden armoire and occasional tables in rich woods. Wallpaper in delicate prints with a touch of gilt will add color to your room with an authentic country French patina.

Beachy Retreat

You can make your bedroom a casual, relaxing retreat by turning into a seaside hideaway. A simple iron or metal headboard can be used with its natural finish or it can be spray painted white or another pastel color to give it an easy, beachy feel. Keep the ocean-inspired ambiance with white or light-colored walls and fluffy, light-colored bedding. Lots of pillows will make your bed inviting and comfortable.

Tags: metal headboard, your room, make your, authentic country, authentic country French

What Is A Rice Bed

A rice bed contains four carved posts.

Reminiscent of the "Old South," a rice bed brings back the elegance and intricate carvings of a forgotten era. A wealthy plantation, plentiful wood, a master craftsman and money combined to create a bed to reflect the style and grace of the antebellum south before its decline. Although locating an authentic rice bed may be difficult, reproductions are available. Does this Spark an idea?

History

The history of the rice bed originates in 1750, when furniture craftsman Thomas Elfe received a commission to design several pieces of furniture for a wealthy landowner in North Carolina. One of the requested pieces included the rice bed, also known as the Charleston rice bed or a plantation bed. The plantation owner who commissioned the four-poster bed, supposedly required that the symbols of his wealth be intricately carved into the posts of the bed.

Design

A traditional rice bed is carved out of a rich mahogany or cherry wood. The headboard is normally taller than the footboard and shaped in a rounded style, similar to a camel hump. Posts stand at the four corners of the bed. These rounded posts contain elaborate carvings -- primarily of rice or tobacco, as these two crops were prevalent in the South at the time and provided a good source of income to plantation owners.

Difference Between Other Four-Poster Beds

Rice beds differ from other four-poster beds. Unlike most four-poster beds that contain a rail between each post, the four posts in a rice bed do not connect to each other but stand alone. There is no area to drape curtains or method to close the bed off.

Another difference is a rice bed has no canopy. Rather than a fabric topping over the bed or even a wooden one, a rice bed is bare.

Thomas Elfe

The originator of the rice bed, Thomas Elfe, was based in Charleston, South Carolina. One of the premier cabinetmakers of the 18th century, Elfe followed the Chippendale school of design in his furniture pieces. A highly sought-after tradesperson, Elfe averaged between 17 to 30 pieces a month, leading historians to believe he employed others for assistance. Elfe left behind an accounting for the last eight years of his life detailing the pieces he created.

Tags: Thomas Elfe

Mig Weld Cast Iron

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is a type of welding in which a consumable wire electrode and shielding gas is fed continuously through a welding gun. Cast iron has a carbon content of at least two percent, which is more than steel. This makes it more brittle than most steels and consequently more difficult to weld. Cast iron also has a lower melting point, making it easier to manufacture when an electric furnace is not available. Most cast iron welding involves repairs to existing castings instead of forming new castings.

Instructions

1. Keep cast iron out of the 150 to 500 degree Fahrenheit range while welding, where it's at its most brittle stage. Use preheating if possible, but cooling can work also. Don't change methods in the middle of a weld.

2. Preheat the entire casting slowly and uniformly, if you're using preheating. The 500 to 1200 degree Fahrenheit range is best as cast iron usually begins to crack above 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a low current to minimize the stress on the casting.

3. Keep the cast iron cool but not cold, if you're using cooling. The casting should never get too hot to touch with your bare hand. If the casting is part of some type of machinery, it may be possible to run the machine for a short time in to order to achieve the needed temperature.

4. Make short welds approximately 1 inch long in order to avoid overheating the casting. There will be small cracks when you MIG weld cast iron, even when you do it correctly. You will need to apply a sealing compound to joints that need to be water tight.

5. Use studding to repair major cracks in cast iron. Drill and tap holes in the surface to be welded and screw in the studs, so that they are five to six millimeters above the surface. Weld the studs into place.

Tags: cast iron, cast iron, Cast iron, degree Fahrenheit, degree Fahrenheit range

Calculate The Balusters For A Stair Rail

Balusters must be spaced according to thickness and on-center spacing requirements.

If you want to install balusters yourself on a stair rail, you must first learn calculate the measurements for even spacing. This way, you end up with a result that would tell you how many balusters you need and how far apart to space them from each other. The even spacing makes the balusters look professional and aesthetically pleasant to the observer's eye. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the length of your rail from one end to the other.

2. Measure the width of one baluster you plan to use.

3. Add one baluster width to the measurement of your rail and record it as "TL."

4. Get the on-center spacing requirement for your baluster and add it to one baluster width. Call this number "OC."

5. Divide "TL" by "OC." If you have a rail length of 200 inches and a baluster width of 2 inches, "TL" ends up being 204. If you have an on-center spacing requirement of 4 inches, "OC" becomes 6. Given these variables, you should end up with 34 as your final result. The resulting number indicates how many balusters you need to install on your rail. Call this number "TB."

6. Multiply "TB" by the width of a baluster and subtract this number from "TL." As per the previous example, you end up with 204 - (34 * 2) = 136. Divide the result by "TB + 1," giving you the space you must place between each baluster.

Tags: baluster width, on-center spacing, this number, your rail, balusters need

What Happens If Cast Iron Is Put In The Dishwasher

Nothing sears a steak like a well-seasoned cast iron pan.

Cast iron pans are old-fashioned kitchen items that still perform as well today as they did in our grandparents' time. Many people even proudly cook on a pan that belonged to a long-gone relative and swear by the results. The pans are durable and nearly indestructible. They can be used on a home range or home on the range over a fire. Cast iron pans' effectiveness will be destroyed by cleaning them in the dishwasher. Does this Spark an idea?

Cast Iron Seasoning

Cast iron pans need to be seasoned when they are new. The finish is not abraded and does not have a nonstick coating. Food will stick without seasoning. Once well-seasoned, food slides right out of the pan and cleaning it is simple. Seasoning requires oil to be rubbed into the pan. Then you cook the pan in the oven at a low heat for an hour. After you let it cool you can wipe any excess oil out and the pan is ready to use. Seasoning is the reason you never put your cast iron pan in the dishwasher.

Cast Iron Care

Cast iron pans should never be washed with soap or detergents. These will break down the oils that you carefully cooked into the iron. Cast iron seasoning gets better with time and frequency of use. In order to preserve the hard-won treatment, you simply need to wipe out the pan. A paper towel will do just fine. Chunks of food and excess oils and juices are easily removed in this way. Really baked-on food can be soaked away in warm water briefly as long as the pan is thoroughly dried.

The Dishwasher Results

Once you put a cast iron pan in the dishwasher your seasoning is gone. The combination of the scrubbing action, warm water and detergent effectively remove the seasoning in the pan. The dishwasher will also rust the iron as it is in a raw unprocessed state. It is unnecessary to use the dishwasher since the wipe method is so efficient. The dishwasher will not remove the blackening on the outside of a cast iron pan. Pans with extreme blackening on the outside can be cleaned manually with good old elbow grease.

Recovery

If you have put the pan in the dishwasher, you need to start all over reseasoning the pan. Unfortunately, if it is a family heirloom it will never regain that level of seasoning and some associated flavor that goes along with really well-used cast iron. The pitting and scarring in a used pan will result in un-even seasoning that only time can cure. The rust will have gotten into those same pits and scars and will have to be sanded out before treating the pan with oil. It is a lengthy process that will still not give you your old pan back.

Tags: iron pans, Cast iron pans, blackening outside, cast iron dishwasher, dishwasher will, home range, iron Cast

Fence Building Materials

There are enough different fence building materials for any need. Some materials will come in one style, while others will give you a wide variety of choices. Your decision will be based on a combination of looks, cost and function. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

Fencing can be made from wrought iron, aluminum, wood, vinyl, vinyl composite, chain link, barbed wire or chicken wire.

Features

Wrought iron gives the property a very formal look, as does aluminum. They both feature decorative scrolls. Wood is used for a variety of fence styles such as picket, post and rail and stockade. Vinyl and vinyl composite have the same styles as wood but require less maintenance. Chain link is one of the most economical. Barbed wire is not a good choice for home use, and chicken wire is cheap and quick to put together.

Functions

Wrought iron fencing is used as a decorative accent in the front of homes. Aluminum fencing is a good choice for a security fence. Wood, vinyl and vinyl composite fencing have different functions depending on the style. Stockade is used as privacy fencing; picket is used with a gate around a front lawn. Post and rail can be used like a picket fence, or it can be used to contain livestock. Chain link can have decorative vinyl strips woven through to make it a good privacy fence as well. Chicken wire is used mostly on farms.

Considerations

Cost is one big consideration as in the amount of maintenance. Vinyl and vinyl composites require the least maintenance. Wood will need to be replaced or repaired more frequently. The wire types will last long but will need to be painted and protected against rust.

Effects

The effects will depend on the materials and style of fencing. It can be purely decorative or provide security. One effect all fencing has is to increase the value of the property.

Tags: vinyl composite, Chain link, good choice, vinyl vinyl, Vinyl vinyl, vinyl vinyl composite, will need

Kitchen Breakfast Bar Ideas & Open Concept With A Dining Room

Select convenient barstools for a breakfast bar.

A breakfast bar provides a convenient eating area either in or just outside the kitchen that is located in or near the kitchen and provides seating and dining space. Because of its strategic location, a breakfast bar often serves as a transitional space between the kitchen area, living area or dining space in a room with a home with an open design. A few decorative ideas can add comfort and style to a breakfast bar and provide a sense of unity in a large area. Does this Spark an idea?

Barstools

Morning breakfast routines are simplified with convenient barstool seating. Opt for modern bar stools that swivel and rotate so you have plenty of mobility in your open space. If you have small children, avoid barstools with rollers to avoid slips and falls. Select barstools that have low backs so you don't block the open view between your kitchen and dining room area. If your kitchen and dining area have a country or rustic motif, choose wooden barstools. For a contemporary design, select barstools that have a metal base and earth-tone upholstery.

Hardware

To harmonize your breakfast bar decor with your kitchen and open living areas, use consistent hardware styles and hardware colors throughout the space. Choose brushed nickel, wrought iron or metallic silver hardware for your kitchen cabinetry and light fixtures. Put a metallic bowl that matches your hardware on your breakfast bar.

Uniform Wood Tones

Select a matching or close-to-it wood tones for your breakfast bar to go with the wood accessories in the dining area. The wood color doesn't have to be exact, but avoid too many wood variations so that the room doesn't appear disconnected. Add accent tables, picture frames and wood trims that coordinate with your breakfast bar.

Color-Coordinated Accessories

To unify open eating areas, choose a favorite fruit like apples, grapes, oranges or bananas and place them in a bowl as a centerpiece on the breakfast bar. Use the color of the fruit and incorporate it into your dining room design with dishes, wall hangings or decorative candles. Add window treatments with a touch of the same color. If the fruit color is too vivid, use a similar, but muted hue to bring the elements of the breakfast bar and dining room together. Avoid arranging too many color-coordinated accessories in the room and use other neutral or earth-toned furnishings to balance out the space.

Tags: your breakfast, your kitchen, barstools that, barstools that have, color fruit, dining area, dining room

Clean Up A Rusty Metal Gate

Remove the rust from your rusty metal gate and paint it so it looks like new.

Metal gates present an air of elegance in your landscape, whether it's the entry to your home or into your garden area. But when the paint starts to wear off the metal, it's exposed to moisture and will begin to rust. With a little bit of time and some hard work, though, you can restore a rusty metal gate back to pristine condition. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Put on work gloves and protective eye goggles. Place a high-quality wire brush attachment on the drill, and work it over all of the rusty areas on the metal gate. The wire attachment should strip all of the rust off the gate. Be sure to work between the bars and into all nooks and crannies until the rust is removed. This can be a tedious process.

2. Sand the surfaces of the gate, paying special attention to the areas where you removed the rust. Use a rough sandpaper, in the 60-grit range. Sand until all the surfaces are smooth.

3. Mix a strong detergent-type cleaner with water in a bucket. Dip a scrub brush in the solution and wash the entire gate. Rinse with water from a hose with a spray nozzle. Allow the gate to fully dry.

4. Prime the gate with a rust-inhibiting primer designed for outdoor metal surfaces. You can use either a spray or brush-on primer. Follow package instructions for the proper method of application and appropriate drying time.

5. Spray on an exterior enamel of your choice. Again, follow package instructions, but in general, hold the can about six to eight inches away from the surface and spray in long, smooth strokes, making sure not to apply it so heavily that it runs or drips. Wait for the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat for superior protection.

Tags: metal gate, package instructions, rusty metal, rusty metal gate, with water

Hotels For A Longterm Stay In San Diego & Southern California

Having a pool can be a comfortable amenity.

Planning an extended stay in San Diego or Southern California can be an easy task if you have information about highly recommended hotels. Whether it is a business trip or extended family vacation, choose the accommodations that best suit your needs. Create a list of desired amenities before you book your stay to ensure you have the proper place to call home for an extended amount of time.

Residence Inn San Diego Sorrento Mesa/Sorrento Valley

Located in San Diego, the Residence Inn offers a long-term stay option. Nightly rates start at $139.50 and include free continental breakfast and an evening social hour. Each suite is equipped with a large kitchen and kitchen supplies, work space with free wireless Internet, sofa and bed. Access the outdoor area to utilize the barbecue grill and picnic area, play ping pong or relax by the pool. Local attractions include Sea World, LegoLand and the San Diego Zoo.

Extended Stay America - San Diego

Extended Stay America in San Diego offers the convience of home with the amenities of a hotel. Suites come equipped with a full kitchen, lounging area, bed and iron and ironing board. Your workspace includes a large desk with Internet connection, personal voicemail and free local calls. The hotel offers on-site laundry. Rates start at $74.99 a night. This pet-friendly hotel also has an outdoor area and pool.

Hotel Pepper Tree

Located in Anaheim, Hotel Pepper Tree offers the luxury of extended stay at a private hotel. Weekly business rates start at $535 and monthly rates start at $1,690. Housekeeping and hotel features are included in these prices. Add a full breakfast to your package for an additional weekly or monthly charge. Take advantage of area attractions such as golf, casual and fine dining and nearby Newport Beach.

Palm Garden Hotel

Palm Garden Hotel is located in Thousand Oaks. Corporate suites include a working kitchen, lounge area, desk with wireless Internet and bed. The pet-friendly hotel offers a free daily continental breakfast and offers on-site fine dining at Eric's. Amenities include a pool, social lounge and outdoor area. Enjoy Thousand Oaks' golfing options, local nightlife and shopping. Rates start at $106.50 a night with a discount of 20 percent for those staying more than three nights.

Tags: outdoor area, America Diego, continental breakfast, desk with, Diego Extended, Diego Extended Stay

Start A Mobile Welding Business In Los Angeles

A mobile welding business owner travels to clients to perform welding services, such as creating sculptures or repairing damaged metal. Even though the business is mobile, the owner is still operating as a regular business entity by offering a service or product in exchange for monetary compensation. Mobile welding businesses operating in the Los Angeles, California, area must follow local laws in the city, along with California business laws.

Instructions

1. Apply for a welder's certificate from the American Welding Society. Although it is not a legal requirement for welders working in the United States, it does add credibility and shows a level of expertise for independent welders. The American Welding Society offers certification in general and fabricator welding. Fabricators perform welding services under a given quality system, whereas the general welder's certification tests and qualifies working welders in terms of techniques and practices. At the time of publication, the certifications are received when a welder completes a seminar and an examination for a total price of $690.

2. File a fictitious name statement with the Los Angeles county clerk office. The fictitious name statement registers the business with the state of California for a processing fee of $70 to $100, depending on what form is required for the specific business structure. Corporations are more costly to register than sole proprietors in California. Sole proprietors may operate using the owner's legal name to present the welding business; if the sole proprietor operates under a name different from the owner's legal name, a fictitious name statement must be filed.

3. Use the online application system on the Internal Revenue System, or IRS, to get an employer ID number. The number must be present on all tax filing documents, so the IRS links the tax returns to the mobile welding business located in Los Angeles. If the mobile welding business owner decides to operate independently as a sole proprietor, he may use his personal Social Security number when filing quarterly taxes.

4. Apply for building and zoning permits with the Los Angeles Department of City Planning, if the welding projects performed by the business involve developing land or modifying or constructing local property. Permits may be needed on a per-project basis, especially if the welding involves altering public buildings or projects. Some businesses may obtain the permits on behalf of the welder, but the welder must ensure he obtains the permits before starting the welding work on any project that needs it.

5. Purchase a truck for the welding business, if one is not already available. It may be useful to use a truck with an extended cargo bed, so there is adequate room for the welders, electrical generators, cables and smaller toolboxes.

6. Purchase supplies needed for the welding company. The common supplies, tools and equipment used by welders include welding guns, torches, cables, cable covers, chipping hammers, wires and electrodes, safety glasses, hearing protection, first aid kits, helmets, protective gloves and wrenches. You may also need to purchase specific tools and equipment for special projects.

Tags: fictitious name, fictitious name statement, name statement, welding business, American Welding

Decorating A Kitchen Stone Wall

Kitchen Stone Wall

A stone wall in the kitchen is rustic and old fashioned. Often it also surrounds a stone fireplace. When it is time to decorate and accessorize a kitchen stone wall, look to the past for primitive and natural décor. Use wood, tin, iron and wicker to make a stone wall come alive with past relics. Does this Spark an idea?

Wrought Iron and Tin

The beauty of wrought iron is that it enhances the wall behind it and does not cover it. When you place a large wrought iron piece onto a stone wall, the stone wall will be visible through the iron. Wrought iron sconces with lighting that reflects the primitive décor would be ideal additions to a stone wall. These can be electrical or battery powered, or they can be candle holders. Hang a wrought iron pot rack from the stone wall for a beautiful and useful kitchen addition. Wine racks made from wood and wrought iron are not only beautiful, but enhance a stone wall.

Hang a tin ware lantern from a hook on a stone wall to add a rustic relic to the room. Often these lanterns have punched patterns and doors that open to reveal a place for a votive candle. Find a message center and key keeper made of tin and place this on a stone wall. Not only is this useful, but it is also rustic in appearance. Old-fashioned kitchen utensils like ladles and spoons make delightful wall décor. Consider hanging items like colanders and pie plates, too.

Shelving

Rustic wood shelving is an ideal addition to any stone wall. Look for simple shelving made from distressed wood. Accessorize the shelves with old-fashioned cookbooks, wooden nesting boxes, wicker baskets, tin ware and pottery. Place hooks under the shelves and hang candles from the hooks. Place an old country sign on a hook and hang homespun dishtowels, too.

Wall Hangings

Place a beautiful quilt on a stone wall to add instant country charm. Display a quilt that incorporates your kitchen colors in a quilt pattern that is simple and old-fashioned. Use a wrought iron drapery rod with rustic finials to hang the quilt.

Old wooden or tin signs are also right at home on a stone wall. Find signs with messages that fit your personality or your family's beliefs and hang them prominently.

Display a collection of wicker baskets to add rustic country charm. Baskets come in all shapes and sizes and usually have handles, making them ideal for hanging on a stone wall.

Tags: stone wall, stone wall, wrought iron, country charm, Kitchen Stone Wall, made from, wicker baskets

The Best Color Shower Curtain For A Dark Bathroom

Jewel-toned shower curtains work well in dark bathrooms.

Your bathroom's main colors are dark, which means you're looking for a shower curtain that will liven up the space -- or a curtain that will further add to the bathroom's warm feel. A number of shower curtain hues will work well in a bathroom with dark brown, black or gray walls, so the selection should be based on your decorative style and the other accents in the space. Does this Spark an idea?

White

A shower curtain in a classic white shade is the sound choice for a black bathroom since this is the most common color contrast. A wrought iron shower curtain rod will complement the white curtain well, or you can use a white rod to create a monochromatic look in the bathroom. Variations of white, like cream or ivory, are ideal if the bathroom has silver or charcoal gray accents, and you can bring more attention to the white shower curtain by adding gray curtain ties or including a white flower arrangement in the bathroom in a gray or black vase.

Metallics

Silver or gold shower curtains are visually appealing in gray or black bathrooms and can serve as an affordable focal piece. Black or dark gray curtain ties are an understated accent to the shower curtain, and a bronze or platinum shower curtain rod will add more metallic shades to a dark but neutral bathroom. Add a silver or gold-colored area rug in front of the bathtub to bring more attention to the metallic shower curtain. Curtains in a shiny or satin finish are best for an elegant metallic bathroom; shower curtains tinged with glitter add an upbeat touch to a neutral and metallic bathroom for a child or teen.

Jewel Tones

A bathroom with deep brown walls will pop with a jewel-toned shower curtain. Emerald green works well with brown, and bronze shower curtain hooks will further showcase the rich green color. Dark gray bathrooms will come alive with a fuchsia or aubergine shower curtain. Wrought iron shower curtain hooks, along with gray or silver shower curtain ties, enhance the pronounced pink or purple color. A turquoise shower curtain will complement a black or gray bathroom well and will even stand out in a tan or medium brown bathroom. Jewel tones add a sense of warmth to the bathroom and will make the whole space more inviting and refined.

Neons

Neon or fluorescent shades are the ideal addition to a white or black bathroom, and a shower curtain is a burst of color that isn't extremely overpowering. For instance, a lime green shower curtain will stand out against a white wall; hot pink is an eye-catching choice for a bathroom painted black. White or black shower curtain hooks will properly accent a neon curtain, and you can bring more attention to the bright color in the bathroom by adding fluorescent toilet covers, toilet rugs and area rugs for the front of the bathroom color.

Tags: shower curtain, curtain will, shower curtain, shower curtain will, bring more, bring more attention, curtain hooks

Install Wrought Iron Decorative Gate Hinges

Decorative wrought iron

Wrought iron hardware comes in a variety of strengths and uses. When installing a wrought iron decorative gate hinge, it is important that the hinge meets the needs of the gate. The hinge must be strong enough to hold the gate onto its post in addition to being strong enough to withstand constant use. Hanging a fence gate with decorative hinges is not much different from hanging other types of gate hinges. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Decorative hinge

Check which way the gate will swing, either in or out, to position the hinges in the right direction.

2. There are many hinge styles

Plan the placement of the hinges. One hinge should go near the top of the post and one on the bottom to evenly distribute gate weight. Allow 2 to 3 inches of space under the gate so it can clear the ground below it during all seasons.

3. Gate hinge

Hold the hinge in place and use a level to make sure the hinge is level. Mark the location of the screw holes with a pencil.

4. Door hinge

Screw the hinge into place on the post using the pencil marks as a guide. Hold the gate up to the post hinges and mark with a pencil the placement of the hinge on the gate. Use a level when marking the placement of the hinge.

5. Finish by tightening the screws

Screw the hinges onto the gate where the pencil marks indicate. Lift the gate with hinges attached and screw it onto the post. Screw the top hinge on first, not completely but enough to hold it in place. Have someone assist you by holding the gate level. Screw the bottom hinge on, but not completely. Make sure one more time that the gate is level. Go back and completely tighten the top and bottom hinge screws.

Tags: gate level, bottom hinge, enough hold, gate with, onto post

Steel Fence Parts

Chain-link fences are often made from steel.

Steel fences range between chain-link fences and steel fences with vertical and lateral cross beams which have been welded together to create a more solid fence line. A handful of parts are needed to make these steel fences stand up solidly on their own, and gates are also necessary to allow people to enter and exit with ease. Does this Spark an idea?

Line Rail Clamps

Line rail clamps connect the metal bars which create the framework for a chain-link fence. These metal bars run around the outside of the chain-link fence itself, as well as running vertically and horizontally along the chain link to make the fence stand up solidly. These line rail clamps are bolted together on four sides, creating a solid frame for the rest of the steel fence.

Steel Dome Caps

Pipes that make up the frame of a steel chain-link fence are often open on the top and require a cover to keep rainwater from accumulating inside of them or insects from using them for their nests. These steel caps are sold in a variety of sizes meant to fit the size of the steel pipe frame.

Hinges

On gates for steel fences, hinges are needed to allow a section of the gate to open and close easily. These hinges are made out of steel so that they don't rust or corrode over time and continue to open and close without resistance. Depending on the design of the steel fence, the hinges are designed like common flat door hinges or hinges that clamp around the frame of the gate and the frame of the fence, connecting the two by bolts which allow each side of the clamp to swing back and forth.

Tension Bars

Tension bars are often run diagonally across a square stainless steel fence frame to give the chain link added strength. These tension bars are often made out of solid galvanized steel and are heavy and thick for their size. Attach these to the steel frame of the fence itself with steel wire or small screws or bolts.

Tags: chain-link fence, bars often, chain link, fence itself, frame fence

Deck Gate Ideas

Decks are a great communal area to many homes, especially when they overlook a yard or are large enough to host large numbers of people. The entrance to your deck from the outside, or the entrance from this area to the yard itself, should be an efficient, if not handsome, deck gate, which matches the deck and railing, yet also compliments the house and backyard. There are many different gate designs based on aesthetics and safety for guests--and babies. Does this Spark an idea?

High Entryway Deck Gate

If your deck is surrounded by large buildings or a tall wall of some kind in an urban area, a high entryway deck gate may be the perfect option. This gate can be made out of a different material then the rest of the deck, such as wrought-iron or older treated wood, and should stand at least 5 feet high so that it not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also creates a bit of security from anyone trying to climb over the deck gate from the outside.

Of course this depends on the design of your deck itself, but with higher walls and railings and less of an open area to the deck, whatever is happening on the deck itself may feel a little more exclusive or private.

Saloon Door Deck Gates

An original, interesting and inventive idea for deck gates may be to create them with two narrower wooden doors that swing back and forth smoothly, like the small doors in the saloon. These swinging deck gates would go from the base of the deck to the top of the railing and be able to be pushed open with ease and close on their own. They could also be locked from one side, with a latch or hooks, preventing animals or children from venturing or falling off the deck. Aesthetically they may not work with some deck designs. But with others, in the style of the South or West, where old saloon doors are a throwback to the roots of the area, they may be the most memorable deck gates around.

Temporary Safety Gates

There are also a number of deck gates that are primarily for animal containment and baby safety. Most of these are plastic or inexpensive balsa-wood frames that can be extended or compressed to lock against the railings of the deck's staircase, creating a barrier that can easily be removed or stepped over by adults. While incredibly efficient and inexpensive, these temporary safety gates aren't very aesthetically pleasing, for the most part. Some companies make attractive hardwood safety gates that can easily be installed and uninstalled at deck entrances. However, the best solution may be to install a temporary gate with a latch put up high, so a small child or animal cannot reach it and let themselves out.

Tags: deck gates, your deck, aesthetically pleasing, Deck Gate, deck gate, deck itself

Rustic Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas

Decorate for Thanksgiving with the harvest of the season.

During the Thanksgiving season, the smell of fall is in the air and the weather has turned crisp and cool. There is no better time to decorate with the tools of nature. Rustic things from the garden and produce from the farmer's market can accent your table and your rooms and give the feeling of warm, homey surroundings. Does this Spark an idea?

Centerpieces

Fall fruit adds color to a lovely centerpiece.

Take a wrought iron or straw basket and line it with burlap or a similar heavy cloth. Lay floral foam in the middle. Wrap floral wire around the stems of gerbera daisies or sunflowers to stand them up in the foam. Cover the foam and the bottom of the basket with moss. Line the inside with gourds, apples or any combination of hearty fruits that will last. Tuck candles around the fruit and light them for a lovely centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

Fireplace Mantel

Decorate the mantel with pumpkins.

Let your mantel be the stage for a rustic display of the season. Fill ceramic jars with flowers in fall colors. Good choices are deep, red sunflowers and golden tiger lilies. Add dried flowers like chrysanthemums to the jars for a longer lasting display. Anchor the mantel on either side with the floral arrangements. Line the mantel with leafy branches from your garden and hang them over the edge for a wilder look. Add pillar candles in fall colors and lay fall fruits such as pomegranates randomly on the branches. Bring plants in rustic pots in from the yard and place them underneath the mantel in a random display. Add pumpkins in all sizes and fall leaves to your mantel for a different look.

Candles

Surround candles with autumn leaves and branches.

Let fall-colored candles take over the home. Rusts, deep greens and burgandies will add a touch of the rustic to your decorating. Encircle your candle holders with branches and leaves from outdoors. If you are using a candelabra, attach them to the bottom of the candles with hidden wire. If the candles lay closer to the table, add nuts, faux berries or small oranges alongside the candles. Put a selection of different-size candles surrounded by leaves on a tray for an instant visual treat

Accessories

Line old bottles on the table with a bare branch in each.

Gather a collection of old vintage-looking bottles in different sizes. Line them up on a table. Lay a russet-toned runner underneath. In each bottle, place one long stem, twig or bare branch. Surround the bottles with small votive holders in golden colors. The glow from the candles will light the glass in a lovely way. Take a collection of twigs and sticks and lay them together on a table with a runner underneath. Tie the sticks together with plaid ribbon in fall colors, or some rust or green raffia.

Rustic Accents

Stalks of wheat add a rustic flair to your decorating.

Make a quick wreath by wrapping burlap around a store-bought wreath form. Tie with twine. Add dried flowers randomly around the edges. At parties, let guests drink out of mason jars wrapped in cardboard and tied with raffia. Never forget the power of scent. Boil some mulling spices and light scented, soy candles to add a wonderful fragrance to the air when guests arrive. Pile pumpkins and gourds of all sizes on the porch to announce the arrival of fall. Add stalks of wheat tied in festive, fall-colored ribbon.

Tags: fall colors, bare branch, candles with, dried flowers, lovely centerpiece, mantel with, runner underneath

Design A New Home Country Style

Country-style decor is an enduring classic due to its warm and inviting look. Whether you prefer the cleaner, more minimal aesthetic of contemporary country decor or the weathered and distressed furniture and finishes of French country style, you can use architectural elements, color schemes, faux finishes, furnishings, textiles and accessories to give a new home distinctive country style. Integrate nature into your country decor by hanging leafy plants in doorways, filling window boxes with flowers or lining window sills with canning jars holding herbs or wildflowers. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Gather inspiration from diverse resources. Travel brochures and catalogs provide images of French farmhouses and chateaus with old-world country charm. Furniture shops, flea markets, antique stores and yard sales are good places for sourcing country theme decor. Keep a folder with images that catch your eye and a notepad for jotting down design and decor ideas.

2. Integrate country architectural features into your new home. A bay of picture windows in the living room or kitchen allows natural light to pour inside and affords garden views. Skylights and solar tubes brighten dark corners. Exposed wooden ceiling beams and wall posts have rustic country appeal. A stone wall and fireplace in the kitchen, dining area or bedroom recall a French chateau. Hardwood wide plank floors have a classic country look, while bamboo floors update the aesthetic for contemporary interiors.

3. Establish a color scheme. Keep stone, brick or wood panel walls in their natural tones or add a thin layer or translucent antique whitewash or milk paint, which allows the underlying colors and textures of the building materials to show through. For a rustic look, integrate hues of stone gray, faded cornflower blue, terracotta, mustard, antique white, pale yellow and soft poppy seed black. For a more contemporary look, use white to accent sunny yellow, apple green or different shades of blue.

4. Invest in focal point furnishings that define country style. In the dining area, a farmhouse table in a distressed finish or made of weathered gray wood has primitive charm. A white wrought-iron cafe table and chairs transforms a kitchen corner into a breakfast nook or a tea salon. An overstuffed chintz couch in the living room may hold throw pillows in an eclectic mix of patterns. In the bedroom, a low platform bed in a light or medium wood has contemporary cool, while a wrought-iron bed under patchwork quilts has a vintage look.

5. Accessorize with functional yet stylish pieces. Wall sconces flanking the fireplace or lining a hallway can accent artwork. Simple white pillar candles in black iron candle holders have a classic look. Bright, primary colors show up in checks, plaid, gingham and stripes on bath linens, bedding, chair cushions, awnings and window treatments.

Tags: country style, aesthetic contemporary, country decor, dining area, have classic

Create Ornamental Iron In Sketchup

Create iron oraments in SketchUp using reference photos like this.

3-D models have many uses, from architectural renderings to video games and animated films. SketchUp, a free basic modeler offered by Google, can be used to design buildings and other structures. While it is simple to use, you can still create a wide array of objects with SketchUp, including complex ornamental iron objects.

Instructions

1. Load an image of the ornamental iron you want to create a model of onto your computer.

2. Click on the desktop shortcut to start the SketchUp application. Select the default 2-D person in the scene and delete it.

3. Select "Camera" from the menu and choose "Standard Views." From the options, choose "Top."

4. Select "File" from the menu and choose "Import." In the dialog box, locate and open the image you loaded.

5. Click with the mouse on the ground plane in the view to place one corner of the image. Drag with the mouse to size the image, then click again.

6. Select the "Freehand" tool from the toolbar. Use it to trace the shape of the ornamental iron in the picture.

7. Hold down the middle mouse button and drag the scene to return the camera to the perspective view.

8. Select the "Push/Pull" tool from the toolbar. Click on the shape you drew and pull it upward to create depth for the ornamental iron.

9. Click on the "Paintbucket." From the categories, drag a material that best matches the iron look you are trying to achieve onto the model. Save your work.

Tags: ornamental iron, from menu, from menu choose, from toolbar, menu choose, tool from, tool from toolbar

Decorate A Kitchen In British Colonial

English bone china is an element of British Colonial decor.

As the British increased their empire through colonization in the 1800s, they settled in places like the West Indies, the Caribbean islands, Singapore and Africa. They imported their furniture and house wares from England but soon found them inappropriate for those tropical climates. Their efforts to acclimate themselves to their surroundings resulted in what is now referred to as British Colonial style. Bring this look to your kitchen with a mixture of traditional British style, tribal motifs and laid-back island d cor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint the walls in sea tones of pale green and blue. Add punch with accents like a cobalt-blue tile back splash or granite counter tops with bright coral highlights.

2. Choose cupboards in a dark wood, like cherry. Or stain light wood cupboards in a dark color like mahogany or walnut. Choose a style with raised panels or decorative carving. Add pewter, wrought-iron or pounded copper or silver hardware.

3. Lay a dark wood floor to echo the cabinets and anchor the room. Consider Brazilian cherry wood. Add texture with sisal area rugs or anchor a kitchen eating area with a rug in an Oriental design.

4. Pull rattan stools up to the breakfast bar or opt for stools upholstered in leather or a botanical print.

5. Set the table with neutral linen table cloths or place mats. Add some punch with animal print napkins and brightly colored dishware. Or couple English bone china with sterling silver flatware and linen napkins. Serve beverages in crystal stemware.

6. Arrange a mix of freshly cut flowers in a china teapot for an impromptu centerpiece or float single blooms in china tea cups and put one at each place setting or line them up on your windowsill. Set a more formal tone with a bouquet of roses arranged in a cut-glass vase.

7. Place cookbooks in large woven baskets. Organize recipe cards in smaller baskets. Store colorful vegetables and fruits like bananas, oranges and apples in wicker baskets. Keep them on your counter tops as casual focal points.

8. Install wrought-iron or bamboo curtain rods and hang gauzy white curtains to emulate those that might have blown in the island breezes of a British Colonial home. Or choose bamboo blinds to let in the light while giving you some privacy.

Tags: British Colonial, bone china, counter tops, cupboards dark, dark wood, English bone, English bone china

Ruin A Cast Iron Pan With High Heat

Can You Ruin a Cast Iron Pan With High Heat?

Many people love to cook with cast iron because it is inexpensive, holds heat well and is virtually indestructible. No matter what you may do to your cast iron pan, it is incredibly difficult to ruin it, even with high heat. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Melting Point of Cast Iron

The melting point of cast iron is between 2150 and 2350 degrees F. That means that a standard home oven will be unable to reach heats high enough to ruin a cast iron pan.

Seasoning

The seasoning on a cast iron pan will begin to break down at a temperature far below the melting point. Because of this, manufacturers recommend not using your cast iron pan in an oven hotter than 400 degrees F.

Reseasoning

If you should heat your cast iron pan to over 400 degrees, it is possible to salvage it simply by reseasoning the pan. Apply vegetable oil or shortening to the inside and outside surface of the pan then place upside down in a 300-degree oven for an hour. Place a piece of foil on the bottom of your oven to catch any drippings. Let cool in the oven.

Thermal Shock

One thing that can warp or break a cast iron pan is thermal shock. Thermal shock occurs when a hot pan is placed in a cold setting--either a sink full of cold water or a freezer.

Fun Fact

When you cook with a cast iron pan, you are actually increasing the amount of the nutrient iron in your diet.

Tags: cast iron, cast iron, your cast, your cast iron, cast iron, Cast Iron

Install Gate Hinges

Ornamental Gate Hinges

A hinge represents the gate's strength. The length of the screws or bolts that hold the gate hinge in place are significant and have a direct bearing on the gate's strength. Because there are many types of gate hinges, it is best to research which brand and type is the best for your gate. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place one of the hinges on the gate to locate the spot for a solid installation. The more wood it grabs, the stronger it will make the gate. Drill pilot holes for the hinge screws. If the gate is wider than 5 feet, see the article in the Reference section entitled "Butt Hinge Installation" for tips on proper installation.

2. Take the hinges apart, if applicable. This allows for a smoother installation when holding the gate in place while installing the hinge screws to the fence post or other structure.

3. Drive the screws as far in as they will go for a tight fit. In some cases, you might have to use a ratchet to keep from burning the motor out in the ½-inch drill.

4. Place some blocks on the ground to rest the gate on while positioning it to install onto the post. The goal is to alleviate as much stress on the screws as possible. This will ensure a solid, level installation.

5. Check the hinges after the installation by swinging the gate open and closed a few time. After this, allow the gate to come to a stop. If it settles without swinging closed or open, then the gate is level.

Tags: gate strength, hinge screws

Custom Bedroom Styles

Give your teen a custom orange bedroom; she'll wake up cheerful and energized.

Instead of generic, non-specific bedroom d cor, try a customized bedroom style. Perhaps your teen has a favorite color she'd like to showcase in her room. Perhaps you want to redo your room to incorporate your love of a certain city. Customizing the bedroom makes it more enjoyable for the person living in it, and it's also a good way to bring in some very eye-catching and unique design styles. Does this Spark an idea?

Far East

Large Chinese characters stenciled onto a headboard add drama in the bedroom.

Customize a bedroom by incorporating elements of Asian design. Paint traditional Chinese colors on the walls: green, red, gold, blue and yellow. Or paint a Chinese-inspired mural on the bedroom walls, one that incorporates such elements as dragons, birds, mountains or a lake. Shop for Asian-style bedroom furniture, which is typically low to the ground and features simple, clean lines.

If buying new furniture is not in the budget, use stencils and paint to put Chinese characters on dresser and nightstand drawers and on the headboard. Plants have meaning in Chinese culture; bring in a potted azalea, which means wealth; or an orchid, which means elegance and virtue. Use an Oriental rug on the floor or as a wall hanging, and use fine Chinese silk for bedding.

Novel Muse

Decorate with stuffed bunnies for a little girl's "Peter Rabbit" bedroom.

Using a book to inspire custom bedroom styles is a good idea for kids' rooms. For example, drawing on Beatrix Potter's "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," decorate a little girl's room with several stuffed bunnies, wallpaper with a rabbit print and a rabbit bedspread. Let Michael Crichton's "Jurrassic Park" inspire a dinosaur room. In a "Wizard of Oz" room, paint characters from the Munchkins to the Scarecrow and Glinda the Good Witch on the walls.

Decorate a little boy's room with a Tyrannosaurus rex mural on the wall and T. rex bedroom bedspread and curtains. Decorate with plastic T. rexes, dinosaur bean bags and lamp shades. Put dinosaurs on bedroom furniture with stencils and paint.

Area Idea

Moroccan style uses rich color, luxurious silk and fabric over the bed.

Look to location for design inspiration. One possibility is a Moroccan theme. Moroccan colors are bold colors: cobalt blue, purple, red, bright yellow, greens, shades of brown and even pink. Paint an accent wall in one of these shades. Buy authentic Moroccan curtains and bedding, or, if you're on a budget, just buy inexpensive bedding-curtain sets that complement the walls.

Bring in a rug, and place lots of pillows and cushions on the bed and floor. Drape embroidered silk or netting above the bed. When looking for Moroccan-style furniture, look for chunky and heavy wrought iron or wood, featuring ornate markings, intricate carvings and sometimes or mother of pearl detail.

Right Shade

Celebrate a favorite color to customize a room, for example, orange. Paint the walls bright orange or pale orange, or alternate between orange and yellow or white or pale blue; or paint a mural on an accent wall featuring the color. Mural ideas to incorporate orange include a garden full of blooming poppies, a pumpkin patch or an underwater scene showing brightly colored shells, fish, sponges and coral.

If you prefer not to or are not allowed to paint the walls, bring orange into the bedroom with a beanbag, curtains, an accent pillow, the bedspread and a rug. Or paint the nightstands, headboard and dresser orange. You can also bring the color in with plants, either by painting the flower pot orange or with potted orange flowers: daffodils or impatiens or zinnias.

Tags: accent wall, bedroom furniture, Chinese characters, Decorate with, favorite color, little girl, Peter Rabbit

Thermal Properties Of Black Iron Pipe

These days, black iron pipe is made from a mild steel.

Although black iron pipe has iron in its name, it's actually made of low-grade, mild steel. Mild steel is a soft steel that can be easily welded and cut with a torch. Dealers and industry professionals in America will simply refer to schedule 40 steel pipes when talking about black iron pipe. Mild steel is used because it can bend; it can be cut with a torch and is much easier to work with overall. Knowing what black iron is made of is important because the iron's thermal properties are different from those of mild steel.

Thermal Conductivity

Thermal conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct heat. The formula for finding the thermal conductivity is btu/(hr-ft^2-F). To solve this equation, subtract the hours of contact from the length in feet of the pipe squared, minus the temperature of the heat source in Fahrenheit. Multiply this by the btu, which is the British thermal units found by dividing the weight of the pipe by the temperature change. The thermal conductivity for black iron pipe ranges from 26K to 37.5K meaning that it is a good heat conductor. K stands for kelvin, the measurement of heat energy.

Density

Density is the ratio of an object's mass to its volume. The more mass that object has, the denser it is. The density of black iron pipe is .284 pounds per inch meaning that it is not very dense. For example titanium is about half as dense as mild steel and aluminum is a third as dense at mild steel. This calculation is found by dividing the mass of the pipe by its volume.

Specific Heat Capacity

Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius. The specific heat of black iron pipe is .122 British thermal units per pound per degree. The formula for finding the specific heat is (btu/lb/F).

Melting Point

The melting point of black iron is 2,570 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thermal Expansion

Thermal Expansion is when an object begins to expand as the temperature around it increases. As an object is heated, the molecules begin to move rapidly and expand outward. The coefficient of thermal expansion of black iron pipe is 6.7. To find the amount of thermal expansion, multiply the temperature increase by the thermal expansion coefficient. Multiply the product of the temperature increase and the coefficient of thermal expansion by the total length of the pipe.

Tags: iron pipe, black iron pipe, black iron, black iron, mild steel, thermal expansion, British thermal

Attach Finials

Finials are placed on top of fence posts.

Finials are decorative, protective or defensive pieces put on the end of fence posts, curtain rods, and stair banisters. Finials for metal fences are form-fitted to the fence. Iron finials should be tack-welded for permanent attachment. Wooden finials are screwed or glued onto posts. Most wood finials require a fence post cap to contour the shape of the finial to the shape of the post. The fence post cap adapts the shape of the finial to the shape of the post. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Wood Finials

1. Finials are easy to attach to wooden fences.

Measure the outside dimensions of your wooden fence post with a measuring tape and purchase a finial or fence cap of the appropriate size. The fence cap is a sleeve that fits on or over the top of the post. Some finials are designed to fit right on top of a post and don't need a fence cap.

2. Choose a bit size according to your all-thread size.

Drill a hole for the all-thread (screw threads at both ends) into the center of the bottom of the finial. Screw the all-thread half way into the finial. All-thread is a screw with threads on both ends so it will hold two pieces of wood together.

3. Drill a guide hole for the finial all-thread directly through the center of the fence cap and into the top of the fence post. Make sure the fence cap is exactly centered or perfectly flush with the post on all sides before you drill the hole. The drill diameter will be different depending on the size of the all-thread you use in the finial.

4. Finials attached to gateposts are particularly attractive.

Screw the exposed all-thread on the finial through the fence cap and into the top of the post. Rotate the finial clockwise to screw it onto the fence cap. This will fix the fence cap and finial in place. You can also use a strong waterproof glue between the fence cap and the post top and between the finial and the fence cap.

5.

Iron Fences

6. Finials can be decorative as well as defensive.

Measure the outside dimensions of the post where you want to place a metal finial. Cast iron fences are made with specific post dimensions, according to Fence Supply Source, an online fencing retailer. Purchase a finial to fit the metal post.

7. Place the metal finial on the fence post and press it down onto the top of the fence post. Many metal finials have sleeves that slip over the top of the fence. More complicated finials have to be placed according to manufacturer's instructions .

8. Weld metal finials into place for permenance.

Tack-weld around the base of the finial to join it to the fence post. Use the welder, welding rod and flux to permanently attach the finial to the post. Welding instructions are specific for different types of metals and only expert welders should attempt welding metal finials.

9. Joint a metal finial to a post with glue. You can also use a strong glue or epoxy to joint a cap-fitting finial to a metal fence post if you don't have access to a welder. Put a dollop on top of the post and press the finial down on top of the post.

10. Use a wood or metal file to finish your finial.

Finish the joint. If you are an expert welder, you are done. If not, you might like to file or debride the welded seam between the finial and the post for a finer finish. If you glued-on the finial, wipe off any excess drips.

Tags: fence post, finial fence, finial post, metal finial, metal finials, all-thread finial, also strong

Hang Barn Door Hinges

Use rustic traditional hardware to hang your barn doors.

Barn doors call to mind picturesque countryside landscapes. You can capture that appearance on your barn by installing classic barn door strap hinges. Strap hinges will bear the weight of barn doors and come in a wide variety of decorative traditional styles. These hinges are made with pintles rather than hinge pins. The door side of the hinge has a cylindrical hole through it that slides over the pintle or pin that is installed on the barn side of the hinge and pintle assembly. This design makes hanging the barn door hinge a less daunting task. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure up 12 inches from the threshold along the hinge side of the barn door frame and down 12 inches from the top of the door frame using a tape measure. Mark each measurement onto the door frame with a pencil. These are the locations for the pintles.

2. Screw the lag screw end of the pintles into the door frame at each pencil marking by turning them in a clockwise motion until they are driven fully into the hinge side of the door frame.

3. Hold the barn door in the opening of the door frame. Mark the location of the pintles onto the hinge side of the barn door with a pencil.

4. Lay the barn door on a work surface with the exterior side facing up. Align one strap hinge with each pencil marking on the hinge side of the door.

5. Drive the included mounting screws through the mounting holes in the strap hinges into the door using a screw gun.

6. Hold the door up in the door opening. Align the strap hinges with the pintle on the door frame of the barn. Slide the hinges over the pintles so that the door rests on the hinge and pintle assembly.

Tags: door frame, barn door, hinge side, Align strap, barn door, door opening, each pencil

Estimate Elestrostatic Painting For Metal Railings

Electrostatic paint creates a high-gloss, highly durable finish.

The electrostatic painting offers both a painter and a customer a wide variety of benefits. The electrostatic painting process electrically charges the paint and charges the painted surface with the opposite electrical charge. As a result, as the paint is sprayed, it's electrically attracted to the painted surface, resulting in a fast-drying, highly durable finish. Electrostatic paints also offer increased coverage rates when compared to traditional spray painting methods.

Instructions

1. Measure the amount of railing to be painted as if the railing was a continuous surface. For example: if a section of railing is 3 foot tall by 16 feet long, recorded this area as 48 square feet. If both sides of the railing will be painted, double the measurement. In this example, the total square feet requiring paint is 96 square feet.

2. Evaluate the coverage ratio of the electrostatic paint. Most electrostatic paints are designed to cover 350 to 425 square feet per gallon.

3. Calculate the electrostatic paint coverage with the following equation. Painting with electrostatic equipment offers the painter a 70 percent efficiency. In other words, a gallon of electrostatic paint will cover [(350 to 425) x .7] square feet. In other words, a gallon of electrostatic paint will cover 245 to 300 actual square feet per gallon.

4. Divide the measured total square footage of the railing by 300 square feet per gallon to obtain the actual estimated paint usage. In the above example, one third of one gallon of electrostatic paint would apply one coat of paint to the measured railing.

Tags: square feet, electrostatic paint, feet gallon, gallon electrostatic, gallon electrostatic paint, square feet gallon

Diy Tree Bench Centerpieces

The tree is normally the centerpiece of a tree bench.

A centerpiece consists of an object of ornamental value that has been placed in the center of another object, such as a vase of flowers placed in the center of a dining room table. The centerpiece of a tree bench is often a tree, hence the word "tree" in "tree bench." With a little creativity you can spice up the look of your bench by allowing your bench to enclose something other than a tree. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Bistro Table

1. Calculate the circumference of the free space (the area where the tree would normally be placed) at the center of the tree bench. Do this by measuring from one side of the bench's free space to the other. This is your diameter. Multiply the diameter by pi (3.14) to get the circumference.

2. Choose a circular bistro-style table for the center of the tree bench. The table should complement the materials used in the bench. For example, pair a cedar tree bench with a stone table, as you will be complementing the cedar with another natural element, stone.

3. Calculate the tabletop's circumference; to be sure it is small enough to fit in the center of the tree bench.

4. Add a lighted tabletop umbrella, so you can utilize the tree bench throughout the day and into the night.

Garden

5. Spray grass-friendly paint onto the ground, creating a circle that is slightly smaller than the circumference at the center of the tree bench.

6. Plant a miniature, circular garden inside the circle you created. Make sure to choose flowers that will grow to be taller than the bench, as smaller flowers might be overshadowed by the bench. Examples of tall flowers include sunflowers, gladiolas and hollyhocks. These flowers feature 24- to 36-inch spires and boast show-stopping colors in shades of pink, yellow, orange or red.

7. Allow the flowers time to take root and thrive before placing the tree bench around them, as they will have to cope with partial sun once the bench is in place.

8. Place the tree bench over your garden spot. You may need help for this step, if the bench is heavy.

Fountain

9. Choose a tier or pedestal fountain to place inside the tree bench, as these fountains are tall enough not to be hidden by the bench. Measure the widest part of the fountain to be sure that its width is smaller than the width of the opening in the tree bench.

10. Keep similar design styles together, by making sure the tree bench and the fountain follow similar themes. For example, if you have a Victorian-style wrought iron tree bench featuring ornate scroll work and decoration, then choose a garden fountain in wrought iron, marble or bronze that features swans, cherubs, lion heads, angels or maidens.

11. Place the fountain where you want it on your property. Be sure it is close to a power source, unless your fountain runs on solar power.

12. Assemble the tree bench around the statue. It is much easier to construct the tree bench around the statue than to place the statue inside the center of the tree bench, as statues are generally made of stone, bronze or iron and are exceedingly heavy.

Tags: tree bench, center tree, center tree bench, bench around, placed center, tree bench around

Anchor A Fence To A Tree

Sometimes a tree is the best way to anchor a fence.

Fencing an area with a large amount of trees can be a challenge, since the trees and their roots often seem to be located right where the fence needs to go. It can be especially difficult to anchor the fence solidly if you can't set a fence post at the end of a line of fencing due to interference from a tree. In this case, anchoring the fence directly to the tree is often the best method of securing the fence. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Anchor Bolts

1. Check to make sure that the tree is large enough and sturdy enough to serve as an anchor for your fence. The tree should not bend if you push or pull on the trunk, to ensure that the pull of the fence does not affect the tree over time.

2. Measure the height of your fence. Place bolts in the tree at the top and bottom of the fence height. Fences over three feet tall should also have one or more bolts added to the center space about 2 feet apart.

3. Drill a hole into the tree for each bolt. Make sure the holes are level.

4. Insert an eyebolt into each hole and secure it in place by attaching a washer and nut on the end. It should be snug against the tree. Some available threads at the end of the bolt will allow you to adjust the nut as the tree grows, so that the nut remains outside of the bark.

5. Secure the fence to the bolts with short pieces of wire. Use the pliers to twist each wire so that the fence is held securely in place.

Wrapped Wire

6. Select a sturdy tree to be the fence anchor. Push against the tree from the side opposite where the fence will be. If the tree bends it is not a good choice for an anchor, since it is likely to be damaged by the pull of the fence.

7. Make an anchor wire by cutting a piece of wire long enough to loop completely around the tree. Leave at least an extra foot to use when attaching it to the fence.

8. Slide a section of hose over the anchor wire. Place the covered wire around the tree at the appropriate height for the top of your fence. Ensure that only the hose touches the bark and the wire does not.

9. Twist the ends of the wire around the fence to hold it firmly in place. Repeat the process so that the fence is anchored to the tree approximately every two feet of its height.

Tags: your fence, against tree, anchor fence, anchor wire, around tree, height your

Pig Iron Uses

Wrought iron fences represent pig iron manufacturing as a final product.

Pig iron represents the phase of iron after it has first been converted from iron ore but still needs refinement before it becomes steel. Because pig iron still contains a large amount of carbon in it, the metal is not very useful for any type of useful application that requires strength. However, it does provide a useful interim material that is necessary to produce stronger products. Additionally, it can be used as a dense filler product widely available at low cost. Does this Spark an idea?

Building Material Use

The main consumption of pig iron after it is melted from iron ore involves steel-making. The steel industry uses the material as a base product, which is then mixed with other metals to produce steel. The other metals can include manganese, nickel, scrap metal and other ingredients, depending on the production goal.

Basic Early Use

In earlier times pig iron found a use as wrought iron. Wrought iron essentially involves metal that is heated up to then have contaminants hammered out of the mold when poured and cooled. The product could then be used for basic metal production purposes, but nothing that involved a fine-cutting edge or load-bearing purpose. Typical products involved metal straps for wagons, pots, basic tools, bracing and weights.

Modern Uses

Pig iron today predominantly goes to resale for external customer use in melting or for direct steel-making. It is considered a stage product necessary to get to the desired steel. It can still be crafted into basic metal utensils, but again nothing that requires specific strength values or integrity under pressure. Simple products melted and crafted from this type of iron are known as pot metal. Additionally, it can also be used for fencing or railing products as well. Finally, pig iron can be used to craft simple, decorative metal pieces used for external building decoration.

Odd Uses

Airplanes use pig iron as a cheap, dense ballast that can be moved around as needed. Planes need ballast to balance our their weight, particularly when they have engines in the rear and hardly any cargo in the middle or front of the plane. Pig iron pellets or ingots can be loaded easily by hand to provide the necessary weight for a balanced flight.

Tags: basic metal, from iron, iron after, iron still, nothing that, other metals

Remove Rust Marks From Concrete

A paste mixture can remove rust stains from concrete.

After your metal table and chairs have been sitting on your concrete patio for months, you discover ugly rust stains left behind by the feet. You might find rust stains on other concrete surfaces around your home -- sidewalks, foundations, floors and walls. The Michigan State University Extension recommends a simple formula for making rust stains disappear from concrete. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Scrub any excess rust off the concrete surface with a stiff-bristled brush.

2. Combine 1/2 cup of sodium citrate crystals with 3 cups of water. Add just enough calcium carbonate powder, also known as whiting, or fuller's earth powder to give the mixture a paste-like consistency. Fuller's earth is a highly absorbent clay material.

3. Apply the paste to the rust stains on your concrete, using a putty knife. Spread the paste around to cover the spots.

4. Allow the paste to dry, then scrape it off with your putty knife. Repeat the process if you can still see the rust stains. When the stain is gone, scrub the surface with warm, soapy water, then rinse.

Tags: rust stains, from concrete, putty knife, surface with, your concrete

Iron Bed Ideas

Find an iron bed that suits your taste.

Using iron for bed frames is a very popular trend. An iron bed is not only sophisticated in style, it is also very durable and lasts for quite some time, if taken care of properly. Because iron beds vary in style, theme and color, they make a popular choice for people with different tastes. Iron beds are usually made with wrought iron, which has low carbon content, making it strong but also light. Does this Spark an idea?

Gothic Iron Beds

If you are into Gothic architecture, buildings with intricate designs and many pointed arches, invest in an iron bed frame influenced by the Gothic style. The designs should be elegant, with pointed arches or thin spires. You can decide how simplistic or intricate you wish your frame to be. Most Gothic styles feature the head and foot boards with spires.

Canopy Iron Bed

Iron beds with a canopy create feelings of elegance and romance in a bedroom. You can assemble the frame without adding curtains but, if you do, add flowing curtains that fit the color or theme of your room or mood. The curtains hang from the frame and fall to the ground. If you live in a humid climate where insects are inevitable, use a thin, gauze like curtain and tuck it under your mattress at night to protect you while you sleep. A canopy iron bed can be for this purpose or for an aesthetic appeal as well.

Colored Iron Beds

The color of an iron bed is just as important as the design of it. Depending on who the iron bed is for, you can select and choose a colored frame. Most iron beds are black, however some frames come specially designed in specific colors. If you purchase a bed for your child, perhaps a white wrought iron frame is more ideal for her room. If your child is a boy, blue or grey frames may be more fitting for him.

Rounded Iron Beds

The modern approach to an iron bed contains a frame with rounded edges. This iron bed idea may be ideal for those with young children who enjoy running and jumping on the bed. The child has less of a chance to harm himself while playing on his parents' bed. The rounded frame gives a more modern and simple feel. The bed may be the only accessory needed to highlight the entire room.

Tags: frame Most, Iron Beds, iron frame, pointed arches, wrought iron, your child