Replace Wood Spindles In A Stair Rail With Iron Ones

You can replace your wood spindles with iron ones in your stair rail with these step-by-step instructions. Save your old wood spindles if you can for another project, donate them or saw them in half to remove them if your stair rail is one solid piece. You can find iron rails, or balusters, from online retailers and your local home improvement store. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove your wood spindles from the top down by cutting them in half with a hacksaw, jigsaw or band saw. Pull the two wood pieces free and remove any exposed nails in the stair rail and the floor. Some stair rails are made with wood fillers fitted between the spindles. Remove and save these rails by first taking out the filler situated on the handrail between the first spindle and the top post. A chisel may be helpful in removing the filler piece. Push the top spindle towards the top post to remove it. Work your way down the stair rail, removing the spindles and the fillers until you reach the bottom.

2. Spread wood putty in the nail holes and let it dry. Sand any damaged surfaces and repaint or re-stain them before you place the iron ones.

3. Drill notches in each spindle hole on the stair rail to hold the iron ones in place, if necessary. The design of your iron rails will determine if you need to take this step. For stair rails with removable fillers, you may need to install an iron bracket made to fit your stair rail to hold the iron ones in place, or you could have your iron rails designed to fit between the fillers.

4. Tape each iron rail at the top, just below the fitting to protect against dripping glue. Dry fit the rails before you begin installing them with epoxy. Work from the bottom of the stair rail up. The actual rails should be installed by inserting them into the top then into the bottom stair rail or the floor. Trim your iron rails with your saw as needed, always from the bottom.

5. Fit the baluster shoes onto the iron rails before gluing them into place. Mix the epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spread a small amount in the top and bottom holes on the stair rail and the floor. Insert the iron rails into the top first, then slide the baluster shoe in place. Remove the painter's tape after the epoxy is set.

Tags: stair rail, iron rails, iron ones, your wood spindles, rail floor, stair rail floor, your iron

Spanishstyle Decorating Ideas For The Bedroom

Decorative ironwork incorporates the look of Old World craftsmanship in Spanish design.

The Spanish style of interior design is exemplified by rich colors, a mixture of textures and accessories with outstanding craftsmanship. It provides a feel of timelessness and authenticity, with comfort and conviviality deep at its heart. Spanish-style decorating for the bedroom should incorporate the feel of comfort and hospitality, along with a spirit of Old World artistry and romance. Does this Spark an idea?

Furniture

Spanish styling incorporates a number of different furniture looks, from the heavy carving of European craftsmen to the simplified but substantial look of Mission-style pieces. Dark woods fit in well with Spanish and Mediterranean themes, while hardware can be intricately formed or simple pieces with a hand-wrought appearance. Beds are often wrought iron, with canopy drapings. Bedroom chairs in soft leathers invite reading and familiar conversation.

Natural Textures

Spanish styling brings in the textures of the environment that surrounds it, utilizing wood, leather, copper, iron, raffia and woven cloth. Plants are a part of this natural environment, so add greenery to bring in the outdoors that the Spanish so love. Rich damask draperies, repetitive patterns, folk artistry and elaborate tapestry can all be a part of your Spanish bedroom design. Even velvet and corduroy upholstery can add distinction to the room.

Vibrant Colors

An appreciation of color is an important part of the Spanish culture. Colors can range from the deep jewel tones in the reds, greens and purples of historic textiles to the fresh hues of the farms and ranches. Bright, hand-painted pottery and dark wood items help to give rooms a casual, friendly look. Red, yellow, orange and rust add touches of sunlight to the room. Repeat color to draw the eye from room to room, according to Interior Design Daily.

Hand-wrought Accessories

Accessories set the stage for Spanish style in bedrooms, with wood-framed mirrors, traditionally styled lamps and woven textiles that bring color and interest to the room. Even modern Spanish style, with cleaner lines and a broader use of color, often brings in traditional ironwork designs, wood beams and heavy drapery fabrics to give it a luxurious touch, according to ARDecor. Paintings and wall hangings of the Spanish countryside and historic themes complete the look. The soft glow of burnished brass, silver and rust-colored metal all give a bedroom the historic look of Old Spain.

Light & Depth

Spanish haciendas often use the subdued lighting that brings a feel of hominess and intimacy to a room. Metalwork chandeliers enhance the Spanish feel, while candelabras on mantels and shelves add to the Old World, romantic look.

Tags: Spanish style, Spanish styling

Bathtub Chip Repair

In most cases, repairing a chipped bathtub is not difficult.

Unless you are handy and have time to do it yourself, replacing a bathtub that has been chipped is expensive and time-consuming. A bathtub can become chipped when its surface is struck by a heavy object or its ceramic paint simply wears off with time. Repairing a chipped area of a tub is relatively easy, unless it is widespread. After preparing the damaged area, paint and seal it to make it blend in with the rest of the tub. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Scrape or rub off any chipped paint from the surface of the tub with a steel wood pad. Sand over the area until is is smooth. Place epoxy over the sanded area.

2. Cover or fill in the chipped area with polyester filler. Leave the filler alone until it is has dried completely. Sand over the area until it feels smooth to the touch.

3. Spray a coat of ceramic paint primer on the chipped area. Allow the primer to completely dry.

4. Test EP-acrylic paint on a small area of the tub to make sure it matches the color of the existing finish. Spray on a coat of the EP-acrylic paint to the chipped area if the color is a match.

5. Allow the paint to dry for at least an hour. Apply another coat of paint and allow it to dry completely again.

6. Apply a ceramic sealer to the area where you painted. Allow the area to dry for at least 24 hours before using your tub.

Tags: chipped area, area until, ceramic paint, EP-acrylic paint, over area

Make A Sculpture With Nuts & Bolts

Contemporary artists have become increasingly interested in thinking about the way art communicates. Conceptual art examines these matters, addressing the intellect through the visual sense. In conceptual art, the ideas generate works. Create an abstract illusion out of nuts and bolts to express new technological age. Produce an evocative abstract fantasy.

Instructions

Sculpture

1. Design a structural iron skeleton. Show several irregularities that will help your design to break out of convention. Make your viewers interested in artistic possibilities of using nuts (hardware fasteners) and bolts (bolted joints) as new materials and methods borrowed from industrial technology.

2. Create your composition from iron rods and wrought iron shapes. Use a welding gun to attach the pieces as you see fit, being sure to wear the right protective gear. Make contours, boundaries and dividing planes your only functional elements. Synthesize natural and industrial shapes.

3. Add your industrial fasteners' design formula to your functional elements to reinvigorate the basic form, like screwing stainless steel bolts into the nuts using a screwdriver. Your bolts might pull two surfaces of the sculpture together or just create a décor: dramatic angles, ellipses and circles. Consider adding color to your design using paint, or leave it raw and industrial.

Tags: functional elements, your design

Rustic Furniture Painting Techniques

Rustic interior designs work to create calm and relaxing environments that take their inspiration from nature itself. Rustic designs incorporate the rough side of nature, utilizing its irregular and coarse appearance to create a warm, cozy feel to a room. When considering using a rustic furniture paint technique, the goal is to avoid shiny modern techniques and keep colors warm and subdued with rough or distressed looks. Does this Spark an idea?

Painting Wooden Furniture

While most rustic designs emphasize natural and unrefined materials, it is common to see wooden furniture painted. Rustic designs incorporate shabby chic and farmhouse decor as well as Western and lodge themes, therefore having individual color schemes to consider when painting. When applying rustic furniture painting techniques to wooden furniture, keep the colors serene by using tans, browns or beige. White is a popular color for country decor.

For a rustic paint technique on newer furniture, apply a base flat coat of paint directly onto the surface. Apply a wax sealant to the base coat, allowing it to dry. Then apply a top coat of a paint-glaze mixture or stain and glaze mixture, allowing this to dry as well. Rub gently over areas of the wooden furniture commonly exposed to wear and tear to create a rustic, distressed look. Seal with finishing wax or a coat of polyurethane to provide a protective surface for the furniture.

For a different type of rustic furniture paint technique, lightly sand the surface of a prepainted or primed furniture piece and using a glaze and paint mixture, apply thin coats of paint with a dry brush. Remember less is more for this technique. Then sand again to remove any obvious paint streaks and apply a protective top coat. Always paint and sand with the grain for a natural look.

Painting Metal Furniture

Rustic furniture painting techniques on metal surfaces vary. Home improvement stores carry kits that include spray-paint applications that create the look and feel of rough metal or crackled wood. For metal applications, though, always look for paints designed strictly for bonding with metal materials. Also, consider materials designed for exterior applications to withstand weathering from the elements.

Common metals used in rustic designs are wrought iron, copper and tin. To transform a bright or shiny metal shelf into a rustic design, sand the piece to remove the protective glaze. Sometimes it helps to give it a light beating with a hammer or mallet to give it a rough appearance. Sand again and then remove any dust with a damp rag. Apply a coat of a dull gray, black or copper paint and a protective sealant. A brush adds artistic streaks, but foam brushes or rollers work well too for a refined cleaner edge.

For old-fashioned or rusty furniture, first apply a rust-enhancing formula, such as hydrogen peroxide. These chemical reactions stimulate rust production on the metal piece and once the desired level of rusting is achieved, apply a protective top coat to finish the process.

Tags: paint technique, apply protective, apply protective coat, designs incorporate, furniture paint, furniture paint technique, furniture painting

Repaint A Metal Table

Repaint Metal Furniture

Metal tables, especially those used in outdoor gardens and patios, can quickly rust and deteriorate from exposure to the elements. They should be checked periodically for fading and corrosion, and then cleaned and repainted as necessary. Follow these steps for removing rust from an old metal table and repainting it to look like new. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove glass top and other nonmetal accessories attached to the table.

2. Clean off all dust, dirt and debris from the table, paying special attention to the nooks and crannies. Check for bubbles and other irregularities because these are indications that corrosion is occurring underneath.

3. Use the file, sandpaper and metal brush to scrape off loose paint and rust. Pry the bubbled and irregular paint off and sand down all rusted areas. Finish off with fine grit sandpaper.

4. Wipe the sanded areas with a moist rag to reveal the bare metal. Allow it to dry.

5. Lightly sand over the old paint to promote adhesion of the new paint. Wipe off loose paint and sandpaper particles.

6. Invert the table on the drop cloth and spray a coat of color on all underside areas. Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for spraying more than one coat. Allow it to dry.

7. Set the table upright and spray a coat of paint on the topside. Spray a second or third coat as desired. Allow it to dry.

8. Return the glass top and other accessories, and rest assured that your refurbished metal table will serve you well for a few more years.

Tags: glass other, loose paint, metal table, Repaint Metal, spray coat

Homemade Sliding Gate Plans

Making your own sliding gate can save you money and time shopping for the gate that best suits your preferences. By finding a plan that suits your unique interests, you can be sure your sliding gate will complement your home nicely. Plans are widely available on the Internet. Does this Spark an idea?

Components

Sliding gates include a range of metal and wood components. These include the fixed fence, sliding fence, trolley, fixed post, springs, hinge, motor and switch (if automatic) and screw drive track.

Instructions

Homemade sliding gate plans typically include a scaled diagram of the gate's components and how they fit together. These include measurements of metal fence segments and wood segments, as well as the angles at which the parts must be connected together. Step-by-step instruction topics include the latch design, preparing the grade for the track, installing the track and determining the gate height, making the gate and end stop, installing the gate, and fitting the latch and guide rollers.

Availability and Cost

Homemade sliding gate plans are available from a multitude of websites. As of March 2011, they are typically available free of charge.

Tags: gate plans, Homemade sliding, Homemade sliding gate, sliding gate, sliding gate, sliding gate plans

Decorate A Kitchen With Italian Theme

Decorate a Kitchen With Italian Theme

The Tuscan countryside in Italy is filled with green rolling hills, vineyards, stucco houses and warm hospitality. Bring a little of Italy into your home by decorating your kitchen with an Italian theme. Even if your budget is modest you don't have to spend a fortune to transform your kitchen. Follow a few basic steps to get started, and then add your own touches. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pick a color scheme. Tuscan colors are earthy hues, including rust, golds, terracotta, burnt orange, mustard yellows and light greens. Make it interesting by choosing two colors. Incorporate these two colors throughout the kitchen. One way to do this is to paint the kitchen walls one color and the cabinets another. Keep plates, cups, mixing bowls and appliances in the color scheme, too.

2. Consider the texture of the walls, floor and countertops. Granite countertops, stone floors, tile backsplash and stucco or textured finish on the walls are all common in a Tuscan kitchen. If you don't have the budget for replacing countertops or flooring, use accessories and rugs to give an Italian look (see Step 4). Changing the walls with paint and tiles is an inexpensive way to redecorate. Create a stucco finish or texturize the walls, or add a tile backsplash (see Resources below).

3. Choose light fixtures in keeping with the Tuscan rustic look. Shop antique stores and thrift stores for wrought iron fixtures. Do not use anything with shiny metal or a modern look. Wrought iron metal sconces on the walls look exceptionally nice. Light bulbs that resemble candles will complete the look.

4. Use cafe style furniture. In an eating area within the kitchen use a glass-topped table with wrought iron legs. Choose chairs to match with scrolly wrought iron back and legs. Cover the chairs with seat cushions that coordinate with your color scheme. If you have a breakfast bar choose bar chairs with backs made of wrought iron metal and use seat covers in coordinating colors. If your budget doesn't allow for buying a new table and chairs, invest in seat cushions and a tablecloth with designs such as grapes, green vines and colorful fruits on them.

5. Think about accessories to complete the Italian look. Hang pots and pans from metal hangers from the ceiling. Place decorative pottery bowls and ceramic plates on top of cabinets if there is space under the ceiling. Otherwise, use a metal plate holder and add a decorative plate to your countertop. Put throw rugs on your floor to match your color scheme or those that have grapevines or colorful produce designs. Use hanging baskets to store ropes of garlic, onions and colorful bell peppers. Store oils and vinegars in decorative bottles by the stove. Install a small cafe style awning on the inside of a kitchen window. Hang a wine rack. Finally, add some greenery, whether real or silk plants in baskets.

Tags: color scheme, wrought iron, cafe style, chairs with, Decorate Kitchen

Guide For Cast Iron Wood Stove Restoration

With elbow grease and naval jelly, this wood stove can be restored.

Old cast iron wood stoves are not technologically sophisticated but are hardy. Restoring one, in most cases, involves simply removing the rust and oiling some parts, making the stoves attractive and functional once again. The difficulty of removing the rust depends on how deep it has gone. In bad cases, you will need to use naval jelly to remove deep rust. However, in less severe cases, a simple scraping and sanding may do the trick. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Scrape off the larger chunks of rust from your old cast iron wood stove with a wire brush.

2. Continue by sanding the rusty areas of the stove with 80 grit sandpaper to remove large chunks of surface rust. Depending on how thick the rust on your stove is, this may be sufficient. However, you may still have deeper sections of rust or patches with some rust after sanding.

3. Put on rubber gloves and apply naval jelly to the areas that still have rust. Naval jelly contains phosphoric acid that will remove the rust from the surface of the metal. Follow application instructions on the packaging carefully.

4. Allow the naval jelly to sit on the rust for 5 to 10 minutes.

5. Rinse the jelly off with water. If you still have rust in places, re-apply jelly to those areas.

6. Repeat the same process for the inside of the stove. However, if you find a fibrous material on the inside of your stove, it may be asbestos and may require professional removal.

7. Allow the stove to dry completely once you have removed all the rust.

8. Oil air vents and the hinges on your stove's door with a heat resistant lubricant.

9. Paint your stove, if desired, with a heat resistant paint. Automotive engine paints often work well.

Tags: your stove, naval jelly, still have, cast iron, cast iron wood

Design A Fence For A Flower Garden

Design a fence that gives passersby a peek, but protects your flowers from "petal pickers. "

Planting and tending a flower garden is a work of love and passion. Hours are spent to get the soil right, the flower selections right, watering and fertilization so that the flowers thrive. Installing a fence not only makes sense but also saves cents. It can be costly if not impossible to replace a bed of prize-winning roses or perennials you've had a long time. Designing a fence will protect the precious petals and blooms that have grown to become your pride and joy. The fence will also help protect your investment in money, time and getting your hands dirty to create your flower garden. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Design the fence so that passersby can view your flowers from the sidewalk and street while maintaining a sense of privacy for your home at the same time. Use metal or wrought iron for this look. Space the posts no less than 4 inches apart to prevent intruders from coming onto your property. Use wrought iron posts with pointed tops for another element of security.

2. Use a short fence design for a flowerbed that borders the perimeter of your house. Consider ready-made white picket fencing or lattice. Allow for the height of the stakes when you push them into the ground to determine the height of plants or trailing flowers that will work best with the final height of the fence.

3. Make the fence height at least 3 feet to protect your flowers from being nibbled by pets and to protect the pets and small children from eating flowers, foliage or plants that could be harmful or even poisonous. Use mulch around the border for the fence to create a neat look and to maintain moisture for the flower garden.

4. Consider invisible fencing as a material to keep dogs from destroying flowers in a backyard garden and other areas landscaped with flowers. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the invisible fence and fitting your dog with the collar device. Create a bed of mulch, 2 to 4 feet in height, to border the flower garden and define the invisible fence line.

5. Use railroad ties or wood to design a combination fence and border treatment for a raised flowerbed. Design the height of the fence so that it does not dominate the look of the flowerbed. Keep the number of stacked railroad ties to no more than four to achieve a balanced look.

6. Design a brick or stone fence for a natural, rustic look. Create a layout on paper with the width and height for the fence to determine how many bricks and stones you will need, for example, 8 inches per brick. Allow about 1/2 inch for the mortar in between each brick. Experiment with a small quantity of stones to determine how many stones you will need for each foot of the fence before making your final purchase.

7. Make a creative fence for the flowerbed by using pots and planters. Design the fence so that it will not block shorter flowers from view. Select same-shade flowers such as white petunias or alyssum for a continuous flow of color and make a design statement. Use a combination of various pots, such as clay or enamel, or stick with one style to give the fence continuity in design.

Tags: fence that, flowers from, Design fence, Design fence that, flower garden

Clean Wroughtiron Exterior Lighting

Wrought-iron light fixtures are durable and ideal for outdoor use.

Wrought iron is a durable, attractive option for exterior lighting. Made from an alloy of iron and slag, wrought iron is commonly used to make outdoor furniture and fixtures such as exterior lighting. Dirt and debris can gather on the wrought-iron exterior lighting from exposure to weather, so you need to clean it periodically. Use mild products to remove dirt and cobwebs without harming the finish. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and add 3 tsp. of dish detergent.

2. Turn off the power to the light fixture at the electrical breaker. Unscrew the lightbulbs and set them aside while cleaning.

3. Dip a cloth into the bucket of soapy water, and wring it out. Wipe the light fixture to remove any dirt, debris or cobwebs. Rinse the cloth in the bucket as needed.

4. Dampen a cloth with warm water and wring it out. Wipe the light fixture to remove any soap residue.

5. Dry the light fixture with a clean cloth.

6. Screw in the lightbulbs and turn on the power.

Tags: light fixture, exterior lighting, fixture remove, light fixture remove, remove dirt, warm water, water wring

Decorate Garden Arches

Garden arches add a unique element to the pathways of your garden. These garden accent pieces are both functional and decorative as well. Garden arches come in many shapes and sizes ranging from traditional square arches to round top arches. Most arches are made of weather-resistant wood although wrought iron arches can add a simple but elegant touch to your garden. Garden arches can be decorated to enhance your garden's natural appeal or spruced up for a special occasion. Let's look at some ways to decorate garden arches to flatter your garden design and create a dramatic centerpiece for your garden. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Evaluate which plants can be best incorporated into your overall garden design and the amount of maintenance you prefer. Roses require frequent pruning to keep the plant flowering continuously through the growing season. Clematis only blooms in the late spring or early summer but have attractive leaves. Ivy creates a polished look of greenery around the arch without providing a blooming flower.

2. Prepare the soil with peat moss and topsoil on the sides of your garden arch. You'll need to provide a healthy and stable base for the plants that will become the centerpiece for your garden.

3. Plant your choices according to the grower's instructions provided by the nursery where you purchased your plants. Leave plenty of space for each plant to expand as it grows.

4. Train the roses, ivy or clematis to the garden arch as the plant increases in size. Revisit the arch to weave the plants through the trellis every few weeks. This will help create a uniform distribution of the plant up and over the arch as the plant matures. Remember that you don't need to cover the entire arch as you train the plant. Allow some of the wood or wrought iron detail to peek through the greenery.

5. Add exterior white lights to the garden arch in the interim time while you wait for your plants to grow. This creates a focal point for your garden arch by adding a simple accent to the arch. You can leave the lights in place when your plant matures or remove the lights when the plants cover the entire arch.

6. Add decorative touches for special occasions in the form of ribbons, balloons, white tulle or large bows to accent the top of the arch.

Tags: your garden, garden arch, accent arch, arch plant, centerpiece your

Create A Living Room With Primitive Decor

Antique wooden chairs suit a primitive living room decor.

Primitive decor is typically an eclectic mixture of salvaged treasures, authentic antiques and handcrafted collectibles. To create a living room with primitive decor, consider the room's ultimate function, and decorate around the elements you need to achieve that function. For instance, modern electronics are not "primitive"and may need to be disguised if you're installing them in your living room. Strive for furnishings and accessories made from natural materials, such as unfinished and rough-hewn woods, hand-hammered metals, woven cottons and wools. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Secure handcrafted wrought-iron hooks to the ceiling along the edges away from high-traffic areas. Hang a display of handmade baskets from the hooks.

2. Mount a collection of antique samplers or needlepoint on the living room walls. Display old glass or wood 19th-century advertising signs on the walls, or hang them from wrought-iron hooks in the windows.

3. Replace modern fireplace tools with antique wrought iron tools. Hang an old bellows near the hearth. Decorate the mantel with a collection of oil lamps and cast iron antiques.

4. Choose wood or twig chairs, a rocking chair and sofa for living room seating. Cover the seats with hand-hooked chair pads. Drape a hand-tied quilt over the sofa.

5. Light the living room with antique floor lamps. Disguise modern electronics with homespun fabrics and quilts.

6. Select sturdy, unrestored wooden tables on which to display primitive collections. These could include arrowheads, dolls, wood carvings, game boards or baskets filled with dried herbs.

Tags: living room, living room with, modern electronics, with antique, wrought-iron hooks

Paint Iron Steps

Scrub each step clean, using steel wool.

Before you paint iron steps, you must take special measures to prepare the metal for paint adhesion or a significant finish failure is certain to occur. Bare iron won't hold a painted finish, because it is nonporous and very smooth. A bonding primer can improve iron's adhesive qualities; however, ordinary latex, oil and acrylic primers won't bond to metal. To create a lasting finish, condition each step by applying an acidic etching primer. Finish the metallic stairs using a strong, enduring coating that will hold up to heavy traffic.

Instructions

1. Scrub the iron steps clean, using a degreasing soap and coarse steel wool. Do not skip this fundamental step, or adhesion will likely prove impossible.

2. Rinse the iron steps, using wet rags. Eliminate all trace residue, or the primer may not adhere.

3. Affix tape to adjacent surfaces to prevent primer and paint overlap.

4. Apply rust-inhibiting galvanized metal-etching primer to each iron step, using a synthetic paintbrush. Start at the top step and work your way down the staircase. Let the iron steps dry for three hours.

5. Wash your synthetic brush in the sink or tub.

6. Apply oil-based enamel to each iron step, using a natural-bristled paintbrush. Start at the top step and work your way down the staircase. Let the iron steps dry for three hours.

7. Use mineral spirits to wash the natural-bristled paintbrush.

Tags: iron steps, clean using, down staircase, down staircase iron, each iron, each iron step

Metal Trellis Projects

A sturdy trellis canopy can hold a heavy vine and create a natural shelter.

A sturdy metal trellis can hold heavy flowering vines such as wisteria that need a strong long-lasting support. You can make trellises out of copper tubing, wrought iron or cast iron. Attach a flat trellis to a wall; set it up in an arch shape; or affix it to the back of a bench. Does this Spark an idea?

Restoring Antique Metal Trellis

You can restore an old metal trellis with some time and attention. Start by examining the entire structure for any rust damage. Strip the metal of any paint with a stripping compound. Go over the metal with a wire brush to remove any leftover paint and rust. Use metal putty to repair any weak places on the metal. Once the metal is dry, use sandpaper to smooth the rough edges. Spray all the edges with a metal sealer, which also protects against future rust problems.

You can also thoroughly clean a trellis with soap and water and then polish it to make it shine. Take it to a self-serve car wash for a quick way to wash off the debris.

Painting a Metal Trellis

Use medium-grit sandpaper to rough up the metal before applying a coat of paint. You need to cover the surface with at least two coats of paint. Use an outdoor acrylic paint designed specifically for metal surfaces. Match the color of your trellis to your outdoor furniture or use a paint color that highlights the plants the trellis will support. Silver, gold, bronze or metallic green are other possible choices. After the paint is dry, apply two coats of waterproof sealant.

Copper Trellis

Fashion your own trellis design from copper pipes found in the plumbing section of your local hardware store. The trellis can be designed to fit into a particular area, and the copper will gradually acquire a blue-green patina that will help it to blend into the surrounding foliage. In addition to the copper pipes, you need a tube cutter, a torch, solder, flux and a hammer. After drawing the basic design of your trellis, you will need to cut and solder a piece of pipe to match the sketch. Hammer the end of one of the pieces of copper tubing so that it fits into the adjoining piece before soldering. Bend and hammer out any unwanted creases or wrinkles in the piping. Also use your hammer to flatten the ends that will be staked into the ground. These ends should be approximately 4 to 6 inches long in order to securely hold the finished trellis.

Rebar Trellis

Metal grids used to reinforce concrete comes in 4-by-8-foot sections. These metal grids can be the base for a homemade metal trellis. Purchase strips of rebar to which to anchor the grids with strong wire. The rebar should be a foot longer than the vertical side of the metal grid, either 5 feet or 9 feet tall, depending on the direction you set the grids, so you can pound one end into the ground. Metal trellises work well in a vegetable garden to hold cucumbers, climbing beans, tomatoes or melon. The grids also can make a firm support for berry bushes.

Tags: your trellis, copper pipes, copper tubing, hold heavy, into ground, metal trellis

What Kind Of Fabric To Use For Outdoor Chair Cushions

Choose water-resistant outdoor cushions.

Patio furniture comes in various materials, including wood, rod iron and wicker, offering a plethora of options for seat cushions. Outdoor cushions generally consist of a polyester fiber filling or high-density foam that retains very little water. Typically made from water-resistant materials, the kinds of outer fabric used to make outdoor cushions consist of non-porous acrylic and polyester fabrics. Does this Spark an idea?

Water-Repellent versus Waterproof

Generally, outdoor chair cushions consist of water-repellent materials, which means the water should bead then slide off the material. However, a good soaking from the pool or heavy rainwater will allow water to soak into the fabric, which can lead to mold or mildew buildup and eventually ruin the cushion. Waterproof materials, like plastic or vinyl, are able to withstand a good soaking in the rain, but may not be as comfortable for everyday outdoor chair cushions.

Acrylic Fabrics

Acrylic fabrics are non-porous fabrics commonly used to make outdoor chair cushions. You can find this breathable fabric in solids, prints and ribbed patterns. Keeping surface dust and dirt off the material will help it last. Spot cleaning with mild soap and water takes care of spills and stains. Some cushions have removable fabric covers that you can throw in the washing machine for deep cleaning.

Spun Polyester

Spun polyester is a stain-resistant fabric made for outdoor furniture use. Its open weave construction makes soft and comfortable for chair cushions. Clean the fabric often to keep it looking like new. Simply brushing off dirt will keep it from setting deeply into the fabric. Stain removal on this fabric is a breeze, as you only need warm water and mild soap.

Considerations

Bringing outdoor seat cushions indoors when it rains and limiting exposure to sunlight can extend the life of the materials. Don't use bleach on acrylic or polyester prints, as it will fade the colors.

Tags: outdoor chair, acrylic polyester, chair cushions, chair cushions, cushions consist, good soaking

Unusual Headboard Ideas

Even a simple headboard can enhance a room's style.

Headboards provide an attractive centerpiece to your bedroom and can help tie your overall design together. The hardest part of choosing a headboard is picking a single design from the selection available. Homemade or store-bought, headboards can use almost any material, style or design. However, if you want to make a real statement, try an unusual headboard idea.

Colorful Striped Headboard

Use rectangular plywood planks and colorful fabric to create a striped headboard with a funky design. Each 1-foot tall, batting-covered plywood plank matches the width of the bed for a balanced style. Three different fabrics cover two planks each. For example, a blue-and-white mosaic patterned fabric covers the first plank, burgundy floral fabric covers the second, toile-patterned green fabric covers the third and then the pattern repeats for the fourth, fifth and sixth planks. The planks secure together to create a horizontal stripe pattern behind the bed.

Country Handkerchief Headboard

Add a charming country feel to your bedroom with a headboard covered with embroidered white handkerchiefs. The headboard base consists of a piece of plywood that matches the width and is 2 feet taller than the bed. A thick layer of cotton batting covers the plywood tightly to create soft padding. Several large, square, embroidered handkerchiefs are sewn together into a large patchwork swatch to create an eclectic accent. The patchwork piece covers the padded headboard tightly to form a sweet country style.

Earthy Seashell Headboard

Mix quality wood and small seashells to create a simple headboard with an earthy appeal. The headboard consists of a half-oval shaped piece of sanded plywood covered with a light stain and semi-gloss varnish to help bring out the natural beauty of the material. Small seashells form a delicate trim along the thin, curved sides of the wood.

Exotic Screen Headboard

Transform a three-panel Japanese privacy screen into an unusual headboard to add an exotic touch to your bedroom. These screens consists of three black wood frames around hand-painted rice paper. The screen stands flat behind the bed, instead of using a zigzag silhouette with the doors at an angle. The screen can attach to the bed or the wall to secure it in place.

Gothic Cushion Headboard

Combine decorative wall hooks and a rectangular cushion to create a hanging headboard. Three large, claw-shaped, black wrought iron hooks secure to the wall behind the bed to provide a place to hang the headboard cushion. The cushion consists of a long, rectangular, black velvet seat cushion with black velvet ties on the upper left and right corners, as well as a set of ties on the upper middle of the cushion. Each set of ties wraps around the corresponding hook so that the cushion hangs down and against the wall behind the bed.

Tags: fabric covers, your bedroom, black velvet, covered with, headboard with, matches width

Put Caster Wheels On Dining Chairs

Make your dining chairs mobile with caster wheels.

Putting caster wheels on the legs of dining chairs not only makes them easier to maneuver, it also protects the dining room floor from scuffs and scratches caused by moving the chairs. There are several different kinds of caster wheels available for this purpose. They vary in size, style and the method by which they attach to the chair legs. The two most common kinds of caster wheel are "stem" casters, which attach to the chair leg with a metal spoke; and "plate" casters, which attach to the chair leg with a metal plate. With stem casters, the wheel size is not important, but with plate casters the plate must not be larger than the base of the chair leg. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Attach Stem Caster Wheels

1. Turn a dining chair over on its side. Determine the exact center point with a ruler and mark a pencil dot in the center of the base of each chair leg.

2. Choose a drill bit that is the exact width of the stems of the casters, or the size recommended by the wheel manufacturer. Drill a hole into the chair leg at each of the marked dots. Hold the drill perfectly parallel to the chair leg.

3. Remove the stem from the wheel. The two parts should come apart easily by pulling them in opposite directions. Insert each stem into a drilled hole, then tap into place with a hammer.

4. Push the wheel back onto the base of the stem. It should click into place securely.

Attach Plate Caster Wheels

5. Place one of the plate caster wheels over the base of one of the chair legs so that the edges of the plate are flush with the edges of the chair leg base. Draw a pencil dot through each of the four screw holes in the plate. Repeat with the three remaining chair legs.

6. Choose a drill bit that is a size or two smaller than the screws you use. Drill four holes into each chair leg at the pencil marks, holding the drill perfectly parallel with the leg. These are starter holes to help you insert the screws.

7. Place the first caster wheel plate on the base of one of the chair legs, matching the four holes in the plate over the four starter holes. Place a screw through one of the holes in the plate and into the hole in the chair leg, and screw it in about halfway with a screwdriver. Repeat with three more screws in the remaining three holes in the plate.

8. Tighten four screws all the way into the chair leg.

9. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with the remaining three legs of each dining chair.

Tags: chair legs, holes plate, attach chair, base chair, attach chair with

Ways To Hang Plates

Modern hangers allow individual plates to be hung without visible wires.

Plate hanging was very popular in the Victorian era (1837 to 1901), as decorative dishes were works of art, painted with family portraits and landscapes. Back then, plates were hung on the walls with thin wire hangers, which were normally visible. Contemporary plate displaying options allow designers to affix decorative dishes to the walls, without these apparent wires. From specially-designed plate hangers, shelving and display cases, there are many ways to hang a plate. Does this Spark an idea?

Spacing

From arranging single plates to shelving, any wall design should start with proper planning, according to the article "Plan the Perfect Art Arrangement." One way to figure out a plating arrangement is to arrange the plates' composition and design on the wall beforehand, using Kraft paper cutouts. For shelving and display racks, the wall mounts can be measured, leveled and marked with chalk or pencil before installation. After planning, step back and view how the wall arrangement works with other furnishings in the room.

Individual Plate Hangers

Plate hangers have come a long way since their Victorian predecessors, as today's versions practically disappear behind the plates. These special brackets fit the back of most standard plate sizes; some are designed to hold weight up to 30 pounds. Plate hangers are most often used for design compositions that involve the hanging individual plates --- from simple and symmetrical designs that involve a couple of well placed plates, to a more intricate cluster of dishes.

Silhouette Wall Shelves

Silhouette shelves are attached directly to the wall, without the need for visible brackets. They are often used to display art work and decorative accessories, and work equally well for displaying dishes. Plate stands might be necessary to hold the plate vertical, to properly show of the plate's design. These freestanding holders can be arranged as needed on the shelving to get the plates' layout perfect. One benefit to using wall shelving is that it is easy to remove or alter the plate arrangement over time.

Display Racks

Whether wooden or wrought iron, plate racks can be a systematic way of hanging multiple plates. Many styles of racks are available, from antique to modern designs; thus, there is a style to fit most d cor themes. Some racks have the plating design predetermined, as there are slots readily-available for the dishes to slide into. Other designs provide the decorator with more freedom, allowing her to arrange the plates in the rack as she sees fit. Like shelving, the display rack does not affix the plate to the wall; thus, plates can be changed easily, removed or rearranged over time.

Tags: shelving display, arrange plates, decorative dishes, individual plates, often used, over time

Installation Instructions For Automatic Gate Opener

Electric gate openers can certainly add convenience.

Fences and the gates that allow us to pass to and fro are day-to-day necessities for many farmers and other property and business owners. Gates serve the useful twofold purpose of allowing those whom we give permission to enter our property and keeping out others who are neither invited nor welcome. Gates generally perform well, but a continuously open gate ignored by the property owner is a useless gate. Too often we are in a hurry and just forget to shut the gate "before the cows get out." Thankfully, for those of us in this category, automatic gates are available to furnish gate-shutting diligence. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Review the available automatic gate opener systems to decide which one will work best for your particular application. Choose whether a remote, keypad or intercom is most appropriate, and look over the installation procedures for your choice.

2. Marking for utilities avoids potentially dangerous digging.

Call the utility company to make sure it is safe to dig where you wish to install the gate opener. Mark your area, using spray paint, and await utility approval before digging.

3. Dig the hole for the post upon which the gate opener will be mounted. Use post-hole diggers or a motorized auger to dig the hole 24 to 36 inches deep. Set and level the post, making sure to keep it straight.

4. Use a level to keep the post straight as you fill the hole around the post with quick-set concrete product. Do not wet the product, since ground moisture will set the concrete. Spray the hole lightly with a hose if it is extremely dry when you dig the hole, but do not leave water standing in the hole when you pour in the quick-set mix.

5. Give the post time to set and cure in the hole. Allow at least 24 hours before mounting the control panel onto the post. Follow manufacturer instructions precisely so as not to compromise the gate opener's full functionality.

6. Use a trencher, garden tiller or pick and shovel to dig the trench that will contain the line and sensor to the corresponding sensor/signal monitor on the post. Review the maker's installation instructions before digging the trench, which is usually about a foot deep and 40 to 50 feet onto the property from the pad on the post.

7. Check the wiring instructions for your unit. Consider using PVC piping to run the wire through that will be in the trench to protect it. Connect the wires to the control panel on the post and the buried sensor on the property.

8. Dig another trench, if necessary, for the sensor wires to be run to the main power source panel in the house. Run and connect the wires from the sensor to the main power source according to the instructions that accompany the unit. Test the gate opener repeatedly to make sure it is working correctly.

Tags: gate opener, before digging, control panel, main power, main power source, make sure, power source

Refinish & Clean A Cast Iron Fireplace

Cast iron fireplaces can be restored.

Cast iron fireplaces lose their finish over time. With each use, the heat degrades the original finish. Soot and other byproducts of burning wood also cause a cast iron fireplace to become dirty, masking the finish even more. Cast iron is a poor adhesion material, so you can't use just any paint to refinish it. Restoration requires the right materials and plenty of old-fashioned elbow grease. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean the interior of the cast iron fireplace out with a fireplace or stove tool set, using the brush and shovel to take out any burned wood and ashes. Vacuum the inside out after all large pieces are removed.

2. Wash the cast iron's exterior with a water-based degreaser and steel wool pad. Then wipe down water excess with clean, damp cloths to remove any degreaser residue. Let the cast iron dry for about four hours.

3. Put down drop cloths around the cast iron fireplace and move al other furniture away. Create a barrier with drop cloths between the cast iron and other home decor. Open the windows to promote good ventilation.

4. Put on eye protection and a dust mask. Apply a coat of self-etching primer aerosol to the exterior, holding the aerosol can about 8 inches away from the fireplace. Let this dry for at least four hours or as long as recommended by the manufacturer.

5. Spray on a coat of high-temperature enamel spray, maintaining the same 8-inch distance as with the primer aerosol can. Spray evenly over the cast iron fireplace's surface, creating a smooth application coat. Allow this to dry for four to five hours or according to the manufacturer's directions. Remove the drop cloths for the fireplace and surrounding areas and restage your furniture and decor.

Tags: cast iron, cast iron fireplace, Cast iron, drop cloths, iron fireplace, Cast iron fireplaces, four hours

Diy Lantern Hook

London passed laws in the 1700s that required houses facing the street to hang lanterns at night.

When gas lanterns were the only available outdoor lighting in many cities, lantern hooks were used to suspend the lanterns on the exteriors of buildings, and became decorative items with beautiful scrolled metalwork. The hooks curved outward to keep the lantern away from flammable wood siding. Today these hooks are used for hanging flower baskets or to suspend candles. All it takes is a scroll bender and a little soldering skill to create a unique, handcrafted lantern hook.

Instructions

1. Design your lantern hook. Choose a shape for your hook and purchase a scroll bender in the desired shape. Use the width and thickness of the metal strip or rod you're using, and the desired scroll design, to inform what size and type of bender you should procure. Decide on the width and length of your wall mount plate and where you'd like the hook and support bracket to attach. The support bracket is a shorter length of metal on which the larger piece rests.

2. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to mount your scroll bender on a flat surface in a large, unobstructed work area.

3. Insert one end of the metal strip or rod into the bender and adjust to grip the metal. Some benders have two adjustable central rollers, while others have a center pillar slot with a clamp.

4. Grip the end of the metal strip or rod and use it like a handle, or use the handle provided with the bender, and turn the metal around the center portion of the bender enough to make a curl. Leave enough opening to slip the lantern handle into. Remove the metal from the bender and bend the other end of the metal according to your design. Release the finished scroll. Then bend the support bracket according to your design.

5. Drill mounting holes in the mounting plate at top and bottom. Solder the lantern hook and support bracket together. Next solder the base of both to the wall mounting plate. Spray paint the entire piece with black spray paint. Mount to the wall with screws.

Tags: support bracket, lantern hook, metal strip, scroll bender, according your, according your design

Gazebo Parts

A Victorian-style gazebo incorporates open fretwork.

A gazebo is an outdoor structure with a roof and open sides. Originally, gazebos were lanterns or towers on roofs, built to afford the best view of surrounding areas. This structural design translated to buildings called summerhouses, which were built on the ground. A gazebo has five, six or eight sides and is topped by a peaked roof. Ranging in style from Victorian to rustic, a gazebo is more than just a roof and sides. Does this Spark an idea?

Foundation

A gazebo may be set on multiple footers or one continual footer.

A gazebo may have a poured concrete slab or a built-up floor that rests on a series of footings. Forming and pouring a concrete slab foundation is a quicker task that requires less specialized skill than building a wooden floor and putting in footers. A built-up wooden floor sits higher than a concrete slab, and appears more natural and attractive.

Sides

Rustic gazebo rails are usually straight boards between two straight rails.

The posts create the gazebo's vertical support and also support the roof. These posts are set on the gazebo's foundation with post anchors. The top of each post is affixed to the roof structure with metal brackets. The vertical posts may be stabilized by knee braces, which are pieces of wood attached near the top of the post at a 45-degree angle. A gazebo may or may not be screened in. A Victorian gazebo may have spandrels, which are decorative lengths of railing that create an arch running between the tops of two vertical posts. The gazebo may or may not have balusters or lower, porch-type railings.

Roof

A beachside gazebo looks great with a grass roof.

A gazebo roof may be open or solid. You can train vines to cover an open roof structure. A solid roof structure can be draped with waterproof, canvas material, or constructed from wood and shingles. The underside of the gazebo roof is usually left open to its peak, and is a great place to hang a ceiling fan or run string lights. Finish your gazebo roof with asphalt shingles that match the ones on your house, or try cedar shakes for a natural treatment.

Central Hub

A gazebo's central hub may be a small length of post material.

The central hub or uppermost peak on your gazebo roof can be a copper ball, a plain tip topped with a weather vane or a miniature structure that mimics the design of your gazebo. Attach a flag of your choice to the top of your gazebo's central hub.

Construction Materials

Cedar is a naturally insect-proof building material.

Gazebos are available in many different construction materials. Treated pine or cedar are the most prevalent materials used, whether painted white for a Victorian-style gazebo, or stained and sealed for a rustic structure that will blend in with the yard's landscape. A beachside gazebo can be constructed from bamboo with a grass roof, or made from vinyl and PVC, a composite material that mimics the look of white-painted wood. A gazebo may also be crafted from wrought iron, which is a pure form of iron with a low carbon content. Wrought iron is a very tough and durable material that is available in a wide span of decorative styles.

Tags: gazebo roof, your gazebo, concrete slab, gazebo have, roof structure, beachside gazebo, constructed from

Gazebo Ideas For A Spa

Gazebos are ideal structures for outdoor spas and hot tubs.

Gazebo structures are ideal for showcasing outdoor spas and hot tubs. Different styles of gazebos provide a range of protection from the elements and add an ornamental aspect to the landscape. Gazebos have long been a luxury aspect of large, opulent homes, but many types are now affordable, easy-to-assemble and well within the reach of most homeowners. Does this Spark an idea?

Lattice Gazebo

A lattice version is an attractive and inexpensive gazebo for a spa. Staple or nail garden lattice to the framework surrounding a spa, leaving an entryway open and topping the structure with a slatted roof. This structure provides filtered shade and good air circulation. Paint it brown, gray or white to match the fencing or landscaping design.

Pop-up and Canvas Gazebos

Pop-up and canvas gazebos are available in many sizes and styles and are very affordable. They're easy to assemble and provide protection from the sun, and many of them come with mosquito netting. Pop-up and canvas gazebos are not permanent structures and will not support any snow loads during the winter, so they must have their fabric coverings removed and stored. Most pop-up gazebos are lightweight, with frames made of aluminum poles or posts, and have lightweight outdoor materials covering the roofs. It's a good idea to secure pop-up gazebo frames with heavy stakes, sandbags or other weights.

Three-Season Gazebo

A three-season gazebo allows you to enjoy your spa from very late winter, through early spring and summer and into late fall and early winter. It has full window screens and glass panes and a full roof for much more protection from the elements than other open gazebo styles. Three-season gazebos are more expensive than many other types of gazebos because of the window, door and roofing materials used, but it's worth the investment if you plan to use your spa more than occasionally. This gazebo style can protect upholstered furniture, electrical lighting, heating and appliances, and provides much more privacy than open structures.

Ornamental Metal Gazebo

Ornamental metal gazebos are available in a range of materials from lightweight aluminum, to steel to wrought iron. They're expensive, and are open to the elements, allowing sun and air throughout. They're ideal for ornamental climbing and vining plants such as climbing roses, and are suited for a formal, decorative setting in the landscape.

Tags: protection from, from elements, gazebos available, much more, outdoor spas

Paint Cast Iron

Properly prepare cast iron for a successful paint job.

Because it is a durable, nonporous surface, cast iron is poorly suited for painted finishes. If you apply paint directly over under-prepared cast iron, you can expect to see heavy shedding at some point in the future. You will need to condition the cast iron to accept paint. Once the cast iron is appropriately primed, you can apply the final finish. Choose a particular type of paint depending on whether the cast-iron piece is placed outside or is used in the interior of a home.

Instructions

1. Wash the cast iron with a water-based degreaser, using steel wool. Rinse the cleanser from the cast iron using a water hose or damp rags, depending on where the piece is located.

2. Apply galvanized metal self-etching primer to the clean cast iron surface with a polyester paintbrush. Apply only a light coat and brush in a vertical direction. Watch for runs and smooth them with the brush as they become apparent. Wait four hours for the primer to dry.

3. Clean the polyester brush with water.

4. Apply latex paint to the primed surface with a clean polyester brush if the cast-iron piece is placed indoors. Use an acrylic latex paint on a piece that is set outside. Apply a light coat and brush vertically. Wait two hours for the paint to dry. Add another coat of paint if the etching primer shows through.

Tags: cast iron, cast-iron piece, cast-iron piece placed, coat brush, latex paint

About Rustic Decor

About Rustic Decor

Rustic decorating has been traditionally applied to lake houses, fishing cabins and hunting lodges. Rustic decor is being used in tandem with many design styles such as modern, eclectic, country and even French and Italian. Rustic pieces add interest and history to a room and are featured in many celebrity homes. Does this Spark an idea?

Furniture

Rustic furniture is more than bent willow chairs or huge log sofas. Skilled rustic artists are producing beautiful hand-crafted one-of-a-kind pieces that will add warmth and tradition to your decor. Dining room tables, sofas, chairs, desks, benches, hutches, display cases and coffee tables can be carved from wood to suit your individual needs from a number of various types of wood. O'Neil Rustic Creations and George Jacques are two American artists who offer beautiful custom furniture design. A look at their gorgeous furniture may change your perception about "rustic."

Lamps

Rustic lighting options are ample. Try some of the fantastic iron chandeliers. If you prefer a more "lodge" look, use antler horned light fixtures or a wagon wheel shaped chandelier. Online shops like Rustic Mountain Cabin Decor offer a massive selection of rustic lighting options for every room in the house. For your rustic decorating theme there are lamps with bears, moose, elk, deer, fish and antlers. There are wrought iron lighting options in either chandelier, table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and hanging lights.

Wall Decor

Add a piece of rustic metal wall art to any style room. Rustic decor includes items from wildlife, western or cowboy art, vintage and southwestern. Consider wood-carved wall art or even cast bronze animal sculptures to complete your walls. These items can be purchased new, with a rustic look or shop your local flea markets and antique shops for some authentic vintage pieces of rustic wall decor. Try adding vintage maps, paintings, mirrors or textiles to accessorize your walls.

Decorative Accent Pieces

If you don't like the look of heavy rustic furniture, use some small decorative pieces. Start with a small guest room or powder room to try the look with a decorative lamp, a colorful rustic wool blanket or a willow bed canopy to bring the charm of nature into your home. Rustic is a growing trend, and it is not difficult to find interesting "twig" art to liven up your decorating style.

Garden and Yard

Rustic decor is perfect for outdoor decorating as it may have a "rusted" look which will stand up to extreme weather and temperatures and continue to look great as it "weathers." An old wagon wheel, lanterns, rustic bird houses and antique architectural pieces look great on a patio or porch accompanied by sturdy rustic wood tables and chairs, perhaps even an old rocking chair or garden bench. Shop online or discount decor stores for rustic weather vanes, wind chimes, antique dinner bells, rain gauges and porch swings to complete your rustic look.

Tags: lighting options, Rustic decor, About Rustic, About Rustic Decor, complete your, look great

Make A Gateleg Craft Table

Gateleg tables use space efficiently.

Gateleg tables provide an effective way to get the table space you need without taking up space when the table isn't in use. Its foldable wings allow this table to stretch to three times its length when the flaps are up. The table is common for craft rooms, but it can be put to use also as a dinner table, for example. The table`s legs are usually supported by stretchers, which are adjustable legs.

Instructions

1. Choose the hardwood for your table-. Note that woods that are lighter in color make the table look delicate. A standard size is 60 inches long by 42 inches wide.

2. Use your pencil to outline your table top on the wood. You can make it with 90-degree or oval edges.

3. Cut the top of your table with a circular saw. You could also use a table saw. Repeat this process for two additional tops, which will be your leaves. If you are making an oval table, draw a circle, then cut it in half, one for each end. Together, the three pieces should equal 60 inches long.

4. Finish the ends of the table top by adding wood banding strips. Adhere them and curve them to the appropriate shape. Use a glue gun to apply hot wood glue. You can use a hair drying to speed the drying process. Trim the edges of the strips to meet the appropriate size. You will need about 17 feet of banding strip.

5. Buy six pre-made legs from a home improvement store or make your own. Remember to keep the legs in proportion to the size of the table, about three feet each is appropriate for a standard table. Ensure you use the same wood type as the table top. The legs must be at least two inches thick to avoid breaking. Straight legs are best for a simple gateleg table. Smooth the edges of the table legs with sandpaper. Ensure all legs are the same size.

6. Cut a table base out of the wood. This is optional, but you want it to be the same size as the middle top piece of your table. Use wood screws to bold the base into the legs, about halfway down.

7. Cut front, back and swing rails. Each is equal to the length of each wing. Attach each swing rail underneath the middle table. Swing rails can be purchased at a home improvement store. Attach each of the legs to the front and back of your rails, about one inch in from each end of your table. Apply wood glue for extra strength. Ensure the legs are flush with the rail ends.

8. Assemble the table with a set of swing hinges. Secure the hinges to the open swing ends. Make any adjustments as needed.

Tags: your table, your table wood, Attach each, Ensure legs, front back, Gateleg tables, home improvement

What Is French Country Interior Design

An antique armoire creates a focal point in a room.

French country interior design evokes the simple, pastoral countryside of rural France. It is not a single set of rules, because the design elements range from rustic to sophisticated. Shared fundamentals include color, furniture styles and fabrics. The final effect is relaxed and comfortable. Some designers yield to the temptation to clutter, adding too many country accessories or using clashing hues. Keep it simple and fresh. Does this Spark an idea?

Colors

French country design calls for creamy whites and pale blues as the predominant colors in most rooms. Slipcover the sofa in oatmeal-hued linen or another medium to heavy fabric and toss blue accent pillows on chairs. Paint walls off-white and highlight trim molding in sophisticated rooms with gold. Plaster the walls for a rustic look. Use shades of green to compliment the blues and whites. Paint wooden furniture forest green or use a brighter green in window treatments. Add a few bright red and yellow accessories.

Fabrics

Hang needlework tapestries in larger rooms or in hallways. Select tapestries with a country or floral theme created in darker colors like maroon and brown. Cover dining room chairs with cream-colored linen and embroider the seat backs with a floral theme. Use gauzy fabrics for window treatments. Toile de Jouy is common in French country design. Toile is a light-colored fabric with a repeating pattern depicting a scene like a huntsman riding to hounds or a bouquet of flowers.

Furniture

Create a focal point with a large piece of antique furniture like an armoire. Arrange comfortable wooden furniture with crisp slipcovers around a wooden coffee table. Traditionally, wooden furniture like side tables, buffets and consoles is painted and distressed, or has a bucolic scene or a floral pattern painted on it. Sophisticated French country uses gilded accents. Use an antique chaise in a bedroom or large bathroom and put an etagere in the living or dining room to display pottery.

Accessories

Place fresh and dried flowers in earthenware vases on side tables, consoles and buffets. Fragrant lilac, bright sunflowers and red Sweet William suggest the countryside. Set pottery and baskets on the floor and side tables, and use unpretentious lamps on end tables. Wrought iron wall decor such as sconces or mirrors adds to the country atmosphere. Drape fabric from the ceiling to create a headboard in the bedroom and tie it back at the sides as you would a curtain.

Design Elements

Arched doorways and dark wooden ceiling beams add a rustic element. Accent distressed hardwood or stone floors with area and throw rugs. Hang artwork with simple, wooden frames depicting romantic countryside scenes, charming villages or flowers. French country kitchens are light and airy so use open shelving, or doors with glass inserts on upper cabinets. Hang a pot rack to display copper pots and suspend bunches of dried herbs over the window.

Tags: French country, side tables, wooden furniture, country design, dining room, floral theme

Price An Antique Brass Bed

Brass beds were first manufactured in the 1820s and they have been popular ever since. For some, a brass bed is the epitome of elegance, evoking a by gone era. For others they represent craftsmanship not often seen today.

Instructions

Educate Yourself

1. Examine the bed.

Before putting a price on the bed you wish to sell, be sure it is authentic. There are many reference books and websites that can assist you, such as "Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles."

Antique brass beds have a deep yellow-gold polished finish. Often antique brass beds are lacquered, but the beds with the original polished finish are more in demand and therefore worth more.

Antique brass beds come in many styles. Some are very simple, but others are quite ornate, sporting finials and intricate scrollwork. The fancier the bed the more it is worth.

The bed's overall condition will affect the price. If it needs extensive refurbishing, it will not command as much money.

2. Compare prices.

Once you have determined the authenticity of your bed, do some comparison shopping. Get an idea of what the market will bear. Any antique is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it.

Visit high end antique shops, flea markets and antique shows. Look in the newspaper want ads to see what folks might be willing to pay. Peruse eBay and craigslist to get an idea what online dealers are asking for similar beds.

3. Have an appraisal done.

You may know what you have but a potential buyer is more apt to take you seriously as a seller if you have a written appraisal from a reputable antique appraiser. Most appraisers charge for their services; but keep in mind it will be money well spent if it enhances the bed's value in a buyer's eyes.

4. Set your price.

You have gathered all the information you can. The bed has been appraised and now it is time to price it. Brass beds can sell for a few hundred dollars if the bed is simple in design and needs some refurbishing, but an elaborate bed in perfect condition can bring as much as $15,000, according to "Leigh Keno American Antiques".

Tags: brass beds, idea what, polished finish

Clean And Condition Antique Cast Iron

Cast iron can develop serious rust problems.

Decorative cast iron was meant to be functional as well as beautiful and was used to create gates, garden statues, fences, door knobs and knockers, as well as toys. The high carbon content of antique cast iron makes it more brittle and less workable than later types of iron, and like many metals, its worst enemy is time and rust. Contrary to most types of antiques, cleaning and repainting them does not decrease their value, but rather protects and enhances them. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Unpainted Antique Cast Iron

1. Brush dirt, rust and loose paint from the antique cast iron with a stiff wire brush.

2. Coat the object with a light spray of lubricating oil. Rub the object with a piece of fine-grit emery cloth to remove remaining rust. The oil will prevent undue scratching of the surface while the cloth gets rid of the rust.

3. Wipe the antique cast iron with a soft cloth dipped in mineral spirits to remove oil and remaining rust particles. Wrap the piece in newspaper and place it in a warm, dry place for several days to remove all moisture that will cause rust to reappear.

4. Wipe gently with a rag, sprayed lightly with lubricating oil, or apply paste wax with a cloth and buff. Either treatment will keep moisture away from the cast iron surface and prevent rusting.

Painted Antique Cast Iron

5. Scrub the piece with a wire brush to remove dirt, rust and loose paint.

6. Pressure wash the piece of antique cast iron with a pressure washer if complete removal of paint is desired. Allow the object to dry completely.

7. Prime the piece with a primer that contains zinc, and allow it to dry for 24 hours before painting with rustproof paint or lacquer in the original color. Typically, antique cast iron was painted dark green, white or black.

Tags: cast iron, cast iron with, iron with, antique cast, antique cast, antique cast iron

Installing A Wrought Iron Fence On Porch Steps

Wrought iron fences can have very intricate designs.

Concrete porch steps can be a dangerous place if there isn't a fence or railing along the sides of the steps, preventing potential falls and injuries, not just from hitting the ground but by clipping the side of the steps or the porch on the way down. Installing a railing along the side of the steps can prevent falls and provide something for people to hold onto as they climb the steps. Using a wrought iron fence can provide a classic look to your steps. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Move the fencing into position on the steps where you plan on installing it. Have an assistant help hold the fencing in place while you position it. Place it an equal distance from the edges of the steps on both sides. Mark the position of the bolt holes onto the steps then remove the fencing.

2. Drill pilot holes for the bolts into the steps with a masonry drill bit.

3. Remove the bolts from the sleeve anchors and insert the sleeve anchors into the pilot holes. Gently tap the sleeve anchors into the holes with a hammer if they won't slide in easily.

4. Place the fencing back onto the steps, lining up the holes in the bottom of the fencing over the holes in the steps.

5. Drive the bolts into the sleeve anchors but don't over-tighten them to prevent breaking off the anchors.

6. Paint the bolt heads to match the color of the wrought iron fencing.

Tags: sleeve anchors, anchors into, bolts into, onto steps, pilot holes, railing along

About Storm Doors

About Storm Doors

Storm doors are as efficient as they are decorative. They come in a wide range of choices in color and material. Unlike the storm doors of the past, which were only screen doors made of metal with a window in them, today's storm doors offer more. Not only do they protect the inside of the house from flying critters, they also provide protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

Vinyl clad aluminum is a common type of storm door. The vinyl on the door is similar to that used for siding and has the same durability. Doors that are constructed of steel also give the homeowner protection from the elements as well as security. Other types of storm doors offer full glass to windows that raise to let in the fresh air. Some types include double hydraulic closers to compensate for the weight of the door.

Function

The obvious function of a storm door is protection from the wind and the various forms of water that falls from the sky. However, when the main entry door is open, the function of the storm door is to allow sunlight to enter the home. With ever-increasing technology in glass products, the storm door also functions as a protector of the main entry door. This function protects the paint or stain on real wood doors and keeps the heat down on steel entry doors.

Considerations

There are many things to consider when deciding to purchase a storm door. The first thing that a consumer will notice is the quality of the paint and glass. The next thing that needs to be considered is the design of the hinges. A good set of hinges will last the life of the door and allow the installer to secure the storm door frame to the doorjamb. After these quality checks are done, then it is time to look at the doorknob. Check to see if it gives deadbolt protection.

Effects

This is where the design of the door plays the largest role. Enhancing the entry area of the home is important. You want to protect the investment of that solid wood entry door, but you also want something that is going to complement that door as well as the front of the home. With choices available in storm doors, the homeowner can find the perfect door for the desired effect. Etched glass, sidelights and frosted glass are just a few of the choices that can change the effect of the entry area of the home.

Features

During the considerations that apply to shopping for storm doors some features may not be noticeable. Since there are many features that come standard on storm doors, it is left to the consumer to inspect each feature to be certain that they are getting a good deal. Apart from the paint, glass, hinges and doorknob features, the quality of the doorjamb is crucial. This feature also includes the weather stripping that seals when the door is closed. Another feature that separates storm doors is the quietness of operation. When it is opened and closed, the quality will be noticed by the level of noise it creates.

Tags: storm door, entry door, protection from, storm doors, About Storm, About Storm Doors, area home

Build A Table With Granite Top

Granite slabs will make a solid table.

Granite tables and counter tops offer an outstanding amount of durability. Granite is a strong, dense stone that holds up extremely well to abuse, and heat. Many people prefer granite counter and table tops in the kitchen because they can take hot pots or pans off of the stove and set them directly on the granite. Any synthetic counter top would be ruined after this. Granite tables are often made from slabs of granite. Buying granite can be expensive although it's possible to find great deals on large pieces of granite that were not cut exactly right for previous projects. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay your 30-inch 4x4 boards horizontal and parallel, so the outside edges are 30 inches apart. Lay your 26-inch board flat across the 30-inch boards so the 26-inch edge of the 2x6 board is flush with the 4x4 ends of the 30-inch boards. Both ends of the 26-inch boards should be 2 inches away from the outer 30-inch edges of the 4x4 boards. Pre-drill three 3/32-inch holes 3/4-inches from the very ends of the 26-inch board. Drill a ¼-inch deep 3/8-inch hole into each 3/32-inch hole to make a spot for the screw heads. Repeat these drilling procedures for every screw application in this project. Screw the 26-inch board to the 30-inch boards by screwing through the counter sunk holes. The screws should be 3/4-inches off center of the 30-inch board, 1 1/4-inch from one side, and 2 3/4-inches from the other side. Repeat this process with the last two 30-inch 4x4 boards, and the last 26-inch board. These 30-inch boards are your legs for your granite table.

2. Stand both pairs of legs upright so the 26-inch boards are parallel and 26 inches apart. Screw both of your 30-inch 2x6 board perpendicularly to the ends of the 26-inch boards. There should be one 2-by-6 board on both sides of the table, in between the 4-by-4 legs. You should be screwing through the 2-by-6-by-30-inch board, 1-inch from the ends, and into the ends of the 26-inch boards. The screws should be parallel with the grain of the 26-inch boards.

3. Screw your two 1x5 30-inch boards to the 4x4 boards so that each is parallel with the 30-inch 2x6 board, and 20 inches below the 2x6 boards on both sides.

4. Screw your 28-inch board perpendicularly to the 15-inch center of the 30-inch 1x5 boards. The 28-inch board will be between both 1x5 30-inch boards, and will add stability to your table. Apply your wood putty in all of the holes surrounding the screw heads. Let the putty dry according to instructions.

5. Sand down the entire project with medium grade sand paper, and then with fine sand paper. Wipe your project down with a tack cloth, and apply the wood stain. After your project dries, move it to the location where you would prefer your table.

6. Lift your granite slab on top of the table frame. You will likely need a few people to help you lift the slab since it can weigh over a couple hundred pounds. Once the table is in place, it will be very sturdy, long lasting, and easy to clean.

Tags: 30-inch boards, 26-inch boards, 26-inch board, ends 26-inch, 30-inch board, ends 26-inch boards, your 30-inch

Decorate With Burnt Orange

The warmth of the burnt orange allows it to work well with many colors.

Burnt orange is a rich, warm color that adds spice and flavor to any room. It should be used in spaces that need that cozy feel, but also an air of sophistication and elegance. The warmth of the color allows it to be an excellent background for an entire room as opposed to solely an accent color. The effect is dramatic, yet comfortable. The color is also flexible to be used in living, dining or bedrooms and even in kitchens due to its relation to rich food colors. To balance burnt orange, both dark and light colors should be used. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Tape off the trim and baseboards. Paint the entire space burnt orange, leaving the baseboards and trim plain. Paint the trim and baseboards in cream to accent the burnt orange. Leave the ceiling white. Allow the space to dry completely.

2. Add espresso furnishings such as dark wood or leather pieces in the space. Burnt orange is bright enough to ground dark furniture, but light enough to not be swallowed by their richness. Accent the space with lighter-colored pieces like a muted lime green or cream chair to balance out the dark and light contrast. Place a light-colored floor covering down to balance the ceiling and tie in the lightness in the orange, green and cream.

3. Place accessories in the room that tie the color scheme together. Place pillows in burnt orange and cream, or a pattern with the two combined on the seating pieces to bring in the wall color.

4. Bring in fresh or silk flowers in similar tones to burnt orange as they will also bring in the green. The fresh look of the blooms will complement the freshness of the wall color. Place the flowers in dark brown or cream-colored pots to match the rest of the room. Large arrangements will add drama and glamor to the room.

5. Set up candles in the space to reinforce the warmth and lightness of the burnt orange. The yellowish-orange glow of the flames will look great against the walls, especially for entertaining or a romantic evening. The space will look cozy and welcoming.

Tags: burnt orange, burnt orange, dark light, green cream, should used, trim baseboards

Decorate A Castle Home

A castle home requires time and care when decorating.

Castle homes are both architecturally challenging and aesthetically pleasing. Decorating one of these homes takes painstaking planning and care. It also requires a willingness on your part to dig deeply into your wallet in order to complete your space -- your incredibly large space -- justice. The end result, as you implement these ideas, is a home fit for a king. Your friends and family will enjoy the touches you add to your castle home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Shop for furniture that is scaled to suit the enormity of your home. Castle homes have large rooms and high ceilings that dwarf furniture that is too small for the space provided. Over-stuffed sofas and high-back, ornate settees and plump ottomans serve a large living area like this well. Four-poster beds, highboys and chifforobes suit large bedrooms.

2. Colorful tapestries are perfect in large dining rooms.

Choose ornate accent pieces when decorating your walls, tables and fireplaces. Remember that your home is literally your castle. Adorn it with decor that define the rooms accordingly. Gold-leafed mirrors may look cheesy in a small ranch home, but look brilliant in a long, castle-like hallway. Modern art can bring your castle into the 21st century, as long as you choose large pieces as opposed to smaller works of art that will get lost in the mix. You can display these contemporary works of art above your fireplaces. Large tapestries hung in dining rooms provide rich color variations.

3. Light your foyer with a large chandelier.

Keep lighting functional while making a statement. A dainty single-bulb hanging lamp will look out of place hanging in your foyer. Hang a multi-armed chandelier dripping with crystals instead. Wrought-iron sconces in the hallways and Italian lamps with half-shades on tall, candlestick buffet lamps serve as conversation starters. These half-shades are purposely just that -- half a lamp shade. These shades allow light to bounce off the wall, creating a romantic ambiance in any room of your castle home.

4. Duppioni silk drapes are light and airy.

Use rich fabrics on windows and bedding. A dainty cotton curtain will look ghastly in an ornate kitchen or bathroom window. However, if you can follow pattern directions, you can forgo the cost of store-bought drapes or professional decorators by making them yourself. Note that just because your castle home is worthy of finer materials, doesn't mean you are relegated to heavy brocades or jacquard prints. Duppioni silk drapes look light and airy, without overpowering rooms.

Tags: your castle, castle home, your castle home, Castle homes, dining rooms, Duppioni silk, Duppioni silk drapes

Measure Wroughtiron Stair Railings

A wrought-iron stair railing can lend a look of sophistication to a staircase and provide sturdy support for those ascending or descending stairs, helping prevent falls and injuries. Because wrought-iron stair railings are typically custom-made, you need to determine the length and pitch of the railing before you order it from the manufacturer. Measuring the pitch and length of a wrought-iron stair railing is a straightforward process that requires few tools. Does this Spark an idea?

Marking the Ends

Measure a section of 1-by-2-inch lumber to a length of 36 inches and cut it to length with a circular saw. Stand the lumber section at the edge of the top landing and use a carpenter's level to make sure it is perfectly vertical. Lightly mark the top of the lumber with a pencil. Stand the lumber section at the edge of the bottom step and check it with the level. Mark the top of the lumber section on the wall. The marks represent the height of the handrail.

Measuring the Length

After marking the ends of the railing at the top landing and bottom step, place the end of a tape measure at the top landing mark. Extend the tape measure to the mark above the bottom step. This measurement is the length of the wrought-iron stair railing.

Marking Pitch

The pitch is the angle of the railing and should be parallel with the pitch of the stairs. The manufacturer needs this measurement to correctly angle the brackets that attach the railing to the wall. Place a yardstick on its edge on the stairs against the wall. Put one corner of a carpenter's level on the yardstick and raise the opposite end until it is perfectly horizontal. Lightly mark the bottom edge of the level on the wall. Turn the level vertically and mark the distance from the end of the horizontal line to the top edge of the yardstick to form a triangle.

Calculating Pitch

Calculate the pitch by measuring the length of the horizontal line and the length of the vertical line. The pitch compares the two measurements. For example, if the horizontal line is 12 inches and the vertical line is 11 inches, the pitch is 11/12.

Vertical Rails

If you plan to install a freestanding wrought-iron railing rather than a railing mounted to a wall, you need to determine the length of the vertical rails. Use the diagonal mark 36 inches above the top landing and bottom step as the top point of these rails. Measure vertically from this line to the top of each step to determine the length of the vertical rails. Code requires rails be no farther apart than 4 inches.

Tags: bottom step, wrought-iron stair, determine length, horizontal line, length vertical, lumber section, stair railing