Light Weight Small Folding Tables

Small, lightweight folding tables come in handy on many occasions.

Small, lightweight folding tables are handy items that have many uses. You can put folding tables to use in numerous ways, from dining in front of the TV to working on your laptop to cleaning fish while camping. They come in many sizes and materials to suit your needs and decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Types of Small Folding Tables

From fancy and decorative to plain and purely functional, there is a wide variety of small, lightweight folding tables available for sale. Wood, wicker and wrought iron styles are generally more attractive than many other materials, but tend to have a higher price tag. Resin- or plastic-top tables with steel legs look quite plain but are durable workhorses. Many small, lightweight folding tables are made for a specific activity, such as dining, camping or crafts. Small, multi-purpose tables are a smart buy, as they are slightly larger than TV tables and allow you to adjust their height to suit your activity.

Temporary Uses

Because small folding tables are so lightweight and simple to use, you can get them out on a whim and put them back out of sight as soon as you're ready. Use TV tables and let the whole gang eat in the family room on family movie night. Or, set out one for yourself if you'd like to get a little work done on your laptop while watching your favorite show. Bring folding tables out during parties for extra serving room, or put them to work holding an in-progress puzzle, craft, sewing or knitting project.

Permanent Uses

Although these types of tables are designed to be portable and quickly put up and taken down, you might find them sturdy and attractive enough to use as permanent pieces of furniture. Depending up their size and height, small, lightweight folding tables can be put to good use as end tales, bedside tables or plant stands. Group three or four together in place of a coffee table. Anything small that you'd like to keep off the floor can be placed on a folding table, such as a hamster cage, framed photos or a stack of books.

Outdoor Uses

You can put your small folding tables to work outside as well as inside. Place one between two patio chairs or pool loungers for a handy spot to set drinks, or place several of varying heights together for a multi-tiered plant stand. Use them for display space at your next garage sale, or if your kids set up a lemonade stand, let them use a folding table for serving lemonade, holding cups and counting cash. Take your folding tables camping and they'll come in handy for cooking, dining, cleaning fish and playing cards.

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Buy Wholesale Country Home Decor

Whether you're decorating a country-themed bed and breakfast or need to buy items to resell in your home décor store, check with retailers who offer country-style accessories such as candle holders, bookends and figurines at wholesale prices. Some online retailers sell to the general public, while others offer their wholesale pricing only to businesses. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Register your business at KP Home Collection, an online store specializing in country home décor and gifts. Once you register, you can get wholesale prices on tinware, baskets, candles, enamelware, potpourri and other decorations. The website also has a large selection of clearance items. First-time buyers must purchase a minimum of $100, while return buyers must spend a minimum of $50.

2. Browse the selection of country furnishings and accessories at Koehler Home Décor. The online retailer offers wholesale pricing on figurines, shelves, wall clocks, candle holders and bookends. Customers who order at least $750 worth of merchandise will receive a coupon code for 5 percent off their order, while orders of at least $1,350 will receive a coupon code for 10 percent off. The company also offers a free drop-shipping service for businesses. While many wholesale retailers require you to own a business in order to get wholesale prices, anyone can order from Koehler Home Décor.

3. Order wholesale décor from Whimsy Diddles LLC. The store has an extensive selection of country- and primitive-themed pieces such as birdhouses, vases, candle holders and antique signs. Whimsy Diddles requires a minimum purchase of $50. Some items are available only by the box or case, while others can be purchased individually.

Tags: candle holders, wholesale prices, buyers must, candle holders bookends, code percent, coupon code, coupon code percent

French Country Design Compared To Early American Design

Early American design and French Country share some similarities.

Early American furniture was a somewhat new design, unique to the Colonies. It was less formal than the stately Hepplewhite and Edwardian furnishings brought over by the more wealthy newcomers. French Country, also, is a less formal style. Louis IV and the Empire styles were for the city residents; Country French, as the words are often ordered, was for the less formal life in the countryside. Does this Spark an idea?

Histories

While French Country isn't connected to any particular time in history, Early American was. When people emigrated to the Colonies, they didn't bring much in the way of furniture. The poorer, country immigrants made their own simple furniture. The wealthier residents were more likely to have either brought some of their own furnishings from England, or used cabinetmakers who came from England and made variations of English styles. French Country furniture, too, copied the more formal styles, but were made from different woods and were simpler in fabric and details.

Woods

Country French furniture was typically made from oak, beech and walnut and the fruit tree woods. Early American furniture was constructed of native woods consisting of maple, cherry, oak and other native trees.

Styles

Much Country French furniture was made in imitation of popular styles from Paris and Lyon, especially during the time of of the three Louis. In the same way, Early American furnishings tended to copy the Jacobean and Carolean styles from England.

Details

Many early American settlers tried doing some low-relief carving, using simple patterns. One of the most popular of these was the maple leaf motif. Chairs often had spindle backs and either simple, Shaker-style legs or ones with a little bit of decorative shaping. Since the fireplace was the only heating source, any type of furniture that provided a shield from drafts was popular, such as wing-backed chairs and hooded cradles. French Country is known for its ladderback chairs with rush seats, wrought iron lamps and iron day beds.

Fabrics

French Country fabrics are typically colorful, and often include bright blue and yellow prints. Early American furniture, while adapting its style from European models, would not have the silks and brocades of their European counterparts, but rather a simpler, more practical and available wool and later cotton.

Tags: French Country, Early American, American furniture, Country French, Early American

Residential Fencing Ideas

The sky is the limit when it comes to residential fencing ideas.

The right fence can make or break your overall residential landscaping design. Choosing the right fence from all of the styles available is a decision based on your budget, personal preference and, in many cases, local building codes. Familiarizing yourself with some of the main choices is the first step in deciding which is right for you and your home's exterior decorating scheme. Does this Spark an idea?

Wooden Fences

Wood is a versatile fencing material.

Wooden fences come in many sizes, shapes and colors. Wood is used to create small white picket fences for a charming cottage feel, as well as 6-foot high privacy fencing for those wanting to keep their outdoor spaces to themselves. Anything from straight boards to elaborately carved posts can be made out of wood, depending on your budget. Wood requires regular maintenance to ensure it withstands the elements; choose treated lumber or naturally weather-resistant woods such as cedar.

Chain Link Fencing

Chain link fencing does not have to be boring.

One of the most cost efficient fencing material is chain link. It is primarily a security fence to keep pets and children from leaving the yard, yet still lets those walking by to glimpse your landscaping. Chain-link fences also are good trellises for climbing plants. Standard fencing is a silver or grayish color, but the fencing also can be painted or coated with a colored plastic to match a landscaping theme.

Masonry Walls

Stone walls can be customized to match any outdoor color scheme.

With a method called drystone masonry, rocks can be fitted together without mortar to create a wall around your house. Decorative rock also comes in many sizes, color and textures. Garden bricks are another alternative to traditional residential fencing. Standard brick colors are red or gray but both can be easily painted to match a landscaping theme. Masonry fences are expensive and time-consuming to install, but will last for decades, or longer, with little or no maintenance.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron can be made to look elegantly simple or elaborately decorative.

Wrought iron fences are another alternative to standard yard enclosures. Different thickness are available and custom post tops can be forged in many different shapes. The material can be used to frame simple contemporary landscaping designs as well as elaborately themed gardens.

Shrubbery Fences

Use shrubbery walls to create a custom enclosure around your home.

Shrubs can be planted along property lines to create custom residential fencing. The types of bushes and plants that work best depend on the area where you live because of differences in growing conditions, such as soil types and climate. Upkeep is very important, not only to keep the shrubbery looking good but also to keep the shrubs from creeping over the property line into your neighbors yard.

Mix a Few Together

Pick two or more of your favorite materials to create a custom fence.

If you are still undecided about what would work best for your landscaping design, pick a few of the residential fencing ideas to put together. For example, pair stone walls with a wrought iron gates for extra drama, or shrubs planted in front of chain link fences for added color.

Check Local Codes

If you live in an urban or suburban area, local codes may dictate what kinds of fencing you can install and the specifications for such fences. You may also need a permit to install a fence. Even in areas without such restrictions, it's a good idea to consult with your neighbors before installing a fence.

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Decorate Your Master Bedroom In Old World Style

The Old World bedroom has the look of European antiquity. It's handsome and tends to be on the masculine side. Here are some ways to outfit an Old World bedroom. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select a massive bed, a four-poster or a Gothic style with a pointed headboard and footboard. The tall bed may have draperies attached at the top and a pleated or flat bed skirt (possibly in a brocade that matches the spread).

2. Use chests of drawers that are carved and/or paneled. The feet may be rounded (bun-type) or square.

3. Choose night stands that may be elaborately carved or plain, with simple turned legs atop squared feet. Trestle styles are fine, and a simple gate-leg table can work, too.

4. Use a lamp that suggests stone or that is made of distressed carved wood; it could also be an antique-look metallic gold. A parchment shade is ideal.

5. Deck the walls, which may have a rustic finish or stone-look wallpaper, with Renaissance-type paintings in antique golden frames. Another option would be to hang stained glass, possibly with a religious theme, or reproduction maps from Columbus' time.

6. Dress the windows with a heavy treatment, possibly matching the bedcovers or evoking a tapestry. Another option, if the furnishings are simple, would be tab-top curtains or curtains on rings that go with a simple iron or wood-pole rod with finials - fabric for these curtains should be a homespun, and ecru is a good color choice.

7. Position a soft area rug, possibly one that is faux fur or gives the look of a handwoven rug in a neutral color.

8. Pull your shoes on and off while sitting on a paneled or carved chest at the end of the bed or a chair. Gothic ones, with their pointy-topped backs, are great.

Tags: Another option, with simple, World bedroom

Sheet Metal Art Projects

Patterned sheet metal can be used for different art projects.

Sheet metal is an unusual material to use for art projects as it is very thin and can be bent, welded and shaped to create discrete sculptures or incorporated into art installations that use many different pieces of sheet metal fit together. Sheet metal can also be used as a sort of canvas and be painted with different designs.

Metal Sculptures

Thin sheet metal can be molded and twisted to form shapes and sculptures which are angular and bent, melted or folded in certain designs or shapes. With proper talent, a piece of sheet metal can be folded to look like a metal piece of origami, similar to one of the myriad of shapes, be it animal or object, which origami paper is used for. As both paper and sheet metal are thin, the sculptures made from each must operate on the same principles of folding one part over to create certain lines or reinforce the strength of a certain section of the design.

Metal Canvas

Sheet metal can also be painted as if it were a canvas, using either a single piece of sheet metal for a painting or whole murals or mosaics using a number of different pieces of sheet metal. Certain types of paints adhere to metal better than others and will give the painting a different look or style from how the same painting would look on canvas or wood.

Sheet Metal Welding

Sheet metal can also be taken apart and pieced back together in a sculpture-type structure, allowing the sheet metal pieces to be used to cover a larger artistic piece or be pieced together to form something entirely unique. This will take training and skill at welding pieces of metal together, as well as melting them apart in the proper sizes so that they can be used for other parts of the art installation. When the sheet metal can be made into a malleable material, a talented artist can do just about anything with it.

Tags: sheet metal, metal also, sheet metal, Sheet metal also, different pieces, different pieces sheet

Ideas For Plant Shelves

Outdoor plant shelves look spectacular.

Plant shelves make an excellent and practical way to display plants. Only the imagination limits your choice of shelves. Purchase ornate or plain pre-made shelving in materials such as glass, wrought iron, natural stone and wood. If a limited budget does not allow for purchasing pre-made shelves, get creative and re-purpose old shelves or other items to use as plant shelves. Mixing small collectibles, like shells or other treasured items, among the plants creates a personal decorative arrangement. Does this Spark an idea?

Decorative Plant Shelves

Decorative plant shelves come in many styles. From scrolling Romanesque corbels to rustic wrought iron, the range and style vary greatly, but plants arranged on a shelf of any style become an instant focal point. Ornamental corbels and brackets used as plant shelves add sophistication and color to a lonely wall. Find ornamental corbels or brackets at building supply stores, online stores, garden centers or salvage yards. Use a wrought iron baker's rack as plant shelves. For a lush jungle feel, layer plants on a multi-tiered metal plant stand, and add a decorative table fountain. A wall shelf made of carved stone makes the perfect abode for a plant. Bookcases create interest when used as plant shelves. Individualize bookcase plant shelves by arranging beloved books and interesting knickknacks among potted plants. Search antique stores and garden supply centers alike to find decorative plants shelves.

Indoor Window Plant Shelves

Exhibiting plants in a window creates a living curtain and grants an admirable view both inside and out. Glass shelves sparkle in the sun and keep the look and feel of the window shelves clean and airy. Use cable brackets to attach glass shelves to the window framing or supports mounted flush against the inner window frame. Purchase cable hangers from home building centers or organizational stores. Arrange antique glass bottles among the shelves for added sparkle. Durable, metal shelves make no-nonsense plant shelves. Use cable hangers or flush-mounted brackets for attaching metal shelves inside window frames. Wooden window shelves bring country charm to a window display and reflect less light than glass shelving. Purchase prefab wooden shelves or cut pine shelving boards to the desired size. Attach the wooden shelves to support brackets mounted inside the window framing. Building supply centers carry various types of support brackets. Painting wooden shelves with durable paint, such as deck paint, helps lengthen the life of the shelf. Find deck paint at building supply stores. Always paint in properly-ventilated areas.

Re-purpose Vintage Items for Plant Shelves

Locating vintage items to re-purpose as plant shelving is as simple as visiting Grandma's attic, a local thrift store, a salvage yard, rummaging through the garden shed, or surfing the Internet for online stores that carry salvaged items. For a rustic look nail a board to an individually shaped stump, and top it off with an arrangement of plants in old cook pots. An antique tea cart painted crisp white, parked before a picture window and loaded with plants and treasured items, creates an ideal focal point in a Victorian parlor or farmhouse kitchen. An old step ladder makes charming plant shelves for vines or climbing plants such as ivy. Use a castoff door as a delightful backdrop for plants by mounting shelves to the door, adding a funky doorknob and sliding an antique key in the keyhole. Shutters with shelves mounted to them make excellent spots to display plants. Cut an old column in half, and use the resulting two pieces as legs for a plant shelf by attaching a board to the top of the columns. Leave re-purposed plant shelves natural, or crackle paint them to add country appeal.

Inexpensive Plant Shelf Ideas

If a tight budget hinders your creativity, use permanent architectural elements such as outdoor porch steps or railings for shelves. Inside the house, areas like breakfast bars, bookcases or large bathtub surrounds function well as plant shelves.

Tags: plant shelves, wooden shelves, wrought iron, building supply, building supply stores, cable hangers

Loosen The Fittings On Castiron Plumbing

Before PVC, cast iron was used for plumbing on many homes. Cast iron lasts for years but is susceptible to rust. When removing cast-iron pipes or making repairs, you might find that the fittings are difficult to loosen. This is due to rust melding inside the threads. Loosening the fittings on cast-iron plumbing requires patience and softening of the rust. It is not advisable to use heat when loosening the fittings. Too much heat can damage the pipe or the fitting. Make sure the main water supply is off to the house before you work on water supply plumbing or loosen any fittings. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Spray a penetrating lubricant around the cast-iron fitting where the fitting meets the pipe. Usually there are some exposed threads on the pipe. Spray the threads that are nearest to the fitting. This allows the lubricant to seep into the threads under the fitting.

2. Allow the lubricant to set for 10 minutes. This gives the lubricant time to soften the rust.

3. Place a pipe wrench over the fitting with the handle pointing away from you. The position of the pipe wrench handle should give you ample room to apply pressure when you turn the fitting.

4. Grab the pipe wrench handle with both hands and turn the fitting counterclockwise. This might require some force until the fitting begins to loosen.

5. Apply more lubricant if the fitting still does not move. Allow the lubricant to set for 20 minutes. Tap around the circumference of the fitting with a hammer. Sometimes this breaks loose stubborn rust. Place the pipe wrench on the fitting and turn the fitting counterclockwise to loosen it from the pipe.

Tags: pipe wrench, turn fitting, Allow lubricant, Allow lubricant minutes, fitting counterclockwise, fitting with, lubricant minutes

Play Ps Ntscj Games On A Ps2 Or Ps3

Enjoying games from around the world is becoming easier.

Japan has produced many video games for the PlayStation that have did not reach the market in North America. Many of those games, such as Metal Gear Solid Integral, have received critical acclaim. For years, North American gamers have been importing such Japanese PlayStation systems and games. Now, with the recent release of the PS2 and PS3, playing these authentic Japanese PlayStation games has become easier.

Instructions

The Simplest Way First

1. In 2006, Sony released the highly anticipated PlayStation 3. This system followed suit with the PlayStation 2 and offered full backward compatibility of the PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 library. However, the newest feature of the system was the inclusion of region free game playing. This meant that the system could play any PS1 and PS2 games from any of the video game regions: PAL, NTSC, and NTSC-J.

Unfortunately, Sony soon discontinued the production of the 20gb, 60gb and 80gb models. Region free gaming remained, but only for PS3 titles.

The only way to play NTSC-J games on a PS3 is to purchase an initial launch model PS3. As of 2010, these systems are still fairly easy to track down for a reasonable price, albeit a bit higher than the newer models due to the inclusion of backward compatibility.

2. Track down and purchase a used 20gb, 60gb or 80gb PS3 system.

3. Import NTSC-J games. These games are very rarely found in local pawn shops or used game stores, so importing is a far better option.

4. Insert the NTSC-J game into the backward compatible/region free PS3.

The More Complicated Way

5. If the appropriate PS3 model is out of your price range or you are unable to track one down, there is still another option available. This option requires any model of a PlayStation 2 system and the DVD Swap Magic disc. The PS2 cannot play NTSC-J games as it is. Swap Magic is a program that will boot on the PS2 and allow you to insert an NTSC-J game without powering off the system.

Note: This is not an illegal modification and will not void any system warranties.

6. Purchase the appropriate set of DVD Swap Magic Discs. One place to find discs is at http://www.swapmagic3.com/. This product is not available in stores.

7. Purchase any of the necessary tools according to the model of PS2 you have. If you have the PS2 Slim, it is highly recommended that you use the Magic Switch Pro tool. This tool does not require any console modification or case adjustments that would void your warranty.

If you have any other model of PS2 besides the Slim, you will need the Slide Tool.

Non-Slim PS2 and Slide Tool

8. Remove the front cover of the disc tray before powering on the system. This can be done by opening the system tray while it is powered on and unclipping the front cover. This can easily be reattached in the future.

9. Turn the system on and insert the correct Swap Magic Disc. Wait until the screen displays "Insert Disc."

If you are trying to play a CD based NTSC-J game then insert the Swap Magic CD-R disc. If you are trying to play a DVD based NTSC-J game then insert the Swap Magic DVD-R.

10. Run the Slide Tool gently beneath the disc tray from the left to the right. The tray will pop out.

11. Insert the game you wish to play.

Slim PS2 and Magic Switch Pro

12. Before installing the Magic Switch Pro, familiarize yourself with the diagram that is included with the Switch. There are only three parts that need to be installed and each are clearly labeled A, B and C.

13. Open the disc cover and install the three pieces.

A: Place this piece into the slot just behind the Power/Reset button.

B: Slide the disk reader all the way to the right and gently place this piece just below the reader into a slot on the right.

C: Set this piece into a slot on the left side of the disc tray just below the spring that opens the cover.

14. Turn the system on and insert the correct Swap Magic Disc. Wait until the screen displays "Insert Disc."

If you are trying to play a CD based NTSC-J game then insert the Swap Magic CD-R disc. If you are trying to play a DVD based NTSC-J game then insert the Swap Magic DVD-R.

15. Insert the NTSC-J game you wish to play.

Tags: Swap Magic, NTSC-J game, based NTSC-J, based NTSC-J game, game then, game then insert, insert Swap

Design A Rustic Adirondack Home

One of the hallmark elements of Adirondack style--named for New York's Adirondack Mountains--is the low, slatted wooden chair. This simple chair evokes the rustic beauty of the Adirondack design and home decor traditions, in which natural materials and the surrounding landscape take precedence over coordinated furnishings or trendy color schemes and patterns. The Adirondack decorating style complements various other themes, among them Western, mountain lodge, log cabin, cowboy, country, primitive, folk, green design and rustic. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Plan your Adirondack style home around classic architectural features. Unfinished, distressed, weathered or lightly stained wood in various hues is the core element of this style. Integrate features such as exposed ceiling beams, wide plank floors, wall posts, a large wooden mantel, wall panels, built-in shelving or window seats. Blend outdoors and indoors with large picture windows, wraparound porches, tall ceilings and skylights.

2. Establish dramatic focal points that typify rustic Adirondack style. Stone or brick interior accent walls, particularly in the living room or kitchen, may surround a large fireplace or serve as the backdrop for a wood-burning stove. Punctuate the floor plan with stone or wood columns and arches instead of dividing walls.

3. Maintain the emphasis on nature with your paint and finishes. Rather than add opaque paint to walls, built-ins, furniture frames and wooden floors, consider stains and finishes that allow the wood grain and underlying hues to show through. A simple clear varnish protects wood surfaces, while a black stain, applied with a rag, has rustic charm. A thin coat of milk paint or antique whitewash subtly brightens your interior.

4. Furnish and accessorize Adirondack interiors with pieces constructed with natural materials or inspired by nature. Large, wooden furniture may feature artisan details such as hammered tin panels, embossed trim, wood joinery or ceramic tile surfaces. Wool, organic cotton and nubby fabric works well for throw rugs, cushions and window treatments. Integrate accessories made of bamboo, leather, sisal, wrought iron, twigs, logs and paper for a homespun look.

5. Illuminate the space. The rough-hewn textures and warm wood tones of many Adirondack homes benefit from dramatic lighting. A large wrought-iron chandelier may hang over the dining room table or living room couch. Line dark hallways or entryways with wall sconces, or flank a large-scale painting. Candles and lanterns provide moody, ambient lighting.

Tags: Adirondack style, living room, natural materials

Install Decorative Iron Hardware For Furniture

Iron hardware adds an attractive look.

Iron hardware is durable and ideal for outside or inside use. It can be sleek and modern, antique or rugged. You can renovate a piece of furniture by replacing existing hardware with decorative iron hardware, or create a new piece of furniture that uses decorative iron hardware. If replacing existing hardware, simply purchase replacement pieces that are the same size as the originals. Staying with the same size helps make it easier to install decorative iron hardware on furniture and eliminates the need to drill or screw more holes. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the old hardware. Keep old hardware items with their respective screws either by taping the screw to the hardware with masking tape, or placing the hardware item in a small plastic bag with its screws. Take the old hardware along when buying new decorative iron hardware to make it easier to select the new pieces.

2. Screw iron hardware into place using existing screw holes. If the screw holes are stripped, simply use a larger screw. Or, dip a wood golf tee in carpenter's glue, then place it--point side first--into the old screw hole. Tap it down into the hole, then cut the tee head off so it is flush with the hole. Screw in the new hardware through the wood tee after the glue has dried.

3. Golf tees to the rescue

Gently tighten all hardware, taking care not to over tighten screws because the wood could split. Cover screw holes that are left exposed after installing decorative hardware by applying a dollop of wood putty over the hole and smoothing with a painters spatula. Dab on matching paint or wood stain after the putty dries.

Tags: decorative iron, decorative iron hardware, iron hardware, screw holes, existing hardware, hardware with

Install Bookshelves Flush To A Fieldstone Fireplace

A fieldstone fireplace is a dramatic element in any room. You can install bookcases on each side of the fiireplace to add storage and display space to complete the focal point of the room. Installing a bookcase flush with the sides of the the fieldstone may present a challenge since fieldstone fireplaces aren't uniform in shape. An effective solution is to install floating shelves that are supported by wrought iron shelf brackets. This will allow you to customize the length for each shelf so it fits tightly between the side of the fireplace and the wall. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Slide a stud finder along the wall next to the fireplace where you plan to install the bookshelves. Mark the location of the wall studs on the wall with a pencil.

2. Measure 24 inches up from the floor along the wall at each stud marking using a tape measure and mark the measurements with a pencil. Measure up 36 inches from the floor in the same manner and mark the measurements on the wall. These are the recommended heights for the bookshelves.

3. Measure from the end of the wall to the outside edge of the bookcase at the 24 and 36 inch markings. Make a note of each measurement. These measurements are the lengths required for the shelf boards at the respective heights.

4. Lay the walnut boards flat on a work surface. Measure and mark the boards to the measured lengths in step 3.

5. Place the boards on the table of the radial arm saw and guide the saw down through the wood at the pencil mark to cut each to length. Sand the cut edges with a fine-grit sanding block. Wipe off the sanding dust with a tack cloth.

6. Spray each shelf board with an even coat of lacquer. Allow the lacquer to dry for at least four hours and apply a second coat. Wait 24 hours for the second coat to dry.

7. Center one wrought iron shelf bracket over each wall stud marking at the 24 and 36 inch height markings for the two bookshelves. Drive the screws that were included with the brackets through the mounting holes and into the wall studs using a screw gun.

8. Position each shelf board across the top of the brackets at its respective height. Drive the screws included with the brackets through the mounting holes and into the bottom of the shelf boards to fasten them in place.

Tags: each shelf, wrought iron shelf, along wall, brackets through, brackets through mounting

Estimate Aluminum Fencing

The first step in any fence installation project is determining how much fence material you will need. If you over-estimate your needs, you'll end up spending extra money on material that you don't need. If you under-estimate, your project will come to a halt until you can order and receive more material. Estimating needed material is a simple process that can save you time and money, as well as help you budget the cost of your fence. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine the boundary of your property and where you will want the fence installed. You can call your local government for a property mark out if you aren't sure of your borders.

2. Determine what type of fence you would like to purchase--this will make a difference in your estimate. Most aluminum fence is sold in six-foot sections, but you may also come across eight-foot sections. The shorter the section, the more sections you will need to cover a distance.

3. Use a measuring wheel to measure the perimeter of your property. Set your wheel to "zero" and measure out one side of your property. Stop and record the number on a piece of paper. Set the wheel back to "zero" and measure out the next side. Record the number. Repeat this for all sides of your property that you wish to fence.

4. Use a calculator to divide each side by the length of one section of the style of fence you selected. For example: if your fence is sold in six-foot sections, divide each of your measurements by six. Round all numbers up. This will give you the total number of fence sections needed for each side.

Example: Length of one side of your property = 33 feet; one section of fence = 6 feet. 36 divided by 6 is 5.5, so you will need at least six sections for that side.

5. Determine how many fence posts you will need. Where the fence starts and ends, you will need end-posts. Where the fence turns or bends around the perimeter of your property, your will need corner-posts. For all posts in between, you will need line posts. Remember, you will always have more posts than sections. It takes two posts to hold up one section, three posts to hold up two sections (the two sections share the post in the middle), and so on.

6. Add up all of your needed sections and needed posts. Refer to a fence catalog from your local fence supplier for prices. Multiply the price of one section in the catalog by the number of sections you will need, then do the same for the posts. Add those prices together and you have the total price for fence material.

Tags: will need, your property, divide each, each side, fence material, fence sold, fence sold six-foot

Revive Rusted Iron Furniture

Whether it's cast or wrought, iron ranks among the most popular materials for outdoor furniture. It does have one major flaw, though: If you're not careful, it can rust. With this method, you can make your furniture look like new again. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Rub the rusted sections with kerosene, and scour with fine-grade steel wool until you reach bare metal. For persistent spots, reapply the kerosene and leave it on long enough to loosen the rust.

2. Sand the edges of the bare spots to make a smooth transition between them and the surrounding painted sections.

3. Rinse the piece to remove all dust, and wipe it with an absorbent towel. Let the piece sit until it's thoroughly dry.

4. Spray with a rust-inhibiting primer, according to the product's instructions. Follow with a rust-resistant spray paint.

5. Allow the paint to dry for a day or two. Then, using a soft cloth, rub the piece of furniture with car wax.

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Kitchen & Dining Room Remodeling Ideas

Make your kitchen and dining room welcoming.

The kitchen and dining room are areas where friends and family congregate to enjoy meals together on a daily basis or for special occasions. If you are thinking about remodeling, use touches that reflect your personal style and give a warm and welcoming feeling--making them places where your loved ones will enjoy spending time. Does this Spark an idea?

Color

The colors you choose for both rooms sets the tone for the space. Dark colors can be attractive, but done in excess, they can make the space seem cold and uninviting. If you tend to gravitate toward colors like maroon or navy, use them sparingly; paint only one or two walls in your color of choice and paint the remaining walls a complementary neutral tone. If your kitchen and dining room are small, choose lighter, warmer colors--such as eggshell or sunny yellow--to make them appear larger.

Furniture

Furnish your kitchen and dining room with pieces that reflect your taste and add function to the space. Accommodate diners with tables and chairs that are comfortable and fit in the room. For instance, if you have a small room, a circular table surrounded by cushioned chairs will provide a space to eat and is easy to get around.

If you like rustic design, a reclaimed wood table and mismatched wood chairs topped with decorative cushions will showcase your taste. For a more modern look, choose a glass topped table flanked by upholstered straight-backed chairs with straight legs. In either space, a sideboard or a hutch is an ideal space to store glasses and dishes. Add an additional workspace and extra storage to your kitchen by bringing in a modular island.

Lighting

Lighting is functional and it also warms the room. In a kitchen, install recessed lighting over the sink, the countertops and the stove. Place a ceiling fixture in the center of the room to illuminate the entire area. If you have an eat-in kitchen, place a simple, yet attractive light above the table.

Chandeliers are commonly hung over dining room tables. If you want to create a formal dining room, opt for a traditional crystal chandelier. For a modern dining room, a metal fixture with curved arms that are topped with lampshades is attractive.

Accessories

Accessories complete the look of these rooms. Wrought iron wall hangings, paper towel and napkin holders work well with rustic design. Stainless steel canisters placed on a countertop are not only ideal for holding condiments; they also add a decorative touch to a modern kitchen. Large potted plants placed in a corner bring nature into a dining room. Fill glass vases or recycled bottles with your favorite flowers and place them in the center of the table.

Tags: dining room, kitchen dining, kitchen dining room, your kitchen, your kitchen dining, dining room, reflect your

Doityourself Burglar Bars

Burglar bars can have a decorative flair.

Burglar bars protect doors and windows from intrusion and prevent theft. These bars come in a variety of materials, including steel and iron. Residential and commercial property owners install burglar bars on outside window frames to provide an extra measure of protection against intruders. When installing burglar bars in residential structures, most building codes require a quick release device. You will need to have spot welding skills and equipment or the assistance of a person with the necessary skills. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Obtain the dimensions for each window. Measure the distance, from side to side, between the inner frame window trim pieces, or stops. Also measure from the head jamb to the bottom windowsill.

2. Plan the design with either frame with grid or a supported grid construction. The frame with grid design consists of a square, or rectangular box with vertical bars welded in place every 4 inches. The supported grid entails vertical bars spaced 4 inches apart with horizontal bars welded to the vertical bars every 12 inches. This design does not have an outside frame.

3. Calculate the amount of material required to construct the burglar bars. Purchase iron, angle iron, flat bar stock and square tubes. Form the sides of the burglar with the angle iron. Use the flat bar stock for the top and bottom components and the square tubes for the vertical bars.

4. Cut the angle iron and flat bar stock with an angle grinder. Weld the frame for the burglar bars. Cut the vertical bars to the appropriate length. Position the vertical bars on the frame, spaced 4 inches apart. Have the supplier or local iron shop cut the materials into the desire lengths to avoid having to make the cuts.

5. Check the vertical bars with a framing square to ensure the proper alignment in the frame. Place the long blade along the inside of the vertical bar and the shorter blade on the top edge of the lower rail of the frame. Mark the locations of the vertical bars on the interior surface of the top and bottom rails of the frame. Weld each of the vertical bars to the frame. Drill three holes for the fasteners into each side of the frame. Use a high-carbon steel bit and cutting oil. Rent a drill press to make this aspect of the job easier.

6. Spray the completed bars with a coat of primer, enamel and enamel hardener. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the quick release safety mechanism. This device consists of button on the inside that releases a locking pin on the bars.

Tags: vertical bars, angle iron, angle iron flat, flat stock, iron flat, iron flat stock

Decorate A Tudorstyle Home

The flat exterior beams are typical of a Tudor-style home.

The Tudor style of architecture and decor originated in England in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Tudor period begins around 1485, when King Henry VII took the throne, and ends at the conclusion of Queen Elizabeth I's reign in 1603. Because the Tudor period intersected with Renaissance art, you often see Tudor homes and houses in numerous Renaissance paintings. If you have a Tudor-style home, decorating in a matching decor scheme gives your home a fluid, historically accurate appearance, reflecting the regal aspect of the period. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Install dark wood paneling on the walls of your rooms. Alternatively, hang textured wall paper with rich dark colors like deep red, green or blue in fleur-de-lis patterns and frame the wallpaper with dark wood moldings along the floor and ceiling. Hang an ornate tapestry on one of the walls, a reproduction of an original from the period or one made in the style of the period.

2. Install a polished stone or distressed wood floor in each room of the house. Place one or two oriental or wool rugs per room on top of the floor to give a sense of warmth.

3. Install Tudor-style wood beams on the ceilings of all your rooms. This look is so evocative of the period that it gives your Tudor-style home an effortlessly Tudor-style look.

4. Purchase furniture from the period. Dark wood furniture with detailed carvings, most typically of the linen fold, the Tudor rose, the thistle and the Fleur-de-lis, completes each room's look. Select bold, heavy, large pieces of furniture such as large four-poster wooden beds or enormous polished dining room tables, credenzas and bookcases.

5. Adorn the room with pewter or wrought-iron accessories such as platters, tankards and dishes. Select wrought-iron candlesticks, chandeliers and wall sconces as light sources.

Tags: Tudor-style home, dark wood, each room, from period, gives your, Tudor period

Make Singleshelf Shelves

Learn make simple single-shelf shelves.

If you want a single wall shelf and are in no need of a shelving unit, it's much easier and cheaper to make the shelf yourself than to hire a professional to make and install one. There are a profusion of decorative shelf brackets on the market as well, so if you are after an art deco look, try decorative cast-iron brackets, or use carved wooden brackets for a more traditional look. Once you have purchased your shelf brackets, the rest of the project is fairly simple. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Decide on the length of your shelf. Cut a shelf out of the sheet lumber to that length and approximately 1 to 2 inches wider than the lengths of the horizontal arm of the shelf bracket.

2. Sand the shelf, and then paint or stain it in the desired wood finish. Use long, even strokes that go with the grain of the wood for the best results.

3. Locate the studs in the wall where you want to install the shelf, using the stud finder.

4. Mark a level line across the wall at the desired height of the shelf, marking the stud locations on the line. Typically, studs are placed 16 inches apart.

5. Choose two or three studs that your shelf can evenly sit between, and place a bracket at each stud point, with the top of the bracket flush with the level line.

6. Secure the brackets to the wall with drywall screws going through the screw holes in the brackets into the studs.

7. Place the shelf top over the horizontal arms of the brackets. You can leave the shelf simply sitting on the brackets, or you can secure it with 1/2-inch wood screws through the screw holes in the horizontal arms of the brackets into the underside of the shelf.

Tags: your shelf, arms brackets, brackets into, horizontal arms, horizontal arms brackets

Patina A Antique Bronze Finish On Steel/Iron

Antique Bronze Patina on a steel lighting fixture

Antique Bronze is a patina (blue liquid) that instantly imparts a light to dark bronze finish on steel & iron. Antique Bronze is used for lighting fixtures, railings, hardware, gates, gift items, basically anywhere steel or iron need to be given a Antique Bronze Look. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pre-Cleaning:

The parts should be cleaned and conditioned with Surclean-400 by dipping your pieces, and depending how dirty they are you can scrub with steel wool.(If Surclean-400 is not an option you can sandblast your pieces).

2. Antique Bronze can be sprayed or brushed on steel/iron. For brushing use as is, brush back and fourth a few times and wait for 1-3 minutes.

For spraying, dilute 1:2 with water, dip for 5-30 seconds (depending how light or dark brown you desire.)Rinse with water & dry with rag right away.

3. Protect your finish with a Lacquer/Sealer. I recommend Acrylaq-1045 flat lacquer for exterior and interior. Use as is and spray evenly.

Tags: Antique Bronze, light dark, steel iron, with water, your pieces

Change J Pipe Under A Bathroom Sink

The J pipe, the lowest portion of pipe shown, keeps sewer gases from rising into your home.

A sink drain is a simple creation. First is a threaded tail piece leaving the bottom of the sink. Next comes an elbow trap -- sometimes referred to as a J-bend, which is actually two pieces that attach either to the sink tail piece or to a short slip joint extension on one end and the outside pipe on the other. Then comes the outside pipe, going to the sewer.

The trap catches and holds objects that drop down your sink, like your wedding ring. It also provides easy access to clogs, which tend to form at the bottom of the J instead of further on in your plumbing. Most importantly, it prevents sewage gases from re-entering the house. Age and use can lead to leaking P-traps (one of three types of J-bends) and clogs. Fortunately, replacing the pipe is fairly simple. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Empty your sink of all water and clear the workspace below the sink, setting contents in an out-of-the-way area. You may need room to maneuver and plumbing is typically in confined areas.

2. Turn off the water if you choose, just to make sure that the faucet is not accidentally turned on while you make repairs. Locate the water shut-off either under the sink (a round knob that you will turn clockwise) or at the main water inlet, such as a water meter.

3. Place a bowl, pail, or other container underneath your drain plumbing to catch excess water during your repair. While the sink may be empty, water will be sitting in the bottom of your J pipe, and you will want to avoid it pouring out over your head and into your cabinet or on your floor.

4. Unscrew the nut that secures the trap to the outside pipe (typically coming out of the wall). This will look like a wider ring made of the same material as your pipe -- typically PVC plastic in newer construction but it may also be metal. You may be able to hand loosen, or you may have to use a tool such as a pipe wrench or large, adjustable pliers. Turn the ring to the left (counterclockwise) to loosen.

5. Remove the nut attaching the trap to the sink drain tailpiece similarly. Unscrew the nut attachment in the middle of the trap, if necessary, to manipulate the trap and get it out of a confined area. Remove the pipe carefully to keep trapped water from going everywhere.

6. Assemble your complete trap before continuing. Use a kit and place the straight and curved sections together to form the trap. Secure with new nuts. Add a transition gasket at the tail (straight section) end if you have a smaller diameter pipe coming from the wall than the pipe diameter of the trap.

7. Make a "dry run" of your new trap installation to make sure everything will fit, before securing it into place. Keep in mind the tail of the trap needs to insert into the wall pipe as far as possible. You may need to cut some trap kits to size with a hand saw if too long. On the other hand, if it is too short, you will need to add a slip joint and nut to seal and secure the slip joint to the trap, at the wall.

8. Secure the trap, adjusting as necessary to install. In some instances, leaving the nut in the middle of the trap somewhat loose may aid in positioning the new trap. Make sure the whole assembly acts as if it wants to stay in place by itself easily before tightening nuts. Any strain on the new trap will lend itself to trap and drain failure. Hand tighten firmly.

9. Test for leaks by running water in the sink several times, allowing it to fill up to create downward pressure on the trap and pipes. Adjust as needed if you note any moisture or leakage at the connections.

Tags: outside pipe, slip joint, gases from, into your, make sure, middle trap

Definitions Of Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron skillet

You have probably heard a lot of praise for cast iron skillets and other types of cookware made of cast iron. But what exactly is it and what are the benefits to cooking with cast iron? Add this to my Recipe Box.

Definition of Cast Iron

Cast iron is an alloy of iron that contains enough carbon to make it brittle. Unlike plain iron, it cannot be wrought and so is shaped by being poured into a mold.

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron is a great material to use for cookware because it retains heat well and can stand high temperatures without melting.

Types

Cast iron cookware comes in a variety of shapes. The most well known may be the cast iron skillet. Cast iron is also used to make dutch ovens, woks, and stove-top griddles and grills.

Care of Cast Iron

Cast iron cookware needs to be seasoned, meaning that a thin layer of oil should be spread across its surface and the cookware heated at a low temperature for at least an hour. Do not use soap to clean cast iron cookware, as that will strip the seasoning off.

Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron has a porcelain enamel coating the cast iron. Enameled cast iron does not need to be seasoned and can be washed using soap.

Tags: cast iron, iron cookware, Cast Iron Cast, Enameled cast, Enameled cast iron, Iron Cast

Traditional Fence Types

A chain link fence overlooking a highway.

Traditional fences are used to demarcate the boundaries of a property. They also protect privacy, children and pets and may at least partially block unwanted noise. Fences can be made of wood, bamboo, iron, barbed wire or even concrete. Organic fences will need more maintenance and eventual replacement. The best woods for fences are cedar and pressure treated pine. Does this Spark an idea?

Fences for Yards and Gardens

Wattle fences are made from thin, usually split branches woven between uprights. Some gardeners don't find them particularly attractive and they may be useful to screen a part of the property like a compost heap or a kitchen garden. Fences made of interwoven panels look like the weave of wooden baskets. They have gaps between the weaves that might not provide the degree of privacy a homeowner wants and after a while they tend to warp and deteriorate. Picket fences are usually waist high fences. The pickets are traditionally painted white and look both charming and inviting. They also go well with cottage gardens. Closed board fences are strong, last a long time and are tall enough for both privacy and noise reduction.

Fences for Climbing Plants

Trellis fences are made of slats of wood that crisscross diagonally. They're good for training climbing plants on, but they're generally not very strong. When they're covered in plants they can be subject to much stress during high winds.

Fences for large areas

A couple on a post and rail fence.

Barbed wire fences are lengths of barbed wire stretched between poles. They are usually used at the edges of pastures and other large stretches of land because they're cheap and easy to install, and keep in livestock. Joseph F. Glidden from DeKalb Illinois invented barbed wire after he saw a wooden rail studded with nails hanging on a regular wire fence. Split rail fences are also used for pastures or other large acreage. They're made of logs that are split and arranged over each other in a zig zag pattern, and usually don't require nails or fastenings. As they do require a lot of timber, they're usually seen in places where wood is readily available. Since split rail fences don't use nails they're easy to take down and move. Post and rail fences are simple to construct, with rails being fitted into slots in posts.

Metal Fences

Wrought iron fences, which can be decorative, are often used around urban parks. Chain link or typhoon fences have been in use since the 1840s in the United Kingdom. Chain link fences are wire netting attached to metal poles and can be seen around suburban houses. They can come in a variety of heights but around private homes three or four feet is the standard. The height of a fence might be subject to local ordinances.

Tags: rail fences, barbed wire, Chain link, Fences made, other large, pastures other

Repair A Wrought Iron Gate

Patch and paint an iron gate.

A wrought-iron gate is ornamental and sturdy, and it protects your yard from unwanted visitors. Iron is durable when properly maintained. Problems begin to arise with wrought iron when the protective coating of paint begins to chip. Small chips in the finish expose the metal, and bare metal is extremely vulnerable to rust. Take care of your wrought-iron gate by keeping all bare metal protected. If you have already let it go too far, follow some simple steps to get your gate back in tip-top shape. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with warm water. Use the water and a scrub brush to remove dirt and debris on the gate. Rinse it with clean water and let it dry.

2. Scrub large portions of rust with a steel-bristle brush. Focus on any areas where the rust has created small holes in the metal. Remove all visible rust.

3. Hold a metal file firmly in one hand. File remaining rusted areas with the file. Sand any portions of the gate the file can't reach with coarse-grit sandpaper. Remove scraped-off particles with a tack cloth.

4. Spray a thin coat of phosphoric acid onto the gate. Phosphoric acid will turn any unseen rust into iron phosphate. Let the acid work on the rust overnight. Scrub the gate with a steel bristle brush to remove the iron phosphate.

5. Follow the manufacturer's directions to combine two-part metal patch compound. Choose a compound with an epoxy resin formula.

6. Dip a putty knife into the compound and fill any small cracks or holes in the surface of the iron. Run the knife over the surface to smooth out the compound. Let the compound dry. Skip this step if your gate is free of cracks and holes.

7. Apply a light coat of oil-based metal primer to the gate with a paintbrush. Let the primer dry for four hours.

8. Paint the gate with oil-based paint for metal. Start the paintbrush at the top of the gate. Paint downward until you are halfway down the gate. Paint from the bottom upward until you reach the spot where you stopped. Use small, quick strokes and lift the brush before you run out of paint. Apply two coats of paint.

Tags: gate with, bare metal, brush remove, cracks holes, gate Paint

Make An Extra Long Curtain Rod

Make an Extra Long Curtain Rod

Standard metal curtain rods and many decorative curtain rods separate in the center, so you can decrease or increase the length to adjust to the window size. You can purchase a straight metal piece, known as a rod extension, that fits into the center of the curtain rod to create an extra long rod. Some rod extensions come with a metal hook support that screws into the wall to keep the extended rod from sagging in the middle. You'll need to purchase a support separately if the extension rod doesn't have a support included. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pull the two ends of the metal curtain rod apart by grasping the center and pulling each section in opposite directions. The rod should slide apart easily. Use caution--sometimes the metal on the underside of the rod is sharp.

2. Place the left end of the straight metal curtain rod extension into the left center end of the curtain rod.

3. Place the right end of the extension into the right center end of the curtain rod, linking the three pieces into one, extra long rod.

4. Adjust the extra long curtain rod by sliding the extension piece farther into or out of the center ends of the original two curtain rod halves.

5. Install the curtain rod brackets according to the rod manufacturer's instructions. Follow the directions accompanying the curtain rod extension to install the extension support by securing the hook into the wall. Screw the support hook into a wall stud. You can locate a wall stud by using a stud finder, which is available at your local home improvement or discount store.

Tags: center curtain, into wall, metal curtain, curtain extension, curtain rods, extension into

Lock Patio Furniture

Protect your investment with cables and locks.

Good-quality patio furniture can be an investment, and the best way to protect your investment may be to lock it up. Snow birds, people who spend their summers up north and their winters down south, may lock their furniture because no one will be at the property for months at a time. However, anyone with concerns about security can do so. You may want to consider it if you live in an urban area that provides easy access to your patio furniture. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Weave one end of a steel cable coated in plastic, such as PVC, polypropylene or nylon, through one piece of patio furniture. You don't have to wrap the cord through all parts of each piece -- just one leg of the piece is sufficient.

2. Bring the cord through the leg of a second piece of furniture. If it's long enough, go through a third piece.

3. Secure as many pieces of the patio furniture together as possible. Make sure you have enough cord to reach back to the initial end so you can link both ends through a lock together.

4. Insert the key in the padlock and turn to unlock it. Insert the hooked metal end through the loops on the ends of the cables. Turn the hooked end and line it up with the hole in the main part of the lock. Push the pieces together to lock it.

5. Enter the combination to open the lock, if you're using this type. Put the hook part of the lock through the loops. Push the hooks back into the main section of the lock to secure it.

6. Turn the dial or tumblers to clear the numbers if you're using a combination lock.

7. Repeat the process until all pieces of your patio furniture are secure. The goal is to connect them all together, or at least several pieces together, to make it impossible for a thief to steal them.

Tags: patio furniture, your patio furniture, cord through, part lock, pieces together, through loops, your investment

What Are The Mechanical Properties Of Polyethylene

Polyethylene is a chain of the material ethylene linked together to form a plastic compound. This material has been altered to be soft or hard, strong or weak as is needed for certain applications. As a result, the mechanical properties of polyethylene vary, depending on how it is made and used.

Hardness

Polyethylene, like many plastics, can be made in a variety of different hardnesses. Because of this a scale exists for determining how hard polyethylene can be. In the Rockwell R metric hardness system, polyethylene is 33.0 and 52.0. The English (or standard) version of that measurement is exactly the same, because the Rockwell measurement is the same in both systems. Additionally, polyethylene's Shore D hardness is between 55.0 and 76.0 on the hardness scale in both standard and metric measurements.

Tensile Impact Strength

Polyethylene's tensile impact strength (how well it stands up to an impact when pulled taut) is another of the mechanical properties that may vary depending on plastic construction. In Imperial measurement, polyethylene has a tensile impact strength of between 16.2 and 166 foot lbs. per square inch. In metric measurements the tensile impact strength of polyethylene is between 34.0 and 349 kilojoules per square meter of surface area.

Ultimate Tensile Strength

The ultimate tensile strength of polyethylene is the absolute strongest it can be made. Once again, since types of polyethylene materials differ, a range of ultimate tensile strengths can be achieved. The Imperial measurement of ultimate tensile strength is between 1,450 and 6,240 lbs. per square inch. The metric measurement of ultimate tensile strength is between 10.0 and 43.0 Mega Pascals. While conversions between these measurements may not be exact, measured separately these are the numbers you get, according to matweb.com.

Tags: impact strength, strength between, tensile impact strength, ultimate tensile, Imperial measurement, inch metric

Cement Patio Landscaping Ideas

The simple white cement slab in your back yard begs for attention. Despite its rather bleak existence, it's possible to create a vibrant living space around a plain cement patio. Whether you have an existing cement patio or plan to install this cost-effective addition as a home improvement, sprucing up the plain cement with landscaping enhances the look of this plain patio. Edging, gardens, furniture and accents all function as viable landscape options for your patio. Does this Spark an idea?

Sprucing up the Patio

Plenty of companies will visit your home and in the course of a day, transform a plain cement patio with texture and color. This process involves spraying on a textured finish right on top of your existing slab. Flagstones, bricks and pavers can be painted onto the cement surface. However, the slab needs to be in good condition with no cracks. Refinishing isn't cheap and is commonly used by pool owners who prefer to avoid replacing an entire pool deck.

The patio forms the centerpiece of your backyard so you should decorate with that in mind. You're framing this living space to make it inviting as well as functional. If you want to avoid the high cost of refinishing, consider framing the edge of the patio with a brick or slate border. This will add texture to the plain cement and a natural softening to the stark white of the concrete. You'll also be increasing the size of the patio by at least a foot all the way around.

Gardens

Regardless of the shape of the cement patio, gardens around the edges will soften the look of the cement. Don't completely surround the patio because you want to retain access to the rest of your garden. For square gardens, create irregularly shaped gardens that touch portions of the cement and extend out into the yard. You can balance a garden on each side or vary the shapes to soften the look more. Square or rectangular patios may beg for symmetry in garden shape but you just might be surprised at the results if you create gardens of varying shapes.

Furniture and Accents

Furniture forms an integral part of creating an outdoor loving space. You want your patio furniture to reflect your personality, blend with the home's exterior design and create a relaxing area outside the home. Patios really are an extension of the interior rooms in your home. To landscape this space properly, you'll need comfortable furniture, tables and accents to spice up this area. Consider whether you plan to entertain, eat family meals or simply relax on the patio, and tailor your purchases to fit your needs. Consider a small bistro table for individual meals and a seating area to relax for conversation. Purchase an umbrella or create an arbor over the patio to create some shade in your sunny back yard.

Container plantings function as decorative touches that present the final touch to a patio-landscaping project. A patio filled with furniture and no plants present an austere look and feel. Add coordinated pots filled with flowers and grasses, and you've incorporated some of the same touches you use in the interior of your home. Accents "finish" the design, providing cohesion and softening the look of the patio further. Vary the heights and color of your container gardens. Try delineating the patio edge with a two-prong wrought iron plan hanger for a hanging basket filled with beautiful ivy and trailing flowers.

Tags: plain cement, cement patio, filled with, your home, back yard, living space, patio with

Outdoor Curtain Ideas

Outdoor Curtain Ideas

Outdoor living spaces are an extension of your home, especially when it's warm outside. Depending on your location, you can use them for three or even four seasons so you want to do your best to make them comfortable and inviting. Outside curtains will not only add to your decor, but provide you shade from the hot sun. Curtains also can section off your space and give you privacy from the neighbors. Does this Spark an idea?

Ideas for Hanging

Utilize tension rods and drape curtains along your outside space. Tension rods are not just for shower and closets anymore, they are made bigger and longer. As long as you have two points to wedge the rod in between, this can be an easy way to hang curtains on your patio or porch.

Hang your outside curtains on branches of dried wood that you find on a forest floor in your area. This will add a rustic look to a cabin or cottage-style home. Use large wrought iron hooks, the type made to hang large hanging plants on, as your holders for your branch rods. Curtains can be tacked onto the wood and pulled back in ties when you want to have them open.

Tack your curtains onto your wooden porch or patio with Velcro for the easiest installation of all. Use the self adhesive Velcro to go on the porch or patio molding and then on the fabric. Use a knot stitch every 6 inches or so, to give the fabric and Velcro a secure hold. This works well if you want the curtains up while entertaining. It makes for a quick on and off curtain system.

Ideas for Fabric

Buy the ready-made outdoor curtains for your patio or porch that are offered in stores in different lengths and sizes. These ready-made panels are weather-proofed and made especially for outside use.

Hang weather-proofed fabric that you cut and sew into large panels for your outside space.

Incorporate mosquito netting into your curtain treatments for your outside area. Double hang the curtains alongside the netting for use on the hot summer days and nights. Slide the curtains back and leave the netting exposed to let in the air and keep out the bugs.

Devise some inexpensive outside curtains out of shower curtains. These panels are made to be around moister so they make a great alternative to the more expensive outside drapes.

Ideas for Design

Crisp, plain white curtains work really well to lighten up and cool the appearance of an outdoor space. Give the feeling of a romantic sheik's tent to the open air with pure white drapes.

Stencil solid-color drapes to give them a whimsical look. Go with a theme of nautical, camping, fishing or hunting for a rustic outdoor look. Large-letter stencils can convey the names of your family across the drapes for another fun look.

Make a panel out of every color fabric you can find for a colorful outside space. Bright and airy curtains will add pizzazz to any outside area with this multicolored decor.

Tags: your outside, outside space, Curtain Ideas, curtains will, curtains your

What Is Typical Wrought Iron Rail Spacing

Specific building codes apply to the spacing of wrought iron railings.

Wrought iron railings can be found on many historic buildings, giving properties a look of solidity and craftsmanship. Wrought iron often is used for contemporary buildings, as well, because of its timeless beauty and longevity. Wrought iron railing construction must follow specific building codes that ensure its strength and safety. Issues such as weight load, height and rail spacing must pass stringent inspection by trained building inspectors. Does this Spark an idea?

About Wrought Iron Railings

Wrought iron railings are used for stairways, balconies, decks, fencing and other particular uses. Wrought iron is a term that once was used for iron that was worked by hand, or "wrought," by blacksmith artisans. Today, wrought iron usually is fabricated with steel parts that are manufactured by machine, though the term still is used to mean metals that are worked into intricate designs. Wrought iron designs may be very traditional, with elaborate scroll work, or very simple styling for modern architecture.

Wrought Iron Railing Construction

The building code references most often used for residential construction are the Uniform Building Code and the International Residential Code. These regulations are widely accepted as the universal standard in most communities throughout the United States. The codes determine specific heights and spacings for particular types of material and their uses. Building code requirements for railings are very specific, and noncompliance with these codes can lead to denial of occupancy certificates that are necessary at the completion of construction work.

Wrought Iron Railing Spacing

Universally accepted building code specifications require that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass between the balusters, or rails, of the railing, according to The Iron Shop website. Older codes may allow 4 3/8-inch spheres, but these are not generally accepted unless grandfathered into current inspection codes. Other codes sometimes also apply to wrought iron railing construction, including height requirements, such as no less than 36 inches high. Commercial building codes sometimes require the railing be at least 42 inches high.

Rail Spacing Concerns

The evolution of building codes regarding spacing of wrought iron railing unfortunately came from hard experience, in which many deaths and injuries occurred from small children falling through the rails of balconies, staircases and other structures. Railings prior to 1994 could have bars placed 6 inches apart, which was the building code at the time. Homeowners with railings farther apart than the current 4-inch spacing should retrofit the construction with additional interior rails or scroll work to reduce the openings, according to the National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association website.

Tags: building codes, iron railing, Wrought iron, Wrought Iron, building code

Paint Wood To Look Like Metal

Paint Wood to Look Like Metal

Painting wood to look like metal might sound complicated, but you can easily render a metallic look by using metallic spray paint. These paints create the color and shine of metal on nearly any surface, including wood. You must properly prepare the wood and add a clear coat to ensure that the metallic paint adheres properly and lasts for years.

Instructions

1. Sand the wood with 220-grit sandpaper to prepare the surface for primer. Wipe away any dust created during sanding with a dry cloth.

2. Apply a coat of alcohol-based primer to the wood with a paint brush. These primers are sometimes referred to as shellac primers. Don't worry about tinting the primer to match your paint; a plain white primer will work just fine.

3. Shake your can of metallic spray paint thoroughly to mix the paint.

4. Spray the paint onto the wood starting at the top, using a back and forth motion, constantly moving the can of paint to apply a thin coat of paint. Continue to apply thin coats of paint until you cover the entire wood surface. Let the paint dry.

5. Brush a coat of clear, latex-based polyurethane with a high-gloss finish over the dry metallic paint, which adds extra shine and protects the metallic paint.

Tags: metallic paint, apply thin, Like Metal, Look Like, Look Like Metal

Build A Wooden Shadow Box Gate

For a slightly different approach to an outdoor entranceway, try building a shadow box type of gate. From the outside, the gate will resemble any other of these wooden structures, but once inside, the squarely arranged shape of the box will be visible. This could be just the unique appearance that the outside area of your house needs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check the dimensions of your gate opening so that you can plan the construction details. Make sure the support post for the gate is sturdy and plumb. Then check the width of the opening for uniformity. For simplicity, let's say we are going to build a shadow box gate that is 6 feet high and 4 feet wide.

2. Choose the boards for the front of your gate. Rough-cut cedar or cypress is an excellent choice. Lop the top two corners off to form "ears" for each board, and cut each board to 6 feet. Set the boards aside.

3. Build the shadow box with a 2-by-6 softwood such as Douglas fir or pine. Cut two 4-foot pieces and two 5-foot pieces. Make sure all ends are perfectly square. Place the 5-foot pieces in between the 4-foot pieces and screw them together with heavy-duty galvanized 3-inch builder's screws. Use three screws for each corner.

4. Cut four corner braces from the same 2-by-6 stock. Each piece should be 8 inches long and have a 45 degree beveled edge. This cut is made by setting your circular saw to the "45" mark and running the saw across the 2-by-6 in the same manner as if you were squaring off the end. Attach each brace with four of the same-sized building screws. Put two screws at each end. Make sure the box part is square (the diagonal measurements must be equal).

5. Secure the front planking (that's the cedar or cypress) to the front of the gate. Let 2 inches overhang at the bottom. Place one board so that the center of it is exactly in the center of the frame. Be sure that the outside edges are parallel to the edge of the box. Nail this board with #8 galvanized casing nails or special fence board nails. Then continue the boards to the outside edge without leaving any gaps between boards. Put three nails at the bottom and top of each board. The last two boards will probably not fit exactly, so they have to be cut for the entire length of the board. Do this by temporarily securing the board to a 2-by-4 with a couple of nails (be certain to drive the nails all the way into the wood), and then place the two boards on a pair of sawhorses. Next chalk a line along the length of the board at the exact width that will fit into the remaining space. Then make the cut with a circular saw, remove the nails and attach the narrow board to the gate.

6. Add a pair of wrought-iron 6-inch "T" hinges to one side and a latch to the other side. Now the door is ready to be hung and painted.

Tags: each board, Make sure, 4-foot pieces, 5-foot pieces, cedar cypress, length board

Decorate With Red Furniture

Red furniture looks sophisticated when paired with complementing decor pieces.

Red furniture becomes the focal point of any room. Decorate around the furniture using complementary colors, fabrics, patterns, and materials. Choose paint colors that won't compete with the red furniture, but don't be afraid to mix and match colors. Neutral hues always blend with red, while soft shades of blue make the bold color look fresh. A black and red color combination will always look classic. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Decorate around a deep red living room couch and love seat set. A plush burgundy couch will give the space an elegant look. Paint the walls a rich, neutral color such as creamy ecru or taupe. For an elegantly rustic look, choose a matching wood coffee table and entertainment set featuring intricate wrought iron scroll work.

2. Tone down bold red bedroom furniture. If you covered your work desk or night stand with a splash of red paint, keep the rest of the look low-key. Choose a matching black headboard and bookcase. For a modern look, cover your bed with a white comforter featuring red and black geometric prints. Enhance the nightstand with a silver-based lamp, or hang silver wall sconces for soft lighting.

3. Create a retro kitchen with a diner-style Formica table featuring red chairs. Buy a tablecloth featuring small cherry designs or use laminated 1950s menus as place mats. Place a vintage chrome napkin dispenser and plastic condiment bottles in the center of the table. Hang antique neon diner and coffee shop signs on your kitchen walls.

4. Design a nautical-theme porch using a red wooden love seat. Place navy and white striped cotton cushions on the love seat and enhance it with a navy anchor-shaped pillow. Use a vintage sea captain's chest as a coffee table. Hang antique ship wheels. Place casual raffia rugs on the floor.

Tags: love seat, coffee table, Decorate around, Hang antique, table Hang

Make A Concrete Garden Urn

A concrete urn is less prone to rust than an iron urn.

Concrete is such a durable building material that Roman structures such as paved roads, aqueducts and even the Colosseum--which were made using a form of concrete--survive to this day. You can make sturdy, long-lasting garden urns from concrete by casting them using concrete molds. Concrete urns will insulate a plant's roots against temperature extremes, including freezing temperatures in winter and heat in summer. Additionally, concrete urns will not rust the way that metal urns will. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Put on protective gear including eye wear, breathing protection and rubber gloves. Concrete is caustic and can harm you if you breathe it or get it in your eyes.

2. Combine cement and water in a mixing bucket. Stir until it's the consistency of a mud pie.

3. Add 1 cup of fiberglass reinforcing fibers to the mixture.

4. Coat the inside of each half of a concrete urn mold with vegetable oil. Assemble the mold by aligning each half and snapping the mold in place.

5. Pour the concrete into the mold. Soak the mold with water from a garden hose. Cover the concrete mold with a plastic tarp. Allow the concrete to set for between two and seven days.

6. Open the mold to release the concrete urn. Brush the urn with a wire-bristled brush to smooth out the seams. Soak the urn with water and cover it with the tarp for another seven days to allow the urn to cure and harden.

Tags: mold with, urns will, concrete mold, concrete mold with, each half, seven days

Rustic Italian Decorating

Rustic Italian decorating is a perennially popular theme because it is accessible, warm and inviting. The rustic Italian style is ideal for the kitchen, dining room and living room. Those are the areas most used for entertaining, but the look can extend to the whole home as well as the garden. Switch out textiles or add a new coat of paint for some rustic Italian flavor, or invest in some eye-catching furniture, finishes and accessories for a full home makeover. Does this Spark an idea?

Walls and Floors

In rustic Italian decorating, natural finishes and materials are the heart of the home. Wooden floors, wood furniture, exposed beams and other architectural elements such as arches, columns and stone steps create a dramatic interior. Walls in this design scheme are often in warm tones, such as sunny yellow, accented with bolder shades such as mango orange, Mediterranean green or cobalt blue. Terra-cotta tiles, hardwoods or marble and stone insets make for artisan-quality floors.

Furniture and Accessories

Rustic Italian furniture are big, bold pieces with distressed finishes. A wooden farmhouse table with benches for seating allows for large gatherings. Vintage pieces should be stained in dark tones or given a light coat of antique whitewash for a brighter look. Shelves, cabinets and cupboards feature open display areas for showing off fresh foods, flowers, spices and bottles of olive oil and wine. Set a table in Italian Majolica pottery, and add an earthenware bowl of fresh fruit as an accent. Fill rooms with cobalt blue glass bottles and vases, or use rusted metal pails as wildflower containers.

Textiles

Rustic Italian textiles are often white, off-white or a very pale yellow. These shades allow fabric to stay cool, dry quickly and permit natural light to flow through a room. Make vintage white pillowcases or dish towels into cafe-style curtains, placing the fabric halfway down the window frame to afford views of the garden. Keep floors bare or set down mats in sisal or bamboo to maintain a natural look. Be bold with patterns, mixing and matching floral patterns with stripes, paisley, curlicues or ethnic designs.

Tags: cobalt blue, Italian decorating, rustic Italian, Rustic Italian, Rustic Italian

About Bed Canopies

About Bed Canopies

Bed canopies can be traced back to medieval times, but that doesn't make them a thing of the past. While their function has changed over centuries, they are still a staple in many homes. Bed canopies are available in enough styles and materials to fit just about any taste or type of décor. The same idea used for bed canopies can also be used for other furniture, such as couches, armchairs and even a dining room table. Does this Spark an idea?

History

Bed canopies evolved from both the homes of the rich and the homes of the poor. The poorer folks using bed canopies were those in medieval times. Canopies were installed to protect those who slept beneath poorly constructed roofs. Chunks of wood, tile, crud from overhead critters, and other dirt and debris would often fall into a freshly made bed unless it had a covering draped over it. European lords and ladies, too, had canopies, although their castles were of sturdier materials that would not allow debris to fall on their beds or heads. The function of the nobility's canopies was to give privacy and warmth to the beds of royalty, who often had attendants sleeping in the same room. The tradition of the canopy was kept by those who wanted to emulate the sleeping chambers of royalty.

Function

Most bed canopies in use today are mainly for aesthetics. They add another dimension of décor to the bedroom and a smashing touch surrounding the bed. Others, like those made of netting and used in tropical climates, are to keep out mosquitoes and other pests while folks are sleeping. Heavy, opaque canopies can also serve to keep out the glaring morning light or afford some privacy to those in bed.

Types

Bed canopies come in a wide range of styles. Circular canopies are attached by a ring that hangs above the bed. Four-poster canopies are attached in a rectangular shape that follows the same shape of the bed. Other canopies have no set shape per se, but are draped from the ceiling or wall to the top of a raised bed frame or hoisted on rods above the bed. Canopies can hang down completely to the floor, drape low enough to meet the mattress or come nowhere near the bed but add a festive touch above it.

Features

Many materials are used to create bed canopies. Mesh, netting and tulle are very popular because they add a dreamy touch without being overbearing. Those going for the princess look would opt for these lighter fabrics. Heavier velvet, thick cotton and brocade canopies add a royal touch. Specialized canopies, such as those fashioned as a sporty tent or resembling the top of an arena, are other choices especially well-suited for a kid's room.

Considerations

While many bed canopies are made by draping some type of fabric on a frame above the bed, that is not the only way to create a bed canopy. A four-poster bed made from heavy wood can feature a canopy that is basically a rooftop over the bed. The ceiling of this piece can be made of wood slats, mirrors or even be used to display large artwork. The same idea can be put into play with a frame created from wrought iron, wicker or even decorative glass, as long as the materials are thick enough to avoid breakage by an accidental kick in the middle of the night.

Tags: About Canopies, canopies also, canopies attached, medieval times, same idea