Do you live on property with fantastic natural views around it? Do you have a well-tended garden outside your home that you would like to see more often each day but the weather doesn’t permit you to do so? It’s high time you invested in a sunroom addition to your home.

Why spend on a sunroom addition for one of the sides of your house? The first reason that comes to mind is the beauty of a sunroom. True, it’s not as essential as the kitchen or the bedroom, but we all secretly wish we had a sunroom addition to our homes.

A sunroom adds sophisticated charm to your home’s overall look. It’s a great place for family gatherings and informal parties, and after building one you’ll find your neighbors and friends coming over more often. Whether it’s daytime or nighttime, you’ll find yourself gravitating towards this room.

In the day, the sunroom will serve as a comfortable extension between the garden or patio outside and your house’s core. While staying in the sunroom, you can appreciate the pretty colors of your garden in bloom while being protected by harsh UV rays.

You can also enjoy hot coffee or chocolate during rainy days while lounging in your home’s sunroom addition. At night, you and your friends or family members can sit in comfortable lounge chairs and do some stargazing. It’s like being in a camping trip without experiencing the nasty insect bites or a sudden downpour!

Did you also know that a sunroom addition can vastly improve your health? It may sound far-fetched, but all individuals need a little bit of sunshine for Vitamin D to be produced in their bodies. A deficiency in this vitamin gives rise to rickets and weak bones.

Having a sunroom addition would help you bask in the morning sun for several more hours a day because the temperature in it is controlled and the glass is tempered to deter the glare from the sun’s strong rays.

If you are bent on working on a sunroom addition to a certain wing of your house, then you can either choose to hire a contractor to do the job for you or purchase a DIY kit which contains the tools necessary to construct your own sunroom.

There are various models available for DIYers, but choose one in the basic design you have in mind. Compare prices on the Internet and see what features you’re getting with each kit. Doing the sunroom addition project yourself can save you hundreds of dollars which you can use to buy furniture for your new room.

If you’re not yet confident that you can build a sunroom addition on your own, it’s always best to find a contractor, preferably one who has been tried and tested by a friend or relative. Otherwise, you can look through the yellow pages or the Web but make a few checks just to be assured that they have a good reputation in the business.

There is little doubt that more people are getting interested in renewable energy sources to provide the energy needs both in their homes and portably. One such system that fits into this category is solar power. This article will cover the pros and cons of using solar power.

Solar thermal and light energy can be used to provide our homes with power. Solar light energy is used in many portable devices. A major advantage of such systems is that they are clean systems. The energy comes from the sun, so there is no need to excavate and process the raw materials to create a usable energy resource.

Using such systems also cuts down on pollution. It does not contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions. It does not pollute the water supply.

Solar power systems can be expected to last a long time. They are tough-wearing and sturdy. They have to be built to last so that owners can recoup their investments. It turns out that solar power systems last much longer than that.

The costs for maintaining a solar power system are very low. Some components of the system may last decades without any maintenance at all. Solar panels are often warranted to maintain 80% of their efficiency for up to 25 years. Other parts will need to be replaced sooner, but if all goes well there should be no maintenance costs at all for the first five years.

A solar power system is neither too dangerous nor too complicated for most people to run. It requires no supervision from the government or any other agency because it poses no risks. The cost of running the systems is also very low.

There are certainly a few negative aspects of using solar power. Before consumers can have any solar power, they have to make a large investment on the equipment and installation. They will make up this investment over the life of the solar power system but this large up front sum can deter many people. There are more grants and incentives being introduced to minimize this deterrent to getting solar energy.

However the biggest issue with solar power is it’s reliability. Ideally you need a location that gets plenty of sun throughout the year. If you get plenty of cloudy days then your supply may be interrupted or decreased. And it doesn’t work at night. There are ways round this, like storing power in batteries or having a back up system however reliability will always be an issue until solar cells can be made more efficient.

To this extent, many governments are not keen on large scale solar energy plants to power towns and cities and see nuclear power as a better option because it is viewed as more reliable (which many people may dispute).

Given that efficiency of solar cells should increase and the costs will come down, it makes a lot of sense to get a solar panel for your home. There should be a fall back system because of the reliability issue. Most people go for a grid tie system whereby they keep grid power and sell their solar power to the utility company, thus getting a discount or cheaper utility bills. This is a stress free way of using solar power.

The Umbrella clothesline or Rotary clothesline as it is also known was invented to save space in people’s gardens when they were drying their laundry or washing.

The traditional clothesline of a piece of string tied between two poles took up the whole garden, getting in the way of activities and yet had hardly any space to hang clothes on. The umbrella clothesline, was a revolution for the garden. It takes up a tiny amount of space but provides meters and meters of actual line space to hang washing to dry. Some umbrella clotheslines have as much as 40 meters of line space, looped round and round the umbrella poles to ensure a big families washing can fit on.

Modern umbrella clotheslines even fold up when not in use and can even be easily taken out of the ground to make room for games like backyard cricket, for the kids to run around in safely or to host parties or barbeque’s.

Now they even come with rotary clothesline covers so they can be turned into giant umbrella’s to protect you from the sun. When they haven’t got clothes on them garden furniture can even be placed underneath! Or alternatively umbrella clotheslines double as a shady spot for kids to play underneath.

Waterproof clothesline covers can even be used in the rain, ensuring it really is an umbrella clothesline so no body needs to use an electric drier, no matter what the weather.

Umbrella clotheslines are a much better way of drying your clothes than using an electric drier. For one thing, they don’t cost anything on the electricity bill meaning everyone has the potential to save money, or to spend it on something much more enjoyable.

Save the planet too, because umbrella clotheslines use no natural resources other than the suns energy rays while drying clothes: unlike electric driers, which use more electricity than any other household appliance.

A number of key points why umbrella clotheslines are becoming more popular are,

* Clothes dried on a clothesline smell lovely and fresh from being dried naturally outside.

* Creases drop out of clothes when hung to dry so there may be no need to iron most clothes anymore.

*An electric drier is unkind to clothes, it fades them, and stretches or shrinks the fabric and sets stains permanently. As clothes dry gently on an umbrella clothesline, no harm will come to them!

It is much more enjoyable to stand in the sunshine hanging clothes out than it is to stand in a stuffy room, crouching down stuffing fabric into a machine. Get outside, enjoy your garden and become more eco-friendly at the same time!

Many individuals are starting to recognize the benefits of solar greenhouses. A greenhouse is a structure that is composed of either a plastic type material or glass. Generally, the sides of this structure implement the use of the same type of material. A standard greenhouse will pull in the sunlight so that the plants may be kept warm. A solar greenhouse is a bit different in that it actually pulls in the sunlight and the heat to keep growing conditions at a regulative temperature – even when the sun is not shining, but when the sky is cloudy and overcast. These agriculture structures are designed to grow plants all year long. Here, you will learn the various benefits associated with greenhouses that are considered to be “solar”.

As you explore the solar greenhouses, you will notice that there are some distinct characteristics that make them stand apart. First, the solar type of greenhouse is insulated heavily to ensure that all of the heat that enters the structure is maintained – regardless of the external weather conditions. Whereas basic plastics are used to construct a standard greenhouse, special glass and plastics are used in solar greenhouses. These materials are designed to withhold the heat. They store heat so that it can be used over and over again. This is beneficial in that it allows the materials to maintain an environment that has a constant, not fluctuating temperature. These units also have a ventilation system that allows the proper distribution of air within the structure.

There are many different styles and sizes associated with the solar greenhouse. These units can be used commercially, or privately. For example, an “attached” unit can be purchased and placed near a home. These are ideal for basic herb gardens and even small vegetable gardens. “Freestanding” units are relatively large and are most commonly seen on commercial properties. You can find these in a shed-like building or a Quonset. If a shed structure is used, special care must be placed in the setup. This is because there is generally one side that contains more insulation than the other sides and it must come in direct contact with the sun at all times.

When you take a look at the “freestanding” solar greenhouse, you will find that these are often round in shape. There is no extra padding as far as insulation is concerned; however, the unique design allows all of the plant life within the structure to actually receive a proper amount of lighting. The circular shape allows the light and heat to be distributed evenly within the structure. Instead of maximizing the light and power of the sun, this type of structure works to optimize the heat that surrounds the unit so that it is maximized and evenly distributed.

In conclusion, solar greenhouses can prove to be extremely beneficial when it comes to growing plants and other types of plant life. These units can be used either in a commercial manner or in a private sector. Simply by harnessing the power of the sun, these units can and will keep a steady and appropriate ventilation system, along with an even distribution of heat and sunlight. You can implement the use of these greenhouses on a year – round basis. If you want to harness the power of the sun, a solar greenhouse is the way to go!

How To Install Formica Counter tops

First, prepare the surface to accept the laminate plastic:

The best material for this job is plastic laminate 1/16″ thick for the flat surfaces. For the vertical surfaces, 1/32″ thick can be used. Sanding and cleaning the surface that you are covering is very important. Make sure you remove any paint or varnish. The counter top you are covering is probably made of strong particle board, but standard particle board and even plywood are fine as underlayment for plastic laminates.

Next, cut the laminated plastic:

Using a circular saw, a saber saw, a back saw or a utility knife, cut the laminate material. Make sure the saw blade is very fine toothed. Place a strip of tape (masking tape or duct tape) along line to be cut on the laminate to stop chipping and to have a line that is easier to see.

If you are using a power saw, cut on the reverse side of the laminate. Since these types of saws cut on the upstroke, cutting from the back will prevent chipping. If use a hand saw, you can cut from the front at a low angle. Make sure you cut the sheets a little wider and longer than you need to allow for trimming.

Then, apply the laminate plastic:

It is recommended that you apply the laminate with contact cement, although you can use epoxy adhesives. Using coarse sandpaper, roughen the surface to be covered. Lightly brush off the residue, or better yet, use an air compressor to blow it off. Be very careful when you lay the sheets. It is important to know that 50 to 75% of the bonding strength of the cement is present in the first contact, so you have to make sure the pieces are accurately positioned before you put them down. On vertical surfaces, you can position the sheets directly on the surface without using any wooden strips or paper.

Now, finish the job:

Once the laminate is positioned correctly, take the dowel rods out one at a time as you bond the two pieces together Using a roller, press down the laminate sheets you have just laid down. Roll the whole surface thoroughly to get rid of any pockets of air and to assure that the plastic sheet is very strongly attached to the surface at all the points of the sheet. If you have a large surface and one piece is not large enough, you will have to make a seam. First, bond the two pieces into place. To finish off the edges, clean the base of the router so that anything stuck on the base will not scratch the laminate. You can usually remove any small debris with a piece of tape and don’t need power tools and table for such trivial tasks. Remove any surplus contact cement with acetone. Ordinary polish remover for nails can be used if you do not have acetone.

How to build a shower pan is an interesting topic, especially if you have a leaky shower.

When I noticed a wet spot on the bedroom floor next to the shower, I knew I was in trouble. I hadn’t notice that the grout had deteriorated at the bottom of the shower. A trip under the house confirmed the leaks and damage to the floor under the shower. I paid close attention when Mr. Davis finally got there, because it looked like this would be an interesting do-it yourself project.

After watching the whole job, I still think a handy person can learn how to build a shower pan.

Here’s how you do it.

Repair damage.

Damage is usually to the sub floor below and around the shower pan. Remove rotted material and replace it. If water has damaged walls or ceilings in floors below, you could be looking at big repair bills. Avoiding these problems is why you want the job done right.

Install the drain base.

Tile floors are not water-proof. The mortar that’s exposed to water absorbs some water. If you don’t mix the mortar properly, it will crumble and fail. Install the drain properly so whatever water weeps
into the mortar finds the drain. Now rough in the drain base.

Build a sloped mortar base.

Build your slope in here. The slope moves all the water to the drain preventing standing water. Build a two inch thick base that sloping to the drain. Let this bed cure before the next step.

Install the shower floor pan liner membrane and drain top.

A flexible, waterproof membrane goes over the mortar base. The membrane is a rubber-like material that’s waterproof. The membrane goes up the sides of the wall a few inches. One of the tricks is properly folding the liner in the corners.

Install the top mortar bed.

A second mortar bed is installed over the liner and reinforced with wire.

Build the threshold.

Build any threshold forms and pour mortar mix to establish the correct shape.

Install tile.

After the second coat of mortar cures, install a coat of thinset. Then install tile. Let thinset cure then grout.

Shower floor pan tricks.

There are several places to make mistakes and many questions can come up.

• Like how do you build the threshold?
• How do you get the right amount of fall in the floor?
• How is the pan attached to the drain?
• What kind of mud is best and how do you mix it?
• How do you get the liner in the corners?
• How do you run the pan up the walls?

Have you ever known anyone that collects wine bottles? While there are many beautifully shaped and colorful wine bottles, there does not seem to be many uses for them once the alcohol is consumed. People have been known to use the wine bottles as candleholders; the candle wax melting down the sides of the bottles make for a very unique indoor decoration. Often people just collect the bottles and add them to their shelves. In this case the bottles are more like dust collectors.

One great idea for empty wine bottles is to use them to create an outdoor garden fountain. Not only will you be creating an uplifting and almost spiritual design, but also you will be helping Mother Earth by recycling what otherwise would be a dumpster contribution.

The Basics

In order to create a wine bottle garden fountain you must first decide on where you want to dig the hole that will accommodate a minimum of 18 bottles, a spray fountainhead, water pump, a sump, rocks, bricks and some pavers. All of your materials are going to be submerged.

The wine bottles will be turned upside down so that the bottoms are at the top. You want to find traditional wine bottles in a variety of colors, as their bottoms are concave. The dipped bottoms catch the water as it sprays from the fountainhead and create magical, tiny, colorful pools. The reflection from the tiny pools that this creates in the sunlight is spectacular and inspiring.

Your water fountain will be circular as the bottles dictate an automatic circle design when put together. Start with a six-bottle core and then each ring after that will double your need for wine bottles (i.e.: six for the core, 12 for the second ring and if you desire a larger garden fountain you will need 24 bottles for the third ring). The first six bottles will be strapped around the rainwater pipe held together with waterproof tape. Be careful when handling the bottles, as the sheer weight of them will make them difficult to carry. Use goggles or protective eyewear when working with glass.

Basically, you want to cover the hole with plastic sheeting to ensure proper drainage. You will then fill the plastic lined hole with bricks to hold the bottles in place, the submersible water pump, armored piping to channel the wiring under the lawn or pavers and small cobblestones and gravel to arrange around the bottles, serving as more support. The spray nozzle fountainhead will obviously rise above in the center. After you arrange some larger, decorative rocks atop the fountain to hide all the hardware, you will finally add the pavers to hold everything in place and hide the plastic sheeting.

You will want to consult with a home and garden center expert if you have any questions about the specifics on setting up your wine bottle garden fountain. You may also do some research online for specific instructions as well as thumb through any fountain project literature.

Delightful Sight

Indeed, the combination of colorful wine bottles, decorative, smooth, river rock and cement pavers is a magical sight. Wine bottle garden water fountains lend themselves well to many different themed gardens. It is a definitely conversational piece as you can talk about how you were able to collect each wine bottle and how you are proud of your recycling efforts. Wine bottle spray water fountains are beautiful and eco-friendly.

One of the most frustrating tings about being a homeowner is in not knowing how to make use of all the space is wasted in the corners of every room. Most of us settle for putting a chair with its back diagonally to the corner, or sticking a tall plant there, or maybe even a lamp if there is an electrical outlet nearby. Corner space, however, usually remains wasted space.

But furniture makers have finally devised a solution to the corner space dilemma in the form of corner cabinets. These diagonally backed corner cabinets will slide right into any corner, and are ideal for use as television cabinets. They allow you to place your TV within everyone’s line of sight without having it protrude out from the wall. And corner cabinets make terrific dining area hutches; you can even have two matching hutches in on dining room, doubling both their visual impact and your storage capacity.

Makers Of Corner Cabinets

Corner cabinets range from those like the Homestyle Corner Buffet cabinet sold at discount stores like Wal-Mart, which look attractive and can be ordered online if they are not available at your local retailer. This particular corner cabinet normally sells for a little over $200, and for the price is a very serviceable piece of furniture.

A more expensive, at $650, but truly eye-catching corner cabinet is the Howard Miller Curio Cabinet 680-385 Wakefield. This corner cabinet has a lot of display space, with illuminate glass shelves and a beveled glass front door. It also has large storage area, disguised as two drawers beneath he glass shelving. Constructed of hardwoods and hardwood veneers with an oak finish, it is ideal for rustic or Victorian decors.

For a truly unique corner cabinet, look at the selection from La Fuente Import Company. La Fuente Import Company designs a variety of corner cabinets, each of which is constructed from pinewood and cactus, a truly remarkable combination. La Fuente Import Company sells its corner cabinets either through a network of showrooms or on the Internet, and they are priced from just under $500.

While that price may seem a bit steep, consider the effort involve in incorporating cactus wood into the construction of the La Fuente corner cabinets, and the wow factor you’ll enjoy when you show off your new purchase to your family and friends.

Homestyle, Howard Miller, and La Fuente Imports are just three among dozens of companies which now manufacture corner cabinets, and a simple Internet search will direct you to their websites where you can find the showrooms nearest you which display their products. It won’t be much time at all before you have found the perfect corner cabinets to reclaim that much needed corner space in every room of your home!

Cabinet door hinges are one of the biggest afterthoughts in home design but they often get the biggest workout in the home. Nary an hour goes by that someone isn’t opening a cabinet somewhere in the home, whether it’s in the kitchen, pantry, bathroom or hallway.

Most simply make do with the hinges that came with the cabinet. Only when they begin to squeak and sway in complaint about their endless exercise do we give thought to changing them. And only then do we only change the offending hinge that has failed to do its duty tightly and quietly.
But changing out hinges can yield some exciting results in the home, particularly when they are visible hinges.

Because visible cabinet door hinges are, well, always visible, they become expected and common place over time. Eventually, you don’t even notice them anymore. At least until they become unhinged as noted above.

With just a few twists of a screw, you can replace all your visible hinges with new ones that can breathe fresh life into your once boring cabinet doors. For example, many hinges come in silver or brass. Why not change it up with deep black, hammered copper or cast wax molded versions of antique hinges. If you have a rustic feel in your kitchen, you can decorate H or HL hinges that make your cooking space look like a turn of the century country kitchen.

For something a little more European, consider adding Antique English Hinges. These H shaped steel cabinet door hinges have a very ornate finish to them that will add old world charm to your kitchen, bathroom or pantry area.

Ornamental hinges are another good choice for visible, or surface mounted cabinet door hinges. These come in a wide range of styles, including butterfly and Art Deco.

When selecting new hinges, you want to keep a few things in mind. First, what’s the style of your kitchen? Is it modern, traditional, country or retro? What kind do you have now and what hinges would not only look good, but also properly support the door so it doesn’t sag or even fail over the time. Too weak of hinges and you’ll always be straightening the door. This can become maddening very quickly.

If you have concealed hinges and want to move to surface mounted cabinet hinges, chances are good that you’ll want to go with either semi-concealed hinges where only the frame wing is visible (the door part goes on the back side of the cabinet door), overlay hinges, or inset hinges. It just depends on the type cabinet doors you have.

One good hint: Before you redo all your hinges buy several different styles and finishes and put them on them in various parts of the kitchen. You can then get a sense of which works best for you from the standpoint of design and décor before going through the effort of replacing all the cabinet door hinges in the home.