Three Types Of Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

Posted on June 9, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

One of the decisions you have to make when considering outdoor kitchen designs is deciding which type of cabinetry you are going to use. There are several different types of outdoor kitchen cabinets, and in this article we will focus on the three most popular types. Keep in mind that the kind of cabinets you want will impact not only the look of the outdoor kitchen but also the overall price tag of the project.

The first type of outdoor cabinet we will talk about here are polymer cabinets. Many people like these because they are virtually weatherproof and can be ordered in pretty much any color you can think of. Another big positive of these cabinets is that they can be ordered in components and pieced together. Because of this you can have any combination of door, drawers, or shelves that you want. This also means you can build your outdoor kitchen to fit any space rather than a standard size opening. Possibly drawbacks for some people are the price, as these cabinets are not cheap, as well as the fact that polymer cabinets do not have an outdoors look to them. They look a lot like your indoor kitchen cabinets. That appeals to some people, but some people like the look of something that matches the outside of their home.

That brings us to masonry cabinets. There are different versions of this type of cabinet. Some people specialize in building the cabinets out of concrete block, while others will built a mold and pour concrete to the specifications you want. The biggest strength of this choice is, well, the strength of the cabinets! they are built like your home is built so they are very strong and will last many years. In addition to that, this type of cabinet looks like it was built as part of your home rather than as an added afterthought. The other drawback is the lack of internal shelves and drawers. Typically, stainless steel components are used as drawers and shelves. While they look great and function fine, they are not cheap. This can mean this type of outdoor kitchen costs you more than some others.

The third type of cabinets used in outdoor kitchens are stainless steel cabinets. This is a very niche type of choice, because while some people absolutely love them, some people cannot stand them. Stainless scratches very easily and shows fingerprints easy as well. This type of cabinet looks great when all shined up, but needs a lot of maintenance and care to keep it looking new. this is probably the most high maintenance of all outdoor cabinet choices.

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How to Refinish a Writing Desk

Posted on June 8, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

If you are not such an accomplished handyman, yet you still would like the satisfaction of making your own writing desk, one option open to you is to buy the un-assembled pieces and put them together. Another option that requires a little more work,  but that perhaps would be a little more satisfying to some is to buy an old desk and refinish it.

Old writing desks are usually fairly easy to find at second hand furniture shops or at garage sales. If you let the word spread that you are interested in acquiring one, oftentimes friends or relatives will be able to put you in touch with someone who has one too.

The first thing to decide is where you are going to work on the project. You need a place where you can leave the desk and your tools and brushes out, as it will need time to dry between applications of stain and varnish. The garage is often a great place to work, or a spare bedroom or even a garden shed if you have one on your property. It will need to be under cover, unless you are sure that it will not rain during the time you are working on it.

Your first step, once you have the writing desk, is to sand it down to strip off all of the old varnish and stain. This is best accomplished using an electric sander and fine sandpaper to strip the stain or paint off. If you do not have an electric sander just do it by hand, it will take longer of course but it does just as good a job as using an electric sander.

After you have finished your first (and any subsequent) sanding, wipe off the piece of furniture with a damp rag so that it is clean and dust free. Once it is clean from dust and sand you should apply your first coat of stain. This is usually best applied with a brush although you can even apply it with a rag if there are places you cannot get to properly with a brush.  Follow the instructions on the stain regarding how long to leave it before applying your second and further coats. When you have arrived at the appearance you want it is time to finish up with a final layer of varnish which can be either brushed on or sprayed on.

If you do not want to go to all the trouble of first sanding down the writing desk you could also look into the possibility of buying an unfinished desk. All you would need to do with that desk is the staining and varnishing, to accomplish the same purpose.

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Portable Wardrobes are Finding Homes in People’s Homes

Posted on June 8, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

Portable wardrobes were previously only confined to the camping world that used them to store clothes whilst camping out in the wild. Slowly over the years they have eventually made their way into most households due to their practical, versatile and easy use.

They come in many different sizes; the small portable wardrobe will be already assembled and flat packed so all you have to do is open it out. Bigger size portable wardrobes are also easy to assemble though, gone are the days of flat packed wardrobes that read like a jigsaw puzzle to try and assemble it.

The portables wardrobe, otherwise known as a stand alone closet, has proven to be useful in rooms that struggle for space. Inserting a normal wardrobe could take up most of the room however rolling doors and flexible sizes solve the problem of a lack of space. Shelves and hangers that can be re-arranged also make the best use of a small amount of space. Different designs and sizes of portable wardrobes mean that within minutes a cluttered room can look spacious and clean.

Many people who are constantly on the move take advantage of portable wardrobes. Students studying away from home for a six month period will find the wardrobe fits in easily to their new dorms. Sales reps in another town for a week can still look smart and professional without packing an iron.

Holiday makers eager to keep their clothes looking freshly pressed and clean can set it up in a hotel room which lacks wardrobe or cupboard space. House owners in between moves delight in unrolling their wardrobe and then packing it into their suitcase when they are ready to move on again.

Portable wardrobes are not only useful for travelers though. If you have a cluttered room then investing in a portable wardrobe means a perfect place to store books, games, personal possessions or a large collection of DVD’s. Decluttering your room has never been so easy.

All portable wardrobes are also made from canvas so in the event of it looking dirty, simply take it off the steel poles and pop it into the washing machine. Mesh panels inserted into the exterior ensure fresh clean smelling clothes and items at all times. A wide range of colors and materials on offer also mean a wardrobe can fit in straight away with any color scheme and blend into the background.

Prices for a portable wardrobe start from as little as 30 dollars so if you need to be on the move or are looking to declutter and reorganize a portable wardrobe is definitely the option for you.

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Some Leather Tub Chair Thoughts

Posted on June 8, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

As far as seating arrangements are concerned, leather tub chairs have marked their place as an excellent way for seating. Not only are they built well, but they also provide utmost comfort and an exclusive feel of luxury. For the same reason, leather has been put into use for the making of such comfy chairs. On hearing the name one might get an impression of a chair for the bathtub. This is completely untrue. People should know that the way it got its name was because of the style and design inspired from the traditional bath tubs.

Tub chairs are ideal for seating in office or residential areas that are furnished well. A few things are taken into consideration when making tub chairs, especially elegance and the comfort of the person who will be using it. A couple of these chairs form an ideal match with a side-table placed between both of them. A tub chair can be used in places where comfort is of utmost importance like libraries, the office, living rooms, the home or conference rooms etc.

Usually, two high sides scoop out of the chair along with a back in a continuous manner. There are a wide array of colors and different kinds of materials for these chairs. However, most people would choose tub chairs in black leather, provided expense is no issue. Tub chairs fashioned in black leather have always been a favorite because of their attractive look and unmatchable beauty. Look out for certain things before you purchase one. Chairs made using inferior quality materials may not last long, and someone who has already bought a low quality knockoff may regret the choice later on.

Qualities of different types of leather differ from each other. So it is a must to take into consideration the quality of the leather used in the production process. Leather furniture made with top-grain and full-grain are the two types by which leather furniture is typically made. A full-grain made leather product is much better than one made from top-grain. A top-grain leather product is sanded so much that it is extended as much as possible making it less durable. Manipulations are not done much on full-grain leather. Due to the many manipulations done on top-grain leather, there is a great reduction in the durability of the leather, unlike the full-grain leather. Top-grain leather cannot withstand rough use and a lot of wear and tear over a long period of time. Also, due to the thin nature of the top-grain leather, cracks tend to develop in a short period of time.

The above things are not all; some more things need to be taken into consideration. One of them is the quality of the stitching. The leather will keep its new appearance for a longer time if stitched properly. Good quality leather becomes more attractive over time.

People who cannot afford chairs crafted from genuine leather shouldn’t dismay as there may well indeed be other options out there for them. Such as tub chairs made up of faux leather. People who want to be seated in a comfortable manner and feel relaxed can buy a tub chair while not breaking the bank can certainly try a faux leather tub chair. Any way you go, they are cool comfy chairs to have at your disposal.

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Outdoor Patio Lighting options

Posted on June 8, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

If you spend a lot of time on your patio than you might want to install patio lighting for your own convenience. Lighting will allow you to set the right mood and increase your visionary when it starts to get dark. In this way you can still enjoy long summer evenings on your patio because the light allows you to read a book, zip on your martini and enjoy your company. Most people will mount a basic wall light fixture that emits a very bright light but luckily this is not your only option to consider. But you don’t have to limit yourself with these basic lighting fixtures because there are many more options available.

Umbrella lighting

An umbrella is mostly used to block the sunlight when it is too hot but it is also a good method to keep the heat on your patio when it starts to cool down later on the day. Nowadays you can find patio umbrella’s with pre- installed string lights attached to the design. Most often these string lights are solar powered and a solar collector is placed on top of the umbrella. Umbrella integrated string lights are a very popular option but when you compare them to the alternative they are a bit high priced.  The alternative is to buy the string lights yourself and hang them on your umbrella. If you like straight designs than you should probably go for integrated string lights but if you like to create a nice ambiance than choosing your own string lights might be a better idea.

Outdoor lanterns

Lanters are always a great outdoor lighting option because they are flexible and versatile. You can use them as a table lamp or place them on the ground and you can carry them to every spot you like. They come in all kinds of designs so their is something in it for everyone. If you like a straight design than rustic lanterns are probably the way to go but if you look cool light effects than you should definitely look in to Moroccan lanterns instead.

Torches

In a strange way people are always attracted to light and that is probably the reason why we like torches. Torches are cheap and you can stick them in to the ground on every spot you like. If you use them right then they are very safe to use and fun to watch at. There is no other lighting fixture that will set a romantic setting like a bamboo torch or a Tiki torch.

These are only a few options to consider and off course there are much more lighting options for your patio. If you are interested than please visit outdoorlightinglamps.com for more patio lighting tips.

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Lovesac: The Brand-New Bean Bag Chairs

Posted on June 7, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

For a long time, bean bag chairs evoked images of college students and aging hippies. But these chairs have really evolved over the last decade from a lumpy, uncomfortable bag made of leather or pleather that you sat on the floor to more unique, attractive pieces of furniture, made with micro suede covers and shredded foam interiors.  Available in many sizes, styles, fabrics, and colors you can find a bean chair to fit almost any room or décor. Many are also sold with a removable cover which allows the owner to remove and wash the cover separately or replace the cover for a new look without purchasing a whole new bag. These bean bags are often referred to as a ‘lovesac‘, so called after the most famous, yet overly priced brand name foam bag that is available online and at certain retail outlets around the U.S.

The type and color of bag you purchase will heavily depend on your personal style and they type of room it will be used in. In a family room or casual living room, a great option may be a suede or leather chair in muted colors that coordinate with other furniture. You might also go with the large 8’ size to sit multiple people. For a kid’s room, the sky is the limit when it comes to bean bags. There are many various fabric choices including vinyl, fur and cotton. The colors can be anything your child can dream up from hot-pink to aqua blue to tie-dye; from sports teams to shapes of the ball used in their favorite sport. There is a bean bag for every kid.

These type of chairs are also available in several sizes, for a child a small bag will be most comfortable. For an adult a large chair would fit best. There are even extra large bags that will comfortably seat two people. This is great for snuggling up with a loved one or for reading together with your children. Because these chairs are usually filled with foam, they are super light and easy to move out of the way when not in use. These are great, fun chairs that can suit almost any home and any taste. Take a look online to find the perfect bean bag furniture for your family. For every taste and desire there is sure to be a bean bag chair sofa that will fit your home.

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How to Get the Best Flames from Gas Fire Pits

Posted on June 7, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

Gas fire pits, portable or fixed, are wonderful additions to the home’s patios, backyard or front yard. The fire pit is designed either as an additional appliance for outdoor cooking, or as a unique feature of the house’s exterior design or both. But for whatever purpose a fire pit is added, one of the very basic things that must be considered before purchasing or during installation of the gas-fired pit is quality of flame it will produce.

A gas fire pit that doesn’t give off enough heat or fire is useless but too much of it is also dangerous. The reality that not all fire pits are crated equal may lead you the question of how to get the best flames from your fire pit. The answer is: If you are not an expert in fire pit installation, you should leave the assessment to professionals who are expert authorities in gas fire pit installations.

But to give you an idea if the man you have is a real expert, you too must equip yourself with information to be able to check on him or relate to him in case some problem would come up.

The most vital information you need to know and should be calculated by the installation guy is the size of the fuel line required for your fire pit. The things considered in the calculation for the gas line diameter is the heat energy of your fuel source (for natural gas fuel and liquefied petroleum gas or LPG, the maximum heat energy that can be reached is 300 000 BTU), length of the pipe from the fuel tank source to the fire pit’s ring, geographical altitude, and gas pressure.

Note that correct estimate of the gas pipe size will give you a good flame performance. Choose a fire ring for your gas fire pit that has a distinct shape like animals, birds, or flower or anything other than the common circular fire rings. It will enhance the form of the flames and give you the full satisfaction that gas fire pits can give.

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Bulk Wood Pellets are the Cheapest Way to Heat a House

Posted on June 7, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

Before you know it, it is going to be fall again and that is followed by a winter.It seems that because of the climate change, the winters are getting colder and colder by each passing year. That means that you are going to be spending a whole lot of more money in heating your house. To be honest, there is no cheap way of heating a house. There are expensive and less expensive ways, but not a single way that can be seriously called cheap. Electric heating as you know is  the most expensive kind there is. Sure there are better heaters that are filled with an vegetable oil that keeps the heat for longer, but it is still costly to heat a house with electricity. What if the electricity is cut? It is something that happens quite often in winter storm. What do you do? The only thing you can do is wear more clothes and wait for the electricity turn back on and the electricity can be out for days. Good luck on not freezing

A heating system that relies on natural gas is also vulnerable. Not only can the gas run out, but it can leak and poison the air inside a house, suffocating everyone. Or in the worse case the gas can explode and blow up the house killing everyone inside, which actually happens every now and then. A heat source that can kill you any second, sounds quite unsafe. Burning wood in a fire place can keep the house can keep place warm for days. The problem is that if you don’t own a forest, then the chances of getting cheap wood are almost zero. Even if you own a forest, you still need cut down the trees and chop the wood and let it dry. Not easy task I can assure you. The least expensive way to heat a house is using bulk wood pellets. They are made of sawdust that is left over from sawmills, which keeps the price down. They are also more dry that wood and because the are pressed, they are even more dense, so they burn for longer and they take up less space. And when you buy them in bulk, you can save a ton of money. Just order bulk wood pellets for the whole winter. That way you will never run out of heat and your house will be warm.

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A DIY uPVC Conservatory

Posted on June 6, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

When you need to add additional space to your home and you want to capture that open air feel to the area then you should consider adding a conservatory as that new addition. To add a totally relaxing and peaceful space with the feel of a sunroom, allowing in a lot of sunlight and giving you a clear view of the surrounding outdoor area, then a upvc conservatory is just the ticket. If you are not the type of person who relishes the quite personal time or relaxing with family but instead the on the go type with a green thumb then you will find the area just the thing for growing your vegetables or cultivating your other plants.

For those who decide to go the DIY route there will be several choices that will have to be made. The building of conservatories is a bit more complicated than just adding a door or replacing a few windows.

While you are still in the design stages before you start actual construction, you will have to decide if you want to do this by yourself or if you want to hire local contractors for parts of the job or maybe the whole job. The best way to hire a contractor is to shop around until you find one that you feel comfortable working with. Make sure that this person or company has a good reputation and is competent and has the proper licensees.

You need to make sure that the proper permits are obtain either by the contractor or by you, After all if the proper permit is not obtained the new construction my have to be torn down or fines paid.

The rest of your time will be spent on your choices. Make sure that the contractor gets the right material for your choice of color and finish. There are quite a few choices in what shape you want and the function of your conservatory. From a simple Lean to Conservatory, or maybe a Victorian or gull wing, there are several choices in floor plans, making it possible to extend the design of the interior of your home into what will feel like the outdoors.

If you have an idea in mind for what you expect to see in this space then a DIY upvc conservatory just might be what you need to fulfill those dreams. Just make sure that you and your vendor are both working together to accomplish what is needed to get your dream.

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Reputable Places to Purchase Shower Panels

Posted on June 6, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

Easy to install, affordable, stylish, and efficient, these are just some of the outstanding characteristics of the very popular shower panels. Many manufacturers are now producing these magnificent bathroom fixtures. Shower panel units now come in myriads of styles, designs, features, colors, materials, and sizes. They are also available in pre-made and custom-made varieties. Of course, custom-made panels are much expensive as compared to the pre-made variety but you will be guaranteed that the unit will be able to match your exact requirements.

Many online shopping sites are now offering an expansive collection of varying types of shower and plumbing fixtures. Some manufacturers even have their own site where you can directly order a particular model that they produce.

To help you find the shower panel that will complement your bathroom’s design scheme, here is a list of some credible sites that you should take time to visit.

The Factory Outlet

This site offers a great line of stylish and elegant shower panels of varying designs, styles, and colors. The great thing about this site is that they offer free shipping which means that you will not incur extra cost when you order the unit. Apart from that, they showcase shower panel units that are made by varying reputable manufacturers such as Dreamline, Pulse, and Aqua Felena. Their products are sorted according to the manufacturing company that produced them. Aside from the shower panel units, factory outlet also sells a wide range of bathroom, home, and kitchen products.

Faucet Direct

This great site features an array of high-quality and top-class models of shower panel units. Like the factory outlet, Faucet Direct also offers free shipping of purchased products. They sell different types of shower panels, as well as stylish plumbing accessories and other home fixtures. Prices of shower panel units sold in this site can range from as low as $500 up to $6,000 or more.

Gllon Luxury Shower

If you are looking for distinct, functional and attractive designs of shower panels, then do not forget to drop by this site. Gllon.com offers a comprehensive collection of unique shower panel units that are jam-packed with superb features like led light, diverter, and shower brackets. They offer varying types of panels including those made from aluminum, teak, glass and acrylic.

In addition to these great websites you can also look at your local home improvement or design store. Many large companies like the Home Depot have design studios where you can select the latest designs for upscale homes.

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