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Saturday, March 21, 2009

Ways of Installing Marble Tiles


By yang xp
With some simple considerations, unacceptable marble tile installations can be avoided when certain types of marble tiles are selected. Selecting the right bonding material can be simple with the tile distributor or adhesive manufacturer and tile manufacturer. There are guidelines that will help you to eliminate installation problems and expensive errors.

Installing Natural Marble - they are cut to the narrowest thickness that can be polished, handled, shipped, package, and installed without breakage, when marble tiles are produced. In this manner of cutting the marbles it produced the most tiles from a block of marbles, which make the costs lower and more available. To produce a satisfactory fitting or installation, these thin cut can rely on proper bonding materials.

Natural Marbles Tiles bonding red, green, and black colored - These are the marble tiles that include definite materials that blister, soften, curl or swell when it come in contact with moisture or water. All black marbles, some green and certain red marbles are usually water sensitive. If the tile is water and moisture sensitive, it is always best to ask the marble manufacturer in order for you to know, so you can avoid water spill with your marble tiles. Of course, if you use marble tile with your flooring, you want to see to it that you are taking care of it to prevent it from damage.

Bonding Fiber Reinforced Resin-Backed Marble Tile - Cut of tile that very thin but are unbreakable with fiber mesh and resin coating at 1/32" - 1/16" thickness. These resin-back coated tiles have a very nonporous and inert bond surface that requires the extra bond strength of custom's 100% Solids Epoxy Mortar in order to install it properly.

Avoiding Discolored Marble Tile and Tile Edges - When cutting the marble, it requires an installation that is more complicated or involves a decorative design pattern. To make the custom cuts in the tiles, use the cutting saw. It requires a liquid to cool the cutting blade. Normally this liquid is water. The cooling water or liquid will build up fine grindings or particles with the cutting saw to be used. Staining of certain tile pieces or tile edges can occur, when the marble tiles are being cut by a single saw. When different colored tiles are to be cut on a single saw, this can be avoided by cleaning the saw to assure that dirt and debris were removed.

As soon as the marble tiles were installed properly at your flooring, you will be amazed with the beauty that these tiles can bring your home. Since these tiles can add up to the beauty of your home, it is just right to maintain it and take good are of it. Keep it away from acidic substances and water spill to avoid stains.



About the author:
yuxiang granite tile,mosaic tile and marble tile
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Friday, March 20, 2009

Build a Redwood Fence In Five Easy Steps


By Lori Smith
Fences are built for many reasons. Fences keep children or animals in the yard and define property lines. Fences also provide security and privacy, and complement other backyard amenities, like pools, spas and decks.

Redwood is often the material of choice for fences because it is durable, looks good, and resists warping, splitting and checking.

Many homeowners save money by building their own redwood fence. Fence building isn't difficult.

1. Designing the fence: Most redwood fences are variations of a simple post, rail and board design. The post and rail support structure is made of standard dimension lumber, while fence boards of different shapes and sizes give a fence its individual style.

2. Choosing quality materials: Most redwood fences are built with knot-textured "garden grades" of redwood. These rugged grades are economical and provide the best combination of performance and value. It is important to use noncorrosive nails and hardware to avoid unsightly stains.

3. Setting redwood posts: Setting posts is the most critical part of the job. They must be straight and evenly spaced, which requires patience and lots of measuring. Construction Heart grade redwood is the right choice for fence posts because it resists decay and insects.

4. Attaching redwood railings: Two or three horizontal rails run between the posts, depending on the fence height. Upper rails should rest on the tops of the posts for support. Bottom rails can be toe nailed into place, but the preferred method is to place a block underneath the joint for extra support. Use metal hardware, such as "L" brackets, to secure rails to posts.

5. Nailing redwood fence boards: Nailing the fence boards in place is the easiest and most satisfying part of building a fence. Near the ends of the board, predrill holes before nailing to avoid splitting. For fence boards four inches wide or less, use one nail per bearing. For wider fence boards, use two nails.
About the author:
Ron Roberts is a writer of TrueBlueContractors.com allows contractors to spend less money , give fewer estimates, and get more work.
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Thursday, March 19, 2009

Generators Make Life so Nice, and Not Just for the Other Guy


By MJ Marks
Generators come in all shapes and sizes and serve many different functions. Making electricity from a variety of energy sources with a generator is a wonderful thing. The power goes out, no problem, just fire up the generator and power is at the ready. Generators can produce electricity by converting mechanical energy from power sources like steam, water, wind, diesel, or gas. When the energy from these sources undergoes electromagnetic induction they turn into electrical energy using a motor.

The motor is what transforms the mechanical energy from those varying sources, all resulting in electricity. Basically, a conductor passes across a magnetic field producing voltage, that can then be used for powering your normal electric goodies.

There are many types of generators, but a typical type of generator is one that uses common gasoline. This type of generator uses a combustion engine, like those found in other small engine devices like lawn mowers.

It is possible to hook up large fuel supply tanks for extended use as needed. Generators are normally turned on by the standard pull cord method, or by a key and electronic ignition switch. Once on, the generator starts to do its job. They have regular electric receptacles for plugging in other devices: electronics, tools or small appliances.

Having a generator as a back-up power solution during times when the power goes out is a real convenience. It can even be an essential for some users who need certain medical devices to be powered without interruption. The high-end commercial type generators can be connected to a house for automatic backup. These units are the cream of the crop. They can be hard-wired right into your house. Not cheap, but certainly something to consider if you like the idea of never being without power and the conveniences that it provides.

Generators even come in portable configurations allowing power on the go. Think big RV. If you’ve ever been a lowly tent camper next to someone with a generator running you can understand what it is like to not only have to listen to a generator running, but also know what it is like to be a little jealous of the RVer enjoying the benefits that generators give. If you are like me, you may enjoy camping only if you are deprived of all sorts of creature comforts. You may even sort of disparage those who are able to enjoy all the comforts of home while they are out “roughing it.” You know what I mean. Air conditioning, microwaves, heaters, a tv, the cd player, hair dryers and electric shavers. I mean the list goes on and on.

There is a generator for virtually every possible need. Whether you need something portable that can be carried, something on wheels, or something that is fixed and wired in, you are sure to be able to find just what you need. Whether you need propane, gasoline, natural gas, or even a diesel generator, all are available. There are generators for home, work, commercial or recreational use - with a little looking around you will find the perfect one for you!
About the author:
MJ owns Blue Summit Articles and is a freelance writer for Click Shops, Inc., which offers a great selection of generators at www.generators.us.com.
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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Furniture fixes


Furniture fixes
The best way to give your home an instant facelift without spending a cent is by revamping and rearranging your furniture. Make what you have work for you. A colour scheme change can be made with very little expense by adding some throw cushions to the couch, or splashing some paint onto the walls, of course, but making the most of what you have saves cash and allows you to showcase what you have to its best advantage.

Also, you won’t have to risk increasing your home insurance premiums, or your home contents insurance, if you use what you have and don’t spend a fortune on brand new furniture.

Start by taking a long hard look at your home, and ask yourself which items of furniture look good, and which ones do not. If there are any items which you would prefer to toss out, then see if you can’t swap them with a friend or charity shop for something more suitable to the space.

If you have a large home or apartment you will find it fairly easy to rearrange the furniture, but if you have a small home you might have difficulty fitting in all the items you want or need in a room.

In the case of a larger home, make one of your favourite items of furniture or a bold accessory the centre of attention. In a smaller home, try this too, but smaller home call for a minimalistic look, to create the illusion of a larger space.

Take advantage of every item which you cherish, and make space for new items by tossing out, donating to charity, or passing to friend, all the old items and accessories you no longer care for. Remember to get a home insurance policy too, these policies are well worth the tiny cost every month.

Please note that Churchill does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of the article above.

About the Author: Get your current or new home and home contents covered with home insurance from Churchill. Visit www.churchill.com today for your low, low quote.
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

A Bit of Country in the Home


A Bit of Country in the Home
For many people, bringing a country style into the home is a decorating theme that evokes comfortable, rustic feelings.

With there being so many ways to decorate each room in your house, plenty of country options are available as one way to model your home - and there are window shutters available that will perfectly match that style.

Country decorating is meant to invoke feelings of a warm, cosy home, so many of the colours used to paint walls should be earth tones. Images of wrought iron used in picture frames and bed frames are also a great way to decorate a room with country flair.

When it comes to a rustic charm, using natural colours and textures embodies the culture of simple, country living. Country home decorating can be easily achieved when you choose to decorate using ceramic bowls, pottery and wooden accents on wall hangings and attachments.

Simplicity is also key when it comes to decorating the ultimate country style, meaning taking the time to clear clutter and select a few centrepieces in the room to focus on. For example, this can mean focusing the room off of one piece of furniture, including a rustic table, printed couch or stylish rug.

What's more, you can bring in a bit more of the country with baskets stuffed with fresh flowers or farmers markets vegetables, and be sure to embrace country crafts with do-it-yourself decorations. It's all the better if you boast wooden floors in the room as well. Wooden floors, panels and ceilings are an ultimate image of country decor, bringing back the feeling of a log cabin or natural home.

Flowers are also an integral part in country decorating, and can also be promoted in formal window dressings including curtains and drapes. The country cottage look can inspire floral prints that can be used in all rooms. Flower prints, lace curtains and detailing on blind rails can all add subtle country charm to a home. The country look is often thought of as pretty, and there are plenty of options to add the look to your home.

As you can see, by choosing the right decor, your home can have the country look and charm that you're looking for. Window shutters can be a key part of those decorations, as they provide an aesthetic addition to the home through different styles that will fit in with a country style.

About the Author: Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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Monday, March 16, 2009

Trendy Kitchen Redesign Ideas for Your Home


By Anne Harvester


No other room defines your home quite like the kitchen. If you are trying to put together a completely unique look for your home, then the kitchen is the best place to start so make sure you have a bunch of ideas ready to go. Remodeling the kitchen is not a tough job nor is it rocket science. It simply needs a little bit of hard work combined with some imagination.

Remodeling kitchen could be a difficult and strenuous task for someone lacks a creative mind and imagination. Take a walk through your local hardware store for a quick inventory of items you can use and need. From items such as a soapstone counter or soapstone stoves to a stainless steel refrigerator, the choices are almost limitless. Here are a few trends in the design world for kitchens:

Color is in - You won't find too many all-white kitchens these days. Instead, people are decorating their kitchens with a variety of colors. Brown in particular is the hottest color right now, but grays, soapstone, blues and greens are also quite fashionable. Refacing your cabinets in a colored laminate is the most common way to incorporate this color trend. Vivid mosaic backsplashes, soapstone stoves, soapstone slabs, soapstone blocks and cork flooring are also drawing rave attention from kitchen designers.

Dramatic impact - Unique and strategically placed windows, multi-leveled center islands of soapstone slabs, open kitchen spaces with cozy adjacent sitting nooks, a soapstone stove, built-in seating areas, and environmentally-friendly kitchens are all the rage right now in kitchen trends.

Pantries should be seen - That formerly kitchen eyesore is now becoming a focal feature. If you need lots of storage space, think about a walk-in pantry. If space is something you don't have a lot of, a built-in pantry may be a better option for your needs.

Sophisticated touches - Beamed ceilings, soapstone decorative items, impact-adding molding, dramatic lighting, soapstone slabs, soapstone blocks and porcelain backsplashes can add a major wow to your kitchen.

Decorate around a central theme - Keep things realistic by designing your kitchen around a feature authentic to your home’s age such as building upon an old soapstone stove. More and more people are bringing back the centuries-old trend that revolves around the energy-enhancing arrangement of its furniture pieces.

Every kitchen, big and small, has unique characteristics. It's true that every kitchen requires some changes here and there, like that soapstone counter you've always dreamed about. Yours is no different. These changes cannot be started until you know the actual style and trend which will be useful and functional to make this room the most elegant kitchen it could be.
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Sunday, March 15, 2009

Electrical Overloading


Electrical Overloading
With all these appliances plugged in, you need to ensure that your electricity supply points and equipment are safe on a regular basis. It only takes one faulty plug to start a fire. You may not be able to see a flame but there could still be a fire risk.

Do not overload your power sockets
Too many plugs drawing power from one socket can cause it to overheat and catch fire. You can easily prevent overloading. Use these helpful tips to ensure you do not overload your plugs.

• Use a bar adaptor on a lead instead of using a block adaptor
• Apply the rule: One adaptor to one socket. Don’t plug an adaptor into another adaptor
• Before you plug your appliance into an adaptor, check the adaptor rating
The total current used by the appliance(s) plugged into the adaptor should be less than 13amps or 3,000 watts of power. For example, you can plug two 2amp appliances and one 5amp appliance into an adaptor. However, don’t plug more than one appliance that uses a lot of power into the same adaptor i.e. don’t plug your kettle, hi-fi and TV into the same adaptor as they all use a lot of current.

How to prevent electrical fires
Here are some useful tips to ensure your home is an electrical safe zone.

Warning signs
Loose wiring is a potential fire hazard. The following are signs of loose wiring:

• Hot plugs and sockets
• Fuses that blow for no obvious reason
• Flickering lights
• Scorch marks on sockets or plugs

Incorrectly wired plugs
A plug that is wired incorrectly could have coloured wires sticking out that can be pulled loose or allow water or debris to get inside. If you spot a loose plug in your home, change it or tighten it up.

Frayed power leads
All outer coverings of power leads should be intact. Do not expose any cables when you are fixing plugs.

Repaired power leads
If your power lead is split or frayed, do not tape over it.
Never use a power lead that has been taped over.
Avoid joining cables with tape. Water could get in or the tape could peel off.
When you are dealing with electricity, it is always better to be safe than sorry so toss the frayed lead out and by a new one.

Cable safety
Do not leave power leads where they can be tripped over.
Do not leave it near water or close to the cooker top.
Keep it away from children – they could pull or even chew on it.

Check your light bulbs
Use energy efficient light bulbs if possible. Always check that the light bulb wattage is correct for your lamp.

Avoid water
Keep plugs and cables away from water.
Keep water and liquids away from electrical appliances i.e. do not put a vase on top of the TV even if it does look good there. Check your kettle for leaks and never fill it up when it is plugged in.

Toaster safety
Put your toaster somewhere there are no curtains as they could blow onto the toaster elements and catch alight. A clean toaster is also less of a fire hazard.

Switch off
When you are not using your appliances, switch them off. Appliances like your stereo, kettle, radio and computer are plugged into live electrical sockets with enough power to start a fire instantly. So before you go to bed, turn them off. It will not only help prevent a fire but also help save the environment by reducing energy consumption.
For more information on home fire safety visit www.firekills.gov.uk.

Home insurance
The first thing you should do if you discover a fire in your home is to call the emergency services and evacuate everyone in the house to a safe place. It is wise to have home insurance cover to ensure that if your home suffers damage or loss by fire, you are covered. Some home insurance companies even include alternative accommodation while your home is being repaired. Most home insurance companies offer quick and easy home insurance quotes online. For a home insurance quote and more information about the types of home insurance available from Churchill, visit www.churchill.com/home/home_getquote.htm

About the Author: Get your home and contents covered and protected from fire with home insurance from Churchill. Visit http://www.churchill.com for a cheap quote today.
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