Home Upgrades

Georgia Custom Home Builder Tomorrow's Homes

2009-04-14T11:10:00.001-07:00

Georgia Custom Home Builder - Tomorrow's Homes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 10, 2009 – Northeast Georgia home builder, Tomorrow’s Homes, has launched a new web site with new home plans, photos and new floor plans for home buyers in the Northeast Georgia. The web site at http://www.tomorrowshomes.com , has been upgraded to include new home plans, floor plans of all the available home models, and testimonials from the long list of satisfied homebuyers. Tomorrow’s Homes builds custom homes and houses in and around Elberton, Hartwell, Athens, Gainesville, Jefferson, Commerce, Watkinsville and other Northeast Georgia cities.

Building Your Georgia Dream Home

When you buy the average home for sale, it will have many things you do not like, but are forced to accept. Then comes the upgrades, the changes, the repainting, and all those things you have to do to get the home like you want it. That’s not value! On the other hand, you can let Tomorrow’s Homes build you a new home with everything like you want it from the start. You select the types of floors you want, the interior and exterior colors, the types of cabinets and countertops that are best for you. Select from many floor plans to find the one you like and the one that best fits your property. That’s what a “Dream Home” is all about. It does not have to be huge or overly expensive, it has to be a home built the way you want it.

The Home Building Process

Building a new home can be a scary experience, but Tomorrow’s Homes will take you through the complete process of building your Northeast Georgia home. They will explain the building process, help you with finding the right financing for your home loan, and keep you informed every step of the way from start to finish. Their goal is to make you a happy homeowner and they do that by establishing a good relationship with you, and keeping you informed throughout the home build process.

Tomorrow's Homes has been in business for almost 40 years. They are members of the Athens Area Home Builders Association, The National Association of Home Builders, the Better Business Bureau, and the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, and are fully licensed and insured. In short, Tomorrow’s Homes is a name you can trust when building a new home.

Tomorrow's Homes builds custom homes throughout Northeast Georgia to include custom built homes in Jackson County, Madison County, Stephens County, Oglethorpe County, Banks County, Franklin County, Elbert County, Wilkes County, Athens-Clarke County, Hart County, Habersham County, Morgan County & other Georgia counties. Cities where Tomorrows Homes builds custom homes and custom houses include, Athens, GA, Elberton, GA, Hartwell, GA, Danielsville, Carnesville, Toccoa, Commerce, Comer, Jefferson, Homer, Colbert, Lula, Lavonia, Royston, Cornelia, Maysville, Bowman, Nicholson, Hull, Martin and Canton, GA.

For more information about Tomorrow’s Homes and building your new home, call 706-552-3338 or visit their new web site at http://www.tomorrowshomes.com.

Tomorrow's Homes, Inc.
PO Box 6225, Athens, GA 30604
Phone 706.552.3338
Fax 706.549.1992
lcrum@tomorrowshomes.com

Web Services provide by CLC Web Designs, web development for small business, http://www.clcweb.com.

Memphis Home Service Companies

2008-06-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

Home Service Company Directory For Memphis & Mid-South

The Memphis Home Services Directory, is dedicated to providing Memphis homeowners a listing of the very best, top rated Home Service Companies, giving homeowners an advantage to making an educated decision when selecting a contractor for your home service project.

The Memphis Home Service Directory tries to find home service companies in the Memphis area that provide superior service and customer satisfaction. When you hire a Memphis home service company, you can provide feed back to them which they will post on their web site. If they receive more than two customer service complaints about any of the companies, they will be removed from our web site. Good or bad, the feedback you send will be reported on this web site.

They also want to find more of the great Memphis home service companies that are not yet listed on their web site. If you had exceptional customer service from Memphis service company that is not listed on our web site, please give us the name of the company so we can add them to our list of best Memphis service companies.

Concrete Countertops Forge Elegance and Art

2007-04-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

By Khara Dizmon, Concrete Network Managing Editor

True art is a passion. And it's a passion that is evident in Brian and Janet Creasy of Coulee Concrete Designs, LLC. Combining their creative talent, and ambitious desire to serve their clients with the highest level of integrity, quality, and expertise, Coulee Concrete Designs epitomizes what is possible when a passion for art fuses with functional design.

Based in Lake Oswego, Oregon, Brian and Janet focus on creating custom concrete countertops and other elements for homes and offices using the durability and character of concrete.

Recently, they were contacted by Alina and Derek Norcom of West Linn Med Spa. "Alina was in need of an eclectic reception piece that made a cool, understated 'wow' to her patients and clientele," says Janet. "They couldn't find what they wanted for a reception table. They wanted something very natural, like a river," she explains.

Design and artistic element ideas started flowing from brainstorming, and research between the Creasy's and their client. "They had a laundry list of things to include," recalls Janet about the design phase. Some of the items included a water feature, rocky edge, lots of inlays, etc. "We believe less is more," says Janet, "so they ended up leaving a lot of this out, but we did include some foliage inlays with wood and copper accents. The key was to streamline the best options and create the signature piece."

Using computer aided designs and layouts, the Creasy's were able to illustrate a variety of options and colors in order to decide on the final piece. "We thought the colors and shape were distinctive in and of itself," explains Janet. The final functional art piece was an asymmetrical "S" shape emulating a river bed in two levels. "It includes several pieces of 'jewelry', our term for embellishments," explains Janet, "such as an integrated bowl for river rocks, imprinted samples of northwestern foliage and a rocky 'live edge' that only comes from the customability of concrete." It also incorporated a sand color on the bottom countertop and a blue color on the top countertop to coincide with a river theme.

The lower countertop is 9 foot by 3 inches long, 32 inches wide and was precast in two molds. "It was too long as one solid piece unless poured in place, which we prefer not to do," explains Brian Creasy. "So we designed it so that the two pieces could be pulled together mechanically with copper compressed in between to create a seam." The Creasy's also purposely mixed the bottom piece in a cold facility to give it a 'live edge.' "The 'live edge' creates the look of voids along the bottom edge. The look is similar to a river bed," says Brian. A maple leaf inlay was also put into the mold before the countertop was poured creating a personalized distinction along the edge of the countertop.

For the upper countertop, the clients decided on a glossy finish and the blue color called Tahoe. Cast in a single mold, the countertop is 6 foot long and has a cantilevered edge that extends 18 inches. "It's a bit long without support," explains Brian, "so we made a tripod of 1/4" copper rod which we pre-stressed, giving it an arch. We compressed it between the two surfaces to provide support."

To finish and preserve the pieces, a penetrating sealer and wax were used. Installed in the entryway of the medical spa, "the countertops are posted proudly on a custom cherry wood base with back lit copper logo and trim," points out Janet.

In the background on the wall is a shadow box that Janet and Brian made and gave as a gift to the client. "It has their logo on it with river rocks inside on the shelf. It's the same Tahoe blue color used in the desk and mixed with a charcoal color," explains Janet.

Coulee Concrete Designs revels in the services they provide, turning customer's dreams into realities while creating a useable, functional piece. According to Janet, "We like to celebrate in the true beauty of concrete, letting the material show us some of its distinct characteristics. Each piece is unique, something that we like to bring into the mass marketing of everyday living."

And whether it's transforming their passion into countertops, sinks, floors, fireplace surrounds or myriad other types of concrete elements, the Creasy's understand the infinite design possibilities of concrete. Together they create unique and timeless pieces that are both functional and artistic.

Coulee Concrete Designs
Janet and Brian Creasy
19398 River Run Dr.
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Office: 503-914-5993

See Coulee Concrete Countertop Photos at

Finish Your Basement

2007-04-26T05:18:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - Whether it's extra bedroom space, a new den, a playroom or just a quiet spot to call your own, finishing the basement is one of the greatest ways to improve cramped living. However, a basement has a few unique characteristics that must be considered to ensure that the space functions well for your needs.

First, be sure that you obtain all the proper permits to complete your project. Check with your local government center or online to find out what is required in your area. Most local city, county, and state requirements can be found online.

One of the most common problems with basement refinishing ideas is the ceiling height. Many basement ceilings are lower than the average ceilings in your home. One way to help reduce this problem is to finish around your ductwork. Boxing (enclosing) around it allows you to have higher ceilings in the majority of your basement.

This solution works for some. Others may feel the boxed enclosures are an unattractive eye sore. Ductwork generally takes up a lot of space on a basement ceiling. Re-ducting to accommodate your basement finishing ideas is also an option but can be very costly. Using a vaulted ceiling also helps give the illusion of a taller space.

Basement Finishing Ideas

When purchasing carpeting for your new room, be sure to obtain good padding and go for thicker carpet. Your upstairs rooms generally have wood under the carpet. However, in your basement it will likely be concrete. Thus, the flooring upstairs is a little softer by nature. If your basement floor is concrete, adding a little extra cushion makes it more comfortable. If you choose hardwood floors, you may still want an extra layer of padding to help control moisture.

You'll also want to consider the plumbing and electrical facilities in your basement. Make sure to provide easy access to areas that may need repairs later. These can be covered but you'll need to make sure the covering can be removed without damaging adjoining materials. Again, boxing in with easy access openings is the method most commonly used.

A basement remodel is a major project. It is important to decide what you want before you find a contractor to finish your basement. It will make the process flow more smoothly and help to ensure that the contractor understands your needs, style and desires before the project starts. This will also help you get both accurate pricing and a better estimate on the timeline of your project from your contractor.

For a reliable contractor in your area, accurate and competitive pricing and other remodeling ideas, go to www.reliableremodeler.com.

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Create the Custom Kitchen of Your Dreams

2007-04-26T05:09:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - Creating a custom kitchen in your remodeling or new home plans is a major task. A custom kitchen requires careful planning of many details in several different areas. Getting started begins with taking what's in your head and putting it onto paper. It needs to meet all the possible uses you may have for it. This will include activities such as cooking, dining, and socializing. Considering your home's style along with your budget will also help you establish a plan.

While this may sound like a large order, a thorough plan can ultimately bring you the results you want. Begin by browsing and saving ideas from magazines, the Internet and any other resources you find appealing. Start a file to save all the pictures and specifications as well as all the cabinet, appliance and flooring information.

It's a good idea to establish a budget (how much you're willing to spend) before you actually have the plans drawn. Without this kind of planning, you may have major expense surprises in the middle of building your kitchen. As you budget, the goal is to spend your dollars on what is important to you

Once you've gathered enough ideas and information, and established a budget it's time to begin planning your custom kitchen.

Custom Kitchens

Every kitchen must begin with a floor plan. This floor plan must set the "triangle" of your kitchen. The kitchen triangle is composed of three work areas: food storage, food preparation and clean up. How these areas are designed and placed in conjunction with each other sets the stage for the functionality of your kitchen.

Combine a well-drawn plan with styles and accent pieces to display your own unique style and tastes and your custom kitchen will become a successful reality.

Many Internet sites offer virtual planning that allows you to construct an image of your proposed custom kitchen designs. By creating more than one plan using these virtual designers, you get great opportunities to compare, evaluate and combine solutions to create near perfect custom kitchens. It will also allow you some time to look at what you've created so you have exactly what you want before your construction begins.

Go to Granite Info Page for granite countertops ideas

Sprinkler Systems

2007-03-31T12:26:00.001-07:00

Upgrade your home with commercial fire sprinklers from Swift Fire Protection

Antique Furniture at McLean Refinishing

2007-03-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Antique Furniture Restoration, Repair & Refinishing
Established in 1979 by Fred McLean, McLean’s Refinishing, Inc. is Athens’ and Northeast Georgia’s most trusted name in furniture refinishing and restoration. They are a full service business committed to quality, expert craftsmanship, and a basic love of antiques and wood working. Through the years, they have evolved into a major workshop that is capable of handling the smallest jewelry box to a complete home of furniture. They also specialize in commercial work including in-office touchups and repair, restoring furniture in government offices, sororities, fraternities, and public libraries. With over 25 years of experience, McLean’s Refinishing can handle any restoration need.
At McLean’s Refinishing, restoring furniture has been a labor of love as long as they have been in business. McLean’s loves antiques, but also understands that, new or old, antique or modern, a person’s furniture is a part of the person. Their approach is to keep the customer involved in the restoration, and keep them informed of the progress. Restoration does not always mean making an old piece of furniture look new. Sometimes restoration means making the piece look the way it did right before the latest damage occurred. Mom wants to remember every mark on her son’s high chair except the broken leg the movers caused, so they strive to repair the the break and preserve the history of her son’s chair, and take care to understand people’s desires and provide quality furniture restoration and repair services.

McLean’s can do any type repair or restoration service including complete restoration, replacement of parts, veneering, lathe work, carving, chair caning, fire or flood damage restoration, curved glass replacement, major structural repair, beveled mirror repair, or leather replacement. They also can provide you damaged furniture repair insurance estimates and antique appraisals.
Mclean’s also has lots of antique furniture for sale. Check them out on the web at www.mcleansrefinishing.com , call us at 706-769-7590 or come by our facility at 1303 Hodges Mill Road, Bogart, Georgia. They are just outside of Athens and only a short drive from the Atlanta Metro area. Open Monday-Thursday 8AM-5:30PM & Friday 8AM-Noon or by appointment

Bamboo Floors

2007-03-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

Manufactured bamboo flooring commonly found in North American markets is an engineered hardwood. The bamboo is split and flattened, before being laminated together with glue under high pressure. Bamboo floors are typically made available in planks. Known for its resistance to insects and moisture, bamboo flooring has made a considerable impact in the North American marketplace. Its popularity is also rising in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world with increasing awareness. Despite being technically a grass, bamboo is highly durable and sturdy. As far as flooring goes, it is 10% harder than red oak. The two major colors are natural (similar to beech) and carbonized (similar to oak). The process of steaming bamboo material under a controlled pressure and temperature is called carbonization, in which bio-organisms and sugar breaks down, and the color of the material changes into brownish. The natural and carbonized bamboo floors are typically referred to as solid bamboo, although in fact the structures are layered, similar to a plywood.

There are several other type of structures of bamboo floors. One of which is commonly known as strand woven bamboo, which aimed to achieve strength and stablility. And the Fused Fiber Floor (F3) or Gemplex bamboo provides certain appearance patterns to achieve designers decoration effects.

It is available in two variations: vertical and horizontal-grain orientation, providing two very distinct looks. In the vertical grain, the individual joints in a bamboo cane are hard to discern, resulting in a consistent coloration and even grain. In the horizontal-grain orientation, each individual joint is clearly visible. Though these two options differ in appearance and offer customers more visual choices, they offer the same strength characteristics.
You invested your valuable time deciding which variation of bamboo flooring would best compliment your décor. Then you invested your hard-earned money purchasing your carefully-made choice and preparing for its installation. Now, the job is finished and you’re standing there admiring your (or perhaps a professional installer’s) beautiful work.

You can’t wait to move the furniture in and invite everyone you know over to share your excitement. But before you do, there are a few things you need to know to protect your investment and keep it looking as great as it does now.

Flooring manufacturers usually include care and maintenance recommendations with their products. However, if you didn’t find such information with your flooring, the next best thing to do is contact the manufacturer. After all, there is no one better qualified to tell you how to care for your bamboo floor than the people who designed it, tested it, and manufactured it. The manufacturer is always your number one resource for product information.

You’ll probably find a customer service phone number or a web site listed on the installation instructions, or maybe printed on the carton. But if not, don’t panic. We have done some research and compiled a generic list of common sense recommendations – and here they are:
Carry, do not drag or push furniture across the floor
Put felt or rubber pads under each furniture leg
Lay mats or throw rugs with non-abrasive backing at each doorway
Also, it would be a good idea to verify with the mat or rug manufacturer that the backing will not chemically react with your floor’s finish
Place an area rug in high-traffic areas
Again, verify that the backing is non-abrasive and will not chemically react with the floor’s finish
Do not walk on the floor with spike high heels or athletic cleats
Keep any pets’ claws closely trimmed
Place a drip pan under potted plants, but allow airflow underneath it
Install curtains, blinds, or window tint to prevent UV faded areas
Immediately clean food and liquid spills with a slightly dampened cloth, then dry the floor with a soft cloth or towel
Regularly clean the floor with a dust mop, soft bristled broom, soft bristled vacuum cleaner, or a wood floor mop kit
If possible, obtain the manufacturer’s mopping recommendations
Use only wood floor cleaning products specially formulated for urethane finishes
If these products are not available, you can mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with one quart of water as a substitute
Use a thoroughly wrung soft cloth or sponge, work in small areas at a time, and dry each area with a soft cloth or towel before continuing
Do not use wax, oil soap, common household cleaners, or any abrasive cleaners
Restore shine, if required, with an electric buffer and soft, dry pad
It is highly recommended to seek professional assistance with this type of equipment
Remember: always follow the recommendations of your flooring manufacturer first. Their advice along with some common sense will save you time consuming and costly repairs, and let you enjoy your beautiful new bamboo floor for many years to come.

Get More Information about Bamboo and other hardwood floors at The Flooring Info Page.

Hardwood Refinishing

2007-03-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

How do you know when the time is right to refinish your hardwood floors? Hardwood floors tend to be quite durable and the stains long lasting. There are, of course, places in high traffic areas that will begin to show signs of wear long before the floors have worn out their beauty of usefulness. With that in mind, how do you know when the time is right for refinishing?

Refinishing hardwood floors doesn’t have to be the stuff that nightmares are made of. In fact, if at all possible this is the kind of chore you should really entrust to professionals (this way someone else is responsible if something gets messed up). Another reason to entrust this to professionals is that they have access to the best of power tools for this specific job. And using the right tools is sometimes all the difference in the world. While it wouldn’t be cost effective for the average home owner to purchase these tools for a one time project, a professional floor person would often have cause to use these tools.

So what is the difference between a floor that simply needs to be cleaned and one that needs to be completely refinished? One way to do this is to go to one of the high traffic run down areas of your floor and spill a few drops of liquid onto the floor. If the liquid beads up there is still some life left in your original finish and you are not quite ready for a major overhaul. If on the other hand, the wood soaks the water right up, it is time to refinish.

One of the great things about refinishing is that you can choose to go lighter or darker than before or even to use the exact same finish. If you’re looking for a way to change the look of a room, changing the finish of your floors is definitely a way to make a large impact on a room. Keep in mind that stain samples will look different when they are on the entire floor and that different stains react differently to different hardwoods, you definitely want to choose a stain that is compatible to the hardwoods of your floors. The age of your floor also has a tremendous impact on how the stain will look when the floor is finished. A good place to try stain samples is the floorboard of a closet.

Hardwood flooring comes in many different stains and colors, the more popular stain options include stains that appear natural, light stains that don’t significantly altar the look of the wood, medium stains, which bring out a darker tint in the grain of the wood, and dark stains, which provide a rich, velvety feel to the floor.

If you haven’t something that reaches out and grabs you, you can also go to a local hardware store and have a stain custom blended for your floors. You can get really creative for these stains and have a lot of fun in the process, but remember this is your home and you have to live with the floors once they are finished.

Get more information about hardwood floors at Floor Info Page.

Upgrade Home Safety With A Fire Blanket

2007-03-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

Fire blankets are recommended by all the emergency services and people involved in health and safety. They immediately know the safety benefits that fire blankets can bring when used correctly. They should be made easily accessible near an exit doorway. Never hide them away in draws or cupboards and expect to find them easily when a fire takes hold. Placing them near to an exit ensures that you have away out should the fire blanket not be enough or if things go wrong.
Fire blankets are also ideal for covering someone who has actually caught fire and can also be worn over the head if you need to pass an area that is on fire or where extreme temperatures are causing difficulty. Protecting the vital organs is the most important factor when you are confronted with fire.
Fire blankets can be purchased in many DIY stores and hardware shops and the costs varies with the type and size you need. Many of the fire blankets can be reusable after washing though you will need to check the supporting documents for confirmation of this.
Every home should have a fire blanket located in the kitchen or where cooking takes place. When you consider the minimal cost to purchase one against the protection they provide for your home, your personal effects and of course your loved ones they will be one of the best investments you can ever make.

Order your fire banket onl-line from Swift Fire Protection for only $28.

Increase Your Homes Value with Crown Molding

2007-03-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

When it comes to wood molding, if you're looking for ways to put it to use in your home, you'll be glad to know that there's are tons of great uses for it. Using different types of molds, such as crown molding will give your home uniqueness, as well as increase your homes price point.
When you're ready sell your home, your potential buyers will place much more value on your home since it will look different than your neighbors. Even real estate experts and pro's agree that having fancy molds in your home is something that people notice. Sometimes they can even close the sale on this aspect alone.
Your choice in wood molding helps show off your creativity as well as your style. It can provide your home with a comfortable atmosphere, which is essential for you to actually enjoy the home in which you live in. If there's a look that you've always craved, then wood molding can help you achieve that.
Molds come in so many different styles, allowing you to become your own person of originality when designing your wood moldings. You can transition into the artist of your home and craft your masterpiece simply through moldings.
You'll have tons of designs to choose from, and molding will give you the choice of creating the look for your home you have forever wanted. Furthermore, it can decrease the cost of finishing out your wall. It is much less expensive to finish the wall with molding than with any other product on the market today.
A great choice for wood molding is for door trim. There are many different styles to choose from, and just the fact of adding the molding alone is enough to transition the entire look of your home, no matter which style you choose actually. One good alteration is to opt to use wood blocks for corners instead of mitered corners. This gives you home a more decorative look.

Now, another great and common use for molding is baseboards. Walls these days almost look incomplete without them. However, even though they're common, this doesn't mean that yours can't be unique if you just use a little imagination and creativity. One thing to keep in mind however is that your baseboards must be durable, because much of time they're getting banged by feet (especially if you have children) and chairs, and all sorts of things. Therefore it's recommended that you use wood since this is about the most durable, and actually can be easily cleaned too.
The way you choose your molding is confined only by your imagination. It's a fast and easy way to spruce up any home whether for baseboards, door trim, ceiling trim, or window casings, you simply cannot go wrong when choosing your molding.
It's your creation, and you have that creative freedom to exactly what you want that will give you the atmosphere that will give you the best feeling when relaxing in your home.

Better Baths for Better Living, Resale By Matthew M. F. Miller

2007-03-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

Smart design choices in remodeling your bathroom will get you the most satisfaction now – and the best returns later.
Before buyers commit to purchasing a house, they like to imagine themselves living there. A worn, dated bathroom can create the kind of mental block that leads to lower – and fewer – offers.
The popularity of bathroom remodels shows that plenty of people are willing to buy a home with dingy baths, but most will factor in the cost of the needed remodel when they make their offer. “Most people today want the new or updated house so they don’t have to fool with it,” says sales agent Mary H. Raymond of Greenville, Del.
Kathy McCleary, a regular contributor to HGTV, advises homeowners on the type of renovations they should choose: "So exactly what should you improve when you redo your kitchen or bathroom? Think traditional: all-wood cabinets, commercial-look appliances, natural wood or stone floors, and stone countertops."
According to Mortgage News Daily, Dallas, Texas, the average American home is 32 years old and regularly needs maintenance and upgrading. This consistent need means that the home improvement market has boomed in the last decade, with expenditures growing from $153 billion in 1995 to about $233 billion dollars in 2003.
The Federal Reserve Board reports that 30 percent of the $333 billion drawn from their home equity between 2001 and 2003 were spent on home renovations.
Here are design tips to update your bath in ways that enhance your living space now and also add to your home’s resale value later.
• Avoid down lights at the vanity. Instead, provide a pair of decorative light sconces flanking the mirror for even illumination.
• Use simple tile patterns and accents to liven up the character of the room.
• Always use a pressure-balanced shower faucet to avoid scalding.
• Consider a banjo countertop that extends over the toilet for more counter space and built-in shelves for towel storage.
• Use a shower curtain rather than a glass enclosure to make the room feel less closed-in. A large mirror also can make a small bath feel bigger.
• If the full bath is to be used only by adults, raise the height of the vanity to 36 inches to make its use more comfortable.

Selecting the right upgrades for your home

2007-03-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

(NUI) - You've found the perfect neighborhood, selected a home plan of your dreams and chosen a reputable builder. But the decision-making doesn't stop there: There are literally thousands of innovative upgrades that you can incorporate into your new home as it is being built.
According to Angie Stevens, design coordinator with Kopf Builders in Cleveland and a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, there are several advantages to upgrading during the building process. First, it usually is much more convenient to have the builder upgrade items during the construction process. Plus, you may be able to take advantage of financial incentives so that the upgrades don't break the bank. Here are some tips from Stevens for choosing the best features and upgrades for your new home.

Make the house your home. One of the best reasons to upgrade your building plan is to infuse it with your own style. Whether you want a country look or a contemporary flair, the options you select will help convey your style throughout the house.

Do the math. One major benefit of upgrading during the building process is rolling the cost of the upgrades into your mortgage loan. Although you may pay slightly more in taxes initially, the upgrades will be paid off at a lower interest rate than if you later decided to upgrade and took out a home equity loan. In addition, most builders will include upgrades in your home warranty.

Think about resale. What you choose now can play a big role in determining the resale value of your home in the future. Name-brand appliances and popular custom upgrades will appeal to potential buyers. The smartest plan of action is to put money into the most-used areas of the home, particularly the kitchen and bathrooms. Some of the items to consider upgrading include the faucets, flooring, appliances, countertops, cabinets and lighting.

For example, consider a high-arc pull-down spout model, like the Aberdeen faucet from Moen, in the kitchen. It has a classic look, a variety of finishes and a unique "pause" button that allows you to stop the water flow. In the bathroom, choose a faucet like the Vestige faucet from Moen. It offers elaborate traditional styling in a host of finishes to complement your bath accessories.

Add Luxury To Your Bathroom And Value To Your Home by Andrew Regan

2007-03-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

If you’re looking to increase the “wow" factor of your home or add value to your property, installing a well designed, modern luxury bathroom might be the perfect answer. The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home; as a place of refuge and relaxation where you can spend time washing away the worries of everyday life - so it’s important to create a space that you enjoy and in which you can unwind after a busy day.
There are a number of ways to spruce up an old bathroom: by adding new features such as spa baths, walk-in showers and bidets you can create a bathroom that will impress family, friends and potential buyers alike, as well as reflect your personal taste.
Whirlpool baths - once only found in high-class hotel luxury bathroom suites - are now much more affordable to the everyday homeowner. They've rapidly increased in popularity because of their relaxing properties and hydrotherapy health benefits, which are well known for soothing away aches and pains. Such baths can range in size from large freestanding hot tubs which hold several people, to compact corner baths which even the smallest bathrooms can accommodate - so anybody can install one.
Luxury showers are another way of adding a touch of class to a bathroom or value to your property. Why put up with a shower that offers little more than a cold trickle when you can enjoy a walk-in shower that will massage your body with up to twelve jets? Or, why not install a shower with a steam system, FM radio and CD/MP3 player? Despite the high quality luxury nature of such showers, prices needn't break the bank either: jet showers start at well under $1000.
If you think that a great deal of space is needed to install a luxury bathroom, think again. In fact, a number of suites cater to homes with limited space, offering compact corner showers and baths, as well as stylish slim line toilets and basins - all with a high quality finish. However, if space is no object, then a freestanding roll top bath will add an air of elegance to your bathroom. There are a range of styles available, from the traditional double ended model, to slipper baths, boat baths and corner baths.
Installing a modern bathroom will ultimately help you relax, add class to your home and enhance the value of your property - not to mention, give your guests something to talk about!
Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.

Sunrooms and Patio Enclosures by Stu Silverman

2007-03-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

If you're thinking of adding a sunroom or enclosed patio onto your home, join the half million Americans who are discovering the benefits of 3- and 4-season enclosures each year. According to the U.S. Census, about half of the 1.27 million new, single-family homes built in 2001 had some kind of attached porch
And there's good reason for the popularity - aside from relaxing and enjoying the sunshine and stars with the comforts of indoors. Adding a sunroom or patio enclosure can extend your living area, often at less than half the cost of a standard home addition.
Costs less than conventional addition
A sunroom addition can range from $12,000 to $70,000, depending on models and features, compared to $30,000 to $80,000 for a conventional room addition. And sunrooms and patio enclosures can often be built where underground obstacles, or building codes and zoning ordinances, restrict conventional backyard additions.
Then consider that adding a sunroom has one of the highest returns-on-investment of all home improvements, and it's no wonder that America's going sunroom-crazy. Some sources estimate that you'll recoup between 65-95% of your investment when adding a sunroom, depending on your geographic location and features included.
A sunroom helps sell your home faster and for more money
Because of all the financial and usage benefits, sunrooms are the third most popular amenity requested in homes over $250,000, according to a recent survey in Builder Magazine. And homes with a properly designed sunroom tend to sell faster and for far more money than those without.
According to some estimates, the average cost to install a sunroom on an existing home is between $125 and $150 per square foot. This includes the room itself, installation and related construction work, such as foundations, floors and tear-out work. Keep in mind that these are averages, and final costs can vary dramatically based on where you live, contractors, complexity of the project, quality of products and the need for extra construction work on your existing home to accommodate the addition. Adding a sunroom or patio enclosure to a new home will be significantly less expensive.
Inform your insurance company
You will need a building permit for your sunroom or patio enclosure, so you need to ensure that your sunroom or patio enclosure contractor is licensed. Discuss with your contractor who will obtain the permit, and ensure that you have one before any work begins. Then once your sunroom or patio enclosure is complete, inform your house insurance company of the addition to arrange adequate coverage. And keep in mind that a sunroom is usually not considered to be a square footage addition to your home, but a patio addition. Check the local bylaws to be sure.
Stu Silverman is a home improvement advice columnist and freelance writer for http://www.Contractors.com.

Bamboo Kitchen Flooring By James Mahony

2007-03-10T15:54:00.000-08:00

Bamboo kitchen flooring is made from the fastest growing plant on earth. It grows faster that hardwood. Bamboo flooring is rapidly becoming the hottest trend in kitchen design today. Because of the rising cost of hardwood and the problems of deforestation bamboo is being seen as a good alternative to hardwood. Besides being quite beautiful it is a more renewable resource. Although bamboo, like wood, is firm and strong, it is actually a grass, which grows much faster than most trees. The stalks of bamboo reach maturity in only a few years, as opposed to the decades it takes for trees to develop and mature. Certain wood species can take as long as 50 years to mature. The bamboo tree will usually mature in about five or six years. Bamboo is also known for being versatile. It has at least three floor styles. The first two are vertical and horizontal grain. The third style is called strand and has a woven impression to it. This type has more density and is two times harder that standard bamboo. Bamboo kitchen Flooring lets you bring the beauty of the outdoors into your kitchen. Bamboo kitchen flooring is known for being quite durable and strong. Bamboo kitchen flooring has some of the same characteristics of hardwood floor when it comes to durability. Among the characteristics of bamboo that has good fire and water resistance. It is relatively easy to maintain bamboo kitchen flooring. Some light mopping and sweeping is required. This is because bamboo is susceptible to scratches so that dirt, sand and other particles can cause some damage. You should also avoid using household cleaners on your bamboo kitchen floor. Today you need not be concerned about whether or not a bamboo floor will match your favorite color scheme, since it is possible to be able to choose just about any color you want. Many people love the natural look of bamboo floor but want something just a little different. Today some of the major producers of bamboo kitchen flooring are now making this flooring stained in a wide range of color choices. The grain is still visible, and one may be able to choose dark or subtle shades. Therefore there are many color choices is to suit most homeowners. Many homeowners will select the classic natural color options that will be compatible with practically any decor. Most kitchen bamboo flooring is laminated. The floors are made up of solid strips of bamboo that are joined together into a solid bamboo laminate. The resulting product is a durable, warp- insect- and moisture-resistant flooring material that is warp and moisture-resistant and that looks like wood. It is ideal for use in kitchen flooring. Locating the best buys on bamboo kitchen flooring is easy when using the Internet. Online shopping permits you to access some of the most beautiful bamboo kitchen flooring for the best price. No where else will you find the selection you can on the Internet. Bamboo flooring is rapidly becoming the hottest trend in kitchen design today. Because of the rising cost of hardwood and the problems of deforestation bamboo is being seen as a good alternative to hardwood. Besides being quite beautiful it is a more renewable resource. Although bamboo, like wood, is firm and strong, it is actually a grass, which grows much faster than most trees. The stalks of bamboo reach maturity in only a few years, as opposed to the decades it takes for trees to develop and mature. Certain wood species can take as long as 50 years to mature. The bamboo tree will usually mature in about five or six years. Bamboo is also known for being versatile. It has at least three floor styles. The first two are vertical and horizontal grain. The third style is called strand and has a woven impression to it. This type has more density and is two times harder that standard bamboo. Bamboo kitchen Flooring lets you bring the beauty of the outdoors into your kitchen. Bamboo kitchen flooring is known for being quite durable and strong. Bamboo kitchen flooring has some of the same characteristics of hardwood floor when it comes to durability. Among the characteristics of bamboo that has good fire and water resistance. It is relatively easy to maintain bamboo kitchen flooring. Some light mopping and sweeping is required. This is because bamboo is susceptible to scratches so that dirt, sand and other particles can cause some damage. You should also avoid using household cleaners on your bamboo kitchen floor. Today you need not be concerned about whether or not a bamboo floor will match your favorite color scheme, since it is possible to be able to choose just about any color you want. Many people love the natural look of bamboo floor but want something just a little different. Today some of the major producers of bamboo kitchen flooring are now making this flooring stained in a wide range of color choices. The grain is still visible, and one may be able to choose dark or subtle shades. Therefore there are many color choices is to suit most homeowners. Many homeowners will select the classic natural color options that will be compatible with practically any decor. Most kitchen bamboo flooring is laminated. The floors are made up of solid strips of bamboo that are joined together into a solid bamboo laminate. The resulting product is a durable, warp- insect- and moisture-resistant flooring material that is warp and moisture-resistant and that looks like wood. It is ideal for use in kitchen flooring. Locating the best buys on bamboo kitchen flooring is easy when using the Internet. Online shopping permits you to access some of the most beautiful bamboo kitchen flooring for the best price. No where else will you find the selection you can on the Internet. It is also easier to do research and to be able to comparison shop online for your bamboo kitchen flooring selection. James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles, and also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design. For information on other types of flooring, visit the Flooring Info Page.

New Refrigerator Innovations from GE

2007-02-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

Electronic Technology Drives Performance
Every GE refrigerator is designed using advanced technology that makes possible an impressive array of must-have features:
• AutoEnergy saver senses you’re away and adjusts operating cycles to reduce unecessary usage.• FrostGuard™ technology reduces freezer burn.• TurboCool™ feature cools the refrigerator after frequent door openings.• Sensor technology monitors temperatures constantly for accuracy and consistency.

External Controls Provide Easy Access
GE models are redesigned with external electronic controls that include a display of actual freezer and refrigerator temperatures. This gives the interior a cleaner, more streamlined appearance.

Refined Features Update the Look
GE refrigerators sport a newly-designed GE CleanTouch handle that’s sleek and smooth, with a sure-grip undersurface.
Gently contoured doors further enhance GE models, providing a sophisticated, up-to-date appearance.

GE Profile™ side-by-side refrigerators are loaded with innovative features designed to make every kitchen more functional...and more beautiful! PreciseFill technology means it’s now possible to fill pots and mixing bowls — or any container — with fresh, filtered water in easy-to-select, accurate measurements.

Newly Designed Integrated Dispenser
The sleek, molded, color-matched dispenser with LED lighting gives the entire refrigerator an attractive, updated look that enhances any kitchen.

ExpressChill™
Located on the dispenser is a one-touch control for ExpressChill, a full-extension, sealed crisper that chills beverages in a quick 45 minutes or less.

Electronic Beverage Center
Beverages, treats and medications are easily accessible and icy cold but never frozen. A built-in control prevents freezing.

CustomCool™
Only GE has it! Chills in minutes, thaws in hours and helps keep food fresh, longer.

Slide ’n Store™ Full-Extension Freezer Baskets Extends 16” for easy loading and unloading.

Richlite®: Bringing Kitchen Countertops Out of the Stone Age

2007-02-13T04:31:00.000-08:00

Richlite Company, a manufacturer of paper-based countertops, offers a collection of warm and natural-feeling surface materials that breathe new life into the kitchen, bath and office. Richlite’s® unique paper surfaces bring a soft and comfortable ambience to a room that's rarely achieved through cold, hard stone and plastic solid surfaces. It’s made from environmentally sustainable resources and is an attractive, durable, long-lasting material that complements a variety of design tastes.

Countertop surface materials come in all makes, colors and qualities but only Richlite® stands out for its unique paper content, natural look and warm appeal. It's produced out of environmentally sustainable materials unlike stone countertops quarried out of permanent holes in the ground. We're committed to building products that not only look good and last for years in the home or office but, also, can be manufactured with as little impact on the environment as possible.
Richlite’s Environmental & Social CommitmentRichlite is beautiful and sustainable. It’s unique in that it literally grows on trees. The material is made from pulp derived from certified managed forests in North America. The company is committed to reducing its impact on the environment by practicing sound manufacturing processes and producing products with sustainable materials.
Richlite is the first company to offer hemp-based countertops, a visually unique surface alternative that’s produced from an exceptionally sustainable resource. Richlite®’s hemp counters are made with fast-growing abaca fibers purchased from the Philippines and Ecuador. Abaca is a type of plant noted for its fibers used in weaving. The fibers, commonly referred to as hemp, have been used in textiles for more than 6,000 years. Few textiles are as strong or as long lasting as hemp. Today more than 25,000 products, including monetary currency and now countertops are made with the fibers. Get More info here

What Women Want

2007-02-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

September 4, 2006 - Boomer women embrace their roles as household decision makers and want builders and manufacturers to connect with their lifestyles, according to an article in the summer issue of 50+ Housing Magazine, published by NAHB's 50+ Housing Council.
"The 55- to 75-year old female has seen her role change from homemaker to purchaser of security, convenience and luxury items," said Barbara Kleger, boomer author, president of 55+ Consulting and a member of the NAHB 50+ Housing Council. "She is more educated and more involved in decision making."

Barbara Kleger 55+ Consulting"Women in this age group are the major decision makers not only for housing for themselves and their immediate families, but also for their elderly parents or in-laws," Kleger added
Marketing to today's 55+ woman means defining her needs by life stage and health, rather than chronological age, Kleger said. Women's needs and desires differ depending on whether they are widows, empty nesters or have just retired. Being newly single, a caregiver to an aging relative, a grandparent or in a second marriage or new career changes things, too.
"Women expect to live a full and active life in retirement, and they want it to be the best it can be," Kleger said. "In shopping for housing, women want to talk about quality and finishes and are very involved in customizing and choosing options."
Kleger goes on to say that Boomer women see themselves as non-traditional, as far as lifestyle and leisure activities are concerned. Popular fitness activities like golf or tennis may no longer appeal to them.
"Today's woman wants to spend her time doing things that exercise her mind, body and spirit." Retirement, according to Kleger, signals a new beginning and a redefinition of the 50+ years, and this is especially true for women.
"If you ask a woman what she wants in her next move she will tell you in terms of lifestyle. This generation seeks adventure, education, self-improvement, personal growth and self-definition," she said.
Kleger provided a quick list of what the 55+ woman is looking for:
Safety and security - Women want to know that maintenance and safety issues will be handled. A gated community may provide a sense of security.
Connections - More than ever, women want a sense of community, neighbors to talk to and things to do with them.
Convenience - More than just being close to family, shopping and familiar places, 55+ women want everything in their homes to be more convenient and easier than ever.
Balance and quality - It's not just about lifestyle. Women want their own time and their own space, which can be a home office, media room, place to exercise, sunroom or all of the above. She wants it all - and she is often willing to pay for it.
Trust - Women need to feel confident that the people she is talking to, and buying from, will follow through on their promises.
Expression - Choice is important. 55+ women want to control the things they want. Selecting the options and upgrades helps express individuality.

Kitchens and Baths Are Getting Bigger

2007-02-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

April 17, 2006 - The size of the kitchen and the size and number of bathrooms in the American home are on an upswing, according to the American Institute of Architect's Home Design Survey for the final quarter of last year. More than 40% of the architectural firms participating in the survey noted the trend, and a quarter of them also indicated that the number of kitchens - defined as separate facilities or secondary food storage or preparation areas - was also increasing.
"Both the square feet devoted to kitchens and the number of separate cooking facilities throughout the home are increasing, including the additions of outdoor kitchens in many areas of the country," said Kermit Baker, the institute's chief economist.
"As far as specific trends in kitchen design, granite countertops, natural wood cabinets and drinking water filtration systems are especially popular," he said. "Upscale products and features are going into bathroom design as well, shown by heated floors and towel racks, and even fireplaces becoming more common in homes, while heat lamps and whirlpools aren't nearly as prevalent."
Residential architects reported adding more pantry space and more upper-end appliances in the kitchen and increasingly integrating kitchen space with family space for younger children and other family members. New features are also being piled on in roomier bathrooms, including such upscale products as multi-head showers, hand showers and even steam showers.
The survey identified rising popularity for a number of kitchen products and features:
Larger pantry space (reported by 56% of the firms)
High-end appliances (55%)
Integration with family space (53%)
Natural stone counters (53%)
Island work areas (35%)
Natural wood cabinets (32%)
Thirty-seven percent reported that synthetic solid surface countertops were declining in popularity.
Bathroom products and features with growing demand, according to the firms that were surveyed, include:
Multi-head shower (63%)
Steam shower (35%)
Multiple vanities (29%)
Separate showers (28%)
Forty-one percent reported a downturn in the popularity of heat lamps and 31% said that whirlpools were losing ground.

Commercial Kitchen Equipment for Your Home

2007-01-29T11:57:00.000-08:00

If you want the very best kitchen equipment and appliances for your home, you might consider looking at commercial grade stoves, ranges, refrigeration, or other kitchen equipment. A good place to start your search is Restaurant Equipment News at www.restaurantequipmentnews.com . You can find photos, technical specifications, links to suppliers and other information about commercial kitchen equipment. Almost every brand of equipment listed has printable PDF format technical information, photos and more.

Some of the brands you will find include Comstock Castle which makes heavy duty stoves and ranges for the home as well as commercial grade cooking equipment. Other brands include Bakers Pride and Crown Verity which have the best outdoor grills and charbroilers you can buy. These are a deam come true for the die hard Bar-B-Quer. Heavy stainless construction that will last for years.

If you have an outdoor kitchen or a fishing camp that needs a large cooler, countertop griddle, grill, or large commercial range, you will find the top brands like AWP Wyott, NEMCO, US Cooler, True Refigeration, and Scotsman Ice Machines. Don't miss the keg cooler from Summit that will keep the beer cold for the entire game.

What ever your heavy duty kitchen equipment need, you can get a good start at Restaurant Equipment News, www.restaurantequipmentnews.com.

Atlanta Garden & Patio Show 2007

2007-01-21T17:07:00.000-08:00

The 2007 Atlanta Garden & Patio show will be held at the Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, Georgia

Intersection of Cobb Parkway/US Hwy 41 and I-285 Across from Cumberland Mall
FREE PARKING
24-hour Free Information: 770-849-5555

The GMC Gallery of Gardens returns this year with nearly 20 fully-landscaped gardens by many of Atlanta’s premier landscapers. Come lose yourself in the serene settings of these gorgeous gardens featuring the theme of “Myth and Imagination.”
John Bourdage, "The Earl of Etiquette," can teach you all you need to know about the finer things in life. From business etiquette to food and wine pairing to proper etiquette for your children, taking in a presentation or two from this trained butler will serve you well.

The Electrolux ICON Cooking Corner features top of the line gear for your outdoor kitchen. Watch live cooking demonstrations in this area designed to look like your backyard complete with a deck, outdoor kitchen, inviting landscaping and a soothing water feature.
Support the Atlanta Community Food Bank! Bring a non-perishable food item to the Garden & Patio Show and be entered into a drawing for an Electrolux ICON 51" grill*

Mad Dog & Merrill, “America’s Grilling Buddies,” are a couple of crazy dudes who want nothing more than to make everyone a better griller. By traveling around the country, writing books, and making videos, they have helped thousands of backyard gourmets perfect their craft. Appearing all 4 days at the Electrolux ICON Cooking Corner!
Kids’ activities Saturday! Even the little ones have something to learn at the Garden & Patio Show. Join the Young Chefs Academy for live cooking demonstrations, a special session on etiquette for children by John Bourdage and the DIY Diva “Little Diva” presentation. Saturday is fun for the whole family!

Take a gander at the SEE-THRU HOUSE! If you ever wondered what’s really going bang, screech, and hiss in your house, find out! An innovative approach to explaining how a house works from its structure to its systems, this show-stopper exhibit will enlighten consumers about the integration of a home’s components as a true representation of how a home is built…from the inside out.

Renovationships - building a better client/contractor experience. Don't miss Heather Blank she she delves into the renovation process, offering tips on how to better manager relationships with contractors on your home improvement projects.
Enter to Win a LawnBott from KA Home Robotics and never cut your grass again!
Heirloom seeds are living antiques handed down from one generation to the next. Join Lynn Coulter as she describes how to grow and share treasured plants like “Painted Lady” sweet peas, butterfly-friendly “Lilliput” zinnias, and velvety-purple “Grandpa Ott’s” morning glories.
Become a member of The State Botanical Garden of Georgia and receive $5 off admission to the show.

Joe Lamp'l, a.k.a joe gardener, always on the cutting edge of what's hot and not in gardening, explores the latest trends you'll want to know about today. What's in and what's out doesn't apply only to fashion. Outdoor living has its trends also and they can change as fast as the weather.

Wake up your garden at night! Learn all about creating a unique evening theme in your gardens and landscaping with registered landscape architect Eric King.
Gardening basics for the DIY Diva! If you would like to take up gardening, but don't know where to start - this workshop is for you. Don't miss Saturday's Little Diva workshop on container gardening.

Crowd favorites Walter Reeves and Dave Baker of WSB AM broadcast live from the show Saturday morning beginning at 6 a.m.

Joe Washington of HGTV’s Ground Breakers takes you through the basic steps of planning your project, hiring a designer and contractor and moving forward with knowledge that can help avoid many of the common pitfalls.

Street of Dreams Atlanta 2007

2007-01-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

Tour ten remarkable show homes situated in Tributary at New Manchester, a 1,475-acre master planned community in Douglasville. Constructed by 10 of Atlanta’s most accomplished custom builders, the show homes will be totally furnished and accessorized by leading interior designers. The homes will showcase the latest trends in residential construction, interior design, architecture, technology, and landscaping. The homes will range from 2,200 to 8,000 square feet in size and be priced up to $1.5 Mil +. This will be the widest range of home sizes and prices ever included in a Street of Dreams, and should have broad appeal to show attendees. Over 40,000 visitors are expected to tour the show homes during the promotion’s six-week run.

WHERE: Tributary at New Manchester - Douglasville

Tributary is a new community with a small town atmosphere and a variety of housing and neighborhood choices across a wide price range. It offers a surprising array of nature activities, including walking, mountain biking, fly fishing, kayaking and even camping. Tributary is located next to Sweetwater Creek State Park, a 2,500-acre nature preserve along the Chattahoochee River just 20 minutes to downtown Atlanta, the airport, and the Vinings/Galleria area.

WHEN: May 19th – July 1st, 2007 (Open Wednesday through Sunday.)

Builders

GEM Homes, LLC
Haven Properties, Inc.
Callaway Homes, LLC
David Weekley Homes
Capstone Partners, Inc.
Summit Homes Construction, LLC
Mirage Homes, LLC
O’Dwyer Homes
Hillcrest Homebuilders, Inc.
Touchstone Homes, Inc.

PRODUCER: Street of Dreams, Inc.

As the largest producer of luxury home shows in the U.S., Street of Dreams, Inc. has produced over 80 of its trademarked Street of Dreams shows in premier developments across North America. Street of Dreams events are extremely popular with participants and the visiting public. Over 3 million people have attended Street of Dreams, Inc.-produced shows.

For more information call:
Street of Dreams, Inc. - (425) 483-0253

Electric Mattress Pads with a Brain

2007-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Electric Mattress Pads provide soothing warmth from underneath. Now Sunbeam has a smart mattress pad that keeps you cozy and comfortable -- even when you turn down your thermostat at night to lower your heating bill. The Sunbeam Just Right Comfort® with ThermoFine® technology constantly senses and adjusts to your body and room temperature to deliver personalized warmth and comfort. Provides 25% better heating performance than older Sunbeam warming mattress pads.

Microsensor-controlled heating eliminates the need for high heat levels. The system delivers just enough heat to protect your body from excessive heat loss.

NOTE: Unlike a regular heating pad, the Sunbeam mattress pad does not feel hot when you touch it. What you will feel is a comfortable temperature, not too warm, not too cool, all night long.

Sunbeam Warming Mattress Pads actually self-adjust based on the room temperature, so you don't have to change your control setting as the room temperature changes. Because the wires are closer together at the foot end of the mattress pad than they are at the top, you stay comfortable all over. These pads are much more comfortable than the old electric blanket. With warmth from beneath and a light comforter on top you stay comfortable and an feel more refreshed after a night's sleep.

Electric Mattress Pads are not recommended for use on mechanical beds or by persons insensitive to heat.

Candles and Coffee from Georgia

2007-01-15T17:11:00.000-08:00

Don’t miss Southern Accents’ new web site at http://www.candlesandcoffee.com/. You can buy your Honey a pretty candle for a smart gift, but most importantly you can grab yourself a few cans of Jittery Joe’s coffee. Jittery Joe’s coffee is roasted right here in Athens, Georgia, home of the UGA Georgia Bulldogs (Bull Dawgs). Most coffee drinkers will like the House Blend or the Traveling Joe, but if you want a little kick, try the Kenya AA or the Costa Rica Tarrazu. Nancy and Jeff Hunt, owners of Southern Accents in Elberton, Georgia have taken time to bring it to you on-line so lets give them a little support and order a few things on-line or give them a call toll free at 1-877-283-6527 and tell them you saw it here first on the Old Deer Hunters.

Ceramic Disc Faucets

2007-01-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

You’re just drifting off to sleep and then you hear it: the drip, drip, drip of the bathroom faucet. Well, rest easy. Those drips may be an irritation of the past. Today, ceramic disc faucets are more the norm than the exception–and with their popularity, faucet problems are evaporating.

The ceramic disc valve, a type made popular by high-end European faucet makers, is now produced by American Standard, Kohler, Price Pfister and many other American faucet manufacturers. A ceramic disc faucet actually has two fire-hardened ceramic discs–an upper one that moves and a fixed lower one. The two discs move against each other in a shearing action, blocking water or allowing it to pass through. The seal between the two discs is watertight because they are polished to near-perfect flatness.
Ceramic disc faucets are nearly maintenance free and are generally guaranteed not to wear out. They are more durable over the long run in a broader variety of water conditions than any other variety of valve on the market. The discs themselves have diamond-like hardness; they are impervious to line debris, mineral buildup, and other common problems that affect valve life. But they’re not indestructible. If a peeling from galvanized pipe or a small rock gets into the valve, it can score the surfaces, but these occurrences are rare. Rick Brandley of George’s Pipe and Supply in Pasadena, California, advises, “If a ceramic-disc faucet drips, don’t try to force the handle closed–just flutter it back and forth a few times to dislodge any particles.”
The range of control with a ceramic disc faucet varies. From full-off to full-on may require only a quarter or half turn; for a fuller adjustment range and greater flow, three-quarter-turn models are also available. In general, all washerless faucets offer very precise, ergonomic control. And they’re very easy to use–even a child can turn one off and on with one pinkie. With this in mind, they’re a smart choice for people who have arthritis and who want something more decorative than a lever style.
Ceramic discs are popular because of their ease of use and reliability. Though competitively priced ceramic disc faucets are now available, ceramic discs are used primarily in mid-range and high-end styles-faucets that cost $100 or more. If repair is ever needed, the entire ceramic-disc cartridge is replaced, which runs from about $15 to $25.

Pellet Stoves Offer High-Tech Heating

2007-01-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

(hometips.com)With skyrocketing oil prices, the cost of heating homes is jumping off the charts. The Department of Energy expects heating bills to be 27 percent higher this winter for people who heat with oil and 41 percent higher for those who heat with natural gas. In cold-winter climates, this number will be closer to 30 percent. What can you do?

Some homeowners are turning to pellet stoves to provide supplemental (or in some cases, primary) heat. Pellet stoves look similar to wood stoves or fireplace inserts, but the similarities end there. Inside, they are very sophisticated combustion appliances.Most pellet stoves produce a small fire that, concentrated in the center of the unit, burns hot. If you like the look of a fire, it's important to find a unit with a good flame pattern and large viewing glass. For some stoves, you can get ceramic logs that help disperse the flames and give the fire a more traditional look.
One drawback of pellet stoves is that they're relatively complex. The various moving parts and motors require occasional maintenance. It's a good idea to select a model that gives you easy access to any parts that need care. In regard to maintenance, it's not a bad idea to get a service contract because servicing a pellet stove can be a bit tricky.
When choosing between a bottom- or top-fed pellet stove, consider the benefits and drawbacks of each. A top-fed stove has a lesser chance of fire burning back into the hopper because of its pellet delivery system. But the combustion chamber is more likely to become impeded with ash and clinkers (the deposits that are caused by reheating ash). As a result, many manufacturers of top-fed models recommend burning high-grade, low-ash pellets. Bottom-fed models don't require premium fuel because the ash and clinkers are pushed into the ash pan. Keep in mind that you have to remove the ashes about once a week with steady use. An easy-to-use, large-capacity ash access drawer makes cleanup easier.
The motors, of course, require electricity (some have battery backup units). A stove will need a nearby 110-volt outlet. If you live where power outages are frequent, you may want to have a gas-powered generator on hand so that you can use the stove if the power goes out.
Pellet stoves are measured in heat output range, also called heating capacity. Most have a rating of 8,000 to 90,000 BTUs per hour. To choose the right size of pellet stove to buy, work with a knowledgeable dealer who can take into account the many variables and factors that will determine the best choice.
A variety of styles are available in both freestanding stoves and fireplace inserts. Some manufacturers also make pellet-fueled furnaces and boilers that are designed to take the place of--or supplement--conventional forced-air heating systems.
Prices range from about $1700 to $3000 or more for the stove and from $150 to $400 for installation. When comparing prices of pellet stoves with wood stoves, remember that pellet stoves offer a substantial savings--they don't require installation of a full-height conventional chimney or flue, the most costly part of some fireplace and wood stove installations.

Joe T. Cunningham Interiors

2007-01-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

If you live near or plan to visit North Georgia, don't miss Joe T. Cunningham Interiors in Royston, Georgia. This is one place that can help you upgrade your old home furnishings, and do it at a great price.

Joe T. Cunningham Interiors carries name brand furniture that you will be proud to own, including Hooker, Clayton-Marcus, Stanley, and other top names in home furnishings. Stop by their showroom in beautiful Royston, Georgia or shop on-line at www.joetcunningham.com . If you are a baseball fan, you might know that Royston, Georgia is the home of the legindary Ty Cobb. Joe T. Cunningham carries all kinds of Ty Cobb memorabilia, including original photos of the all time great baseball player.

Interior Design
Joe T. Cunningham Interiors is also a full time interior decorator and will be happy help you select the furnishings that best complement your home or office. Select from a large aray of Artwork, lamps, the finest floral and botanical reproductions by Natural Decorations, Inc., and other decorative items. They will be happy to make an appointment for you at your home or the showroom when you are ready to upgrade your decor to today's most popular styles.

Artwork and Ty Cobb Memorabilia
Don't forget to visit the art gallery. They have many pictures, limited edition prints, and Ty Cobb memorabilia for your home or office. They will soon offer artwork on-line so you can shop from the convenience of your home. Contact Joe T. Cunningham Interiors at 706-245-7432 or stop by the showroom.

Kitchen Remodeling

2007-01-01T15:35:00.000-08:00

Kitchen Remodeling - Getting it done.
by: Jon Leger

Kitchen remodeling is one of the most desirable home improvement projects for many homeowners. It works because it is the art of sensible design and when you feel good your life goes in a positive direction creating for you wealth, health and happiness. But it requires careful thinking about how you live and what you want.

The important thing with kitchen remodeling is to know your budget, do your research and know what things cost and how much you want to spend. It can be hard to know where to begin and what concepts to use. Success requires the right preparation. With kitchen remodeling, not everybody has to enjoy the process of hunting and finding that perfect thing for their house or one particular object that's going to make a room.

If I were you I would call a general contractor and see if you can get a free estimate. Considering that a minor kitchen remodeling will most likely cost you thousands of dollars, and you don't want to blow that money on mistakes, a professional may be in order. Once you know the basic design principals, find out about kitchen cabinet choices at Cabinet Basics or learn all about countertops at New and Traditional Countertop Choices, and the advantages and disadvantages of the various flooring materials for kitchens at Flooring Options for Kitchens and Baths. It helps to feel and touch an item to make a better decision about the most appropriate solution.

An interesting statistic is that one out of 10 home-owners remodeled their kitchens in some form or fashion during the past 12 months, while one in 20 households plan to undertake a remodeling project within the next 12 months.

That being said, if you have the time, experience, patience and money to do it yourself, then more power to you! So many people do not do the most important thing in a kitchen remodeling project: plan, plan, plan. Often I hear from clients that they have a vision of how they want a room to look, but that they can't "get it just right. But really, it is not so hard to do once you have it planned out.

Now it's time to get out a pencil and start putting your ideas in writing. I hope you enjoy it and thereby learn something. If not, then you will need to look for a reliable and licensed contractor to remodel the kitchen for you.

Don't forget to add your own personal touches to enhance the warmth and atmosphere of your kitchen, while expressing your own individuality. With kitchen remodeling, take some time to review all your selections before moving past this stage. It's important that you get the opportunity to see the tile in the kitchen before you buy. Also, be sure and confirm local codes and building permits with your local building inspections office.

Kitchen remodeling may not be easy for some people, but if you shy away from this topic, the consequences could be devastating. Stick with it and work your way through the problems. In the end the results will better fit your needs.

Remodeling A Bathroom

2007-01-01T15:22:00.000-08:00

Tips For Remodeling A Bathroom
by: Daniel Owens

Many of us put up with dingy bathroom that may have leaky fixtures, peeling paint, stained floors, or poor lighting because it all still works and no one sees it but us anyway. That doesn't have to be the case. Just because it works should be no excuse to leave it alone when you really don't like the way it looks. It may work to keep a worn out but comfy pair of jeans, but you still would not wear them out to an important function. Your bathroom may be making a statement to your guests that you would rather not be saying. If you can't do the work yourself, hire a professional that has good recommendations from people you know.

Decide what you would like in your remodeled bathroom. Everyone seems to be enjoying larger bathrooms recently. If the budget and surrounding area allows it, you could enlarge the bathroom by a few feet. In the past bathrooms were purely functional with just enough space to take care of business. Now, we have such busy lives that we like to escape in the luxury of a large bathroom to relax in a bubble bath.

You may decide to add light, whether natural or artificial. You could enlarge or add a window for more sunlight. You could also add a variety of lighting for different uses. Dim lighting would be nice for a relaxing bath, but bright lights will be needed for shaving. More light will also make the bathroom seem larger if you could not expand the room as much as you would like.

Consider refurbishing your old cabinets. If they are in good shape, you could just refinish them. Using a lighter color will add to that spacious look. You could also add a new top to replace stained, out dated counter top. Marble can add a beautiful look to your bathroom that will have guests saying, "Wow!".

A really nice comfort to add is radiant heat. With the heat under the flooring, you never have to worry about stepping barefooted onto a cold floor first thing in the morning. This is a costly addition, but radiant heating is efficient and can save money after the initial sticker shock.

If you are now motivated to remodel that old bathroom, you are ready to start comparison-shopping at various home improvement stores. They may have displays that will give you an idea of looks that appeal to you and those that are not so appealing. You can also check out a few decorating and home improvement magazines to find more ideas. After doing your homework, you will have in mind exactly what you want to make it easier for your contractor to satisfy you.

About The Author

Daniel Owens is the editor of a top http://www.diy-professional.com website, and he also runs a site about http://www.computingsos.com

Gazebo Plan

2007-01-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Gazebo Plan - Choosing the Right One
by: Dion Semeniuk

Gazebos have come a long way in the past few years. Although there have been a growing number of styles, today you also have a huge range of materials and sizes. However, the key to truly enjoying you new gazebo is choosing the right one. Therefore, we suggest you consider a number of gazebo plans, making sure you choose one that will enhance the intended space, provide you with enough room for its planned use, and a style that is visually pleasing.

The great thing about a gazebo is that because it has a roof, you can even enjoy it throughout the year, even in the rain and snow. Therefore, when choosing your gazebo plan, consider how much and the way in which you want to use it. With this, you are not stuck inside the house on a rainy day. Just imagine grabbing a favorite book, a good cup of coffee, and settle into a comfortable chair or bench outside under the protection of your gazebo.

With the right gazebo plan, you could also entertain on a hot summer day, providing great shelter from the sun’s hot rays while still being able to enjoy the outdoors. The bottom line is that a gazebo makes time spent outdoors far more enjoyable. As you begin looking at different plans, you will probably be amazed at the number of options you have regarding size, shape, style, and material.

Size is always a big determining factor, which of course would be based on the space outdoors, as well as usage. For instance, if you have a small backyard and keep to a small group of friends, then a large gazebo would likely not work. However, if you have ample outdoor space and love throwing big, lavish parties, then a 22-foot gazebo would be the perfect solution. In this case, you could go with a gazebo designed with three sides or one completely open.

Although you can get a good idea as to the style and size gazebo plan you want, be sure you check with the local authorities. In addition to possible permits, you also want to check with your local utility companies before doing any digging. Once you have all the regulations and safety precautions covered, you can then look at the size of your property, which would also involve the situation or angle at which the gazebo is built.

Finally, in addition to the actual gazebo plan, most people will add other elements. For instance, you may want to add a Jacuzzi tub, built-in seating, landscaping, protective screens, furniture, and so on. Obviously, the gazebo plan would need to accommodate the ultimate design. Just remember that no matter what you have in mind, if you cannot find gazebos to fit, you can always have one customized or purchase plans to build exactly the gazebo of your dreams.

Unfortunately, we see many people choosing something they like but not love. Because many gazebo kits and plans are so affordable, it would be worth a little extra time in planning to build the perfect outdoor addition. This way, the gazebo would be something you enjoy looking at but also more importantly, a place of refuge, something that you can enjoy with family and friends.

Upgrading God's House

2006-12-30T14:52:00.000-08:00

Church Pews from Suburban Church Supply, were selected for the St James Episcopal Church in Eufaula, AL to renew one of the oldest churches in Alabama.
The first recorded Episcopal services were held in Eufaula by The Rev. A. Bloomer Hart in 1838, first in homes, then in the Tavern, a pre-Civil War house on Front Street and, now, the oldest existing house in Eufaula.

The Parish was being organized in 1844 as news of James K Polk's nomination for president arrived in Eufaula. Because of that, General John Hunter moved that the Parish be named St. James' and his motion carried unanimously. (The Church in Alabama, Walter C. Whitaker).

In spite of this rather partisan selection process, the name of the Church is associated with James the brother of John and son of Zebedee also known as James the Elder or Greater (as opposed to James the Less, brother of Jesus). The Church banner bears the symbols of St. James, three shells and a sword. The shells represent Spain where James is said to have traveled and preached. The sword is a reminder of the tradition that tells us James died a martyr's death.

The present building is the third Episcopal Church in Eufaula. The first was built in 1851 on Barbour Street. Around 1883, this frame building was moved to St. James' Place where the parish hall now sits, facing south toward the street and the library. The rectory next door was built in 1890. Ground was broken for the present building in 1905 and construction was completed in 1911.

The original pews came from the 1851 building and were finished in natural wood before being painted in the "Williamsburg" style. The interior is dark oak and the exterior is stucco.

The church pews were replaced in December 2006. Such a historic church required new pews made in the old time tradition by a company that could be trusted. The company chosen was Suburban Church Supply, a church pew company that has stood the test of time providing custom wood church pews to the Southeast for over 30 years. The new church pews were custom build in the classic S-410 style, and finished in a dark mahogany wood stain with the scarlet red fabric seats.

Visit the Suburban Church Supply web site for information on custom church pews, all kinds of church furniture, church chairs, moveable worship seating, communion tables, stained glass windows, and even church steeples for new churches or church renovation.

Electric Floor Heating Systems

2006-11-26T16:39:00.000-08:00

New Personal-Pampering Electric Floor Heating Systems Offer Variety of Comfort

Many homeowners love the look of tile, wood, or floating woods but dread stepping out of their soothing shower onto cold tile, especially during those frigid winter months. And many love tile or wood in their kitchens and living areas but worry about their little ones playing and pitter-pattering on cold floors. That’s why so many are opting for electric floor heating systems to warm up their floors.

The installation of electric floor heating is not new: heated floors have been installed under bathroom and kitchen tile in the United States for the past 10 years and the warming products continue to gain popularity. Many in the kitchen and bath industry expect radiant floors to continue to play a big role among homeowners who crave comfort features.

Joan McCloskey, editorial marketing director for Better Homes and Gardens magazine, told homebuilders at the 2003 International Builders Show that warm floors in the bathroom is on the list of must-have comforts. “Our bathrooms set the mood for the day and homeowners want it light, comfortable, and cheerful,” she said. “Toys in this room and the master include heated floors, little refrigerators, steam showers with multiple shower heads, soaking tubs, towel warmers, fireplaces, and coffee nooks.”

These thin electric floor heating mats have been very popular in bathrooms and kitchens for a long time. However, the installation of these systems under carpet and floating floating wood was not practical because they needed to be embedded in a layer of thin-set cement, which you normally don’t use when you install a new carpet or floating wood floor. As a result, very few people would opt for a heated floor under carpet or floating wood. Up until now: Underwriters Laboratory has given the thumbs up to Warmly Yours’ Environ II system, a radiant heating system that can be directly installed under carpets and floating wood floors, without cement.

It is the first time that UL tested and approved a floor warming mat to be installed directly between the pad and the carpet or floating wood. “It’s very easy to install,” said Julia Stalfort from WarmlyYours “You can do it yourself: all you need to do is tape the Environ II system on the underlayment pad then lay the floating wood or carpet over it. It takes a few seconds and your carpet or floating wood is warm.” The heating mat is hardwired to a thermostat with an in-floor temperature sensor taped to the heating mat. The thermostat needs to be wired to a regular 110-volt circuit by an electrician.

In addition to providing warmth, these new floor heating mats are energy efficient. Because it is under the carpet or floating wood and over the foam pad, it provides additional insulation from the cold sub-floor. The Environ II is constructed of an ultra thin heating wire that exists in four layers of foil, quickly and efficiently distributing heat. A 120-square-foot coverage would probably cost about 40 cents a day, on average.

Other benefits of electric floor heating systems include:

Silent operation. There’s no hum or whistle of a forced air system.
Energy savings. Evenly distributed heat from a radiant floor heating system can allow the thermostat to be set two to four degrees less than in a forced-air heating system. This can reduce energy costs by 10 to 40 percent.
A healthier home. Forced air systems can spread dust, pollen, and germs. Dust mites and molds love carpet but don’t like warmth. European research performed in 21 households shows a 50 percent to 80 percent reduction in domestic dust mite populations in the households with radiant floor heating, thereby improving the quality of life (particularly for allergy sufferers).
Even, quiet warmth. Even wood, tile, or uncovered concrete floors can benefit from a radiant system.

Electrical Upgrades for Home Remodelers

2006-11-26T16:18:00.000-08:00

The Copper Development Association has some good tips if you are planning home upgrades that may put a heavier load on your home's elctrical system.

Home repair and remodeling projects often require some electrical work. As long as the electrician is on hand, you can usually save the cost of a service call by adding to the job as needed If you haven't planned electrical upgrades, a quick look around your house might convince you that you should. Do you have receptacle outlets overburdened by multi-plug strips? Are your lamps and fixtures connected to extension cords? Does every three-prong plug need a two-prong adapter? These and other warning signs indicate a real need for electrical improvements.

Unfortunately, many homeowners wait until a problem occurs, and only then do they think to call in an electrician. But there's along list of reasons why you should inspect and improve your electrical system—before an accident or service breakdown occurs. Here are a few points to consider, according to the Copper Development Association:

Is your service adequate? Many older homes still operate with seriously outdated 60-amp electrical service—and sometimes with just a few fuses or circuit breakers to protect the entire system. Newer homes often have 100-amp service panels, but even this minimum requirement set by many current codes may fall short of your present or future needs. Consider upgrading service to 200 amps.

Size for extra demand. If you're installing a major electrical appliance, like an electric wall oven, a microwave oven, a double-wide refrigerator or central air-conditioning, you'd better think about the additional power it may need. While a salesman or installer might tell you that your system can handle the load, be smart and ask your electrician for a second opinion.

What's the correct wire size? Electricians often install 14-AWG wiring during renovations, which is adequate for most home uses. But heavier 12-AWG copper wire is a better choice because it's more energy-efficient and you won't have to upgrade all over again if you install appliances or fixtures with greater electrical loads. The cost difference for upgrading to 12-AWG copper wire is minimal. If you're adding a room extension or building a new home, it's a good idea to install 12-AWG wire (or larger, depending on the needs of each circuit).

Consider special needs. Different rooms in a home serve different purposes—an important consideration when you're planning improvements, especially where electrical work is involved. Family rooms, home offices and home theaters generally need more circuits, more outlets, and built-in or plug-in power-surge protection. Outlets in kitchens, baths, garages and outdoor areas require ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs. And you don't have to wait for a major renovation to add protection—you can install many safety devices yourself, such as outlet caps, switch guards and wire shields in nurseries and children's playrooms.

And finally, don't forget your communications wiring needs—make sure telephone wiring is rated Category 5 or better to assure speedy data mission, high-quality voice service and convenient installation as you add telephone-based services in the future.

Home Wine Cooler

2006-11-26T15:42:00.000-08:00

Serve wine at the perfect temperature with this 16-bottle countertop wine cooler. The interior rack can accommodate your larger bottles while the removable chrome shelves let you select any bottle quickly and easily. Maintenance is trouble-free thanks to the convenient automatic defrost feature. This wine cooler is ideal for home use or for the wine enthusiast in your life.

• Variable temperature control allows you to appropriately chill all your wines
• Removable chrome shelves and a rack for larger bottles provide versatility
• Black exterior with an attractive metallic-silver door and stainless-steel handle looks sleek and modern
• Designed to fit on most countertops
• Auto defrost for hassle-free maintenance

It is a great home upgrade and a great gift and it only costs about $129. Check it out at Home Depot.

Horizons Natural Shades

2006-08-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

B&W Manufacturing is the exclusive manufacturer for Horizons™ Natural Shades. As both the fabricator and distributor they offer you the finest quality custom made shades at the best possible prices.

These Natural Shades provide practicality and elegance for any window. Shades are available in 6 styles with 50 unique patterns to choose from. A variety of extra options are available to further customize your window treatments.

Roman Fold Shade
Simple and elegant, the Roman Fold is our most popular style. The shade hangs off the back of the headrail and raises in soft folds. When lowered completely, the material hangs flat. A standard 6-inch valance hangs off the front of the headrail concealing the shade’s hardware

Averte Natural Fold
Now B&W Manufacturing brings the high fashion weaves of Horizons Natural Shades to your big windows and sliding glass doors! Combining Averté Natural Fold and Horizons Romans shades in the same room gives perfect coordination!

For more information on these beautiful window shades, cal Window Decor & More 251-980-2456.

Caesar's Glory: The Ultimate Draperies Upgrade

2006-08-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

ADO Corporation was established in Spartanburg, South Carolina by Mr. Hubert Wulf in 1979. Over twenty-five years later and several expansions, ADO Corporation remains a leader in high quality fabric and draperies throughout the United States and Canada

During a worldwide recession in 1954, Hubert Wulf and his wife, Marianne, established ADO Gardinenwerke in the small, northern rural town of Aschendorf, Germany. ADO Gardinenwerke succeeded in part due to the Wulfs’ unparalleled vision and innovative ideas; however, the most important factor was ADO’s technical superiority and faithfulness to maintain high quality manufacturing of 118 inch seamless drapery fabrics and accessories.

Upon the success of ADO Gardinenwerke, Mr. Wulf envisioned an expansion across the Atlantic Ocean. Rather than merely importing the finest seamless fabrics to the United States, he dedicated himself to importing the technology and knowledge of manufacturing the best seamless fabrics and draperies. Thus, ADO Corporation was born.

Now ADO makes the world's most exclusive fabric, Caesar's Glory. If you are going to design to excess do it right! Caesar's Glory, as it has become known, is the world's most exclusive fabric retailing at $70,000, and it's made only by ADO. And, of course, for @ $70,000 per yard you can choose your own design.
Caesar's glory was made as tribute to one of histories most famous personalities. Caesar, known for his conquests as well as his excesses was chosen because there is only one person that could live up to the example of ADO's most exclusive fabric in the world.
The design for the fabric was based upon coins used during Caesar's time with his likeness stamped on them. The outside of the design is based upon the famous roman laurel wreath, which could only be earned by furthering the glory of Rome.
The interior of the design is made in the likeness of Caesar's profile. The design itself is 27.5 inches in diameter with 4200 crystals backed with gold leaf applied to fine French Leavers lace and then attached to the sheer drapery fabric. The fabric is some of ADO's most special fabric to date, and the absolute focus of the design is on the circle of precious stones between the words PONT and MAX.
A 3ct diamond and 24 rubies make up the circle of stones in a statement that cannot be misunderstood, this fabric is the ultimate expression of decadence. Don't miss the 18ct gold Eurohem at the bottom with 18ct gold ADO logos every 10 inches either.

Ceiling Fans With The Energy Star Save You Money

2006-08-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking about installing a ceiling fan in your home, remember to get one that has earned the Energy Star Rating for efficiency. Ceiling fan/light combination units that have earned the ENERGY STAR are about 50% more efficient than conventional fan/light units. This can save you $15-$20 per year on utility bills, plus any additional air conditioning or heating savings you may gain when your fan is operated properly.

While ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans use improved motors and blade designs, you can dramatically increase your savings with ENERGY STAR qualified lighting. If your fan doesn't include lighting, be sure to purchase an ENERGY STAR qualified light kit. This lighting is efficient and long lasting, so you won't have to make frequent bulb changes.

Choosing the Right Size Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fan blade spans range from 29 to 54 inches - the most popular being the 52-inch model. To determine which size you need, measure the room where the ceiling fan will be installed and follow these guidelines:

Room Dimensions Suggested Fan Size
Up to 75 ft2 29 - 36"
76 - 144 ft2 36 - 42"
144 - 225 ft2 44"
225 - 400 ft2 50 - 54"

Ceiling Fan Installation and Usage Tips
Ceiling fan performance and energy savings rely heavily on the proper installation and use of the ceiling fan. Here are a few tips to ensure quality and product performance.

Note: consumers should read and understand manufacturer instructions before attempting to install a ceiling fan.

Choosing the Appropriate UL-Rated Electrical Box. Make sure that you use the appropriate UL-listed metal box, marked "For Use With Ceiling Fans." This outlet box is mounted above the ceiling and also is the point where the fan is attached. This box houses all wiring needed to operate and connect the ceiling fan. If you are replacing a ceiling fixture, most likely you will need to replace the electrical box.

Mounting the Ceiling Fan. If possible, the ceiling fan should be anchored to a ceiling joist. In the case that the joist is not located in the center of the room, a special ceiling fan mounting bracket with spiked ends should be installed between joists. Keep in mind that ceiling fans can weigh as much as 50 pounds!

Turn Off When not in the Room. Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. If the room is unoccupied, turn off the ceiling fan to save energy.

Using the Ceiling Fan Year Round. In the summer, use the ceiling fan in the counter-clockwise direction. The airflow produced by the ceiling fan creates a wind-chill effect, making you "feel" cooler. In the winter, reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan at low speed in the clockwise direction. This produces a gentle updraft, which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space. Remember to adjust your thermostat when using your ceiling fan - additional energy and dollar savings could be realized with this simple step!

Waterless Cookware

2006-08-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

What is waterless cookware, you ask? You may have heard the names SaladMaster, Town Craft, Neova or other cookware suppliers that have big price tags and a promise of better tasting and healthier food. The cookware allows you to cook all types of food using very little oil or water, reducing calories and retaining a more natural taste.

Most of the companies that sell waterless cookware do so through direct selling. They set up dinner parties for five or six couples, come over to your home and demo the cookware by cooking you a great meal. In the process they show you how the cookware is constructed and the cooking process required when using waterless cookware.

It is really amazing that you can just cut up a chicken, throw it into the pan and cook it to a golden brown with just the oil in the chicken and no other oil or grease. Vegetables come out with a fresher taste because they do not have the flavor boiled out of them. The cooking technique is called induction cooking. Induction cooking is done with thick based pans with tight sealing lids over low heat.

The pots and pans are not magic, but they are constructed very well, made of heavy 10/18, 304, or 316 stainless steel, with several layers of special aluminum and steel bonded together to form the thick base of the pan for even cooking. The lids fit very well and some have small vents or temperature dials to make sure the correct cooking temperature is not exceeded.

The food comes out great and one of these cook sets can be a sensational upgrade if you are like most people who have a mix collection of pots and pans that look like the came from Fred Sanford's kitchen. Is the great food worth the $1500 for a set of pots and pans? Only you can make that decision, but you owe it to yourself to get invited to one of the demonstrations to find out. And don't forget, with a little research on the Internet, you can find this same cookware or same type of cookware for a much better price. Just search SaladMaster or Town Craft on E-bay and see what you can find.

Home Energy-efficiency Upgrades

2006-08-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to new tax credits that kicked in this year it's easier than ever to boost your home's energy efficiency without going broke. So whether you're looking to give the environment a helping hand or just seeking ways to reduce home heating bills, here are some helpful hints.

Under the Energy Policy Act, in 2006 and 2007 consumers can receive federal tax credits for making energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes. Here are some of the upgrades that are eligible for tax credits.

Home energy-efficiency improvements: You can get a one-time tax credit of up to $500 for projects that involve the home's shell (insulation, windows, sealing) or its home heating and cooling equipment. Each project must meet specific criteria, and must be put in place during 2006 or 2007. Eligible projects include new windows (10% of the cost, up to $200), central air conditioners (up to $300 of the full purchase price), hot water boilers (up to $150 of the full purchase price) and pigmented metal roofs (10% of the cost, up to $500).

Solar energy systems: you can get a one-time tax credit for the cost of installing an alternative energy system in your home. For installing a photovoltaic system (which produces electricity) or a solar water heating system, you'll receive a credit for 30% the cost of the system — a maximum of $2,000. Each project must meet specific criteria, and must be put in place during 2006 or 2007.

Although all appliances are not covered by tax credits, you can still find great deals on enery efficient appliances when it is time to upgrade from the old Frig or microwave. When looking for an energy-efficient model, look for the Energy Star label, says ACEEE's Prindle. The tag is currently found on more than 40 products, from refrigerators to washers to televisions and computers. It will tell you how much energy the appliance uses — an invaluable number when comparing various models.

Some states or cities also offer coupons or rebates for some energy upgrades too, so check around to you local electric company or state energy office to get help with those upgrade. Good luck!

23rd Annual Fall Atlanta Home Show

2006-08-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

The 23rd Annual Fall Atlanta Home Show September 28 to October 1, 2006 promises not to disappoint! If you are looking for great ideas for the home, the Atlanta home show has to be on your calendar of to dos!

Lots of great things going on. All the new appliances and gaggets for your review. Great demos and great speakers including;

“The Deen Team” comprised of Bobby and Jamie Deen, sons of Paula, bring their Southern charm and homestyle recipes to the Cooking Corner. These “sons” of the well-known Lady and Sons Restaurant in Savannah will be on stage Friday and Saturday.

Crowd favorites Walter Reeves and Dave Baker of WSB AM broadcast live from the show Saturday morning beginning at 6 a.m

Katie Brown of public television’s Katie Brown Workshop shares easy-to-follow tips and tricks that can help turn you into a master at gardening, shopping, decorating, cooking and, of course, entertaining. Brown delivers practical advice geared to help those on a limited schedule and budget.

Get your “Organizing Filosophy” on track with Allison Carter from the National Association of Professional Organizers. Make plans to attend her seminar on setting up filing systems and other tricks to basic organization.

Become a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Diva! Join seminars designed by women, for women on everything from tools to kitchen backsplashes and a very special “Little Divas” workshop.

Support the Atlanta Community Food Bank! Bring a non-perishable food item to the show and receive $1 off one adult admission. The Atlanta Home Show will also donate $1 to the Atlanta Community Food Bank for every adult that brings a non-perishable food item. Limit one discount per person.

Ticket Prices:
Adults - $10
Children ages 6-12 - $3
Children ages 5 and under - FREE

Tickets are available at the Show Box Office, located at the top of the escalator.

Tickets are only valid for one day of admission.

For group ticket sales, please call 770.998.9800

A Fountain For Your Patio Or Garden

2006-08-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

A fountain in your garden or on your patio can change the entire character of the outdoor living area. The gentle, melodious sound of falling water will make your garden a sanctuary not simply for the eyes and nose, but for the ears as well. It can transform a patio that is merely a place to bar-b-que into a place to relax and spend time with someone special or a good book.

Fountains come in many styles and sizes and can fit into any budget. Whether your back yard houses a rose garden, a rock garden or an extensive outdoor living area, you'll find a fountain to be a perfect companion piece. Fountains are made from fiberglass moldings, stone, concrete, metal castings and other materials. Fountains can be free standing, attached to a stone wall, or placed right in the midst of your flowers.

Setup of a simple free standing fountain is very easy. Most come with a small electric submersible pump (some also have a light) that recirculates the water from the bowl of the fountain back up to the head. You just fill the fountain with water, place the pump into the fountain bowl, connect the transfer tube from pump to the fountain head, plug the pump up to the nearest electrical outlet and enjoy.

If any of you guys out there want to give your wife or mom a gift they will really enjoy, this is the perfect gift. You can find all kinds of fountains on-line or at the large home and garden stores like Lowes or Home Depot.

Planters For the Outdoor Room

2006-08-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

Design your outdoor getaway by selecting from various pottery styles and colors. An elegant pottery piece filled with plantings... foliage and colors from your flower garden will enhance the entrance of your newly created room. As you move throughout your outdoor garden area, consider placement of various containers--inviting the curiousity of guests and those inhabitants of the surroundings. Creation of this new focal point for your landscape will enhance the design of your home.

Outdoor landscaping for certain areas is definitely easier to create with the use of moveable pottery pieces filled with foliage and garden color, instead of directly planting in the landscape area. This option certainly prevents disturbing the natural setting already created for the garden.

A bold, colorful planter can certainly be an extension of the inside of your home. As you travel from inside your home to your garden area, extend the colors and textures from within. This is a wonderful way to invite the "outside" as an accessory to your decorative creations and designs.

Benches For Your Outdoor Room

2006-08-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

A garden bench needs to be a personal addition to your garden or outdoor space. Not only is a bench in your outdoor space practical, it will give character to the space you are creating... to be the room of your choice. Garden benches are great looking and set the tone for the entire outdoor room. The outdoor bench is to a garden what a swing is to a front porch. It is an invitation for people to sit back and relax as all of nature surrounds you.

There are many styles of garden benches available, which should make your selection easy. When shopping for the "perfect bench", you will notice there are several materials that are used for construction such as: wood, plastic, metal and stones. The type of bench chosen will certainly complete you shade garden, outdoor patio, outdoor kitchen or other projects relating to the outdoor landscape.

The popularity of the garden bench lends to your choosing from various styles such as classic, rustic, vintage or perhaps another style created just for you.

A Bunn Coffee Maker Completes A Kitchen

2006-07-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

Founded in 1957, Bunn-O-Matic Corporation introduced the first paper coffee filter and, in 1963, the "pourover" coffee brewer for commercial users. Today BUNN continues to design and manufacture innovations in commercial beverage equipment and home coffee brewers from its headquarters in Springfield, Illinois. BUNN coffee brewers are proudly made in America.

There are few things in my home that I enjoy as much as my Bunn Coffee Maker. It makes a pot of perfect coffee in 3 minutes! You can be drinking coffee while other coffee makers are just starting to get the water hot.

A different way to brew coffee.

BUNN Home Brewers are made to do exactly what famous BUNN Commercial Brewers do: produce great tasting coffee quickly, simply and consistently. Perfect coffee flavor is robust without bitterness, and is determined by three elements in brewing: water temperature, the time ground coffee is exposed to the water and how much of the coffee is exposed to the water.

The patented ready-to-brew reservoir keeps water at the ideal brewing temperature of approximately 200°. (Conventional home brewers heat water until it boils up to coffee basket.)

The fast 3-minute cycle is the perfect brew cycle time for the most coffee flavor without bitterness. (Typical brew cycles expose ground coffee until all water is boiled up--at least twice as long.)

The unique sprayhead design creates the right amount of turbulence to suspend ground coffee and extract flavor evenly and thoroughly. (With most coffee makers, water drips straight through without exposing coffee evenly.)

If coffee is a big part of your life like as it is mine, you will appreciate the difference a Bunn coffee maker vs. other brands can make. Bunn home coffee makers can be purchased for under $100 in department stores or on-line. This will be one home upgrade you will be glad you did not put off until tomorrow.

Landscape Lights

2006-07-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

Landscape lights--those little solar powered lamps that you see lining sidewalks not only provide an extra margin of safety but add curb appeal.

At the home improvement center, we found that there are a wide variety of solar landscaping lights, sold individually and in sets. Solar lights do not require batteries. They receive their charge by the sun in the day and come on automatically when it gets dark. No wires to run or switches to flip, the lights come on automatically at dusk and stay lit for several hours. Each solar light has its own battery cell, so there is no electical cost for having the lights on.

You can purchase these little solar lights at Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and other outdoor garden supply stores. Solar lighting is very attractive as an enhancement for your landscape design, and provides safety for entrances and walkways. These lights turn on and off automatically and are a snap to install. It only requires placing the light on top of the provided stake; pushing it into the ground at the desired location...quick, easy and attractive for a home project.

Kitchen Knives Upgrade

2006-07-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS makes the best kitchen knives you can buy and worth every penny. I have had the pleasure of owning a HENCKELS Four Star set for 20 years and they are as good today as the day I purchased them. Most people use kitchen knives on a daily basis. Widely used is the kitchen knife that somehow never seems to be sharp enough, even to carve the Thanksgiving bird without ripping it apart. Good knives can be expensive but you can shop for them on sale at your local department store, kitchen suppliers, or even shop Ebay for a good deal.

My recommendation for a superior set of cutlery would be a set manufactured and sold by the name brand ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS. This company does, however; sell Asian made knives so be sure you get the models made in Solingen, Germany. If you choose not to purchase a complete set, select the two that you will use the most--the 3" or 4" paring knife and the 8" chef's knife. These will get you through 90% of you cutting chores. The set is about $100 or less if you shop wisely. Lifetime warranty comes with all knives bearing the authentic ZWILLING J.A. HENCKEL name.

The FOUR STAR range comprises the ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS set of modern chefs knives with outstanding quality and exceptional styling. These knives are made with the aid of Sintermetal Component Technology(SCT), an innovative, patented process mastered only by ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS. Laser monitoring is used to hone for optimum cutting angle. Special FRIODUR, ice-hardening process is used to further quality refinement which make knives more durable and corrosion resistant. J.A. HENCKELS has been manufacturing quality cutlery for more than 260 years.

Cabinet Refacing

2006-07-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Cabinet Refacinggives your kitchen or bathroom an updated, remodeled look at half the cost of traditional remodeling. And its done in just a few days.

Refacing gives you new doors and drawer fronts, including new decorator hardware and quality, self-closing hinges. Then wood veneer or Formica laminate is bonded to your existing framework. It's beautiful, durable, quick to install and very economical.

Refacing Process:
A draftsman comes to your home and takes precise measurements and basically draws a blueprint of your cabinets. Then custom doors and drawer fronts are made from the blueprint based on the type of wood or solid surface material you choose. Even stainless steel doors can be made if you desire.

1) The first stage of the installation process is we remove your existing doors and drawer fronts. These items are discarded.

2) Your cabinet frames are sanded in preparation for finishing the cabinet frames to match the new cabinet doors. An repair work is also done if needed at this time.

3) If necessary the old cabinets are refinished to match the doors. The door frames can sometimes be used but are usually build with the new doors and are glued to the old cabinet box. You essentially have an old box, with new from frame facing and new doors.

4) New hardware is the norm during the installation so that you get new knobs or drawer handles for a new modern look and to match the new hinges installed with the new doors. You can select from modern or "new antique" styles to match your home decor.

Refacing your old cabinets can really save you a lot of money and you can get it done in a much shorter time. No use replacing the perfectly good part just to get a new look -- reface your cabinet instead.

AquaScapes Water Features

2006-07-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

The informal/natural pond is a rock edged pool set at ground level. The floor of the pond is graded so that there is a slightly deeper end. Rocks are set 6" or so under the water so that no liner shows around water level.

There can be plant shelves, planting pockets in between the rocks, or decorative planters can be added for floral effects. Gravel is placed in between and at the back of the rocks so that there is a small border between the pond and any turf, which makes for ease of maintenance. If a crystal clear pond all year round is a must then a filter system can be added. The pond can be planted if required as well as having a host of other accessories available from waterfalls to fountains.

The formal pond has straight and irregular lines and can be either circular, square or rectangular. Ideally this pond will be situated near the house or in an area of hard landscaping, such as a patio or semi hard landscaping or a gravelled area.

Set at ground level and approximately 2 feet deep, it has marginal planting shelves (generally in the corners) which are best planted with more formal plants that do not spread outwards but generally tend to grow upwards in a neat and more formal way. There are many moisture loving ornamental grasses, some of which are evergreen, as well as other formal plants to choose from. These types of ponds have great potential as still water lily ponds, although they do also lend themselves to formal single jet fountains. Formal ponds can be filtered if required.

Outdoor Living and Cooking Areas

2006-07-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

Outdoor Living and outdoor cooking areas are the hottest trend in residential landscape design, thanks in no small part to the versatility of retaining wall systems. Outdoor cooking areas can range from a modest fire pit to a full-blown outdoor kitchen that will rival the most lavish indoor cooking areas, complete with stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops and fully plumbed sinks. To compete the experience, tiled patios, covered areas, landscaping, plants and flowers can make it the most popular and beautiful part of your home.

For those homeowners looking to add to their living space, improve their lifestyle and increase the resale value of their home, the perfect solution is to extend your living area outdoors through the addition of patios, outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas. The walls between the indoors and outdoors are coming down and we're seeing outdoor rooms and living areas that have all the features of indoor kitchens and family rooms.

Your new space will most likely reflect your living style. You may have a swimming pool already, and need to extend the swimming environment with a sandy beach area, a cabana style shaded area, a complete screened pool to keep out leaves and insects, or a winding cool surface sidewalk from the back door to the pool.

You may also be seeking privacy or very relaxing space that you can retreat to for rest and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of our fast paced lives. Just think of a cozy place surrounded by plants, a fireplace for cool nights, the peaceful sound of a fountain or waterfall water feature. A place designed by Peidmont Landscape Management just for you!

If you enjoy outdoor parties then your focus will be on creating the right space for your type of entertaining. You can turn a plain concrete patio into an inviting area by adding tiled floor, a stone fireplace, an outdoor bar, a built-in cooking area, or a gazebo. Your area walls can be a combination of trees, vine covered trellises, retaining walls with built-in planters filled with beautiful flowers, arbors and more. Your imagination is your limit.

Tankless Water Heaters

2006-07-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

You don't use hot water 24 hours a day. But, you're paying to heat water 24 hours a day if you have a standard water heater. With a standard water heater, you heat and reheat the same water…even when you're sleeping. The tankless water heater is a more efficient way to heat water. The tankless water heater heats water only when you turn the faucet on. The tankless water heater heats water quickly and delivers an endless supply of hot water for as long as you need it. With a tankless water heater, you only pay to heat water when you need it and for as long as you want it.

Tankless water heaters costs more than conventional water heaters (from $600 to $1,300 plus accessories and installation) but save you money on monthly electical cost, and they never run out of hot water. You will appreciate endless hot water if you are the second or third person in your family to take a shower. On the average, you will save about $10 per month on your electric bill. That does not sound like much savings but the real reward is endless water. Most tankless water heaters are waranted for 10 years, but since there is no tank, it should last much longer.

Bottom line is that the electrical savings will not pay for the difference in cost of the heater, but it will add resale value to your home and you will never run out of water.

For more information, check some of the water heater companies below
Rinnai
Rheem
SETS
SEISCO
Noritz

Carpet Selection Process

2006-07-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

STAINMASTER carpet is one of the top names in carpet. They want you to know what questions to ask of any carpet dealer when buying carpet and also some of the reasons STAINMASTER carpet should be on your short list when carpet shopping.

Carpet dealers usually carry samples of many carpet lines from multiple mills and manufacturers in their showrooms. You'll see a range of quality when you begin your carpet search. Your best bet is to educate yourself and research your options before you head to the store. Then, you're sure to get a quality carpet that provides comfort, durability and beauty far into the future.

Below is a helpful guide to understanding what to expect when visiting a carpet dealer.

Room Use

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Be prepared for your dealer to ask some of the following questions:

How is the room going to be used?

Is there light or heavy room traffic in the room?

Is the room the center of activity for family or entertaining?

Is there direct access from outside?

What You Should Know:

By asking these questions, the dealer is trying to gauge which grade and style of carpet would work best for your home.

Try to give a detailed picture of your expectations for the carpet. Is it important that the carpet stand up to pets, running children and bustling activity? Or are you mainly concerned about how it will look and feel in a formal living room that doesn't get a lot of use?

Color and Style

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Typically, a dealer might ask:

How much use will the room get? (This is a consideration because a heavily used room may not be the best place to install white or very light-colored carpet.)

Are kids going to be playing down on the floor? Or is it a formal room that doesn't get much use? (Again, lighter colors my create more maintenance but another factor the dealer is trying to consider is whether you should choose carpet made with BCF fiber like STAINMASTER® so that children playing on the floor will not find themselves covered in loose fibers shed from staple products.)

Is it a small room or a large room? (Smaller rooms can be made to feel larger by selecting a lighter colored carpet while larger rooms can be made to feel cozier by using a mid-to-darker colored carpet.)

What are the lighting conditions in the room? (Rooms with plenty of natural light will show the true color of the carpet while rooms on the north side of a house may need a lighter shade of carpet to keep them from feeling darker than they are.)

What You Should Know:

You should always remember to bring swatches of fabric from drapes and furniture, wallpaper samples, and paint chips with you when you are selecting carpet. That way you can consider a range of colors that will match your existing décor. Remember that color can also affect your mood. Warmer colors often make you feel energized while cooler tones provide a sense of calm.

When considering color, remember the lighting in the carpet store is not the same as the lighting conditions in your home. Ask the dealer if they have a lighting box in which to view the carpet, or ask if you can take a sample of the carpet home.

Cost

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Typically, a dealer might ask:

Are you installing this carpet for the purposes of selling the home or are you re-decorating it for your enjoyment?

What is the size of the room to be carpeted?

What You Should Know:

The dealer is trying to determine what style of carpet you might be interested in. A home seller is going to want to select a neutral toned carpet in a simple style, like a cut pile texture. But a home owner who is re-decorating will want to explore the many varieties available to them. Either way, STAINMASTER® carpet is a good choice.

STAINMASTER® warranties are transferable to the new owner, a great selling tool, while home owners who will be living with their carpet selection will want the long-lasting durability and beauty of a STAINMASTER® carpet. Also, the dealer needs to know the approximate size of the area to be carpeted in order to give an estimate on total cost.

Come prepared with a rough estimate of the size of your room and the layout. Check out our handy Carpet Calculator if you need help measuring. When you're ready to buy, the dealer will send a professional to take the final measurements.

Make sure that all cost estimates include padding, installation, seaming, stairs (if applicable), thresholds, the moving of furniture and the removal of old carpet or other flooring and materials.

Always make sure that you are selecting from the highest grade carpet you can afford. With STAINMASTER® carpet, the higher the grade, the more comprehensive the STAINMASTER® warranty will be. STAINMASTER®, a name you know and trust, only guarantees the finest, first quality carpet. Because of the patented technology that goes into it, and the company that stands behind it, your STAINMASTER® carpet will provide beauty and comfort for years to come.

Quality

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While in the store, it may seem that many carpets look the same. But not all carpets perform the same. It's the technology behind the carpet that makes a difference.

What You Should Know:

Only STAINMASTER® carpets offer the exclusive three-part system for lasting beauty:

6,6 Nylon Technology
With this patented fiber technology, STAINMASTER® carpets resist crushing, abrasive wear and color fading. The unique molecular structure of 6,6 nylon make it much more resilient than carpet fiber made from polyester, polypropylene and other types of nylon. Plus, this specially designed fiber keeps soil and stains from penetrating.

DuPont Advanced TEFLON® Protectant
This superior soil resistance technology enables SM carpet fibers to push dirt away, allowing it to be removed more easily with a vacuum cleaner. And the Stain Protection reduces the fibers ability to absorb liquids, greatly limiting its ability to become stained. This unique soil and stain protection lasts much longer than other carpets' protection, which must be re-applied after each cleaning in order to maintain their warranties.

Anti-Static Technology
The fibers in every STAINMASTER® carpet contain a special carbon compound that act like thousands of tiny lighting rods, deflecting static shock for the life of the carpet. Most other carpets are sprayed with anti-static protection that can wear off with foot traffic and successive cleanings.

Why is anti-stat protection important? With our homes filled with expensive electronics these days, the last thing you want is to short circuit a computer or audio system simply by walking on your carpet and touching a device. Anti-stat protection offers peace of mind for homeowners where their electronic investments are concerned.

Labeling

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At the store, you'll see lots of labels from different mills and manufacturers. You might get confused as to what type of carpet you are looking at.

What You Should Know:

Look for the STAINMASTER® label on the back of the dealer's sample. That's the only way to guarantee a carpet that features STAINMASTER®'s comprehensive warranties, anti-static controls, resilient fibers and a carpet surface that actually repels dirt and soil.

Click here for more flooring and carpet Information

Characteristics of Carpet

2006-07-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

Shopping for carpet? Here are some tips from Stainmaster carpet to help you speak the language before you buy. Here are some general terms for understanding how carpet is made and how to judge carpet quality.

Durability

The measure of how long your carpet will look and feel good. Ideally, carpet will retain its original texture and appearance for years to come. Durability depends on finding the right balance of three important factors defined below:

Fiber

During carpet manufacturing, natural or synthetic fiber is converted to yarn and tufted, or locked into a backing to form the pile or surface that you walk on. There are five major types of carpet fiber - nylon 6,6, nylon 6, polypropylene (olefin), polyester, and wool; the most popular being nylon.
Ideal for carpeting, nylon 6,6 is a man-made fiber that is wear-resistant (soil and stain resistant). Its natural properties allow for a very wide range of colors and color blends and the newest fibers offer the look and feel of wool, but with much less maintenance and expense. All STAINMASTER® carpets are made of 100% premium nylon 6,6 fiber with soil and stain protection not found in other fibers.

Twist

The twist of the fiber is the way the fiber filaments are spun into yarn, and how the yarn is in turn twisted upon itself. Twist is usually locked into the fiber with a steam or heat-setting. The tighter the twist, the more the carpet will resist changes in appearance and texture. All STAINMASTER® carpet construction is conducted under strict twisting specifications.

Density

Density describes the amount of pile in the carpet and how close the tufts are to one another. In general, the more dense the carpet the better the quality. Check density by pressing your fingers on the carpet and trying to reach the backing. It will be difficult to reach the backing of a very dense carpet. With the tufts facing outward, bend the carpet into a U shape to see how much of the carpet backing shows. The less backing you see, the more dense the carpet.

Click here for more carpet information

Installing Hardwood Floors on Concrete

2006-07-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

Installing hardwood floors on concrete can sometimes be a problem because of the moisture content of the concrete. Some installations use a plywood sub-floor while others glue the wood directly to the concrete. If the wood is glued to the concrete, the moisture content must be very low or it can cause the wood to expand and buckle. A plywood sub-floor can be used to prevent this problem during new construction, but adding sub-flooring to a existing room may raise the floor higher level than the adjoining rooms and may prevent doors from operating properly.

Moisture Testing Floors
If you want to glue the wood to the floor, you must do moisture testing. Unfortunately many stores that handle a variety of floor coverings do not have properly trained people or equipment to test for moisture. Moisture awareness and control is critical for successful hardwood flooring installations. What may look like a flawless floor after the installer has left may turn into your worst nightmare months later when moisture begins make the floor expand or contract. If a hardwood installer does not check the moisture content with a meter similar to the one in the photo on the right, stop him! Find a company that has people trained to do a moisture test, find out from the flooring manufacturer what the maximum concrete moisture can be for their wood, then have the floor tested and get the results so you can decide whether to go ahead with the installation. Engineered hardwood can usually withstand more moisture than solid wood. The glue used can also make a difference. Some glues are better moisture barriers than others.

Click Here For The Rest of The Story

Solid Surface Countertops

2006-07-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Many Granite Countertop fabricators also supply Solid Surface countertops manufactured by LG Hi-Macs, Technistone and Karadon. Developed specifically for the Kitchen and Bath industry with today’s sophisticated homeowners desires and needs in mind, these engineered stone materials combine the desirable characteristics of both solid surface products such as Corian® with natural stone products such as Granite and Marble. In bringing together these qualities, synthetic or man made countertop materials eliminate the weaknesses of both. Depending on your life style or commercial application, solid surface countertops may be a better choice than granite.

Technistone® Quartz Countertops

Technistone was developed specifically for the Kitchen and Bath industry with today’s sophisticated homeowners desires and needs in mind. Technistone engineered stone combines the desirable characteristics of both solid surface products such as Corian® with natural stone products such as Granite and Marble. In bringing together these qualities, Technistone eliminates the weaknesses of both. Technistone truly is the “next generation” in solid surface and stone surfacing. Depending on your life style or commercial application, quartz countertops may be a better choice than granite. Read on to learn more about this superior man-made countertop material. More information here..

LG HI-MACS Acrylic Solid Surface

LG HI-MACS Acrylic Solid Surface is a solid homogeneous sheet or slab resistant to stains. This means the color and design are consistent throughout making it ideal for surfaces that are subject to moisture and heavy wear. This nonporous surface rejects the growth of bacteria making it the logical choice in areas of food preparation, even over granite. It has the elegance of stone with affordable quality, giving you creative license to explore your ideas with confidence. more info here

Quartz Countertops

We can install quartz countertops from Cambria and Zodiac for the look of granite and ultimate durability. For those who love the look of granite but are concerned about the drawbacks of color, vein variation and sealing, engineered stone is the answer. Engineered stone is uniform in color, pattern and texture. To the untrained eye, quartz surfaces can appear to be natural stone. Quartz surfaces do not ever need to be sealed and are one of the most durable countertop surfaces. Cambria and Zodiac bring elegance and beauty to any room in your home. Quartz has a beautiful collection of colors and performance to offer. more info here

Craft-Art Wood Countertops

Wood countertops by Craft-Art are not painted or stained. The colors and textures are the natural beauty of solid wood. Craft-Art Countertops are available in a wide range of wood types as well as styles including: plank style, butcher block style and checkerboard style. Wooden countertops are food safe and can be used in daily food preparation. In fact, scientific studies show that wood may be one of the safest working surfaces in kitchens today. The distinctive qualities of Craft-Art countertops are that they are custom made, any size, shape or thickness, furniture-grade waterproof finish, cutouts, curves and notches and special edge treatments.

Click Here For More Solid Surface Information

Granite Countertop Cleaners - Stone Care International and Granite Gold

2006-07-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

Daily Cleaner – Household cleaning products containing ammonia should never be used to care for natural stone. Granite Gold Daily Cleaner keeps countertops and stone surfaces clean, leaving a streak-free shine and fresh citrus scent. Safe for all food preparation surfaces. Available in a 24-ounce spray bottle or convenient tub of 40 disposable wipes.

Polish – Granite Gold Polish/Protector beautifies countertops and shower walls, enhancing and conditioning natural stone while leaving additional luster. This ready to use formula resists fingerprints and hard water spots, while reinforcing the sealer. Regular use makes cleaning even easier. Available in a 24-ounce spray bottle.

Penetrating Sealer – Regular use of Granite Gold Penetrating Sealer ensures protection against oil, water and food stains. Its water-based formula penetrates at the molecular level into the stone to provide an effective barrier without changing the natural characteristics of the stone. Granite Gold Penetrating Sealer is non-toxic and safe to use on food preparation surfaces. The Natural Stone Council recommends sealing every 12-18 months. Available in a 24-ounce spray bottle.

Stone & Tile Floor Cleaner – Granite Gold Stone Soap cleans natural stone and tile floors. The concentrated formula mixes with water to emulsify dirt and soil, requiring no rinsing and leaving floors conditioned and protected. Available in a 32-ounce container.
Each item in the Granite Gold line features similar, bold colors and packaging, providing a "family" look for the set of products. Point-of-purchase materials, such as shelf hangers, are available to help drive purchase.

Granite Gold products are designed for use on granite, marble, travertine, limestone and slate. They are also effective when used on natural quartz surfaces and can be safely used on ceramic or porcelain tile and grout. This unique product line, which contains the highest grade of quality ingredients, is user-friendly, non-toxic and safe for the environment.

The Granite Gold Stone Care System is specially formulated and developed by stone care professionals with more than 40 years of experience in the natural stone industry. For more information call 800/475-7866.

More About Granite Countertop Cleaners Here

Sinks For Granite Countertops

2006-07-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Blanco & Minds Eye Sinks
Most people install new sinks when when they upgrade or remodel their kitchens and bathrooms. There are two types of sinks commonly used with quartz or granite countertops, refereed to as drop-in and under mount. Sinks may be stainless steel, composite, or a number of other materials. When choosing a sink, it is vitally important to make certain that the sink will fit in the cabinet in which it is to be mounted. Keep in mind that the cabinet must always be wider than the sink, i.e. a 30" sink will not fit in a 30" cabinet. There must also be ample room available for the faucet of your choice and any other accessories you may select. We carry a complete line of porcelain and stainless steel sinks for any application.

No doubt about it . . . the sink is the most frequently used area in your kitchen. It’s where you’re likely to be
standing at as family and friends gather in the kitchen before a meal. It’s also the gathering spot, as guests help you clear the table after a delicious feast. Washing vegetables, slicing and dicing, draining pasta, adding water to recipes, rinsing dishes, washing fine crystal, soaking pots and pans, watering plants . . . it all happens at the sink. Morning, noon, and night, from food preparation to clean-up, your sink is a hard working companion. It's exposed to hot and cold, bumps and bruises, nicks and cuts, plus a full array of enemies mounting daily attempts to leave their permanent mark (coffee, tea, wine, fruit juices, beets, etc.) The sink is also a visual focal point, sure to be noticed by all who enter your kitchen. It's no wonder your sink has to be as tough and durable as it is good looking. Today’s design options provide both style and durability, making it easy to choose the right solution for your lifestyle – as long as you know what important features to consider. Blanco and Mind's Eye Sinks are the most popular sinks..

Click here for more on Blanco Sinks

Granite Countertop Colors

2006-07-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Granite Countertop Colors include over a hundred colors. Below are many of them but a picture is worth a thousand words. Go to the Georgia Granite Association web site to see photos of granite slabs before you select from a few at Home Depot or Lowes.

Labrador Antique granite, Blue Eyes granite, Ault Brachia granite, Ault Macias granite, Aurora granite, Labrador Green granite, Galacticca Blue granite, Amadeus granite, American red, african red, american black, Angola Black, Angola Gold, artic blue, polar blue, aurora granite, Blue Eyes granite, Blue Bahia granite, Azul Macubas granite, Japarana Fantastico granite, Aurora granite, Labradorite Green granite, Galacticca Blue granite, azul macuba granite, azul imperia granitel, bianco romano granite, bianco sardo granite, Balmaral Red granite, Baltic Brown granite, Blue California granite, blue star granite, blue renoir granite, Bethel White granite, Bianco Sardo granite, bianco romano granite, Black Galaxy granite, Blue Eyes granite, Blue Pearl granite, Blue Bahia granite, blue caramel granite, dark mahogany granite, desert storm granite, gallio ornemental granite, gallio granite, veneziano granite, Blue eyes granite, blue pearl granite, blue star granite, emeral pearl granite, gallio florence granite, gallio nepoleon granite, gallactica blue granite, galaxy black granite, galaxy silver granite, ghibi granite, canadian mahogany granite, emerald pearl granite, golden beach granite, golden leaf granite, golden persia granite, impala granite, juparana fantastico granite, juparana bordeaux granite, kashmir gold granite, kashmir white granite, labaradorite green granite, lapidus granite, louis blue granite, maduri gold granite, monet, granite ocean green granite, rainforest brown granite, rainforest green granite, roman gold granite, golden leaf granite, golden persia granite, ice green granite, ivory fantasy granite, jage green granite, juparana classico granite, juparana dark granite, juparana mahogany granite, juparana tobacco granite, juparana renoir granite, new ventian granite, renior blue granite, roman gold granite, sahara gold granite, saphire brown granite, louis blue granite, maduri gold, granite mahogany blueeyes granite, blue eyes granite, monet granite, new brown bahia granite, new ventian gold granite, renior blue granite, roman gold, sahara gold, santa rita, st cecilia, cecilia gold, stonewood, saphire brown, shivalkashi granite, silver cloud granite, silver sea green, granite spectolite brown granite, stecilia granite, stecilia gold granite, stone wood granite, stonewood granite, tan brown granite, tropic brown granite, twister green granite, volga blue granite, warehouse granite, wildwest green granite, verde jewel granite, verde lapponia granite, verde peacock granite, volga blue granite, verde san francisco granite, violetta granite, ubatuba gold granite,verde butterfly granite, verde gape granite, verde jaco, granite verde jewel granite, verde lapponia granite, golden ray granite, golden beach granite.

Click here for granite countertop slab photos

Marble, Tavertine, Onyx

2006-07-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Granite is not the only beautiful stone used to upgrade homes and commercial buildings. Marble, Tavertine and Onyx are all beautiful stones that can be used to upgrade your home to millionaire status.

MARBLE
Marble has been valued for thousands of years for it’s rich palette of colors. Marble is however more porous than granite. For this reason, we highly recommend that you NOT put marble in the kitchen. Marble stones consist of limestone that has undergone heat and pressure. A transformation process takes place when the weight of overlying material, pressure from crystal collisions and heat from the earth's core generate temperatures in excess of 1800ºF. Texture of marble depends on the form, size and uniformity of grains. The element components of marble determine the color of the stone. Generally calcite and dolomite marbles are of pure white color. Variations of whiteness of pure marbles are due to the mixture of foreign substances. Such impurities form streaks and clouds. White Cabrera, Emperador Dark, Alabama White, Crema Valencia. Click here to see our marble gallery.

TRAVERTINE
Travertine is generally used for floors, walls, countertops and for outside as cladding and pavement. Travertine is generally filled with grout before it is honed or polished, which produces a uniform surface more like other stones. Unfilled travertine is also quite beautiful, and is often seen as exterior surfaces of buildings. Travertine stones result from hot spring water penetrating up through underground limestone. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind layers of dissolved limestone and other minerals, giving it its banded appearance. Travertine stones are generally light-colored beiges and tans. Colors include Nocce Vein Crosscut, and Classico Crosscut. Click here for our travertine gallery.

Onyx
Onyx was originally used to describe only black and white banded Chalcedony (Quartz), with wide and flat bands of color. Today, however, stone cover under the term of Onyx has expanded to to include many types of semi-translucent to translucent banded varieties of many different stones. This includes other types of Quartz as well as Calcite, Marble and Travertine (often called Onyx Marble) and even some Alabasters. This stone is made of glassy lime carbonate and generally is seen in crystal layers in a variety of colors including green, yellow, gray, honey and white with yellow, brown and green shadows.

See these slab photos of these stones here

Granite Countertops And Granite Slabs

2006-07-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

The goal at the Granite Information Page is to help you make a good decision when choosing granite countertops for your home. Granite’s rich colors, unique patterns and strength make it an ideal choice for floors, kitchen counter tops, or exterior cladding. Granite is also extremely low maintenance. Each stone has its own mineral make up that creates the colors and structure.

Granite Slabs Granite Slab Gallery

Granite slabs for granite countertops are imported from Italy and South America. The slabs are cut at the quarry into pieces that are about ten feet long, six feet wide and two inches thick. They are then imported by granite wholesalers and sold to granite countertop fabricators and installers. Thousands of slabs in hundreds of colors are imported weekly so if you know where to look, you can get superb granite slabs for a competitive price. Hundreds of colors and styles of granite slabs are available for you to select from so you can get the exact color granite countertop you want for your home.

You will not see these slabs or even pictures of them at Lowes or Home Depot, but you can see them on the internet and if you are close to a wholesaler, you can go with your installer to select the slab you want. If you are too far away, the internet is the next best thing.

SLABCO International Marble and Granite is located in Elberton, Georgia, “The Granite Capitol of the World,” and they will soon open a second location in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. They invite you to visit their facilities to select the stone for your project. The staff has a vast knowledge of the stone industry. SLABCO takes great pride in assisting each individual customer and spending as much time as necessary to find the perfect stone for your application. They can also show you slabs of granite over the internet at www.slabcomg.com where you can pick the exact slab you want using photos or via webcam teleconferencing.

The SLABCO difference is a wide variety of custom styles and customer satisfaction. SLABCO International Marble and Granite stocks many exotic stones that are sometimes difficult to find, like Labrador Antique, Blue Eyes, Ault Brachia, Ault Macias, Aurora, Labrador Green, and Galactica Blue. Insist that your builder or contractor consider SLABCO when selecting granite building materials for your home or building project.
Click Here for More Granite Countertop Information

Technistone Quartz Countertops

2006-07-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Technistone was developed specifically for the Kitchen and Bath industry with today’s sophisticated homeowners desires and needs in mind. Technistone engineered stone combines the desirable characteristics of both solid surface products such as Corian® with natural stone products such as Granite and Marble. In bringing together these qualities, Technistone eliminates the weaknesses of both.

Depending on your life style or commercial application, quartz countertops may be a better choice than granite. Read on to learn more about this superior man-made countertop material.

What is Technistone?
Technistone is made using a combination of 93% Quartz, Quartz Silica, Granite or Recycled Mirror4, combined with 7% resin, colors and binders. This mixture is pressed into 52” x 120” x 3/4” or 1 1/4” sheets using Brenton’s proprietary vibration vacuum compression process. The sheets are then heat treated, cooled, ground (calibrated) and polished to a high gloss shine. Each sheet is then individually inspected under bright lighting for any flaws or possible defects. Technistone is the finest material available for your interior hard surfacing needs.

Click Here For More Technistone Information

Granite Countertop Care and Cleaning

2006-07-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Granite is a natural stone product and has a certain degree of porosity. Therefore, after installation, it must be cleaned and sealed. You can clean your countertops with only soap and water, but there are companies that specialize in granite countertop cleaning and sealing products. Stone Care International Products or Granite Gold Products makes taking care of your countertops very easy. You can buy individual cleaners and sealers, or get everything you need in our convenient “Care Kits”. The Stone Care International “Care Kits” have everything you need in one package, that includes granite countertop cleaner, sealer and polish along with easy to follow instructions. Click here for more information about sealing granite countertops.

Click here for information on Stone Care International and Granite Goldstone care products

Granite Gold granite Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

Countertops and Vanities
Use a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner like Granite Gold Daily Cleaner that is specially formulated to be used on stone on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills, as well as hairspray or other cosmetics. Be careful with common foods and drinks that contain acids that may etch or dull your stone’s surface. Also, some common toiletries (i.e., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash, hairspray) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.

Floor Surfaces
We recommend that you frequently dust mop or sweep interior floors using a clean, non-treated, dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the potential damage from these particles. In addition, be careful when using a vacuum cleaner as the metal or plastic attachments or wheels may scratch the surface. Damp mop the stone floor with a diluted solution of a neutral cleaner designed for stone. Granite Gold Stone & Tile Floor Cleaner is ideal for this use. Be careful and keep off floor until it is completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.

Bath and Other Wet Areas
Periodic use of a neutral stone cleaner will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed. In the bath, or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup. Around the sink, spilled water may leave deposits. This is why it is important to use Granite Gold Sealer at least once every 12-18 months as it will protect your stone from permanent damage from these abrasive minerals. Then, simply use Granite Gold Daily Cleaner to clean on a regular basis to keep stone looking new and full of luster.

What to Do When a Spill Occurs
Accidents and spills are a fact of life, no matter how careful you are they are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or degrading the sealer. Always try to blot the spill and be careful not to spread it around as you wipe up the spill. Use Granite Gold Daily Cleaner as soon as you have removed the spill. And, remember to seal your stone surface at least once every 12-18 months….this will help keep spills from turning into stains.

Etch Marks
Highly acidic substances such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard, urine and many soft drinks will “etch” most marble, limestone and travertine. Sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, but it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull mark.
General household cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s even finish.

Food Spills
Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Try not to spread it around with a towel but rather blot with dry, white cloth. Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner such as Granite Gold Dailey Cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.

Liquid Spills
Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth while turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner such as Granite Gold Daily Cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.

Mud
Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with a neutral stone cleaner such as Granite Gold Daily Cleaner or the Granite Gold Stone and Tile Cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional cleaner.

Oily Stains
If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad, cooking oils, butter or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. A poultice will wick up the stain from deep within the stone.

Click Here For More Information about Granite Cleaning Products

Site-Finished vs. Pre-finished Hardwood Floors

2006-07-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Site-Finished vs. Pre-finished Hardwood Floors

Prefinished
A pre-finish, or factory finish, creates a no muss, no fuss installation. There’s no dust from sanding, no fumes from chemicals, no waiting for the finish to dry. These floors are warranted to last longer than site-finished floors–typically 15 to 25 years, versus three to five years. This is because factory applied urethane finishes are much tougher and longer lasting than site-applied finishes.

With all the color choices available in pre-finished hardwood flooring, there’s no need to custom stain site-finished floors to get just the right look for your home. If you like the look of site-finished flooring, but want the durability of pre-finished flooring, choose a product with a square end and edge. When properly installed the square boards will have no visual crack or grove between the boards and will appear to have a more traditional site finished look.

Site-Finished
Advocates of site-finishing like the fact that the floor can be sanded after it’s installed to even out any imperfections. Site finishing also gives you the widest selection of stain colors to choose from. However, on-site sanding and finishing can produce heavy fumes, messy dust and significant waiting time from when the floor is laid until it can be enjoyed. In addition, labor costs for on-site finishing may drive up your installation costs.

The All Important Hardwood Look!
The look is what is all boils down to. Do you want the traditional elegant look of rich oak floors that stretch across the room with a smooth-as-glass finish with no visible seams or cracks? To get this look you need a professional installer to use 3/4” hardwood finished on site. Some people may tell you that you can get this look using modern pre-finished materials, but if you want the look of a grand hall, do it the old fashioned way.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a great floor that looks better than anything but a site finished floor, your choices are almost endless. You can have exotic woods, easy to install woods, woods with a rustic or distressed look, easy to clean woods. You can install some of these woods directly to concrete. They can be nailed down or glued down and are best for a do-it-yourself project. Keep in mind, choose wisely and carefully because that floor will be around for a long time.

Get More Information about Hardwood Floors Here

Hardwood Floors - Solid Hardwood or Engineered Hardwood?

2006-07-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

There are two basic types of hardwood. Solid hardwood and and engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood can be purchased in 3/4” finished or unfinished boards or 5/16” finished boards. Engineered hardwood is real wood, but instead of one solid piece it consists of thin layers of wood, called plies, that are assembled and glued in a cross-ply construction.

Solid Hardwood
Solid wood is just that – one piece that is milled from lumber. It comes in a variety of widths, from 2-1/4" to 5" wide. It also comes in different thicknesses: 3/4" is standard, but you can also find “thin profile” solid that is 5/16” thick which can be glued directly to concrete floors without a sub-floor if the moisture content of the concrete is not too high. (see more about this important issue here) Unfinished hardwood boards come in different qualities. These include clear, select and better, #1 common, and #2 common. The clear has no visual blemishes or knots and is extremely expensive. The select and better quality has some small knots and very little dark grain, while the #1 common and #2 common have more knots and more dark grain. When buying an unfinished solid wood floor make sure you know which quality you are buying.

Keep In Mind:
Moisture and extreme temperature changes can cause solid wood to shrink and expand, potentially causing gaps between boards during colder or dryer seasons.
5/16" thin profile solid wood can be installed directly over concrete; 3/4" can’t.
All solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished if needed (required every 15-20 years).
All urethane coated floors can be recoated as needed to renew the surface of the floor. This is more economical than sanding and refinishing.

Engineered Hardwood
Engineered wood is real wood, but instead of one solid piece it consists of three to 10 thin layers of wood, called plies, that are assembled and glued in a cross-ply construction. The top layer of wood can range from 1/16" to 1/6" thick. Overall board thickness ranges from 1/4" to 3/4". Due to its multi-ply structure, engineered wood is much more stable than solid wood and is less susceptible to shrinking and expanding with changes in temperatures and humidity.

Keep In Mind:
Engineered wood can be installed directly over concrete and can also be installed below ground level.
Engineered wood with a top layer thinner than 1/10" cannot be refinished; however, it can be recoated to renew the surface of the floor.

Get More Information about Hardwood Floors and other floors here

Blanton Flooring Company, Crawford, Georgia

2006-07-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Blanton Flooring is a full service flooring company serving Georgia and Western South Carolina. We install hardwood flooring, carpet, vinyl and ceramic tile in both residential and commercial applications.
Blanton Flooring carries top brands- Bruce, Mohawk & Shaw hardwood flooring; Alloc, Shaw & Armstrong Laminate Flooring; Armstrong & Tarkett Vinyl flooring; Marazzi, Villa Natural, Legacy ceramic tile.
Blanton Flooring has hardwood flooring, vinyl flooring, ceramic tile, laminate flooring, pre-finished hardwood, porcelain tile, residential carpet, commercial carpet, floor cleaning supplies + Free Estimates.

Blanton Flooring specializes in residential and commercial flooring for new construction or remodeling projects throughout North Georgia and Western South Carolina. Services include the sales and installation of carpet, hardwood floors, wood laminate flooring, ceramic tile floors, and vinyl sheet and tile flooring.

Blanton Flooring's goal is to treat every client’s home or office as if it were our own, providing top quality products and professional service. We make it our aim to anticipate potential problems before they arise and address the needs and concerns of our clients so that they are able to maintain a high level of confidence and a peace of mind during the process of installation. We are not interested in earning your business once...we are interested in earning your business for a lifetime.

Blanton Flooring carries the names you can trust for carpet, vinyl flooring, hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, and laminate floors. We have flooring to meet every budget, lifestyle, and commercial flooring requirement. We carry the brands you trusts, like Armstrong Flooring, Mohawk and Shaw Carpet, Bruce Hardwood Flooring, Marazzi Vinyl Tile and others. Choose from hundreds of styles, colors and types of carpet and flooring. Our ServicesBlanton Flooring services include sales and installation of commercial and residential carpet, ceramic tile, vinyl tile and resilient vinyl sheet flooring, finished and unfinished hardwood floors, and laminate floors. We have highly trained installers that will do the job right and all of our work is fully guaranteed.

Blanton Flooring installs hardwood flooring and carpet throughout North Georgia and the Atlanta Metro area including but not limited to Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Washington, Crawford, Lexington, Elberton, Watkinsville, Guinnette, Stone Mountain, Monroe, Loganville, Snellville, Decatur, Commerce, Gainesville, Norcross, Oglethorpe County, Oconee County, Athens-Clarke County, Jackson County, Gwinnette County, Madison County, Hall County, Elbert County, Green County, Barrow County, Wilkes County, & Green County.

Stop by the showroom at 36 Arnoldsville Road, Crawford, GA or call 706-742-2424 today for a free estimate.

More Flooring Information Here

Devonian Bluestone Countertops

2006-07-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Looking for a countertop material that is unique? Look at Devonian Blue Sandstone Countertops. Glacier Blue ™ Devonian Sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed during the Devonian Period . This striking and workable building stone evolved during 410 million years of glacial pressures and natural mountain-forming events. It's largely made up of silica with a quartzite cement, which give the material incredible strength.
This material comes from New York and Pennsylvania and most often used in pavers and sidewalk stones, but Robert Bellospirito now provides this beautiful stone for countertops. Read more about his products and company below.

Devonian Stone of New York, Inc. is a full-service stone mining and fabrication company with over 25 years of experience in the stone business. They specialize in "high-end" cut -to-size Devonian Sandstone products such as pavers, countertops, slabs and tile. This bluestone material is perfect for walkways, steps, patios, pools, kitchens, fireplaces, walls and architectural applications. Their quarry is nestled in the hills of the southern tier of New York State near the northeast Pennsylvania border. This area is noted for its richness in quality Devonian Sandstone.

The quarries contain the finest quality blue Devonian Sandstone, which is cut and shaped in various sizes and thicknesses in their 13,000 sq. ft. fabrication facility. Robert Bellospirito , President and Owner of Devonian Stone of New York, Inc. has developed innovative, proprietary machinery and techniques that have revolutionized the exploration, mining and fabrication of Devonian Sandstone. Glacier Blue™ Devonian Sandstone is the only stone currently produced using this technology which allows them to produce a bluestone product of unsurpassed quality. Devonian Stone of New York, Inc. is the pioneer of modern scientific mineral exploration for Devonian Sandstone, making us them one of the most environmentally friendly mining companies in the industry.

Devonian Bluestone Countertops are custom cut for every project per your specifications. Almost any size and configurations are possible. The following thickness' are guidelines for common applications. (please refer to your architect or contractor for what is best for you)

Vanities and countertops we prefer to use 1" – 2". Backsplashes 3/4" is recommended.

Each piece of Glacier Blue™ Devonian Sandstone is cut from solid blue rock (Devonian Sandstone). Since it is not a natural cleft stone, it is possible to control the size, tolerance and quality of Glacier Blue™ Devonian Sandstone. With the strictest quality control in the industry and cut tolerances of ± 1/8" we are sure we can provide the quality and service that you, our customer, demand. Finishes include but are not limited to: sawn, flamed, honed, high honed, polished, bush hammered, sandblasted and river washed.

Get More Counterop Information Here

Concrete Counterops

2006-07-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

Concrete Countertops Information
I can not believe that concrete is now being used for countertops. But we are here to bring you the latest information on home improvement and here it is. Concrete countertops may be just what you are looking for.

Cast concrete countertops have become the favorite of designers and architects because concrete can give warmth and color depth not available in granite, marble or Corian. Hand finishing can give them a finish as smooth as glass with a patina that improves over the years.Concrete is an exciting alternative to the more common marble and granite surfaces. Concrete is a stone like material that has a natural warmth, it adds a richness to both modern and traditional interior environments. They are a unique expression of who you are. They also create a warm presence in any room of your home or business, and have the ability to complement any interior whether classic or modern. Get More Information Here.

Wood Countertops & Butcher Block Countertops

2006-07-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Consider Wood Countertops For Your Kitchen Upgrade
Butcher block countertops are a perfect melding of beauty and function. Made from hard rock maple or Appalachian red oak, these natural solid-surface tops impart a warm friendly glow to any kitchen. Gourmet cooks and chefs prefer butcher block maple for all slicing, dicing, and chopping duties. Bakers choose it for preparation and rolling dough. No other countertop surface offers the functional advantages of butcher block, and they are priced far below other solid-surface tops.

As one can readily imagine, it is extremely difficult to process the natural wood into wood countertops that provides the desired uniformity and appearance that customers prefer, but John Boos & Co. has been doing an excellent job of it for more than 100 years. The company began business in 1887 and has evolved into a leader in the food service industry and residential kitchen products. Get More information here.

SIBU Design

2006-07-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in European interior materials for furniture applications, modern ceilings, and exclusive wall covering visit www.scs-co.com, where we’d like to introduce you to SIBU Design, internationally-awarded manufacturer of special interior products for surface decoration. You will find surface finishing materials that are highly attractive, cost effective and simple to use.
Sibu has been developing their products for the past 25 years, that is why we can present you with our technologies, characterized by special tactile surface quality, a perfect visual finish and improved resistance to wear. We offer products which can help you not only create new more sophisticated and attractive world, but help you preserve a healthy environment through using clean production and environmentally compatible raw materials. Many world famous companies have already appreciated our work using SIBU materials. Among them we can name Samsung, Nokia, Burger King.
Our products have a wide selection of colors, textures and suitable for varies architectural applications. Distinctive specialty:
*Can be cut in the field with regular utility knife
*MultiStyle line can be used to achieve tight radiuses
*Available with self-adhesive and non-adhesive backing
*Easy and fast to install
*Over 100 unique stock patterns to suit any application
We provide nationwide distribution covering all 50 states.
For additional information, samples, technical tips visit our web site or call our office.
Get More Information Here

Granite Countertop Sealing

2006-07-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

Granite Countertop Sealing
Sealing granite countertops is not difficult and you can do it yourself. To seal granite countertops, follow these steps. Apply the sealer to your countertop using a clean white rag or brush. Let the sealer absorb into the stone for approximately 3 to 4 minutes. When the sealer is almost dry, apply a little more sealer on your granite and then rub it in with a dry, clean rag. Repeat on the next section of stone until your entire granite countertop is sealed. Wait at least two hours before a second application. The wait time depends on your specific brand of sealer. It's best to work in a small area, 4 to 5 square feet. If your granite needs to be sealed, at least 2 coats of sealer is recommended. To find out if your stone is sufficiently sealed, put a couple of drops of water on your countertop, wait for about 1/2 hour, then wipe it up. If the granite does not spot, your countertop is sufficiently sealed.

Not all granite needs to be sealed. Before sealing, place several drops of water on the surface of the stone and see how long it takes for the water to completely disappear. If the water absorbs into the stone under 3-4 minutes, it may need sealing.

Sealing granite and natural stone with penetrating sealers, (also called impregnators), protects the structure of a natural stone. They protect the stone from within. When sealing natural stone or granite with this type of sealer, it is applied directly to the face of the stone with a soft cloth. It's simple to do and does not require a stone specialist. This type of sealer is recommended for sealing granite.

The sealer will penetrate below the stone's surface without leaving a coating or film on top. The stone below the surface will be protected, however, there is no surface protection. This means calcareous natural stones such as marble, onyx, limestone, and travertine can still etch or dull if acidic products such as orange juice or coke are left on your stone.

To help provide surface protection, a natural vegetable soap cleanser or a cleanser made specifically for natural stone can be used. These cleansers build up a thin film layer between periodic deep cleanings. Natural vegetable soaps and stone cleaners remove dirt and debris from the stone's surface the same as a detergent soap does. They are just milder.

Penetrating sealers are either solvent based or water based.

Solvent based penetrating sealers have a higher durability because they are able to penetrate deeper within the stone. Water based, on the other hand, cannot penetrate any deeper into the stone than it will absorb.

In the denser stones, a water based sealer will not penetrate as deeply and leave the protection just below the surface. This means there is less protection of the stone over longer periods of time. Stones with a high rate of absorption will take the protective sealers deeper into the stone. A water based penetrating sealer works well with very porous natural stones.

The most common protection materials used in penetrating sealers are silicone, siloxane, and fluoropolymers. These materials are unaffected by outside elements and only damaged by temperature ranges of 900F to 1200F or exposure to strong caustic solutions. Sealers with silicone, silane, and siloxane work well to repel water born stains. This type of impregnator will repel water based liquids such as coffee and tea.

Fluoropolymers are generally water based sealers and have oil repellent characteristics. They will repel oil based liquids such as grease and cooking oil.

If you are sealing granite or natural stone kitchen counters, look for an oil repellant impregnator. An oil resistant impregnator will only slow the absorption of oil while an oil repellant impregnator will keep the oil from entering the stone. All of them work well to protect stone. Some repel water better and others oil.

Click here for more information and sealing products

Granite Countertop Installation

2006-07-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

Granite Countertops installation and fabrication costs can significantly affect the final price of your new granite countertops. Generally, the more complex the shape of the countertop and particularly the shape of the finished countertop edges, the higher the price will be. Fortunately, a single thickness plain polished edge makes an excellent appearance and most customers choose this standard. Occasionally, a customer will want a custom granite countertop edge pattern, possibly to match the edge to detailing on the cabinetry, and this can also be done. But keep in mind that if the granite fabricator has to buy custom cutting bits, he will add their cost to the price. Granite countertops are usually polished to a high gloss finish. Granite countertop installers may sell finished pieces, but granite slabs are always sold intact. The price of the granite countertop includes the cost of transportation, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, delivery, and final installation. The total material required is determined by the layout and the amount of waste. The fabricator will try to lay out each job so as to minimize waste yet maximize the natural beauty of the veining and pattern.
Click her for more information

Corian Countertops

2006-07-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

Corian Countertops: "Corian Countertops By Dupont
Corian Countertops
With over 100 colors to choose from, DuPont Corian allows you to create a space as individual as you are with inlays, seamless back splashes, and inline sinks. Because Corian is nonporous, it wipes clean and stains can't penetrate the surface. Neither can mold, mildew, or bacteria. Corian also resists burns and scratches.

Corian products such as sinks and back splashes can be perfectly integrated to create the illusion of a single, solid surface, with no cracks to collect dirt and moisture. DuPont invented solid surfaces more than 35 years ago, so we've had time to get things right. As a result, Corian� has consistently attained a customer satisfaction rating of 96%.

Exceptional Warranty

Every countertop from DuPont is covered by a limited-warranty for product, craftsmanship and installation, and backed by a network of fast-response DuPont Authorized Service Agents."

Click Here For More Countertop Information

Quartz Countertops

2006-07-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

Quartz Countetops:
"Zodiaq, Cambria, Silestone & CaesarStone, Legacy
The process to convert quartz to a slab/countertop was patented by Breton, an Italian company, and is used by all companies which manufacture engineered stone. This manufacturing process uses raw quartz crystals ranging in size from coarse grains to the size of rock salt. Once the quartz is ground and selected, the crystals are combined with bonding agents (resin) and color, then heated and vibro-compacted to form an impenetrable surface. The resulting slabs are a matrix of 93% quartz and 7% resin binders and pigments ... free of fissures and cracks, and impervious to water, moisture, or bacteria. Industry wide, all quartz countertops are made with 93 percent quartz or they cannot claim the hardness, durability, or impermeability of a true quartz surface. The prescribed mixture results in a product that is non-porous, exceedingly durable, and more than twice as strong as granite and less likely to break during fabrication.

Popular name brands for quartz countertops are listed below ;

DuPont Zodiaq is 93% pure quartz crystal, which gives Zodiaq a natural depth and radiance without the imperfections common in unimproved stone. more here
Cambria's natural stone surfaces are perfect for kitchen countertops because Cambria is stronger than granite and, unlike granite, Cambria is non-porous, making it one of the safest surfaces for food preparation available. more here

Silestone leads its category in innovative ideas for a product that already is known for its ingenious physical properties and customer benefits. Silestone offers the most colors in natural quartz; the most innovative sink installation methods, and a 10 warranty. more here

CaesarStone offers numerous advantages over natural stone. Stronger, more durable, cleaner, safer, and more consistent — it's the "Six-Million-Dollar-Man" of stone surfaces. In addition to its superior performance, CaesarStone has greater consistency than natural stone which is veined and prone to flaws. more here

Legacy is at home as a high performance countertop in your dream kitchen, as a magnificent tub or shower surround, in the master bedroom, bath or as a stunning family room floor that can take all that a typical family can deliver over many years of active living. more here

Technistone was developed specifically for the Kitchen and Bath industry with today's sophisticated homeowners desires and needs in mind. more here