Practical Buying Guide for A Wood Stove

There’s little better than the comfort of a wood stove. Wood stoves have been around for centuries and they are proving to be just as popular today as they were a hundred years ago. One reason for this is the advances in technology. Wood stoves of today produce less smoke than wood stoves of old, and they produce less mess as well. Another reason why they continue to be popular today is that they come in such a wide variety of styles that finding one to fit into the décor of your home is easier than ever.

Before you buy a wood stove, however, there are a few things to keep king mind. The first one is where you plan to put the stove. Remember that they can produce quite a lot of heat, and so you will want to install it where you need it most. Many people opt to put their stoves in a centralized location in the house so that the heat radiates equally to all parts.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you can actually cook on your stove. Of course they did that in the past, but there’s no reason why you couldn’t do that today as well. If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen anyway, why not kill two birds with one stone and use it for both heating and cooking purposes? If you love a lively kitchen, the stove will also be a natural magnet for anyone in the house looking for comfort and warmth.

The variety of styles available these days is astonishing. Of course some will want the old-fashioned look, and you will have no problem finding stoves with that type of design. Perhaps you would like to recreate the times you remembered from you own home as a kid, or maybe even your grandparents’ house.

But in addition to the old wood stoves that nearly all of us remember and love, wood stoves also come in more modern designs. Although just as practical as the traditional design, these newer designs are meant to fit right in with more modern décor. You will find these sleek and modern pieces can even add a lot of style to your home.

The last major aspect to consider when buying a stove is the size. As with designs, there are a number of different choices to choose from. One thing you will want to be sure of is that you find a stove that will allow ample space around it for walking. The heat that a stove can generate isn’t something that you want to constantly be avoiding. If you have children, you might also want to purchase a guard to go around the stove.

No matter what you’re looking for in a stove, these days there’s surely something out on the market that meets your needs perfectly – large or small, old-fashioned or modern, you will be happy to cozy up to your stove on a cold winter night, possibly just like your ancestors did even centuries ago.

What to Consider When Choosing for Aluminum Strap Patio Furniture Sets

When looking for a great patio furniture set that will last, a type to consider is aluminum strap patio furniture sets. Aluminum patio furniture sets have improved by leaps and bounds since the days of lightweight folding chairs, which usually fold when they’re not supposed to. The construction, maintenance, storage, and appearance of aluminum patio furniture makes it a great choice for hassle-free patio furniture.

Aluminum strap patio furniture is now made from the finest components. The hardware used is all virtually stainless. The base and feet of aluminum strap patio furniture is also equipped with aluminum skids which protect any type of patio surface. Aluminum strap patio furniture is created from welded aluminum frames which ensure durability. They are then powder coated in a process that makes aluminum patio furniture more comfortable and resilient than ever.

Most aluminum strap patio furniture pieces stack very easily. This is convenient for storage, especially for hotels or commercial sites like pools and beaches. There are some types of aluminum strap furniture that do not stack. These pieces usually have more details and accessories that do not allow for stacking. These additional accessories, however, add a touch of elegance to otherwise simple furniture, and the reduced storage capacity may be worth sacrificing for a more up-scale patio look.

So what is out there for aluminum strap patio furniture sets? Some sets are simple double wrapped vinyl straps, while others feature a criss-cross basket weave design that is even more elegant. Aluminum strap patio chaise lounges offer superior comfort. Complete with armrests, back braces, optimal ground clearance, and wide range reclining adjustment, just about anyone can get comfortable. Also available are aluminum strap patio bar stools and tables. These are perfect for casual outdoor dining, or catching a drink pool side. And aluminum strap patio furniture sets are also available in a wide range of colors.

Aluminum strap patio furniture sets are one of the most versatile types of patio furniture on the market. They are ideal sets for either commercial or residential patios.

Design Your Bathroom for Visual Enlargement

Huge bathroom with a wall-sized window, stylish plank beds and view of veranda with Japanese rock-garden is impractical dream for the large majority of us. In limited urban environment all we often have is just four-squared box. And even rather large bathroom sometimes is not enough for realization of all our design plans. As well-known stepmother from a fairy tale "Cinderella" had said - "The kingdom is small, there is no room to be on the loose". You can't enlarge your bathroom even at the expense of your neighbours because of chief wall. But maybe it's better to solve this problem with the help internal reserves and to expand your bathroom environment visually? Maybe, it'd be better to help out missing square meters just virtually, by creation of their visibility?

Design. You've got to start with bathroom design for competent disposal of available space. Development of modern installation systems allows placing of all bathroom and lavatory equipment not in its common places but in places where you need it to be; you can save some tens of inches or even a few meters and free some space visually. For example, you may save some space with angular installation of not only bath and shower cabin, but wash basin or toilet bowl. The bath or shower cabin may be completely or partially hidden in a niche if such technical feasibility is available.

Bathroom and lavatory equipment. If space available is not as huge as you want, you can easily save it by choosing of small bathroom equipment specially designed for small bathrooms which consumes much less space than standard equipment. In that case the doll's house effect is triggered and the environment around diminished pieces of equipment seems to be larger. By the way, many people think that space-saving toilet bowls and bidet are even more convenient, than standard ones. Of course you can't say that about a small wash basin or a bath. Hanging bathroom equipment is of interest, too, as it visually frees some space; bathroom equipment like "two in one", for example, tandem of shower and bath, is popular as well.

Walls. The walls play the most important role in visual enlargement of bathroom space. You should never use shadow toned ceramic tile and other types of covering in small rooms, especially in combination with large decors and wide borders. The tile is to be light toned. In was considered for a long time that large ceramics was to be used in small rooms. Nevertheless, practice shows, that mosaic makes even a small room visually larger.

Necessary effect of depth is achieved with ceramic tile and furniture of light, deep tones and shades in combination with medium-sized and soft-core decor, narrow decorative borders especially placed not horizontally, but vertically. Panels are outside the fold, even the large ones, but only those including perspective view: landscapes, especially marine, imitation of view from a window, the sky and so on. Your look does not die against them but flies away. Photo panels are the latest thing in decoration of rooms.

Ceiling. Well, and if you want to rest relaxing in aromatic foam and you don't want to feel the weight of ceiling above you? Then the best choice of yours shall be the reflected ceiling - top demonstration of glamour. There are also other ways to decorate the ceiling: suspended ceilings with special illumination, ceiling made of stained glass and painted as starry heaven or something like that and inviting to the eye… Availability of visual perspective view is the main thing.

Windows. Feeling of visual prospect may be also achieved with false window, replicated on one of the walls. It is necessary that it looked like real: frame, glass, curtains … It may even open and the flowers are to be placed on the window sill. One more interesting variant is use of stained glass which is usually placed in shallow insets and highlighted. And then it seems that behind that glass is a window in absolutely special, even magic world.

Mirror. The most simple and affordable way to enlarge closed environment is to use a mirror. It optically doubles the environment as it reflects all space of the room. Besides, the smaller is the room the larger is to be the mirror. Mirrors may be placed not only above a wash basin where they, certainly, play the key role, but as well everywhere on the walls and even replace them if it does not cause negative emotions of the owners. Some time ago mirror-like tile was very popular, but, unfortunately, because of its fragility, insufficient safety (it cracks up easily) and complicated maintenance it became less popular nowadays.

Furniture. As for floor-mounted and wall-adjacent furniture you've got to use only the most space-saving one; it'd be better even to hide it in the niche or under a wash basin. Walls are to be completely free from massive hook-up elements; you'll have to use only the lightweight glass, metal or wooden shelves. There is no point to presume on usage of a lot of accessories.

Of course, all that is just the attempt to compensate what we miss in real life and your bathroom won't become larger because of all these gimmicks. But you'll partially lose the feeling that you are in wardrobe, surrounded by bath, wash basin, toilet bowl and washing machine worked into that wardrobe. It's nothing but optical illusion, but as the poet had said, "illusion that uplifts us". And maybe later even the Japanese rock-garden becomes a reality.

Smart Ways to Value Composite Decking and Cedar Siding

If you’re thinking of adding new siding or decking to your home this year, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is your choice of wood, synthetic material, or other material. You’ve probably heard your friends speak about cedar as their preferred building product for decks, fences, and siding. It’s the way they speak about cedar that tells you that cedar wood is special. This year, improve your home with cedar siding and add a new deck using composite decking.

You may believe that cedar siding is more suited to quaint cottages, however there are a number of finishes that can be applied to cedar siding products that match any style of home architecture.

The truth is, that cedar siding offers tremendous benefits for the homeowner who wants the best combination of appearance, insulation, and weather resistance. No other wood compares to cedar for its natural beauty, durability and functionality. It suppresses noise better due to its cellular structure. This wood's cellular structure also offers better heat insulation value. Most respectable builders and contractors know and will advise on using cedar siding because of its lasting value and attractiveness, but the energy saving benefits are worth noting.

Decking

Homeowners today want to extend their living space into the yard to be closer to nature and to have more room for backyard barbecues, pool parties, relaxing and leisurely Al Fresco dinners, and evenings spent leisurely reading or chatting with family and friends. Decking provides a versatile living space however it is heavily trafficked and can suffer wear and tear. While cedar is a nice decking material, it may need yearly maintenance. Some homeowners don’t mind and enjoy sanding and applying a new coat of finish every few years. For someone who wants less maintenance and more living, a better alternative is composite decking. These engineered products have the appearance of real wood, yet are more durable, weather resistant, and require less maintenance. Composite decking is the choice of today’s homeowners.

Composite Decking

There are a variety of building materials you can construct your deck with. Pressure-treated pine is inexpensive but comes with a variety of problems such as rotting, warping, breakage, moisture retention, insect damage, and drying out. This leads to deck deterioration. Cedar and other woods such as Red Meranti are wonderful woods for decking, but some have to be sealed or stained every few years. Composite decking on the other hand is very durable and can withstand the harshest winter conditions. Maintenance is easy. As temperatures rise and fall and as moisture freezes and then thaws, it is composite decks that will better maintain their original appearance and condition.

Western Red Cedar Siding

There’s nothing like Western Red Cedar siding. It is in strong demand.

Cedar wood types are white cedar, red cedar, and yellow cedar. The advantage of red cedar is tight grain and high oil content. Red cedar is more porous and you can apply a wider variety of paints and stains to it. The most plentiful supplies of cedar are Western Red Cedar from the Western Pacific regions of the US and Canada. Manufacturers such as Interfor (International Forest Products) are producing an array of superior quality, primed cedar products that deliver the great value of cedar and which can be finished in the color of your choice to match all modern home decors.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding products on the other hand are available in a limited amount of colors and the grain and texture in vinyl siding doesn’t compare to cedar siding. Cedar’s grain and texture is difficult to duplicate artificially. These primed and prefinished cedar products are developed under ideal temperature and humidity conditions, with the cedar substrate dried to the proper moisture content for superior paint adhesion.

Studies show that 70% of the cost of home siding is recouped when selling the home. However, cheaper vinyl siding will not contribute to the resale value as well as finished cedar siding products will. Your investment in cedar siding may be fully recovered when you sell your home. Vinyl siding products account for a large share of all siding products sold in the Eastern US, however they are purchased because of perceived lower cost and maintenance. The average homeowner often makes the decision to buy siding only when an emergency situation arises such as severe deterioration, plans to sell the home, or damaging moisture or water penetration is occurring. The choice is to use an inexpensive building product in the hope that it will impress and serve the short term need.

Few homeowners can afford to buy new siding every 5 years so they’re stuck with their vinyl siding product for years to come. Vinyl siding also has the tendency to break under very cold temperatures and another drawback is its appearance. Few dream homes utilize vinyl siding, and that should tell you all you need to know about the value of appearance. When you consider value, appearance and durability, it is difficult to beat cedar siding. Since you make this investment in your home so infrequently, why not consider cedar siding for your home?

Other Home Finishing Products Some cedar wood product distributors carry a line of cedar building products for uses on patio railings, deck railings, mouldings, and exterior trim.

New Home Developers If you’re a builder of exclusive residential communities, cedar products can stimulate sales and build enthusiasm during open house events. Buyers of high end homes are sensitive to quality and nothing says class and elegance the way cedar does. Today’s cedar siding products are manufactured and designed to suit any home architecture. The prestige of cedar wood products is worth noting and creates real sales-generating value for your new home development.

Above Ground Pools: The Best Option for Swimming

Nothing can beat the heat of summer like the cool, refreshing waters of a swimming pool. The cold water of swimming pool is a haven in the scorching heat of summer. You never want to get out of the swimming pool. The pool becomes irresistible.

Swimming pools are basically made for recreational swimming and competitive swimming activities. A personal swimming pool definitely adds style and value to your home.

Swimming pools are mainly of two types: in ground swimming pools and above ground swimming pools. In ground swimming pools are permanent structures requiring excavation and professional installation; above ground swimming pools are becoming more popular these days, as they are easily installed.

Above ground swimming pools The above ground swimming pools are the best option for recreational swimming as they have very low construction costs. The basic advantage of these pools is that they are easy-to-build. Above ground pools are made up of prefabricated kits. These kits can be put together by a keen DIY enthusiast to make a pool. But most people like to have it installed by the professionals as the pool then comes with a guarantee.

A professional will install the pool quite systematically for you. Firstly, the ground is leveled to provide a flat building surface. Then the installers assemble the base track. The track supports the outer wall made of plastic, metal or even wood. Then the plumbing is laid after the sand and is spread in the pool area. Finally, the vinyl liner over the pool walls is secured, smoothened and fastened into place and the pool is filled with water. Now the pumping system and filtering system are hooked up and the pool is ready for swimming.

Types of above ground pools An above ground swimming pools is an owner’s delight. They can be placed anywhere. They are easy-to-build and easy-to-use pools. There are basically two types of above ground swimming pools, hard-sided pools and inflatable pools with soft sides.

Hard-sided pools Hard-sided pools are available in several varieties of depths and sizes. These hard-sided pools are generally oval or round in shape with a sheet metal frame. For stabilization, one piece of flexible metal wall with a sheet metal rail is attached to the top. The top rail is attached to the inserted vinyl liner so that the water is contained. A metal-sided pool is difficult to assemble, as it requires more elaborate ground preparation.

Soft-sided pools Soft-sided pools have become increasingly popular over the last decade. These above ground pools are available in both rectangular and round shapes, with the rectangular shape being more popular. These pools also have metal frames, and are available in a variety of depths and sizes. These pools are known for their strength and durability and are cheaper than hard-sided pools. They are a great way to have a customized pool as they can be built in large sizes.

Soft-sided pools can be placed on almost any surface. They can be placed on dirt, grass, sand, concrete and even gravel. The pools have tolerance up to 3” out of line on each level. The liner material which is used in these pools is similar to that used in bullet proof vests. This makes the liner puncture resistant and durable. Soft-sided pools can be assembled within a few hours.

Both hard-sided and soft-sided pools require an electric pump to circulate the water. They also require filters and ladders. Filters are needed to ensure that the water is clean and ladders, so that one can get in and out of the pool safely.

Both pools also require an automatic chlorinator, pool heater and a pool cleaner. A swimming pool slide and pool lights make great accessories to improve your swimming experience. Above ground swimming pools are cheaper compared to in-ground swimming pools. A small above ground swimming pool costs up to $1500 and a large one can cost up to $10,000. Above ground pools are easier-to-install, however, these pools have disadvantages as well. They are not very attractive and will require some landscaping to help them blend in to your garden. They are also less durable as compared to in-ground pools.

However, above ground swimming pools are popular pools and are purchased by a large number of people. They provide many happy days full of enjoyment and easy relaxation, a great investment for your home.

Create The Illusion Of Wallpaper with Faux Finish Stenciling

Faux finish stenciling is an inexpensive way of adding decorative detail. The key is to apply the embossing material evenly over the stencil, building depth in thin layers. It's certainly true that stencils can wake up a wall or create an eye-catching detail on a cabinet door.

You will need the stencil, paint, and a tool brush or sponge to apply the paint. You can buy stencils complete with instructions and registration marks, or make your own. As with other decorative techniques, the simplest schemes are usually the most successful.

Once dry, faux finish stenciling images can be lightly sandpapered to soften or age them. Quality supplies and proper care of stencils is key. If you find a painting, drawing, or photo with great stencil potential, it's not difficult to use that image to generate a stencil.

Apply the stencil as a ceiling, wainscot or baseboard border, or as an all-over pattern, like wallpaper. If the stencil becomes too build-up with paint, or if you want to save it for another day, scrub it clean with detergent and dry on paper towel.

Test out your patterns either by cutting the stencil from colored paper or by drawing it onto a sheet of paper and holding the results up against the surface to be decorated. The wall to be painted should be clean. Apply a base coat of paint.

Hold the stencil in position with masking tape, load your brush or sponge with only a very small amount of paint, starting at the edges of the design and working inwards, hold the stencil in place for a few moments afterward to let it dry. Clean the stencil and reapply the paint as necessary.

Choosing the Right Bathroom Vanities for a Touch of Elegance to Your Home

Bathroom vanities have long been associated with luxury and style, and these days there's a huge choice of elegant bathroom vanity furniture available, making it easy to give your bathroom a stunning new image. Bath vanities come in loads of different styles, from those with a sink in the counter top and a cabinet beneath, to decoratively presented dressing tables. Which type you choose depends not just on your personal tastes, but the layout and size of your bathroom.

A bathroom vanity table with an upholstered stool or chair can look very attractive in larger bathrooms. Alternatively, a well chosen bathroom sink vanity can help lend a sense of grandeur to bathrooms where space is limited. Bathroom vanities come in a range of styles and finishes. Polished wood such as aged walnut or cherry, can look great in an antique themed or period home. For a country style or rustic bathroom, distressed or hand painted designs can compliment the décor perfectly. There are also numerous sleek and contemporary bathroom vanities for modern homes.

Being able to store your beauty products in a vanity cabinet or display your perfume bottles in a table top tray is a really convenient luxury. If you decide to opt for a sink vanity unit, you can choose from a selection of durable and attractive vanity tops that can stand up to years of daily use. Choices include granite, marble and glass, among others. Vanity sets usually include all the matching accessories you'll need, or you can purchase items such as mirrors and lights separately. Whatever your decorating theme and budget, some new vanity furniture can be the icing on the cake for your bathroom's makeover!

Brief Overview About Tempurpedic Mattresses

Tempurpedic Mattresses, generically known as Memory Foam, are becoming mainstream items. Even so, with all the different options and prices of foam on the market, the consumer should know about the major differences between these products prior to paying a major amount of money for a bed they will be sleeping on for many years.

I've personally tried out a memory foam mattress and pillow set, and can honestly express enthusiasm for this product. It adapts to the contours of the body significantly better than an innerspring mattress. In any case, I personally cannot personally recommend a specific brand because every sleeper has different preferences due to weight and sleeping habits. The best thing to do is to visit your local bed store and try laying down on a couple different bed systems. When the sales staff have to prod you awake, you know you've discovered the right brand.

The importance of getting sufficient good-quality uninterrrupted sleep cannot be overstated. No-one functions well on lack of sleep. Due to the abundance of artificial lighting and late-night entertainment and activities, the vast majority of people in the developed world are sleep-deprived, and sleep deprivation is a important cause of accidents. Remember the Exxon Valdez? That accident took place in the early hours of the morning, and industrial accidents peak on the graveyard shift. Sleep-deprived students learn poorly. Chronic sleep deprivation has an effect on the appetite centers of the brain, causing overeating and subsequent obesity. Any bed system which allows you to reach a deeper level of sleep will substantially improve your quality of life.

There are many benefits to memory foam above a conventional mattress: it's hypoallergenic, molds to the individual contours of anyone's body, and will provide a form-fitting cradle of insulation on cold nights so you require fewer weighty, dusty allergenic blankets and comforters. All the pressure points that cause discomfort, and subsequent tossing and turning, are eliminated.

Memory foam was first introduced onto the market by a Swedish firm called Tempurpedic. This brand-name top-of-the line product is very expensive, and there are dozens of cheaper competing brands, some made in China, others from the USA. In any case, be warned: not all memory foam products are alike, as with any merchandise, you tend to get what you pay for, both in quality and longevity.

Memory foam is visco-elastic, and it responds to temperature changes much as bubble gum does. Better-quality memory foam has a wide range of temperature responsiveness, while some of the cheaper brands can get as hard as wood if the ambient temperature of the bedroom goes beneath sixty degrees. Finally, as you change position the foam warms up from your body heat, it will respond and conform to your body shape, however this can take a couple of minutes. Meanwhile, pressure points and discomfort are created which could cause you to awaken. Also these cheaper brands might turn into soft goo on hot summer nights, offering no support. Better brands of memory foam, like Sensus and Temperpedic, specifically state their consistent performance through a wide temerature range.

An additional issue is the longevity of the memory foam, as all foam products eventually break down and lose their springiness. Better memory foams offer longer guarantees, twenty years, whereas the cheaper brands offer ten years.

So, in summary, you do not have to acquire the brand name Tempurpedic product, however it's best not to pinch pennies and buy the cheapest either. You'll spend many nights regretting a bad choice of mattress. Two or three hundred dollars is not really a large additional expense when spread out across decades of memory foam mattress utilization.

As well as differences in quality, there are also differences in memory foam mattress construction. Mattresses can have either three or four inches of memory foam across a denser supportive core. More isn't necessarily better, because if the top layer of memory foam is too thick, you'll sink in quite far prior to hitting the supporting layer underneath. Tummy sleepers should purchase two inch foam, side sleepers and medium sized people should buy mattresses with three inch memory foam, large or heavy people or back sleepers should acquire the four inch.

The base of the bed can diverge as well. A few memory foam systems feature loose sheets of foam of different firmness levels that can be arranged to the sleeper's private taste, others are laminated together. As well, man-made (petrochemical foam products) are about 1/3 the cost of natural latex. People who are sensitive to out-gassing of man-made products should think about a natural product.

Easy Makeover with New Bathroom Vanities

Bathroom vanities are designed both to look good and to provide a practical function. Vanity sets come in all kinds of designs and can even be custom made to meet your particular requirements. For example, vanity makeup tables often come with storage compartments in the drawers for smaller items. A sink can be incorporated into the unit, and a base cabinet added underneath. Built-in bathroom vanity cabinets are great for saving space, and the extra storage space is ideal for keeping your counter top free from clutter!

A massive range of bathroom vanities can be found at online stores these days, which makes it easy for you to browse a range of different collections all from the comfort of your home. You'll soon notice that there's a huge choice of designs to choose from, to suit bathrooms of any theme. It helps if you have an idea of the look you're aiming for, be that period, country-style or contemporary, for example. Furniture style bathroom vanities are favorite choices among those wishing to bring a touch of elegance to their room. Decorative arched skirts or bun feet can be wonderful features, and can help your vanity table become an attractive focal point of your bathroom.

Think about whether you'd prefer stools or chairs as part of your vanity set, and remember to check out extras such as mirrors and lights. Other things to consider are the finish of your counter top. Vanity tops are made from durable and stylish materials, including marble and granite, so you're sure to find something to reflect your personal tastes. Wood bathroom vanities can be made from a variety of beautiful woods, including oak and maple, which can be left unfinished, glazed or painted. Attention to detail can make a big difference to the overall appearance of your bathroom, so be sure to choose a vanity unit that compliments your existing bathroom fixtures and cabinets.

If you're looking for a way to give your bathroom a stylish new image without too much effort, then a new vanity table could be the perfect solution!

Is It Time to Automate Your Home?

On first hearing the term "home automation", most log home owners will say something like... I didn't build a rustic log home to turn it into a high-tech, silicon powered "smart building".

I couldn't agree more, the ever-changing technology of our fast-paced, hyper get-ahead world is one of the things most of us were trying to leave behind. But don't let misinformation (or misunderstanding) keep you from achieving your original goal of simplifying your life.

Most of us can recall the first time we felt the excitement of making a light turn on with a timer, or changed channels on our TV with a remote control. A home automation system is about automating everyday tasks like those while getting the most from our energy dollars and protecting our home. Further good news is that we don't have to call in the professionals to make it all happen.

Today's home automation products are effortless to set up, even for non-geeks, and the cost is amazingly inexpensive. A typical starter kit, which includes home automation software several modules, remote controls and sensors is less than $100. Also, one of the best features of these systems is that you don't have to leave your computer turned on for everything to work (additional modules for lamps and appliances cost as little as $15).

A company called X10 is the leader in inexpensive home automation products and offers a product called ActiveHome Professional (learn more here). After programming by your computer, an interface box communicates with your appliances through your home's electrical wires. You can program the system to do amazing things using the ActiveHome Pro software. It is possible to lower your energy bills by developing schedules for lights and appliances.

You can download a plug-in from X10 that permits modules to operate on an "if-then" basis. For instance... if a room is dark and motion is detected, lights can be turned on in sequence, or music can play (or an alarm can activate). You are limited only by your imagination. In fact, X10 also offers a free software development kit that can interface with your e-mail. The point is, you can use the command modules to perform basic functions or get as creative as you want.

ABC Television's Popular Show Extreme Makeover Home Edition has a reputation for finding and showcasing the latest technology into the homes they remodel and build. The X10 ActiveHome Pro products have been featured on the show.

So, you may have chosen to escape the city by building a log home in the country, but inserting a little technology in the mix will help you achieve your dream of simplifying your life. Its never been easier or more affordable to put home automation to work.

Simple Tips to Choosing the Right Bathroom Taps

Whether you're designing anew home, remodeling your bathroom, or adding a bathroom to your existing home, you'll need to choose bathroom taps for your new bathroom.

Ceramic disk valves vs conventional valves

Do the taps you are consider have Ceramic disk valves or conventional screw down valves? The ceramic valves are considered to provide better function, but are generally more expensive. You just have to decide if the difference is worth the extra price or not.

Design

There are many different bathroom tap designs, but they are broken down into two main categories – Contemporary designs and traditional designs. Contemporary designs offer you unique, cutting edge designs to give your bathroom a fresh, edgy look. Conventional designs give you an older, more traditional look. Of course, you will want to synchronize your bathroom fixtures so that they are all of one overall design.

Finish

Bathroom taps are available in many different finishes, to suit any taste or need. Some of the most common finishes are chrome, brass, and gold. Keep in mind that in general, the finish is unrelated to the construction of the fixture. In other words, a brass finish faucet is probably not made of brass.

On some designs, you can also get extras like ceramic handles. These add a very stylish, classy look to your faucet. Of course, ceramic will not be as durable as metal, but risk of breakage is very low on a quality bathroom tap.

Guarantee

Bathroom taps are being sold with increasingly good guarantees, such as 10 years. Check the guarantee of the bathroom tap you are considering buying.

Ease of use

If possible, you should check a fixture for ease of use before you buy it. Does it operate smoothly and easily? Is it easy to operate with wet and slippery hands?

Keep these tips in mind to help you choose the perfect bathroom taps!

How to Remove Aluminum Sliding Glass Door

Last week I explained how to measure your existing sliding glass door so you can order the vinyl replacement door. This week I am going to go over the steps required to remove the old sliding door before installing the new door.

First, you have to remove the sliding panel and the stationary panel. The vast majority of doors out there have the sliding panel on the inside half of the track, and the stationary panel is on the outside. Whatever the case in your particular door, the outside panel has to come out first. To remove the fixed panel, you need to remove the sill cap that snaps into the bottom track and runs from the fixed panel to the side jamb where the sliding panel locks. Force a screwdriver into the crease and pry the cap up. Then, look for screws on the inside side jamb holding the fixed panel in place. These screws prevent someone from prying up the sill cap and pulling out the fixed panel in order to gain entry into the home. In addition to the side jamb, be sure to check across the top header and bottom track for screws there as well. Once all the screws have been removed, you need to pull the fixed panel away from the side jamb. You can start by simply grabbing the side rail of the fixed panel and pulling as hard as yo u can. If you're lucky, the panel will pop free. Then you can lift the panel up as far as it will go into the top channel and swing the bottom away from the track, and remove the panel. Now, I said "if you're lucky", because in most cases the panel will be stuck in the side jamb, the bottom track, or both. Usually, you're going to have to use a pry bar to loosen the fixed panel before it will slide out of the side jamb. Once the fixed panel is out, removal of the sliding panel is usually easier. Just lift up and swing the bottom away from the track, then remove the panel. Sometimes the bottom rollers will prevent the bottom from swinging out of the track. If that's the case, you will need to find the roller adjustment hole in the bottom corners of the sliding panel. Put a screwdriver into this hole and turn the screw counterclockwise to bring the roller as far up into the bottom of the sliding panel as possible. This should allow the slider to come out.

Now, you want to remove all the screws from the side jambs, top header, and bottom track. Then, take a pry bar and get it under the bottom track about in the center. Pry up until the track is separated from the floor. The next step will depend on whether your old frame is nailed to the house frame, or simply screwed in. If it's screwed in, then the frame should now be loose in the opening, since you removed all of the screws. You just need to remove whatever inside trim there might be around the door frame. This type of frame should come out. If your door is nailed to the house frame, you will have to do a bit more work. Use a hacksaw to cut the track in half, approximately in the center. Start with either half and raise the cut piece up towards the side jamb until the the track piece separates from the side jamb. Do the same thing to the other half.

So, now you have to remove the side jambs. You want to do this without damaging the exterior material that surrounds the door frame. Take a heavy chisel and pound it into the crack between the frame and exterior material, whether it's stucco, siding, etc. Start at the bottom 6 inches first. What you are trying to do is pull the nail fin away from the nails holding it in place. So, once the chisel is pounded through the metal frame, pry away from the side wall. The heavier and longer the chisel, the more leverage you will have. You will hear the frame "pop" free of the nail. There will be several nails holding each jamb in place, so you want to start at the bottom and work your way to the top corner. Once you get the bottom third loose, many times you can grab the jamb with both hands and pull the rest of the nails free as you go up. When you get to the top corner, work the jamb free. Do both jambs, then do the top. Sometimes the top has no nails, or just one in the center, so it will come down pretty easily. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when doing this job, especially when removing the top header.

At this point you are ready to install the new door. The installation procedure is slightly different, depending on whether you're installing a retrofit style frame or a replacement frame. We will discuss both procedures next week.

Great Living Room Ideas to Fill Your Home

Living room ideas are among the most sought-after designs that people want for the interior of their homes. Living room decorating does, after all, impact the most shared space in the home, and the place where you likely spend the most of your time together.

Therefore, it is important that when you’re decorating your living room, you’re using living room decorating ideas that fit everybody’s tastes, while still being practical, appealing when guests are over, and easy to maintain. However, as so many people discover, such decorating ideas for a living room are often easier said than done. With such a long list of vital criteria, it’s not difficult to understand why!

Within a room with so many different purposes, you may feel that you need an awful lot of tips for decorating a living room in order to make it livable and presentable at the same time. Don’t worry, those tips are out there, and waiting for you to use them.

The following are some great living room decorating tips to help you to create a comfortable, attractive, practical space:

* Be careful when selecting your colors. When decorating a living room, light, and neutral colors are frequently the safest. This way, when you want to choose or change your furniture and accessories, you’ll be able to do so with the most freedom.

* The flooring, when decorating the living room, should be classic looking and durable. This frequently means waxed hardwood floors, or neutral wall-to-wall carpeting that has given flair with area rugs.

* Interior decorating living room means proper furniture positioning. You’ll need to think this out ahead of time. The best strategy to use is to consider the way the people using the room will group within the space. Living room decorating ideas usually divide spaces up into two or three seating areas to provide a cozy setting no matter how many people are there. Decorating ideas for living rooms also usually direct the furniture toward a focal point in the room such as large windows, a fireplace, or a large piece of artwork.

Aside from this, there is no limit to decorating ideas for living room.

Things You Need to Consider for Your Bathroom Safety

Bath safety is one of the important factors that a disable individual needs to consider. But oftentimes this is overlooked because they do not know what bath safety products are available in the market. Each year thousands of accidents happen in bathrooms. That is why it is important to practice bath safety at all times and be aware of things to consider to avoid any accidents in the bath tub.

Disabled individuals have different needs and physical limits so bathroom products and equipments should be modified to suit their needs. Bath safety includes equipment and facilities modified to suit the disabled person’s need and safety procedures. Without modification, bath safety can be very risky especially for people who have trouble getting in and out of the bathroom or bath tub safely. Placing a shower chair in the tub can provide assurance to disabled individuals that it is safe to shower in the tub. Likewise, hand held shower heads can provide flexibility and control to avoid blistering while bathing.

Using walk-in bathtubs can also be more accessible for disabled individuals. Walk-in tubs are as relaxing as standard bathtubs. This type of tub would not hinder the entrance and exit because you don’t have to climb over the edge of the tub to go in and out.

Grab bars are among the easiest addition to a bathroom. They are built in the walls and sides of walk-in tubs for additional safety in entering, exiting and moving around the tub. The grab bars are often made of chrome plated or heavy duty steel. When adding this safety facility in the bathroom, it is important to consider the user because of the wide grips may be too big for a senior or a woman.

However, if you prefer to use a regular tub there are still items that you should add for additional safety. This includes items such as transfer tools, transfers seats and benches. Other areas of the bathroom can also be modified for safety such as the toilet seats and toilet frames. Anti-slip tape can also be applied to the bathtub floor to make it slip-free. Slip resistant tub floors can also make sure that you have stability on the floor.

There are many companies that provide home visits to assist in bathroom safety situation. If you are unsure how to modify your bathroom it may be worthwhile to get a consultation before making a selection of bath room safety products.

Smart Comparison Shopping In The 21st Century

If you are in the market for a home appliance, you likely are interested in obtaining a top quality appliance for a reasonable price. Taking off and beginning your search for a home appliance -- whether it be something for the kitchen or a washer or dryer -- can be a frustrating and oftentimes complicated experience. With that said, the first step that you should take when you embark on looking for a home appliance is a course of comparison shopping. When all is said and done, the simple, first step you should take in your search for the right home appliance simply is to comparison shop.

In the brick and mortar world, you should keep and open mind -- be broad minded, indeed -- about where you do comparison shopping for home appliances. For example, you might want to check out what is available at stores that specialize specifically in home appliances, major discount retail stores and home improvement centers. By stopping into these three different types of merchants in the brick and mortar world, you will be able to see where you can get the best deal on a particular home appliance that you might be in the market for at the present time.

You never know which of these stores will have the best buy on a particular product. There are times when these stores put their merchandise and stock on sale. By taking advantage of these sales, you can end up saving a great deal of money on home appliances.

In addition to searching for a home appliance in the brick and mortar world, you will also want to spend some time doing some comparison shopping on the Internet and the World Wide Web. As with so many products and services in the 21st century, the Internet has become a solid place for a person looking to make the purchase of home appliances. There are a wide array of different sites that market and sell home appliances of different types. (In addition, some of the major retailers of home appliances in the brick and mortar world now also maintain Internet venues through which the products they sell can be bought on the World Wide Web as well.)

In the end, by shopping around both in the brick and mortar world and online, you will be able to find the home appliance that you are looking for at a price that is within your budget.