The Ins and Outs of Bathroom Showers

If you are thinking about changing your shower you may well have looked around a few bathroom shops and been surprised by the number of choices you have. Even choosing a shower valve can be a confusing business so here's a guide to tell you what is what when it comes to showers.

Manual Shower Valves This is the most basic type of shower. Most manual showers have a single lever control that you use to control the flow of the water and the temperature. They are very simple to use and usually are not expensive.

Thermostatic Shower Valves The great advantage of a thermostatic shower valve is that it can provide a constant, even temperature and cope with fluctuations in the flow and temperature of the hot and cold water feeds. Most thermostatic valves have extra anti-scald safety features and will cut off the flow of water if the cold water supply fails.

Concealed and Exposed Valves Concealed / Exposed refers to the way the shower valve is mounted on the wall. A concealed shower valve is built into the shower wall so that most of the valve is hidden and only the control levers are visible. An exposed valve is mounted onto the shower wall so that the whole mechanism is visible. Many shower valves can be mounted either exposed or concealed.

Twin Shower Valves Unlike a single lever valve, a twin valve has two controls, one control for the rate of water flow and a second control for the water temperature.

Triple Shower Valves A triple valve has three controls; one for the water flow, one for the temperature and a third which is usually a diverter. The diverter is useful if you have two shower heads. It's becoming more common to have a fixed shower head above the shower and a hand-held shower head as well. The diverter on a triple shower valve allows you to select which shower head water is fed to.

Sequential Shower Valves This is one we get a lot of questions about. A sequential valve has a single lever that works rather like the knob on your cooker. When the lever is fully anti-clockwise the shower is off. As you rotate the lever it turns the shower turns on. With a sequential valve “on” means fully on so you have full pressure straight away. As you rotate the lever further you increase the temperature of the water.

Shower Panels A recent newcomer is the shower panel or shower tower. This is a single unit that contains everything you need for a sensational shower. Specifications vary but usually include a shower valve (often thermostatic), a diverter, a fixed shower head, a hand held shower and several body jets. Shower panels are easy to install but can require quite high water pressure to work well so you may want to install a shower pump as well.

Customized Showers These days, shower components are standardized enough that you can pretty much pick and choose the parts you want to create the shower of your dreams. You can choose from hundreds of shower valves, diverters and stop valves, have multiple heads, ceiling mounted heads, riser rails, rigid risers or body jets to build exactly the shower you want, individual and customized to your own needs. After all, how else will you get a shower with 16 jets and a 12 inch shower heads?

Electric Showers Electric showers heat the water as it passes through the shower so they only need a cold water supply so you have simpler plumbing and don't need any hot water to run them. Electric showers are particularly popular in en-suites.

Power Showers A power shower is basically a shower with a built in pump. A power shower needs both hot and cold water supplies. A power shower does not heat the water; it pumps water through and increased water pressure, giving you a stronger shower. Power showers are ideal where you have low water pressure, perhaps in a bungalow.

So there you have it. Not quite everything you need to know about showers, but a good start!

The Best Composit Decking Material for Withstanding Mother Nature

Composit decking is one of the new decking materials for commercial and residential decks that is cornering a section of the market. If you are not sure about using this material for your decking, you should read some of the reviews of the various brands. Viewing photos of decks completed with composite decking material will also give you a good idea of the professional ambiance that this can bring to the exterior of your home. Although composit decking comes in second place to wood in the look and appearance of a deck, you can get this material that looks as if you have a traditional wood deck.

The word composit means that the material used in the decking is molded or extruded using a process of mixing wood and plastic to create a unique decking material. Composit decking has distinct advantages over wood if you want to have a deck with which you will have very little work in the future. If you read composite decking reviews, you will learn that some manufacturers use polyethylene plastic while others use vinyl. The wood used is generally wood fibers or sawdust, although you would never guess this when you see the composite decking photos.

The brand of composit decking that you buy depends on what you are looking for. Read the composite decking reviews of Elk, Procell, Trex Geodeck and more then 25 other manufacturers of composite decking. You will find very favourable reviews about all of them whether you choose plank decking or composit tile decking. In the reviews, you can also learn valuable information about how to install this decking and the best ways of fastening it to a wooden frame. You can learn from the mistakes of others by reading reviews, so that you can avoid some of the common problems homeowners sometimes have and then feel so foolish when they realize the simple mistake they made.

Composite decking photos in magazines and online are a great way for you to decide which type of composit decking would best suit your home. As you compare the various photos of the composite decking material, you can also compare the prices of this decking material. When you compare the prices of the composit deck prices with that of wooden decks, you should keep in mind that composite decking requires very low maintenance. This is not true of wood decking. Read composite decking reviews to help you understand how paying a higher initial price can help save you money down the road.

The only maintenance you will need to do when you install composit decking is washing it down with a hose. This decking material does not rot, crack or splinter and it never needs painting or staining. If you notice that the color fades a bit in the first few months, just read the composite decking reviews to find out that this is perfectly natural. The color will fade slightly as it adjusts to the weather of your location. After that, the color will remain constant in your composit decking so that it will always look like new.

Common Sense Fire Safety for Your Home

This will come as no great surprise, but did you know that the majority of house fires are the result of cooking? In fact, studies show that cooking results in approximately 400,000 fires every year in single family homes and multiple family dwellings. Add to that the number of fires that go unreported and the total is more like 3.5 million residential fires.

Here are some tips from the Orange County (Calif) Fire Authority to help prevent most of these fires:

*Never leave cooking unattended - This is probably the most common cause of kitchen fires. This includes all appliances including toaster ovens, coffee pots and other small appliances. They can overheat and cause a fire if left alone. Be sure to unplug them when not in use.

*Wear close-fitting clothes while cooking - loose, long sleeves can catch fire when dangling near hot burners. Wear close fitting sleeves and avoid storing things over the stove and having to reach over hot burners to retrieve items.

*Avoid overloading outlets - plugging too many appliances into an outlet could result in an electrical fire. Also be aware of cracked or frayed cords.

*Heat oil slowly - Fires can start easily if the setting is too high and the pan is unattended.

*Smother a grease fire - don't use water on a cooking fire as this will spread the fire and make the it worse. Slide a lid or other non combustible item over the fire and remove the heat source. With oven fires, close the door and turn off the oven.

*Do not allow children to play around the range and other appliances.

*Don't hesitate to call 911.

These are just some of the common-sense reminders that can help to prevent a fire and send your dream home up in flames. Or, worse, cause severe injury or death. A small amount of caution can make a world of difference. Remember what your mother said: don't play with fire!

Bring out the Beauty of Your Home with Bathroom Rugs

With so many different types of bathroom rugs to choose from, you can alter the look of your bathroom with a simple purchase. Before making your purchase, first you must decide what size of rug you would like, what color you would like, and what textures you would like. You can choose a small rug to place in front of the toilet or tub/shower, or one to cover the entire floor area.

Once you have established the size of your rug, you can start to think about what color to purchase. You can choose colors that will match with your paint scheme, colors that are light or bright to make the room look bigger, or just simply a color that you like. Be aware that darker colors, although they don’t show as much dirt or wear, may make the room appear smaller than it actually is.

So after you’ve established size and color, you can choose from many different materials and types of rugs. Anything from short shag to braided materials will be available to you. Most rugs designed to go in the bathroom are lined on the bottom with a rubber like material. This keeps the rug from slipping out of place, an important safety feature.

A bathroom rug is not only decorative, but functional when stepping out of the shower or tub. Stepping out of a shower or tub with wet feet is not only dangerous and exposes you to the chances of slipping or falling, but eventually the water can damage the flooring in the bathroom. Please keep in mind when choosing a rug that you may be stepping on it with wet feet and it may receive substantial amounts of water depending on where the rug is placed.

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to redecorate your bathroom, changing the rug is a great move. And if you tire easily of the looks of your bathroom, changing a bathroom rug occasionally is an inexpensive way to keep the room looking sharp and fresh.

For example, if you wish, you could change the color of the rug with the change of seasons—lighter colors during the spring and summer months and warmer, dark colors during fall and winter, or you can place a decorative rug in the bathroom to celebrate the holidays. Whatever your choice, the simple change of a bathroom rug can put a new look into your bathroom.

Lock Your Mailboxes to Keep Your Identity Safe

A lot of people don’t consider locking their mailboxes, but it should become a usual habit. Every now and again there are some people who decide to go digging through your mailbox. They may steal your phone bill or they may steal something as important as you social security card. That is just one of the reasons why everyone should have locking mailboxes.

Identity theft has become a very big problem for many people around the world. Many people who have gone through identity theft has happened just by unfortunately not having locking mailboxes. If you live in an apartment building, you have probably seen the neighborhood mailman deliver your mail. In the middle of the mailboxes of all your fellow neighbors there is one big lock in the middle that only the mailman has a key for. This prevents anyone else besides the mailman and the post office to have the ability to open everyone’s locking mailboxes.

If you are someone who owns a house and you have a regular mailbox that anyone can open it would be a very good idea to put a lock on it and make sure that only the people that you trust to have the key for it. Another thing you should make sure of is that your locking mailbox is big enough so if you are away for a couple of days you do not have to worry about it sticking out of the slot.

If you are expecting something very important a very good suggestion would be to wait in front of your window until the mailman gets it to you. Make sure that you do not leave it in the mailbox for too long; especially if it does not have a key. If it does have a key still wait for it, you can never be too safe.

Pay attention to where you keep your locking mailbox key so you do not lose it. You may consider it misplacing and you can just get another one, but to some people it may just be the beginning of an identity theft case. No, there are not many people who are willing to walk around to every mailbox and see if the key they have opens it, but there is a lot of technology now that can help them find out what household’s mailbox it belongs to.

Post offices all around the world have been thinking of many possible ways to keep your mail safe. In some states and countries have even set up security alarms on mailboxes that go off when someone besides the mailman opens the lock that opens all the mailboxes at the same time.

The best types of locks to use for locking mailboxes would be Deadbolt locks. This is not the usual key lock this lock is made up of a combination, key and springs so it is not easy to open. You do not have to worry about anyone breaking into that. These locks are so amazing that you cannot just buy them at your local hardware store you must order them. The companies that sell these locks are usually associated with the Post office.

Aluminum Blinds: Are They Durable Enough for Long Term?

If you want durability in window coverings, aluminum blinds will give you the peace of mind you crave. They do give you the special ambiance you want for every room of your home and you can color coordinate the blinds with the décor. Aluminum blinds are manufactured with this in mind as well as the fact that people want something that will last. When you purchase blinds, you have a choice of vertical blinds, mini blinds and Venetian blinds in the aluminum line. Aluminum blinds look just as good in a formal dining room as they do to the window of a rec room in the basement.

Although aluminum blinds are more expensive than vinyl, they are cheaper than wooden blinds. You can have aluminum mini blinds with a 1 inch slat or aluminum Venetian blinds with slats 2 or 3 inches wide. If you shop at Hunter Douglas for aluminum window blinds, you will have 129 colors to choose from and several different levels of privacy. If you just want reduced light, then you can have aluminum material in blinds that will permit some light to come through, while blocking the glare. You can also have these blinds in styles that give you complete privacy when you have them lowered.

You don’t have to worry about not being able to put aluminum blinds to specialty cut windows. You can easily have aluminum mini blinds made to order to fit bay and corner windows and even arched or round windows. Along with using the standard cord to raise and lower aluminum Venetian and mini blinds, you can also have a battery operated tilt feature to the blinds. This feature is wireless, which makes installation of the blinds relatively easy. The motor is quiet, yet powerful and the 6 channel remote control can operate up to 6 window blinds as long as they are within 50 feet of the control.

Aluminum blinds offer good energy efficiency. Blinds with this rating resist heat loss through the window during cold seasons, yet provide the shade you need when the sun’s blinds rays are strongest. With aluminum mini blinds and Venetian blinds you can also order for your windows with a high rating for UV absorption as well as forming a sound barrier. If you need to cover large windows, the Venetian blinds with the larger aluminum slats are the best ones to use. The steel head rail is rolled so that when the blinds are raised they are hidden within the head rail, although you can set them at any level on the window.

The color choices in the line of aluminum blinds include solids, metallic and matte, which has a low gloss finish. These mini blinds and Venetian blinds provide the perfect dressing for any window. Install them within the confines of the window facings so you have the wood of the window exposed or use them with toppers and valances for a coordinated look. Whatever look you wish to achieve in a room, aluminum blinds will help you do it.

Log Homes And Log Furniture: Feel the Calmness and Harmony

In case you haven’t noticed, the world is “going to hell in a handbasket”. No one knows where that phrase comes from or what it means exactly, but the implication is understood by anyone who hears it - that things seem to be out of control. If you watch the evening news, read today's headlines, or listen to the radio then you know what I am talking about. The world is going to hell in a handbasket. So what does the world’s demise have to do with the title of this article? That’s easy, in a world out of control, there's just something miraculous about logs that creates peace and tranquility in my life.

If that sounds a little bizarre to you, permit me to explain. Your house may be of a contemporary design, or a Mediterranean style bungalow, or perhaps you make your home in a French chateaux, but for me there is no warmer, or more peaceful environment than a log home richly decorated with rustic and log furniture. I call it my “Norman Rockwell effect”.

The late Mr. Rockwell had a distinctive painting style and his prints portrayed an optimistic depiction of everyday life in America. Even while the world was at war and our nation was climbing out of the great depression, Rockwell had an uncanny knack of reinforcing what was really important to ordinary Americans. The imagery his pictures produced inspired us to be decent people and live a good life. They evoked a feeling of calming and harmony. I experience that “Norman Rockwell effect” every time I walk into my cabin in the woods.

There is this undefined something about a log home and log furniture that literally transfixes me in an extraordinary way. How best can I describe this to the uninitiated? When I look at a wall constructed of logs, I get a sense that it vibrates at a different intensity than the rest of its surroundings. No, I am not some new-age metaphysical tree-hugger, I’m a guy who appreciates natural beauty and I connect with things created from logs.

Consider if you will that a pine log and a 2x4 (or 2x10, etc.) are both wooden building products of the same matter and used for the same purposes. However, if one were to erect a wall using both materials, there is no similarity in the visual experience, the character or any aspect of the two walls. The logs with irregular lines, bold grain, conspicuous knots and uneven coloring produce a visual rendering that Mr. Rockwell strove to achieve with every brush stroke. To me, logs exude a sensation of warmth, of strength, a sense that all is right with the world… and that is a lot to expect from a dead tree.

So what is it about logs that give me this near spiritual experience? I think it is an implicit appreciation of a sense of perpetuity, of history, strength and permanence. America was built from logs. The first structures erected across this land were more often than not constructed of logs. For hundreds of years, people carved their homes, shops and churches from the wilderness using the most plentiful resource available, trees in their natural form. In addition, we Americans like to be noted for being individualists, and at a time when most of the population live in city apartments or suburbs with cookie-cutter houses, a log home sets one apart from the crowd. In that same rationale, log furniture is not generally available at ordinary furniture stores. One must venture out to the wilderness (or at least exit the shopping mall) to find quality log and rustic furniture.

Okay, I will admit to having some plastered walls in our home and yes, we even have several furniture pieces that one might label as “conventional”, but visitors to our home invariably remark about our log furniture and log accents. To date, no one has yet to compliment us on our marvelously plastered bathroom.

I began this dissertation with a cliché about our world going to hell in a handbasket, and how that related to my love and appreciation for all things log. I am confident that my opinion on both matters is sound. We inhabit a turbulent and chaotic planet, but I live in a log home with hand-made log furniture. For that reason, all is right with my world. Now don’t anyone turn on that darn TV while I’m reading my old issues of the Saturday Evening Post.

Liven Up Your Patio with Wooden Patio Covers

Having a patio gives the house an extra dimension and an attractive outdoor space. For people who love the outdoors, having a patio means having an extra room and allows for a wonderful home-to-garden transition.

1. The Benefits Of Patio Covers

It serves mainly as a protection from the harmful rays of the sun but patio covering also has more benefits. With different materials on the market, you can create a stylish look with your patio cover. It gives you a full range of opportunities to make your home even more beautiful than it was before. There are a lot of materials to choose from but if you are also concerned about style and beauty to grace your patio, then wood patio covers are just the thing for you. Wooden patio covers is a stylish way to protect you from the heat of the sun as well as the rain. It also adds value to the house.

2. Enjoy Outdoor Spaces

With your new stylish wooden patio covering, outdoor activities are more enjoyable. Enjoy the convenience of outdoor beauty, or use your barbeque during weather conditions like rain where you would typically be unable to.

3. Wood Is More Beautiful

Aesthetically speaking, wood has gained supremacy over different materials used in making patio coverings. Hardwoods like cedar and redwood are usually used in making wooden patio covers. This material gives you the natural beauty of wood grain that simply isn't available with any other materials on the market. Plus the variety of ways one could do to accentuate the designs on their patios.

- Turn your patio into a beautiful work of art - Impress your friends - Give your backyard a personal style - Add value to your home - Protect your patio from the elements - Barbeque during rain or snow conditions - Provides shade during summer heat - Wood costs less than other materials, about 20-30% cheaper than vinyl or aluminum.

4. Disadvantages of Wood

Wood covers need a lot of maintenance over the years. They require a regular treatment to prevent water from seeping into the wood, and deter insects from eating into the wood itself. Wooden patio covers are susceptible to damages brought about by rain, wind and sun. Since wood deteriorates faster than the synthetic materials because of the nature’s interfering elements, it will need extra attention. FOr this reason, preservatives should be applied to the wood in the first two years. This is done to ensure the durability of the wood. Application of the preservatives after two years is within every three years. Over the years your low investment with wood patio covering would increase. With the cost of maintenance at hand, having a vinyl or aluminum covering would cost you less in the long run.

Umbrella Blunders to Avoid

How many times have you been caught in the rain and had no place to duck in out of a downpour? By the time you reach your destination, all you can think about is how you might still be dry if you had brought an umbrella. Worse still are those times when you do bring an umbrella and the wind is so strong it collapses your little piece of sanctuary and you get wet anyway. Although seemingly low-tech in this age of wireless this and that, the umbrella is still the most practical way of keeping dry when you simply must get somewhere—no matter the weather. Here are some common blunders to avoid when shopping for an umbrella.

When possible, you want to actually open your umbrella up before buying. One of the common blunders people make is buy an umbrella without looking at the stitching. With cheaper models, it is possible to see light coming through little pinholes because the material is cheaper. The stitching itself should be taut and held firmly against the ribs. Pinholes and loose stitching will lead to leaks every time. A quality umbrella should be impervious to water from above so it needs quality material and taut stitching.

An umbrella collapses in high wind situations due to cheap or poorly crafted ribs. Thin ribs made out of substandard metals will not stand up to the stresses of Mother Nature for very long. An umbrella that cannot handle winds of up to at least 35 mph is not worth having.

The ribs should be thick and slide smoothly along the shaft. Well-made ribs crafted from quality materials will glide up and down the shaft and then lock into place. The locking mechanism on a quality umbrella should also be thick, made from quality material, and have a high-tension spring able to withstand the stresses of high wind situations. To test the quality of the ribs, try hitting your hand against the ribs in order to stimulate the blunt forces caused by high wind gusts. If the umbrella collapses or even seems flimsy when striking it, move on to the next model.

Finally, an umbrella handle needs to be sturdy and made from quality materials as well. Umbrella handles made from plastic tend to crack and deteriorate quickly. While these will be cheaper, it is important to remember that an umbrella lies dormant in a closet for most of the year. Plastic handles tend to dry out because the petroleum in them evaporates quickly. Umbrella handles made from wood or hard rubber evaporate at a much slower rate and therefore last much longer.

Buying an umbrella isn’t a difficult thing and there are only a few points to keep in mind: Look for quality material; taut stitching; quality, well-made ribs that glide along shaft and won’t collapse if you hit them; and lastly, handles made from wood or hard rubber. Keeping these simple points in mind when buying your next umbrella may help ensure you stay dry for many years to come!

Mistakes to Avoid for First Time Home Buyers

Buying your first home is exciting. No more rental payments to a landlord making money for someone else. Instead, you are purchasing your own home and investing in yourself. Money paid to your home mortgage is really investing in your future. It is no wonder that first time home buyers are so excited, sometimes so excited that they make mistakes. There are a few common mistakes of first time home buyers, which with some knowledge and direction can be avoided.

First of all, it is always good to research the housing market and see what is out there. Yes, the very first house you look at may look like its perfect, but there are others out there for sale too. Be sure to at least look at a few before deciding on the one you want to buy.

Watch the cost of the home, do not be swayed into thinking that you can not barter down the cost of the house, you probably can.

Insist on a home inspection by a qualified inspector. There are plenty of people who will provide you with a home warranty when you buy their house and try to sway you from having the house inspected.

Having a home warranty is important and many first time home buyers just don't know that they should or could get one when they are buying an older home. Home warranties are not a new product; they've been around for many years, but many people think that they are for new homes only, not realizing that they can be purchased for older homes as well.

A home warranty makes great sense when you are purchasing an older home - you just don't know the house very well until you've lived in it. A home warranty protects first time home buyers from major expenses for repairs and replacements that could come up. A first time home buyer can make a major mistake if he or she does not understand that if something goes wrong, they are fully responsible to fix it. There is no landlord to call and the costs are all theirs to bear. This is one of the major reasons it is so important to invest in a home warranty when you purchase an older home. If any major repairs need to happen, most often the home warranty will cover the costs, making owning a home much more feasible.

When looking for a home warranty, it's important to have a basic understanding of what you are looking for. When you talk to an agent, there are many questions that you need to ask to be sure you know what level of warranty you are getting. Questions to ask include:

• What is covered with the home warranty? Most often the electrical system, plumbing system, heating system, cooling system/air conditioning, and major appliances that are covered under the warranty.
• What is excluded from coverage with the home warranty? Most often this includes outdoor water, including the sprinkler system, faucet repairs, hot tubs, pools, spas and costs of hauling away debris and old appliances.
• What are the rates/premiums? How much will you have to pay for the home warranty?
• What is the deductible on the home warranty? The deductible is how much you will have to pay when you make a claim. Most often the deductible is $50, this amount will be deducted from the overall cost of the reparations paid by the warranty company.
• How long is the warranty active for? Most often home warranties are offered in one year terms.
• Is the warranty renewable at the end of the term? If you've purchased it yourself as the buyer, it is likely renewable. However, if the seller purchased the home warranty, it will not be renewable.
• What are the terms of the warranty? When will the warranty be void? Most often if you've misused the item, or if it is not up to code or not installed properly, your warranty will be void and will not cover any reparations.
• How are claims handled?
• How do I make a claim?

With the above information, first time home buyers can avoid some of the serious mistakes that are usually made, and then go through with their home purchase knowledgeable and safe from the fall out of a potentially serious mistake. Mistakes such as the ones listed above can land a first time home owner in serious debt paying for repairs they were not prepared for financially. Owning a home of your own is very exciting, especially a first home, but make sure you go into it with your eyes open, your finances secure and a plan for the future should a problem rise with one of the major components of the home.

The Benefits of Faux Wood Shutter

During the 1990's wooden window shutters became very popular is the United States, part of a widespread increase in real wood window accessories. Wood shutters were however relatively expensive, so alternatives soon appeared in the shape of wood blinds. Now the trend has reversed and the ever popular wood blind market has encouraged a resurgence in wood shutters, and in particular faux wood shutters which give a wood effect but at much less cost to the consumer. So why should you choose a faux wood shutter over real wood?

Window shutters are designed to provide privacy and to shade your room from the sun's rays, and have advantages over similarly priced blinds in that the shutter can provide a more complete shade, letting less light into the room. Faux wood shutter sets are generally made from PVC or a composite material and are designed to afford the buyer all the advantages and aesthetic attractions of real wood without the inherent costs associated with natural wood.

15 or 20 years ago wood blinds were bought mostly by the wealthy, however the development of the faux wood shutter has made shutters more affordable, in fact forcing manufacturers to lower the relative cost of real wood units to prevent an erosion of their sales. This means real wood shutters are affordable for many more people, but faux wood shutters are still the cheaper option. However this narrowing of the price difference has meant that currently around 50% of custom blinds sold in the US are faux wood, and the percentage for shutters is likely comparable.

One of the reasons consumers often choose a faux wood shutter is concern for the environment, people are now aware of global problems involving natural wood depletion and look for assurances that the wood used is sustainable and is being replaced. This concern is not an issue with faux wood shutters of course, however it could be argued that wood is at least a biodegradable material where PVC and composite materials can contribute to growing refuse disposal problems in the future. In the minds of the majority of buyers these issues tend to register less than price and aesthetics, but it is something to be considered.

There are obvious advantages to faux wood shutters in terms of strength and resistance to damage, a faux wood shutter will not warp fade or crack like a wood shutter, and PVC will keep its shape and texture much better than wood over long periods exposed to the sun. The shutters themselves are available in many looks and textures, replicating many real wood varieties, even common wood stains and varnishes. It must be said that most people can very quickly tell the difference when close to the shutters, however the purpose is simply to convince the casual observer from a distance and help create an expensive wood "look" to the home or room.

The question of which type of shutter to choose, either faux or wood, can only be answered by the buyer. However for most people the choice comes down to one simple question: how much are you prepared to pay? You will find most real wood shutters are still expensive and if you are buying them for every window in your home it can be a significant outlay. Take a close look at the faux wood alternatives, you may just find exactly what you are looking for, at significantly lower cost.

Feather Wreaths: Attractive And Simple Decoration for Your Home

Feather wreaths can be a strikingly attractive decoration and are surprisingly simple to construct.

A wreath made from feathers (either real or artificial) can take many forms. They range from playful decorative items constructed from artificial pink fuzzy feathers to more traditional looking seasonal door pieces made from the feathers of wild turkeys. The options are nearly endless. A quick look at any major crafts show will reveal hundreds of possibilities. The many different styles of these wreaths make them a consistently popular accent item.

Although there are many different patterns and ways to construct a feather wreath, one of the more simple means to produce one is by using a basic straw wreath form (available at any major craft store) and several large feathers. This approach requires no additional supplies, except a pencil or other device that may be used to poke guide holes into the form.

The wreath maker simply splays out the feathers and creates a ring around the bottom third of the form. Usually, the feathers are inserted at an angle to produce a more organized and attractive final product. After completing the first ring of feathers, additional layers are made using the same pattern. Generally, three or four layers will produce a desirable outcome if the feathers are sufficiently large relative to the wreath form's size. After all feathers are properly inserted, the wreath maker may add accent items to improve the final performance. The traditional favorite is a bow placed at the bottom of the wreath.

This strategy for producing a feather wreath works wonderfully with large turkey feathers and can produce a stunning seasonal piece perfect for fall and Thanksgiving decoration. However, the technique will work with virtually any kind of feather. For instance, one can create an angelic wreath from white flowers or a fun, colorful craft from a bag of multicolored artificial feathers.

Feather wreaths can be relatively simple to make and produce a wreath maker with a popular alternative to wreaths constructed from leaves, twigs or branches. The exact nature of a flower wreath is limited only by the maker's imagination.

How do Vinyl Blinds Fare As An Alternative To Wood Blinds?

Faux wood blinds are the most common form of blinds used as window coverings. This is because they are the perfect alternative to wood blinds and they are cheap. Fauxwood window blinds are made of vinyl material or a combination of vinyl and hardwood. They are called faux wood blinds because they look like wooden blinds. However, they are more durable than real wood and are suitable for all rooms of the home, even those with high levels of humidity. Faux wood blinds are also much easier to clean than wood blinds.

The main reason that faux wood blinds have become so popular is that homeowners like the look of blinds to their windows and the fauxwood blinds are cheap. Faux wood blinds can cost 30% less than wood blinds. They also last a lot longer than blinds made of real wood, which makes them really cost effective. An occasional cleaning and dusting will keep faux wood window blinds in perfect condition. In fact, these window blinds are so durable, you can take them down from the window and wash them in the bathtub.

You can get fauxwood blinds in sizes to fit the smallest or largest window. While you can purchase them in the store in sizes almost the same as that of your window, you can also have them custom made. Custom made faux wood blinds are not expensive either so you can dress your windows in the perfect manner without incurring extra costs. They are available in mini blinds or vertical blinds and you can also get these in motorized versions.

Installing faux wood blinds is a simple affair. You just have to decide where you are going to mount the brackets – inside or outside the facings on your window. Most of the faux wood window blinds come in measurements to fit snugly inside the facings, so if you want them outside you may have to look for cheap faux wood blinds that are an inch or so wider. Once you mount the brackets, then you simply slide in the head rail of the blind and insert the small covering that keeps it from falling out. Then you can attach the wand used to open and close the slats and you’re all set.

Whether or not you install the faux wood blinds inside or outside the facing, you can use valances and drapes with these blinds. If you purchase the fauxwood vertical blinds, then this comes with a covering for the head rail, so you don’t need to have a valance. Most homeowners do use a small valance or topper over both faux wood blinds and real wood blinds, just to suit the décor of the room and to add to its ambiance.

Checklist For Stairlifts Accessories

Accessories You May Purchase For Your Stairlift Product

You know how cars are always adorned by all sorts of accessories, right? Men go ga-ga over the bling-blings for their wheels, almost the same way women go crazy over belts, brooches and the sorts.

Well, for stairlifts, the primary purpose these accessories serve is safety and comfort and not design. Stairlifts may already be costly as they are, but it would still do you good to purchase accessories to ensure the well being of your loved ones.

Frame type Sit And Stand – If the stairlift product that’s to be installed at your house would be used by more than one person, perhaps it’s better to purchase a sit and stand frame for your stairlifts, especially when neither have the same health problems. With this type of frame for your stairlifts, the user or passenger may be able to either sit or stand while he/she climbs up and down the stairs.

Seatbelt – Yes, just like when you’re riding a roller coaster or your ordinary Ford truck, it’s always advisable to wear a seatbelt…just in case anything happens. You can choose between a seatbelt that would be wrapped around your lap – the manufacturers describe it as an inertia reel lap harness – or one that would strap both your shoulders – this time, referred to as static type, 3 point fixing over shoulder harness. Either way, as long as you have a seatbelt for your stairlift, the chances of risking injury are less likely.

Hinged Rail – In a small or compact sized house where there’s little space available, stairlifts with hinged rails are quite ideal because you could fold the lower part of the rail when it’s not in use. This is also ideal if your stairway is right next to the doorway and the lower part of the rail of the stairlift just serves as another obstruction.

Power Folding Footrest – Let’s just say that you have a mighty big house and even with the dough rolling in nonstop, you still prefer to install stairlifts instead of an elevator, no matter that there’s about twenty feet worth of stairs to climb up and down.

Wouldn’t it be nice for the passenger to have a footrest while they’re traveling from the East to the West Coast? But seriously though, the footrest for the stairlifts can also be handy for users or passengers who have problems bending down.

Power Swivel Seat – This is more for the comfort of passengers as they enter and exit the stairlifts.

How to Choose the Best Composite Decking Material

There are many types of composite decking material for you to choose from when you decide this is the material you want for your deck. Although composite decking is composed of wood, it does have other components as well, such as recycled plastic and the wood is usually reclaimed wood. The wood in the composite decking material may actually be sawdust or chips of wood. There are various prices associated with composite decking material, so you would be wise to read reviews of each brand before you buy.

Evergrain is one of the brands of composite wood decking. If you read the composite decking reviews of this name, you will find that the molding process used in the manufacturing of this type of composite decking material is the closest you will get to having a deck look like it is made of real wood. Composite wood decking is available in various colors, but for a truly beautiful deck, homeowners usually want the look and feel of a wood grain. The reviews of Evergrain will tell you that there is a 25 year warranty with this composite decking that includes the fact that the decking color will remain true.

All composite decking material is easy to install. When you are looking through the various composite decking reviews, you may have several factors that you want to look for. The most important part of installing composite wood decking is the price. This is the bottom line for most homeowners as they determine which brand of composite decking their budget will allow. Composite decking is more expensive than traditional wood decking, but even in this category there are differences. For example, Trex decking is the most expensive type of composite decking, but once you have it installed you have a deck that will last a lifetime.

Even if you decide to go with the cheapest composite decking material, of which Veranda decking is one, you will still have a beautiful deck. There is an added bonus if you choose this type of composite wood decking in that the boards are reversible. One side has a wood grain, while the other has a smooth finish. When you get tired of one style on the deck, you can reverse the boards so that everyone will think you have a new deck. Composite decking reviews also give you hints about the best way to install each type of decking and any problems that you need to watch out for.

Whichever brand of composite decking material you decide to choose, you do not have to visit the local home improvement store to get it. With the many companies selling composite wood decking that have online stores, you can virtually order your decking from any part of the country and have it shipped to you. Along with reading the composite decking reviews, you can also search for retailers with the cheapest prices of composite decking material. Although this may take you a little extra time, the money you save will make it worth your while.

Living Air Purifiers: A Healthy Way To Live?

Living Air purifiers are manufactured, along with other brands, such as Fresh Air, by Ecoquest, a company that strive to improve the quality of the living environment of families all over the world. And while this is undoubtedly a noble quest, many experts and consumers question the ability of Living Air purifiers to meet this task adequately.

Living Air purifiers take their place at the higher end of the indoor air cleaner market, costing as much as $700 for a single room clean air purifier. And while many consumer reviews rate Living Air purifiers highly, there is no escaping the fact that these indoor air cleaners contain a substance that an increasing number of experts claim is damaging to our health – ozone.

While many consumers report improved air quality in their homes with the use of a Living Air purifier, even those who suffer with such debilitating conditions as asthma, an increasing number of experts are citing evidence that suggests that ozone can cause long-term damage to an individual’s lungs. So while a Living Air purifier might bring instant relief to allergy and asthma sufferers, there might well be a more far-reaching price to be paid with the use of these indoor air cleaners.

The more immediate effects that consumers have reported with the use of a Living Air purifier include a strong odor of ozone in the home, and persistent headaches. Some users find that these effects can be reduced by operating Living Air purifiers at a lower setting, and while this might eliminate the typical symptoms that an indoor air cleaner is introduced to combat, there remains the threat posed by ozone.

Though expensive, Living Air purifiers are generally reported as being effective in removing particles and dust from the air. But, by using ozone in their design, it is likely that these clean air purifiers are emitting something far more dangerous than the particles they eliminate.

Living Air purifiers are expensive and emit ozone. Maybe they aren’t the best indoor air cleaners.