The Best DIY Projects of 2016

Modernising your garage to add value to your home

If you are looking for ways to increase the value of your home, and a loft conversion is out of your price range, or just too big a job, why not take a look closer to the ground floor and modernise your garage to create a new living space. It can be equally as effective and there are a lot of options.

If you have a detached garage you will need planning permission to convert it into any kind of living space, but in general, if you are not altering the building structure of a garage attached to your house, you won’t need special permission. Always check with your local council first, just to be on the safe side, before starting any large home improvement projects.

You can be innovative about how you use the space – it doesn’t have to become an extra bedroom or a granny annexe! Why not move all of the loud and noisy appliances out of your kitchen and turn your garage into a kitchen extension or utility room. All you need to do is fit a few cupboards and worktops for ease of use, and move your washing machine, tumble dryer and chest freezer out into this extra space.

It may even make room in the kitchen to add some luxury items like a dishwasher or a nice breakfast bar, improving the quality of both spaces – and the impression it would make when selling on.

Why not look at splitting the garage into two new rooms, if it’s long enough, by using stud walls. You can create a useful home office and storage area, for example, to give some extra useful areas. If updating the use of the space, don’t forget to update the door as well! As most garages don’t have windows, a pair of French doors could bring in light and make it look more like a living space.

Other options you can look at to modernise your garage, could be practical – create an additional downstairs bathroom or bedroom. Or why not take a different route and add a luxury room to your house by converting the garage into a bespoke gym, home cinema, or maybe a games room?

If you live in a family-focused area and are trying to sell the house on, then consider converting the garage into a fun family play room for the children to keep all their toys – it will mean less mess and clutter in the house and will appeal to parents and children alike!

Once you have your ideas, do your homework and research what it will mean – do you need power, insulation, heating to be installed? Do you need planning permission for any of the ideas and plans you have – it’s always better to be on the safe side. There can be no doubt that modernising your garage and creating extra useable space will add value to your home in the long run, if done properly. 

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/modernising-your-garage.html

Staying current with the carpet and flooring trends of 2017 – Spruce up your floor

The present carpet trends are not like anything else that’s trending in flooring at the present moment. When it comes to decorating the hard surfaces, it’s all about adding the stone looks and mimicking wood. Soft flooring is a different story altogether. With regards to flooring subject, carpet is one of the most controversial topics. No, not in the sense of argument but in general, people either seem to love it or hate it and those who purely hate the idea of carpeting will always try to convince you about the fact that carpets are outdated. But this isn’t TRUE!

While there are homeowners who watch out for cozy carpets, carpet is still the #1 flooring sellers among choosy homeowners. The concerns of this article will tell you about the carpet and flooring trends that you may follow to remain trendy and stylish.

Trend #1: Carpets

Carpets are gradually getting more eco-friendly and there are some manufacturers who are creating combinations of fiber which take softness to an entirely new level. There are factories all over UK which make ‘green’ carpets. The ace carpet manufacturers are of the opinion that the evolution of softer textures serves the cutting-edge trend of their business and they’re surprised enough to see the return of luxury carpet. The broad genre called cut-and-loop is in trend nowadays and most of them are multi-tonal and heathered and the trend is towards patterned carpets with cleaner finish. You can get local carpet fitters to fit in your favorite carpet inside your room. 

Trend #2: Bamboo

Bamboo has been in trend for a long time now but something that we can see off late is an explosion of styles and colors. Technically, bamboo is a fast-growing grass and bamboo is harder than most hardwoods after they’re dried. Strand-woven bamboo is a highly engineered product which is twice as hard as conventional bamboo flooring. As with any kind of wooden flooring, it is always best to keep bamboo away from rooms that are moisture-prone like baths and kitchens. 

Trend #3: Reclaimed wood

Another rising trend in flooring is offering classic looks by leveraging new technology and the best example for that is reclaimed hardwood. The new form of hardwood flooring offers the charm of reclaimed timber but the best part is that there are no high costs associated with it. Wood that is factory-finished will be able to withstand all moisture fluctuations and can perform better than any wood flooring which is done onsite.

Trend #4: Large format tile

In the world of tiles, we always see an explosion of shapes, sizes, patterns and materials and mainly popular these days are the large-format tiles. These tiles come in 12” X 24” sizes and sometime even 36” X 36”. Apart from giving a great look to the floor, larger sized tiles mean more tile surface and less lines to clean. In order to get a professional look, hire a pro installer.

Therefore, if you’re confused about the kind of flooring to add to your house, choose any one from the above mentioned trends to stay fashionable and trendy.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/carpet-flooring-trends.html

5 Cases when calling an electrician is mandatory for your home

Electrician

Not every homeowner has all the relevant knowledge about the wires, panels, electrical outlets and other aspects. In such cases, it is better to call an electrician and get the work done. A lot of people try their hands on electrical works just to save their precious money. A minor issue can turn out to be a complicated when you try working out yourself without much knowledge and skill. Therefore, experts recommend having the contact details of the professional electric serviceman in case of emergencies. Electrical wiring and faulty electrical accessories can also increase the power consumption bill and if you do not handle these parts with excat knowledge, then you can get affected by a short circuit. It can also set your house on fire. In these cases, it is suggested to solve the minimal electrical issues by hiring some certified electricians only.

When you should call a professional electrician?

Let us check out five major electricity problems when you will need a professional to repair it in a right way. Have a look at them as follows.

Electrician

Flickering of lights: When you notice the lights of your home flickering all of a sudden and you are unable to fix it by yourself then it might be because of internal damage or wrong wiring. The solution is calling an expert who can actually figure out the root cause of the problem and repair it. You may thinkthat due to power fluctuation, you are facing these problems but if you notice the power fluctuation problems then it is more dangerous. Constant power fluctuation can damage your main fuse and it can permanently damage your electrical meter.

Burnt fuses: Has any of the fuses of your home got burnt or blown out? There is no question of repairing the same fuse; rather you will have to replace the entire fuse. Instead of wasting time and thinking how to repair, call an electrician immediately and get the matter sorted out without risking the entire electrical system of your property. It is suggested that do not try to use any adhesive and tape on the burned fuse because it can lead to some dangerous effects, and it can even set fire to your house. So always replace the damaged fuse by contacting with some professional electricians.

Building a new house: If you have constructed a new home, then surely you will need a complete and effective electrical system. It is mandatory to call a professional to create a perfect and functional system for the home. The certified and professional electrical contractors can easily install and design the electrical wiring and other accessories in your new building.

Security system for the house: Nobody likes to invite burglars and criminals in your house. Hence, nowadays everyone is installing security systems to protect the people and the property. Only experts can install the right kind of security systems to help you stay safe and relaxed.

Water related issues: It is known to everyone that water and current are the worst enemies, which can result in extremely serious situations. Whenever you notice any leaks or such issues, you need to call the electrician immediately to reduce the risk of any danger.

The person whom you are going to hire should have a license that reflects that he is a proficient man for the job. He will assure you right solution and as per the government standards of the country. In addition to this, the licensed person will also charge the fees based on the industry rates and you can be rest assured after hiring him for the task.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/calling-electrician.html

2 Stunning Hardwoods That Make the Best Bathroom Vanities

The New Year has finally arrived and I’m sure you want every nook of your house to look new-like and fresh. And you also want to change the decor of your house according to the latest trends, right? So, what are you waiting for? Revamp your home and make it look absolutely gorgeous. Home renovation won’t just enhance the aesthetics, but will also increase its value. Therefore, go for a renovation and when renovating your home, don’t ignore the bathroom. You must be thinking, why I am saying this. Well, it’s because more than half of the homeowners ignore their bathroom when they are renovating the entire home and the reason is hilarious. What most of them claim is that “nobody is going to check the bathroom when they visit my home!” But what if the guests want to go to the loo and they find out that during renovation you have focused on living and bedroom and completely ignore the bathroom? That’s really embarrassing. So, do revamp your bathroom, as it is definitely one of the most important rooms of the house and the most used one too.

Now, if you are thinking that renovating a bathroom area will cost you way too much, then that’s your biggest misconception. To renovate your bathroom, you neither have to hire an interior designer nor buy expensive decorative items. And you don’t even have to change every single part of the bathroom. All you need to do is replace the sink area with a stylish bathroom vanity.

A bathroom vanity won’t just make the sink area look more royal, but will also help you keep the bathroom clutter free. Wondering, how is that possible? Well, these vanities come with cabinets where you can easily store your bathroom essentials. So, wait no more and visit a reputed store that is famous for selling attractive and affordable Wholesale Bathroom Vanities.

Thinking, which type of bathroom vanity to purchase? Well, there are varieties of bathroom vanities available in the market. But as an interior designer, I would suggest you purchase wooden vanities as they will make your bathroom look stunning. Here is the list of wooden vanities which are best for bathrooms and their characteristics.

Take a look

2 Best Hard Wood For Bathroom Vanities

• Maple Wood

This is one of those woods which are mostly used in making the bathroom as well as kitchen cabinets. I’m sure you must have come across people saying that maple kitchen cabinets are the best. But trust me; bathroom vanity cabinets made of this wood are good as well. So, you can opt for maple bathroom vanities. Some of the pros of this wood are:

1. It has consistent and fine grain all over it that makes for a uniform, handsome appearance.
2. This wood has warm consistent shading, which takes stains brilliantly.   
3. It is absolutely durable. And in fact, it is said to be sturdier than any other wood.

• Walnut Wood

After maple, if there is another wood that is loved by interior designers and furniture makers or carpenters then that is none other than walnut wood. And believe me, if you purchase walnut bathroom vanities, you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of its specialties:

1. This is quite a strong wood. But still, try o prevent it from blows and bashes.
2. Walnut wood has smooth, fine and general straight wood grain, which makes it look classy. In fact, it mellows with age. Trust me; you’ll love to see the color transformation from dark to light.

These were the two best kinds of wood that will make great bathroom vanities. So, wait no more, rush to a reputed store and purchase wholesale bathroom vanities.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/wholesale-bathroom-vanities.html

Laundry Room Makeover: DIY Plywood Countertop

I’ve gotten a few questions so far on last weeks’ big laundry room makeover reveal, and to no surprise, many of them were about the DIY wood countertop. So, I figured the first post I would put up this week should include some answers!

Note: some links to products are affiliates, which help to support the maintenance of this site. See my disclosure page for more info.

About the Plywood Counter

The laundry room’s wooden countertop is made from 3/4″ Purebond maple plywood. It’s pretty heavy, so I had a beast of a time getting it to fit on my walls, which were also wonky as hell (the back corners were just slightly wider than the width of the wall where the front of the washer and dryer are… oh, the joys of working on an old house!) :) Remember: measure twice, cut once, and hammer to fit. In my case, I also used an electric hand planer to knock off 1/16″ widths at a time until things weren’t getting stuck on the drywall anymore.

Before installing, I did a little research and spied that Mandi from Vintage Revivals uses a nifty trick to save on the cost of a thick piece of plywood by gluing a more expensive one underneath, and I love that idea! If I’d had more time than an extended weekend to finish mine (I was under a pre-Christmas deadline), I might have tried this same trick, too; I think it would have made the plywood counter even stronger and less likely to bend under any weight (it’s not doing that now either, but in time with use, that could be something I go back and try to reinforce even more). Perhaps if/when I upgrade the front piece of the counter to look more substantial (even though the supports are offset from the edge of the counter by a few inches, you can still see some of the support along the wall, which could be hidden with a longer decorative piece of lumber attached to the front), I’ll see about adding another piece underneath. The plywood is actually just wedged into place and doesn’t move, so I can easily take it back out again if I needed to with a few swings from a mallet.

Cutting Plywood to Size

I bought a full sheet of plywood, but I took my measurements to Home Depot before the purchase and asked them to cut it for me (which they’ll do for free unless you have a lot of cuts to make… I only had 2, and they also loaded the pieces for me into my SUV).

Tip: When having a big box store cut the wood for you, it’s important to inspect the full sheet of plywood and make your cuts strategically so that you can get as smooth of a cut as possible and wind up with the section of the plywood you like the most. Their saws can handle the cut with ease, but there’s a lack of control and speed that you’ll have as a customer (compared to, say, cutting it yourself with saws you’re more familiar with using at home) and it’s good to be observant when they’re cutting things down.

When the saw was cutting with the grain (along the length of the plywood), the wood had very little splintering. This was important, since this would be the cut along along the front edge, where it meets the front of the washer and dryer (as in, the most noticeable front lip of the countertop once installed). But on the pass for the crosscut (when you cut the wood perpendicular to the wood grain), I was worried that it would splinter a lot. Even though these edges would be on the left and right side walls in the laundry room (so, not as noticeable as along the front edge), the concern was that these areas would not take stain as evenly if I had to patch it up with wood filler (even when it’s a stainable filler, the texture looks different, and I wanted to prevent/minimize the obvious parts that were patched). Using the first cut as a guide, the clerk and I both noticed that the wood splintered slightly more on the front of the cut than the back on the saw. So, I used that as a way to plan which side of the plywood would be the top and bottom so I could hide the splintered side underneath.

Countertop Support

As far as installation goes, I treated the countertop similar to how I installed the floating shelves on the right side: as one large shelf in need of support along three sides. However, given the narrow space, the room’s dimensions were a little tricky to work around. For one, everything I did along the back wall had to be done around the washer and dryer; moving them out of the room through the hallway and into the kitchen would result in both units getting off balance (it’s important to keep them from knocking around), so I made the choice to keep them in the room and simply climb over them to install the supports along the three surrounding walls.

The supports were created mostly out of some inexpensive 2x2s (be sure to inspect them carefully at the store for warping). I would have used 2x4s, but the height of the lumber would have created a huge gap between the counter and washer and dryer, and I didn’t want that much clearance on top (while you do want to leave some space for air flow around the units, I wanted things to still look like a more snug fit). Measurements of the room are far from square, so it was a lot of trial and error to get things level. It helps in these situations to mark everything down on the wood itself so you know which end is up, where the studs are, etc. Given that the room is also surrounded by the garage on the left, an exterior wall with masonry along the back, and a closet and bathroom along the right, I was very careful to use a stud finder and heavy duty drywall anchors to put each support in place.

Figuring out how to support the middle between the washer and dryer was a little tougher; with the entire length a little less than 5 feet wide, I was reluctant to try to build support from the floor (I already had so little wiggle room to move the washer and dryer around, any structure in the middle would have been very snug!). So, I settled on a heavy duty shelf bracket — the largest I could find in store boasted a 600-lb weight capacity — by attaching it to the back wall.

Stain and Seal

As for the stain color, I pretreated the wood with wood conditioner for an even coat and then used a couple of coats of ZAR in Modern Walnut along with a few topcoats of poly to seal.

To hide the plywood layers along the front lip of the counter, I again used 3/4″ iron-on veneer edging like I did with my entryway closet. Again, since I can see some of the supports still, I’ll probably cover this over at a later date with a stained piece of wood instead.

To my surprise, it didn’t take much effort to get the plywood level (pictured is my 4-foot level that I inherited from my grandfather). Phew.

Once in place, I tested it out a couple of times, and it’s very sturdy. While I don’t think it would be wise to stand on top of the counter itself and put my full weight on it, I planned for it to handle at least two full laundry baskets full (though the hope would be not to leave things in the laundry room anymore!). Estimates online said a full laundry basket could be around 18 pounds, so I planned for 40 but still made sure that the anchors I used in the wall could handle twice that amount.

The depth of the counter still had a small gap in the back to allow for the cord for the washer.

There you have it! More details about other features in the laundry room makeover, along with more DIY projects, coming your way shortly!

The post Laundry Room Makeover: DIY Plywood Countertop appeared first on The Ugly Duckling House.

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from The Ugly Duckling House http://www.uglyducklinghouse.com/laundry-room-makeover-diy-wood-countertop/

Points To Consider When Buying A Mini Digger For Yourself

When it comes to comparing the different mini excavators, there are some main factors that need to be taken into consideration. These include the operating height, dump height and digging depth. These 3 aspects will always have an effect on the size and type of machinery that you will obtain as they impact directly on the productivity levels when it comes to job sites.

Before deciding on one model, make sure you are pairing your requirements with the capabilities of a machine in order to ensure they are matching up. Choosing an excavator that is undersized will not provide enough functionality or power in order to accomplish your job requirements in an effective manner. And even when the bigger excavators may seem like a better choice they can risk causing unnecessary damages on a job site as well as using significant amounts of fuel.

Factors To Keep In Min When Comparing Diggers

Below are the main factors that manufacturers make use of to compare diggers to their competing models. Some of the machines can fall outside of the ranges, they still represent an average of the availability currently.

Bore

These are mainly utilized for installing cables or conduits and underground-utility construction. The directional bores are able to drill in a horizontal manner underground with average diameters of between 3.7 to 4.5 inches in relation to diameter for the mini excavators.

Net Power

This is a representation of the “total output” these machines are capable of. The lower end machines are designed for lighter duties such and handling of materials and landscaping and the higher end machines are designed for mining applications, heavy-duty construction, trenching and stump removals. You can expect these machines to feature horsepower of between 10hp and 50hp.

Swing System

This design will allow the operators the ability to hydraulically-shift their boom in specific ranges of degrees to the right or the left. These are utilized for trenching and digging in a parallel way to the tracks of the machine. The typical swing speeds range between 9.2 and 11 RPMs.

Engine Fuel

In regards to the horsepower required even with the light-duty tasks, each mini digger uses diesel fuel and will feature tank sizes that vary from as little as 3.6 gallons onto 33 gallons dependent on the output and size of these machines.

Maximum Governed

With the intention to maintain torque loads placed on the engine which occur with varying demands, a typical maximum when it comes to governed RPM is about 2200 RPM.

Maximum Digging Depth

This should be one of the main considerations to keep in mind before purchasing a mini excavator. This is because it will dictate the depth of the trenches. When it comes to mini diggers you can expect a 5.5 to a 12 feet deep range.

Max Dump Height

Another important consideration, particularly when the machine will be used to handle materials on a job site. The maximum dump height varies between 6 to 13 feet.

Operating Weight

Often referred to as “compact” or “mini” this portion of the excavators weigh anything from 2,000 to 18,500 lbs and will be chosen according to the least impact it will have on the working environment.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/buying-mini-digger.html

Laundry Room Makeover: Reveal!

How to Remodel Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace and you are looking for a way to brighten it up, breathe a breath of fresh air into your fireplace, whether indoors or outdoor, or you just want a change, you really can do this quite easily. Refreshing up a fireplace can be as easy as adding paint, or more complex – such as shaving down the niche. Also, when planning on selling the house or rent it off, (landlordstation.com sort it for you) it’s still a valuable remodel. Below, we will be talking about a few ideas you can use for your own fireplace to change the look of it completely.

Remodel Fireplace

Add Some Paint

Paint is such an easy and inexpensive option. One idea is to also change the paint in the space on the walls. This will create a more fluid look. Add in a few paintings to the walls that also incorporate the colors of the walls and the fireplace to tie it all in. One thing to remember though; when painting a fireplace made from brick, this is a very porous material. If proper precautions are not taken beforehand, you are going to end up using more paint than you ought to! Try to use a paint that is specifically for a fireplace or masonry paint. One suggestion is to use something like a breathable latex paint such as Sherwin Williams Super Paint Acrylic Latex. The great thing about paint too, is that you can easily change the look whenever you want to another color or another texture. Simply paint over it! No removing adhesives or modular panels or whatever else. This is definitely one of the cheaper and easier options.

Marble For Less

Marble can be a very expensive material. Not only in terms of production, but also because you have to get a professional to install it. But, what if there was a quicker, easier and cheaper way around it that you could do yourself? One idea is to use faux marble adhesive paper for the tile surround. Even better: Keep any adhesive handy you find, that you really love the look of, such as granite, slate or another stone, you can use this as well. It takes just a few minutes to cut the tiles out and then place them on the surround. This is also a really great option for people that rent!

White Washing Brick

Brick tends to have a very outdated look to it, especially on a fireplace. Would you want a way to change the “color” of the brick? you can actually whitewash it. This can also be done by you which means it can be a budget friendly and cost efficient project. Simply take white paint with an eggshell finish and brush it onto the brick in small sections. Then, take a clean cloth and wipe it down to remove the paint. You still get the texture of the brick, but it changes the color of the dark red to something a little more bright and clean looking.

Wall Treatments

Wall treatments are panels that are specifically designed for walls – or any flat surface for that matter. These particular panels are made of hardwood that is used for flooring or any composite wood material. These panels can actually be attached to the surround of the fireplace to create a really different look, add texture, and create a whole new style for the room. If you are really concerned about the wood that you will be bringing in for your wall treatments, go through rainforestinfo.org.au which provides you with ample information on improted wood.

Above in the brick red section, these panels would work wonders in taking a room from outdated to modern or shabby chic, or even traditional. It really depends on the texture and pattern on the panels. One company to consider is called tilemarkets.com. They have interlocking panels which are super easy to install.

Statement Making Tile

Let`s say you have the ability to install tile or you’ve ever installed tile on a floor or in your bathroom, this should also be an easy project you can do. If not, that’s okay. This shouldn’t cost all that much so, have someone else install the tiles for you. You can simply visit an online store such as tilemarkets.com to have many options in hand right away. The plan is to purchase tiles which will complement the rest of the room. For instance, an area rug in the living room, with blue and white chevrons, you can take blue and white tiles and place these around. It’s a really easy way to change the look of the fireplace and you can use and find any colors or patterns of porcelain tiles for the job. You can also use any other material you want besides porcelain. You can use slate slabs or square tiles, granite, marble, glass, pretty much anything you can think of, you can use for the surround, or the entire wall for that matter.

More On:

landlordstation.com

rainforestinfo.org.au

tilemarkets.com

 

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/how-remodel-fireplace.html

Organizing My Photography Equipment

I am a compensated 3M-sponsored blogger. Opinions are my own and additional products used in the project were selected by me.

Does anyone else ever do this? Just before the holidays arrive, I often start thinking about quick and easy interior organization projects. I know that a lot of people tend to wait until January and the new year to feel the organization bug, but I have found that for me, getting something just a little bit tidier before the Christmas decorating begins serves as the stress-reducing palate cleanser that I desperately need before the house explodes in twinkly lights and glitter (which I hope to soon have a lot of). This is one of them: my new photography equipment stand.

Last year, Mom picked a theme for my Christmas gifts, most of which centered around photography. It’s something I’ve always wanted to improve on (I mean, I take a lot of photos), but in order to get better at this particular hobby, you tend to need a lot of practice — and a lot of stuff. Between tripods, lighting gear, and other equipment, my office has had a pile of all of these in various stages of disarray for the last year. So finally, I decided it was time to give these things a decent home.

I looked for ideas on Pinterest with a few goals in mind:

• Most of my equipment comes with bags for safely traveling around with it. Even though I don’t really travel beyond the house with this equipment much, I liked the idea of keeping all of the equipment together and in their assigned bags for easy transport. This basically meant that I wanted a hanging system rather than a built-in closet organizer, which is most of what I found in my search.
• Given the other DIYs on my plate, getting something that worked but was also quick and easy seemed best.
• I had a number of hooks left over from an over-shipment from a previous project, so if I could make use of this, the less hardware I’d need to buy.

The closest idea that popped up on my radar was the concept of creating a post that normally would hold Christmas stockings like this one. I thought if I modified the concept, made it a little taller, etc., it could be a perfect adaptation to suit my equipment, plus I could then also move it around the house whenever I needed to have all of it accessible nearby.

Materials Needed:

• 2 – 2x4s, cut between 4-6 feet in length, your choice (I went with 6′ so I could have lots of hanging space between each hook)
• wood putty
• sandpaper
• wood glue
• hooks (I used black robe hooks, which served well for hanging straps across both prongs)
• painter’s tape (for delicate surfaces)
• paint and/or stain
• Scotch™ Felt Pads, Rectangle, 4 x 6 inch (sponsor)

1. Create a 4×4

In most of the tutorials I found for this project idea, the plans called for using a 4×4 deck post, which wasn’t going to work for me. The main issue with using it is that decking materials are typically made out of cedar (which is rough and would require a lot of sanding for the smooth look I wanted) or pre-treated (“PT” for short) lumber. Pre-treated lumber is much cheaper, but it’s often still wet from the chemicals it is treated with when you buy it at the store. This means that you have to wait for several weeks or even months for it to dry out before you can paint or stain it. And I didn’t have that kind of time patience. So, I went with an equally inexpensive option: making my own 4×4(-ish, since it’s more like 3×3.5″) post. To do so, I took two whitewood boards and glued them together. Then, I clamped them tight to allow them to dry…

And filled with wood putty, then sanded the whole thing down.

2. Cut base to size

I had some leftover 3/4″ birch plywood from a previous project, so it was an easy choice to square it off and use it as my base. The key is to make sure this base provides enough sturdiness to keep the post from being too top-heavy, so I would say at least 12″ or even 16″ is a good idea (mine is 13″ just because that was the largest piece I had).

3. Add edging to base

Since the edges of the plywood were really rough-looking, I once again used iron-on veneer edging to create a more polished look for the sides. I swear, I have used an iron for projects far more than actually ironing clothes!

4. Paint, stain, seal

I decided I wanted to go with a combination of white paint and stain, with white for edging and trim, and stain for the base and two sides of the post. This color combo nearly exactly matched the bookshelves I also keep in the office, so I liked the way this made the new post tie into the design of the room.

Getting the stain to match wasn’t easy, so I procrastinated a little between these steps and painted the other parts first. I found that a mix of natural, golden mahogany, and a quick wash with some antique walnut was the closest (there’s really no method to any of this; I just mix and test on a scrap piece until I find the color I like). Be sure to use painter’s tape to block off the parts that you’ve already painted (I used one for delicate surfaces since it was newly painted).

5. Add the base to the post

Once everything was dry, I marked off the center of the base and glued/nailed the pieces together. I also cut down some ready-to-install trim that I bought on my last trip to the store on a whim, and I really like the polish it added to the base.

6. Add felt pads to the base

Scotch® Brand sent me a big box of products to try out earlier this year, and one such product was perfect for adding to the bottom of the base.

These 4×6-inch Scotch™ Surface Felt Pads can be cut to size, but I used all four included in the package to cover up the splintery bottom of the plywood and keep this stand from scratching up my floors when/if I move it around the house.

7. Add hooks to the post

I hung two hooks closer to the top, a couple more about two feet lower, and two more about halfway down, alternating between the painted and stained sides of the post.

Then, it was just a matter of hanging everything up and finding it a spot in the office.

Project created by Sarah Fogle of The Ugly Duckling House for Scotch® Surface Protection

The post Organizing My Photography Equipment appeared first on The Ugly Duckling House.

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from The Ugly Duckling House http://www.uglyducklinghouse.com/organizing-my-photography-equipment/

Starting Off 2017 Right

Stove Top Kettle Versus Electric Kettle: Which One is Better?

Electric kettles are getting more and more popular these days. Aside from their sleek and modern look, they also come with a handful of hard-to-resist features. Although in-demand, there are still tons of people who prefer stove top kettles. If you are wondering why, here are some of the most common criteria buyers use when deciding which type of kettle to get.

Usage

Electric kettles are convenient to have at home. They can automatically turn off once the water boils which means you’ll have more time to do other important tasks. Unfortunately, since you won’t have to constantly keep an eye on your kettle, it’s easy to forget that you even turned it on. As a result, you’ll have to boil the water again which can double the energy you consume.

Stove top kettles, on the other hand, doesn’t turn itself off so you’ll need to patiently wait for your water to boil. If you fail to turn it off on time, you can end up drying up your kettle and you’ll need to fill it with water and heat it again. That means you’ll use twice the energy and water.

Heating efficiency

When you boil water using a stove, you’re diffusing heat not only to the kettle but the surrounding air as well. This means you’ll be wasting more energy during the process. In contrast, electric kettles come with enclosed heating components which means you’ll only be heating the water. Since the energy is more focused, you’re likely to spend less time boiling water with an electric kettle.

Dependability

Electric kettles can technically run on any place that has electricity. This means that they are not your best option if you and your family frequently go on trips or campsites that don’t have electricity. You may have to buy a stove top kettlefor that purpose. They are also a less reliable choice if you live in an area that frequently encounters power outages.

Temperature setting

There are drinks that don’t require being boiled to over a hundred degree Celsius. Some herbal teas need to be heated under lower water temperature to retain their flavors and healing properties. If you are going to use a stove top kettle, this can be a bit difficult to achieve without investing in good kitchen thermometer. Even if you do have a thermometer, turning off your stove at the exact temperature can still be tricky.

If you are into specialty teas, you’ll be better off with electric kettles since some of them come with specific temperature settings. You just basically need to know the optimum temperature for your tea, set it and just wait until your kettle is done brewing the tea for you.

Cost

When making a purchase, it’s essential to make some comparisonsbetween electric and stove top kettles first, especially if you are on a tight budget. Most electric kettles come with special functions, such as rapid boiling and automatic shut down features, so you can’t expect them to come cheap.

If your main goal in purchasing a kettle is just to boil water, a stove top kettle should be enough. It costs less but basically gets the same job done. It may not give you the benefits modern electric kettles have to offer but it’s durable enough to last you a long time. In the end, you can even save more money from it.

Stove top kettles can also make you feel more at home. It has a retro feel that can make you feel relaxed when you’re boiling water in a lazy morning.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/stove-top-kettle-versus-electric-kettle.html

5 Reasons You Should Renovate Your Bathroom Now!

The bathroom is one of the most-used rooms in the house, and is also subject to wear and tear. However, when it comes to upgrading the home, it is often overlooked. Many people see the bathroom as a purely functional room, but it need not be this way. In fact, a beautiful bathroom is a very satisfying place, so we have put together a list of five reasons why you really should be renovating your bathroom. 

Add Value to Your Home

Perhaps the most important factor is that a well-designed, modern and fresh bathroom adds value to the home. If you are thinking of selling, it is one of the most cost-effective methods of getting the best price, as buyers will certainly be impressed with a beautiful bathroom. Use the latest fixtures, from showers to taps and more, and you will present a room that is a pleasure to enter and use. Whether you choose a modern, sleek style or a more traditional bathroom suite, you have a great choice of quality, affordable fixtures and fittings, so choose wisely, and you and you friends will be impressed with your new room.

Update a Tired Room

Over the years, tiles become cracked, floors become worn and discoloured and your bathroom fixtures and fittings may be worn or broken. It’s all too easy to simply overlook this and work with what you have got, but you may be surprised to find out how affordable it is to rectify the problem. There are many different types of flooring you can choose, for example, in many different colours and designs, and when it comes to tiles, the choice is endless. Carefully designed tiling can really make a bathroom, so check out the many options and you will find something that suits.

Install Modern Equipment

One of the most impressive aspects of updating a bathroom is the range of modern equipment that you can choose from. The latest taps are very stylish, and many do not need to be touched to work, and the choice of very attractive, sleek and beautiful bathtubs, sinks and toilets means you can change your current, ordinary bathroom into one that is stunning in every way, and practical too. If you wish, you can stay with the traditional look but use more modern furnishings, perhaps with a stylish claw-foot bath, a popular choice for larger bathrooms.

Efficient Electric Shower

Taking a shower is likely one of the most important of your daily routines, but the modern electric shower is a far more impressive item than you may realise. Electric showers come in many forms and are very powerful and efficient, and they are affordable to buy, install and run. There are many head designs offering excellent distribution of water, and with effective control of heat and pressure you can have a shower that is perfect every time. There is plenty of information on the best electric shower for your bathroom design, so make sure you check out the various options and take all the advice you can get. 

A Fresh Approach

For many people, the reason for renovating a bathroom is simply because they want a new look. It is often the last room in the house to get the fresh treatment, so once you have improved the rest of the house, the bathroom may look out of place, dated and tired. Or, you may simply be bored with your current design, and want something new and impressive instead. Taking a bath in a new, modern bathroom is a pleasure that you will enjoy every time, so have a look at the options for renovating your bathroom carefully, and you will find something that is perfect for your available space.

The above are just a few of the reasons why you should renovate your bathroom, and there are many more. Whether you design your new room yourself or have a professional take a look for you, don’t forget to include storage space and shelves, two items that are often overlooked. Once you have your new bathroom design you will feel like you have a whole new home, so start searching now for the best designs available, and enjoy a beautiful, usable bathroom that will be the envy of your friends.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/renovate-your-bathroom.html