30 November 2014

4 Tips for Finding High-Quality Wooden Furniture

Whether you're looking for simple wooden chairs or expensive dining room tables, preparation is the key to finding high-quality wooden furniture. Here are just a few tips to make it happen.


1. Know Your Timber

Were you aware that softwoods and hardwoods have nothing to do with texture? They actually refer to the type of tree that created the wood. For example, softwoods come from pine, cedar and spruce trees; hardwoods come from maple, oak and cherry. These are things you need to know before you go shopping for wooden furniture.


2. Find a Specialist

If you're looking for rustic furniture, find a manufacturer with experience in preserving the integrity of the wood while also giving it that old-school aesthetic. If you prefer bamboo wood, look for someone who understands the process of cutting, dyeing and shipping it.


3. Evaluate the Grain

You're looking for a dense, uniform grain that flows in the same direction without interruption. Scratches are no good, and neither are splinters. The damage will only spread from its origin and eventually overtake the rest of the piece.


4. Examine the Veneer

Some homeowners object to veneers, but they actually play a critical role in protecting the wood from damage, debris and other dangers. Don't be afraid to bring magnifying equipment to inspect your dresser's veneer. If its protective cover has been breached, don't buy the piece.


These are just a few ways to determine good timber from bad. If you do your research and learn today, you'll reap the benefits for years to come!

06 November 2014

Create a Beautiful Patio With Concrete Pavers

If you're adding an outdoor patio to your home or remodeling an existing patio area, concrete patio pavers offer a functional, durable, affordable design solution. Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, patterns and colors, it's simple to find a paver style that will enhance the beauty of your home.

What are Concrete Patio Pavers?


Concrete pavers are individual blocks used to create a smooth, hard surface for outdoor patios, porches, walkways, pathways and driveways. They are extremely durable and hold up well in any climate conditions. They easily withstand outdoor elements like intense heat and freezing temperatures, rain, snow, ice and even fire. Concrete pavers provide a maintenance-free surface that can be cleaned with soap and water.

Since pavers are thinner than regular concrete building products, they're lightweight, easy to handle, and simple to install. Some concrete pavers come with interlocking systems that allow installation without mortar or grout. Interlocking joints create easy installation for DIY projects and reduce costs for installation and labor. Outdoor pavers allow you to create custom designs and shapes that are difficult with poured concrete materials.

Concrete pavers are more durable that asphalt and have a slip resistant surface that offers care-free maintenance. Made from Portland cement, gravel and water, they're suitable for any type of outdoor use. They're available in beautiful, plain textures and embossed patterns that come with a lifetime warranty.

If you'd like more information on concrete patio pavers and home remodeling ideas, you can find out here.