Category: Home Improvement

Wicker Furniture Isn’t Just for Outdoor Environments

Many homeowners picture wicker furniture on a friendly front porch or on a covered back patio. Few realize just how much indoor wicker furniture can add to the interior of a home. There are many advantages to utilizing this type of furnishing in a residence, and they include the following benefits:

Adds Character
The texture, the natural colors, and the added cushions can add instant character to any area. In a nursery, a wicker rocker with pastel cushions is soothing and comfortable, and a tropical print on a living room set will give the area an exotic and natural feel. According to Wicker Paradise, white wicker bedroom set can become a little girl’s dream if dressed in her favorite shades of pink or lavender.

Is Lightweight and Easy to Move
These furnishings are so easy to transport to another area of the residence. There is no need for extra outside help, dollies, or any other assistance. Two family members can easily move a sofa just by removing the cushions and taking an end each. Rearranging the various rooms has never been so easy and so much fun.

Has a Timeless Appeal
Wicker furniture has been around for a very long time. Its ageless appeal will supply your home with furnishings that will never go out of style. For example, a wicker dining set with the requisite number of wicker dining chairs can remain in your dining room for years without the indoor area looking dated or old fashioned.

Is Inexpensive
Wicker furnishings are very inexpensive when compared to wooden or upholstered pieces. You can easily add to your collection and replace worn or broken items with minimal expense. If you need a new color, it is a snap to paint the surfaces or change out the cushions of these furniture pieces.

The Impact of Dry Fast Foam on the Industry

Dry Fast FoamWritten by: The Foam Factory

Open cell reticulated foam is known for its’ open pore structure that allows air and water to flow through easily. This free-flowing structure is designed to create a comfortable and cool seating cushion. Most commonly used outdoors, patio owners are fond of these. Another variation of open cell foam is dry fast foam. A widely popular product due to it being formulated with antimicrobial agents, along with it being waterproof, this foam is a boat owner’s best friend.

Quality

Dryfast foam is made with quality in mind. You’ll be getting a product that’s virtually maintenance free. It is, however, a more expensive foam, but with such an outstanding quality it’s highly recommended for use in areas that receive heavy moisture.

Beware of Imitators

Dry fast foam and marine foam cushions have long been imitated by manufacturers that want the same success that these types of foam have experienced in the last years. Be sure that you confirm that your dry fast foam is authentic and not a knock-off. You can easily determine this by pouring a cup of water on top of the foam and watch it seep through to the other side immediately. If you see it begin to run off the sides, then it’s most likely an imitation.

The Bottom Line

Dry fast foam is a high quality product that is perfect for high-moisture areas. If you’re a boat owner, consider using these foam products as they will give you the least amount of trouble and require little to no maintenance in the end.

The Three Important Properties of Cushions

The-Three-Important-Properties-of-Cushions

Article by Biz Site Biz

Here are some tips that will help you select the right type of cushion foam for your household.

As you may not know, there are various types of foam that are available on the market. Each type of foam varies in that they have different properties, making them useful for both outdoors and indoors. They range from soft to firm with a designated density and a form of treatment added.

Seat cushions must be comfortable, especially if they are used for more than 3-4 hours a day. One of the ways that you can determine how soft or firm a foam cushion is, is by measuring its Indentation Force Deflection value. This reflects the amount of pounds required to compress a block of foam by 25%. If you purchase foam that has a lower designated ILD number to it, you can expect it to have a softer texture. A higher ILD number has a more firm texture to the foam.

Density can be viewed as how much wear and tear your cushion can take before it ultimately has to be replaced. The higher the density of the foam, the better grade the foam is. If you are replacing a seat that will be frequently used throughout the day, a recommendation would be to find foam with a higher density value.

Foam is also treated with certain agents to prolong its life as well as aid in outdoor usage. Antimicrobial agents are often embedded in foam to help boat owners maintain their cushions as well as prevent bacterial growth from occurring. These marine-friendly foams are usually open-celled and lighter due to the fact that moisture and air needs to be able to seep through to the bottom.

Bio: The Foam Factory is your one-stop shop for cushion replacement, custom foam blocks, and packaging materials. Visit their online store today to browse their massive inventory.

Replace Your Foam Instead of Buying New Cushions

Replace-Your-Foam-Instead-of-Buying-New-CushionsWritten by The Foam Factory, Inc.

When you purchase a sofa, couch or chair, you have expectations for its quality and want it to last for years – if not decades. But far too often, people wind up replacing their furniture pieces after just a few years because they are no longer comfortable to sit in. In many cases, the problem isn’t with the furniture itself – it’s with the cushion filling.

Most new cushions are filled with foam that is designed to be comfortable while also providing support for a person’s pressure points when sitting. Over time, the foam becomes compacted under the weight of people sitting in the same point. Eventually, the foam loses its ability to bounce back to its original shape and density, leading to it no longer feeling comfortable.

When this happens, many people decide to either buy completely new sofa or chair cushions or just get new furniture. These are both expensive and drastic solutions to a common problem. A better choice is to simply get foam that can be inserted into the cushions. By purchasing high quality foam, homeowners can find the perfect material that will be comfortable and durable at a fraction of the cost of replacing their cushions.

Putting new foam into existing cushions is easier than most people think. If you can measure your cushion covers, you can get a piece of foam that will be a great fit. Even if you have a couch or chair with a uniquely-shaped cushion, it’s easy to get custom foam cushions at a reasonable price that will be a perfect match.

The Foam Factory, Inc. has been in the business of providing foam products to their customers for more than 30 years. The family-owned business takes pride in the quality of their products and their customer service.

 

 

The basics of painting wicker furniture

Written by Wicker Paradise

One of the advantages when you buy wicker furniture is that you can paint it whenever you remodel or want a change. Wicker takes color well and if painted regularly will last you longer. Here is a step-by-step guide to the basics of painting wicker furniture:

 wickerparadise5

Firstly remove any and all flaking paint. You can do this with a wire brush. Scrape off as much as you can. In some cases you can even use a home high-pressure car washer to blast the paint off, though this only applies to rattan reed furniture.

Once the flaking paint has come off, you need to apply a primer. For both indoor and outdoor wicker furniture apply two coats of an oil based wood primer. You can either spray it on or use a good natural bristle brush.

Once the primer has dried you can apply the paint. For the best finish use a compressor and apply two coats of semi gloss house paint. This paint adheres to wicker well and is durable. Latex paint is also an option, though it does not last as long and is prone to flaking.

Remember to take general safety precautions when painting. Wear safety goggles and a facemask when applying both the primer and the paint. Paint in a well-ventilated area and not in a small-enclosed space. While the compressor is the recommended way to apply paint, if you only have one piece to paint, then using a spray is a good alternative. Generally spray cans are not recommended when painting multiple pieces is due to the wasted paint from the over-spray and it can be costlier.

Wicker paradise sells beautiful outdoor wicker furniture that will be perfect for your patio or deck.

Cost Benefit Analysis: Construction Consultants Versus Flying Solo

If you’re managing an arena construction project, and the owner demands a new staircase and entryway added to the plans as construction is underway that can cause major delays. Those delays carry big dollar signs and serious risk with them. A solo project manager may not be adequately equipped to deal with every potential problem that delay could cause. Construction consulting is always an option, but concerns on cost might lead some project managers astray. Don’t let yourself get into this situation.

Before you consider going solo, run this quick analysis to find out if you know everything you need to know to navigate a crisis like this.

Permits

Inspection is a must during a situation like this. Will you have time to get city inspectors out to the job site, and can you work around their needs? Those aren’t easy tasks when you try to make safety the number one priority. If you decide to skip the inspection, you’re breaking the law. That can carry significant consequences if you’re working on a project like an arena.

Personnel

Does your project manager have room in his schedule for the overtime needed to complete the change. If not, you’ll need to hire a secondary crew to come in and work that job. They’ll have foremen on the ground, but no one to manage their efforts. Construction consulting services handle some of that work on the ground, so you can focus your efforts on navigating the immediate scenario.

Delays

Consultants are better equipped to handle delays, and can be of great benefit even when things are running smoothly. Consultants achieve their status because they are growth hackers. They understand how to maximize down time and improve production.

Accountability

Another benefit to consultants is accountability, which is really a benefit to manager and building owner. Both sides are protected when every transaction is properly documented. This is one of those services you don’t know you need until you’re facing litigation. That’s when you’ll be glad that your consultant took the time to file all paperwork and verify materials shipped. If your consultant is an expert in materials, like structural steel, they may even help cut costs on ordering from different suppliers.

Final Verdict

If you have all of these situations handled, then a consultant isn’t necessary. It’s just not likely that a crew is prepared for every potential problem that may crop up. If delays are making your project challenging, a consultant can help you.
———————————————————————————-
Lyle Charles Consulting offers construction advisory services and consulting on commercial construction projects. Lyle Charles is an experienced structural steel expert and a certified expert witness.

Revamping your Poolside Area

Written by Wicker Paradise

With the summer time just around the corner, it might be the time to give your poolside area a facelift. The coming of the warmer days would bring in more opportunity to spend time outdoors along with the perfect temperature for a swim. The tips below might be useful in achieving an outdoor area makeover.

Plants

It might seem simple to plant flowers and trees around an area but the truth is that a certain harmony and color combination would need to be respected. Choosing just about any plant will not do. For instance, to create a tropical look around the poolside, plants such as palms and bird of paradise can be used. For a more modern and sharp look, cacti of different shapes and height can be planted.

Furniture

All weather wicker patio furniture made out of resins are great for the outdoors. They also convey a modern and elegant look to the poolside area. These types of furniture have the benefit of being very resistant to the element and other factors such as the pool water. These type of furniture thrive in humid environments.

Cushions

You could simply offer a facelift to your poolside just by going for a change in cushions. Outdoor furniture cushions are better chosen in durable and fast-drying materials as they would be in a highly humid place. Vibrant colors such as turquoise or yellow are great for the poolside. However, colors such as white will yield a timeless elegance.

Wicker Paradise specializes in wicker and resin patio furniture that are resistant to humidity and sunlight.

Four Items Every Poolside Patio Requires

doors2

Having a pool can be a huge selling point for your home in the future, as well as a gathering place for your family in the present. A nicely kept pool area is attractive and inviting. It’s also safer, without a lot of clutter to trip people up. Some states even make it illegal to keep a cluttered pool area or maintain a backyard without fences.

Furniture

Every patio needs good furniture to make the ambiance complete. Lounges made of wicker tend to stand up well to all four seasons, and they resist sun fading too. Grab some extra cushions for padding to lounge about all day. It’s a good idea to have an umbrella, with stand, if you don’t have natural trees or brush providing shade and coverage.

Storage

With all of your extra cushions and accessories, you’ll want some decent storage to keep everything neat. A large plastic crate will usually do the trick, and they styled to look modern as well. These crates snap shut, and they are large enough to store everything from pool supplies to cushions and toys.

Fencing

Fencing is a good safety precaution to take, especially if you have small children in the home. Fencing protects these children from accidental drowning by falling into the pool. Plus, you can easily separate your backyard grass area from the pool.

Doors

A new sliding glass door can let the light into your living room while providing access to the backyard. A wider doorway is an excellent upgrade for home owners who like to barbecue, especially if you shuttle plates of food in and outside frequently.

Bio: ETO Doors is a custom door manufacturer with showrooms in Los Angeles and New York. ETO Doors offers its entire selection online, and you can read ETO Doors reviews from real customers.

Make Sure You Have the Right Tools for Your Pool

Article Written By : Viv Artificial Grass

If you’re thinking about installing a pool, you have a lot to look forward to. There will be great times with that pool and definitely one of the best ways to cool off. However, you probably also know there will be some work involved too. You’re going to need to maintain it in a number of ways, for one thing. It will also mean making sure people stay safe around it.

You probably know this though. That’s to be expected. What most people don’t know is that having the right power tools handy is important too. Perhaps you already have the right Powerbuilt or Kawasaki tools for the job. Powerbuilt tools make some that are especially handy for pools.

In any case, so long as you have DIY credentials, make sure you have some tools ready for jobs that involve your pool. Whether it’s handling minor issues or fixing potential emergencies, you can’t be too careful when an investment as big as a pool is on the line. The right tools will make all the difference.

Swimming pools as your next home improvement project

Article written by : Your Home Improvement Place

If you have a swimming pool in your back yard, why not try to make the most of it for you and your whole family to enjoy? If you have spare time, tend to your swimming pool. Aside from the know how, you’re also going to need a few tools in your tool shed for you to be able to pull off such an ambitious project. Snap-on air compressorand a snap-on pressure washer and a host of other swimming pool tools for cleaning, maintenance and improvement are necessary and indispensable if you want to have a really good result of your project. Depending on the size of your pool, you might need a couple of extra hands to help you out with cleaning pool filters, changing out your water, or adding chlorine to your pool to make sure that your pool water would be usable for quite a while. Pool maintenance can be expensive, so if you can do it yourself and do a good job at it as well, then do it. This way you can save hundreds of dollars, and you’ll end up being more knowledgeable too with swimming pools and pool maintenance. If you are ever going to need the services of contractors, you wouldn’t be tricked into spending more than you actually have to anymore. Other than that, the sheer fulfillment and joy that you can get from personally doing a job well done will definitely make you one proud swimming pool owner.

1 2 3 4 5 … 14