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Archive for January, 2009
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Saturday, January 31st, 2009Solid Wood Floors in the Home
Sunday, January 11th, 2009A solid wood floor can add warm tones and a stunning finish to any room. Constructed with pieces of solid wood they have tongue and groove sides so they can be easily connected together. Each piece has a different grain which combines to form a unique look whenever it is used. There is a huge variety of solid wood floors available with many types of wood species, colours and widths available at hardwood flooring suppliers.
The most popular option is oak wood flooring. Europe and America are both the main consumer and producer of this type of hardwood flooring. Oak is available in various types including red, white and European oak, each with their own hardness, grain and colour characteristics.
A cherry wood floor is another popular choice due to its striking grain markings and solid composition. Like other wood floors it is highly resistant to damage. Over time cherry wood flooring darkens from a pale pink colour to warm dark red tone
Exotic hardwoods can give a room a unique look are now readily available at major hardwood flooring suppliers. They can be found for sale alongside other classic real wood flooring such as maple, oak and ash. Real wood flooring can be purchased in pre-finished or unfinished styles. When laying unfinished wood flooring the product can be recoated many times to increase its life and make it last considerably longer than other flooring options.
When laying solid wood floors, begin with a flat, dry and solid sub floor such as concrete, wood or cork. Carpet is not suitable as a sub base and must be removed. Any deviations in level should be rectified with suitable floor filler. A plastic barrier to stop moisture is recommended for floors that are being installed on concrete or in damp areas. Harwood flooring should also be allowed time to acclimatise before it is set down by leaving it the room for several days.
If you are using a wood floor sub base the solid wood floor should be installed at right angles to the original floorboards to aid strength and stability. An expansion area around the perimeter of the room is also recommended to allow for contractions and expansions throughout the winter and summer months. This expansion gap can be covered with skirting boards or a cover strip.
Solid wood floors are tough and hard wearing and by taking care of them their life can be prolonged. Keep gravel, dirt and grit at bay by using a doormat outside and inside the front door. Regular sweeping and vacuuming will take care of any dirt that does settle on the floor and will reduce scratches and everyday wear and tear. Avoid wearing stiletto heels on solid wood floors and if possible only wear indoor shoes or slippers on its surface.
Nothing comes close to the finish that can be achieved with a solid wood floor. By installing solid wood flooring the value of a home often increases and it can give a home the edge over similar property on the market. Solid wood floors are stain resistant and do not trap dust so are especially good for allergy sufferers. There is a wide range of tones, styles and prices on the market so whether you are looking for a cheap wood floor or the ultimate in hardwood flooring, you are sure to find the right match for your room.
Wood Kitchen Tables – They Make A House Feel Like A Home
Monday, January 5th, 2009So you’re moving into your first place. Decorating ideas are swimming in your head. From animal prints in the living room to a bathroom with Asian allure. But before you get carried way you need to have a few essentials like some chairs, a coffee table and a kitchen table.
You can find fine wood kitchen tables anywhere from your local furniture stores to flea markets to the internet. Maybe you want something that is used and lived in for a vintage casual look or maybe you want something shiny and new with straight lines and a rich cherry finish? No matter what style of table you are looking for you need to make sure it fits in your room.
In traditional houses kitchens were just where you cooked. Today they’re where you live so choose a table accordingly. Maybe you want a high wooden table that can double as a workspace. Or perhaps a white, round table will throw some curves and light into your space. You could try a hexagon table with a flip top that is smooth wood for eating on one side and felt-covered and poker ready on the other. You can share a pizza with friends and then flip the top over for a friendly game of Texas Hold’em. The table comes complete with chip and drink holders.
You might find a larger selection of wood kitchen tables and great prices online compared to your local brick and mortar stores, but you never know what treasures you’ll find at swap meets and flea markets. You’ll find anything from cherry Victorian era tables to retro boomerang tables by Heywood Wakefield or Eames. With a little cleaning and a lot of love you’ll have a wood kitchen table that is as unique as you are.
So whether you want a golden oak finished table or a rich cherry one or even a mahogany one with a glass top you’ll love the strength and durability of it. Every kitchen needs a table to share a drink or meal with friends, to play games with family, to work on and even fold laundry on. Yes wood kitchen tables will get a lot of use, but they are built to stand up to it. Whether you choose a shabby chic faded blue table or a sleek black one you’ll love the feeling of home it lends to your new place.
As you fill your new home with plush sofas and brightly painted antique chairs it will gradually reflect you and tell your story. Everything you put in your home shows off your personal style from the towels in the bathroom to the plates in your cabinets, but nothing will get more use and gather your friends and family around like a wood kitchen table. Hot hues for paint and linens come and go, but the strength and enduring charm of wood kitchen tables never fade. No matter where you shop for and find your new kitchen table, make sure it is a piece that speaks to you, that meets your needs, that you love. It will love you back.