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		<title>The Pros and Cons of Hickory Cabinets</title>
		<link>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-hickory-cabinets</link>
		<comments>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-hickory-cabinets#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:16:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lily</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.handyhomeowners.com/?p=194</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When looking for cabinets to furnish a home, <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> are a clear favorite for many. However, a few considerations should be made before the purchase of <strong>hickory cabinets</strong>. As with all things, <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> come with their pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown of the major pros and cons of <strong>hickory cabinets</strong>:</p>
<h2>Hickory Cabinets – The Pros</h2>
<p>Many people know hickory wood for the distinctive flavoring it adds to all foods cooked over hickory wood, but it also lends a special touch to furniture. Hickory wood is tougher than oak or maple, meaning that <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> are strong and durable and will last a long, long time. Hickory cabinets can be sealed with a clear protective sealant to lock out moisture and keep them safe through years of use even in kitchens and bathrooms. The durability and sturdiness of <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> makes them a good choice for any home project, especially one that demands strength and moisture-resistance. Hickory cabinets work well in areas like kitchens, laundry rooms and children’s’ rooms.</p>
<p>One major pro of <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> is the beautiful coloring and look of their wood grain. Hickory cabinets are gorgeous enough without being painted over, and natural or stained hickory wood makes for the best <strong>hickory cabinets</strong>. Even without painting, you still have a variety of options for your <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> and can find the perfect color for your room or project. The names and colors of stains for <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> vary between providers, but some of the available ones include linen, sierra, auburn, briarwood, light, natural, and ebony. The wide variety of colors and stains available is definitely one of the pros of <strong>hickory cabinets</strong>.</p>
<p>Another major pro of <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> is the ease with which you can find them. Many furniture and home improvement stores carry <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> in a variety of stains and colors. Smaller independent companies that specialize in cabinetry and furniture making are also very likely to have <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> for you to choose from. A visit to a hardware store, a flip through the White Pages, or a visit to a cabinet or hardware store will definitely yield <strong>hickory cabinets</strong>. The popularity and availability of <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> makes them another good choice for any home project.</p>
<h2>Hickory Cabinets – The Cons</h2>
<p>Although <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> are known for being sturdy and durable, they are made of wood, and that means they are not the easiest material to care for. Hickory cabinets, like all wooden furniture, should be cleaned with a soft cloth and never scrubbed or scoured. It is important to keep water, chemicals and hot food off of your <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> and to clean spills up very quickly to prevent damage. To clean your <strong>hickory cabinets</strong>, you should only use soap and water or a cleaner made specifically for use on wood. Anything with ammonia or other cleaning chemicals should not be used to care for <strong>hickory cabinets</strong>. Many websites for companies that sell <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> include sections on how to care for them.</p>
<p>Another con of <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> is their price. Real solid hickory wood cabinets are more expensive than cheaper woods or false wood laminates. Many hardware and furniture stores carry pre-made <strong>hickory cabinets</strong>, but having custom <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> made will be much more costly. Hickory wood is valued for its beauty and strength, making it a costly choice. If you want a more economic alternative, oak is a cheaper wood with a similar look to hickory. If your heart is set on <strong>hickory cabinets</strong>, avoid dealing with this “con” by price shopping online. You may be able to get a better deal on <strong>hickory cabinets</strong> that you finish, stain or install yourself. Hickory cabinets and furniture can also be found secondhand at garage sales and thrift stores like Goodwill. Even though high prices can be a con of <strong>hickory cabinets</strong>, their long-lasting strength makes them worthy of consideration for an investment.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Winston Patio Furniture: Quality and Craftsmanship</title>
		<link>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/winston-patio-furniture-quality-and-craftsmanship</link>
		<comments>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/winston-patio-furniture-quality-and-craftsmanship#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:53:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Outdoors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.handyhomeowners.com/?p=187</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> is some of the finest outdoor furniture made in the United States today.  Since 1975, <strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> has been known for using the highest quality materials to create beautiful and durable pieces.  With a variety of styles, designs, and fabrics, you are certain to find something among the <strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> line that will be perfect for your outdoor spaces.</p>
<h2>The Promise of Quality</h2>
<p><strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> is built to the highest quality standards.  Their cast aluminum frames are manufactured in the United States with strict attention to detail.  All of the fabrics used for the covers and cushions on <strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> are top quality and guaranteed to stay beautiful for a long time.  <strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> does not use any plastic in their products, instead using durable nylon as well as stainless steel hardware.  The result is not only exceptionally beautiful furniture, but also strong furniture that will last.  To ensure beautiful high quality finishes on all <strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong>, a four step process is used and applied by hand.  The powder coating on the furniture is a strong and attractive finish.</p>
<h2>The <strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> Collections</h2>
<p>Currently, <strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> comes in 26 different collections with styles varying from classic to contemporary.  They even have a line of furniture known as the Vertical Living Collection, designed specifically for urban outdoor spaces that require patio furniture on a smaller scale.  The collections offer comfortable seating as well as versatile surfaces for dining as well as casual coffee or cocktails on the patio.  Table options include glass tops, mosaic top, cobblestone and even stamped aluminum.  Three types of chairs: cushion, vinyl strap and sling, are further broken down into even more choices so you can find the right collection of patio furniture for you.  <strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> also makes umbrellas and umbrella bases to offer you some shade as you relax in the outdoors.  Finding your favorite collection of patio furniture might be the hardest part with so many beautiful options to choose from.</p>
<h2>Selection For Your Style</h2>
<p><strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> is available in 150 different fabrics and 16 options for the frame finish.  This means you can customize your patio furniture for precisely the look you desire.  Choose your frame finish and match the colors to the rest of your outdoor décor – or use one of the <strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> fabrics as a starting point for selecting the rest of your patio pieces.  There is a fabric, pattern, and color palette to suit every taste.</p>
<p>From seating to shade, <strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> has all of the pieces you need to create an outdoor oasis.  The guaranteed quality that goes into every piece means that this may be the last patio furniture you ever purchase.  With hand finished frames, custom fabric choices and the strength of cast aluminum and stainless steel hardware, your <strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> is built for a lifetime.  With the right maintenance and care, you will be enjoying the outdoors on your <strong>Winston Patio Furniture</strong> for many beautiful summer seasons to come.</p>
<p><em>Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/winstonoutdoorfurniture/4419935137/" rel="no_follow" target="_blank">Winston Furniture</a>.</em></p>
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		<item>
		<title>How to Recover From a Basement Flooding</title>
		<link>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/how-to-recover-from-a-basement-flooding</link>
		<comments>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/how-to-recover-from-a-basement-flooding#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:47:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Benjamin S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Basement]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.handyhomeowners.com/?p=183</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner is their <strong>basement flooding</strong> with water for one reason or another. If you are dealing with your <strong>basement flooding</strong>, you must take action as soon as possible. The longer the water sits in the basement the more damage it will do to your home. Learning all of the proper steps to take will ensure that you safely get your basement back to working order while minimizing the damage to your home. </p>
<p>When you realize that you have a <strong>basement flooding</strong> on your, hands you should get in touch with your insurance company right away. You will probably be making a claim to your company and hopefully getting compensated for the damages of the flood if your covered. </p>
<h2>Shutting Off Power to the Basement</h2>
<p>The first thing you have to do when your basement has been flooded is to cut off the power to the basement. You don&#8217;t want electricity running through the water in the basement when you are down in it. If you can reach your breakers without getting in the water, then you can shut the power off that way. If not, then you will have to shut off the power to your house for enough time to get to those breakers, which might be possible by calling the power company. If you are unable to shut off the power you will have to resort to calling an electrician to have them turn the power off for you or at least tell you if it is safe to go in.</p>
<h2>Removing the Water</h2>
<p>It is important to remember to remove the water from your basement slowly. If the water goes rushing out of the basement that causes uneven pressure between the inside of the foundation and the outside of it. Uneven pressure can cause walls to collapse in the most severe circumstances. You should remove the water from the basement using a shop vacuum or even a bucket would work. If there are any windows a hose would also work for removing the water. </p>
<h2>Mold and Bacteria</h2>
<p>If the water has been sitting for a while or you have a reason to suspect mold in your basement you should wear a face mask while cleaning the water up. You should also make sure to clean your hands well after touching any of the water. Typically flood water is very dirty and has a large amount of germs and bacteria. </p>
<p>After the majority of the flood water has been removed you should open up all the doors and windows. You should set up a bunch of fans and make sure that the air is circulating well. The better the air flow the faster your basement will dry off. </p>
<h2>Cleaning Up After A <strong>Basement Flooding</strong></h2>
<p>When the water is gone remove all furniture and rugs and wash and dry all the things you think are saveable. If the flood water contained sewage of any kind you should throw everything away.  When all of the items are out of the basement clean all the dirt and debris up with a scoop shovel. </p>
<p>You should clean the whole basement down with a mixture of bleach and water when everything has finally been removed. Make sure to wash the walls as well as the floor. Get anywhere where water was touching. This step is crucial in making the basement safe to be in other wise you could get sick from touching the walls or floor. Not to mention that they basement will probably smell horrible. Make sure to keep the basement ventilated while cleaning with strong chemicals such as bleach. </p>
<p>You should also wash down any items with bleach. Wash any clothes or rugs. You can also apply steam cleaners to furniture and rugs if they are too large for washing machines. Most paper products will be ruined by flood water but if you have photos that you can&#8217;t bear parting with you may be able to have them fixed by a professional photo restorer. Many professional photo places will do work with water damaged photos and some of the results they can achieve are amazing. </p>
<p>Basement flooding is a terrible thing to have happen to your home but with the proper steps taken you will be able make the basement usable again. Hopefully you will be able to salvage most of your personal belongings and minimize the damage and expenses as well. </p>
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		<title>Zoysia Sod Care and Watering</title>
		<link>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/zoysia-sod-care-and-watering</link>
		<comments>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/zoysia-sod-care-and-watering#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:34:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Benjamin S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Outdoors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.handyhomeowners.com/?p=178</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sod is a great way to get that lush green lawn you always wanted. You will get faster and higher quality results with sod than you will with normal grass seed. The downside to sod is how much more it costs to buy. You will pay a substantially larger amount of money for sod than you would for grass seed.  After spending all of that money the worst thing that could happen is for your yard to die out. To protect your investment you need to learn the proper care of your sod, especially right after it has been planted.  While this guide focuses on <strong>Zoysia Sod</strong> because it is one of the most popular types of sod out there, it will also work for most of the other sod styles as well. </p>
<h2>Caring for Your <strong>Zoysia Sod</strong></h2>
<p>After the sod is planted it must be treated carefully for the first month. During that month you have to make sure that your sod is watered properly. The watering schedule for new <strong>Zoysia sod</strong> depends on the time of the year and the temperature. There are two different watering schedules, one for above 75 degree weather and one for below it. </p>
<h3>Above 75 Degree Weather</h3>
<p>If you have planted your new <strong>Zoysia sod</strong> in the heat of the summer watering will be much more crucial. For the first week the sod has been down you should water it twice a day for 3 days once a day for the next 3 days and hold off on watering for the last day.  During the second week you should only water the sod once a day and during the third it will drop down to every other day.  On the fourth week you should water your lawn two times on non-consecutive days. </p>
<h3>Below 75 Degree Weather</h3>
<p>Sod planted outside of the summer months when it is lower than 75 doesn&#8217;t have to be watered as much. The first week requires two days of twice a day watering, then 3 days of once a day watering and two days rest. For the second and third weeks you only have to water your <strong>Zoysia sod</strong> every other day. The fourth week you will be watering the sod on two non-consecutive days. </p>
<h3>How Much Water</h3>
<p>It is important to know how often you should be watering your sod. It is also important to know how much water to give the sod each time you water it.  For the first week you should be putting a half inch of water on all of the sod each time you water it. It is enough water to soak the roots without drowning the plants.  As watering becomes fewer and farther in between you should slowly increase the amount of water to a little less than an inch. Giving the right amount of water will keep your sod healthy and strong without hurting it&#8217;s growth. </p>
<h2>Mowing the Sod</h2>
<p>You have to be very careful about when you start to mow your sod. It is recommended to mow it half way through the third week of growth but that is not always the case. You should measure your sod to make sure that it is at least three inches long before you mow it. This could take four or even five weeks in some cases. You can even wait until it gets closer to four inches before mowing at it will be fine. If you cut the sod too early it could potentially kill it or at least slow the growth down and you don&#8217;t want that early on. </p>
<h2>Fertilizing Your Yard</h2>
<p>Fertilizer is great for <strong>Zoysia sod</strong>. It promotes growth and leaves you with a lusher greener yard. If you are planning on fertilizing your yard it is important to remember that you can&#8217;t do it right away. New sod should not be fertilized until it has been there for a few months. It is best to fertilize it in spring and fall before summer and winter. The optimal months to apply fertilizer to your yard are May and September. You will be giving your yard the extra nourishment to keep on going throughout the more difficult months. </p>
<p>If you follow these general guidelines after laying down a layer of sod you can expect to get the best results possible. Sod is a large investment and you should do everything in your power to make sure that the first application of <strong>Zoysia sod</strong> is the only application needed. </p>
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		<title>A Guide to White Oak Flooring</title>
		<link>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/a-guide-to-white-oak-flooring</link>
		<comments>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/a-guide-to-white-oak-flooring#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:26:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Benjamin S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Flooring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.handyhomeowners.com/?p=170</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is something about a wooden floor that says quality. Homes with wooden floors are valued higher than floors without. Realtors love to see homes filled with wooden floors and one of the first things out of their mouth&#8217;s is “there are hardwoods throughout the house”. It is one of the first modifications a new home owner typically makes to their home. </p>
<p>When considering a hardwood floor you will have to weigh the options of all the different hardwoods available. Cherry, Hickory, Oak, Birch, Pine, and Maple. Those are just a few of the many hardwoods that are available for flooring. They all come with their distinct qualities and more importantly their own look. </p>
<h2>The Benefits of <strong>White Oak Flooring</strong></h2>
<p>When you choose your hardwood it will be because of the look of the floor and the price you have to pay for it. White Oak flooring has a sandy brown color that goes well with most surroundings. It also happens to be on the cheaper end of the scale as far as hardwoods are concerned.  It is not quite as luxurious as cherry or heart pine but it is more cost effective and it looks just as nice.  For those two reasons White Oak flooring is a very popular choice for many home owners. </p>
<p>There is a lot to be said about white oak. It is a very strong wood that is difficult to dent. This is very important in flooring because you don&#8217;t want huge dents in your floors if you accidentally drop something heavy. </p>
<p>Another great thing about white oak is how fine it is. It is slightly softer than red oak but it has finer grains and it easier to touch. It will be more comfortable to walk on than many other wood floors and it is easy to finish. White Oak is also very water resistant, which isn&#8217;t extraordinarily important when it is being used indoors but it will come in handy when something is spilled on the floor. </p>
<p>Oak has been used for construction purposes throughout history. There are more than 295 different kinds of Oak produced throughout the world and that is why it is cheaper than many other types of hardwood. </p>
<h2><strong>White Oak Flooring</strong> Installation</h2>
<p>As far as installation is concerned white oak is one of the easier types of wood to put in. When searching for wood for your flooring it is recommended to look for flooring that has been grown on high, well drained land. This wood has a more even grain, is finer, and much straighter. This type of wood just makes installation easier. If you get wood that is grown in low humid areas it will be twisted although it will be stronger as well. </p>
<h2>Where To Put Your New Flooring</h2>
<p>White Oak flooring is very popular in homes, but there are certain areas in your home that will be better complimented by oak flooring than others. Typically the bedrooms and dining room are the first places to get hardwood floors. They are both going to be seen quite a bit and they will benefit the most from the appealing look of oak flooring. </p>
<p>Many people have put <strong>white oak flooring</strong> in their kitchens and while wood flooring is not normally encouraged for kitchens the water resistant qualities of white oak make it a great option for your kitchen floor. As long as you make sure that it is waxed and finished regularly you won&#8217;t have to worry about your flooring wearing out any time soon. </p>
<h2>Maintenance</h2>
<p>While <strong>white oak flooring</strong> is pretty resilient compared to many other types of wood it still requires maintenance. Like most wood floors it will become worn and scuffed over time. People will scrape your floors and eventually the surface will lose its appealing look no matter how careful you are. Luckily hardwood floors can be sanded down and refinished. When you sand your floors down make sure that you only go as far as you have to to get a nice clean surface.  Be careful though, you can only sand so many times before you have to replace your floor and sanding down too far will lower that number of times even faster. </p>
<p>It is advised to wax your wooden floor every couple months as long as you don&#8217;t have a polyurethane finish. If you have a polyurethane finish it is best to find out how to polish your floor from the manufacturer. </p>
<p>White Oak floors are a great way to add to the value and appeal of your home and hopefully you have a better idea of how to purchase and maintain them now. </p>
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		<title>A Guide to Vintage Patio Furniture</title>
		<link>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/guide-to-vintage-patio-furniture</link>
		<comments>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/guide-to-vintage-patio-furniture#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:24:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Benjamin S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Outdoors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.handyhomeowners.com/?p=166</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Believe it or not there was a time when most of America didn&#8217;t eat outside regularly during the summer months. Barbecues and picnics have become so prevalent in our society that it is hard to imagine that there was ever a time where eating outside was considered anything other than normal. Outdoor furniture didn&#8217;t become popular until the middle and end of the nineteenth century. </p>
<p>As outdoor eating become more popular there was a greater demand for outdoor furniture. Many different varieties of furniture become widespread across the country. From wicker and wood to iron and steel, there are so many different types of outdoor furniture available today that it can be hard to choose any one type. </p>
<p>While there are more varieties of outdoor furniture available today and some of it is built better, nothing brings back memories better than a high quality set of <strong>vintage patio furniture</strong>. Although the idea might be new to you there is a whole community built around <strong>vintage patio furniture</strong>. There are collectors, restorers, and simple resellers. While there is a good chance you don&#8217;t want to make outdoor furniture a central part of your life, there is nothing like kicking back sipping lemonade in a vintage oak rocking chair. </p>
<p>Not only will your vintage furniture give your home more character than many of the cookie cutter houses out there, but most of the wood furniture of the past was built much better than it is today. You can buy a hundred year old chair that is stronger than brand new chair you can find today. This is because cheaper materials are used today. It also comes down to handmade furniture being higher quality than endless stream of furniture that is popped out of the factories. </p>
<h2>Types of <strong>Vintage Patio Furniture</strong></h2>
<p>There are five different types of vintage furniture available today. Wrought iron is one of the oldest types of outdoor furniture. There are still many pieces available in this material and wrought iron furniture is still made today. It can be very hard to determine the age of the furniture but if your just shopping to get some functional furniture for your patio the exact age really isn&#8217;t that important. </p>
<p>Aluminum furniture didn&#8217;t become popular until after the 1920&#8242;s. Aluminum furniture is nice because it is lighter. It also happens to be more rust resistant than iron does. It will be easier to find a set of aluminum furniture in good condition than it will be an iron set. </p>
<p>Steel furniture became popular after the 1950&#8242;s when we started to move away from war efforts. All of that steel factories needed something new to make and outdoor furniture was gaining popularity. Steel furniture is very heavy and it is very strong. </p>
<p>Wicker furniture has always been popular for outdoor furniture. There is something about curling up in a wicker chair on the front porch that is relaxing. Wicker is strong while being very light. It can last a long time if it is taken care of. </p>
<p>Wood furniture is always nice, it became popular again in the 1960&#8242;s and 70&#8242;s so it is likely that the majority of the wooden <strong>vintage patio furniture</strong> you find will be from around then. Older wooden furniture is made from actual wood and it will require more maintenance than more modern wooden furniture. </p>
<h2>Buying <strong>Vintage Patio Furniture</strong></h2>
<p>Buying old patio furniture can be difficult for a novice. There are things that you have to look for when buying any piece of furniture. Look for rust on the iron and steel furniture. Look for any indications that parts may have been painted over to hide flaws.  If you buy wood furniture you will probably have to glue some of the parts because the old glue used won&#8217;t have a very strong hold any longer. </p>
<p>Shop around to get a feel for the prices of vintage furniture. You don&#8217;t want to pay too much for your new furniture. Just because it is old doesn&#8217;t mean it is valuable and you should never buy a piece of junk unless you think it can be fixed. </p>
<p>Don&#8217;t commit to buy anything unless you have been shopping for a long time or you have an expert with you. Make sure that your furniture is in good shape by inspecting it very closely. Look for any indications that the furniture has been repaired in the past. It might look like brand new but closer inspection could reveal that a leg was glued back together after it snapped in half. </p>
<p>Vintage furniture can be a great investment to increase the appeal of your home. There is nothing like a beautiful set of hand made furniture and when you find a set like that in great condition all of the searching will seem worthwhile. Just do your homework and make sure you are getting the best deal possible when you pick up that set of deck chairs for around your pool. </p>
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		<title>When To Use Vinyl Log Siding</title>
		<link>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/when-to-use-vinyl-log-siding</link>
		<comments>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/when-to-use-vinyl-log-siding#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:23:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Benjamin S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Materials]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.handyhomeowners.com/?p=161</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Log siding is an amazing product for turning an ordinary looking house into a country log cabin. If you want your house to blend in more with nature or just to stand out from the rest of the houses around you log siding would be a great way to go. </p>
<h2>Pros and Cons of Vinyl Log Siding</h2>
<p>There are many benefits to going with log siding over an actual log house. You get a cheaper home with the same general look. Sure you can&#8217;t say that you have an actual log home, but the people who look at it will assume you do. With tongue and groove installed on the inside walls nobody will be able to tell the difference. </p>
<p>Another benefit of log siding is it&#8217;s a natural insulator. Having log siding installed on your home will actually lower your energy bills. It will cost less to have installed than actual logs will as well. You will be saving money on materials as well as labor. </p>
<p>While there are many positives to using log siding there are also some negatives. Log siding is much more expensive than vinyl, or aluminum siding is. There is also the upkeep that is involved with log siding. You will have to stain and finish the siding every few years. You have to apply special chemicals to it to keep bugs from burrowing in to it. There really is a great deal of upkeep involved with log siding. </p>
<p>There is another option to get a log siding appearance without all the upkeep. There is a <strong>vinyl log siding</strong> that looks pretty close to the real thing. While it isn&#8217;t perfect from far away it would be really hard to tell the difference. Besides the fact that there isn&#8217;t nearly as much upkeep involved there are many  other reasons to get <strong>vinyl log siding</strong>. </p>
<h2>The Cost of Vinyl Log Siding</h2>
<p><strong>Vinyl log siding</strong> is cheaper than log siding by a large amount. It also happens to be even easier to install than log siding. You will have at least as many options as you would have with log siding if not more. Since <strong>vinyl log siding</strong> is man made they color and texture can be changed to just about every shade out there. </p>
<p>You can also easily paint your <strong>vinyl log siding</strong> not that most people will be taking advantage of that ability. Vinyl is more durable than wood. You won&#8217;t have to worry about the siding wearing out as fast and you can even pressure wash it if you choose to. </p>
<p>Vinyl siding is great for someone who is willing to admit that they don&#8217;t have a real log house. You won&#8217;t be able to fake a log house with this siding because it is just to easy to see that it is artificial. While it&#8217;s not as authentic as log siding, <strong>vinyl log siding</strong> still looks great on most homes and is a great option when you are trying to figure out what type of siding to use. </p>
<p>Even with this information deciding on style of siding is probably pretty difficult. There are benefits to all of the different types of siding I&#8217;ve listed and it is really hard to make a decision without seeing them all up close. I would advise looking at pictures of all the different siding styles as well as actually going to look at houses in person. Find out where people who have all these different types of siding live and go visit them. After seeing the siding in person you will have a better idea of what to expect on your home. </p>
<p><strong>Vinyl log siding</strong> is great for the right people. If you decide that you are the right person I would encourage shopping around at different siding companies. You will want to compare labor costs as well as material costs of different companies. Look for testimonials about how different material is holding up and ask laborers for photos or addresses of past customers. Before spending a large amount of money it is good to see how they have performed previously. Just think of it like an employer asking a person he is interviewing for a resume. It never hurts to take some precautions when it comes to your home. </p>
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		<title>How To Install Harmonics Flooring</title>
		<link>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/how-to-install-harmonics-flooring</link>
		<comments>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/how-to-install-harmonics-flooring#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:27:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Benjamin S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Flooring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.handyhomeowners.com/?p=156</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hardwood flooring is a fashionable and functional way to floor your home in most of the rooms. While it does take a little more work to maintain than most other types of flooring it is still very desirable. Most people would like to have hardwood floors in at least part of their home and hardwood flooring raises home values substantially. After looking at some of the benefits of hardwood flooring it is easy to see why so many people are willing to pay more for a home with hardwoods throughout. </p>
<p>While wood floors are desirable they are also very expensive. To solve this problem laminate floors or wood floor substitutes were created. <strong>Harmonics flooring</strong> is one of the most realistic laminate floors out today. They add quite a few features to make their floors resemble and act exactly like hardwood floors. Except they are cheaper, they require less maintenance, and they are easier to install. </p>
<h2>What You&#8217;ll Need:</h2>
<h3>Materials</h3>
<ul>
<li>Harmonics Laminate Flooring
</li>
<li>¼ spacers to go around the edges of the room
</li>
<li>Moisture Barrier
</li>
<li>Molding
</li>
<li>Trim Nails</li>
</ul>
<h3>Tools</h3>
<ul>
<li>A laminate flooring kit (optional)
</li>
<li>Miter box or circular saw
</li>
<li>Tape Measure
</li>
<li>Square and Pencil
</li>
<li>Hammer</li>
</ul>
<h2>Steps For Installing <strong>Harmonics Flooring</strong></h2>
<p><b>Step 1:</b><br />
The first step to installing your laminate flooring is to determine how much of it you are going to need. This is pretty easy. Just measure the length and width of the room and multiply the two to get the area. Then you have to check the boxes to see how much area each one will cover. You want to make sure that you have more than enough flooring by quite a bit. You will be cutting the pieces so there will be some waste, and you may have a few pieces that are too warped to use although this is not very common. </p>
<p><b>Step 2:</b><br />
After you know how much flooring you need, you just have to go to your local hardware store and buy the color that you decide on. There are normally 4 or 5 different colors available. They all feel the same they just look different.  Use your square footage to buy this too. You can pick up an installation kit that has a few banging blocks and a little mallet. These aren&#8217;t necessary but some of the little pieces do make the job easier. </p>
<p><b>Step 3:</b><br />
Clean the room that your installing the harmonics laminate flooring in completely out. Lay the ¼” spacers around the edge of the room. The spacers are very important for making sure that there is enough space for the floor to “float”. Laminate floors will swell and shift a little and it is important that they have a little room to do so. </p>
<p><b>Step 4:</b><br />
When the spacers are all in place pick a corner of the room that you want to start in. Lay pieces one after another snapping them in to place. It takes a little bit of practice to get the pieces to snap in the slots but you will get the hang of it. If you have to tools you can use the mallet and the block to tap the piece in to place. After you get to the end of the room you will have to cut the piece to leave the row ¼” from the opposing wall. Take the left over scrap and use it to start the next row.</p>
<p><b>Step 5:</b><br />
The next row will be slightly more difficult. You will have to snap pieces in at the side and at the ends. Again it gets easier with practice. You should make sure that none of the seams in the rows ever line up. Typically starting part of the last piece from the previous row will keep this from happening but just watch to make sure. After you reach the end you will most likely have to rip the last row. Only do one piece at a time because the width of the pieces will probably change throughout the room.  Rip all of the pieces and install them like you did the other rows. </p>
<p><b>Step 6:</b><br />
Now you just have to install the molding if you bought any. That should be attached to the wall with trim nails. Make sure not to lock it to the floor because that will keep the floor from moving. When the molding is in you are done. </p>
<p>You now know how to install <strong>Harmonics flooring</strong>. Hopefully your floating floor looks like you imagined it would. If you messed up and there are seams and edges showing you can always tear the floor up and go back to the mistakes. Fixing them before you get to far will make your life a lot easier but uninstalling isn&#8217;t that difficult. </p>
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		<title>How To Build Wet Bar Cabinets</title>
		<link>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/how-to-build-wet-bar-cabinets</link>
		<comments>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/how-to-build-wet-bar-cabinets#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:12:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Benjamin S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Living Room]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.handyhomeowners.com/?p=152</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A wet bar is a great way to finish off a recreational room in your home. Bars add a touch of class and are very useful when hosting parties or just hanging out around the house. Typically a wet bar will have quite a bit of alcohol on and around it. Having bottles everywhere isn&#8217;t any good and kids who use the room will have easy access to all the alcohol they want. This is where <strong>wet bar cabinets</strong> come in to play. With every wet bar you should get a set of cabinets to house all of your liquor and how to make drink books. Cabinets can be very expensive to buy but with a few simple power tools and a small selection of hand tools you can make your own cabinets at home for a fraction of the cost. </p>
<h2>What You&#8217;ll Need:</h2>
<h3>Materials</h3>
<ul>
<li>¾” Plywood (1 or two sheets per cabinet depending on the dimensions)
</li>
<li>Fine trim for the front of the cabinet
</li>
<li>2” wood screws or large trim nails
</li>
<li>Small trim nails
</li>
<li>wood putty
</li>
<li>wood glue</li>
</ul>
<h3>Tools</h3>
<ul>
<li>Circular saw with a trim blade
</li>
<li>A hammer
</li>
<li>A drill(optional)
</li>
<li>Straight Edge or Chalk Line
</li>
<li>Tape Measure
</li>
<li>Pencil
</li>
<li>Square
</li>
<li>Small nail punch
</li>
<li>Miter Box or Saw (optional but recommended)</li>
</ul>
<h2>Steps To Build <strong>Wet Bar Cabinets</strong>:</h2>
<p><b>Step 1:</b><br />
The first thing you have to do before building your first cabinet is determine the dimensions for your cabinet. You can look at cabinet doors online to give you an idea of typical door sizes. Another good reference is to just go measure your kitchen cabinets. Think about any ways you would want your <strong>wet bar cabinets</strong> to be any different than your kitchen cabinets and make the changes. </p>
<p><b>Step 2:</b><br />
After you have chosen the dimensions of your wood you will need to buy all your needed materials. Make sure to get smooth plywood for any surfaces that will be seen. You are going to need trim pieces for the front of your cabinet. You won&#8217;t need much, just enough to cover all of the end grains of the plywood.  You will also have to buy cabinet doors but I would wait until after the cabinet is finished for that unless you are sure of the color. </p>
<p><b>Step 3:</b><br />
Cut the 5 panels for your cabinet out of the plywood you bought. You should have a top and a bottom panel. Two side panels and the backer that you will be screwing in to the wall. You should use your straight edge or chalk line to make nice straight lines to cut along. After you have all of your panels it it time to get them ready for assembly.  </p>
<p><b>Step 4:</b><br />
While plywood does not normally crack you should pre-drill small holes in the wood if you are using really large screws. Put some wood glue in the pre-drilled holes and then put the screw or nail in the hole. This will create a very strong hold that will last for years. It is easiest to attach the sides to the bottom first. Then you simply place the top on and lock it together. </p>
<p>After you have the main box together you will want to make sure that everything is square. If you attach the two factory edges of your backer first you should have a nice square box. It doesn&#8217;t hurt to check all of the corners for square anyways though. After your main structure is together you will have to make up the trim pieces to fit over all of the end grains on the front of the cabinet. </p>
<p><b>Step 5:</b><br />
Making all of the front trim fit together perfectly is difficult with a circular saw and would be accomplished much easier with a miter saw. If you don&#8217;t already own a miter saw you might want to consider buying one for this job. A miter box is also a cheap alternative that will give great results. Use your miter box or saw to cut all of the trim pieces to cover up the end grain. When you are attaching it with the small trim nails you will have to pound them in a little farther with a nail punch.  After the trim is on you should take your wood putty and fill in all of the holes. Take care to make sure that the putty is flush with the surface of the trim. If it goes out past the trim you will have to sand it down and that isn&#8217;t fun. </p>
<p><b>Step 6:</b><br />
After all the trim is on you just have to stain and finish the cabinets. It is a good idea to wait until after you have purchased the pre-made doors that way you can check to make sure your stain matches them. When they are all stained and you have fasted the doors you just screw the back of the cabinets to the wall you want them at. Make sure to hit a stud with your screws or nails or the cabinets won&#8217;t stay on the wall for long. </p>
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		<item>
		<title>How To Make Burlap Curtains</title>
		<link>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/how-to-make-burlap-curtains</link>
		<comments>http://www.handyhomeowners.com/how-to-make-burlap-curtains#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:02:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Benjamin S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Living Room]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.handyhomeowners.com/?p=148</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Burlap curtains while very simplistic can be very appealing to look at when they are made right. When completed your <strong>burlap curtains</strong> will provide a nice privacy barrier keeping out prying eyes as well as the sun. You can make a burlap curtain without any knowledge of sewing or a sewing machine. If you have ever used an iron on before you will be in pretty good shape and if you haven&#8217;t it isn&#8217;t a difficult to learn skill.  You will feel accomplished when you finish that first burlap curtain and you will probably be excited to get the rest of them done. I would recommend only buying the material for one curtain in the beginning and then deciding whether or not you want to make the rest after the first is finished. </p>
<h2>What You&#8217;ll Need:</h2>
<h3>Materials</h3>
<ul>
<li>Fusible Bonding Web
</li>
<li>Enough Burlap to Cover Window
</li>
<li>Tension Curtain Rod</li>
</ul>
<h3>Tools</h3>
<ul>
<li>Iron
</li>
<li>Tape Measure</li>
</ul>
<h2>Steps to Make Your <strong>Burlap Curtains</strong></h2>
<p><b>Step 1:</b><br />
The first thing you have to do is take your window measurements. You will be measuring from the inside of the sill and then adding 6 inches to your measurements. Take your measurements and go buy a piece of burlap that is big enough to cover your measurements with the added 6 inches. It is very important that your measurements are accurate and I would encourage you to check them a few times before leaving to buy the materials. </p>
<p><b>Step 2:</b><br />
After you have your burlap in hand pull out 5 strings from each of the side edges. You will unravel the edges of the curtains to give them a frayed look that adds to the appeal. This is a very important step to the look of the curtains and it is why you added 6” to your measurements to begin with. </p>
<p><b>Step 3:</b><br />
Take the top of your curtain and fold it down 6” over top of itself. You will then proceed to cut enough fusible bonding web to go from one side of the burlap to the other. Lay the web underneath the fold right at the very edge where the burlap comes together.  Follow the directions on the webbing for heating and time instructions. Get your iron ready and heat up the webbing until the burlap adheres to itself. This loops is going to be where your curtain rod goes. When you finish this step you are most of the way done with your new curtains. </p>
<p><b>Step 4:</b><br />
Do what you did on the side edges of your curtain to the bottom. Make sure to fray the bottom well enough for it to be noticeable but not damaging. Around 5 strings should be fine for the bottom just like the sides. After you finish fraying the bottom it will be time to install your new curtain. Make sure to take your time and to work with the material gently. There is nothing worse than a torn curtain. </p>
<p><b>Step 5:</b><br />
The first step of installing your new curtain is to put the curtain rod through the pocket you made earlier. Make sure to do this part gently so that you don&#8217;t rip the pocket apart. The webbing is pretty strong but you could still break the curtain if you are too forceful. </p>
<p>After the curtain rod is in place mount it on the window following the instructions on the package and admire your new creation. This is the point where you will decide whether you want to make any more curtains or not. </p>
<p><b>Step 6:</b><br />
You just have to repeat the steps here for any additional curtains you decide to make. You can mix and match different colors are choose one solid color for your room. Other materials can be used for homemade curtains as well. </p>
<p>Hopefully your new homemade curtains are everything you dreamed they would be. They are relatively easy to make when you know the process involved. There really aren&#8217;t many ways to mess up this kind of curtain. Just be sure that your measurements are accurate and take care to avoid burning the curtain with the iron and you are pretty much guaranteed a new, stylish curtain for a minimal amount of effort. </p>
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