Design Ideas for Your Window Blinds

There are many different types of window blinds available today, so you may be having a difficult time in choosing the right ones for your home. Here is a sampling of the types that are available today:

Mini blinds are narrower than standard blinds, coming in sizes ranging from 2 inches down to 1/2 inch. They may come in different thicknesses of the slats as well. The materials used for mini blinds are usually aluminum or plastic. The plastic ones are cheaper, but in either case, the thicker the slats, the higher the cost will be, simply because there is more material and they will therefore be stronger. Mini blinds have long been popular in commercial establishments, and are still relatively popular in homes. The choice of styles and colors is almost limitless. For a good selection, try mybeautifulblinds and click on the mini blind tab.

Venetian Blinds are really nothing more than blinds with horizontal slats. Just about any of this type of blind can be considered a Venetian blind, including wood blinds, Roman blinds, composite blinds and PVC blinds.

PVC blinds may also be considered faux wood blinds. They are essentially formed PVC (poly vinyl chloride) plastic. They have gained a lot of popularity over the last decade. They come in slats ranging from 2 inches to 3 inches and can be plain or made to look like wood. The original PVC blinds were only white, but today come in a great range of colors, including a lot of different wood tones. Their popularity is due to the fact that they are inexpensive, easy to maintain, resistant to sun and moisture and are very hard wearing. They are an excellent choice for children's' rooms for this reason. The only disadvantage is they are heavier than real wood or composite slats, so the wider ones may be hard to raise and lower.

There are many brands of PVC blinds, but the most well known are Faux Wood, Infusion, Wood Plus, Wood Look, Wood Like, Envirowood, Dover Wood and Wood Mates. Most of these quality brands are solid foam PVC, but check with your dealer to be sure.

Composite blinds are just that: a composite of various materials, such as wood flake, glues and plastic. This is one of the newest materials being used for blinds. The slats are usually between 2 and 2 1/2 inches, but sometimes come in 3 inch widths. The surface of each slat is a solid composite or it may be poly coated. They usually come in white, but some colors and wood tones can be found as well. They are very reasonable priced and offer the same qualities as other blinds in terms of being resistant to moisture, UV rays and warping. They are also easy to clean. The only disadvantage is that they tend to be heavier than wood blinds.

Wood blinds are made from real wood. They come in two main types, known in the industry as "value" and "premium". Value wood blinds are constructed from less expensive woods from the Orient. Premium wood blinds are made form high quality Basswood from America. Basswood is wood that is cross grained with a fine detail, and does not warp easily.

The slats can be thinner, such as 1 inch wide, but also come in 3 inch wide slats. The surface can be painted or stained, with the color assortment limited by the color of paint, which is just about limitless. If you want to match your cabinet in your kitchen, or the wood trim in your living room, you can get a stain to match exactly. It is not surprising that these types of blinds are the most expensive. But because of their light weight, they are the best choice for very large windows.

Adam Peters is the copywriter of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com Find more publications about window blind design ideas at his website.

Home Remodeiling Ideas

Home Siding Material

There are numerous types of siding available for today's homes offering different advantages and/or disadvantages. Certain types of siding are more popular in some areas of the country than others, influenced largely by climate and availability of product. Price also influences the type of siding chosen by a builder or a home owner.

Types of siding available:

1. Aluminum or Vinyl Siding These siding options are available on new homes as well as often put on over older types of siding. The biggest advantage of this type of siding is that they do not require painting. The disadvantage is that aluminum siding dents and vinyl siding cracks. Vinyl siding has improved over time as the quality of vinyl improves.

2. Masonite Siding or Hardi Plank These siding options have a similar appearance but offer very different results. Masonite siding deteriorates over time and requires painting, caulking and routine upkeep. Hardi Plank (a brand name) is a similar looking product but is made of cement and therefore does not rot. It is growing in popularity and is a terrific alternative to Masonite.

3. Brick or Stone Both of these products provide an excellent siding option. They are virtually indestructible as well as attractive. They do not require the routine maintenance that other types of siding require. The biggest drawback is price, although in some areas of the country it is still very affordable.

4. Stucco Traditional stucco is made with cement and offers a solid, lasting, moisture proof siding. It is seen a great deal in Florida where the climate would require constant upkeep on other types of siding and the solid cement siding keeps the houses cooler than traditional siding.

5. Cedar Shakes For those who love the look of cedar shakes, it is an excellent alternative to Masonite siding as it requires less maintenance. When treated with stain it does not rot or peel.

6. Veneer & Synthetic Siding These siding alternatives give you the appearance of other types such as stucco or brick, but do not give you the quality or longevity.

7. Clapboard Siding that is made from solid wood is more costly than other types of siding but lasts longer and looks better than other manufactured sidings such as Masonite. It is also a product that lends itself well to stain and therefore will not peel as siding that is painted.

8. Steel and Vinyl Coatings These are becoming more and more popular. They are more expensive but are nearly indestructible thus requiring little maintenance. Vinyl Coatings are applied like paint but are much thicker. Since it is a relatively new product it is important to find a company that will apply it correctly as applying incorrectly can cause many problems.

How Using The Right Ladder Can Make Those Jobs Easier

Ladders come in a variety of styles and heights, and it's important to choose one that meets the needs of the task you're performing. Safety should always come first when using a ladder, so it's necessary to make sure you use the right ladder for the job. For instance, an extension ladder is suitable for reaching those high spots when decorating or cutting tree branches. But trying to reach up too high on a step ladder can be hazardous and lead to accidents. On the other hand, step ladders are ideal for those odd jobs round the house, from changing a light bulb to hanging curtains.

Extension ladders are used for all kinds of outside jobs, from professional window cleaning to painting gable ends of buildings. Aluminum ladders are commonly used, being lightweight and easily portable. However, a fiberglass ladder, although much heavier to move, is safer to use in the vicinity of electrical cables. Well-known manufacturers that sell a range of quality ladders include Werner Ladders and Wing Enterprises.

Inside the home, ladders come in handy in a number of situations. For instance, if you have high book shelves, fitting a rolling library ladder makes it quick and easy for you to reach those top shelves. Library ladders are generally made from wood, and come in a choice of colors and finishes to blend in with your dcor. Another place where a fitted ladder comes in useful is in a loft hatch. An attic access ladder makes it simple for you to utilize that extra storage space in the roof.

Whatever your requirements, from doing DIY in the home or garden, to reaching high shelves, there's a ladder to meet your needs. Choosing the right ladder for the job can help make your task much simpler.

Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to GetLadders.com - an online resource offering a range of ladders including attic ladders, the Little Giant Ladder and more.

Toxic Mold Problems

Metal Shingles

Metal shingles were previously seen as roofing material for low-slope houses. Over the years, they have been found out to be a significant roofing alternative for steep-sloped roofs as well.

Metal shingles are usually meant to look like traditional asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or tiles, but metal shingles come with a greater guarantee to ward off rough weather. Many consider these shingles to be the strongest roofing material available. Contrary to popular belief, modern technology has made metal shingles very light, and they are a feast for the eyes, and also have very high fire-resistant ratings.

These classic shingles give a building a timeless look and often come with permanent color warranties. They can be made out of a wide variety of metals like aluminum, copper, stainless steel, zinc and phosphate coating, and alloys of tin and zinc. The different metals can be suitably chosen by the prospective buyer according to his geographical location and climate.

There are other minor details that a buyer should keep in mind. Stainless steel shingles are said to weigh less than most other traditional roofing material. Metal shingles made with alloys of zinc and aluminum should ideally not be painted. Tin roofs should be painted at an interval of eight years. Zinc and tin alloys are perfect for rough coastal weather. These are the various issues that should be considered before making one's choice.

There are a number of benefits that the owner can enjoy once he chooses metal shingles as his primary roofing material. They come with excellent resistance guarantee to strong wind, fires, hail and storms, earthquakes, and other such natural calamities. They are also well protected from pests and are extremely anti-corrosive. Most manufacturers offer a fifty-year warranty on their metal shingles.

Metal shingles are mostly recycled and statistics show that they are, in most cases, 100% recyclable. Installation is also relatively simple, but consulting a roofing professional would probably be considered a smart idea.

Shingles provides detailed information about shingles, cedar shingles, fiberglass shingles and more. Shingles is affiliated with Home Foundation Repair.

Spaceinyourhome

The Basics of Steel Building Packages

The point of this article is to help you to the next level and show you what this amazing subject has to offer.

A number of clients have grills about what is (and what is not) included in the foothold of a steel building. The purchasing of a steel building involves a number of factors that any practical consumer should be concerned of along with what to assume from the steel building crowd that you are considering export from.

First, and primary, there must be some turn form of communication. Most steel building companies have a toll-liberated number for you to call. Find out if the crowd ships nationwide or, if applicable, internationally. This will take nurture of any grills as to destination. Make confident that the steel is 100% commercial grade and preferably of U.S. manufacture.

Steel I-Beam formed buildings are locked together with bolts and screws. The connections made by this style of joining are much locked because of token change in the form. Traditional construction relies on a nailed together guide who will become limp due to reduction and warping of the copse form. Steel does not have these evils, so all stuff is locked.

What an exciting way to begin this article, now lets take a look at what else we can learn about this topic!

Most companies will propose a painted building for both the stockade and frill as the quoted penalty. There should be a worthy of ensign along with a warranty on the paint.

A number of clients want to know if a steel building comes insulated. With such a broad extend of "R-ideals" to pick from this is mostly not the crate. A mission director or technician should be assigned from the crowd to help you with your choice on how greatly and the attribute of the insulation that you elite.

Steel buildings are mostly not quoted with doors and sorrows included. With such a gigantic array of accessory options free plus wrinkle vents, louvers, and place ridge roofs these options are mostly handled after the center building foothold. Your building can be customized and planned to be the right building for your wants.

The piece of time for building sending is also a grill posed by many clients. Provision time will adjust from mission to mission. There are usually no buildings that are free for close delivery. All buildings have to be pre-fabricated to the detailed building codes in your spot. There is no hard-rapidly pronounce, but the faster you can get your steel building prepared the faster you can get it delivered. Most companies essential at slightest six months for even the simplest of missions, especially at the height of the building flavor.

Limited building codes and storm and snowfall requirements are another important consideration. Each building must be pre-engineered to join the requirements of limited building codes or it will not be tolerable to be erected. Foist Stamped Drawings and presenter Bolt policy also essential to be part of the building present.

The creation of your steel building is not mostly done by the manufacturer or supplier that provides the shape. Most companies have a system of erectors that they can associate to help you. Sideways from that, you can look into limited competent erectors that can do the job for you.

If you need help with this subject, or do not know how to begin, there are several free resources on related websites to give you a boost.

Gino Vic writes for http://www.steelbuilded.com where you can find out more about Steel Building and other topics.

Home Remodeling Ideas

Bathroom Decor - Matching The Color And Design Of Your Bathroom Showers And Accessories

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms of the house. Since we always use the bathroom everyday, we must see to it that our bathrooms do not only look beautiful, it must also offer a relaxing and stress-free atmosphere. To achieve the desired atmosphere in the bathroom, we should see to it that our bathroom decors match each other.

You do not really have to buy expensive bathroom dcor to give your bathroom that nice look. There are plenty of beautiful and inexpensive bathroom dcor that you can find in department stores and shops. On the other hand, if you live in a remote area where it is difficult for you to go to the department store and shop for bathroom decors, shopping online is your best option. The good thing about online shopping is that you can always find something that suits your needs easily. Besides, letting your fingers do the shopping online can be just as fun as actually going to the mall minus all the stress of fighting the traffic.

Harmonizing The Colors In Your Bathroom Showers

Your bathroom shower is one of the most prominent areas in your bathroom thus you need to place close attention to the shower when decorating your bathroom. Choosing bathroom dcor for your shower is not really difficult. What is important here is that you choose colors and designs that do not come in contrast with each other. In other words, you need to choose bathroom decors such as shower curtains, towel bars, soap dish and racks wisely.

Choosing The Right Shower Curtain

Beautiful shower curtains can make your bathroom look really appealing. Even the most boring and lifeless bathroom could look quite interesting with the right kind of shower curtains. When selecting shower curtains, make sure that it colors compliment the colors of the rest of your bathroom decors. Prefer pastel colors over solid and dark colors. Note that dark colors can make your bathroom look gloomier. To give your bathroom a fresh look, change your shower curtains regularly.

Selecting Fixtures For Your Bathroom

Aside from the shower curtains, the soap dish, towel bars and racks inside your bathroom should go with the overall design of the shower. For instance, your towel bars and racks should be made of the same materials used in the knobs of your shower. On the other hand, if you want to use decorative soap dish in your shower, your soap dish should match with the rest of the bathroom dcor.

If you are looking for additional bathroom decor tips and advice, visit http://www.bathroomdecortips.com for more information.

Smellssellhomes
Home Repair Ideas

Steps to Creating Safe Deck Railings

Railings are the most visible element of any deck. They make an instant design statement for all to see and admire from a distance and close up. Deck railings do more than add a safety feature to a deck. They establish the style and limits of the deck space itself. Local building code standards won't affect the nearly endless number of deck design choices and construction choices to be used. Railings are not necessary on all decks but when they are, usually because of the deck's height above ground level, it is important to make a wise choice as to their design and structure.

Step #1 - Deck Height:

Railings are generally required for decks over 36 inches high above ground level and for any set of stairs. However, 24 inches might be a better minimum because in today's society people are more likely to sue a homeowner in the event of a fall. All it takes is one too many drinks and no railing for an accident to occur. In many cases the injured parties who launch these lawsuits are relatives or friends who just happen to be the individuals most likely to be on your deck. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Step #2 - Railing Height:

Railings are generally 36 to 42 inches above a deck's surface. They can be as low as 30 inches or as high as 48 inches depending upon the height of the deck above ground level. The rule of thumb is: The higher the deck; the higher the railing. This is all done for safety considerations. Deck railings can have wood, vinyl or aluminum balusters as well as louvers. They can be built with solid facings that can include plywood siding, plastic panels or tempered glass. However, they need to be a safe height above the level of the deck.

Step #3 - Railing Construction:

Railings are made up of vertical posts capped and joined by a cross member laid flat. The cross member may be the same width or wider than the posts. The spacing distance between the posts depends upon the cap's size and the horizontal rail's length. For example, 4x4 posts can be spaced up to 4 feet apart under a 2x4 cap while 4x4 posts can be spaced up to 6 feet apart under a 2x6 cap.

The strongest and simplest railings are those with horizontal parts secured by bolts or screws to the outside faces of the posts. For a cleaner, more streamlined railing, the horizontals would be placed between the posts. Building codes specify the maximum space between balusters, often 4 inches. Screws and bolts are always a better choice for the construction of railings.

Railings should coordinate with the architectural style of the home in some way. This can be done in terms of materials used, detailing and connections. It is important to check with local building code bylaws to clearly determine the requirements in terms of railing height, material types, lumber sizes, distances between support posts and distances between balusters.

The important things to do in the building of deck railings are to create a railing that complements your overall deck design, to comply with local building codes and to take the time to do the job as well as possible. In no time you'll have a railing system in place on your deck that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Richard Vande Sompel is a professional deck builder of 35 years and over 850 decks built and is the author of "How to Plan, Design and Build a Deck from Start to Finish". To Learn More About Deck Railings and Claim your 2 FREE Deck Plans, Insider Report, MP3 Audio and discover everything to know about building a deck visit: http://www.DeckBuildingRevealed.com

Sellhome