Month: June 2016

Categories
DPC

DPC Counter Tops – Clean, Shiny, Inviting: Choosing the Best One

Word Count:
593

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Have you ever envied the smooth, sleek countertops that pervade your favorite kitchen shows? Have you ever dreamed about getting a bright countertop to make your workspace appear wider? Or have you ever craved for a countertop with enough marble to rival an Italian museum?


counter top,marble counter top,wood counter top,stainless steel counter top,tile counter top,

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Have you ever envied the smooth, sleek countertops that pervade your favorite kitchen shows? Have you ever dreamed about getting a bright countertop to make your workspace appear wider? Or have you ever craved for a countertop with enough marble to rival an Italian museum?

Come to think of it, what are countertops for? And what are countertops made of?

Countertops refer, in general, to the horizontal surface that coats kitchen counters, as well as other areas where food is prepared. Countertops also refer to any working counter, as they are installed on top of any surface, and are usually supported on the bottom by cabinets.

Countertops can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials. Selection of countertops depends upon the cost of the material, its appearance, its durability and strength, and the ease with which it can be worked on and installed.

Some common materials for making countertops include the following.

Polished and laminated granite, or other smoothened natural stones These are usually cheaper than most other materials, since they are readily available, and easy to work with. They are, however, harder to replace once they are chipped or damaged.

Marble Marble countertops are expensive, but if worked on skillfully and maintained, such countertops can last a long time. Depending on their color and veining patterns, marble countertops can also make a room appear stylish.

Wood Although not often used, wood can give a homey appearance to a room. Wood, however, is not recommended to be permanently installed on kitchen counters, as it can accumulate bacteria, especially if it is constantly used as a butcher block.

Stainless steel Most modern kitchens, especially those in restaurants, employ this durable material, as it is easily cleaned and maintained. Stainless steel also withstands most cracks and scratches. Stainless steel is also strong enough to stand on its own, and will not require cabinets to support it. This material, however, also easily takes on the temperature of its surroundings, so that children must be kept away from them, especially if the stainless steel countertop is part of a stove system.

Plastic A cheap alternative to expensive stones and steel, some countertops can be made of plastic, especially if the work to be done on it will not involve cutting or slicing.

Formica This mica-derived material is perhaps the most commonly used in household kitchens, as it is relatively cheap, durable, and can withstand scratches.

Synthetic stone Some countertops can be made of stone and resin mixtures. One strong variety of this material consists of a plastic substrate enclosing quartz crystals.

Laminates Another form of countertops include the plastic laminates. These are produced by gluing a thin sheet of laminate over durable materials, such as fiberboard or concrete.

Tile Another common material for countertops is the ever-reliable tile. Tiles, however, can accumulate mildew and molds, and can be difficult to clean.

Countertops are constructed depending on their final use. Kitchen countertops, in particular, are formed such that they have a backsplash, or a raised edge that will keep spills from falling into cabinets. Countertop faces can also be decorated, from minimalist and plain, to elaborate, depending on the user s desires.

Whether you re after the down home feel of wood, or the stylish sheen of marble, choose a countertop that will fit your needs, and not just be eye candy. After all, you can be inspired to work more and better if your room looks good and just as discouraged if the surface you re working on is more a hindrance than a welcome sight.

Categories
Roof Repairs Wicklow

ARW All About Air Conditioner Rentals

Word Count:
347

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An air conditioner is a requirement in households, factories as well as events, functioARW etc. However, you cannot expect the person to iARWtall a new air conditioner for a one-day event. Even if you want to iARWtall an air conditioner at your place during the summer months and do not want to make such a big investment, then air conditioner rentals are the best thing for you.

These are companies, which provide air conditioners on rent for a short term or a long-term basis. T…


air conditioner

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An air conditioner is a requirement in households, factories as well as events, functioARW etc. However, you cannot expect the person to iARWtall a new air conditioner for a one-day event. Even if you want to iARWtall an air conditioner at your place during the summer months and do not want to make such a big investment, then air conditioner rentals are the best thing for you.

These are companies, which provide air conditioners on rent for a short term or a long-term basis. There are two types of Air conditioners that you can rent. The window Air conditioner is the more common variety used widely across the world and you also have a portable air conditioner, which can be moved, according to your preference.

Window Air Conditioner
The window air conditioner is the type, which is iARWtalled on your window. These are excellent for household usage or for small offices etc. You can easily get an air conditioner on rent at discounted prices during the hot summer months. However, it is better if you book the sir conditioner early during summer, because the demand increases.

When you contact an air conditioner rentals company, a representative will visit your place and iARWpect the room where the Air conditioner needs to be iARWtalled. He/she will then suggest what tonnage will be required for your room. The rent often differs according to the tonnage. Then you need to fill up the form and the company representatives will come with a carpenter, iARWtall the frame then the Air conditioner and finally will seal all the gaps (if any) between the air conditioner and the frame.

Portable Air conditioner
Used more in big warehouses and factories where a single central cooling unit is not sufficient. They are also used for specific spot cooling. Portable air conditioners can be rented according to their tonnage. They range from 2.5 to 30 tones. They can be used and then moved on their wheeled casters. If you rent this one for a house, you can use and then move it to a different room if needed.

Categories
driveway cleaners wexford

STCS How to Repair a Gas Stove

Word Count:
801

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How do you repair a gas stove when it breaks down in the middle of a dish you are whipping up? Or even before you’ve set that pot atop the burner? Can you determine beforehand if your gas stove has a problem and if that problem is within your (or will require) expert attention?


Home, Living, Kitchen, Stoves, Wood Stoves, Pellet Stoves, Wood Burning Stoves, Corn Pellet Stove, Heat, Energy Conservation, Green Energy

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How do you repair a gas stove when it breaks down in the middle of a dish you are whipping up? Or even before you’ve set that pot atop the burner? Can you determine beforehand if your gas stove has a problem and if that problem is within your (or will require) expert attention?

Compared to electric stoves, most problems with gas stoves are simple, mechanical and may be resolved with a few troubleshooting measures that you can do yourself. To repair a gas stove in your kitchen, you need only keen observation and common sense. Do-it-yourself, self-help, usually works, unless of course if at any time you smell gas, suspect a gas leak, and cannot identify where the leak is coming from. This is the time to get expert help.

On your own, here are a few tips to repair a gas stove:

What do you do when you have clogged burners? Your gas stove’s burners have portholes around them through which gas is released and gets to the spark made by the igniter to light a controlled flame. Sometimes you will wonder why your burners are not lighting up even after several tries on your dial. Check out the burner portholes; they may be clogged so that gas cannot escape to reach the igniter. You can remove the burner top and grate, get the burner assembly with the portholes out, and check the clogs. In this case, you need only to clean those portholes, but do it by picking on each porthole with a toothpick or pin, making sure the hole is cleared but not deformed by your picking, brushing the holes to remove any leftover or residue, and then washing or brushing the burner completely. If this does not do it, get expert repair help already.

Can you adjust the flame setting or flame size? Ideally, you should see your stove’s flame as bright blue in color and consistently burning. The blue color is the result of the proper mixture of the gas fuel and the surrounding air that assures you that the fuel is being burned efficiently. If the flame is of a yellowish or whitish color, there may be a problem with how the gas ignition is aerated or how air is mixing with the gas fuel. You not only get sooty pans this way; you also run the risk of gas being overly fed into the burner. To adjust the air and gas mixture to the safest and most efficient level, you can adjust the stove’s pilot which is a screw valve located behind the control knobs. With a screwdriver, you can turn and adjust this pilot until you get a bluish flame to indicate you’ve reached the efficient air-gas mixture level.

Sometimes after cleaning and adjusting the pilot, you still cannot get an instant flame on your burners. You can also check the ignition this time. The spark ignition that is connected to your stove’s control knob lights up the mixed gas and air to ignite a flame. The igniter is located either on the left or right side very near the burner. Examine the igniter and check for clogs or severed wire or damaged spark mechanism. Brush it to clean the clogs and reveal any damaged mechanism, which if there are any, can be bought and replaced easily. Some gas stove models use electronic igniters which over time also turn defective due to normal wear or tear. If so, then it may be time to replace the electronic igniter, too. Also, you can check if there is any cut wiring or exposed insulation in your electronic igniter; the module may be grounded and is not working properly.

When you smell gas and trace it to your gas safety valve, check out the valve for integrity as in there are no loose hose clamps or faulty valve gates. If after tightening these clamps and valves there is still a trace of gas odor, take your appliance to a competent repairman.

There may also be times you are pushed to panic levels when your stove emits more smoke than it used to. Before you panic, check your stove first for drip-buildup. Sometimes fat and grease drip and are accumulated on the burners and the burner drip pans. When touched by flame and burned, these drips create much smoke. You can simply remove those drip pans and clean away the drip-down grease, washing and drying those drip pans totally before your next use.

These are just some basic tips on how to repair a gas stove. However, for problems that you cannot accurately pinpoint, it is always best to let the experts handle it. Take your gas stove to the nearest repair shop when in doubt.

Categories
construction project management consultancy

EKCS MPs champion anti-scalding campaign

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364

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New Anti-Scalding Bill to be passed in the United Kingdom.


anti-scalding shower,showers,thermostatic control showers,bath, baths,taps

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MPs have backed a call by Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield, for a change in the law that could see fitting of anti-scald taps and controls on baths and showers made compulsory.

Creagh tabled a Private Members’ Bill, Prevention of Scalding Injuries (Bathing in the Home), in the House of Commons in April with 80 MPs showing initial support. She has now asked the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and DEFRA to include her proposals to make thermostatic mixing valves (TMV) a legal requirement for all new builds alongside their other current considerations for changes to building regulations. A decision could be reached after the summer.

Creagh says: “The tragedy is that scalding accidents can be prevented. Thermostatic mixing valves can be fitted to domestic boilers to regulate water temperature and a law to this effect is being introduced in Scotland this month. I am calling on the Government to do the same south of the border. We need to change the law to stop these horrific accidents from happening.”

Every year, around 20 people die as a result of scalds caused by hot bath water, and a further 570 suffer serious scald injuries, with children and the elderly particularly at risk. Mira md Roger Wilson applauds the campaign. He says: “Sadly, scalding injuries are much more common than most people realise. Perhaps it is not also realised that the solution – thermostatic control of taps and showers – is already an available, straightforward and proven technology. We urge specifiers, in private and public sector housing, to include thermostatic controls on their baths and showers.”

Mary Creagh’s initiative has cross-party support with backing from Liberal Democrat MP Annette Brooke, who is also championing the ‘Hot Water Burns Like Fire’ campaign, fronted by actress Amanda Redman.

The House of Lords is the venue for a special needs platform this month presented by the BMA’s commercial director Yvonne Orgill, who is also chairman of the National Home Improvement Council. She will submit considerations for improved bathroom design awareness for 10% of the population who suffer from various degrees of disabilities.

Written on behalf of http://www.victoriaplumb.com an online retailer of bathroom furniture and bath related products serving the United Kingdom.

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Roofing Kildare

ARK Ideal Chairs For Home Theaters

Word Count:
523

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You have the big screen, the surround sound, the popcorn, the Return of the King DVD- after all your effort and expense in creating the ultimate theater experience in your home, it would be a shame to watch your productions, your television shows, or play your video games from a traditional sofa or chair.

The proper seating is just as crucial to your home theater set up as any other piece of furniture, although you should remember that your chairs should not dominate the s…

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You have the big screen, the surround sound, the popcorn, the Return of the King DVD- after all your effort and expense in creating the ultimate theater experience in your home, it would be a shame to watch your productions, your television shows, or play your video games from a traditional sofa or chair.

The proper seating is just as crucial to your home theater set up as any other piece of furniture, although you should remember that your chairs should not dominate the space, but blend in with the rest of the d cor. There are so many different styles available that it would be impossible to name them all, so in this article we will just outline some of the basic principles to apply when shopping for those perfect home theater seats and some of the top ideas we have come across.

Ideally, your home theater will have a range of available seating. Most people can sit comfortably in the same chair for an entire movie, but when it comes to the marathon sessions some of us play when it comes to gaming positions can be shifted many time in one sitting. Utilize a range when planning the layout for your home theater that will work for all of its applications. Most importantly, your seating arrangement should be comfortable and offer the right amount of support and a good viewing line of your screen. Leather for maximum durability and appeal is the rule of the day, as is maximum padding.

Inevitably, you are going to have company over to enjoy your home theater experience, and this will mean the presence of sofa-like chairs or loveseats that function independently. These seats should be spacious enough to allow for a comfortable sitting, as well as having footrests and tilt back options that can be operated independently.

Don t leave your kids out when it comes to home theater, some of the best movies to view are made with children in mind. Small seats with your kids favorite characters from movies, television, or books are great for them to sit in while they take in their favorite movie. They also liven up a room and are pretty good for transporting around the house, and they are also available cheap.

For the ultimate in theater experiences, you might want to try purchasing an actual theater chair or even a set. There are some companies who design theater furniture that they also make available to individual home owners. These seats are the same as those you will find in theaters, and offer a genuine and durable addition to your set up.

Finally, there is the option of purchasing seats that allow for permanent recline. These seats usually consist of a rest for the back and head, with the body lying along the ground. These seats are great for gaming, as you are propped up but still fully extended along the ground, in the preferred position of most gamers. Flip around at will, and your chair will stay right with you! These chairs are also perfect for those who like to lie down to watch their movies.

Categories
construction project management consultancy

EKCS Moving Q&A: Working With Professional Moving Companies

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644

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* Will professional movers pack everything for me?

Movers offer a service that will carry all your belongings to the place where you will relocate. Almost all the things are brought to your home including your furniture and large appliances. The moving company may require specific amount of materials for delivery. Most of the moving companies only cater to large amounts of luggage other than minor movers.

Anything from plants to pets, to furniture, to home appliances is…


moving,relocating,relocation,packing,boxes,moving van,moving storage

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* Will professional movers pack everything for me?

Movers offer a service that will carry all your belongings to the place where you will relocate. Almost all the things are brought to your home including your furniture and large appliances. The moving company may require specific amount of materials for delivery. Most of the moving companies only cater to large amounts of luggage other than minor movers.

Anything from plants to pets, to furniture, to home appliances is acceptable for most moving companies. Just read the moving company’s information sheets as some moving companies. Each has its own guidelines as to what is an isn’t acceptable.

* How secure are my possessions while on the moving van?

Your moving company should always make your possessions secure during travel. They should be liable for any destroyed object in the trip. You should always choose a company that gives this kind of service.

After the service of the moving company, check for the things that has been ruined or lost during the trip.

Give the detailed description about the missing object in your checklist. You should keep yourself aware of the mover s liability on the ruined or missing materials referring to the amount of insurance protection given by the moving company.

File a loss or damage to the company in nine months after your properties has been delivered.

Do not accept a settlement offer or mover s claim for denial. You can try to contact the American Moving and Storage Association if you are not fully satisfied with the service they gave you.

* What if the movers break something?

Most of the moving companies promise a safe and secured travel. You need to make sure that the contract you will be signing with the moving company includes provisions committing them to replace the items damaged or ruined during their transfer of your belongings.

Most moving companies offer replacements to your belongings that have been wrecked during the travel. These companies are willing to replace the things because it is a part of the contract. Just make sure that your chosen company is reliable to make good on the contract. Never choose a moving company that does not offer this service.

* Should I get my own moving insurance or does the moving company insure my stuff?

You should always make sure that your belongings are safe during travel. To secure your belongings, get them insured. However, what is the best way to get them insured? These are some of the steps to help you secure your belongings with a moving company.

Ask about the difference between valuation and regular insurance.
Ask the exact amount of the insurance you want to have.
Have all your valuable items insured. You should obtain an appraisal that says that your belongings are of high value. You should present receipts to prove that they are expensive.
Have all your valuable items in a photo, or take a video of them.
Sign a conditional inventory, which describes your expected condition after the delivery. The inventory should include the missing items in your checklist.
Call the mover and inform them about your concern. File a claim as soon as possible.

* How can I find out whether a moving company is reputable?

You as a costumer have the right to ask about the background of a particular moving company. You need to know whether they are capable of giving you the service you deserve.

To find a reputable moving company, you can ask other people about how the company serves them. You can also try logging on to some websites that give you pointers on how to choose a reputable moving company.

Moving companies should be open to any questinos you have regarding the services they offer. Feel free to ask questions, the Customer Care Agents are there to provide you with answers to your questions.

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paving contractors dublin

APD Ideas For Closet Organizers

Word Count:
528

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Closet Organizers

Most people like you love to keep everything in its place. They like also to clean up every room of the house often. However, it can take some hours to get everything in the correct place, specially if you don t have a kind of storage organization guide. Everyone knows that getting organized is either a small or a huge battle. It depends on how thoroughly you clean and organize your stuff. Closet organizers are definitely the storage space that will make…


closet organizer, closet organizers, home decorating, interior decorating, home improvement,

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Closet Organizers

Most people like you love to keep everything in its place. They like also to clean up every room of the house often. However, it can take some hours to get everything in the correct place, specially if you don t have a kind of storage organization guide. Everyone knows that getting organized is either a small or a huge battle. It depends on how thoroughly you clean and organize your stuff. Closet organizers are definitely the storage space that will make your life easier. You can increase the current storage space as much as you want. There are many options to achieve either a double or triple space, depending on how organized you are and the available space to work with. Try to make the most of available dimensions and existing storage will not be a problem anymore.

You will save on headaches as well as a lot of energy just by having a guide on how to keep all your belongings well organized. A closet organizer will make the cleaning process easier than ever. You will be able to see your clothes all the time. Forget about spend a lot of time on finding that shirt you bought last year and don t know where exactly is. It is probably a women s dream to have a double-sized wardrobe. Now it s possible to double or even triple your closet space with closet organizers. Once you have installed it you will stay and get organized forever.

How to arrange a closet organizer?

Closet designers have people like you in mind. They want to help you on doubling your closet space. Every single detail inside a closet organizer has been included to provide you the most without wasting space. Usually they come with one hanging rod. However, it is possible to have two hanging rods and even designs including a walk-in. A typical option would be as follows:

Jackets, shirts and belts on the top rack.
Pants overlapped on hangers on the bottom rack.
Straight-hanging trousers and dresses on a large area provided usually on the right side.

There also exist kind of advanced closet organizer systems with special options for shelves. They are called comprehensive organizer systems. Shelves in there can be broken to get dividers, which will be known as sections. From here on, your mind comes to help you on the process of sorting the closet. It s also very important to have in mind unusual used items such as suitcases or other heavy objects, off-season storage boxes as well as sweater bins. All this stuff should be out of the way to don t disturbwhen is not in use.

Shoe storage, the critical process.

Shoe storage in closet organizers is a very critical component for those who have many pairs of shoes. You might think on including a couple of racks, called multi-rack shoes attachments into the already installed organizer. Another possible solution, which works pretty well in various houses styles, is to add a multilevel floor racks or multiple-compartment on the wall; some manufacturers call them pull-out shelves where you can store also sweaters, scarves, socks amongst many other complements.

Categories
Patios Dublin

APD Decorating Ideas For Everyone

Word Count:
477

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The task of decorating is loved by same and hated by others. People who consider themselves to be artistic or creative are probably the same people who enjoy nothing more spending entire days gathering decorating ideas. The not-so-creative among us would find looking for decorating ideas boring or frustrating.

It is quite possible that those who are frustrated anytime decorating ideas are mentioned are that way because they have been looking for decorating ideas in all th…


decorating ideas

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The task of decorating is loved by same and hated by others. People who consider themselves to be artistic or creative are probably the same people who enjoy nothing more spending entire days gathering decorating ideas. The not-so-creative among us would find looking for decorating ideas boring or frustrating.

It is quite possible that those who are frustrated anytime decorating ideas are mentioned are that way because they have been looking for decorating ideas in all the wrong places.

Finding great decorating ideas does not require a degree in art or the ability to put make something beautiful out of a canvas and a few oil paints. It does, however, require a little bit of patience and a good perspective. Anyone looking to decorate even the smallest space of a home or office must realize that finding great decorating ideas may not happen in an instant or even in an afternoon. Be assured that the more time and care you put into the process of finding decorating ideas, the better you will enjoy and be satisfied with the area you decorate.

For a first step, go into the room or the area that you are hoping to decorate. Grab a notebook and sit down for a few minutes. Try to visualize what you hope this room will look like when you’re done with it. Write down any ideas or impressions that come to mind. Even the most uncreative people (if there are such people) should be able to articulate the kind of space they hope to decorate. Some of your best and most creative decorating ideas will happen as you simply think of what you hope for.

Once you have some ideas to start with, take some time to gather decorating ideas from other sources. This can be as simple as paying close attention as you visit the apartments and homes of friends. You can learn great decorating ideas by seeing what others have done. Make a mental note of things you especially liked and things you would never want to repeat in your own home. Be sure to write these ideas down once you return home. Learning from the decorating mistakes and victories of others is one of the absolutely best resources you have in gathering decorating ideas for your own space.

Another great source for collecting great decorating ideas is magazines. Sit down at a bookstore, enjoy a great latte, and get lost in the ideas of other homeowners and professional decorators. Keep your notebook handy and begin to form some concrete decorating ideas as you see what has worked. When you are tired of sitting walk through the home sections of department stores or look through home decorating stores such as Pier One or Pottery Barn. In no time you will have narrowed your list down to the perfect decorating ideas just for you.

Categories
Maths Tutor Ireland

Are_You_Too_Old_To_Go_Back_To_School_

Title:
Are You Too Old To Go Back To School?

Word Cou
nt:
556

Summary:
You want to go back to school and continue your education. Perhaps you’d like to earn your first degree or ou’d like to earn a new degree in a different field. For the best Maths Tutor In Ireland company, call Ace Solution Books. You’ve been dreaming of that degree but haven’t dared believe your dream can come true because you think you are too old.

Keywords:
education, learning, college, university, adult, continuing, high school, preschool, child, teen

Article Body:
You want to go back to school and continue your education. Perhaps you’d like to earn your first degree or ou’d like to earn a new degree in a different field. You’ve been dreaming of that degree but haven’t dared believe your dream can come true because you think you are too old.

You aren’t. It really is that simple. I don’t care what your age is, as an experienced college-level educator I can assure you that you are not too old, because there are many nontraditional students on college campuses today (and likely some of those are older than you are), your life experience gives you many advantages over more traditional students, and with the growing nontraditional population many colleges have programs and services especially tailored for the nontraditional student.

I went back to school in my 30s and today I teach college. Yes, I have many traditional students in my classroom but every semester I have a large percentage of nontraditional students as well. I have studens in their late 20s as well as 30s, 40s, 50s, and up. I have students who have retired from one career and are looking to move into another. I have students whose children (or grandchildren) have left the nest so they are looking to enter a new stage in their life.

I also have many students balancing school with work and family. I have students who are the traditional age but are in nontraditional circumstances including children and family, work and military service, as well as sports and other activities. You are a unique person, but your situation is not as unique as you might think.

In many ways, your age, or rather your life experience, will be a tremendous asset for your return to school. Nontraditional students understand much better than traditional students how to manage their time and prioritize tasks. In addition, nontraditional students are often much more motivated and goal-oriented than their more traditional counterparts. Finally, your life experience also gives you a great deal of knowledge and experience to fall back on or pull from when it comes to understanding, applying, or adapting the new knowledge you gain through college. I regularly see my nontraditional students outperform traditional students in many ways, but it ultimately comes down to a maturity of thinking and reasoning that can only come with growing up. I know when I returned to college as a student after working for a number of years that I did much better in the classroom and also handled my work load much better than I did when I was a more traditional student.

Today colleges recognize they have a changing student population and offer classes in a variety of formats including on campus, off campus, televised, and internet as well as a range of schedules including days, nights, weekends, and accelerated. In addition, there are now support services available for students who fall outside the traditional student role. Many financial aid and scholarship programs also exist specifically for the nontraditional student.

In the end, it really comes down to your own gut feeling. Do you really want that degree? Are you ready to change your life? You can do it and there will be help and support available for you. Don’t use your age as an excuse not to pursue your dream.

Categories
DPC

DPC Countertops 101 – Deciding on Your Kitchen Countertop Materials

Word Count:
1425

For the best House Extensions Cork company, call DPC Construction Cork.

For many, their kitchen is the most important room in their house. And most real estate experts agree that the best way to improve or raise the property value of a house is to remodel the kitchen. The first major hurdle will be to choose your kitchen countertop material – and there are more choices out there than just granite!


countertops, kitchen counters, granite countertops, remodeling kitchen, kitchen counter tops, home improvement, general contractor, remodeling, kitchen remodel, countertop replacement, slate counters

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For many, their kitchen is the most important room in their house. And most real estate experts agree that the best way to improve or raise the property value of a house is to remodel the kitchen. The four major components of a kitchen remodel usually involve replacing the major appliances, installing new floors, replacing or re-facing the kitchen cabinets, and installing a new countertop. Let s focus on that final component replacing your current kitchen countertop material with a new one.

Naturally, it involves more than just running off to the store to pick out a new countertop for your kitchen. You will first need to consider how much you want to spend. You also need to think about how much time and effort you ll need to spend to maintain your new countertop. Finally, you ll want to seriously consider the style and look you want in your kitchen. Whatever type of countertop you install, it will be the focal point of the entire room.

The very first type of countertop that pops into the mind of every anxious kitchen renovator is granite. However, there are many countertop materials to choose from and granite is only one of them. These days, a kitchen remodeling hopeful can select tile, stone, acrylic, concrete, stainless steel, and laminate, even wood!

GRANITE
Let s start with the most popular: granite. Granite countertops are the most popular but also the most expensive. Why? Besides the beautiful surface, granite is extremely heat and scratch resistant. A granite countertop is very durable and will last a long time. A granite countertop will never go out of style and granite slab installation will greatly increase the value of the house. The drawbacks? Other than the expense, granite is a natural stone and it is porous. A sealer will be required to prevent staining. One alternative is to use granite tiles in place of a massive slab. The cost savings on the tiles is high. It is important to not use the granite surface as a cutting board as it will dull the finish (and ruin a knife or two.)

OTHER NATURAL STONES
Besides granite, there are other various stone surfaces that can be used on kitchen counters. Quartz, marble, limestone, soapstone, and slate surfaces are very popular today. Marble is smooth and cool, perfect for food preparations directly on the surface. It s not as durable as granite and requires more sealing maintenance to protect from staining. Slate is very durable and has such a unique surface that it can really stand out in a kitchen. As slate has been used as a roofing material, it doesn t require as much sealing protection, but some upkeep is still needed. Limestone is very porous and spills must be treated quickly to prevent staining. It has a natural, weathered look that can deepen and darken over time. Natural quartz has a look similar to slate but does not stain or scratch as easily. Engineered quartz has been gaining popularity as well, but the costs are considerably more (engineered materials are a quartz composite product mixed with epoxy, polymers, and small stones or pebbles for a unique look and feel.)

TILE
Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile has been popular in kitchens for decades. It comes in a huge variety of colors, shapes, and designs. The tiles can be a small as a square inch and as large as six square inches. The tiles are durable and also have some of the same heat and scratch resistance qualities as granite. The porcelain tiles are usually more expensive than the ceramic tiles, but the porcelain tiles are more durable and the hardest fired type of tiles. Drawbacks of tile? It can chip easily, more expensive than laminate alternatives, and the grout can be an issue. When putting the tiles together, there are grout lines between each of them and grout can stain very easily. It will require a lot more maintenance to keep it looking good. Because of the grout issues, the ability for the tiles to break and chip easily, and the overall cost, it is best to leave the installation work to a professional.

CONCRETE
Concrete is not only for sidewalks or driveways. A concrete countertop is pigmented and can be polished into a smooth and shiny surface that can resemble any natural stone. The counters can be molded in a factory or cast on site. Concrete is rather porous and needs to be regularly sealed, similar to granite, to resist stains. It can be made into any shape and have any thickness. Concrete is also heat and scratch resistant. The counters can be made in a variety of colors and textures. Drawbacks on concrete? The sealer that is required is not the only protection needed. The sealer needs to be waxed every one to three months to prevent stain and water damage, so maintenance can be extensive. You cannot cut on the concrete surface without leaving marks. Concrete is also very expensive.

STAINLESS STEEL
A restaurant would probably be the first thing one would think of when it comes to a stainless steel kitchen counter. But there is a reason most restaurants use this material. Durability, stain and water resistance, low maintenance, a myriad of size and shape choices are just a few of those reasons. It s also very easy to clean and you can put a hot plate or pan on the surface without worry of damaging it. Drawback many don t like the industrial look of it. It can be rather expensive to have made. Cutting on it can leave marks and it can be easy to dent. It s important to make sure the surface is at least 18 gauge and has eight to ten percent nickel in it.

WOOD
Sometimes called Butcher Block Countertops, a wood counter is usually made from strips of maple or oak that has been glued together. But just about any hardwood can be made into countertops. Bamboo countertops are the latest trend! Wood counter material has a warm, beautiful look that can come in a variety of shades and textures. It s perfect for people who want to cut directly on the surface of their counter. It can be sanded and resealed in the event of any deep cuts, scratches or stains. It can be easy to install and the prices are reasonable. Drawbacks? Wood is not very hard and can easily burn, scratch, or dent. The wood can warp or turn black near sinks from regular water contact. And it requires regular sealing.

LAMINATE
Formica is the most common name for laminate counters. It s made of a thin layer of plastic glued to particleboard or wood. Plastic laminate counters are very inexpensive, lightweight, and available in an endless supply of colors and patterns. It is very stain-resistant and, as a plastic material, it is easy to clean. Because it comes pre-formed, it can be easy for a do-it-yourselfer to install. Drawbacks to Formica? While these counters are somewhat durable, they do not last forever. Laminates are not heat or scratch resistant but they are stain resistant. Abrasive cleaners can dull and scratch the surface. Warping or water spots occur with excessive exposure to moisture. The color or pattern can fade with time.

ACRYLLIC/SOLID SURFACE
Solid surface counters are manufactured tops that are custom-made for any application. Popular companies include Corian, Avonite, and Swanstone. These surfaces are durable, water resistant, easy to clean, non-porous, and are even resistant to mold and bacteria. And nicks or scratches can be sanded away. Drawbacks include problems handling hot pans on the surface, high expense, and the excessive weight requires a good strong cabinet base (similar to natural stone.) Some do not like the plastic or fake look of the material, but the material does have a wide range of colors to choose from.

Replacing the kitchen countertops is only one step in your goal to renovate the kitchen, but it is considered the biggest step by many. You can really make a statement about your kitchen and your home with the right selection of countertop material. Of course, once you take care of those worn out counters that came with the home, it will really make those old cabinets, flooring, and appliances stand out! It s all just part of the process of increasing the value of your property. When you re ready to take the plunge and install those granite countertops, contact ConstructionDeal.com to find a local countertop professional to handle the work.