Categories
Landscaping Dublin

LL 10 Tips For A Window Coverings Makeover

Word Count:
904

For the best Landscaping in Dublin, call Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.

You cannot stand it. The same old dreary windows that do little to add life to your home. It is time for a change. But, where do you start? How do you keep from making an expensive or embarrassing mistake? In fact, how can you know what you really want?

1.Start with one room at a time.
There may be the temptation, especially when moving into a new home, to decorate all of the rooms at once. This takes far too much energy and can sap your creative juices, leaving the decor…


window treatments,valances,drapery,curtains,fabrics,decorating,decoration, home improvement,diy

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You cannot stand it. The same old dreary windows that do little to add life to your home. It is time for a change. But, where do you start? How do you keep from making an expensive or embarrassing mistake? In fact, how can you know what you really want?

1.Start with one room at a time.
There may be the temptation, especially when moving into a new home, to decorate all of the rooms at once. This takes far too much energy and can sap your creative juices, leaving the decorating flat and less interesting. It can also make decorating your home an overwhelming task. Go slow. Do one room at a time and then move on to the next one.

2.Assess, review your needs.
With pen and paper in hand, jot down some notes about all of the windows in the room. Measure them and note their size and shape. Rough sketches will help. Are the windows too large? Too small? Odd sizes? Mismatched sizes? Is there too much light in the room? Not enough light? Do you want to block an unattractive view? Do you want to enjoy the beautiful view? Do you need privacy? Daytime privacy? Nighttime privacy? Or both? Do you want to liven up a dreary room? How do other family members feel about these needs? What is your budget for the windows?

3.Look for help, tips and ideas.
Seek inspiration. One thing is for certain, no matter what the challenge or situation that you are facing with your windows, someone else has already dealt with the same situation. There is a way, or many ways, to attractively treat the windows in your room. You can find examples of how others have decorated their windows in magazines, window decorating books, window decorating websites and by talking with friends and relatives.

4.Make a plan.
Using your list of needs, rank the needs in order of importance and then make a plan that addresses your needs in that order. There is a way to treat issue.

5.Address your window coverings in stages.
This is especially if you are uncertain about your preferences or if you are working on a budget. Begin with the shades, blinds or shutters. Once these are selected and installed, move to draperies or curtains, including the traverse or curtain rod. Finally, add the finishing touches such as cornices, decorative tie backs and finishing hardware.

6.Combine and contrast colors.
Using color in your window treatment is an excellent way to put life and energy as well as set the tone and mood of a room. Experiment with mixing colors from opposite ends of the color spectrum.

7.Mix fabrics for texture.
Fabric is composed of either natural or synthetic fibers and how they are woven, knitted or felted together. The type fiber and the weave or knitting will determine the texture of the material or fabric. Mixing fabrics and textures can be an excellent way to create interest and set the tone of your window treatments. For example, you may consider using velvet over organdy or silk over linen. Common fabrics for window treatments include brocade, cambric, canvas, chintz, cotton duck, crewel, damask, gingham, lace, linen, muslin, organdy, satin, silk, taffeta and velvet.

8.Mix patterns.
Mixing patterns can also liven up and set the mood for a room. Here are some tips for mixing patterns.

a. Match the scale, of the pattern to the area where it is going to be used. For example, use larger patterns on the drapes or curtains, medium patterns on valances or cornices and small patterns on accent pieces.

b. Use geometric patterns with one another. For example, you can use stripes with checks, plaids or dots.

c. Common colors in mixed patterns tie the two together. For example, blue stripes mixed with matching blue dots will tie the two patterns together.

9.Make small windows big.
Make big windows smaller. One of your goals should be to make the room harmonious. Mismatched windows or windows of dissimilar size and shape can disrupt this harmony. You can make small windows appear larger by placing a heading such as a valance or cornice on the wall above the window and using curtains or drapes of similar length. Large windows can be treated with a series of blinds or drapes breaking up the expanse. Large cathedral windows can be treated by installing a curtain or traverse rod on the lower part of the window and leaving the upper portion untreated.

10.Let your window coverings evolve.
Like a garden, the interior decoration of your home, including window treatments will be subject to change. Let your windows evolve as the interior of your home changes to reflect changes in your lifestyle or tastes. The first order for your windows is to provide privacy and light control. This will be accomplished with shades, blinds, miniblinds or shutters. Then you can begin creating mood with decorative treatments of color, design and texture. As you gain confidence and experience with decorating, you can change and expand your window treatments.

If you are tired of the same old boring drapery and curtains, now is the time to make a change. Follow these steps. Look for tips and ideas in books, magazines and websites. You are on your way to a complete window make over.

Here are some tips to help you begin your window coverings ( http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/window-coverings.html ) makeover.

Categories
Paving Wexford

DDWex Children’s Rooms – Perfect Decorating Tips

Word Count:
832

For the best Paving Wexford company, call Davitt Driveways Wexford.

Finding those perfect decorating tips for your child’s bedroom can be liberating and frustrating depending upon how old the little one is. If they are too young to know or care the process can be liberating and freeing as you explore the inner mother in an outward way.


childrens furniture

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As the child starts to get a few ideas of their own, however, decorating ideas become a bit more difficult and require a bit of diplomacy combined with skullduggery. Both ends of the stick are fun and interesting, it is just more how you go about the process of getting what you and the child want from a creative and a practical standpoint.

Baby comes home

It is likely the happiest day in your life, the day the baby comes home. Their new nursery has been planned for and shopped for by everyone that knows just what you’ll need. Sure, it looks nice right out of the box. But will it stay that way. Planning for baby is quite a bit different then having baby at home. The crib looked nice over there at first, but at 2 am it might not. Be ready to adjust to the practical realities that your baby will bring home with them. Your sanity will depend on many things over these first several months, if not 18-20 years, so be ready to be flexible. Remember also that the diaper pail may look nice in one spot but when you’re changing, right next to you is where it will need to be.

Toys, toys and toys

Some say that plastic has been a godsend for the human race. Maybe it has and maybe it hasn’t. Either way you look at it, it sure has found a way into children’s toys. As you go about decorating your small ones bedroom be sure to think about where all this plastic is going to go when you’re not tripping over it. Shelving is one option but the toys can very easily be pulled off in an uncontrolled way. They also lead to climbing for that one special toy. Closets are an option for toys but that is generally a losing battle and might as well lead to just taking the door hinges off so the toys can spill out more easily. The one tried-and-true idea when it comes to toys is the big old durable toy box. Make it big, make it durable and make it so the top can be left off or on. Off is good so you can practice your three point shot from across the room when you’re picking up that transformer toy.

The princess and the outfielder

When your child gets to the princess and sports star age you will be starting to cede authority to them in terms of what is found in their room. Decorating is generally a thing you may or may not find. The odd frog or stay lipstick perhaps, but style is somewhere in limbo. You can try to put a style into the room but it won’t likely matter. Styles will become a dime a dozen with just keeping the space clean being the general idea. If at all possible, sorting down through the pile of stuff that has been accumulating is likely a good decorating tip as the tween years are about to fill the space again.

The world of the tween

Decorating tips at this age will quickly find the room walls being covered with posters of the day. Trying to get the “tween” into an educational mode at this age is a good idea. A location that will eventually serve as a place to study may be a good place to start even though it will likely be covered rather then used.

The young teen

If you have managed to get some sort of place for study and organization into the child’s room by this point you are ahead of the game. You will be quickly losing any decorating influence where the young teen is concerned and regulated to suggestion. If your teen is like most, you are the enemy and only the opposite of what you say will do. Still, if you can find a few structural elements in the room you are doing well. A place for the computer, a place for the entertainment items and a place other then the floor for clothes are good places to start. The off chance that your child is organized can mean taking advantage of the situation with shelving, a desk set-up and extra drawers for clothing. Generally, put it in the room and let them at it is the way to go.

I know best

At this age the child is likely to be finding out who they really are. They may not be there quite yet but they are moving in the right direction. Keep a few basics in mind like reasonable colors and costs but you’ve lost authority at this point so try to aim for limits rather then direction.

Sanctuary

Now the space is yours. Clean it all out and do it the way you would like. Remember, however, that the child will likely be back and want to see a few of their possessions around the room.

Categories
Driveways Dublin

AP 5 Must Haves For Setting Up A Basement Bar

Word Count:
471

For the best Driveways Dublin company, call Active Paving.

When setting up a basement bar there are some must have items you must have around or your basement bar won t really be a bar but just a basement pretending to be. Of course, there are some extras like a jukebox and pool table that will really set the bar off. However, consider the following 5 must haves in order to set up your very own basement bar to enjoy a night with your friends, parties, game days and then add the extras when you can afford to.

Must Have #1 A Baseme…


drinks, beer, alcohol, bars, bar, pubs

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When setting up a basement bar there are some must have items you must have around or your basement bar won t really be a bar but just a basement pretending to be. Of course, there are some extras like a jukebox and pool table that will really set the bar off. However, consider the following 5 must haves in order to set up your very own basement bar to enjoy a night with your friends, parties, game days and then add the extras when you can afford to.

Must Have #1 A Basement
This might seem obvious, but to have the best basement bar ever you really need a traditional basement. There are many benefits to this that include being on a completely different level than the rest of the house so noise won t be transmitted and bother those above you. Of course, you can make a basement bar in whatever space you call the basement, but a true basement bar needs a basement.

Must Have #2 A Bar
Ok, obvious requirement number two is a bar. A basement bar needs a bar that is set up to serve beer and give the appearance that your basement bar is really authentic. You can buy a ready made bar, hire a carpenter to build you one, or give it a go yourself by buying the lumber and downloading step by step instructions from the Internet. As long as you have a basement and a bar your basement bar just needs some accessories.

Must Have #3 A Kegerator
A kegeraotr is a refrigerated keg that will keep your beer cold at all times and be ready to serve anytime the basement bar is open. You don t want to have to buy six packs and litter your bar with bottled beer when you can serve beer straight from the keg. Keg beer is special and will make your basement bar even more so.

Must Have #4 A Big TV
No, you don t have to have the biggest screen television on the market, but it will help. Buy the largest screen television you can afford for your basement bar, or one that fits the space well if your basement is really small. This will allow for great game watching like the Superbowl, Basketball National Championship, and other great games.

Must Have #5 Seating
This might seem generic, but it really is a must have for your basement bar. If your friends are joining you for a night of poker or Monday night Football they need a place to sit back and relax while drinking some of your keg beer. So, be sure to have some bar stools around the bar as well as comfy couches and chairs surrounding the TV, with your poker table nearby so there is plenty of seating wherever the action is taking place.

Categories
Roofing And Guttering Kildare

ARK The Top 3 Ways To Look For Replacement Windows Online

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329

For the best Roofing And Guttering Kildare company, call Ace Roofing Kildare.

I’ve got a confession to make. I am an energy waster by every definition of the word. My house leaks heat and energy at every crack. I drive too fast and my car doesn’t get very good gas mileage. Guess what? In 2005, this has come back to haunt me (in the form of increased utilites and gas bills). One of the best things you can do for your home is replace your windows with the new styles that have come out in the last decade or so. If you have windows several decades old (lik…


replacement windows, replacement window, vinyl replacement windows

To find the best Roofing And Guttering Kildare company, click here for Ace Roofing Kildare.
I’ve got a confession to make. I am an energy waster by every definition of the word. My house leaks heat and energy at every crack. I drive too fast and my car doesn’t get very good gas mileage. Guess what? In 2005, this has come back to haunt me (in the form of increased utilites and gas bills). One of the best things you can do for your home is replace your windows with the new styles that have come out in the last decade or so. If you have windows several decades old (like most of us do), a huge amount of energy is lost every single day through your windows. The upfront cost is well worth the investment to save you some serious heating and cooling money down the road.

1) Do a search for ‘energy efficient windows.’ Here’s the problem. You might be searching for the wrong stuff. ‘Replacement windows’ might be what you think you want, but ‘energy efficiency’ is really what you want. More money in your pocket is better regardless of the terminology. Make sure you are using the correct search terms.

2) Use multiple information resources to compare possible suppliers. There is more to the world than a simple Yahoo search. People sell all sorts of things on Ebay and Froogle, and that includes replacement windows. Make sure you are looking at multiple suppliers to get the best deal that you possibly can. Once you have several suppliers that can possibly fill your order, pick the best deal available.

3) Learn about the different types of replacement windows. Just because you want to replace your home’s windows, doesn’t mean you are an expert. Do the research on buying replacement windows for your house. After you’ve done all the research that you’ve been looking for, you’ll see that there is definitely a right way and a wrong way to go about doing a search for your new windows.

Categories
Roofers Wicklow

ARW Ever Thought Of Buying A Piece Of Eco Or Ethical Household Furniture?

Word Count:
470

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Ask yourself this – Do you own any eco friendly furniture, or anything that is made from an ethical source or bought from an ethical retailer? The majority of Western consumers may say they don t, and probably most of them are not even familiar with the concepts. So what is eco friendly furniture, an ethical source or ethical retailer and why should you consider buying such products?

Increasingly we find ourselves beset by problems that seem beyond our control; global warm…


Green, Businesses, organic, social, ethics, fair, trade, health, renewable, energy, eco, babies, eth

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Ask yourself this – Do you own any eco friendly furniture, or anything that is made from an ethical source or bought from an ethical retailer? The majority of Western consumers may say they don t, and probably most of them are not even familiar with the concepts. So what is eco friendly furniture, an ethical source or ethical retailer and why should you consider buying such products?

Increasingly we find ourselves beset by problems that seem beyond our control; global warming, GM Foods, animal testing, the spread of factory farming, the arms trade and human rights abuses, to list but a few. Shoppers are often left feeling helpless, the typical response being there s nothing I can do .

But you can by shopping in an Ethical way. Put simply, this is buying things that are made ethically by companies that act ethically. Buying ethically means buying a brand or from a company which doesn t exploit labour, animals or the environment.

Eco friendly furniture is defined as furniture made by nontoxic, sustainable, renewable materials. An example is garden furniture made from recycled wood. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international network to promote responsible management of the world s forests. FSC brings people together to find solutions to the problems created by bad forestry practices and to reward good forest management.

Why buy ethically?

Due to a world population of 6 billion and the demand for wood that follows, forests have been clear-cut throughout the equatorial regions of the world. From Indonesia to Africa to the Americas, deforestation has robbed the world of nearly half of the original tropical forests. Often this deforestation has been fueled by multinational timber companies who came in, cut everything in sight, and moved on.

Although we are beginning to hear the term Carbon neautral more and more. (What this means is that in terms of timber, for every tree they cut down. They plant another in either the same place or a different place. That way they remain neutral) Everyone needs to go shopping in one way or another. As an ethical consumer, every time you buy something you can make a difference by choosing an ethical furniture product or by buying from an ethical business.

For example, when you buy from a company that doesn t exploit its workers and provides them with decent working conditions, you are giving the company the funds to continue its ethical behaviour. At the same time, you are no longer buying from a company that exploits its labour with poor pay and often a dangerous working environment. That company then loses business, which may encourage it to change its ways and to look after its workers.

Shopping for ethical and eco furniture has never been easier with companies such as GuideMeGreen that lists 100s of relevant companies.

Categories
Patios Dublin

AP How To Buy An Air Purifier Or Air Cleaner

Word Count:
351

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Keeping your air clean is a very important. It is the key to good health as air can carry pathogens, causing infection. So for your health you should look into buying a good quality air purifier.

There are many purifiers in the market, manufactured by various branded companies as well as small players. They come in various sizes, shapes and features. Generic manufacturers as well as major players like IQAir, Allerair, Blueair, Air-O-Swiss, and Friedrich offer different mod…


air cleaners,air purifiers,air cleaning,air purification

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Keeping your air clean is a very important. It is the key to good health as air can carry pathogens, causing infection. So for your health you should look into buying a good quality air purifier.

There are many purifiers in the market, manufactured by various branded companies as well as small players. They come in various sizes, shapes and features. Generic manufacturers as well as major players like IQAir, Allerair, Blueair, Air-O-Swiss, and Friedrich offer different models of air purifiers. To help you in your selection, here is some information which that will be helpful.

Why do I need an air purifier?

An air purifier removes the allergens present in the air like animal excreta, dust mites, bacteria, pollen and host of other allergens. This will provide a great relief to people suffering from allergies, asthma or any other respiratory problem. An air purifier will also remove the smoke particles in the air caused by smoking and cooking. This makes your environment pollution free, leading to breathing clean and fresh air.

What are the factors to be considered in purchasing an air purifier or air cleaner?

Maintenance should be your prime consideration when it comes to selecting the air purifier. Simple models like stand alone purifiers can be cleaned and maintained very easily. Filterless purifiers are the best as you can get your air purified at a nominal cost and in a very short time. More sophisticated ones like those integrated with air conditioners are very difficult to maintain in terms of both time and money. Cost is another major factor that determines the type of purifier you should opt for. Stand-alone purifiers and filterless purifiers are economical but the large ones are very expensive. Consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Purchase the air purifier whose warranty period is longest. If the company offers extended warranty, purchase it even if you have to pay extra money. Since there is no air purifier that can meet everyone s need, take into account your requirements, arrange them according to their importance. Then shop around for the air purifier meeting your needs.

Categories
Driveways Wexford

DDWex 3-Tab Roofing Shingles

Word Count:
413

For the best Driveways Wexford company, call Davitt Driveways Wexford.

A shingle that shows 3 tabs, or measures 3 feet, is fittingly known as 3-tab roofing shingles. They are normally guaranteed for 20 years and help the roof to have a smooth, defined look. Depending on the manufacturer, 3-tab shingles are often available in 20, 25 or even 30 year limited warranties.


3 tab roof shingles, 3-tab roof shingles, 3 tab roof shingle, types of 3 tab roof shingles, roof shingles

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A shingle that shows 3 tabs, or measures 3 feet, is fittingly known as 3-tab roofing shingles. They are normally guaranteed for 20 years and help the roof to have a smooth, defined look. Depending on the manufacturer, 3-tab shingles are often available in 20, 25 or even 30 year limited warranties. They are generally available in a variety of colors and it s also important to note that 3-tab roofing shingles are some of the most cost efficient shingles to use on your home.

Are 3-Tab Roofing Shingles For You?

Before deciding on 3-tab roofing shingles for your home, check with your local homeowner s association. In addition to certain restrictions that each association may have, some do not allow the use of 3-tab shingles. This may be true in areas that are prone to high wind or other inclement weather, but check with your local building requirements to be sure.

Replacing 3-Tab Roofing Shingles

If you need to replace 3-tab roofing shingles, you can either do the job yourself or hire a professional roofing contractor, such as Roofer911.com. If you decide to take the job on yourself, choose a warm, dry day. Do not work on the roof if it is wet or slippery. Once you re on the roof, carefully pry the tabs of the shingles upward, which overlap the damaged one. Loosen the tabs and the adhesive on the back of the shingle. Work carefully to avoid damage to the neighboring shingles. If you lift too many tabs on good shingles, they may crack. For the shingle that you are removing, look for the nails holding it into place and remove them as well. Once the shingle is out, remove any debris from that area before placing the new shingle. With your new shingle in hand, search for the adhesive strips near the bottom of each of the 3 tabs. Slide the new shingle into place and secure it with nails. You may use roofing cement to secure the overlaying tabs.

Contacting A Professional

If you are uncomfortable working on your roof, call a professional roofing contractor. Roofer911.com has years of experience in helping homeowners with all of their roofing needs. We can help you, too. Give us a call or fill in the form for a fast quote on your project. We are here to answer all of your questions and to provide you with quality work, so please do not hesitate to contact Roofer911.com for repair or replacement of your roof.

Categories
Garden Maintenance Dublin

LL Roofing Shingle Warranties – What You Don t Know Might Hurt You

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305

For the best Garden Maintenance in Dublin, call Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.

Roofing shingle warranties can be as varied as the styles of shingles they cover. The more you know about your warranty, the better you will be able to protect yourself and your new roof.


roofing shingles, roofing contractor, roofing repairs, roof installation

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The Basic Warranty

Regardless of which roofing shingles you choose, they should comply with government standards and have a minimum warranty that the shingle will perform as promised. Warranties usually range from 15 to 40 years, but there are an increasing number of shingles available with a lifetime warranty.

While roofing shingle warranties are often considered standard, there can be significant differences in warranty coverages between similar shingles. Perhaps most importantly, some warranties only cover the cost of the shingles, but not the labour needed to remove the old roof and install the new one.

It s important to note that most shingle manufacturers have specific installation instructions and improper installation of your roofing shingles can void your warranty.

Wind Warranty
High winds can be very damaging to shingles. Powerful gusts will rip the shingles from your roof, but even weaker winds can cause costly damage.

Shingles will lift, even if only for a second, in strong enough winds. This can be the start of two problems. First, when the shingle lifts, debris and moisture can blow in under the shingle. Once the shingle returns to its original position, it traps the debris and moisture. If there is too much moisture, it could leak through your roof and damage your home. The trapped debris also keeps the tile from lying perfectly flat, which lets in more moisture and debris.

Wind also causes shingles to warp, which not only lets in more moisture and debris, but can also cause shingles to crack or break.

Algae Resistant Warranty
Algae growth is a common roofing problem that causes dark streaks on your roofing shingles. The algae can be cleaned away, but it will likely return, especially if you live in a humid climate. If you have had algae problems before, you should look for algae-resistant coverage on your shingle warranty.

Categories
QDD

QD How To Build A Deck – 5 Considerations For Building A Wood Deck

Word Count:
628

For the best Patios Dublin company, call Quality Driveways Dublin.

How to build a deck? Building a wood deck correctly can create the perfect transition between your home and your backyard. How to build a deck planning and construction should result in a wonderful place to go to relax and unwind after a hectic day. Whether you are going to have your deck built by a professional or do it yourself, building a deck correctly requires proper planning and design.

Here are five basic considerations for building a wooden deck:

1. Choose Your …


how to build a deck,building a wood deck,building a wooden deck,deck building,

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How to build a deck? Building a wood deck correctly can create the perfect transition between your home and your backyard. How to build a deck planning and construction should result in a wonderful place to go to relax and unwind after a hectic day. Whether you are going to have your deck built by a professional or do it yourself, building a deck correctly requires proper planning and design.

Here are five basic considerations for building a wooden deck:

1. Choose Your Deck Type – there are several types of decks you can have for your home. An outdoor patio deck can be attached to your home. A convenient location for your outdoor patio deck could be attached to the family room or kitchen.

How to build a deck that is a destination deck? A destination deck would be typically be located in a special place with a view and would not connected to your home. You might have a winding path that would lead to the destination deck. How to build a deck that is a connector deck? A connector deck is several smaller decks of any shape or size connected to each other with pathways.

2. Consider Your Deck Activities – when building a wood deck, will your deck be a place to grill and barbecue? Are you going to have parties and entertain family and friends? Is your deck going to be a quiet place for lounging reading or enjoying your favorite beverage? Will you have a luxurious hot tub on your deck? To increase privacy, will you have landscaping, plants or trees around your deck? Take some time and think through how to build a deck that will perform the way you want. Go online and buy a good book on planning and building a wood deck.

3. Decide Your Deck Size – if your house and backyard is smaller and you won’t entertain large groups, you likely don’t need a large deck. Too large a deck can actually make the house appear smaller. Keep it simple, but add an angle or two to the deck design if you want. When building a wood deck, you can divide the deck into two areas – one area for lounging and sunning and another section for cooking and dining.

4. What Deck Materials Will You Use – if you will be building a wooden deck, there are several structural parts. Your deck may need concrete footings that extend below the frostline if you’ll have freezing winters. If your deck will be on sandy soil, you may need to build larger footings that will support the deck posts or beams.

The posts can be 4″x4″ lumber which is generally strong enough to support the deck. If your deck is above ground, you may be required to use 6″x6″ structural posts. The deck beams will rest horizontally on the posts and will support the deck joists. Deck joists will be spaced horizontally every 12″, 16″ or 24″ and will support the decking boards. The decking boards are the floor of your deck that span from joist to joist.

5. Design and Build It Yourself or Hire a Professional – unless you live in a very rural area, there will probably be building code requirements, permits and inspections needed when building a wooden deck project. Contact your local building official to see what is required in your area. One major advantage to having qualified professionals help is that they understand the legal side of how to build a deck and can help ensure building code requirements are met.

One of the best ways to understand how to build a deck is to view wood deck plans that have been built many times. Seeing attractive deck plans can give you deck building ideas that will simplify your planning and design.

Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing

Categories
Tarmac Dublin

AP Safety Tips When Purchasing Playground Equipment

Word Count:
617

For the best Tarmac Dublin company, call Active Paving.

Before you purchase any type of playground equipment, ensure the pieces meet the safety standards and will ensure your children are completely safe at all times. Most reputable companies or manufacturers will be able to provide you with all the correct specifications required to ensure the equipment is well within the safety standards. Also, reputable companies or manufacturers will be able to provide you with satisfactory answers to any questions you may have regarding the s…


playground,playground equipment

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Before you purchase any type of playground equipment, ensure the pieces meet the safety standards and will ensure your children are completely safe at all times. Most reputable companies or manufacturers will be able to provide you with all the correct specifications required to ensure the equipment is well within the safety standards. Also, reputable companies or manufacturers will be able to provide you with satisfactory answers to any questions you may have regarding the safety of their sets. If you are in the market for quality and safe playground equipment, follow these simple safety tips:

1.) Do your research. The World Wide Web is excellent for researching all manufacturers of playground equipment. Look to websites like the National Program for Playground Safety or the American Academy of Pediatrics to find a complete list of quality manufacturers of equipment.

2.) Choose age appropriate equipment. Be sure to choose equipment that is appropriate for the ages and sizes of your children. If you have several different children in a wide range of ages, consider dedicating different parts of the playground to each child. Also, consider choosing pieces that can be upgraded as the child ages, such as swings or rings. Ensuring that the equipment is appropriate to the child s age will help to prevent accidents from occurring.

3.) Correctly install all equipment. Regardless how safe the playground equipment claims to be, improper installation can create a dangerous situation for both children and adults. If you are installing the equipment yourself, ensure that the proper tools are used and that the equipment is firmly secured to the ground. Many individuals choose to use professional installers to assemble and install their playground equipment to prevent any hassles and to ensure the job is done correctly.

4.) Look to soft surfaces. Every year, hundreds of children are injured on the playground due to falls. Although the playground equipment may be completely safe and correctly installed, children are still capable of falling, tripping, or tumbling onto the ground. Instead of allowing your tots to fall on a hard concrete surface or even the slightly softer grass, install a soft surface. These shock absorbing surfaces include shredded rubber, pea gravel, special safety mats, wood chips, sand, or mulch can make the difference in a trip to the emergency room and a minor fall.

5.) Cover hardware. All playground equipment has sharp, pointy, or hard aspects that are essential in the assembly of the set. Choose equipment that has covers that will ensure little ones are not cut or injured on this hardware. This is especially essential when it comes to the s-hooks and chains that attach swings, rings, bars, and other suspended elements.

6.) Measure ladders. Most playground equipment has a ladder of some sort. Ensure the child cannot become trapped between the ladder and the guardrails or between the rungs. This is critical to prevent children from becoming stuck or seriously injured. Be sure that spaces between guard rails or between runs should be less than 3.5 inches or greater than nine inches.

7.) Be aware of paint. Regardless if you have a metal set or a wooden set, most playground equipment comes with some type of paint or protective coating. Check the makeup of the paint or sealant to ensure the chemicals are not toxic or carcinogenic. Furthermore, some types of pressure treated wood contains creosote or other chemicals that are dangerous to humans of all ages, but especially toxic to children.

8.) Constant supervision. The best way to ensure safety on any playground equipment is to properly supervise any children while playing. Just as you would watch your child while playing on a set in the park, the same safety precautions should be taken in your own backyard.