Month: February 2019

Categories
QDD

QD How To Prevent Home Repair Scams and Disputes

Word Count:
505

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Spring is right around the corner and it will once again be time for the home repair scam artists to come out of the cold.


contractor, work, check, advance, contract, pay, –, large, home, offers, local, con-artists, contact, contractors, large sums

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Spring is prime time for home repairs — and that makes it prime time for outright scams or frustrating disputes. You can take action to avoid both problems.

Home repair scams by traveling con-artists work like this: Con-artists stop at your door, give you a hard sell, and offer sensational low prices. It might be for roofing or painting, tree-trimming, or asphalting your driveway with material supposedly “left over” from a job nearby. The con-artists insist that you pay in advance — but they do little or no work and never return. Remember, legitimate contractors very rarely solicit door-to-door. Be skeptical. The main rules are to check out a contractor, and never pay large sums in advance to a contractor you don’t know. Help older neighbors who might be pressured or intimidated into paying traveling con-artists.

A few ‘bad-apple’ local contractors also take large advance payments but fail to do the work, or do just part of a job or very shoddy work. This is hard to prove as fraud, but it’s costly and frustrating. Follow these tips to protect yourself when you hire a contractor:

Beware of high-pressure sales tactics such as “today-only” discounts, offers to use your home as a “display home” for replacement siding or windows, and “lifetime warranty” offers that only last for the life of the company. Always get several written estimates — shop around for the best deal before making such a large investment.

Check out a contractor before you sign a contract or pay any money. Request local references — and check them out. Contact the Attorney General’s Office to see if it has complaints or contact the Better Business Bureau. You can also contact your county clerk of court and ask how to check if a contractor has been sued by unsatisfied customers.

Get it in writing. Before any work begins, agree on a written contract detailing work to be done, responsibility for permits, costs, and any other promises. Ask for a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance certificate. Put start and completion dates in writing, and consequences if the contractor fails to meet them. (Example: the contract could be nullified if the contractor doesn’t start on time.) If you sign a contract at your home, in most cases you have three business days to cancel.

Avoid paying large sums in advance if you don’t know the contractor. If you have to make a partial advance payment for materials, make your check out to the supplier and the contractor. Insist on a “mechanic’s lien waiver” in case the contractor fails to pay others for materials or labor.

Be very cautious of credit or financing arranged by a contractor. This is an area of serious abuse by a few contractors in Iowa who arrange credit with high-cost lenders. Such loans may have high interest rates, steep up-front fees, hidden costs, and even costly brokers’ fees. Be wary of offers to incorporate credit-card debt or other debt into a second mortgage. Check first with your attorney or a local lender you can trust.

Categories
Paving Dublin

L2L Helpful Knitting Tips

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562

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Knitting is a way to use needles to weave yarn together to make an object. Knitting is a great practical skill to have to make clothing or household items. It is also a very relaxing pastime. Knitting your own pieces can be very rewarding. It s fun to see your efforts come to fruition with a completed piece.

If you are interested in starting to knit, you first need to get some basic supplies and then need to learn to create basic stitches. You will need two knitting needl…


knitting, how to knit

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Knitting is a way to use needles to weave yarn together to make an object. Knitting is a great practical skill to have to make clothing or household items. It is also a very relaxing pastime. Knitting your own pieces can be very rewarding. It s fun to see your efforts come to fruition with a completed piece.

If you are interested in starting to knit, you first need to get some basic supplies and then need to learn to create basic stitches. You will need two knitting needles and some yarn in a color of your choosing. Knitting needles should be of medium size to start as it may be awkward to learn using small or oversized needles. Size 8 needles are good size to start with. Use a basic yarn for your first project. Although it s likely you will be tempted by all the very pretty and fancy yarns available, you need to start with a basic yarn so you can easily see your stitches. It will make learning much easier.

You will also need a pattern to create whatever you d like. It is advisable to start off with an easy project to learn the basics before moving on to something more complicated like knitting a sweater. My first knitting project was a dishcloth. To learn, you may want to read on the Internet or get some books with illustrations. Many community centers also offer classes for an inexpensive way to get introduced to knitting. I took a class at my local crafts store. The class was reasonable and I received a discount on supplies.

To start, make sure you have ample lighting. Stitching can be small so you do not want to strain your eyes. Remember that this is a relaxing art form. Hold the needles in a manner which is most comfortable to you. This may be awkward at first but you ll soon get the hang of it. You will then need to learn to cast on, which is the stitch to start knitting. Then, you will learn the knit stitch and purl stitch, the two basic stitches in knitting. Finally you will learn to bind off which is the way to complete your work.

When working with yarn, try starting from the inside out. This will help keep the yarn from rolling away from you. Stay organized while knitting. Using containers will help organize all your tools. As you accumulate different yarns, keep track of cleaning instructions. A good way to do that is to maintain a journal of the yarns with care instructions. As you complete a project, write it down next to the yarns used so you can easily refer to it. Knitting needles should be organized by size so they are easily accessible for each project. To organize yarns, use empty butter tubs with a hole in the middle. String the end piece through the hole and knit. This will keep the yarn separated and untangled.

Knitting is a highly relaxing form of art. As you continue to learn, you ll be able to accomplish many different types of work from clothing to blankets. Seeing the completed project that you worked so hard on can be a rewarding accomplishment. Start with easy patterns and increase in skill level as you become more comfortable. The most important part, though, is to have fun.

Categories
Tarmac Cork

CC Spa Covers

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368

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Spa Covers are an economical solution to saving power and retaining the heat in the water.

By using a spa cover the heat that would normally dissipate from the water when left uncovered, is captured under the cover and due to this, there is a lot less power required to reheat the pool.

There is a big range of spa covers and also a big variance in their prices. The higher quality spa covers can cost quite a lot more than their cheaper alternatives, however they might wor…


spa covers, hot tub covers, spa pools, hot tubs

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Spa Covers are an economical solution to saving power and retaining the heat in the water.

By using a spa cover the heat that would normally dissipate from the water when left uncovered, is captured under the cover and due to this, there is a lot less power required to reheat the pool.

There is a big range of spa covers and also a big variance in their prices. The higher quality spa covers can cost quite a lot more than their cheaper alternatives, however they might work out more economical over time as they are better at retaining heat and saving energy.

As well as the obvious power savings that can be gained by having a spa cover there are the additional benefits of cleanliness and safety.

By having a spa cover the water in your spa will remain a lot cleaner when not in use and this will save money on chemicals. Spa covers also add safety to your spa with most covers able to hold the weight of a small child should they ever venture onto the cover.

Many authorities are now insisting that spas are either fenced or covered to help with child safety and a spa cover is often a cheaper and more appealing alternative than fencing off the area surrounding the spa.

There are many accessories that can be purchased for the premium model spa covers such as remote control systems that will cover the spa at a touch of a button. These accessories can add considerably to the cost of the covers but make the use of them very simple and convenient.

Most spa covers are made from vinyl with added support from a steel or aluminum frame. The premium covers have additional heat saving insulation materials to help retain more heat in the water and reduce power costs.

When you are buying a spa cover it is wise to check the consumer comparison sites on the Internet to see what is available in the price range that you can afford. By shopping around you might be able to get a higher-grade spa cover for the same price as the budget models, particularly if you are buying direct from the manufacturer.

Categories
DPC

DPC New Central Air Conditioning Units Can Save Energy

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383

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As many as eighty percent of the new homes being built in the U.S. are built with central air conditioning units installed. Central air just makes sense, as it keeps the indoor temperatures comfortable while filtering and dehumidifying the air.


air conditioning, central air, a/c, air conditioners, energy savings

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As many as eighty percent of the new homes being built in the U.S. are built with central air conditioning units installed. Central air just makes sense, as it keeps the indoor temperatures comfortable while filtering and dehumidifying the air. This is particularly nice for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. Fortunately, central air conditioning units can be installed in preexisting homes, too.

When shopping around for central air conditioning units, there are several things to consider. One is the size of the home you will be cooling. Air conditioning units come in different sizes, so it is important to choose the most efficient size for the cooling job you have in mind. If the unit is too large, it won’t dehumidify properly. To determine the right size, consult a contractor. They should have access to a calculation method called “Manual J” that can help you choose a size.

Another important consideration in central air conditioning units is a rating called the SEER rating. These letters stand for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. New air conditioners are required to have a rating of 13. A unit that was installed over twenty years ago probably has a rating of only 7 or 8. This is because technology has improved the energy efficiency.

By replacing old inefficient air conditioners with new central air conditioning units, you can save a lot of money in cooling costs. It is estimated that increasing the SEER rating from 11.5 to 13 could save you over $500 each year in cooling costs. Also, look for “Scroll(tm) technology” when choosing a compressor for the latest in efficiency.

Another thing to look for in central air conditioning units is the “Energy Star.” This is a certification given to new appliances that use less energy than other new models. Of course, they use a lot less than equivalent units that are a number of years old.

When installing central air conditioning units, the location of the outdoor unit can make a big difference. If it is surrounded by vegetation or is under a deck, the air will not be able to flow freely in and out of it. Not only that, the units can be noisy. Don’t install it near an area where you like to enjoy eating or visiting outdoors, such as a patio or deck.

Categories
Paving Wexford

DDWex Copper Use In Your House

Word Count:
520

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When thinking of precious metals most of us think of gold and platinum, almost everyone neglects to think of copper, which is, in fact, one of the most basic and common metal we encounter on a daily basis.

This red colored metal has been in use for many years, humanity has found copper and started using it already in Greek ancient times, this use of copper and other metals has evolved since ancient times, and as is the case in copper it has been used for more technological…


copper, copper sink, copper

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When thinking of precious metals most of us think of gold and platinum, almost everyone neglects to think of copper, which is, in fact, one of the most basic and common metal we encounter on a daily basis.

This red colored metal has been in use for many years, humanity has found copper and started using it already in Greek ancient times, this use of copper and other metals has evolved since ancient times, and as is the case in copper it has been used for more technological advanced things than the production of mirrors. Copper has a high electrical conductivity, and it reflects and its unique red orange color as it absorbers other frequencies.

Sharing many qualities of its family, copper is very much like silver and gold, all have high thermal and electrical conductivity. Copper is making its comeback for one very strange reason, it is a fact that in the last few years copper theft has been on the rise.

The use of copper has been so wide over the last few years that many have started stealing copper, in any form, to sell afterwards. Today we are dependent of copper, as a relatively cheap metal, for many different uses of everyday modern life and the need for cutting costs and lowering the cost of metals has produced this strange phenomena in which many people find different objects are stolen or stripped from their copper elements.

When you think of using copper in your home, or in your business you should consider the fact that you will need to maintain copper, much more than other metals it is sensitive to corrosion. The many other benefits of copper are that it is relatively cheap and easy to work with, that it has a nice look to it, and that it is, in many cases, a more robust alternative to other kinds of metals or products.

Copper awning for the business is one great solution for an awning needs, although you will need to take care of it a little more than other kinds of awning you will probably agree that it is the most attractive metal you can use.

If you are in the market for copper to use in your home improvement projects, you are probably making a right decision, copper is a great material to work with when you are doing home improvement tasks, and when you need to protect a pipe of an outing of any sorts you will find that copper is one of the most efficient metals you can use, it is not difficult to work with and you require no special expertise for success, you just need to start working with copper and you learn the rest by yourself.

Just one last word about copper, you probably realized half way through reading this that copper does have a very significant role in our lives, from our kitchens with their copper frying pans, pots, knives and forks, to coins and change made part of copper, pipes and awnings and many more products that we have become almost blind to, have copper in them.

Categories
Maths Tutor Ireland

Weather_Forecast_Is_Done_Mainly_On_The_Basis_Of_Atmosphere_Studies

Title:
Weather Forecast Is
Done Mainly On The Basis Of Atmosphere Studies

Word For the best Maths Tutor In Ireland company, call Ace Solution Books. Count:
520

Summary:
A very common proverb that is somewhat true is, no one does anything about the weather though everyone discusses about it. In fact it is one of the most common topic that people speculate and talk about. Millions of people look over the internet to know about the local and global weather and also weather hazards. All are curious about whether umbrella is required today or whether this weekend’s big game is going to be spoiled by rain or not.

If you stay on the Earth, weath…

Keywords:
weather, weather forecast, temperature

Article Body:
A very common proverb that is somewhat true is, no one does anything about the weather though everyone discusses about it. In fact it is one of the most common topic that people speculate and talk about. Millions of people look over the internet to know about the local and global weather and also weather hazards. All are curious about whether umbrella is required today or whether this weekend’s big game is going to be spoiled by rain or not.

If you stay on the Earth, weather is bound to affect you in diverse ways. The kind of house you stay in, the type of clothes you were, even the type of leisure activities and games you enjoy – all are determined by the weather.

Weather influences the nature of the soil on which we live. Even plants and animals adapt to various living conditions due to weather variations. Depending on their surrounding weather, plants adapt to survive in extreme dry or wet conditions. The shapes of their branches also depend on the prevailing weather. Similarly, the animals also get acclimatized to endure the extremities of their natural habitat.

Even though we cannot ‘do’ much regarding the weather conditions, our meticulous study about the weather helps sharpen our ability to predict the approaching weather conditions. The ability to accurately foresee the oncoming adverse weather conditions help to reduce the loss to the farmers as they can modify their farming practices according to the predicted weather.

Weather conditions vary depending on the form of the atmosphere of the earth. A feature unique to the atmosphere that surrounds our world is that it contains water vapor, and a temperature that maintains this water in three different forms – solid, liquid and gas.

Technically, the day to day changes in the atmosphere conditions is referred to as the weather. Different aspects of weather like the windspeed, humidity, temperature, type and amount of precipitation etc. are measured to give us an idea of what kind of conditions we face on earth.

The sun causes these atmospheric variations and determines the condition of the atmosphere based on the location on the globe. The temperature rises up and falls down faster in land areas than oceans. The Polar Regions receive less intense radiation from the sun than the equatorial regions.

The atmosphere is a massive complex phenomenon that wants to maintain an equilibrium of its own, in the same way like every other complicated systems. The cooler regions around the poles of the earth suck in the warm air from the equatorial regions. The rotation of the earth and the friction with the land also determines the movement of air. This whole system is contained within a small area by the gravity of the earth.

Complex patterns of low and high air pressure are caused because of the combination of a variety of factors like the geography of an area, the uneven heating, balancing force of the earth to even out the irregularities, and the gravitational and rotational forces. Different weather conditions are produced as result of interaction between these low and high air pressures with the ground.

Categories
Roofing And Guttering Wicklow

ARW Selecting The Perfect Room Air Purifier

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536

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No need to hold your breath when you have an effective room air purifier. There has been a lot of study and technology applied to the way room air purifiers work and how they help keep people healthy. Here are some of the findings of the work done to investigate if you really do need to have an air purifier in order to breathe more safely.

What the EPA Has to Say

The California Environmental Protection Agency has looked into the effectiveness of home air purifiers to d…


Room Air Purifier,Air Cleaner, Filterless, Air Purifier, filtration, air cleaning, room, purifying,

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No need to hold your breath when you have an effective room air purifier. There has been a lot of study and technology applied to the way room air purifiers work and how they help keep people healthy. Here are some of the findings of the work done to investigate if you really do need to have an air purifier in order to breathe more safely.

What the EPA Has to Say

The California Environmental Protection Agency has looked into the effectiveness of home air purifiers to determine if there is really a need for these systems and if they really to what they claim to do. In a nutshell, the agency reports that they have found no air filter can remove every particle from the environment, and should not claim to do so. This is especially true of particles that quickly settle on surfaces.

One of the most effective ways to remove large particles is through your whole house systems. Your furnace for example has a filter that should be changed annually. Your stove needs to be properly ventilated too.

After taking care of the systems within the home, the EPA has recommended a room air purifier that uses a HEPA filter to help clean the air. These range in price from around $100 to over $2,000 depending on size. A room air purifier that is placed in a central location, such as the kitchen can effectively remove smaller particles, but don t always work to remove gasses and odours. As a warning, it is important to not rely on air purifiers to remove carbon monoxide or radon. These are dangerous gasses than can build up in an unventilated home and cause serious illness and even death.

The Dissenters

There are a relatively small number of studies that seem to indicate that room air purifiers are neither necessary nor effective. This is small minority, but there is some merit to their research which really only leads to the need for more research to substantiate their findings.

Some research has raised the concern about ionic air purifiers because of the ozone these systems release into the air. Others claim the ionic system of trapping air particles using negative ions is ineffective. The truth is there is more evidence that ionic and HEPA filter systems do capture a substantial amount of even the smallest particles down to 0.3 micron. The impact of the amount of ozone released as a bi-product still warrants more research.

What You Can Do For Cleaner Air At Home

You can do a great deal to ensure your family is breathing the cleanest air possible. Follow these guidelines:

1. Replace whole house system filters at least annually. These are very inexpensive and easy to replace.

2. Keep your home well ventilated. Open windows and replace the air in your home. If you are in a high pollution area, then opening windows and blowing air out with a fan will remove pollution that enters the house.

3. Taking smoking outside. Never allow anyone to smoke in your home.

4. Use a room air purifier to trap particles in the air that are not removed from ventilation. Using central air conditioning during the allergy season will help filter air entering the house.

Categories
Landscaping Dublin

APD Understanding Memory Foam Mattresses And What To Avoid When Buying Them Online.

Word Count:
613

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Memory Foam is a very difficult product to understand in general. There are so many myths and false truths on the internet that it is difficult to understand the product and how to find the right one for you. There are two key things that must be known before purchasing a memory foam product online. The first is density and the second is ILD (Indention Load Deflection – or FIRMNESS). Most listings don’t even mention ILD and density is very often lied about on Ebay.

Density…


memory foam mattress, ebay, memory foam

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Memory Foam is a very difficult product to understand in general. There are so many myths and false truths on the internet that it is difficult to understand the product and how to find the right one for you. There are two key things that must be known before purchasing a memory foam product online. The first is density and the second is ILD (Indention Load Deflection – or FIRMNESS). Most listings don’t even mention ILD and density is very often lied about on Ebay.

Density is a measure of quality which tells you how much one cubic foot of memory foam weighs. Density is a measure of quality and not firmness. The most common density is 5 lb. memory foam and that is where the confusion begins. Tempur material was the first memory foam to come onto the market and its density is 5.3 lbs. per cubic foot. This quickly has become the standard for measuring quality in memory foam products. For a topper, 3 lb. memory foam or better will normally suffice. For a mattress, 4 lb. memory foam or better is recommended. If the density is less than 4 lbs. per cubic foot, the mattress will not last very long. You can easily expect a 4 lb. or better mattress to last you for more than 10 years. There is a new type of memory foam that weighs in at an 8 lb. density. Tempurpedic has a new mattress coming that uses a 7.2 lb. density. These super-high density memory foams are an interesting product that will create new trends in the foam bedding industry.

ILD is a measure of firmness with foam products. It can be extremely confusing to understand how the measuring process works, so I will try my best to explain it in plain english. The easiest way to understand ILD is to use a sliding scale. With memory foam products the most common ILD ratings are from 8-20. 8 is plush and 20 is firm. Tempur material has an ILD of 14 and has a medium firmness level. Memory Foam with an ILD rating of 10 is plush and supportive with a rating of 5 lb. density. ILD is the MOST important thing to consider when buying memory foam products anywhere.

Creating memory foam

Memory Foam is created in 3 main ways

1. The first way to create memory foam is with a molding process. This is the way Tempurpedic creates their memory foam. The process uses chemicals that all other memory foam manufacturer s use, but it is honestly a subpar way to create memory foam that results in inconsistencies to the way each mattress feels. Test this for yourself and you’ll find that some Tempurpedic mattresses that are the same model will feel different when tested.

2. The second way to produce memory foam is in a vacuum sealed chamber. This is the way foamex creates their memory foam and it provides a solid feel and a consistent product.

3. The last way to create memory foam products is perhaps the most disturbing. This is the way most Chinese memory foam is created. They create closed cell foam and then they crush it to create open celled memory foam. This leads to a feel that is fairly consistent and is honestly not as awful as it sounds. Chinese memory foam has improved in quality dramatically in the last few years and can be a decent value at much lower prices than some of the common brand names.

On Ebay, 85% of listings are set up by only two different companies. One company is completely dishonest about their products and the other uses their other IDs to mislead customers into seeing false competition. Be careful when buying memory foam on Ebay and don’t become a victim.

Categories
Tarmac Patio Paving Waterford

DDW Keeping Up With Trends In Home Efficiency

Word Count:
371

For the best Patios Waterford company, call Davitt Driveways Waterford.

Keeping up with seasonal trends in home comfort is often a time- and money-consuming challenge. There are a few trends that are here to stay, however, and some of those options can also help reduce your energy bills year after year.


Keeping Up With Trends In Home Efficiency

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Keeping up with seasonal trends in home comfort is often a time- and money-consuming challenge. There are a few trends that are here to stay, however, and some of those options can also help reduce your energy bills year after year.

The company that brings you Tempstar brand heating and cooling products has the following suggestions to help you save money now and for years to come.

* Heating and cooling: Today’s air conditioners and heat pumps can be up to 40 percent more energy efficient than older, less efficient units. The money homeowners can save in reduced energy bills by purchasing a new, high-efficiency system is often worth the investment. The Tempstar SmartComfort 2400 high-efficiency air conditioner operates at 14 SEER efficiency to help you save money while you keep your home comfortable.

* Electronic air cleaners: A good air cleaner can help trap many of the pollutants that may be traveling through the home. As part of the heating and cooling system, the new line of Tempstar electronic air cleaners filters indoor air to help improve indoor air quality. To ensure years of service, Tempstar indoor air quality products are backed by a five-year parts limited warranty.

* Humidifiers: Moisture levels in the home can affect your family’s comfort and the quality of your wood furniture and flooring. Humidifiers add moisture to the dry air in your home, which helps your body stay hydrated and comfortable. They can also help protect wood furniture and floors by maintaining the right levels of indoor humidity to prevent damage caused by dry indoor air. For information about Tempstar humidifiers, contact your local Tempstar installer.

* Programmable thermostats: A programmable thermostat can help you reduce your energy bill by cooling your home only when you need it. With a programmable thermostat, your cooling system can work at a more cost-efficient temperature while you’re away from home and lower the temperature to cool your home just before you return. To find a heating and cooling contractor near you, go to http://www.tempstar.com and click on the Dealer Locator button.

Evaluate your home today to find out if you can make some money-saving improvements that could be worth their cost in energy savings and improved comfort. Chances are, you can. – NU

Categories
Davitt Paving Wicklow

Discount Bedroom Furniture Set Buying Guide

Word Count:
723

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You don’t want to break the bank buying bedroom furniture. But you don’t want to break the bed because you bought cheap. You don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability, or affordability for quality. But you do have to keep your eyes open and your expectations realistic. There are plenty of furniture manufacturers that will be more than happy to part a furniture fool from his money.

Why Bedroom Furniture Craftsmanship Is So Important

Why does bedroom furniture s…


discount bedroom furniture set

Article Body:
You don’t want to break the bank buying bedroom furniture. But you don’t want to break the bed because you bought cheap. You don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability, or affordability for quality. But you do have to keep your eyes open and your expectations realistic. There are plenty of furniture manufacturers that will be more than happy to part a furniture fool from his money.

Why Bedroom Furniture Craftsmanship Is So Important

Why does bedroom furniture so often seem to give out before the rest of the room’s furniture? Because it’s usually used more frequently and more heavily than any other furniture in the house.

Guaranteed frequent use.

For many people, bedroom furniture will get used more consistently than any other room’s furniture. Even if you spend all day at work and never turn on your TV, you’ll still begin and end the day in bed.

Heavy use.

No one is a gentle creature in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning.

Toss and turn in bed? Better hope your bed joints can take it.

Who remembers to use a coaster for a glass of water in the middle of the night? If your nightstand’s finish is just sprayed on rather than a genuine varnish, you can expect that water glass to leave some pretty nasty scars.

Your nightstand will get a good rattle when you hit the “snooze” button. If the pieces are just loosely bolted together, there’ll be some damage within a few years.

Your bureau drawers will be yanked open and slammed shut. If the drawers are sliding on metal rather than plastic runners, you might just yank the drawer and pull it right out.

Of course, you could treat the furniture delicately. If that’s even possible to do when you’re tired, it would be a great way to bring a lot of stress into the room.

Considering that you may spend a third of your life in the bedroom, why not make it nice?

Judging Quality Discount Bedroom Furniture

You can find both good and bad furniture at just about any furniture store. Furniture stores tend to be a bit like car dealerships that way. But some stores can be worse than others.

In particular, be wary of any of the new bedroom furniture lines being sold by discount department stores. Kmart and Target, in particular, have moved into the furniture business with mixed results. According to a recent New York Times article, when a professional furniture craftsman checked out the “designer” pieces at Target, he found a lot of reason to believe the furniture wouldn’t last. The biggest cause for alarm: parts that were bolted together without also being glued.

When parts are only bolted together, they will inevitably start wiggling just a bit. As time goes on, the wiggling will pull the bolts loose. Then one day when you slam the “snooze” button, the nightstand will go crashing down beneath it.

Materials are of course as important as workmanship–at least when it comes to price. Everyone knows that hardwood costs more than particle board. But not everyone can spot particle board right away. What does “oaken” mean? Just because something looks like oak, doesn’t mean it’s oak.

If every inch of surface is covered in some kind of veneer, check the materials label on the furniture’s tag. Every piece of furniture you buy should have some kind of label like this. If you’re buying online, the website’s description of the piece should say what the materials are. If not, take your business elsewhere.

Want a shortcut for finding well-made discount bedroom furniture? Try looking for furniture from a respected design company. An Ethan Allen table sold in one store should be roughly as good as an Ethan Allen table sold in another. Of course, these brands are expensive. You can cut down on cost by comparison shopping online just as you would for electronics or cars. You can even buy the furniture online and have it delivered to your house, the same as from an offline furniture store.

Wherever you buy your bedroom furniture, just make sure it’s quality. After all, you’ll be spending a third of your life in it.