Friday, September 9, 2011

Good Quality Patio Furniture At Low Prices

You can save a lot of money when buying your patio furniture without sacrificing style or quality! All you need is to know where to look: good quality, substantial pieces of outdoor furniture need not burn a hole in your pocket. There are good deals to be had and you can achieve the look and feel of your dreams even on a modest budget.

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A low price needn't automatically translate into low quality. Think boho chic, for instance, as in this style of design there is most definitely no giving up on quality and style - yet it can be achieved on the smallest of bank balances. The thing to look for in a patio set is whether it works with the rest of your scheme and is reasonably easy to maintain year round: a heftier price tag is no guarantee that this will be the case. You can create a fantastic outdoors entertaining area where you can enjoy the summer in style with your friends and family without having to take a second mortgage or work longer hours.

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The first place to start looking is the internet. There are plenty of online suppliers out there and you are bound to find a good deal if you shop around. There are many materials available and from teak to aluminum you can save a bundle by buying your set online. Look out for wholesale vendors that offer trade prices to the public for the best deals.

The second way to score a really good deal is to put on your best poker face and head down to your local furniture dealer. Remember that the sales people there to help you really want to earn a commission so you can use this to your advantage. Find the set you like, spot a small defect and start negotiating the price down! Sometimes you can get between twenty and fifty percent off, which is well worth brushing up on those negotiation skills for.

Hard negotiation is not for everyone though, so you may want to play a little waiting game instead. By holding off buying your patio furniture until the middle of the summer you should be able to pick up a very good deal from your local store. Most retailers will want to sell through whatever summer stock they have left before the weather starts to turn, and in order to do so quickly start slashing the prices down as the end of the good season draws near.

With a bit of shopping around you can find a set of patio furniture that is both stylish and of good quality without having to over extend your finances.

Good Quality Patio Furniture At Low Prices

Adam Peters is the editor and journalist of many information websites like http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com who has written more articles and newsletters on backyard ideas . Find more publications about patio furniture at his website.

LOWES PATIO DOORS

Central Air Conditioning For Your Home

There are many households in the United States that have central air conditioning. Most new homes that are being built have them installed during their construction. Central air conditioning is thought of as being a necessity these days because of the comfort that they can provide in our homes. Years ago this type of cooling was not a common thing in most households, but today it is hard to find a home that does not have central air installed. Even older homes have upgraded from window units to central air. Central air conditioning can keep homes and businesses comfortable no matter what the temperature is outdoors. If you are thinking of having it installed in your home, always find a qualified technician to do the work. Make sure you are getting the best product and service that your money can buy.

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There may be a specific size and design that you need for your home or business, so find someone to install the right type of system to suit your particular situation. There are many contractors that are skilled and trained at installing central air conditioning. When you decide to have it installed in your home or business you will be making a wise decision. If you live in a climate that is hot and humid central air is your best bet to stay cool and comfortable during the year. It gives an even feel in temperature in every room of your home, making it very comfortable and inviting.

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Central air conditioning units are normally installed behind the home or in an area that blocks the units from view with landscaping. After installing, you will need to know how to properly maintain the system so that it will last a long time. The unit will need to be cleaned from time to time and the filter will need to be checked for dirt regularly. This will help to keep the air flowing properly though out your home. It is good to ask your installer how to best take care of your system so that you can expand the life of your central air conditioning. Most installers provide regular servicing designed to keep your system running effectively and efficiently all year long.

Central Air Conditioning For Your Home

Scott Linque writes about nearly anything, even central air conditioning. Scott researches all of his articles using Widow Metasearch

Click central air conditioning to see a sample set of results, but be sure to click around once you get there to see how easy it is to refine your search or change the source to blog, images, etc.

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General Home Improvement Considerations - Setting Up Misters

If you live in a warm climate where summers can get well above 100 degrees then maybe you have considered various home improvements to limit the heat. There are many things you can do such as install retractable awnings, efficient shades, and perhaps even misters, yes, a misty patio could be in your future, cooling you off and making your summers not only bare-able but also quite enjoyable as well.

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One system that works very well is a misting fan, as just a little bit of water in a mist fan can lower the ambient temperature drastically. Most of these systems are pretty straightforward; the fan will oscillate, while shooting out mist and it can keep an outdoor patio room of about 1000-1200 square feet a lot cooler. If you had an air conditioner that was to do the same thing the amount of energy it would use would be far greater than a really small pump and a decent fan.

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Interestingly enough you can do this yourself, as it really isn't that difficult although you need to realize that the mister system cannot leak water on the electric fan motor. You don't want to electrocute yourself or cause a fire. If you are not mechanically inclined you can buy; A Windchill Misting Fan. These are available at Lowe's or Home Depot, and they are not too terribly expensive.

There are quite a few differences in quality however and you need to shop around a bit and not go for the cheapest unit you can find. Many are made with parts from China and they are not built in the US. Most importantly you need a good length of connecting house 6 to 10 feet. And I recommend a system that has four nozzles and puts out about three quarters of the gallon to 1 gallon or more per hour. Much more than that and it will make everything wet and soggy. Please consider all this.

General Home Improvement Considerations - Setting Up Misters

Lance Winslow - Lance Winslow's Bio. Lance Winslow is also Founder of the Car Wash Guys, a cool little Franchise Company; http://www.carwashguys.com/history/founder.html/.

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Thursday, September 8, 2011

Using Storage Cubes to Hide Clutter in Your Home

When it comes to keeping your home out of disarray each person has a different approach to cleaning up clutter. One of the best ways to keep rooms in your home or office manageable and clutter free is the use of storage cubes. They are cubes that come in a variety of styles and sizes. Many of the materials differ as well from wood to poly vinyl as well as wire and mesh systems.

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Whether your cleaning up a closet and you want to use them as a closet organizer or your straightening up your garage at home storage cubes and cabinets can utilize minimal space for maximum storage benefit. They also come in handy for college students in dorm rooms and for your children in their bedrooms. The modular systems can be modified to fit all your essentials.

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A storage cube can come in an array of colors and sizes. They can be free standing on rollers or wall mountable with shelving and drawers. Many of them include 2 section double cubes, 2 tier cubes, an expandable 5 section honeycomb and even shoe cubbys to add to your existing cube selection. Basic storage cubes can serve many functions and come with wire setups or several selections of high class wood.

Wood storage cubes come in several classy selections such as cherry, honey, white, black and walnut options. These are really great if you wanna make your room more tastefully appropriate as opposed to a black or white plastic cube sitting out that is more of an eyesore. The plastic selections typically used in a garage or utility room or even dorm room come with 4 and 5 cube sets stackable and also on rollers for easy mobility.

When deciding on a storage cube to use the best way to go about it is going to your local Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes or even Target and check out their selection. They often have a great selection and if thats not enough you can always look to the internet. The web always has your best reviews and selection advice on certain models and brand names. While many of the storage cabinets or cubes are readily available in you local stores there is always a greater selection online and usually at a discount.

Using Storage Cubes to Hide Clutter in Your Home

For more tips and tricks on storing your clutter visit storage cubes guide and learn more

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Find the Right Garage Door Parts You Need to Repair Your Door

No matter the quality or how much they cost eventually your garage door will have a problem and in many cases it will be the result of a garage doors parts failure. Most people take the operation of their garage door for granted until something like a dolly wheel fails causing it to jump the track. If you are wise you will take the time to examine your garage door for problems at least once a year. Taking the time solve minor problems early will go a long way in preventing a catastrophic failure. As doors age with use tracks tend to bend, track holders become loose and dolly wheels begin to stick.

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If you have a properly installed garage door opener it will help keep your garage door in good operating condition. One of the best ways to check all the garage doors parts operations is to watch the various parts in operation as the automatic garage door operates. Careful scrutiny of the dolly wheels and hinges. If a dolly wobbles as it moves up or down the track then is would be wise to take the time to replace it. One thing you do not want to do is have a roller jump the track when it is in the up position. Having the weight of two panels hanging without support can damage or break a door panel. In addition it makes replacing the garage doors parts much harder.

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Finding and purchasing the garage doors parts you need is really quite easy. Many companies sell parts direct to consumers on-line. Garage doors part specialty companies like Garage Door Parts LLC provides a great selection of generic door parts at reasonable prices. It will pay you to call and ask questions before you order. In most cases customer support will help you find the exact part you need for your door. In some cases if you visit your local big box home improvement store that sells garage doors you will be able to find the part you need. Even if they do not sell the garage doors parts you need they can provide needed information.

It is very important that you understand the proper way to replace garage door parts. Powerful and dangerous springs are part of the garage door opening operation and if you are not careful you can be hurt or even killed. Replacing the bottom panel hinge and dolly entails with dealing with the loaded cables system that can also be a problems. In all cases it is always easiest to make garage door repairs when the door is down. If you are not comfortable making the repairs yourself then call a garage door installer to make them for you. If you already have ordered the correct garage doors parts they most likely will just charge for the labor necessary to install it.

Finding the garage doors parts that you need is really quite easy if you have access to the Internet. You may also find the parts you need at the local home improvement store. In most case parts are relatively cheap and easy to install. Replacing major parts such as large door panels and lift springs may require the assistance of a professional garage door installer. In most cases you will be able to purchase any of the garage doors parts you need from these installers as well but usually at higher prices.

Find the Right Garage Door Parts You Need to Repair Your Door

James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Garage Doors Pricing Website located at http://www.garagedoorspricing.com Providing information on finding garage doors parts and the purchasing, installing and operation of a garage door.

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Create a Unique Look With Landscape Lights

One of the biggest ways to make your landscaping stand out is to make good use of lighting.  When property owners think about landscaping, thoughts of gardens or tress are likely the first that come to mind. The lighting that is employed, however, is an integral part of creating a unique look in landscaping.  

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Highlight Outdoor Landscaping With Lighting Fixtures

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In addition to being used to draw attention to specific locations after the sun sets, lighting fixtures can also serve as accents when they are not lit. Among the ways that they can be displayed to highlight outdoor landscaping are:

Path or entryway lighting By mounting them on walls above flower beds By placing them on posts in gardens or near bodies of water By hanging lanterns from permanent structures
Try Copper Gas Lanterns for Unique Landscape Lights

There are many low voltage lighting options for outdoor landscaping - but one of the best ways to create a truly unique look is by using copper gas lanterns in your yard.  Many homeowners opt for the elegance of copper gas lanterns as they offer an antique look with a warm natural tone.

Why Choose Gas Lanterns for a Unique Outdoor Look:

Copper gas lanterns are particularly well suited for landscape lighting, as copper ages very well in the outdoors. The variety of styles and power / fuel options allow lanterns to be placed wherever they are needed. With outdoor landscape lighting, homeowners and businesses can draw attention to attractive features of their properties and create interesting public and private spaces. Natural lighting accents natural outdoor elements.  Rather than using electric lighting, homeowners can choose gas lanterns with natural flames that can reflect off of surfaces like glass patio doors, ponds and pools. The size of the flame can be controlled with ease, so that it does not overshadow the landscaping the lighting is meant to accent. Choose from traditional antique styles or more contemporary or modern styles of lanterns
Great ideas for where to place lanterns outdoors for a unique look:

Only your imagination will limit where you can place a gas or electric lantern in order to achieve that unique look you are after.  Among the most striking we install include:

The entryway to the home - front and rear entrances are natural locations for gas lanterns and can create a warm and inviting look with soft light. Path lighting - few things are more stunning than a series of lanterns lining a walkway from the driveway to the house is also a popular option. While there are many low voltage lighting option at mega stores, the antique look of handmade lanterns is hard to beat. Near ponds - These not only offer enough lighting that attractive outdoor landscaping can be seen in the evening hours, but the fixtures themselves can also serve as accents during the daytime. Post mounted in gardens - lanterns can be mounted on a wooden post or on a natural type of column such as brick or stone.  Natural stones and aged copper add great interest to a garden or patio environment.
Flexibility to Create Truly Unique Patio Lighting

Homeowners looking for patio lighting that can stand up to relatively severe environmental conditions should consider copper gas lanterns before opting for more standard low voltage lighting. Available in a number of styles, gas lanterns have been used for centuries and continue to be defining design elements in parts of New Orleans' French Quarter and historic Boston.

And while most lighting fixtures available today are produced in bulk, some skilled craftsmen continue to make copper gas lanterns by hand using the same techniques that have been used since colonial times. These time-tested methods ensure that the lanterns stand up to the elements and can provide patio and landscape lighting for decades to come.

At Flambeaux Lighting, our customers will find a full range of copper lanterns that can be used for patio lighting as well as indoor lighting. If you don't find the style you're looking for in our online catalog, email us or call us at 866-799-8443 and we can work with you to craft what you have in mind.

Create a Unique Look With Landscape Lights

Andre' Savoie writes for Flambeaux Lighting, builders of copper gas lanterns from their location in New Orleans, Louisiana. These handmade gas lanterns make wonderful unique landscape lighting options for homeowners seeking a special outdoor look.

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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Build a Lean-To Shed

If you have found yourself short on storage space and looking for ways to improve this, you're not alone. It doesn't take long to fill up the attic, garage, or spare room with things that you may not want to throw away, but simply have limited space to keep these items in.

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I found myself in a similar dilemma when it came to storing firewood. We were trying to use an old outbuilding to store it all, but it was simply too small to hold all the wood we needed for the winter. We also found that we wanted to use the shed for storing other things too, such as bikes, boxes, mowers, rakes etc. - so before long, the shed was cluttered with wood and a whole bunch of other things...it was time for more space.

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We decided that we either needed to build or buy a new shed. After searching for sheds and shed plans on the internet and in the library, we became overwhelmed with the large selection of choices available to us.

We finally decided that one of the most affordable solutions was to build a lean to shed. Since a lean to is open on one entire side, it is (in my opinion) cheaper and easier to build than a conventional shed. I also liked the lean to design since it works well as a wood shed. Wood sheds need plenty of ventilation so the wood stored in it can season and dry out, but still stay out of the rain and snow.

Lean to sheds can be built against the side of an existing building or can be free standing. There are many different purposes for a lean to shed too, and their designs may all look slightly different, depending on what you're using them for. There are garden lean to sheds, loafing sheds, run in sheds, lean to potting sheds, Livestock sheds, lean to wood shed, to name a few of the more common ones. For the purposes of this article, I'm not focusing on all the differences among these lean to shed styles. A quick online search or trip to the library or book store should provide you with an abundance of information.

I also discovered that lean to shed kits can be purchased online. And, of course, your local box store such as Sears, Home Depot, Lowes etc. also have a wide selection of lean to or other simple storage sheds. But to save money, you may want to consider building one yourself.

I found a few free lean to shed plans online, but VERY few of them. However, I was encouraged that there were many shed plans that could be purchased online at a reasonable price. For my purposes, I was simply building a lean to for storing wood and wasn't as concerned about how it would look and simply wanted to cut costs where I could. So I didn't purchase or order any lean to plans online. If you are interested in doing this, however, the plans generally range in price from .00 to .00. Many of them are very user friendly too, and can usually be downloaded as soon as you buy them. I found a nice picture of a lean to wood shed I liked, and developed my own building plan for it. I'm no contractor, though, so I really took my time when constructing it.

I found that, with the money I saved in doing the work myself, I could build 2 lean to sheds for what it would cost to buy a shed from the local stores...so I did! I built one lean to against an outbuilding, and another free standing one close to our house. We have a few goats, so one of them is used as shelter for our goats and the other for storing firewood.

We have been happy with the extra storage and I'm glad we put in the hard work of building them. I highly recommend building your own, if you're up to the task. I'm not overly skilled in construction, but this is a project the joe-average homeowner can take on with the right amount of planning and preparation. The sheds can be big or small, depending on your needs. And I'm sure you'll appreciate the extra space they'll give you. Good Luck!

Build a Lean-To Shed

Tom Zondman has an M.A. in Clincal counseling and also has an online hobby business. He enjoys writing about and discussing his favorite hobbies! For more information and pictures of his lean to sheds, visit his website at http://www.leantoshed.com

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