Elements of The Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

Today homes are more than just a place to eat, sleep, and bathe. They have evolved into multi-functional places where we locate our office, exercise, and entertain. As a society we've begun to place a higher value on our leisure time, so it makes sense that designers are now finding new approaches to everyday living. One of the newest interior design revolutions is actually taking place in the back yard with elegant and comfortable outdoor kitchen and dining rooms.

In the 1950's families gathered in the backyard around a charcoal barbeque grill. In the 1970's and 80's gas grills were placed on decks and patios. Now this outdoor living phenomenon inspired designers to create permanent living area centered on eating and entertaining. These spaces can be cozy and intimate or large and expansive. They usually contain a cooking or food preparation area and a dining space. Let's look at some of the elements that can make up the perfect outdoor kitchen

· Stone or Brick Cooking Counter- The cook has decided to take the kitchen outside. Mom no longer needs to be sequestered inside while everybody else relaxes on the patio. Now the grill, sink, and counters are all outside so nobody misses out on conversation or good times. Natural stone or brick are popular treatments for these outdoor islands.

· Complete Kitchen Island - The concept of the outdoor kitchen counter can be taken one step further into an expanded kitchen island. This larger space is designed to include a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and counter style seating area. Bar style stools or chairs can be placed on one or both sides of the counter. Many families prefer this casual approach for everyday dining.

· Natural Stone or Masonry Privacy Walls - These outdoor entertainment centers are actually little rooms. Sometimes the boundaries are marked simply by a patio floor, but stone walls in combination with shrubs and other natural features can also demarcate the room.

· Outdoor Fireplace - A brick or stone fireplace is an ideal focal point. It is often placed across or kitty corner to the food preparation area to encourage people to gather away from the grill. This maximizes space and encourages an even and comfortable flow during parties and large gatherings. An outdoor fireplace sets the perfect tone, especially for nighttime events.

· Permanent Pergola - A pergola, a permanent canopy with open sides, can demarcate an area of the outdoor room. Posts can be set into one or two short brick walls or the posts can be centered into a patio floor. The pergola can designate a dining or cooking area.

· Covered Outdoor Room - If your yard is in a very sunny area and you'd like some shade for your backyard kitchen, consider a pavilion style room with four open walls. The roof and patio floor create the room and a stone counter island and stone fireplace can add exciting elements.

Outdoor kitchen-dining rooms can stand alone or be incorporated into a pool or pond setting. Contact an experienced stone mason for design ideas and suggestions.

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Stonework Installation

Many areas of a home, inside and outside, could use the application of stone countertops, or you can have entire enclosures consist of stone. Between fireplaces, counter tops, outdoor applications, retaining walls, and everything in-between, every home could benefit ascetically and usability wise from having some sort of stone surface installed at their home. The installation process of the actual stone is usually dependent on what the specific application consists of because many of the different stones need to be installed differently.

The first process of having a countertop, or application, installed, is to schedule a free consultation with your stonework installation company. The company will send out a consultant who will discuss with you your different options of stone, such as granite or marble, and then make measurements as to how much of the stone will be needed for the installation. During this consultation, you will get a rough idea of how much your project will cost.

Another major part of your initial consultation is to select what specific material you desire. Granite is a very popular choice for kitchens, and many countertops throughout their home. It is so popular because of the affordability, durability, and cost effective aspects of the stone itself. Once your stone has been chosen, the stone installer will make templates of the countertops needs. Once these templates are made, they will go back and get cuts made for each piece of countertop that is needed.

While installing each piece of stone, at times, there will be the need of having a seam. Your installer will make the seam the least noticeable as possible, and they will make sure that all of your countertops are completely level. They will also ensure that there is a proper amount of support underneath the stone, so that the installation itself lasts a long time. Leveling the stones while installing them helps keep the stone at full strength too, making sure it will not break due to pressure.

After your stone has been cut, placed, seamed, and overall installed, the finishing portion of the installation process will come. The stone will need to be polished, and then sealed. The polishing of the stone is what brings out the natural colors of the stone that look so good. The sealing process will make sure the polished stone is protected, and is not prone to wear and tear. Some people choose not to seal their stone for a more natural look. This process is typically consistent with fireplaces and walkways. The overall process is not very messy, and tends to be very affordable when you buy stone from your installer, so feel free to have a consultation with a installer and get your home remodeling underway.

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Stone Veneer Is The Alternative To Natural Stone

The desire to personalize our homes is nothing new. Paint, trim and cabinetry have always been the simplest ways to make changes but are limited in the affects they can provide. The innovation's that building materials manufacturers have devised give the do it yourself in many new ways to decorate and personalize their property. One approach that gives a stunning result is the use of brick or stone materials. One of the easiest projects that the home owner can safely undertake is with the new thin stone veneer products. These product's produce a material that has all the aesthetic characteristics of brick in texture and finish but are ninety percent lighter and require much less skill to yield a good finished result.

Stone veneer comes in a multitude of colors and textures that are best suited for interior use. Let's say your home has an entry way that is plain and some what drab. The interior dimensions of an entry often won't allow us to use full thickness whole brick, but will accommodate thinner artificial stone. Most manufactured stones are usually 3/8's of an inch thick or less, but the width and lengths are the same as whole brick. The principles to apply veneer are much simpler than that of whole brick. Mason's use mortar to put brick together, but the newer artificial stones can be put up using acrylic adhesives that have no VOC, or volatile organic compounds, that are often hazardous. Designing a veneer system for covering your project wall can quickly be obtained from the supplier with the help of new computer software that will let the home owner see the finished project in a virtual view generated by a computer.

Using vendor resources will also give the do it yourself a complete list of the required material's and complete instructions to make a perfectly finished project in a timely fashion. Often without a good set of references, a project can get bogged down because of the lack of information. The home improvement industry has made great strides in information technology geared to the occasional typical home owner project. The utilization of the vendor will be helpful in product selection and helpful tips geared to keep potential problems to a minimum.

Today's stone veneers can be produced in many ways, all of which create the desired effect for the project at hand. Many manufactures produce a fired brick material that uses the same clay base that whole brick are made from. The surface has the same feel and resilience that whole brick provides and come in a myriad of textures and colors that are sure to accent the project. Stone veneers aren't designed for structural needs but do provide a hard surface that will withstand the rigors of day to day life.

Many providers will offer a veneer product made from alternative methods. The use of recycled components is now being widely used to produce products that are every bit as attractive as fired veneer but without the carbon foot print that results from fired brick. Recycled ingredients can range from ground stone and powdered brick scraps that are incorporated with Portland based binders that are cast and formed to give the same look and feel as their fired counter parts. Whatever your choice of products, a veneer project will, when properly done, give the project a professional touch.

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Natural Stone Tiles Bring Home the Magic

If value for money deals is what you desire, then look no further than floor tiles made out of stone to give you the best combination of great looks and extremely affordable prices for embellishing any particular area of your room. Utilizing elements that are easily available on the earth's surface, the main reason why these tiles are so popular among home owners is that they are so easily available and do not cost as much. The reason for this is because stones are, after all, present in large quantities around the world. All it takes is for them to be cut into proper shape and undergo a series of processing procedures, and that's it! They are ready to be used in whichever form you want them to be.

Once you have had stone floor tiles installed in your home, irrespective of the area or room, you will instantly notice that the surroundings have started to look a lot different, in the positive sense. This is because the mere presence of this kind of a material has a very astonishing effect on other components of the room like furniture, ceiling fixtures, show-pieces, etc.

If you want a great look for your bathroom or kitchen, limestone is the material to choose, for it has an amazing persona with regards to physical appearance as well as adorning the surroundings with a truly elegant look. Further, it's available in lots of different kinds of patterns and shapes to suit your requirements and expectations to the T. Next, if you want natural stone tiles for areas where there is a lot of movement, like the kitchen, then you must consider granite as the material of choice, the reason being that it's a very rough and tough type of substance and also looks great in whichever colour you choose.

Now, you don't even have to visit different hardware stores to get the best natural stone tiles for your home, since the internet is here to solve all your problems. Not only do you have a wide range of options to choose from, but can also access them from the comfort and convenience of your home. And don't worry about the quality or pricing part, since all recognized dealer websites in this domain have links with some of the best quarries around the world, which not only assures unmatchable quality, but also offers it at an unbeatable price.

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Travertine Pavers In A Wet Climate

If you live in a wet climate like here in the Northwest you know how important it is to have a stable and secure walkway to enjoy your yard or garden. There is nothing worse than walking outside and ending up with wet and muddy shoes. Well, actually, what is worse is the response you get from your wife. With a good, firm walkway you don't have to worry about tracking in muddy footprints to the clean floor or carpet.

The installation of pavers in your garden path is a bit more complicated than a normal setting up if you live in a very humid climate. The trouble to be conquered is the water that can flood the base of the passageway during a heavy torrent. Follow these few instructions to cope with periods of heavy rainfall or a constant barrage of one to two inches daily if you want your travertine walkway pavers to last a long time.

The base material is the most central part of any walkway. This becomes even more significant when you begin to cope with heavy rainfall and groundwater. The solution is to construct a base which will allow the water to flow away and not flood beneath the pavement hence allowing them to move when walked on. Crushed rock or stone is the perfect material for the base, since it lets water infiltrate to the subsoil and also it sets well to remove that "squishy" feeling you get with waterlogged soil. Crushed stone works much better than river rock or pea gravel since the last two materials will not set well and tend to cause the stone paver to settle with time. A minimum of 4 inches of crushed material should be applied to your base, but if you have a high rainfall and soil that does not drain well then 6 inches to 8 inches is not uncommon.

Talking of drainage, be certain you have a drainage area somewhere in your path if you have hard clay soil which does not let the water seep away. If not, you could find the situation where your travertine pavers can "float" which means slipping and sliding where you don't want them. They do not really float on the water, but the term floating used in this way means there is plenty of water beneath the stone making it slide easily when any side force is applied. The tiles get out of place since they slip more than they float. If you give a little consideration to the water situation you can have a passageway which lasts for years.

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How to Incorporate Natural Stone Into Bathrooms and Kitchens

Natural stone is the premier choice of homeowners looking to remodel and update their residential bathrooms and kitchens. The intrinsic qualities of stone make it an ideal choice for high traffic areas. Because of the durability and classic appeal of stone, homeowners can be assured that their stone vanities, countertops, tiles and flooring will never go out of style and will increase the value of their home.

One of the reasons that consumers like to use natural stone is because there are a large variety of colors and shades of stone available to match any home décor or style. Homeowners should choose slabs and tiles in person rather than from a catalog or website. This ensures that the stone's colors will match the expectations of the consumer.

Another great quality of stone is that it is an environmentally safe product. Natural stone contains no pollutants that can compromise the health of your family. Because stone is a natural product, is long lasting, and can be recycled, it has become a favorite among those consumers who want to incorporate green building practices into their homes.

There are many ways to incorporate stone into your kitchen and bathroom. Whether you are doing an entire remodel or simply adding a splash of color, natural stone offers style and a classic appeal to any room in your home.

Countertops:

Most kitchens get a lot of use. Synthetic countertops can get stained and look dull over time. Stone countertops are extremely durable and will last a lifetime. Scratches, dents, and cracks are virtually impossible with normal use. With regular cleaning and maintenance, your counters will remain stain-free and retain their luster over time. Because stone is naturally hypoallergenic, it makes a safe surface for food preparation.

Flooring:

Flooring is one of the largest investments in your home. It is important to use a high-quality and durable material, especially in high traffic areas. Stone flooring is easy to clean and holds up well over time. Unlike carpet, it does not trap allergens and dust particles that can make people sick. Consider installing a stone entryway to give a feeling of richness and elegance to visitors who enter your home.

Bathroom Tiling:

Stone tiling gives a spa-like and luxurious feel to your bathroom. Homeowners can create a custom look with tiles. Consider mixing patterns and colors to add interest to your walls, floors, or showers. You can dramatically increase the value of your home with an attractive and updated bathroom.

Backsplash:

A great way to add interest and a splash of color in your kitchen is with a stone backsplash. Because the area is usually quite small, consumers are able to work with more expensive stones that may be out of their price range for larger projects. A backsplash can protect your wall while adding a stylish focal point to the room.

However you decide to incorporate stone products into your home, know that you are adding beauty, durability, and value to the existing structure. Plus, you are using materials that are environmentally safe and will last for years to come.

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Stone Fireplace Surrounds and Mantels Are the Best Option

Fireplace is such a part in your house which gets the most attention by you and the people who visit your house. It is because at get together dinners and random socializing you prefer to sit in the room where there is a fireplace. It is extremely important to decorate or build your fireplace in such a way that looks attractive and elegant at the same time.

Fireplace mantels are built and are available in different materials such as stones and marbles and wood. Now a day's stone and marble mantel are in fashion and they give a decent and attractive look to the surrounding. Stone mantels are cost effective as they are extremely durable and safe and they do not get damaged easily.

Stone mantels are usually built of limestone, granite and concrete. The best from among them are the ones which are made of limestone because they look very attractive as they have patterns of limestone effects in them and they are available in different colors. You can make your mantels out of concrete but they are usually in brown or gray color and this will give a dull effect to the room. You need to keep fancy and elegant mantel so as to improve the look of the room.

You can get these mantels built according to your choice and this is a good option because you will design it yourself and there will be nothing extra in it which will be outside your choice. This tends to be a bit expensive than pre built ones but having your own custom built mantel will be your own master piece.

You can choose from different colors of stone to build your mantel which will be in contrast with the interior decoration and color of the room. You should take some time while making your decision but once you choose then you should stick to it because you will not change mantels from time to time.

If you are low on budget then you can buy stones and get fixed on the mantels which will cost low than having your custom built mantel. But one thing is for sure that stone mantels are extremely durable and you will have no need to change it from time to time as they can go on for a lifetime without causing any problems.

There are mantels which are made out of marble; they are more expensive than the stones which are usually limestone and granite. Marble mantels look very classy and they too easily blend with the environment giving a rich look to the place.

You can find huge variety of designs and colors to choose from for your fireplace in local fireplace stores in your city or you can find thousands of varieties on the internet. You should definitely search for designs on the internet as you can get overview of different styles and designs and then it will get easy for you to decide on the best one for you.

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Find the Perfect Countertop to Go With Your Double Vanity No Top

When you are decorating or remodeling your bathroom, the bathroom vanity should not only match your personal tastes and style, but it should also complement the theme of your bathroom and increase its usability and enhance its ambiance. Whether you like traditional, modern, more ornate or sleek designs, your vanities should to fit the space and the styles of your home.

Once you have purchased a double vanity no top, choosing the right counter top for the vanity is important to provide a stylish and perfect decor. The vanity top van can be purchased or custom-fabricated according to your choice. There are a number of options for you.

You will require a pair of sink bowls also to fit along with the top. The tops and bowls come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, materials and colors. You have to make the right selection of the sizes to ensure that top and sinks fit together the vanity in-depth and width. Overall, the look of the top and sinks must go with the vanity and the appearance of your bathroom.

There are solid surfacing and cultured marble that gives you the choice to go for a top with the integral sinks. The integral tops offer a seamless look can be easily installed and cleaned.

Solid Surface:

The solid surface vanity tops are made from composite resins and come in a huge variety of patterns and colors in a matte finish. These tops are stain-resistant and quite durable. You can easily maintain them by just sanding the surface. You can also get the bowls in a neutral color or a matching color. There is a choice to go for other types of bowls that can be attached to the top. You may also opt for a backsplash. These tops are comparatively less expensive than stone tops.

Cultured Marble:

This is a synthetic product made by casting polymers to form solid counter tops. Generally, these tops are pre- fabricated and come in several sizes, designs and patterns. You can choose between a glossy and matte finish. These tops are cheaper, but you get only a few options. These are susceptible to burns, scratches and wear. These cost almost same as the laminate tops.

Veneers:

Tops made of Veneers give solid surfacing. Solid Surfacing Veneer provides almost same look, feel and durability as other solid surfacing. They are generally glued to a base of fiberboard. Solid-surface veneers are much cheaper than the regular solid surfacing.

Natural Stone:

Natural Stones comprise of marble, granite and a variety of other stones. They offer a wide range of beautiful natural colors and textures with highly polished glossy finishes. Mostly the stones are water and heat-resistant. Some are soft and must be sealed to prevent the formation of stains.

Natural stone tops can accept separate under mount type bowls made from different materials like glass, or cast iron, steel, porcelain or stone. The sinks are fixed to the vanity top by the fabricators. You can also get these tops with a separate backsplash for your double vanity no top. The natural stone tops are more expensive and a most popular. The price of the stone tops varies with the type of stone, color and veining or patterns.

Engineered Stone:

Engineered stones are artificially manufactured. Quartz and silica are bonded together under a high pressure at an elevated temperature. These stones are produced in an extensive variety with looks like marble, granite, and other stones. They come in various patterns, colors and polished glossy finishes. These stones do not require any sealing. These are more durable, less susceptible to stain, cracking and bacteria and will suit your double vanity no top.

Ceramic Tops:

Ceramic tile tops and porcelain sinks are also a common choice for many people. You can get a variety of them, mixed, and match in a countless ways.

You can choose a top for your double vanity no top from the above options depending on your liking and budget.

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Ancient Mosaics Can Now Be Brought to Life in Your Home: Get The Roman and Greek Look

Many people nowadays have followed the growing fashion to have mosaic tiles in their bathrooms or kitchens. Standard format tiles have dropped in popularity as the choice of other forms have become more affordable around the world. These smaller mosaic tiles are much more in keeping with what the original mosaicists of Rome and ancient Greece would have used.

Both the Greeks and the Romans incorporated intricate decorative designs into much of their tile work, much of which still survives today. Taking inspiration from the past, some companies are now recreating these ancient designs but with modern materials suited for the home, thus a range of ancient designs are coming on the market for people who want something a little out of the usual for their homes. These ancient designs include attractive decorative embellishments, animals like dolphins and lions., flowers and birds and a host of other elements. You can get the exact historical replicas originally found in the palaces of the rich and powerful, recreated on a slightly smaller scale and have them in your own home!

Luckily these replicas are much faster to fit than the originals were, all the tiles are pre cut and correctly arranged according to the design. They are then affixed to a special webbing so the design is complete and just needs to be adhered to your bathroom wall. Once this has been done, it just has to dry out for a day or two and then you are ready to grout the final piece to make it water proof and hygienic for your modern home.

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The Power of Paver Stones

Paving stones are pre-cast pieces of stone that interlock with each other to create a solid yet supple surface. They are available in a variety of different materials such as limestone, sandstone, brick, slate, or concrete to name just a few. This material is used to create aesthetically pleasing yet durable driveways, patios, sidewalks and roads.

Uses

Paving stones provide flexibility during extreme seasons like cold winters and hot summers. While concrete surfaces can and will crack, these materials are designed to sit close to each other and provide a flat surface but not so close they crack when they shift. When the temperatures change, the stones flex against each other without cracking or breaking. Should a stone happen to crack or break, they are exceptionally easy to replace: simply lift out the broken stone and put in the new stone.

Advantages

No matter what type of stone is used, they have many other advantages over traditional materials like asphalt and granite. They come in a variety of shapes, allowing for unlimited design possibilities. Rather than being stuck with only one shape to design with, different shapes can be combined to create the desired design.

Another benefit is that these materials are better for the environment. Unlike other materials that force things like rain water and melting snow to flood the sides of the hard surface, water is allowed to seep through and reach the soil underneath them. Not only does this help the soil underneath but it also prevents flooding to the home as the runoff water is not forced in any particular direction.

Cost

While it may seem like a more expensive option, paving stones are the cheaper decision in the long run. Since they last for many years and retain their shape and color, they are a worthwhile investment. Other materials that are commonly used for driveways and patios like concrete due to their cheaper price have high maintenance costs. Builders will make sure to place joints in the concrete so that when it cracks, it cracks in a straight line.

Maintenance

These stones are one of the strongest materials available and naturally require little to no maintenance short of replacing a cracked or discolored stone. To increase the life of the stone's color and look, sealants can be used to but they aren't mandatory since they last many years. In terms of consistent maintenance, simply sweeping the area is enough to keep the stones in good health. Cleaning agents can be applied should anything like grease or oil drip onto the stones.

Installation

One of the best advantages of paving stones is that they are easy to install and require few materials to do so. Materials that are usually required are things like sand, a spade, a rubber hammer, a tape measurer, a level, markers, a shovel, and the source material.

While many might opt to do installation themselves, there are plenty of experienced contractors who are available to hire.

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Reasons Why You Should Use Sandstone in Your Home

Rugged, beautiful, and reminiscent of colonial Australia when it was one of the most popular building materials, sandstone is still a hugely popular choice for builders and renovators alike. Its durability and capacity to withstand the extreme weather conditions of the Australian climate make it a sensible choice even now. Sandstone is so versatile in its uses yet always manages to convey a sense of grandeur and history, as if it contains a story in every grain. If you're building a home or renovating, extending or re-decorating an existing one, you should consider using sandstone in one or more elements. Here are a few reasons why:

Long-Lasting

When people say that Sandstone is 'timeless', they're not just talking about its continuing popularity and aesthetic. Once sealed, sandstone can last a lifetime, making it one of the most durable materials to use in your home

Fashionable Forever

Unlike the green-tiled kitchens of the sixties and seventies or the hideous linoleum that used to line every bathroom. sandstone has not come in and out of fashion, but rather has remained a constant indicator of class and style. Sandstone is not the type of material that experiences fads--it is as old as the earth itself and therefore holds a bit more gravitas in design terms than just a passing trend.

Low Maintenance

Apart from re-sealing your sandstone tiles every few years in order to prevent moisture entering and staining them, there is very little that you have to do in order to make sure they remain beautiful and in tip top condition. Simply sweep or mop your sandstone floors as you would any other type of flooring and they will last as long as you do.

Versatility

It's not just sandstone pavers or tiles that make a great addition to your home. If you have an outdoor pool or patio you can use sandstone as either a feature or an inclusion in the design, and can even have sandstone sculptures or water features. There are several very talented stone masons in Australia who create beautiful works of art with sandstone.

A home featuring sandstone, whether it be in the form of tiles, pavers, sculpture or some other design or structural element, is a home that exudes class. There is something awe-inspiring about a material that nature created all on its own, and harnessing that beauty is a wise and fruitful decision. Offering protection from the elements in both Summer and Winter, it is easy to see why sandstone was so favoured by Australia's colonists.

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Fixing a Stone House Number With a Single Hidden Pin

So, you have bought a lovely new stone house number, engraved beautifully with your house number, perhaps with an ornate border or a motif of your favourite pet. You have to fix the sign to your house. You could simply have the stone drilled and screw the sign using stainless steel screws and rawlplugs, however this will mean the screw heads showing on the face of the stone. Not a pretty sight! Or you could be smart and fix with a hidden pin.

You will need: A pencil, Ruler, An electric drill, cordless or mains. A suitable pin, stainless steel or copper or brass. (more later!) Two tungsten tipped drill bits. Epoxy resin adhesive. Cocktail sticks for mixing glue. Trimming knife. One stone house number sign 20mm or more thick.

The Sign: For this method the stone needs to be at least 20mm thick or thicker. Most natural stone house signs meet this requirement. The stone itself needs to be drill-able, not granite or quartzite. If you plan ahead, your sign-maker should be able to drill the sign for you. This single pin fixing will hold a sign up to 10 kilo's depending on the quality of the pin.

The Pin: The pin needs to be as rustproof and corrosion proof as possible. The ideal pin would be 3-5mm diameter stainless steel approx 50-75mm long. Some hardware stores stock stainless steel rod. Alternatively look for copper or brass rod. Another option is to improvise, use a stainless steel or brass bolt and cut the head off. Or have you got any tent-pegs? These are often made from strong rust resistant steel alloy, and will be a perfect 5-7mm thickness. For a lighter weight sign 2-4 kilo's you could use a three inch galvanised nail. You may be thinking that if you cut the head off a nail (which you have to do!) the end will rust, it will not, Trust me!.

The Drill Bits: The first drill bit needs to be near to the diameter size of your chosen pin, just one or two millimetres larger than the diameter of the pin. The second drill bit needs to be bigger than the pin. Quite a lot bigger, Twice as big is good, three times as big is OK too, but the exact size is not critical. Adhesive:

Epoxy usually comes as a two part adhesive or with a separate hardener. It is ideal for this job but it can be expensive. Normally you mix the two parts together in equal quantities and the resin cures within a few minutes. Check the packaging for the normal curing times, this will vary according to temperature. As Epoxy resins harden they go through a stage where they are touch dry but can be easily cut with a knife, this is the ideal stage to clean off excess glue.

You could also use a car body filler adhesive based on polyester resin or even a gunned builders adhesive. Have a look at what is on on your workshop shelves before lashing out. Simply make sure the adhesive is suitable for exterior use and is waterproof.

Step 1. lay your number sign face down on a workbench with the top of the sign facing away from you. Mark a small cross in the centre of the sign and about 40mm from the top. Fit the smaller of your drill bits into your drill. You do not want to drill through you beautiful new sign so wrap some bright coloured electricians tape around the drill bit 10mm or so from the tip to act as a depth gauge. (If you have a thicker sign you can drill deeper!) Start drilling as normal at 90 degrees to the stone, then when you have a shallow start tilt the drill back towards yourself and drill an angled hole into the stone at approx 45 degree angle. (The exact angle is not at all critical, do not worry about it too much!) Caution do not drill too deep! 10-12 mm is sufficient, watch your depth gauge! Do it in small stages, clear the drill frequently to remove the build up of dust in the hole.

Step 2. Mix a tiny amount of epoxy, blow the dust out of the hole in the back of the sign, and using a wooden cocktail stick or long matchstick fill the hole with glue. Push in the pin and then pull the pin in and out of the hole twisting backwards and forwards to ensure the pin is coated with adhesive and the dust is no longer lining the hole acting as a barrier between epoxy and stone. If necessary remove pin to add more epoxy. Allow to harden, keep checking the hardness and cut off excess glue when just touch dry.

Step 3. You now have a secured pin sticking out of the back of your stone sign at a downward angle. Mark on your wall where you want the sign to be located. I suggest if you are drilling brickwork you try to drill into a horizontal joint of the wall. Using the larger of your two drills drill a downward angled hole at least 10-12mm deeper than the length of your pin. The angle needs to be as near to the same angle as possible as your pin. Get a friend to help you eye up the right angle and guide the drill. Now try locating the pin in the hole, if the hole is nearly right the sign will drop into the hole and the number will simply hang securely in position! At this point the stone sign is quite secure and would hang safely like this for decades!

If the pin does not fit correctly, do not panic, simply use the drill as a router, angling it up and down reaming the hole wider and wider until the pin drops into place. You will notice you can swivel the sign to the left and right as the stone hangs on the pin, it is simple to set the numbers upright and level simply by tilting the sign.

Step 4: Now to fix the sign permanently. Blow the surplus dust out of the hole, mix more epoxy, enough to fill the hole and a bit more. Fill the hole and stir the epoxy around in the hole with a cocktail stick to mix in the brick dust. Put a dab of epoxy on the back of the stone around the pin and push the number sign into place. Use a spirit level or carefully level the sign by eye. Once the epoxy has cured the sign is securely and permanently fixed. You will notice that the pin, be it stainless steel or galvanised nail is completely encased in waterproof resin and so will not rust or corrode.

Your number sign will hang there safe and sound as long as the wall survives!

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Ideas For Home Renovation - Veneer Panels

Changing the appearance of the inner and outer parts of a home can be a lot of work when it comes time to actually doing the renovations. It can be tough to figure out what you are trying to do and what kind of replacements you are looking to make. You can end up spending more money on stuff you don't really want when it's all said and done. Consider the possibility of putting veneer panels to work in your house before making the additions -or subtractions- you are planning. They may be able to help you change up the appearance of your house.

Lots to Choose From

When you go shopping for panels, you will be surprised at how many different varieties you will find at the store. Panels can come in natural stone and stone panels if you would like to make some pleasant additions outdoors. They can be done in ebony as well as oak if you would like wood to be used for your home and another benefit is that if you like you can decorate the interior of your house with the same panels in whatever trend you choose.

Not Costly At All

Another excellent benefit to the panels and your ability to use them is that they are very affordable. You can buy them cheaply while still giving your home a memorable make-over in a way that doesn't result in you needing to take out a loan from your bank. The fact that these panels are so durable is another advantage to taking them because not only are they cheap but they also last a long time. It is very much a win-win situation for homeowners who are interested in putting together a quality renovation at less cost.

Get The Style You Were Looking For

In terms of renovation, the variety that you can get with veneer panels make it possible to decorate your house in styles that are becoming increasingly popular with every passing day. Stone veneer panels are able to absorb a lot wear which makes them useful in that regard, but they are also attractive enough that someone walking in could easily be impressed with what you are managing to do. The panels can vary in thickness, material, size, and what ever specifications you would like. It's all up to you.

Renovating and making changes to a home is never easy but being undecided can make this sort of project even more difficult. As bad as spending too much can seem, homeowners should also be on guard against taking things that are too complicated or that lack variety when looking into making their own renovations. Veneer panels can save a lot of trouble for homeowners who just want to make a few changes. The panels come in many types, it is not especially costly to have one, and they can enhance the atmosphere you are looking to give a room. If you want an item that can make renovating much easier, your search can end here.

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Interior Chimney Brick Cleaning

Most people who have chimneys and use them do so during the winter months. Depending on usage, bricks around the chimney in the chimney room can start accumulating stains from smoke and suit. This means the bricks will begin to discolor from the burning hearth keeping you warm on a snowy evening.

Removing these stains is not easy and requires a lot of elbow grease. Also, certain chemicals that may be necessary in the process are harsh so be sure to keep the room well ventilated.

So how do you start? Well, some of the things you'll probably need are the following: scouring powder, bleach, a tarp or protective cover for the floor, a good stiff scrub brush, protective goggles and gloves, baking soda. You may also need hazardous cleaning agents such as muriatic acid or trichloroethylene.

Ok, here's what you should do:

1. Cover the area below the chimney bricks as best as possible. Make sure to especially protect carpet. Do this well as there's no sense in cleaning the chimney but having to replace the flooring.

2. Starting from the top wipe down the bricks with a moist rag removing loose residue. Use dish detergent, soapy water, and scrub well until you start to see results. If the bricks are old don't scrub too hard unless you know they will not be damaged. Remember, for each of the cleaning steps you need to have patience for some of the tougher stains to dissipate.

3. When it looks like you need the harsher cleaners bring in the trichloroethylene or muriatic acid. Read instructions but for the muriatic acid you usually mix 1 part to 9 parts water and apply with a rag while rinsing with a separate clean rag. NOTE: it may be best to test this on a small area and make sure it will not discolor the bricks. Also, DO NOT pour muriatic acid solution down the drain as it is hazardous. Dump a lot of baking soda in the bucket until the solution stops reacting. Then dispose of it in the drain.

4. For certain stains molding dough/putty (the light colored variety) made for children often works.

5. If you still have an issue there are other commercial cleaners available. Also, you may need to turn to a professional.

How To Build A Small Brick Wall In Your Garden Without Calling In A Builder   Black Slate Tiles - The Beauty Of Black   5 Reasons Why Manufactured Stone Is Becoming So Popular   Installing Cultured Stones   

What Is Manufactured Stone?

When someone says manufactured stone or cultured stone, what comes to mind? Many people imagine the old vinyl replicas that were used on the fronts of homes some 25 years ago. You could tell from a mile down the road that the stone was fake and a poor quality at that. Things have changed with technology since then and the manufactured stone of today can trick even the most experienced stonemason without close examination.

The difference between this stone and real stone is that manufactured stone is synthetic in nature although made from natural stone chips. Suspended in a binder such as polyester, epoxy resins or cement, the resemblance is uncanny. The main difference in looks is the weight of the cultured stone that is up to 75% lighter than the real thing. The most popular type of stone products is made from quartz that utilizes large or small pieces of stone to create different displays.

Manufacturers make manufactured stone, usually with a specific focus on placement. For example, some companies may make only exterior manufactured stone for use as siding on homes, or outdoor fireplaces. While the product can also be used indoors, the main market is outdoor design where molds are used to make stone pieces relevant to nature. Some businesses may incorporate marketing cultured stone in an existing business such as bathroom remodels. Creating marble counter tops, shower walls and even bathtubs may be their forte. Floor dealers may offer a variety of hard surface alternatives in slate, granite and marble looking stone at a far cheaper cost than real stone.

The selection of manufactured stone is limitless. Almost any type of stone can be found for designs in or outside of the home. Because of the structure of the material, stone veneers are durable and maintenance-free. There is no chipping, cracking or staining from exposure to the sun or liquid spills as found in natural stone. The possible design options are growing each day and many architects and designers are now taking a hard look at this relevant new product that lasts for decades.

Unlike the fake stone from years ago that did not have the technology to make such a resilient product, cultured stone is also very safe. Because it is created out of natural stone and tested binders, manufactured stone is non-combustible and produces no smoke or has any fueling properties. This is good news for homeowners that worry about the safety of new materials on the market.

Realistic, natural, easy to work with and low-cost are the attributes of manufactured stone. There are many good manufacturers that have spent years on perfecting this material and will stand behind their products by placing unbelievable warranties on them. Investigate this new way of bringing life to a tired home with manufactured stone that looks and feels like the real thing, only better in so many ways.

How To Build A Small Brick Wall In Your Garden Without Calling In A Builder   Black Slate Tiles - The Beauty Of Black   5 Reasons Why Manufactured Stone Is Becoming So Popular   Installing Cultured Stones