Home Improvement, Furniture and Gardening

The latest revolution in bathroom fittings is the walk in bathroom enclosure. These are basically spaces custom made for the purpose of taking a bath in. the enclosure has two parts, the shower tray and the walls. The trays are to form a base for the shower enclosure. They come with curved sides called ‘lips’ that prevent the water from leaking out into spaces between walls to cause fungal growth and wood rot.

Make sure you chose a shower tray with proper lips in order to keep your bathroom clean. Though custom made shower enclosures have to be installed by experts and are therefore quite expensive. Most of the ready made trays and enclosures can be installed at home without expert help. Though the difficulty rating of this job is slightly on the more difficult side, it does not remain so complicated with a step by step approach.

The tricky part is installing the tray. Through these five simple steps, we make installation much easier than it looks.

The following equipment shall be required before we start installing the item.

Tape measure, sand, cement mix, a bucket, a trowel, some thin set mortar, drill machine, flat headed screws and the shower tray of course. The tray should be adequate according to the area, shape and size of the place where it is to be installed. Be careful to measure the area to be covered and buy a shower tray accordingly.

This is how to install the tray using the above equipment.

Coat the floor with a two inch thick layer of sand and add a two inch layer of cement over it. Use a trowel to smoothen it out. This shall form an even base for your tray and fill in any leaks and gaps on the floor. Remember to keep the sand and cement away from the drain. The base will take a day to dry.

After the base is ready, give it a thin ¼ inch layer of the mortar, this works as an adhesive and keeps the shower tray in place. Take the item and drill two holes on either side of the tray. Now, carefully install it in place, make sure it is lined up with the drain. Screw in the flat headed screws to keep the shower tray securely in place. And then you can install the walls in the sockets, hinge them together and your shower enclosure is ready to be used.

Bath tub inserts enable a user to have an easier time while taking a bath. This is especially useful for young children and the very old. It is very handy for disabled persons too. Tub inserts are usually easy to install with just a minimal number of bolts used and does not require any need to modify the tub.

What to look for in a bath tub insert

Choose bath tub inserts that are made from gel coat and is reinforced by fiberglass materials, can be installed by a single person without any fuss and without changing anything on the existing tub, exhibits a non-slip surface which is also soft and pliable for the user’s comfort, and a reasonable warranty which normally lasts from a year up to three years.

Instructions on installing the tub insert

1. First, check the tub insert kit if all the necessary components are present. Look at the tub’s bottom to ascertain that its drain gasket is in place.

2. Cleaned the whole bath tub assembly, including the shower unit with the use of a non-abrasive cleaning agent. After cleaning, make sure that the whole thing is dry before continuing the installation process. This is important since any moisture left may cause damage to the floor.

3. Fit the insert to find it if it fits properly. After testing if the insert fits, remove the insert. Apply silicone caulking to the shower drain’s upper part as well as the tub bottom’s gasket. Make sure that the bead of silicone which encircles the drain brass is at least half an inch.

Planning out industrial exteriors and interiors provides a unique challenge to engineers and architects because the space needs to be tailored to a practical function without excessive cost. Whether you are dealing with a document storage unit or the loading area of a manufacturing plant you will always need to allow for the regular circulation of occupants, vehicles, and material handling machinery. Exterior Lighting can be implemented in a variety of ways depending on the specific needs of the location.

Perimeter Lighting

The most common form of exterior lighting is perimeter lighting which performs a very important security function. Even the smallest of operations will which to deter criminals and perimeter lighting defines a property’s boundaries clearly whilst making it easy for security guards to detect movement between the perimeters and the building (often referred to as “natural detection”). Where energy savings are a concern some companies opt for motion sensor lighting which only activates when medium to large objects move within the sensor’s range. As long as these types of perimeter lighting installations are regularly tested they can be effective whilst not expending too much energy.

Car Park and Roadway Exterior lighting

Car Parks and Roadways need to be efficiently and brightly lit to ensure that vehicles can safely navigate the area. Turns, corners, dead-ends, one-ways and any road portions that changes the flow of traffic must be given special attention. From an architectural point of view subsidiary structures such as these should not draw attention away from the building itself. A balance needs to be found. Such exterior lighting often requires the advice of an expert to choose the optimal distance, height and radiance of the luminaries without incurring too much of a running cost.

Garden Paths and Features

Landscaping and pedestrian paths often don’t need more than medium visibility while utilising lighting units that are attractive and fit in with the surrounding areas. Most lighting manufacturers have various products suited for floor level installation, mid-level lighting bollard and high-level lighting product design for mounting on poles, trees, fences and walls. Costs and longevity vary with the type of installation you choose but ideally you would want to balance out the visual appeal with the predict number of people who view these outside landscaping features. Up-lighting is often used for dramatic effect and to emphasis a single feature. Light bollards are great for pathways. Lighting that is placed high on a wall or pole is best for illuminating larger more open areas.

Energy Saving Industrial Lighting

It can be argued that the energy saving needs of an industrial exteriors outweigh that of private exteriors. When the goal is profit maximisation reducing operations costs whilst maintaining efficiency is key. Solar-powered units with rechargeable batteries allows for such savings and can be especially useful in more remote locations where access to electricity is limited. These types of units can be stand-alone and some can combine solar and wind power to charge the battery units for a very long lifespan. Occupancy and Daylight control are great ways to prevent unnecessary exterior lighting usage and maximise battery reserves.

Interior design is all about creating aesthetically pleasing spaces that are safe, practical and in harmony with the rest of the surroundings. In order to carry this out effectively we must source the best materials, furniture and fixtures and fittings for the job, and in doing so, we inevitably have an impact on the environment albeit inadvertently.

These days with so much emphasis being placed on global climate change, reducing consumption, and recycling, interior design can be a bit daunting if we want to limit our carbon footprint and still get the effect we want. However, armed with the right information, it needn’t be a big challenge and we can still create beautiful rooms that are stylish, healthy and that are environmentally friendly too. So where do we begin?

First of all it’s important to note that every single thing we buy has an impact on the environment somewhere along the line either, from the way they are extracted, manufactured and processed, or from the distances they have to travel to end up in our home. Take for example paint, wood, glass, metal, textiles and furniture, each of which can have a negative impact if we don’t know what to look out for but with a little effort and forethought, we are able to find eco friendly alternatives.

Paint

Conventional paint contains solvents and lot of other harsh chemicals and toxins but it is possible to source paints that have a reduced effect on the environment and that don’t contain solvents, which are not only a much healthier option as they won’t release harmful gases into your home and the atmosphere, they can be just as effective.

Wood

If possible, try to buy wood that is grown in a local forest so it doesn’t have to travel long distances to end up in your home. Also, choose woods that don’t have a negative effect on the environment. Look out for the FSC symbol which stands for Forestry Stewardship Council, an international non-profit organisation that will ensure that when you buy you will not be contributing to global forest destruction and threatening the livelihoods of people who depend on the forest or timber to survive.

Glass and Metal

Glass and metal are fairly easy to recycle and one of the advantages of both is that in most cases they can be recycled over and over again without losing any quality. Using recycled glass and metal helps reduce the amount of resources needed to produce these materials from scratch, also the process of recycling uses a lot less energy than what is required to make new glass and metal.

Textiles

Textile production can include processes like dying and bleaching which uses a lot of energy and will produce toxic gases which are then released into the environment not to mention the harmful pesticides that are often used whilst growing the raw materials. The main things to consider when choosing an eco friendly option is how renewable the product is, in other words, can it be replenished quickly, whether the product is dyed or if natural dyes are used, and whether a lot of chemicals are required to produce it. Some of the more eco friendly choices include organic cotton, wool and hemp although there are many others available too.

Furniture

How eco friendly your furniture is will depend on the material it is made from, how it is processed and what finishes have been used, so choose carefully. Consider buying second hand furniture or items made from recycled or reclaimed materials and doing them up as this helps to keep existing items in circulation and reduces the amount of perfectly useful items ending up in landfill.

When sourcing eco friendly materials for your interior design project, try to stick to the following guidelines:

- Buy from local producers and suppliers as much as possible as the less distance an item has to travel, the lower the impact on the environment

- Consider the type of materials you choose and whether they come from renewable and sustainable energy sources

- Avoid materials that contain chemical additives or that use a lot of energy during manufacturing processes

- When buying new items, try as much as possible to choose products that can be readily recycled after use or that can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner

- Consider low energy or energy saving devices and buy as much as you can from recycled or reclaimed materials

Finally, as a result of the massive amount of publicity given to global warming and the need for conservation of energy, many producers make claims about their products that are misleading or even false so check out the credentials of any suppliers claiming that their products are certified as natural, organic or eco friendly.

When installing a new shower with ceramic shower tiles, follow these simple instructions.

To begin building your shower, prepare the shower walls and have the plumber to install the fittings. Make sure you insulate between the studs and use Simpson Nail Stoppers on the studs to protect the pipes that run through them. Next install all the concrete panels. You should anchor the concrete panels to the frame using aluminum or galvanized nails. Use plenty of polymer glue especially around joints.

It’s a good idea to place a sponge inside of the drain to prevent dust from clogging the drain. Mark the walls around the inside of the shower, measuring a quarter inch for every foot between the walls and the drain. Pour the cement up to the marks and smooth it with a block of concrete after it has dried. After you have installed the membrane it is time to install tiles. Make sure the tiles have had sealer applied to them.

Lay the tiles around the drain first, and then cover the rest of the floor. Apply the glue starting in the middle and work your way around. Do not forget to use spacers between your tiles. Once the glue has set, grout the tiles. It must dry for at least 24 hours.

Only when the grout has fully dried can you seal the joints. As you work on the walls, put the tiles down starting at the bottom and moving up. Next, install the sill and finish all surfaces. Enjoy the use of your new shower complete with beautiful shower tiles.

Man has not just created waves in the field of technology and science but has also come a long way from just taking bath to an age where it has got more meaning to soul as well as to body. Bathing or the art of taking a bath has completely revolutionized the human science. Who could have thought that one day we would have different ways of taking shower and not just standing under some fountain and getting drenched.

Glass shower is a step further in the bathroom renovation and different manufacturers are now trying their utmost to keep it more space economical yet at the same time do not lose the creativity touch. Color is not an issue and the clarity bit is pretty much effective. With the cost factor under its radar, it is proving to be quite beneficial for various families to go out and get this modern tool of innovation. Different size, shapes and styles are making it more comfortable, no matter how much space is available at your place. Ranging from nominal price to hefty amounts, the choice is yours. You can buy any Glass shower enclosure that fits in your budget. To add to the list, corner glass enclosures are very much in need.

So, how do you begin your day? This question is asked to make it clear that it is the most important bit. Bath shower screens are a way of telling you ‘I enjoy being here’. Earlier, it was boring and urge was not there to go and get a bath till we had different bath shower screens and the scene was completely changed. Now things have changed a lot and there is a new way to take bath and enjoy side by side.

As we were discussing about corner glass shower, it has maximum number of votes because it looks fantastically great. You wonder if more time can be spent here and it gives a finishing touch. Bathroom designers and architects have also found that it can also be used to enhance the beauty of place. A word of mouth spreads like a virus.

Many other people have more reasons to buy it. They do not want to spend much time in cleaning the enclosure. It is made of high quality material that fights well against all kind of dirt problems. We know that every individual is different. So you need to make a decision based on what you want and how you are going to welcome the new day.

The bath shower screens have led us to a different zone and glass shower is another way of loving yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Get a new look for your bathroom by adding a glass shower or bath shower screen.

Home decorating is something that some take for granted, while others spend months trying to get it just right. Everyone has their own tastes in furnishings and home designs, which accounts for the many varieties of furnishings and styles of sofas, dining tables, floor coverings and console tables. For the purpose of decorating, we are using the living room as our example because it’s the room that has the largest varieties of furnishings and decorative items.

Professional designers will often tell you that simple is often better. When you walk into a home and it’s cluttered, it gives off a messy appearance. The furnishings may be expensive and the home may be free of dirt and dust, but if it’s cluttered, who’s going to notice? A living room that is tastefully decorated with simple furnishings such as lamps, three-piece furniture and console tables can look extremely elegant with the right touches. The question phrase too many is “tastefully decorated”, as many are uncertain as to what this entails.

When it comes to home decorating, more is not better, it’s just more. This is not to say all your living room should consist of is a couch, console tables and one lamp. However, too many homeowners find many home decorating items and when they can’t decide which to buy, they buy them all. They then try to cram them into one living room. Combine this with a family spending a lot of time in this room and you have clutter. Regardless of how clean the room is kept, it’s going to appear too cluttered.

Buying a home today is very expensive and many can’t afford expensive furnishings after making the home purchase. You don’t need expensive furniture to have an elegant home that everyone will want to visit or where your family will feel comfortable. Make the most of the furnishings you do have. Console tables have always been a major part of the furniture in living rooms. In fact, console tables are so functional and versatile; you often see them in other rooms as well. They can be used as telephone stands, utility stands and end tables. If you have a corner in the room that makes your room look empty, why not place a console table with a live plant sitting on top. When I say live plant, I mean live plant-not a silk plant. Live plants are very much in style right now.

A living room set consisting of a sofa, loveseat and chair will look beautiful with a couple of console tables in front or to the side of the furniture. Do not clutter them with lots of junk, however. A simple decoration, candle, magazine or statue will look great and accent the table. Many people will use console tables against the wall as a place to display their family portraits.

Lighting is also important in your living room. Don’t use too much or you and your guests will feel you’re in a large ballroom. If there’s not enough, you’ll feel you’re in a bar at night. Stagger your lighting with lamps, hanging lights, ceiling lights, etc. with appropriate bulb sizes. The new energy efficient light bulbs will save you money and look great.

Console tables situated near a chair with a small lamp will look very inviting to your family and guests as a place to read or just sit and relax.

What is the toughest part in homemaking? Designing the rooms? No! Plumbing? No! Spacing? No! Paint? No! It is making your bathroom space efficient, comfortable yet stylish. With pockets becoming bigger and people becoming more and more image conscious, not even a single part of your house can be neglected, be it the bedroom, kitchen or the bathroom. Everything should make a statement – in the bathroom a fantastic shower and shower tray makes all the difference.

The most functional fitting for a bathroom these days is a walk in shower enclosure. These are spaces exclusively designed for taking a bath in and have a lot of unique qualities and benefits. They save up space, help in keeping the bathroom clean, limit water prone area in the bathroom and hence increase the space utility of the bathroom. These enclosures have two parts, a shower tray at the base and surrounding walls.

Walk in shower enclosures come in many types – the classic-framed, the frameless and the semi-framed enclosures. The variety of shapes and sizes is also vast – square, rectangular or quadrant shaped enclosures are very popular.

The area that an enclosure takes up depends on the size of the shower tray. For small bathrooms, one has to make do with an 800mm shower tray. If a large bathroom is to be modelled, a 1200mm shower tray is the best option. The vast size provides for a lot of space for creative experimentation with the fixtures and fittings that can be put inside the enclosure. For example, in a 1200mm shower tray, a multiple outlet shower can be used as it encloses a very vast area. Similarly, a small cabinet to keep necessities like towels and toiletries can be included within the enclosure. A rectangular shower tray with 1200 by 800 dimensions is a very hot selling piece as it gives both a good length space and breadth space.

As far as the walls are concerned, the frameless enclosure is best. It scores both in terms of looks and durability. It gives a very spacious, modern and sophisticated look. The thick glass used in it gives it a lot of strength too. Having said that, I would also like to mention the option of opaque or frosted glasses as these facilitate an additional advantage. Opaque glasses make it possible for another person to use the rest of the bathroom while you take your shower.

A good combination of tiles, stone or even stained marble to go behind the walls of the enclosure and around the rest of the bathroom completes the over all look, making your bathroom a wonderful treat to the eyes.

There is nothing better in this world than being able to afford a vacation home located on a body of water. Whether it be a lake, ocean, bay or any other body of water, the view will always be spectacular. There is something about being able to wake up and go to sleep with view out your windows. If you do have such a place made from cottage house plans, either to live in or simply for vacation, you should consider yourself extremely lucky.

When it comes to decorating your waterfront home there are several different themes you could choose from. If your waterfront home is more of a vacation spot in the summer months, you could go with something a little bit more unique. You could decorate with things that are mostly reserved for houses that aren’t used very often. Just for fun you could decorate your home as if it were built from small log home plans. The chandelier that hangs over the dining room table could be made solely from deer antlers. The decorations in the bathrooms could have little black bears or moose emblazoned on them.

If you are looking for something a little bit more traditional for a waterfront home, you could go with the nautical theme. If there are lighthouses nearby you could decorate with pictures, figurines and anything else with the lighthouses on them. Try painting your rooms with the colors of red and blue. If you really want to think outside the box you could even bring a buoy from a boat into the living room as a prop. You could even hang a canoe oar on the wall as a focal point in the family room.

Some people would prefer to stick with nature. If this sounds like you, consider decorating your home built from country style house plans with whatever your favorite animal is. If you want to stick with a more nautical theme, you should use a pelican, seagull or duck. These birds are readily available when it comes to finding items to decorate your home. There are plenty of pictures or posters with those birds on them to fill an entire house.

No matter which way you decide to decorate your home, you should remember that you will be the one that has to live with it. Make sure that whatever theme you choose that you will be able to look at day in and day out. Of course if you don’t like whatever paint scheme you have chosen you can always simply paint over it.