Wooden Wedding Rings


April 23, 2009

Contemporary Ways to Hang Curtains

Filed under: Home Improvement — wood_rings @ 12:11 pm

Rakesh Gaikwad asked:


A fashionable and contemporary way to hang curtains is to use a pole rather than conventional tracking. There are a whole host of different deign styles and options available to suit different interior design concepts and home decors.

Traditionally wooden curtain poles are used to hand medium and heavy weight curtain fabrics. Wooden poles are available in a variety of different dimensions to suit windows of different sizes and styles. The use of a curtain pole provides an option of the style of curtains which can be hung from them.

Lightweight voile and faux silks hung from a thin wooden or metal curtain pole provide a minimalist look which enables the fabric to cascade and fall into natural folds and pleats which pool onto gently onto the floor. These styles of fabrics can be left pulled together and swept back from the centre and held in place with ornate and unusual tie backs which compliment both the curtain and the room’s décor.

Lightweight aluminium poles are available in different dimension widths and lengths and are available in a variety of colour ways. Brushed metal effects and those which have decorative designs etched on them offer a modern look to a room.

The increase in popularity of curtains which have tab tops or fashionable eye-lets can seen the use of curtain poles revitalised over recent years. The tab tops simply slip onto the pole and are either pulled back or left closed. In order for the tabs to glide easily it is essential to keep the curtain pole dust and grime free, cleaning is as simple as the hanging technique, simply wipe the pole with a lint free cloth. An old fashioned way to keep curtain rings gliding easily on a wooden curtain pole is to polish it occasionally, it is also know for people to rub a little candle wax onto the pole which created as similar effect.

The end finales on traditional wooden curtain poles are simple rounds or acorn designs, the introduction of metal poles has seen a multitude of both traditional and contemporary designs becoming an integral part of an interior design concept. Beautiful finials in clear or coloured glass with either frosted etched designs or decorative glass designs of smoke or bubbles incorporated within them add a real touch of class and finesse to a window treatment.

Bay windows can also be fitted with curtain poles, they have an angled piece which is attached to the straight lengths by a sprung loaded tapered push in ends, this style is more generally seen on metal poles and can be described as working on the same principles as a tent pole or by having a joining piece which is fixed to the wall with a hole in which to push the poles into. The disadvantage with this type of fitting is that the curtains are not usually able to be swept right around the bay, however, as many people like to have each of the curves of their bay window decorated with a curtain this does not always pose a problem.



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March 2, 2009

Methods For Hanging Framed Pictures, Part 2: Hanging Heavy Pictures

Filed under: Home Improvement — wood_rings @ 12:58 pm

Sheila Gallien asked:


In Part 1 of this series, we acknowledged how framed art can bring out the beauty in any space, personal or professional. But novice decorators might feel intimidated by the prospect of hanging heavier pieces. Here we discuss the process of hanging heavier pictures, which simply requires a little more planning.

Starting with a couple of general principles, make sure, first of all, that the art is secure in its frame. Any loose areas will worsen under pressure, and might cause damage to both the frame and art, or even allow the piece to fall. Also, plan to hang heavy pictures from two secure points. Hanging them from one point will create stress across the back of the frame, weakening corners and opening mitres.

Next, you need to know the material and thickness of the wall you intend to use. Wood is suitable for almost any object. Concrete requires special anchors. Particle board should not be used for heavy pieces. The most common material is drywall, which comes in thicknesses of ½” to 1 ½”. The standard thickness is 5/8″, but in some newer construction you might find ½” walls, and sometimes shared walls are up to 1 ½”. You may want to use extra precautions for hanging objects on thin drywall, or check the specifications of whatever fasteners you choose.

Once you have secured your picture and analyzed the wall materials, you are ready for the three-part process of hanging a heavy picture. These steps are:

1. Installing a fastener to anchor the picture to the wall;

2. Installing a hanging device on the frame itself;

3. Installing the matching hardware to connect the frame to the wall.

Some systems are designed to streamline the process. All the most popular methods are discussed below.

The Wall: Installation Fasteners

After you have analyzed the material of the wall and made sure it is structurally suitable, you need to decide on the method you will use to secure the picture to the wall. There are essentially five different types of wall fasteners:

Anchors: Anchors are over-sized screws which allow a ***** to be inserted into the center. They are designed for drywall, and require only a Phillips screwdriver for installation. The ***** can be easily removed from the anchor, and the anchor itself can be removed in seconds as well. Anchors can be used with any hanging device.

Toggle Bolts: Also known as butterfly bolts, Toggle Bolts are very strong fasteners for drywall. Toggle Bolts come in two pieces, a long bolt and the toggle itself. You need to drill a fairly large hole for the toggle to fit through, thread it onto the bolt, then insert the whole unit into the hole. Once installed, the toggle springs open like a butterfly behind the wall. The bolt can later be loosened but not fully removed without losing the toggle section inside the wall.

Molly Bolts: Another strong fastener for drywall, Molly Bolts are similar to Toggle Bolts, but are in one piece, and don’t require as large a hole to be drilled. The Molly Bolt is drilled into the wall like a screw, then the tightening action fans the holding section of the ***** behind the drywall. The object then attaches through the same ***** hole used for installation. After installation, the bolt portion of the Molly can be fully removed and reattached as often as required.

Wall-DogsTM: This anchorless ***** is the best choice for attaching Heavy Duty Cleats or the Hangman wall brackets to nearly every material, including concrete. No wall anchors are needed, but Wall-DogTM, anchorless screws require a special drill bit for drilling the ***** holes in the wall. This can be purchased at any big box store.

Bear ClawTM: A relatively new addition to the fastener marketplace, this is a self-tapping, anchorless ***** used in studs, plaster or drywall, developed and marketed by Hangman Products . The Bear Claw? is installed with a few taps and a screwdriver. While the Bear ClawTM will not bear as much weight as the Wall-DogTM, it will certainly support most heavy paintings, canvas or paper. The Bear ClawTM is easily removable.

The Picture: Hanging Devices and Connecting to the Wall

As part of your decision regarding the anchor system on the wall, you will need to consider which technology to use for hanging your picture.

The frame will either be hung from two points on the wall, with a hanging device attached to two points on the frame (with or without picture wire), as with most of the older picture technology. Or, it will be hung with a system that spreads the weight across a broad piece of metal, as with the newer technology.

The most common Hanging Devices for pictures are:

Heavy-Duty Cleat Hanger: This technology, sold in a set, consists of either one 24″ long or one 40″ long extruded aluminum cleat which is mounted on the wall with screws and anchors and a pair of matching profile 2 1/2″ long cleats that are screwed onto the back side of the picture frame. Based on the old woodworking “French Cleat” principle, this mounting system creates simple, strong and reliable installations for large or heavy paneling, signage, framed mirrors or artwork.

D-Rings, with or without Picture Wire: To use D-rings without picture wire, install them at the back top corners of the frame, making sure they are perfectly even. (You will also need to be sure the screws and anchors are perfectly level on the wall so your picture hangs level.) Pre-drill the holes and use the included screws to secure the D-ring. Then hang the D-rings directly onto the screws anchored into the wall. Hangman Products has just introduced a Double-Headed Bear Claw? ***** designed especially for D-rings and wire. At any rate, do not attempt to hang a heavy picture with D-rings without first installing an appropriate wall fastener.

To use picture wire with D-rings, install them one-quarter to one-third down from the top on the side rails of the frame. If the frame allows, rotate the hangers in slightly, so they will be in line with picture wire when pulled taut. Pre-drill the holes, and fasten the D-rings with the included screws. String the picture wire through, allowing enough slack so that the apex of the wire is half-way between the D-rings and the top of the frame. Remember that you will be using two anchor points, so you will actually have two top points.

The Hangman Products Heavy Duty Hangman System is a high-strength, all aluminum two bracket hanger which disperses the weight along the back of the picture. The brackets are available in lengths from 6″ to 30″ to accommodate a wide array of sizes and weights. The Heavy Duty System is designed for hanging paper art in wooden frames. One bracket is screwed into the wooden frame and the other attaches to the wall with either wall anchors and screws or Wall-dog? screws (all included). The interlocking brackets then slide together to secure the picture. The wall bracket also contains a removable bubble level to guarantee that your installation is level.

The Hangman Products Frame/Canvas Hanger is a high strength, all aluminum, two bracket hanger designed to hang canvas in wooden frames. One bracket is screwed into the wooden frame and the other attaches to the wall with screws and anchors or Bear Claw? anchorless screws. The interlocking brackets then slide together to secure the picture. As with the Hangman Heavy Duty System, the wall bracket contains a removable bubble level, and all hardware is included with this product.

A Couple of Extra Tips:

Rust: No matter what system you choose, always use materials which will not rust: nickel-plated screws, brass or nickel-plated ***** eyes and D-rings, and non-rusting multi-strand wire if you are using wire. Rust will weaken any system and may allow your picture to fall.

Very Heavy Pictures: For very heavy pieces, you might want to use a well-secured picture rail. Or, you might consider using a shelf to distribute some of the weight.



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June 8, 2008

Caring for your Wood Furniture

Filed under: Home Improvement — wood_rings @ 10:17 am

Batsheva Vaknin asked:


There is nothing like wood furniture to add elegance and beauty to a home. Whether it is a thick, all-natural butchers block table, an Art Deco wooden dresser, a simple mahogany dining room table or a sleek, modern coffee table, wood furniture is a staple in homes across America and the world. Make sure your wood tables, vanities and dressers stay gorgeous for generations to come with these simple solutions and guidelines.

Stain, Stain, Go Away!

Ever gasped after a child inadvertently left a giant scratch in the surface of your dining room table? Or cringed when a well-meaning adult accidentally knocked over a drink onto your beautiful wood coffee table? Well, fear not. One of the best attributes of wood furniture is that it is simple to touch up or renew its original luster.

Small nicks and scratches can usually be disguised with the help of a store-bought scratch cover product. For larger scratches, try using a felt tip pen or shoe polish in a color closely matched to the finish of the furniture piece. Shoe polish applicator bottles filled with the stain work well for the cover-up job, as do Sharpie markers. Coloring in the scratch is easy and surprisingly effective.

Get rid of pesky water spots on your wood furniture by allowing the spots to dry completely, then rubbing real mayonnaise onto it with a soft cloth, until the spots disappear. Erase color rings left on tables by cups and glasses with a homemade mixture of cigarette ashes and cooking oil. Prep the stain first by scrubbing it with an abrasive pad or sandpaper. Then, rub the oil and ash concoction into the wood.

And what about candle wax, marring the beautiful finish of your wood dining room table? Wait until the wax cools, then apply ice. Once the wax becomes extremely hard and brittle, gently scrape it off with a plastic spatula. Finally, polish the table with a rich cream polish, and buff away any residue.

Prevent serious damage to your wood furniture by taking care not to position it in direct sunlight. Unless you are going for the weathered picnic table look, shield all wood furniture from the drying influence of the sun. Also, protect your dining room table’s finish using an inexpensive table pad when the table is not in use.

When eating a meal or entertaining guests, use a tablecloth or placemats to protect the finish of a wood table, especially when serving hot food. Place hot serving dishes atop a hot pad and candle holders over a large felt protector with a plastic top, since plastic prevents wax from running.

Use coasters beneath all glasses and mugs to protect your coffee table, dining room table and wood dressers from unsightly rings and water spots. Beware, because not all coasters are created equal. Metal coasters can sweat onto the wood, and plastic coasters can react with certain finishes on some wood furniture pieces. So consider choosing wooden coasters with felt backing and a waterproof material on top to further ensure the longevity of your wood table tops. The best coasters are those that taper up on the sides, preventing leakage.

Polishing wood furniture every week goes a long way toward protecting the finish from damage and helping your wood tables, chairs and dressers look their best. Beware, though, of cheap polishes, or any polish that contains silicone or alcohol. Alcohol can do permanent damage to a wood surface, as can any household cleaner that contains ammonia. An excellent polish can be easily made at home, by combining lemon oil with 3 parts olive oil.

Now that you know about polishes, don’t forget to clean your wood furniture as well. Regular cleaning is especially important for coffee tables and dining room tables where food and drink are daily staples. Use a very mild soap, such as a diluted mixture of hand soap and water, as a cleaning agent for your wood furniture. And if you really want to ensure your dining room table or heirloom wood desk stays beautiful, have your wood furniture buffed and polished by a professional service once or twice a year.

Now you are fully armed to properly care for your wood furniture. And don’t be disheartened if you are unable to make a nick or small stain disappear completely. Signs of use can add character to a piece of wood furniture, and are often barely noticeable. Whether it is a dresser, coffee table, bookshelf, desk, or dining room table, wood furniture is the perfect addition to any home.



Amazing Wedding Planning

May 8, 2008

Best Hardwood Floor Care Tips And How Not To Damage Your Flooring!

Filed under: Home Improvement — wood_rings @ 11:28 pm

Helen Hecker asked:


These are some of my best tips if you need to know how to clean your hardwood floors and how to best take care of them and not damage them in the process. These will help you whether you have hardwood floors now or plan to get them soon, either by DIY (doing-it-yourself) or by installing using a hardwood floor contractor.

It doesn’t matter what type of hardwood you have - exotic, oak, maple, cherry, Brazilian cherry, etc., to remove surface dirt, vacuuming is the easiest and best way to start. If pollutants are sticking to the surface, such as smoke, you can remove them by rubbing the surface carefully with a slightly wet cloth. You can dampen the cloth with water or use commercial furniture cleaner but make sure to test a corner of the wood with the product you’ll be using so that you don’t damage it.

Commercial cleaners are generally water-based. They usually contain degreasers besides the cleansers. These are used for hardwood floors and for wood furniture and are usually safe for people but use gloves to protect your hands. And be careful about breathing any fumes that are emitted from the hardwood floor cleaners. Use good ventilation too.

If your cleaner is oil-based it will be flammable. If you choose to use the oil-based cleaner, after you finish, be sure to soak the rags in water and put them outside in a fire-proof container such as metal, away from your house and any wooden structure.

Try not to use any hardwood floor cleaners that contain silicone. The silicone will give a smooth finish but you will not be able to refinish the hardwood floor in the future even if the original coating is stripped off. Also lemon oil cleaners should not be used because they show fingerprints and the shine will have a smudged appearance. But worst of all these cleaners usually contain kerosene which will hurt most finishes and exposure to it is not good for your health.

When wood furniture is exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight it will become damaged as time goes by and the same is true for hardwood floors. To avoid this you can tint the windows to stop the UV rays from shining on the flooring.

If your floors need waxing just a thin coat of wax is best. If you put on a coat that is too thick it won’t dry evenly. This will leave a finish that is spotty.

When you wax your hardwood floors, a hard, waterproof wax is usually recommended. Waterproof wax will prevent the white ring problem. If you’ve ever placed a water pail or other container on a hardwood floor and it left a white ring, it’s because the water or moisture penetrated below the wax and it actually breaks the bond with the hardwood surface. Waterproof wax will prevent this from happening.

You only want to wax hardwood floors once a year or so. Make sure to apply just a little bit of wax because a buildup of wax is messy and difficult to remove. You want to choose a paste wax instead of a liquid wax because it will contain more wax.

With these tips you will know what to do to help preserve your hardwood floors and most importantly what to avoid so you won’t damage them. There are still other tips that you can use to help preserve your flooring or help you decide what flooring to get whether you already have hardwood floors or are thinking about putting in hardwood floors yourself or through a hardwood floor contractor.



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April 11, 2008

A Choice of Finishes

Filed under: Home Improvement — wood_rings @ 2:44 am

Rakesh Gaikwad asked:


Bespoke curtain poles made from iron are the perfect solution to hanging heavyweight curtains, however, as with most bespoke items these can be very expensive, an affordable alternative is to have a curtain pole which is made from lighter weight metals which still provide a chunky and robust pole. Matching metal curtain rings are included with the pole and a range of matching or coordinating metal finials add the finishing touches.

Metal curtain poles are available in a variety of different finishes such as brushed, polished, satin and graphite. Narrow metal poles lend themselves beautifully for use with sheer voile and faux silk curtains, which can either be attached with tab tops, matching curtain rings or eye-let headed curtains providing a contemporary and minimalist look to a room.

For easy fitting options some designs of curtain poles are available with extendable poles. These are idea for lighter weight curtains, while medium and heavyweights curtains should ideally be hung by poles which are cut to the correct size. Although there are some curtain poles which appear to be made of metal are in fact made from lightweight plastic, these have a tendency to bend if the curtains are too heavy. For those who prefer not do have any worries regarding fixing the suspension holders there are extendable poles which work on spring tension and are pushed onto each side of the walls. These should only be used for lightweight curtains which are left drawn together for the majority of the time otherwise there is a tendency for them to be pulled away from the wall.

A country and cottage style of home or interior design compliments a wooden curtain pole perfectly. The plain and simple style is the ideal way to hang floral prints, checks and stripes which typify this interior design style, with the curtains being hung from a series of wooden curtain rings. The curtain have a taped header which has a plastic hook inserted at regular intervals, the hooks are then hooked onto a small ring which is attached to the curtain ring.

Wooden poles which can be painted or stained to match existing home décor colours provides a variety of different individual looks to suit any room. Cornice curtain poles are traditionally wooden curtain poles with a large diameter which are used to hang heavy weight curtains over a large expanse of glass.

Metal curtain pole finales which have coordinating curtain hold backs provide a window with all the finishing touches which enhance the beauty of both the room and the curtains. There are many different varieties and styles available such as the ever popular simplistic ’shepherd’s crook’ and plain ball ends.

Magnetic curtain poles are the perfect solution for windows in caravans and boats as no drilling or fixing is required, however, unless there is some metal available for the magnetic to stick to small metal plates will have to be fixed in place, if they curtains are only made in lightweight fabrics it is possible for the metal plate to be glued into place to form a contact with the magnet.



Wedding Planning Secrets. How To Have Your Fairytale Wedding On A Shoestring Budget.

August 20, 2007

Installing Hardwood Floors

Filed under: Home Improvement — wood_rings @ 12:53 am

A.Caxton asked:


Hardwood floors are all the rage today in newer homes. but floors have been made of hardwood for hundreds of years. In medieval times. floors were made of dirt. and wooden floors were the next step up. Hardwood floors should be considered one of the most important elements in your home design. The comfort and value of hardwood floors is unequal. and they offer many benefits to the homeowner.

One of the most important and desirable features is easy maintenance. New technologies have produced wood flooring that can be beautifully maintained with just a daily sweeping or dusting. Coatings and surfaces have been developed that eliminate the work that used to be involved in keeping wood floors looking good. From time to time. a good cleaning product. one that is recommended by the manufacturer. should be used to keep a hardwood floor looking new for a long. long time.

If you have decided to install hardwood floors. you need to be familiar with the grades that are available. This is the appearance of the wood. based on the type of manufacture used. Different parts of a tree. and how it is cut. will deterine the grade. The part of tree the wood comes from will influence the final color of the wood floor and the grain of the pattern will be determined by the way the wood has been sawed. Hardwood for floors is cut from a log in different directions. and this will determine the look. Tangent to the rings will produce a different look than radially across the rings. Depending on the look you want. either one may be the right one for you. If you are looking for durability. hardwood floors are the right choice.

In addition to being durable. hardwood floors are an environmentally friendly renewable product. Many people use the wood from old barns and old homes for the flooring in their new homes. Wood floors do not have the alergens and dust that accumulate in carpets. and so if you or a family member is plagued with allergies. this makes hardwood floors the best choice for you. As a matter of fact. hardwood floors are endorsed by a number of health organizations as the healthy choice for people with any kind of allergy or breathing conditions.

Hardwood floors are the best choice in terms of investment for your home. and adding to its resale value; even though the initial investment may be higher than carpeting or vinyl. it maintains its value longer since it does not have to be replaced. Hardwood floors also do not look worn as easily and readily as other floor coverings. and this further adds to the value of your home. These are just some of the reasons that it makes sense to invest in hardwood floors. These reason. plus the infinite variety of styles and colors available that will suit any decorating scheme makes hardwood floors the ideal choice.



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July 8, 2007

Curtain Rods And Curtains

Filed under: Home Improvement — wood_rings @ 7:01 pm

A.Caxton asked:


Curtain rods today are available in an incredible assortment of styles. patterns and decorating motifs. This is because today’s buyer is well informed as feels that they should have a choice of both design and value. Curtain rods are therefore available in many sizes. from small ones for sidelight windows to enormous ones for picture window drapes. There are rods that are designed especially to blend in with certain decorating styles. such as French Provincial or Modern. You can use curtain rods to add a very personal touch to your windows. Rods can even be chosen that will completment the individual fabric you are using. such as a lighter weight rod for sheer curtains or a heavy. ornate one for brocade drapes. You can even match the rods to the hardware on your windows or doors.

The materials curtain rods are made with today is almost as varied as the styles available. You can bring the look of antique brass. copper or gold into your home with rods made to look like those materials. This old world look comes complete with the patina of age. You can further customize your curtain rods with finials of different patterns that change the look of the off the shelf rods. Finials such as this can be of such materials as brass. copper. ceramic. glass. chrystal. wood and wrought irom. The adjusting telescoping features. along with decorative brackets and rings means that the rod can be customized even further to fit your windows and decor.

Today’s curtain rods are manufactured of such quality that. even though they may look heavy and take the weight of heavy drapes. they are actually lightweight and can be easily installed. Each of the many kinds of curtain rods available serve a different purpose for your windows. Cafe rods are used for short curtains and can be used with either a panel pocket curtain. tab curtains. or curtains with rings. They may be in an enamel finish or brass to blend with with the decor. Sash rods are usually spring-like to stretch across a window or door and use shallow brackets so the curtain stays close to the glass. Wide curtain rods are typically used for specialty windows such as bay windows or corner windows and come in 2 1/2 inch and 4 1/2 inch widths. The corner connectors allow them to adapt to curves or returns in a window design. Narrow curtain rods are used for rod pocket design windows. usually for casually decorated rooms such as a kitchen. laundry room or children’s bedroom.

The proper curtain rod can really dress up the treatment of your windows when they match the size of your windows and decor of your rooms. You can make your own curtain rods if you desire a simple look for the windows. Measure the window(s) involved. and buy wooden dowels a few inches longer. for overhang on each side. You can then paint the rod and ***** hooks into the wall to fit the dowel through. You can use fancy hooks or loops. and putting knobs or finials at each end will finish the rod off nicely.



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October 12, 2006

When Did you Last Look at your Curtains and Curtain Poles?

Filed under: Home Improvement — wood_rings @ 9:39 pm

Julia Brown asked:


Have you recently looked at your curtains? Do you think its high time to change them? Is there anything that you would like to do with the curtain fixtures like the curtain poles and the rings? In our day to day lifestyle, we are often engrossed in our tightly packed schedule and so busy we get, we hardly find the time to look at our surroundings. For maintaining décor, we just fix up things on a temporary basis and never really look at the bigger things for over months.

But then we have to understand that changing of curtain poles and curtain fixtures are very important. Both for aesthetic purposes as well as for health reasons. Curtains, if not changed for months, can accumulate dust and germs over time. These dust particles and germs are what we breathe when we are around. And worse is when you have young children at home. Such unhealthy surroundings can invite health issues like asthma, allergies and breathing problems.

As for the fixtures, they need to be changed too, at a regular interval. The most important ones are the curtain poles. If you have wooden poles, you have to keep them free of insects and termites. If you have steel poles, you have to be careful when they rust. If you have plastic curtain poles, you need to change them when the paints peel off. So in short, you have to be careful about the curtain poles and keep a regular check on them.

If you are looking for a good place to buy curtains, there are many shops around where you can choose the linen and order the desired tailoring. If you are looking for nice and stylish curtain poles, then you can shop for them online. There are few good sites where you can find a vast and beautiful collection of impressive curtain poles that can brighten up your room and define your curtains well.



The Ultimate Wedding Vow Toolkit. All The Tools You Need To Write Vows That Are A Romantic Masterpiece.

October 10, 2006

What Is It About Hot Tubs?

Filed under: Home Improvement — wood_rings @ 2:02 pm

Jake Plumer asked:


The hot tub is a large tub that can be filled with warm water, and it can be used for a number of purposes, such as relaxation, message, or simply soaking. Most contemporary hot tubs will come with jets which can be used to massage the person that sits in them, and most of these tubs are located outdoors. However, the tub will be protected from harsh weather, and it will often be placed in a location where the user can maintain privacy. There are a number of different hot tubs available on the market, but they can basically all be broken down into two types, and these are once piece tubs made of plastic, and wood tubs that are primarily used for soaking.

The tub will generally be heated in one of two ways, and this will be through either a gas heater or an electric heater. However, there are also heating systems which are based on wood fire, and heaters which rely on solar energy. Many tubs can also be found near hot springs that occur naturally in nature. However, you must be careful with these types of heaters, as the water can become far too hot. Another important aspect that you must keep in mind is the sanitization of the water. As should be expected, there are a number of organisms which will be present in warm and wet areas. The user of the tub must be able to properly handle the chemistry, and this should be done in a way that avoids damage to it.

The indoor tub will often be referred to as being a “spa,” and this is the thing which primarily separates the two. As of this writing, there are less than 170 tub manufacturers operating in the United States. The most prominent brands produce little more than 7,000 units per year. These tubs are generally considered to be a luxury, and their high price tag is one reason why many people don’t own them. An additional reason is the space required to hold the tub. These tubs are not very good for most apartments, and these means that the buyer would want to have a house instead.

In addition to this, the homeowner would need to have space where they could have privacy while using the hot tub. A number of recent studies have indicated that China is fast becoming one of the top exporters of these tubs in the world. The wooden tub will often be designed with staves made from wood, and it will also use steel bands. The wooden tub could be likened to a type of barrel, one that is very large. The staves must always be made out of a high quality wood, and cedar or tweak will often be used, as well as redwood.

It should also be noted that the wooden tub is known for being deep. They can range between a depth of between 36″ to 48″, and they can be placed within a deck which makes it easy for the user to enter them. Once inside the tub, the user will often sit on a bench that is made from wood, and the bench will actually be a type of ring that will wrap around the inside of the tub. Though the prices of these tubs have decreased in recent years, they are still considered to be a luxury to many.



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September 1, 2006

Buying Guide For Curtain Tracks

Filed under: Home Improvement — wood_rings @ 1:23 am

Louise Barlow asked:


The style of track or pole you choose can have a massive effect on the look and feel of your curtains. We’ve put this buying guide together to help you decide what’s right for you.

Index

?Why choose tracks?

?Measuring your window

?Fitting the track

?Hanging the curtains on tracks

?Track accessories

?Why choose poles?

?Fitting the pole

?Hanging the curtains on poles

?Accessories

Why choose tracks?

Tracks are normally hidden by your curtains heading and give a smooth and finished effect to your room

If you want to fit a track smoothly into a curved bay window you must make sure you buy a flexible track

Metal poles are available with joining bends

Measuring your window

To fit a track inside a window recess:

1) The window recess is the sunken area in which your window sits

2) Measure the inside of your window recess, a metal tape measure is best used when measuring as it will be more accurate

3) The track should be slightly shorter than the width of the recess so there is space for the curtains to gather up when they are open

4) Most tracks can easily be cut to size using a hacksaw

To fit a track outside a window recess:

1) Measure just over the top of your window recess allowing 15cm (6″) each side so the curtains can reveal the full window once they are fully open

2) Narrow windows can be made to look wider by extending the track to a wider width than your window. We recommend you extend by at least 15cm (6″) but you can exceed this if to suit your own needs

Square Bay Windows- measure the long side and the two short sides of your window separately and cut your track accordingly

Fitting the Track

Most tracks come complete with all the fixings you need to put them up:

?Curtain track - used to suspend the curtains

?Brackets - used to fix the track to the wall

?Gliders - used to hook the curtains onto the track

?End Caps - used to secure the curtains in place at each end of the track

1) You may wish to fix the track to a wooden batten rather than directly into the brickwork as this will provide extra security

2) If you have already bought your curtains you should measure them and decide where you want them to finish.

3) If you have not already bought your curtains you must make sure you buy the correct length for the track position you have chosen

4) Drill into your wall (or wooden batten) at the required distance from the window and then insert a wall plug. Fix the brackets using the screws provided.

5) Space the brackets evenly across your window, longer lengths of track are supplied with more brackets

6) Thread your track through the supports provided on the brackets

7) If you have a very long track you may need extra brackets which we supply separately in packs of 5

8) Slide your gliders onto the track making sure that there is an end cap at each end

NB: If you clean your track with household detergent from time to time it will help ease the glide of your curtains

Hanging the curtains on tracks

Track accessories

Most tracks are sold complete with the fixtures and fittings you will require but extra items can be ordered separately if needed

Why choose poles?

Fitting the pole

Most poles come complete with all the fixtures you need to put them in place

1) You may wish to fix the pole to a wooden batten rather than directly into the brickwork as this will provide extra strength

2) You need to buy a pole that’s long enough to overlap the outside of your window by about 15cm (6″) on each side.

This is so that the curtains are completely clear of the window when they are open so plenty of light can get in

3) Measure your curtains and decide where you want them to finish (click here for guide to curtain measuring)

4) The pole should be attached to the wall (or wooden batten) over the window

5) Attach your batten or drill into your wall at the required distance above your window and then insert a wall plug. Fix the brackets to the wall using screws at each side of your window

6) If you have a very wide window you may need an extra bracket in the centre of the window to help support the pole

7) Feed your pole through one of your brackets ensuring that one ring is behind the bracket so the curtain will be anchored in place

8) Thread the rest of your rings onto the pole then feed it through the other bracket (again ensuring that one ring is left outside of the bracket)

Hanging the curtains on poles

Accessories

You may wish to enhance the look of your curtains with some accessories:

Finials

Finials are used at the end of your curtain pole to add decoration



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December 22, 2005

Curtain Poles For All Occasions

Filed under: Home Improvement — wood_rings @ 12:21 pm

Rakesh Gaikwad asked:


The first types of cloth window coverings were hung in front of windows by a wooden pole. Nowadays there is a vast variety of different curtain poles available to suit all weights of fabrics and suit every type of interior design style.

A modern approach to hanging curtains is to use a metal pole with a contemporary finish such as satin nickel, satin brass or polished chrome and use eyelet headed curtains rather than the traditional curtain pole rings to hang the curtains, providing a sleek, stylish and less formal window dressing. Many of these metallic poles also come with oxidized antique looks to give a traditional finish to your windows.

When hanging any style of curtain on a pole it is essential to position the last one or two rings, tabs or eyelets between the fixing bracket and the end finial to prevent the entire curtain being swept across the pole and exposing the end of the pole and window edge.

Double curtain poles are supplied with larger fixing brackets which hold two poles, one in front of the other. These are ideal for hanging a sheer voile curtain at the back and a fabric curtain at the front, offering both privacy and a complete window dressing system in one. These double poles can also be used to create a modern panel system on the window.

Traditional wooden poles in substantial diameters are suitable for hanging heavy weight curtain fabrics and offer the perfect window treatment solution for large windows and rooms. There are many different types of wooden poles available each offering the natural beauty of the wood to enhance both traditional and modern interior design styles. For those who wish to use a wooden curtain pole which coordinates their colour scheme, unfinished poles are also available which allow personal choice as to which colour paint or stain is used. You can go for a natural wood look by just painting on a clear varnish or you can add a darker mahogany colored stain to give a dramatic bold effect.

When choosing a curtain pole it needs to be slightly longer than the width of the window to allow for stack back of the curtains. If traditional rings are used it is usual to allow one ring for every ten centimeters of curtain heading, however, this is dependant on the weight of the fabric, heavy fabrics will need to have more rings to ensure that the folds and pleats of the fabric hang correctly.

Lightweight plastic poles which imitate metal are the budget choice of curtain poles and while they certainly have their place and have the advantage of being easy to fix onto ’stud’ type walls they are only suitable for lightweight fabrics due to their tendency to bend. There are a wide variety of designs and styles of plastic finials which are also coated in matching metallic colours to compliment and provide the finishing touch to this type of curtain pole. It used to be that there was only one standard method of covering windows, but with the range of window coverings, styles and curtain poles available, the options are endless.



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October 5, 2005

Removing Water Stains From Wood Furniture

Filed under: Home Improvement — wood_rings @ 7:30 am

Jessica Whittaker asked:


Wood furniture adds an element of warmth and charm to any décor. Unfortunately, it’s also susceptible to stains. Whether you’ve got a beloved piece of wood furniture handed down from your grandparents or a brand new addition to your home, you might be disappointed the first time you notice a ring-shaped water stain on the wooden surface. But don’t despair; even tough water stains can be removed. You won’t need to replace your wood furniture if you follow these quick tips for removing water stains.

First, it’s important to treat the stain as soon as possible. If you can catch the stain right after its formation, you have the best chance of removing it. But what if your wood furniture is older, and it came with stains already in place? There’s still hope. Do-it-yourself experts recommend taking mayonnaise, oil, or the meat of walnuts or pecans and rubbing it into the water mark. The fatty substances will penetrate the wood and leave the stained area darker and harder to see.

Use your finger to rub the oils into the wood, then let the furniture sit for several minutes before repeating the treatment. Older water marks might need to sit overnight.

When the wood furniture has finished soaking up the treatment, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the residue. You might need to repeat this a few times to get stubborn stains out of the wood finish.

Other experts suggest using toothpaste. Simply take a non-gel toothpaste and rub it over the water stain with a damp cloth. Then take a dry cloth and wipe off the toothpaste. Polish your furniture afterward, and it should look as good as new.

Furniture with a good finish can be wiped down with a mixture of baking soda and toothpaste. For antiques, try a very fine grade of steel wool followed by a soft wax polish. For especially stubborn white marks on dark furniture, take a small amount of brown shoe polish and work it into the area before wiping it clean. It should camouflage any discoloration. Always follow your water stain treatments with a good coat of furniture polish.

If a water stain is just too persistent, you can always hire a professional to refinish the furniture, or do it yourself. Remember, the key ingredient for water stain removal is elbow grease - and lots of it. Gentle, prolonged polishing works better than quick, rough strokes. Harsh treatment can harm the wood’s finish. Be gentle, firm, and patient. If all else fails, you can either replace the furniture or use strategically-placed table runners and cloths to simply hide the stain.

Prevention is the best way to handle water stains. If you’ve got a new piece of wood furniture that you want to keep in great shape, always use a coaster for your drinks and insist that your guests do so as well. After all, it’s easier to avoid stains altogether than to try and remove them after the damage has been done.



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