Creatively-painted decks add color to a drab outdoor space.
While many deck owners occasionally treat their decks using clear water sealer, painting or staining your deck in a creative way can add new life and color to your deck and visually brighten the space.
Match/Complement House Trim
Paint either your entire deck or just the railings and skirts of your deck to match your house trim colors. For an even greater twist, paint the deck a complementary color in comparison with the house trim. For example, paint the deck railings purple if the house trim is yellow.
Complement Deck Furniture
Stain or paint the deck surface to complement your deck furniture. If you have blue deck furniture, then stain the deck using an orange stain. The deck color will not be too intense---as it is only a stain---but it will still complement the furniture.
Painted Rugs
On a clear-coat or stained deck you can paint brightly colored "rugs" underneath deck furniture. This gives an eye-popping contrast to your deck. For example, paint a diamond-patterned rug to contrast with the long straight lines of the deck boards. Use dark colors on a light deck or light colors on a dark deck, for more contrast. This could be a fun project to do with other family members.
Natural Look
Consider using a wood stain to bring out the natural beauty of your wood. If your house is white or cream, consider using a darker stain, such as redwood, to give a nice contrast. Use a pecan or natural stain to contrast with a dark blue or gray house. You can increase your creativity even more by utilizing blue, green and purple stains.
Related posts
Use the paint on your walls to make a statement in your home.Paint color and texture bring character and can lend architectural emphasis to your living space. When painting the interior of your en... Painting a deck can enhance outdoor spaces.Paint your deck in the spring or early summer to enjoy it all year. Painting not only looks good, it protects a deck from the elements and adds dimension... Choose a bright trim color for a home with neutral-colored vinyl siding.Finding the right trim color for a house with brick and vinyl siding can be tricky. Matching your trim to a single color is... Dark trim in your house is a strong accent. Against any lighter wall color, the dark trim will enunciate strong lines in your interior. While going dark against the dark can be too much of a good... An outdoor deck is a great extension of family space that can accommodate sunbathing, barbecues, and major foot traffic. It can also provide a space that is tough against harsh weather conditions...
Painting floors can give your old floors a great new look.
Saltillo tile is a popular flooring option in the American southwest and other warm climates. It is named for the city of Saltillo, Mexico where it is produced. It is a type of terra-cotta tile that is available in a variety of colors and shapes. Like other terra-cotta products, it is highly porous, which poses a certain challenge in installing and maintaining it. What sets Saltillo tile apart from other similar products is that it is unglazed. This lack of glaze combined with its natural porous nature makes Saltillo tile relatively simple to paint with the proper instruction.
Instructions
1. Clean the tile with floor cleaner and a scrub brush.
2. Move the brush in a circular motion to get any ground-in dirt.
3. Let the floor dry for up to two hours.
4. Sweep the floors starting in a corner and sweep toward you until you have swept the entire floor.
5. Remove any dust or dirt you may have picked up with the broom.
6. Apply sealer to the floor with a paint roller and let it dry overnight. In the morning apply a second coat and let that also dry overnight.
7. Apply the paint you wish to use and let it dry overnight. Apply a second coat the next morning and let that dry overnight.
8. Apply a coat of lacquer to seal the paint and protect your floors.
Related posts
Painting your tile floor can give it a whole new look.Over the course of time, tile can begin to get worn out in its appearance. Whether it's a buildup of dirt and grime, or cracks or broken tiles... Painted bathroom floorIf you're looking for a quick and simple update to your existing bathroom, you might consider painting the floor. You can paint virtually any bathroom flooring (perhaps with... Painted TileUpdating old wall tile by replacing it can be an expensive and time-consuming project. As an alternative, you can paint the existing wall tile to bring it back to life. It can easily m... Rejuvenate concrete floors with several coats of paint.Concrete that has never been painted can look old and dull, and does nothing for a living space. But a few coats of paint can do a lot to spr... Concrete typically is a dull, gray color. A quick way to spruce up concrete is to apply paint. Don't just grab a brush and roller and start slapping on paint; painting an indoor concrete slab requ...
While just pouring some play sand in to a can of porch and deck paint seems like a great idea to help an area become more slip-free, there are some better and more durable alternatives on the market, including commercial additives that can be used and give great results.
What Not to Use
Play sand in the paint can? After all, many people sprinkle sand on their steps and walkways to add traction during winter for snow and ice. This would seem to be just going one step further. However, adding regular coarse or play sand to paint does not usually work out too well. It is extremely difficult to keep mixed up well while you are painting. Also, the finished product can be a little rough on feet and other body parts that it comes in contact with. Finally, using coarse sand seems to make the paint flake and peel much sooner than is normal.
Marine Additives
Boat owners use non-slip paints and paint additives on the surfaces of their vessels to keep them up-top and out of the ocean. The old school method of coating boats in non-skid paint was adding finely ground walnut shells to the paint and using that. Newer methods involve stirring in an additive available at marine supply stores. It works well mixed into the paint, provided it's kept stirred frequently during application to keep the additive suspended. It's made of very fine glass and feels like very fine sand to the touch. If applied correctly, the surface will look very smooth but also have a good grip.
Homeowner's Version
If you wander the aisles of your local Home Depot or Lowe's store, you should come across Behr's Non Skid Floor Finish Additive. This is the landlubber's equivalent to the marine additives mentioned above and will do the same sort of job for your front steps. It does not change the color of the paint, and each package mixes with one gallon of paint to coat decks, steps, walkways and even pool decks for extra traction. The manufacturer recommends using it with concrete floor paint for best results.
Related posts
Keep your porch steps looking beautiful for years with a protective barrier.Painting porch steps allows a homeowner to match or contrast the stair color to the color of the house siding, shutters... An outdoor deck is a great extension of family space that can accommodate sunbathing, barbecues, and major foot traffic. It can also provide a space that is tough against harsh weather conditions... Brick is a durable building material and can be found in some homes and outdoor features such as sheds and walls. Some homeowners may accidentally spill paint on a brick surface, and the paint oft... Add charm to your home with a painted porch makeover.Whether you are painting a covered porch or an exposed one, the key to success is choosing the proper paint and materials. The proper paint hel... Creatively-painted decks add color to a drab outdoor space.While many deck owners occasionally treat their decks using clear water sealer, painting or staining your deck in a creative way can add...
Vinyl is often found in residential and commercial buildings in the form of siding, flooring, and fencing. Remodeling and home improvement projects may result in unwanted paint dripping onto a vinyl surface. Removing paint from vinyl is a challenge but can be done with patience and a few items found at most hardware or home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's.
Instructions
1. Wipe down the vinyl with a cloth or rag to remove any surface dirt, dust, or other residue.
2. Pour lacquer thinner onto a nylon brush and apply to the painted stain. Allow the lacquer thinner to sit for 3 to 5 minutes to soften the paint. Don't allow the lacquer thinner to sit too long, or you will be left with long runs of thinner, messy paint, and possible wear on the vinyl.
3. Wipe the paint from the vinyl with a cloth or rag. Make sure to wipe in one direction rather than scrub away at the paint. Scrubbing will just smear the paint. You want to wipe the softened paint away; rubbing in one direction will accomplish this.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the paint is completely removed from the vinyl.
5. Wipe down the vinyl with a cloth moistened with water to remove the remaining residue from the paint.
Related posts
Paint spills on vinyl siding should be cleaned as soon as possible. The sun's rays bake any paint left on the vinyl into the siding, making it difficult to remove. Vinyl siding has a painted surfa... Use a scraper and paint thinner to remove paint from vinyl siding.Vinyl siding is a type of home exterior material that is durable, long-lasting and simple to maintain. Homeowners often decide to... Yes, you can remove a slug stain from your home's vinyl siding.Slugs, similar to snails, are gastropods that eat vegetables and thrive in areas that are moist. The creatures are mostly found in ga... Remove Paintball Paint From Vinyl SidingIf you have teenage boys in your home, you are probably familiar with the telltale signs of paintballs. Once they hit, the balls burst, releasing brightly c... Paint overspray can coat any surrounding areas.The joy of finishing a tough paint project can quickly fade if you realize you've left a huge mess behind. Anytime you use a paint gun or air gun, yo...
Learn calculate the price you should pay for a home.
If you're in the market to buy a home, you'll want to calculate the purchase price of the property you're interested in buying. While the listing price of the home is an indicator of how much the home will sell for, you can do some quick calculations to estimate the purchase price you should pay based on the estimated market value of the home.
Instructions
1. Gather three sources of data: local real estate agents, local real estate magazines and the real estate section of the local newspaper. You can choose to use one of the three sources or some combination of the three sources for your research.
2. Locate comparable homes using the sources of data. Identify homes that are in the same area and have similar square footage and amenities to the home you're interested in purchasing.
3. Determine the price per square foot by dividing the sales price of each comparable home by its square footage. For example, if the sales price is $100,000 for a 1,000-square-foot home, then the price is $100 a square foot.
4. Calculate the estimated purchase price. Multiply the square footage of the home you're interested in purchasing by the price per square foot. For example, if the home you're looking to buy has 1,100 square feet, multiply $100 by 1,100 square feet to calculate an estimated purchase price of $110,000.
Related posts
When comparing homes for purchase or rent , one factor to consider is the price per square foot. To determine this cost, you need to know the price of the home as well as the size of the home. The... When deciding on a rental property, it helps to calculate the price per square foot.Rental properties vary both in size and in price, which can make them as easy to compare as apples and oranges.... Determining the price of a home per square foot involves some basic mathematical calculations.Calculating the price per square foot of a house or condominium is one of the best ways to determine w... Minimize interior space needs to save on real estate.The price per square foot is a standard real estate calculation that businesses, landlords and real estate agents employ to represent the cost... Rehab homes can make you a lot of money if you do your homework!Rehabbing houses for profit can be a lucrative business if done correctly. One of the most common mistakes made by real estate inves...
A coat of the right color paint can increase your home's value.
A terra cotta roof is rich in natural beauty so take care not to downplay it with the wrong exterior paint choice. Traditional Mediterranean homes typically boast striking terra cotta roofs, but worldwide today a variety of homes from modest contemporary ranches to English Tudor mansions also sport this superior roofing option. Give your house individual personality with a coat of neutral or earthy paint that works well with your attractive terra cotta rooftop and the neighborhood.
Soft Neutrals
Form contrast by using light paint against a dark roof.
Large paint retailers offer numerous terra cotta color-coordinating options. Among other recommended tones, the retail giant Sherwin Williams suggests its paint color, Favorite Tan, for the home's body with a warm Tatami Tan for the trim and the medium brown Tea Chest as an accent color. Many paint manufacturers supply interactive software on their websites, such as CIL's "Color Coordinator" to give you an example of how selected color combinations will look.
Deep Neutrals
Venture to warm color palettes for harmony.
For a darker body option, choose a rose hue that is a deeper shade than the roof, flanked by white trim and dotted with chocolaty brown accents. Explore the idea of rust as a rich body choice with beige trim and a mid-tone blue for color-infused doors and shutters
Tone
If you want your home to blend from top to bottom with only slight variance in color saturation, head to your favorite well-stocked paint store. The simplest way to create a toning effect using your roof's color is to start by finding a paint swatch matching the terra cotta tone. You can then choose one shade lighter or darker from the paint swatch for the exterior walls and one shade off in the other direction for the accents.
Neighbors
Depending on the style of your home and the neighborhood, select a harmonious color that will be a welcome addition to your community. For example, if you have an older house with architectural interest and live surrounded by similar character homes, walk around and scan other residences for color ideas that work well with the area while still complementing your tile roof and neighborhood. Staying cohesive in your area keeps the location appealing for resale and your nearest fellow citizens happy.
Related posts
Use painted terra cotta pots for storage, holiday or home decorating accessories.With a little creativity, you can convert terra cotta planters into stylish pottery for your home and garden. Terra... This paint scheme highlights the architecture with a darker trim color.Painting the exterior of the home is a large task and it can be critical to pick the right colors. Use architectural and desi... Transform your terra cotta pots with some paint.Terra cotta pots add life to both indoor and outdoor spaces when filled with colorful plants and flowers. On its own, terra cotta is a pale earthen... Use basic color theory to help guide your paint color choices.Choosing the right paint color scheme brings cohesiveness to your room and harmony to your home. Many paint manufacturers try to make... Stucco is a versatile medium that lends itself to many interesting color and texture choices.Stucco is a popular construction finishing material that can add dimension and visual interest to walls...
Replacing faces on pictures can serve several purposes, but no matter the reason, the process is still the same--cutting one image and pasting another in its place. The tricky part is making the replacement look realistic. Faces in pictures are complicated because they usually are different sizes and feature different shades of lighting, angles, positions and other factors. The more similar the original pictures, the easier the manipulation and more realistic the replacement will look. There are plenty of graphics editing programs, either pricey or free, that are able to manipulate pictures. The basic process is the same, but each program has its own setup.
Instructions
1. Choose two pictures with faces that are about the same size, if possible, because some degradation might appear if one needs to be enlarged. Also, keep the angles of the faces in mind. For instance, it will not look good if one head is turned sideways and the other is a front shot. Try to get two side shots or two front shots, so as little manipulation as possible is required. The less that needs to be edited, the less the degradation and the more realistic the final picture. Also, the pictures need to be in a JPEG, BMP or PNG format or they can't be edited properly with layers. A GIF format will not work and will need to be converted.
2. Load a graphics program, such as Paint Shop Pro. Go to "View." Click on "Toolbars." Check the box for "Tools Options Palette" if "Tools Options" is not already open.
3. Click on "File, and click "Open." Locate your pictures, and click "Open."
4. Maximize the picture on which you want to have the face replaced and enlarge it with the Zoom tool (the magnifier icon) until it fills up a large part of the screen.
5. Open the "Tool Options" and set the "Selection Type" to "Point-to-Point" and "Feather to 0."
6. Outline the face on the picture using the Freehand selection tool (lasso icon) to trace around the head. Try to get the line as close to the head as possible. If necessary, outline the head a pixel outside of it to make sure you get all the head.
7. Click on the "Arrow" icon, right-click over the outlined image, and click "Cut." The outlined area will change to white or whatever the background color is. Right-click on an empty part of the workspace, and click "Paste as New Image" to open the face as a new image.
8. Repeat Steps 4 through 6 on the picture you want to place on the other picture. When it is time to "cut" the outlined image, click "Copy." Right-click on an empty part of the workspace and choose "Paste as New Image" to open the face image.
9. Highlight the title bar of the cut image and look at the bottom-right status bar to find the image size. Highlight the title bar of the copied image. Resize it by going up to "Image" then clicking "Resize." Set the pixel size to the largest dimension of the cut picture and click "OK."
10. Click "Colors," then "Adjust." Choose from a slew of tools to edit the picture. Most of the time, you need to adjust only the "Brightness/Contrast."
11. Go to "File" and click "New" to open a new blank white image. Set the image dimensions to larger than the size you found a moment ago. Copy and paste the replacement face image onto the blank image as a new layer.
12. Go to "Layers," and choose "Merge," then "Merge All."
13. Select the replacement face's background color with the Magic Wand tool. Click "Selection," then click "Invert," which will invert the selection and trace the face instead.
14. Right-click on the outlined face with the "Arrow" tool, and paste it as a new layer onto the picture that is cut out. Use the cursor to position the head directly over the spot where the head was cut out. Try to line the neck up where it belongs as best you can. Slight overlapping of a pixel or two is fine. When it is in position, merge the layers as before.
15. Use the "Clone" tool if there is empty space around the face because it's smaller than the cutout. Click on the "Clone" tool icon (double brushes). In the "Tool Options" menu, set "Shape" to round, "Size" to 1, "Hardness" to 0, "Opacity" and "Density" both to 100, and a step of 25. On the second tab, set "Clone" mode to "Aligned. "
16. Right-click the cursor on a spot on the background immediately outside the blank cut out space, then left-click on the blank space directly opposite the area you just right-clicked. The color of the background will be "cloned" and blended into the blank area, filling it in. Depending on the complexity of the background colors and size of the blank space, it might be necessary to clone more than one color as you go around the head.
Related posts
The Internet is full of interesting and compelling graphics and photographs that you may want to use in projects as illustrations. Removing one image from a whole graphic can often save a lot of t... Picture tubes "stamp" a collection of images across a background or another image. To make your own, you will need a few images to work with. These instructions work for Paint Shop Pro 5... Creative Paint TechniquesIn home decorating, walls are the backdrop for your entire room's decor, and there is no longer any reason for them to be bland or lackluster. Wall painting techniques can... Bright colors are great for accent wallsIf you are looking for a great way to create a one of a kind room, you should started with paint. Professional designers use paint to create an ambiance and... Spray paint can be easily removed using the right products.Whether you're painting your patio furniture or your car, spray paint can be messy business. The fine spray that come out the nozzle can...
Vinyl siding is becoming increasingly popular in many residences, as it is often believed to ensure that you will never have to repaint the exterior of your house again. It is a highly durable type of plastic that doesn't run the risk of chipping or flaking, unlike cedar or wood. Vinyl siding is made to copy the appearance of wood. There are a lot of things to look for if you want to know identify vinyl siding.
Instructions
1. Look for punctures in the exterior siding. Though vinyl siding is believed to be extremely durable, it can weather and receive punctures during times of extreme weather. Aggressive winds, hail, and even debris flying through the air can damage vinyl siding. Though vinyl siding manufacturers are constantly researching new methods of making the vinyl less brittle and tougher, there is still the possibility of breakage, or cracks in the plastic sheets of the siding. Also, you cannot simply patch up cracks or punctures in vinyl siding; you must get a new panel.
2. Observe the coats of paint. To obtain the vinyl siding color, liquid vinyl is sprayed on, similarly to paint. Liquid vinyl is another type of vinyl siding that is often thought of as being significantly stronger and longer-lasting than typical vinyl panels. Yet liquid vinyl is very hard to apply neatly and correctly. With improper application, your liquid vinyl paint could end up peeling, blistering and chipping off.
3. See if you can spot any mildew or mold on the siding. One disadvantage of vinyl siding compared to wood, is that you can notice mold or mildew developing. This is due to moisture building up underneath the vinyl siding that could rot, and worse, even invite in insects (who could potentially start an infestation in the home). Wall dampness could lead to peels, blisters and other unseen decay. Older residences with damp, moist basements should avoid vinyl siding.
4. Examine the siding to see if there are no scratches. Vinyl siding very rarely develops any scratches. This is due to the fact that the paint pigment is baked through the panel, rather than directly applied to its surface. If you notice a lack of scratches, or some light fading that starts when the siding is about 5 years old, you know you are looking at vinyl siding.
Related posts
Vinyl siding has become a popular choice for many homeowners recently due to its affordability, ease of cleaning and the exciting explosion of textures and styles offered on the market today. Avai... Vinyl siding is a form of plastic used to cover the exterior of some homes instead of paint. Vinyl siding is available in a variety of colors and styles and easily can improve a home's appearance.... Get around the vinyl siding problem by replacing old windows from inside.Replacing windows in a home built with exterior vinyl siding can take a bit of hard work. Most windows are removed and repl... The siding on a house is one of the first things people notice. Whether vinyl or wood, keeping the siding looking good is essential to increase curb appeal. If vinyl siding is stained or damaged b... Vinyl siding is one of the most durable forms of exterior siding that you can purchase.Latex paint is a water-based paint that provides a durable coating that can stick to poorly prepared surfaces...
With the popularity of digital photography, one obvious trend is using computer software to edit digital photographs and to create scrapbook pages and photo collages. Use Microsoft Publisher for Windows to make a photo collage to display photos. Quickly and easily make an attractive collage by choosing a simple or patterned background and then adding the photos desired. After making the collage, save it and print it at home or at a print shop.
Instructions
1. Open Microsoft Publisher and select "New File." Select "Blank Page Sizes" and choose the page size and layout desired by double-clicking on the option desired.
2. Choose a background by clicking the "Format" tab at the top and then selecting "Background" from the drop-down menu. Click on the desired background from the available backgrounds that appear on the left sidebar.
3. Add pictures to the background by clicking the "Insert" tab at the top and then selecting "Picture." Select "From File" to locate the desired photo on your hard drive.
4. Resize photographs by right-clicking on the photo. Select "Format Picture" and then select the "Size" tab at the top of the window. Click on the arrows to make the photo larger or smaller as desired.
5. Add more photos and move them around the background to place them in the desired positions. Adjust the angle of each photo by selecting each photo and then clicking the "Free Rotate" button along the top of the workspace. Hover over a corner to change the angle of each photo.
6. Change the layering of the photos by selecting a photo and then clicking the drop-down menu next to the "Bring Forward" button along the top of the workspace. Choose to bring a photo to the top, the bottom or layered under other photos.
7. Add as many photos as desired and arrange them how you want on the background until the photo collage looks the way you want.
8. Place text captions or a text box onto the background. Click the "Insert" tab and then click "Text Box." Position the text box in the desired place within the collage and then select the desired font, the size of the font and the color of the font. Enter the text.
9. Click the "View" tab at the top of the work area and then click "Boundaries and Guides" to remove the selection lines around the photos and text boxes.
10. Save the collage by clicking the "File" tab and then clicking "Save As." Name your collage and save it in the desired location on your hard drive.
11. Print the collage on a color printer connected to your computer or transfer the file to a flash drive for professional printing.
Related posts
Stencils make all kinds of images.Paint is a simple program that makes many graphic images. Among them is the stencil. A stencil is used many times to make the same image over and over on nearly a... Fake blood makes your photo scary!Are you a zombie or vampire fan? You can add a wonderful horror effect to any digital photo by creating a little fake blood using Photoshop.Instructions1. Click L... Add interest to black-and-white images with a touch of color.Coloring part of an image is a classic technique that creates a focal point and captures the viewer's attention. Enhance your black-and... You can use Microsoft Paint to color your drawings digitally. MS Paint is a basic computer program that comes with all Windows operating systems, and it allows you to upload your drawings and colo... Picture tubes "stamp" a collection of images across a background or another image. To make your own, you will need a few images to work with. These instructions work for Paint Shop Pro 5...
An oil painting that is slightly dirty can be restored easily. An oil painting that is very dirty, has yellowed varnish or missing paint is more of a challenge. An oil painting that needs a lot of restoration is a slow process. The right tools and patience are required. Learn the techniques to restore an oil painting.
Instructions
1. Lightly brush the painting with a large high quality paintbrush to remove loose dirt. Use a medium size or small size paintbrush if needed to get into crevices.
2. Gently wipe the oil painting with a soft flannel cloth.
3. An aged varnish will look yellow or it will have a cracking appearance. If the oil painting is coated with an aged varnish, clean the painting gently with varnish remover and a small high quality paintbrush. Work on very small pieces of the painting at a time, working gently and carefully. Allow the painting to thoroughly dry.
4. Using a small paintbrush, restore any damaged or missing paint areas by carefully painting the areas with matching oil paints. Allow the paint to thoroughly dry.
5. To finish the restoration of the oil painting, apply a fresh coat of varnish.
Related posts
The siding on a house is one of the first things people notice. Whether vinyl or wood, keeping the siding looking good is essential to increase curb appeal. If vinyl siding is stained or damaged b... Restore a PaintingThe restoration of paintings is a very exact science and must be done by a professional conservator. If you attempt to restore paintings on your own, you may unintentionally caus... Painting with oil is enjoyable. Working with the smooth, rich paint is different than using a fast-drying medium such as acrylic. You will need a good-size work area when you work on oil paintings... Oil paintings require tender loving care over the years.Oil paintings accumulate dust and dirt that settles into the painting surface. As varnish yellows and exposure to house pollutants accumulat... The cleaning process differs depending on what kind of paint was used.As time passes, paintings tend to become more valuable; unfortunately, they also become dirtier. Tobacco smoke, among other po...
When comparing homes for purchase or rent , one factor to consider is the price per square foot. To determine this cost, you need to know the price of the home as well as the size of the home. The price per square foot varies depending on the type of the home and where the home is located. For example, a house in the downtown area of a major city will have a much higher cost per square foot than a home in a rural area.
Instructions
1. Add the square footage for each room to find the total square footage for the home if the floor plan does not include the total square footage for the entire home.
2. Look up the price of the home on the contract or the offer sheet. If you are looking at potential homes, you can use an online resource to estimate the cost of homes in the neighborhood.
3. Divide the cost of the home by the total square footage to find the average price per square foot for the home. For example, if the house is priced at $180,000 and has 1,900 square feet, divide $180,000 by 1,900 to get $94.74 per square foot.
Related posts
Price may be given in linear foot, per item or per square inch, and you have to convert it to price per square foot. For example, a three-inch-wide floorboard may be priced by how long it is, but... The average square foot price of a U.S. home in 2008 was $88.31.According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average price per square foot of a U.S. home in 2008 was $88.31,... You can convert the price of a house into cost per square foot.The price of a house can be converted into terms of cost per square foot. A square foot is a unit used to measure area. Knowing a pro... Minimize interior space needs to save on real estate.The price per square foot is a standard real estate calculation that businesses, landlords and real estate agents employ to represent the cost... Estimate the Cost of Building a House by the Square FootThere are many ways to estimate the cost of building a home design. Though not necessarily the most accurate method, using the total square...
When inexperienced do-it-yourself enthusiasts try to paint on exterior rocks, flaking often results. Unlike porous wood surfaces, rocks don't absorb the adhesives within paint. If you'd like to paint an enduring sign on an exterior rock, prime the surface with a long-lasting, adhesive coating. To generate sharp, attractive lettering, utilize a stencil. Since the painted name will be subject to harsh weather and UV rays, apply a specific type of paint that will remain resilient in adverse conditions.
Instructions
1. Wash the portion of the exterior rock you plan to paint with a water-based cleanser. Scrub all dirt particles loose using steel wool.
2. Thoroughly remove all traces of the cleanser by rinsing the rock, using an electric or gas-powered pressure washer.
3. Set the stencil face down on a flat strip of cardboard. Coat the backside with stencil-spray adhesive.
4. Quickly affix the stencil to the exterior stone before the adhesive begins to dry. Secure the edges to the rock, using a low-tack tape.
5. Spray acrylic enamel to the exposed number holes on the stencil. Prevent runs by applying it in brief intermittent spurts instead of a long soaking stream. Maintain 8 inches between the exterior stone and acrylic spray can tip. Detach the stencil after 10 minutes and let the numbers dry for two hours.
Related posts
If you'd like to paint a sharp, professional-looking sign on a rock, you'll have to deal with some complications. Because rocks are very dense and nonporous, they don't hold paint well. To create... Use a wire brush to scrape paint from the mortar.Paint removal is a painstaking endeavor often fraught with unforeseen risk. When amateur do-it-yourselfers attempt to eliminate paint from relative... Add pops of color with the door and the shutters.The color you pair with the stone accents on your home will largely depend on personal taste. Whether you choose a bold vibrant color or a muted ne... Read the safety guide on the side of the ladder .Alter the appearance of a rock facade on your house by refinishing it with paint. Before you get started, condition the faca... Painting exterior rock siding is an easy way to update the outside of a building. Properly cleaning the surface and applying a primer or sealer will result in a more professional product. Using a...
Choosing the right paint brush is crucial to the life of the paint job.
Selecting a quality paint brush helps ensure the life of a paint job, and in the case of acrylic latex paint, synthetic brushes are the way to go. Avoid natural brushes, typically made out of animal hair. When the hair from a natural brush comes into contact with acrylic latex paint the oils from the hair absorb the water, drying out the paint. The result is often a streak or clumpy paint job.
Blended Plastic Synthetic Brushes
Blended plastic synthetic brushes are good for acrylic latex paint. Synthetic brushes are made out of a variety of plastics (including nylon and polyester) and other materials. Most often, synthetic brushes are high quality and produced with good materials. A primary reason to use a synthetic brush for acrylic latex paint is that the paint job will last longer than one done with a natural brush. Plastic brushes are designed to be easily cleaned and to allow the paint to come off the bristle easily. Acrylic latex paint also goes on more smoothly when using synthetic brushes.
Polyester Brushes
Polyester brushes work well for acrylic latex paint, especially on smoother surfaces. The polyester is not very absorbent and allows a lot of paint to be put onto the surface being painted. Acrylic latex paint and polyester brushes together make a smooth finish, and cleanup is a snap.
Nylon Brushes
Nylon brushes have more stiffness than any other type of synthetic brush. This makes them ideal for rough surfaces such as the wood or concrete. These brushes do come in a number of stiffness levels that allow for the roughness of a surface. Nylon brushes work well for acrylic latex paint for many of the same reasons as polyester brushes.
Air Brushes
Air brushes offer another type of "brush" to use for acrylic latex paint. Air brushes are less precise than synthetic brushes, but are easier to use. Air brushes use air pressure to spray paint onto a surface. They can paint houses, motorcycles, cars or tee shirts. Acrylic latex paint works well with air brushes because there are no bristles to absorb the paint. Cleaning is more complicated with air brushes because of the moving parts and the paint tank.
Related posts
Acrylic latex paint has fewer fumes than oil-based paint.Both interior and exterior house paint is available in latex- and oil-based versions. Acrylic paint is simply one form of latex paint. Acry... A wide range of colors and glosses distinguishes acrylic latex paint.The word "latex" refers to rubber in one form or another. However, many so-called latex paints use resins that are no... Acrylic paint can be removed from wood.Acrylic paint is a paint that is used in for different crafts. The paint can be applied to objects and surfaces made of wood, metal, fabric and glass. Spilli... Clean Your Brushes After Using Acrylic PaintsWhether you are painting on a canvas or decorating a flower pot, acrylic paints are fun, cheap and easy to clean. To keep your brushes in tip-top shape... Acrylic is found in interior latex paints.Acrylic is a component of interior latex paints; it is also an artist-quality paint used for fine arts as well as decorative uses. Either type of paint ca...
Paint stairs in bright colors for a contemporary look.
Painted stairs add to the decor of a home. The process is not difficult, but it is time-consuming and creates inconvenience until the project is complete. Choosing the right paint for the project will give the best results, making all of the inconvenience worthwhile.
Paint
Making an investment in a high-quality paint ensures a better result. Good paints are generally more expensive, but the cost is worth it to get a durable, lasting surface for your stairs. Latex floor paint cures quickly and makes a suitable choice. The color of the paint you select is up to your personal preference. Choose a neutral color or brighter colors that enhance your home's decor. Before applying paint to your stairs, apply a latex primer.
Decorative Painting
You can paint your stairs a basic color, apply the urethane and be finished. Adding decorative touches to your painted stairs is an option, however. Apply stenciled phrases or decorations to the stairs to incorporate a theme. Paint stripes or geometric patterns on stairs for a contemporary look. Paint a faux runner on the stairs using a variety of paint colors to create the appearance of a carpeted runner on the stairs. A traditional look is to apply stain to the steps and paint the risers. The options are limited only by your imagination and creativity.
Protective Finish
Apply a protective finish to the stairs to ensure greater protection and durability. After the paint, including any decorative painting you have added, is dry, apply at least four coats of clear, water-based urethane. Water-based urethane maintains a clear surface over time, while oil-based varieties tend to develop a yellowish look. Water-based urethane also has a short dry time, allowing you to apply additional coats within one day.
Considerations
Painting interior stairs is a major undertaking. During the process, the stairs are unavailable for use until the paint and protective finish are applied and thoroughly dry. The upstairs of your home will basically be off limits until the job is completed. Plan ahead for the inconvenience. Even walking on the stairs in sock feet before they are dry can damage the finish.
Related posts
Paint your walls to look like they're candy-coated.If you want to add a bright splash of color to the walls in your home, you can try replicating the colors of your favorite piece of candy. Most c... Use the paint on your walls to make a statement in your home.Paint color and texture bring character and can lend architectural emphasis to your living space. When painting the interior of your en... Use paint for a fresh interior look.Your interior paint design should reflect your personality, complement your furnishings and highlight the architectural period and details of your home. Approac... Many people look to save money by doing their own home improvement projects. The most common project that homeowners undertake, and one of the more difficult to get right, is painting. While some... Changing the look of your wooden steps can be as simple as slapping on a fresh coat of paint. Because these stairs must stand up to wear, however, standard latex paint will not provide the necessa...
If you have a large, blank wall inside your home that you just don't know what to fill with, a photo mural is the perfect project. Inexpensive and completely removable, the mural won't damage the walls of rental properties. You can use any picture you like to make a completely unique decorative focal point in your home. A wall mural also makes for great advertising and party decorations. You can use it for creative photography backdrops, or just to add an original decorative element to your home. When you are tired of your mural, there is no painting over anything, You simply peel it down and throw it away.
Instructions
1. Choose a photo. For this project, you need a high resolution photo no larger than 1 megapixel in size when saved. If you use a low resolution photo, your mural will look pixelated, which some people find to be an interesting decorative element.
2. Use the free Block Posters software listed in the Resources section. Upload your photo, determine how tall and how wide you would like your image to be, and choose if you want a white border or not. Adding a white border makes your mural have a tiled, mosaic look and removing the border makes one seamless image, like a giant photograph against your wall. Write down the dimensions your mural will be and save the PDF file that Block Posters generates for you.
3. Print the PDF file you created at Block Posters, or take it to a print shop to be printed for you. Be sure to keep your pages in order.
4. On the wall where you wish to install your photo mural, measure and mark with a pencil the dimensions of your mural, so you know where to begin hanging it.
5. Lay the pages of your mural out on the floor to assure that they are in the correct order, and are of the image quality you want, with no mistakes. This also helps you install the mural on the wall in the correct sequence of tiles.
6. Take the first page of your photo mural and apply double-stick tape to each of the four corners. Get the tape as close to the outside edges as possible. Find the mark you made indicating the top right-hand corner of where your mural will begin, and attach the first page of your mural to the wall. Use your level to be sure that you have it in the best position by carefully removing and replacing the paper. Once you have the first sheet perfectly level, you can use it to align all the other sheets.
7. Add tape to the back of the second page at all four corners, and attach it so that it aligns perfectly with the first tile. Repeat this step, using each previous page as the guide for your new page. Check with the level from time to time to see if you need adjustment. Once you have the last page in place, smooth over the entire surface of the wall to make sure that the tape is firmly attached.
8. If your mural is outside, spray it with a protective finish that will not cause the ink to run. Test the sealer before you apply it to the mural. If your mural is inside, you do not need to complete this step. If your mural will be in a place of high humidity, try laminating each sheet, or using spray adhesive to first attach the sheets to poster board to add stability.
Related posts
Paint a Wall MuralPainting a mural can prove an exciting way to decorate a room and really add a certain "je ne sais quoi" to an otherwise bland look. Once you've transferred the design... You don't need to be a professional artist to create an unforgettable wall mural.A wall mural creates an eye-catching space that can make a boring room seem instantly interesting. While many belie... Turning a plain wall into a rock wall is an extensive decorating project. For purposes of theater or party decoration, making a wall look like a rock is quite easy. The only challenge is the size... Murals can be removed with turpentine or paint stripper.A wall mural can bring you years of loving your living space. Now you want change and want to remove the acrylic paint mural from the wall.... Test color combinations and practice tecniques on scrap wood for best results.Not every kind of decor benefits from a fresh clean coat of paint. If your room is rustic, shabby chic or has an old w...
The color of the plastic shutters on a home will fade pretty fast due to exposure to the elements. This in turn makes a home look dull and lifeless. Give your home a quick facelift by painting the existing shutters. If you don't have shutters, you can buying used ones inexpensively and repaint them to match your taste.
Instructions
1. Take the shutters down from your home, or purchase them from a yard sale, auction or other inexpensive place. As long as the shutters are in good shape, their color doesn't matter.
2. Wash all of the shutters with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Rinse the plastic shutters thoroughly with the garden hose and let them dry in the sun until all of their surface is dry.
3. Lay one shutter on its back, on a work surface that is easy for you to walk around. A couple of sawhorses work really well for this, if you have them. Work on only one shutter at a time.
4. Attach the spray paint handle to the can of spray paint, and shake the can well. Start by spraying the sides of the shutter first. Spray the can in a slow, steady motion to avoid runs on the shutters.
5. Spray the front surface of the shutter by moving in a back-and-forth motion from side to side. Again, avoid holding the can still or you will create runs in the paint. It takes very little time for the shutter to dry enough for you to pick it up and prop it against a tree or lay it on a picnic table, so that you can move on to the next shutter.
6. Don't try to paint the backs of the shutters. It's not necessary, as you won't see the back once it's against your house. You can use this method to brighten up the shutters' original color, or you can totally change the color for a whole new look.
Related posts
Shutter "loks," or locks are a permanent way to install your decorative shutters. Once installed, the shutters are not intended to be taken down, but they can be removed for maintenance.... Remove Vinyl ShuttersMany homeowners choose vinyl shutters to frame the windows of their home. These sturdy accent pieces on your home's façade require little maintenance. However, someti... Colorful shutters can provide a bold design scheme.The right color for your shutters can accent your home's exterior nicely. If you are unhappy with the current color of your home's fiberglass shu... Paint Wooden ShuttersPainting shutters is something that needs to be done every time that you paint the outside of your house. For most houses in a temperate location this occurs every five or six... Maybe your shutters are old and faded. Maybe you've repainted your house, and the old shutter color just doesn't work. Maybe you're simply ready for a change! Having great-looking shutters increas...
When decorating a bedroom for a man, the contemporary style is a fine choice. This is due largely to the fact that contemporary style decorating ideas focus on a clutter-free environment and modern fabrics paired with sleek furniture and simple artwork. It aims to create a soothing and easy-to-care-for room without frills.
Furniture
For a contemporary style bedroom, purchase a suite of furniture with clean lines and little embellishment. Black or natural wood tones work well with the contemporary look.
Purchasing a complete matched suite of furniture unifies the room better than a mix of furniture pieces does, and provides a blank canvas in which to begin decorating.
Buy a king-size bed. King-size beds are the largest beds in regard to length, which is more comfortable for taller men. A bed of this size also acts as a focal point in the room.
Place a sleek chest at the foot of the bed. This provides a place to store extra blankets.
If there is wall space opposite the bed, consider mounting a flat-panel television to the wall. If this isn't possible, try adding an entertainment center. In contemporary design, electronics often take the place of art in a room.
Linens
The color scheme for the bedroom of a man needs to be soothing but still masculine. Blues, greens, grays and blacks work best. Browns can be used, but they normally work best as an accent color unless they are a rich chocolate or are paired with white.
Bed linens should consist of basic bedding along with a comforter, bed skirt and pillow shams. Purchase a matched set for the most cohesiveness. When purchasing a bed skirt, look for one that is tailored as opposed to ruffled. This is more masculine and more fitting in a contemporary bedroom.
Window treatments should consist of tailored drapes and valance. Blinds can also be used, but drapes add an air of refinement and softness that is more relaxing in a bedroom.
Artwork
Abstract art for walls makes a contemporary statement, as do black and white landscape prints. If the man has favorite photographs, consider having them enlarged and printed in gray-scale. Matted and framed, these prints can be used as inexpensive artwork.
When the chosen color scheme is gray, black or white, consider a large piece of colored artwork over the bed. In a cool color scheme, a bit of color is usually necessary to prevent the room from feeling drab and somber.
Related posts
Interior decorating adds style and personality to your home.Designing and decorating your home's interior requires thoughtful planning and careful execution in order to create a stylish, comfortab... Warm colors bring energy to a bedroom.The bedroom is where people go to recharge from the day's stresses. Whether you recharge by surrounding yourself with energetic colors or more tranquil ones w... Decorating a man's bedroom can present several dilemmas. Do you go with the macho bachelor pad motif or make the room more female-friendly? How do you show your own personality and still create a... Make Your Beach House Your HomeFiguring out decorate a beach house is not hard. You can incorporate the traditional decor elements into any of your favorite styles. Whether you want the feel of a... A young man's home should reflect his interest.Young men fresh out of college need an apartment that reflects their new life. It should say, "I've left my teens and college years behind and I...
Did you know that you can buy kitchen cabinets wholesale? Most people fail to realize this when they are replacing the cabinets in their kitchen. All that wholesale means is that the item in question has not had the retail markup added to it, and there are quite a few suppliers available to purchase from. There are some things to keep in mind when you are buying kitchen cabinets wholesale that you may not expect at first, so read on to learn a few tips to help you make the most of your shopping experience.
Instructions
1. Decide on a style. The spread of the Internet has drastically increased the choice and variety available to any individual. No matter the shape, size, and design, you should be able to find wholesale kitchen cabinets that match what you are looking for if you are willing to do a little looking.
2. Choose a supplier. Now that you know what you want, all you need is to find someone who can sell it to you. In most cases, you are able to get your kitchen cabinets wholesale either directly from the manufacturer or through a second or third party distributor that would normally sell them to a retailer to sell on to you. Again, the Internet has exploded with a huge number of choices.
3. Make sure the manufacturer uses quality materials. Just because something looks pretty does not mean that it is durable or high quality. When you buy kitchen cabinets wholesale and cut the retailer out of the picture, you need to take on a larger portion of the quality assurance yourself. Do a bit of extra research to ensure that what you are buying is a good quality for the price.
4. Avoid purchasing any "extras" that might go along with the cabinets, such as upgraded fittings and the like. These are the up-sells that salesmen use to get you to spend more money than you actually intended to. At the beginning, purchase the bare cabinets with basic fittings, and then go back later if it turns out that you need any of those extras. You will find that in most cases, they are not necessary.
Related posts
Selecting Paint for Kitchen CabinetsType of PaintPaint comes in a bewildering array of colors, styles and finishes. There are oil-based paints, latex paints and enamel paints, and all of those com... Spray Paint Kitchen CabinetsTotally replacing your kitchen cabinets can become quite expensive. Often, it isn't even necessary. Some paint can completely change the look of the cabinets and make t... Painted cabinets can brighten your kitchen.When your kitchen cabinets begin to look worn, you have several choices. Repainting is much less costly than replacing or completely refinishing them. Th... Kitchen cabinets need a tough paint.The paint you pick for your wood kitchen cabinets needs to be able to stand up to sudden changes in temperature and humidity as well as to being splashed with w... You can also paint the insides of your kitchen cabinets to upgrade your kitchen decor.When you are redoing your kitchen cabinets, don't forget about the insides. This often-overlooked part of the...
Whether it's new construction or something much older, a Victorian-style house can be a haven for both history and a modern family. Victorian houses are detailed, ornate, stately and inviting, designed for formal and informal living in a more polite time.
Floor Plans
Large Victorian homes were divided into two parts: the formal living space, where the family could entertain others and receive guests, and informal living space, where the family could be "at home" by themselves. Kitchens always came with separate pantries and china cabinets, and most Victorian houses featured a separate formal dining room outside of the kitchen. Houses were designed with the best access to daylight in mind, and many featured large, wraparound porches, first-floor wings, castle-like turrets and other decorative details. Larger homes, or homes for the higher class, had a front, "formal" staircase as well as an informal staircase at the back of the house used by the servants. Likewise, there were both informal and formal entrances.
Even smaller houses were designed with the formal-informal divide in mind. An 1886 cottage designed by C.N. Cornell, of Alpena, Mich. featured a parlor for entertaining, a bedroom on the first floor and a kitchen that, while it connected well with the rest of the house, was out of the way. The kitchen also featured a china cabinet and a pantry, and each room had a fireplace with access to a chimney.
Details
Victorian homes often featured tin ceilings, which were originally installed as fire retardants as well as a gorgeous interior decoration. Modern designers can replicate a Victorian home's tin ceilings by using painted aluminum-alloy tiles and installing them by nailing building plywood to the ceiling and then nailing the "tin" ceiling to the wood. Hardwood floors are also a necessity in Victorian design.
Victorians loved painted wooden details such as crown molding, cornices and embossed wood carvings. They would often install ornate wall panels, door casings, and ceiling centerpieces from which hung chandeliers. According to San Francisco Victoriana, a company that specializes in Victorian remodeling, stairs were often carved and round, with specially made handrails and newel post caps. Victorians used molding and wainscotting at the top, bottom and middle of walls. Other cornerstones of Victorian decor include pocket doors and stained-glass windows.
A Victorian home is not complete without a vibrant exterior color scheme; San Francisco's "painted ladies," for example, often have three or more colors. Many use yellows, blues, greens and other colors to highlight the architecture and details of the house.
Furniture
Victorian homes were furnished lavishly, and the furniture in them was often as ornate and decorated as the houses themselves. According to Victorian furniture collector John Werry, Victorian style isn't monolithic; it is divided into periods of time that include Renaissance Revival, Rococo and Eastlake styles.
Although there were mass-produced pieces at the time, most Victorians loved and valued excellent craftsmanship, as well as "very showy, skillfully made pieces, lots of inlay and the use of ormolu and the mix of ebonized and non-ebonized woods, and the addition of plaques, some of which are bronze," Werry said.
Among other particular details to Victorian furniture and Victorian house design are arches, trefoils and spires for Gothic Revival pieces; laminated rosewood naturalistic flora, fruit and scrolling for the Rococo period; and marquetry, inlay and veneering on Eastlake furniture.
Related posts
Victorian "painted ladies" are Victorian-era homes that are painted in three or more colors.If you like the look of Victorian houses, you can create it with a "Victorian look"... A somewhat modern version of a Second Empire VictorianThe Victorian style home falls into distinct eras known as the Second Empire, Romanesque Revival, Queen Anne/Eastlake/Stick and the Folk Victo... Victorian homes make ample use of stunning color and intricate accents.The Victorian era was characterized by a distinct sense of optimism and opulence. Times were good, and those with wealth and... Victorian Homes were Often Painted with Earth Tones on Their Exteriors.If you have recently acquired a Victorian style home, you may want the inside to match the outside. Victorian homes are assoc... Houses like San Francisco's "Painted Ladies" are examples of Victorians.Design a Victorian doll house to highlight the innovations and decorative styles that developed during the reign o...
Your child spends a lot of time in her room. From sleeping and homework to time with friends, a child's bedroom is a busy place. Space is often an issue in your child's room. You can make the most of the space you have by creating interactive spaces.
Double Duty Bed
You no longer have to decide on a bed for your child to sleep in or a couch for them to sit on. Purchasing a commercially made futon bunk bed at your local retail outlet can solve this issue. The futon bunk bed comes with a traditional futon-style couch on the bottom for your child to relax, watch television or study, while the upper bunk is a traditional bed. The versatility does not stop with the initial setup since the top bunk may be stripped of the mattress and used for added storage space. Lining the upper area with stylish storage boxes or even wooden crates is a good option for those lacking closet space.
Hideaways
Anyone who has ever stayed in a travel trailer has experienced the convenience of hideaway features. Fold-up beds, tables and benches make the small spaces seem much larger. Consider using these ideas in your child's bedroom.
Fold-up beds were a popular feature for 1960s and early 70s studio apartments. Consider using a fold-up spring-loaded bed that fits into a bedroom closet or flush to the wall. With a little carpentry work, you can add a fold-up desk to either the bottom of the fold-up bed or to the closet door that conceals the bed. Hinges attached to a simple sanded wooden board hung at the appropriate height makes a usable desk for any child.
Versatile Headboards
If you prefer a traditional bed for your child, you can turn the headboard into a versatile desk or shelf. Get out the carpentry tools and cut a square from the center of the headboard. Reattach to the original piece with hinges at the bottom and a turn latch at the top. When pulled down, this piece will become a work or computer desk or a reading/craft place for your child. Similarly, a footboard can also be cut to make a desk or table at the end of the bed. This idea requires a bit more space, but still offers a quick change space. For those choosing not to use the headboard with the bed, consider hanging the piece on the wall using the same cut out idea.
Related posts
Decorating a man's bedroom can present several dilemmas. Do you go with the macho bachelor pad motif or make the room more female-friendly? How do you show your own personality and still create a... Paint stores often offer a table of inexpensive custom-mixed "accident" colors.Paint is hands-down the cheapest way of changing, brightening up or customizing your kids' bedroom walls. T... A well-designed bedroom is functional and attractive.A bachelor or young man needs a suave, sophisticated room to call his own. A well-designed male bedroom offers comfort and sanctuary to its own... A young man's home should reflect his interest.Young men fresh out of college need an apartment that reflects their new life. It should say, "I've left my teens and college years behind and I... Contemporary bedroomWhen decorating a bedroom for a man, the contemporary style is a fine choice. This is due largely to the fact that contemporary style decorating ideas focus on a clutter-free e...
Estimating contract labor costs is simple if you understand the labor involved.
If your home needs maintenance, repairs or voluntary upgrades, you may choose to hire help for any of several reasons. Whether it's because you're busy or simply uncomfortable completing the necessary tasks, the amount you budget for labor is an important consideration to make. While it's never possible to predict the exact amount you'll spend before your home improvement project is finished, making a good estimation of your contract labor costs is easier than you might think.
Instructions
1. Make a list of all the repairs that need to be made and the parts needed to make them, if you plan to assign your contractor the task of obtaining them. For example, if you need a bedroom painted, consider any trips to the hardware store, time that the contractor will need to spend taping up and preparing the room for painting, whether or not he will need to prime the walls and how many coats of paint the job will ultimately take.
2. Estimate the amount of time each stage of the project will take. For a painting project, you may figure at least an hour at the hardware store (including the time to and from), an hour spent preparing the room and two hours spent priming and on each coat of paint. If the color you have chosen is dark, it will likely require three coats. Compute a total number of hours; in this case, ten--one hour at the store, one hour preparing the room, two hours for priming and two hours for each of three coats (in total, six hours) of painting.
3. Agree to an hourly rate with your contractor and multiply this hourly rate by your estimated number of labor hours to estimate contract labor. Then multiply by the number of contractors. For example, if you estimated ten hours, have agreed on an hourly rate of $22.50 and will need two laborers to complete the project, a good approximation of your cost is as follows: 10 x 22.50 x 2 = $450.00.
Related posts
Estimating the cost of labor for hanging siding involves talking with the contractor you're planning to use and finding out a few pieces of information. Also measure the house so the contractor ca... It should not take you more than three days to completely repaint a tractor.Charging labor for painting is usually only done when a professional painter subcontracts jobs out to painters who do no... No matter what type of work you are contracting to perform, it is important to create an accurate cost estimate when you are bidding for the job. Whether you are contracting to do construction wor... Estimate Drywall CostWhen you are remodeling your home, you might find it necessary to add walls or redo existing ones. In order to do this, you will need drywall. Drywall, or gypsum board, came i... Kitchen remodeling can range from a few hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Depending on the amount of remodeling to be done, costs can generally b...
Understanding the wood yields success when building with Douglas fir beams.
Douglas fir is an extremely strong softwood native to the Northwestern United States and Canada. It is renowned worldwide for its superior characteristics as a framing, building and timber beam construction wood. According to the Western Wood Products Association, it leads all other softwoods in the critical areas of beam selection -- load-bearing strength, tensile strength and elasticity. But Douglas fir has other characteristics that make it a superior choice for timber beam construction. It is very easy to work with, carves easily and sustains intricate vertical router work without splitting.
Instructions
1. Select the highest grade Douglas fir beam affordable for the design application. "Select Structural" and "Number 1 and Better," with 50% and 20% higher ratings than construction grade, respectively, are the premier grades that should be selected when heavy load-bearing strength is required. Ensure that imported timber comes with a Verification of Legal Ownership (or VLO) certificate.
2. Design applications with both strength and beauty in mind when working with Douglas fir. Many people focus specifically on the structural integrity of this wood but ignore the fact that Douglas fir is also a beautiful color and takes all forms of stain and paint. Use pressure-treated Douglas fir for all exposed-to-weather load-bearing designs where future access is limited -- such as bridge abutments. Unlike other softwoods, such as pine and hemlock, Douglas fir can be used "green", holding its shape without any drying, as it dries after erection or application.
3. Cut Douglas fir with the highest power saws available. Unlike lesser grained woods, Douglas fir will not split when cross-cut or ripped with a heavy-bite saw blade. Douglas fir can be cut at any angle without losing its structural integrity.
4. Carve Douglas fir with any vertical plunge-cutter or router. While some cleanup is necessary with chisel and hammer, this can be done rapidly without any risk of damaging the joint or mortise. Unlike with pine or redwood, Douglas fir allows for combination-cuts with partial-saw and partial-router carvings. Curved and cross-grain carvings are also possible without reducing the tensile strength of the timber, as Douglas fir has an extremely high elasticity.
5. Another characteristic contractors who use Douglas fir enjoy is the ability to drill this wood with extra long augers. It can be drilled at any angle with augers up to 48 inches in length. Counter-boring is also no problem with Douglas fir and comes in handy when building multi-part timbers on site.
6. Join multiple Douglas fir beams and timbers on site without compensation for shrinkage or settling. Drill the counter-sink hole first and then the penetration bore. Drive up to 1-inch diameter carriage bolts through double washers, wrench-pound them tight and spot-weld the nuts to the bolts.
7. Distress Douglas fir with hatchets, knives, pull-knives, gouges and adzes. Use a felling axe to cut off edges and distress the surfaces to the desired degree of rough-hewn character. Apply weak bleach to remove natural color and add an aged look as it weathers.
Related posts
Distressed wood beams can add a touch of whimsy to your abode. Sometimes referred to as shabby chic or old country, the distressed-wood look is easy to pull off and is sure to get rave reviews fro... You may want to build a log cabin for a get-away retreat. If you have access to some land and its resources, you may be able to build a log cabin inexpensively. Although it takes careful planning... Build an OuthouseSometimes, having an outhouse is just about that "coolness" factor; other times, its value is nostalgic or even practical. If you live somewhere where building your very... Build a Folk Victorian HouseWealthy homeowners during the Victorian Era spared no expense in constructing their lavish residences. The elaborate facades of these homes, with their regal towers, or... A homeBuilding a home is the best way for homeowners to end up with a house that meets their particular needs and aesthetic tastes. While the wealth of available options can lead to a custom-built...
A zen bedroom is meant to be a haven where you can relax and rejuvenate. Zen bedrooms are good environments for meditation, sleep and quiet activities. By integrating elements of color with furniture and accessories, you can create a balanced and relaxing environment where you can retreat after a long day of work.
Calming Colors
Bright and bold colors are often less appropriate for a zen bedroom than subdued, natural colors. But it comes down to this: You can paint your bedroom any color of the rainbow, but choose a shade that won't excite your emotions. For example, if you want red walls, select a shade that has been mixed with a brown or deep purple. You can also create a deep, soothing red by mixing red paint with a little bit of its complement (which would be green--see the color wheel for more examples of complementary colors).
When in doubt, choose a color that you could easily describe as "dark and soothing" or "light and calming." For color ideas, stop at the paint department of a home-improvement store, where you should find hundreds of color ideas in small paper swatches.
Visual Balance
An analogous color scheme--that is, a scheme based on colors that appear next to each other on the color wheel--is the most appropriate for a zen bedroom, because these colors often have the most obvious relationship to one another. Base your color selections on what you already have in your room. The color of your bedspread and the color of your floor should come into consideration. Your walls should not clash with any other element of the room--everything should match. This is because you have decided to create a bedroom that is balanced and appears to be in harmony. When you enter the room, no single element should stand out or appear to be out of place.
So, for example, if you own a number of items that are primarily cool colors (such as a dark-blue bedspread, blue curtains and purple pillows), your walls should be blue, purple or green to remain in keeping with your analogous color scheme and to create visual balance in your room.
Maintaining Zen
It isn't enough to have the walls painted a calming color--zen bedrooms must be clean and free of clutter. Decorate your room with natural items such as beautiful stones, sand gardens and plants. Allow natural light in your bedroom by putting up sheer or light-colored curtains. Sort through your personal items. Organize and throw away things you no longer need or use.
Related posts
Home decorating can be fun, but it isn't something you should rush into. Sometimes it's not a good idea to just go with your gut---instead you should first do some research on your color choices f... Bright colors are great for accent wallsIf you are looking for a great way to create a one of a kind room, you should started with paint. Professional designers use paint to create an ambiance and... Your paint color choice depends on the mood you want to create.Most people base their room's color scheme on one inspirationally hued accent pillow, piece of furniture or decorative accessory. If... A fireplace adds a cozy quality to a room, but it can make decorating and choosing the right paint color difficult.It's important to note that the red brick fireplace in your living room doesn't h... Home decorators are often counseled to avoid dark colors in rooms, chiefly because dark colors are thought to be "robbers" of light. But that is not always the case. In some instances, t...
Sometimes, having an outhouse is just about that "coolness" factor; other times, its value is nostalgic or even practical. If you live somewhere where building your very own is a possibility, then read below for complete instructions on construct an outhouse.
Instructions
1. Choose the spot you'd like to construct your outhouse. This should be an area a little ways away from general traffic and away from any running water, such as a stream or brook.
2. Dig a pit for the base. Generally this is about three feet by three feet and about five feet deep. This must be deep enough to last awhile.
3. Construct the floor of the outhouse. You can do this with concrete or wood. Just add a hole in the middle for the waste to go through. The sides should fit tightly over the hole you've just dug.
4. Form a cover. Depending on your tastes you can add a riser by constructing a box out of wood and adding another hole on top of that. This will give you something to sit on and help with the smell.
5. Cover the pit with siding and paint. Corrugated or roll roofing should be added to keep the rain out.
6. Add ventilation to your privy. Depending on the type of outhouse you'd like to keep, a traditional crescent moon shaped opening may be all you need. In case of smellier situations however, its best to provide screen panels along the top of the outhouse.
Related posts
Outhouses or privies are typically found in rural areas or underdeveloped countries. In some ways the outhouse is the first composting toilet. The incorporation of composting practices combined wi... Get back to nature with your own log cabin.The first Swedish immigrants to America built simple, serviceable log cabins as quickly as possible to provide shelter for themselves and their families.... A country home can be simple plank siding with a stone foundation.A home built in a countryside area should blend well with the natural surroundings. For example, it's nice to have a brick or ston... You may want to build a log cabin for a get-away retreat. If you have access to some land and its resources, you may be able to build a log cabin inexpensively. Although it takes careful planning... Once a staple on any property, outhouses are now used more for decoration.Outhouses, in some form or fashion, have been around ever since man decided he needed some privacy when doing his "bu...
Refinishing a door can make it look new. However, it's important to know before beginning the job how difficult it can actually be, especially if you are dealing with a wood door. The lines and crevices in the wood can be extremely difficult to remove. It is also important to take into consideration whether or not the paint on the door contains lead. If in the end you feel the door is worth it, following some basic steps will help you remove the paint.
Instructions
1. Prepare your work area. If possible, this is an outside job. If you can take the door outside you will prevent fumes from the paint remover from overwhelming your home. If removing the paint outside is not an option, make sure you have a work area with lots of windows that can be opened. Lay out trash bags or other plastic in the area you are working in and over that lay newspapers in several layers. This will help protect the floor you are working on.
2. Put on your own safety gear. This should include gloves and a face mask. Appropriate items for this particular job are sold at local home improvement stores. Breathing the fumes from the paint remover is not healthy. Make sure you read all safety precautions and directions on the paint remover.
3. Brush on a layer of paint remover. Work on one side of the door at a time. You will have to give the paint remover time to work. Follow the guidelines on the can. The amount of time needed will be listed and can vary depending on how many layers of paint are on the door.
4. Use the scraper to carefully begin lifting the paint from the door. Make sure you have a save container to put the paint scraps in. Old paint cans that still have the lids are perfect for this. Make sure the cans are disposed of properly.
5. Be prepared to do some sanding. Paint is likely to linger in cracks and crevices and can be difficult to remove. Try sanding it. Another good tip is to use a butter knife or metal file to remove paint from the cracks.
6. Allow the door to completely dry before beginning the same process with the other side. Flip the door over carefully and begin again on the other side. Allow both sides to dry completely before doing any painting or staining to the door. If the paint remover is not completely dry, it can interfere with the new paint.
Related posts
Interior doors are often important focal points of any room in a home. Like any door that sustains use, an interior door can chip, crack and collect dents and scratches over time, in addition to l... The Best Way to Remove Paint Off of WallsRemoving paint from walls can be a time-consuming, difficult job. Unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary to get rid of a few layers of paint from your wa... Here's a hands-on way to remove paint from brick.Painted bricks on walls, patios or fireplaces add or change color in a particular area. Oil-based paint covers brick completely, working into the t... Remove chipped paintwork and prepare the door thoroughly before applying primer and paint.You may not notice the chipped paintwork on one of the doors in your home. However, you can bet it will be... Remove Paintball Paint From Vinyl SidingIf you have teenage boys in your home, you are probably familiar with the telltale signs of paintballs. Once they hit, the balls burst, releasing brightly c...
Use your man cave to host entertainment activities for friends.
A man cave is a private room filled with items of interest and pleasure that help you unwind and relax. Because the room can take many forms, containing numerous activities enjoyed by men, designing it beforehand helps tailor it your preferences and hobbies, so it represents your style and taste. Putting everything on pen and paper allows you to designate a spot for the items you wish to include, such as a poker or billiard table, wet bar, entertainment center, conversation corner and sports items.
Instructions
1. Measure the length of the selected room and transfer it on graph paper. Include the locations of doors and windows so you design around them. Inspect the room's flooring and determine whether you wish to install new hardwood flooring, taking into consideration the additional costs involved. Also decide other structural changes you wish to incorporate, such as tearing down walls to make the space bigger or constructing divider walls to hide dryers and washers.
2. Choose a decorating style so you tailor the man cave to it. For instance, if you are a sports fan, consider painting the walls or applying wallpaper in your favorite team's colors. If you want to create a rustic space, select appropriate motifs such as hunting or fishing and paste them on the walls. Alternatively, paint the walls a neutral color if you want the man cave to house numerous items. Select a focal wall, preferably the largest or tallest wall in the room, and decorate it with a striking wallpaper or bold paint so it stands out.
3. Make a list of the equipment the man cave will feature, based on your hobbies and preferences, so you select their locations. Draw a key on a corner of the paper to represent the colors used in the sketch.
4. Determine the placement and arrangement of furniture on paper, creating small entertainment zones instead of piling everything into the space. Place the entertainment center in the middle of the room, or against the focal wall, so it stands out. Design the seating opposite the entertainment center, including comfortable seating options such as recliners, sofas and ottomans.
5. Draw the wet bar on a corner of the room, along with accessories such as a microwave and refrigerator. Draw the location of a card table, poker or pool table on a side of the room, along with chairs or benches around it for seating.
6. Include the locations of accessories that bring the room together. Mark the locations for wall art, shelves and freestanding shelving units. Include lighting options, such as a pendent light over the card or game table, floor lamps around the seating arrangement and wall sconces to highlight wall art or decorative items on shelves. Also mark on the graph paper the locations for rugs or spreads that lend a comfortable touch to the man cave.
Related posts
Bring the ocean home by creating a beach house room.Your beach house room is a relaxing retreat inspired by nature and the ocean. Incorporate outside elements through natural wood furniture and pa... Man caves are modern-day refuges that allow boys and men of all ages to escape the rigors of everyday life. They're typically filled with sports memorabilia, gaming equipment, and whatever hobbies... Miniature Zen gardens are popular accessories in a Zen-style room.Asian-influenced decor is a popular choice for homes. For people who would love to bring a Far East flair to their living room, co... Travis Isaacs/Flickr.comNursery decor is something most people don't think about until they have a deadline (and that deadline is somewhat less than nine months away). It's easy to panic over the... Show off some black and white pottery in a painted recessed alcove.A black and white color scheme brings both visual drama and classic elegance to a room. While it's becoming more common to see wa...
If you're lucky, repainting a room or your home's exterior won't require scraping off the existing paint. But if the paint is bubbled or peeling, you'll need to remove it so the new paint goes on smoothly. The process can be time-consuming, but the results are well worth it because the new paint job will look clean and fresh. The key to scraping off an old paint job is to make sure you get it all off.
Instructions
1. Scrape paint off one section of the wall you start on. It's best to scrape paint in segments to make sure the entire surface gets covered.
2. Run the scraper off the painted surface by running the scraping tool in every direction over the paint. This will help loosen more paint so it is all easily removed.
3. Scrape paint from the wall section by section until the entire surface is complete.
4. Go over the walls that have been scraped with a sander -- either a power sander or by hand with sandpaper -- to make sure all the paint is removed.
5. Clean up the paint droppings with either a vacuum or broom.
Related posts
Painted TileUpdating old wall tile by replacing it can be an expensive and time-consuming project. As an alternative, you can paint the existing wall tile to bring it back to life. It can easily m... Paint a Wall to Make It a White BoardIf you have a creative family that loves to draw or young children who only seem to want to paint on the wall, whiteboard paint is the answer for you. Whiteboa... Painting the walls in your house can be an exciting process, whether you have just moved into your first house and want to decorate, or you are switching your old color to something fresh. It can... Two-tone walls can change up the look of your room. You can create sophistication or whimsy, or make the room look cozier or more expansive. The most common border between two colors is a horizont... Make a faux rock wall using basic craft supplies.When you have a block wall in your house that you feel looks unsightly, you can make the wall look more decorative by painting it. Although you cou...