Archive for ◊ March, 2011 ◊

Author:
• Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

Wouldn’t it be good to sit on the perfect bench and enjoy your porch or back yard? Or possibly you have been looking for the perfect piece for your hall so you can sit and take your shoes off when you get home. With the right set of woodworking bench plans you can make precisely what you need and want.

It is a lot easier than you might think to build a bench. With a good set of plans and a weekend’s worth of time, plus a small investment in materials you can make that perfect piece. It doesn’t matter if you are not a master craftsman, or that you don’t have a massive woodworking shop.

There are many different woodworking bench plans out there. I know since I have looked at many of them. Personally I recommend that you stay away from any thing that says free. At best you get an exploded outlook diagram with not much info. At worst you get an ad for something with an continuous stream of emails attempting to sell you more stuff.

After awhile I discovered an online library of woodworking plans with more than fourteen thousand different projects. Yes I did say over 14,000 individual plans (for only fifty bucks too). I know seems impossible, but it is true.

The coolest thing is that not only did I get the plans I also got a password to the member’s only area where, get this, they have unlimited use of an wide-ranging video tutorial library! All the fiddly stuff can be watched on a step by step video showing exactly how to do it.

I discovered so much, all kinds of little tips and tricks that the pros use that make different operations so much simpler. And this is stuff I would have never been able to figure out on my own.

So armed with my super duper woodworking bench plans (which there are approximately 25 different designs to choose from) I decided to build my bench. I printed out the material list that came with the plans complete with all the hardware I would need (fasteners too), and went to the lumber yard. With everything I spent less than $300.00 and that included the wood finish.

My bench came out impeccably! My wife and I genuinely enjoy taking a cup of tea and going and sitting on our bench in our back yard and watching our kids as they get all goofy with each other running around. It really does not get much better than this.

And to think, I nearly spent $1700.00 on a bench that pales in contrast to the one I made. Anyone can do this. If you have the least bit of interest in this, I encourage to spend the few dollars on these excellent woodworking bench plans.

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Author:
• Monday, March 28th, 2011

Backyard landscaping ideas can transform your dingy lawn into a dazzling retreat. The backyard is an area to rest in and has become a true extension of the home. It has particular meaning and significance in architecture. Especially, in a warm climate, backyard landscape provides some fresh air and greenery. You can get the backyard of your dreams with just a few easy steps. Selecting a nice theme must be the first thing to make it real. This is a careful though to begin with a plan.

If you want to increase your property value, the backyard landscaping ideas may be important. When you promote a house, for instance, of course you will convince customers to buy the house at your asking price. A good first impression on a prospective buyer can be prepared by a beautiful front and backyard panorama. What you need to do is spend a little time getting your existing landscape in order.

Everyone has a life style and may consider a landscape backyard to fit into. Many people invest a lot of money in their backyard landscaping ideas but it does not have to be that expensive or hard. But, there are actually different elements to your backyard landscaping that you will need to think before you start digging and pulling out those bushes. Your end result should be a backyard landscaping design that is one of beauty, versatile, functional and easy to maintain.

To achieve a nice landscape or backyard, there are some consideration. Event hough you can hire a landscape artist or you design your own, but in fact you have to go through every aspects of landscaping so you find the landscape that is perfect for your home. Some of these aspects include: plants, fixtures and water features. Plants may be a very vital role in achieving the nice and beautiful backyard. The choice of plants is one important thing you need to focus on. Water is one of the key feature especially in tropical backyard landscape ideas because water is both refreshing and very stimulating.

You maybe have another inspiration like landscaping design with hill ideas to get a beautiful backyard. But, there are really a number of things and factors that you need to consider since a hill can be very picturesque to live near and landscaping one can be a challenge. You must ensure the basic landscaping features look as good as possible before you add anything to your backyard. You might not notice areas that have begun to look run down because you see your yard regularly, so that you need to invite someone like your close friend to point out any messy looking spots you might missed.

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Author:
• Sunday, March 27th, 2011

Stainless Steel Fire Pits Bring Sparkle And Warmth To Your Backyard

If you’re going for stainless steel fire pits to warm up your backyard, you won’t be disappointed. The fire pit selection is pretty abundant. They not only are very attractive on the outside, but also very durable as well.

Any new patio fire pit you choice, will most likely be useful for your family and friends, while having a cozy experience by the fires glow. The real pluses are that it can provide you with tremendous warmth so you can enjoy more months outside, most of the year round, even when temperatures start to come down in fall, and go up after winter.

The stainless steel fire pits that you may choose from will no doubt look beautiful to you and your guest, and be a durable, but appealing decoration. The warmth and ambiance that you will feel standing next to or cuddling up to your stainless steel fire pit, will bring you so many cozy nights together by the fire.

Patio fire pits can also be used as a cooking source, as well as a heating source, so it’s versatile. The kids will be roasting marshmallows over the fire. Having several beautiful stainless steel fire pits to choose from, it will be easy to find a unique and attractive design to suit your backyard and family tastes. Backyard patio fireplaces, or stainless steel fire pits, are made of sturdy, durable, yet attractive materials, which are most commonly, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum, to name a few.

Picking out the design you want for your stainless steel fire pits are easy, once you know about what size and material you prefer. Take your landscape, size of patio and needs into consideration when picking out an outdoor fireplace.

You may already have your patio furniture all set outside, so picking out your stainless steel patio fire pit will be easy. Just make sure that the fire pits style is going to work with everything else on your outdoor patio.

Whether you choose a large stainless steel fire pit or small fire pit, you can enjoy the elegance that it brings to your backyard overall design. Stainless steel materials for outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits tend to blend well, and is a good choice when selecting the right firepit for your backyard area.

A big bonus in choosing stainless steel fire pits is the added durability and sleek, shiny look they can add to your night spot. These types of fire pits are a popular choice among many and will also last a long time, which is great year after year.

Small fire pits, as opposed to large outdoor fireplaces, or built in fireplaces, have many benefits, and these would be, less mess that’s easy to clean up, and they can be put out, and moved if need be.

Backyard fire pits can burn different materials – some gas, propane or wood. You can do your research before you purchase the fire pit that suits you best. Sizing up your backyard is the first step before you get your new firepit.

Make sure you have what you want in mind, then browse selections online. It’s easy to get a clear idea of what you want after looking at pictures of styles.

The final appearance of your backyard will be pleasing, once you get all the pieces in place, including you selection of stainless steel fire pits.

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Author:
• Sunday, March 27th, 2011

Know How Backyard Landscaping Ideas Offer You Get Pleasure

Backyard landscaping ideas can help you to create an atmosphere in your backyard to be very fun. The backyard is a space to relax in and has turn into a true extension of the home. It has particular meaning and significance in architecture. Especially, in a warm climate, backyard landscape provides some fresh air and greenery. You can find the backyard of your dreams with just a few simple steps. Choosing a nice theme must be the first thing to make it real. This is a careful though to begin with a plan.

If you want to increase your property value, the backyard landscaping ideas may be important. When you promote a house, for instance, of course you will convince customers to buy the house at your asking price. A good first impression on a potential buyer can be prepared by an attractive front and backyard panorama. What you need to do is spend a little time getting your existing landscape in order.

Everyone has a life style and may consider a landscape backyard to fit into. Several people invest a lot of money in their backyard landscaping ideas but it does not have to be that expensive or hard. But, there are actually different aspects to your backyard landscaping that you will need to consider before you start digging and pulling out those bushes. As the result of your end of the landscaping design may be functional, beauty, versatile and easy to maintain.

There are major considerations to achieve a nice landscape or backyard. Event hough you can hire a landscape artist or you design your own, but actually you must go through every aspects of landscaping so you get the landscape that is perfect for your home. Some of these elements include: plants, fixtures and water features. Plants may be a extremely crucial role in achieving the nice and beautiful backyard. The choice of plants is one important thing you need to focus on.

You maybe find another inspiration like landscaping design with hill ideas to get an attractive backyard. However, there are really a number of things and aspects that you must think because a hill can be very pleasing to live near and landscaping one can be a challenge. Before you add anything to your backyard, you have to ensure the basic landscaping features look as nice as possible. You might not notice areas that have begun to look run down because you see your yard regularly, so that you need to invite someone like your close friend to point out any messy looking spots you might missed.

Author:
• Saturday, March 26th, 2011

When the first warm days after winter start coming around, people flock to their patios and decks to enjoy the weather. To really enjoy your outdoor living space, you want to make sure that you have the right patio furniture. For your lifestyle, this may include an outdoor coffee table. With some planning and a little bit of research, you can have a good table that will last you for many years to come. If you think that an outdoor coffee table would be an excellent choice for your deck, rememeber these tips when shopping for one.

First, you want to make sure that your space really does need a coffee table. You might realize that what you really need in your outdoor space is actually a picnic table, depending on how you tend to spend your time outdoors. Or that what the space really needs is a little end table beside a chair. If you plan your purchase according to the ways you spend your time outside already, you’ll be set to enjoy your new furniture for a long time into the future.

Next, take inventory of any existing furniture you have outside. Note what it is made of and what style it is. A set of cast iron chairs, for example, may not look so great with a wooden coffee table. Cheap aluminum furniture will look strange next to a good piece of furniture. And don’t forget to consider your decorating style. If you keep with a theme in your house, you will probably also want to use that theme outside. Remembering this will bring the inside and outside spaces in your home together well.

Lastly, be sure to research what sort of maintenance is needed for the outdoor coffee table that you want to buy. For example, teak and eucalyptus need to be oiled once or twice a year or they weather to a silver-grey color. Also decide how much time you want to spend cleaning and maintaining your new outdoor coffee table, and make sure that whichever one you buy falls within that range you’ve chosen. If you prefer low-maintenance pieces, choose furniture that does not need much care.

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Author:
• Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

There are many different types of salt chlorinators on the market today that can self generate chlorine by the addition of regular table salt to the pool water. It sounds kind of funny but really the amount of salt that is needed for this type of system to properly function is in the range of 2800 ppm to 4000 ppm of salt in the water. Now to get a grasp of how much salt that is, a teaspoon of salt in an 12oz glass of water is somewhere within the required range, about 3000 ppm. I suggest doing this and tasting the water for yourself. Most people can barley notice a difference in taste. Salt also adds a more subtle benefit to the pool water by making “soft”, similar to that of a water softener. This is much more beneficial to the skin than the harsh residue of normal chlorine. The process by which the chlorine is produced in by the electronic turbo cell as the salt water passes over the fins produces a byproduct of ozone that also is a natural sanitizer. This system is the one I have on my own pool and swear by it. It is easy to maintain and only requires an occasional addition of salt annually due to overflow from rain fall.

Passive sanitizers such as the Frog system or nature 2 are replaceable mineral cartridge systems that purify the pool water as it passes through them. These type of sanitizers are very effective with only one draw back in my opinion. They need a topical amount of chlorine to work properly. This means you still need to add a harsh chemical to the pool water however in a drastically reduced amount. The very apparent feature of this type system is that the water smells and feels like clean fresh rain water. This type of sanitizer is very commonly used in spas and hot tubs because of their ability to keep up with sanitary needs of the water and can be used with chlorine as well as bromine. Getting in a hot tub that has a harsh chlorine odor is less than appealing. In my opinion fresh rain water that sounds more like it.

Ozonators are one of the oldest types of alternative sanitizers used in the hot tub and personal spa industry because with small amounts of water the Ultra violet light unites could maintain a proper level of stability to the prevention of bacteria growth. With the advent of the new corona discharge models swimming pools can now benefit from this technology. Let me say first that with ozone sanitization you need ether ozone and chlorine or lots of ozone alone. Now most spas and hot tubs use ozone in addition to bromine, but what about pools? Well chlorine has to be used. We cant seem to get away from it unless we super size our ozonator. It is possible to do this now with the new 24hr ozonators by Del, however you must have decided on this before you built your pool because it requires additional in-floor plumbing to be the most effective. Other models will work for existing pools but remember size matters, the bigger the better when it comes to ozonators.

So where does that leave us? In my opinion I would choose first a salt system, then it’s a toss up between passive and ozone, which by the way can be combined together to produce an even more effective passive/ozone means of sanitation.

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Author:
• Saturday, March 12th, 2011

At Backyard Innovations we believe in using energy-efficient eco select Pentair swimming pool equipment on each every project . Pentair products are warranted for 3 years and lead the industry in solution. The Eco Select brand is the keystone of the Pentair Water Pool and Spa program to meet the dual objectives of a growing percentage of pool owners: save money and make more eco-friendly choices. It all starts in our product development department. We have devoted senior staff whose sole mission is to assure that new and re-engineered products are the most eco-friendly and operationally efficient on the market. You’ll see the Eco Select brand connected with several existing products and systems that already meet these standards. These products save energy, save water, eliminate or shrink noise, or otherwise lead to a more environmentally responsible equipment system. In every case, a product that earns the Eco Select brand is clearly our “greenest” and most efficient choice 21st century pool pumps, Standard inground pool pumps can consume just as much energy as all other home appliances combined—often costing more than $1,000 per year! IntelliFlo pumps can typically cut energy use up to 90%, generally saving $620 to $1,360 in utility costs annually—more where rates are higher than average. We will show you an example of the typical swimming pool owners cost savings using this pump and the new LED intillbright lights.

Exclusive, advanced motor technology characteristically offers base savings of 30%

IntelliFlo pumps use an special permanent magnet motor (used in hybrid cars) in place of a conventional induction motor. Permanent magnet motors are fundamentally more energy efficient and supply a typical “base energy savings” of 30%.
Onboard intelligence with variable drive can deliver additional savings up to 90%

Variable speed capability, digital controls, and proprietary software that let custom programming of optimum pump speeds for specific tasks—filtering, heating, cleaning, spa jets, waterfalls, etc. The result is additional energy savings…up to 90% compared to even so-called high efficiency, single-speed, two-speed and multi-speed pumps that cannot be adjusted.
For just about all applications, the optimum speed will be less than the preset, unchangeable speeds of older pumps. Using slower speeds makes use of a fundamental pump law: slower is far more efficient. In fact, when pump speeds are decreased by half, energy usage is just one-eighth of what was previously used.
The quietest pumps ever built

The only permanent magnet motor that is so critical for energy savings is also a totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) design. This combination, along with slower operating speeds, accounts for IntelliPro pumps being the quietest pumps you can install. At typical speeds you can barely hear them operating.
Longer trouble-free service life than conventional pumps

Advanced motor produces less heat and vibration than classic induction motors for dramatically even longer equipment life. TEFC design keeps against all threats posed by an outdoors environment.
Features built-in diagnostics that discover and correct issues that cause premature failure, thereby protecting against overheating, freezing and voltage irregularities. IntelliFlo VF also detects loss of prime.
New Model with Added Safety Features
IntelliFlo VS SVRS pump is the first pump with an integrated Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), which provides an important layer of entrapment protection. Its built-in controller and proprietary software identify blockage of the drain and routinely turn the pump off quickly.

IntelliFlo VS SVRS meets ASME A112.19.17.2002 standards, thereby complying with new Federal legislation related to public pools (Virginia Graeme Baker Pool Safety Act), as well as a growing number of state and local statures for residential pools where entrapment protection measures are required.

21 st century Pool lighting LED Color-changing pool and spa lights
IntelliBrite 5g color-changing pool lights and IntelliBrite spa lights feature LED technology—the wave of the future in energy-efficiency, lifetime value, quality of light and the ability to control it. With IntelliBrite, combinations of individual colored LEDs are mixed and matched in order to get a vibrant spectrum of colors.

These combinations are power sequenced to illuminate and cycle through colors at varying speeds, and in different sequences of color. Combined with a custom reflector and unique lens design, the IntelliBrite is the brightest and most efficient underwater LED light available.

IntelliBrite 5g inground pool lights need only 30 watts to create the same light output as traditional incandescent and halogen inground pool lights at 161 watts. That’s more than 81% less!
IntelliBrite spa lights use only 23 watts for a similar light output compared to 47 watts for traditional lights. More than 50% less!
Cool running LED lights are durable, solid state technology without internal filament to wear down.
Unlike many LED pool lights, the IntelliBrite lights continue to work even when a single LED fails.
LED White inground pool and spa lights
The IntelliBrite White LED lights are not only brighter than incandescent lights, it’s the brightest in the marketplace. In addition, its lengthy service life and energy efficiency can make the savings really add up. IntelliBrite uses only 70 watts to create an identical light output as a 500 watt incandescent light bulb. That’s 86% less energy being utilized

Typical swimming pool owners savings per year using the intelliflow vf pump and intellibright LED pool and spa light.
* based on a Texas resident paying $.10/kwh 1 pool pump (running12hr/ day) , 1 spa light , 1 pool light ( on 4hr/day) 18,000 gallon inground pool with attached spa
Cost saving switching to LED lights
Operational saving of exchanging 500w pool light, 100w pool light with 2 LED lights
$206.00/year Payback period for switching 1.9years
savings over the lifetime of the intelliBrite LED lights – $1,659.00
Cost savings switching to intelliflow VF pump from 1.5 hp single speed pump
Existing single Speed Pump
Turnovers Per Day-1.9
run time – 12.0 Hrs
cost / day – $ 2.48 Per Day
cost per year – $ 905 Per Year

IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pump–Estimated

Turnovers Per Day – 1.0 running at 1000 rpm
Run Time 17.6 hr
Cost Per Day -$.22/ day
Savings Per Day $2.26/day
Cost Per Year- $82.01/year
Savings Per Year – $ 823.00 / year
Savings Percentage – 91%

Total saving for swapping the single speed 1.5 hp pool pump along with the 500w inground pool light 100w spa light = $1029.00

Backyard Innovations understands in these swimming pool and spa lights and puts in Pentair products on every project. Consider our site for additional info http://www.backyardinnovationstx.com

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Author:
• Saturday, March 05th, 2011

Floor water fountains are a unique water feature with a variety of designs and can be very creatively used in garden or even indoors. Depending upon where you want to use it, you can decided to go with the exact match of the fountains by classifying it as per it’s material.

There are several ways to choose the best floor water fountains amongst many designs available in the marketplaces. Here are some easy ways to go about it.

For example a metal floor water fountain is great for indoor use because in the exteriors it will be exposed directly with the atmospheric conditions causing it to lose it’s shine very fast. On the other hand if use a stone or concrete water fountain in the exterior landscaping garden it will merge easily with the surrounding materials and will greatly enhance the overall visual aspect of the garden.

That is why before selecting the water fountain first have a close look at the overall quality of your existing landscaping design. There are many materials available to choose from like steel, glass, copper, stone, granite, concrete, bamboo, etc. All these have their own advantages and benefits as compared to each other and at the same time display a very unique visual quality in the home interiors.

For example if you use a glass water fountain with artificial lighting then during night hours it will help to create amazing quality of ambience in the space where you place it. The dispersion of light through transparent glass and the flowing water stream will create a marvelous ambience along with the quiet sound of the running water.

Another way to choose a floor water fountain is to select a design theme and choose your piece. In a country style interior design theme a bamboo water fountain will create a perfect addition to the overall visual quality. You will find bamboo water fountain in all sizes from tabletop fountains to large sized fountains like a rock garden.

While picking up water fountain budget can affect your selection in the long run. The reason behind this is that water fountains of all types require electricity to run it’s pump that throws water through the beautiful cascade. For smaller sized pumps the consumption of electricity is very minimum. However for larger fountain the pump can consume much more electricity causing hikes in electrical consumption.

No matter which fountain you choose, make sure it helps to improve the visual quality of the space in which you use it. Find out the existing theme of your space and go with the final decision.

Thus water features can greatly enhance the quality of your outdoor or indoor spaces. Make sure you go through enough market research before making any final buying decision.

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Author:
• Saturday, March 05th, 2011

Wooden summer house kits are usually supplied as either ready-made or flat-pack for assembly on site. Ready made summerhouses can be found at shedmaster Summerhouses.

The process of building a summerhouse is quite straightforward if you have good enough summerhouse building plans, however ready made summerhouses can be found at shedmaster.co.uk.

With a good set of summerhouse plans to your exact layout and a comprehensive materials list you can build a wooden summer house yourself to enjoy and, by the way, add much value to your property.

Before you start to build your own garden summerhouse you need to consider the huge range of designs available, so that you can firm up your own ideas and decide on exactly what sort of building you want.

There are a number of important things to consider when planning to build a wooden summerhouse.

Its Size

Deciding on the uses for the summerhouse will dictate the size you need. A popular size for wooden summer houses is 6 x 8 feet but you should always go up a size if possible. Space in a backyard building is rarely wasted.

Its Usage

Will the summerhouse be just a storage shed for tools and gardening bits and pieces? An outside workplace? As a children’s den? As a place to relax, read, watch TV in the long summer evenings? These ideas will influence the eventual design of garden summerhouses. You might need to include electricity or water, soundproofing, heating or cooling, cable TV – quite a lot to think about.

The Design & Layout

Think about the visual impact of timber garden buildings. Only you can be the judge, but try to relate the summerhouse to the other significant structures in your backyard such as a shed, BBQ pit, pool or hot tub.

Its Location

Reasonably flat land is needed for the summerhouse with good access for building it. You might want to position the summerhouse close to, or far from, your house and to avoid nosy neighbors. To some extent location, use and size are all inter-dependent and need careful thought before going any further. It is often a good idea to mark out the location with string or stones to see if the summerhouse will fit well with its surroundings.

Any possible Regulations

You will need to check local rules and regulations regarding wooden summerhouses to see if your intended plans will be permitted. Also ensure that you comply with electricity codes and building regulations during construction.

Foundations/ Base

It is usual to make a proper, ie concrete, base for an average-sized summerhouse, but you could decide to fix the floor to a grid of concrete posts set into the ground. Mounting timber summer houses above ground would avoid some site preparation work and would also allow better ventilation under floors. It’s also a great place for hens to forage!

Materials

Western red cedar is the traditional material for summerhouses, because it looks great and termites hate it. Pressure-treated softwood is a good alternative. This can be painted whatever color you want, which would not really be the case with cedar. You can use cedar shingles for the roof. Bark is not so good because of the difficulty of finding the right quality.

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