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DIY remodeling furniture

Remodeling your existing furniture is a cheaper option than buying new. It is also a good way of reusing items rather than buying new. There are lots of ways to create a new look to you furniture in your home. If you have a lot of items that need some love and attention, then try to salvage them and save some money. You could also keep your eye on second hand shops and bric brac sales for items that can be renovated. Some can be done by yourself other may need some professional guidance, but it is a great way to be different. Here are some remodeling ideas to improve the appearance of your home furniture.
DIY remodeling furniture
Furniture gets a lot of use. Items such as wooden table and chairs can be easily spruced up by either staining, varnishing or painting. If you attempt to repair you will need to prepare the table which usually means sanding down the table and chairs and either varnishing or staining with a cloth. Painting a varnished table will need a little more work as you will have to use special chemicals to strip the glaze from the wood, before using special primer, undercoat and paint in the colour of your choice to create a new look. This is a little more time consuming but still a lot cheaper than buying new. For the purpose you could even hire professional carpenters Battersea.
Soft furniture such as sofas, settees, armchairs and upholstered dining chairs with upholstered fabrics and textiles can be easily covered with a new fabric. You can purchase your fabric from specialist shops and either attempt the job yourself or hire an expert. Sofas and settees are harder but dining chairs can easily be copied and the new fabric stapled on over the seat. If you copy how the original fabric is done it is easy.
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Larger upholstered items are harder and will likely need an expert, it won’t cost as much as buying new and if you love the style of the sofa than it is worth it. Any item can be covered so if you have a foot stool, poof or upholstered stools get them covered in matching fabrics. By doing this you put your own style on a piece of furniture, and have an individual style.
Nowadays refurbishing old and worn out furniture is relatively easy. Whatever you have that looks a little aged it can be refurbished. Painting tiles and kitchen units can quickly and instantly perk up the room. You could buy tiles and cover a table top and create a new look. You will guarantee that nobody else will have the same deign. A lot of specialist home stores have lots of products on the shelves to help do up old and tired items. There are lots of products available to do up existing furnishings. If your bedroom furniture, wardrobes and dressing tables need perking up you can buy varnishes and paints to change them. You will have to strip the old coating off if it is wooden, but it is then easy to paint again in a fresh and clean colour. If you have plastic or synthetic type furnishings then you can spray paint them in a different colour.

You can change the look of most of the furniture. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be messy work. If you are fed up with the look of tables then buy a nice table cloth and cover it. It is an instant way of changing the look of your room. It is the same with sofas and beds invest in throws and cover them in a different colour scheme.

October 21, 2014 | Ella Andrews

DIY Student Removals vs. Professional Student Removals

When it comes to hiring removals companies for student removals, most clients feel that it is an unnecessary expense, or at least, one that can be easily avoided. We understand the reasoning behind this assumption: after all, most student removals are of a much smaller scale than regular house removals or office removals and hence the requirements thereof are also of a much smaller scale. Most people feel that student removals can be easily managed and for a student moving to a dorm or a small university apartment it makes sense to save money by passing up on a removal company. In this article we discuss the merits and demerits of both DIY (Do It Yourself) and professional student removals.

Let us begin by taking a look at DIY removals, why they are a great option and some of the drawbacks of the same. To begin with, the most important factor in favour of DIY student removals is that they are affordable. A common complaint most people have with European removals is that no matter what kind of removal service is needed, moving companies prove to be expensive. In light of this, managing without removals companies might seem like a financially sound idea to you.

DIY Student Removals vs. Professional Student Removals

Secondly, with DIY removals you can be in control of the entire removals process. A lot of people we hear from don’t like the idea of letting strangers, even professionals, go through all their things and be responsible for transporting them safely to a different address. With DIY student removals you are completely in charge and you can make sure that everything is set up in your new dorm room or student apartment as per your liking. You will have complete say in how things are packed, when and how fast they are moved to the new address and how you unpack them. If you are the hands-on kind of person, a DIY dorm removal might actually bring you a lot more peace and satisfaction than hiring relocation companies.

DIY Student Removals vs. Professional Student Removals2

Even though DIY removals can be affordable at the outset, and they offer you a greater degree of control and flexibility, they can actually end up costing more and being a lot more complicated than hiring removal companies. To begin with, you will have to spend a lot of money on fuel and if you are using your own car to move everything you can end up making multiple trips to and fro. And since you can’t fit furniture and large luggage into a car, you might actually end up hiring a removals van and you will be surprised to learn that it amounts to spending almost as much as you would on professional student removal services or man and van services. You will also have to buy removal boxes and these can be expensive, but if you work with moving companies UK you can rent removal supplies or buy them at discounted rates and save a lot of money this way. In this way, working with a moving company UK might actually be a lot more cost-efficient as you can get a moving vehicle as per the size of your student removal and save on fuel and supplies.
When it comes to efficiency and satisfaction, there is nothing like depending on a removal company to take care of your student removal. The pros will get everything done faster and more effectively, which means not only will you save on time but also on space in the removal van or moving trucks. You can also find comfort in knowing that the items packed by the house movers are optimised for space and safety and you don’t have to worry about unpacking your things and finding them cracked or broken.

September 1, 2014 | Ella Andrews

Step-By-Step Guide To Hanging Shade Cloth

Shade cloth is a weaved material that can be hung over structures or wrapped around fencing. In most cases, its purpose is to protect against extreme weather conditions and harmful UV rays, or to keep dust and debris at bay. However, since shade cloth comes in varying stitched densities, it can also be used by gardeners to control the amount of sunlight that plants receive.

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Depending on use, shade cloth can be draped or installed in different ways. If you’re looking to do some DIY, before purchase it’s important to consider which type of shade cloth you’ll be working with, as the material can be knitted or woven. Keep in mind that knitted cloth is usually lock-stitched and easy to repair, while woven cloth can tear or unravel when cut.

Once you’ve chosen the type of shade cloth that works best for your project, the next step is learning how to install it. We’ve rounded up different uses and applications below.

Applying Shade Cloth To Wooden Frames

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If you plan to use your shade cloth to cover a shade house, pergola or gazebo, you can simply roll the shade cloth across the top of the structure, leaving a spare 300 mm around the edges. Attach fabric into the framework, fixing the longer edges first. From there, measure 5 mm in from the edge of the cloth and secure with studs or fasteners every 300-600 mm; using butterfly clips is also an option. Once the structure is finished, you can trim up any extra fabric or hanging bits.

Fitting Shade Cloth To A Metal Structure

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Measure shade cloth to fit the frame you’re working with. Then attach fasteners or butterfly clips each 500 mm. Weave a wire or cable through the hinge of the fastener and use cord to lace onto the framework. You may purchase shade cloth that comes with perforated and reinforced eyelets – look for the stainless steel variety, as they are stronger and more durable than brass eyelets. With eyeleted shade cloth, you can easily weave a cable or string through to fasten onto the structure.

Using Shade Cloth In The Garden

Install stakes or poly hoops to create a framework over a patch of plants, then drape the shade cloth over like a tablecloth. Leave some space between plants and the shade cloth to allow adequate “breathing” space.

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Other Useful Tools For Installation

Lacing cord and needle kits: For weaving through fasteners and eyelets.
Shade cloth joining pins: Mini harpoon-shaped pieces that can be pushed through overlapped shade cloth pieces to prevent slippage.
Fixing staples and pins: U-shaped metal pieces used to secure cloth to the ground.
Cable ties: Variety of uses, mainly for securing shade cloth to standalone frames and comes in UV stabilised material.
Plastic locking clips: For hanging shade cloth from chain link fences, you can clip into a folded over cloth edge.

Your shade cloth provider may have specific installation tools and processes, so be sure to seek professional advice to ensure optimum performance.

Author Bio: The team at Site Shade offers a variety of shade cloth products and fastening options for your next project. Give them a call on 1300 721 663 today.

August 28, 2014 | Naomi Fuller

DIY
Trades

9 Tips on How Landscaping Can Improve Your Home’s Value

Landscaping can be used to dramatically increase the value of your home. Not only will the value be realised immediately, but it can also increase over time as the plants that you use in your landscaping design grow bigger, stronger and more attractive. When choosing the type of landscaping that you will use, there are a number of factors that you need to take into consideration.

1. Planning

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This is extremely important, as you want to create an overall landscaping effect. It is a good idea to draw up a plan of your landscaping design in advance, which will include the type and size of the plants that you will include, the overall effect and the ways in which your landscaped garden will be used. It is essential to make sure that your landscape plan is not too ambitious and that it works with the size and shape of your garden. Before starting your landscaping project, take a little time to review this plan to make sure that you are completely satisfied with it. Making changes in the initial stages is much easier than when you have already put a lot of work into your landscaping project.

2. Overall Effect

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One of the most important things to consider when using landscaping is the overall effect. Make sure that all of the elements you select work well together so that you create a garden that will impress house hunters when you are ready to sell your property. Try to choose a style that will be appreciated by a large number of people, rather than a design that satisfies your own unique sense of style.

3. Budget

Of course, it is important to make sure that you can afford to create the landscaping style that you have set your sights on. There is nothing worse than starting a landscaping project, only to have to suspend your plans partway through because you run out of funds. Be realistic when making your budget and take the time to price up all of the elements that you will use in your landscaping design so that you can fully realise your plan.

4. The Plants

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Different types and plants will require various different conditions in order to flourish. Make sure that you select plants that will thrive in your soil and receive the right amount of light and warmth. Bear in mind that some plants flower at different times of the year. Ideally, you should try to add plants that flower in various different seasons so that you always have a splash of colour in your garden, even in the winter months. Also bear in mind that some types of plants require more care than others. Make sure you have enough time to care for all of the plants you choose to use in your landscaping design.

5. Scented Plants

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Some plants such as jasmine and lavender are known for their strong and appealing scents. Adding some of these highly scented plants to your garden can add an extra element of appeal that really plays on the senses and makes visitors want to stay in your garden for longer.

6. Trees

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Adding trees to your garden can give it a real touch of life. Small trees can be purchased from most garden suppliers fairly cheaply. However, take into consideration the fact that these trees will grow over time, so make sure that you have enough space in your garden for them. Your original landscaping plan should cover the actual size and shape of the trees after they reach maturity, as well as their size when they are originally planted.

7. Permanent Features

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Special features such as stone paths, birdbaths and sundials can add a touch of style and sophistication to your garden. One of the great things about permanent features is that they require very little care, making them ideal for busy people who do not have much time to maintain their garden.

8. Decking

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This is another element that can be used to improve the value of your home. Not only does decking look attractive, it can be used to create an addition recreational space in your garden. Decking can be used to extend the area that adjoins your house to the garden to provide a space to which to relax with family and friends.

9. Lighting

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Use of lighting can add a homely effect to your design to make your garden feel welcoming and inviting. Lighting can be used in a number of different ways to create various different types of effects. Large freestanding lights can give your garden a sophisticated look, while smaller lights set into trees and shrubs can give your garden a fantasy element. You can also have fun experimenting will coloured lights to produce various different effects that will really make your garden stand out.

Author Bio: WA Timber Decking is a Perth based Timber Decking specialist who supply decking timber and decking supplies for the handyman, DIYer and builder. WA Timber Decking can assist with timber deck designs, installations and maintenance.

August 25, 2014 | Naomi Fuller

DIY
Trades

To Buy Or Hire Temporary Fencing?

Temporary fencing is truly a multi-purpose tool, used for all sorts of projects and events from construction to venue barriers. Most companies that sell temporary fencing offer you the choice to rent or buy the equipment. So when it comes down to the details, should you rent or buy?

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1. Extended Use

Rent: If your project goes past it’s intended finishing date, you will have to extend the hire of the temporary fencing meaning more paperwork, time, energy and cost. This could be seen as a motivator to get the job done, or as an added, unwanted step.
Buy: When you own, there is no limit to when your project needs to be done. This option gives you more flexibility.

2. Control

Rent: When you hire temporary fencing equipment from a company, you must rely on that specific business for on time delivery, reliable installation and thorough removal. With this option there isn’t as much work for you as an individual, besides organising the process.
Buy: When the temporary fencing material is all yours, you will have full control and responsibility over the set up and take down process.

3. Quality

Rent: Rental fencing is used; you don’t know how many people have borrowed it before.
Buy: New temporary fencing is sold straight from manufacturing; therefore you can be assured the quality is top notch. However, if it’s damaged during use, you’re stuck with it.

4. Availability

Rent: If you’re embarking on a big project and you’d like to rent, the amount of fencing you need may not be in stock, or it could take extra time for the company to gather and deliver.
Buy: You know that obtaining the material isn’t an issue, as you already own it.

5. Value

Rent: When you hire, you’ll pay a smaller fee upfront. If the temporary fencing market changes, the price could reflect that and fluctuate so there won’t always be a locked in price. Sometimes unforeseen costs arise such as overage charges or damage fees.
Buy: If you choose to buy, you will only pay once. The initial fee will be higher than renting, and it’s more of an investment for further projects.

So it really comes down to each individual. Take into account whether you’ll need the temporary fencing for further, extended use. Also ask yourself if you prefer control of the installation and removal process; if you aren’t a hands-on person, it could be a challenge. As far as quality goes, decide if you need pristine equipment or if sturdy and second hand will suffice (rented equipment still gets inspected for quality). Ask yourself how much you’re willing to pay, and whether you see the temporary fencing as simply a one-off safety precaution or an investment for future work.

Author Bio: If you’re interested in discussing options to rent or buy temporary fencing, contact TTFS today on 1300 119 998.

August 25, 2014 | Naomi Fuller

DIY
Trades