How to Choose Fencing Material

When it comes to fencing material, you have many options, from aluminum to vinyl and everything in between. So how do you know which fencing material is the best for your needs? Below are some key facts about different materials to help you choose the right fence for your home or business.

Wood. One of the most popular fencing materials, wood comes in a variety of styles - from quaint white picket fences to six-foot-high privacy fences. However, while wood is a popular choice, it can be challenging to maintain, since it's more prone to damage from high winds and other weather events and is susceptible to rot.

Vinyl. Vinyl can mimic the look of wood fencing, but is easier to maintain and stands up better to the elements such as wind, rain and snow. However, some people may not like the artificial or manufactured look of vinyl fencing. It can also cost more than a comparable wood fence and you may have limited options when it comes to color.

Stone and brick. Stone can provide an attractive, rustic aesthetic for your property, while brick offers a sturdy, classic look. But these fences can also be expensive and challenging to install, and once they've been built, a stone or brick wall is harder to remove than some other types of fencing. If you decide to pursue this option, make sure that you work with a contractor who has experience installing stone and brick fences.

Aluminum. Aluminum fencing can mimic the look of more expensive materials like wrought iron, but is also less sturdy. However, aluminum fences can be recycled after they're no longer in use, which could be a plus for green-minded homeowners.

Chain link. It's not the most attractive option, but chain link fences are sturdy and affordable. For areas of your property that are less visible and where privacy isn't an issue, chain link could be a good option. Chain link is also an ideal fencing material if you have a very large area that needs to be fenced.

Wrought iron. Wrought iron is attractive, though it can be more costly to install than some other fencing options. It's also easy to customize wrought iron fencing so that you get a fence that truly fits with the style of your home. Homeowners may also choose high wrought iron fences because of the security they provide. However, wrought iron fences require more maintenance than some other types of fences.

Loop Pile Carpets: Selecting the Right Carpet for Your Flooring

Carpets are a good way to create that warm, vibrant and pleasant atmosphere in your home. However, to get the most out of these floor coverings, it’s best to choose them based on the use you have in mind. So, for instance, if you need a carpet for your hallway, you may want to consider a loop pile carpet. It’s hardwearing, and therefore more suited to high traffic areas.

However, before making a purchase for this kind of carpet, there are some things you should factor in:

Style

When purchasing a loop pile floor covering, you’re bound to come across three distinct types:

• The textured loop
• The level loop, and
• The multilevel loop.

Textured loops vary in height and create patterns resulting in the visibility being increased by certain colour variations. Also, the differences in the sizes of the loops determine the texture of the carpet surface. Similarly, the multilevel collections have varying loop heights, but the variations are more pronounced. On the other hand, level loop carpets have loops of equal height, which gives such carpets a relatively smooth surface.

Apart from the style, it's also good to take into account the density of the carpet, because this very much influences how good it will look and how long it will last.

An Underlay

Just like the carpet itself, an underlay is essential; so, it shouldn’t be overlooked. That’s why, when buying a carpet, it’s important to go for an underlay for carpet. The cushion plays a major role in the appearance and performance of your carpet. Once you put it underneath, it will not only help you achieve a softer and more comfortable feel, but it will also keep your carpet from wearing out, fast.

Maintenance

The texture and colour of the carpet you go for determines the level of maintenance that will go into it. For example, if you have small children or pets in your home, it’s probably best not to choose carpets with bright colours and patterns, as they will stain easily, which can mean regular, intensive cleaning that you may not have the time for.

In addition, you should also factor in the maintenance costs of the carpet. A higher grade carpet may cost more, but, they tend to give you a better and longer service in the long term, so you get more value for your money.

All in all, regardless of the quality, your carpet doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. With a little research and a firm idea of what you need, you can get quality loop pile carpets and underlay at great prices.

End of Summer Blooms

I love summer and gardening.  My yard is at its peak in May-July each year; however, there are still some good blooms to enjoy into August and September.  One of my favorite flowers, Cosmos, are in full bloom right now!  In fact, they were going SO crazy along the entry to my front door, I had to put this little fence up to corral them in.  My husband thought I should cut them back...  now that's just crazy-talk!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This area is fairly newly planted.  A few months ago I decided to pull all of the boxwoods that were lining this planter.  I was able to give them to a friend and they are now thriving in her backyard.



 

We already had this amazing Weeping Cherry and Tree Peony.  They both bloom in early Spring.

 

 

 

Is there anything prettier than a clematis climbing up a birdhouse and blooming?

 

 

Here it is a few weeks after I planted the area.  Many of the flowers that were blooming back in May are done now, but the Cosmos are happy to keep going!

 

 

 

And because I love birdhouses, I had to throw this picture in.   The fern is a volunteer.  I love how it's growing around the birdhouse. 

 

 

What are your favorite flowers? 

 

Thanks for your visit!

 

Pam

 

 

I am linking to the following parties:

 

 

Five Top Tips for Garden Maintenance

If your garden is an overgrown jungle or a desolate wasteland all is not lost. Whether you are blessed with green fingers or you could kill cress, the following tips should help you keep an attractive, verdant garden without too much effort.

Gardening really isn’t rocket science and with the right gear and a bit of patience and attention, you too can create an oasis of calm and beauty outside your home. Read on and rejuvenate your outdoor area with our help.

1) Treat your plants to a trim
Leave your garden for months at a time and don’t be surprised if it has turned into a world of untamed triffids. The secret to a great looking garden is to trim little and often. This will encourage growth and keep plants in shape and in check.

2) Invest in appropriate equipment
If you don’t have the right equipment for gardening then treat yourself to a few items, such as a Stretch Hose for watering your shrubbery, some secateurs to trim back bushes and a garden fork to help with sowing seeds and keeping your turf in good health.

3) Let water flow
Irrigation is essential in any garden if you want it to be lush and green, rather than dusty and brown. This means creating a simple irrigation system if you have a sizeable garden – especially so if you live in a warm climate. With adequate water your plant life should thrive with relatively little attention paid to it.

4) Whack those weeds
Dealing with weeds as soon as possible is the best way to keep your garden free of these botanical pests. Pulling them by hand is recommended over chemical weed killer and if you keep a regular eye on your lawn, this shouldn’t take up much of your time. If the problem requires more than hand power, there are various weed killers available that could offer a satisfactory solution.

5) Make sure to mow high
Most people wait ages to mow their lawn and then give it a crew cut, chopping low on the grass blades. Rather than doing that just cut the tops off the grass for a denser lawn. And don’t bother with a grass catcher on your mower, just let the trimmings fall onto the grass.

More Games for the Game Room

 

 

A couple of weeks ago, I went to Fleattitude, a Vintage Market about 50 miles from my house.  I wasn't sure how long it'd take me to get there, so I was pretty early, which made me happy.  (I love being one of the first in line for sales like this!)   The night before, my husband said he wanted to go, until he found out that we'd be leaving by the crack of dawn.  He tried to get me to wait till later to go--not a chance.  Instead, he slept in and I shopped till I dropped. 

 

 

 

I found a lot of fun stuff!

 

 

The first thing I found was this game board.  I had been considering one online for awhile, but wasn't sure.  I saw this and saw the great price, so I scooped it up!  The only thing wrong with it was a missing net in one corner.

 

 

Since I don't do needlework, I decided I would find a replacement.  I thought maybe a fishing net, but those were too thin and expensive. 

 

 

My husband found this set.  And it was on clearance.  By the time it was ours, we'd paid $2.33.  Definitely worth the chance!

 

 

 

 

I needed the new net to look a lot like this old one.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I cut it out of the racquet and sprayed it with Camouflage paint.  I let it dry about an hour, then stuffed it in the corners and hung it on the wall.

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, if you look closely, you can see which corner is the new one, but really, most people who come into our Game Room are there for a party, so I doubt that they'll ever notice!





Thanks for your visit!

 

Pam

5 Home Maintenance Tips to Save You Money

Keeping a functional and comfortable home isn’t cheap. There are utility bills, cleaning products can be pricey and then there is the cost of home improvements. But of course these things are necessary for a house or flat you can be proud of.

Thankfully there are a number of ways to minimise home maintenance costs, so read on for some money saving tips.

1) Rent tools that you won’t need again
If you need to use a large floor sander or a hammer drill for a DIY project, think about whether you are likely to use it again. If not, opt for tool rental rather than buying a pricey device that will probably just gather dust in your shed for the next 10 years. There are numerous tool hire companies offering an array of strange and wonderful things that could be very useful, but which you probably don’t need to own.

2) Buy appropriate vacuum bags
There is a huge variety of vacuum cleaner bags available for different brands and different models. Often people can’t find their particular bag at the local shop so simply make do with the nearest size they can find. This may seem like a good idea at the time, but using the wrong bag leads to your vac not working efficiently and means you will have to swap it before it is properly full, costing you money. If you have a Hoover, buy Hoover bags; if you have a Miele vacuum, buy Miele bags. They will save you cash in the long run and make sure that your device works as intended.

3) Save leftover materials
If you have assembled some furniture and you have a handful of spare screws or a few pieces of wood, keep hold of them. Collect all your unused home improvement materials and you will find that they will come in handy for future projects.

4) Get creative with unwanted paint
If you are left with half full cans of paint that you don’t want to use elsewhere in your home, consider whether they could be blended to create an interesting new tone. A gaudy orange and magnolia can create a soft sunset yellow, for instance. Of course you are limited by your leftovers: brown and red won’t combine quite as well!

5) Prevention is better than cure
Fixing up your gutters, cleaning your roof or trimming the ivy might seem like unnecessary work if there is nothing currently wrong with your home, but preventative measures like this can save you significant sums which would be incurred by not staying on top of your maintenance. A little effort now saves a lot of effort, and expense, later.

Grain Sack Pillow

 

A friend was moving and trying to get rid of things. I was the lucky person who happened to be in town that day!

 

She gave me this neat old grain sack.

 

I took an Ikea pillow insert and pinned the fabric around it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 It then sat on my couch with the pins for several weeks...

 

 

 

 

Today I sewed it up and now it's good to go. I love the colors and graphics!

 

 

 

Thanks for your visit!

 

Pam

 

 

I am linking to the following parties:

 

 

 

 

Funky Junk Interiors' Grain Sack Party