Montgomery Decor

You might not notice it but it is there! Cork flooring is now fast becoming the flooring of choice for most notable buildings such as churches, museums, hospitals, schools, libraries and hotels. With its excellent noise buffering quality and the comfort it provides to tired feet, who can resist it?

Isn’t cork just for bottle stoppers? What is it really and how is it converted to building materials?

Cork is derived from the outer bark of the cork oak tree, Quercus suber, which is commonly cultivated in the Mediterranean. Among the major cork-producing countries are Portugal (which supplies 50% of the total world’s demand for cork), Algeria, Spain, Morocco, France, Italy and Tunisia. In these countries, the trees are considered valued treasures. And why not? Cork is fast becoming a prime export commodity and having expansive cork oak forests translates to big local and foreign earnings!

The bark of the cork oak tree is typically harvested every nine or ten years. The harvested raw materials are then cleaned, boiled and have their rough outer bark stripped away. The finest slabs in the batch are then selected and from these, cork bottle stoppers are made.

Nothing ever goes to waste in the production process of these valuable resources. The scraps resulting from the manufacture of stoppers are collected and grounded into small granules. These are mixed with an appropriate binding material, molded into larger blocks and then baked to come up with the natural cork material which can be used for construction purposes.

Cork can be used in a variety of ways. They can be used in the flooring, walls and ceilings. They can even be formed into baseboards and moldings. Cork finds its way into most commercial, institutional and residential buildings due mainly to its moisture, mold and rot-resistant attributes. In most modern houses, cork materials can be found in almost all of the major rooms!

What makes cork such a hit in the construction of modern buildings?

Well, aside from the fact that it greatly reduces noise (offers up to 50 decibels noise reduction when used as a flooring underlay), cork has the following features:

. Durable. Cork is naturally resistant and recovers well from compression. Treating it with a protective finish further enhances this feature.

. Provides thermal and moisture insulation. Cork cells are multi-sided and have very strong and flexible cellular walls. They are joined together in a honeycomb fashion making them airtight and very resistant to moisture.

. Provides underfoot comfort. Cork’s natural structure makes it compressible so that it provides a comforting feel whenever you step on it.

. Easy to clean and easy to maintain. Cleaning cork flooring can be done in a breeze! For waxed finished cork flooring, all you need is a dry or damp mop. Liquid solvent wax can be applied occasionally to maintain the glossy finish. Or for a more serious cleaning stint, you can use electric buffing using 00 steel wool discs. Lamb’s wool pads can be used afterwards.

For polyurethane finished cork flooring, routine cleaning can also be done by using dry or damp mop. Refinishing it can be successfully done by using power floor machine with 00 wool disc and then applying polyurethane as per prescribed directions.

. Cork is manufactured without any significant negative environmental impacts. Cork-producing nations strictly enforce laws with regards to the harvesting and manufacture of cork. The barks of the trees are harvested in such a way that the trees survive the process and zero waste management techniques are imposed in the manufacturing procedure.

Limestone can be a good choice for kitchen flooring due to its subtle patterning and pale, neutral colors. This all makes limestone kitchen flooring a good choice in contemporary kitchen design. It is also a good choice because it provides hardness, low porosity, looks attractive, and is hardwearing and long-lasting. It also has oil resistant properties, although is should be sealed to prevent staining and to keep it looking its best and to be able to clean and maintain. So limestone is usually offered in a honed (unpolished) finish. Its softer, subtle hues make it a frequent choice of homeowners, architects and designers for flooring, countertops and interior or exterior walls.

Limestone kitchen flooring can possess a high resistance to freezing and thawing conditions. Therefore, limestone can be used in just about any atmospheric condition without it being affected. It is also exceedingly durable and easily maintained.

Limestone has been used in flooring for thousands of years. Limestone is a sedimentary stone that is made up of a least 50% calcite or calcium carbonate content, as well as being composed of grains, crushed sea shells, bones of sea animals, or fragments or biologic origin including fossils and dinosaur bones. Limestone can be a calcareous stone in that it can be highly reactive to certain acidic substances such as vinegars, and wine. Limestone is softer than igneous rocks such as granite, however some types of limestone are very hard and dense. This makes limestone suitable for most interior applications including kitchen flooring. Limestone also has a good non-slip surface, and limestone floor tile can be easily stained, making it a good choice for kitchen floors. Floor tiles can be etched by acids. Limestone has a compressive strength of 30,000/lbs./sq. inch.

Limestone kitchen floor tiles are available in colors such as black, gray, white, yellow, and brown.
Pure limestone is white or off-white. However due to impurities such as clay, sand, iron oxide, or other materials, limestone tends to exhibit different colors. There are several different types of surface finishes. The texture variations are produced because limestone tiles vary in shade and surface appearance. Limestone is made up of a large family of different kinds of stone that can vary in character. Limestone kitchen flooring tiles are polished, honed, brushed, and water worn.

The variations in limestone vary greatly in hardness, density, and porosity from stone to stone. Some types of limestone tend to be very soft and should not be cut on. The surface of the stone can easily scratch. Some types of limestone are very dense and hard and can be finished to a polished or a glossy shiny surface. Softer stones cannot be polished to this high gloss finish.

Limestone has long been the choice of architects and many landmarks around the world, especially in North America and Europe. Limestone has been used in many public building such as train stations, banks and other structures built in the early 20th and late 19th centuries. Limestone provides character and depth to any kitchen.

Hardwood floors can add beauty and warmth to any room in your home and can be a wise choice if you are remodeling or building an addition. Hardwood floors can last for decades so selecting the best hardwood floor for your particular needs is important. Here’s some things to think about if you are considering installing hardwood floors in your home.

1. Type of hardwood flooring. Believe it or not, there are countless types of hardwood floors. The first thing to do is to choose amongst the various types.

2. Price. Not everything that is expensive is of the best quality. Most often than not, the price of flooring depends on the cost of materials from which it is made and how it was transported from the manufacturing plant to the present store. If the flooring is imported from another country, chances are it might cost a lot, but is not necessarily sturdier.

3. Maintenance. Various types of hardwood floors require different forms of cleaning to maintain the original look. Though the usual sweeping and waxing will do, specially formulated cleaning formulas are available depending on the type of flooring and different kinds of woods may have different cleaning restrictions and needs.

4. Repair. Not all wood floors lasts forever. Proper repair and maintenance of damaged floors can preserve the original grandeur, but you must be sure that the appropriate materials will be on hand years down the road.

5. Method of payment. If one is short in cash, look for stores that accept credit card payments. Since there are still some home depots that do not accept specific types of credit cards, it would be best to check first if ones credit card is acceptable from where one has decided to purchase. If the only place where ones preferred hardwood floors is available does not accept credit cards, it would be best to first save the needed cash since it would be unlikely that they would run out of stocks until such time that funds are accumulated.

6. Not all hardwood floorings are of the same color. Choose the shade that best suits the general motif or shade of the house and its furniture for a more coordinated look

7. Consider the rooms where the hardwood floor will be installed. Naturally, if one prefers their bathroom floor to be made of wood, this would entail a special type one since it is common knowledge that wood and water don’t mix.

8. To purchase unfinished or pre-finished wood flooring. Hardwood floors can be bought in its unfinished (not subjected to any treatment) or pre-finished (has several coating of UV-cured polyurethane) state. Installation of pre-finished hardwood floors would result in lesser odors and dust, thus requiring little time for clean up.

9. Installation. Hardwood floors may be nailed down, glued or floating. If the current floors are covered with ceramic tiles or vinyl the floating form is the best. This also cuts the cleaning time since it would only be assembled on top of the old flooring Choose which best suits the type of under floor one has or the capability of the one doing the task.

10. Choosing between engineered and solid woods. Engineered ones are much easier to install since they can be glued or nailed down. Solid woods on the other hand cannot be subjected to sub-standard installations.

Whatever type of hardwood flooring one chooses, you are sure to end up with a handsome element for the room that is both functional and durable.

If mother Russia chooses this year to drop atom bomb on us, there is nothing to worry about. Provided, of course, you have one or two Honda portable generators up and running in the basement. If you are camping somewhere out there you are dead anyway…

Over years of continuous development Honda portable generators were optimized to almost perfection for power output, size, noise, fuel consumption and who knows what other things, while remaining affordable to the average home owner.

Honda portable generators are indeed affordable but way overpriced considering the fact that you can get a portable generator with roughly the same performance for sometimes as low as half the price. Just forget the brand name and stick to the Honda engine.

Gasoline generators are the cheapest among fossil-powered generators but require quite a lot of maintenance. At least half of the malfunctions happen due to engine failure. Especially the carburetor and fuel filter need a great deal of attention.

With Honda portable generators you would not have to worry about missing the Tonight Show in the nuclear twilight. Honda engines are designed to be durable and reliable while running on regular unleaded gasoline with a quiet, fuel-efficient and smoke-free manner.

The first thing you need to do before choosing between different Honda portable generators is to compare the total power consumption of individual appliances with the power supply output of the generator. The generator’s wattage output should meet or exceed the above defined “constant wattage.”

In order to start up all the devices that contain electric motors (which may require up to three times their normal wattage at start up) you need to calculate with an extra output as well. The “start-up wattage” is defined by the surge rating of the generator.

The next thing to ponder about is the voltage ratings of the generator and the appliances you want to operate. If you own larger electrical appliances that are rated at 240 volts be sure to choose a dual-voltage generator. Most Honda portable generators with a power output of 3000 W or above should meet this requirement by default. Not all Honda portable generators come with different outlet types (e.g. 120V duplex, 120V/240V twist, 240V twist).

There are different grades of portability. As for minimal requirement, make sure that your generator is housed in a tubular frame durable enough to protect from accidental damage that might happen during transportation.

Small diesel generators have become an essential household item for many families throughout the United States. In areas prone to hurricane, tornadoes and severe winters, small diesel generators provide life saving aid. One only has to live through a power outage lasting several days in below freezing conditions to realize how difficult life would have been without one of these superb little machines.

Small diesel generators have always had wide acceptance within industrial, rural or building applications. However, with the advance in diesel technology and the small engine over the past few years, diesel is fast becoming the preferred option for household generator owners. These small compact units are not only safer to operate, but they are now much quieter and last much longer than their petrol counterparts.

The reality of small diesel generators being incredibly noisy and smelly is now fast disappearing. One only has to look at sales figures of these engines to the domestic market over the past couple of years to realise how quickly this has happened. More and more home stand-by generators are now diesel powered.

Suburbia, particularly in those areas that are prone to power outages through one reason or other has become inundated with diesel generators of latter years. This has historically been the domain of the small petrol generator which was relatively lightweight and easy for the home handyman to operate. In the wrong hands though, the toxic emissions from these types of generator have proven to be deadly. Safety for many people is reason enough to change to the small diesel generators. The exhaust fumes are not nearly as toxic as those that are emitted from gasoline engines. The fact that they require less maintenance is also another main reason for the change. No ignition system, carburettor or spark plugs means that there is far less that can go wrong.

In a stand-by situation the small diesel generator shows why it is so good. It is built to work for hours on end, in fact the harder it has to work the better it likes it. Gasoline generators on the other hand are more than likely going to self-destruct if put to the same kinds of tasks as the diesel generators. They are designed for intermittent use and when working under load they are also usually very noisy. Homes today are also not the simple affair that they used to be. Now fitted with modern electronic devices, they require a back-up power system that provides high quality stable power. Small diesel generators provide this quality that protects this sensitive equipment from damaging power surges.

The only real downside with the small diesel generators is their initial cost. This cost though much greater will soon be offset by the lower maintenance costs, and the long problem free life that you can expect. Ten to fifteen years is not an unreasonable life expectancy of a small diesel generator providing regular maintenance requirements are carried out.

When it comes to our homes, we all want them to have a beautiful, appealing look because if they do not, then we are leaving an impression on others that we do not care about appearances. Let’s face it, in today’s world, appearances are everything. So, if you want people to be talking about your place for all the right reasons, then your space needs a completed look. And, beautiful switchplate covers are a great way to tie everything together.

For quite some time, switchplate covers had one main purpose and that was to protect us from all the electrical wiring used to power a light switch or outlet. Since they provided such a valuable resource, people did not really mind that these fixtures were pretty plain and boring looking. Eventually though, these fixtures starting to take on a more beautiful appearance and now there are thousands of stylish options, perfect for all kinds decorating themes and motifs that people are trying to create in their indoor space. Take your bathroom for example, maybe it has a colonial motif it with white colored walls and cabinetry that has vintage styling with ceramic knobs that feature hand painted designs. Then, a nice choice for you would be something crafted from porcelain or ceramic that has the same type of hand painted feel to it. Or, maybe your den has an old world appearance. Like, you have it filled up with antique furniture, there is a subdued shade of yellow on the wall, and you have hardwood flooring. In this space a nice option would be ones with that similar vibe, like something crafted out of copper that has a hand rubbed finish.

The thing is, with switchplate covers, there are just a ton of options, which is great for you because with so many selections available, you can effortlessly find the ideal ones for your space. Along with what was mentioned above, you can also get ones crafted from wood, ceramic, stone, other metals like steel and brass, and of course plastic, yet there are now many pattern and color options available other than the plain cream and white colors. If you want a quick way to see them all, do not speed down to the hardware store in your neck of the woods. Instead, put those keys back on the key holder and make a b-line for the family computer. There, you can browse all of the online stores and easily compare prices of all the available options.

It is clear, that with our homes, we want them to have a beautiful appearance because whether we like it or not, in today’s society, appearances are everything. If you want people to talk about your place for all the right reasons, you need it to have a completed look and a great way to bring everything together in your space is with gorgeous switchplate covers. Sure, they might be a minute detail in the grand scheme of things, but it is those tiny details that can throw everything off. Make sure you have a complete space and purchase some new ones today, when you are complimented on your find taste, you will be glad that you did.

After kitchens, bathrooms are the most commonly remodeled rooms in the house. That makes sense, since for many of us, the bathroom is the only place we can escape for some private time. You can shut out the kids, the pets, and the spouse, at least for a while.

Whether you enjoy reading by candlelight in a scented bath or just like the feel of hot water pounding against achy muscles in the shower, the bathroom can be a little oasis from the hectic activities in your house. At least it can if you’re willing to put a little work into creating a sanctuary. Your standard toilet, sink, and tub/shower aren’t that exciting in themselves.

So, what are some of the things you can do to turn your ho-hum bathroom into a luxurious place for relaxation?

Many people immediately think of big, jacuzzi bathtubs with lots of frothing jets and bubbling water. Not only are jetted tubs expensive, but they involve a lot of labor to install. Aside from the time, cost, and aggravation of ripping up your bathroom, you would likely have to replace your water heater, since those massive tubs take much more water to fill than a standard model. And at the end of the day, most people don’t use their tubs that often–despite the ohs and ahs people voice when they first see them.

So, what are more economical bathroom improvements that can pamper you just as much?

If you want a daily treat, a new showerhead is a good way to go. You can get models that hang overhead and rain water down on you, as if you were standing under a waterfall. If that’s not your cup of tea, how about a handheld shower nozzle? These showerheads let you direct the spray wherever you want, and most can be mounted on the wall when you want your hands free. You could also opt for double showerheads that massage your body from two different directions. Even inexpensive models with numerous settings may be an upgrade if you’ve got a standard shower. These let everyone in the family get just what they want.

If you want to go a step further, you could install a floor-to-ceiling shower enclosure. This lets you turn your average shower into a steam bath. Even after the water is turned off, you can sit in the warmth of the cubicle and let the hot air soothe your muscles.

Speaking of sitting, you’d be surprised how handy a folding shower seat can be. If you’re tired, you can sit while the water beats down on you, or maybe you just want someplace to prop your foot when you shave your legs.

Now that we’ve talked about ways to make shower time more luxurious, what about when you step out of the water? How about a towel warmer? You can get heating racks or warming drawers that turn your towel into something toasty to wrap around your shoulders when you’re done.

Enjoy some aromatherapy in the bathroom while you’re there. You can burn candles or incense, if that’s your preference, but there are more subtle essential oils and perfume sachets that can offer just a hint of your favorite aroma too.

If you do want to splurge and do a little more extensive remodeling, consider a new floor with radiant heat instead of a jacuzzi tub you’ll rarely use. You can get programmable heating systems, so you can set your bathroom floor to warm up a few minutes before your alarm goes off. On a cold morning, there’s nothing like a little warmth seeping up from underfoot to wake you up gently.

Many consumers have never heard of a dual shower head. A dual head means there are two separate shower heads running off of one pipe in a shower. There are three types of dual shower sets and within each set, there are many options available. Let’s find out which type of shower head would best suit you by learning more about them.

The most popular dual set is the dual arm shower head. With this type, one shower head is attached to the wall as a regular shower head fixture. The second shower head is attached to a double length swiveling arm, making this shower head easy to adjust and rotate. This dual head shower system easily attaches to the existing shower plumbing. Many people prefer this type of dual head fixture because of its versatility. Once you’ve installed the dual arms for your shower head, you can attach any shower head you wish. You can even install two completely different types of shower heads depending on what you want. The dual shower arms are made from heavy sold brass and do not have washers, making them leak free. Try adding a rainfall shower head onto your movable shower arm, while receiving a pulsating massage from the stable wall mounted shower head. You will discover why a dual shower head is often the first choice of many customers.

The second type of dual head is the dual massaging shower heads. This package is sold already put together with two matching massage shower heads. While they sit side by side, you can swivel and adjust the water so your massage is just right. These are packaged in easy to clean white thermoplastic, chrome or brass. Dual head shower fixtures are often able to run separately as well as together. Flow valves are available for those dual fixtures that do not come with individual shut off valves, making it easier to use one or the other shower head or both simultaneously.

The third type of dual shower heads is the shower head brass bar. Not always made of brass, this bar extends from your shower wall allowing for two shower heads to be attached to either end of the T-shaped bar. Water pressure is usually not a problem with two shower heads. With a water flow valve added to each shower head, you can control the amount of water each shower head allows to pass through it, making it easy to set on shower head to a soft mist while allowing the other to give a strong massaging flow. Shower head bars are available in several widths. Many shower head bars come with valves and shower heads included. These will include dual rain shower heads with an oversize shower head, a jet shower head that is easy to rotate, and dual massage heads on a shower bar.

Choosing a dual shower head that you will enjoy for a long time to come is easier once you know the options available. Be sure to compare not just the shower head features, but the cost as well.

Cinderella had her glass slipper, now your bathroom can have equally beautiful glass sinks. Although you may not associate glass with the typical materials of sink construction (usually more mundane materials like stainless steel, porcelain, or enamel), this durable and elegant item is perfect for any bath that is greatly in need of a makeover. In addition to providing you with a jaw-dropping focal point for your room, a glass sink can also serve to fit in even the tiniest bath. If you are puzzled over a good way to update your bath, consider the positives aspects of choosing a glass sink.

Aspect One – The Look

No one can enter a bathroom with glass sinks and not walk out impressed—it’s just impossible! Especially for those contemporary minded baths with vessel sinks, the unique material and design of the bowl will set your bathroom apart from the rest. Furthermore, there are glass varieties of old standards, including incredibly useful double bowled sinks and space saving pedestal sinks. Once you see a glass sink in person, you will never go back to non-descript sinks ever again! The main trend when choosing a glass sink is a vessel sink, which mounts directly to the top of your countertop. These basins are quite deep so that the rest of your bathroom is not soaked from splashing water.

Aspect Two – The Durability

Contrary to popular belief, glass is an incredibly durable material for construction of sinks. Since glass is outstanding as a vessel for holding water, it makes perfect sense that individuals have been molding and shaping this ancient material for sink bowls. However, the glass used in sink construction is much different than the glass found in your window panes. This glass is tempered and durable enough to last a lifetime. Furthermore, if some accident should befall your beautiful basin, the glass is designed not to shatter, as tempered glass will crack while laminated glass may suffer damage, but still remain intact so as to prevent potential injuries.

Aspect Three – The Options

Regardless what style of bathroom you currently have (or wish to have), there is a glass sink on the market that is a perfect fit. Whether you are looking to complete a modern style with a stunning black glass sink flecked with mica chips or would rather exude an old world charm with a hand painted glass basin, you are sure to find the perfect option for your room. From art glass to industrial glass, be sure to check out a variety of retailers and outlets when it comes time to find the exact sink for your home. Furthermore, these sinks are available in a wide variety of sizes, so that you can find the perfect glass sink for your bath no matter how diminutive the space. For those especially tiny powder bathrooms, consider choosing a corner sink that will occupy space that is previously unused. However, although these basins may save you space, they are certainly not shrinking violets, as they are often capable of being the main spotlight in the room.

Once you have installed a glass sink in your bathroom, be sure to provide proper cleaning and maintenance to ensure that you sink will continue to be beautiful for years to come. Surprisingly, a glass sink can be cleaned with the same glass cleaner you probably use for your bathroom mirrors. However, since glass surfaces are notorious for showing water spots, make a habit of drying the sink basin after each use to prevent these unattractive and aggravating marks from marring the look of your gleaming glass sink.

Homesteaders settling in the territories of the American West traditionally built log cabins; durable, rainproof, and inexpensive. Today, eco-friendly and rustically charming, log cabins with their distinctive handcrafted appearance seem to be making a comeback, with luxurious features such as whirlpools, skylight windows and heated patios.

Swedish colonists built the first log cabins in North America at the beginning of the 18th century. The design of the log cabins was influenced by typical North European farm-houses until the introduction of the Homestead Act. According to which, new colonists had to build their homes of a specific size with at least one window. These old log cabins had just one room, a spacious porch, and an elevated area for sleeping.

Building the frontier style log cabin was quite easy and required only a few days. First of all, the builder settled a solid foundation to keep logs above the damp soil. Most often, rock or stone were used for the log cabin foundation. Then the builder would square off each log and make round cuts on the top and bottom of each end. Then he assembled the logs so that round cuts would fit together. The logs were secured together with wood sticks. The remaining spaces were filled with insulation materials such as clay or mud. The windows and doors were simply cut out, and a fireplace was built afterwards.

Thanks to new construction technologies and an increased attention to all things eco-wise and natural, log cabins are gaining in their popularity. Well-constructed, weather-proof log cabins today can be built and styled similar to conventional houses. Among the advantages of log cabins and homes, experts list remarkable weather-proofing qualities with little insulation and low building costs. In addition to that log cabins require little maintenance.

A hundred years ago a log builder lived in almost all rural neighborhoods, so learning to build a log cabin was easy – people simply followed the way he built. Today, log cabin enthusiasts have access to hundreds of log cabin building manuals and resources from all over the world.

Log cabin factory kits are a practical solution for the log cabin devotee. Log packages with complete instructions can be found online from as low as $5,000, but the complete cost of the building can go twice as high. To the price of the log cabin kit you should add the costs of the assembly and the installation of plumbing, electricity, heating and other “luxuries”. The happy owner of the log cabin can actually decrease the costs by participating in the construction, even though most log building companies can provide a team of contractors to raise the log cabin. In any case, the modern log cabin can be built from scratch in less than two weeks.

Once a popular vacation dwelling located in the scenic outback, log cabins are becoming popular residence choices for many families. More than 90 per cent of all log homes are currently used as a primary residence, and many of these log homes are built in metropolitan areas. Often, when people build the log cabin for vacation getaways places, they eventually move into their log homes because of their casual rugged charm and convenience.