Category Archives: Home is where the heart is

The Benefits of Using Wooden Deck Tiles

There are many benefits of using wood deck tiles, from durability to antimicrobial properties. But how do you choose the best ones? Here are a few things to consider. Read on to learn more. Besides their durability, they are also easy to install and offer other benefits. The main advantage of using wooden deck tiles is their low maintenance. This makes them an excellent choice for the deck of your home.

Photo by Im3rd Media on Unsplash

Durability

When choosing the best wood for your wooden deck tiles, there are several factors to consider. They are available in various wood species and come in multiple colors and tones. They feel soft underfoot and reflect natural beauty and warmth. Most good-quality wooden deck tiles are made from exotic hardwoods, denser and finer-grained than other types of wood. They are also more resistant to insect damage than different types of wood.

Unlike other decking materials, wood deck tiles are easy to install and durable. They snap into place, which is convenient for people who are not handy. Additionally, wood deck tiles are aesthetically pleasing and resistant to termites, mildew, and decay. They are also waterproof, perfect for boats, sauna rooms, and balconies. These tiles can also be used as door mats or floor coverings in homes and businesses.

Resistant to rot

Using a wood deck tile will ensure the longevity of your outdoor space. While the weight of each tile isn’t secured to the floor, the entire set will not move unless the tiles are stacked together. Likewise, they can be cleaned using traditional deck cleaning methods. Wood products, however, do require routine maintenance and periodic power washing. IPE: IPE is an exotic hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot. Ipe is eight times harder than California redwood. When used on a wooden deck, ipe tiles are resistant to rot and last for decades—the wood ages to a silvery gray patina. In addition, Ipe wood can be treated with a penetrating wood sealant to help maintain the golden color.

Antimicrobial properties

Using various methods to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of wooden deck tiles, researchers can determine the safety of the wood. Several types of tests are used to measure the concentration of active compounds, determine how the materials vary from each other, and identify factors that affect antimicrobial behavior. In addition, they can also select the effect of different treatments and disinfectants on wood. But which tests should be used? Composite wood is made from a combination of wood flour and polymer resins. It resists rot and other harmful organisms and is available in several colors. Most wood deck tiles are treated with fungicides and insecticides. As a result, they do not expand or contract significantly in temperature changes, which prevents mold and mildew development. These tiles also look like natural wood and come in various finishes ranging from traditional to modern.

Easy to install

Installing wooden deck tiles is easy, provided you know a few things. To begin, determine where the tiles will go. You can cut each tile to fit using a hand saw, but a jig saw with a carbide-tipped blade is best. Next, cut tiles no less than three inches wide but not less than the width of a single panel. Finally, cut along the edge of the tile to make it easier to reinstall.

To determine the size of tiles required, you will want to take measurements. Most tiles are 1 square foot, so you should order extras to compensate for oddly shaped areas and damaged tiles. As a general rule of thumb, you should contain about 10 percent more than you measure, and you should make sure to account for the border. Once you know the size of your deck, you can calculate the number of tiles required for the area and order accordingly.

Flexible design

While many traditionally used solid wood deck tiles in many decking applications, more recent innovations have made it possible to connect individual tiles using an integral plastic base. These interlocking wood deck tiles also feature a flexible design to be laid over many different surfaces, including grass and concrete. However, wood decking products are sensitive to contact with surface water, which could bend and twist the wood pieces. Integral plastic bases solve this problem by lifting the wood off the surface and enabling them to be connected.

Wood deck tiles can be installed directly onto the ground, screwed onto joists, or on height-adjustable PVC rider pedestals. These are easy to install and can mimic any other type of deck. Moreover, they are highly resistant to mildew, decay, and termites, so they are ideal for areas where harsh weather conditions are expected. Finally, the flexible design of these tiles allows you to create any design you desire.

A Sneak Peek Into My Kids’ Work And Study Area

These are my kids’ work and study areas.

N’s work area

The eldest is working from home as a graphic designer for an advertising agency. My youngest is busy with online classes. He is in third-year college now. He spends most of his time doing school requirements. 

K’s study area

On the side, he cultivates three aquariums. (Check my other blog for more entries about his aquariums.) One aquarium is inside the bedroom beside his computer table. I think his hobby keeps the balance between him being homebound since last year and doing school projects that keeps him up some nights.

N’s work area, too.

N uses both tables alternately for work.

Funko Pop toys, comics, and books collection

The rooms are not that spick and span because of the deteriorating wall paints. House renovation is not a priority at this point, like what I said in a previous post in my other blog.

I hope I can share with you the photos of the other parts of the house. Maybe I can do that when we finally have a permanent house structure, in God’s perfect time.

Tips for Successful Home Remodeling Projects

Are you planning to remodel parts of your home? Are you considering hiring a design and remodeling company Arlington TX? Before you start interviewing construction companies, consider a few tips that will help your remodel go smoothly.

Photo by Daniel McCullough on Unsplash

Define Your Goals

Your first step should be to clearly define your goals and budget. First, write down why you want to remodel specific spaces. Your contractor will help you make the most of your budget if you are clear about your focus.

Then, identify everything you want to change. If you have the capability, you can also price some of your supplies, but a reputable construction company should be able to get you discounts on some of these items. Don’t just write down what you can afford, but write down everything you want. Your contractor will help you choose between your projects if necessary.

Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash

Design for Resale

Although you may not plan to sell your home anytime soon or even in the future, be aware of where you are spending your money. Focus on design aspects that will increase your home’s value. Spending on personal desires that don’t increase your home’s value should only occur if you plan to stay in your home for at least 7-10 years before selling.  

Create a Timeline

When do you want the work completed by? Are you preparing for an event, or is the remodel’s purpose to improve your home’s flow and usability? If you are preparing for an event, such as a party or holiday, you need to ensure you have enough time before the event to complete construction. However, if usability is your goal, consider scheduling your construction during seasons where these industries are slow to take advantage of lower cost labor and faster construction timelines.

A great contractor will help you make the best construction and design plans. Don’t hesitate to consult a reputable contractor before starting your remodeling process.

Why Hire the Professionals for Roof Installation

The roof is the most protective element of your home. It protects you from adverse weather, harmful UV rays, and the outside world. From time to time, roof repairs are needed.

While repairs are necessary in some situations, in other cases, complete roof replacement is needed. While some homeowners may want to try to handle this process on their own, it is best to hire a professional service for roof installation Sacramento. Keep reading to find out why hiring professionals is best.

Experience

There are several factors to consider when installing a roof. Along with ensuring the right materials are used, it is also necessary to take the proper steps to ensure there are no issues with the installation along the way. Professional roofers have the prior experience to handle the job – from beginning to end – without problems. This provides peace of mind that the roof will be installed correctly and that no serious issues will occur.

Tools and Equipment

Another important consideration is the tools and equipment needed for roof installation. Several specialty tools are required for this job, so it is good to consider this carefully. The professionals will come to the job site with the needed tools and ensure that the job is done correctly. This is going to help a homeowner save money, too. This is because they will not have to purchase the equipment that is needed for the job.

When it comes to installing a roof, there are several factors to keep in mind. With the information here, hiring professionals is the best course of action. They will provide all the benefits here, and more. Be sure to find the right roofing professional, as they will ensure the desired results are achieved and that the new roof provides the high level of protection needed. 

3 Great Planning Tips for Selling Your Home

Getting ready to list your home and move on to a new adventure? Before you list your home on the real estate market, there are a few things you should do to streamline the entire moving process. Here are three key tips to follow as you prepare to sell your home.

1. Add Some Curb Appeal

The quickest way to make sure your home is a hot property the second it hits the market is to give it some outstanding curb appeal. Luckily, even a few small outdoor improvement projects can make a big aesthetic difference. Rent a power washer and was all exterior surfaces. Take extra care of your landscaping by trimming the edges of your lawn, removing all debris and planting colorful flowers.

2. Clean Interior Spaces

Make sure your home is ready to welcome potential buyers by doing a deep clean of your home’s interior. Buyers have a funny way of noticing dirt in even hard-to-reach places. It’s best to steam clean areas of carpet, and do a thorough scrub of the grout in between your tile. You’d be surprised at how a little extra elbow grease can make or break a home sale.

3. Find a Moving Service

Before you list your house for sale, you need to have a solid plan in mind so that you’re not taken off guard when it’s actually time to move your belongings. Get in touch with a local moving services Smyrna to explore how easy it is to leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. Local moves can be a hassle, but allowing a professional moving company to take care of moving your belongings safely to your next destination will take the stress out of the process!

Moving doesn’t have to be such a hassle if you’re able to plan ahead! By completing these important steps before your house hits the market, you’ll be ready to make a speedy sale.