February 11, 2008
KitchenCountertops
http://interiordec.about.com/od/kitchencounters/tp/tp_countertops.htm
Top Picks for Kitchen Countertops
1. Granite Counters
Granite is the countertop material of choice when there are no other things to think about - like money. It defines elegance in a kitchen. As the use of granite becomes more widespread, the price comes down. The beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen.
Pros: holds up to heat; comes in a range of almost 3000 colors; looks permanent and substantial; will last a lifetime; new sealers are almost maintenance-free; 2nd highest hardness rating after diamonds; has a high value to home buyers.
Cons: expensive, but becoming more affordable; requires some maintenance; some stones absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it; can crack if stressed or improperly installed.
2. Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Some brands on the market include DuPont Zodiaq®, LG Viatera®, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone®.
Pros: Resistant to stain and acid; easy care.
Cons: Expensive.
3. Solid Surface
Because solid surface counters are just what they're called, solid, any scratches can be sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone.
Pros: comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns; seamless; stain resistant.
Cons vulnerable to hot pans and stains which can damage the surface; can be moderately expensive.
4. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you've got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it's installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.
Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean; wide range of price, color, texture and design.
Cons: counter surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained; custom-designed tiles are very expensive.
5. Laminates
Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. They're made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends.
Pros: you can buy laminates in lots of colors; easy to maintain; durable; inexpensive.
Cons: scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair; seans show; end finishing and front edge choices can be pricey.
6. Wood or Butcher Block
Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods.
Pros: easy to clean; smooth; can be sanded and resealed as needed.
Cons: can be damaged by water and stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer's instructions.
7. Stainless Steel Counters
For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop.
Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean.
Cons: Expensive; noisy; may dent; fabrication is expensive; you can't cut on it.
8. Soapstone Counters
Soapstone is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel. It is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material.
Pros: rich, deep color; smooth feel; somewhat stain resistant.
Cons: requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; may crack and darken over time.
9. Marble
Because of it's extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining.
Pros: waterproof; heatproof; beautiful.
Cons: expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; can scratch; may need resealing periodically as per manufacturer.
10. Concrete Counters
If you have countertops in unusual shapes, concrete may be a good choice, as they're often cast right in your kitchen. The high price tag may be beyond most people's budget.
Pros: heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative.
Cons: mid to high range on cost due to custom work; cracking is possible; can look somewhat industrial; porous but can be sealed.
Posted by chek at 12:58 PM | Comments (0)
February 07, 2007
Camellias
http://www.garden-nz.co.nz/article/archive/357/
Gardening New Zealand
Camellias and other plants
Organized information
Posted by chek at 03:17 PM | Comments (0)
November 28, 2006
Major Builders
http://money.cnn.com/2006/11/28/news/economy/homesales_october/index.htm?cnn=yes
Major builders:
Pulte Home (Charts)
Centex (Charts)
D.R. Horton (Charts)
Lennar (Charts)
KB Home (Charts)
Toll Brothers (Charts)
Posted by chek at 05:38 PM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2006
Orange Tree Care
http://www.ehow.com/how_3628_grow-orange-trees.html
You must make sure the tree is in a sunny area, in soil that does not retain water. Do not plant trees in alkaline soil, as they will not be able to survive. Mulch is always an asset, as it helps water to move through the soil and provides nutrients for the tree. If your area does not receive much rain, water the tree at least once every week and a half. If temperatures drop suddenly, cover the bottom of the trees in plastic, and if it becomes extremely cold, around 30 degrees Farenheit, consider moving the tree inside. You will know when to harvest by the size and taste of the oranges. Do not harvest oranges until they re completely orange, and all green has left them.
If you plan to fertilize your tree, there are several different routes you can take. You should only fertilize the tree 4-5 times during its growth period. When figuring out the dose of fertilizer to give a tree, consider the nitrogen content on the label of the fertilizer you plan to use. Since a tree generally needs 1.5 lbs. Of nitrogen once a year, split your doses up accordingly. If you use fertilizer in the form of pellets, tablets or powder, make sure that these release nutrients slowly enough to ensure steady growth for the tree.
If you live in northern Florida, the southern areas of the other gulf states or other regions where the occasional freeze is always a possibility during winter, think about choosing an early season cultivar like 'Hamlin', 'Parson Brown', Ambersweet or 'Washington' navel. Early season cultivars bear fruit before December unlike late season cultivars, some of which may not bear fruit until March.
Valencia oranges: A California orange that can also be grown in Texas, South Africa and South America. Valencia oranges are one of the oldest species of orange, with roots in China. Valencia oranges are notable for a green tinge that they acquire in the spring. For this reason, they are often dyes before being sold in mass quantities.
Washington Navel: This orange comes from Brazil, but is now grown in Florida and California. It is seedless and extremely juicy, and for this reason it is most often used to make orange juice.
Posted by chek at 12:01 PM | Comments (0)
Japanese Maple Trees
http://landscaping.about.com/cs/fallfoliagetrees/a/fall_foliage6.htm
Fall Foliage of Japanese Bloodgood Maple Trees
The "Bloodgood" Japanese maple (Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood') is one of the most popular Japanese maple tree cultivars. This fall foliage standout can be grown in zones 5-8 and attains a maximum size of about 20' x 20'. It likes sun but can profit from a bit of light shade. Its leaves in summer are a reddish-purple. At fall foliage time those leaves become a striking crimson.
Fall Foliage of Japanese Crimson Queen Maple Trees
“Crimson Queen” Japanese maple trees (Acer palmatum dissectum 'Crimson Queen') can be grown in zones 5-8, reaching a height of 8’-10’ and spread of 10’-12’. This dwarf will grace any lawn with its pleasing weeping habit and dissected leaf type. As in the above examples, the dark red summer leaves of these trees mature to a crimson color for fall foliage.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Bay Area is 10a
Posted by chek at 11:19 AM | Comments (0)
April 18, 2006
Safety Signs
http://www.britesidepanels.com/
Unique, versatile traffic signs accessories improve motorist and pedestrian safety at high incidence trouble spots or your own home.
Fits all sign supports.
SLOW DOWN sign at your corner.
Posted by chek at 10:32 AM | Comments (0)
October 26, 2005
Garden Care Calendar
http://www.weather.com/outlook/homeandgarden/garden/carecalendar/
Weather.com - Garden Care Calendar
Posted by chek at 12:17 PM | Comments (0)
April 22, 2005
Top-Rated Gas Furnaces
http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/topfurn.htm#60gas
Top-Rated gas furnaces, Manufacturer, Trade Name, Model Number, Capacity, Electric Energy and AFUE.
Posted by Chekonim at 03:58 PM | Comments (0)
Plumbing / Irrigation
http://www.rvcloudco.com/
Directory of many plumbing and irrigation suppliers.
Posted by Chekonim at 03:56 PM | Comments (0)
Pest Control
http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/
Do it yourself pest control products and supplies.
Posted by Chekonim at 03:53 PM | Comments (0)
March 22, 2005
MSN - House&Home
http://houseandhome.msn.com
Lots of valuable information on buying a house, loans and financing, insurance, rentals, selling your house, moving and relocation, improvements and repair, cooking and entertaining, gardening, and decor.
Posted by Chekonim at 09:03 PM | Comments (0)
All about home
http://www.allabouthome.com/tips/index.html
Tips on many do it yourself projects. Including appliance repair, disaster preparedness, knowing when to move, and general cleaning of everything in your house.
Posted by Chekonim at 08:58 PM | Comments (0)
Energy Star Products
http://www.energystar.gov
A list of energy star products approved by the US government.
Posted by Chekonim at 08:45 PM | Comments (0)