Tips

Whether it’s because of limited space, unpacked boxes or because you simply don’t want lots of people traipsing across your carpet, there are many reasons why a housewarming party might turn you off.

Luckily, there’s another room in the house that could be put to use: your garage.

That’s right! Garage parties are in this year, and because the garage is often one of the largest areas in the home and has easy outdoor access with lots of fresh air and natural light, it might very well be the best place to throw your housewarming party.

Here are 7 tips that will help you throw an unforgettable garage party that’ll be the talk of the neighborhood!

1. Tidy Up

Before you do anything to transform your garage into party central, you’ll need to do some cleaning!

Sweep the garage floor to remove any dirt or debris, and dust any shelves or items that will be in sight during the party. Also, remember to remove any cobwebs!

If you can, clear any large or bulky items from the garage and put them somewhere else in the house until the party’s over. This will allow for a bigger space for your guests! If you can’t move these items, you can simply cover them with a sheet!

2. Cover the Walls and Floor

An easy trick for transforming your garage into a party venue is to cover the walls and floor. By doing this, you’re instantly changing the atmosphere and your guests will even forget they’re in a garage at all!

Hang white sheets from the walls to make the room seem brighter. This will also give the effect of an actual party venue as it hides the evidence of the room being a garage.

For covering the garage flooring surface, you can choose to lay down a tarp or to add a colorful rug.

3. Add Seating and Tables

Of course, you and your guests won’t want to just stand around the entire party, so adding some seating is a must.

This part can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like — it’s really just up to you! Simple folding chairs or lawn chairs can be placed around the garage for your guests, or you can bring out some of your seating furniture from inside.

If your guests are going to be dining during the party, you need to have an area where they can sit and eat. You can use an affordable folding table for this part, too.

4. Decorate

Garage party decorations are perhaps the most important parts when it comes to setting up. They’re also the part where you’ll have the most freedom since you’ll be able to incorporate your own style and creativity.

Depending on your party’s theme, choose tasteful decorations like accent rugs, table runners, floral arrangements, and even alternative seating like beanbags. You can even add balloons or sprinkle confetti across the floor for added effect!

5. Add Lighting

Whether you prefer the soft, warm twinkle of dainty string lights or the brightening glow of lamps, you’ll need to bring in some extra lighting.

You can string lights from the ceiling or walls, or place lamps or other lighting fixtures around the garage where you see fit.

6. Provide Food and Drinks

What’s a party without food and drinks?

Your guests are going to be hungry when they arrive, so be sure to have snack foods and appetizers out on tables. If you’re wanting to do more of a dinner party, then you can place a table in the middle of the garage and bring the food out when it’s time.

7. Add Entertainment

Nervous about guests getting bored during your party? There’s an easy way to fix that.

Investing in a game table is the surefire way to keep the fun going in the garage even after guests leave. From ping pong to air hockey to pool (or even a table with all three), there are so many types of game tables out there that’ll instantly upgrade your garage party.

Check out some of these multi game table reviews to see which kind of game table is for you!

Kick off Your Garage Party

Now, you have all the tips you’ll need to throw the best garage party your guests have ever been to! Prepare to be surprised at just how simple and fun these parties can actually be.

If you found this information helpful, be sure to check out our other posts!

Almost 80% of all remodeling projects start in the kitchen. In fact, designing a beautiful kitchen comes second only to bathroom remodeling projects.

Are you thinking about redesigning your kitchen this year? Before you do, it helps to have a plan in place. With these 15 kitchen designing tips, you can create the kitchen of your dreams.

Otherwise, you might miss out on some of the finer details.

By updating your kitchen, you can improve the room’s aesthetics and function. You can also add to your home’s value, too.

Cook up your dream kitchen with these 15 easy tips!

1. Start With a Plan

Before you start removing appliances or stripping old cabinets, start by developing a plan.

What are you hoping to accomplish with your kitchen renovation project? Do you want more storage space? Maybe you’re more focused on turning your kitchen into a gathering place.

Start by searching for inspiration online. You can look at Pinterest boards, renovation websites, and online guides. Then, create a Pinterest board of your own!

Try to separate your ideas between “must-haves” and “want-to-haves.” If it comes down to your budget, you’ll know which beautiful kitchen designs to prioritize.

Explore different textures, materials, and color schemes while you’re at it. You might come up with more than one kitchen design. That’s okay!

Once you have a fully developed plan, you can choose your favorites.

Learning how to design a kitchen comes down to your needs. Think about how you work and move throughout your kitchen when you’re cooking. Where do you spend the bulk of your time?

Think about the problems you’ve encountered in the past, too. For example, you might feel like you don’t have enough counter space.

Then, you can focus on developing solutions within your plan.

Once you have a strong plan, you can maximize your time and start putting these kitchen design tips to work!

2. Consider Storage

When designing a beautiful kitchen, make sure to consider your storage space. Many people neglect to plan for storage when developing their design plans.

You’ll want to utilize every inch of space you can. Maybe you want to push your overhead cabinets to the ceiling. That way, you have extra space and you don’t have to worry about dust collecting.

You can also deepen your drawers to make it easier to find the pots and pans you need. Consider adding shelves within your drawers, too. Keeping everything organized and easily accessible will improve your kitchen’s functionality.

Improving the storage space in your draws and cabinets will free up your countertops.

Where else can you add storage space? For example, you can start using your walls! Utilizing your wall space will improve the kitchen’s functionality and beauty.

Consider adding a metallic strip to one of your walls. Then, hang your knives up! You’ll have easy access to your knives while you’re cooking.

If you don’t want to add a knife strip, add hooks to your walls instead. You can hang your pots and pans up instead of filling your cabinets.

Does your kitchen include an island? You can add a chandelier to hang your pots and pans from, too.

Either way, these kitchen designing tips will help you maximize your kitchen space.

3. Utilize Your Counters

Once you’ve added new storage space throughout your kitchen, take a look at the countertops. Choose a surface that’s beautiful but also easy to work on.

You might want to reconsider using tiles. The grout between each tile can become difficult to clean and maintain. Stainless steel, on the other hand, will scratch too easily.

Instead, consider stunning, smooth granite or marble countertops for your kitchen renovation project.

4. Don’t Forget the Details

Kitchen renovations often cost between $25,001 and $50,000. When exploring different kitchen design tips, make sure to keep your budget in mind. Instead of focusing on huge remodeling projects, try a few smaller ones.

For example, you might consider using salvaged wood within your kitchen to save money. You can also expose old ductwork to create a more rustic look.

Think about your trash, too. You can create a build-in trash bin that’s hidden behind a cabinet to improve your kitchen’s look.

5. Let There Be Light

Make sure your kitchen has plenty of light. Placing the light source behind you will leave the room full of shadows. As a result, you could end up working in the dark.

Instead, try to position the light in front of you. For example, you can place small lights or LED light strips under your cabinets. These lights will shine directly onto your countertops while you work.

No more shadows!

Don’t forget natural light, too. Instead of old blinds, consider updating your kitchen windows with classy white shutters. The natural light will help your kitchen look lively and spacious.

6. Out With the Old

When updating an old kitchen, many people remove old appliances, cabinets, and even their sink. Going out with the old can give your kitchen a fresh start.

After years of use, your faucet is bound to look old and scratched up. Adding a new faucet to your kitchen will improve the aesthetic and functionality. You can even look for a faucet that includes a filter to improve your home’s energy use.

As you look for new sinks, consider different materials and colors. For example, you might choose these cement vessel sinks. These sinks feature anti-scratch and waterproof coating that will ensure they’ll last for years.

Don’t forget to consider your budget as you start stripping old appliances and kitchen features away. You might decide on updating old features to give your kitchen a vintage look. Either way, using these design tips for kitchen renovations will help refresh an outdated kitchen.

As an added bonus, choosing energy-efficient products for your kitchen will provide benefits in the long run!

7. Power Up

As you start using these kitchen designing tips, don’t forget to think about your power sources. You might need to relocate outlets to add new appliances throughout your kitchen.

Many people fail to think about power sources until it’s too late. Try to utilize these kitchen design tips as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might block out potential kitchen space.

Take the time to measure your appliances. Will they fit within the spaces you’ve build for them? If not, appliances like your dishwasher could fail to drain properly.

8. Prioritize Safety

Over 10% of Americans completed a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project in a single year. As you complete your own remodeling project, don’t forget to consider everyone’s safety.

You want to make sure your kitchen is safe and family-friendly, especially if you have children running around.

For example, you might decide against a metallic strip for your knives if your kids sit on the counters often. You can also use safety-conscious elements like rounded countertops instead of sharp edges.

What about your floors? You can use slip-resistant flooring to keep your kitchen safe.

If you have toddlers or pets roaming around, consider positioning your oven higher up. Putting your oven at adult-height will minimize the risk someone will get burned.

9. Check the Floors

Don’t forget those floors! If you choose hardware floors, remember they’ll wear down faster around appliances. Natural stone, on the other hand, is durable.

Plus, it can give your kitchen an earthy feel.

10. Choose a Look

What type of kitchen do you want to design? For a French look, focus on earthy elements like marble along with elegant elements like a chandelier.

If you want more glitz in your kitchen, add shiny metallics instead.

Do you prefer an industrial look? Try steel, stone, and wood materials!

11. Add a Pop

Many homeowners prefer a stunning, white kitchen to keep the room looking clean. If you decide on white decor, add a pop of color within the room. For example, you paint your cabinets yellow or blue glass panels to bright brightness into the room.

12. Focus on Function

As you use these kitchen designing tips, don’t forget to balance functionality with elegance. For example, you can add custom storage cabinets. If you have an island, consider hollowing out the space to add shelves.

You can even tuck chairs under your island to turn your kitchen into a gathering place.

13. Lighten Up

A dark kitchen won’t feel very inviting. Instead, consider a color scheme that keeps your kitchen looking light and bright. You can combine white with yellow or a kiwi-green for a lively kitchen.

What about adding a skylight? Don’t forget, natural lighting can go a long way to breathe life to the room.

14. Pair Styles

If you feel stuck between two styles, combine them! For example, you might decide on bringing contemporary American styles with traditional French decor ideas. Use ironwork to bring a French look into your American home!

15. Beautify With Backsplash

Adding a new backsplash is a fun way to update your kitchen. Instead of an outdated look, have fun with it! Consider using tin tiles to give your kitchen a bright, playful look.

Eat Up: Kitchen Designing Tips for a Fun and Functional Kitchen

Balance functionality and beauty! With these 15 kitchen designing tips, you can discover the kitchen of your dreams that works well, too. Get designing with these 15 tips today.

Searching for more helpful guides? Explore the Tips section of our blog today!

The last thing any of us would want to experience is having our house getting flooded.

Even if we live in an area that is particularly vulnerable to flooding, we often do not take the necessary precautions. Even after the devastating Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, not everyone in the city is properly protected against possible flooding.

So what do you do if you experience a flooded house? If you did not get the time to prepare beforehand, you need to know how to get through this disaster before you can prepare for another crisis.

In this guide, we will show you what to do right after your house gets flooded.

What To Do in a Flooded House

If you do get into the unfortunate situation where you find yourself in a flooded home you want to make sure you take the right steps moving forward.

Make sure you save this guide as a reference so you can always come back to these steps.

1. Stop The Water (If Not an Act of God)

If the cause of the flooding was not by a natural disaster, also known as an ‘Act of God’ then you need to immediately stop the water at its source.

If the flooding was caused by a running faucet in the sink or the bathtub, it needs to be turned off. If your hose was running and the water overflowed, then you should rush to the valve and turn off the hose.

2. Turn Off the Electricity

Once you have turned off the water sources, you have to now turn off the electricity.

First, you should go to the fuse box and turn off the power.

Afterward, you should try to unplug all wires from their outlets. If possible, lift up the wires from the floor and place them on a raised surface; for example, place your wires on the kitchen counter or on the dinner table or on your bed.

If you cannot reach the fuse box or the wires without wading through a lot of water, you should call an electrician.

3. Leave the Home

Now you need to leave the flooded home and make sure everyone else in the home does so.

If there are elderly, children, or any other vulnerable persons in your home – make sure you assist them in evacuating. They should be the first persons to be out of the home.

Once everyone is out of the home, find a safe spot. If the flooding is not so intense, you may be able to stay in your backyard or in the driveway. If it is more serious, you may need to seek a temporary shelter home. This is often the case when the flooding is caused by a natural disaster.

Report the flooding to the authorities and ask them where you should temporarily relocate for shelter.

4. Medical Help

If anyone in your home requires medical help, you should immediately call for an ambulance. This will likely be the case if you have any vulnerable persons in your home.

Make sure this is done right away before moving on to anything else. If you have sustained any injuries or illnesses from the flooding, you must call an ambulance for yourself.

Medical attention cannot be postponed. You need to think about your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your loved ones before you think about the home!

5. What to Do About Your Home

Once you have looked after your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your loved ones, you have to now think back to your home.

If you are a renter, all you have to do is call your landlord and inform them of what has happened. They will be able to handle the rest.

If you are a homeowner, then you need to call your insurer. When speaking to your insurer, make it clear to them how the flooding started.

You should ask them if you are allowed to clean up the house (after the flooding ceases) before the adjuster comes to inspect or if you have to wait for the adjuster to come first

If you don’t have flood insurance, purchase it before the worst happens. This is one of the necessary precautions that is often overlooked. Get it now before it is too late.

6. Document the Aftermath

Once you have taken the above steps, you should try to return to your home to document the aftermath of the flooding.

When you return to the home, take out your phone and take photographs and videos of the damage that has been caused. Make sure you do not miss any spots when documenting the aftermath.

There should be no damaged corner that does not have a photograph or video showcasing the damage. Make sure you keep these photos and videos organized on your phone and ideally, on your computer or a hard drive as well.

If you have photos of your home (prior to the damage) you should have these handy as you may need to show both sets to the adjuster.

7. Cleaning Up

Once the adjuster has looked at the damage and given you the green light, you can start cleaning up the home.

Make sure you disinfect all areas where water was standing. Remove all personal items from the home and throw away any seriously damaged items.

You may need safety gear and a set of supplies for cleaning your home after the flooding.

You should also be aware of the possibility of mold developing after a flood. The best way to avoid mold is to make sure the home is dry and use a strong cleaning fluid (such as bleach) for cleaning the home.

Tackling mold can be challenging, so make sure you follow the instructions so that you do not have to deal with such issues.

Prepare Yourself

Now that you know what to do in the event of a flooded house, you are better prepared. Make sure you keep this guide with you so that if this unfortunate event does happen, you will have less to worry about.

Be sure to check out the rest of the site for more advice on how to prepare yourself and live a great life.

Spring is an important season for your lawn. With the right care, you will be able to prep it for a year of healthy growth. On the other hand, if you neglect it – your lawn could suffer for the rest of the year.

The good news is that spring lawn care really isn’t all that difficult, nor is it a lot of work – as long as you know what to do:

• Properly rake your lawn and remove thatch

People often assume that they only need to rake their lawn in the autumn, and that simply isn’t true. By raking your lawn in spring you can not only remove any dead leaves, but also the thatch (i.e. dead grass) that will have accumulated.

Thatch can block air, water and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass – which is why you need to remove it. On top of that too much thatch can get in the way when you mow your lawn too.

• Prevent weeds

One of the first steps you should take to make sure your lawn is on the right track is to prevent any weeds. If crabgrass, dollarweed, clover or other weeds have been an issue in the past you should try to use pre-emergent herbicides so that the seeds that dropped in the summer don’t get the chance to germinate.

For perennial or winter weeds you could find the right post-emergent herbicide, dig them out manually, or look for all-in-one herbicides.

• Repair bare spots by overseeding

Technically spring isn’t the best time to repair bare spots in your lawn, but the alternative is waiting until autumn to get it done. If you would rather not wait that long, you can overseed your lawn to fix them.

To help ensure the bare spots are filled out, try applying a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer when you first overseed your lawn. In five weeks when the grass has germinated you can apply a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer as well.

• Lightly fertilize with mulch

Fertilizing your lawn with mulch can help it to grow lush, but you should wait a few weeks into spring before you start so that the soil is warm. In most cases you should wait till the grass starts to green (i.e. after the first two or three mowings).

It would be best to come up with a schedule and plan out your fertilization for both spring and fall so that you don’t end up applying it too early and feeding the weeds.

If you follow all of these tips, you should be able to ensure that your lawn care is on the right track. As you can see none of the tasks are particularly difficult, but each of them will help to pave the way to a better lawn.

By ensuring that your spring lawn care is on point, you can avoid many issues in the future and help your grass to grow lush and even throughout the rest of the year.

Are you thinking of installing a new roof, and looking at the different options that are out there? As you may know there are many different types of materials that you can use for your roofing nowadays, and one of the more popular options right now is metal.

Keep in mind that just like any other type of roofing, metal roofs have both pros and cons. Before you decide whether or not it is the right option, you need to know about both.

Pros of Metal Roofing

The popularity of metal roofs is well deserved, and is due to the many advantages that it brings to the table. Some of its more notable qualities are:

• Impressive longevity and durability that allow it to typically last for four decades or more – which is more than double what other types of roofs provide. Metal roofing won’t corrode or crack, and is fire resistant and fungus proof too.
• Good energy efficiency due to the fact that it is reflective and will minimize heat. Typically a metal roof can reduce air-conditioning and cooling costs by 10 to 20 percent.
• Quick and easy installation with panels that are light and comes in sections. If you already have a different type of roofing installed, it may be possible to simply place the metal roofing on top of the material without any issues.
• Excellent in all climates as well as seasons. It can keep your home cool during hot summers, and help to prevent snow and ice from accumulating into snow dams during winter.

Cons of Metal Roofing

As attractive as metal roofing may be, it is not perfect and it does have drawbacks of its own. Some of the disadvantages of metal roofs are:

• Prohibitive upfront costs that can be up to two or three times more expensive than conventional types of roofing. In theory this is offset by the longevity and energy-efficiency of metal roofs, but it still means you’ll have to fork out more initially.
• Noise levels especially during heavy rain or hailstorms. While this can be mitigated by using additional insulation or adding structural barriers, there are limits to what can be done.
• Requires proper installation otherwise other problems may surface. For example metal roofs that are not properly installed may cause water to accumulate, or could end up loosening due to the metal’s expansion and contraction.

Final Words

Before you decide whether or not to install a metal roof, be sure you take into account all of the pros and cons described above. Keep in mind that this is a decision that should last you several decades, so it is best that you take your time and be sure about it.

If you do decide to go for metal roofing, the next step is to look at your options then find a qualified and reliable contractor. Be sure to look for one with the right experience, so that you can be assured that the installation will be done right.

Is your car slow to start? Guzzling gas? Emitting black smoke?

These are concerning issues for any car owner, but what you might not realize is that they can all be caused by one thing— a dirty air filter.

Air filters are essential to the running of any engine, and if they are dirty, you may be left with a hefty mechanic bill.

Read on to learn the most common signs of a dirty air filter, plus how you can deal with them.

1. Problems With Your Ignition

Is your ignition not starting on the first try, or seems to be much slower than it should in starting? If so, a dirty filter could be the culprit.

If your filter isn’t clean, it’s hard for air to get through the filter into the engine, via your spark plugs, which is what starts your car. You may also notice the engine misfiring as well, which can also be caused by the bad air filter.

Any suspected ignition problems should be investigated right away.

2. A Dirty Air Filter Causes Lower Mileage

If you drive regularly, you’re aware of how much mileage your car gets per tank of gas. There are many ways to improve gas mileage, but one way is to always have a clean filter.

If you start to notice that you’re filling up more often than normal, this could be caused because the engine isn’t receiving enough airflow, and therefore is working harder than it should be. This uses more gas, which means your fuel efficiency rate is no good.

Keeping your air filter clean is an easy way to save money at the pumps.

3. Black Exhaust Smoke

Black smoke coming from your exhaust pipe is never a good sign. If you notice this coming from your car, or even worse, flames, stop driving immediately and take your car to a mechanic.

Dark smoke can be a sign that fuel isn’t properly going through the combustion cycle, which can be caused by a dirty air filter.

A car with this problem can be very dangerous to drive and should be examined as soon as possible.

4. Air Filter Looks Dark

An easy way to check the condition of your air filter is with a visual inspection. The normal color of your air filter should be either white or off-white, so if you notice it looks grey, darker than it should, or full of small particles, it is probably a sign that it needs either changed or cleaned.

If you’re unsure of how to find your air filter, consult your car’s manual to find the exact location. It should be checked regularly by either yourself or a qualified mechanic.

An air filter cleaner can be an effective way to keep your car running smoothly.

Check Your Engine Today

Now that you’re aware of the serious and potentially expensive problems that can be caused by a dirty air filter, check your car and its engine today to make sure your air filter is clean.

With cars, prevention is the best medicine, and regular maintenance will go a long way to prevent vehicle problems in the future.

Did you find this article helpful? If so, head over to our blog and check out some of our other content!

 

When decorating your condominium, it’s important that you keep the total size of your space in mind. If you try to fit too many things in, it won’t be long until you feel like you’re squished in. In order to feel comfortable in a condo, it’s important to decorate it with the correct ratios.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t use a few large pieces of furniture here in there; however, they should be few and far between. A house that’s over crammed with very little floor space starts to feel messy or much faster. Therefore, when creating the interior design of your condo, keep these tips in mind.

 

Let In Plenty Of Light

 

One of the easiest ways to make a space look much larger than it is is to use natural light to your advantage. You can maximize the space that you have by opening all of your windows. Depending on what floor you live in, you may even want to consider adding a skylight.

 

In addition to natural light, you should also and plenty of lighting inside. Doing so will give the illusion of a much larger space.

 

Use Cohesive Colors

 

When choosing colors for your condo, it’s more pleasing for the eye if you choose colors that are unified. Use a cohesive color pattern and so that your space will flow together as if it’s one single piece of artwork. Get creative with your color palette and use colors that make you feel good. Most interior designers recommend using lighter colors in a condo because darker colors can make your space feel smaller.

 

If you like bright colors, consider using them on accent walls rather than every single wall. You may even choose to opt for a wallpaper, which can be a bold addition to your home’s design.

 

Get Creative With Storage

 

Unfortunately, small condominiums are not known for their plentiful storage space. It’s important to get creative when it comes to creating places to keep your belongings. Find unique places to put shelves and make use of baskets. When possible, buy furniture that can be used as storage as well. For example, consider buying a bed frame that has drawers that pull out for storage space.

Add Plenty Of Plants

 

When most people think of condos, the first thing that comes to mind is city life. While some people thrive in the cosmopolitan lifestyle, some people feel a lack of nature around them. It helps 2 add plenty of plants to your condo to give it a more natural feel.

 

Make sure that you place your plants where they receive plenty of sunlight, and don’t forget to water them.

 

 

 

 

When it comes to personal space, nothing offers this in our homes than the bathroom.

As it offers something valuable to us, so much the reason why we should keep it looking great and functioning well.

But you don’t need to put in the latest technology in your bathroom to make it look nice. As simple as lighting is, it can make a world of difference for you.

Proper lighting will not only add to aesthetic appeal, but it will also protect from mold buildup. If you open a part of your bathroom to accumulate natural light, it will have enough light and heat to prevent any mold from growing in your bathroom.

Go from Dark to Dazzling

Adding modern lighting to your bathroom will help in creating a more open and spacious area.

If your bathroom has a vanity area, light it up Venetian style. It will help ladies with their makeup and keep the area well lit so that it’s easy to navigate.

Modify the Space with Mood Lights

You don’t need to use bright lights all the time in your home renovation. Enough pleasant lighting is sufficient to make it look nice and feel good.

Put mood lights in the corners of the bathroom to give it a more relaxing atmosphere so that you can relax while you soak in your bathtub.

Light Up the Shower Area

Here’s a place where lighting is often neglected. Nothing will make you feel cleaner than seeing all the parts of your body while showering.

Only take note to light this area safely. Use waterproof or special lightings so that you reduce the risk of accidents in the shower area.

Match the Lighting to the Fixtures

Nothing will break the flow than mismatched lighting and bathroom fixtures. To make it look great and classy, make sure to keep the theme uniform throughout.

Ask your bathroom remodeling Los Angeles architect for the best match if you are unsure of what to put. This will give you good ideas on what to pair with your bathroom fixtures.

Consider Adding Layers

If you want to add a luxurious feel to your bathroom, add some layers.

Layers mean multiple lights from different sources. You need to choose the appropriate sources though. Choose scones, decorative lights, and lights with crystal or glass to get your desired effect.

Your bathroom will get a nice overall look after you have put enough light on it. If you’re asking for the bathroom remodel near me, it is always a good idea to have a copy of their previous works so that you can choose the one that fits your taste the best.

 

The average homeowner spends about $6,649 each year on home renovations and projects. Spending on projects around the house is a costly but essential undertaking for any homeowner, so you’re not alone when you decide that it’s time to switch things up inside your little corner of the world.

One of the most important parts of any home renovation is choosing new flooring. You’ll want something stylish, durable, and high-quality. When you look into materials that meet these qualifications, you’ll notice that all roads lead to oak.

Read on to discuss the difference between red oak and white oak flooring so that you can determine what kind of oak is right for your individual needs!

Color and Texture

The biggest difference between red oak and white oak is, of course, the color. Ironically, white oak flooring generally has a darker hue than red oak does. It tends to be a beige color that leans toward light brown. As a result of this, this wood tends to have a warm appearance that looks great with yellow, orange, or red wallpaper and decorations.

On the other hand, red oak is a bit lighter in color. It has a slightly pinkish tinge to it, but it’s more golden than not. While white oak is a brown-leaning beige, red oak could be said to be a white-leaning beige.

The grains of these two types of hardwood are also distinct from one another. All oak has swirling and wavy grain, giving it an organic and homelike feel. However, the grain of red oak tends to be a bit more unique insofar as that it’s more smooth to the touch.

When you run your fingers along white oak flooring, you’ll feel crevices and grooves where the grain is. However, since red oak is so smooth (especially after buffing and shining), you’ll be able to see the grain without feeling it.

Durability and Resistance

Because you’ll be using your flooring constantly, it’s essential that you get something that will last a long time.

The good news is that if you read more about oak flooring, you’ll find that every style is incredibly durable. Both materials are hard- white oak rates 1360 on the Janka scale of hardness and red oak comes in at 1290. This makes both types of flooring hard and durable enough that they’ll last for years barring disaster.

As you’ll notice in looking at the numbers, white oak is harder than red oak wood. For this reason, it doesn’t show dents or scratches. If you’re likely to drop things on the floor, you might want to go with white oak flooring. Not only that, but the high hardness means that the flooring is rot-resistant and unlikely to succumb to pest infestations.

Red oak is a bit softer. However, it’s unlikely to show dents and scratches on the surface because the grain patterns tend to be more organic. These crazy patterns continue to look amazing even when additional scratches are added because these imperfections just blend in with the grain.

The thing about red oak, though, is that it’s best for use indoors. It’s less resistant to rot and pests than white oak flooring is, though it should be alright as long as it isn’t used in an area with a lot of moisture. That isn’t to say that it won’t last a long time- it will! It just might be more susceptible to damage than the white oak alternative would be.

Styles and Vibes

Because of the smooth grain of red oak, people tend to view it as a classic that never goes out of style. Because of this, it’s perceived as a classier material for flooring that boasts a traditional style for your home. If you want to feel high-class, red oak is likely the way to go.

For this reason, red oak flooring is typically the right choice for homes that have a lot of antique furniture, rugs, or decorations. If you like history or vintage decorations, red oak flooring will perfectly complement your decor and make you feel like you’re in a bygone era. Pair your red oak flooring with some rich burgundy Victorian or Edwardian rugs as well as eggshell-white wall paint. It will look phenomenal.

On the other hand, you’ll want to use sleek white oak for a modern or contemporary feel around the house. White oak flooring is usually said to have a more 21st-century feel. This means that a house with a lot of technology or adherence to current trends will look great with this style.

Try getting yourself some organic, colorful lamps and statues in various shapes and sizes. In addition, you might want to paint the walls of the room that you use white oak flooring in a funky, bright color. Sky blue or canary yellow is sure the give the room a modern feel and funky flair that you love.

Red Oak vs White Oak Flooring: Which Is Better?

Red oak and white oak are two very different types of woods, each with their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Which one is the right choice for your home is entirely up to you. After all, you’re the one who needs to decorate their home in a way that shows off your personal style, flair, and tastes!

Now that you know the main differences between red oak and white oak flooring, it’s time to get more tips on how to make your house as homelike as possible. Check out the ‘homes’ tab on our home page to get some more tips about both interior and exterior design and decor.

Have fun remodeling!

There’s that tree in your yard that just needs to go. You’ve thought about getting rid of it yourself, but now you’ve decided to go with a tree removal contractor. But just what is the cost of tree removal?

With so many variables, and different contractors, it’s easy to get confused. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Keep reading this guide and you’ll find out.

Cost of Tree Removal

How much does it cost to cut down a tree? Well, there’s no simple answer. The average price is around $700, but it could be well under half of that if it’s a small tree that’s easy to tet to, or over half if it’s a larger tree with more obstacles in its way.

Why You Should Hire Someone To Remove

Even if it looks like a simple task, it almost definitely won’t be. Removing a tree isn’t easy, and it’s a lot safer to hire someone who knows what they’re doing.

Factors Of Cost

When it comes to tree removal, there’s no set price. It depends on a number of variables, from the size of the tree to your location.

Size and Height Of The Tree

An obvious one, perhaps, but it’s worth bearing in mind that a taller tree will cost more to remove. By the same token, so will a tree that’s bigger and spreads further.

Location

Where is the tree that you want to remove? A tree in your front yard is likely to be cheaper to remove than a tree in your back yard, and if you’re in a rural or suburban area it might be cheaper than if you live somewhere that’s heavily built-up.

Obstacles

If there’s a fence or a sizable rock or even power lines in the way of the tree, it will make it more difficult to remove. Remove what you’re able to safely before the tree is set to be removed for a cheaper transaction, but if there’s an obstacle you can’t avoid, you’ll be looking at greater expense.

Type Of Tree

The cost of tree removal also depends on the sort of tree you’re looking to remove. Removing a palm tree is likely to set you back around $650 but could be as low as $400, while a pine tree may cost around $1,100 to remove.

Maple trees can grow to over 100 feet, and as a result, may cost up to $1,800 – the higher end of the price range. The American ash tree is also likely to be more expensive, while in contrast, dogwood trees could cost as little as $125 to remove.

Save Money

If you’re looking at some of these figures a little anxiously, there are some things you can do to reduce the cost. You’ll still be paying, but the fee might be slightly lower.

Prepare First

If there’s anything you can safely do yourself beforehand, do it. Clear the area and remove any obstacles you’re able to.

Wait Until Winter

As winter is the off-season for tree removal contractors, the dead tree removal cost is likely to be lower. It’s a lot quieter, so you may be able to agree on a lower price.

Use The Wood

There’s a couple of options here. Some companies might agree to remove your tree for free and in return sell on the wood themselves. Alternatively, you could make use of the wood or sell it on to recoup some of the cost.

Removing the Tree

Now you know the average dead tree removal cost and the cost to trim a tree, what are you waiting for? Shop around for tree removal contractors today, and check out some of our other posts too!