In past few years the interest for green home products has increased. Getting teak furniture from environmentally responsible companies has become one of the factors when purchasing teak furniture. Teak furniture has been very much highlighted from last couple of years because of

a) High price of teakwood
b) Habitat: Teak comes from plantations and natural forests
c) Different Grades of Wood.

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of need to sustain natural forests and like to share the same responsibility of sustaining the natural resources as producers. They want to make sure that the teak furniture they are about to purchase comes from sustainable resource.

Keeping to the above trend and response towards consumer demands some companies have taken steps to control effectively their raw materials but there are some who are just trying to capitalize on this trend and claiming everything they can invent to sell their furniture to such customers even at higher prices than standard market price. Some companies have even created some kind of FUNNY LABELS and post them on their marketing material to show that their wood is certified from some valid source. And there are some who claim that their teak is ECOTEAK (whatever that means!!!).

The truth about ECOTEAK: ECOTEAK is the name given to lower quality teak. Products of this quality has higher content of sapwood which influences the strength and the lifetime of the products. Such manufacturers claim that they are doing so to preserve the natural forests. They just forget that the sapwood is found mostly in young trees. And when they are making products having a lot of sapwood simply means that the trees used in the production were young. I just don’t understand how come by cutting the young trees they can preserve the natural forest.
To make things worse the products of ECOTEAK has to undergo the process of color homogenization. If not so done, the products would simply look ugly. Color homogenization is the process whereby the products are sprayed by sulphuric acid. In this process the white color sapwood turns to light yellowish in color which is the color of good quality teak as well. This weakens the products even further.

I think Ecoteak is “A BIG FAT LIE”

The consumers should know that this lower quality teak is dangerous for our forests as the young trees are cut illegally to make fast money and this ecoteak is sold on the name of treated teakwood. There is nothing like treatment of teak as the quality teak does not need any treatment. It is done to confuse the consumers who don’t know much about the teakwood.

The challenge is how do we counter this kind of lies. It is the responsibility of resellers and marketers of teak furniture to provide the right products to their customers. We do not expect a consumer to know everything about teakwood, its grades and other stuff. All they want is a quality product and that is their intention while making a purchase. So, if a reseller sources his/her product from the right manufacturer the consumer is guaranteed to get the value for money. The key is not to market and sell this type of furniture which is just to make money on the expense of unsatisfied end consumer.

The Author operates website of PT. Shaan Niaga Indonusa. The company produces quality shaantrading.com teak outdoor furniture of traditional classic and modern contemporary deigns. Browse this site for shaantrading.com/teakita.html teak garden furniture and shaantrading.com/triconville.php patio wicker furniture. .

The bathroom is the one area in the home that is usually neglected when it comes to decorating. You need to decorate your bathroom like you would any room in your home. Spring is approaching and it is time to start thinking about you can update your bathroom decor. Remodeling a bathroom can be very costly, but there are several easy tricks that you can do to give your bathroom a new clean and fresh look without breaking the bank.

•Change your bathroom accessories to give the bathroom a totally new look.
•Painting the room a new color. This will update the room instantly . The color can be inspired by the accessories or choose a color based on how you want to feel when you are in the bathroom.

•Update the lighting and fixtures.
•Add new floor rugs.
•Update the mirror and wall decor. You can frame your mirror with stained or painted wood trim. Try adding a candle wall sconces. Candles can make your space very tranquil when lit.

These changes can have a huge impact on the overall look of the bathroom. Don’t be afraid of change. Pick a new theme for your bathroom. Try a garden theme by adding new plants to the space. If you are not ready to just jump right in, start slowly with some of the less expensive changes. Changing your bathroom accessories is cost effective and it will give you a chance to bring color into the space without actually having to paint.

Nicole Brown- Nicole Brown is a writer and a retailer of home décor, gifts, and accessories. For beautiful home decor, please visit homedecorgalleryandmore.com. homedecorgalleryandmore.com. For home decorating tips visit homedecorgalleryandmore.blogspot.com homedecorgalleryandmore.blogspot.com

One of the most beautiful and practical ways to spruce up your home’s décor is with the addition of a gas fireplace or fireplaces, if your budget allows.

Today, gas fireplaces are available in every style and size imaginable to fit your every decorating need or whim. From classic marble to rustic wood, you can find it all in a gas fireplace.

And today’s fireplaces are designed to look exactly like wood-burning fireplaces complete with logs and realistic flames. So you do not have to worry about cutting atmospheric corners when you choose a gas fireplace.
There are three types of gas fireplaces including top vented, direct vented and vent less fireplaces.

The type you choose will depend mainly on the construction of your home and how you plan to use your gas fireplace.

Top vented gas fireplaces are vented through an existing chimney or through a newly installed vent pipe which goes through the ceiling. These fireplaces are more popular in new constructions or single story homes for obvious reasons.

Top vented fireplaces, as with other gas fireplaces, can be equipped with remote control, thermostatic and blower features. Depending on what you choose, these fireplaces cost anywhere from $600 to $2,500.

Direct vented fireplaces are vented straight through the wall directly above the fireplace. This gives you many options when it comes to the placement of your gas fireplace, and this venting structure also pulls in fresh air from outside to be used in combustion so that no air from the home is being used by your fireplace.

Direct vented gas fireplaces are also very easy to install. Expect to spend from $1,000 to $2,500 on this type of fireplace depending on your tastes and budget.

Vent less gas fireplaces require no vents but do come with certain restrictions. While these fireplaces can be placed almost anywhere, even directly against a wall, they are only recommended for occasional, attended and supplementary use.

If you do not plan on using your fireplace as a main heating source or when you are away from the home, a vent less fireplace could be the perfect option for your home. This type of gas fireplace is also the least expensive with prices ranging from $400 to $1,500.

So if you are looking for that perfect accent piece for your décor, perhaps a gas fireplace will do the trick. Imagine owning an elegantly carved, breathtakingly beautiful fireplace complete with a marble mantle, and you don’t have to pack any wood. Just simply turn a knob and enjoy the warmth, comfort and beauty that a gas fireplace can bring.

By Randy M
ThinkGas.com Visit my website Think Gas – ThinkGas.com ThinkGas.com for more articles and information about gas fireplaces, grills and scooters too.
If it runs on gas, you’ll find it here.

Price :

Features

• Assembly Required, Three Independent Customizable Layers of Foam.
• Two 3" Customizable Layers of Soft Sleeper Superior Support. One Firm and the other Medium Firm.
• 4" layer of Soft Sleeper 5.5 Visco Elastic Memory Foam, and a removable, washable, Expand-A-Cover
• This luxurious material reacts to your body temperature reducing pressure points.
• 100 NIGHT SLEEP TRIAL! 10 Year Soft Sleeper Manufacturer Limited Warranty!

Product Description

Soft Sleeper 5.5 has found a way to give you the same great sleep surface as a $5,000 visco-elastic foam mattress for a price starting at 94% less the cost of a traditional visco foam mattress that sell at some retailers for over $5,000! There is a revolution going on in bedrooms across the country. The revolution is not between the sheets…it’s under them! Visco-Elastic memory foam uses a technology first developed by NASA to make the most comfort sleep surface ever. We have taken that technology and developed a luxurious Soft Sleeper 5.5 next generation material. You may have seen the visco-foam mattress story on TV but the secret is that you can save money by shopping online instead of paying over $5,000 for their mattress. The Soft Sleeper 5.5 ten inch mattress is a component mattress made from 4 inches of heat sensitive visco elastic memory foam and two 3 inch supportive base components for spinal alignment and support. One base is a firm supportive layer and the second base is medium firm so you can select and customize your level of comfort. This luxurious Soft Sleeper 5.5 material reacts to your body temperature, so the surface stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Over 9 out of 10 of our customers report that the contoured surface cradles their body and helps eliminate those pressure points created by traditional mattress surfaces. Another 89% of our customers even reported less back and neck pain. You will enjoy a rejuvenating sleep with our luxurious Soft Sleeper 5.5 integral component mattresses sleep system from Soft Sleeper memory foam. The Soft Sleeper Memory Foam integral component formula means that our component mattresses are scientifically engineered to exacting standards, incorporating the two most important factors when it comes to making sure you get the best sleep possible. Shipped in 3 large boxes, some assembly required. For laminated mattresses please visit our All Sleep Store for other Soft Sleeper products.

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-10-12
Was looking for an affordable and comfortable option for my 14 year old who was tired of sleeping on a futon. Found and ordered this. It is indeed 3 seperate foam pads of varying thickness and density. It was shipped very quickly in 3 boxes that can be easily handled by one person. You open the box , remove the plastic overwrap, and give the pads about an hour to decompress, then you just stack them to create the matress. It also comes with a decent foam pillow and a matress cover that keeps all 3 pads together and looks like a regular matress.

My son LOVES it and it is very comfortable, it competes with much more expensive store bought foam matresses. It also fit perfectly on the futon frame, so we did not have to buy another bedframe. My only concern is that it will tend to sag over time where he sleeps in the middle; we will address this by an aggressive practice of rotating and flipping the pads to get maximum life out of the matress (they are light enough one person can do this).

If it lasts 4 years, I will definitely consider this a very good deal and a good product.

Review date : 2008-03-21
I received the 10" mattress combo last week in perfect condition and within a few days of my order. the mattress comes in three boxes and each layer was individually sealed. The web site says assembly required but actually requires only unwrapping and laying the pads on top of each other. I was looking for a foam mattress and lucked onto this web page. I have used a foam mattress for twenty years and have become spoiled to the comfort. This is a good mattress and a great deal…considering I spent $700 twenty years ago.

Home improvement loans are usually taken out for making a home larger or adding value to it. This may be done by adding rooms or bathrooms, building a swimming pool, enclosing a porch or patio, updating the plumbing and repainting the home?s exterior and/or interior. Generally, it is cheaper to extend or repair a home than to buy or build a new house.

Before going ahead and getting a home improvement loan, it is advisable to contact your local builder and get a quote and any other information about the associated costs involved in improving your home. Don?t be afraid to get as many quotes on building costs and home improvement loans as possible.

Make sure that when you speak to the lending institutions, ask if you can borrow money above the quoted price for the home improvement. Often, when building, extra costs seem to come out of the woodwork unexpectedly. It is better to borrow a few dollars extra and not need it, than have to contact the bank for an extension on your credit in the middle of a project.

The ideal home improvement loan to look for is one that has a low interest rate. Visit many different lending institutions and see what they are offering. Don?t just commit yourself to the first home improvement loan that comes along. Home improvement loans are usually short- term loans.

A home improvement loan?s rate of interest is determined by the amount of collateral that the borrower has. This is most often the equity in your home. If the borrower has a bad credit rating, the home improvement loan will probably be calculated at a higher rate.

The rate of interest, loan amount offered to you by the bank and the term of the loan will often have a lot to do with the market value of the home or the value of the collateral. The lending institution will often ask what type of home improvement you are planning. A market appraisal may be needed before the loan is passed. This is often to ensure that the improvements will add value to the home. They may also ask you to provide quotes from builders or contractors that you may be using for the home improvements.

Home improvement loans usually require the borrower to only pay the interest while the home is being improved. Once the home improvements have been completed, the borrower will be required to make full monthly payments on the principle and interest. The monthly payments will be calculated on the amount of money used for the home improvements, the interest rates and the term or number of years you have to pay off the loan.

If you are unsure of any of the details and/or term of the home improvement loan, make sure that you discuss your concerns with the institution?s lending consultant. A good lending institution will be very happy to address any questions or concerns that you may have. Make a list of anything you can think of to ask the loan officer you speak with.

Daniel Roshard is an interior designer fascinated by outdoor architecture, he is currently studying public parks and outdoor design. Daniel is writing articles about home improvement and landscaping issues. You can read his latest work about Home Improvement Loan

Decorating a guest bedroom involves many aspects. Guest bedrooms are normally present in big homes with independent plots (bungalows). The other rooms in an independent bungalow can be master bedroom, child bedroom, teenagers bedroom etc.

While decorating other bedrooms normally a decorating theme is followed that decided the general output of the design efforts i a bedroom. Generally all bedrooms are decorated using a single theme in mind to maintain a visual flow between all the interior spaces.

In most home designs a guest bedroom is always located at ground floor for privacy purposes and is decorated with the same decorating theme as other bedrooms. But there is an important aspect as far as decorating of a guest bedroom is concerned.

When you start thinking from the viewpoint of the guest, you will notice what really matters to a guest is not the color of walls or color of curtains or even flooring patterns. It’s always hygiene first. Remember the time when you visited any hotel room. The first thing you will ask for is cleanliness and
privacy. A guest bedroom is no different than a hotel room.

So guest bedroom decorating is all about “maintenance first”. That’s why designing interiors for a guest bedroom always keep them easy to maintain. Simple designs with easy to use accessories such as electrical points, air conditioning, plumbing gadgets will work best in a guest bedroom. Don’t confuse your guest with techno gadgets. Not everyone is familiar with technology. There are plenty of spaces in your home to do experiments with all sorts of new home improvement products.

Keep is simple and your guest will more than happy to tell others about his/her visit at your place. This way you will even end up making more friends.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

Want more free

Hardwood floors can be installed anywhere in a home and can be prepared from several species of wood such as elm, ash, oak, amendoim, cypress, teak, cherry, walnut, rosewood, hickory, and maple. The hardness, stability, color, and alterations in color vary with wood type. Chestnut, Douglas fir, and North American Cherry offer low hardness whereas hardwood from Brazilian Walnut, Caribbean Cherry, and Bloodwood is extremely hard. The stability of hardwood flooring has an inverse relation with the moisture inherent in the wood and is independent of the engineering. The appearance of unfinished hardwood flooring plays an important role in the grading process. The commonly assigned grades to hardwood flooring include clear, select, common 1, common 2, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3.

Hardwood flooring enhances the look of a room and when laid in harmony with the furniture and other elements in the interior design of a room, it bestows an elegance that synthetic flooring is unable to match.

Hardwood flooring can be installed using the following methods:

Nail Down: Nails are used to attach hardwood to the subfloor either on grade or above grade. Nails are usually used for hardwood with a thickness of 3/4”.

Staple Down: Nails can be substituted with a pneumatic stapler for attaching the hardwood to the subfloor. Stapling is easier to accomplish as compared to nailing and is therefore favored by DIY enthusiasts.

Glue Down: Patterned wood panels or parquets can be glued to the subfloor on, above, or below grade. The subfloor can be either wooden or concrete.

Floating: Engineered and Longstrip floors can be installed using the floating process in which a pad of foam is placed between the floors and the subfloor. The hardwood boards are held in place by means of adhesive that is applied in the tongue and groove portion of each board. Floating enables the installation of hardwood on uneven surfaces.

Hardwood flooring is easy to maintain and the following guidelines should help homeowners to ensure the beauty and longevity of their hardwood flooring.

• The flooring must be swept and vacuumed regularly to prevent the accumulation of dust that may scratch the finish

• Doormats and rugs at entrances prevent sand particles from abrading the hardwood flooring

• Furniture and chairs should have padding on the legs in order to prevent scratching the floor while dragging/moving furniture

• The dimensions of hardwood flooring are liable to change with humidity; a relative humidity of around 45% should be maintained all year round

• A rug or mat should be placed in front of workstations, washbasins, kitchen sinks in order to prevent scratching and staining from utensils, detergents, and water

• Hardwood flooring should be protected from direct light, whether natural or artificial. Intense direct light can lead to discoloration of the floor

Hardwood floorings can be treated with surface finishes that lend it a gloss, increase resilience, and make it water-resistant. The finishes consist of urethanes and polyurethanes. A hardwood floor with a surface finish does not require waxing.

Wax finishes penetrate the cells of the wood and offer a low-gloss finish. Periodic buffing helps to restore the sheen of wax-finished floors. Hardwood flooring used in areas of high traffic such as stores and restaurants are impregnated with acrylic finishes that increase its hardness and durability.

Josh Harmon recommends that you visit ifloor.com/cat_8/hardwood-floors.html ifloor.com/cat_8/hardwood-floors.html for more information on ifloor.com/cat_8/hardwood-floors.html hardwood floors

Kids and quality go hand and hand. Kids will be kids. They are often rough and tuff on furniture. So when it comes to furnishing kid rooms it’s wise to make quality purchases that will not only last but will grow right along with them.

Take for instance, double and triple function furnishings. This kind of kid room furniture is a real blessing as it can take your toddler right through to his teen years.

One of my favorite kid room furnishing ideas are 3-in-1 one units which feature a sleeping area, storage space and a place to study.

Multiple purpose furnishings can save floor space and enhance the play value of a kid room. You no longer have a need for extra furniture that takes up valuable space. A further bonus is that it’s usually less expensive to buy one opposed to two or three separate pieces of furniture.

Great 2-in-1 designs like bunk beds that reassemble as single beds and seating units with concealed storage are also ideal.

When looking to make such a large purchase it’s best to comparison shop. Also give some thought to how the piece of furniture will serve your child’s needs in the years to come.

Convertible furnishings start with cribs. Today’s baby cribs often come as a combination crib and storage unit. Features may include a standard crib with rails attached on one side to a multiple drawer chest. Here, both the crib and chest would sit on a foundation of dual blanket drawers.

Once out of the crib, your toddler can sleep on an extension mattress (and spring) that is added once the rails and chest are removed. On some models this is standard. Other models have this as an option only. Consider the price difference of both.

Such a configuration offers up years of usefulness - a single bed and a freestanding chest of drawers. Other chest/crib combos feature a detachable change station on top of the storage unit. If considering this design, give some thought as to the most comfortable height for changing your baby. Most are between 30 to 40” high.

Trundle beds (with a roll-out sleep unit) are ideal for sleepovers, extra storage and additional play opportunities. You can remove the bottom mattress and use the frame for off season storage or for a train or car track set up.

Foam futons are another multiple function piece of furniture. Originally of Japanese origin these lightweight mattresses fold in half or thirds to provide comfortable seating when not used for sleeping. Today’s futons come in various shapes and sizes including child sized recliners and sofas. Futons are known to be lightweight and easy to flip.

Don’t let bold colored or patterned futons discourage you from making a purchase. Instead, recover the mattress with a sheet that matches the décor of the room.

For more tips on buying kid room furniture visit: decorating-kids-rooms.net/kid-room-furniture-childrens-room-furniture.html
decorating-kids-rooms.net/kid-room-furniture-childrens-room-furniture.html

Sherrie Le Masurier is an organizing consultant who helps parents organize and decorate their children’s rooms. She is a member of Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) and co-owner of decorating-kids-rooms.net decorating-kids-rooms.net - Copyright.

In this time period, people are as busy as ever. Mom’s and dad’s working overtime can be very hectic and hard to handle at some points. Include the kids after school activities, family and work stress and you have a full schedule to fulfill. That’s why many people rarely think or have time to decorate and take care of their homes. Flower can be a great way to decorate any room in the house. A simple flower arrangement or vase can make the room warm and inviting to guests in your home. This years flower trends are modern, elegant and simple. Even if you are not gifted in designing and creating professional flower arrangements, today’s flower trends are geared for those who like “laid-back luxury,” yet simple and easy to create arrangements. If your style is stylish, modern and simple, then these year’s trends are perfect for your liking.

Studies show that flowers can make anyone smile and lift their mood and spirits. People who has bounties of flowers in their homes or an exquisite garden usually have less bad days. After a hard day of work, most people would like to relax. Flower in any room can be noticed. Although new trends come along each year, the main idea of flowers stay around for years. If you are at a loss for knowing what the current flower tips are, then read on for ideas.

1. The Modern Look

The modern look is becoming very popular in young families and students. Wall color, furniture and carpeting are already become more “modernized.” Flowers are the same way. A single flower in a long, tall vase looks very good in kitchens and living rooms. A single rose, orchid or daisy looks like a bouquet in itself if paired with a decorative vase or candles. White flowers are very plain, yet elegant.

2. Country Cottage

Soft purples, pinks and yellows flowers are all included in this theme. Many people love this look because of it’s relaxing idea. These type of flowers look good in a low, round tabletop centerpiece. This arrangement is good for creating a relaxing feeling for a room. Creating a small arrangement looks better on a dining or eating table. Remember, uniqueness is what interests your guests.

3. Summer Colors

If you are more of the wild type, bright colors are for you. Summer and spring are great season to brighten up your home with flowers. Even during the winter months, flowers can remind you of the beautiful summer days. Bigger arrangements and centerpieces can look alright with these type of flowers, just remember not to over do it. Exciting flower colors can look great, but if they are all in one basket, it takes away from the rest of your home.

4. Plants

Plants are always widely used in offices and homes. Cactus and exotic type plants are very unique for any decorating. If you are interested in exotic style plants, be aware that they will need extra support if they are not used to your climate. Read the instructions you receive when you purchase the plant. Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms are all perfect for displaying your plant collections.

Flowers are defiantly true nature’s beauty. Even indoors, in an office or room space, flowers can bring out your best personality and taste. I hope you are able to choose a theme that you can use in all parts of your home and office. You personal space should be about you. Your flowers can be an excellent addition in interior designing.

Janna Hagan is the webmaster for Flower Delivery Service Online. With tons of great tips for designing with flowers and great deals on roses, silk flowers, bouquets and flower arrangements. Visit the site here to find great information, resources and tips for flower delivery online. flower-delivery-service-online.com flower-delivery-service-online.com

Price : $11.99

Features

• BRITA On-Tap Replacement Filter
• Sold as 1 EA

Product Description

Replacement filter for model No. 42201 on tap system. 1 filter per package.