Archives 2021

How Safe Is A Wood Deck Versus A Composite Deck?

More and more homeowners are considering composite decks. Before you consider transitioning to a composite deck, it is important to know how it stacks up against wood in terms of safety.

#1: Wood Decks Are More Eco-Friendly

Composite decks contain potentially harmful chemicals from the PVC that makes them waterproof. These materials leach into the ground, and over time these toxins can pose serious health problems for people who come into contact with the soil around the deck. Wood doesn’t have any of those problems because it uses environmentally friendly cedar or redwood as its base material.

#2: Wood Is Stronger Than Composite Material

While many consumers believe plastic will outlast wood in durability, this is actually not true. While synthetic plastics do last longer than wood, plastic is not as strong as its natural counterpart. This means that if you are looking for a long-lasting deck, then a wood deck might be the better way to go, even though it is more likely to require maintenance in the years to come.

#3: Wood Decks Can Last For A Lifetime

While composite decks need continual care and upkeep, wood can naturally strengthen over time. If you take good care of your wood deck, it will only get stronger with age and use. You will never have to worry about cracks or other signs of failure from using your wooden deck because this material itself does not suffer from wear and tear like composites do when they come into contact with water over time.

#4: Wood Decks Are A Safe Place For Children To Play

Children love to play outside, and it can be tempting for parents to want a deck that is safe for their little ones. While composite decks are very hardy and would likely not crack if your child slips on them, they contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the soil around the deck. Wood is different in this regard because it does not have any of these same worries. You can rest assured that when you install wood decking on your property, you will know that your children are playing on a surface that won’t harm them or the environment in any way.

#5: Composite Materials Can Cause Problems With Plumbing

As time goes on, plastic materials tend to warp and crack. When this happens, the crumbs and peels that form tend to clog up your plumbing system, which can lead to costly repairs or even worse, flooding in your home. Wood doesn’t have this problem because natural fibers do not deteriorate over time like plastics will.

#6: Wood Is More Natural To The Environment

If you are looking for a material that is more harmony with nature than plastic composites are, then wood is definitely the better option here. Plastic uses non-renewable resources from trees that take hundreds of years to grow back when they are cut down for use in manufacturing processes.

Remodeling Ideas For Consistency In Bathroom Design

Taking bathroom remodel ideas from either a picture in your mind or a magazine and making them come true can be a real challenge. Just looking for the perfect paint or flooring can take months. When you finally find the one that meets your expectations and you fall in love with its design, you may want to use it in other places in the house, maybe not exactly the same materials but the “theme” that maintains the uniformity in terms of the design of the house. rest of the house. Fortunately, you can, up to a point. The idea of ​​consistency in bathroom design is what allows you to carry the same colors, fabrics and textures from one room to another, to achieve harmony and harmony in your home.

Consistency of bathroom design is key

Consistency is important to design, and it is a way to infuse your unique personality into the home. For example, using similar wood tones, such as dark tile flooring in both the kitchen and dining room, combined with bamboo tones, projects a better sense of your style than switching between dark and light woods. Placing the same flooring in similar rooms, such as a master bathroom and a toilet, also makes your home look more uniform.

The design of your home is not intended to lack variety, but to maintain a certain basic style from one room to another, ultimately minimizing the impact when moving from one room to another. When you find materials and elements that perfectly combine both form and function in the design, you can use them to set the general atmosphere of your home, print your character with a good combination .

Floors in the bathroom should be even

When choosing your bathroom flooring, you will find many options that promote consistency without the need to combine perfectly. When you choose the same mosaic in a main bathroom and a toilet, for example, you can select the mosaic from the same series but varying in size or shape.

Try opting for a more elaborate pattern in the master bathroom, then lay the same tiles in a simple linear pattern for a simpler effect in the toilet. You can also choose to lay large tiles for a larger bathroom and a smaller variation for that toilet. For greater versatility, choose a cold and neutral tile, perhaps with a grain that emulates the appearance of marble, with this you will achieve that touch of distinction and elegance that your bathroom needs.

Backsplash tiles in line with the overall appearance

Rather than choosing different tiles for each backsplash, which could end up in competition with each other, consider using the same style in your bathrooms, but with minor adjustments. For example, try using similar-looking tile to accent an entire wall behind a bathtub, and then use the same tile as a backsplash in the toilet area.

Tile accents help promote consistency in bathroom design

Accenting a wall with mosaics gives you another opportunity to keep the design consistent in your home. These finishing touches should keep the same basic style in different rooms, even if you choose different colors or patterns. For example, if you love the clean, crisp look of bathroom white, but are concerned about ending up with an excessively stark design, work on the color by adding edging to the tiles or something that breaks up that monotony.

As you study remodeling ideas for your bathroom, certain designs or colors are likely to take shape in your mind. These favorite styles will make up your personal design profile, which can be worn throughout the home for a consistent look. Staying consistent and true to yourself when remodeling your bathrooms will result in designs that will truly fall in love.

Bathrooms 101: 6 Tips For Remodeling

From bathroom remodeling in Austin, we know that a bathroom remodel will cost you time, money, and maybe even some gray hair. The price can range from a few hundred dollars to fix an existing bathroom to a few thousand for a comprehensive renovation of a high-end master bathroom. But if you’re smart about spending, the investment will probably be worth it.

Budget correctly: 

It is important to be cautious with personnel offering the extremely inexpensive remodeling work, always ask for references from previous work. This can save you a bad experience. It is better to save money on materials than labor.

Think about the function of space:

The quality of the design, the functionality, and the aesthetic values ​​are determining factors, even when a small area is available since strategies for the use of spaces must be implemented. In recent years the medicine cabinet has been replaced by drawer systems and organizers. In addition, lighting has become more important, not only in the practical part but as a decorative element.

Dare to use new finishes:

During this new year, the gold and matte black faucets, white cabinets, and symmetrical shapes have been used. It should be noted that bathrooms in neutral tones are still in vogue: white, gray, earth colors and the aim is to combine high-gloss materials with matte finishes, wood, and granite or quartz; there are also a number of beautiful slab options to combine with each other, don’t limit yourself. But remember that the “clean” and simple design predominates since it is much more convenient because it is easy to clean, does not go out of style, and makes your bathroom feel like a space of peace and serenity.

Doors, curtains, or no glass? Learn to choose:

They all have different benefits and drawbacks; however, you should choose based on what works best for you. Curtains are preferred if there is a shower/tub combination, as a soft, flexible curtain makes bathing easier for children than a glass door. Bonus: it’s easy to change if your style changes.

On the other hand, there are, the most elegant, the glass doors, which can make the shower feel more spacious, and you can add a bit of warmth with different finishes such as metal grates, beautiful hardware, or details in the frame around the entrance.

Another extremely modern option is the shower without doors. If you choose this option, you should choose waterproof surfaces in the rest of the space and place the drain in the center of the shower, so you don’t have to worry about splashes.

Make a checklist: 

Let’s review the most important things when it comes to remodeling a bathroom …

  • Look for ideas for the design you want.
  • Ask for multiple quotes for labor and materials to compare.
  • Consider the appearance and durability of the materials to know that you are making a good investment.
  • Accessorize with the correct accessories.

If it seems like a lot, get help:

If you feel that all this is a bit “overwhelming” or you need more help to inspire you or acquire direction, contact bathroom remodeling in Austin, we will gladly answer your concerns.

Planning For A Successful Landscaping Project

Getting started with landscaping in Austin project requires going through various questions. This process is far from a waste of time; rather, it is the first step in your project. By the same token, this process will greatly facilitate your first meeting with your landscaping expert.

But what are the main questions to ask yourself before embarking on the outdoor landscaping project? We offer you some food for thought and some tips that will help you make an informed choice and feel better prepared.

What is your landscaping project?

Before wondering about the style or the products you should choose, you must first question yourself about the objective of the development project. Do you want a new patio for your backyard, do you want to modernize the outline of your pool or even redo your driveway? There is a very wide variety of paving stones, but it is important to know that they do not all have the same uses or the same type of maintenance.

What is your budget?

This is a question that may require a long reflection. With the help of an expert, you will be able to assess the entire landscaping project. Each project being different, it is important to be well supported and to receive all the information you need to make your decision. Make sure you get a quote that best meets your needs.

What style of the layout to choose?

Since landscaping project sometimes requires a large investment, it is important to choose a style that harmonizes and will evolve with the property. With the advice of a landscape designer, it is easier to design a plan that meets your needs and respects the style of the house. Whether you prefer the contemporary look to the rustic style or want to have a more classic layout, anything is possible. You just need to choose the right materials.

Which product to prioritize?

The products selected depend on the type of landscaping project. Your expert will be able to guide you according to the technical specifications and the constraints surrounding the project. For example, the installation of large concrete slabs, which usually have a thickness of less than 60mm, will not be recommended for a parking area due to the weight of the cars. However, this type of slab can very well be used for terraces or swimming pool contours.

When choosing to a landscape contractor, you need to make sure that they are available, informed, and transparent in the responses they provide to you. By having gone through these different avenues for reflection, you should be prepared to meet your expert and ready to go from dream to reality.