Wall Panels of Different Kinds Transform Interiors

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Wall panels can cover existing bare walls of brick and concrete and provide you interiors that are far more pleasing to live and work in. Alternatively, wall panels can create complete new walls. They come in different materials, forms and properties. The range is increasing along with the development of relevant technologies.

A Look at the varied Kinds of Wall Panels

There are the traditional wood plank wall panels that provide a rustic and rough-hewn look to dwellings. There are also luxurious wood panels made of polished oak and expensive wood like teak and rosewood that can provide a great look to the interiors of commercial establishments and residential mansions.

Aluminum, plastics, composites and other materials are replacing wood in modern walls. These materials eliminate the problems of wood such as accumulation of difficult-to-remove dirt, dampness, insect attacks and high maintenance costs.

Wall panels can create complete walls, as curtain walls do, or be installed to cover existing walls.

Curtain walls are non-load-bearing walls often made of transparent or translucent materials like glass or plastics. Loads are borne in these buildings by other structural elements like frames and columns, with the walls bearing only their own weight. Curtain walls can create superb effects and provide thermal and solar control.

Lighter wall panels can be installed over existing brick or other walls using nails, staples or glue. Nails are best on wooden surfaces, staples for when wooden battening is used and glue for even, dry, grease-free walls. Where walls are damp or uneven, treated-wood battening is fixed first on the walls and the wall panels are fixed to these. End profiles are used to finish the ends. Use of battening allows space for cables for power supply and communication.

Translucent plastic wall panels can allow in daylight creating a pleasing interior effect. Made with plastics, these panels can incorporate useful properties, such as filtering harmful UV rays and insulating against heat and noise. Energy savings can result as natural daylight replaces artificial lighting and heat insulation prevents heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

Aluminum, steel and composites can provide desired structural qualities in addition to pleasing appearance and lesser maintenance needs.

Modern materials have made it possible to produce wall panels in different colors, shapes, sizes and thickness to create desired effects or meet special requirements.

Wall panels have indeed come a long way since the days of pine wood planks.

Conclusion

Wall panels can be standalone walls like curtain walls or coverings over existing walls to beautify them and/or provide other benefits. Wall panels made with modern materials like aluminum, plastics and composites can eliminate the problems of wooden panels, such as accumulation of difficult-to-remove dirt, proneness to rot and the need for regular maintenance.

Modern materials can also create wall panels to meet special requirements and create special effects, such as extra thick walls or translucent walls that allows in natural daylight but not harmful UV rays.

Fitting the wall panels can also be done in different ways to suit existing structures.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/wall-panels-of-different-kinds-transform-interiors-277899.html

How to Build a Sturdy Retaining Wall

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A retaining wall is a protective structure, first and foremost. It should be strongly built for steady support. But it can also serve as a decorative architectural element. It is this mix of beauty and functionality which any home addition should strive for.

While of course it is possible to hire a contractor to build something like this, there really is no reason as you can do this home project yourself and it will not take as long as you think and also it will save quite a few dollars when simple home additions are done on your own.

All one needs is a little drive and determination and make a plan and then stick to it. Before you know it your retaining wall will be built and you’ll be full of confidence looking for the next home project.

The first thing to do is excavate the area where we plan to put up the retaining wall. If the area is downhill, be sure to grade the soil. Drive stakes of wood into the slope and stretch across them a masonry twine.

For the base trench, dig a ditch on the higher side of the wall. Fill the ditch of our retaining wall with different colored stones and then level using a rake. Have the stones compacted together with the use of a tamper.

For the first course, we place the first base of concrete over the stones for our retaining wall. To make sure the concrete is even on all sides use a torpedo level. Continue putting concrete while leveling out stones. Wear safety gloves.

When cutting the initial block into halves (for stronger grip and vertical joints placeholders) do so with the block of each even-numbered row. Use a sledgehammer for the purpose along with a brick chisel. This is for a stronger retaining wall.

With the second course—after cutting the initial block of even-numbered rows—put the second row. Step back each block just a bit off to make sure we are making a slight backward slope to somewhat push the thing that needs support. This is what a retaining wall is for.

Then, as the wall rises, compress the earth behind it. As we fill the rear portion with earth reinforce the wall with concrete the higher it goes. Between the wall and the earth fill should be more cement mixes to increase retaining wall material strength.

For our final grading, the higher the wall goes the farther the slope is from the wall top. Fill the gap with crushed stones topped with earth. The fill level should be some inches below the wall top.

When building the retaining wall alone, opt for interlocking blocks. Take care to refill the ditch or trench right after the base or footing or foundation layer is done.

Retaining walls are best for keeping slopes like small hills or mounds beside our houses from landsliding. They’re perfect for garden landscaping and even for buttressing wall portions of our houses. Retaining wall concepts are also applied for chimney building.

Building a retaining wall helps keep our surrounding safe and supported. It keeps a steeply sloping terrain from collapsing.

The Advantages of Wall Mountable Stereos

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A stereo system is now an essential part of home entertainment in any modern home. They come in a variety of sizes and brands with many features. You have to pay attention to their quality of sound and their ability to blend in with your home when buying a stereo system. Wall mounted stereos answer these requirements perfectly.

One of the main advantages of having wall mounted stereos is their space saving ability. They are compact in size and won't take up any floor space. Some people also believe that they provide better sound due to the fact that they are mounted on the wall. This may be because the sound cones are situated against an immovable wall and since the stereo moves less it is subject to fewer distortions. Another reason for better sound may be because there are fewer obstacles between the listener and the stereo. Sound quality goes up when the stereo is placed against a wall since sound waves reflect off the wall.

Also keep in mind that even if your stereo isn't mountable, you can make use of wall mountable stereo shelves to achieve the same space saving results and sound quality. And don't forget, you can make use of the corners in your rooms, where the space is usually wasted and that will give you an additional advantage.

Placement

While you can save space by mounting the stereo on the wall, you should also pay attention to the correct placement to get the best out of the stereo system. You shouldn't forget that your primary goal is to obtain the best sound quality. However, since most audio experts agree that placing the stereo in corner of a room gives you optimum sound quality, you can kill two birds with one stone. When the stereo is in a corner, the sound waves reflect against the walls, the floor, and the ceiling of the corner it is in. So you can see how this can work in your favor.

Also, when you're mounting your stereo against the wall, keep in mind that you should place it at a convenient height. You'll want make sure that you can access it easily with your remote control. Before you find a location for it, you should also take into account that curtains, carpets, and other items, can absorb sound and thus create a muffling effect.

Buying Wall Mountable Stereo Shelves

When buying wall mountable stereo shelves, you can buy shelves made specifically for stereos or simply choose to focus on your basic wall mountable shelf. These can come in variety of styles, ranging from classical to modern. They also come in a variety of materials, ranging from plastic to wood.

You'll want to be certain to select the shelves that will blend in with your room's décor, as well as fit within the means of your budget size. Also, you'll want to be sure that the shelves are able to hold the weight of your stereo. You should also consider the shelves' ease of installation. Some wall stereo shelves do not require power tools, or studs to mount.

And remember, you can also save more space by having wall mountable CD racks and other storage compartments nearby so you can store your audio collections and other accessories out of the way.

With some knowledge and foresight you can have a great sounding stereo system that doesn't take up a lot of space and has the look and feel you desire.

Amazing Girls Wall Murals

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Wall murals can turn the plain old wall space of your child's room into beautiful portals and windows looking out over whole new worlds. And for little girls, wall mural options and ideas are only limited by the imagination. From princess themes to undersea dreams - from fairies to mermaids to horse-drawn carriages and castles in the sky - your little girl will fall in love with the endless selection of wall murals available to help create her dream bedroom!

Girls wall murals come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Vinyl wall decals for girls are sold in easy peel-and-stick applications, from the smallest single butterfly to the largest majestic unicorn. These vinyl wall murals go on and come off with no glue or adhesive, and can be moved and repositioned at will. Instant transformations can be made in the way of custom-printed Minute Mural wall hangings. Created on quality professional-grade materials, these kits come complete, ready to install, and assemble in just minutes. For the do-it-yourself touch, girls wall murals, stickers, and decals can be applied to bare or painted walls - perfect for the little princess that wants to create her own customized designs. Great shops like the Wall Sticker Outlet carry all of these wall mural types and more, and always offer free shipping too!

Choosing a girls wall mural theme can often prove difficult, as they're available in every imaginable motif. Princess themed options include castles, white horses, and knights in shining armor. Disney princess stickers and wall borders are available along the same lines. Girls wall murals come in popular themes like Hello Kitty, Barbie, Tinkerbell, and even Bratz decals and stickers. Animal wall murals are also popular, from baby nursery level stuffed animal themes to fun safari and zoo animal appliques that bring the jungle right into your little girl's bedroom.

Chic and stylish boutique-type wall murals are sold for older girls, including rock star and girl power stickers designed to make distinct fashion statements. Life-sized beach themes can be created by using giant wall murals depicting scenes of sun and surf. Tropical wall mural windows and surfboard themed accents can create the perfect surfer girl look. For a more dramatic look, turn an entire wall into a breathtaking undersea wall scene complete with fish, whales, and mermaids. Fantasy themes also include enchanted kingdoms, unicorn decals, and customizable girls wall murals that begin with 'Once Upon a Time' and end with your daughter's own name, custom phrase or saying.

Another recent development in wall decor is the application of chalkboard and dry erase surfaces. These peel and stick decals can be placed right into any girls wall mural, letting your child write her own story! Wallies flower fairies dry erase and chalkboard stickers make perfect additions to any girl's wall decor, and come off just as easily as they go on.

The finishing touches to any wall mural include all the extra trimmings that will make your daughter's room so special. Individual wall appliques and decal sheets can be used to supplement any little girls wall murals. Flowers, butterflies, and magical wands come in pinks, purples, and beautiful rainbow colors. There are even wall mural decals that turn your daughter's whole ceiling into a cloud-filled sky, as well as celestial glow-in-the-dark appliques of stars, moons and planets that can be enjoyed even when the lights go off!

No matter how you complete your little girls wall mural, the best part is getting her involved. Together the two of you can create a functional work of wall art she'll enjoy and remember for years to come, all the while having fun in the process.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/amazing-girls-wall-murals-635347.html

Bathroom Wall Mirrors: Choosing What's Best For You

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There are a number of different kinds of bathroom wall mirrors, so with a little thought it should be easy for you to find the mirror that is exactly right for your bathroom.

When you are thinking about what kind of mirror you want, the key points for you to keep in mind are the mirror's practical use and its appearance. You probably want a mirror that will fit your specifications in both of these areas. Fortunately, there are so many types of mirrors available that you will be able to easily find the one that will both catch your eye and meet your needs.

How Big Should It Be?

The appearance of your bathroom mirror is very important. One factor to consider is the size. Your mirror should make a nice fit to your bathroom-- neither so small that it is not noticeable, nor large enough to be overwhelming if your room is small. When you take the size of your bathroom into account, you can then select the size of mirror that fits the best and looks the nicest.

Another factor in your mirror's appearance is how it is made. There is a wide range of styles available: plain mirrors that have nothing else added, and mirrors with frames made of plastic, wicker, and metal. Whether you select a mirror with or without a frame depends entirely on your own preference. If your taste runs toward framed mirrors, you can have a frame that will enhance your bathroom's décor and draw your guests' attention to your lovely mirror.

Fog-Resistant

You also have a choice between a wall mirror with a regular surface and one which is resistant to fogging. The latter will provide extra ease in shaving and other personal grooming routines, as it is less affected by the steam from your bathroom than a regular mirror. Although a mirror will not entirely resist steam fogging, if you have ever tried to use a mirror after a hot shower, you will appreciate the fact that one of these mirrors is not as difficult to use.

When you are contemplating which specific bathroom wall mirror you want, it is a good idea to think about where you plan to attach it. You may decide to mount the mirror above your sink or on an empty wall; either of these ideas will work fine, and coming to a decision in advance will help you in purchasing the size and style of mirror that will look the best in its designated spot.

Accommodating Youngsters

If you have small children or elderly people in your home, you may wish to attach the mirror where it is most convenient for their use. Brushing hair and teeth is much easier if a person does not have to stretch over a sink or stand on a stool in order to reach a mirror. In addition, if you have youngsters you may consider an unbreakable bathroom wall mirror to be the best choice, because even mounting it on a wall is not a guarantee that it cannot become broken.

Wall Shelving Systems to Satisfy Every Requirement

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Wall shelving units are great ideas to maximize floor space and organize storage, especially where accommodation comes at a premium. But high premium accommodation is usually associated with trendy penthouses or up market condos. In such an environment you will want to make sure that the wall shelving unit matches the decor of your accommodation. Modern furniture showrooms have extended ranges of wall shelving units to suit your most specific requirement.

The kind of wall shelving unit you should buy depends on a number of factors. One of the most critical of these factors is the location of the wall shelving unit. That and the space available in that location. For example, you want a wall shelving unit over on the east wall. There is a projection on that wall at a height of...? You must know the exact height of the projection because it will obstruct the wall shelving unit if the wall shelving unit is higher than it is. Other choices include free-standing or wall-mounted wall shelving units. That choice depends on how permanently the wall shelving units are located.

The load you'll place on the wall shelving units are yet another important factor in the choice of a wall shelving unit. You'll require a heavy metal wall shelving unit for heavy loads, a glass or wood wall shelving unit for light to moderate loads, and wireframe units for those bulky goods which may not be very heavy. Make the best use of the range of wall shelving units that are available to you. A good choice will mean more convenience, more storage, and more floor space!

Survey the market thoroughly before buying a wall shelving unit. There are so many styles and varieties available that you'll be able to get the exact shade of color that you want in any particular style and variety. So don't hesitate to think out loud when you go window shopping for the ideal wall shelving unit.

What are the broad categories of wall shelving units? These categories are free-standing, hanging, modular, adjustable, or fixed. Then there are special categories like the track-type wall shelving unit. This wall shelving unit can be reconfigured very easily and very quickly. You can change almost everything about this type of wall shelving unit. Really amazing!

There are other types of wall shelving units too. Which to use depends on individual requirements. For a child's room it is best to get an wall-mounted wall shelving unit with adjustable shelves. For a library, choose a wall-mounted wall shelving unit with fixed shelves.

A free-standing wall shelving unit is best suited for a designer's room where the room is completely made over every few weeks to make a presentation to a client. Don't use a free-standing wall shelving unit to hold heavy articles. It is always a good idea to anchor a free-standing wall shelving unit to the wall so that it doesn't topple over.

All in all, there are so many choices, so many options available to you that it is both easy and difficult to make a choice of wall shelving unit. Suffice it to say that you will not be disappointed in getting the wall shelving unit according to your exact specification. You can order your wall shelving unit as-it-is directly from the showroom, or get yours custom-assembled. A wall shelving unit is a great way to organize your storage. At the same time you utilize the wall space which would otherwise be wasted. This utilization of vertical space frees up valuable floor space. So let's go shopping for a brand new wall shelving unit. Like I said, you'll be spoilt for choice!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/remodeling-articles/wall-shelving-systems-to-satisfy-every-requirement-680475.html

The Benefits Of Fiberglass Wall Fountains

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Fiberglass wall fountains offer the perfect blend of aesthetics, durability and affordability. These features contribute to making fiberglass one of the most popular and durable materials for water features.

Aesthetic Properties of a Fiberglass Wall Fountain

Fiberglass is a translucent material that adapts exceedingly well to illumination. By daytime it gleams in the sunlight providing a polished looking façade. At night, helped by the right lighting, it dazzles the eye. Some of the most spectacular fountains in the world are aided by the use of fiber optics technology. The end result is a breathtakingly beautiful water feature that goes beyond being a mere fountain to a gushing, splashing, gurgling, work of art. Fiberglass is also able to replicate the look of other materials like cast stone and slate to a high degree. In fact, the similarity between fiberglass wall fountains and a cast stone or stonewall fountains is almost impossible to tell unless you actually touch it! The similarity can be astounding.

A Fiberglass Wall Fountain is Light on the Wallet

Fiberglass wall fountains are also the most economical choice for those looking to add a fountain without the hefty price tags that come attached to some elaborate fountains. Fiberglass is also easy to maintain which makes these fountains high on aesthetics, but low on maintenance. Unlike materials like bronze that can equal their price in terms of heavy-duty maintenance, cleaning, and polishing, fiberglass needs no more than a quick wipe to remove dust and grime. Another reason why fiberglass is so inexpensive is its low weight. This makes it easy to fit. The installation of fiberglass wall fountains doesn’t cost as much as something like a granite fountain because the process doesn’t involve the use of heavy machinery to lift the material. The process is also quicker, saving on time. Get more ideas on fiberglass wall fountains by visiting http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Fiberglass+Wall+Fountains.

Your Fiberglass Wall Fountain Will Last for a Long Time

Don’t be fooled by fiberglass’ translucent texture. It’s as strong as steel. In fact, you can expect your fiberglass wall fountain to keep adding value to your interiors or your garden for many, many, years of pleasure. Fiberglass also has non-corrosive properties, which makes choosing a fiberglass wall fountain a good option for placement indoors or out.

If you’ve been putting off purchasing a fountain because of the costs involved, fiberglass could be the perfect choice for you. With innovative new technologies that add to fiberglass’ ability to imitate other more desirable looking materials like cast stone, you’re sure to find a selection of fiberglass wall fountains that are not only affordable and durable, but also aesthetic. Your design budget does not necessarily limit options in choosing accents for your design plan, a fiberglass wall fountain gives you the sophisticated look you’re seeking without the cost and cumbersome installation process of a traditional wall fountain constructed from heavier materials. Learn more about wall fountains and their many different designs and textures at http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Wall+Fountains.

Selecting Decorative Wall Fountains

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A Dazzling Array of Choices in Decorative Wall Fountains

There is a limitless choice of styles available in decorative wall fountains. In fact, some may argue that there's way too much choice to ever decide on a single style. With options ranging from majestic lions, to peace loving dolphins, fish spouting water and cherubs at play how do you decide on the wall fountain that's right for your home? You should first assess your existing design theme, and whether you would like the fountain to blend with the existing decor or design a new theme around the style of the fountain. A decorative water feature that looks great in a catalog or in an online store may strike a jarring note when you place it on your wall. Some designs, like lions, tend to awe and overwhelm.

If you have other dominant design elements this strong style will likely conflict with the lion style. Antique looking statuary is not for every home. If you have a modern styled home with clean lines and an overall minimalist theme, then you will want to choose a fountain which emulates and enhances that style. The whole point of including a water feature element in your decor style is to find something that works well with the rest of the elements, not something that necessitates removing everything else in the house due to its presence! Before you go buying a wall fountain take a look at these popular styles and what they mean.

Decorative Wall Fountains for All Seasons

Decorative wall fountains are available in numerous styles, but these usually contain elements that can be grouped together. Animal elements for instance are very popular. The choice of animal life is usually aquatic or water animals like fish, water birds, etc. The lion is an exception. You rarely see other animals represented in decorative wall fountains. Another popular style includes architectural elements like statuary and urns. These are classic in appearance and timeless in appeal. Classic or vintage themed designs are made of materials that are processed so they take on an aged or vintage appearance. These decorative wall fountains resemble antique works of art. Visit http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Wall+Fountains to get more of a feel for decorative wall fountains.

Children and angels are popular themes that are eternal in their appeal. Designs may include a bunch of them playing or solo figures posed. Asian inspired designs include images of bonsai plants, or calligraphy. These designs are particularly popular when creating a zen design theme in mind such as feng shui. Buddha figures are also included in this theme. The plant kingdom is also well represented with some of the most recognizable designs including the vineyard theme falling in this group. You can't really go wrong with flowery designs in water features.

Other designs for decorative wall fountains also include moving elements like a wheel that appears to move as the water flows. The sun is a prominent symbol of life and good fortune; and other celestial symbols like stars and the moon are popular too. So go ahead and choose from a plethora of choices in decorative wall fountains - you're sure to find something that complements your decor. For more ideas on uniquely designed wall fountains check out http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=78.

The Benefits Of Solar Wall Fountains

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Why Solar Wall Fountains are Right for You

Solar wall fountains are becoming exceedingly popular not only with the "save the earth" population, but also with consumers in general. In these days of climate crises, green living practices are slowly expanding to touch all features of our lives, and our styles of decorating haven't been untouched. Because they are powered by the rays of the sun, solar wall fountains consume no electrical power. Even if you're of the opinion that global warming is the figment of a paranoid environmentalist's imagination, you have to admit that saving money on your electrical bill is a good thing. The lack of electrical requirements means that you can hang your solar wall fountain without the fear of dangling electrical cords that can be dangerous to kids who veer too close to them. This can sometimes be an issue when you're installing a regular wall fountain. And that's not all. Solar wall fountains are low maintenance, so you don't need to worry about time consuming cleaning procedures. They're also low on pollution - no fumes and no noise. This ease of installation and operation has led to a burgeoning demand for solar wall fountains.

How do Solar Wall Fountains Work?

The basic premise of solar wall fountains is similar to all other mechanisms that rely on solar energy to function. Solar energy involves converting solar power from the sun into electricity through a solar panel. This panel consists of Photovoltaic cells also known as PV cells which amass power. This solar powered panel in turn powers the water pump that's connected to the solar wall fountains. To see uniquely designed wall fountains check out http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=1674.

Installing Solar Wall Fountains

Solar wall fountains may either have their panels integrated into the body of the water feature or have it placed a distance away from the fountain. The distance can be as much as 15 feet. Mounting the panels can be done by positioning them up against a wall, propping them up against a hard surface, or by placing them in your garden. The most important consideration is the amount of exposure to direct sunlight - it should be optimal.

For those who have never experimented with solar powered gadgets, it's easy to believe that these function only when weather conditions are bright and sunny. That's not necessarily true. Solar wall fountains will continue to gush when the weather is cloudy, although the water flow may be less intense due to the reduced power generated from the sun. Learn more about the latest designs for wall fountains by visiting http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Wall+Fountains.

5 Steps To Size, Design & Install Glass Block Walls And Bars

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“Why can’t designing and installing a glass block wall or bar be as easy as putting together Lego blocks,” a customer once asked. Although it’s not that easy, with the new shapes, sizes, prefabrication techniques and installation accessories available today this unique glass wall product is being used increasingly in homes, businesses and commercial buildings. Follow these 5 steps and you’ll be able to create a cool, stylish, and easy to maintain wall or bar.

Step 1) Where do you want to use your glass block wall or bar? How big do you want to make the wall?

These specialized glass walls can be used on the inside, within the exterior structure of the home or building, or even on the outside. Most common uses include partition walls to separate rooms, shower walls, and bars for the kitchen and recreation rooms. When you are designing and determining the materials needed for this project the size and shape of the wall are critical.

• Glass block bar sizes & shapes – Most bars are built 40” high (5 courses of 8” blocks stacked on top of each other). The countertop is installed after the block work is finished. For extra stability and cool design consider making your bar with either an “L shaped” or angled shape design or rounded (radius) look. The bars should be anchored into one wall for added support.

• Glass block wall sizes & shapes – Block walls can be built virtually any size, however the maximum dimensions of each wall section (or panel) will vary based on the thickness of the block (3 1/8” or 3 7/8” thick) and if the wall will be on the inside or exterior of the home or building. Since most walls are built using the 3 7/8” thick size, here’s a quick reference for how big you can make your wall without the need for some type of engineered steel or aluminum support structure between your glass panels:

o Maximum inside wall panel dimensions (3 7/8” thick block)
 Total square footage of the wall – 250 sq. feet.
 Maximum height – 20 feet
 Maximum width – 25 feet

o Maximum outside wall panel dimensions (3 7/8” thick block)
 Total square footage of the wall – 144 sq. feet.
 Maximum height – 20 feet
 Maximum width – 25 feet

Step 2) What type of floor, partial wall or base will the block wall be placed on? What is the smallest width of the base for the block wall?

Block walls or bars can be placed virtually on any surface as long as it is structurally sound and approximately 3” to 4” wide. Most block walls weigh about 12 pounds per square foot of wall area. Shower pans made of acrylic, fiberglass, and tile with concrete work well. Interior walls with wood joists are usually fine as well as long as the floor is level. Placing the block on knee walls (also called half walls) with metal stud and drywall supports underneath works as well.

Step 3) What do you need to put your glass block wall or bars together? Can panel sections be manufactured to make the project easier?

The installation of block walls can be made much easier with the use of spacers, installation systems, or purchasing pre-made sections of block. Here’s a quick overview of each type of approach:

• Glass Block Spacers – In the old days block had to be laid piece by piece by a skilled mason contractor – these skilled craftsmen can be expensive and difficult to find. With the use of all plastic spacers the blocks can be laid uniformly and the spacers even help to keep the wall or bar flush and in place as you’re building it. Spacers are available for either straight or radius walls.

• Installation systems – The new vinyl stack installation system uses vinyl horizontal and vertical spacers between the blocks to align and hold the blocks in place for easy assembly. Silicone is used to bond the blocks to the vinyl spacers on the inside of the block wall. This system can be used for interior and exterior applications. Special tile grout or silicone can be used to finish off the joints.

• Prefabricated or pre-made block sections – With the vinyl stack installation system sections of block can be pre-assembled and installed in the field. Glass block panel manufacturers can build these sections for you, often saving time and money to complete the job. These sections should be designed considering who(m) will be installing the wall and where it is physically located on the project site.

Step 4) Choosing the right sizes, shapes, and colors to make your glass block walls and bars cool and unique.

• There are a wide selection of block sizes, patterns, shapes, colors, artistically designed murals, and lighting options available for your wall or bar. Here’s a overview of your options:

o Sizes and thicknesses of glass blocks for walls or bars – Glass masonry units are made is both metric and American sizes. Most of the blocks available in the United States are American sized. The American sized blocks are available in 4” x 8”, 6” x 6”, 6” x 8”, 8” x 8”, and 12” x 12”. Specialty shapes can help you turn corners, make 45 degree angles, create rounded or radius walls if you’re looking to make a walk in or roll in shower, or finish off the end of the wall or bar with a smooth bullnose look. The blocks have nominal sizes meaning the actual size of the block units is ¼” smaller allowing for a mortar joint to adhere the block to one another (an 8” x 8” block actually measures 7 ¾” x 7 ¾”). The blocks for walls and bars are 3” and 4” thick. Thinner block (3 1/8” thick) are more cost effective, but design options are more limited in this thickness of block.

o Patterns, designs and color glass blocks – Blocks come in a multitude of patterns providing different levels of privacy, style, and design options. The block are now available in standard and custom colors, tints, and artistically decorated murals to match any interior design style. Check out a comprehensive block web site to see the possibilities.

o Lighting your blocks – Putting lights behind a glass wall has increased in popularity. Consider a fiber optic system (where the colors of the block wall can change as the system is running) or standard rope lighting behind a clear wall for extra impact.

Step 5) Don’t worry about any of the first 4 steps and call a glass block supplier, wall panel manufacturer and installation professional – If you really don’t want to figure out what size, shape, and design layout is best call a block specialty company who offers design, supply, wall fabrication and installation services. This type of company will usually come to your home or business (without a charge), measure your shower space, figure out the possible designs for you, and install it with a guarantee.

By: Mike Foti

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Find The Answer To - How Can You Tell If There Are Termites In A Wall

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Do you have termites in your wall? Well if you do, you need to know how to find them. Although termites are an important part of nature, they are not welcome by homeowners you try to protect their homes from these horrible and devastating insects. Yes, termites work with nature to fertilized the soil and rid the world of decaying trees and rotting plant life, they are also healthy eaters of our homes. Termites do help with the wildlife, but this fact does not console the homeowner who has termite infestations. .

If you find the termites too late, the nightmare one goes through to replace and fix wood that has been compromised is devastating to homeowners. Without your knowledge, termites can live in your walls for years, eating away at your wood studs and beams and even your attic trusses.

Living in a house without the knowledge you have termites may be the end of road, since insurance does not cover termite infestations. These annoying insects can rob you blind as you sleep, watch television and clean. If the termite is in your wall, you will never see them or will you? There are some signs to look for to determine if you have termite infestations.

How can you tell if there are termites in a wall? Here are some signs to look for when determining if you have termites in your walls.

• Sandy holes, if you tap around the walls, you may see some dusty material coming from the wall. In addition, you hear the hollow sound.

• Moist areas on the wall, usually means termites are feeding inside the wall.

• If you see weakening in the walls or structural damage to the wall, you probably have termites.

With these three things to look for, you could now answer the question of how can you tell if you have termites in a wall? Without further looking, you may want to next check the basement and the attic as well as the outside soil around your home. A sure sign of termites outside are mud holes especially around trees, decks and the foundation of the house. For more info see http://www.termiteshelp.com/Inspecting_For_Termites/Knowing_If_You_Still_Have_Termites.php on Knowing If You Still Have Termites.

If you find termites outside your home, you need to determine quickly if you have them inside already and if not, a preventive measure is required to prevent them from seeking out the cellulose from the wood in your home. A professional pest control will come in and give you estimates for the outside and inside of your home. This is cheaper than replacing the damaged wood in your home due to the termite infestation.

Elegance And Class With Wall Tapestries

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How would you describe a tapestry?

Tapestry is basically a cloth that is woven with hands or jacquard looms. Each and every art lovers simply love and treasure this type of art.

Define wall tapestry. What are the reasons for hanging it on the wall?

You can conceal a void wall by hanging a photo frame or painting it. One other alternative is wall tapestry because you can hang them on your walls and it can add beauty to your wall. The wall tapestries are great pieces of art because the can add warmth and beauty to your room. The tapestries portray the different paintings and drawings of well-known artists. Tapestries are made with great quality material and as such, they can give your home a soft look.

What can you do to make your void walls at home look beautiful and classy?

You will find that the pictures on the tapestries are replicas of the paintings of various well-known artists. The pictures may not be original but they would be a great asset to you which you can place in your home. The original paintings are very expensive but the tapestries are not. So you can buy the tapestries, as the picture looks just like the original paintings, to hang them on your home walls.

What steps should you take to clean and preserve your attention-grabbing tapestries?

Since the tapestries have been produced by using excellent quality materials, they are very durable. As a result, you do not have to take additional actions to preserve them. What you will have to do is dry-clean them once in seven days so that the dust that settled on the tapestries can be removed. Always remember that you can pass the tapestry to your next generation if the tapestry has been made with excellent quality fabric. Actually, you can use it as a kind of family heirloom because they are long lasting in nature.

Would you want your home to have a lovely and inviting look?

You can hang the tapestries in any room of your home. Whether it is your living room, bedroom, drawing room, kitchen or front entrance; the tapestries would look great. No matter where you place them, they would provide a charming look to your home.

For more information about tapestries, please visit our website http://www.european-wall-tapestries.com

Published At: www.Isnare.com
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Theater Wall Sconces for Your Home Theater

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Theater wall sconces are excellent for creating that movie watching atmosphere we all look forward to when we go to the movie theater. They are able to be dim enough to concentrate on the movie while still bright enough to walk down the stairs for that much needed movie popcorn.

Choosing theater wall sconces for your home theater is a great idea. Bring the movie theater ambiance into your home with these wall sconces. What a great addition to your home theater. So, how many of these wall sconces do you need for your home theater? The answer to this question will depend on personal preference as well as the size of the room. There are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself. How much light is needed in this room? How big is my home theater?

Once you have decided how many theater wall sconces you should purchase for your home theater, you should then decide on the placement. Try to even the light out in the room, and not over light anyone area. Too much light coming from one direction can cause a glare on your television and ruin your home theater atmosphere.

Arrange your seating according to the television and the placement of your wall sconces. This will ensure no one is left totally in the dark, and everyone can see the television comfortably. Which are necessities, in a home theater.

Get the most out of your theater wall sconces by choosing drapes that are heavy enough to block out the sunlight. When you go to an actual movie theater, notice there are no windows. All of the light in the movie theater is coming solely, from their wall sconces. Trying to create this effect with heavy drapes is not hard, just be sure they are thick and match your decor. Possibly, using blinds under the drapes will make it dark enough for your wall sconces to provide the only light. This may be something you will need to experiment with to be sure you are happy with the lighting from your theater wall sconces.

Theater wall sconces will help you create a fabulous home theater room. Be sure you get the wall sconces that are able to be dimmed and brightened for the best affect, and for when you may want to do other things in that room other than watching movies. Theses wall sconces can be bought specifically, for your home theater. Which makes them easier to install, and can add a fun touch to the room with the novelty styles such as having movie ticket and popcorn designs on your wall sconces.

Joanne is an author of Decorz.com. If you're looking for more lighting decor ideas for your home visit http://www.decorz.com

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