How to Install an Iron Wall Candle Holder

|

Iron wall candle holders have been around for thousands of years. They date back to medieval times where these wall candle holders were used for lighting the hallways of castles. Today these charming pieces of decorative art are used to add a feeling of warmth and tranquility to the room whose walls adorn them.

In order to install these types of candles, you must first know the circumstances of the room in which these will hang. Since this form of indoor wall lighting will use candles for lighting, you must examine the room to make sure that these wall candles will not be placed on the walls near anything that could possibly catch fire while the candles are burning, such as surrounding art, curtains, coat racks and anything else that could catch fire.

Keep in mind that candles melt and melted wax can get on your walls and floors. To avoid this you may want to have some sort of glass cover around your candle. Glass covers are available in clear frosted or colors of your choice.

Another good idea is to determine how high on the walls you wish to place these holders. If children are a part of your household, you may want to place these holders above the reach of children.

After you know whether you want or don't want a glass covering your candle and exactly how high you want your holders on your walls, the next thing is to measure each wall for placement. Depending on how many you wish to place on each wall, with a tape measure, measure how high on the wall you want to place them. I suggest that you measure from the floor up the wall and mark the wall at the proper height using a pencil. Go about 12 inches over from your first wall mark and repeat this procedure. Now you have 2 pencil marks on the wall at the same height about 12 inches apart.

Next, measure the width of the wall at the same height you placed the 2 previous height pencil marks and write the width measurement on a piece of paper. Depending on how many of these holders you wish to hang, divide the width of the wall by the number of wall candles you wish to hang. Once you know how far apart each holder will be, then using a tape measure, mark the wall with a pencil dot on each place the holder will hang.

If you are placing iron wall candle holders along the sides of wall art or a wall mirror, then what you need to do is measure how far from the left and right side of the artwork you wish to place each holder. With your measuring tape go to the left and right side of the wall art (or wall mirror) and measure from the edge of the art outward on both sides. Make sure your outward measurements on both sides are identical. Repeat this step over again on both sides, only this time go about 8 inches either above or below your first marks on both sides of your wall art (or wall mirror).

Now using the 2 pencil dots you have on both sides of your wall art, line your tape measure from the floor up the wall using the 2 pencil dots as a guide for a straight line and mark a pencil dot on the wall exactly how high you wish to hang your candle holder. Repeat this procedure on the other side of the wall art and you will have identical spacing for your holders on both sides of the wall art (or wall mirror).

Iron wall candle holders are not light in weight. In order to hang these holders securely you must use what is known as a wall anchor. Remember, never try to hang an iron wall candle holder with a screw directly into drywall or plastered walls. It just won't hold the weight.

Wall anchors are small devices that are placed into the wall at the exact same place a screw would go to hold up these types of wall candle. By using a wall anchor you will be able to hold heavy objects such as heavy metal sconces securely to the wall without having to worry about the fixture becoming loose from the wall and eventually falling off the wall.

Wall anchors come in different styles and sizes to accommodate different size screws that will screw into it after the anchor has been placed into the wall. My favorite wall anchor for hanging wall mounted candle holders looks like a short stubby plastic screw with a screw hole in the center.

This anchor is easy to install. All you have to do is drill a small hole (about half the diameter of the anchor) where you want to place the screw to hold your candle on the wall. After you have drilled the small hole, all you have to do is screw in the anchor into the small hole you just drilled until it is flush to the wall. Repeat this procedure for all the screws needed to mount your iron wall candle holder. When you have inserted all the anchors needed to mount your wall sconce to the wall, then you simply hold the wall sconce in position over the anchors and proceed to screw your holder up to the wall. It is as simple as that and rest assured that your candle sconce is on the wall securely.

Iron wall candle holders are works of art that come in many different shapes and sizes. They add comfort to the overall feeling of any room in which they are placed on the wall. With a small amount of effort you can add these to several rooms of your home and enjoy a simple but pleasing touch of art passed on down through the centuries.

Tag : wall,iron wall,candle.wall decor


All About Retaining Walls - Concrete Retaining Walls and Decorative Retaining Walls

|

Introduction to Retaining Walls

First, a retaining wall is a structure that holds back, or "retains," lateral faces of dirt, water, or other materials. Retaining walls are used to prevent erosion or collapse of higher level ground onto a certain building, structure, or general area. The earth that is retained is often referred to as backfill. The word backfill is also used as a verb to describe placing more dirt behind a retaining wall to make the ground more level.

Retaining walls can be the answer if you are blessed (or cursed) to a contoured lot. They can turn a steep slope into a terraced yard, creating a stair step effect instead of a slope.

Retaining walls can be constructed from many different materials using many different techniques. There are several factors that influence which choice will be the best choice for each situation, including cost, height of the wall, soil characteristics, and ground water conditions.

Generally, most municipalities require that any retaining wall over four feet in height be engineered or approved by a licensed engineer. It is important to check local building codes before starting any retaining wall projects, even if it is below four feet tall. After all, retaining walls should be structurally sound before there is any thought of aesthetic appeal. The retaining wall must be able to stand up to the pressure exerted by the backfill, also called lateral earth pressure. This lateral earth pressure is a majority of the force that the retaining wall will need to bear. Lateral earth pressure is determined by studying the weight of the soil unit, slope of the soil, soil type (for plasticity and adhesion purposes with clay soil types), and ground water levels. Engineers do many calculations with these factors to determine what design to implement with the wall. To homeowners and contractors that do not want to go through engineering steps, it is generally a good rule to overdo it. Many structural methods to build retaining walls with withhold earth, at least temporarily, with a height up to four feet, are adequate, which is why most local building codes require engineering if the wall will be over four feet tall.

However, even methods that may seem adequate for retaining earth can fail if they are not built properly. Many times, it is elements below grade that can make (or break) a retaining wall. Problems including bowing, slanting, or cracking are evidence of retaining wall failure because it was not successful in retaining the dirt. Cutting costs with a bad contractor, insufficient materials, or neglecting the below grade elements can turn out to be more expensive over time if replacement or repair is necessary often or if collapse of earth causes damage to nearby structures. For example, erosion can cause foundation issues if dirt erodes from under the foundation. This is just one example how a retaining wall failure can cause expensive problems aside from the cost to repair or replace the retaining wall.

Another aspect that is often neglected or underestimated that can cause failure of a retaining wall is drainage. Inadequate drainage of retaining walls can mean that water is trapped behind the wall, adding to the weight that the wall must hold back. Usually weep holes and/or drainage pipes are used to flush rain water and ground water from behind the wall. It is important that the drainage system, whatever it be, have a filter barrier to keep dirt from clogging the drain or weep hole.

Options for Retaining Wall Materials

· Railroad Crossties - Railroad crossties, also shortened to railroad ties, can be used as a retaining wall material; however, as with most every retaining wall material, it must be installed correctly in order to be a solution. For example, most railroad tie retaining walls will need a substantial footer to tie the crossties to in order to keep the bottom from sliding out. Also, there needs to be perpendicular members placed into the ground behind the wall to keep the wall from overturning. These members, called deadmen, should be at least 1.5 times as long as the wall is high and should be placed at minimum every 6 feet or so. Because railroad ties are wood (even though they are treated most of the time), there is a risk that they may rot over time or be subject to termite infestation, which can lead to a weak wall likely to bulge or break. And, even though there are areas for water to slowly seep though, it is still a good idea to have a filtered drain or weep holes designed into the wall.

· Treated Wood - Treated wood retaining walls offer many of the same risks as retaining walls because over time it is susceptible to rot and termite infestation. It is a labor intensive construction, but it is usually lightweight and decently strong if built correctly. It is recommended to build a concrete footer to attach the wall to in order to keep it from shifting. Construction usually requires a clear area to be backfilled after the wall is built, so it is not always the best material to use if you are replacing an existing retaining wall. This wall still needs weep holes or drains designed into the wall. Standing water behind the wood will only increase risk of rot.

· Concrete - Concrete is a great material to use for retaining walls. Of course, there is a right and a wrong way to build a concrete retaining wall, which makes choosing your contractor a big job. There are many different designs that can lead to a successful concrete retaining wall, but one thing is for sure: there needs to be a footer beneath the wall to ensure success. Concrete is one of the most durable man-made products known to man. Most concrete poured today is engineered to last for over 50 years. Plus, concrete offers many decorative options as well. Aside from a plain, white concrete retaining wall, you can also pour a colored concrete retaining wall, stain a retaining wall after it has cured, pour into a patterned form, apply a vertical stamp material and pattern after poured, etc. Sealing the concrete wall can lead to an easy-to-maintain surface that rinses free of most dirt and grime.

· Blocks or Paver Stones - Engineered blocks that stack together to make a wall must be as simple as building with Legos, right? Nope. These retaining walls should also have a significant footer in order to support not only the weight of the dirt but also the weight of the wall. These blocks can be a unique look, but it may even be necessary to place a concrete retaining wall behind the blocks if there immense lateral earth pressure. In such a case, the concrete would be the structural element, using the blocks as a visual feature.

· Rock or Brick - One of the favorite looks for a retaining wall is natural stone or brick. These materials usually look more permanent and traditionally classy. However, just as we have seen with the other materials, it is necessary to have a concrete footer below grade to carry the weight and ensure success of the retaining wall. Like architectural blocks or paver systems, it may be necessary to back a masonry retaining wall with a concrete retaining wall for structural support.

Tag : wall,retaining wall,retaining,concrete


Wall Mount Accessories - Have You Thought of These?

|

So many times I have been contacted by my web site enthusiasts interested in knowing what is available in different and unusual wall decor. They want some information on wall decor that will set them apart from the usual boring "Same old, same old."

They also say that they would like to decorate their walls in a way that would express themselves as individuals who don't necessarily follow the crowd. They ask for my suggestions of what I believe to be tastefully and uncommonly artful wall decor.

For some time I researched their need and after careful study, I have come up with some suggestions that just might help them out. Keep in mind that when it comes to wall decor, there are unlimited directions that one could pursue.

Because I have limited space here on this page, I will give some examples of what I believe to be unusual wall decorations. From there I hope to get the imaginations of those of you who are looking for this information, a sort of kick start to your own exploration of unexpected wall decor.

So I started out by locating Metal Wall Art and Sculptures. These are fascinating creations that will give the room a three dimensional artful appeal. There is something here that is sure to please anyone who is looking for different.

The first metal art I will go over with you is Laser Cut Metal Wall Art. From pieces sculpted into the shapes of suns, animals such as horses, deer, dolphins in tropical scenes, cowboy boots and hat, elk in forest scenes, butterfly and flowers, Azaleas with hummingbird and so much more laser cut metal wall art. You just have to go online to see for yourself how different and beautiful this art truly is.

Staying in metal wall art, the next pieces I found are called steel image wall art. This particular art form is produced from medium gauge steel. The image is then laser cut and formed into art. The steel is then hand brushed to a rich textured finish. The unique colors available are from a process called Kaleidikolor. The final process is powder coating to assure durability for both inside and outside wall hanging applications.

I found a variety of different topics made into Kaleidikolor art forms. Some of these topics included gecko metal art, different forms of sun and moon metal art, a variety of different trees such as Aspen and Aspen branches of different sizes, Hummingbird metal art, North American animals of the wilderness and so much more.

I don't have enough space here to provide you with all that is offered in this Kaleidikolor art. You'll have to go online and see for yourself all the magnificent metal Kaleidikolor art offered to truly appreciate this art form. There are literally hundreds of pieces in different topics to choose from.

Wall Planters are another form of wall art that will enhance the atmosphere of a room. These beautifully crafted plant holding devices are a welcome addition to the total presentation, giving the room in which they are displayed an elegant touch of harmony only nature's plant life can provide.

Most of your wall planters are made of Iron. Many of these iron wall planters are constructed of iron rods bent into artful shapes or crisscrossed and welded together to form wall planters of exquisite style. Some of this metal artwork has metal framework while others do not.

Other forms of metal wall planters have artfully curvaceous wall mounted hanging brackets with metal mesh baskets hung by artful chains. After you have securely anchored the bracket to the wall, all you have to do is put a plant into the hanging basket and enjoy the heavenly scent of fresh flowers in bloom.

Staying with metal wall planters, let's explore one more version. This version is called the Wall Mounted Planting Bowl. This is different from what I have written about so far.

These beautiful wall mounted planting bowls are cast iron molds. All these wall mounted planting bowls use cultural period designs and castings that once graced Europe's cities, towns and estates. The handcrafted detail of these wall mounted planting bowls brings out the extremely artful display of a bygone era.

For a more rustic look you can go with a wooden three shelf wall plant holder. This shelf wall plant holder has the look of a picket fence. If you have rooms in your home with a country or rural theme, then this shelf wall plant holder will fit in quite well.

My last example of is often overlooked, but should never be ignored. This wall mounted art gives you a world of possibilities.

Let me ask you, "When was the last time you switched on or switched off a light in a room of your home? Did you notice something different on the wall? Did you have a feeling that something magical happened every time you used the light switch on the wall?"

If not, then you probably haven't opened yourself up to the world of Wall Switchplates. Most people decorate rooms of their home without even thinking about what the right wall switchplates would do to enhance the room. Are you one of those?

Well, today I will educate you to what is available in wall switchplates. I'm sure this information will surprise most of you reading this. You probably have no idea on the enormous amount of themes that these small but room enhancing artifacts are available in.

Get ready to have your mind blown. Here are a few examples of the themes that wall switchplates are available in. You have Abstract, African, Animals/Farm, Animals/Pet, Animals/Wild, Antique, Art, Asian, Baroque, Beverages, Birds, Books/Letters, Borders, Caribbean, Celtic, Children's, Christian, Classic, Country, Dancing, European, Extra Functionality, Fantasy, Fish, Flowers/Plants, Fruit, Games, Geometric, Global Spirit, Grab Bag, Hearts, Holidays, Insects, Kitchen, Latin-American, Music, Ocean, Odd Shapes, Patterns, Retro, Rustic, Scrolls and Swirls, Solid Color, Southwestern, Speckled, Sports, Sun/Moon/Stars, Victorian, Western, Whimsical and Wine/Grapes to choose from.

As if that wasn't enough, you have colors to choose from. The colors offered are Beige/Brown, Black, Blue, Gray, Green, Ivory/Almond, Metallic, Multiple, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Teal, White and Yellow. Take your choice...

We're not done with wall switchplates yet. You also have a choice of finishes. Your choices when it comes to wall switchplate finishes are Antique Brass, Polished Brass, Satin Brass, Bronze, Dark Bronze, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Chrome, Satin Chrome, Copper, Mirror, Nickel, Satin Nickel, Pewter, Verdigris, Weathered Black, Weathered Rust, Distressed and Hammered. And we're not finished yet.

Tag : wall,wall mount,accessories


 

©2009 Wall Decor | Template Blue by TNB