The Value of Concrete Countertops: Customization Increases Aesthetic Appeal and Real Estate Investme
From top-dollar homes in the San Francisco Bay Area to sprawling mountain homes in the Colorado Rockies, discriminating homeowners are demanding custom designs and finishes in their kitchens. In particular, they are looking to express their individuality and distinct design preferences with the fast growing design material of choice concrete.
In fact, concrete countertops have become somewhat of a status symbol for kitchens, rivaling granite and other high-end countertop surface options. Consumer Reports Magazine (August 2004) ranked concrete highest for its “customization” and “exclusivity” among high-end kitchen countertops.
As a custom product, the amount of time and craftsmanship required to produce concrete countertops places them as the most labor-intensive and priciest among leading countertop materials.
However, concrete countertops are becoming more accessible for those on a modest budget. The latest do-it-yourself (DIY) trend to captivate homeowners and builders is building your own concrete countertop. This phenomenon has gained popularity largely due to Cheng’s best-selling book Concrete Countertops: Design, Forms, and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath (Taunton Press, 2002). According to Cheng, there is little monetary investment in making concrete countertops, yet the creative gains of working with concrete are plentiful.
THE SHOWSTOPPER
Increasingly, homeowners are moving away from the monotonous, manufactured look of traditional countertop surfaces and choosing concrete for its earthy, timeless appeal. Plus, the options for personalizing concrete countertops are endless: one can color, polish, stamp and stain concrete or imbed personal objects like stones, seashells and fossils into the countertop’s surface, adding sentiment and character. Functional features such as drain boards, soap dishes, and trivets can also be incorporated to suit the homeowners’ own needs and lifestyle.
Concrete is slowly becoming demystified as characteristically cold and industrial. In contrary, this age-old material is warm and surprisingly tactile; people cannot help but touch their smooth, polished surfaces. Real estate agent Joy Rasmussen, who has recently sold her mountain home a short-term investment property in Steamboat Springs, CO recounts her visitors’ experiences with concrete: “When I had open houses, visitors gravitated to the concrete countertops many people around here have never seen them”.
Joy’s 2,265 sq. ft. mountain home was custom build by her husband, Ken Otterman, along with KJ Otterman, president of Classic Special Custom Homes. They built pour-in-place concrete counters for the home’s kitchen and three bathrooms by using Concrete Countertops as their guide. The sand-colored concrete countertops were polished smooth, then paired with natural slate of varying colors like charcoal, rust and gold tones that forms the backsplashes in the kitchen and baths. As a design accent, small rectangular slate tiles were added to the rim of the bathroom sinks, which provided a unique detail to the custom vanities.
When Joy and Ken decided to sell their house, their investment in concrete countertops proved its value. “We were able to list the house $20,000 over market value, and had no problems selling it,” comments Joy, while discussing the long list of upgrades throughout their house, including knotty pine solid doors, natural slate wall accents and hardwood floors. “The concrete countertops were easily the most unique and impressive of all the finishes. I believe they were a huge part in adding value to the home. Around here, all you see in homes are granite countertops and I really think homebuyers are getting quite numb with granite.”
“Concrete countertops are a unique offering to homebuyers who see the same finishes used in house after house they visit,” explains Joy, offering her observation as a seasoned realtor. “Having concrete countertops almost gives you bragging rights you have something different from your neighbors.”
BREAKING THE MOLD
Another advantage of concrete is its adaptability in either modern or traditional settings, especially when coupled with other materials like varied metals, wood or stone. “Concrete adds so many [possibilities] to stone, and the combination with slate, which is hugely popular here, gives the mountain homes an overall warm, natural touch,” says Joy.
Joy and Ken have since built a much larger home (4,000 sq. ft.) that offers expansive views of the Steamboat Ski Resort and is meant to serve as a long-term investment for the couple. They’ve also expanded their list of custom finishes, including hand-troweled walls, elegant oil-rubbed bronze hardware, knotty pine doors that arch at the top, cabinets in a natural, knotty alder, and their favorite concrete kitchen countertops.
Unlike in their previous home, KJ and his specialty crew poured charcoal-colored countertops using the pre-cast method in the unfinished basement of the new home. Before pouring the concrete, they sprinkled an array of semi-precious stones in the mold including Leopardskin, Moonstone, Mother-of-Pearl and Turquoise. After the surface was ground and lightly polished, the finished result was an impressive blend of colors, “By far, the Mother-of-Pearl was the most incredible,” says Joy.
The L-shaped concrete countertop has a rough, rustic stone appearance, complementing its rugged country surroundings. An integral drain board and trivets provides function and added interest to the concrete countertop. Natural slate backsplashes, distinct wall accents, and a butcher block countertop at the kitchen island all resonate with the traditional warmth and earthiness of the concrete countertops.
Joy and Ken’s respective backgrounds in real estate and custom homebuilding, and as investment homebuyers, have helped them realize that concrete countertops can add tremendous aesthetic and financial value to a home. Concrete’s customization and “show-stopping” appeal is like no other countertop surface. Cheng is a proponent of emotional aesthetics and building homes that capture these emotions, as in the case of Joy and Ken Otterman. Cheng concludes: “People really want differentiation, something personal, something custom - and concrete can do that for them.”
Learn more about using concrete for interior applications and making DIY concrete countertops.
The Perfect Fern for Shady Gardens
The 2004 Perennial Plant of the Year was Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ or Japanese Painted Fern and this plant deserves to be in all shade gardens.
This hardy fern grows twelve to eighteen inches tall and slowly multiplies to form a large clump twenty four inches across. The fronds are approximately eighteen inches long and are a soft-grey metallic colour with hints of red and blue. The centre stem is red so the contrast is excellent. It is a lovely plant preferring partial shade rather than deep shade. It does best with regular watering rather than dry soils. The Japanese painted fern is native to Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan and once you see it unfurling its metallic grey frond in early spring, you’ll be a convert and want a bit of the oriental influence in your garden. This fern colouring lends itself to being an excellent contrast plant to other shade perennials such as Hosta and the new gold coloured Carex ‘Lemon Zest’. Mature plants can be divided every three to four years to provide extra plants for zealous gardeners.
There are several new varieties of Japanese painted fern that you might want to search for at your favourite garden centre. ‘Pewter Lace’ has metallic pewter to mint-green fronds (two toned) with red stems and extremely lacy foliage. I saw this plant last year and I can tell you it will wind up in one of my garden containers this spring to fill a contrast plant role. The second new introduction is ‘Ursula’s Red’ and this variety has large silver leaves but the centre of each leaf is flushed with wine-red colour in the spring. It is a gorgeous fern.
When you add the award-winning ‘Pictum’ to the garden mix, you have an difficult choice to make. Which one to grow?
Doug Green, an award-winning garden author answers gardening questions in his free newsletter at http://www.gardening-tips-perennials.com
This is why people Should consider Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are among the most beautiful things you can add to your kitchen. Kitchen countertops gain a beautiful glow from these pieces of art. They are made in nature and, once harvested by people, are refined into beautiful kitchen countertops that will add value to any kitchen. They come in many colors, colors that are made in nature and of true iridescent quality.
Of course there are other options beyond granite countertops. Other choices include anything from concrete countertops to corian countertops to laminate counter tops. Whatever choice you make for your solid surface countertops, take some time to research your options. Many of these choices are expensive investments in your kitchen. Learning some about your options will benefit you in the long run.
Some information about each of your choices is here. Corian countertops, also known as DuPont, are a blend of natural materials and acrylic polymers that together create a smooth, clean, seamless work space. It is available in 90 colors and will need to be specially ordered. They also boost of their nonporous surface that is easy to clean and stays new looking for years. Or, if you want something more art like, look into concrete countertops. Basically in any shape or style you can imagine, they are what their name suggests, made out of concrete. It is a completely different look then the granite or corian. Here you are only limited by your imagination.
Yet another choice is laminate countertops. This is the most common kitchen countertop available. It is synthetic, made up of colored plastics. It is available in many colors and even patterns and finishes. It is easy to upkeep and tends to be less expensive then the others mentioned.
Lastly, while considering your choices, choose whatever fits your budget and tastes. With so many choices and options available, it is definitely worth the investment of time in choosing kitchen countertops that you will love for a lifetime.
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com/
Sleeping Beauties: Porches For Dreaming
There’s something magical about sleeping outside, drinking in the night sounds of crickets, frogs and wind chimes, watching fireflies and stars, and feeling the cool night breeze. You’ll find children giggling long past their bedtime from sheer excitement.
A treat for adults and children alike, sleeping outdoors has long been a part of camping tradition, but many adults also have fond memories of childhood nights in their parents’ or grandparents’ sleeping porch.
The cover story of Architectural Digest’s October 2003 issue featured a visit to the Montana ranch of Dennis Quaid where he has built a magnificent home that includes a wraparound Pennsylvania bluestone porch and a tree house for his son Jack. In addition, the actor “requested specially” a sleeping porch adjacent to the veranda.
In doing so, he joins the ranks of such luminaries as former U.S. first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, author Jack London and baseball legend Babe Ruth, all of whom enjoyed slumbering in screened-in rooms.
A sleeping porch has been defined as a well-ventilated, usually screened, porch used as occasional sleeping quarters. Before the advent of air-conditioning, families often created an area on outdoor porches where children would sleep during the hot summer nights. Sleeping porches were, more often than not, on a home’s second storey, frequently above a ground-level porch.
It was during the Arts and Crafts movement of the early twentieth century that sleeping porches really gained public favor. Arts and Crafts architects often designed homes without abrupt divisions between inside and out, and sleeping porches provided an ideal transition space.
Unfortunately, modern houses don’t often sport open-air sleeping quarters and our culture is poorer for it. Few of life’s experiences speak of summery comfort as a sleeping porch does, and one is never out of touch with one’s surroundings in the neighborhood when sleeping outside.
Happily, it’s relatively easy to create a secure, comfortable place that makes outdoor sleeping a real joy again. If you can, choose a porch or balcony on a side of your house that is protected from the weather, or add a simple framework on a deck. A leak-proof roof with extended eaves is critical and helps keep inclement weather from blowing in directly onto the occupants.
If security is an issue, you’ll feel safer in a second storey room. Privacy is easier to achieve on the side or back of a house, but even a room on the front of your house can be hidden from view of passers-by with the installation of matchstick roll-up blinds or fabric drapes.
The room should be screened in to protect sleepers from mosquitoes and other night-time insects. You can install window-height screens, or make entire screened walls of floor to ceiling panels. If you’d like to extend the use of the area beyond the warmest months, you’ll want to install moveable windows or walls. These will also allow the room’s occupants to better control the amount of outdoors that comes in — a desirable feature during inclement weather.
You can furnish a sleeping porch with as many creature comforts as you desire, keeping in mind whatever exposure to the elements the pieces will have. Ceiling or floor fans will aid the night breezes. Bedside tables will provide a place for a book and reading glasses, or a cold drink. If you want to use the room during the day as a living area, use day beds, couches or chaises that serve the dual purpose of seating by day and sleeping space by night. Or use fold-up cots or roll-away beds. Kids will even enjoy sleeping bags on the floor.
Whether used for daytime catnapping or a full night’s rest, sleeping porches can give you a chance to enjoy summer weather to the fullest, and experience some of life’s pleasant, peaceful moments.
Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest how-to guide “Attracting Butterflies to Your Home and Garden” is now available on her web site. Visit her at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on “Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space”. Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com
Outdoor Lighting Fixtures
Outdoor lighting fixtures should blend decorative aspects with security and durability. These lighting fixtures can be modern, traditional, casual or formal depending on personal choice. Another aspect to be considered is size and layout of area to be lighted. If area is small and surrounded by trees, bushes or artifacts then small, separate or specifically designed lights can be placed at appropriate points.
Similar to other electronic devices, outdoor lighting fixtures evolve with changing lifestyles and requirements. Lighting adds that special touch and with outdoor lighting fixtures available in different sizes and finishes we can match exterior décor with the interior the house or commercial establishment. There are different lighting fixtures for sports arenas, pathways, decks, driveways, front doors, porches, gates and garages and we should select accordingly. Another important point to consider is the weather condition. Extreme temperatures require certified and durable lights that are also tarnish and corrosion resistant. A lower quality outdoor lighting fixture can have bubbles, chips or scratches and should be checked before purchase. Similarly wrongly positioned outdoor lighting fixtures can create hot-spots i.e. pools of darkness or light.
With numerable styles it is easy to select outdoor lighting fixtures suited to your budget, location and desired level of convenience. For private residences manually operated switching models are workable and easier to use. Automatic switching models are appropriate for commercial or sports arenas but house owners are swapping the manual for automatic switching models due to busy schedules and vacations. A safe bet for absentee house-owners is motion activated lighting system with motion sensors that lights up when someone approaches. Another model is the dusk-to dawn fixture with photocells that turn on at sunset and off at sunrise automatically.
Like colors in a palette outdoor lighting fixtures create moods with different combinations of designs. Select from louvered to tiered, recessed or sunken lights, eyelids or scones for wall mounting, scooped or mushroom shaped to provide shielded lights or simple pole lights. These can be sleek contemporary lights, halogen or compact fluorescent, incandescent light bulbs, spot lights or luminaries offering unlimited choice to highlight exteriors.
Outdoor Lighting provides detailed information about outdoor lighting, decorative outdoor lighting, low voltage outdoor lighting and more. Outdoor Lighting is affiliated with Gazebos.
Man Made Puddle
During hot summer days bird bath are excellent attraction for birds. Bird Bath welcomes birds to your garden. Bird Baths are available in different size and materials like glass, metal, plastics, mosaic tile, etc that can weather well and hold water.
Shallow bird bath is more preferable and its surface should be rough enough so that birds can grip. Also it must have recirculating pump with filters along with water supply. The arrangement has to make such that water should be clean and clear and the maintenance of bird bath is important. The water filled in the bird bath should be clean and clear. The water should be changed routinely and in the hot weather every day it has to be changed.
Bird feeders also attract birds towards your garden. Bird feeder also called bird table are provided to supply food to birds. Consistency of feeding is very important. Feeding throughout the year is important rather than feeding only during winter or some seasons. Generally the feeders supply seeds, such as millet, sunflower, safflower, hollyhock, nasturtium, thistle and rapeseed to feed birds.
Bird bath gives you a lively environment and watching this scene will give you a splash of happiness. It will bring everlasting joy and cheerfulness. Bird bath makes birds to come closer. We can enjoy the wonders of nature from the place where we are by placing a bird bath.
Birds are distinguished by their physical characteristics. Birds differ by body shape and size, also beak shape and size. Canada goose, one of the larger birds also enjoys baths. Bird baths must place such that birds should feel safe. It should be kept far enough from squirrels, rats and big birds.
Janani is a SEO copywriter for smdblue.com,
She has written many articles in various topics. For more information visit www.smdblue.com. She can be reached at janani.roy@gmail.com
Deck Swing Buying and Assembling Tips
Putting a swing on your porch or deck will definitely add elegance to it. Not only that, but family and friends will be able to enjoy your porch more when you install a swing, because after all, a porch or deck with a swing in it is a lot more interesting than a bare one. Having a swing, your porch or deck will instantly become a favorite gathering place.
If you think installing a swing in your porch or deck is difficult, think again. Adding a swing to your porch or deck can be a breeze if you follow the step by step instructions below.
1. The right swing must be placed properly in the place.
The first thing you should do before buying a swing set is to measure the height of your porch or the a place in the garden for the chains used for support and the width to ensure crash and bump free swinging.
2. Purchase a hanging kit along with the swing.
Ensure that it has all the necessary galvanized items and chain for heavy-duty purposes that you will need for the particular swing that you bought. Read the directions well when you are buying your hanging kit. Ensure you have all the necessary tools, and if not, prepare a list of items you will need and make a trip to the hardware store.
3. Look for an overhead beam with an 8-foot clearance under it in your porch or deck.
This is where you will install the two hooks for the swing that should be given space the width of the swing to support the chains. To prevent the splitting of the wood upon screwing in the big hooks that are useful in holding the swing safely, drill pilot holes first.
4. Choose a swing set that requires minimal assembly.
First take all the parts out of the box. Find the package of nuts and bolts then set it aside. Look for the instructions booklet and read it carefully. To avoid confusion, lay out all of the parts on the ground the way they will eventually connect in the finished assembly. If there are any ground coverings or mats lay them also on the ground. Get some help holding the pieces as you assemble them or use a small bucket or tupperware container to ensure none of the smaller pieces get lost.
Assembling Your Swing:
1. Look for the long poles that will form the swing’s frame. Connect two of the three poles at the end to form an acute angle with the nuts and bolts provided. Connect the second set of two uprights the same way. Also connect any braces included onto the uprights. The braces should attach about halfway along the uprights.
2. There are basically two types of swings, those with holes in the arms and those that come with mounted chains that are attached to the swing’s lower frame. The former is easy to hang but the latter can be more comfortable to sit on.
3. Preserve your swing before hanging by using a sanding sealer under a varnish with polyurethane. Annually check for splinters and reseal if needed.
4. Look for the crosspiece which is usually the largest piece of metal or a long wooden beam. Connect this to the apex of each set of uprights making sure that any holes or hooks face the right way so that it will be possible to attach the swing correctly.
5. When everything is in its place tighten the bolts and stand the swing set on its feet. Get the chains or rope for use to hanging the swing. Using a stepladder, attach the chains to the crosspiece. Hooks should be provided with the swing set. The swing seat should be attached to the hanging chain. Measure each side so the swing hangs evenly.
6. You will need four chains to hang the swing from its hooks. The first two chains will descend from each hook, one to the front of the swing and one to the back. The chains must at least be seven feet long because it will hang from a beam that is 8 feet above. The swing must be not more than 17 inches from the ground so it is easy for individuals to get on and off.
7. For safety, all hardware must be screwed securely into the wood and chain connectors must be used. Before hanging the swing, double check that all hardware is installed.
8. Use a frame if you have any doubt that your porch can support your swing. Do not hang swings from masonry or bricks.
9. It is better if you use bolts instead of screws.
10. It is highly suggested that you drill through the support beam to put a long eye bolt through it, then secure it with a large flat washer and locking bolt.
11.Ask a friend for help or use an ironing board for support when you lift the swing and its harness near the beam. After hooking the swing in place, adjust the chains evenly then get on the swing to test it.
Now you are ready to show off your new swing to your friends and family!
For more great deck swing related articles and resources check out http://www.yardndeck.com
‘Brite Eyes’ Climbing Rose
A New Disease Resistant and Compact Climbing Rose
Our most popular plant category is roses and for good reason - everyone loves roses! This week we are featuring a new climbing rose that our rose lovers will adore -’Brite Eyes’. Bred by the famous Knockout rosarian William Radler, ‘Brite Eyes’ is virtually the most black spot resistant climbing rose ever introduced - requiring the least maintenance of any climbing rose.
‘Brite Eyes’ has single blooms that are salmon-pink with yellow centers and that emit a light pleasant fragrance. Expect several cycles of repeat blooms throughout the summer and into the autumn. It has a compact growth habit, reaching no more than 8 feet tall, which makes it perfect for the smaller garden. ‘Brite Eyes’ works well climbing on a trellis, an arbor or a fence. On fences, we suggest planting at every other fence post. Most trellises are 6 to 8 feet tall and most climbers grow 10 to 12 feet tall, requiring regular pruning to keep them in bounds. At 6 to 8 feet ultimate height, ‘Brite Eyes’ is a perfect low-maintenance trellis rose. ‘Brite Eyes’ is sufficiently winter-hardy and restrained in habit to be excellent for container use.
Planting and Care
- For best results plant in the spring or fall.
- Plant in full sun for best blooms, but will tolerate partial shade.
- Plant in well-drained, compost-enriched soil.
- Mulch well the first winter.
- Pruning and shaping, when necessary, should be accomplished after the initial spring bloom.
- Fertilize with Rose-Tone monthly from early spring until late summer.
- Hardy in Zones 5-9 (possibly 4 with further testing).
Click here to view ‘Brite Eyes’ on the Carroll Gardens website.