Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Build a Garden Bench

By Deborah M

After you labor for hours planting, weeding, watering and waiting you are ready to sit and enjoy the garden you so carefully tended. You can use a few pieces of scrap lumber, a well placed log, or cinderblocks and an old plank for a place to sit, or you could build a bench. If you're after that "rustic" look, then making a bench out of scraps, logs and old stuff should do just fine. If you're looking for something a little more polished and eye-catching, then consider building it yourself and tweak the design as you like it. It only takes a few basic tools and a little time. The cost is minimal.

Instead of dragging one of those tacky lawn chairs from the shed or garage or sitting on the ground, consider taking on a weekend project of constructing your own garden bench. There are different varieties to suit your needs. There are also numerous types of wood to choose from. You could choose to stain your bench or add some character with paint or even a mural.

You can build your own garden bench very easily with very little help, unless you want it. If you have a formal garden and a need for something with an "air" about it, you may need to spend a little bit longer on the design and extra features. However, you are less concerned with impressing people and just want a basic bench for functionality, you could build something very classy and simple. You can produce a comfortable area for you and others to sit and enjoy your garden.

No matter whether you're a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, whether you're building your first wooden bench or you've built many, whether you DO or DO NOT have the skills or knowledge for building, or however many instructional books or blueprints you've ever bought...you can build your own bench.

These plans have illustrations and easy-to-read language. The process is outlined step-by-step, so virtually anyone can do it. You can also download a simple basic 12' x 18' storage shed plan free, so you can see first hand how the plans are laid out.

http://www.woodenshedplans.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deborah_M

It's time to start thinking of warm weather and your garden. What a wonderful idea this is! Please check this out and for help check us out at knkhomeimprovements.com

We offer a bit of free advice. Thank you for your interest.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Finding and Utilizing Used Kitchen Cabinets

By Kristie Brown


Are your old kitchen cabinets looking outdated and tacky? Worse than that, are they battered beyond repair? You probably already know that it's going to be necessary to rip out the old cabinets and replace them with something more sturdy, but you just can't justify the high cost of brand new cabinets. It could be that you're looking to replace cabinets in a rental property or at a lake home and don't want to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on fancy cabinets, too. You'll find that even open stock models don't come cheap. You can, however, look for used kitchen cabinets which can be refinished and hung for a fraction of the cost.

You might wonder where you can find used cabinets, and the answer is everywhere. If you have a salvage yard nearby, they are sure to get in used cabinets that people have removed from their kitchens. Since their inventory will change all the time, you'll probably have to keep watch until the type of cabinets you're looking for come in. There are times when you'll be able to purchase high-end cabinetry in like-new condition that someone has removed from their home in order to redecorate. If you can find their old cabinets, you're really in luck, because you may be able to install them in your own house without any refinishing being necessary.

Craigslist is another place where you can sometimes find used kitchen cabinets. When people remodel, they would rather not pay the cost for having their old cabinets hauled away. Instead, they stick them in the garage or basement and then advertise them for sale, either really cheap, or even free if all they're looking for is someone to haul them away. The great thing about Craigslist is that you can find listings in nearby areas, so you won't have to drive a long way to pick up anything you find. In addition, you can look farther away if you like and check into having the cabinets shipped to you. Naturally, the most cost effective way to get new cabinets is by finding them free and hauling them yourself.

Online auction sites, such as eBay, are also places where you can look for used kitchen replacement cabinets. Once again, people are just looking to have someone take them off of their hands, so prices will be minimal. You may even be able to negotiate and strike a price that's good for both of you. Some sellers will ship large items to you, and others will require that you pick them up. Either way, you can end up getting a really great deal.

It may be that you'll have to reconfigure your kitchen plans a bit in order to accommodate the layout of the cabinets you find, so make sure to purchase your used kitchen cabinets prior to starting your remodel. By looking locally and online, you'll find great used kitchen cabinets at super discount prices.

"For more tips and information on kitchen cabinet designs, visit DiscoverKitchenCabinets.com to discover tips on refinishing kitchen cabinets, painting kitchen cabinets and more. "

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristie_Brown


For help with your DIY kitchen remodel check out knkhomeimprovements.com