Conservatories: A Guide to DIY Conservatories

As the home improvement market goes from strength to strength the amount of consumers rising to the challenge of DIY conservatories is also on the increase. So what DIY conservatories advice can we offer?

·         The recent upsurge in the amount of people deciding to undertake home improvement has led to an outstanding number of sales in DIY conservatories. However, before you decide to take the plunge and erect your conservatory yourself you should fully research and plan what will be involved.

·         How much design and building experience do you actually have? Be realistic about what you can achieve without the help of professionals and if you feel that it may be too big a job then abort the mission.

·         Analyse what materials will be needed for the project before deciding to go ahead. Bear in mind that there are innumerable base materials through which a conservatory can be constructed. Consider using aluminium and UPCV as the possible basis for conservatory construction as these materials are easier to manipulate than stone, rock, brick or even hardwood.

·         Work out how much time you will have to spend on the project and then plan how long it will take you from start to finish. There is nothing worse than begrudging the time you spend undertaking intensive DIY work on the house rather than sitting in the house and appreciating it from your sofa. Bear in mind that rushing the project may result in mistakes.

• If you come across a problem which seems extra difficult then go away and think about it or sleep on it. Often you will be able to find the answer to the problem when you don’t directly think about it. 

Or if you need a bit of help with your home construction and renovation, contact www.woodbar.co.uk.

The benefits of folding doors

If you are considering investing in folding doors – such as bi fold doors or sliding folding doors – there are some good reasons to do so. Here are a few reasons why you might like to buy folding doors for you home:

Let in the outdoors

Folding doors allow you to transform your living room or conservatory by letting the outdoors in. On those glorious summer days you can sit in the comfort of your home, but allow a warm, fragrant summer breeze to waft around. Stay cool in the shade but don’t be stuck inside.

Easy garden access

And if you do want to move from the house to the garden sliding doors make this simple. Just slide back the door and you are outside in the wonder of nature.

A variety of materials

The choice of materials is great too, as you can choose a door to match your style and your home. PVCu or quality timber is widely available so the choice is yours.

Fume Extraction – Catering to your Ventilation Needs

Fume extraction is fundamental to a streamlined catering kitchen and without the right fume extraction equipment, it simply isn't possible to operate a successful catering venture. Fume extraction equipment includes commercial extractor fans and island canopies.

Any fume extraction unit set up in a commercial kitchen will principally be charged with the task of removing heat, grease and fumes that typically accumulate within a busy commercial kitchen environment. Obviously, there are various different forms of fume extraction to choose from and finding the one most pertinent to your needs is dependent on a variety of factors, not least the size of the kitchen and the types of foods that you will most commonly be cooking as different types of foods often create different fumes and, as such, will require different types of fume extraction apparatus. Clearly, large commercial kitchens will invariably be operating a large number of apparatus that are gas based and this means that there is the potential for the dangerous build up of carbon monoxide which exemplifies the importance of choosing the right fume extraction equipment for a catering business. It goes without saying that the removal of potentially toxic gasses is just one of the functions of a fume extraction system as it will also play a role in removing odours and keeping the kitchen at an acceptable temperature.

Fume Extraction – A Necessary Consideration

Gone are the days where fume extraction units in commercial kitchens were a luxury rather than a requirement. In today's heavily regulated catering industry, it is a legal requirement to have a suitable fume extraction system for your business operation and the best way of establishing exactly what this is will be from talking to commercial kitchen extraction fan experts who are well versed in offering extraction advice relating to the types of fumes that amass within a kitchen and the methods utilise to ensure their safe removal. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_ventilation

Fume Extraction – Giving you Room to Breathe

Generally speaking, there are two main types of fume extraction or ventilation systems when it comes to commercial kitchens. Most business based kitchens will use either a canopy style fume extraction unit or a commercial kitchen ventilation fan located in the ceiling or directly above the cooking range itself. Obviously, when deciding between these two different types of fume extraction apparatus, the final decision will come down to the available space that you have and type of cooking being carried out.

Fume Extraction Hoods – Invaluable Ventilation Tips for Kitchens

Keeping a kitchen well ventilated is important not only for comfort but also in terms of safety. Fume extraction hoods are a vital piece of equipment when it comes to to ensuring that kitchens remain free from fumes and a hospitable place to work.

Within the catering industry, one of the most commonly discussed topics is that of kitchen ventilation and how best to keep the working environment free from potentially harmful fumes such as smoke and steam. With this in mind, fume extraction hoods are invariably mentioned as one of the best means of keeping a kitchen well ventilated and there are various guidelines that can be taken into account when it comes to how best to ventilate a kitchen. Much emphasis needs to be placed on the ventilation of a commercial kitchen and there are, in fact, a number of regulations in place which govern the way in which a kitchen should be ventilated. Fume extraction hoods rank highly in the types of apparatus which are commonly deployed to help keep a kitchen well ventilated. Fume extraction hoods are extremely proficient at removing the fumes that commonly accumulate within a kitchen and there are various different types of fume extraction hoods available to choose from.

Fume Extraction Hoods – Explaining the Regulations

Many people setting up a new catering business don't realise that there are numerous regulations that need to be adhered to when it comes to how kitchens are designed and ventilation assured. Fume extraction hoods are vital pieces of equipment in the catering industry and can help in meeting the regulations pertaining to the ventilation regulations. With regard to these regulations, the most important ones tend to revolve around energy usage and the control of odours. It is crucial that ventilation equipment is up to date and suitable for the types of fumes that the kitchen generates and speaking to specialist providers of fume extraction hoods in order to establish the variety of equipment that is most suitable.

Fume Extraction Hoods – Keeping Odours in Check

Obviously, one of the main functions of fume extraction hoods is to keep the odours in commercial kitchens under control as a kitchen which is too smoky, for example, is unlikely to meet the required regulations set up to govern the ventilation of commercial kitchens. In many cases, there is no room for manoeuvre when it comes to the ventilation of kitchens and regulators operate a zero tolerance policy against those who don't adequately ventilate their kitchen which is why choosing the right fume extraction hoods is so important. Smoke Vents Systems are thankfully available from top firms, so effective solutions are at hand.

Decking Maintenance Tips

Once your decking is installed, help it live a long life by looking after it well.

Good quality decking will look fantastic in any setting, and once you have chosen and installed your decked area, you’ll need to make sure that you get the best value for money over the long term. The way to do that is to take the time to keep your decking well maintained. It’s not an arduous job, but a little attention at the right time can make all the difference.

Keep Your Decking Pristine

The first step to long-lasting decking is to choose good materials in the first place. If you buy garden fence panels @ eDecks you are guaranteed quality products. Inferior wood will be subject to damp and fungal problems, which can cause the wood to rot and to become slippery and dangerous underfoot. Investing in better quality wood in the first place will ensure that your decking gets off to a great start. Look for timber that has been treated, and is hard-wearing, which will protect it against water damage and decay. You might also want to choose wood that has been given anti-slip treatment, which will make it safer for everyone using it. Once you’ve chosen the right material, ongoing maintenance should include:

• Sweeping – a build up of leaves or plant matter on your decking can lead to fungal decay. Keep your deck free by sweeping it when you see plant matter accumulating on your deck. As most decking is a reasonable size, this job doesn’t take long, but can make all the difference to the longevity of your decking.

• Washing – most people only use their decking during the warmer summer season, so before and after the winter months, it’s advisable to give your deck a good wash to get rid of general dirt. A pressure washer is the easiest and quickest way to do this – give it a spray down at the end of the season and then again at the beginning so that you know you’re starting with a clean deck.

• Treating – when you buy your decking materials, check with your supplier about the treatment the wood has already had and what will be needed in the future. You may need to re-waterproof your decking each year, or you may wish to stain it a different colour – checking this out when you buy means that you get the right advice fro the experts so that you can make the best decision for your decking.

Beds on a budget

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have access to our range of beds.

The UK market in beds and mattresses is a highly competitive one – something that the growth of online retail has only increased. The good news for those who are shopping on a budget is that this competition has resulted in lower prices, so it is possible to get a great looking bed and a high-performance mattress that you can afford.

Set your budget

If you’re thinking of researching new beds, set your budget first. That way, you won’t get carried away when you get to the showroom or begin searching online – which could be easy to do once you see the choices on offer. When you are speaking to a sales person or emailing an online retailer with a query, make it clear that you have a budget and tell them what you are willing to spend. This lets them recommend those products that you can afford.

Consider finance deals

Some beds are offered with finance deals. If you can manage your finances wisely, then it may be a good idea to take a 0% rate or a “pay nothing for 6 months” deal, to help you spread the cost over several months. If you can pay the full amount as soon as the interest-free or introductory period is over, you won’t pay tens of extra pounds in interest and you will have had the chance to save the money you need. Check the small print of the finance deal carefully before you sign anything so that you don’t find yourself caught in a high-interest trap later on.

Look for online deals

The number of online retailers selling beds is growing. These retailers don’t need to pay for expensive showrooms or teams of salespeople and they can pass those savings onto customers as discounts on beds and mattresses. There are some great deals to be had online and it always makes sense to look for deals on the type of bed base or mattress that interests you. You could end up saving over £100 on your new bed.

It is possible to buy a good bed and stay within your budget – just take the time to research what’s available from a range of suppliers before you commit to buying anything. http://www.housetohome.co.uk/

Beds made to order

Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? You may be able to get your bed made to order.

Whether you need an extra-long bed because you are particularly tall, or you need an adjustable base to make it easier to get in and out of bed, you may want to spend some time looking for beds that are either made to order or can be customised to meet your needs.

There’s no point in rushing to look for a new bed. There are so many beds on the market that you need to take the time to make sure you are choosing a bed that is comfortable, supportive and practical. If you have trouble finding what you’re looking for in the general beds market, then take a look at other options:

Adjustable bases

Manufacturers of beds appreciate that a standard base height may not suit everyone, which is why some beds come with the option of an adjustable base. This lets you raise or lower the base depending on your requirements. We can supply the Selkirk Black, from the Original Bedstead Company, which has a base that can adjust from 14” to 17” from the floor.

Convertible beds

If you’re looking for ways to save space, or prolong the life of the beds you buy, then consider convertible beds such as bunk beds. These can provide great sleeping spaces for children, and then convert to two single beds at a later stage so that teenage children can have their own beds, or you can create a cosy guestroom. We sell the Dreams bunk bed, with next day delivery. This smart bunk set converts into two identical single beds.

Customised beds

If you really can’t find what you’re looking for, you might need to approach a specialist bed manufacturer such as Andsotobed.co.uk who can make a bed to the size and shape you require. This will probably be a more expensive option than the beds on the shop floor, but you will get exactly what you’re looking for.