How To Build A Simple Wood Bar

How To Build A Simple Wood Bar 

Adding a wooden bar to your kitchen or dining room is a great way to up your entertainment game. It often becomes a place to hang out with friends and gives you a reason to offer better drinks and refreshments when having guests.

Even though it seems like an expensive and complicated item to add, it can be a DIY project as well. All you need to do is to have the proper materials and to figure out what kind of bar would fit your home. The rest could be done along the way if you have the tools and are reasonably handy.

The drawing board

The first step in making your own bar is to measure out the room you plan to install it in and to create a rough draft that will be your guide for the rest of the work. The drawing should have the measurements from which you can divert but only by making the bar smaller, not larger than you’ve initially planned.

There are standards to follow when it comes to the size of the bar. An average bar is 42” high and 24” deep. Obviously, this is a guideline not the law.

Materials

The main thing to consider when choosing the materials you’ll use is what kind of drinks you plan to serve. If you plan to have a beer tap, you’ll need to install a drip tray out of stainless steel. If not, all you need is wood which you can get from the local shop. Most households don’t have a tap and don’t brew their own drink, and can use the bar only for storage and mixing cocktails.

The materials you use also have an effect on how the drinks are stored. For instance, if you order gin online, make sure to find out how lighting and temperature affect its storage.

Tools

Building a bar isn’t a small task and you’ll need a set of professional tools to make it. For the most part, a project of that difficulty usually isn’t something that anyone can try. That means that you probably already have the tools and some experience if you’re getting into it.  If you don’t have some of these more sophisticated tools, they can be rented if you’re only using them for this project. You may also consider CNC router that can be used to carve or cut out patterns in hard material.

You’ll need a chop saw, impact screw gun, random orbital sander, and an ordinary screw gun. A finishing nail gun and caulk gun are also needed.

Framework

A bar needs to be sturdy and to remain in place even when the drinks are on top of it and when people are leaning on it. That’s why you need to make a good framework that will remain intact even the bar needs some repairs. The top and bottom frame should be cut at the same time and at the same length because they need to be parallel.

Screw in the studs from top and bottom and erect the framework so you’re sure that it stands and lines up.

Bartop

This should be the last step and the moment when your bar comes together. The rough cuts of the bartop need to be made with a table saw and that’s a dangerous and a two-person task. You’ll probably need some trimming work done afterwards as well.

This will create the whole framework of the bar and you can add the front facing piece which can be decorated as lavishly as it fits your home.

A bar isn’t that difficult to make but it requires you to have some woodworking skills and to be careful with your tools. If done right, a wooden bar will make your home better looking and more fun.

 Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

Common Sewer Issues: Troubleshooting

Common Sewer Issues: Troubleshooting

Having a smooth running plumbing and sewage system in our homes is one of the basic necessities of every modern home, but every now and then issues arise that require professional help. It happens everywhere, with no exception of Australia, and in a variety of forms that can cause major headaches to homeowners.

Sewer issues are potentially very dangerous as they may cause serious problems if left unattended. If the water that should normally go down the drain keeps coming back and eventually starts leaking from a pipe, it can lead to contamination due to the harmful bacteria it contains.

If you have noticed anything similar to this happening in your home, you’re probably having one of the following common sewer issues.

Collapsed lines

Sewer problems are very commonly caused by old pipes that have cracked or collapsed due to wearing and old age. This kind of problem might call for major repairs involving a lot of digging in your yard, which is every homeowner’s worse nightmare.

Before you sign up a suitable sewage repair contractor, make sure they give you a proper description of their procedures and ask if they provide dig-free technology. If there is an alternative to having a dug up yard, take it and save yourself major cost and headaches.

Blocked drainage

Blockage in the drains is also a frequent problem that can cause the drain water to come back. If the problem only occurs in your toilet, sink or tub, it’s quite probable that you only have an issue with an individual drain. Most cases of clogged drains are caused by inappropriate drain use, such as pouring grease down the drains or flushing anything that’s not human waste and toilet paper. This might be a DIY project, provided it’s not a big issue.

However, if the problem persists and the blockage won’t budge, it’s time you rely on seasoned experts, such as this plumber servicing in Sydney, to approach it with their professional equipment such as a hydrojet and special chemical agents, which are very successful in removing stubborn clogs.

Tree roots

Tree roots that invade your pipe lines can be a serious problem, even if you don’t have any trees directly above your sewer lines. They commonly go very deep and spread very widely, and by growing around the pipes, they can easily crush them and cause mayhem. They can also grow into the pipes through small cracks and cause clogging and back-ups.

The best way to troubleshoot this problem is to resort to video inspection that confirms the issue. This allows the professional plumbers to reach an informed decision on what would be the best course of action regarding repair.

Septic tank failure

If you live in a home that still has a septic tank, it could also be a common source of sewer issues. The best way to avoid problems is to have it regularly maintained. However, problems can still occur, due to several reasons.

Most often, septic tank failures such as overflow happen due to an inefficient water usage. If it receives more water than its capacity, it will overflow and push the solid waste that didn’t have time to decompose, into distribution tubes and create a blockage.

This can be avoided by doing laundry several times during the week, instead of all in one day. The point is in reducing your water usage, which can also be done by installing water-saving showerheads, faucets and a dual flush toilet.

Another major concern for septic tank homeowners is the soakaway, which is a pit filled with rocks that holds the waste before it gets disintegrated in the ground. The symptoms of a problem in this area could be sounds from the drains, water overflow at the washing machine plug-in and the toilet and unpleasant odour from the land around your house and the drains inside it.

Whatever the issue turns out to be, the matter must be urgently dealt with before it gets any worse and causes a huge damage and health hazard.

Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

The 8 Primal Cuts Of Beef

A cooking tradition found in countries spanning the globe, barbecuing is more popular today than ever before. Some of the different cooking techniques include conventional grilling, smoking and braising.  The thickness and fat content of the cut determine which method is the best option for tender, flavorful meat.

There are over 100 different types of sub-primal cuts and each varies depending on the region of the world you live in. While America has 8 primal beef cuts, Europeans break the cow down differently only creating 6 primal beef cuts. In other countries, there may be as many as 20 primal cuts. Each of these sub-primal cuts is unique and very different from each other in the way they are handled, prepared, cooked and served.

In this article, we will go over the list of American primal beef cuts and their sub-primal cuts to help you get a better understanding of the food you intend to prepare. We will also cover specific techniques and procedures for preparing and cooking each of the sub-primal cuts. This is a great article to have bookmarked just in case you want to go back to it every once in a while, for reference..

While one person may prefer a medium rare filet mignon, another may prefer a well-done pot roast. The temperature will always be a huge factor in how someone likes their meat prepared, click this link to see best thermometer or this link or your beef cuts.

Guest Contributor, Jack Thompson

This Infographic is designed by Jack Thompson from BroBBQ

Make a DifferencE, change the roll

Everyone Wants to Change the World

“Changing the toilet paper roll won’t make a difference to the world, but changing the toilet paper roll will make a difference to one person.”

Make a Difference, Change the Roll.

How to Choose the Right Modern Bathroom Vanities for Your Bathroom?

How to Choose the Right Modern Bathroom Vanities for Your Bathroom?

Bathroom vanities give you an opportunity to do that. Whether your taste is modern, traditional or somewhere in between, your bathroom vanity should have both functional factor and aesthetic factor as it is the main focal point of the bathroom. There are plenty of options available when it comes to selecting a bathroom vanity. Two things that limit your choices are your budget and bathroom size. You can choose from variety of materials, styles, and also play around with plenty of color combinations to give a luxurious and modern look to your bathroom vanity. When you are remodeling your bathroom, you need to install some bathroom vanities like shower screen, shaving kits, bathroom vanity cabinets, tower handrails and toiletries. But you need to consider the total space utilization of your bathroom, and in this regards you can shop for some latest designer bathroom vanities available in the online market. These bathroom vanities can easily suit with your contemporary bathroom decoration, and they can easily be installed in a small space.

Tips to Make Your Bathroom Vanity Selection Easy 

Before you start off with your bathroom vanity project, it is important to consider a few factors that help you to successfully finish the project. Be aware of all the possibilities that might restrict the installation of the new bathroom vanity.

•   Vanity Size: Basically, the size of the vanity is determined by the size of the bathroom. Larger and double bathroom vanities are most suitable for larger bathrooms, while smaller vanities are perfect for smaller bathrooms. If you are going with larger vanities, make sure you leave some space, especially if you want to keep trashcan next to the vanity.

•    Decide Where to Place the Vanity: The vanity is a multi-functionality asset of the bathroom. So, it requires enough space to serve satisfactorily. Make sure the vanity doesn't impact the traffic flow even if the cases or doors are open, also ensure that they don't smack other fixtures or block the entry path. Also, have sufficient space above the vanity to allow proper lighting. Most importantly, make sure you don't need to reroute the plumbing system as it may impact your budget. 

•  Storage Space: Along with having the modern look, you also want bathroom vanities to serve the basic purpose, which is storage. Evaluate all your storage needs, this will give you an idea about the amount of required storage space, including cabinet, drawers, and shelves. You can also add some extra space by having wall-mounted cabinet and wall mounted rack in your bathroom. In this way, you can get some extra space and you can easily arrange more things in your bathroom.

How do you decorate your bathroom with bathroom vanities?

•      Style and Color Selection: Make sure your vanity color and style matches the decor of your home. Modern bathroom vanities are suitable for homes that have contemporary look, whereas antique vanities are suitable for traditional looking homes.  
•      Choose Suitable Counter-top: It is always better to choose vanity counter-top first. Based on the position of counter-top, you can decide the placement of other bathroom fixtures, such as sink. Also, choose a material that is humid resistant and also goes well with water, because vanity countertops face water splashes very often.
•     Use Your Creativity: Make some experiment using your creativity. Designing customized bathroom vanities can be fun and give more satisfying result. You can search over internet to get some ideas and you can make some modifications using your artistic flair. 

So now install some latest designer bathroom vanities and turn your traditional bathroom into a modern one. 

Guest Contributor, David Fenton

Which Points Plumber Should Keep in Mind While Doing Balcony Waterproofing?

Which Points Plumber Should Keep in Mind While Doing Balcony Waterproofing?

When you move to a new home, you ensure that every care is taken to maintain it well. However, in spite of taking good care of your home, with time you will notice problems sprouting up. Water leakage in the balcony is one such issue that you will come across in your home. In most new constructions, proper balcony waterproofing is not done as constructors try to cut corners and save on money. However, with time the problem of water leakage causes a lot of inconvenience to home owners. The balcony is one of the most exposed areas of your house and the elements such as the sun, wind, rain, and snow first attack your balcony. Therefore, waterproofing is extremely important for these areas because if not done it could result in serious damage to your house. Mentioned below are top tips for balcony waterproofing

Patching the Area for Balcony Waterproofing

Only adding a waterproofing coat over the balcony is not enough, because it will not work as a patching compound. A simple waterproofing coat might not be strong and thick enough to keep the water away from settling in the cracked and chipped areas. So, one of the first things you need to do is to patch up the concrete. One of the simplest ways to do this is by getting the patching compound from a hardware store and use it directly as there is no need to mix new concrete for a small balcony. However, before the patching takes place, the cracked and chipped areas of the balcony need to be completely cleaned. Once the patching is done it needs sufficient time to dry out before the actual waterproofing process can begin.

Direct Water Away

After applying the patch, it is time to apply the waterproof coating, and when doing this avoid swirling motions. This can create small trenches on the treated area and water can easily be stored in the puddle further resulting in more leakages. However, make sure to use long strokes with your roller or brush and direct it away from the building. Take it to the edge of your balcony where you feel it is safe for the water to run off. Since you want the end of your balcony to slightly tip, grade the waterproofing coating downwards with a bit of extra pressure to the brush or roller you use for the process.

Seal the Concrete As Per The Need

In time, the balcony waterproofing membrane will also need sealing. However, you need to make sure that the right type of sealant is used for this purpose, and to identify the right sealant read the manufacturer's instructions. In the instructions, you will also come across how often you will need to apply the sealant. In order to be effective you need to consider foot traffic and other weights on your balcony and then decide the consistency of sealing needed for it. This process will help you protect the waterproofing coating and enjoy its benefits for a long time.

Taking Professional Help

Although balcony waterproofing sounds like a very easy job, there are still a lot of other important things that come under it. You need to have the right skills, tools, and time to carry out this task. If you are lacking the needed skills and tools, then it is best to get help from professionals. The professionals will make sure they provide efficient solutions so that water can be prevented from entering in the grout and extensive damage to your balcony can be avoided.

Explore the services of the various professionals who can help you and choose the best within your budget to enjoy the balcony of your home to the full!

Guest Contributor, Amelie Lawrence

Chilly Willie Chili Challenge Chili Cookoff

Chilly Willie Chili Challenge Chili Cookoff

Orland Park Civic Center in Orland Park, IL

Say it with me, “Chilly Willie Chili Challenge Chili Cookoff”, that was a tongue twister. Whatever you have going on tomorrow afternoon, just cancel it, even better call your friends and family and let them know there will be a change of plans. Once again, Orland Park is hosting the Chilly Willie Chili Challenge Chili Cookoff at the Orland Park Civic Center. I was one of the lucky judges for last year’s cookoff. This year, I get to do it again.

I love to eat good food! I’m sure everyone understands that being able to taste and judge delicious, flavorful chili should be on everyone’s “Must Do List”. I learned a few things about chili while judging last year’s contest, I’m a great cook, but can’t make Award Winning Chili so I will stick to judging chili instead.

The Village of Orland Park does a beautiful job every year hosting the Chilly Willie Chili Challenge Chili Cookoff. They attract thousands of people, from all around. The set up and music make the event even better. Families come ready to judge the best chili around, some even bring their own wooden chili tasting spoons. Others, come to witness the fun event.

What Goes on Behind Closed Doors:

The judges are secretly lined up and taken in a private room. Every judge is anxious for the chili to be presented. The chili is displayed on a table with only numbers beside them. You are handed a sheet of paper with numbers, without names. As your heart is racing you are told the rules and judging etiquette. You walk down the table and taste chili by chili. The flavor and the aroma goes straight to your head and you feel as if someone’s life is riding on your shoulders. “I love them”, “Maybe I should taste them all several times”, “Am I allowed to speak to the other judges?”, “Why do I have to only pick one?”. Thoughts go through your head, you’re not sure if it’s because you’re judging chili or because the chili taste so good. You start to ponder life’s questions, then you snap back to reality and realize that everyone staring at you. “Yes, I’m taking Chili Judging serious”! You pick your winners and leave the room feeling confident with your choice.

If you love chili or just want to enjoy a fun event in our area, you should stop by tomorrow afternoon.

Saturday, January 28th 2017 at 2 pm. Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Ave Orland Park, I 

7 Choices of Kitchen Benchtops Available!

7 Choices of Kitchen Benchtops Available!

When it comes to kitchen remodeling the very important thing to consider is kitchen benchtops. Every home owner needs to select the correct material for these countertops so that it can stay around for several years. There is a wide range of choices available these days in the market as far as benchtops are concerned. So taking the decision on the right material can prove to be difficult. When you choose the kitchen benchtops, you need to choose some durable materials, which can provide your rust resistance power along with better longevity.

In such case, you can install the granite or marble bench tops which are totally rust proof. Apart from that, you can also clean these stone benchtops in a normal way, and you can also use some portions of these benchtops as your chopper board.

#7 Choices of Kitchen Benchtops:

Once you know the options available and some idea about these materials you will be in the right position to take the decision.

1)     Quartz benchtops: It is one material that is maintenance free. These engineered quarts are scratch, stain and heat resistant. Also, it is non-porous and so does not require sealant to maintain it in the good condition. In case you check out the market for this material you will find amazing choices of patterns and colors.

2)     Granite benchtops: This material is one of the popular and common materials used for kitchen benchtops.  Lots of home owners have selected this material due to its strength and elegance. In case you want an eco-friendly material for the counter top then this can be one of the best choices. These benchtops are affordable and you can also customize the granite slabs and make your benchtop according to your kitchen size.

3)     Laminate benchtops: Do you want an economical option for counter tops? Well in that case, laminate ones can be a great option. The best part of this material is that it is available in patterns, which resemble wood, quartz and stone that too at a very reasonable price. 

4)     Marble benchtops: One of the sophisticated and attractive choices for counter tops is marble as nothing can beat its beauty. In case you are willing to spend high then this kind of counter tops are highly recommended. It is sure to add class to your kitchen.

5)     Wood benchtops: Do you want to add the same touch to your kitchen? Well in that case, consider installing wood counter tops. These When these counter tops are sealed well it can serve its purpose very well. Also, this is material is heat resistant and so you can without worrying keep hot pans on it.

6)     Glass benchtops: These kinds of counter tops offer the best visual appearance. Glass counter tops are heat resistant and strong and so can be suitable for the kitchen. Also, it is possible to make these counter tops custom made so that you can get the color and effect you desire.

7)     Stainless steel benchtops: Today, there are many interior designers making use of this material for the counter tops to offer a modern look. The best thing about these is that it blends with all color schemes. Also, these are very simple to clean. For cleaning, you just need to wipe with a wet cloth. It is considered one of the hygienic choices.

It is one of the newest materials for the kitchen benchtops. With this material, customization is easily possible and so it can fit in all odd size spaces. It is possible to embed and texture these counter tops with shells, colored glasses, tiles or stones.

Today, there are lots of homeowners who prefer this kind of material as it is very stylish. Go here for looking more stylish kitchen benchtops.

Author Bio:

Joseph Webb is excellent writer and blogger. His guidance always helps for the readers to get best idea. Follow him on Google+ and on Twitter as @aussiesmag.

How to Use Your Kitchen’s Color in The Most Effective Way

How to Use Your Kitchen’s Color in The Most Effective Way

Color has been shown to have more effects on our mood and thinking than we originally thought.

No, color is not just something that looks nice and pretty, it is something which can lift our mood, make us feel more productive, calmer, more tranquil, or perhaps fire us into action. For that reason, you need to learn how to harness the power of color in your individual rooms. One room in your house which sees the most action and activity is certainly the kitchen, so how can you harness that color power in your kitchen space?

It’s easier than you think, and it doesn’t actually involve a large amount of expense either! Check out the range of colors from StoneTech1.

Color up Your Backsplash

You might think that your back splash is just a way to protect your walls from splashed food sauces when cooking etc, but you can add a bit of color here to inject some personality in your kitchen quite easily. Go for something bright if you want to splash in some personality, or maybe go for a pattern.

Paint Your Wooden Furniture

How about painting your wooden furniture, such as your kitchen chairs or even the table? There are no rules to say that wood needs to be wood colored! You can throw in a focal point here and inject some color at the same time.

Paint The Inside of Your Cupboards

The inside? Yes! If you don’t want to go too bold and paint the outside, you can subtly throw in some color by painting in the inside of your cupboards, so when you open them, you get a little pop of color. You can completely clash with your outer scheme if you want, or you can go with something which compliments it, whilst will being a little brighter.

Feature Walls Aren’t Just For Living Rooms and Bedrooms!

You can easily have a feature wall in your kitchen, for something a little different. A bold wallpaper or mural can look fantastic, or simply a brighter color than the rest of your scheme. You can play around with ideas here and see what works for you.

Splash the Color With Your Kitchen Accessories

If you don’t want to paint your walls or go all out with color, you can add subtle splashes with your kitchen accessories, such as pans, cookbooks, basically any accessories which are on show on your kitchen counter. Of course, keep them all within a theme, so they don’t completely clash, but this can be a very effective way to throw in some color without going too ‘in your face’.

Wall Art Works Wonders

If you don’t want to go all out with the color or pattern side of things, and you want to remain neutral but add a feature piece, how about a wall art hanging? This can be something modern or it can be something traditional; it could even be something simply colorful, whatever you like the look of! Placement here is everything, so find a space which is going to draw the eye towards it, without being too ‘busy’ – you don’t want to place your wall art right where your cabinets are, for example.

Be Inventive With Chalk Boards

If you have a family, then you will know that reminders need to be everywhere! Chalk boards are a great way to incorporate this tidily into your kitchen, but you can use colorful chalk to add that pop of color! You probably never even thought of this suggestion, but it can be ultra-effective, whilst also serving a very practical purpose!

These few suggestions are all easy to achieve, and none of them require major renovations to your kitchen, other than perhaps the feature wall idea. You can easily incorporate a little color into your space without major expense or effort, and all of these suggestions will give more than a pop of color. If you don’t want to be too gargantuan with your efforts, try the smaller scale ideas, such as painting the inside of your cupboards, or going for colorful accessories instead – these ideas are subtle yet effective, proving that color doesn’t have to be a major renovation issue!

Guest Contributor, Florin Aldea

Bathroom Remodeling Do's and Don'ts

Bathroom Remodeling Dos and Don’ts

Remodeling a bathroom is a great way to refresh your old bathroom, and add a bit of value to your home as well. However, if you’re inexperienced in construction works or interior designing, this may be a bit of a challenge for you. Nevertheless, if you have a clear vision of what you’d like your bathroom to look like in the future, check this guide and be sure not to make any mistakes during the renovation process.

Pick the Right Surface

If you decide to change your old tiles, this time pick the porcelain ones. Unlike ceramic tiles, porcelain ones come in many shapes, sizes, patterns or colors and are much more durable than ceramic ones. What’s more, you can even choose the plank pattern, so it could like a hardwood floor. However, the color and pattern isn’t the major thing to think about. The most important thing to keep in mind is how slippery the tiles will be. Both those in the shower area and outside should be safe enough to walk on when they’re damp.

Don’t Forget the Lights

Quality lighting fixtures are an essential part of every home. If you want to have a well-illuminated bathroom, but also a perfectly designed space, don’t forget to invest in some fancy lighting fixtures. Ambient lighting with ceiling fixtures can be a fabulous upgrade to your bathroom. Wall-mounted shaded lights by the mirror, recessed fixtures, or sconce lights ‒ choose the one that you like the most and that you think would look best in the bath and go for it. Without proper lighting, you can be at risk of hurting yourself, so invest in some good lighting.

Don’t Move the Ventilation or Plumbing

Plumbing and ventilation are some of the most important features in the bathroom. Therefore, if they’ve been functioning properly, you have no need to change or move them to another place. Moving the plumbing can be dangerous, and it can cost a fortune. Not to mention, with all this additional work, the remodeling can take even longer than you expected. Furthermore, try not to block the ventilation with any new feature or décor in the new bath. It’s essential that the bathroom has proper ventilation system, since it can get steamy. Unless it’s air-conditioned properly, mold will appear in the bath causing you a lot of problem.

Expect the Unexpected

Renovation is a long and daunting process, so even when you think everything is almost complete, something will go wrong. Whether you’re faced with a broken pipe, a cracked glass, or a damaged bathtub, try to prepare yourself for these kinds of mishaps. What’s more, don’t forget to include a couple of unexpected accidents to your budget as well, so that you don’t have to go through financial stress too.

Hire a Constructor

The best thing you could do when you decide to remodel a bathroom, is to call a professional. You may think you are skillful in plumbing and constructing, but you’ll soon be proved otherwise. Therefore, save yourself the trouble of breaking a pipe, and choose some of the professional bathroom renovations Sydney offers. They’ll do the job fast, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.

Remodeling a bathroom can be challenging and exciting at the same time. While you’re looking forward to a refreshed room in your home, you need to go through an exhausting process of painting, installation and fixture changing to achieve the final result. Therefore, if you want to make the process as fast as possible and save yourself the additional stress, be sure to pick the right surface for the baths, hire a professional for all the heavy works, install quality lighting fixtures, don’t move the plumbing or ventilation system around, and always expect the unexpected.

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith