Travertine, a natural stone of the limestone family, is one of the many materials used to make landscaping pavers. What sets travertine pavers apart from other types of pavers however is the stone’s unique texture coupled with its marble-like appearance. Travertine pavers are also much sought after for their attractive ivory, cream, and gold colors. Travertine’s durability, heat-resistant qualities, and rustic charm make it the ideal choice for patios, walkways, entryways, and pool decks. Below are a few varieties of travertine pavers.
1) Filled travertine
Travertine pavers are described as ‘filled’ when small holes, cracks, and other surface irregularities have been smoothed out with grout. Not all of the holes and craters are filled since these irregularities are what give travertine its unique texture and character. Travertine is usually filled prior to honing or polishing, although some filled travertine pavers are not honed.
2) Honed travertine
Honed travertine pavers have been sanded with an abrasive to make them smoother and flatter than they normally would be. The process changes the appearance of the stone, giving it a dull, matte finish. Honed travertine may be filled or unfilled. Honed travertine pavers stain more noticeably compared to polished ones.
3) Polished
Polished travertine pavers are those which have been polished with a special gem abrasive to give them a smooth and shiny look. Unlike other types of travertine pavers which need to be sealed in order to prevent staining, polished travertine pavers are very resistant to staining and usually do not require sealing. Polished travertine pavers are not as natural-looking as the other types of travertine pavers, and floors paved with polished travertine are slippery when wet.
4) Tumbled
Tumbled travertine pavers are those which have been treated in a tumbling machine to soften the edges, allowing for a closer fit during installation. Tumbled travertine pavers look and feel more natural than other types of travertine pavers because they have more texture and reflect less light. Tumbled travertine is porous and needs to be sealed to prevent etching and staining.
A fire pit is a great functional and aesthetic outdoor feature that can add charm and comfort to any backyard. These free-standing accessories can serve as the ideal centerpiece for an outdoor entertainment area such as a patio, and are used for cooking, or to provide warmth for you and your guests on a chilly day. There are several different types of fire pits:
1) Wood burning versus gas burning
Fire pits may be powered with propane from a built-in tank or with natural gas through a gas line or pipe. With wood burning fire pits, seasoned, dry hardwood chips or logs are used for combustion. Many people covet wood burning fire pits for the pleasant visual and olfactory effects of kindled wood. A fire pit may be wood burning or gas burning regardless of the material or design of the fire pit.
2) Assembled versus pre-made
Pre-made fire pits are those that are bought from a store and can include fire bowls or fire pit tables. These types of fire pits look like a large bowl set into a low table-like frame. They usually come with a cover and some may include a grill for cooking. Another type of pre-made fire pit is the chimenea fire pit, a type of enclosed, upright fireplace shaped like a bottle. Pre-made fire pits are portable; in fact, some have wheels. Pre-made fire pits come in a variety of materials including ceramic, copper, cast iron, or terra cotta.
Assembled fire pits on the other hand are custom-made to fit a homeowner’s taste and specifications. They are built with stone pavers, concrete bricks, or cinderblocks, and are usually incorporated into a patio design. Most assembled fire pits look like a well-like enclosure resting near the ground. Do-it-yourself fire pit assembly is an option; however, landscaping companies also install custom fire pits. Assembled fire pits may be temporary or permanent. They can be built above ground or below the surface.
3) Metal versus non-mental
Metals fire pits are most commonly made of copper or cast iron, although stainless steel and aluminum fire pits are also available. Cast iron fire pits are more economical than copper fire pits but do not last as long since they rust more quickly. Copper fire pits are prized for their natural finish. Fire pits may also be made of non-metal materials such as ceramic or terra cotta. When it comes to cooking, non-metal fire pits require a metal grill for flame grilling.
Whether you’re a veteran golfer or an amateur, you’ve probably encountered a custom-built golf cart at some point or the other. Custom golf carts have mechanical and body features that distinguish them from standard models.
Reasons for customization
Golf carts may be specially designed and custom-painted for fundraising campaigns, or for event marketing and promotions. Customization may also be a matter of comfort and safety. Many retirees opt to assemble their own golf carts so that they can optimize safety amenities. A custom golf cart can also be a fashion statement. From throwback vintage golf cart designs to futuristic buggies, a stylish custom-made golf cart can be a source of pride, and is sure to garner admiration on the green. Lastly, customization may be done to maximize golf cart performance and prolong service life.
Level of customization
From modest do-it-yourself projects to made-to-order purchases, nowadays all levels of customization are possible for golf carts. One approach is to purchase a standard model and add accoutrements and accessories as time and money permits. There are a broad range of online parts dealers that sell everything from the frame and chassis, to seat covers, tires, and more. The other approach is to have your golf cart tailor-made from scratch, according to your specifications. Using a custom golf cart distributor will often cost less in the long-run and will save you the hassle of having to track down parts and accessories.
The customization process
Customizing your golf cart involves everything from choosing the body style (open air or enclosed? Two-passenger or four passenger?) to refurbishing the motor, to tweaking or brainstorming the interior design. Browsing golf cart distributor catalogues will give you design ideas and help you pin down the customizations that you want. Whether you are a DIY-er, or using a professional service, it is always advisable to get warranties for any parts you purchase and to use reputable vendors.
It may so happen that a golf cart owner may feel the need to lift the chassis of their golf cart or increase the wheel height. A higher-sitting golf cart has a greater approach angle and breakover angle, making it easier for the cart to clear ridges and inclines when driving. An elevated golf cart also provides more ground clearance for driving over grass, as well as any rocks or standing water on the golf course. Lift kits are aftermarket modifications that can be purchased from a golf cart parts dealer. They are one of the most common golf cart parts and accessories purchased by golf cart owners. Here are some things to consider if you are thinking of purchasing golf cart lift kit.
1) Type and compatibility
There are two types of lift kits: body lift kits and suspension lift kits. A body lift kit uses lift blocks and spacers placed between the axles and leaf springs to raise the body of a golf cart from its underlying frame. With suspension lift kits, the original leaf springs are replaced with longer, higher ones. Both body and suspension lift kits increase ride hit; suspension lift kits also increase travel and improve articulation.
There are many brands and models of body and suspension lift kits on the market. Different golf cart models require specific kinds of blocks, spacers, or leaf spring suspensions. Thus, when installing a golf cart lift kit, it is important to verify the compatibility between the lift kit and the golf cart components (the drivetrain etc.)
2) Legal issues
In many states, there are laws pertaining to vehicle lift kits. This is because a lift kit can alter a vehicle’s stability and steering geometry thereby affecting the vehicle’s operational safety. Golf carts are categorized as utility vehicles, so find out what the lift kit laws and ride height restrictions are for utility vehicles in your jurisdiction.
3) Insurance
Always check with your insurance company before you modify your golf cart with a lift kit; not all insurance companies cover vehicles that have been customized or modified in some way.
Whether you are a homeowner, commercial property manager, or industrial worker, chances are you could benefit greatly from owning or using a utility cart. Utility carts are small, slow-moving motor vehicles that may be either gas or electric powered. They are task-oriented, light vehicles which are designed for both transport and storage, and may be used outdoors or indoors. Below are some of the uses of utility carts in commercial, residential, and industrial settings.
Residential
Utility carts are used for grounds maintenance on extensive landed properties. Gardeners or homeowners use them to carry garden supplies, or to haul rocks or mulch. Seniors and physically-challenged people may also use utility carts to carry groceries indoors from the car, or to get around their property with more ease.
Commercial
It is not uncommon to spy utility carts on the grounds of office complexes, hotels, airports, sports facilities, hospitals, and other commercial properties. Many apartment complexes keep a few of these vehicles handy for giving tours to prospective tenants, and hotels use them for hauling luggage or for grounds maintenance. Security personnel also use utility carts to patrol commercial properties, such as shopping malls and college campuses. Utility carts (golf carts) are also a standard feature on golf courses; golfers use them to carry their equipment and to move around the golf course with less effort. Another place utility carts crop up in is airports; they are perfect for hauling cargo, and for conveying passengers quickly through long terminals.
Industrial
Utility carts are used inside warehouses, large fulfillment centers, and manufacturing plants to tow inventory racks and heavy loads. Industrial utility carts are also used to transport equipment, personnel, and raw materials around large industrial facilities in a quick and efficient manner.
Small kitchen spaces are a common feature of many modern-day habitations, in fact, they are an almost unavoidable part of small-space city living. Older surburban homes also tend to have smaller kitchen designs, a relic of past times when the kitchen was seen as a purely utilitarian space for cooking and nothing else.
Whether you’re grappling with limited kitchen space in a new apartment, or are a long-time homeowner thinking of remodeling your small kitchen, here are some tips for for a kitchen design to get the best out of close culinary quarters.
1. More storage
There are many ways to maximize storage in a small kitchen. Stacking cabinets are a great way to increase cupboard space in a high-ceilinged kitchen. Excess utensils and cups can be hung on hooks underneath and on the sides of cupboards. Stackable wire racks, pull-out utility carts, and microwave carts can be used for storing dinnerware, cookware, or food items. Tuck away condiments, drinks, or spices in a lazy susan or a basket on top of the refrigerator, and if the ceiling is high enough, hang pots from it.
2. More workspace
Because there typically isn’t much counter space in a small kitchen, meal preparation and clean-up can be tiresome. One way to increase counter space is to install an electric cooktop that can also be used as a countertop; another way is to install a smaller sink. Pair a tall faucet with a small sink to make washing dishes and filling large pots easier. Reduce counter-top clutter by installing a slide-out cutting board and consider getting an under-the-counter refrigerator and freezer to increase legroom.
3. More inviting
Aesthetics is an important feature of kitchen design and this is especially true for small kitchens. Small kitchens have a tendency to appear uninviting but by paying close attention to things like décor, color scheme, and lighting, you can create a small kitchen that is a pleasant space to be in. Attractive cabinetry, nice flooring, and decorative cupboard handles can up the ante in a small kitchen. Cheerful colors and soft tones will make a small kitchen seem larger and airy, as will a harmonious color scheme. Adding track lighting or recessed lighting is another good way to open up a small kitchen space and achieve a warm, cozy feel, and using mirrors instead of tiles for the backsplash also creates the illusion of more space.
A powder room, also known as a ‘half bath’, can be both a functional and aesthetically exciting feature of a home. These small, sparsely outfitted rooms serve as a bathroom or “freshening up” room for guests and usually contain just a toilet and a bathroom vanity, although features like bathroom stands and vanity chairs may also be included. Many modern-day powder rooms are added onto homes as part of the homeowner’s remodeling project. Here are some powder room design considerations when planning a powder room remodeling project.
Space and location
A powder room is by custom a small room. Common locations for powder rooms include large closets, small unused rooms, beneath stairways, and under eaves. At the same time, not just any small space will do. Usable space may be limited by the location of doorways and the location of windows can compromise privacy. You want the powder room to be in a sufficiently private area, but close enough to the entertaining area so that guests can quickly and easily access it. Also, a power room should not be so cramped that being in it feels awkward or suffocating. Figure out ahead of time exactly what you want in your powder room and if the existing space can accommodate it.
Design scheme
Once you know what features you want to have in your powder room, you can move on to thinking about the aesthetics of the room― the décor and style. Consider what type of sink and faucet style you want, whether you’d prefer wallpaper or wood paneling, what kind of ceiling and wall fixtures you want, and what type of flooring would finish off the whole effect. Many interior designers recommended keeping a powder room’s design scheme in line with the adjoining rooms; however, an aesthetically distinctive powder room design that showcases a homeowner’s personality is the current trend and can provide a pleasantly surprising experience for your guests.
Extent of renovation
Because a powder room is such a small room, adding one to your house should be done with as little disruption to the house’s structure as possible. If you are like most people then you want your remodeling project completed with as little inconvenience to your daily life and with as little expense as possible. As a rule of thumb, small changes are better than big ones. So while installing a sink and faucet is expected, if a certain fixture calls for complicated plumbing or is going to cause unnecessary architectural problems, then it may be best to forgo that detail and save yourself the hassle and extra expense. Remember, you may not be able to have your powder room exactly as you envisioned it, but by working with what you have, you can create a satisfying result.
A central vacuum is a type of home filtration system that improves interior air quality by removing dust, allergens, and waste particles from indoor air. Compared to the portable vacuum cleaners that are used to clean floors and carpets, stationary central vacuum systems keep rooms cleaner; they filter air by depositing dust and dirt in a disposable bag or canister thereby minimizing the amount of dust that re-circulates back into the living area.
There are three types of central vacuum systems:
Disposable paper bag systems are the most common type of central vacuum unit. Dust and airborne waste (mold spores, pet dander, lint, bacteria, dirt, fabric fibers etc.) are suctioned into the system via outlets located in each room and deposited in a paper or cloth bag housed in a canister. The bag traps and retains the debris so that the canister itself stays clean. This type of system may or may not expel exhaust air outside. Every 1 to 2 years, the full bag is taken out and replaced with little or no exposure to the refuse. With paper/cloth bag systems, replacement bags must be purchased.
With bagless central vacuum systems, dust is suctioned in and deposited in a canister. When the system is shut off, the heavier dust drops to the bottom of the canister and the lighter dust is trapped by a permanent filter. The filter prevents the dust from re-circulating back into the house or entering the motor. Exhaust air may or may not be directed outside through a vent. The canister needs to be emptied and cleaned every 3 to 6 months, at which time, excess dust also needs to be washed or shaken off of the filter. Cleaning and emptying the canister involves exposure to the refuse and so this system is not recommended for people with allergies and asthma.
With bagless true cyclonic systems, dust and waste are suctioned into the system with tornado-like force where the heavier debris falls down into a canister while the lighter debris goes through the motor and outside. Exhaust air is always vented outside with this type of system. The canister needs to be cleaned regularly―every 2 months― to maintain suction.
Seating is a very important element of home theater design and planning. From the seating configuration, to ergonomics, to the seat style and features, seating can have a big impact on how you and your guests experience and use your home theater. Here are some options to consider when it comes to home theater seating.
Seating configuration
Standard tiered seating (straight, stadium-style rows) is perhaps the most common seating arrangement for home theaters. You can construct your home theater to have tiered seating by placing seats on risers, but there is also the option of using different seat heights per row to eliminate the need for tiered flooring. You can also opt for more versatile seating arrangements, such as placing seats around the circumference of the room, having stand-alone seats in the center of the room (e.g. cabaret-style seating), or using an l-shaped seating plan. You can also consider adding bar seating at the back of the room or to the side. Alternative seating arrangements are not for everyone, but can add flair and personality to a home theater.
Seat style and features
Seat style plays a huge role in conveying the aesthetics of your home theater and includes things like upholstery/materials, chair height, color, and design. You can choose from a range of upholstery fabrics including leather, velvet, plush microfiber suede, and more. There is even the option of having monogrammed seats. Standard theater seats also come with a range of different functional features including built-in cup-holders (which may or may not be removable) and snack consoles. You can consider whether you want reclining seats or seats with matching ottomans. You should also bear in mind that you are not limited to standard theater seats. Modular sofas, chaise lounges, and floor chairs with cushions are all alternative seating styles that can add pizzazz to your home theater. Seating units should complement the overall décor of the room.
Ergonomics
Theater seats should be comfortable, providing back and leg support, stability, and promoting good posture. Consider the height range of the seating unit, the seat shape, and the firmness of the seat pan and backrest. Ergonomic features of theater seats include padded backrests, adjustable headrests, and pillow arms.
Fire alarm inspections are routine checks of the fire alarm system in a commercial or residential property. They are performed by qualified personnel from a fire protection company and are done to verify that alarm systems are still functioning properly. Fire alarm inspections involve a visual examination of the system, a series of system tests, and system maintenance if required. If you are having the fire alarm system in your home or place of business inspected, here’s what you can expect.
1) You will be asked to notify everyone on the premises that a fire inspection will be taking place at a specified time. This is necessary since the alarm will go off during the inspection. The inspection company will also give the monitoring/dispatch center notice about the inspection so that no fire trucks are sent to the premises when the alarm goes off.
2) The alarm technician will visually inspect the batteries, panel, wires, charging circuit, and modules.
3) The technician will perform a series of tests to make sure that different components of the alarm system are working properly. All of the signal devices (the main alarm, horns, bells, chimes, strobes) will be triggered for a few minutes and the technician will go to each one to verify that it is working (known as location checks). The water flow switch, which regulates the flow of water through the sprinkler pipes, is also set off to verify functionality. The smoke and heat detectors are tested, as well as the battery-charging circuit.
4) The alarm technician will call the dispatch center to verify that all signals sent during the tests were received.
5) Any required system repairs or upgrades will be performed or recorded for servicing in the near future.
6) Paperwork will be filled out and a green tag with information such as the inspection date and the fire protection contractor’s name will be attached to the panel. The green tag signifies that the alarm system has been inspected and deemed completely sound and functional by a licensed inspector. If the system has been found to be functional with a minor deficiency, then a yellow tag is affixed. A system that is non-operational is given a red tag, while a system that has been serviced is given a white tag.
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