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If you have never had your carpet cleaned before, you might be a little in the dark as to what to expect. The fact that just about every carpet cleaning company has their own way of calculating cleaning prices doesn’t help either. Prices for carpet cleaning vary greatly depending on the method, the level of service and your location. There are however two basic ways of figuring a cleaning cost.

The first is by the room. This is probably the most popular method of pricing used by carpet cleaners. It allows carpet cleaning services to give consumers a fairly accurate price over the phone without the need to do an onsite estimate. The price should include pre-treatment and normal spotting. The cleaner will usually limit the room size to somewhere between 200 and 300 square feet. Any larger than that and you may be charged for two rooms.

The next method is square foot pricing. This pricing method actually requires the carpet cleaner to do an onsite estimate. They might be able to give you a ballpark price over the phone, but they will need to come to your home and take your room measurements to give you an accurate price. Some cleaners will measure the whole room and others will measure just the open space around the furniture. Either way will probably come to the same price when they multiply it by their square foot rate. Once again, this price should include pre-treatment and ordinary spotting.

Those are the two methods of pricing that most companies use. While I can not give you an average cleaning price, because it does vary, I can tell you that you should be cautious of the lowest bidder. Remember, you get what you pay for. If a carpet cleaner is not making between $80 to $100 an hour they are loosing money. If someone bids a job lower than that they are probably going to try to pull one of many carpet cleaning scams on you. So get a few different carpet cleaning quotes and choose wisely.

The author operates a carpet cleaners directory website. Find companies offering Las Vegas carpet cleaning, Orlando carpet cleaning and cleaning services in a city near you.

[tags]carpet cleaning, cleaners, flooring, carpeting, floors, home improvement, home repair. clean cost[/tags]

It is important to add organic matter to your soil every
year - whether you’re using chemical fertilizers or
gardening organically. Healthy soil is alive, actually
teaming with earthworms and micro-organisms by the millions
that have each got particular functions in making the soil
fertile. If your garden soil is going to continue to
produce for you, it needs to be fed plenty of organic
material.

Soil life eats and decomposes organic matter, which causes
minerals to be released in a form that plant roots can
absorb. In addition to this fertilizing effect, all the
organic waste helps the texture of the soil - loosening
hard-packed clay or binding loose, sandy soil. Humus gives
the soil its necessary sponge-like texture that allows air
circulation and moisture retention.

For these beneficial processes to take place, the life in
soil needs fresh fuel, (organic matter). Without this
food, earthworms leave and microbes die, causing nutrients
to get locked away by soil particles, unavailable to the
plants. Insect pests and diseases then attack the under-
nourished and vulnerable plants. It doesn’t help to pour
on the chemical fertilizers; they don’t contribute to a
flourishing soil life or spongy soil texture.

This is a simplification of a very complex natural process
of soil chemistry that justifies in-depth study in its own.
But the intention here is to give a basic idea of the
absolute necessity of a generous annual addition of organic
matter to all continuously used garden soil. Now, here are
some suggestions about how to feed the soil.

Haul in compost, buying it in packaged form or by the yard
from nurseries. Processors in your area (cider mills,
canneries, etc.) often have organic material for the
taking. Farms nearby might welcome removal of animal
manures: horse, cattle, chicken, rabbit are all good. Of
course, chop garden residues and weeds into the soil after
the crop is finished. Also chop in the hay or straw that
was used as mulch. Gather leaves and lawn clippings and
dig them in.

Here’s the quickest, least hassle method for taking just
about any stretch of soil and turning it into excellent
loam. Grow a cover-crop, or green manure, and simply till
it in. This practice, when done over time, actually
replenishes the top-soil instead of removing it with
harvested crops. This is a particular benefit for gardeners
who are growing food in the same location over a period of
years.

Notes on using green manures:

1) You can grow green manures in a rotation (an early
green manure followed by a late-season planting of produce,
or a late cover-crop following an early summer harvest like
lettuce and peas) so that even if you have a small garden
you will have a harvest crop as well as a cover-crop every
year.

2) Using green manures can be done by any gardener with or
without powered equipment. However, a roto-tiller is the
easiest method. If necessary, you can rent one.

Here are the most common kinds of cover-crops for home
use.

A) Buckwheat: in addition to growing well even in poor
soil, it chokes out weeds. Sow buckwheat in summer, after
harvesting peas, etc.

B) Ryegrass: this grows rapidly and is very hardy, adding
a good amount of bulk. Best to choose annual varieties.
Ryegrass is a good crop for late-summer since it dies back
for easy tilling in spring.

C) Legumes (alfalfa, peas, vetch, soybeans, etc.): these
will “fix” nitrogen from the air if you use “inoculated”
seeds, attracting the right micro-organisms. Notice that
some legumes are vegetables; giving both food and green
manure from the same crop.

In addition to its benefits to soil, there are many good
reasons to grow green manure. They help with weed control,
bee attraction, and provide a beautiful green cover that
keeps the garden looking nice right up to the time snow
flies.

Valerie Palmer, writer and master gardener, contributes to
TLC Gardening,
offering valuable free information to enhance your gardening
experience. Also visit Full Storage or FB Home
to find more articles by Valerie Palmer.

[tags]garden,organic,roto-till,fertilizer,soil,humus,plant,cover crop,legume,nitrogen fixing[/tags]

Lace curtains are normally used under drapes or cloth curtains, but you can also use them on their own as a way to diffuse incoming light and thus soften it, so that the room is bathed in a soft glow.. They are used as a transition between the outside and inside. You can effectively use them to softening sunlight in a bright room and at the same time, they will brighten the windows at nighttime.

Do not hang your lace curtain and your drape or cloth curtain from the same ring, as it prevents both layers from draping well. You must also make sure you hang them in such a way that they can be easily removed. They should be put on a separate rod and supported by hooks or brackets. Although long flowing curtains may look good, it is best to keep them at floor length and hem the bottom so that they don’t tear.

To clean lace curtains, soak them overnight or at least 12 hours, in warm soapy water with a couple of spoonfuls of borax or ammonia. Rinse thoroughly and stretch them before hanging out to dry on wooden frames to prevent them from shrinking and stretching out of shape.

Small rips can be sewn back together. If you find that your curtain has a large hole then pick up a piece of matching lace and sew on a patch. It’s a cheap and easy solution. Otherwise, you can use the occassion to vary your decor and buy new lace!

Curtains provides detailed information on curtains, window curtains, kitchen curtains, beaded curtains and more. Curtains is affiliated with Decorative Curtain Rods.

[tags]Curtains, Window Curtains, Kitchen Curtains, Beaded Curtains[/tags]

Kitchen counter tops are one of the most used items in your kitchen. Whether you are preparing the evening meal, storing appliances, or just enjoying that first cup of coffee in the morning, kitchen countertops serve many uses. Aside from multi-uses, kitchen countertops are an important aesthetic element of the kitchen. There are a plethora of styles, types, edges, and materials for countertops. Selecting the one that is right for you can prove to be a challenge. An excellent starting point is to research online as well visit home improvement stores to determine what style, cost, and material fit your budget.

Kitchen counter tops are available in a wide selection of materials and finishes. One of the most popular materials is Formica counter tops. These are easy to clean and maintain, not to mention easy to install and even easier on the wallet. With a wide selection of color, Formica counter tops are available to match nearly all color schemes that a kitchen may have.

Granite counter tops are another popular type of kitchen counter top. Be prepared that granite counter tops cost significantly more than the Formica counter tops. Granite counter tops are more durable and even scratch resistant than Formica. Slabs of granite are used for the counter top. They are polished and generally available in a variety of edges, such as bull nose, blunt cut, or even knife edge. As you can see, granite countertops can offer more variety in the form of looks than compared to a Formica counter top.

A third option for a counter top is the tiled counter top. Similar to tiled floor, it is laid as individual tile and arranged in a number of patterns and color schemes. Installation of this type is more time consuming and difficult than the previously mentioned counter tops. Aside from installation, tiled counter tops can easily show dirt within the grout. It is important to seal the grout and tile after installation to help prevent the visibility of dirt and to allow for easier cleaning.

New kitchen counter tops are a great way to make a statement in your kitchen. With a wide range of pricing, materials, finishes, patterns, and more, rest assured you will be able to find a new counter top that is not only functional, but also practical. Be sure to shop around and compare prices when you are looking to make a purchase for a new kitchen counter top. In the end you will not only save money on your purchase, but you will have a new kitchen counter top to complete your kitchen.

The permanent link to this article can be found at http://www.countertops.ez-search.us/Articles/Kitchen_Counter_Top_Materials.php

As an author at eZ-search, Chris Miller contributes to the growing content found within the site and shares his knowledge about granite counter tops.

[tags]granite counter tops, kitchen counter tops, formica counter tops, corian counter tops, counter tops[/tags]

Every manufacturer of laminate flooring provides very specific instructions on the proper method of installing their product.

There are however, some common dos and don’ts that apply to the installation of any laminate floor. Surprisingly many people ignore these instructions, believing that they know better than the manufacturers.

• Laminate flooring must acclimatize to your home. This is done by placing the boxes in the room where you are going to install the laminate for a minimum period of 48 to 72 hours. Failure to do this will cause floors to buckle. This is the number one mistake made by most people including contractors.
• There must be a gap between walls and any other obstacle, (columns, stair risers, heat vents, etc.) of between 5/16″ and 1/2″ depending on the manufacturer. This allows for the expansion of the floor. If a gap is not left, the floor will buckle.
• If the laminate flooring is going to be installed on a concrete slab floor where there is earth below the concrete, a vapor barrier must be placed between the concrete and the laminate. The seams should be taped with a moisture resistant tape. Laminate flooring should not be installed on any floor that has a drain.
• Some manufacturers will allow the installation of laminate flooring on carpet. The carpet should be a hard twist (Berber), or a very low pile (commercial carpet). If the underlayment is spongy, the flooring will separate when walked on.
• The smallest piece of flooring should never be less than 8 inches long and the width should never be less than 2 inches. Measure your room before you start the installation as it may be necessary to cut the first board in length and the first row of boards in width to avoid having small pieces.
• Joints should be staggered a minimum of 16 inches apart and a minimum of 3 rows for repeating of the joint.
• If installing base board or quarter round on top of the laminate, do not nail through the laminate. A laminate floor must be allowed to expand and contract.
• Repair any and all squeaks and soft spots in the sub-floor before installing the laminate. Laminate flooring will not correct squeak or soft spot problems.
• Do not continue the installation of laminate flooring through a doorway that is less than 48 inches in width, use a transition molding.
• Do not hammer on the groove end on the board - ever!
• Always start the installation of the laminate flooring with the groove side and end towards the walls.
• Always use a tapping block to help tighten joints, but do not over hammer or you will damage the surface of the laminate at the joints.
• Floors must be level, no more than 3/16″ slope over a ten foot span.
• Floors must be flat. Any dips in the floor should be filled in with self-leveling compound and left to dry at least 72 hours.

Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and you will end up with a quality floor that will last for years.

For additional information on flooring products for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

[tags]laminate,flooring,floor,install,installation,installing,home,hardwood,renovation,improvement,diy[/tags]

Laminate flooring has good looks and plenty of charm. It also offers huge savings compared to other types of flooring, and installation is a breeze. Laminate has won the hearts of millions of people all over the world - and it is out to win yours too!

Consider the advice provided here and you’ll be ready to leap straight into your love affair with laminate and be able to select a laminated floor that will add style, beauty and class to your living space. Get ready to surrender your heart now!

Laminate vs. Hardwood - Why Choose Laminate?

The home improvement market has honed in on all of the benefits of laminate flooring. But, if you’re searching for new flooring for your home or space, the sheer magnitude of available choices can be overwhelming.

If cost is the main consideration when replacing flooring at your home or other space, you’ll find that laminate is a wise selection. At $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, you can be assured of getting the best value for your bucks.

Hardwood flooring can be costly - as much as 40 to 50% more than laminated flooring - depending on how exotic the wood, finish (coating) and installation method. However, wooden flooring adds more resale value to your home over time.

You can definitely get the wood look with laminated floors, but the pattern of the wood’s markings is usually repeated at the same intervals throughout the planks. If you desire the natural look and feel of real wood and cost isn’t a consideration, hardwood may be your best bet.

Laminated flooring is extremely durable and can often outlast the wood, tile or stone that it resembles. Hardwood flooring requires periodic sanding and refinishing, but some favor the worn look that real wood provides.

Installing laminate is a do-it-yourselfer’s dream-come-true, whereas hardwood flooring usually requires a professional to plan and install. If cost, durability and installation ease and readiness are important to your
floor replacement project, a laminate floor should definitely be considered.

Decorating with Laminate Flooring

The finished look of laminate is an exceptional choice as a background for furniture and general decorating requirements. If you have darker furniture, lighter flooring might be the best choice. Light furniture will look stunning on a dark color such as simulated mahogany.

Varying textures, imperfections and colors of wood, tile or even marble can all be found in the new look of laminated flooring. Or choose the look of exotic, antique or distressed woods.

So many choices make it a daunting task to choose just the right look, but take your time and enjoy the process. When you see how your beautiful new floor enhances your decorated home or space, you’ll know you made the right decision.

You’re Ready to Buy - Now What?

You’ve chosen the look you want and the installation method you require and are now ready to make the purchase. As with any major home improvement project, first research manufacturers.

Companies such as Pergo, Alloc, Armstrong and Bruce produce various grades and looks of laminated flooring. You’ll want to research methods of coatings and whether the end results will provide you with the quality you desire.

You’ll also need to consider what will lie beneath the laminate. Almost any surface can be used when installing laminate including concrete slab, vinyl or hardwood. Some laminate products actually have the underlay built in. This will increase the price somewhat, but is very convenient if you plan to install the
floor yourself.

Laminate floors are pre-finished, but the quality of coatings will vary and also affect the final cost. It is best to go with a high quality finish to be sure that there are little or no toxic chemicals involved in the process.

If you plan on being the one to install the floor, choose the click together or snap locking system. These quick assembly methods simplify the installation process and lessen the down time of your floor.

There are many online sites available for you to buy laminated flooring products and some offer greatly discounted prices. If you’re considering purchasing your flooring from the Internet, first obtain samples from a home-improvement store to see first hand how your final choice will appear in your space.

Following this information will help you make a more educated choice when choosing a laminated floor for your home or space. Keep in mind that flooring is a big investment no matter which type you choose, and you’ll be living with the results for a long time to come.

Choose wisely and you’ll be sure to become the next laminate lover!

Wills Thomas operates an online consumer guide to Laminate Flooring that provides practical articles and free advice covering all aspects of the purchase, installation and care of laminate floors.
http://www.LaminateFlooringCo.com

[tags]laminate, flooring, floor, floors, laminates, laminated, home improvement, remodeling[/tags]

No other piece of furniture in your home is as important as your mattress. A good night’s sleep means you wake refreshed and ready to face the day. But in order to have a good nights sleep you must have the right mattress for you. Here is how to shop for a new bed mattress.

Mattress Construction

There are three basic elements in the construction of a mattress. The foundation is like a giant shock absorber which adds durability and support to our mattress. It absorbs the wear and tear of our nightly sleeps and provides us with a comfortable sleep platform.

The core construction varies with different types of mattresses. Depending on your personal taste and level of comfort your mattress might be made of springs, foam, air, or even water. The middle core is what provides the support for your body.

The layers of upholstery are wrapped around the core. This is what provides the comfortable surface to lie on. This layer is made from a variety of fibers or foam to provide a cushion effect.

Support

Your mattress is supposed to gently support you while you sleep. All points of your body and spine should be supported. When you are choosing a mattress you need to be able to relax in order to see if you are properly supported. If you are not properly supported your muscles are unable to rest throughout the night and you wake up stiff and sore.

Comfort

Is a personal preference. Some people require a firm mattress while others require a softer mattress and of course there is everything in between. Modern materials are plush, cozy, and well you could say simply irresistible .

Warranty

Each manufacturer offers a different warranty so be sure to check to see what the mattresses you are considering have to offer. Warranties are based on a great deal of things and generally the higher end mattresses have a longer warranty period. Check your mattress regularly for defects and problems with workmanship.

Durability

Relates to how long the mattress will stay comfortable and support you properly. Over time your mattress will wear out just like any product does. So each year you should re-evaluate your sleep needs.

Space

The mattress you pick should give you enough room to move around freely. Couples should choose a mattress that’s at least a queen in size.

Sets

Matching set work together and look nice but mismatched sets mean you can save a lot of money and provide the same quality of comfort and support.

Value

Buy quality products that are made from quality materials. Remember you pay for what you get so don’t expect a $200 mattress to be of the same quality as a $1000 mattress.

That said there are plenty of great deals to be found online. Many online retailers offer their mattresses for as much as 40% less than the local retailer. Choose Sealy, Simmons, Beautyrest, Serta or one of the many name brands on the market to ensure your bed mattress provides you with the very best sleep possible.

Catherine has been a salesperson for a bedding store for the last 15 years and enjoys helping customers select the right products for maximum comfort and support. Come to http://www.mbwl.net to get free advice on evaluating mattresses and tips on how to buy a mattress.

[tags]Bed Mattress[/tags]

The answer? Not hard really when you come to think about it. And its not buying out the whole bookshop. Not even finding some willing victim to crawl through countless web pages for you, although that does sound like an excellent idea. The easiest way is write your own gardening book!

I know, that sort of defeats the purpose of your trying to find the information you need for yourself. But just think of all those lost souls, wandering out there in a daze searching with mounting despair through the same maze of information that you yourself searched through only days before.

You probably think that you’re unable to write, but hey, if you can string two sentences together in a manner pleasing to read, and you can capture the attention of your audience, then you’ve got it made!

What’s that you say, you don’t know enough to write a gardening book? I don’t believe you! If you’re an honest-to-goodness gardening enthusiast, then likely as not, you’ve been gardening for most of your life. Don’t you must remember digging up your families nice neat flower beds to see exactly ‘how it worked’! Don’t you think that gives you the requisite experience necessary to write more than one gardening book.

So how then? Well, now it’s all a matter of finding someone to look after you and remind you to eat regularly while you expand on the world at large, or in your case, your word processor, your ideas on gardening. Hopefully you won’t need to be reminded to water your garden, because conscientious gardener that you are, that’ll be the last thing that you forget. It definately wouldn’t look too good to let your garden fade away while you’re writing a gardening book!

And afterwards what do you do? Well, you could always start on a sequel, because really you didn’t do justice to all that could be mentioned in a gardening book. Or, you could just sit back in your easy chair, a mimosa in your hand, the drink, not the flower, and reap the benefits of your very own gardening book. As for that little nugget of information that you were so desperately searching for in the beginning? Well it turns out that you really knew more than you thought you did, and it too, is now in your gardening book.

Ron is an avid gardener and loves to share his ideas and information and what better way than by writting a gardening book

[tags]gardening, gardening book, garden, gardener[/tags]

Everyone wants their home to look clean and attractive. In certain climates however, this can require a constant stream of effort that would wear anybody out. Many areas of the Washington state area have climates, which are more prone to cause the weathering and corrosion of home exteriors. This article is designed to show you how simple Washington home improvement can be. You don’t have to work around the clock to maintain your home’s siding, paint job, windows or gutter systems—even if you live in Washington.

Siding in Washington
Washington home improvement, at least exterior Washington home improvement, starts with the right kind of siding. For most homes there are three types of siding that are recommendable.

Fiber Cement Siding
The first is Fiber Cement siding. Fiber Cement siding is beneficial if you are looking for a low initial cost. It doesn’t rot or burn and it resists insect damage. However, on the down-side, Fiber cement siding does not help to resist extreme temperatures, whether cold or hot. Fiber cement siding is also very heavy, which adds additional weight to the foundation of your home. It is brittle, (which leads to chipping from nails), and is more subject to air gaps and porous defects. Before you purchase this type of siding you should ask yourself how long you plan to keep your home. If you plan to keep your home for a long period of time it is recommendable that you purchase a siding that is more durable.

Cedar Siding
Another type of siding is Cedar siding. Cedar siding increases the value of your home, beautifies your home with a natural look, increases the resell value of your home and resists heat loss or gain. On the down-side, cedar siding has a high initial cost, has very thin boards, and is becoming more scarce, (which means that the price of cedar siding is continually on the rise.

Swedish Siding
The last type of siding that we recommend to your consideration is Swedish siding. Swedish siding increases the value of a home and offers a beautiful natural look. In addition, it increases the resell value of a home and resists heat loss or gain. It is thicker than most siding and the trees that are used to make this type of siding are generally 100 yrs old—which makes for more durable siding. Unlike cedar siding, Swedish siding comes in abundant supply and only the select heartwood is used. Finding siding in Washington that will increase the value of your home and which will require less maintenance doesn’t have to be a difficult process if you do your research from the beginning. Washington home improvement does not have to be difficult.

Painting for Washington Home Improvement
Another aspect of Washington home improvement is the painting service that you choose for the exterior of your home. When looking for a painting service it is recommendable that you contact a Washington paint contractor that will ‘prep’ your home carefully before applying a paint job. A good ‘prep job’ includes water prep (i.e. pressure washing of the gutters, eaves, siding and house trim for the removal of loose dirt and old paint). A dry prep process is also recommended as are scraping, sanding, caulking and filling. For more information in regards to these Washington home improvement processes, please contact a professional Washington paint contractor in your area.

Windows for Washington Home Improvement
For additional Washington home improvement we also recommend bay area vinyl windows. These windows are gorgeous, they let in lots of light and in many cases they are usually amenable to customization. Finding replacement windows in Washington that really contribute to the aesthetic qualities of your home doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Consult with a bay area window expert if you have questions.

Gutter Systems Improvement
No one wants gutter leaks, unsightly nail-heads, downspouts or clogged gutters. Make sure you get durable gutters for your home. A less-than-quality gutter can lead to other problems on the exterior of your home so if gutters are the problem at your house, they should be taken care of as quickly as possible, especially if you plan to live in your home for a long period of time.

Marci Crane is a Web Content Specialist for 10x Marketing in Orem, UT. If you would like to learn more about siding in Washington, or replacement windows in Washington, contact Washington home improvement.

[tags]Washington Home Improvement[/tags]

Memory foam footwear is a quickly burgeoning industry. Manufacturers of sneakers, boots, slippers, insoles, and more are using memory foam in their products these days. The footwear guru company Dr. Scholl’s has a line of memory foam footwear products.

The reason for its popularity rests in its ability to both cushion and support whatever pressure is placed on it. This ability is due to two factors: its deformable cells with movable air pockets, and its sensitivity to temperature. Memory foam slippers are one of the latest trends in memory foam, and the trend looks to be long lasting.

Memory foam slippers provide the greatest fit for any foot. Whether your feet are fleshy or bony, flat-bottomed or highly arched, memory foam slippers are right for you. They can “remember” the shape of your feet.

The slippers utilize the same technology as that used for mattresses, mattress pads, pillows, and even dog beds. If memory foam can support you horizontally, surely it can support you vertically. When you step into your first pair of memory foam slippers, they will feel firm or hard. After a few moments, however, your feet will “sink in” just enough to get a glove-like fit.

Remember: your entire body weight is resting on the soles of your feet. You’ll want to make sure your memory foam slippers are of a high density, preferably 5 pounds per cubic foot. This will ensure that the memory foam layer doesn’t “bottom out” or hit solid ground, or else the benefit of the foam will be lost. Therefore, be sure that the bottoms of the slippers are thick enough to allow plenty of “give” at your highest pressure points, such as heels, the balls of your feet, and the pads of your toes. Before buying, ask the manufacturer what kind of memory foam they use in their memory foam slippers.

Memory Foam Info provides detailed information on memory foam mattresses, mattress pads, pillows, slippers, and dog beds, as well as memory foam product reviews. Memory Foam Info is the sister site of Mattresses Web.

[tags]memory foam, memory foam mattresses, memory foam mattress pads[/tags]