If you are like the majority of people with a garage, then you know how easily and quickly things can become disorganized. Most often, you get to working on a project or two and before you know it, things are everywhere. Not only do disorganized garages look terrible but they also make it almost impossible to find anything, which is extremely frustrating. The good news is that you can do a number of things to get your garage in better shape and keep it that way.
First, do not overlook the extra storage space you have above your car. Most often, this space is simply not used, which is too bad considering that there is a lot of space there to work with. Taking angle brackets and a few short pieces of 2x4 lumber, you can build a rack that would be perfect for storing certain items that are long and narrow. Just a few examples would include pipe, molding, mops, brooms, fishing poles, and so on.
Second, wall-mounted shelves are excellent for holding all types of items. You can install the lowest shelf at about 72 inches from the ground, which is plenty of room for people to walk underneath. These shelves would be excellent for storing extra gardening pots, cans of car oil, antifreeze, and other such items. Additionally, wall pegs and hooks are great for attaching things. You can find hooks in all different sizes and shapes so that a variety of items can be stored out of the way. For example, the larger hooks and pegs could easily hold a ladder, bike, snow shovel, garden rake, and so on. For smaller items such as a hammer, screwdriver, and other hand-held tools, you can use Velcro straps or magnetic strips.
Next, slot walls are very popular in that they can take an entire wall and turn it into a storage wall. Typically, these walls are constructed from composition board that is 3/4-inch thick and will have t-shaped, horizontal grooves that can hold shelves, brackets, and hooks. Sold in 4x8-foot sheets, you can cut the slot wall to fit any size or design you need. In addition to varying size, you can also choose from a number of colors and finishes.
Yet another great solution is perforated hardboard, which is also made from composition board and comes in both 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch thicknesses. These hardboards are screwed or nailed into wall studs over a finished wall and then special hooks are used to fit into the perforated holes. These holes are just 1-inch apart, which means you can store many more things. Another benefit of perforated hardboard over slot walls is that they are very affordable.
You can also buy actual shelving units designed just for garage storage. These units come in a number of materials, finishes, and sizes and are excellent for setting up in a corner or a wall that is just wasted space. Although you could store anything you like, the shelves are perfect for cans of paint, tools, and canning materials.
06 February, 2011
Fence Types
It used to be that you had a choice of just a few fence types but today, the market is flooded with the old standards as well as new options designed with high technology. As you will see from the following, choosing a fence system depends on the purpose. For example, some fences are installed for containment in keeping children and animals in, some are built to provide privacy from neighbors, and some are installed simply for aesthetics.
Chain Link
Also known as hurricane fencing, many people enjoy this type of fence in that it is so versatile and affordable. You can choose chain link in rolls ranging from 25 to 100 feet long and heights from four to six feet. With a chain link fence, you can add a gate or two for easy access and today�s options include fencing that is vinyl coated in a brown or green color. For keeping the pets and children contained while allowing access to see, a chain link fence is perfect.
Chicken Wire
Almost everyone has heard of chicken wire and of all fencing material, this is the most affordable. Chicken wire is not used as a permanent fence but one that can be used to contain small animals and keep wild animals out of a garden or flowerbed.
Electric Fence
While an electric fence used to be used only for livestock, today�s homeowners have found that this is a great way to keep the family pet safe inside the yard and wild animals outside the property. This type of fencing comes in a number of options that can produce a mild shock to one with more powerful. The electric fences made specifically for residential use also have controls that allow the strength of the shock to be controlled from a convenient control panel located inside the house.
Post/Rail Fences
This type of fence is most often used in rustic or country settings. Many times, people will put up a post and rail fence system to define a specific area of the yard. This might be a place for the family pet or your beautiful flower garden. Rails come in round or split and range from eight to eleven feet. The posts are available in three to five feet and designed to accommodate two or three rails. Just remember that if you want to use this type of fence for your pet, you will need to add wire fencing or some type of chicken wire to the back of the fence so the little pet does not slip through the rails.
Vinyl Fence
This type of fence has only been on the market a short time but has captured the attention of homeowners in that it is maintenance free. You can choose from a number of options that resemble rail and wood panel fences. The huge benefit of vinyl fencing is that it will not rot like wood. Therefore, if you are looking for a type of fence that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain, the vinyl fence is a great choice.
Welded Wire
Welded wire is most often used as a temporary fencing system for gardens or animals. Similar to chain link fence, this too comes in rolls, ranging from 25 to 60 feet rolls and from three to six feet high.
Wood Fences
A wood fence is often installed for privacy while also providing a nice aesthetic. If you have a charming cape cod, you could buy a four-foot food fence to create some privacy, contain the yard, while also enhancing the look of the home. If you need a fence to block out neighbors, noise, or an unsightly view completely, then an eight-foot wood fence would be a great choice. The nice thing about wood fencing is that it comes in a number of woods and it can be stained or painted to create whatever look you want.
Chain Link
Also known as hurricane fencing, many people enjoy this type of fence in that it is so versatile and affordable. You can choose chain link in rolls ranging from 25 to 100 feet long and heights from four to six feet. With a chain link fence, you can add a gate or two for easy access and today�s options include fencing that is vinyl coated in a brown or green color. For keeping the pets and children contained while allowing access to see, a chain link fence is perfect.
Chicken Wire
Almost everyone has heard of chicken wire and of all fencing material, this is the most affordable. Chicken wire is not used as a permanent fence but one that can be used to contain small animals and keep wild animals out of a garden or flowerbed.
Electric Fence
While an electric fence used to be used only for livestock, today�s homeowners have found that this is a great way to keep the family pet safe inside the yard and wild animals outside the property. This type of fencing comes in a number of options that can produce a mild shock to one with more powerful. The electric fences made specifically for residential use also have controls that allow the strength of the shock to be controlled from a convenient control panel located inside the house.
Post/Rail Fences
This type of fence is most often used in rustic or country settings. Many times, people will put up a post and rail fence system to define a specific area of the yard. This might be a place for the family pet or your beautiful flower garden. Rails come in round or split and range from eight to eleven feet. The posts are available in three to five feet and designed to accommodate two or three rails. Just remember that if you want to use this type of fence for your pet, you will need to add wire fencing or some type of chicken wire to the back of the fence so the little pet does not slip through the rails.
Vinyl Fence
This type of fence has only been on the market a short time but has captured the attention of homeowners in that it is maintenance free. You can choose from a number of options that resemble rail and wood panel fences. The huge benefit of vinyl fencing is that it will not rot like wood. Therefore, if you are looking for a type of fence that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain, the vinyl fence is a great choice.
Welded Wire
Welded wire is most often used as a temporary fencing system for gardens or animals. Similar to chain link fence, this too comes in rolls, ranging from 25 to 60 feet rolls and from three to six feet high.
Wood Fences
A wood fence is often installed for privacy while also providing a nice aesthetic. If you have a charming cape cod, you could buy a four-foot food fence to create some privacy, contain the yard, while also enhancing the look of the home. If you need a fence to block out neighbors, noise, or an unsightly view completely, then an eight-foot wood fence would be a great choice. The nice thing about wood fencing is that it comes in a number of woods and it can be stained or painted to create whatever look you want.
Awnings
Awnings have been a way of providing shade for patios and decks for years. With an awning, you can block both sunlight and heat from beating down through a patio door or provide you with shade while relaxing outside on a lazy Saturday afternoon. You will also find that awnings can make a great window topper and used as a way of protecting furniture and rugs from directly sunlight, which can cause fading.
In fact, during the hot summertime, by using an awning to block out heat, you can save as much as 65% off your energy bill on windows facing south and as high as 77% on windows facing east and west. Awnings are also great protectors for woodwork around windows. Typically, as the sun shines down on the wood day after day along with the rain and snow, the wood can become warped and rot. However, by using an awning, the woodwork is protected.
An awning will also add protection for outdoor furniture on your patio or deck, let you open your windows during a mid-summer rainstorm, reduce glare on computer screens and televisions, and best of all, they add a nice decorative touch to the aesthetics of the home.
You will discover that awnings are typically made from fabric or aluminum. The awnings made from fabric do require a little more maintenance than an aluminum awning but also offer a better variety of color and shape. Aluminum awnings are low maintenance, sturdy, and provide a retro look.
The nice thing about awnings regardless of material is that they are both designed to withstand high winds and harsh weather. Although a tornado or hurricane may be too much, you can feel confident that most high winds will not damage the awning. When deciding the size of awning to buy, it really boils down to your personal preference. However, you also want to consider the amount of energy you want to save.
For example, if you will be adding an awning on windows facing east or west, you want to have a drop ranging from 65% to 75%. For awnings going up on south-facing windows, you want the drop to be shorter, ranging from 45% to 60% coverage. Just remember that window and door canopies are versatile in that they can be installed with or without side panels.
Additionally, rollup and retractable awnings are an excellent choice in that they block out the sun during the hot, summer months but then allow the warm sun to shine in during the winter. The larger the awning, the more protection you will achieve and if you plan to install the awning on your patio or deck, the retractable model is the most convenient.
In fact, during the hot summertime, by using an awning to block out heat, you can save as much as 65% off your energy bill on windows facing south and as high as 77% on windows facing east and west. Awnings are also great protectors for woodwork around windows. Typically, as the sun shines down on the wood day after day along with the rain and snow, the wood can become warped and rot. However, by using an awning, the woodwork is protected.
An awning will also add protection for outdoor furniture on your patio or deck, let you open your windows during a mid-summer rainstorm, reduce glare on computer screens and televisions, and best of all, they add a nice decorative touch to the aesthetics of the home.
You will discover that awnings are typically made from fabric or aluminum. The awnings made from fabric do require a little more maintenance than an aluminum awning but also offer a better variety of color and shape. Aluminum awnings are low maintenance, sturdy, and provide a retro look.
The nice thing about awnings regardless of material is that they are both designed to withstand high winds and harsh weather. Although a tornado or hurricane may be too much, you can feel confident that most high winds will not damage the awning. When deciding the size of awning to buy, it really boils down to your personal preference. However, you also want to consider the amount of energy you want to save.
For example, if you will be adding an awning on windows facing east or west, you want to have a drop ranging from 65% to 75%. For awnings going up on south-facing windows, you want the drop to be shorter, ranging from 45% to 60% coverage. Just remember that window and door canopies are versatile in that they can be installed with or without side panels.
Additionally, rollup and retractable awnings are an excellent choice in that they block out the sun during the hot, summer months but then allow the warm sun to shine in during the winter. The larger the awning, the more protection you will achieve and if you plan to install the awning on your patio or deck, the retractable model is the most convenient.
Retaining Wall
Retaining walls are built for a number of reasons although generally, it is to protect property and improve appearance. Whenever a cut occurs on the side of a hill, moisture escaping from that opening will lead to erosion of that hill. A retaining wall helps prevent this type of erosion by keeping the moisture in the ground.
If you need or want a retaining wall built, this is a project that you could do yourself but keep in mind that this is a very challenging project. Building a retaining wall requires solid workmanship, compliance with building codes, and good old-fashioned muscle power. In many cases, retaining walls are built to be no higher than three foot, which is what will be used for the sake of this example. With the help of some friends or family members, and by following the instructions listed below, you will soon have your retaining wall complete.
For tools, you will need:
For materials, you will need:
Start by digging excavation and then use loose brick to lay on the bottom of the reinforcing bars that have been placed at the bottom of your hole. The vertical bar will be wired to the bottom bar and then propped up in place. Next, insert the remaining bars at the top of the footing while the concrete is being poured. This concrete footing will need to dry (season) for a minimum of one week. Once dry, lay the brick and with the shoved joints, insert the prefabricated steel joint reinforcement. Keep in mind that sometimes brick must be cut for the "weep holes," which is where the one-inch plastic tubing will be inserted. These weep holes will be made every four inches along the wall, allowing any moisture to seep out safely without damaging the property.
Before you cap the wall off by laying a solid row of brick laying on edge, you will need to pour some mortar into the gap located between the brick. This helps the brick bond securely to the reinforcing bars. Once the retaining wall is built, brush the asphalt along the base of the wall on the ground to make the base waterproof. Finally, place gravel behind the wall down to the weep hole, keeping this open. Once you have done this, your wall is complete!
If you need or want a retaining wall built, this is a project that you could do yourself but keep in mind that this is a very challenging project. Building a retaining wall requires solid workmanship, compliance with building codes, and good old-fashioned muscle power. In many cases, retaining walls are built to be no higher than three foot, which is what will be used for the sake of this example. With the help of some friends or family members, and by following the instructions listed below, you will soon have your retaining wall complete.
For tools, you will need:
| Brick Layer's Trowel | Broom (stiff bristled) | Framing Square |
| Garden Hose | Garden Rake | Hammer |
| Mason's Hand Level | Mason's Pointing Tool | Mason's String |
| One 2-inch and 4-inch Hand Level | Shovel | Wheelbarrow |
| Wooden Float |
For materials, you will need:
| 1310 Brick 3 3/4" x 2 1/4" x 8" per 100 square feet of wall | 4.4 Brick 3 3/4" x 2 1/4" x 8" per foot of wall length | 20 Cubic feet of Mortar per 100 square feet of wall |
| 2.33 Cubic feet of Concrete per foot of wall length | 3/8" Steel reinforcing bars, 52" long, bent 9" from one end at a 90-degree angle, one for every 3 1/2 feet of wall length | Two 10" pieces of prefabricated joint reinforcement for 8" wide wall, for every 9 1/2 feet of wall length |
| 3/8" Steel reinforcing bars, 18" long, one for every 3 1/2 feet of wall length | 1/2" Steel bars for length of footing (allow 10" lapping splice) | 1" diameter Plastic tubing |
| Asphalt (small amount) |
Start by digging excavation and then use loose brick to lay on the bottom of the reinforcing bars that have been placed at the bottom of your hole. The vertical bar will be wired to the bottom bar and then propped up in place. Next, insert the remaining bars at the top of the footing while the concrete is being poured. This concrete footing will need to dry (season) for a minimum of one week. Once dry, lay the brick and with the shoved joints, insert the prefabricated steel joint reinforcement. Keep in mind that sometimes brick must be cut for the "weep holes," which is where the one-inch plastic tubing will be inserted. These weep holes will be made every four inches along the wall, allowing any moisture to seep out safely without damaging the property.
Before you cap the wall off by laying a solid row of brick laying on edge, you will need to pour some mortar into the gap located between the brick. This helps the brick bond securely to the reinforcing bars. Once the retaining wall is built, brush the asphalt along the base of the wall on the ground to make the base waterproof. Finally, place gravel behind the wall down to the weep hole, keeping this open. Once you have done this, your wall is complete!
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