Stainless Steel Garbage Cans Are Perfect for Any Room

A stainless steel garbage can is a perfect waste disposal for just about any room in the house and just about any location. There are quite a few different styles of can available on the market today. There are many uses for them as well, such as commercial trash containers, outdoor trashcans and the different kinds available for indoor use.

Almost any room in the house can hold a stainless steel garbage can including the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. They are also available in many different sizes and shapes. The traditional style has flip lid or a hinged-top lid. They are readily available at most hardware and house ware stores and you can find them on the internet too.

There are advantages of a stainless steel garbage can to other types such as the ability to keep them cleaner. They are corrosion proof and are easily washed. By keeping them clean, you are avoiding health hazards wherever they are located. Regular cleaning prevents foul odors as well. If you have one in your kitchen, it is especially important to keep clean because of the potential for unhealthy bacteria and microorganisms due to dirty cans.

There are several reasons that a stainless steel garbage can is better than an old plastic one. Here they are:

• Step on pedal so your hands do not touch the can
• Flip-lid hides garbage and smell
• Keeps out toddlers and pets
• Rustproof pail lifts out for easy emptying and cleaning
• Steel does not absorb garbage odors

Stainless steel garbage cans come in many different styles, models, shapes and colors to match the modern style kitchens of today. They also come in both small and large style capacity and are perfect for indoor and outdoor use, not just for the kitchen.

There are many different manufacturers of stainless steel garbage cans these days. Some of the more popular brands are Brabantia, Simplehuman, Witt, United Receptacle, Polder, Hafele, Hewi, Aurora, Real Solutions and Amerock. Some of the higher end models sport a special invisible coating that is resistant to dirt, stains and fingerprints. They are also quite easy to clean and come in several different sizes including 5 liter, 12 liter, 20 liter and 30 liter.

Stainless steel garbage cans can come adorned with your children's favorite cartoon character. NASCAR fans can find their favorite driver adorned on any size or style of can as well. Smokers can find cans that come equipped with ashtrays as well.

Our site provides information on stainless steel garbage cans, PODs storage, bedroom closet organizers, wardrobe closets and various other types of closet designs and storage systems. Let us provide all your storage information
by T.D. Houser

How Home Remodeling Costs are an Investment

If you take the time to do a long, close look around your home, you will probably see at least couple improvements you would not mind making. In most cases, just a few simple changes can have a big impact on the overall look of your place. But, if you cannot stand what you see, maybe it is time for a complete overhaul. Of course, it would be lovely to live in the palace of your dreams, but frequently the steep costs of major projects stop those dreams from being a reality.

Once in a while, if you are looking to remodel an older home that necessitates many projects like plumbing, electric and structural alterations, the total bill could add up to as much as the initial property value. You could reduce that cost by choosing to update and texture your current drywall. However, instead of deciding against a big remodeling project because it is too expensive, you might want to think about how remodeling now can have a positive impact on your portfolio down the road. Even if the project is costly, it is money that you are investing into your house, which increases its value. You may get that money back, and more.

Just small, superficial changes can make a big difference to potential buyers if you decide to put your house on the market. Updating your lighting and counters could make your home more appealing. If your house is improved and up-to-date, the more likely it is to come off the market quickly rather than remaining on the realtor's lists for a long period of time. If potential buyers look at the dcor and see a place they can feel comfortable in right away, they will be more likely to make an offer.

If you think about the total expense of a remodel, particularly if you are not skilled with tools, you should con5B4sider the value of hiring a company to do the project right. No matter what kind of company you decide to hire, you will be saving yourself the wasted time, sweat and materials if you leave the work to the experts. Just make sure you get references, which are an informative way to find out about a contractor's past work.

Even though quite a few contractors will not like the idea of you helping out with the work, many appreciate an extra hand. Doing grunt work yourself, especially when it comes to removing old floors and unwanted walls, might be easy and save you money. And even though it is good and possible to make deals, be aware that there are some things you should be willing to spend money on.

As you look around for new hardware, such as cabinetry and plumbing for instance, invest in quality products. Even if you cannot afford to use the best, most expensive materials available, you should aim to install products that are going to last a long time, look great and fit your overall dcor. After all, if you do not get it right the first time, you will have to remodel all over again and spend even more money that you may not get back in the future.

Leroy Calstard's informative papers can be found on different web pages with reference to drywall texturing and how to texture drywall. You might discover his writin2FFgs on types of drywall texture and drywall texturing at http://www.insidewoodworking.com

Do You Know When To Change Your Charcoal Water Filtration System?

With the ease of installation, decontamination of the most deadly contaminants, and long use you can get out of the filters, it is no wonder why charcoal water filtration is the most popular method. Because of the reasons stated above, charcoal water filtration comprises 95% of those used for domestic reasons. While it does last longer than a lot of the other filtration systems, it is important that you are aware of when your charcoal water filtration system has gone bad.

Before we get into when your water filtration system has gone bad, we have to cover what it purifies. The main reason this water purification method is so popular is because it filters out two of the most deadly contaminants, Cryptosporidium and Guardia. With the help of activated silver, some filters can be enhanced to help provide extra antibacterial protection. This will not only help protect you against contaminants, but will also allow your charcoal water filtration system to last longer.

The purpose of water filtration systems is to clean your tap water and make the water more tasteful. The worst thing you can do with your charcoal water filtration system is allow the filter to go bad and not replace the filter. By doing this you are allowing mold and bacteria to attack the system and ruin it. So how do you know when to change your filter?

The typical charcoal water filter will last a family between 6-9 months long. Obviously, the more you use the filter the quicker you may have to change the filter. However, you may be hurting your filter by not using it as well. If you leave your filter unused for an extended period of time you are leaving it susceptible to mold and bacterial contamination.

What the charcoal water filter is doing is gathering any sort of "garbage" that is in your tap water. The main component of this "garbage" is quite capable of decomposing and attracting bacteria after a short period of non use. You may have to change your filter even more during the summer due to warm weather and humidity that can accelerate mold and bacterium even quicker.

The longer your charcoal water filter is in use the more the efficiency declines. Because of this, it is vital that you replace the filter within the 6-9 month timetable and possibly sooner. One of the best and most obvious ways to tell when it is time to change your charcoal water filtration system is through taste. If the water begins to change in taste, especially after a vacation or a long period of non use, it is time to change the filter.

The point of you having a charcoal water filtration system is to have purified and cleansed water. If you are unaware of what the signs are of a bad filter, how are you going to know when to change the filter? By knowing the signs and timetable of when to change your water filtration system you will have a continuous supply of cleansed and purified water.

Naturally Skintastic specializes in finding truly effective Natural Products as alternatives to those found commercially. For more information about All Natural Vitamin C Shower Filters, please visit: NaturallySkintastic.Com

Things To Consider When Buying A Curved Stair Lift

A curved stair lift is your only option if your stairs have a curve, intermediate landing or have some sort of obstruction. If you are going to buy one you need to be aware of some of the issues with price, length of installation, operating costs and more.

Installing a stair chair lift can greatly improve quality of life. Even if you're not technically disabled, walking up and down stairs can be demanding, frustrating or downright intimidating. Mobility and access to all areas of a home can greatly restore a person's independence and peace of mind.

If you are considering the installation a curved stair lift you should be aware of a few things before you buy.

The purchase and installation price is expensive. The reason for the high price is because it's custom built on site and the materials used are more expensive than for a straight stair lift. The track on a straight stair lift is usually made from aluminum. Aluminum is used because of its interchangeability and it's cheap. Tracks used on curved stair lifts are usually made using both steel and aluminum. Steel is used to provide strength and because it is malleable. Installation of a curved model accounts for the largest proportion of cost and installation can take anything from 3 weeks to 3 months.

Buying a used curved stair lift is really to be avoided unless you buy one from a reputable dealer who will install it for you. Make sure the track being provided is new and not re-conditioned track. This is not considered to be safe and a reconditioned track will not conform to International Safety Standards.

Should you decide at a later date to replace or get rid of your lift and want to sell it, you may find this difficult. Because it is custom made, the stairlift made for your home isn't going to fit someone else's. At best you probably will only be able to sell the chair, motor and controls; the track, which constitutes the majority of cost, will be useless to someone else.

Curved stair lifts usually require more servicing than any straight stair lift. Additional stress is caused by the chair having to move along the track around corners. You may find that the ongoing maintenance costs will be higher than those for a straight one.

Not all manufacturers make curved stair lifts. The companies that do are market leaders who make stair lifts of excellent quality. You'll pay for this excellence though. Companies that do make curved stair lifts include Stannah Stair Lifts (the Stannah 260 stair lift) and Bruno Stair Lifts (Electra-Ride III Custom Curved Rail Stairlift).

Finally, before buying, discuss warranties and after sales service with the retailer. As mentioned these lifts do require maintenance and you'll need to budget costs for this.

Don't let the above stop you from buying a curved stair lift. The benefits of installing one lift can't be understated but you should be aware of the issues before you buy one so you can discuss them with your dealer.

Following the links for curved stair lifts and get stair lift reviews on leading brands like the Stannah stair lift.

Is a New Roof In Your Future?

Purchasing a home is the single largest investment that most of us will make. The roof of our house plays an important role in preserving our house and maintaining its value in the resale market. The life of the roof depends on the roofing materials used, the local weather conditions, care taken during the installation process and the level of maintenance applied to it. Asphalt and wood shingle roofs can last for 30 to 40 years, respectively. Clay tile rofs have a lifespan of 20 years whereas metal roofs can last for more than 40 years.

The sun has a detrimental effect upon the roofing material, regardless of what type of roof it is. The rays cause the material to expand, contract, warp, curl, and lose strength and shape. Elements such as rain water, high winds, snow, hail, etc cause further damage to the already weakened roof resulting in leaks, damage, mildew and fungus growth.

If an inspection of a roof reveal that there is a leakage problem at several points and that the shingles are worn out, replacing the roof is a better idea than making repairs. A new roof offers the benefits of providing sturdy protection for your house preventing damage to the structural systems inside the home from leaks as well as a new roof can provide improved insulation and a change in the appearance of your home.

Types of roofing materials

There are many different types of materials that are used for the purpose of roofing.

Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are usually made from western red cedar and are popular because they are easy to manufacture, light weight and have a very distinctive appearance.

Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is one of the most commonly used roofing materials around today. It has a lifespan of 15-25 years. Asphalt shingles have a fiberglass body that is coated with asphalt and mineral granules for added protection. When the edges of the asphalt begin to crack and warp, it indicates that age has caught up with the material, which is beginning to dry and may no longer be a good weather proofing material. Asphalt shingles are easy to install and can be used with a variety of flashing and edging products without any special accessories for roof edges, wall cuttings, and chimneys.

Tiles
Tiles can be either ceramic, clay, or concrete. Ceramic tiles are favored in warmer climates. Tiles lend style to the roof but are difficult to install because of their weight. The roofs need to be reinforced before tiles can be laid out.

Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal is very durable and will last upwards of 50 years with periodic maintenance, they need to be painted and protected from moisture. Metal roofs are available in sheets at home improvement stores in a wide range of colors and can be crafted to give the appearance of traditional tiles. They are sturdy and durable.

Slate
Slate is another durable roofing material that is almost non-absorbent. Slate has been used for centuries. It is a naturally occurring product that is resistant to wind, sun, rain, and other forces of nature. Its gentle colors and unique textures coupled with its durability offer a great mix of utility and beauty. However, slate roofs are difficult to install and the material is expensive.

Cost comparison between roofing materials

Factors affecting the cost of the roof include the area to be covered; the material used, layers of shingles placed; effort involved in removing the existing roofing; and any work required on the gutters and siding. The cost of roofing materials is usually quoted in terms of squares. One square is equal to an area of 10 feet x 10 feet.

Costs of common roofing materials are given below. These costs are exclusive of the installation charges.

Fiberglass coated with asphalt:
It comes with a warranty of 25-35 years and costs between $30 - $35 per square foot. The weight per square can range from 200 to 300 pounds.

Wood shingles:
These carry a warranty of 20-30 years and cost between $100 - $200 per square foot. The weight per square can vary from 300 to 350 pounds.

Clay/Concrete tiles:
The warranty for tiles can range from 25 to 75 years. Tiles can cost between $150 - $500 per square foot. The weight per square can vary from 500 - 1200 pounds.

Steel and Aluminum:
These come with a warranty of up to 50 years and can cost between $150 - $250 per square foot. The weight per square is in the range of 50 - 100 pounds.

Natural Slate:
It carries a warranty of over 100 years and costs between $300 - $600 per square foot. It weighs between 600 - 2000 pounds per square.

How long does a new roof take to install?

Roofing is a seasonal business, so if you intend to get it done by a roofing contractor, it is possible that your turn may come after a week or two of your agreeing to get the work done. Other important factors include the weather conditions, area of the roof and the roofing material. An asphalt roof can be finished in 2 - 3 days. A wood shingle roof can be laid in 3 - 4 days. Metal roofing can be completed in 2 - 4 days.

Can a homeowner do the roofing by himself?

Some types of roofs lend themselves more easily as a do it yourself project than others. Roofing is a very physical job that requires a fair amount of brawn and some brains too. The work involves moving a lot of material and nailing it in place, installing the flashing requires skill. If you wish to get it first-time right, it is advisable to take the help of someone who has done it before. A roofing project requires the efforts of more than one person. An important consideration is the weather, if you get a spell of clear weather, try and finish the work, if the weather changes you must be equipped to protect the unfinished roof against the elements. Also, you need to be careful about your own safety while handling various tools, a slip from roof height is potentially fatal.

Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing

Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founde365r of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com, http://www.remodelestimates.com and http://www.remodelingorganizer.com He is the author of three books on home remodeling.

Home Maintenance

Designing for Life - Architecture and Design Psychology

Design psychology is the use of psychology as the fundamental principle for design decisions in architecture and interior design. Cultural patterns of architecture reveal many fundamental principles of design psychology. A group of architects led by Christopher Alexander compiled what they learned about architecture around the world into a book called A Pattern Language (1977, Oxford University Press). This book discusses virtually every aspect of buildings including entrances, windows, hallways, fireplaces, kitchens, sleeping areas, home offices and workshops, walls, and storage spaces.

The research done by these architects revealed the need for people of all cultures to feel safe and nurtured in their homes, neighborhoods and towns. Simple patterns for positive environments included things like designing rooms to have light coming in from at least two sides and more than one entrance or exit if possible. Our eyes are built to handle visual processing with multiple light sources rather than a light from a single direction. This makes seeing more difficult in environments where light is coming from only one direction. In addition, we have an instinctual need for an escape route and recoil psychologically when confronted with cave-like rooms where we may feel trapped.

A closely related field to design psychology is proxemics, the study of cultural differences in personal boundaries and space requirements. Proxemics is intimately connected to design psychology and the placement of physical dividers such as doors and walls. In offices and homes alike, a social order is established by proximity. The offices that are the most distant from the waiting room and closest to the boss are for the most important staff members. Likewise, master bedrooms are usually the most distant from shared spaces such as entryways and living rooms. The rooms closest to the kitchen, family room and gathering areas are for those lowest on the totem pole, usually the children.

Proxemics also has much to do with issues of privacy. Those who have important activities and conversations to engage in need to have their space. When material dividers aren't available, visual and auditory clues can serve to define boundaries. Signs, frosted glass, bells and intercoms can serve to separate places where others are welcome and places where they must have permission to enter.

Design psychology and feng shui share many principles. Although the two approaches often come to the same conclusions, they differ in their foundations. Feng shui practice generally relies on a combination of tradition and intuition and design psychology generally relies on a research model. It could be argued that feng shui is a right-brain approach and design psychology is a left-brain approach. Perhaps a combination of these approaches with equal measures of common sense and practicality will yield the best solutions for architectural environments that meet both the basic and higher needs of their inhabitants.

Kathleen Karlsen, MA is an artist, writer and web design consultant residing in Bozeman, Montana. Kathleen has a bachelor's degree in studio art and a master's degree in humanities. Kathleen is best known for her contemporary impressionism art work including colorful flower paintings, forest paintings and landscape art. Kathleen's original art and small framed art for fine art gifts can be seen at http://www.livingartsoriginals.com

To see Kathleen's unique forest paintings, visit http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/originalforests.htm - For an extensive article on color symbolism, see http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/infocolorsymbolism.htm

Round Wood Shingle Siding Over

Is a New Roof In Your Future?

Purchasing a home is the single largest investment that most of us will make. The roof of our house plays an important role in preserving our house and maintaining its value in the resale market. The life of the roof depends on the roofing materials used, the local weather conditions, care taken during the installation process and the level of maintenance applied to it. Asphalt and wood shingle roofs can last for 30 to 40 years, respectively. Clay tile rofs have a lifespan of 20 years whereas metal roofs can last for more than 40 years.

The sun has a detrimental effect upon the roofing material, regardless of what type of roof it is. The rays cause the material to expand, contract, warp, curl, and lose strength and shape. Elements such as rain water, high winds, snow, hail, etc cause further damage to the already weakened roof resulting in leaks, damage, mildew and fungus growth.

If an inspection of a roof reveal that there is a leakage problem at several points and that the shingles are worn out, replacing the roof is a better idea than making repairs. A new roof offers the benefits of providing sturdy protection for your house preventing damage to the structural systems inside the home from leaks as well as a new roof can provide improved insulation and a change in the appearance of your home.

Types of roofing materials

There are many different types of materials that are used for the purpose of roofing.

Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are usually made from western red cedar and are popular because they are easy to manufacture, light weight and have a very distinctive appearance.

Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is one of the most commonly used roofing materials around today. It has a lifespan of 15-25 years. Asphalt shingles have a fiberglass body that is coated with asphalt and mineral granules for added protection. When the edges of the asphalt begin to crack and warp, it indicates that age has caught up with the material, which is beginning to dry and may no longer be a good weather proofing material. Asphalt shingles are easy to install and can be used with a variety of flashing and edging products without any special accessories for roof edges, wall cuttings, and chimneys.

Tiles
Tiles can be either ceramic, clay, or concrete. Ceramic tiles are favored in warmer climates. Tiles lend style to the roof but are difficult to install because of their weight. The roofs need to be reinforced before tiles can be laid out.

Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal is very durable and will last upwards of 50 years with periodic maintenance, they need to be painted and protected from moisture. Metal roofs are available in sheets at home improvement stores in a wide range of colors and can be crafted to give the appearance of traditional tiles. They are sturdy and durable.

Slate
Slate is another durable roofing material that is almost non-absorbent. Slate has been used for centuries. It is a naturally occurring product that is resistant to wind, sun, rain, and other forces of nature. Its gentle colors and unique textures coupled with its durability offer a great mix of utility and beauty. However, slate roofs are difficult to install and the material is expensive.

Cost comparison between roofing materials

Factors affecting the cost of the roof include the area to be covered; the material used, layers of shingles placed; effort involved in removing the existing roofing; and any work required on the gutters and siding. The cost of roofing materials is usually quoted in terms of squares. One square is equal to an area of 10 feet x 10 feet.

Costs of common roofing materials are given below. These costs are exclusive of the installation charges.

Fiberglass coated with asphalt:
It comes with a warranty of 25-35 years and costs between $30 - $35 per square foot. The weight per square can range from 200 to 300 pounds.

Wood shingles:
These carry a warranty of 20-30 years and cost between $100 - $200 per square foot. The weight per square can vary from 300 to 350 pounds.

Clay/Concrete tiles:
The warranty for tiles can range from 25 to 75 years. Tiles can cost between $150 - $500 per square foot. The weight per square can vary from 500 - 1200 pounds.

Steel and Aluminum:
These come with a warranty of up to 50 years and can cost between $150 - $250 per square foot. The weight per square is in the range of 50 - 100 pounds.

Natural Slate:
It carries a warranty of over 100 years and costs between $300 - $600 per square foot. It weighs between 600 - 2000 pounds per square.

How long does a new roof take to install?

Roofing is a seasonal business, so if you intend to get it done by a roofing contractor, it is possible that your turn may come after a week or two of your agreeing to get the work done. Other important factors include the weather conditions, area of the roof and the roofing material. An asphalt roof can be finished in 2 - 3 days. A wood shingle roof can be laid in 3 - 4 days. Metal roofing can be completed in 2 - 4 days.

Can a homeowner do the roofing by himself?

Some types of roofs lend themselves more easily as a do it yourself project than others. Roofing is a very physical job that requires a fair amount of brawn and some brains too. The work involves moving a lot of material and nailing it in place, installing the flashing requires skill. If you wish to get it first-time right, it is advisable to take the help of someone who has done it before. A roofing project requires the efforts of more than one person. An important consideration is the weather, if you get a spell of clear weather, try and finish the work, if the weather changes you must be equipped to protect the unfinished roof against the elements. Also, you need to be careful about your own safety while handling various tools, a slip from roof height is potentially fatal.

Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing

Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founde365r of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com, http://www.remodelestimates.com and http://www.remodelingorganizer.com He is the author of three books on home remodeling.

Home Maintenance

Bathroom Tile Ideas - Practical And Decorative

If you are 1C70looking for ideas in designing your bathroom, one good option is using tiles. There are a number of reasons why tile is such a great idea: first, it will not only give your room a nice appearance, but will also be individual and unique; and second, it will be a joy to maintain at its cleanest and brightest.

When you take these points into consideration, you may be quick to decide that tile is the answer to your bathroom-designing questions.

Design And Color Choices

You may be wondering how tile can be special; since it is so popular, doesn't everyone have it? The answer to this is you will be delightfully surprised to see the huge range of colors and designs -- even if everyone you know has tile as the basic foundation of their bathroom design, you can have one that is specially yours.

There is virtually every color imaginable; and you can also find all kinds of impressive designs and patterns. You can choose one to match or contrast the rest of your bathroom, or you can select one simply because it is your favorite. If you wish, you can also purchase tiles in a couple of different colors or patterns, for an even more unique style!

Easy Cleaning

You will also be thrilled to find how easy it is to keep your tile clean. It will take very little time and effort on your part for your tile to stay spotless and bright. Minimizing your workload is definitely a "plus" to having tile in your bathroom.

You may also decide that you would like tile floors in your bathroom. Tile is so amazingly-easy to install that anyone can do it in a very short period of time, and the result will be great-looking floors which will require very little maintenance.

Water Resistant

In addition, unlike wood floors which can be easily and permanently damaged by water, tile flooring will not be destroyed if it gets wet. This is certainly an important factor in a bathroom. You may wish to protect your flooring with a bath mat or a small rug, but the moisture from the general use of your bathroom will not harm your tile flooring at all.

If your tastes in style dictate, you may also like mirror tiling. You can have this either for its practical use, or simply because it is quite beautiful! Mirror tiling can be used in designing all of your bathroom walls, or you may prefer just one or two to add a lovely highlight to your room.

As you can see, there are both practical and decorative purposes for tile. There are so many to choose from that if you decide to add this feature you will be pleasantly surprised at the huge assortment. It is impossible that you will not be able to find the precise tile that will catch your eye and let you know immediately that it is the perfect one for your room! You have the bathroom tile ideas that you will need to decide that it is exactly what your bathroom needs to be beautiful and unique!

Ernest Jarquio is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Bathrooms-And-Showers.com. He provides more resources on topics such as bathroom faucet Grohe, bathroom partitions and mineral bath salt that you can research on his website even while lounging in your living room.

Roof Shaped Stain Glass Window

What Marble Types Are Best For Your Bathroom Floor?

Marble is a famous stone that has been unmatched by others, because of its unique texture and veins. Marble generally has properties that are similar to limestone.

However, sometimes it easily stains, scratches or etches. Using these tiles for bathrooms make for a unique and magnificent appearance with shade variations and whirling patterns. However, these flooring materials require more maintenance as compared to others, and these need to be cleaned, sealed and polished regularly.

Marble Tiles Have A Wide Range Of Uses

These tile types have been famous for lots of uses, ranging from from statues to bathrooms, and they have been utilized for centuries, in virtually every probable application. For homeowners who want to go for an elegant look by installing marble tiles in the bathroom, the last thing you must do is to purchase them right away.

Homeowners must first find out the type and colors of marble that 16D0will suit the design or theme you have in mind, and take into consideration your personal preferences as well. However, no matter what designs you choose, marble tiles will perfectly complement a wonderfully-designed bathroom.

What Type To Pick For Bathroom Use

For bathroom applications, homeowners can pick honed and tumbled marble tiles. These tile varieties possess an old-world appeal that absolutely blends with the cozy charm of earth tones. Tumbled tiles are manufactured by tumbling the tiles, along with sand contained in the big drum. These come in irregular shapes and have a generally drab look.

After a few years, the corners and sides of the tiles look rounded and their edges become slightly chipped, which result to an antique and classic look. Tumbled marble tiles have become popular these days, especially for bathroom backsplashes and kitchens. If your aim is to create a chic shower room, then it is advisable to utilize marble tiles for your bathroom floors and other surfaces. This tiles come polished, honed or tumbled.

For more traction, you should choose honed tiles but if you want a classic look and old-age feel, tumbled marble is a good choice. Polished tiles for bathrooms are a classy option, however they can be slippery when wet. Once you prefer this type of marble tile, you need to place bath mats at crucial points to avoid sliding and other accidents.

In general, utilizing marble tile in your bathroom is a great way to accent this important place in the home. Marble has been among the homeowner's choice particularly for bathrooms and hallways.

Since these tiles are formed from a natural material, you can expect variations in colors from tile to tile. Bathroom marble tiles are elegantly polished to eliminate small fissures and faults. Professional home decorators know the key to an elegant bathroom is to use marble around the walls and the tub.

Jacuzzi tubs and Roman tubs look far more elegant wrapped in stone. Marble is also popular on shower walls and in steam showers, but again, traction is something which must be taken into consideration. These tiles are often used on shower floors, and the grout lines provide the necessary traction to prevent slipping.

http://tilenet.net - Tilenet

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

Fallbrook Siding

79688

43000

How to Install an Inground Flagpole

An inground flagpole is simply a flagpole that is rooted in the ground. It is a permanent pole designed to withstand winds of up to 130 mph, depending on the height and material of the flagpole. Just as trees require roots for support, inground flagpoles need foundations.

A foundation is made by digging a hole, wetting the soil, and pouring in concrete. A cylindrical groundsleeve is then inserted into the wet concrete. A groundsleeve is a thick steel cylinder with an open top and a wide base, designed to protect the flagpole from the corrosive effects of the concrete. On the outside of the groundsleeve are steel plates58D that lock it in place. On the inside of the groundsleeve are steel wedges that firmly center the base of the flagpole. Oftentimes the groundsleeve will include a ground spike to channel away lightning (but this might be of little concern if you have a fiberglass flagpole, the only flagpole material that does not conduct electricity.)

The foundation may also include a flash collar, which fits over the ground sleeve and bottom of the pole to protect it from the elements and give the foundation a finished look. Space between the collar and pole is sealed to keep water away from the base of the pole and the foundation.

When building your foundation, it is important that the flagpole extends far enough underground so that it will not blow over. A good rule of thumb is that ten percent of the poles length should be underground.

Some of the larger flagpoles do require professional installation. Ask the manufacturer or distributor whether they will do it for free with purchase.

Flag poles Info provides detailed information on flagpoles of all types, including telescoping, fiberglass, commercial, residential, aluminum, tailgating, wall mounted, in ground, flagpoles for sale, and more. Flag poles Info is affiliated with 25BOriginal Content Web.

Frontyard Stairs

Look For Reputable Home Improvement Companies

Homeowners that do not have the time or skill to renovate their homes should call in home renovation companies. Professionals will put your mind at ease as the work is performed on your home. There are plenty of home renovation companies will give homeowners the results that they are looking for. When you are thinking about a renovation you should contract a home renovation companies that specializing in the areas of home renovation that project is locates in. There are some contractors that will provide a number of different services but it is best to go with one that specializes in the type of renovation you want.

Check out renovators that perform the type of renovations you want done. Look for a company that is very familiar with the type of work that you want done. Do not go with a contractor simply because they offer a low price. Also, do not go with the first contractor that you find. Look for a number of contractors and get some estimates.

Going with home renovation companies that specialize in a certain type of work types of work can save you money. The company might have parts and fixtures from jobs they completed before Using some used parts will cut down on the cost of the totally project. Home renovation companies that need to contract out some of the work may end up charging extra fees for the added contracting. This is something to be aware of.

As a consumer you want to know who is the boss. Find out who the go to guy is on the project and talk to him only. The guy that is in charge is going to be the best communication piece for you. He is the guy that will be able to tell you the about cost and time estimates. The other guys are waiting for his cues and often they do not have information to share with you. The renovations you want done should be mapped out between you and your spouse. Once that is done, you need share those plans with the boss of the contracted company.

Most of the time, it is wise to get a contractor and straighten out the details with them before they begin working. Be sure that everything that you want done is clearly understood. Waiting until the project is underway to explain things could be disastrous. Make sure that you see eye to eye with the contractor and vice versa..

Once you have iron things out with the contractor, let them do their job. Do not interfere constantly and complain. They are the ones doing the work, let them have their space and get the job done properly.

Kurt Schefken writes articles largely for http://www.insidewoodworking.com, a web publication covering information on how to do drywall taping, drywall finishing tools and various other topics. You can find his contributions on how to tape drywall at various other sources for how to tape drywall news.

Drywall Intersection With First

How You Can Remodel Your Porch Yourself

There are many benefits your home can gain when you remodel your porch. This great example provided by DoItYourself provides great tips to enhance your outdoors with fresh ideas that employ the usage of carpentry skills, paint and stain to bring in life into a regular backyard. Plenty of mosquitoes along with the need to enjoy summer,spring and fall by lazing around outside, made the homeowners of a residence in Atlanta in Georgia to alter their backside5B4 porch from a plain looking slab of concrete to a showcase that was screened in, including insulated drapes. While taking the decision took no time, the actual solution was tedious.

The owners realized that screening the back patio was absolutely needed. It was just a squarish piece of concrete which was placed under an overhanging roof. This made the situation far more complicated. They needed to blend the porch along with the house while also providing a shield from local insects, summer heat and humidity levels. The slab of concrete even had a slope to provide for rain water to go away and so this needed to be trimmed from the frame's inside to fit into the slope.

Here's a stepwise guide of what these people did:

1. Cutting the paneling: Sheets of paneling of the beadboard ceiling variety were cut into 4x8 feet dimensions. These were primed beforehand.

2. Installation of ceiling fans and panels: With the help of a nail gun the owners were able to quickly install the ceiling panels. It was so much easier that hammer swinging and holding on to the panel! Before the panel was installed fan and light wiring was performed on the ceiling. The fan made it possible to make the porch around 8-10 degrees colder as compared to outdoor temperatures. The light made it possible for the usage of the porch during night time. So while one person would hold the fan another person would connect the wiring and then screw the fan 58Bin place. The finish trim on the ceiling served to camouflage the panel seams.

3. Framing of the porch: Based on the standard sized screens that were installed, the porch frame which measured 2x4 feet was fitted to size. Crosspieces could be directly nailed on to the vertically placed braces or just toenailed into the area.

4. Interior panel attachment: With the help of a staple gun the beadboard paneling comprising pine along with plywood, was secured into the interior. Although level on the topside, the panels needed trimming on the bottom portion in order to fit into the unevenly surfaced concrete flooring. This used to have a slope to provide rain runoff.

5. Levelling and attaching the exterior panel: All the hardboard panels of the exterior were put into place one by one, right from the bottom to the top. The first panel was customized and cut as per the uneven base line of the ground. The usage of a weather resistant type of paint made it possible to maintain exteriors by just using water and soap for color maintenance.

6. Finishing with the screen: All the vinyl grids were directly screwed upon the wood frame. The screens were placed on the channels present on these grids, thus facilitating a stapleless installation of aluminum and fibreglass screens. Upon rolling these screens with a spline on the grid channels, the extra screen was just trimmed off.

Greg Hansward's papers are published on several online publications linked to insulated draperies and insulated curtain fabric. From his detailed writings, he proofed his knowledge on issues dealing with insulated drapes and insulated draperies.

Termite Damage Books

An Introduction To Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding was first introduced to the exterior cladding market in the early 1960s. Today, the U.S. Census Bureau has acknowledged it as the #1 choice of exterior siding in the United States. In fact, twice as many people use it than any other type. However, many people are also unconvinced of manufacturers' claims of durability, beauty, and ease of maintenance. Whether building a new home or renovating an existing residence, there are a few factors to keep in mind when considering a vinyl siding solution.

Vinyl siding is the least expensive and most versatile option compared to others. Wood panels are valued more for their aesthetic appeal while metal panels are more environmentally friendly than vinyl. Composite panels, such as fiber cement are considered more durable as they do not contract and swell as it does.

Vinyl does not actually attach to the side of a house. Instead, it hangs. This is due to the fact that the material will contract and swell in response to temperature changes. Heavy swelling in extreme weather conditions may lead to wavy or curved panels. Also, many people find the gaps left for swelling allowances during installation to be rather unsightly. There is also a risk that water may collect in these gaps (especially at the "J" channels located around doors and windows) and create water damage. This problem may be solved with the use of properly installed flashings, house felt, and/or builder's wrap.

The Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) states that vinyl products certified by them never need to be painted; simply wash occasionally with a soft cloth and garden hose. However, if selecting a vinyl siding, look for UV protection as some consumers do report fading of colors. Also pay attention to the rating of wind resistance that the product has. Most are rated to withstand winds of 110 miles per hour or higher (some warranty over 150 mph winds).

Manufacturers often advertise that this type of paneling is permanent. It is true that vinyl will last a very long time. However, if the paneling is struck by an object (such as a rock thrown by a lawnmower) it may crack. Damage cannot be patched, but it is possible to replace a panel.

Installation of the exterior cladding alters the overall texture and proportions of the house, and in some cases may remove character from historic buildings. In many cases, the original trim and ornamental details are covered or removed. Manufacturers do offer, however, a plethora of colors to choose from, horizontal and vertical panels, shakes, scallops, shi564ngles, fish scales, and beaded designs in various profile widths.

Traditional vinyl siding does not offer much insulation, however the development of insulated vinyl in 1998 makes this a possibility. Insulated vinyl accounts for only a fraction of all vinyl siding sales, but is expected to grow quickly. Not only does it insulate much better, it reduces noise, and has a higher resale value.

There are also environmental and health concerns to be mindful of. Vinyl is made from a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic resin that is a known carcinogen. Although vinyl may be safe while it is on your home, the manufacturing and disposing of vinyl produces toxic fumes, harmful to humans, animals, and the rest of the environment.

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Regal Home Improvement. The home improvement contractor provides high quality home improvements throughout the Richmond, Fredericksburg, Williamsburg, and Charlottesville Virginia areas. For more information on their Home Improvement Contractor please visit their website.

Stair Stringer Bottom

Team Building & Multiple Intelligences

Team building and multiple intelligences, to many people, have as much similarity as a company dinner and an i.q. test. if you are new to multiple intelligence, the following is a brief explanation:

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences surfaced in 1983 when Dr. Howard Gardners renowned book titled, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences was published. Within the next 10 years, educators world wide embraced the theory as a basis to identify talents in the children they work with.

Before that, most people perceived people to be intelligent if they score high in an I.Q. test or other psychometric tests, or are good with logical thinking, mathematical, musical and perhaps, linguistic skills. In his book, which has been described to have caused paradigm shifts, Dr. Gardner identified 7 distinct types of intelligence:

1. Linguistic Intelligence

The talent to learn and use languages, it includes the ability to effectively use language to express oneself rhetorically or poetically, using language as a primary means to remember things. Poets, writers and translators are people with high linguistic intelligence.

2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

The capacity to analyse problems logically, performs mathematical operations, and scientifically investigate issues. Scientists and mathematicians are some examples of people with high logical-mathematical intelligence.

3. Musical Intelligence

Skills in the performing arts, composition, and appreciation of music. It also includes the capacity to recognize and compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms. Examples of people with high musical intelligence are: musicians, composers and singers.

4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

The use of one's whole body or parts of the body to solve problems. It is the ability to use mental abilities to coordinate bodily movements. Some examples of people with high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are carpenters, seamstresses and chefs.

5. Spatial Intelligence

The potential to recognize and use the patterns of wide space and more confined areas. Designers and architects are people with high spatial intelligence.

6. Interpersonal Intelligence

The capacity to understand the intentions, motivations and desires of other people. People with well developed interpersonal intelligence tend to work effectively with others. Some examples are educators, religious and political leaders and salespeople.

7. Intra-personal

The capacity to understand oneself, to appreciate one's feelings, fears and motivations. People with high intra-personal intelligence have a good idea of what they want to do in life, what they can and cannot do and when to get help. Some examples are high achievers and entrepreneurs.

Brief History of team building

No one can be sure how the term team building was formed or when team building first started. The term team building is probably the combination of the words team and building, which means building a team. team building could have started as early as the 1930s, when Professor Elton Mayos research in The Hawthorne Experiments (1927 to 1932) concluded that the need for recognition, security and sense of belonging has a greater effect on workers' morale and productivity than other working conditions.

Today, team building can mean different things to different organisations. To some it may simply mean building cohesion among participants, while to others it may mean improving communication and sharing of information between departments.

So How Does Multiple Intelligence Help team building?

Multiple intelligence has been widely applied to children, particularly in the early detection of talents and gifts in children. So does the theory of multiple intelligence still hold true among adults? Are we able to apply the theory to adults? We began to ask these questions a few years ago when we were helping clients with their team building exercises.

Over the years, we have successfully conducted team building sessions for many corporations, using multiple intelligence in our games, to bring out strengths of different people in different situations, creating an environment to promote mutual respect, understanding and patience with adult participants.

Organisation may define team building in different ways, yet one very basic reason for team building is to get the participants to acknowledge the importance of teamwork and appreciate that people are different.

Dr. Sandy E. Kulkin, founder of Institute for The Motivational Living, Inc, USA (the worlds largest publisher of DISC personality profiling system) once said, People are different, but they are predictably different. Dr. Sandy is an expert in human behaviour and he develops courses, trains and certifies professional trainers in behavioural analysis for personal and business settings. He is a firm believer that in order for us to be better able to work with one another, we need to understand why people behave in the way they do and how they look at things differently from us.

Thus in our view, if we can help participants realise that people are different and see these differences as strengths in the other person, we will be able to help them learn to celebrate the differences, thereby creating mutual respect.

Understanding multiple intelligence helps broaden our perspectives of the people around us. In the context of team building, it uncovers the types of intelligence fellow team mates possess, which may never surface within the office setting. This brings about better understanding among the participants.

Exposing participants to multiple intelligence during team building also creates an environment in which participants share their knowledge in the type of intelligence that they possess with their fellow colleagues; it helps participants to be patient with one another as they take turns to learn from one another.

It can also be a humbling experience when we realise that there are other types of intelligence which may not be well developed in us. Introducing multiple intelligence during team building can also help participants become conscious that if we work as a team, we will be well-equipped to tackle different issues and problems as people who are more developed in different areas of intelligence tend to look at different aspects of an issue. These people will also be better at solving different challenges that the team face.

Here are some of Dr. Howard Gardner's books on Multiple Intelligence:

The Arts and Human Development (1973)
Art, Mind, and Brain: A Cognitive Approach to Creativity (1982)
Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligence (1983)
The Unschooled Mind: How Children Think and How Schools Should Teach (1991)
Multiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice (1993)
Changing the World: A Framework for the Study of Creativity(1994)
Intelligence: Multiple Perspectives (1996)
Intelligence Reframed - Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century (1999)

The article was contributed by Alvin Quah, a certified behavioral analyst(in business consulting perspectives), who is registered with the Institute for The Motivational Living, Inc, USA. He can be contacted through the website: Team Building Singapore

Concrete Tread Attachment To Wood

Basic Brand Building

A brand is the essence of who you are. The more powerful the brand the more memorable you will become. Think about brands that you can identify with. What impresses you about them and what attributes make you remember them? Brand icons didn't get that way over night and many of them have failed because they couldn't "connect" with their audience. Strong brands will stand the test of time.

After you have thought about strong compelling brands that impressed you start building your own brand statement by distilling down your essential core message: Who are you and how do you want people to identify with you? What values do you represent? When people think about you what image do you want them to visualize? Think about what sets you apart from you associates. This is about building your own image so forget the company or business in your personal brand statement.

Now that you have started thinking about your core message consider ways that you can reinforce your brand. Remember YOU are the brand, not your product or service, so this is essentially about you. Where and how can you demonstrate your brand message? When and how can you reinforce your brand?

Your brand needs to be authentic, from the heart; you can't make a brand statement believable about something you are not. When evaluating your brand message it's important to understand your audience who are you trying to impress with you message? What do you want them to remember? You are creating your own "personal buzz" with your brand so the more you can hone in on your audience the better you can craft your message. It?s important to recognize that you can?t be all things to all people so you want to capture your target audience with your message.

Everything you do should have your brand image, whether it?s giving a speech, writing a letter or the message heard on your voice mail. The brand is a living thing, the more you utilize it the more powerful it will become. Building a brand is like using a set of building blocks. One piece doesn't make much of a structure but 20 pieces will. Think about how you can build your brand by adding pieces to enforce the totality of the structure "you." Getting outside opinions helps your cause. When people think about you what assets to they remember? If it?s different than what you are tying to convey then you need to reshape your message.

Take a moment to study the brand messages of people you admire or hope to model. Using the Internet is a great place to do this. Type in the name of the person in quotation on any search engine and see what turns up. It should give you ideas on ways to craft your own message.

Think about how many places you have your name listed on a piece of paper or the Internet. That?s where you should be building your identity here a short list of places you should be making your brand shine.

Voice mail
Business cards
Stationery
Email address & SIG file
Personal website
Press releases

Personal branding will help you stand apart from your competition. Whatever the circumstances your brand can only enhance your identification in the marketplace. Keep on refining and honing your brand message as you become more comfortable with whom you are.

Recognized Packaging Guru and Chief People Packager JoAnn R. Hines unlocks the secrets that propelled her career from anonymity to world recognized leader. This indispensable workbook will show you specific ways to accomplish your personal branding goals and launch your career into the stratosphere. We have done all the work for you with guidelines, cheat sheets and easy-to-use templates to customize for your own use.

"The Packaging Yourself Workbook" is the only career workbook you will ever need!

This workbook cuts through the clutter in a simplified, straightforward manner and drastically reduces the time it takes to build your personal brand.

The "Packaging Yourself Workbook" is $29.95 plus shipping and handling. Place your order @ http://packaginguniversity.com/pkgustorefront.htm

Don't take my word for it. Hear what Linda has to say "JoAnn provided me with the no-nonsense approach I was lacking in my business. I needed new and fresh ways to promote my business; and JoAnn helped me focus on goal setting and finding concrete ways to reach my target audience.>

Osb Nailed On Side Of Stair

DIY Deck Building

When planning your deck building, you will want to look carefully at the deck railing choices that are available. Many people choose to build a deck themselves as a project, because a deck can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. It also adds value to your home and may even be a focal point of your home. A deck will also give you a great place to entertain during the warmer months.

Deck railing comes in many different styles, sizes, and designs. You will want to make sure that the deck railing that you choose blends with the deck pattern that you have chosen. Planning and preparation is an essential part of your deck planning and building. If you prepare and plan carefully, you will find that a deck can give you years of fun and enjoyment.

Things to Consider

Here are some things that you need to consider when choosing which deck and railing pattern that you are going to us:

Location You first need to determine where you are going to build your deck. The size of your home and how it is located on your land will have a big impact upon your deck placement. You need to remember that you may have several options for your deck, including enclosing the deck for privacy or making a walkway to your deck.

Climate The climate of the area that you live in is also very important. A moist environment will dictate what kind of material that will work best for your deck railings and deck.

Style You want to choose a deck that will enhance the look of your home. For example, you will not want to put a traditional, colonial railing on a home with a contemporary style. Be certain that you keep the style of your home in mind when looking at patterns for your deck and rails.

Size The rails that you choose will be dependent upon the size and shape of your deck. You want to check with your local government, neighborhood covenant, or homeowners association because there may be limits on the size of deck and the design of the deck that you can build in your yard. If you build against their wishes, then you could be looking at steep fines or you may have to tear down your deck and rebuild it according to their specifications.

Shape Consider the shape of your desired deck when you are looking for a deck plan. You can usually find plans for almost any shape of deck, but you will want to carefully look at the plans to make sure that it meets your desires.

Preparation is the key to finding the best deck and railing pattern for your particular yard and desires. By simply doing some preparation and planning, you will find that your deck choice can give you years of fun and enjoyment.

Andrew Caxton contributes adding long articles on deck plans for http://www.deck-porch-railings.com A website with tips on deck railing plans

Structural Repair

Highrises - Fact, Fiction, Fun, and For Sale

Unlike the term "skyscraper", the term "highrise" has a fairly widely accepted definition, though the definition DOES vary somewhat depending on the perspective of the definer. According to Emporis, a real estate data firm headquartered in Germany, a highrise is a multi-storied building with a minimum of 12 floors, OR reaching a height of at least 115 feet. While these are probably the most widely accepted requirements, there are others.

The International Conference on Fire Safety in High-Rise Buildings defines a highrise as "any structure where the height can have a serious impact on evacuation", while many in the construction industry consider anything between 75 - 491 feet a highrise, and anything over 492 a skyscraper. Regardless of the minimum height, the maximum height is going UP all the time, so, if living above the city - or even above the clouds - is you thing, read on.

Highrise history goes back a long way, back at least to the Romans who had buildings up to 8 stories high, despite the fact that technology did not allow for water to be pumped up that far. Walled cities in the middle ages meant city space was limited, giving "rise" to highrises from 11 to 14 stories in 16th century Britain. One of the big drawbacks about these historic highrises was the obvious lack of elevators, forcing the unlucky residents to climb many, many steps. The 202 foot London Monument, completed in 1677 (and still standing!), has 311 steps winding up its spiral staircase, while Toronto's CN Tower, completed in 1976 boasts a ridiculous 2,579 stairs - the tallest metal staircase in the world! Not surprisingly, it was the invention of elevators, along with water pumps, steel, and steel-reinforced concrete that gave us the modern highrise.

Steel was very important in the development of the highrise. In 1884 Architect William Le Baron Jenney designed a building whose entire weight was supported by a steel frame. It was Chicago's Home Insurance Building, only ten stories high, but the first of its kind: the world's first skyscraper. At around this time, England was also building towers and highrises, including Shell Mex House which actually measured taller than the Home Insurance Building. A complaint from Queen Victoria soon put a stop to English highrises, however, but by this time Chicago's attention had turned eastward, to what would become the tallest city in America.

While Chicago has the tallest building in the U.S. (the Sears Tower - 1,729 ft) New York City has the most tall buildings - a whopping 195 buildings OVER 492 feet. And while New York will be challenging Chicago's tallest building title with the construction of Freedom Tower (1,776 ft), Chicago will trump that in 2010 with the construction of the Chicago Spire (2,000 ft.). And on it goes. While Chicago and New York have the tallest and the best, most North American cities have a couple of noteworthy skyscrapers. San Francisco has the regal Trans America Pyramid, Atlanta has the 1023 foot Bank of America Plaza, Philadelphia has the new deco style One Liberty Place, and Cleveland - yes, even Cleveland - has the lofty Key Tower.

While the bigger skyscrapers have traditionally been built as a combination of office space and a massive symbol of a city's economic power, today, many of the nation's tallest buildings offer condominium and loft space. Some, like Chicago's Spire, with 1,200 luxury condos, are completely residential, others, are a mix of condos, hotel suites, and retail space. Las Vegas's City Center is a prime example of the latter type of real estate development: four unique and spectacular towers, offering a range of luxurious condos atop 500,000 square feet of retail space, services and amenities. These are just some of the more extravagant examples of the types of amazing homes available today in America's highrises.

Brian Enright is a representative of Highrises.com your first stop for Chicago Condos and Las Vegas Condos. Highrises.com provides customers with all the information they could ever need to find the perfect highrise condo.

2 X 12 Shower Pan Framing Blocks

How Packaging Can Transform An Industry

Some industries are keeping current with innovative packaging technologies better than others. Packaging innovation can move your business from a commodity driven product into a premium product category. Not only that, it can build sales and create its own unique niche with little or no competition. Entire new categories of product have been created around a single niche market that may not have existed a few years ago.

Why are so many companies not paying attention to this? They rely on the old industry standbys or packaging campaigns that are "tired" and "trite." Businesses tend to stay with the tired campaign and then wonder why sales are in a slump, or at the best, a status quo. Competition is fierce in the retail environment whatever the product. Its not enough to just create a new product or revitalize an old one you have to get it to SELL too. That's where packaging comes into play. It is your best sales tool. It needs to capture the consumers attention while informing them about the contents.

A good example of creative thinking in packaging is how the wine industry is transforming packaging innovation into more sales. They have explored several options and created products based around an unfulfilled need. They have redesigned and created new packaging that satisfies the consumers wants and desires. This is creating a demand in previously untapped markets. They are creating brands with a synergistic approach, new bottles, new packaging materials, new shapes, new labels, new dispensing features, new closures, and consequently new customers.

Here are a few examples of how the wine industry is meeting consumers needs.

The Trend: Convenience and Portability
Wine packages that can go places glass packaging can't go. There are a lot of restrictions on glass packaging. Wine has created new packages made from paper and other materials that can be easily transported and are non breakable. They also have developed a whole new market of single serve package products.

The Trend: Marketing to Women
They are now marketing to largest consumer demographic. Women purchase more wine than men yet the packaging was never geared toward women. Many new offerings have appeared capitalizing on "feminine" appeal.

The Trend: Socialization
This approach takes wine out of the category of fine dining or serving only at a special occasion. The new packages are adding to wine drinking becoming a fun experience and a part of every day life by introducing funky labels and memorable characters. The array of wine labels with an animal theme is quite astounding.

The Trend: Luxury Market
The luxury market is booming while some brands are down scaling product packaging others are moving up to more luxurious packaging. The industry is working to keep wine equated with the luxury experience.

Whatever the trend in your industry, you can capitalize on it with your product packaging. Think about an unfulfilled need and how your product packaging can capture that consumer. Don't get caught with slumping sales by not staying on top of consumer trends. Pay attention to the consumer. They know your business and might be the driver in transforming sales into profits though product packaging.

If you have an example of packaging that created increased sales through a package design change, please let me know. I'm working on an article on the subject and would love your input. Email me at PackagingDiva@aol.com

Don't wait until its too late. Make packaging your first thought--not your last.

I get hundreds of inquiries a month asking how to package products. Most of the time, they are in crisis mode because they did not think about the package until crunch time. I just got a call from an entrepreneur whose packaging was a disaster. She never thought about the role packaging plays in her products success until her retailer said "NO WAY" to her product packaging. She had to start over. As a result, she lost a great deal of money in the process.

To help others learn that lesson before it is too late, I have come up with a basic workshop offering education on packaging products to sell. Whether you are an entrepreneur, inventor, work from home mom, or a small business person with an idea or product it is imperative to understand the role packaging plays in a successful product launch. Packaging 101it is simple and offers the basics of what you need to know.

The "Nuts and Bolts" of how product packaging works and "How To" of packaging. Visit http://www.packaginguniversity.com.

Eight Foot Long Shear Panel Wall