House Design News
| Helpful Hints for Replacing Your Garage Door Posted: 15 Aug 2014 12:34 PM PDT 
With seven out of 10 Americans using the garage door as their primary entrance to the house, choosing the correct replacement door is a decision that should be carefully considered. The type of door, the material of the door, the reason for replacement, as well as the cost should all be considered when purchasing a new garage door. There are many reasons why garage doors are replaced. Some reasons include:
• It does not properly operate
• It presents as a hazard to the users
• It does not offer the desired level of security
• It does not offer the convenience of a keypad
• It does not enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home Whatever the reason for replacement, there are several options the individual should consider. Garage doors come in wood, steel, aluminum, and sometimes a combination of different materials. In addition, they come in 4 basic styles: swing out, swing up, roll up, and slide to the side. Wooden Garage Doors
Wooden doors offer the greatest customization; they can be painted or stained in any color desired. They are very beautiful, offering an aesthetic appeal other materials can only pretend to imitate. The downside, though, is that they are often expensive and they require upkeep; they must be refinished and repainted often. Steel Garage Doors
Steel doors, while not as beautiful to some homeowners, are durable and require little maintenance. They are relatively inexpensive and, to help alleviate some scratches and dents that may occur, there is the option of a fiberglass overlay. A fiberglass overlay will help prevent scratches and dents form marring the surface of the door; however, the overlay will require maintenance in the form of repainting or re-staining, since the color will fade over time. When purchasing a steel door it is important to remember that the smaller the gauge, the stronger the door: a 24 gauge door will be stronger than a 27 gauge door. Aluminum Garage Doors
Aluminum doors offer a rugged look, which is also rustproof. In addition, because they are very light they are suitable for use on an extra-wide double door. They don’t require much maintenance but they are expensive—sometimes as much as $10,000. Multiple Material Garage Doors
Some doors are made of multiple materials, often to lower the price. Such doors include lightweight wooden frames that are packed with foam insulation and enclosed in a hardboard or plywood skin. Other combination doors include those with an aluminum frame that surround high-density polyethylene panels.  |
| Wedding Arch Ideas Posted: 15 Aug 2014 12:34 AM PDT When planning your wedding you may be considering adding a wedding arch for you and your loved one to stand in front of when exchanging your vows. Wedding arches are a nice addition because they ensure that you are properly centered in front of your guests, and they make an excellent backdrop for wedding photos. When it comes to arches you have many different types of materials, décor, and shapes to choose from. If you are searching for the perfect arch for your special day here are a few ideas to consider. 
Traditional Arch
A traditional rounded arch is a nice option that can be decorated with flowers, ribbons, and embellishments in your wedding colors. You can choose from pre-made wooden or iron arches, or you can have an arch made out of a natural material such as twigs found in the forest. The base of the most traditional arches is often painted white, or a gray or black metallic color. You can cover your arch almost completely to disguise the material it is made from, or allow the material to be part of your décor.
Draped Arch
Another option to consider is an arch draped with flowing chiffon and fabrics. Draped arches can be made out of the same materials as traditional arches, they just take on a much different shape. Some draped arches are part of a canopy with four legs, while others have two legs. The legs of your arch can be statement pieces like columns, or made with a fairly slender design. While the drapery will be your primary decoration, you can further embellish the top and corners of your draped arch with flowers, ribbons, and other decorations. Wooden Pergola
If you will be getting married in a warm climate you may be looking for a way to create a beautiful focal point that will also provide shade. The last thing you want to be doing on your wedding day is sweating in your dress or tux. This would not only be uncomfortable, it would be apparent in the wedding photos you want to cherish for years to come. An elegant way to achieve shade is to have a wooden pergola built. Wooden pergolas can be left their natural wood color or painted any color you desire. You can weave vines, greenery, and flowers in between the wood to further create shade. You can even use the techniques mentioned above to frame and soften the edges of its square shape. Eclectic Arch
Most wedding arches are pre-made or are custom made in traditional styles. If you are looking for a way to create an arch but want to use nontraditional or repurposed materials to create an unexpected arch you have many options to choose from. Consider using old doors to create a decorative screen, wooden ladders to create an arch with unique shelves, or combine multiple repurposed materials to create a custom arch. You can even string outdoor lights or lanterns from your arch to give it a soft illumination. Whether your wedding is classic, elegant, artsy, high-end, or low-budget, a wedding arch is the ideal place to exchange your vows. Article written by Jaret Miret, (new) husband and home handyman. Jared built his own wedding arch, but recommends you check out Wood Crafters, your leader for pergolas in Houston for both special events and just to improve your home.  |
