Do you love the look and durability of tropical hardwoods but hate the idea of destroying the rainforest? The Norwegian based company Kebony has found a solution. Their "kebonization" process is a non-toxic treatment that gives softwoods that exist outside of the rainforest like maple and pine the strength of teak and ipe.
The kebonization process involves soaking the wood in furfuryl alcohol, a waste byproduct from sugar cane, that is completely non-toxic, unlike other pressure treating methods. The resulting wood can be used for siding, roofs and decking and is so strong the company claims roofs built using it can last 30 years.
Alas, the company has not yet opened an American office. Until then, the material must be imported from Europe. Kebony, come to the U.S.!
I have to tell you about a product that saved my butt last weekend. Here's the scene: It's a beautiful Saturday in late August, the Bluefish are running, the boat is gassed up, and out of no where my wife requests that I clean the exterior garage door seals. "I'm sorry, the what?" I didn't even know we had such things.
After they were enthusiastically pointed out, I could see they were stained, covered in mold, and discolored by years of weather. I told her it was a great look -- they have a rustic feel. This fell on deaf ears so I hurried to fill a bucket with soapy water and scrubbed as the Bluefish ran without me. Useless. So I dug through our cleaning supplies and found a bottle of CLR (Calcium Lime Rust remover) we once used on rust stains in our bathroom. I followed the directions (spray, let soak, wipe, and rinse), and in no time the EGDS (exterior garage door seals, we're on a nick-name basis now) were like new -- and I was off.
Check out my before and after pictures. This stuff was amazing. Tip: It's a pretty strong solution, so wear gloves and don't let it near your face. Have you had any mold and dirt breakthroughs lately? Let us know your tips.
A recall of composite decks made by Louisiana-Pacific was recently announced because the decks can deteriorate and break, posing a fall hazard. There have been 37 reports of the decks breaking resulting in 14 injuries, including a broken wrist, sprained ankle and minor lacerations. The recall includes deck board and railings sold under the brand names LP WeatherBest®, ABTCo. and Veranda®. The decking was sold at the Home Depot and building product dealers nationwide from January 2005 to August 2008. Affected consumers should contact LP for a free inspection at (888) 325-1184. If the decking has premature deterioration, LP will arrange for a free replacement.
I live in Florida, the wood rot capital of the U.S. Occasionally we lose the title to Louisiana. But like basketball and football, we are always contenders. My neighbor who has a wood fence surrounding his property would do well to look at a new product that was introduced to me. It reduces rot because the 4 x 4s he uses would not be in direct contact with the ground. And once they do start to rot (not an option in Florida), the pole can be slipped out of the sleeve and replaced in a jiffy.
Home improvement projects are great. After all, who wouldn’t want to improve the beauty and value of their home every once in a while? The trouble is, updating a home can really put a dent in your bank account. Making an educated and economical decision is everything when it comes to home improvement. Here are seven smart home improvements provided by one of our favorite blogs, the Money Pit:
1) Replace kitchen countertops (Recycled and composite surfaces are available) 2) Remodel your bathroom for comfort and safety 3) Paint! 4) Construct a deck or patio 5) Improve your front yard landscaping 6) Improve your home’s energy efficiency 7) Organize your home
These steps are both easy to do and cost efficient. Each one can be completed for under $1,000. So, whenever you are ready to take your home to the next level, remember these seven tips. Your home will be forever grateful.
When I think of patio covers, I think of a small patch of shade that will be used a few times each summer. Solara’s patio covers do so much more than that, though. The biggest improvement is that you can open and close this cover much like window blinds. Each of the louvers can be angled (via remote control) anywhere from 130 degrees to completely shut at 0 degrees. It is also divided into two sections. While one section is open for grilling, the other can be closed for sitting. Solara’s patio covers are also made of recycled aluminum, making them easy to maintain.
I love the deck at our house. It’s the perfect place for a meal, a book or just chillin’. To keep a deck in shape, you have to spend a little time with it, though. Every year, you should check for damaged boards and be prepared to replace some. The structural supports also need to be checked for signs of insect or animal damage. For the final touch, you need to clean your deck. This includes picking up loose bolts and nails, pressure washing and re-sealing or re-staining. This may sound like a lot, but it is really worth it to keep your deck in prime condition. For more details on deck maintenance, check out "Deck Maintenance: Sealing and Staining."
