Monthly Archives: July 2011

Suspended Ceilings – Why Should You Install Them

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Is your existing ceiling looking damaged and cluttered with pipe works and wires? Well why don’t you think about getting suspended ceilings installed? What are suspended ceilings? Well if this is what you are saying then read on to find out.

Suspended ceilings are like an extension to your existing ceiling, they are built up of a grid made of metal which is suspended from the existing ceiling by a set of wires. Once the grid is set up, tile panels are placed into metal channels in the grid, they all fit into place and make the ceiling solid and in place. This is what suspended ceilings are made up of, you will usually see ceilings like this placed in big offices or buildings as such to hide all their air ducts and wiring etc.

There are plenty of reasons why you should choose to install suspended ceilings over other types, read on to find out what these are.

Suspended ceilings are typically installed to cover up air ducts, piping, wires and any other objects that are cluttering up the ceiling areas. Other reasons for installing suspended ceilings include sound absorption, insulation and levelling.

Suspended ceilings have come a long way since they first started being used and now a main reason why they are installed is for sound absorption, there are a lot of different tiles that you can put into the grid that are brilliant for sound control. If the room is going to be loud and you do not want the sound travelling far then these sorts of tiles will suck all the sound in making your room practically sound proof.

Also you may find that you want to add some insulation to your ceiling as there is now a ceiling void above you, there are a few things that you can use in you suspended ceilings to offer more insulation including foam but there are also special tiles that you can buy which will provide all the insulation you need.

The next reason for installing suspended ceilings is to help with levelling; if you have an uneven ceiling existing at the moment then you can add a suspended ceiling which can be easily changed so that the ceiling is level. All you need to do is get the grid adjusted on installation to the correct height you want. Suspended ceilings are great in this way that they can be adjusted to practically any height.

Once you have your suspended ceilings installed you don’t have to be stuck with a completely closed ceiling of white panels, oh no, you can do so much with the panels and add in what you like, read on for a few examples.

You could add in fluorescent light panels that will give you light, these come in so many different varieties you will have problems deciding which ones you want, you don’t have to install the fluorescent lights only, you can add other methods of light as long as they are securely attached to the grid.

Next suspended ceilings can be changed from just white; you can get panels with all sorts of designs, colours and shapes on that will brighten up your room. If you are going to paint your tiles then you should make sure that you use latex paint to get a professional and decent finish.

Deciphering the Murphy Bed Mechanism Market

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When you decide to add a Murphy bed into your home, determining exactly what you want and where to find it can seem a daunting task. It is important to consider each aspect of a Murphy bed individually, to ensure that the product you purchase is exactly what you are looking for. One of the first factors to take into consideration when determining what type of Murphy bed is right for you is the mechanism used. The mechanism in a Murphy bed is the most basic element of its construction, as the mechanism dictates nearly all of the facets of the bed’s structure. There are several different types of mechanisms, as well as a number of manufacturers producing beds for each type. The two main varieties of Murphy bed mechanisms are spring mechanisms and piston mechanisms. Each style has unique qualities, and can be essential in your decision making process.

Spring Mechanisms

Spring mechanisms are part of the traditional Murphy bed system. They usually consist of a heavy duty compressed steel spring system that may or may not be concealed within the frame of the Murphy bed.

Integration into Cabinetry

When concealed within the framework of the Murphy bed, the spring mechanism may require specialized cabinetry, such as bi-fold doors or cabinets, which can hinder the use of other storage pieces adjacent to the Murphy bed.

Adjusting/Sagging

Spring mechanisms are counter balanced, and enhance the ease of lowering and lifting your Murphy bed. These springs may require adjustment after several years of use, as the springs can fatigue and stretch over time. This fatigue may lead to the Murphy bed sagging out of the frame if not adjusted. The ability to adjust the mechanism does, however, give you the opportunity to dictate the level of tension in the springs, which is impossible in systems utilizing piston mechanisms.

Piston Mechanisms

The second main type of mechanism used in Murphy bed systems is the piston mechanism. These pistons generally utilize either gas or air pressure in their function, and provide generous support when raising and lowering the Murphy bed.

Locks

A benefit to choosing a Murphy bed that operates with a piston mechanism is the use of a locking device. These locks keep the Murphy bed securely inside of the cabinet when not in use and are a valuable safety feature. Murphy bed systems that utilize piston mechanism experience a much lower possibility of fatigue and sagging, which significantly extends the longevity of the product.

Zero-Adjustment

These mechanisms require no adjustment, and are concealed within the frame of the Murphy bed. Because pistons cannot be adjusted, however, proper installation is crucial to promote the longevity of the mechanism, as piston mechanisms cannot be adjusted once installed. Determining which type of Murphy bed mechanism is right for you and your home can seem a difficult task. It is important to take your time when deciding, and to explore all of the possible options before making your final decisions.

The Amish Furniture Making Tradition

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To understand and appreciate the tradition of Amish handcrafted furniture, one first has to understand the Amish traditions, their beliefs and their way of life. It is this that makes it possible for us as consumers to enjoy high quality Amish furniture which is both stylish with classic lines which never go out of fashion and durable so that it lasts literally for generations.

The Amish movement takes its name from Jakob Amman, a Swiss Brethren leader and they have their communities predominantly in the Pennsylvania region. The Amish have certain practices and beliefs called Demut and Gelassenheit which preclude self promotion, which is why, Amish furniture is not sold directly by the Amish on the many online sites that you may see; rather it is sold thru a retailer or a middleman. Amish made furniture also places very little reliance on automated methods of furniture making or labor saving devices. All the things that may cultivate personal vanity, spark competition among the members of the community or reduce interdependence among members are generally eschewed.

The Amish also tend to minimize contact with the general mainstream populace and they prefer to work at home, which is why their workshops typically have technologically unadvanced or low tech tools and machinery. Also because of their beliefs that keep them away from advanced technology the Amish are generally engaged in arts and crafts and ply simple trades such as these.

Further Amish handcrafted furniture is characteristic for the fact that is made the good old fashioned way and is devoid of the assembly line sameness that characterizes other generic furniture. The Amish value manual labor and thrift and regard these as great virtues. The use of labor saving devices is generally frowned upon and the Amish strive to live in harmony with nature living close to and living off the bounty of the earth. The society is predominantly agrarian and rural.

In fact because of their old fashioned way of making furniture, Amish furniture can easily pass off as heirlooms or pieces of valuable antique furniture. While it is true that Amish handcrafted furniture is made using hand tools like block planes, hand drills, buck saws etc, tools such as planers, drill presses, table saws and a few other kinds of equipment are also used. However, the older order Amish eschew even these few aids and make furniture in the really old fashioned way that takes a long time to make. However, since furniture made only with hand tools takes such a long time to make, it is rarely to be found in shops.

Amish oak furniture is famous because the Amish have a great love for natural wood, typically hard wood which can be used to make really long lasting furniture. So this use of natural (as opposed to particle board or osb) wood is also something that sets the Amish furniture making tradition apart from commonly available, modern furniture. Where furniture is concerned, quality can often be sacrificed for the sake of speed or lowering costs which may turn out to be expensive in the long run. Amish made furniture is long lasting enough to pay for itself in the long run!