home improvement and landscaping show 2013

A special supplement to The Daily Nonpareil

Get your home ready for spring

See Page 2F

Popular trends in home renovation

See Page 3F

Cost-effective and eco-friendly improvements

See 0F

Home ImprovementHome ImprovementSunday, February 17, 2013

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Mike [email protected]

Spring is almost here (cheer cheer), so it’s time to get your home ready for warmer weather.

Area heating and air condi-tioning specialists suggest hav-ing a certified technician give your AC a check-up – and your heater before winter – annually to ensure efficiency.

“The main thing is to keep the filter changed and have your AC and furnace serviced and cleaned at least once a year,” said Randy Mass, owner of RJ Nelson Company, Heating and Air Conditioning. “It keeps air flowing well. If your coils or filter are dirty, air doesn’t flow prop-erly and could cause efficiency problems that cut down on the life-expectancy of equipment.”

Travis Waldstein, owner of Aire Serv Heating & AC of Southwest Iowa, agreed.

“Coming into spring time, it’ll be good to have someone out to do preventative maintenance,” said Waldstein. “Make sure everything’s in tip top shape.”

There are some things home-owners can do in advance of hav-ing a professional come out.

Phil Brainard with Phil’s Comfort Zone said homeowners should go outside to remove any sticks, leaves or debris from their air conditioner. He also noted residents should turn off their humidifiers when they switch

from their heater to AC.“In the winter time, you want

to add humidity, but in sum-mer you want to pull it off,” he said. “Most units, if hooked up correctly, won’t come on in the summer anyway. Don’t want to add humidity to the house. But I have run across that before where people had a humidifier and the AC running.”

Consumer website Angie’s List offered a few other tips, including:

1. Open the vents under your house if it has a pier and beam foundation.

2. Wash the exterior con-denser unit off with a hose, removing dirt and debris from the fin area.

3. Using a mild solution of soap and water can help remove stuck-on grime.

4. Do not bend the fins with the water or any hard object.

5. Change your system filter at least once each month.

6. Inspect duct work or have it inspected by an AC company.

Waldstein noted that preven-tative maintenance is especially important this year. He noted air conditioning units that run on R-22, better known by the brand name Freon, could be in trouble.

The coolant is being phased out as part of the Montreal Protocol, a 1987 environmen-tal treaty. The Environmental Protection Agency has set the amount of R-22 manufacturers can produce at 40 percent lower than allowable levels two years ago, driving up the price of the refrigerant and causing fears of a shortage.

For homeowners with older systems, that means a leak could cost a lot more.

“This is a big issue coming up this spring,” Waldstein said. “You don’t necessarily have to replace it, but preventive maintenance is important. Preventive mainte-

nance is key.“You need to make sure you

don’t have any leaks. If you’ve had leaks in the past it’s more important than ever to get it looked it.”

Newer systems and any older systems that have been upgraded likely use R-410A, a coolant in adequate supply.

For more information on Aire Serv, go to swiowa.aireserv.com. Waldstein noted the company offers service 24 hours per day, doesn’t charge overtime and “you’ll know the price before we do repairs.”

For more information on Phil’s Comfort Zone, go to philscomfortzone.com. Started in 2009, the company features a technician with 25 years in the industry.

And for more information on RJ Nelson, go to rjnelsonco.com. Mass said the company offers a variety of services and features employees with a combined 90 years of experience.

2F Sunday, February 17, 2013 The Daily NonpareilHome SHow 2013

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Get your home ready for spring

RJ Nelson Company, Heat-ing and Air Conditioning employee Jeff Maguire prepares ducting for an air conditioning unit inside the basement of a Council Bluffs home Tuesday. The owner of the company, Randy Mass, suggests having your AC and furnace serviced and cleaned at least once a year to ensure efficiency. Below, Aire Serv AC owner Travis Waldstein holds a new air conditioner filter, left, and an old filter for comparison outside East-side Christian Church in Council Bluffs Tuesday. Aire Serv AC installs and maintains heating and air conditioning units.

Staff photos/Kyle Bruggeman

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Popular trends in home renovation

TIM [email protected]

When it comes to home renovation, the retro look is coming back.

“A lot of people are going back to black or dark wood stains,” said local Realtor Michelle Heirs.

She was referring darker woods used for kitchen cabinets, trims, even floor plans. The look was popular in the 1970s.

“People are getting away from traditional golden oak look. Retro is coming back.”

More and more people are renovating their homes, Heirs said.Indeed they are. In 2012, there were 2,708 permits issued

through the city’s Building Division for some sort of home reno-vation or alteration. While necessary repairs from the 2011 flood may have been a reason, the total number of these permits far surpassed the 108 permits issued for new single-family home construction.

“There are a lot of people putting money into their homes,” Heirs said. “Economy has played a role.” Submitted photo

Open floor plans have the kitchen being open to the living room area, as opposed to having walls and doors separating the two. An open look is ideal for those who entertain or have frequent family or large gathering events.TRENDS/See Page 7F

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Dr. Ty Dworak opened Bluffs Family Chiropractic in 2011. Dworak said unlike conventional medicine, which focuses on attempting to treat disease once it occurs, the chiroprac-tic care offered at Bluffs Family Chiropractic emphasizes the importance of improving your health in an effort to reduce the risk of pain and illness in the first place.

Chiropractic care on display at Home Show

Chad [email protected]

Whether you suffer from back pain, neck pain, headaches, or even just plain old muscular tightness and tension, you might want to stop and see the Bluffs Family Chiropractic booth at the upcoming 11th Annual Council Bluffs Home Improvement and Landscaping Show.

For people not sure exactly what chiropractors can do to help tune the body, the Home Show will provide an opportu-nity to see it up close.

Dr. Ty Dworak opened Bluffs Family Chiropractic in 2011. A magna cum laude doctorate of chiropractic graduate of the Logan College of Chiropractic, Dworak is board certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners in both Chiroprac-

tic and Physiotherapy and is a member of the Iowa Chiroprac-tic Society and the American Chiropractic Association.

Dworak said unlike conven-tional medicine, which focuses on attempting to treat disease once it occurs, the chiropractic care offered at Bluffs Family Chiropractic emphasizes the importance of improving your health in an effort to reduce the risk of pain and illness in the first place.

Given the option, most people would prefer to be healthy and avoid illness if possible, and chi-ropractic care can help those people achieve their health and wellness goals.

For those patients who may already be in pain, chiropractic

PAIN/See Page 7F

Mobilis: Making homes more accessible since 2002

tim [email protected]

You probably know Mobi-lis Home Medical Equipment offers devices to help ensure personal mobility, but you might not know that the busi-ness also removes barriers to provide accessibility in individ-uals’ homes.

Mobilis, 2701 W. Broadway, will have a booth at this year’s Home Show.

“This is our second year at this home show,” said Colleen Brabec, office manager. “We had a great show last year.”

The booth will feature stair lifts, walk-in tubs, ramps and other products, she said.

Mobilis is just as busy pro-viding services as it is selling equipment, Brabec said.

“We generally are doing home modifications for more accessibility,” she said.

“We do a full home assess-ment and look at their needs and what they’re trying to do and find the best way to restore their home accessibility.”

That usually involves install-ing walk-in tubs and ramps and widening doorways, among other things, Brabec said.

The locally owned and oper-

ated store sells personal mobil-ity devices ranging from canes and walkers to wheelchairs and power chairs, she said. It also handles lift chairs, stair lifts and vehicle lifts and services mobility equipment. Financing is available for items not cov-ered by Medicare, Medicaid or insurance.

“Everything we sell, we ser-vice,” she said.

Mobilis was founded in 2002, primarily as a repair and ser-vice center for the Western Iowa and Nebraska Veterans Home, a history on the firm’s website states. The business expanded in August 2006 to serve Medi-care, Medicaid and insured cli-ents. In November 2007, Mobi-lis was accredited by the Joint

Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. The staff has more than 25 years of experience in home medical equipment, power mobility and assistive technology services.

Mobilis still does a lot of business with the VA, Brabec said.

“We issue all of their medi-cal equipment – power chairs, wheelchairs, vehicle lifts, home modifications,” she said.

Some of it goes to the VA facility, and some goes to the private homes of individual vet-erans, Brabec said.

“Most of it is to try to provide

MOBILIS/See Page 7F

The Daily Nonpareil Sunday, February 17, 2013 5F

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Ashlee [email protected]

Spring is just around the cor-ner - and that means the start of new home projects.

For some people, that means finally getting started on fin-ishing that basement project they’ve been putting off. Here are some tips for those looking to start a basement project in the near future.

The first step, according to Jeremy Seier, total basement finish production manager at Thrasher Basement Systems Inc. in Omaha, is looking at the house’s foundation.

“The first thing we do is make sure the foundation is in good shape and there are no issues as far as cracks, bow-ing or settlement going on,” he said. “Those issues need to be addressed to start off. There’s a common misconception that all basement problems are really expensive but that’s not always true. Some are very minor but should be taken care of before-hand.”

The next step is figuring out a game plan for the basement. Seier said people should keep in mind what they’re wanting to use the finished space for, whether it’s a place to put an extra bedroom or two, another bathroom, a storage area or an open “living room” area. What a person decides will greatly affect the cost of the project.

“If you’re putting in more bedrooms, the more materials you’ll have to use and the more expensive it gets,” Seier said. “If you’re planning on putting a bathroom in and have existing plumbing rough-ins downstairs, it’s a lot easier to put that bath-room in. If you don’t, it’s a bigger process to install the plumbing.”

The next step involves look-ing at any moisture issues com-monly seen in basements. These include domestic leaks from toi-lets or broken water pipes and can result in condensation and mold on or in walls, insulation and under flooring.

“On a national average, a basement will have a domestic leak once every seven years,” Seier said. “It happens more than people think – so consider the materials you’re putting in the basement. You want to fin-

ish (a basement) once. You don’t want to have to go back and refinish it after it gets wet.”

In addition to domestic leaks, moisture issues are also caused by rain water, as well as directly from the ground.

Seier said basements have a “stack effect,” which happens when hot air leaves a home and, inadvertently, new air is pulled back up through the basement, which brings with it moisture from the ground.

Moisture issues greatly influ-

ence the types of materials used in finishing a basement. The “musty” smell sometimes associ-ated with basements can come from the breakdown of organic materials, such as wood and drywall. Seier suggests using metal studs and inorganic mate-rials, such as ceramic compos-ite concrete instead of drywall. This is similar to drywall in that it’s half an inch thick and can be purchased as paintable or pre-finished panels. He also suggests using a type of polyvi-nyl chloride (or PVC) as base-ment trim instead of wood and a closed cell insulation such as SilverGlo, which is resistant to water, mold, termites and fire. Homeowners can also buy dif-ferent types of raised floor tiles to reduce the amount of mois-ture trapped under the floor.

Another way to help reduce moisture issues is to invest in a dehumidification system, such as the SaniDry Basement Dehu-midifier.

Seier said homes not only pull in moisture but radon as well – so it’s also important to have a radon test performed in a home.

Radon, which is a radioactive colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, is caused by the natural breakdown of uranium and tho-rium in the ground, Seier said. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends basements be checked for radon once every two years. Radon test kits can be purchased commercially at places such as Lowe’s or Home Depot.

“The EPA recommends you

keep basements below four pico-curies,” he said. “If it’s above a four, they recommend putting a mitigation system in. That includes coring a hole in the concrete, putting a piece of PVC down and hooking it to a fan that constantly pumps air out of the home. It pulls the radon gas from underneath the house before it can get in the house.”

Thrasher Basement provides free, in-home consultations to assist in radon removal and radon mitigation for homes. The company also has radon techni-cians to install radon mitigation systems.

Overall, creating a beauti-

fully finished basement that will stand the test of time is depen-dent on taking care of and fix-ing issues regarding foundation, moisture and radon testing first. Once these are safely taken care of, the possibilities for a base-ment – including design, set-up, electricity and lighting – are endless, Seier said.

“Take care of those issues first – especially moisture issues – before you finish,” Seier said. “It’s important to protect the investment you’re making.”

For more information on fin-ishing a basement, visit thrash-erbasement.com or call (402) 393-8803.


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Homeowners looking to fin-ish their basement can visit the basement show room at Thrasher Basement Systems in Omaha for ideas to cre-ate the perfect living area. But before finishing can be started, homeowners should be aware of foundation, moisture and radon issues in a basement. These types of issues should be fixed first, experts at Thrasher say.

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Heirs knows a lot about remolding because her husband, Dave, is owner of Dave’s Do-It-All Remodeling. As the name suggests, the company can remodel bathrooms, kitchens, hang doors, roofing, repair gut-ters, replace siding and windows and more.

When it comes to siding and windows in particular, Heirs said, “Everybody is big in energy efficiency and to be maintenance free. People don’t have the time to take care of things. I think the most popular remodeling jobs in Council Bluffs right now are in windows and siding.”

One of the first things poten-tial home buyers look for are energy-efficient windows, she said, which help curb expen-sive utility bills. She said it is

wise for homeowners to install these kind of windows for good resale value. What’s more, there are rebates offered with instal-lation of energy-saving windows and siding, Heirs said. Since windows nowadays have life-time guarantees, homeowners will still receive good resale years after the windows were installed, she said.

When it comes to floor plans, there are advantages and disad-vantages in the so-called open floor look.

Heirs described an open floor as having the kitchen being open to the living room area, as opposed to having walls and doors separating the two. An open look is ideal for those who entertain or have frequent fam-ily or large gathering events.

“It makes the whole area seem bigger because of the open-

ness,” Heirs said. With fewer walls and doors,

there is less cleaning to do, she added. Many young families prefer this style because the parents can watch their children as they prepare dinner, Heirs said.

“In the last seven or eight years, it (open floor) has become popular.”

Others, however, still want the closed look.

“Some people want walls, that separation,” Heirs said.

Walls separating rooms allows more space for hanging pictures or shelves, she said.

For more information, call Dave’s Do-It-All Remodeling at (402) 681-1397. The company offers free inspection and a free, no obligation estimate, along with Dave’s 15 years of experi-ence.

TRENDS/From Page 3F

Home renovation trends

care offers a unique way to provide pain relief for many types of pain and conditions, including back pain, neck pain and more. Pain relief and pain prevention are two reasons that chiropractic services have become so popular, both here in Council Bluffs and around the world.

Dworak takes a “whole per-son” approach in chiropractic care, which means looking for the underlying causes of dis-ease, discomfort and pain, as opposed to just treating the symptoms.

Many seemingly unrelated symptoms often arise from imbalances in the spinal col-umn, and Dworak will be able to determine the root of the pain and create a personalized chiropractic and wellness plan to suit each patient’s individ-

ual needs.Under Dworak’s care,

patients report higher func-tioning in all areas of their lives.

Runners have reported knee pain disappearing and people who suffered with weeks of headaches have reported them vanishing after chiropractic care.

At the Home Show, which runs Feb. 22-24 at the Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, Dworak said his office will pro-vide information and answer questions.

“We will also be taking appointments for those inter-ested in getting evaluated fur-ther,” he said.

Also, Bluffs Family Chiro-practic will also be doing com-puterized spinal scans.

“The scans show how every-day stress can affect your nervous system and overall health,” Dworak.

the equipment people need to stay in their homes,” she said.

Purchase of a power mobil-ity device requires a face-to-face examination by the customer’s primary physician and a doctor’s order. Technicians will measure the client for proper fitting and do a home assessment to select the most appropriate equipment. The company’s trained techni-cians will provide delivery, setup and instruction on the use of a power mobility device.

For more information, see mobilismed.com or call (712) 328-2288.

Mobilis offers mobility devices and much more

MOBILIS/From Page 4F

PAIN/From Page 4F

Dworak takes ‘whole person’ approach to care

E-MAIL YOURCLASSIFIED AD TO:

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Re-Bath of the Heartland A69-A70Red Oak Chamber & Industry Assn., Inc. L31Renewal by Andersen NE C70-C71, C84-C85 Rhino Shield of Iowa LLC A92RJ Nelson Company L4 & L5 Roof Tech C36 & C37 “R”-Siding, Inc. C50

S&W Fence A29Scentsy C27ServiceOne C8 & C9Shelf Genie A53Specialized Home Improvement C55, C56 Straight Steam Irrigation A54 Summerwinds Resorts A4-A6Sun Companies C53, C94, D11, D14SWI Inc. C92-C93

Technical Magic A117Thompsen Irrigation C3 Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. K1T. Hurt Construction A106, A107, A108Timber Ridge Log Homes L20 & L21 T.M. Gaeta, LLC Lawn, Snow & Landscape A25 & A26

USA Insulation C13US Cellular C51

Valley Boys Inc. A94 & A95

Wahle Inc. A78 & A79Walker - Mid America TWater Solutions M6Watkins M8West Pottawattamie SWCD L27 Window World A2-A3, A18, A19Wohlerscape, Inc. A123, A124, A125

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2013 COUNCIL BLUFFS SEMINARSFriday, February 22

5:00 PM - Optimizing Your Home Theater - Doug Seaman,Nebraska Furniture Mart

6:00 PM - LED Lighting - Rick Williams, Echo Lighting7:00 PM - Optimizing Your Home Theater - Doug Seaman,

Nebraska Furniture Mart

Saturday, February 2311:00 AM - Garden Water Features - Jamie Beyer, Midwest Waterscapes12:30 PM - “Mr. Sound Effects”, Wes Harrison2:00 PM - LED Lighting - Rick Williams, Echo Lighting3:30 PM - Gardening Can Be Fun - Jamie Beyer, Midwest Waterscapes4:30 PM - “Mr. Sound Effects”, Wes Harrison6:00 PM - Landscape With Stone - Jamie Beyer, Midwest Waterscapes

Sunday, February 25Noon & 2:30 PM - “Mr. Sound Effects”, Wes Harrison1:00 PM - Garden Water Features - Jamie Beyer, Midwest Waterscapes


Cost-effective and eco-friendly?

Homeowners take on projects to improve their homes for a variety of reasons. Some may do so to make a home more functional, while others may do so to improve their home’s resale value.

Some homeowners take on a home improvement proj-ect to make their homes more eco-friendly. Such projects are often mistakenly assumed to be costly undertakings, but there are several cost-effective ways to make a home more eco-friendly.

• Upgrade your appliances. A home improvement project does not have to require the use of a hammer and nails or the hiring of a contractor. A simple home improvement project like upgrading older appliances, including the washer and dryer, to newer, more efficient models can give a home a fresh look while reducing energy consumption. That reduction in energy consump-tion is a byproduct of the stricter standards placed on manufacturers who must adhere to guidelines to produce products that are more energy-efficient. For example, the Natural Resources Defense Council notes that today’s energy-efficient refrigerators will use less than half the energy of models made as recently as 15 years ago.

• Add more insulation. Adding more insulation or replacing older insulation used to be an especially labori-ous process. However, in many instances insulation can now be added or upgraded to a home without any major reconstruction or demolition, reducing the cost of the project considerably. Adding more insulation to a home can reduce energy consumption in the winter, when the home will feel warmer and allow you to keep the thermo-stat at a more reasonable number.

• Install high-efficiency water fixtures. Few people think about how much water they consume over the course of a typical day, but the figures might be eye-opening to those who hope to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle. According to the United States Geological Survey’s Water Science School, it’s generally accepted that the average person uses between 80 and 100 gal-lons of water each day. Showers seem to be especially wasteful, as older shower heads might be using as much as 5 gallons per minute, or 50 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower.

Older fixtures that consume such massive amounts of water can be easily and affordably replaced with newer, more efficient fixtures. Today’s high-efficiency low-flow showerheads can provide a strong shower stream while reducing water consumption. Such showerheads are also less taxing on your water heater, reducing your energy consumption as a result. Homeowners can also install high-efficiency toilets that use as little as 1.3 gal-lons of water per flush (compared to older models that consumed as many as 5 gallons per flush). The Envi-ronmental Protection Agency estimates that installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances would save more than 3 trillion gallons of water and more than $18 billion annually.

• Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable

thermostats present another affordable way to improve a home and benefit the environment. Some of today’s programmable thermostats can record personal prefer-ences and usage and determine the best course of action for heating and cooling your home. Temperatures can be adjusted room-by-room, and the programmable ther-mostat allows homeowners to control their heating and cooling while they’re out of the house, ensuring they’re

not paying to heat or cool an empty house and wasting energy in doing so.

Home improvement projects don’t have to be a grand undertaking, particularly when a homeowner’s goal is to make a home more eco-friendly. A few minor and afford-able changes may be all it takes to improve a home and benefit the environment at the same time.

– Metro Creative Connection

Submitted photo

Installing high-efficiency water fixtures, including a low-flow showerhead, is an affordable and eco-friendly home improvement project.

Improving your home can be green and easy

on the budget

When purchasing a home, buyers often look at the kitchen space and how many bedrooms there are, while largely ignor-ing other rooms, including the laundry room. Oftentimes, the washer and dryer are relegated to a dark corner of the basement or garage, and homeowners sim-ply accept their laundry lot.

More and more manufactur-ers now produce washers and dryers that are both functional and aesthetically appealing. As a result, homeowners and rent-ers need not feel they have to hide laundry rooms like they did in the past. Having the laun-dry nearby the family action and paying attention to laun-dry room design נcan make the work of keeping clothes tidy that much easier.

Many designers would agree that you need not sacrifice style for function in a laundry room. As with any other area of the house, impart design elements into the room and make it a room in which you want to spend time.

• First and foremost, select appliances that offer the fea-tures you need and want. Also, find appliances that fit the space you have. Front-loading appli-ances have become the latest must-have, but some units may be too big or expensive for your space. Those with a limited area for laundry can invest in a stack-able set, in which the washer and dryer are combined into one ver-tical unit. For those who want to add a pop of color, select among the variety of colored washers and dryers that are turning up in store showrooms. You’re no longer limited to white, black and beige.

• Consider cabinetry in your laundry space. Cabinets and drawers are not just for the kitchen. They can hide cleaning products, detergent, dryer sheets and so much more. Fill drawers with stain-removal sticks and items to mend clothes that may be missing a button or have a small hole that needs tending.

• A laundry area also can be much more than just a place to wash and fold clothes. Many peo-ple like to turn this spot into a multipurpose zone. By including some shelving and a refrigerator in the laundry room, you can

create a food-storage pantry. A large countertop normally used to fold clothes can also double as a gift-wrapping station. Think about merging a laundry room with a craft room where sewing or scrapbooking can take place.

• Remember to leave room for the soiled clothing. Raising hamper bins off of the floor to be suspended from a rod above the washer frees up valuable floor space. Otherwise, keep the hamper behind a curtain or tucked into a cabinet to ensure the laundry room always looks neat, even when you haven’t yet gotten to the newest pile of dirty

clothes.• Don’t be afraid of adding

color and artwork to the laun-dry space. In fact, embrace it. Here’s an out-of-the-way area of the home where you can explore your creativity and have a little fun. Try an eye-opening color, such as apple green or bright yellow to add a sunny disposi-tion to the room.

• You don’t have to spend a fortune on a laundry room re-do. Shop in salvage stores or antique shops for custom pieces to add character to the space. You can probably find cabinetry or shelving for a fraction of the

cost of new items, and these older items may add more char-acter to the space.

• Save space by installing a counter just above the dryer so you will have a place to fold and stack clothing.

• The bulk of dirty clothes will be generated in the bedrooms and bathroom of the house. But who wants to carry clothes down

to a laundry area on a lower level? See if you can tuck a laun-dry room into an upstairs closet or nook to make doing laundry more practical.

Although a laundry room is often an afterthought, taking time to organize and plan the space can make it both func-tional and inviting.



Free Pickupand DeliveryFor Serviceand Repairswith coupon within 25 miles of

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Mary Morrow (Jim 2007)Dan Koch 402-630-0852

Jeff Henderson 402-740-2008

1530 Avenue N ● Council Bluffs, IA 51501NE (402) 344-2376 ● IA (712) 323-5126

[email protected]

Since1990

Design your perfect laundry room

Submitted photo

Put some consideration into how you design your laundry room. Think about your fixtures, cabinetry and color.

Many people build their decks to improve the beauty of their backyards while adding value to their home. Wood decks are an investment and as such, should be protected. However, the National Association of Home-builders estimates that there are currently 20 million unprotected decks in the United States.

Staining is not only an easy solution to protecting your investment, it is also the best way to protect and preserve the wood. But before beginning a staining project, homeowners and contractors should under-stand the process involves more than just a can and a brush.

“While there are many DIY-ers and pros out there that have experience with woodcare proj-ects, I still find it surprising how unnecessarily intimidating wood staining can be,” says Paul DiMeo, television DIY star. “Hav-ing a core set of wood care stan-dards provides professionals, DIY-ers, and homeowners with the correct information they need to properly understand the ins-and-outs of staining.”

DiMeo, along with other industry experts, is a member of the Cabot Woodcare Council Advisory Board. The advisory board is a group of industry experts who have leveraged their collective and individual exper-tise to develop the standards of wood care, to help solve staining problems and keep projects mov-ing as efficiently as possible.

Before beginning a staining project, the Council reminds everyone to keep the following in mind:

• When choosing a stain, con-sider the more opaque a stain, the more durability it will have.

• Before beginning a staining project, thoroughly assess your wood for the presence of mold, mildew, and signs of weathering.

• When cleaning the deck,

you’ll want to use a gentle cleanser formulated for wood. Regular soap and water will leave behind residue which will reduce penetration.

• The ideal temperature to stain your deck is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to choose a day when no rain is expected for 24 hours.

Whether you are a first-timer at staining or a professional who has been doing it for 20 years, comprehensive staining resources that can benefit any-one can be found at, CabotWood-

careCouncil.com. – StatePoint Media


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The kitchen is arguably the most-used room in the house during waking hours. Having a kitchen that is laid out in an efficient manner can improve productivity and make for a more enjoyable experience.

Designers often stress having an effective work triangle in the kitchen. The phrase “kitchen work triangle” started with the Building Research Council (formerly the Small Homes Council) at the University of Illinois. The idea came from stud-ies of space usage and the search for efficient kitchen designs.

What the triangle essentially means is positioning three key items of the kitchen for efficiency. The stove, sink and refrig-erator represent the three main points of the triangle. Having these items spaced accordingly can make work easier. Having them too close together can create a cramped, ineffective room.

The placement of the triangle points alone does not make a successful layout. According to the University of Missouri Extension, the triangle space should also be measured accord-ingly. Put 4 to 7 feet between the refrigerator and sink, 4 to 6 feet between the sink and stove and 4 to 9 feet between the stove and refrigerator, with the ideal size resulting in a work triangle where the three sides total between 15 and 22 feet.


Kitchen work triangle Tips for protecting your deck

Submitted photo

Staining is not only an easy solution to protecting your investment, it is also the best way to protect and preserve the wood. But before beginning a staining project, homeown-ers and contractors should understand the process involves more than just a can and a brush.


Creating more usable space in your homeSmarter use of existing space can transform a home

into a more pleasant living area. Combining smaller rooms or areas, dividing larger rooms, finishing an attic or basement, converting one room into a year-round “indoor porch” all are possible projects to improve your home’s comfort level and value. And Woodcraft has a few suggestions about products that will help you work smarter and easier on your “space additions.”

Working Safely“When working indoors, it is important to take steps

to keep the air free of dust and debris for the health and safety of those breathing it,” Woodcraft product manager Peter Collins said. Collins suggests two products that will help manage air quality:

• Oneida’s 5-Gallon Molded Dust Deputy Kit works with a shop vacuum to capture 99 percent of the dust.

• The Shop-Vac Portable Air Cleaner keeps fine air-borne dust from migrating all through the house when projects are underway.

Transforming Your Spaces• For framing in a basement or attic space, the Kreg

Jig HD will speed up this otherwise complex and time-consuming project. The jig allows you to drill 25 percent larger holes to accept the larger HD pocket screws and to work with 2x material.

• Fein’s MultiMaster Start is a great tool for cutting, sanding or scraping, as well as hardwood floor repair or installation, paint removal, and refinishing.

• The versatile Jorgensen ISD3 Expandable Clamp

(6”, 12”, 18”, 24” 36”) can be used as a clamp, spreader, or a larger clamp (two clamps joined).

• JessEm’s Rout-R-Lift II Complete System will add speed and precision to a 3.5 diameter router motor for fabricating window frames and balusters and adding molding details.

• A Kreg Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide and a circular saw make quick work of reducing large sheet goods to smaller panels for wainscoting a divider or hallway.

• The Festool Domino XL Joiner DF700 makes it easy to use mortise-and-tenon joinery for indoor/outdoor projects.

• FastCap’s 3rd Hand is a versatile helper for tasks like supporting crown molding during the nailing pro-cess.

Painting & Finishing• For surfaces that require fine finishes or paint,

make the process easy and successful with the Earlex SprayStation Gemini HVLP Spray System. The Gemini offers two methods of application: a cup fed gun to spray a wide variety of finishes and paints and a pump that pushes water-based paint/stain directly from the can through a feeder hose into the gun for walls, fences and other large projects to eliminate frequent cup refills.

• Protect exterior wood surfaces with OneTIMETM Wood Protector, a proprietary acrylate resin blend that penetrates wood to become part of the cellular structure and cures by exposure to UV radiation. Available in natural and five colors, it is guaranteed to protect new

wood, old wood, pressure-treated wood, or wood that has had the previous coating removed for seven years.

To learn more about these products and others that can help you transform your home space, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visitwoodcraft.com.


Submitted photo

The Kreg Jig HD (right) quickly creates large pocket holes for #14 pocket screws that are needed for joining 2x material in jobs like framing.

14F Sunday, February 17, 2013 The Daily Nonpareil

Come see us at booth #C80 at the

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Few things are better than having a functional and beauti-ful outdoor space to entertain guests. Having a great outdoor space enables a person to host parties or intimate gatherings all year long. Establishing an entertaining space and main-taining that space are essential when planning another year of fun in the sun.

There are many things homeowners can do to ensure their entertaining space is safe and functional. As the season approaches, include some land-scaping and decorating compo-nents to your preparatory plans to make the space as comfort-able and aesthetically appealing as possible.

Here are a few key tips for readying your yard for enter-taining possibilities. Expand on these basics to customize an area for your unique needs.

• Check the area for any

needed repairs. Prior to your first entertaining session, look over the deck or patio to take note of any flaws that may pres-ent safety hazards. Are there any loose railings? Are all screws and nails flush so they do not cause tripping? Are there any cracks in concrete or loose patio blocks? Be sure to rem-edy all of the repairs needed to ensure guests will be safe. If you are unsure of any structural def-icits, consult with a contractor.

• Hire a reputable contrac-tor. If you are just laying the groundwork for a new patio or deck, it is important to get the necessary permits and then hire a person who has been properly vetted. Check quali-fications and licensing before hiring a contractor and ask to view a portfolio of his or her previous work. Word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted friends and family members are

good, and you can also double-check qualifications by contact-ing the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged or use a service such as Angie’s List to read reviews of his or her work.

• Think about closing in a portion of a deck or patio. The use of a canopy, netting or even greenery to protect an enter-taining space can help minimize weather-related damage to out-door furniture. Netting will keep a good number of biting insects at bay when the weather is warm and humid. Having a bit of concealment also means you can create a private space that isn’t easily viewed by neighbors or passersby.

• Plan well-defined areas. Just as rooms serve different purposes inside of the home, outdoor areas can be separated according to usage. Establish a sitting nook where guests can

gather and talk. Have a bar or serving area where refresh-ments are made and served. Make sure there is a shaded area for when the sun is too uncomfortable to make sitting outside enjoyable. Similarly, have a sunny area where people can soak up a few rays or dry off after a dip in the spa or pool. Don’t forget to establish a spot for the kids to converge with scaled-down amenities.

• Consider a fireplace or fire pit. For centuries man (and woman) has gathered around fire for socialization and a means to warming up. Hav-ing a backyard fireplace, pit or chiminea is a conversation-starter, a decorative focal point, and a functional tool to extend the number of seasons in which outdoor entertaining can take place. Place the fire wisely and with concern for safety. It should be out of the way of foot traffic, but central enough so that it can be a gathering point.

• Invest in quality outdoor furniture. Today’s yards are extensions of a home’s interior. Guests no longer want to sit on uncomfortable metal or plastic furniture. There are many dif-ferent outdoor sofas and chairs that are as stylish as they are comfortable. These pieces can be matched to the decor inside your home for a cohesive look.

• Accessorize. Consider the creature comforts of indoors and mimic that outdoors. Don’t shy away from hanging artwork on an exterior wall or using urns or pottery to decorate the space. Weather-resistant materials ensure everything from clocks to televisions can be used out-doors. Think about having an entire set of serving dishes and other entertaining items for the outdoors.

When refurbishing outdoor entertaining areas, emphasize comfort, safety and functional-ity.



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16F Sunday, February 17, 2013 The Daily Nonpareil

unrooms have become increasingly popular over the past decade. A lot of the reasons have to do with the recent economic

situation. Many people are not moving and choose to expand their existing living space instead. And still others are simply

looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors all year long.

Whatever your reasons for wanting a sunroom, the choice has become more clear. Malibu Sunrooms is Iowa and Nebraska’s

leading sunroom company, with more rooms built than all the other sunroom companies combined!

As the #1 dealer for Sunrooms, Malibu Sunrooms offers products that meet everyone’s needs. This line of products ranges from simple

screened-in rooms to commercially rated year-round sunrooms that actually become a part of the house. And because everyone has a different

dream for their sunroom, Malibu Sunrooms takes the time to evaluate customer need and provide a product that will meet or exceed customer

expectations.

“As a family-owned business, we enjoy working with people in our community and building their dream room. In the end, people LOVE their

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home improvement and landscaping show 2013

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