There are dependable ways to make interior paint dry faster. Some paint types have longer drying times. Paint can dry faster, regardless of its composition. Interior paint takes 6-8 hours to dry. Environmental conditions like humidity and air circulation affect drying times. Other factors include paint thickness, layers, and surface preparation.

How Long Should Paint Take to Dry

It may take between 1 and 8 hours for interior paint to dry. The type of paint, temperature, humidity, and thickness often affect the drying time. Latex or water-based paints are the most common option for painting the interior of a house.

They take 2 to 4 hours to dry. Oil-based paints may take 6 to 8 hours to dry. Interior paint may take longer to dry with high temperature or humidity levels. Many thin coats of paint tend to dry faster than a one-thick coat. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines helps achieve an even and dry coat.

What Affects the Drying Time of Interior Paint?

The drying time depends on temperature, humidity, additives, air circulation, and more.

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity impact the drying time of the paint. When the temperature is low, and the humidity is high, interior paint takes longer to dry. Interior paint dries slower when it absorbs excess moisture in the air.

Since hot air holds more moisture, the paint absorbs less, making it dry faster. The temperature conditions for making interior paint dry faster range from 50°F-90°F. You should also target an indoor humidity level of 40%-50%.

Air Circulation

Proper air circulation, natural or by fans, makes the interior dry faster. The drying process entails extracting moisture from the paint’s surface to the air. Less air circulation results in a slower evaporation rate. Air circulation also helps end toxic fumes and makes the indoor temperature even.

Additives

Mixing paint with additives alters its properties to make it dry faster. Using a coalescing agent, for instance, makes paint thicker and dry faster. It’s suitable for low-solvent and low-VOC paints that take longer to dry.

Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE) is a coalescing agent used in many types of paint. Defoamers are also useful additives that reduce the size of foamed bubbles on paint. Foamed bubbles prevent paint from achieving an even, dry coat.

The common paint defoamers are non-silicone-based. They include polydimethylsiloxane, dimethicones, and ethylene oxide-modified polypropylene glycol. Accelerators like ammonium salts, alcohols, and glycols also make the drying process up to 40% faster.

Type of Paint

Paints have different drying times. Latex paints tend to dry faster. Oil-based paints have a slower drying rate due to their composition. When using a primer, wait for at least 12 hours before adding a second coat of paint.

Paint Thickness

A thicker coat takes longer to dry. Its surface area needs more air circulation to evaporate the solvents in the paint. Too thick layers also trap moisture which leads to a longer drying time.

Surface Condition

Besides the paint application method, surface preparation determines the drying time. Proper surface preparation improves paint adhesion. Discoloration or patchy fading are signs of poor adhesion.

The paint will take a shorter time to dry if the surface is smooth and dust-free. Sanding helps achieve a smooth surface. A greasy surface may slow down the drying process. Using a primer helps create a uniform surface for the first coat.

How to Make Interior Paint Dry Faster

There are a few tricks to make interior paint dry faster. These remedies are easy to achieve with the right tools and environmental conditions.

• Tweak the Room Temperature: Temperature affects a paint’s drying time. Paint tends to dry faster in warm air, so consider raising the temperature to around 70 degrees.
• Apply Thin Coats of Paint: One thick coat may get the job done faster. But thicker coats of paint take longer to dry. Consider a thinner coat to reduce the drying time.
• Enhance the Interior’s Ventilation: Opening doors and windows helps dry paint. Proper ventilation allows fresh air to circulate throughout the entire space. You can use a fan to speed up the drying process.
• Lower the Indoor Humidity: Humidity affects the drying time. Consider calibrating the indoor humidity level. Run an air conditioner or dehumidifier, and avoid painting on humid days.
• Consider a Water-Based, Low-VOC Paint: Water-based interior paints dry faster than oil-based paints. Paints with a low amount of volatile organic components also tend to dry faster.
• Paint When the Weather Is Warm: Cooler weather can slow down the drying process, so it’s best to paint when it’s warm and dry. Paint will dry faster in warmer air, which is a great way to speed up the process.
• Use a Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier reduces the air’s moisture. Lowering the humidity level speeds up the drying process. Use a dehumidifier that’s powerful enough to cover the entire area.
• Try an Accelerator: Some paint brands offer specific additives to speed up drying. Mixing accelerators into the paint speeds up the drying phase. Follow the directions on the package to maximize the effects of the accelerator.

Dry Time vs. Cure Time: What’s the Difference?

The dry time is the duration a coat of paint takes to dry. Temperature, humidity, and type of paint affect the drying time. High-gloss paints have longer drying times than medium-gloss coats. Curing time is the period a coat of paint takes to achieve its full chemical and physical properties.

They include optimal adhesion, color, durability, and more. Curing time is more often longer than drying time. It may take some days or weeks for the curing phase to lapse. Oil-based paints take longer than water-based paints to cure.

To make your interior paint dry faster, the pointers in this guide are worth considering. Keep the temperature between 50°F-90°F and the indoor humidity within the 40-50% range.

Surface preparation and using the right paint also affect the drying times. The room should have enough air circulation to achieve an even coat. Using additives such as coalescing agents also helps achieve solid paint adhesion.

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Many paint options are available, making it tough to choose between acrylic and latex paint. Acrylic and latex paint share some similarities but have unique characteristics and perks. Acrylic paint varies from latex paint in weather resistance, elasticity, composition, and more.

Adhesion, cost, drying time, and ease of maintenance are also worth considering. An in-depth comparison helps you choose between acrylic and latex paint. The right paint type also depends on your project’s needs.

Latex Paint at a Glance

Water-based liquids, binders, and pigments make up latex paint. Synthetic rubber gives latex paint characteristics that set it apart from oil-based paints. It’s ideal for DIY projects since it’s durable, non-toxic, and requires little maintenance.

The paint is available in most home improvement stores in various finishes and hues. Latex paint is compatible with a variety of surfaces and materials. They include wood, trim, furniture, cabinets, and ceilings.

Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, Valspar, PPG Paints, Dulux, and Dutch Boy are popular latex paint brands.

What Is Latex Paint Used For?

Latex paint is best for various surfaces, including wood, plaster, brick, and drywall. It’s a handy option for a variety of painting projects.

The paint type is also ideal for arts and crafts projects. You can use latex paint to draw murals and add artistic elements to home decor. It primes surfaces before applying oil-based paint or other forms of finishes.

Acrylic Paint at a Glance

Acrylic paint has pigment, acrylic binder, and acrylic vehicle components (water). It is a water-based, quick-drying paint. Due to its minimal VOC emissions, acrylic paint isn’t an environmental threat. Acrylic paint forms a thicker film when it dries than latex paint.

It provides a more durable protective layer. The pigment imparts color to the paint, while the binder maintains its structure. The vehicle, a polymer emulsion of water and binder, improves the paint’s adhesion to various surface textures.

What Is Acrylic Paint Used For?

Artists and students choose acrylic paint for its versatility. Acrylic paint thins or thickens to achieve a range of effects. The paint is suitable for various surfaces like canvas, fabric, brick, concrete, and wood.

It’s a top choice for murals, street art, furniture refinishing, and miniatures. The paint type is also best for fabric painting and crafting projects.

Acrylic vs. Latex Paint: What’s the Difference?

Acrylic and latex paints differ in composition, cost, elasticity, drying time, toxicity, and more.

1. Composition

Water-based acrylic and latex paints differ in composition and properties. Synthetic polymer and acrylic resin are the main ingredients of acrylic paint. It works by dissolving colorants in water. Acrylic paint dries quickly to form a water-resistant layer. The paint type is ideal for fine art, handicraft, murals, and street art.

Latex paint is made of a water-based polymer emulsion. The paint type uses polyvinyl acetate (PVA), a polyester made from tree resin or synthetic materials. Pigments, fillers, and other additives improve the paint’s appearance once it’s dry. It’s best for walls and woodwork projects.

2. Drying Time

The average drying time for acrylic paint is between 15 and 20 minutes. It’s suitable for projects requiring several coats within a short time. The paint hardens in 24 hours. It takes longer for latex paint to dry.

The drying process could last a few hours to a day. Its curing time could also be longer. Temperature, humidity, and paint thickness all affect how long the paint takes to dry.

3. Damage Resistance

Brand, product line, and paint type all influence the durability of the paint. The durability of paint depends on surface preparation, painting technique, finish, and the environment. Acrylic paint peels, chips, and cracks less often than latex paint. It resists fading, chalking, and mildew much better.

4. Adhesion

Acrylic paint has better adhesion than latex paint. It sticks to various surfaces, including metal, wood, and concrete. Latex also has solid adhesion but may require a primer on some surfaces. Acrylic paint stretches and shrinks without cracking or losing its adhesion.

5. Toxicity

Since latex paint is water-based, it’s non-toxic when dry. But, you may experience dizziness, mild nausea, and headaches during application. Latex paints containing titanium dioxide and iron oxide are toxic when inhaled in large amounts.

Some acrylic paint brands also contain toxic ingredients like lead. Lead is unsafe for inhalation or skin contact. Check for lead-free paint or a warning label. The warning label indicates the presence of toxic ingredients in the paint.

6. Cost and Availability

While latex paints are cheaper, acrylic paint brands are readily available in various colors. Both are available in glossy, matte, and satin finishes. Latex paints also come in larger quantities, making them more cost-effective for large surfaces. Despite their high costs, acrylic paints offer more durability.

7. Shelf Life

Latex paint lasts up to 10 years in a sealed container, while acrylic paints last for 15 years unopened. But acrylic paints dry faster when opened and may need stirring before use. Leftover paint stays good if properly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place.

8. Elasticity

Acrylic polymer emulsion makes acrylic paint elastic after drying. The binder expands and contracts with temperature change. As a result, acrylic paint doesn’t crack on exterior walls and wooden furniture. Latex paint isn’t as elastic. Hence, cracks and peeling may occur with exposure to water and extreme temperature changes.

9. Areas of Use

Latex paint is suitable for use on interior walls, ceilings, murals, and trims. Since it’s sold in large quantities, latex paint is cost-effective for large surfaces. Acrylic paint is a better choice for metal surfaces. It protects the metal from rust and resists water and sun damage.

10. Ease of Maintenance

Latex paint is easy to clean from surfaces and brushes. It’s more durable in gloss and satin finishes. The paint type traps less dirt and resists mold and mildew growth. It’s also easy to wipe down smooth surfaces. Chemical-based acrylic paints are hardy and tolerate scrubbing and the use of chemical cleaners.

11. User-Friendliness

Water-based latex paint is more user-friendly than acrylic paint. Unlike acrylic, latex paints are chemical-free and non-toxic. Acrylic paints emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) indoors and strong odors during application. Acrylic paints are also flammable at high temperatures.

12. Mold or Mildew Resistance

Latex paint seals the surface, protecting it from mold and mildew growth. Acrylic paints contain mildewcides that seal any porous surfaces, preventing mildew growth. Both paints are ideal for hot and humid climates.

Acrylic vs. Latex: Comparison Table

Pros and Cons of Latex Paint

Pros and Cons of Acrylic Paint

What Is Acrylic Latex Paint?

Acrylic latex paint is a water-based paint with an acrylic resin binder. 100% acrylic latex paint is high-quality, with superior adhesion, washability, and color retention. Using acrylic resins also makes the paint flexible, so it’s durable on outdoor surfaces.

Acrylic latex paint adheres to wood, stucco, and metal surfaces. But, painters must prime a surface before applying it on glossy surfaces. Acrylic latex paint spreads out evenly and takes 1-2 hours to dry. It’s available in matte and glossy finishes and various colors.

Choosing between latex or acrylic paint depends on your needs and preferences. Both paint types have their perks and downsides. Acrylic paint is weatherproof, less toxic, and more resistant to mold or mildew growth. Latex paint is non-toxic, odorless, and has a longer shelf life. Since it has a lower adhesion than acrylic paint, you’ll need a primer.

The post Acrylic Vs. Latex: Which It’s Right for Your Project? appeared first on Homedit.

Satin paint has a mild sheen suitable for high ceilings, walls, trim, and wood. It comes in various shades and is ideal for interior and exterior surfaces. The paint type is also suitable for furniture, doors, skirting boards, and more.

Satin paint is more durable than matte paint. It resists scratches, mold or mildew growth, fading, and moisture damage. Besides durability, satin paint offers a smooth, velvety appearance. Learning the benefits of satin paint helps compare it with other paint types and finishes.

What Is Satin Paint?

Satin paint is a type of finish that appears glossy or flat, depending on the surrounding light. It has less luster than semi-gloss and gloss paints but is shinier than matte paints. Satin paint is available in both oil-based and water-based forms. It’s suitable for interior walls and offers great durability in high-traffic areas.

How Is Satin Paint Different From Other Finishes?

Slightly Glossy Finish

Satin sheen is greater than eggshell and matte finishes. But it’s less reflective than semi-gloss and gloss finishes. Satin’s glossy finish is ideal for family rooms, cabinets, and moldings. It creates a warm and cozy environment and highlights decorative features in the room. The satin paint finish is also used on wall trims for a subtle luster.

More Forgiving to Brushstrokes Than Gloss

Satin paint is less likely to show brush strokes on walls. Satin also doesn’t show roller marks if the wall is painted at once. It’s also better at hiding imperfections than glossy and semi-gloss paint. A matte finish will suffice when painting over cracks, holes, and uneven surfaces.

Less Sheen Than Semi-Gloss Paint

Interior satin paints reflect less light than semi-gloss and glossy paints. Satin’s subtle sheen is more suitable for rooms with many windows. It gives a smooth velvety luster when light bounces off it and enhances the paint color. But, semi-gloss paint looks too bright on walls receiving a lot of natural light.

More Durable and Easier to Clean Than Matte

The satin finish holds up well to regular cleaning and scrubbing. Matte finishes wash off when scrubbed, unlike satin. Satin interior wall paint is ideal for hallways, kids’ rooms, and living areas. While satin is not as durable as gloss finishes, it’s practical for high-traffic areas and exterior walls.

More Resistant to Stains and Mildew Than Flat Paint

Satin paints contain mildewcide which prevents mold and mildew growth on walls. Satin finishes are moisture-resistant, making them suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. Satin is also preferable for exterior surfaces, including wood, concrete, and metal.

The Perks of Using Satin Paint

Durability

Satin paint retains its color on walls and resists fading. It doesn’t show scuffs in frequently cleaned areas, such as bathrooms, kitchen walls, and entryways. But satin paint is challenging to touch up. Brush strokes may show a noticeable difference in sheen.

Easy to Clean

Satin walls are easy to clean using dish soap and a damp sponge. Scrubbing using harsh abrasives is not recommended because it removes the sheen. Satin finishes are popular for playrooms, bathrooms, and areas that need regular cleaning.

Smooth Appearance

Satin finishes offer a velvety appearance, less shiny than semi-gloss. Satin paints have 25% to 35% gloss, which makes them reflect some light. Satin paint finish brightens moderately lit rooms without a glare. Applying two coats of satin paint results in a smooth texture, which is easier to clean than a matte finish.

Versatility

Satin paint is suitable for both interior and exterior applications. It’s available in warm hues, including white, cream, and gray. Satin paint can look flat or glossy, depending on the color and lighting of the room. It adheres to wood, concrete, and drywall.

Simple to Apply

Satin paint has an easy application on smooth surfaces. A 3- to 4-inch paintbrush is suitable for large areas. A knit roller cover covers large areas and gives a smooth, clean finish. Drying time varies whether you’re using an oil-based or water-based satin paint. It takes about two hours for satin paint to dry under optimal conditions.

Satin Paint’s Best Uses: The Top 7 Surfaces to Consider

Satin is a multi-purpose paint finish. Its durability and luster make it suitable for indoor and exterior use.

Outdoor Surfaces

Satin paint is ideal for exterior trims, molding, window sills, door frames, and sidings. It reflects light to provide a moderate luster, which illuminates the paint color. Satin’s medium gloss sheen makes it a durable finish. Some satin brands are also UV-resistant to prevent fading on exterior surfaces.

Kitchen Cabinets

Satin paint is washable and resilient to mild cleaners. It’s popular for kitchen cabinets and walls because of its durable sheen. Satin protects cabinets from moisture damage and food-related grime. Its moderate shine reflects less light than gloss finishes, which hides surface imperfections.

Trim and Molding

Satin paint gives a sleek finish on wood trims and moldings without too much shine. It’s also easy to wipe dust and debris off with light scrubbing. Also, satin paint won’t highlight imperfections as much as glossy paints do.

High-Traffic Areas

Satin finishes last in areas with high foot traffic, like hallways, playrooms, kitchens, and kids’ rooms. It resists scratches and chipping better than matte and eggshell finishes. But satin is more challenging to touch up than matte finishes. For a seamless finish, it’s best to paint the entire wall.

Windows and Doors

Applying satin paint on windows and doors highlights its design elements. Repaint using satin colors to give your windows and doors a fresh look. Satin also prevents wooden windows and doors from rotting and weathering. Check the satin paint label for metal surfaces if you have metal windows.

Living Room Walls

Satin paint in bright hues adds depth and enlivens a room. Bright colors make a small room appear big in natural lighting. A satin finish on dark paint colors livens up the room and gives them a rich color.

Ceilings and Stair Railings

For high-traffic surfaces like stair railings, a satin finish would suffice. Not only does it keep its sheen, but satin is also easy to wipe down. Before painting the railing, sand it down and apply a primer. Satin is also ideal for ceilings in rooms with high humidity levels.

Satin vs. Semi-Gloss Paint

Satin paints have less luster than semi-gloss paints. While both are easy to clean, semi-gloss paint is more durable. A satin finish is preferable in rooms receiving a lot of natural light. It gives a warm glow and hides imperfections better than semi-gloss paint.

Eggshell vs. Satin Paint

Satin paint has more binders, which increases its durability and resilience. Eggshell paint, however, has less resilience and gloss retention. Eggshell paint is better at hiding imperfections and brush strokes. It’s also easy to touch-up blemishes after application. Nonetheless, satin paint is more durable in high-traffic areas.

Satin vs. Matte Paint

Satin paint offers a shinier finish, highlighting window sills, doors, and trims. A matte finish is more practical on walls with imperfections. Its low gloss sheen reflects little light, covering holes or blemishes on the wall. An eggshell finish’s major drawback is its difficulty cleaning, unlike satin paint.

Satin vs. Flat Paint

Flat paints absorb light from lamps and the sun, which helps hide imperfections on a wall. It also reduces glare in rooms that have tons of light. Satin contains some gloss which reflects light and makes the paint colors pop.

Satin paint adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to most surfaces. It hides imperfections, and low- to high-sheen satin paints are available. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s label before using satin paint. Getting the surface ready and proper paint application help achieve optimal results.

The post Satin Paint 101: Understanding Its Characteristics and Best Uses appeared first on Homedit.

Latex paint dries faster and smells less than oil-based paint. It has fewer VOCs than other paints. Latex paint is water-soluble, flexible, and porous. It’s suitable for doors, walls, trim, and windows.

You can clean and thin latex paint using water. Latex paint comes in matte, gloss, and semi-gloss finishes. To achieve a uniform, shiny coat, there are best practices worth considering.

What Is Latex Paint?

Latex paint is a water-based paint suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces. Latex paints have a thin consistency, which makes them dry fast. They’re available in various finishes, from matte to glossy. Like acrylic paint, latex paint also contains acrylic resin and polymers for better adhesion.

Uses of Latex Paint

Priming Surfaces

Latex paint is an ideal primer for unstained wood surfaces. It also adheres to new drywalls. Since latex paint has a thin consistency, it dries up fast. The paint smoothens and prepares the surface for other coatings.

Creating Indoor Murals or Other Works of Art

Latex paint is suitable for large indoor murals and art pieces. Latex eggshell finishes are used for wall murals due to their subtle sheen.

Using latex paints for large surfaces is more cost-effective. They’re sold in large quantities and come at fair prices. Latex is also easy to clean from surfaces and brushes.

Painting Wood Furniture and Trim

Professionals recommend using latex primer and paint on wood furniture and wall trims. Latex paints in gloss or semi-gloss finishes are durable on wood surfaces. They also clean up easily with soap and water.

Latex paints are available in a variety of trim colors and gallon sizes. Water-based trim paints are odorless and give a smooth finish when combined with a conditioner.

Walls and Ceilings

Latex paint lasts for up to 10 years on walls. It resists cracking and fading and retains its original color over time. Interior latex paints are fast drying even in rooms with poor ventilation. It’s also less expensive compared to oil-based paints.

Latex paint emits low volatile organic compounds, making it safe for homeowners with allergies. Flat latex paints are popular for ceilings since they hide holes, bumps, and scratches. They also have a quick dry time and leave a matte finish.

Designing Special Effects and Textures

Flat or matte latex paints create desired textures on drywalls and ceilings. They hide blemishes and result in a unique finish. While premixed varieties are ready-to-use, other paints need manual stirring to achieve the ideal texture. Textured paints are either sand textured, popcorn, or knockdown.

Latex Paint Finishes

• Flat or Matte: matte paint contains less sheen because it reflects little or no sunlight. Due to its deep shades, a flat finish is best for ceilings and uneven surfaces. Unlike other finishes, flat and matte paints don’t show brush marks or roller strokes.
• Eggshell: eggshell finishes are partially reflective. Eggshell latex paint gives the surface a gentle sheen. It’s durable on wooden surfaces and medium-traffic rooms.
• Satin: these paints have a higher sheen than eggshell and give a velvety finish. Satin finishes are ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways. It’s durable and withstands cleaning agents and frequent scrubbing.
• Semi-Gloss: a semi-gloss finish gives a shiny and bright appearance due to its high luster. Its smooth application makes it easy to wipe off the dirt from a surface. Semi-gloss paints are used in playrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas.
• High-Gloss: this ultra-shiny finish is used on doors, cabinets, and wall trims. It resists permanent staining and dirt and is the easiest to clean.

Pros:

• Quick drying
• Resists cracking and chipping
• Emits low-VOCs indoors
• Easy to clean from brushes and surfaces
• Seals the surface from mold and mildew
• Available in various colors and finishes

Cons:

• Peels off in hot climates and when exposed to moisture
• Causes rusting in metal surfaces

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Latex Paint

There are some common mistakes that newbie painters often make. Having a clue of the mistakes beforehand helps achieve the best results.

Using it on bare steel surfaces

Since latex paint is water-based, it accelerates rusting on metal surfaces. Creating a barrier using an oil-based primer is advisable. The oil-based primer protects the metal surface from corrosion. But, oil-based primers have strong odors and take longer to cure.

Painting on a dirty surface

Latex paint won’t adhere to dirty surfaces, which results in air bubbles when the paint dries. The air bubbles pop and peel off, leaving a botched paint job. When prepping a surface, clean it with soapy water and a sponge. Use a primer to cover any blemishes, and leave it to dry.

Applying a second coat too soon

Applying a second coat over wet paint leads to an uneven finish, visible brush strokes, and peeling paint. Most latex paints take an hour to dry and are ready for another coat in four hours.

Paint recoat time is influenced by temperature, humidity, and the room’s ventilation. Always refer to the product label for optimal painting conditions.

Ignoring the weather

When using latex paint outdoors, ensure there’s a low humidity level. While good quality latex paints repel rain and other extreme weather, they only adhere to dry surfaces. The optimal temperature for latex paint is 50-85°F.

Several latex paints contain additives for mold and mildew resistance in humid regions. Other brands have a ‘UV/fade resistant’ label for sunny regions.

Painting latex over oil paint

Latex is a poor choice for repainting over oil paint. Latex doesn’t bond with oil paint and peels off after drying. Remove the gloss from the surface using fine-grit sandpaper. After sanding, wipe down the dust using dilute trisodium phosphate (TSP). Allow to dry, and use a latex bonding primer before painting.

How to Remove Latex Paint Stains

Follow these instructions to remove latex paint stains from your clothes.

1. Dampen the stained area using warm water and a clean cloth.
2. Saturate the stain with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and let it soak for 10 minutes.
3. Use a scrubbing brush to tackle the stain on tough fabrics.
4. Flush the stain and rubbing alcohol out under warm running water.
5. Launder the clothing according to the fabric label.

Latex Paint vs. Oil-Based Paint

Both latex and acrylic paints have their perks and downsides. Latex paint is a water-based type made of synthetic rubber, resistant polyvinyl acetate, and other elements. The paint type is resistant to moisture and potent chemical cleaners.

It’s more flexible than oil paints and easier to clean. Latex paint is less likely to chip or flake. It also holds fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Acrylic paint is a synthetic type made of polymer resins and pigments. It’s more common, holds a range of colors, and has better adhesion than latex paint.

Acrylic paint is more suitable for painting your home’s exterior since it’s resistant to UV light. It also resists fading and water damage. The paint type is also ideal for high-moisture and high-traffic areas. While it’s more expensive, acrylic paint dries faster than latex paint.

Latex paint has many uses. It’s suitable for wood, priming surfaces, interior walls, and more. The paint type is also available in various finishes. Failing to follow the best practices may reduce the longevity of latex paint. Since it’s water-soluble, the paint type is easy to clean and maintain.

The post Expert Tips for Using Latex Paint appeared first on Homedit.

Knowing how long to wait between coats of paint helps achieve a uniform, seamless finish. The drying time varies based on the type of paint. Water-based latex paint dries faster than oil-based paint. A manufacturer’s label specifies the recommended drying time.

Some factors impact the drying time of the paint. Apart from the paint type, humidity, temperature, and paint layer thickness are worth considering. The recoat and cure time also determine whether a second coat of paint will have an even finish.

Why Is Paint Recoat Time Worth Considering?

You must wait a certain period before applying a second coat of paint. The recoat time helps achieve optimal results. Applying the second coat too soon can cause problems. You may have to deal with streaks, bubbles, and pits.

It may also not have proper surface adhesion, causing peeling or flaking. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended recoat time for your specific paint. It may help achieve a flawless, long-lasting paint job.

First Coat Drying Time

The drying time of paint varies depending on the type of paint, sheen, thickness, and application method. Smooth surfaces tend to dry faster than rough ones. Oil-based paints take longer to dry than water-based options. You need to check the manufacturer’s instructions for accurate drying times.

Painting using a roller instead of a brush results in a shorter drying time. The drying time should range between 30 and 90 minutes. A sprayer guarantees the shortest drying time. Humidity and temperature affect the drying time. High humidity and low temperature slow the drying process.

Paint Recoat Time

Recoat time is the period paint takes to completely dry before applying a second coat. On average, most paint types require a 30-minute recoat time. Oil-based paints dry more slowly than water-based paints. The ideal temperature for most paint types is 40 degrees Celsius.

For optimal paint-drying conditions, the relative humidity should be approximately 50 percent. Before applying a second coat of water-based paint, wait at least three hours. For oil-based paints, 24 hours would suffice.

Paint Cure Time

A paint’s curing time is the period it takes for the coat to harden. Once the paint cures, it becomes dry to the touch and seamless to clean. Washing the coat without leaving it to cure may lead to scratches and peeling.

Depending on the temperature and season, the curing period could take three weeks to a month. The curing time makes the coat scratch-proof. Leave the paint to cure for at least three weeks to achieve a smooth, crack-resistant finish.

Understanding Drying Time for Different Types of Paint

The main paint types are latex, oil-based, or water-based. Their composition makes them vary in drying times.

Latex Paint

Latex paint is a water-based paint that dries faster than oil-based paint. The drying time ranges from one to six hours, and touch-dries after one hour. Latex paint is best for various projects since it’s simple to clean. It cures to form a durable finish.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint has a carrier solvent that’s derived from petroleum. It can take anywhere from 6 to 24 hours to dry completely. Like latex paint, the drying time depends on the humidity and temperature.

Oil-based paint is more durable and water-resistant than latex paint. It’s, however, more difficult to clean it. You must remove dirt from oil-based paint using paint thinner or mineral spirits.

Water-Based Paint

Water-based paint, or latex paint, uses water as its primary carrier. Water-based paint dries faster than petroleum-based oil-based paint. The water in the paint evaporates, making it a quick-drying alternative.

Water-based paint drying time depends on the type and application conditions. Flat or matte paint dries fastest, taking 30 minutes to 1 hour. Glossy paints take the longest to cure. You’ll need to wait for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Eggshell and semi-gloss paints dry in 1 hour on average.

Paint binders affect the overall drying time. Because binders hold pigments together and make a stronger layer, glossy paints take longer to dry. Flat paints dry faster because less binder evaporates.

Factors That Affect Paint Drying Time

Factors affecting a paint’s drying time include temperature, paint type, coat thickness, and more.

Paint Thickness

Heavier coating takes a bit longer to dry. The solvent evaporates much slower when if the coat is thick. Besides longer drying times, thicker coats are also prone to wrinkling. Make sure to give a thicker coat more time to dry and cure.

Paint Type

Water-based paints dry faster than oil-based paints as they’re more receptive to airflow. Sheen is also worth considering since matte paint dries faster than glossier paint.

Humidity & Temperature

It’s best to paint in the fall or spring when the temperatures aren’t too extreme. Excess moisture in the room hinders the paint from drying and sticking to the wall.

Painting when the temperature is too cold or hot requires a longer drying time. Use a humidifier to reduce the humidity to 50 percent before painting.

Substrate

Substrate affects the drying time of paint since different materials tend to absorb moisture at varying rates. A smooth, glossy surface dries faster than a matte or porous surface.

A sealant or primer can also affect how quickly the paint dries. Such products trap moisture, reducing it from evaporating too fast.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation allows for easy airflow, which lets moisture dry faster. Extreme temperatures, high humidity levels, and poor ventilation lead to longer drying times.

How to Achieve an Even Second Coat

• Be consistent with the application method: Whether you’re using a brush, roller, or sprayer, it’s worth sticking to one application method. Make sure to also use a consistent pattern till completion.
• Thin the paint a bit: You need to thin out thick paint for quicker drying time and optimal results. Water should be at most 20% of the entire mixture. Adding too much water leads to cracking or peeling once the paint dries.
• Avoid overloading your brush or roller: Overloading your brush or roller with less paint causes dripping. Dripping paint doesn’t achieve a flawless coat. It leaves some uneven marks on your second coat once it dries.
• Prime and gently sand the surface: An even finish requires priming and sanding before painting. A high-quality primer improves adhesion on a second coat. Gently sanding any bumps or blemishes before painting will provide a smooth surface.
• Leave the first coat to dry: Give your first painted layer sufficient drying time before applying the second coat. Depending on the temperature and humidity levels, it may take around eight hours (or more).

The paint drying times vary depending on environmental factors and the type of paint. It’s worth working with the right drying time to ensure proper adhesion. Humidity, thickness, type of paint, temperature, and ventilation are all worth considering. They help determine a paint’s drying time before applying a second coat.

The post How Long Does Paint Take to Dry Before Adding a Second Coat? appeared first on Homedit.

Here are our top picks for the best Cloud couch dupe options out there. These Cloud couch dupes will be so close to the style and look of the Cloud couch that you might fool yourself into thinking you have the actual piece.

The Cloud couch from Restoration Hardware was launched in 2015 and is one of the most beloved couch options for celebrities and designers alike. The Cloud sofa has become so popular that it has become a fashion statement in its own right. It is unfortunate for the rest of us that this couch costs over $4,000 for just one section with a full couch costing upwards of $10,000. Enter the Cloud couch dupe. There is no reason that you need to sacrifice beauty and style because of price.

Cloud Couch Dupe Guidelines for Choice

To determine the best Cloud couch dupes, we considered the style and lines of the couch, the color, and the fabric.

• Style and Line – The style and lines of the Cloud couch are what make it recognizable. It has ample proportions, a low profile, straight lines, and rounded edges which we look for in our Cloud couch dupes.
• Color and Texture – The most iconic look of the Cloud couch is classic white, but there are many options for customization with neutrals dominating the mix. Our Cloud couch dupes are either white or neutral with similar fabric textures of linen, velvet, boucle, or other natural texture.
• Fabric and Filling – The Cloud couch conveys the look of luxury and comfort at the same time. The couch has performance-grade fabric with goose-feather and poly fiber filling to provide sink-in style with support. The fabric and filling of the Cloud couch dupe needs to have this same support structure.

10 Cloud Couch Dupes and Their Pros and Cons

Consider these Cloud sofas to get the best style for less. We will also detail the pros and cons of each Cloud couch dupe in order to help you understand your purchase better.

Tanavi 3-Piece Sofa

The Tanavi Sofa is an Ashley Furniture exclusive piece. It has a similar low profile, boxy shape, and clean lines of the Cloud couch. It has a feather and fiber filing, similar to the Cloud sofa line and a linen-like fabric that has the same natural texture. The biggest difference between this and the Cloud couch are the slim track arms rather than the square arms on the Cloud.

Pros:

• Price – You can purchase this sofa for less than $2000.
• Style – The clean and simple style of this sofa looks right at home in a variety of home styles.
• Versatility – This sofa has a modular form, so that you can customize it and use it as separate pieces or as one large sofa.
• Frame – This sofa has a smooth platform frame that maintains a tight and wrinkle-free look, so that it will not sag and dip over time.

Cons:

• Color – There is just the off-white Linen color option available.
• Size – This is a long sofa (131”) so unless you separate the pieces, it will not fit well in small living rooms.
• Cleaning – Performance grade fabric is not available.

Kova Sofa

The Kova sofa and collection is created by Albany Park. This Kova sofa is 121” long, but it is a modular collection. This means you can customize them into loveseats and a whole range of sectionals and single chairs. The seats have pillow-like comfort with a blend of feather and poly fiber filling. You can assemble this sofa without the use of tools. The biggest difference between this and the Cloud line is that there are small visible block legs that show at the bottom of the sofa.

Pros:

• Price – You can purchase this sofa for just a little over $2000.
• Style – This comfortable style of this sofa looks right at home in a variety of home styles.
• Versatility – This line uses modular pieces, so that you can customize for your size room and family needs.
• Color – There are many color options available if white does not work for your lifestyle.
• Ease of Moving – The small pieces make it easy to move.

Cons:

• Cleaning – Performance grade fabric is not available.
• Legs – The visible legs on this sofa take away from the streamlined style.

Dawson Sofa

The Dawson sofa from Castlery is one of our favorite of the Cloud sofa dupe options. It has a very similar look and shape. The extended sofa is 126” wide, but there are modular pieces, so you can customize the size for a smaller sofa or a large sectional. This sofa has removable cushions and covers for easier care. The cushions are filled with feathers and fiber for a soft and comfortable seat.

Pros:

• Style – The sofa is one of the closest to the Cloud couch style available.
• Versatility – This line uses modular pieces, so that you can customize for your size room and family needs.
• Ease of Moving – The small pieces make it easy to move.

Cons:

• Cleaning – Performance grade fabric is not available.
• Price – This is a pricey sofa at just under $3000.
• Color – This sofa comes in just one color, Beach Linen, which is an off-white with a brown hint.

Oceanside Sofa

The Oceanside sofa and collection is a Crate and Barrel exclusive. This sofa has a similar shape to the other Cloud couches, but unlike many of these options, it is not modular. It does come in a range of lengths and chairs that you can pair with the sofas. The cushions are a high density foam wrapped in a fiber and feather filling to maximize strength and comfort.

Pros:

• Cleaning – Performance grade fabric is available for ease of maintenance.
• Color – This sofa has 205 color and fabric options available.
• Price – This sofa is a great price at just under $2000.
• Construction – This sofa frame utilizes FSC certified wood and has top stitching on the arms and cushions for durability.

Cons:

• Shape – This sofa has a boxier shape than the Cloud sofa. While it is similar, it is not a perfect match.

Cali Pearl Modular 3-Piece Sofa

The Cali Pearl Modular Sofa from Tov Furniture features pieces so that you can customize a sofa size that will fit your space. This sofa has a low profile and pillow-like cushions that have a more relaxed style than the Cloud collection. These cushions are feather and fiber filled for a comfortable sink-in shape.

Pros:

• Cleaning – Performance grade fabric is available for ease of cleaning and maintenance. This sofa also has removable cushion covers.
• Color – This sofa has 5 color options available including 3 light neutrals and 2 deep earth tones.
• Price – This sofa is a great price at just under $2000.
• Style – This sofa has a similar style and squared arms rests to the Cloud sofa, though a less structured look.

Cons:

• Assembly – You will need 2 people to assemble this sofa. Though some tools are required, you won’t need any power tools.

Janeen Modular Sectional

The Janeen Modular Sectional from Greyleigh has a very similar look and feel to the Cloud sectional options. This sectional comes in both a 4 and 5 piece form. It has foam and fiber filled cushions and covered in an off-white performance fabric. The frame is both solid and engineered wood.

Pros:

• Cleaning – Performance grade fabric is available for ease of cleaning and maintenance. This sofa also has removable cushion covers.
• Assembly – This sectional comes already assembled.
• Price – This sectional is a good price for the size coming in at just under $3000.
• Style – This sofa has a similar style and squared arms rests to the Cloud sectionals.

Cons:

• Versatility – There are not many options to customize this sectional. There are no standard sofa options.
• Color – This sofa has one color option in off-white available.
• Filling – There are no goose feathers, just poly fiber in the filling.

Utopia Sofa

This sofa from Living Spaces features a low profile and comfortable design. This is one of the best priced Cloud sofa dupe options in our list. This sofa features loose cushions with upholstery that you can customize with no extra cost. This sofa has foam and fiber filling rather than feathers. There is just a sofa and chair in this collection. There are no modular options for sectionals or for expanding the sofa.

Pros:

• Cleaning – Durable fabric, though it is not specified as performance grade.
• Assembly – This sectional comes already assembled.
• Price – This sofa is one of the best priced on the list at around $1500.
• Style – This sofa has a similar style and squared arms rests to the Cloud sectionals.
• Color – This sofa has 63 color and fabric options available.

Cons:

• Versatility – There are not many options to customize this sofa. There are no sectional options.
• Filling – There are no goose feathers, just poly fiber in the filling.

Elsa Sofa

The Elsa sofa collection from Joss & Main is modular so it is customizable for any size space. It features the same relaxed and comfortable style as the Cloud sofas, though with a more visible seam in the front of the seating cushions. This collection comes in just two colors, white and gray. The cushions are removable and have a fiber and feather filling.

Pros:

• Cleaning – Stain resistant fabric, though it is not specified as performance grade and removable cushions for easy care.
• Price – This sofa is one of the has a reasonable price for its quality at around $2500.
• Style – This sofa has a similar style and squared arms rests to the Cloud sectionals.
• Versatility – There are many options to customize this sofa because of the modular pieces.

Cons:

• Assembly – Partial assembly is required.
• Color – Just 2 color options available.

Commix Sectional

The Commix Sectional from Home Threads is another Cloud sectional dupe that has a very similar shape to the Cloud sectional. This sectional is modular and customizable, but there are no options for a straight standard sofa shape. This sectional features a solid wood frame with fiber and feather filled cushions.

Pros:

• Price – This sofa is one of the best priced sectionals on the list at just above $2000.
• Style – This sectional has one of the most similar styles to the Cloud sectional line.
• Color – This sofa has 7 color options available.
• Versatility – There are many options to customize this sectional, though no standard sofa options.
• Filling – There are goose feathers and poly fiber in the filling.

Cons:

• Cleaning – The fabric is not performance grade.

3-Seat Modular Sofa

The Modular collection from 7th Avenue features the same style sofas and sectionals as the Restoration Hardware Cloud couch collection. The performance fabric is water-repellent and stain resistant and comes in 4 gorgeous neutral shades. The cushions have a dense foam core and a feather down alternative filling that are hypoallergenic and vegan.

Pros:

• Cleaning – Performance grade fabric that is water and stain resistant.
• Style – This sofa has a similar style and squared arms rests to the Cloud sectionals.
• Color – There are 4 color options available.
• Filling – There are no goose feathers, just poly fiber in the filling.
• Versatility – There are many options to customize this sofa and sectional options.

Cons:

• Price – This sofa is one of the most expensive options on the list at $3200.

The Best of the Best Cloud Couch Dupe Options

Out of all of these great Cloud sofa dupes, here is a paired down list for the best overall.

• Best Shape – The Dawson Sofa, the Commix Sectional, and the Modular Collection from 7th Avenue have the most similar shape to the Cloud collection from Restoration Hardware.
• Best Value – The Utopia Sofa is the least expensive Cloud couch dupe in our list.
• Best Durability – The Oceanside has the best quality construction and performance fabric.
• Best Customization – The Oceanside has the most fabric options with the Utopia Sofa next on the list. The Modular Collection from 7th Avenue has the most shape customization options.

The post Choose a Cloud Couch Dupe to Get the Stylish Look for Less appeared first on Homedit.

Metal studs are suitable for any type of buildings, from houses to commercial buildings due to their strength and durability. Metal stud framing is a construction method that uses tracks, metal studs, and other elements. The framing method is best for partitions, ceilings, and structuring interior walls.

It’s a cost-effective and easier-to-install frame. The metal stud construction is also lighter in weight than steel frames or wood. There are specifications to follow when installing a metal stud framing. You can DIY install the metal stud framing with the right tools and techniques.

What Are Metal Studs?

A metal stud is a structural component that builders use to construct interior walls and ceilings. Most metal stud frames are either made of aluminum or galvanized steel. They’re sturdy, lightweight, durable, and common in commercial or industrial construction.

Besides framing walls and ceilings, metal studs also reinforce existing structures. Metal brackets or clips join studs together while screws and bolts fasten them. Metal studs are effective at supporting wiring, piping, and drywall insulation.

The Perks of Using Metal Studs

Metal studs have some benefits, making them more suitable than wood or galvanized steel framing.

• Cost Effective: Their ease of installation and lightweight design makes them cheaper than wood frames. Metal studs are recyclable; hence, they’re more eco-friendly than other options.
• Better Soundproofing & Insulation: Their tight construction reduces air movement and sound transfer between rooms. The soundproofing qualities of metal stud framing make it ideal for industrial and residential projects.
• More Fire-Resistant: Metal stud framing is more fire-resistant than wood. It has a galvanized coating, making it hold up well against flames. Unlike wood, metal studs aren’t prone to temperature, moisture, or termite damage.

Metal studs are also suitable for earthquake-prone areas and environments with high moisture levels or wind. They require less maintenance over time.

• Durable: Metal studs offer a more durable, long-lasting structure than wood framing. Proper installation and sealing make them less prone to cracking or warping. Their resistance against rot or mold growth makes them remain intact.
• Versatile: Metal stud framing is ideal for various construction needs. It frames walls, subflooring systems, and ceilings. Metal studs are also suitable for different industrial projects. They reinforce both interior and exterior walls.

Dimensions for Metal Stud Walls

Metal studs are available in various widths and heights. It’s worth knowing the right size for your walls before purchasing.

The standard widths for metal studs are 2 ½ and 3 ⅝, but custom dimensions are available upon request. A metal stud’s height depends on the area of installation. Metal studs are also available in different thicknesses.

The spacing of the metal studs affects the strength and weight it can hold. Most builders erect metal studs 16” apart from one center to the next. Other design plans allow placing the metal studs 24” inches on center.

A structural engineer should determine the spacing to ensure proper distribution of weight. The flange and lip size are also worth considering when installing the metal studs.

Metal Studs Framing Tools

Here’s a list of tools you may require for metal stud framing:

• Hammer
• Level
• Utility knife
• Tape measure
• Screwdrivers
• Saw
• Cordless drill
• Pole sander
• Metal snips
• Stud finder
• Notched trowel
• Handsaw

Metal Stud Sizes

Metal studs are available in different sizes, widths, flanges, knockouts, and thicknesses.

Standard Metal Stud Sizes

The standard metal stud sizes are:

• 2 1/2 inches
• 3 5/8 inches
• 4 inches
• 6 inches
• 8 inches
• 10 inches
• 12 inches
• 14 inches

These sizes refer to the width of the stud. The thickness of the metal can vary, with the most common being 25 gauge and 20 gauge.

Nominal Metal Stud Sizes

Nominal sizes are used to identify metal studs. But they’re not the actual dimensions of the studs.

• 2✕3
• 2✕4
• 2✕6

Flange Sizes

The side sections (flanges) of metal studs vary in width.

• 1 ¼ inches
• 1 ⅜ inches
• 1 ⅝ inches
• 2 inches
• 2 ½ inches
• 3 inches
• 3 ½ inches

How to Read Metal Stud Sizes

Most manufacturers label their metal studs in a series of digits. For instance, 300 S 162 43. The first three digits represent the web size in 100th inches. S represents stud, so it’s a 3-inch flange metal stud.

The next three numbers show the metal thickness in 100th inches. In this case, 162 translates to 1 ⅝ inches. The last digit, 43, represents the minimum base metal thickness in mils. Plus, the metal stud would be 0.043 inches thick.

How to Determine the Right Metal Stud Size for Your Project

Framing Thickness

Metal framing studs provide vertical support to a wall. They range from 2-14 inches wide. 3 ⅝-inch wide studs are the most common for commercial doors and window bucks.

When installing metal studs on doors, leave a 3-inch gap. The gap helps fasten 2✕4 wood bucks for hanging the door. Lower gauge metal studs are made from thicker steel. A 25-gauge steel, for instance, is thicker than a 20-gauge stud.

Load-Bearing Requirements

Exterior load-bearing walls need 16 or 18-gauge metal studs. They support the roof’s weight and evenly distribute the load to the foundation and soil. As per the International Residential Code (IRC), bearing walls should have a maximum spacing of 24 inches. Interior bearing walls should be at least 8 inches thick.

Local Building Codes and Regulations

Local communities have building codes to ensure strong structural integrity. The codes protect the occupants of the building from natural disasters and extra damage costs.

Communities update the codes often, so it’s crucial to keep up to date. Through InspectToProtect, you can learn the building codes in your area before installing metal studs.

Price

Metal stud framing costs an average of $9 to $13 per square foot. Lower gauge metal studs cost more than higher gauge types because they’re thicker. Labor costs, the size of the building, and the type of metal stud also influence the final costs.

Size

Standard metal stud sizes are 1 ⅝, 2 ½, 3 ⅝, 4, and 6 inches. They also vary in thickness, from 14 to 26 gauge. Consider the size of the building before choosing the ideal size. Building a large structure requires thick metal studs with a wide web size. For small structures and non-bearing walls, thinner studs would suffice.

Manufacturer’s Recommendations

Manufacturers make structural and non-structural metal studs. While structural studs are used for load-bearing walls, non-structural studs are suitable for ceilings, soffits, and non-bearing walls. Manufacturers aid contractors in choosing and the installation process of the studs. They also advise on the ideal fastener size and spacing between studs.

Design Plans and Architectural Specifications

A stud-framed wall is used to partition offices and apartments. A double-stud partition is essential when creating a thick wall with insulation. Metal studs create a house’s main frame according to the architectural plan.

Studs also come in handy when you need more partitioning in the future. Builders use studs on multiple-story buildings. Studs also customize garages and half-walls.

Main Components of a Metal Stud Wall Frame

The three main components of a metal stud wall frame include:

• Track: the tracks function as the top and sole plates. Sole plates fix the frame to the floor, while top plates attach the studs to the ceiling. Top plates are attached to the ceiling joists or noggins if the joists are unevenly positioned.
• Stud: vertical studs are fitted between the top and sole plates. They form the interior and exterior framing of the house. Metal studs are durable and strong. They can hold up cabinets, doorways, door frames, etc.
• Noggins: noggins are small pieces fixed between the tracks. Metal stud framing uses one row of noggins since they are more rigid than wood.

Metal Studs Gauge Chart

Manufacturers include color markings on metal studs to help in identifying the stud size. For the metal studs’ actual dimensions, you can use a micrometer.

Metal Studs Installation Tips

Cut and Bend Metal Studs Using Proper Tools

Use aviation snips to cut metal studs to the desired length. Cut both sides with snips and score a line on one side. Then bend the stud back and forth till it breaks apart.

Circular and miter saws are also great alternatives. But they’re noisy and release metal shavings. When using a miter saw, wear protective goggles and hearing protection.

Use a Level to Maintain the Right Alignment

Use leveling tools to ensure precise measurements of the metal studs. The studs should have gaps less than ⅙ inches from the top and sole plates. If the gaps are bigger, the weight of the walls is transferred to the screws. It results in a weak frame that might not hold up over time.

Align the Precut Holes for Wiring and Plumbing

Electrical cables should run along each stud’s center line. Screwing the cables using plastic ties bundles them together and secures them to the studs. Before running the cables through, insert plastic cable bushing into the holes. It protects the wires and pipes from rubbing against the studs’ sharp edges.

Leave Some Space Between Studs to Enhance Stability

Space load-bearing metal studs at 24 inches centers to maintain the structure’s stability. The studs could be spaced 16 inches from center to center for interior walls. Spacing allows for the installation of drywall and baseboards along the frame. Install the studs in the same direction for easy wiring.

Metal Studs vs. Wood Studs: Which Is Better?

Metal studs are lightweight and easy to transport than wood studs. Unlike metal studs, wood is prone to bending, warping, and rotting in high-moisture rooms. Metal studs are more suitable for load-bearing walls and frames. They tend to support more material weight.

Metal stud sizes and widths are standardized and come with knockouts for wiring and plumbing. But, metal studs can be challenging to install since only drywall screws penetrate through.

Their impermeability makes it difficult to hang decorative wall hangings after framing. The contractor installs wood blocking in the metal framing for any wall hangings. The wood blocking allows nails and screws through when fixing kitchen cabinets and other objects.

The post Metal Stud Framing: Sizes, Uses, and Installation Tips appeared first on Homedit.

What is a stud? You’ve heard the word, but maybe you don’t know what it means. Not only will we answer that question, but we’ll also cover the different types of studs used in home building today.

And we’ll also show you the best stud finding tools on the market, and tell you how they work and why they’re great.

Building a wall is one of the most crucial parts of home construction. Walls offer support and provide structure. 

Many boards make up a residential wall. However, today, we are focusing on only one part of the wall. Whenever you learn it then you can move on to the other parts of a partition. 

What Is A Stud?

Studs are used for exterior and interior walls. In construction, a stud is a board that extends from the top to the bottom of a wall and offers support. They come in one piece and are 2x4s or 2x6s.

Studs that are load-bearing are more important. After all, load-bearing walls support an entire home, unlike partitions that only separate rooms and don’t offer structural integrity. 

What Is A Stud Finder?

A stud finder is the best way to find studs in a covered wall. You need to know where the home’s boards should you want to install a window or door. You should also know where studs are when working with drywall anchors. 

Drywall anchors make it possible to hang light items in drywall without a stud. Heavier objects will pull the anchor out, thus damaging the wall. In most cases, a stud finder can detect hidden boards and makes a beeping sound when it finds one. It also has a red laser that flashes and lets you mark as far up the wall as you want.

Best Stud Finders 2023

Because although you can “knock on wood” to try to find studs, we all know it isn’t as easy as it sounds. It can make one feel frustrated. A stud finder would come in handy if you need to find metal studs.

Note: studs are generally 16-inches apart. But since not all wall lengths are divisible by 16, it’s hard to determine which side the studs start from. This is why using a stud finder is so important, even if you know the 16-inch rule. 

Tavol 4 in 1 Electronic Sensor

This Tavol stud finder ( Amazon and Tavool ) is truly amazing. It originally costs around $50, but if you’re lucky, you can find it on sale for under $25. It is the best-selling stud-finder and the highest-rated stud finder altogether. 

This finder has four modes, allowing it to detect woods, beam, joist, metals, AC wires, and deeply embedded objects behind floor, ceiling, wall. Which is more than a step above your standard stud finder. 

Pros

• 4 in 1 multiplication plus deep detection 
• Automatic Calibration and Ergonomic Grip for Comfortable Use 
• Professional Design with Top Quality

Cons

• Manufacturing issues
• Batteries not included
• Weak detection

The StudBuddy Magnetic Stud Finder

The StudBuddy ( Amazon and Lowes) is the cheapest and simplest finder you can buy. It makes the perfect small gift or stocking stuffer, so get a few of them if you get one. It can find wood or metal studs and can stay in place as a marker. The truth is that the StudBuddy works as a metal detector, detecting screws or nails. So you may need to push it up and down to detect a board. 

Pros

• Works with all drywall applications. Not intended for use on lath & plaster walls
• Finds wood and metal studs behind drywall by locating nails and screws in the studs
• No batteries are required. Hangs on the wall hands free when studs are located

Cons

• Weak detection
• Thin plastic shell

Zircon Stud Finder

Zircon ( Amazon and Zircon ) is a great, affordable brand available at most retailers. You can probably go out and buy this exact finder today. It has a great grip and works exactly like you’d expect a stud finder to work.

It’s a great option for beginners given the price and how easy it is to use. It is battery-operated and needs a 9v to operate which is not included. So make sure you grab one of those while you’re out too. 

Pros

• Ergonomically designed grip 
• Automatically corrects common user errors
• Find studs and metal while avoiding electrical hazards

Cons

• 9 volt battery not included
• Inconsistent,

BLACK+DECKER SF100 Wood Stud Finder

If you’re a Black+Decker ( Amazon and Walmart ) enthusiast who has everything in orange and black, then you need this for your collection. Not only does it work great, but it looks great too.

The Black+Decker tool uses laser technology not only to create a straight line for finding them but also to be a level. You can use it as a line laser level both horizontally and vertically. That’s more than a 2-in-1.

Pros

• LEDs flash and the device beeps when studs are located
• Ergonomic design
• AA Batteries included

Cons

• Overpriced
• Inconsistent

What Is A Jack Stud?

Jack studs are located on either side of windows and doorframes. They support an above header and will be the same height as the door when used for a door. When used to support window frames, things are different.

When a jack stud is placed in a window frame, it will be as tall as the window frame but will usually reach the floor. This offers the most support as making it as tall as the window alone won’t be stable.  

What Is A Cripple Stud?

What is a cripple stud? A cripple stud is for window and door frames. Sometimes there are holes in the wall, like in a breakfast area or over archways in open-concept homes. Cripple studs support the upper layers in the wall above them.

A cripple stud is placed in the shorter areas of the wall both above and below windows. They’re also placed above doorways. Without them, the boards would bow, or fall down, as the frames wouldn’t be secure. 

What Is A King Stud?

A king stud supports the jack stud. It runs along the jack stud on the outside only reaches both the top and the bottom. Its job is to support the jack stud and any studs that run along that path to support the entire frame.

A king stud is needed for each jack stud installed. Each of them will be screwed or nailed directly to the jack stud that it is supporting as well as to the above board and the below board, which is secured to the ceiling and floor. 

What Are Wall Headers?

As for the technical headers, when talking about building a wall or partition, you can assume the word in question refers to a window or door header. This is the board that goes above the window or door.

However, not the board that goes below the window, as this is considered the window sill. A word that we are all more familiar with.

What Are Wall Plates?

Wallplates are the topmost and bottommost horizontal boards in a partition. Without them, you’d need to screw the boards into the ceiling and the floor. But with them, you can screw the boards into them.

From there, you have a complete wall that is framed by the plates, making it easy to put the wall up and screw it into the floor and ceiling. You can think of the wall plates as upper and lower “headers.”

Now you know how to find wall studs, there’s nothing holding you back from a DIY project. Thanks to advance phone app technology, you can find a wall stud with your iPhone or Android device. This might be the easiest way to find a stud in the wall.

If you’re working with double studded walls or wall framing studs, you’ll need professional help.

And if you wanted to do something different, you could try in wall storage between studs. This would give you extra space in your home while store your seasonal items so they wouldn’t be in your way.

The post What Is A Stud? And Other Wall Studs You Should Know About appeared first on Homedit.

Choosing the best toilet brand can be challenging, with lots of options on the market. Modern toilets guarantee efficient flushing and proper sanitation.

The best toilet brands manufacture toilets using innovative designs and intelligent technology. Modern toilets have reliable flushing power, comfort, and water-saving efficiency.

They’re clog-free and include hands-free and voice-activated systems. Other models have anti-clog features and self-cleaning cycles. Knowing the top toilet brands would help make the right purchase decision.

The 10 Best Toilet Brands to Consider

The best toilet brands vary in pricing and the number of features. They also manufacture models with different toilet components.

1. Kohler

Established in 1893, Kohler is one of the leading plumbing fixture brands in history. Kohler manufactures toilets with high-end features and reliable flush performance. The brand’s craftsmanship is evident in its best-selling toilet models.

Most modern toilets from Kohler feature its standard AquaPiston flushing technology. In contrast to conventional toilets, the feature provides a forceful flush, reducing water consumption. Kohler toilets have a surface resistant to dust and rust, making them easy to clean.

The Cimarron Comfort Height toilet is one of Kohler’s top models. The model offers ergonomic comfort and practical bowl height. It also comes with an antimicrobial finish. Kohler also manufactures ADA-compliant toilets.

• Dual-flush technology
• AquaPiston flushing technology
• WaterSense certified
• Comfort height models
• Skirted design
• Smart technology

2. American Standard

American Standard sells reliable toilets, among other plumbing fixtures. The brand has over 100 years in the industry. Like other top toilet brands, American Standard has in store a variety of models.

Its toilets offer optimal flushing and have sleek designs. They come with water-saving features, are clog-free, comfortable, and resist stains. The Champion 4 is a top-selling toilet from American Standard. It uses 1.6 gallons per flush, has a large flush valve, and a trap way to prevent clogs.

The model features a Sani-Gloss finish for easy cleaning. Most toilets from American Standard come with a 10-year warranty. You can choose from different sizes, colors, and styles. American Standard toilets also include the Cadet Pro, a self-cleaning feature.

• EverClean® surface
• PowerWash® rim
• Dual flush toilets
• 10-year warranty
• Wall-mounted toilets
• WaterSense certified

3. TOTO

TOTO toilets have a modern design, stellar performance, and convenient features. The toilet brand was founded in 1917 in Japan. TOTO has an exceptional reputation in the plumbing fixture industry.

TOTO toilets feature functional engineering and design to offer water efficiency and durability. Some of TOTO’s top toiler models are the Neorest 500 and Drake II. The TOTO Drake II is a two-piece, gravity-fed toilet available in various finishes.

It has a dual flush system that helps conserve water and an elongated bowl for extra comfort. The Neorest 500 also has a modern, sleek design. It comes with TOTO’s patented Actilight technology that uses UV light to clean the bowl.

The Drake II has a SanaGloss glaze that prevents bacteria, mold, or mildew from growing on the bowl. Its Tornado Flush system is also powerful enough to keep the bowl clean. All toilet models from TOTO are known for their efficient water-saving technology and reliable flushing systems.

• CEFIONTECT glaze
• G-Max flushing system
• Tornado flush system
• WaterSense certified
• Bidet function
• UV light to clean the bowl
• Ion-barrier surface to prevent debris and mold
• Power flush

4. Duravit

Duravit is a notable toilet brand from Germany. It’s been in the plumbing fixtures industry since 1817, hence its solid reputation.

The DuraStyle One-Piece toilet is one of Duravit’s top models. It includes a soft-close seat, adjustable water level, contemporary design, and a forceful flush.

Most toilet models from Duravit are efficient due to their dual-flush technology. There are also low-flow models available. Both features help conserve water. Their vitreous china material is durable and resistant to stains or discoloration.

• Soft-close lids
• Integrated washbasins
• Rimless design
• Comfort height
• Wall-mounted or floor-standing models
• Automatic flush
• Bidet function

5. Swiss Madison

Swiss Madison is a top toilet manufacturer with a base in North America. With over 25 years in the industry, Swiss Madison sells high-quality porcelain toilets. Porcelain toilets are easy to clean and maintain. Its toilets are suitable for both commercial and residential use.

The toilet models also come in various styles and colors. One of their notable models is the Soleil One-Piece Elongated toilet. It features an anti-clog siphon jet and adjustable base height. Besides its powerful flushing system, the model includes a 10-year warranty.

Swiss Madison also incorporates dual flush technology in most of its models. The feature allows for a choice between a full or half flush to conserve water and lower monthly bills. Toilets from Swiss Madison also come with a soft-close lid to prevent slamming.

• Fully Glazed Trap Way
• Anti-Microbial Glaze
• Universal Height
• Scratch and Stain Resistant
• Dual flush system
• Elongated bowl design

6. Gerber

Gerber is a well-known toilet brand offering residential and commercial models. As with other leading brands, the toilet manufacturer produces durable toilets. Each of its models is simple to install.

The toilet brand offers models with a fully glazed trap way, a water pressure regulator, and a low-flow flush mechanism. Wall-mounted models are also available. One of Gerber’s most popular toilets is the Ultra Flush, which features a slow-closing seat.

It requires only 1.28 gallons per flush. Gerber provides a 10-year limited warranty. Its toilet models are renowned for their low maintenance requirements. They also include an ant-clog mechanism.

• PowerWash rim technology
• Vortex flushing system
• EverClean antimicrobial surface
• AquaPiston flushing system
• EcoFlush technology
• Rimless design
• SoftTouch flush

7. Cotto

Cotto is a Korean company manufacturing sanitary ware products since 1982. The CV4 Simply Connect is among Cotto’s stylish toilet models. It uses a built-in side jet for effective rinsing and flushing. Toilets from Cotto use a dual flush system to conserve water.

Cotto uses vitreous china on its toilet models since it’s resistant to corrosion. The toilet brand uses a soft-close mechanism that helps prevent slamming the seat.

Cotto’s patented Bio-Hygiene seat prevents bacteria, mold, or mildew growth. A lifetime warranty also backs all the brand’s toilets.

• Slow Close Lid
• Water Saving Filtration System
• No Clog Technology
• EverClean® Surface Finish
• Easy Clean Technology
• Siphon Jet Flushing Technology

8. Niagara Conservation

Niagara Conservation has a 30-year track record of providing top-notch plumbing solutions. Toilets from Niagara Conservation are long-lasting and offer optimal performance. The toilet brand sells different models, from mid-range to high-end.

The Stealth 0.8 Gallon toilet is best for homeowners looking for a dependable bathroom fixture. Niagara’s Stealth 0.8 has an elongated bowl and a low-profile design. It fits almost any bathroom size. The model has an ergonomic design and features Comfort Bed technology.

Most models from Niagara Conservation are water efficient. They use about 0.8 gallons per flush. Niagara uses ceramic glaze due to its resistance against grime, stains, and scratches. It also installs siphon jet systems on its toilet models to enhance flushing performance.

Other features include a water-conserving fill valve, a 2-inch trap way, and a chrome flush handle. With such features, you won’t need to flush the toilet multiple times. Niagara toilets include a 6-year limited warranty.

• Pressure Assisted Flush
• Automatic Flush Valve Technology
• High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs)
• Water Sense-certified products
• Dual Flush technology

9. Woodbridge

Woodbridge toilets not only have a sleek appearance but are easy to install. Most models have a one-piece, low-profile design. Toilets from Woodbridge come with a high-efficiency flushing system.

The brand’s toilet models conserve water while maintaining powerful flushing performance. They include a soft-close seat and lid to reduce noise. For optimal waste elimination, the toilets have a fully glazed trap way.

The T-0041 is among the best-selling toilet models from Woodbridge. Its ceramic glaze finish makes it resistant to stains and bacteria. The T-0041 also has a self-cleaning feature that cleans the bowl’s interior.

You also get a dual-flush system which helps conserve water. Toilet models from Woodbridge use the siphon jet flush feature to reduce clogging.

• Self-Cleaning Rim Technology
• Dual-Flush System
• One-Piece Design
• Ergonomically Designed Seats
• Automated Open/Close Function
• Adjustable Water Temperature Settings

10. Saniflo

Saniflo is a top-tier manufacturer of macerating toilets. The toilet brand has been in the plumbing fixtures industry since 1958. Macerating toilets grind and flush the toilet waste. The macerating action is more effective than a regular toilet.

Saniflo toilets come in different styles and sizes that fit compact spaces. Sanicompact, a top model from Saniflo, is a tankless toilet with a built-in macerator. It’s an all-in-one toilet that fits in areas as small as 25 inches in width or height.

The model also comes with remote control features accessible via a smartphone. Saniflo toilets have vitreous china rinse bowl, which doesn’t harbor bacteria or mold growth. They also include a built-in low-flush technology to reduce water consumption.

• Macerating Technology
• Noise Reduction Technology
• Self-Cleaning Features
• Compact Size
• Dual Flush Mode
• Dual-Level Pistons

What to Look for in a Toilet Brand

Installation Requirements

Consider the installation requirements since they impact the final cost. Check whether the installation method is compatible with your bathroom’s infrastructure. It’s worth determining if there are extra alterations you’ll need to make.

Some toilets require new flooring and drainage channels. The manufacturer’s installation guide helps assess if a toilet’s size matches your bathroom’s layout.

Cost

The initial price and maintenance costs over a toilet’s lifetime are essential considerations. Buying a cheap toilet may reduce the bathroom’s value and diminish its aesthetics. High-efficiency toilets cost more but minimize water consumption.

Flush Mechanism & Water Efficiency

The flush mechanism of a toilet determines how effectively it conserves water. It should flush away waste and avoid clogs with no effort. A flush mechanism should help keep the toilet bowl clean. Investing in a toilet with a dependable flush mechanism lowers maintenance needs.

Warranty

A good warranty demonstrates a manufacturer’s commitment and guarantee toward their product. A homeowner gets to save repair costs in case of a manufacturer’s defect.

Most toilet brands offer a 10-year limited warranty, while others provide lifetime warranties. Pick a toilet model whose warranty covers its workmanship and material defects.

Quality & Design

Quality and design affect the user experience and the toilet’s lifespan. Pick a toilet model whose design suits your bathroom’s decor. A high-quality toilet costs mode but lasts longer and comes with extra features.

When choosing a toilet brand, quality and reliability are the top considerations. Modern toilets come with features that help conserve water. The main flushing systems are dual flush, pressure-assisted, or gravity fed. The type of flushing determines the toilet’s efficiency.

Besides the installation method, comfort and convenience impact the final price. Make sure a toilet model meets all the local and national plumbing codes. The brand’s reputation, cost, and type of handle are other vital considerations.

The post Top 10 Toilet Brands for Quality and Durability appeared first on Homedit.

A flea market NYC is a great place to find bargains in the Big Apple. There are flea markets scattered across the city, and many of them are near major tourist attractions like the tallest buildings in NYC.

Some NYC flea markets are indoors while others are only outdoors. Certain ones operate year-round, seasonally, on weekends, or on weekdays. If you’re looking for a local flea market, there are options for everyone to enjoy.

What is a Flea Market?

A flea market can be any market selling secondhand goods. Most flea markets are outdoors with dozens of local vendors, but each one is unique.

The French term “marché aux puces,” was first used to describe a secondhand shop in Paris. The name loosely translated to “flea market,” likely because secondhand goods may or may not contain fleas. While the name has an unappealing meaning, it quickly became a recognizable term, so no one changed it.

Best Flea Markets in NYC

If you’re searching for a “flea market New York City,” then the following flea markets may be good options.

Year-Round Flea Markets

Chelsea Flea Market

• Type: Outdoors
• Location: East of Chelsea
• Hours: 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday

Chelsea Flea is a massive flea market only a few blocks from the iconic Empire State Building. There are 50 to 60 vendors that specialize in vintage and antique items, such as jewelry, photos, and historic collectibles.

Artists & Fleas Williamsburg

• Type: Indoors
• Location: Williamsburg
• Hours: 11 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays

Artists & Fleas Williamsburg has an indoor location for customers who don’t want to face the weather. There are over 45 sellers that specialize in vintage collectibles, including clothing, jewelry, and decor.

Artists & Fleas Chelsea

• Type: Indoors
• Location: Chelsea
• Hours: 11 am to 7 pm daily

This indoor location of Artists & Fleas is open daily with over 30 sellers. They sell lots of fashion and art items for creative individuals.

Grand Bazaar NYC

• Type: Indoors and Outdoors
• Location: Manhattan
• Hours: 10 am to 5 pm every Sunday

This is one of the oldest and largest flea markets in NYC. It’s conveniently located just outside of Central Park, near the American Museum of Natural History. There are 60 to 200 vendors, depending on the time of year, so you can find just about anything.

GreenFlea Market

• Type: Indoors and Outdoors
• Location: Manhattan
• Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm on Sundays

GreenFlea is another one of the oldest and largest New York City flea markets. It has been around since 1985, and some of the profits are donated to schools. You can find almost any item there, including clothes, crafts, antiques, collectibles, and food.

Seasonal Flea Markets

Brooklyn Flea

• Type: Outdoor
• Location: Dumbo
• Hours: 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, April to December

Brooklyn Flea is a famous outdoor flea market with about 80 vendors. It’s known for its fashion items, but it also sells a variety of other goods like antiques, crafts, and gourmet food.

Hester Street Fair

• Type: Outdoors
• Location: Manhattan
• Hours: Varies, Spring through Fall

The Hester Street Fair is smaller than most, but still popular. Its location and season vary each year, but it always returns with plenty of unique products, such as plants, food, clothes, and collectibles. This flea market also hosts theme nights on occasion, such as Halloween Day and Pride Day.

LIC Flea & Food

• Type: Outdoor
• Location: Queens
• Hours: 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, June to October

This New York flea market focuses on food, antiques, and vintage clothing. There’s also a beer garden along the water where visitors can socialize. The list of vendors consistently changes and grows, and sometimes, there’s live music on-site.

Queens Night Market

• Type: Outdoors
• Location: Queens
• Hours: 6 pm to 12 am on Saturdays, Spring to Fall

Queens Night Market is one of the few NYC flea markets that happen at night instead of in the morning. This event focuses on food vendors, especially cuisines from a variety of different countries. There are also plenty of art pieces for sale, along with some live performances throughout the night.

Bronx Night Market

• Type: Outdoors
• Location: Bronx
• Hours: 4 pm to 10 pm on Saturdays, April to October

Bronx Night Market is another market that’s great for night owls. It’s best known for its food since there are over 50 vendors selling delicious treats. It also hosts live performances that all ages can enjoy.

Nolita Market

• Type: Outdoors
• Location: Manhattan
• Hours: 10 am to 7 pm on Fridays through Sundays, March through December

Nolita Market is likely the smallest option on this list, with only about 15 vendors per week. Yet, it’s worth walking through it at least once because the vendors specialize in some unique products, such as graphic tees, pendant necklaces, and sunglasses.

A flea market in NYC is a great way to save some money by finding great bargains. There’s no shortage of flea markets in the city, especially on summer weekends. So, consider checking some out, whether you’re a tourist or a local.

The post Flea Market NYC: Where To Find The Best Secondhand Shops appeared first on Homedit.

We all love discount furniture stores, but we also want products with great style. Furniture costs are a considerable expenditure, so discount furniture stores are one way to save money and buy furniture that fits our unique look too.

Buying multiples of the same furniture piece is not a good budget decision. Furniture can have a reasonable price tag and good quality too. Consider both of these to get the most bang for your buck. So be picky as you look through discount furniture store options so that you don’t have to buy the same product after your first purchase falls apart.

Here is a list of discount furniture stores that feature various styles. This will save you the difficult task of searching online for stores that are cute, options for good quality pieces, as well as not too hard on your budget.

Discount Furniture Stores

The best furniture discount stores can help us beautify our homes at a reasonable price. Not every store will fit your unique style or your budget. But the list is varied, so there are stores that will work for everyone.

Wayfair

Wayfair was founded in 2008. While it is new to the market, it has become a dominant force as a marketplace for almost everything you can buy. They sell everything from furniture and decor to appliances and remodeling supplies. The great thing about this as a discounted furniture store option is that it sells a wide variety of furniture styles. You can find furniture in the Scandinavian style to styles that look like throwbacks from the 80s. Wayfair is a marketplace for other furniture discount stores, so it is a one-stop shop for everything you need.

The Ronaldo Upholstered Lounge Chair is one of our favorite items. Mistana, the creator of the Ronaldo Chair, is a shop that sells Pacific coast boho furniture with chic style. This chair has a solid wood frame and a comfortable, sophisticated style.

Target

Try searching “discount furniture stores near me,” and your local Target is sure to be at the top of the list. We all love the feeling we get walking into our Target of choice. Target distinguished itself from its big box discount competitors with its upscale style and celebrity partnerships.

Target opened in 1962 and reached its first $1 billion threshold in 1979. Target is one of the largest discount retailers in the United States. These stores offer every type of home product as well as toys, beauty products, and grocery items.

Partnerships with home gurus like Joanna Gaines and Studio McGee have provided an even better incentive to shop for furniture and home decor at Target.

One furniture item receiving rave reviews is the Verken Mid Century Modern Settee Bench from Project 62. This bench has a wood frame with a tufted upholstered seat. It is ideal for sitting in an entry or keeping at the side of the dining room for extra seating.

Bob’s Discount Furniture

Bob’s Discount Furniture store is a brand that first opened its doors in 1991. It has become one of the most popular discount furniture store brands. It is known for its no-nonsense approach, traditional style, and financing options to make purchases more manageable.

There is a range of delivery options to consider including White Glove service. They also have virtual services which allow you to see your items in your room before you purchase them. Make sure you consider the quality and reviews of items you are considering, as this store has furniture of varying types and quality.

One product that has excellent reviews is the Spencer Gray 54” Desk. This desk has a classic style and modern features like a power outlet and USB port that make life so much easier. Some assembly is required for this desk.

IKEA

IKEA is the Swedish store brand that has made a name with its sleek Scandinavian style and clever modular designs. IKEA was founded in 1943 and has become the discount furniture store favorite of every first-year college student and new homeowner.

Despite its reputation for poor quality furniture, IKEA has plenty of discount furniture options with great style and solid construction. The key is looking for solid materials like wood or metal and pieces with a timeless style.

The Hemnes Series from IKEA is a clear favorite. These are classic storage pieces crafted from a majority of solid wood. They come in traditional colors of white, black, and gray. Change out the knobs to give your pieces your style.

Home Goods

Home Goods is a discount furniture store under the umbrella of TJ Maxx. This furniture store has great style and reasonable prices. You can also find good quality pieces if that is a top priority. The styles and pieces that you find at Home Goods are ever changing, so it is best to go at least once a week if there is a specific style piece that you are looking to buy.

One example of furniture from HomeGoods is the 24-inch Marble Inlay Table with a Metal Base from Sagebrook Home. This is a side table with a glam style that can fit beside a bed or a sofa and still steal the show.

World Market

World Market, formerly known as Cost Plus World Market, began as a specialty store that imported products and food from all over the world. While they have become more mainstream, you still get the experience of walking through an international bazaar as you walk through the store. The furniture and decor have a mid-century bohemian quality that is so popular today.

The Leanna Channel Tufted Loveseat is an elegant piece. While it is not as cost-effective as other options, it is still less than what you would pay at other retail stores with the same style. This sofa has a gorgeous Art Deco style and color that will give your living room an elegant style lift.

Ashley Furniture

Ashley Home Stores have over 1,000 stores worldwide, so there is sure to be an Ashley store nearby if you are looking for a “discount furniture store near me”. This store does specialize in traditional style furniture, so their contemporary styles may surprise you. With their style and discount furniture prices, it is an option to consider for pieces throughout your home.

The Tavani line of sofas, sectionals, and loveseats is an example of the cloud style sofa that has been so popular over the last couple of years. This sofa has a fresh and clean aesthetic style with slender track arms that keep the large sofa from looking bulky.

Overstock

Overstock is an American online furniture retailer that sells merchandise including furniture and home decor. This company began in 1999 selling surplus items and liquidating furniture from failed businesses. Now, it is a marketplace that sells new furniture from a variety of brands.

One of their best selling and rated items is the Large Triple Wide 5-Shelf Etagere Bookcase. The bookcase has an open and casual style that works well with farmhouse, industrial, and even modern decor styles. Customers report that it is sturdy and easy to assemble all for a low price.

Birch Lane

Birch Lane is your “go-to” if you want farmhouse style furniture at a reasonable price. Birch Lane is an off-shoot of Wayfair. This style is great if you want to shop for furniture that has just one style without wading through countless other options. You should also consider Birch Lane if you are looking for coastal, boho, or traditional furniture options.

One of our favorite furniture choices at Birch Lane is the Geno Coffee Table. This is a round coffee table crafted from high-quality rattan. It offers a warm texture and a pleasant shape that will work as a single coffee table or a set. Best of all, no assembly is required.

Spoken

We have saved one of the best discount furniture store options for last. Spoken io is new on the scene of furniture marketplaces. This online store features white labeled products by other companies and sells them on their website at a discounted rate.

White labeling is a retail company technique of taking a product from another company and then rebranding it under its own name. This is a legitimate business practice, but you end up paying more for your products. This company has a stripped-down style and features, but it will link you to stores with which you are more familiar to get you the best price.

Check out this striking concrete dining table. Spoken links you to four retailers and shows you the prices of all of them.

Where Can I Find Even Less Expensive Furniture Stores Near Me?

Finding less expensive furniture stores in your area rather than online can be challenging. Look into alternative store options not just furniture stores to find inexpensive pieces. Consider looking at retail stores like Walmart and home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes.

These stores are in many towns throughout the United States or at least within proximity. Also, consider out-of-the-box options like thrift and vintage stores. These stores offer used furniture at unbeatable prices. The trick with these is that you will need to pick through the options to find furniture options that will suit your needs and style.

The post 10 Discount Furniture Stores To Buy Inexpensive Furniture appeared first on Homedit.

A boulder retaining wall can bring structure and definition to your landscape design. Unlike a concrete block retaining wall, a boulder retaining wall retains a natural look that blends rather than competes with other outdoor features.

Boulder and other rock retaining walls that are well-built should last upwards of 100 years or more. These walls are some of the most long-lasting landscape structures, lasting long after houses and barns have been destroyed. Many of these historic large rock retaining walls are still in use today. One of the earliest surviving dry stacked rock retaining walls is Hadrian’s Wall built in 122 C.E.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about boulder or large rock retaining walls. With this information, you will be able to decide if this rugged wall form is a good option for your home landscaping.

What is a Boulder Retaining Wall?

A boulder retaining wall is one that you build using large rocks or boulders. Different from other stones, boulders are a distinct variety of rocks. Boulders are large rocks or rock fragments which experts define as larger than 10 inches (25.6 cm) in diameter. Boulders make one of the best building materials because they are solid, resistant to erosion from the weather, and they can withstand an immense amount of pressure from both the soil behind the wall and small movements in the earth.

Pros and Cons of a Boulder Retaining Wall

Boulders or large rocks work well as wall-building materials. But there are factors which mean these are not a good option for some home landscapers.

Pros:

• Visual appeal – Boulders have an innate beauty and natural style which creates stunning retaining walls. These walls have an organic style that blends into the outdoor environment.
• Durability – The size of boulders makes them impervious to erosion caused by the wind and the rain.
• Versatility – No two boulders are alike, so you can create unique and distinctive retaining walls that are unlike anything you see in other yards.
• Maintenance – A rock retaining wall will require little maintenance in the future if it is well-built in the first place.
• Cost – Depending on the area you live, a large rock retaining wall can be one of the most cost-effective options among different boulder rock wall styles. The cost of boulders will vary by location. It will cost less in areas where natural boulders are easy to obtain.

Cons:

• Space – Retaining wall boulders are large and can create a massive sized retaining wall. In small yards, they may not be an appropriate option because of the available space. Many boulder retaining wall construction uses heavy duty equipment which will require wide entrances into your yard.
• Height – The type of construction of boulder retaining walls limits the prospective height of these walls. A concrete retaining wall is a better option if you need a tall retaining wall.
• Construction – Depending on the size of the boulders, these large rocks are not always a good DIY option. Lifting them and building the wall may require heavy duty equipment and expertise.
• Cost – Living in a part of the country where boulders are not prevalent will increase your cost for these rocks. Also, if you use large boulders you will need professional expertise and equipment. This will increase the cost of your retaining wall.

Construction Method for Boulder Retaining Walls

There are two main types of construction for boulder retaining walls: dry-stacking, also called the gravity method, or with mortar known as the wet-laid method. You can also choose an option that combines both methods. Some contractors may use one method and be unfamiliar with any other. Talk with them first to make sure you are on the same page regarding which building method they prefer and why.

Dry Stack (Gravity) Method

Using gravity as a way to keep the boulders in place is one of the easiest and most popular ways to build a rock retaining wall. This method relies on the weight of the rocks to retain the shape of the wall. Dry stacking requires rocks stacked in an interlocking pattern. This interlocking is achieved by using specific rock contours, rock weight, and frictional interaction.

This method is a good choice if you are using heavy boulders and have moisture in the ground. The cracks between the rocks allow water to seep through and relieve the pressure that would build up behind the wall. This innate drainage system will maintain the integrity of the wall structure and increase its lifespan. Make sure that you or your contractor packs small rocks rather than packed soil behind the wall for increased drainage. This is most important if you have wet soil or heavy rainfall in your area.

This method can be more difficult than using mortar because it requires time, patience, and expertise to find rocks that fit together in a way that is seamless and solid.

Wet-Laid (Mortar) Method

Some contractors may opt for using mortar or cement if they are constructing a retaining wall with boulders. The mortar provides extra strength to the wall. This is a good method if you live in a dry environment and do not worry about moisture buildup in the soil.

You can still build a rock wall with mortar if you live in a moist environment, but you must add drainage. All retaining walls need drainage stone behind them to keep heavy moist soil from pressing into the wall. Depending on how much water is in your environment, you may also need to add drainage pipes or holes to allow water to come through the wall and release the pressure that is building up behind it.

The type of mortar you use is important in this method. Use the type “M” or “S” mortar for your project. Type “M” is the strongest mortar type as it has the highest concrete content. This mortar works well for stone as it mimics the strength of the stone itself. Type “S” is also appropriate for smaller boulder walls and is able to withstand excessive moisture better than type “M”.

Combination Method

You can also consider using a combination of both methods to achieve a natural look with increased strength. This method utilizes mortar along the rear of the wall. This creates the illusion of a dry-stacked wall in the front. You can also use a mortar that is pigmented to match the stones to decrease the visibility of the mortar lines throughout the wall.

Rocks for Boulder Retaining Walls

Retaining wall boulders come in many varieties including granite, sandstone, quartz, limestone, basalt, and bluestone. There are three main types of boulders that landscapers use to create retaining walls: fieldstone boulders, quarry boulders, and water-washed boulders. Both fieldstone and quarry boulders have sharp edges, flat planes and non-symmetrical divots.

• Fieldstone Boulders – Fieldstone boulders are found on the earth’s surface. Character and age are intrinsic to these boulders. They often feature moss and dirt as they have been subject to outdoor weather conditions.
• Quarry Boulders – Quarry boulders are dug up from the ground and have less age and character than fieldstone boulders. These rocks are easier to work with because they have fewer angles. These stones will also create a more stable wall if you are an inexperienced DIYer.
• River Rock – River rocks are rocks that have been washed in the river over time. The constant running water smooths the edges of the rock to create the rounded style that we associate with river rocks. These rocks come in various sizes including those that experts define as boulders. River boulders are the best option if you want to create a wall with rounded stones.

Other Tips When Considering a Boulder Retaining Wall

Consider these tips to ensure that you know all the facts before you invest in a retaining wall with boulders.

• Wall Color – Natural rock retaining wall colors vary to a wide degree. You can use boulders that are off-white, pink, orange, gray, black, or reddish. The color of your wall will have a huge impact on the look of the finished wall.
• Wall Pattern – There are two main types of patterns in large rock retaining wall configurations. One is a modular pattern which involves using boulders that have a similar size and shape. The other is a random pattern configuration that employs boulders of many shapes and sizes. This type of wall takes more time, planning, and skill to implement.
• Permits – Most retaining walls over 4 feet need to be permitted.
• Professional Help – Large boulder retaining walls are difficult for the average DIYer because of their weight and size. You also may need the help of a licensed contractor to help with the construction.

Boulder Retaining Wall Cost

As with everything, the cost for a boulder retaining wall varies depending on many factors. According to HomeGuide, the range for the price of a rock wall is between $2,000-$10,000. The average rock retaining wall cost is around $6,000. Boulders are priced around $50-$200 per linear foot (including labor and materials) or $100-$350 per ton for just the boulders. The cost for a large boulder retaining wall will set you back more at $600 per ton.

Factors That Impact the Cost of a Boulder Retaining Wall

Keep in mind these extra factors that will determine the cost of the completed retaining wall.

• Size and Design – The length and height will impact the cost of the wall as more materials and labor are needed for the wall. The complexity of the wall design will impact the design. A straight wall will cost less than a wall with curves, columns, and stairs.
• Foundation and Drainage – Higher walls require deeper foundations. Most mortared walls will require drainage of some kind and increase the cost.
• Labor Costs – Plan on paying at least $40-$80 an hour for labor or $10-$30 per square foot.
• Engineered Plans – Plan on hiring a structural engineer to draw up plans for your wall if it is over 4 feet high.
• Heavy Construction – Depending on your site, you may need ground cleared, old walls removed, or the site leveled. This will require heavy equipment and operators.
• Geogrid – Geogrid is a flexible mesh that builders put behind rock walls. This helps to stabilize the soil behind the wall. This is helpful if the soil is sandy and fine, but it is not always necessary to use Geogrid. It can increase labor costs up to 50%.

Boulder Retaining Wall Ideas

Now that you know the basics about boulder retaining walls, here are some designs that will excite you with the possibilities.

Variegated Boulder Retaining Wall

This landscape designer used boulders in variegated hues of red, pink, off-white, and a soft bluish-green. The boulder wall climbs up the hill in a way that blends with the surroundings. These designers softened the look of the wall with additions of plants and flowers throughout.

Dry Stacked Flat Boulder Retaining Wall

This contractor utilized the dry-stack method for this retaining wall. It also features a random pattern where the diverse stone sizes fit together like a puzzle. The boulder variety is an example of the deep orange hues common in fieldstone.

Mortared Stone Retaining Wall

This wall features mortared construction and smaller round boulders. Small stones mix with the boulders to create a stone wall with varied shapes and sizes.

Boulder Retaining Wall for Seating

Add extra seating to your space by adding a curved boulder retaining wall around a firepit. Use boulders that are around the same size for a uniform appearance and flat on the top for comfortable seating.

Mixed Material Retaining Wall

Boulders have a distinct natural form, but they work well with many other materials. In this design, the landscaper combined flat, dry-stacked boulders with custom weathered steel.

The post Boulder Retaining Wall: Things You Should Know appeared first on Homedit.

Retaining wall caps are the top piece on the retaining wall that provide the finishing touch on your wall design. Retaining wall caps come in many different sizes, shapes, and materials. These different types allow you to customize the look of your wall to fit your home’s aesthetic style, lifestyle, and budget.

This article will update you about the various wall cap shapes available along with different materials and textures that manufacturers provide. We will also bring you some design ideas to show you how retaining wall caps affect the style of your retaining walls.

Why Use Retaining Wall Caps?

There are many reasons that it is beneficial to use retaining wall caps to complete your outdoor wall designs. The two main reasons are the overall style of the wall and the increased durability.

• Style – Retaining wall caps give retaining walls a more complete look. They also allow you to introduce another material into your wall design to create contrast or a new texture.

• Durability – Retaining wall caps will increase the durability of your retaining wall. The caps seal the top seams of the wall that allow moisture to creep in and cause damage to the lower structure of the wall.

Retaining Wall Cap Materials

Manufacturers create retaining wall caps from various natural and synthetic materials. You should choose the type of material for your wall caps based on the look you want and your overall budget.

• Concrete – Concrete retaining wall caps are one of the most popular options available. These are cost-effective which make them accessible for most budgets. Concrete is also a weather-resistant and durable material. Fabricators create concrete wall caps in a variety of colors, textures, and shapes. Concrete wall caps can be made to look like smooth and textured stone as well as wood.
• Brick – Landscape designers often use bricks as wall caps to give a retaining wall a classic and elegant style. Bricks and mortar are porous, so this is not a cost-effective or durable solution as a retaining wall cap.
• Wood – Natural wood is a cost-effective cap for retaining walls. Wood is used to complete retaining walls made of wood. But wood is also used in conjunction with walls of other materials like natural stone. This softens the look of the stone and gives it a rustic edge. Treated hardwood is more weather resistant that softwood, but it is not as durable a solution as stone or concrete.
• Natural Stone – Natural stone is a popular choice for retaining wall caps. Retaining wall cap stone types include bluestone, granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone. Retaining wall cap stone is one of the most expensive options as it must be excavated and cut before use.
• High Density Polyurethane – Synthetic retaining wall capstone made from high density polyurethane are a new option. These come in a variety of colors and textures made to mimic the look of stone or wood.

Retaining Wall Cap Shapes

Retaining wall caps come in a range of shapes and sizes to fit unique wall shapes and styles. Here are just a few of the shapes that you will find. Be sure to inquire which edges are finished on the wall cap you are considering. Some caps feature edges where all are finished. Others feature caps where just certain edges are finished which limits their universal application.

• Straight Wall Cap – Straight retaining wall caps feature straight edges on all sides. You can find both rectangular and square cap options. Most straight caps feature either two or three finished sides. This means that you can use them in the middle of a wall or at the end.
• Radius Wall Cap – A radius retaining wall top cap features a curved edge on two sides with slanted outer edges. These types of retaining wall cap stones are meant to top curved walls. These caps feature two or three finished sides.
• Pillar Wall Cap – Pillar wall caps are meant to stand alone on top of pillars and columns that are features on a retaining wall. These retaining wall caps feature four finished sides.
• Universal Wall Cap – The universal retaining wall cap shape is a trapezoid. This features two sides that slant in with two parallel sides. Universal wall caps work for walls that are both straight and curved.
• Triface Wall Cap – Triface wall caps feature six sides. Three of the sides are meant to be exposed on the front to create a wall with interest and depth.

Retaining Wall Cap Profiles

The profile refers to the top and edge shape of the wall cap.

• Square – Square wall caps are flat with squared off edges. This style produces the most contemporary looking wall cap.
• Bullnose – Bullnose wall caps feature a flat top with a rounded edge. This shape gives the wall a more traditional style.
• Chiseled – Chiseled wall caps have a rough front face that is meant to look like natural stone. This profile style gives the wall a rustic or historic look.
• Peaked – Peaked wall caps are common in both concrete and polyurethane materials. This design features a peak that runs down the middle of the cap. This style works well to take water away from the wall.

Installing Retaining Wall Caps

When building a retaining wall, you do not use any kind of adhesive to hold the wall together. Once you begin installing the retaining wall caps, you will need to use a landscape adhesive to secure the top to the lower wall. Buy a landscape adhesive like this one from Loctite that is made for block and stone. With a calk gun, apply two drops the size of a quarter to each block. Press the block down and move the block back and forth to spread the adhesive. Position the block where you want it and let it dry while you proceed to other blocks down the line.

Retaining Wall Cap Overhang

It is most standard to have the retaining wall caps overhang the lower wall by 1-2 inches. Some designs feature larger overhangs if they want the top to be more distinct from the lower wall.

Retaining Wall Cap Ideas

We have gathered some gorgeous retaining wall cap ideas that are varied and distinct. This inspiration will help you define what style wall caps you like for your own home landscape.

Brick Wall with Bluestone for Capping a Retaining Wall

Brick retaining walls have a classic style, but brick wall caps do not inhibit moisture. This will lead to deterioration of the wall over time. Bluestone, also called basalt, is a natural stone. It is dense and hard wearing. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor use. You can find pieces that have a rough finish and natural shape. There are also varieties that are sawn to create a regular shape and smooth finish.

Stone Wall with a Cameron Flagstone Retaining Wall Cap

Fieldstone is a common type of stone name for retaining wall caps. This is a generic word that encompasses different varieties of stones including granite, sandstone, and limestone. The word fieldstone refers more to the style of the stone rather than the types. Fieldstone retaining wall caps have a natural, unadulterated style. These caps have a thin and rugged profile creating a fitting top for the stone retaining wall.

Smooth Concrete Retaining Wall Cap

Concrete is a popular and cost effective retaining wall cap option. There are many varied styles which make it attractive for people who want a specific look. This spherical stacked stone veneer retaining wall features a smooth concrete cap. The cap and the wall blend contrasting styles to create a retaining wall with rustic but contemporary edge.

Retaining Wall with a Wood Wall Cap

Wood is a cost-effective and attractive retaining wall cap. The most common wood wall cap shape is planks. While these are an inexpensive choice and will resist moisture at first, wood will not last for many years in the outdoor weather. In order to use the most durable wood, choose hardwood that has been sealed with stain and a topcoat like polyurethane. You can also look for pressure treated wood which is more resistant to moisture.

Stone Retaining Wall with Travertine Wall Caps

Travertine is another stone popular for outdoor use. This stone is light colored with creamy white and brown that provide contrast with darker wall materials. Travertine is a durable material that works well in an outdoor environment.

Concrete Retaining Wall Block Caps

Manufactured concrete blocks are one of the most popular options for DIY retaining walls. You can buy these blocks in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. These wall blocks have a gray color and rough texture to mimic natural stone at a lower price point. This wall top features universal and straight caps. Together these blocks can follow any wall shape.

Thermal Flagstone Retaining Wall Cap

Flagstone wall comes in both natural cleft and thermaled styles. Natural cleft flagstone is split along the natural grain and has more irregular and non-standard shapes and thicknesses. Thermal flagstone is sawn, so you can buy standard and predictable sizes and thicknesses. Fabricators apply heat to smooth down the rough natural texture of the stone.

The post Your Guide to Using and Choosing Retaining Wall Caps appeared first on Homedit.

Retaining wall steps are a way to give the practical look of the retaining wall greater function and definition. Retaining wall steps are also a helpful way to reduce the lateral pressure of the soil against the retaining walls themselves.

Retaining wall stair styles range from simple and rustic to sleek and sophisticated. They elevate the look of an unobtrusive retaining wall to something that creates better outdoor traffic flow.

These steps do not just connect your outdoors spaces in a practical way; they create a visual connection for a more holistic design. They can even work as overflow seating if you position them near gathering areas.

Retaining Wall Steps: Tips Before You Begin

Before you begin construction for your retaining wall and complementing stairs, consider these steps. Once you walk yourself through these ideas, you will have the needed information to proceed with your retaining wall stairs.

• Code Requirements – Check your local building requirements. Some cities require safety railings for stairs over a certain height.
• Safety Considerations – Consider the people using the retaining wall stairs. You may need to adjust the height of the overall stairs to create a shorter drop. You should also think about the rise and run of each stair to make the stairs easier to use for small children or those with walking difficulties.
• Aesthetic Style – There are various retaining wall step styles to consider. Some blend into the surroundings, and some create a more dramatic statement. Consider which style and materials you prefer the most.
• Stairway Use – Think about how your stairway will be used and by whom. You may want the stairs to function as extra seating. In this case, they need to be located near a gathering space.
• Stairway Shape – Retaining wall steps vary in shape. For example, you can have a long vertical stairway with switchback curves or stairs with turns connected by landings. Consider which shape connects your outdoor spaces in the most cohesive way. Also, consider which shape makes the most sense with the shape of your landscape.
• Number and Size of Risers – You can buy risers in different shapes and heights. These will determine the number of stairs you have.
• Drainpipe or Electrical Considerations – Make sure you think about the drains and electricity in the area. You will need to embed drainpipes or electricity according to city code requirements.

Designs for Retaining Wall Steps

We have gathered some distinct retaining wall step designs for you to consider which type would work for your space and needs.

Steel Retaining Wall with Steps

One of the most cost-effective types of retaining walls with stairs is metal sheeting. D-Crain Design and Construction built this particular retaining wall with a weathering steel known as Cor-Ten steel.

These specific steel alloys have the ability to weather by forming a rust-like appearance that does not destroy the integrity of the steel. They used it to create the walls and stairs in this backyard.This retaining wall design achieves an upscale look with metal through an effective mix of materials and the juxtaposition of angles.

Retaining Wall with Slab Stairs

Raw and unpolished limestone is a beautiful choice for retaining walls and stairs. In this design, Topeka Landscape used 6-14’ blocks for the walls and 6’ blocks for the stairs. Using the same material gives the design a cohesive look. The wide limestone blocks provide a stairway with generous proportions. The treads have a low rise and a wide run, ideal for small children or those who need assistance walking.

Railroad Tie Stairs in a Retaining Wall

Railroad ties are wooden beams that are treated with a substance like creosote to preserve them from deterioration in the weather. These wooden beams can last up to 30 years or more depending on their exposure to different types of weather.

Wood beams like railroad ties are one of the most cost-effective options for retaining wall stairs. Another advantage is that railroad ties stairs can be used with any type of retaining wall. Since they are a natural substance, they blend well with the environment, and their look softens over time.

Natural Stone Steps in a Retaining Wall

Natural stone steps have the advantages of being beautiful but also natural looking. They give the impression that they have always been there. Common natural stones for retaining walls and steps are granite, limestone, bluestone, and even unpolished marble.

The disadvantage of using natural stone is one of the most expensive types of materials for outdoors walls and steps. This material is also problematic if you have excess water in the soil. The cracks and divots in the stones will not keep water from seeping through.

Retaining Wall with Block Stairs

These curved retaining wall stairs are an effective way to connect the terrace levels of this patio. These block stairs are wide and will allow multiple people to pass each other at the same time to create optimization in traffic flow.

This design uses Allan Block. This block is made from a particular high strength concrete that will not rot or deteriorate over time. You can buy this block in various sizes, textures, and colors in order to customize your wall and stairs for your specific landscape design.

Rustic Meets Contemporary in a Retaining Wall with Stairs

In certain retaining walls with stairs, you can employ a mix of styles to create an effective design. In the landscape design, the architect used rustic natural stones to create the wall and the rise of the stairs. Rather than use the natural stone for the stair treads, the designer used a flat stair tread. This decision creates continuity between the style of the wall and the modern square yard pavers.

Building Retaining Wall Stairs for Seating

The terrace style of retaining wall stairs are an ideal way to add natural seating to your outdoor spaces. In this backyard, the step is curved around a firepit area. The back wall is tall enough to provide support for comfortable seating. It is also low enough that you can use it to climb up to the upper yard level if you desire.

Faux Limestone Retaining Wall Stairs

Faux limestone steps mimic the look and feel of limestone but at a lower price point. These stair treads are crafted from a poured and stamped concrete. This is a durable material that will stand the test of time. It also allows you to regulate the size and shape of your stairs in a way that natural stone boulders do not allow.

Decorative Terraces in Retaining Wall Steps

These natural stone steps are extensive and curve to an upper gathering area. One way to create interest along the stairs is to scatter gardens along the side. This brings several advantages. You can break up the level of the retaining wall to create more stable short walls. This is safer and more interesting than one tall wall. It also is a way to blend the stairs with the wall design to provide a more cohesive look overall.

Light Up Your Retaining Wall Stairs

Adding lights to your retaining wall and stairs will provide multiple advantages. One of these advantages is that it sets off the wall to its best advantage as lights create a beautiful ambience for the design. Another advantage is safety. Lights are practical as well as lovely. Lights can provide direction along the wall and prevent stumbles and falls.

Can I Build Steps into an Existing Retaining Wall?

Yes, you can build steps into an existing retaining wall. You can do this by removing a portion of the wall and adding steps. This is a good approach for low retaining walls. For high retaining walls, it is better to build steps that are against or above the new wall rather than removing part of the wall and building the steps into it.

The post Ideas for Creating Practical and Beautiful Retaining Wall Steps appeared first on Homedit.

Knowing how to construct a DIY retaining wall from scratch will save you important resources that you have to spend for an outside contractor. This tutorial will teach you how to build a tiered block DIY retaining wall. The height of each level is under one foot. This tutorial will allow you to practice these important steps on an easy slope, and increase your knowledge should you decide you want to tackle a higher retaining wall in the future.

Short retaining walls are ideal for the enthusiastic DIYer. With a low wall, you can avoid the common pitfalls of water drainage concerns, bulging, or collapsing walls.

DIY Retaining Wall Step-by-Step

We will consider the materials and knowledge you need for how to build a retaining wall with blocks. The general principles in this guide will work for retaining walls using other materials like bricks, natural stone, and railroad ties.

Before You Start Your Wall

• Permits – Before you gather the first tool or dig a trench, you need to check with the code enforcement in your area. Retaining walls impact other people in your area. There are often permits that you need to get regarding your plans. There will also be rules you need to follow before they will allow you to build a retaining wall.
• Utilities – Check with your utility companies to make sure that you will now dig or build over important lines that provide your home with services.
• Neighbors -It is best to talk with them to let them know your plans if building a retaining wall impacts your neighbor in a direct way. This is true even if building permits are not required for your retaining wall.

• Landscape – Consider the landscape of the area where you want to build the wall. Does it lend itself to a particular wall design or height?
• Foundation – You need to think about the type of soil that is in the area you want to build your wall. Light granular soils are the best because they allow for drainage. Organic and clay soils are heavier and retain water. You will need to replace the soil if it is too wet or soft to support a heavy structure like a wall.

Retaining Wall Planning

1. Get a piece of grid paper and a pencil and sketch out the area where you are building the wall. Take note of any large immovable objects like trees or air conditioning units that you need to account for in your design.
2. Measure the slope of your area and mark this on your paper plan. Begin at the lowest point and mark the grade changes in one foot increments up the slope.
3. With the slope calculations determined, decide how many tiers you want to create as you build your block retaining wall. The number of tiers will determine the height of each level according to the slope.
4. Decide on the cut and fill site for each tier. The cut site is where you cut into the ground and remove the soil you need to construct each level. The fill site is where you will need to fill behind each section to create the level ground behind the wall.
5. Estimate and order the correct amount of retaining wall blocks for your project. Use this tutorial from Allan Block. This will help you understand how to work with their system to determine the amount of blocks you will need for your project. Retaining wall blocks range in size from 12-18 inches long and 4-6 inches high.
6. Make sure you consider water drainage for your block retaining wall. For a small wall tiered wall, the gravel backfill should provide enough water drainage. You will need to take this into more consideration if you are planning a high retaining wall.

Gather Your Tools

• Safety glasses
• Shovel
• Broom
• Plate compactor
• String
• Stakes
• Rubber mallet
• Level
• Tape measure
• Blocks
• Gravel with pieces ranging ½-¾ inch

Building the Retaining Wall with Blocks

1. Clear the section of any grass and other plants to get down to the dirt level. Haul away the excess dirt as this cannot be used as fill dirt because of the excess roots and debris.

2. For tiered or step-up retaining wall, begin with a base course on the lowest section of wall.

3. Dig a base trench that is about 24 inches wide (600mm).

4. Determine the depth of the base trench by calculating the height of the tier. Dig the trench 6 inches down for each 1 foot of wall height. For this low wall, just a 6 inch deep trench was needed.

5. Fill the trench with small gravel. This will provide a strong foundation for the wall.

6. Compact the base of 2-3 inches of gravel with the compactor tool with at least two passes for maximum compaction. Check the level to make sure the foundation is level. A gravel base of this height allows you to sink half of the block into the trench to create a stronger foundation layer.

7. Excavate the next tier by digging out another trench. Determine how high and far back you should begin your digging based on the height of the wall of the first tier, the slope, and number of levels. Position stakes at the bottom and the top and tie a string in between to help with determining the slope.

8. Dig a trench that is 24 inches wide and 6 inches deep. Layer with gravel and compact twice to create a firm foundation. Check the level of the second trench.

9. Begin positioning the retaining wall blocks in the base on the bottom trench. Place the block against the front of the trench and side to side. As you work, check the level of the blocks to make sure they are level on the foundation. Use a rubber mallet to get each block level.

10. In the open space behind your course of blocks, pack a 2-3 inch layer of gravel. Compact the dirt behind the vertical layer of gravel. This is an important step to make sure your walls do not cave under pressure.

11. Once you have completed the base course in the lowest tier, move to the second tier and complete the base course. Once these courses are finished and level, you can begin the second course on both tiers.

12. Take a broom and sweep off the blocks to make sure no debris is caught between the blocks. Offset the seams of the first course of blocks with the second course of blocks making sure that the seams of each group of blocks are not aligned.

13. Position the depth of the second course of blocks back into the dirt just an inch or two away from the front of the first course. This provides a way for the wall to handle the pressure of the dirt behind it without pushing forward over time.

14. Check the level of the second course. Adjust as needed with a rubber mallet or more gravel. Add gravel behind the second course and compact the dirt behind the gravel.

15. Excavate the third and fourth tier and repeat the steps for laying the courses.

16. Dig side trenches into the hill if you want perpendicular blocks to connect the tiers. Use the same trench size and methods for filling, tamping, and leveling to create a stable base for the blocks.

Types of Blocks for Retaining Walls

Block retaining walls are just one of the many types of retaining wall materials available. Retaining wall blocks are one of the most common materials for DIYers. Compared to other materials, these blocks are less expensive, easy to use, and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. There are three main types of retaining wall blocks: standard concrete blocks, split faced blocks, and retaining wall system units.

• Standard Concrete Blocks – These are the most basic type of concrete block. They are strong, durable, and inexpensive. These blocks work well to provide a stronger base for outdoor walls with stone facades or wood. Standard concrete blocks have two identical openings that you can fill with concrete for extra reinforcement. Many building codes require extra reinforcement for retaining walls over 4 feet high. Concrete blocks are an excellent choice because of their strength and low cost.
• Split Faced Block – Split faced block is a concrete block that features a custom texture on one side. This provides a side to create a more attractive wall. This eliminates the need for an expensive veneer like stone or brick. Split faced blocks come in several different colors and unique textures so that you can customize your wall to your preferences.

• Retaining Wall Systems Unit – Retaining wall systems are one of the most popular options for DIYers. These systems are designed to create a structural wall unit with a stone-like face. Different wall systems from companies like Allan Block and Versa-Lok fit together in their own way. Each group customizes their own blocks to provide customers with different options regarding color, texture, and size.

The post How to Build a Tiered Block DIY Retaining Wall from Scratch appeared first on Homedit.

Furniture styles change over time and according to particular artistic and design movements that are popular at the time. Learning to define the major movements in furniture styles will allow you to become a more informed consumer. It will also help you define your own taste in design and learn how to incorporate new styles of furniture into your home.

The popularity of different furniture styles is fluid. This means that what is popular today, may not be on-trend tomorrow. You can create a beautiful home no matter what is the latest fad if you know what furniture style appeals to you the most.

What are the Most Popular Furniture Styles?

Some of the most popular furniture styles are modern, Scandinavian, mid-century modern, mission style, Art Deco, Victorian, contemporary, and industrial, just to name a few. These popular furniture styles are those that people have used and loved long after they were first created. These furniture styles are classic in the sense that they will always have a place in people’s homes.

Diverse furniture styles have a vast range of patterns, design motifs, and complementing colors. Consider each furniture style to see which style most resonates with your taste and lifestyle.

Mission Style Furniture

Mission style furniture began as an American design movement in the late 19th century. The simple lines and forms developed as a response to the elaborate design from the Victorian era. The Mission furniture style is a derivative of earlier Arts and Crafts style furniture and the broader design movement in England. This movement prized artisanal craftsmanship, authentic raw material, and quality production. Craftsman style furniture was fueled by the same design ideas as the mission style and has a similar shape and style.

Key Features

• Vertical and horizontal lines with slat or spindle backs and sides
• 90 degree angles and flat planes
• Rectangular shapes
• Exposed joints
• Natural finishes and cuts that expose the wood grain
• Chunky metal drawer pulls and hinges

Complementing Patterns

• Geometric patterns
• Solid colors

Coordinating Colors

• Burgundy
• Pine and Forest Green
• Ochre
• Burnt Sienna
• Brown
• Sky to Midnight Blue
• Deep Gray

Industrial Style Furniture

Industrial style furniture gets its specific style based on design elements popular in old factories and industrial spaces. These include galvanized metal, piping, and reclaimed style wood.

This design style became popular in the early 2000s and lasted throughout the 2010s. There has been a resurgence in the popularity of industrial style furniture as a way to provide authenticity and texture in other design styles like farmhouse, minimalist and modern.

Key Features

• Practical furniture designs
• Use of industrial materials like metal, glass, concrete, and reclaimed wood
• Modern pieces as well as repurposed and “well-worn” items
• Exposed fasteners and light bulbs
• Large sectionals are common to help define the wide open “warehouse” spaces

Complementing Textures and Patterns

• Graphic lines like grid patterns
• Use textures that bring warmth like leather, wool, and linen

Coordinating Colors

• Black
• White
• Deep grays like anthracite
• Varying shades of soft brown

Farmhouse Style Furniture

Farmhouse style is one of the most popular design styles of the recent 2000s. This is a modern take on the casual, cozy, and simple style of the country. Farmhouse “style” in the United States has been in existence since the farmhouses of the Colonial era. The modern farmhouse style was popularized by Joanna Gaines. She combined the rustic farmhouse style with an industrial contemporary vibe that has had wide appeal.

Most farmhouse style furniture features a rustic design using reclaimed or textured wood, distressed paint, and vintage styles. This furniture has a sturdy and lived-in style. This means that you can have large gatherings of family and friends without fearing that your furniture will be destroyed. Farmhouse furniture is similar in design to cottage style furniture for its relaxed and vintage style.

Key Features

• Practical furniture in both form and function
• Use of textured and distressed wood
• Pieces that have a comfortable and vintage styles
• Weathered finishes with paint or stain
• Rounded furniture style though not elaborate

Complementing Textures and Patterns

• Soft floral prints, stripes, and plaids
• Burlap, muslin, and linen
• Use textures that bring softness like wool and leather

Coordinating Colors

• Range of whites and creams
• Soft green and browns
• Light blue
• Beige
• Modern farmhouse styles feature starker tones of light and dark

Victorian Style Furniture

Victorian style furniture takes its name from the reign of Queen Victoria from 1840 to 1901. The Victorian furniture styles feature elaborate designs, luxurious fabrics, and ornate patterns. This was one of the first major design periods of the Industrial Age, so much of the styles are mass produced. This industrialization led to fewer unique designs. Yet, it also brought about the reduction of the price of goods which allowed more people to own them.

Neo-Gothic style furniture and art were one of the most popular styles in the Victorian era. This style features intricate tracery, ornate decor, and a dark and dramatic color palette.

Key Features

• Curvy and scrolled lines
• Carved wood detailing
• Dark stained wood colors
• Heavy and stately proportions
• Form is elevated over function

Complementing Textures and Patterns

• Floral chintz, stripes, plaids, damask, and jacquard fabrics
• Rich textures like velvet, silk, satin, and polished wood

Coordinating Colors

• Rich and vibrant colors like maroon, red, brown, dark blue, and green
• Off-white or cream (never stark white)

Scandinavian Style Furniture

Scandinavian style furniture comes from the traditions and geography of the northern European countries of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. This furniture style emerged onto the world scene in the 1950s. These designs embody simple lines, authentic materials, and quality craftsmanship. Scandinavian furniture maintains a modern and mid-century style and form.

Key Features

• Minimalist and simple designs
• Functional designs
• Predominant natural wood hues
• Mid-century to a contemporary aesthetic
• Use of organic materials
• Clean lines

Complementing Textures and Patterns

• Use of natural textures such as leather, wood, stone, glass, seagrass, and plants
• Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, and wool with a textured weave
• Pair folk Scandinavian style with soft florals and fabrics featuring folk patterns

Coordinating Colors

• Range of whites and creams
• Soft green
• Various shades of blue from light to dark
• Beige to brown
• Shades of red, blue, and yellow complement folk Scandinavian design

Traditional Style Furniture

The traditional furniture style is one that is a composite style of all the most timeless shapes from the previous eras. This look takes its cues from historic designs such as Chippendale style furniture, Queen Anne style furniture, Victorian furniture and colonial style furniture. Traditional style furniture combines these classic looks with the ideas of symmetry, order, and proportion. Traditional furniture marries these with comfortable and livable designs that work in the modern home.

Key Features

• Dark wood tones
• Carved wood designs like shells or scallops
• Plush cushions
• Symmetry, balance, and proportion
• Turned legs
• Arched backs
• Sturdy and substantial furniture designs

Complementing Textures and Patterns

• Luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet
• Stripes, florals, damasks

Coordinating Colors

• Jewel tones like red, blue, deep eggplant, yellow, and green
• White to off-white
• Pops of black and gray
• Beige

Transitional Style Furniture

Transitional style furniture is another composite style which combines traditional style furniture with modern style. This combination provides a look that is classic yet still trendy and exciting. Transitional furniture styles have been popular through time as people blend old and new styles to create their own unique look. Yet, this modern interpretation developed in the 1950s as a way to add comfort and warmth to modern and postmodern design styles.

Key Features

• Mixture of curvy and straight lines
• Combines distinct furniture styles in one design
• Clean lines but with textural appeal
• Light and relaxed style
• Minimal embellishments

Complementing Textures and Patterns

• Strategic use of contemporary small patterns like geometric and modern floral
• Solid colored fabrics
• Varied natural textures using cotton, wool, leather, seagrass, and polished wood.

Coordinating Colors

• Neutral color tones like white, cream, warm gray, and beige
• Dark colors like navy and black used for accents

Art Deco Style Furniture

The Art Deco style took shape in the mid 1920s. It was both a successor of and reaction against the style of Art Nouveau because it embraced industrialization and modernization. Art Deco furniture and style was the dominant form until the end of WWII with the advent of modern design. This opulent style has become popular once again as people seek to differentiate their homes with dramatic style.

Key Features

• Large sized furniture that has a streamlined style
• Geometric forms such as triangles and curves
• Delicate inlay with mother-of-pearl and different woods
• Use of exotic wood and natural stone

Complementing Textures and Patterns

• Repeating geometric patterns and stylized natural motifs
• Use of animal prints
• Luxurious materials like velvet and leather

Coordinating Colors

• Bold and dramatic jewel tones
• Black
• White
• Soft nudes and beige
• Metallic tones like gold, brass, and silver

Modern Style Furniture

The modern style emerged from the modernist movement of the late 19th and early 20th century. Modern furniture styles were a celebration of the innovation and technology of industrialism. This furniture has a simple look that strips away superfluous ornamentation to the basic structure of the design.

Key Features

• Minimal and spare designs
• Function over form
• Geometric shapes and sharp angles
• Sleek industrial material like smooth metal, glass, and chrome
• Smooth light and dark colored wood and wood veneer

Complementing Textures and Patterns

• Mix of organic materials like cotton, wool, and leather
• Geometric patterns
• Stylized nature motifs
• Stripes

Coordinating Colors

• White
• Off white
• Gray
• Black
• Beige
• Pops of vibrant hues like orange, blue, and yellow

Contemporary Style Furniture

Contemporary style furniture, unlike modern furniture, follows the most current design styles. This means that contemporary furniture styles will change over time according to what is trending. Contemporary style furniture is fresh, exciting, and always in style.

Key Features

• Clean but softened lines
• Features function over form
• Eco-conscious and sustainable focus
• Furniture legs are square or round with no ornamentation

Complementing Textures and Patterns

• Natural and organic textiles
• Solid color or simple patterns

Coordinating Colors

• Neutral color palette overall including whites, grays, black, and browns
• Accents of bold colors

Mid-Century Style Furniture

The mid-century furniture style became the predominant style from the late 1940s through the 1960s. This furniture and design style is encompassed within the broader modern style. Yet, this style is also unique because it uses more decorative accents than typical modern design. This furniture features simple and clean lines that blend well with contemporary and transitional designs. It has been reinvented as mid-century modern (MCM) design. It remains one of the most popular furniture styles today.

Key Features

• Functional furniture designed to be comfortable and usable
• Streamlined and simple forms
• Smooth finished
• Light and dark wood elements
• Slim leg styles that flare and taper towards the floor

Complementing Textures and Patterns

• Use of natural and manmade materials that include wool, leather, plastics, fiberglass, metal, glass, and wood
• Blend together nubby textiles like boucle, chenille, and velvet
• Bold geometric, abstract, and floral designs

Coordinating Colors

• Bright colors like turquoise, yellow, orange, and terracotta.
• Blend with neutrals like white, cream, gray, and black

The post The Most Popular Furniture Styles to Know Now appeared first on Homedit.

Glass pantry door options have striking and unique styles that work for a variety of home designs. Sliding glass pantry doors with rustic wood touches look right at home in farmhouse and traditional style pantries. Frosted glass pantry door styles fit more contemporary designs.

Glass pantry doors can be a difficult sell as even the most conscientious housekeeper can have a hard time keeping the pantry neat and tidy. But there are also wonderful benefits that come from having a glass pantry door. In order to decide if pantry doors with glass are a good choice for you, consider some of the positives and negatives of this type of door. Also, browse through our curated design ideas to help you decide if one of these glass door styles fits your home. We have also included a handy buying guide. This will give you a good starting place when you are considering where you can purchase glass pantry doors.

The Pros and Cons of a Glass Pantry Door

Consider the advantages and drawbacks of a glass pantry door to see if this style may be a good option for you.

Pros

• Interior Light – Glass pantry doors bring light into pantries which can be dark spaces if they don’t have an exterior window.
• Beauty – Glass doors have a decorative style that is more interesting than standard doors.
• Openness – Glass pantry doors create a sense of openness and continuity throughout the home.
• Versatile Styles – There are such varied styles of interior glass doors that you can find a glass pantry door that will fit almost any style home.

Cons

• Cost – On average, interior glass doors cost more than standard interior doors.
• Visibility – Some people shy away from pantry doors with glass because they allow too much visibility into pantry spaces. You can mitigate this by using a half-glass pantry door or also decorative glass options like a frosted glass pantry door.

Glass Pantry Door Ideas

Glass pantry doors come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Consider the ideas we have gathered to help you nail down the best option for your home.

Sliding Pantry Doors with Frosted Glass

Sliding pantry doors are ideal in small spaces as they do not take up valuable floor space in either the pantry or kitchen. These double sliding glass doors have frosted glass which allows in light but inhibits visibility giving you the best of both worlds.

Narrow Double Pantry Glass Doors

Double glass pantry doors make a statement in any kitchen. The long glass panel gives the doors a simple and unaffected but still custom style. The clear glass also provides enough visibility to provide the owner with motivation to keep the small pantry as neat as possible.

Black French Pantry Door with Half Glass

Choose a black or dark gray French pantry door if you want to create a focal point in your kitchen. To make it stand out, surround it with a light neutral color palette. This black door sits inside a frame with sidelights that brings ample light and visibility into the pantry space. This provides visual continuity but also distinction between the large pantry and the kitchen area.

Pocket Pantry Door with Glass

A pocket pantry door with glass is another great option to consider if you don’t want to sacrifice floor space in the kitchen or the pantry. A pocket door slides into a recess that you can build into the wall. The biggest drawback with this type of door is that you need a certain amount of available wall space in order to build the pocket.

Wood Glass Pantry Door

Create a stunning focal point with a wood pantry door with glass. In this kitchen design, Brickwood Builders used a stained wood glass door surrounded by a complementing frame and transom window to create a statement look for this corner pantry surrounded by white trim.

Decorative Pantry Glass Door

Glass pantry doors can have a more decorative look than solid interior doors. In this kitchen, the designer used kitchen pantry glass doors with intricate woodwork. This woodwork blends with the surrounding cabinet doors to create continuity in the design.

Contemporary Frosted Glass Pantry Doors

Pantry doors with glass frosted is one of the best ways to achieve a more contemporary style with glass pantry doors. This modern reach-in pantry has aluminum sliding glass doors that builders have fitted into the frame. This light metal frame is strong and able to hold a large glass panel, so there is minimal framework to create a more sleek style.

Modern Glass Pantry Doors

This modern glass pantry door and window structure has a simple and classic design. The black metal frame is sleek and spare, but it works well with a variety of home styles because of the elegant grid pattern. A glass and metal structure like this creates distinction between the pantry and the larger area without the visual separation that comes with two closed rooms.

Etched Glass Pantry Door

Etched glass pantry doors feature decorative designs on the surface of the glass. This is a good pantry door choice if you like the opacity of a pantry door with frosted glass but want some visibility. This kitchen features a set of double pantry doors with etched glass. Their narrow shape, distinctive hardware, and etched half glass panel would make these pantry doors a stand out in any kitchen design.

Pantry Cabinet with Glass Doors

A display pantry in your kitchen apart from a pantry for food items is an ideal place for glass doors. You can curate the items that you have in full public view and create a cohesive look with your kitchen decor.

Sliding Barn Pantry Doors with Glass Windows

Pantry doors with glass do not have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Instead, choose doors similar to these in this Orlando farmhouse style kitchen. This designer has used sliding barn doors with a lower wood panel and high glass windows. This pantry door design allows in light to the dark pantry space. Yet, the windows are high enough to prevent casual onlookers from peering into your pantry.

The post Glass Pantry Door Ideas: Different Styles and Types appeared first on Homedit.

Create a distinctive look for your pantry with a farmhouse pantry door. A pantry door, this humble entrance, is well-placed for upgrading your farmhouse style as it is one of the most visible doors in the kitchen. From sliding barn pantry doors to vintage glass doors, there are so many ways to create this rustic and comfortable style.

Farmhouse Pantry Door Ideas

Farmhouse pantry doors are one of the best ways for making this ubiquitous door unique. We have rounded up some of the best ideas that we could find to inspire you to create your own farmhouse chic design.

Farmhouse Sliding Pantry Door

Sliding doors are wonderful for creating an unaffected farmhouse style. Also, they are efficient for pantries as they do not take up space in the pantry or in the kitchen when they are open. For this style farmhouse pantry door, you do need available wall space, so this is not a good option for corner pantry layouts.

Paneled Farmhouse Double Pantry Doors

Create a look of casual elegance by using paneling to define your farmhouse pantry doors. This reach-in pantry gets a style boost with these inset vertical paneled doors and long-handled pulls. Don’t forget to heighten the efficiency of your pantry doors with behind the door cabinets for light items like spices.

Double “X” Paneled Farmhouse Pantry Door

If vertical paneling is not rustic enough for you, try a farmhouse style pantry door with a barn door style. This sliding pantry door has a double “X” design, and the designer has upgraded the look with gray distressed paint and dark hardware to complement the pops of black in the pantry.

Vintage Farmhouse Pantry Door

Vintage doors are gorgeous options for farmhouse pantry doors because they are so varied and unique. Choose a pantry farmhouse door with stained glass like this one from Kinston Southern Properties. This pantry door takes the quirky and colorful style of this pantry to a whole new level.

Farmhouse Pantry Screen Door

Nothing says relaxation quite like a screen door. Create this same simple and relaxed look inside your home by using a screen door in place of your pantry door. The designers of Fox Country Farmhouse used a stained screen door surrounded by distinctive grained wood trim to create a focal point amidst the painted wood paneling.

Farmhouse Pantry Door with Glass

If you want to create visual continuity between your kitchen and pantry opt for a farmhouse glass pantry door. RenoDeco used a weathered wood door to provide texture and warmth within the neutral colored kitchen.

Pocket Farmhouse Pantry Door

Pocket doors, like barn doors, slide open rather than open into the room. This allows you to utilize all the space in both rooms when the door is open. Unlike a barn door, pocket doors slide into the wall and out of sight when open. You must have available wall space and depth in order to build an opening for pocket doors. Pocket farmhouse pantry doors are a great way to get a farmhouse look and custom style in one door design.

Dutch Farmhouse Pantry Door

A Dutch door is a style that is split in a horizontal direction in the middle. This allows you to open either the top or bottom section independent of the other section. A Dutch door works well as a pantry door because it creates separation yet gives in visual continuity if you want to keep one portion of the door open. This door style has a relaxed vibe which makes it work well as a farmhouse pantry door.

Farmhouse Pantry Door with Frosted Glass

If you like the idea of extra light in your pantry, but aren’t ready to expose your interior pantry to outside eyes, a pantry door with frosted glass is an idea to consider. These provide light but still opacity. Add farmhouse style to the pantry door with a decorative etched design.

Rustic Farmhouse Pantry Door

A unique way to create a rustic farmhouse pantry door style is by using fabric to line the door. For this farmhouse door, the designer used fabric to back the glass panels. This softens the look of the door and provides more opacity than the clear glass panels.

Farmhouse Bi-fold Pantry Doors

For reach-in pantries, bifold doors are a way to limit the space that double doors take up when open. Kitchen & Bath ReStylers gave this pantry a farmhouse style with paneled bi-fold doors. These bi-fold doors have a plank door style to give them a rustic quality.

Modern Farmhouse Pantry Door

If you are looking to create a more modern farmhouse kitchen style, consider using simple shaker paneled doors with unique door knobs. These double doors are painted in a simple warm gray tone and accented with simple ceramic knobs. This simple style allows the doors to blend with a modern look instead of being typecast in the farmhouse style.

Farmhouse Double Pantry Doors with Decorative Glass

Double pantry doors can elevate the look of your pantry. Use narrow dark stained double doors with white surrounding walls to create a gorgeous focal point. Add some decorative glass to inhibit visibility and add antique gold or brass hardware to give the door some shine.

Painted Farmhouse Pantry Doors

Update the look of your pantry door by painting it a vibrant color. For this reach-in pantry, 4th Avenue Carpentry & Construction, used glass green sliding double barn doors to highlight the farmhouse look.

Built-in Farmhouse Pantry Doors

One of the best ways to elevate the style of your kitchen is with built-in custom cabinetry. This built-in pantry cabinet features tall floor to ceiling pantry doors. They have a three panel shaker style door with top to bottom door back shelves for the most efficient use of space.

Farmhouse Pantry Doors with Chalkboard Insert

One practical and simple farmhouse kitchen pantry door design features a chalkboard insert. This gives you a practical place to jot down notes and food items you need to buy. It also provides rustic detailing that fits well with farmhouse design.

Farmhouse Pantry Cabinet Doors

If you have a large room that functions as a butler’s pantry and food pantry, you have space to highlight farmhouse style inside the room. Consider speciality cabinet options like sliding cabinet pantry doors.

Black Farmhouse Pantry Door

A black farmhouse pantry door creates a distinctive focal point. Use diagonal paneling and brilliant gold hardware to create a modern farmhouse style.

DIY Farmhouse Pantry Door Ideas

There are several DIY farmhouse pantry doors out there, so we have scoured the internet to bring you some of the best ones.

Wildfire Interiors Farmhouse Pantry Screen Door

Screen doors are an easy way to create a relaxed and simple farmhouse pantry look. Rather than buy a premade door, create your own with this tutorial from Wildfire Interiors. This tutorial helps you to create a pantry screen door at a fraction of the cost of one that you can buy.

Farmhouse Living Bi-fold Door Makeover

Flat panel bi-fold pantry or closet doors are practical but not the best to accentuate your farmhouse style. From Farmhouse Living comes a helpful article to give you the tools to add some distinction to your flat bi-fold doors. This is a budget conscious option and does not require any power tools.

Farmhouseish Cane Pantry Doors

These farmhouse pantry doors with a cane panel are presented by Farmhouseish. They have a relaxed but elevated style that work with many different home designs. This plan is easy to follow if you have any DIY expertise. They are also a budget conscious design costing just around $100 for all of the materials.

Christina Marie’s Sliding Barn Door

From Christina Marie comes an idea of how to create a sliding Shaker four paneled pantry door from a flat paneled door. This requires a lengthening of the door in order to fit over the opening of a standard door. This blog also gives you guidance about where to buy the necessary hardware to create a sliding pantry door.

Our Faux Farmhouse Rustic Pantry Door with Glass

This hinged pantry door from Our Faux Farmhouse has a quintessential farmhouse “X” panel design. It features a top panel that works for both a screen or a glass panel. Both options will increase the light inside your pantry. Use frosted or other decorative glass if you want to bring in light but inhibit visibility.

Bellewood Cottage Chalk Painted Pantry Door

Here is a DIY farmhouse pantry idea using just chalk paint if measuring and cutting wood is not in your wheelhouse. Bellewood Cottage walks you through their method of creating gorgeous pantry doors from a flat panel bi-fold pantry door. Walk through the design with this blog and create a gorgeous farmhouse pantry door for just under $10.

The post 18 Farmhouse Pantry Door Ideas appeared first on Homedit.

Coming up with tall wall decor ideas can be hard and most people struggle with how to fill these spaces. Yet, these walls can have an enormous impact if used in creative ways.

From gallery walls to wallpaper murals, we are going to cover everything you need to know about how to decorate tall walls.

Tall Wall Decor Ideas

There are some gorgeous ideas out there about how to decorate your tall walls in the most effective way. It is important with tall wall decor to think outside the box and employ solutions that you may not use for small wall spaces.

Gallery Walls

Gallery walls are a go-to option for large wall spaces. You can create gallery walls from pictures of different shapes and sizes or you can use large sets of pictures. Both are effective options. If you are working with a blank wall, consider creating a picture gallery that takes up around two-thirds of the wall. This will ensure that your gallery looks correct with the scale of the wall.

It is easiest to plant a gallery collection before you hang it. Gather your pieces and then arrange them on a large flat space like the floor. Try different arrangements until you have a collection shape that you like. Take a picture of it, take some measurements, and then hang it on the wall.

Weisshouse created this eclectic-style gallery wall for this industrial chic dining room. Don’t feel like you have to create a complete gallery wall at one time. This can be a work in progress that grows with your collection of new wall art.

If you want a more collected look, choose pictures that have the same theme and shape like this Westminster apartment.

Bookcases

Large walls are ideal for tall bookcases. You can accomplish this look by buying free-standing bookcases and arranging them together. Also, you can get a carpenter to build them into the wall for a more custom look. It makes sense that collections of books look amazing on shelves, but they are not the one item that works. Curate other items like sculptures, found objects, record collections, and plants to display. When it comes to bookcases, you can make them look more uniform or eclectic; it is all according to your own taste.

This bookcase design from Zacklde Vito Architecture + Design features a design that is distinct from the wall color. This distinction and the lack of other wall decor creates a definite focal point.

These tall wall bookcases from Andrew Flesher Interiors are more integrated into the decor of the room.

Paint Solutions

Painting large portions of your tall walls is a great way to separate your wall in a more defined way. Choose striking geometric designs or split your wall with a horizontal or vertical demarcation. This is a solution that is effective but also cost-effective.

This gorgeous dining room uses paint and modest-sized wall art to create the distinction needed for these tall dining room walls.

Molding

Adding molding, also called millwork, to the wall is a great way to add texture to the wall to give it more visual depth but not add any extra color. This solution works well for classic or historical home styles. It can be fancy or simple according to your taste. Molding is also stunning when you combine it with wall art.

If you are a talented DIYer, this is a great project to try. With some wood molding, tools for measuring, a saw, and a nail gun, you can transform your space with little expense. All your millwork blends in with the walls for the most classic look. Or, paint it a different color for a more contemporary style.

Featured in BHG, this homeowner used simple molding to create a textured grid on this tall wall.

Large Wall Art

Rather than use small pictures to create a gallery wall, choose one large piece of wall art. You can hang it in a vertical or horizontal direction depending on the shape of the wall and the wall art. Choose a very large piece of art to create the best effect. You can buy one large canvas or separate panels that work together to form a large piece. Also, you can use other large pieces like mirrors or architectural pieces like window frames to create the same effect.

This room designed by Jay Jeffers combines the use of a large vertical piece of art with a gallery wall.

This design uses just one oversized piece of wall art for the tall and wide wall.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a good way to give a large wall visual interest and depth. Choose a standard wallpaper to create a uniform look. Or, choose a mural design to create a large focal point. Another way to create the same effect that is more cost-effective than a wallpaper mural is to use a vinyl decal design that you can arrange in different ways.

If you choose the wallpaper route, you will be spoiled for choice. You can go with subtle designs that create depth and texture but use minimal color. Or, you can choose something bold and dramatic. There are classic styles of wallpaper design as well as more contemporary designs like geometric patterns with bright colors.

This is a gorgeous use of wallpaper from Boca do Lobo. They utilized a large wallpaper mural to accent this dark and moody bedroom design. No other wall art is needed.

Floating Shelves

Shelves hung on the wall with objects displayed are a great way for decorating tall walls. Hang shelves of various sizes or create a more uniform look with the same sized wall shelves. Use the shelves to create a picture gallery of various-sized wall art. Vary the depth of your wall art and layer small pieces on top of larger pieces to create a more custom look. You can also use the shelves for storage. Store books or display a collection of unique found items.

Hudson Street Design creates interest on this tall wall with the combination of a mounted TV and strategic floating shelves.

Anchor Pieces Over Furniture

You don’t have to use the entire wall if you have a tall wall. Instead, if you position furniture on the wall, you can use this furniture to anchor lower pieces. For example, if you position a sofa along your tall wall, anchor a piece of wall art, architectural salvage, or a gallery wall above the sofa. This way, the art will be scaled to the furniture rather than needing to fill the entire wall.

This bedroom features tall cathedral ceilings. Rather than decorate the entire wall, the designer chose to anchor the wall art to the bed.

Fabric Solutions

Fabric pieces make gorgeous works of art and wonderful decorations for tall walls. Use a tall wall to display a vintage quilt or a collection of panels covered in fabric. If you don’t have large quilt or fabric panels, find long vertical swaths of fabric and hang them from a rod at the top of the wall. This looks effective as a single piece or as part of a group. Remember that rugs are fabric too. If you find a fabric rug that is light enough, feel free to display it as a beautiful work of art.

This contemporary living room design from McInturff Architects uses little in the way of wall art besides this stunning hanging fabric panel.

Add Texture

Create texture on a large wall as a way to break up the wall without adding more color. Use faux stone or brick veneer to give the wall a more industrial style. You can also add texture with wallpaper like grasscloth or linen. Remember that you don’t have to create texture on the entire wall. Instead, you can add texture to just part of the wall that might highlight the fireplace or place for the wall mounted television.

In this room, EBL Construction adds smooth textured wood to create interest on this tall wall with an inset television.

This is an interesting use of textured elements from Faulkner Architecture. They use both concrete and wood to give the tall walls and ceilings more depth. These textures mitigate the need for anything else on these tall walls.

Distract

Don’t be above distraction techniques that take the focus off the need for decor for tall walls. One effective way to do this is through using large chandeliers or tall window draperies to make the large wall seem like it fits the scale of the room.

Consider this example from the Markalunas Architecture Group. They used a large chandelier and textured ceiling in this living room to distract the eye and take away the need to decorate the tall living room walls.

Mix Them Up

If you have a very large wall, you may need more than one solution to create the most visual impact. For example, you can use bookcases combined with a textures or paneled wall or use them in combination with a gallery wall. Gallery walls and large wall artwork well with different wallpapers and decorative molding. Also, walls broken up in separate color blocks also work well with wall art.

This is a fun use of different elements to create interest on this tall wall. These designers used a tall vertical mirror with free-hanging shelves and an interesting light fixture to create interest in the space.

Large and tall walls are wonderful and create striking visual space in any room. Yet, decorating them can be a challenge. You can choose to go big and create a look that is bold and striking. Or, you can try something more subtle like using texture or molding to break up the wall.

The post 12 Creative Ideas for Tall Wall Decor   appeared first on Homedit.

Understanding the best pantry dimensions for various pantry types is a vital tool to building the most efficient space. From walk-in pantries to small corner pantries, there are so many ways to organize your space that it is difficult to know where to begin.

Designing a pantry from scratch gives you an ideal opportunity to get the most out of your space. You should seek to create an efficient, user optimal, and space effective area at the same time.

We have a few design tips and tricks to help you do just that.

Tips for Determining Pantry Dimensions

Before you decide on your optimal pantry dimensions and design, consider these factors to help you determine which style pantry is right for you.

• Available Space – When you are designing a pantry from scratch, you are often allocating space from the kitchen area to be used for the pantry. Considering your kitchen flow and how much space you can allocate for the pantry is the first step to deciding which type of pantry will suit you and your space.
• Pantry Use – Some people use the pantry just for food storage, while others also want to use the pantry as another prep area, extra appliance storage, or a coffee bar space.
• Budget – Consider your budget. If you have a larger budget, you can fit your pantry out with countertops, cabinets, and hooks. In this case, you will need a larger area to begin.
• People in the Home – If there are many people in your household, you may want a larger pantry area to store extra food and to allow more people into the pantry at one time.
• Location – If possible, try to plan your kitchen pantry near the food prep area. A general rule is within 48 inches for the most efficient kitchen design.

Pantry Dimensions by Type

Pantry dimensions are standard by type, as experts have determined the space needed for efficient and usable panty design.

Average Walk-in Pantry Dimensions

According to the experts, the average walk in pantry size should have at least a width of 5 feet by length of 5 feet. This will offer ample space for shelves (and countertops if you choose) and to ensure a minimum walkway of 36 inches for one person. If there are multiple people who use the pantry at one time, try to ensure a minimum aisle of 44 inches or 60 inches wide for wheelchair access.

With this average pantry size, you can create a U-shaped pantry as this is the most optimal storage shape for this size. This will allow you to have storage on the sides and the back of the pantry while still having ample walking space.

Large Walk-in Pantry Dimensions

A large walk-in pantry is a useful luxury as you can create an extra food prep room or even a coffee station if you have a large floor plan and ample budget. Large kitchen pantry size varies.

Consider a pantry size of 6 -8 feet wide and 6 -8 feet long if your floor plan allows. With these kitchen pantry dimensions you will be able to use custom cabinetry, shelving, and plenty of extra storage.

Small Walk-in Pantry Dimensions

You need at least an area that is 4 feet wide by 4 feet long if you have a small area and still want to create a walk-in pantry. Small pantry dimensions do require you to get more creative with your storage options.

Cabinets along both sides and the back may not be a good option for this space if you want to ensure a minimum walkway of 36 inches. Instead, opt for storage on one side plus along the back wall.

Narrow Walk-in Pantry Dimensions

A narrow rectangular floor space can be turned into an effective pantry. Ensure that there is at least a size that measures 3-4 feet wide and 5-6 feet long for the most efficient narrow pantry size. Use just one side and the area along the back for shelves.

Corner Pantry Dimensions

Corner pantries work well when you have limited floor space in your kitchen.

• Average Corner Pantry Size – A popular corner pantry size measures 48 inches from the back corner along each wall that extends from it. With a pantry shelf depth of 10-12 inches, this will still give you enough space for maneuverability.
• Small Corner Pantry Size – Ensure that you have at least a 45 inch length along each perpendicular wall extending from the corner if you have a small corner that you want to turn into a pantry. Reduce pantry shelf depth to 8- 10 inches.
• Large Corner Pantry Size – Large walk-in corner pantry dimensions range from 5-6 feet from the corner along each perpendicular wall. This pantry size allows you to maximize the shelf depth and allows you to add narrow countertops if you desire.

Reach-in Pantry Dimensions

Some kitchens feature a long narrow area that is located near the kitchen but is not large enough for a narrow walk-in pantry. In this case, a reach-in pantry is a better option for this design. Most reach-in pantries measure around 5 feet wide and 2 feet deep. This type of pantry size may vary, but these standard measurements will give you a good place to start.

Other Pantry Options

In some kitchens, you may not have any separate square footage to use for a distinct pantry space. Instead, you can opt for built-in or free-standing pantry options. Today, cabinet makers build specialty cabinet options that will allow you to make the best possible use of all of your cabinet pantry space.

• Batwing Cabinet – A batwing cabinet is like a French refrigerator door in that it is a double door design that opens in the middle above the bottom cabinets. Manufacturers place small shelves on the backside of the doors so that you can maximize all your available space. Even if you don’t have built-in cabinets, you can utilize behind-the-door shelves for walk-in closet spaces.
• Pull-out Cabinet – Pull-out cabinets feature designs that allow you to pull out the inside shelves of the cabinet. This gives you the ability to utilize even the far back spaces in the cabinet maximizing your cabinet usage.
• Freestanding Cabinet – Rather than use built-in cabinets for a pantry, opt for a freestanding hutch or cabinet. This works well in historic and traditional-style kitchens.
• Corner Cabinets – Corner cabinets are good options to utilize for corner pantries or if you are creating a pantry from built-in cabinets.

There are many design considerations that you need to take into account when designing the ideal pantry. Some of these are shelf size and depth, pantry door style and size.

Pantry Door Size

Pantry door sizes and styles vary according to your pantry type and your design style. You can opt for a hinged door or a barn pantry door. If you use a hinged door, you need to consider an outswing or inswing door. The most common hinged pantry doors are outswing options. You need more floor space in the room outside the pantry for the outswing pantry doors.

• Standard Pantry Door Size – The most typical pantry door width is 24 inches if you are using a single pantry door. Other width options to consider are 28, 30, 32, and 36 inches. Standard door height is 80 inches.
• Double Pantry Door Size – For a large pantry or a reach-in pantry, double doors are optimal. There are no standard double door sizes, but you can find double doors that are 60, 64, and 72 inches wide and 80 inches tall.
• Corner Pantry Door Size – You can use a standard door size for corner pantries, but you will set these doors at a 45-degree angle. Unless you have a large wall space, barn pantry doors are not a good option as there will not be enough adjacent wall space to open the door to the full.

Pantry Shelf Sizes

Determining the number, depth, and arrangement of pantry shelves is one of the most important considerations to optimize your usage.

• Standard Pantry Shelf Depth – Standard pantry shelf depth is 16-20 inches deep. This depth will vary according to the location of the shelf and the overall pantry dimensions. For example, for high shelves, use shelves that are 12 inches deep for easier access. If you have a small pantry size, you can use shelves with a shallower depth in order to maximize your space and walkways. If you have a shelf for spices alone, you will need no more than a 6 inch depth.
• Pantry Shelf Height Options – The height between shelves will vary depending on what you plan to store on them. Leave at least 18-24 inches on the floor before you begin the first shelf. This way, you can store appliances or heavy bulk items on the floor below the first shelf. For the other shelves, consider 18-20 inch height for shelves that house large items, 14-16 inches for cereal boxes, and 6-7 inches for canned goods.

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