The Best Flooring for Conservatories

Now that the weather is warming up, you will probably be spending a lot more time in your conservatory. If the flooring is looking a little dated and you are thinking about updating it, you might be wondering what the best options are. Here are some brief pros and cons of some of the most popular types of conservatory flooring.

Carpet

Carpet is great for adding warmth and a cosy atmosphere to your conservatory, with neutral tones in particular looking great in this room; however, carpets can be tricky to keep clean. If you tend to have people – and pets – entering the conservatory directly from the garden, carpet might not be for you. The upkeep might prove too much, and you might soon experience stains or wear and tear that ruin the look of your new carpet. For conservatories without an external door, carpet can be an attractive option.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is popular in conservatories, as it adds an attractive finish and the wood effect looks great against the green of the outdoors. Check your chosen laminate is suitable for installation in a conservatory before you buy it. Laminate is easy to keep clean and many brands can withstand heavy foot traffic from people passing through from outside. Laminate is far warmer to walk on than tiles but be sure to add a heavy-duty doormat to the entrance to your conservatory to collect any sharp pieces of gravel or debris that could scratch your floor.

Tiles

Tiles are another popular choice but can be far more expensive than other options. They will also be very cold in the winter, which is something to bear in mind if you like to use your conservatory all year round. They are perfect if you want a classic or Mediterranean look in your room, however, and are certainly a timeless and elegant option.

Vinyl Flooring

Modern vinyls are attractive and hardwearing, making them a great choice for conservatories. You can even opt for highly convincing wood- or tile-effect vinyl at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. Vinyl is warm and comfortable underfoot; however, you should check with the retailer that your chosen vinyl won’t fade in the sunlight, particularly if your conservatory tends to be very sunny. Another big advantage of vinyl is that you can mop it as frequently as you need to, meaning it is a great choice in a busy family home or if you have pets that tend to traipse dirt in from outdoors.

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from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/the-best-flooring-for-conservatories/

5 Low-Cost Ways To Improve The Kerb Appeal Of Your Home

Selling your home might seem like a doddle if you’ve taken care of the inside, decorating, renovating and keeping up with the latest styles, but what about the outside of your home? Does it have that magical kerb which gets people excited before they even get inside to view it? Does it draw the attention of people passing by who may also spot the ‘for sale’ sign?

Making some basic improvements to the outside of your property could be the difference between getting the price you want for your home and having to accept a lower offer. In this post, we’re going to suggest some simple, low-cost ways to improve the kerb appeal of your home.

1.Paint your front door

One of the first things people are drawn to is your front door. It’s the main entrance to your home and it deserves a little TLC. By painting your door you make your home stand out, showing that you’ve taken care of your door will give people a positive first impression, without them worrying what else you haven’t taken care of if it is scuffed, flaking or damaged.

You can choose a new colour at this point, but stick to a fairly neutral colour unless you are certain that it works with your property style and garden. If you like the colour you already have, simply repaint it to keep it fresh.

2.Weed your garden

Maybe the weeds in your front garden don’t bother you, but it’s another one of those tasks which, when taken care of, allows potential buyers and people passing by see that you’re the kind of person who has taken care of their home. The more often you keep on top of the weeding, the fewer lengthy sessions you’ll have to spend doing it.

While you’re at this task, it’s worth sweeping you pathway, clearing any weeds you’ve pulled up as well as any litter or foliage which has fallen there. This makes a clear path for visitors and does wonders for the overall impression your front garden gives off.

3. Get a house number

If you’ve already got a nice, well presented house number on your door or wall, then you’re ahead of the game. But if your number is hanging awkwardly after years of weathering or it’s simply written on in paint or chalk, then it might be worth spending a few pounds on a new one.

Get something which is in keeping with the style of your property and your home will not only stand out that little bit more, but it will be easier for viewers to locate or enquire about if they’ve spotted it by chance.

4. Update your welcome mat

It’s understandable that over time the welcome mat at your door will become a little disheveled and rough around the edges, so throw the old one out and sharpen up your doorstep with a new welcome mat. A trim, bright looking mat will help tie all your other work together, giving potential buyers a clean impression of your home before stepping in – it also signals that your carpets inside are less likely to be tracked with mud.

5. Pressure wash your paving

If your drive or pathway is made up of slabs, bricks or tiles, they’ll no doubt have gotten a little murkier over the years due to pollution and general weathering. Whether they’ve gone green, grey or black, get the pressure washer out – or borrow one from a neighbour – and give them a good blast. You’ll soon notice the difference and so will your potential buyers.

Once you’re property has sold and you’re ready to move, look no further than Clockwork Removals. Helping people move throughout the UK, their experienced team can also carry out international moves, taking care of all the little details to make the whole process as stress-free as possible.

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from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/5-low-cost-ways-to-improve-the-kerb-appeal-of-your-home/

Benefits Of Choosing Ready Mix Concrete For Your Next DIY Project

Ready mix concrete is arguably the most versatile and popular form of concrete available. Mixed in a batching plant then transported to the worksite in a mixer, it comes ready to pour as soon as it reaches your premises. But what’s so impressive about ready mix concrete, and what benefits does it hold over others?

Precision mixed

Because the concrete is mixed at the concrete batching plant, your concrete will be precisely mixed no matter the volume or ratio. Mixes are handled through computer batching systems to ensure that your mix is measured as accurately as possible – following your required specifications to the letter.

Greater control

The enclosed, controlled mixing environment of a batching plant means your ready mix concrete will be quality controlled to the strictest possible standards. That means far fewer chances for defects or unwanted materials, and a greater quality of concrete once the mix is complete.

Ready to use

Alternatives such as volumetric and on-site mixed concrete certainly have their place, but ready mix is preferred for jobs in need of fast turnaround – and for worksites that might not have much space.

Mixing the concrete once it gets to your site means dedicating more time and space to construction machinery, and if you’re on a tight schedule, the convenience of ready mix concrete is invaluable; the mix will be ready to pour as soon as it reaches you, so there’s no worry about determining ratios and volume in the middle of the job. Ready mix lets you plan ahead and avoid delays, what could be more useful?

More economical

In terms of labour and manufacturing costs, ready mix concrete is by far the most economical concrete relative to its quality. Choosing ready mix means no need to store materials on site, no extra labour required to transport or mix concrete after it’s been delivered, and there’s no wastage either – so you’re only ever paying for the concrete you use.

Better for the environment

Due to the manufacturing process, ready mix concrete is the most energy-efficient concrete available – so if you’re concerned about being environmentally friendly, then this will be a benefit to you. Producing ready mix concrete inside a batching plant is far less energy and resource intensive.

Wastage is also minimised thanks to the precise mixing methods employed. This, and the lack of dust pollution that comes with bagged concrete, makes ready mix more efficient for workers, customers and manufacturers.

Versatile mixing capabilities

Because ready mix is so fast and efficient, you might think you’d have to compromise on the strength, type or quality of your mix. Well, think again! When you’re ordering ready mix concrete, you can specify what mix you need and for what application.

If you have an idea of ratio, or how strong you need your concrete, just relay it to your supplier and they’ll cook up a batch that meets your requirements. If you need some guidance, just discuss your project with the supplier and they’ll be able to help you find the perfect mix for your needs.

You can also request additives for the mix if you need extra characteristics put into your concrete. Added strength, porosity, workability – there are a range of additives you can select for your ready mix concrete, meaning whatever the application or quantity, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Ready mix and The Concrete Network

If you need fast, cost-effective delivery of quality ready mix concrete, get in touch with The Concrete Network today. As the UK’s largest network of independent concrete suppliers, we can source local ready mix concrete and arrange for prompt delivery to your premises at a time to suit you. Whatever mix, whatever quantity, wherever you are in the UK, The Concrete Network is always happy to help.

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from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/benefits-of-choosing-ready-mix-concrete-for-your-next-diy-project/

Conservatory Sails Vs Conservatory Blinds – Which Are Best? [Infographic]

Here, InShade compares two of the most popular shading options for conservatories, running through everything from heat control to the ongoing maintenance commitments of the product, giving you all the information you need when it comes to making your decision.

InShade are national suppliers of bespoke conservatory sails, providing homes across the country with a stylish solution to heat gain and glare within their conservatory. For more information on the product or to request a free design consultation, contact one of the team today from the website. 

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from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/conservatory-sails-vs-conservatory-blinds-which-are-best-infographic/