Difference Between a Plaster and a Drywall 

When it comes to home projects the most common materials are drywall and plaster. Drywall is a material made of gypsum and is pressed between paper sheets and is mostly sold in the size 4 by 8 foot. Drywall is famous because it can be installed easily and quickly through screwing it to a home’s wall and various thickness are offered to give you options.  

On the other hand, plaster requires more amount of work in the installation process since you need to nail the lath and studs together then apply layers or a number of coats of the plaster. Plaster has been a great help in homes even long ago when there are still wars.  

Plaster and drywall need different ways to install however each material has its own weaknesses and strength.  

When it comes to labor, plaster requires a lot more work compared to drywall. Plaster was first used long ago however since it is a material that needs a lot of work, in the second world war, there was a shortage of men who were working with plaster thus drywall has become famous because it was something easier to handle and needs not as many men to work with.  

When it comes to costs, plaster also demands more compared to drywall. As it has been said that plaster demands more skill with the details of the work installing it needs, it also requires more time to finish the work thus the labor you need to pay will really carve in deep. Plaster installation cost has an estimate of 3 times more compared to drywall installation.  

You can be more creative with drywall compared to plaster. Plaster is a harder material compared to drywall thus if you want to be creative with your room or your home, you can easily hang things through a drywall because it can be penetrated by tacks easily. Moreover, if you have frames lying in boxes, you can freely hang them if you have a drywall because it is easier to handle unlike a plaster wall that needs screwing.  

If you want to focus on insulation rather than a sound proof wall, then a drywall will help you accomplish that. Insulation is very important in a home. Insulation does not only ensure that you have the right temperature inside your home but that your electricity bill will reflect just the amount of heating and cooling you used and not reflect extra energy consumption.  

Want to have a neater look?  

If you want to focus on aesthetic, plaster has it for you since it is a wall that requires skill to get done, it will surely reflect the pros who did the work as well. If you have curved walls, you should opt for plaster as the material you will use however if you don’t have much curved walls in your home and want something sturdy, drywall will definitely come in handy.  

Looking for drywall installers? Check out santarosadrywall.com to make an inquiry and perhaps book an appointment today! 

Landscaping for Beginners 

Whether you want a glow up for your outdoor space so you can add value to your home or you just want to doll it up to have a space of leisure on the weekends when you are free of work, landscaping might be something overwhelming to do for a beginner. 

When we want to make something pretty, we are often flooded with good ideas and sometimes we browse on the internet so much for possible ways on how to do it or how to start it, however it can mess with our heads and instead of a good and pretty outcome, it becomes a circus. So how can a beginner start his or her landscaping journey? Here are some easy tips so you can start you landscaping today!

1. Yard assessment 

Landscaping does not only mean arranging your yard so you can place your plants to where you want them, more than that, landscaping can be a way to give you space to relax outdoors. Relaxing outdoors can be difficult with the heat of the sun, that’s why if you want to start a landscape journey, the first thing to remember is which part of your yard the shine the most? Through knowing this alone, you can have a clue on where you should put things, moreover if you have plants that needs lesser exposure to sunlight, you know where you can plant them while ensuring their health and growth moving forward.  

2. Have your own space 

Before you start digging around, look for spaces where it is suitable for you. Do you want a space that has a bit more lighting form the sun or somewhere the sun does not really hit you. This time you can also think of how it intersects with your home’s design. Does the space directly face the windows of your home? Where will you put the pathway that will connect with the way to your indoor area?  

 3. Simplicity is key 

If you think it needs to have every detail possible and something extravagant and complicated will ensure you will have a nice landscape outcome then maybe yes, however a simple design will also get the work done just the same. Landscaping is not always having a complicated design come to life, sometimes it only needs to complete the functionality you need.  

 4. Get the view right 

Look beyond your landscape. Do you have a nice view nearby? If you do, grab the opportunity to make sure that view is seen in your landscape spot, especially the spot where you assigned a seat for coffee or relaxation. Remove any obstruction that may hid the view from your sight or maybe plant something in the spot that can help enhance the view in your spot.  

 5. Pick your favorite plants 

A landscape is not complete without plants. Involve plants that love lounging in the sun in the areas that are sunny and plants that does not really enjoy the sun much in areas that are shaded. If you want your space to have a bit more color, insert some flowers in your plan as well.  

If you want some help in your lawn or yard, lawn care services from mysantarosalandscaping.com will definitely give you the help you need! 

Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Backyard 

Whenever you want to feel relaxed, a good cup of coffee outdoors definitely boosts the mood however what if your backyard is not looking as relaxing as it should? Here are some tips and tricks on how you can improve the look and appeal of your backyard. 

1. Lighting  

Just like how lighting makes a difference indoors it can also help in making sure your backyard looks good. It doesn’t have to be complicated work just to get your backyard have the right lighting, you can always opt for solar lights and candles. Opting for lighting choices like this does not only help your backyard glow, save up on your energy consumption but it is also a way of helping the environment.  

 2. Spice up your outdoor living 

If you want to feel comfortable, it is a good way to create an area solely for the purpose of eating or relaxation. You can use rugs to create a partition between the areas and you can also choose some furniture to spice up your outdoor living.  

 3. Fire pit 

You don’t always have the time to go somewhere else. Work can be too demanding and your kids may not be as free as you think their schedules would however you can always bring the camping at home. A fire pit is a nice way to bring camp home. Grab some marshmallows and indulge in some s’more.   

 4. Go with the greens 

When it comes to your outdoor living, the best way to ensure the vibe of the outdoors is through filling up your outdoor space with plants. Plants not only give you a better quality of air but also has been shown to reduce stress.   

 5. Flagstone Patio 

A flagstone patio can look just perfect when combined with some plants. It is also a convenient way to install a flagstone patio because it is easily installed and does not necessarily need much skills to do.  

 6. Fountain 

Sometimes silence or peace does not necessarily mean the absence of any sound. Sometimes it can be the want to hear birds or water. Fountains not only keeps your backyard looking more elegant it will also help your ear relax.  

 7. Play with pillows 

If you want to make your patio look more comfortable why not bring some comfortable things with it. Pillows are a great access to when you want to relax in your outdoors while adding up color on the space you want to doll up.   

 8. Add some more seating 

Whether your outdoors is meant for your relaxation time or a way to welcome guests and have them feel the comfort of the outdoors, some more chairs can make your backyard more homey and more comfortable. You will not only have more seats for each of your guests you can also find chairs that are hanging to also act as decor.  

 If ever you need help in spicing up your living, outdoor living designs help in times of confusion on what you really want and they help you visualize the picture in your head. To connect with them and to get to know more about the services they offer, check out outdoorlivingdesigns.us.  

 

 

Benefits of Residential Solar Panels 

Growing up in Sonoma County, CA, you might be wondering why there’s localized power interruption every summer. Sometimes the resources are not good enough to supply the whole area or there might be maintenance for the lines. Most households today have a problem with their energy bills, they are having a huge jump because of old appliances and or too many appliances in your house, that is why one of the options is to use energy saving appliances, unplug unused appliance and save energy if necessary to minimize the energy cost 

A lot of us thinking how we could help our community, our earth specifically. Carbon emissions are rampant around the globe, renewable energy is too little to support and energized the whole town. One of the best considerations is to use Solar Panels in your home, it is a good investment for long term use. Her are the reasons why having solar panels in your home is a good decision and investments: 

  1. 100% clean and renewable energy source
    Solar energy is not only good for investment but also good in the environment, it is 100% clean and renewable energy where you can use it at home or even when you are travelling or camping, the prices depends on the area and the quantity of the panels. If you have question in your mind how solar panel will work and how many panels you need in your home, worry less! One of the solar companies in Santa Rosa will help you understood how it works, from the logic of solar panel up to the installation in your home. 
  2. Lowering your energy bills!
    Though solar panels are a bit expensive, the cost that you can save in the long run and following months is nothing compared to your expenses in having a solar panel at your home, some community are encouraging their neighborhood to install solar panels on their home to help them save on their monthly energy bill. Depending on the area and how many solar panels you have in your home, it determines the energy or the amount you can save in your monthly energy bill. It will give you freedom and control over your electricity and your appliances. 
  3. Low maintenance cost
    Once the solar panels are installed on your roof or in any area, what you only need to do is to keep them clean. You don’t have call for an expert unless it has some serious issues. There are also a lot of companies that offers cleaning and maintenance for your solar panel. 
  4. It will also increase your properly value
    Since you have invested for long term use, solar panels can add a value to your home. Homes equipped with solar panels have a high property value. If you will sell you house, a lot of buyers are now educated the benefits of having a solar panel in your home. 

It is not only that you save dollars in your energy bill every month but doing are doing a big impact in our environment. Let us help our mother nature recover from carbon emissions and lessen the pollution. Let’s go green and let’s start it with our own home. 

Things to Consider Before your Outdoor Deck Renovation 

A deck is more than a connection between the outside part of your home to your indoors. It can elevate the look of your home while giving you space to lounge on when you want to see something beyond your screen. An outdoor deck can also be a place for an opportunity to bond more with your family or friends specially at times when there are family gatherings. 

 

 If you are planning on extending your space through investing in an outdoor space, here are some types of outdoor decks you can choose from.  

  1. Freestanding Deck 

This type of deck is also known as a floating deck or ground-level deck. It is most commonly built for spaces within your yard. If you are goo with this type of deck, the advantage is that you will not need a building permit for this deck type however it should be kept in mind that the deck should comply to the building codes associated with it.  

2. Attached Deck 

 Compared to a freestanding deck, this type of deck is a structure that’s a bit more elaborated or complex. With this type of deck, it is better to hire a professional to do the job since there is a height required and other things to consider like footings, guards and of course handrails for safety. 

So now that you can choose which deck type to choose, here are some materials you will need to accomplish your outdoor project.  

3. Composite 

A composite material is often from materials that have been recycled. It can be from plastic or fibers from wood however when it comes to choosing between the two recycled materials, wooden fibers are mostly used because it is soft but durable. Composites are also a great way to incorporate in your outdoor deck if you are on a budget because it requires minimal maintenance. Moreover, just like any other material, composites should always be cleaned to avoid buildup of mold or moss. 

4. Fiberglass 

Nowadays everyone wants to build with something that will almost last a lifetime and fiberglass is a material that sticks to that standard. It is also very flexible when it comes to being stained or painted. Moreover, if you are in a location that is exposed to moisture or a location that often experiences a season of rain, fiberglass is very suitable because it does not develop rust or soak in mildew. 

5. Pressure Treated Wood 

Pressure treated wood is a material that has been injected with chemicals in order to prevent the wood from rotting and from insect boring. Moreover, it is a very economical choice.  

Do you want to start an outdoor deck project? If you are planning to do so, do not hesitate to connect with general contractors Corpus Christi. They are professionals when it comes to helping you achieve the outdoor space you want to build so that you can hang out with your family on the holidays or perhaps on the weekends when you are off work. Call them today and make your project come to life!