Laminated Structural Timber, also called Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), and even called Microlaminated Lumber, is composed of layers of wood joined with glue. It is usually stronger than the same dimension of solid lumber. It costs a little more per board foot, but you tend to need smaller members, and it tends to be very […]
Archive | Home Design Journal
Hardwood Style Exterior Decking
I have watch all kinds of wood decking over the years. They all require regular laborious maintenence. New products are on the market that overcome that burden with substantial longevity, and they look great. Composite decking is partly wood and partly synthetic. You may have to drill starter holes for the nails. Maybe even use […]
Interior Hardwood Flooring Galleries
Of course you would like to see all the choices available for beautiful floorings you might install in your new house. If you can open a website, you can have a lot of fun shopping for flooring. I have made the effort to provide you with some links to nice flooring galleries of recommendable manfucturers. […]
Termite Shields for Ants Too
Ants or termites will find a way to get into your walls and eat the studs, especially if moisture occurs. You have only two options: 1. apply pesticide every year around your perimeter or – 2. install a zinc flashing under the sill planks, on top of the foundation wall, with a 1-1/2 inch lip […]
Stair Case Design Elements
Homes between 500 SF and 3000 SF will frequently encounter the most planning struggles centered around the stairs. The reason for this is that the stairs tend to dictate much of the circulation pattern in the floor plan, on both floors. With the stairs in the wrong place, it seems impossible to find a room […]
Solar Energy System; Grid Tie, Hybrid
A Grid Tied Solar Electric Power System is one that sends all the power to the electric company for credit. Another option is to build the same system with a battery storage array and keep the power in the house. Doing both is also an option. This diagram is the simplest way to illustrate the […]
Energy Conservation for Efficiency
It is my opinion that the most cost efficient and practical clean energy puchase for you here in my region is to put a photovoltaic solar panel on the south roof, or an array on the yard pointing south, and wire the electricity back to the power company for credit. This is called a “grid-tied […]