HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

6 Ways to Decorate Blank Walls in Your Apartment

6-ways-to-decorate-blank-walls-in-your-apartment

Blank walls are a perfect blank canvas to show off your personality and style. One of the best things about moving into a new place is having a blank canvas to decorate as you wish.

Here I will share some ideas on how decorating bare walls…

There are two ways to approach a blank canvass: be intimidated by the possibility of filling it or be excited for the same reason. Whichever spectrum you fall on, one thing’s for sure: you can’t let a blank canvas remain blank, especially if said canvass is a wall in your new condo.

Furnishing and decorating a new apartment allow you to personalize your space and truly make it yours. However, it’s understandable how you might be intimidated, what with dozens of things to do and options to choose from, especially for wall decor. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far. Below, we have a few suggestions on how to dress up your apartment’s blank walls.

1. Tapestries and other textiles

Don’t have plenty of time to think of decor ideas? You can buy a large tapestry, hang it on your wall, and ta-da! Your  

wall is filled. Keep the look cohesive with the rest of the design elements in the room by choosing a tapestry or other textiles, such as vintage quilts, with similar or complementing hues. Also, make sure to measure the dimensions of your wall so you can choose a tapestry that’s not too big or too small for your wall.

2. Trick the eye with a triptych

Triptychs are some of the most eye-catching pieces of wall art. They’re like a painting or a photograph, except divided into three parts. Triptychs come in different styles, from ones that form one image to others that can stand alone but are better viewed with its companions. Whatever you choose, it will be a good focal point meant to catch your guests’ eyes.

3. Floating shelves might float your boat

If you have plenty of books, plants, or knickknacks, then a blank wall is the perfect place to mount floating shelves on. Color-code your books, create a gallery of picture frames, display your jar collection-the options are endless as long as you have shelves mounted on the wall.

4. Passion for fashion

If you’re into clothes and accessories, you can show them off by sticking hooks on your blank walls and hanging fashion items on them. You can display your handbags, hats, or pieces of jewelry. This results in a functional wall art where your items of clothing have somewhere to hang while also making your walls look unique.

5. Living wall in your living room

Love indoor plants? Why not dedicate an entire wall to them? This is almost as simple as hanging a picture frame. All you need is a pre-made frame and your selection of plants. Some frames have built-in watering systems in them while others simply have hooks to hang your pots of plants on. With proper maintenance, your vertical indoor garden will be the focal piece of art on your wall.

6. Mirror, mirror

You might think, “Mirrors? How boring.” But if you choose the mirrors you will display correctly, not only will they give your place an illusion of bigger space, but they will also look like pieces of art. Raid thrift stores and garage sales to hunt for old, antique mirrors with interesting frames. Then arrange them however you want on one wall.

Filling up the blank walls of your condo unit doesn’t have to be an intimidating task. With the ideas above, you’ll hopefully be one step closer to furnishing your place.

SHOP WALL DECOR…

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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING, SHOPPING FINDS

The Black and White Pillow: My Top 12

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I just love a black and white pillow! Black and white is a colour scheme that is a classic. If you have been following me on any on my socials you will have noticed that it’s my latest obsession. I have been making updates in my own home – especially the family room and I have added some great neutral pieces with contrast (tiles and pillows) to my room design. I’m waiting on orders to arrive but I wanted to share with you some of my inspiration and some great finds.

Black and White Pillow Inspo

Photo credit: Lulu and Georgia

This living room loom really inspired my plan for my family room – which I’m so excited about. What I love about this look is the neutral scheme (of course) but the mix of the textures and the prints. I love the boho elements of texture and tassels, too! The look and feel of mudcloth has always been a favourite of mine. The pattern rug with the neutral sofa and walls with the mix of pattern pillows is the look I am going for in my space!

Shop pillows

I have found some amazing deals on pillows and pillow covers that can be used in a living room, entry, or bedroom. What I love with these neutrals is that you can mix them with any colour or other neutrals. I am also really into the texture and tassels – can you tell?

  1. Stripe Tassel Square Throw Pillow
  2. Embroidered Black and White Mudcloth Square Pillow
  3. Cottle Cotton Pillow Cover
  4. Hadleigh Black Pillow
  5. Tasseled Geometric Square Throw Pillow
  6. Rivet Modern Throw Pillow with Tassels
  7. Hadrea Handwoven Black and White Lumbar Pillow Cover
  8. Abner Cotton Throw Pillow
  9. Coen Cotton Geometric Throw Pillow
  10. African Mudcloth Lumbar
  11. Square Cotton Mudcloth with Fringed “X”
  12. Spraggins Ikat Cotton Lumbar

As you can see this is an extensive list with variety of styles and price points. When it comes to decorating I love to play with my budget and have a blend of splurge and save items. I really believe that’s how you can add your own twist on a design. Right now, I really love the boho elements like tassels and fringe. I have always been drawn to the organic texture of mud cloth and I love the visual interest that a pattern brings to a space. Add these in any combination of size to a neutral sofa or sectional or on a wood bench or paired with simple and neutral bedding.

Are you liking the boho trend? What about the black and white pillow – do you have any in your home? I can’t wait to share my family room updates with my new black and white pillows!

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REAL ESTATE

Looking to move? 8 guidelines to follow

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When you decide it is time to move down the street or across the country, it is important to choose a place to live carefully. If you want to move to a new state or town, you need to make sure that area has the amenities you need, such as job opportunities, good schools, medical services, and pleasant neighborhoods to live in.

Choose the Location To Move to

The first step in any journey to find a new home is to choose the town, the neighborhood, and the development to look for a house in. By contacting www.homesinchapinsc.com/ in the Lake Murray SC area, you can find the best places to consider living in. Searching for a new home in this area is easy with the expert real estate professionals available to help with the search. There are home lots, homes with acreage, homes on city lots for sale, and homes in planned developments.

Choose a real estate agent to help you decide which housing choices best meet your needs. There will be homes in many different price ranges to consider, so decide on a budget and get pre-approved for a home loan before starting the shopping process.

8 Guidelines To Finding The Right House

Here are 8 guidelines to follow in that new home search:

1. Decide what you and all the members of your family want in a home. Does the family want a new or existing home? should it be one story or multi-story? Will the family consider a fixer-upper house to save money?

2. Decide which features are necessities in a home and which things would be nice. Then, do some searching online with real estate listing services to narrow down the neighborhoods and houses to visit. Check out crime rates, commute time to a job, schools, shopping, and recreational activities.

Get Finances in Order

3. Don’t start touring homes until the finances to purchase a home are in place. Meet with local lenders to find the best home mortgage terms and determine how much you qualify to borrow. Then, get a pre-qualification letter to present to the agent and seller of any house you want to purchase.

4. Decide on a moving timeline. Is your present home sold, and when is that closing? Do you need time to clean up your credit rating to qualify for a home loan? Do you want to wait until school is out to move or be moved before the school year begins? Is there a lease that has a couple of months left on it?

5. Find and work with a good Realtor in the area you want to move to. They can be a valuable tool.

6. Think long-term on what you want in life and a house. This could be a starter home that you plan on living in for a few years and then upgrade to a better home. Or, this might be the home you want to raise a family in for the long term. This may be a down-sized home for your retirement years. The home for each of these needs will be different.

7. Be open-minded about the housing options you will consider. Budgets have a lot to do with determining the size and amenities that a family can realistically expect. Stay true to that list of family necessities you listed. With each house, you must weigh the advantages and good points with the disadvantages, such as neighborhood, street noise, and some home imperfections.

8. Make sure you can afford the home you are interested in when considering the closing costs and other expenses that must be added to the purchase price. If the home meets your needs and budget, don’t take days to decide on making an offer. There is nothing worse than losing out on the perfect home by a day.

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home renovation

Continuing Home Renovations During the COVID-19

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Most home renovations have been halted due to the global crisis, even the the most organized and best-laid plans are on hold – and this might include your home renovation projects. Perhaps, your home was in mid-renovation when COVID-19 hit and stay-at-home measures were declared by the government.

Now that the government is enabling a few projects to re-start again, it pays to still be safe. If you are planning to resume renovations, real estate development professionals and home renovators recommend keeping the following in mind:

Proper Hygiene and Sanitation

All workers on the site should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. Install handwashing stations at each corner of the renovation site so that running water is available for all the workers. Also, provide them with hand sanitizer and/or alcohol.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Masks, in accordance with the Department of Health’s guidelines, must be work at all times by all workers. Workers can use cloth coverings depending on their job. They must also use eye protection and gloves. The type of gloves used depends on the task being completed. If the task to be finished doesn’t need gloves, workers can use latex or nitrile gloves.

Build a Temporary Plastic Wall

Restricting airflow is one of the best ways to keep dust (aka the real enemy) away from your home. Don’t settle for loose plastic curtains; create airtight barriers made from plastic and seal them with tape. You can also use a heavy plastic with an adhesive-backed zipper for easy exit and entry when the project resumes.

Social Distancing

Workers on the site must maintain at least six feet of distance at all times. If they can’t perform social distancing, they increase the risk of transmission. You might have to reduce the number of workers reporting to the site if this is the case.

Also, a COVID-19 safety supervisor should be present to ensure everyone is practicing social distancing and proper safety precautions.

Close Air Vents and Replace the Filters

Maintain air quality by getting a handle on the workings of your cooling and heating system. If your renovation area has return vents, shut down the system in favor of portable air-conditioning units and heaters to prevent transferring dust and debris in the area. Otherwise, keep your area’s air vents closed and replace your filters regularly to keep the clean air flowing.

Other Things to Consider during Home renovations at this time…

See your contractor’s COVID-19 plan. Make sure that the workers follow the plan and are aware of the protocols. Most professional contractors already have safety protocols even before the pandemic.

If you are planning a new project, clear it with the local government first to ensure that you have the permit to start a new renovation.

Continuing your home renovations during COVID-19 is possible – as long as you maintain and practice safety protocols. Work closely with your contractor to ensure all workers follow safety measures and still keep your project deadlines on time. Maintain regular communication too so that you are always in the know on your project’s development.

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home renovation

7 Signs It’s Time for a New Roof: Is It About to Leak?

7-signs-its-time-for-a-new-roof-is-it-about-to-leak

Roofs are houses’ primary lines of defense against the elements. They help keep out the wind, rain, heat, and cold while contributing to a home’s energy efficiency. Though roofing materials are designed to withstand high winds, hail, extreme temperatures, moisture, and other hazards, constant exposure tends to take its toll after a while. Over time, even the toughest and most enduring roof will need to be replaced.

Exploring the Roofing Materials Market…

Numerous roofing materials are on the market at present, each of which has its own distinct set of benefits and disadvantages. You can visit Dennis & Sons Contracting to learn more about the options at your disposal. Some of the most popular alternatives are clay tiles, metal, wood shakes, and asphalt shingles. Each of these materials can last 25 years or more under ideal conditions. Ongoing maintenance and prompt repairs can greatly extend their lifespans, but time and harsh weather are still significant issues.

Signs You May Need a New Roof…

Sometimes, it’s difficult to determine whether roof damage has become a problem. This is especially true if you’re on the ground looking for damage on top of the house. That being said, knowing some of the common warning signs can help prevent losses and save you a great deal of money in the long run.

1. Soaring Energy Bills

Your energy bills should be fairly consistent from one month to the next with the exception of certain seasonal upticks or downturns. If you notice your power bills are creeping upward or indoor temperatures just aren’t staying as comfortable as they once did, this could certainly be an indication that your roof isn’t doing its job. The roof is supposed to keep out heat and cold, but aging materials and structural damage have the opposite effect.

2. Moisture and Mold Growth

Roofing materials should keep moisture outside where it belongs, but they sometimes fail to do so. At the same time, poor ventilation could cause condensation to form inside your attic. Consider going into the attic and looking for signs of moisture, such as dark stains on the wood and insulation, rusty nails, and mold and mildew growth. Any of these issues could mean the roof is leaking and needs to be repaired or replaced.

3. Gaps in the Roof

While you’re in the attic looking for moisture damage, you might want to look for other signs of problems. One of these could be light coming through the roof. You shouldn’t be able to see sunlight shining through the roofing materials. If you do, exterior damage is definitely present.

4. Granules on the Ground

Asphalt shingles are covered with small granules made of crushed rocks and other particles. Those granules should stay on the shingles, but they don’t always follow the rules. If you notice stray granules in your gutters’ downspouts or other areas around the house, it may be time to have the shingles replaced.

5. Missing Roof Materials

Roofing materials don’t generally fall off on their own, but severe storms and high winds can cause them to come loose. If you happen to notice some of the shingles, shakes, or tiles are missing from your roof, it’s time for extensive repairs.

6. Damaged Flashings

If you feel comfortable climbing up on the roof for a closer look, be sure to check out the flashings around the chimney, vents, skylights, and other features. These are the seals that help keep out moisture. Cracks, gaps, and signs of weathering mean they need to be repaired or replaced.

7. Time

Whether you notice warning signs of damage or not, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected at regular intervals. Experts recommend having an inspection carried out every five years for roofs that are ten years old or less. If your roof is older than that or you’re not sure how long it has been in place, be sure to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.

Bottom Line…

When it comes to your roof, it’s best not to take chances. Staying on top of minor damage can reduce the need for more extensive and costly repairs in the future. Some signs of damage are only obvious to a professional eye, but others are often easy to spot without ever going up on the roof. Watch for problems, and be sure to have the roof inspected on a regular basis. If you see signs of damage or just want a little extra peace of mind, don’t hesitate to reach out for further assistance.

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CLEANING

Tiny Home, Big Mess?

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Some people buy tiny homes with the idea that it would be much easier to clean. But soon, they discover that mess and clutter accumulate faster in a small area, and they find that they are spending more time cleaning their small homes rather than relaxing in it.

So how could you manage the clutter and mess in your tiny home? Here are some strategies you could use to stay organized and clutter-free.

Clean as You Go

Cleaning up after dinner, after relaxing and lounging on the sofa, or after a few drinks with friends can be a big help in maintaining the cleanliness of your apartment. Especially if you rent a furnished condominium unit, you need to keep the furniture clean and maintained well. If you find any of them damaged, it’s best to inform the owner (if you are renting) so they can replace it.

Washing the dishes immediately after a meal and throwing out the garbage can help prevent pest infestation. If you are composting your waste, make sure to cover it entirely and do it outside the house.

Don’t Buy Things You Don’t Need

Collecting things can be a hobby for some people, but if you live in a tiny home, it is a hobby you must do without. Collections take up space and could become a source of clutter, mess, and dust, so don’t start one once you move in a tiny apartment. The same goes for things that you think you will need in the future. If you are not going to use something today, it’s best not to buy it as it will only clutter your home.

Clean Everyday

Living in a tiny home means whatever mess you bring is immediately noticeable. Devote five minutes a day to vacuum the floors or dust the shelves. You can do different things every day, and you’ll find that your daily five-minute ritual has kept your home looking organized and clean.

Invest in Cleaning Equipment

It’s best to buy a powerful vacuum cleaner, a turbo power scrubber, a spray mop, and a hand duster as part of your cleaning arsenal. A powerful vacuum cleaner can suck all the dust and debris between small spaces, and a powerful scrubber could remove all kinds of grime and debris on your bathroom and kitchen walls. A spray mop makes it easier to mop small spaces, and a hand duster is the best tool to remove dust on your furniture.

De-clutter

Organize your things so that they will be placed on shelves, boxes, and stands. Buy organizers to keep wires, cables and electrical equipment stowed away. Clips, papers, notes, and even pens and pencils should be organized in drawers sothat they won’t create a mess on your desks and tables.

The most important thing to remember when you move into a tiny home is that it is a lifestyle that is minimalist and functional. If you want to live a simple life with little mess and clutter, then moving into a tiny home is one way of doing it. But you have to be organized and disciplined, so your small house won’t become a big mess.

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DIY, FAMILY

DIY Projects to Do at Home With Your Kids

diy-projects-to-do-at-home-with-your-kids

With the summer months approaching, you may be panicking when you think of things to do to keep your children occupied while on summer vacation or on the weekends. You may not know how you are going to keep them busy and out of trouble while also doing the things around the house that you need to. But what if there was a way to keep them occupied while also allowing you to do the DIY projects you have been meaning to get to?

This post will detail 4 fun DIY projects that you and your kids can do together this summer; not only will your children be occupied, but they will also be helping you make the small home renovations you have been wanting. 

What Are Some DIY Projects to Do With the Whole Family?

DIY projects are great for a number of different reasons. Not only will you be able to create the exact project you have had in mind, but you will also save money and be entertained while doing so. With that being said, DIY projects that include the whole family takes those benefits one step further. Here are 4 DIY projects that will keep the whole family engaged this summer. 

  1. Repurpose Old Furniture

Getting new furniture is costly, especially if you have little ones. But what happens when you desperately need a new coffee table or outdoor sofa? A great DIY solution is to repurpose old furniture. If you have old furniture, consider making it a family affair and redoing it somehow. Consider repainting it, refinishing it, or even reconstructing it for parts. 

This DIY project will save you money and can be done as a family. If you don’t have any furniture that you want to repurpose, consider buying secondhand furniture either online or at a secondhand shop. 

  1. Make Your Own Wall Decor

This is a great way to get the family involved and create meaningful wall decor. Some DIY wall decoration ideas include:

  • A gallery wall; hang your children’s artwork and family photos to cover an entire wall
  • Custom made/painted wooden signs
  • Paint murals as a family to hang on your wall
  • Homemade dream catchers
  • Make your own stained glass pieces
  1. Get Creative With Storage

Storage is something we all need more of, especially if you’re a parent. Creating storage can be a hassle and extremely time-consuming, however, consider turning it into a DIY project with your children. To start creating storage units with your kids, start in their spaces, either their rooms or playroom, as they will get excited and express interest in this DIY project. 

Some other creative DIY storage projects to consider include:

  • Mason jar brush holders
  • Hanging wicker baskets
  • Hang craft boxes
  • Turn apple crates into shelving
  • Repurposed dresser drawers as shelving 
  1. Create a Gorgeous Garden 

When people think of DIY projects, they often think of projects that have to do with crafts or building something, they don’t typically think of outdoor projects or gardening. However, gardening is in fact a great DIY project to do with the family as you can build the gorgeous garden of your dreams. 

A roofing contractor in Voorhees pointed out that gardens can add to the exterior aesthetic of your home so turning it into a DIY project to do with your family can be worth your while. Consider planting flowers, shrubs, or even fruits and veggies with your kids. To make this DIY project one step further, have your children paint pots to plant things in or create garden decorations as a family. 

Start Your Project Today

Instead of worrying about what you are going to do to entertain your children this summer, look into other fun and exciting DIY projects that you can do with them. Be proactive and try to get the supplies ahead of time so that your DIY project runs as smoothly as possible. 

About the Author

Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast and avid beach-goer operating out of Southern New Jersey

KEEP THE KIDS BUSY….

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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

Top 10 Shelf Decor finds on Amazon

top-10-shelf-decor-finds-on-amazon

Shelf decor is a way to add style to your room and display your favorite things. I just love what a shelf can do for a space. There was a time when a shelf was just all about storage but now they are way to showcase your style and a perfect way to add decor to any room.

I have been working on a few farmhouse inspired projects and renovations and I have used shelf decor in all of them! I love the idea of layering great decor finds and displaying items with meaning (or just items I am drawn too) and of course mixing up shapes and textures. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases which further support the content on this blog.

I find that decorating a shelf works best when you follow these guidelines…

  1. Stick with a consistent colour theme (lately for me it has been a mix of neutrals and woods)
  2. Always add a touch of green. I know some of you have feelings about faux plant options but personally I do find that there are some incredible faux options that look like the real deal. And personally I love plants but just can’t keep them alive.
  3. Play with odd numbers when it comes to styling. For instance stack 3 books.
  4. Play with textures – mix metals (like a wire basket), wood (like a bowl or even a cutting board), and pottery (like a bowl or decorative piece).
  5. Get creative! Does a round wood cutting board belong in a living room? No! But I love the shape and texture that it can add to a display.
  6. Don’t add too much decor. Yes, you can overdo it when it comes to accessorizing. If a shelf (like a wall) doesn’t have any empty space (aka negative space) it looks and feels cluttered and you don’t get to appreciate the beautiful pieces you have displayed – it will be a mess!

Shop Shelf decor…

  1. Farmhouse distressed LOVE sign
  2. Candle
  3. Rusted Iron jack decor piece
  4. Set of 3 glass bottle in metal wire basket
  5. Decorative book stack
  6. Wood mannequin
  7. Bone bead necklace
  8. Small faux plant
  9. Shallow charcoal wood bowl
  10. Textured grey vase

I have put together this collection of shelf decor pieces that work well in small groupings or all together in one large shelf unit. You can follow me on Instagram to see the home decor styling projects that I’m working on I hope you find these tips and this shopping list helpful …

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

4 Ways to Reduce Energy Usage in Your Home

4-ways-to-reduce-energy-usage-in-your-home

Reducing home energy use or making a home more efficient should be the goal of any homeowner. Cutting down on a home’s energy use can help you save on utility costs and help reduce your home’s carbon footprint. It is the goal of many communities and utility companies to aid people in reducing their carbon footprints since sources of fuel are becoming more restricted. In addition, reducing your carbon footprint can benefit the environment.

Use Renewable Sources

Even though you can significantly reduce electricity and utility use by upgrading the major components of your home and by changing your habits, converting to renewable sources is ideal. You may be able to receive energy credits and rebates for installing solar panels or tankless hot water heaters. Switching to renewable sources means you’ll be able to convert natural resources like the sun into electricity and heat sources for your home, reducing your home’s dependence on utility companies and fossil fuels.

Upgrade All Major Appliances

The majority of a home’s energy use comes from its heating and cooling equipment, followed by other major kitchen appliances and the hot water heater. Having and operating gas fireplaces can also contribute to a portion of the home’s energy use. Besides programming the thermostat for different temperatures while you’re away from home, upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner and furnace can significantly reduce a home’s usage.

Updating kitchen appliances, as well as washer and dryers for versions that carry the energy star rating, can also help reduce a home’s overall consumption. Appliances with the ENERGY STAR rating are manufactured to use less electricity and water. While some of these models can cost more, the savings in energy consumption over time outweighs the extra initial costs. You may even be able to receive energy rebates from utility companies or tax credit for upgrading.

Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Insulation

Another large source of energy loss in a home is through windows, cracks, and crevices. Replacing older windows with energy-efficient ones can also significantly cut back on how much heating and air conditioning is lost. This reduces the wear and tear on the appliances and helps save the homeowner money over time. Upgrading can also result in one-time tax credits or rebates.

Insulating windows on the interior and exterior can go a long way towards reducing costs. Caulking and sealing gaps around the edges of windows, doors, and other openings can prevent air from escaping. This means the hot and cool air produced by the homes HVAC equipment won’t be wasted.

General Maintenance and Upkeep

A home’s energy use can also be reduced through general maintenance and upkeep, such as changing the HVAC filter each month. A person can also use common sense techniques such as supplementing an air conditioner with ceiling fans, only running full loads in the dishwasher, and air drying clothes if feasible. Cleaning air ducts and using blinds to block the sun during summer can also help.

Reducing a home’s energy use requires a combination of investing in new and upgraded technologies and common-sense maintenance. Setting the thermostat at the highest comfortable temperature in the summer and the lowest comfortable temperature in the winter will go a long way towards reducing consumption. However, upgrading major appliances to energy-efficient versions, replacing windows, and converting to renewable energy sources will make the biggest impacts.

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OUTDOORS

Wood vs. Vinyl Fence

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How Do These Two Fencing Materials Compare in the 4 Categories We’ve Chosen?

When it comes to fencing around homes, two types of fencing tend to be particularly popular. These are vinyl and wood fencing. If you’re not sure which type of fencing is right for your home, check out our comparisons below, as different people will reach different conclusions based on which variables are most important to them. There’s no one superior fence for everyone.

Appearance

One of the main factors people consider when choosing a fence is the appearance of the fence. The first thing to keep in mind is that there is not just one type of wood or one type of vinyl fence. These days there are many alternatives for each type of fencing, so you’re very likely to be able to find one that will suit your style. You can get help from Illinois Fence company if you want to get a better idea of all the various options available for each type of fence.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Wood fencing tends to be the favourite when it comes to the overall appearance of a fence, at least when it’s freshly installed. People love the natural look, and it’s what many people grew up with. However, if it isn’t properly maintained it can get to look like an eyesore. You can vary the appearance with your choice of stain or paint so it can match virtually any style and colour of home.

Vinyl fencing used to look very plastic-like, which isn’t very appealing. But over time it has improved a lot in appearance, although it still doesn’t look the same as wood. It tends to maintain its appearance better than wood without a lot of maintenance. As time passes, your vinyl fence may end up looking better than your neighbor’s wooden fence if they don’t properly maintain it. You have your choice of more solid panels that improve privacy or panels that look more like traditional fencing with more spacing between the planks.

Maintenance Necessary

If you don’t have a lot of time to deal with keeping your fence in tip-top shape, you may want to opt for vinyl fencing. Aesthetically it might not be quite as pleasing as wood, but it does require a lot less maintenance. In many cases, unless something happens to damage the fence, all you need to do is periodically clean it off with a hose or a pressure washer to get off any dirt that’s on the fence. Choosing the right colour for the fence will minimize the appearance of the dirt in between cleanings.

Wood fencing needs to be stained or painted after installation and then repainted frequently. As it gets older, it may warp and rot, especially if it hasn’t been properly cared for throughout its lifetime. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process. If you think you’ll want to change the colour of your fencing over time, wood does have the advantage of being able to be refinished.

Durability

Think about it. How many times do you want to have to deal with putting in a new fence over your lifetime? Probably not many. This means you want a fence that will be durable and long-lasting.  Wood fences are susceptible to rot, insect damage, and damage due to expanding and contracting with varying temperatures and moisture levels, all of which affect their durability.

Vinyl fencing is typically manufactured to be able to withstand all of these issues. In general, wind damage may be the most common issue. Those who live in areas with high winds may want to opt for the fencing with more space between the slats, as this makes it more wind-resistant. Vinyl fences can last up to 5 times as long as wood fences, which average about 20 years before they need to be replaced.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Cost Considerations

When it comes to the cost of fencing, you need to take three factors into consideration: the initial cost of installing the fence, the cost of maintaining the fence, and the expected lifetime of the fence. What looks like the best deal from the initial price may not be the most cost-efficient choice in the long run.

The initial cost to install wood fencing can vary greatly based on the type of wood you choose. It can be as low as $3 to $7 per linear foot (before installation) if you choose pine or as high as $12 to $60 per linear foot if you opt for white oak. However, in general, the initial cost of buying and installing a wood fence will be cheaper than purchasing and installing a vinyl fence.

The typical vinyl fence ranges in price per linear foot from about $15 to $30. Rail fences will be cheaper than picket or privacy fences, and shadowbox styles are the most expensive. White vinyl is less expensive than wood grain vinyl, which is less expensive than black vinyl.

Which fence do you choose?

From these quick comparisons it looks like wood might be the better deal. But keep in mind that wood fences need to be restained or repainted every year or two, which adds to their maintenance costs. While vinyl fences just need to be hosed off to rinse off the dirt.  It does tend to cost more to repair vinyl fencing if it gets damaged, as you often need to replace an entire panel while with wood fencing you can just replace the slat that’s damaged. The much longer life of vinyl fences means they may be the more cost-effective option in the long run.

There are many issues to consider when choosing between vinyl and wood fencing. If appearance is the most important factor for you and you are open to a bit more maintenance, you may want to choose wood fencing. However, if you are looking for a more carefree option and can afford a larger upfront investment, consider one of the many types of vinyl fencing available. You could also review other types of fencing, such as metal fencing, if neither of these types of fencing meets all of your needs.

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