The Citizen, 1995-10-04, Page 18U
hanging, finishing,
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Blyth • 523-4202
DRYWALL
THE GREEN GALLERY
158 Queen St., S., Blyth (519) 523-4944
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BUILDING
PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1995.
Choosing carpet a 3-step approach
Do some careful research before
you shop for a new carpet; buy
from a knowledgeable dealer and
review the installation plan before
the work begins. These simple rules
will ensure a satisfactory
renovation project. What is more
important; these three simple steps
can help you avoid a costly mistake
— one you might have to live with
for years. Here's how:
Step One - Initial Planning
Shopping for carpet requires
careful thinking before you get
anywhere near the store. Start with
a budget. This will give your
retailer an idea of the best value he
can provide based upon your
means. Bring along samples of the
colours and fabrics from the rooms
you wish to carpet.
Plan to ask the retailer for a
sample of the carpet you choose
and take it home with you.
Compare the carpet sample colour
to your furnishings. Viewing the
carpet sample under different
lighting conditions in your home
environment will help you select
the most appropriate colour and
texture.
You should also know how much
and what type of carpet you will
need. Take a rough measurement of
the room to determine the approxi-
mate amount. An installer will do
the accurate measurement later.
Knowing what kind of carpet you
While many homeowners believe
the time for tending to the lawn is
early spring, horticulturists actually
recommend this be done in the fall.
It's during the autumn months that
root systems and nutrient reserves,
which will maintain the lawn over
the winter and through the
following summer, are produced.
According to experts, the season's
cooler weather and moderate
rainfall will provide your lawn with
the perfect conditions for a startling
revitalization and healthy green
sheen next spring.
Preparing the Soil
The first step in planting and/or
spot patching a lawn is to prepare
the soil. Using a rototiller, or
garden shovel for smaller projects,
loosen the soil to a depth of two to
three inches. If your soil is
compacted or clayey, blend in a
product to help break up and aerate
the mix. This will allow water and
air to better penetrate the soil,
which will result in increased root
growth.
As the final step, the soil should
be raked smooth to remove debris
such as old grass, weeds and
unwanted stones. To create good
drainage, slightly grade the soil so
that it slopes away from the house.
Liming and Fertilizing
Every lawn needs a proper
balance of nutrients to ensure
healthy growth; the most important
of which are nitrogen,
phosphorous, and potassium.
Spreading an all-purpose fertilizer
will provide the soil with these
important nutrients, so germinating
seeds can grow strong and healthy.
Some soils, however, may not react
immediately to the fertilizer as a
result of imbalanced pH; irregular
levels of acidity or alkalinity in the
soil. This is a common problem and
can be corrected easily with an
application of limestone. Once pH
levels are balanced, fertilizers can
work longer and more efficiently.
Spreading the Seeds
As a general rule, approximately
three pounds of grass seeds are
needed for every 1,000 square feet
need requires some research.
Knowing the difference between a
good and poor quality carpet is
important. Because most carpets
are made from strong synthetic
fibres, they will last long after you
have tired of their appearance. That
is why it is important to choose
carpets that will retain their
appearance as long as they last.
Knowing what you want or need
before entering the carpet show-
room can simplify the purchase
process. Do you want a rich, deep
luxury carpet that will stand up to
an active family and withstand
much wear and tear?
There are five basic types of
carpet construction: saxonies,
textured saxonies, level loops,
berbers and scrolls, and cut and
loop or traceries.
Saxonies offer a traditional
formal look in a cut pile
construction. The degree to which
individual tufts are visible creates a
wide range of subtly different
appeals. This style shows footprints
and shading as part of its styling
effect. These carpets are generally
used in the more formal areas of
the home; living room, dining room
and in the bedroom.
Textured saxonies provide
surface interest through light
reflection off the textured tufts.
This more casual style is very
popular and can be used in the
of lawn, although amounts may
vary slightly according to seed
type. Seeds should be broadcast
with a lawn spreader to ensure even
distribution. Because young grass
plants will need space to develop
roots and leaves, it is essential not
to spread seeds too thickly; if too
close together, they may choke
each other off and fade quickly.
After spreading the seeds, rake
them gently with the back of a rake,
just enough to cover them lightly
with soil Be sure not to cover the
seeds completely; they must have
some light, as well as oxygen,
moisture and warmth, in order to
germinate.
Once the lawn has been seeded
and rolled, apply a complete
Continued on page 19
formal and informal areas of the
home. Textured saxonies tend to
mask footprints, more so than
traditional saxonies.
Level loop carpets are made with
tufted loops of the same height.
They have a tight, pebbly surface
and take hard wear and hide
footprints and furniture marks. Soil
tends to stay on the surface for easy
cleaning. Usually used in
commercial applications, level.,
loops are ideal for rooms requiring
durable carpets such as basements,
kitchens or cottages.
Berber or Scroll carpets are also
made with tufted loops of the same
height. The visibility of each loop
and the way it reflects light from
the surface give berbers or scrolls a
charming appeal that blends well
with any decor.
Cut and loop styles can be used
throughout the house and they
combine the effect of saxony carpet
with a tracery loop patterned effect.
This is why these carpets are
sometimes referred to as 'Traceries'.
This unique combination of cut pile
and loop pile creates a carved,
sculptured effect.
Step Two
Search out a reputable retailer
Because choosing the right carpet
requires much specialized know-
ledge and training, it is advisable to
shop at a store that has well trained
staff which specializes in carpets.
These specialized sales personnel
are much better informed.
Talk to your friends and get a
referral to a reputable retailer.
Step Three
Plan the installation
Once you've made a selection,
the next step is to meet with the
installer. He will measure your
rooms accurately and plan the
installation.
You should discuss this plan with
the installer to ensure that the
finished product will be satisfac-
tory. Ask where the seams will be
to ensure that they don't end up in--
conspicuous locations. Wherever
possible, make sure the seams are
hidden or at least kept away from
major traffic areas.
Before approving the plan, ask
about the direction of the pile. The
objective is to have the pile running
in the same direction throughout
the house. Carpet looks darker
when looking into the grain than it .
does from other directions. As well,
seams are better disguised when
they run towards natural lighting or
the windows.
Another important concern is
underpadding. This is the shock
absorber of the carpet. Choose a
good quality underpadding. It will
add life and comfort to your carpet.
A poor quality underpad will
deteriorate quicker, reduce your
carpet life and feel uncomfortable
underfoot.
Fall lawn care tips