An Ecological Wooden House in the Landes

The house is naturally integrated into the surrounding space.

A Mount Saint Pierre (40), family Marot built his wooden house in a forest environment.

Technical
Location: St. Pierre du Mont, Landes (40280)
House area: 190 m²
Land area: 1500 m²
Year of construction: March 2009
Woods used: pine frame, Siberian larch cladding

MEET THE OWNERS
Marot family: a wooden house, absolutely
"Our future home should be able to answer many ecological and economic criteria, and provide a perfect balance between simplicity and contemporary architecture."

The birth of a project

The meeting with the builder
Much reflection and exploration allowed us to become aware of what was on the market for wooden houses. We wanted to be sure to achieve a project for our needs perfectly . And once the land is purchased, exchanges with architects (Vincent Poeymiroo Cazaentre and Jonathan) were essential. They helped our project to mature day by day.

We had an idea of what we wanted: a house on nature , with a south facade overlooking the woods. And the project has kept its promises, our house is bright, with a large living area .

Why choose wood?
My husband exercising a liberal profession, he was taken to build a cabinet, and the choice of material was covered timber. This project had rained, and we decided to contact the same architect to build our future wooden house. The look nice and natural look of the wood we were particularly impressed.

Our house is located in the Landes, we could benefit from a wide choice of local species . And this is the larch , blond wood and clear, which eventually caught our attention. Its aesthetic appearance and warm it releases us charmed. The application of a stain (colorless lacquer) seemed necessary to preserve its original colors.

Construction steps

We bought the land in December 2007 and building permits filed in April 2008. Work began on 18 August 2008 and ended in March 2009. The speed of construction was impressive ! In the space of only fifteen days , home, arriving in panels was mounted. Every day, fetching children to school, I passed the site and I noticed that more piece was constructed.

The architect in charge of the project has been working in partnership with Finnish craftsmen . In particular, we used a carpenter . Excellent communication is established between the various trades has been a key to the success of this project.

teams were present on site from Monday to Friday, with meetings every Wednesday morning, led by the foremen. It was obviously essential for us to be there.

Despite the damage the storm Klaus, workers normally pursued the construction of the wooden house, well advanced at the time of weathering.

Each day, the house had an extra.

Guided tour of the house

The living room has an optimal lighting.

The large bay window offers a view on the comfortable terrace.

Vertical siding product nice lighting effects in every room of the house.

The terrace is a transitional space between inside and outside the home.

Vertical siding provides a slender appearance to the house.

Once the house is completed

Your favorite piece?
We especially appreciate our living room , a true multi-function room with a dining area, a lounge and a library.

Do you have any construction projects in the short term?
We plan to install a pool in the coming years, in line with the terrace on the south side. And we intend to use the geothermal energy for heating water to make it possible to swim throughout the year.

We also plan to install a central fireplace , within a year or two.

The vegetation of the roof could be a further step in improving our home. We have not yet done so for economic reasons. This method is to superimpose a foam and succulents same to the roof. This technique, aesthetics , provides natural insulation. We do not want air conditioning, because we want to preserve the ecological nature of our house.

A tip for future owners?
We advise prospective owners to consider carefully the proposed construction of their home. Be accompanied by professional wood construction remains the best option . It is also important and useful to participate in meetings held by foremen in the construction. From beginning to end, it is imperative to establish a climate of trust with the architect, for the smooth construction.

What is Feng Shui for House?

What is Feng Shui for House is always be question for the who want to build new house, Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of balancing the flow of natural energies in our environment to create beneficial results in our lives. But don’t think of it as just ancient local wisdom; think of it as universal common sense. The thoughtful and purposeful placement of things in relation to other things around them creates positive or negative energy flow. The changes you make within your own home or office have a direct impact on the flow of things in areas of your life.

Dispelling the Myth
For any of you who may not yet be familiar with Feng Shui, it is not a religion. There are several different styles of Feng Shui. It is not hocus-pocus of any sort and it is not just for those woo-woo ladies in a moo-moo peddling trinkets to clutter up your space. Feng Shui is simply working with natural energy by placing everything from your furniture, accessories, desktop items and even your home itself purposefully within its environment to work harmoniously with everything else around it.

How Can Feng Shui Help You?
In today’s turbulent real estate market, Feng Shui can help create more opportunities, introduce the right people into your life to help you, give you greater wisdom to handle situations that arise, improve your reputation, and help create a greater feeling of abundance. Seems like a lot to expect from just changing the way things are arranged, huh? Well rest assured, the energy you spend making these changes will reap you great rewards.

So let’s get right down to it, the fun part! What changes can you make in your home and office to improve your real estate business?

• Eliminate Clutter – I know, I already talked about that in an earlier post, but it is such a serious issue on so many levels, and, in Feng Shui, clutter is stagnant energy. It is blocked chi. it is restricted flow. It is heavy, depressing and it weighs you down. It can result in health issues depending upon its severity. Eliminating clutter = new opportunities. Simple as that. Open the pathways and allow new things to come to into your life. Out with the old and in with the new!

• Spruce up the Helpful People section of your home. Did you know that your home has 9 different sectors representing different areas of your life? The Helpful People area of your home is the far right front area as you stand at the front door. In real estate, you depend upon many people to have your business flow well. To attract the best people to do business with, give some love to your Helpful People section and then be on the lookout for the people that come into your life. Place a silver container in this area of your home. Write down the names of people who can help you and place them in the box. Perhaps you have an offer out and are waiting for an answer. Write the seller’s name down with the intention of hearing back that your buyer’s offer has been accepted. Waiting on an appraisal? Write down the appraiser’s name and place it in the box. Need a sitter so you can show more homes? Write down “perfect Nanny for my children”. You get the idea. Then just let it go. Check the box every couple of weeks. When you no longer need their assistance, remove their names and add another.

• The Skills and Knowledge area of your home is the section on the far left front, closest to the front door. Spruce up this area and you will find yourself able to make better decisions, have better relationships, handle your business and money matters more wisely and find your inner strength. This is a great place for your books or things that remind you of wisdom, symbols of mentors or symbols of the skills you want to have.

• Fire up your Fame and Reputation area located in the rear center of your home. Want to be the top agent in your area? This is a great area for your fireplace. No fireplace here? How about your TV? TV’s are fire elements in Feng Shui. This is also a great area for any awards you have received. The color red is a great fire color, so if it works in your decor, add some splashes of red here to activate this area.

• Build up the Family area of your home, located in the left center section when you are like most people and are striving for an overall greater sense of abundance and well being. Enhancing the energy here will give you a greater sense of security in all areas of your life and improve your relationships. This is a great area for plants and wooden items. Water feeds wood, so symbols of water work well here too.

• Power up Prosperity Corner! This seems to be everybody’s favorite part of Feng Shui. The Prosperity section is located in the far left rear section of your home or office. Keep this space clean, well-lit and be sure there is plenty of activity here. Add symbols that remind you of wealth and abundance. You can use artwork or photos or even perfumes, whatever works for you. Be sure there is nothing broken here. Purple, red and gold are great colors to activate your Prosperity section. If this is where your bedroom is located, no problem, just keep the blinds open during the day and add a few power elements. Fresh flowers are perfect here and depending upon the situation, a water feature can be a great addition.

Just by making a few changes you will start to see results. Make big changes and you will see big results-but watch out. Sometimes big changes can makes things happen faster than you might have planned for. Just keep a clear vision of your goals and when the dust settles, it will be that much clearer.

A Spirit House Feng Shui

A Spirit House Feng Shui in this article about the happy house owner in the Yvelines at the edge of a forest, lies an imposing building of 300 sqm, all dressed in wood and respecting the principles of Feng Shui. Built on a plot of 3000 m² in height, it has a splendid view of the surroundings. Visit with Laurence Dujardin, the happy owner.

Technical
Location: Yvelines
House area: 300 m²
Land area: 3000 m²
Year of construction: 2006
Used wood: cedar cladding, pergola larch

PORTRAIT OF THE OWNER
Laurence Dujardin
"For seven years, my daily life was punctuated by trips ... I discovered Feng Shui. Meanwhile, I began my quest for the perfect terrain to build the house of my dreams!"

To learn more about Feng Shui, I invite you to read my book "Create or upgrade your home Feng Shui" editions E-Book.

The birth of a project
Why choose wood?
"This is an idea that comes from me! Firstly, for a matter of aesthetics . Moreover, wood symbolizes creativity, dynamism and freedom in Feng Shui. then I went on various shows for two years. I discovered that there were extraordinary techniques to achieve a green home . regard to the wood used, I especially selected red cedar siding because it gray with age and I think it's beautiful. "

The early work?
"Everything is chained fast ! In May 2005, I found the appropriate field. A building permit was filed in mid October, and construction began in early 2006. walls were made in a factory and assembled on site, few weeks . "

Collaboration with the architect?
"I knew exactly what my house would look even before you call an architect. Example, the presence of a patio, windows, roof low, Asian-style windows etc.. I wanted a house inspired the Anglo-Saxon architecture and respecting the principles of Feng Shui . architect Marc has Lafagne transcribe everything I could have imagined. "

Your personal investment?
"I spent 95% of my time on the site . I almost completed the work of a master builder. I also sanded, made paintings, porcelain parquet ... It was a real investment staff ! "

Once the house is finished ...

Your favorite piece?
"I love all the pieces ... but the show is a very nice living space with amazing views. Portholes allow to soften the Yang side of the house. Indeed, the square symbolizes masculinity. And all these forms round the windows but also the posts allow a balance between Yin and Yang . "

What is that you would change in retrospect?
"Absolutely nothing I've done this work before everything is exactly as I had imagined! Except one thing: I would like closer to the concept of passive house . We did not immediately fault of money, but we plan to install solar panels in the near future. "

A tip for future owners?
"To learn about entrepreneurs ! In this house, a contractor advised us a new German process ... But in this case the person had never asked this type of wall. It was quickly overtaken by events and walls of the house were not all rights-of-fact. Fortunately, thereafter, we were dealing with a true professional ! "

Another Great Articles about Feng Shui
Feng Shui Tips for Building a New House
by Carol C. Wheelock

That is a huge question because there is so much to consider!! I will address some of the most important ones here.

First of all, consider the site. Does the house fit the site well? Can it be situated so that it is open in front? It is important to have some protection in back and on the sides, preferably with the land in back higher than the land in front. The idea is to feel as though you are in a big armchair.

Water is best in front of the house. This goes along with the land sloping gently down in front of the house. Water rushing right toward the house would not be positive.

Be sure your entrance will be clearly seen as you approach the house. What you first see most affects your chi! In order for a house to be welcoming, it is important that the way into the house is obvious. A defined meandering path should lead the eye and people to your front door. Also consider whether or not the house is designed so that you will use the front door. It is the mouth of chi, so it is important for you, the homeowners, to use that door. Too often, houses are designed so that the people who live in the house never use the front door.

I like to look at the shape of the house, including attached garages, decks, etc. A house does not have to be square or rectangular, but it is important to get a sense of a complete shape after landscaping is done. The more complete the shape, the more supportive the space will be.
Next consider the ceiling height. Ceilings that are too high make a space feel too yang, whereas ceilings that are too low can make a space feel too yin and confining. Beams are also a factor. If you are building a house with beams, it is best to have them a little higher than a normal ceiling so they will not impact the chi of the space as much.

Avoid the rushing chi of long straight hallways, front doors opposite back doors, and stairs opposite front doors. In these situations, the chi will rush right through the space and not stop to nourish those who live there.

Figure out where the furniture will go. Be sure that the beds, couch, desk, and stove are all in the command position. That means that when you are in/at any of these pieces of furniture you can see (are facing) the door, but are not in direct line with it. Many stoves in new houses have microwaves above them that serve as mirrors so that it is possible to see behind you as you cook. This compensates for not having the stove face the door.

Plan open spaces so that there is a way to define different areas. Also be clear about what each room is for. This does not mean that a room cannot serve dual purposes. It does mean that it is important to be clear about what those purposes are and that they are compatible. Take a mental walk through the space and check for flow of movement. Too many doors in one area can create a lot of arguments. Are there sharp corners? Is it easy to get one from one place to another?

Storage is extremely important. Plan for useful and accessible storage that is in keeping with the number of people who will be living in the house. Do not, however, take anything with you to the new house that you do not love or use. This is the perfect time to start clearing out the clutter in your existing space.

Carol C. Wheelock, M.Ed. of Feng Shui Vermont is a certified feng shui practitioner who has studied in the United Sates and China. She practices Black Sect or western feng shui. Carol does private consultations for homes, schools, libraries, and businesses; clutter counseling and clearing; spaces clearings; phone consultations; presentations; and teaches workshops throughout the United States. She also does personal clearings.

"Cut the Wood is Killing the Forest"

Cut wood, not kill the forest, but simply support the work of nature.

The forest is above all a love of the forest, which he takes daily care. It takes mature trees and thus promotes the renewal of the forest .

And when he cuts among the younger the better to encourage the best to grow . Maintenance, cutting and reforestation also maintain biological diversity and vitality of the forest.

Exploit the forest, it is to fight against the greenhouse effect

Young trees have only one ambition: to grow. And they need to absorb a lot of carbon dioxide for that. They are much more greedy than their elders. Logged forest and renewed is a great way to fight against the greenhouse effect !

From time immemorial, man has chopped wood

Cuts and the sale of wood allow the forest to continue his work. Maintain the forest is also develop, prevent falling trees, maintain trails, etc..

The forest, like the one where you walk, and results of the combined action of Man and Nature .

Cut wood is part of a rational management of forests, allowing them to grow and regenerate.

Wood and Masonry for a Contemporary

Second home contemporary Lozère: In the Cévennes border of the Gard, the house masonry and wood was performed by Stéphane Goasmat. At an altitude of 600 meters on Mount Lozère, it adapts perfectly to the large amplitude thermal region.

In this second home "intensive" four generations of the same family meet regularly.

Technical
- Location: Lozère
- House area: 189 m² (130 m²)
- Land area: N
- Year of construction: 2002
- Woods used: douglas frame and siding.

MEETING WITH THE ARCHITECT
Stéphane Goasmat
"I returned regularly to observe how my work is" include "time. This allows to learn a lot.

In addition, I could see that after two years, the siding douglas , protected by sunshades, retains its original color."

The plan of the ground floor of the house.

The plan of the house

The complex consists of three buildings. First, masonry, on two floors, four bedrooms home. The second, framing and siding douglas, walk-houses the common room of 50 sqm. The third is reserved for the garage.

For the construction of the house, he had to take into account the particular configuration of the terrain : a tray of 27 m² wide, 9 meters high. In this spirit, the house plays the oppositions between masonry and wood , ie between the solid and lightweight .

In addition, in order to preserve the privacy of the people , the living room and terrace are invisible from the road above it.

Detailed Home

Inside, the presence of wood is noticeable in the room : ceiling, bar, parts of the wall.

The house is located on a very steep near the access road to the village.

North side, an overhang of 80 cm .

Part of the frame and cladding wooden house, the green roof is established in the visual extension of the slope, while the parts are protected by a masonry roof douglas.

North side, an overhang of 80 cm of rain protects the cladding Douglas , as well as the entrance to the house.

South side, the roof overhang of 1 m 50 allows the winter sun to get to the bottom of the common room, but protects it from the burning rays of the summer.

For this achievement, Stéphane Goasmat worked with Jacques Anglade, an engineer Jacques Perraud wood, carpenter.

Questions for the Architect

For you, what is the value of timber in construction?
The speed of execution is one of the big advantages of wood. On this project, we have made ​​the difference between the masonry and the wooden part . In addition, the carpenters anticipate the various stages of construction. I have regularly seen the precision of thought and gesture during the assembly of wooden houses.

A special feature of this house?
The party has a masonry and roof framing Douglas . The cover is made ​​of long grooved shingles held in place by battens.

Shingles do not deform, they guide the rain in the slope of the roof and it is completely sealed.

A House That Takes Height With Wood

Initially Bungalow, this townhouse Montpellier became too small for a larger family. The decision is an elevation taken in the interests of optimal integration.

Technical

House area: 160 m²
Land area: 400 m²
Year of construction: 2005
Woods used: Red cedar for siding and ipe siding to the ground and

Why choose wood?

The wood seemed ideal for this type of building, because it was a light, corresponding to the load bearable by the existing house. The wood also allowed ease of assembly, and gave us the opportunity to retain a Mediterranean style. The cedar used in harmony with the area and the house fits perfectly into the landscape.

The site

The elevation should respond to issues of ergonomics and integration into the urban landscape.

Detailed Home

We borrow the wooden stairs to access the living room on the 2nd floor.

The orientation of the cladding keeps the privacy of the home.

Cooking, 2 e floor, offers direct access to the roof terrace.

From the roof terrace pon can contemplate the heights of the city.

Three questions for the architect

1. Could you briefly describe this project?
After removing the roof to create the media house, we told the assembly of walls and floors to a company that was able to work independently. Finally, we carried out the interior finishes of the house. In all, the project took ten months and the project proceeded as planned from the beginning to the end.

2. What did you like most about this project?
Having successfully integrated the house in an urban landscape gives me satisfaction in size. The contrast of the different materials of the building façade component works quite well. The challenge was to create harmony with all homes in the neighborhood and that's what we did! And then creating a living space on the 2nd floor was for us a great first: this arrangement was made without any particular difficulty.

3. To this wood there benefits?
The wood has many advantages, a technical point of view as aesthetics. For this house, it was not the start of a special request of customers, but it has emerged as the most suitable material for this elevation. In fact, wood was the only material capable of offering us a good compromise between flexibility of use and aesthetics.

The garden, a piece of nature in the city.

The electric winch for hoisting provisions to 2nd floor without effort.

Day and night, returns home a cozy look.

The elevation creates a harmony between wood and cement, with a predominance of red and gray colors on the walls.

Treatment and decorative oak beams

Among European hardwood, oak is the hardest (by its density and weight) and more durable (its resistance to insects and fungus). Popular, it is a wood that is often found in prestigious buildings. It also makes the barrels due to the presence of tannins (oak).

In an old house in Charlieu in the Loire (42), oak beams have received preventive treatment and anti-termite insecticide with professional product dolphinfish Furniture and Woodwork Pro . This treatment does not stain the wood.

Then finish was applied: the oil monolayer Coriwood + HUV color in Light Oak . This oil particularly highlights the grain of the oak, giving a warm and neat from the rafters.

Finishing Touches and Accessories Kitchen Cabinet

HARDWARE

Drawer pulls, door and hinges are sort of jewelry for your cabinets. They unify the look of your cabinets and define the personality of your kitchen. Complement the architectural style of your cabinets with hardware made of metal, ceramic, glass and even plastic. For example, simple cabinet design as the Shaker style go well with brass and a simple design and practical, while contemporary styles can be enhanced with elegant handles in stainless steel or brushed chrome. When choosing your drawer pulls, no matter the exotic material or design, they should first and foremost be easy to take and use.

The hinges are chosen depending on the style and functionality, since the type of hinge is determined by how your doors fit into your wardrobe.

- The inset doors should be installed with hinges applies blade angled mortise and without.
- Doors planed with a recess or groove usually installed with hinges exposed edge.
- Clad doors should be fitted with European style concealed hinges.

FINISHING TOUCHES
Details carved hardwood cabinets transform standards in unique elements of design. The options include:

Mouldings
Improve the style of cabinets that go to the ceiling by adding wood or embossed crown molding. You can also ask moldings along the bottom cabinets.

Mosaics
add a touch of elegance and a central visual element to your cabinets with decorative mosaics.

Filling elements and blocks
the filling elements fill the free spaces of the cabinet. Blocks and decorative ornaments provide a finished look, with classic design elements such as grapes, pyramids and rosettes.

Ravens
and The visual size of crows give personality cabinets, especially for areas open shelves or counters the overhang.

Columns
Columns add elegance and impressive craft cabinets.

Paws
and Ornament Improve your kicks with legs cut that give the appearance of handcrafted furniture.

ACCESSORIES AND ADDITIONS
Maximize your wardrobe with accessories that help you maximize your storage space, provide easy access to the contents of cupboards and less clutter on the counters.

Shelves
Provides the convenience of quick access to everything on the shelf.

Modular shelves
Render accessible items in the corners of cabinets with shelves and a swivel two floors.

Two floors cutlery / flatware separators
Keep up to twice as utensils and cutlery.

Organizers fulcrum plates
glide easily for easy access to plates with adjustable support points for more storage options.

Type, Style and Finish of Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets can be divided into three broad categories.

The base cabinets
The base cabinets sit on the floor and have a counter. Their height is usually 34 1/2 in. to 36 in. deep and 24 in. to 30 in.. They have a drawer on top, doors and shelves below, or three to four shelves stacked. There are specialized versions of base cabinets, like cabinets and cabinets under the sink in the corner.

- A cabinet under the sink usually has false drawer fronts and an open door for hidden storage and to hold the sink plumbing and garbage disposal. Some brands offer functional drawers that look, to store sponges and cleaning products.
- A corner cupboard is in a corner and may include shelves or rotary tablet easy access to the contents of the cabinet.

The wall cabinets
hanging cabinets hang on the wall and have a depth of 12 inches to 18 inches. The standard heights are 12 inches, 15 inches, 18 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches and 42 inches. The wall cabinets can be installed with or without soffit. They are usually installed 18 inches above counters and 54 inches above a finished floor and 24 inches above the oven. The ideal height for you depends on your height and the height of the ceiling of your kitchen. The custom cabinets offer a wider range of widths and heights.

Large closets
Large cabinets are perfect for tight spaces too small for a wardrobe and a desk. They make great pantry, measure 84 inches to 94 inches high and have a standard depth or 12 inches to 18 inches. Large cabinets offer plenty of convenient storage for canned food, brooms and mops, and even small appliances such as vacuum cleaners.

Once you have determined what types of cabinets you need and what materials they are made, you should consider the most visible aspect of your kitchen doors.

THE DOOR STYLES

The cabinet doors are the perfect item to set the custom style of your kitchen. Think of them as elements and decorative accents that enhance the look of your kitchen by combining four key elements: the collection, the type of wood, design and finish.

Recoveries
recovery is how the door sits in front of the cabinet and is a key element of the design that can change the style of a traditional contemporary door. Both types are standard and full recoveries.

Recoveries standards , also called "recoveries traditional" leave the front of the cabinet box visible around the doors and drawers, which creates a sort of "frame". This framework can be 1/2 inch to 1 inch around doors and drawers. Recoveries standards are the most common types for cabinets and are used for traditional design.

Full recoveries are used to mount the door so that they completely cover the housing. Thus, there is no frame that appears around the fronts of doors and drawers. The doors can be spaced as little as 1/8 inch. This style offers a collection continuous appearance, elegant and sophisticated, often found in contemporary design. Full recoveries have an impact on the cost of your cabinets since they require more materials.


Although full recoveries are used for all frameless cabinets, they go very well with the cabinets frame. In addition, the frame cabinets offer several options for how the door is based or with respect to the openings. These design include:

- Plug doors , the door lies within the frame and is fitted into the housing of the cabinet. It opens with a handle.
- Flange doors : the door has a flange which is cut completely around the perimeter of the rear side of the door, leaving a rim projecting at the front. The rear sits right inserted into the body of the cabinet, so that the flange rests on the front of the cabinet.

TYPES OF WOOD

Another key element in the creation of wardrobe doors is ideal type of wood they are made. The absorption of stains and glazes vary greatly from one wood species to another, which offers many options for colors and finishes.

Wood Types and Characteristics

(click Picture to enlarge)

Other types of wood:
Birch
Yellow birch is a hardwood strongest for cabinets. The grain is tight and light tint reminiscent of maple, while presenting patterns straight, wavy and curved. Cherry has a satin texture and is classified as white, yellow, red and black.

Pine
Soft wood, with many nodes, the pin is perfect for rustic and country styles. The grain is tight and uniform, light yellow, and has very few brands. Nodes pine vary from door to door.

DESIGN DOORS
Once you have decided on the type of wood for your doors, you can choose from hundreds of design styles. Manufacturers offer a wide choice, here are some of the most popular:

Nude Door
Provides a clean, flat canvas for accessories, it is perfect for contemporary design simple and minimalist.

Raised panel door
A classic look that blends well with a classic and traditional formal style.

Cape Cod
Recalls polystyrene and is ideal for a rustic style with a casual and timeless that is perfect for casual kitchen.

Door recessed panel
doors similar to bare minimum with a style that adds depth and interest. It is a versatile option that blends well with rustic-style decor or contemporary.

Shaker
Known for its simple good taste, preferred for its warmth and informality, the Shaker style is perfect for sophisticated styles.

Ark
Adds elegance to most kitchens. The styles include raised panel, headed by an arch style "eyebrow" or "cathedral".

The design of the gates can be further improved by replacing wood panels by decorative glass, transforming the storage space in the window, especially when combined with lights. Manufacturers offer a range of textured glass, clear and frosted, plus the additional option of horizontal and vertical bands, also called "mullions" that divide the glass panels.

FINISHED
Finishes bring out the beauty of your cabinets and put your distinctive style highlighted. Through traditional and vibrant colors contemporary colors of natural wood, there is a finish that will add an addition to any design and any decor.

Shades of wood
finishes ranging from natural to dark, bringing out the natural beauty of wood species, which highlights their individual characteristics.

Glacis
Adds richness, texture and warmth cabinets, brightening the corners and recessed areas.
In most cases, the finished products can be improved through techniques such as "heirlooming" and aging, which add warmth and depth, although the relevance of these improvements varies depending on the materials.

Colors
The colors add a touch to the striking kitchen with various shades that include red, yellow, blue and green. The colors are usually more opaque than transparent.

In most cases, the finished products can be improved through techniques such as "heirlooming" and aging, which add warmth and depth, although the relevance of these improvements varies depending on the materials.

"Heirlooming"
Reproduced with natural wear sanding selective exposes underlying layers.

Aging
Gives an antique rustic look has aged over time, including imperfections that mimic worm holes, marks and crevices.

Prefabricated, Semi-custom Or Prefabricated

To choose your cabinets, it is good to start by identifying options, the range offered and specialization that the budget and the time your project requires, and decide which style suits you best cabinet: prefabricated, semi-prefabricated or custom.

Prefabricated:
These cabinets are an economical option, are available in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes, and are often prepared the same day or a few days of purchase. Prefabricated cabinets usually offer some specialized options and can be the ideal solution for projects with a limited budget. They are often built in increments of 3 inches, from 12 inches to 60 inches wide. The standard heights ranging from 30 in. to 36 in., while those from the cabinets above the oven range from 12 inches to 18 inches.

Semi-prefabricated:
These cabinets offer more storage options, design and style, as well as a greater choice of woods and finishes. Semi-prefabricated cabinets offer more functionality with features such as shelves, swivel shelves and vertical dividers, and many others. Normally, these cabinets take longer to be manufactured and delivered, and are moderately expensive. The sizes available are the same as for prefabricated cabinets.

Custom:
These cabinets are handmade and adapt to the specifics of your kitchen. The custom cabinets take advantage of all available space and are ideal when non-standard dimensions are required to fit irregularly shaped areas. There must be a delivery time of nine weeks or more, according to the manufacturer's schedule. The custom cabinets are the most expensive option of the three, as they are usually made ​​of high quality materials and include features high level. The cabinetry can be built in increments up to 1/32 inch. The price varies depending on size, materials and options.

DESIGN

Understand the design of cabinets and know the basic characteristics can help a lot to choose cabinets that will marry your decor, your lifestyle and your budget.

With or without frame
There are two basic styles for cabinets: with or without frame. While these two types of cabinets are designed similarly, the difference lies in their appearance and the amount of storage they offer.

Frame cabinets have a frame in front of the cabinet makes the box very stable and help keep everything square. Hinges facing the frame. The cabinet frame provide a complement to traditional as well as contemporary designs.

Frameless cabinets , also called "European style cabinets" have no connection to the subwoofer cabinet. Side panels stabilize any thicker, while the drawers and hinges are attached directly to the side walls of the cabinet. Since the drawers do not have to enter the opening frame, they can be as wide as the cabinet, providing more storage. Frameless cabinets usually better to marry a contemporary decor.

MATERIAL


Although you may think the only cabinets are made of wood, they often include other materials or combinations of materials. These materials are usually combined to provide economic sustainability of quality parts for your wardrobe that are not usually exposed. The most common materials for boxes and shelves are:

Chipboard
This material is made ​​of wood chips bound with resin and compressed into rigid sheets. Chipboard represent an alternative economic hardwood. They are stable and are often used in the design of prefabricated cabinets as undercoat for plastic laminates and wood veneers for the cabinet and shelves. They do not warp, does not swell nor shrink due to moisture, but a sealer should be applied properly to protect them. They are assembled by means of glue or adhesive lifts.

Fibreboard medium density (FMD)
FMD is a engineered wood made ​​of fine particles of wood and glue processed sheets. It is often used as support material for laminates and other finishes. MDF is very dense, resists warping and has a smooth surface that is suitable for veneer, laminates and paint. It is often used in the design of cabinets average. Rugged and durable, MDF offers several advantages for effective limited budgets.

Plywood
This engineered wood is made ​​of layers of veneer glued and stacked with alternate layers at right angles, which gives it strength and robustness in width and length. Quality plywood is used for cabinets. Since the heat and humidity can contract and stretch in the direction of the wood grain, the grain pattern across the plywood makes it more stable and robust than hardwood. Plywood is often used for boxes and shelves cabinets quality.

VENEERS AND WOOD LAMINATES
The exposed particle board, FMD and plywood are generally covered veneer, laminates and other durable synthetic materials.

Veneers
Veneers are thin layers of wood from trees trenches then glued to plywood or particle board before being treated with various varnishes, stains and other finishes. Among the factors to consider when choosing your veneers include grain, pattern, thickness and color. Popular choices include cherry, maple, oak, hickory, cherry and pine.

The thermoalu
thermoalu The flexible vinyl is applied to engineered wood to cover the cabinets, doors and drawer cabinets. Its texture varies from smooth to slightly textured, it is easy to clean and resists chipping the paint. The intense heat may discolor over time.

Laminates
Laminates are thin layers of plastic fused by heat and pressure to the materials of the cabinet. They offer a wide range of options of colors, patterns and textures.

Melamine
Melamine laminate resembles and is made ​​of durable plastic that is applied to executives, shelves and drawers cabinets by heat, pressure and adhesive bonding. Melamine is durable, easy to clean and resists staining, chipping and fading.
In addition to synthetic laminates and wood veneers, stainless steel and enameled metal are popular choices for kitchen cabinets with a contemporary style.

FEATURES TO LOOK FOR
Features that you do not see, however, are important features that will provide years of reliability. Here are some interesting design details that will help you to enjoy your investment at maximum.

The box
rigid frames made ​​of hardwood or plywood top quality 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch offer the best quality. Particle board and MDF are sometimes used, but they should always be of the highest caliber to 45 pounds to avoid warping. The bottom of the box should always be rigid.

Drawers
The drawers have high quality hardwood side panels, joints dovetail and a base of plywood or hardwood plank held by tongue and groove on all four sides.

Hardware for drawers
drawers that open to three-quarters or completely provide easy access to their background. Features soft closing drawers prevent abruptly close and pinch your fingers, which is convenient for families with young children.

Doors
doors have a quality hardwood frame that surrounds a sheet of plywood or hardwood.

The next step in the selection of your cabinets is to determine the type of cabinet you need.

Use of a waxy terrace for

To spend a finish on the wood, a good tool can save a lot of time ...

On a terrace bamboo recently asked the company Deck'O'Jardin used a waxy floor to apply the special product treated wood Coregal Ter . After spraying strips 2 meters wide, the wax must penetrate and gives a slight gloss effect, very successful.

It only took two hours to protect the terrace of 140 m² and about 10 liters of product Coregal Ter . Here are the results by:

If you wish, you can view more photos on the site Deck'O'Jardin (directory " Terrace of 140 m² bamboo").