Home-Dzineonline

It’s all about caring for and improving your home

We hope you enjoy the new format magazine! Now you can easily print, save and file your copies for easy reference.

June Issue 1

kitchen trolleybraai makeover

modern kitchen lightingserene bathroombuilding disputes

cottage styleshoji screen

This month we’re giving away 4 Addis

Paintware Sets

kids love colourbeauty of bamboo

comfortable cottage style Cottage style decorating is nostalgic and reminiscent of days gone by. It’s fresh, cosy but most of all, comfortable.

When most people think of cottage style decor the first thing that comes to mind is Oregon pine, richwood tones, and floral prints of dizzying proportionssplattered all over the room. But cottage style has transformed itself over the years and now has a softer, more romantic look that is constantly changing, yet is perfect for today’s modern homes and hectic lifestyles.

The most obvious element in decorating with a cottage touch is the use of colour that is inspired by nature. From the palest pink and lavender to soft blue and green. Whites are not quite white, varying in hues from crisp bright to creamy ivory. It’s all about bringing the outdoors indoors: fresh flower arrangements, botanicalprints and of course, the natural beauty of wood furniture.

Woodoc makes caring for your antiques and wood furniture a breeze. With a wide range of products that protect and beautify wood, Woodoc sealers are formulated to deep penetrate and keep wood nourished, thus enhancing its texture and beauty. Woodoc sealers also protect wood against water and alcohol staining, heat and cold marking, and daily wear and tear. No fancy formulas or miracles of technology, just a tried and tested recipe that works.

Woodoc Deep Penetrating Furniture Wax is a deep penetrating maintenance wax that, with regular applications, cleans the surface and also penetrates it to nourish the wood below, allowing timeless care of your treasured pieces. The product allows the wood grain to retain a natural oiled look and feel.

Woodoc 5 Indoor Matt Polywax Sealer creates an absolute matt, or natural looking surface that is nevertheless totally stain, water, alcohol and mark resistant. Apply Woodoc 5 to tables, chairs and any other interior woodwork where the beauty of a natural “oiled” look is required. Clean previously oiled or waxed surfaces with Woodoc SteelWool and mineral turpentine before applying Woodoc 5. Sand down previously sealed/varnished surfaces before using Woodoc 5.

Woodoc 10 Indoor Velvet Polywax Sealer is one of the most popular Woodoc Wood Finishing Sealers. This sealer

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applies easily and the gloss of the sealer may be infinitelyvaried, using different application techniques, from high gloss through “velvet” or semi-gloss, to absolute matt. Apply Woodoc 10 to tabletops, furniture, wooden knife handles, gun and rifle stocks or breadboards. Clean previously oiled orwaxed surfaces with Woodoc SteelWool and mineral turpentine before applying Woodoc 10. Sealed/varnished surfaces should be sanded down to bare wood before using Woodoc 10.

Woodoc 20 Gloss Polyurethane Sealer protects against heat, moisture and alcohol staining, which makes it perfect for dining furniture and kitchen countertops. For maintenance you can use either Woodoc Antique Wax to deepen the rich gloss of Woodoc 20, or Woodoc Deep Penetrating Furniture Wax to feed and clean the surface, whilst not affecting the protective qualities of Woodoc 20.

Woodoc Antique Wax is blended from a selection of the finest waxes, giving a polish second to none on all furnitureand fine woodwork finishes. It cleans and refreshes thesurface as it polishes, leaving no residual build-up. Apply Woodoc Antique Wax by lightly rubbing on with a soft, dry cloth and buffing to a high shine.

Always remember that wood is a natural material that “breathes” as it reacts to humidity and climatic changes. This causes it to expand and contract, upsetting the surface protective coating and drying out the wood at the same time. It is essential to look after wood, not only to maintain its appearance, but also to nourish and rejuvenate the wood itself. With proper care your beautiful furniture and woodwork will not only be the pride of your home, but also of your children’s children.

This project is proudly sponsored by Woodoc.The House of Woodoc are the market leaders in their field and the only manufacturer and marketer concentrating solely in transparent wood

protection and maintenance products.Visit www.woodoc.com for more information

wood knowledgeIt is far better to apply sealer to your window frames and doors than varnish. Why?

Exposure to sunlight, or UV light, is the main culprit for cracking and peeling of exterior surfaces that have been varnished. This is due to the fact that the majority of finishes are made up of largemolecules that hold the finish together and allow it to stick to thewood.

On surfaces that have constant exposure to sunlight, as in the case of window frames and doors, the large molecules are broken down and minute cracks start to appear. These cracks allow moisture to gain access to the wood underneath, causing cracking and peeling.

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Colour: Darker finished surfaces are more lightabsorptive. An all-white kitchen requires 40 to 50% less light than a room with dark cabinets or walls.

Reflectance: A highly polished countertop acts just like a mirror. Any under-cabinet lighting will show its reflection.

Texture: If your end design includes brickwork or decorative plaster, you might choose to show off the textural quality of those surfaces by directing light at an acute angle to the surface. Luminaires located far away from the wall will smooth it out (which might be a good idea for bad plastering jobs).

Mood: The kitchen should be just as inviting to guests as the rest of the house, with plenty of warm ambient lighting.

Tone: While the warm end of the colour spectrum works well with the amber tone of incandescent light, cooler colours can be adversely affected by the same light — blues turn green, and reds can turn orange. Selecting a bulb that provides a cooler colour of light can improve skin tone and room colours.

Windows: Windows let wonderful natural light stream in during the day to show off landscaping but become black reflective holes at night. Properexterior lighting will visually expand the interior space out into the exterior after dark.

modern lighting effectsMany facets of your kitchen design will determine the way it is illuminated. As you create your lighting plan, consider the following:

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Sloped Ceilings: Even if there is enough space above a sloped ceiling to install recessed luminaires, special care must be taken to select luminaires that don’t glare into people’s eyes.

Pot Racks: A pot rack may look just perfect over that centre island on the plan, but it’s extremely difficult to light a work surface throughcookware. Consider recessed adjustable luminaires to cross light the surface, or focus down-light in the centre of the rack.

Door Swings: Make sure that switches are on the unhinged side of a door. Otherwise, you’ll have to reach around to the back of the door to turn on the lights.

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L.E.D Lighting South Africa has tow product lines which are ideal for use in and under Kitchen cabinets. • The LED Strip Light is perfect for under cabinet lighting or for illuminating the interior of the cabinet. • The LED slim plate can be easily fitted into a variety of stylish fittings for use in or under the cabinet.

Both come in a variety of colours and are of slim and compact design to enable unobtrusive simple fitting under or into the cabinet

With each 350mm meter strip using less than 1W of electricity, the lights can be left on 24 hours a day without adversely affecting your electricity bill. You can even leave them on when you go away and it will not cost you a fortune!

Since LEDs last for around 50 000 hrs, you will not need to replace the LED Kitchen Lights for six years if left on for 24 hours a day.

Key Benefits• Create light bright work tops in your kitchen• Use colour to create your own theme• Slim fitting can be tucked away • Long lifespan > 6 years if on 24/7• Low power usage hence electricity savings• Due to low power can be used as night lights for increasing home security

For more information visit www.ledlighting.co.za. Website link on Directory page 24.

light innovations

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products we love Few have not seen the Nobel Prize-winning documentary ‘An Inconvenient Truth.’ In this disturbingly eye-opening film, US vice president Al Gore pulls nopunches when stating something needs to be done urgently if the world is to avoid a global crisis over the next few decades.

More homeowners are looking to ‘greener’ options when it comes to building and renovating a home, and bamboo flooringis one of the worlds most sustainable and renewable products.

Bamboo is a naturally beautiful and durable alternative to our limited global supply of hardwood, and like traditional timber is a natural organic substance.

It is an excellent renewable resource which can be harvested every 5 years. As a result, no forests are destroyed to make bamboo products. Once the bamboo is harvested and processed it is more stable in its resistance to movement caused by moisture and harder than most old-growth forest hardwoods.

With a tensile strength superior to mild steel (it withstands up to 3655kg/sqcm) and a weight-to-strength ratio surpassing that of graphite, bamboo is regarded as the strongest growing wood plant on earth.

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Bamboo floors are incredibly durable andeven stronger than most hardwoods. Made using strand woven bamboo, bamboo flooring is harder than most popular timberflooring. The result is an environmentallyfriendly product that has the look and feel of traditional timber flooring, but with unrivalledperformance and at a competitive price.

Bamboo Flooring is an attractive alternative to hardwood floors as the product is sourcedfrom the forests of a fully sustainable, environmentally friendly and rapidly growing renewable resource. Naturally self-generating, bamboo grows to maturity within five years and is regarded as thestrongest wood plant on earth. With forest resources under continued environmental pressure, bamboo flooring is a naturalselection for your next building project.

As an environmentally sustainable flooringoption, bamboo is an attractive alternative to hardwood floors, and is easily installed.Strand woven bamboo floors are creatingsignificant interest for their aesthetics andother performance qualities over existing hard wood alternatives. Strand woven bamboo flooring technology is retardantagainst termites, fire, sunlight, chemicalstains, scuffing and indentation.

Style Bamboo Flooring is:

• Very stable under humid and dry conditions.

• Abrasion resistant and have excellent

horizontal surface friction (non-slip).

• Allergy free

• Finished with aluminium oxide.

• UV resistant, blocking the sun’s harmful rays and protecting the floor patternfrom fading over time.

• Easy to clean, since bamboo flooringdoesn’t trap dirt, most spills can be cleaned up with a mop or sponge.

• Very low emissions through waste and pollution; the result is a very environmentally friendly product.

• Simple to install with no toxic fumes and minimal disruption.

Finally, the natural beauty and durability of bamboo flooring far surpassestraditional hardwood floors.

For more information on Style Bamboo Flooring visit

www.cpw.co.zaor call 0860 945 766

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kidslovecolour!It’s funky, it’s fun and it’s wicked! You can never have too much colour in any tween bedroom or teen pad.

Boring colours just don’t cut it for a bedroom; splash vibrant colour on walls and fittingsto create instant impact in a tween or teen bedroom. The brighter and bolder the colours, the better. The secret to creating a wonderful combination is to use the full spectrum of a colour wheel and totally mix it up.

Deep blue, vibrant red, sunny yellow, lime green and real orange where used to create stripes and checkerboard on these walls (above). Simply use masking tape to section off individual areas for painting, remove the tape, and then move onto the next section.

The fun part of using such a broad spectrum of colours is that anything goes. Add cushions and accessories in any colour for a wicked look that is today.

For any additional storage furniture for the room, such as our corner seating unit and shelf storage, use PG Bison SupaWood, which is easy to paint in any colour.

Whether you use Ultramatt, Sheen, Gloss, or Universal Enamel, Prominent Paints have the widest range of colours, with over 2,000 colour swatches from which to choose.

Pop into your local Decorating Centre or Prominent Paint outlet and discover how colour can transform any room in your home, easily and affordably.

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peace and serenity

All it takes is a weekend and a tin of paint to transform a dull bathroom into a place where you can retreat for peace and serenity.

Today’s paints are specially manufactured to be high performance, being durable, scrubbable, luxurious and, in most instances, contain fungicides to eliminate fungal growth.

In addition, Prominent Paints are steam resistant*, which makes them perfect for decorating a bathroom.

In modern bathrooms it is no longer ‘a must’ to have walls tiled floor-to-ceiling. Not only ispaint far more affordable than tile, it offers a homeowner more opportunity to be creative, and is extremely easy to change when you want a new look.

Preparation is the secretThe secret to painting a bathroom for a finish that lastsis in the preparation. And while it may also be the most time consuming part of the entire process, in the long run you will have a professional finishthat won’t chip or peel, and be resistant to fungal growth.

Scraping and ScrubbingIf you’re moving into a new home you won’t have to worry about this part! For existing rooms you may have to do some scraping to remove any peeling or loose paint on the walls. This is also the time to repair cracks. And once that is out of the way stock up with a

*Ultragloss, Ultrasheen

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bucket or warm water, a scourer and Sugar Soap and start scrubbing down all the walls. This step is extremely important, as you want a perfectly clean surface on which to apply the paint.

Note: If there are any ‘suspect’ areas where mould or mildew has started to appear. Take the time to investigate these before you start to paint. For more information on Damp, Mildew and Mould - see Home-Dzine.co.za - DIY Section.

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what colour?

I receive numerous requests for advice on decor and colour for a bathroom. My answer is always the same...

When it comes to choosing colour, whether for a bathroom, or for any room in the home, it is a matter of personal preference. Even an Interior Designer needs to have some guidance from the homeowner when it comes to choosing colour. Not only do you want the bathroom to reflect yourpersonality, you want it to be a space that you and your family can enjoy. For this reason, take some time to consider the colours that you want, and the mood that you want to create.

Traditional colours for bathrooms are blues, and yellows, while grey, black and white with splashes of bold colour are definitely thelatest trend for a more modern look.

Bear in mind that you should not paint a very small bathroom in dark colours as this will make the room feel smaller and claustrophobic. If you want to inject bold colour into a small bathroom, do it in small doses, or paint the walls in a light colour and add bold accessories.

When selecting colours for a bathroom, use colour swatches or brochures to get an idea of the different shades and hues

available. Your local Prominent Paints Decorating Centre will be able to assist you in matching colours.

It’s also a good idea to use a colour wheel to help you decide on mixing and matching a colour theme. (See Home-Dzine.co.za - Decorating Centre, or visit www.ProminentPaints.co.za - Virtual Painter).

When it comes to giving your bathroom a new look with paint, with today’s modern paints even tiles can be painted to match whatever colour scheme you have in mind. Often, a lick of paint is all that’s needed to give old or dull bathroom tiles a much needed makeover.

For even more inspiration, don’t forget to view our online bathroom gallery (Home-Dzine.co.za - Galleries - Bathroom).

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A simplified versionof the traditional Japanese shoji screen can be easily made using basic tools and skills. These lightweight, stationary panels, with their clean-lined Oriental design, add sophisticated elegance to a room.

shoji screen You will need:- 15mm wide strips 6mm SupaWood- Rice paper, home made or sturdy decorative paper- Double-sided tape (carpet tape is also good)- 40mm wood screws- Wood glue, wood filler and sandpaper- Paint or stain and clear acrylic glaze- [2] hooks and eyes for mounting the screen- Craft knife- Roll of brown paperTools: drill, bits and countersink, mitre box and backsaw

Here’s how:1. Measure window frame to determine outer measurements of

screen. Draw an outline of screen on a large sheet of paper. Draw outer frame of screen 15mm wide with sides running the full length of frame; with top and bottom sections abutting sides at inner edges. Draw stiles and rails 15mm wide, inside outer frame; stiles run full length between top and bottom sections of outer frame, with rails abutting stiles at inner edges.

2. Draw inner lattice of screen as desired (right); draw all sections 15mm wide, butting ends of lattice sections to inner edges of stiles, or rails. Sections should abut each other at right angles. To allow for the insertion of screws, stagger placement of ends that abut opposite sides of same section.

3. Tape finished pattern to window frame to check that thepattern is accurate.

4. Measure pattern for length of each of wood sections, including stiles, rails, lattice, and outer frame. Keeping 15mm side of frame face up, mark and cut for each section. Cut on outside of line, using a mitre box and backsaw, leaving each section slightly longer than desired finishedlength. Check lengths by placing sections over the pattern (left). Sand ends to fit exactly.

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5. Repeat step 4 for stiles, rails, and all lattice sections until the entire framework is laid out on pattern (right).

6. Remove left stile from pattern and place face up near the edge of a flat work surface. Abut bottom railto stile, with lower edges even; clamp. Mark placement for screw on outside of stile, in line with centre of the rail (left).

7. Predrill and countersink holes; screw pieces together. Repeat this step for top rail.

8. Position stiles and rails over lattice pieces on pattern. Align all pieces for a perfect fit. Makesmall pencil lines at every abutting section.

9. Join section of lattice, working from centre outward and aligning pencilled markings. Keep lattice flat on work surface, and predrillholes in line with centre of section being joined; screw.

10. Apply wood glue to upper side of top rail and top ends of stiles. Place frame-work face up on a flat surface. Place strip of 3mmthickness next to top rail. Rest top section of outer frame on straightedge to offset slightly; glue to top rail. Clamp into place.

11. Repeat step 10 for bottom section of outer frame. Then glue side sections of outer frame to stiles, using straightedge to offset them. Clamp in place until dry.

12. Cover any holes with wood filler,allow to dry and lightly sand entire screen. Paint or stain.

Making the screenCut the paper 25mm longer and wider than the outer frame. Place the screen framework face down on a flat surface; apply double-sided tape to all styles, rails, and lattices (right). Centre paper, right side down, and affix onto framework. Trim off any excessusing a craft knife. Use heavy-duty double-sided tape on back of framework to attach the screen to inside of window frame.

Create an entirely new kitchen for under R5 000. The secret is to give your existing kitchen units a facelift by customising them yourself.

one kitchen - 2 great looks! Need a new look for your tired kitchen, or need an easy makeover for a quick sale? Gather together your supplies and follow our easy tips to get the look you want!

Kitchen 1:For a quick and easy transformation, add a touch of Shaker-style at a fraction of the cost of a new kitchen.

You will need:• 6mm SupaWood, cut to size at your local Timbercity • Polycell sugar soap• Wood glue • Sandpaper• Prominent Paints Universal Enamel

Here’s how:Clean all surfaces with sugar soap to remove grease. This is essential as the paint needs a completely clean surface to adhere to.

- Remove handles and lightly sand the surfaces. - Fit SupaWood strips with wood glue and allow to dry.- Coat entire surface with melamine primer.- Paint in chosen colour.- Allow to dry and do the same for all the doors.- Fit new handles

Kitchen 2:An easy cover-up for faded doors using self-adhesive vinyl. A contemporary, hardwearing finish.

You will need:• self-adhesive vinyl in light wood grain pattern • sugar soap• Craft knife• pencil and ruler

Here’s how:When measuring the self-adhesive vinyl for the doors, allow an extra 5cm all around to be able to fold the vinyl onto the back side of the door.

You don’t need a big budget to give a small kitchen and instant makeover. We transformed one

kitchen into two completely different looks, and both well

under R5 000

ABOVE: Kitchen 1BELOW: Kitchen 2

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To add a Shaker look to your cupboard doors, add a thin SupaWood border around the outside of the frame (left).

Instead of painting all the doors in an identical fashion, use a natural finishcombined with glass as a feature. Open shelving is a good idea when not used for storing clutter.

For a touch of cottage replace centre door panels with wire mesh, dowel rods or bright, pattered fabric. Another alternative is to use glass panes and decorate with Rust-Oleum Frosting Spray.

Cool apple and lime greens add a splash of freshness to dull kitchens. Ideal for country kitchens.

- Clean all door surfaces well with sugar soap.- Lay one door on a flat surface, take matching

vinyl and peel away a corner of the backing paper. Position this onto the door sticky side down and proceed to pull away the paper from the underside

- working slowly and ensuring that there are no air bubbles.

- Fold overlap and smooth into position.- Fit new handles

New Look

Rust-Oleum Speciality Frosted Glass Spray adds a semi-transparent coating for decoration or privacy. Apply to glass or mirrors. Creates the look of custom etched glass when applied with stencils. Buy online at Home-Dzine.co.za ‘Go Shopping’

creating self-adhesive graphic stickers for unique interiors

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trendy kitchen trolleyNext time you’re whipping up some magic in the kitchen, take advantage of our willing assistant. Fixed on rollers for easy mobility, our kitchen trolley can be stationed wherever you need it. A recessed compartment stores your bottles, while the drawer offers space for small implements.

You will need:[2] 801 x 358 x 19mm SupaWood (sides) [4] 658 x 358 x 19mm SupaWood (shelf bases) [1] 692 x 157 x 19mm SupaWood (rear panel) [1] 123 x 358 x 19mm SupaWood (centre side panel) [1] 700 x 400 x 19mm SupaWood (cover panel) [1] Drawer - Front panel 354 x 157 x 19mm SupaWood[2] Drawer - Side panels 350 x 100 x 12mm SupaWood[2] Drawer - Front/rear 271 x 100 x 12mm SupaWood [1] Drawer - Base 295 x 350 x 3mm SupaWood [2] Castors 100mm [2] Handles 250 mm Flat head screws 4x40 mm Flat head screws 4x35 mm Flat head screws 3x25 mm Flat head screws 3x15 mm Knurled screws 4x25 mm Round head screws 5x20 mm

These instructions apply to 19mm thick SupaWood. Ask your local Timbercity to cut the required boards to size.

1. Using a pencil, draw the rectangular opening measuring 250 x 150mm on the cover panel and uppermost shelf base. Make sure that the cutout is not at the same distance from the short panel edge, due to the differing lengths of the panels (the uppermost shelf base is enclosed within the side panels, with the cover panel on top).

Download Construction Diagram in Directory

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Using a drill and 10mm wood bit, make holes inside four corner markings. The drill bit must only barely touch the pencil lines, not intersect them. Insert saw blade of jigsaw in one of the holes while switched off. Cut opening along the inside edge of pencil line from one hole to the next. If you do not want rounded corners, guide the jigsaw fully into the angles.

2. Place two side panels and four shelf bases on their sides on top of work surface in the way you want to assemble the sections. Trace outline of shelf bases on insides of side panels. Be careful that nothing budges while you draw lines. Recheck position of shelf bases using a folding rule, in accordance diagram.

3. Mark positions of three holes centrally in each outline. Predrill holes (12 in total) in each side panel using 4mm bit and countersink on the outsides.

4. Start assembly procedure with the two uppermost shelf bases. Join these with centre side panel to form a double T-beam. To do this mark the centre crossline on the relevant areas of the two bases in pencil. Predrill three holes in each line using 4mm bit; countersink holes from top (in the case of the upper shelf base) and from bottom (in the case of the lower shelf base). You can now join the two bases and centre side panel to form the double T-beam with screws (4x40).

Fasten the other side panels and shelf bases together in the same way.

5. The front and rear sections of the drawers are enclosed within the (slightly longer) drawer side panels; fasten everything together with screws using a cordless screwdriver and screws (3x25) to form a frame, as described above. Place the shelf base on top of this frame so that it is flush with the sides andfix it in place with the cordless screwdriver and screws(3x25) on the lower edges.

6. To mount the drawer fitting fasten the pieces ontodrawer and fit their counterparts on the insides ofcorresponding side panel and centre side panel.

7. Slide drawer into its compartment and determine the precise location of front panel. To do this, attach double-sided tape onto front section of drawer. Align front panel on to front section and press firmly on adhesive tape.Carefully remove drawer again and fasten panel from inside, using screws (4x25). Make the holes required for the handle fixture in the front panel and then mount thehandle as described by the manufacturer.

8. Fit trolley handle. Use a 4mm wood bit to make two holes in rear narrow side (the side on which the castors go on the front narrow side). Fasten the handle in place with screws.

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9. Place cover panel on uppermost shelf base, ensuring that both cutouts for bottle opening are exactly congruent with each other. Secure pieces in position with clamp clips. Make sure you use pieces of scrap wood as buffer blocks to avoid leaving unsightly pressure marks. Fasten predrilled cover panel from above together with carcass, using screws (4x35). Since you have already countersunk the holes, the screw heads are recessed in the surface and may be concealed completely with wood putty and paint.

10 Attach castors under the trolley with screws.

11 Take time to prepare the surfaces so they are in the best working condition possible before starting assembly. Fill in screw holes wood filler. Once dry,sand the area smooth using 120-grit sanding paper.

FinishingUse a foam roller to apply a base coat or primer to the surface. The easiest way to apply a professional, durable surface is with Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Spray Finish. Apply according to manufacturer’s instructions.

what is supawood? Design and detail are what set today’s lifestyle apart from days gone by when materials were limited and choice was stifled.

SupaWood is the modern material to set all your design dreams free. It is an engineered wood product that blends the advantages of manufactured board and the natural properties of solid timber. It is manufactured by consolidating fine wood fibres and resin underheat and pressure. The resultant board is a medium density fibreboard (MDF) that is perfectfor both domestic and commercial use.

product propertiesSupaWood is named such due to its superb machining qualities. It offers a remarkably grain free smooth dense surface. This allows it to be moulded, embossed, edge profiled, painted, androuted. All of this with the strength you expect from wood.

finishing techniquesBecause SupaWood has a smooth surface, it is ideal for priming, painting, printing, veneering, and laminating.

ideal applicationsHome-Dzine uses SupaWood in a wide range of projects. Use it for storage and kitchen cabinets, built-in closets and wardrobes, tables, cubes and boxes, frames and shelving, tables. In fact, you can use SupaWood for almost any indoor, moisture-free, application.

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on the homefrontHomeowners often discover the stress and frustration associated with new home construction and alterations is more than they bargained for. After many unsuccessful discussions with builders, homeowners tend to throw their arms up in disgust and are tempted to adopt the attitude that they will simply have to accept the quality of construction that their builder delivers.

building disputes

Common problems homeowners face are bad building practices, incorrect building materials, scarce and unskilled tradesmen, as well as poor supervision and lack of attention to detail. These problems result in unsightly finishes, a job not well done anda homeowner ready to collapse from the pressure of dealing with all of it.

If you are either thinking about building or currently involved in a building project, the following steps might provide assistance in resolving disputes that arise.

Step 1: Discuss the contract

Make sure that your builder is qualified toundertake your building work and that he fully understands what you want done. Read the contract and ensure that the full scope of work and accurate costs and estimation of time are included in the building contract. Check what the cooling-off period is, and discuss things like the progress payments and start/finish dates before entering into

the agreement. If there are any aspects in the contract that you don’t understand, seek expert advice before signing.

Step 2: Talk to your builder

Developing positive communication with your builder is essential. Simple misunderstandings can develop into something much bigger and by merely taking the time to talk things over, you might resolve the problem. Talk with your builder regularly about the progress of the building project and discuss any concerns you have as soon as they arise.

Step 3: Write it down

Make sure that you keep a written record of all problems that have emerged, what action was agreed upon and what timeline was given. It might be necessary to send a letter detailing all the items discussed to the builder and to keep a copy of the letter as a record.

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Step 4: Call in the Professionals

If your anxiety levels are getting out of hand, call in a professional inspection company. Inspect-A-Home is a national inspection company that assists with building disputes. After a thorough inspection, the inspector will provide a detailed report on the building work, highlighting all aspects that do not comply with acceptable building practice and national building regulations (NHBRC and SANS 0400). On completion of the report, the inspector will usually arrange for both the homeowner and the builder to meet with him on site to inspect and discuss the items in the report, to try to reach agreement on a way to resolve the dispute.

Step 5: Seek legal advice

If no agreement can be reached between the homeowner and the builder, it may be necessary to obtain legal assistance. Provide your attorney with the records that were kept when dealing with the builder. The inspection

report will also be used as evidence if the dispute is taken to court. Inspect-A-Home can be called upon to provide expert testimony in court and will base their testimony on the findings in the report.

As observed from the above steps, managing your new home construction or alterations is not a task for the faint-hearted. If you are not up for the challenge or don’t have the time available to deal with disputes, get the professionals to manage the project on your behalf. Inspect-A-Home provides quality control inspections and will police the building site for you for the duration of the entire construction process. The inspectors advise the builder timeously of any problems that occur and defects will be rectified asthey are identified. You will be updatedweekly with reports detailing the progress that has taken place and what problems have been resolved.

This article is brought to compliments of:

www.inspectahome.co.za0861 400 400

info@inspectahome.co.za

We never seem to discuss foliage and leaves and how they can accentuate colours in the garden. There is more discussion on the flowers that a plant produces; but ifyou really think about it, foliage it is the real backbone of any successful garden. Think of a woodland garden in summer: the spring bulbs and azaleas have stopped flowering, and we are left with a medley of ferns andclivias and other leafy things. And what we see is a picture of sophisticated serenity, more texture than colour, but beautiful without bloom.

This autumn explore the MANY possibilities of planting shrubs and plants with interesting foliage. There are manyplants in the garden which boast splendid colours and interest and more so in autumn. Here are some South African favourites:

Nandina domesica ‘Pygmaea’ Commonly known as SacredBamboo, Heavenly Bamboo or ‘Nana’ this hardy shrub is amust for any first time gardener. It is one of the most popular choicesfor a small garden growing to a height and width of 60cm. The brilliant leaf tints often remain all autumn and winter, together with the berries after a good summer, unless very hard frost causes some leaf loss. Plant in either a sunny or partial shady position, in compost that is light, moist and well drained.

Phormiums - New Zealand FlaxThere’s drama to be had with phormiums, they will always create striking accents and magnificence to any garden bed andwill grow just as well in large containers. Both are good strong growing varieties and will grow well in South African conditions. A good choice for water-wise.

Stachys lanata – Lambs EarsBlanket your garden with Lambs Ears - soft and fuzzy for ‘ewe’! This is a woollygroundcover for covering large areas, so keep an eye that it does not jump too many fences and grows out of control. Its growth characteristics and softness will lend itself well to herbaceous borders. Ideally, it needs to be planted in sunny areas but will also grow well in partial shade. Plant in well drained soil as it does not like to be kept damp – rather keep on the dry side. In the autumn and winter the silver-grey foliage will lighten and brighten garden beds.

Visit www.GardenShop.co.za for the latest issue of Garden Talk

Foliage in the gardenFoliage in the garden is beautiful and will create interest and wonderful contrasts during different seasons.

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We’ve got 4 Addis Paintware Sets to

giveaway!

Whatever the job and whatever your level of expertise, Addis has the product that suits your needs. Not surprising, considering the intense research and extreme care that goes into crafting every Addis product. Their extensive range of paint brushes, roller and accessories truly is a cut above the rest. With paintbrushes that feature ergonomically-designed handles, and non-rust ferrules for the high-end ranges, they cater to all needs and tastes - whether you are a professional painter or a DIY first-timer.

Whatever the paint, whatever the surface, Addis have the right roller and tray set.

And for those jobs that require a little more precision, Addis have developed a range of mini-rollers, paint pads and accessories to make your painting easier and more comfortable.

Paint better, paint faster

4 lucky readers stand a chance to take home an Addis Paintware Set

consisting of:

3-piece comfi-grip brush set +3-piece wood brush set + 1 paint roller Tray Set & additional Refill +

paint pad set

Does your home need a makeover? Need to repaint? Want to add some colour to your life?

Send us an email at: home-dzine@iburst.co.za to take home an Addis Paintware Set courtesy of Addis and Home-Dzine.

Competition closes 30 June 2008. The lucky readers will be informed via email.

My 5-year old braai was in desperate need of a makeover. The paint was

dull and faded and there were quite a few rusty areas that required

immediate attention.

1. CLEAN AND SAND Disassemble the braai. Scrub

well to remove all traces of grease. I used Johnson’s Speed Strip - available at supermarkets - to get rid of built up grease. Use a Bosch Multi Sander and 120-grit sandpaper to remove rusty areas and loose or peeling paint.

2. APPLY PRIMER Paint all metal surfaces with Rust-Oleum Stops

Rust Clean Metal Primer and allow to dry. Spray on two coats of Rust-Oleum High Heat or High Heat Ultra, allowing drying time between coats.

3. I used my Dremel MultiTool to get into small areas. Use the #538 Abrasive Brush accessory for cleaning off any rust or build up of grease.

4. All the old wood was replaced with new pine sections. The wood was treated with three coats of Woodoc 35 Low Gloss Polywax Sealer on tops, bottoms and sides, to protect from moisture and UV damage.

Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Clean Metal Primer provides rust protection to clean or lightly rusted metal. Apply directly over rust to allow superb adhesion for finishes. Works with bare or previously painted metal.

HIGH HEAT ULTRA is a superior rust-preventive enamel that provides deep colour, rich sheen and the best protection for high heat surfaces. This durable semi-gloss finish gives metal surfaces apremium look along with excellent gloss and colour retention after repeated heating. It withstands temperatures of up to 1200 degrees (648C). Ideal for braai grills, wood stoves, radiators, firepits, fireplacescreens, automotive parts and more.

Rust-Oleum Stops Rust® Clean Metal Primer and Speciality High Heat are available at Mica, Mega Mica, Jack’s Paint and select hardware stores.

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winners!Madelain Loubser of Highveld, Centurion is the lucky winner of the Bosch XEO Universal Cutter.

The Bosch XEO Universal Cutter is available at Builder’s Warehouse, Mica and selecthardware stores countrywide.

The must-have tool for crafters and hobby enthusiasts.

www.bosch.co.za

Q. EnikoWhere can one buy “glaze” in SA, I am referring here especially to the Debbie Travis Shows where she nearly always uses either latex and or glaze to add to the paint. It provides for a much fresher and lively paint effect.

Can you comment on quality, etc between the Wetherlys range of paint for furniture vs. the fairly new similar range available at Builders Warehouse in Centurion.

I want to paint a chest of drawers and large cupboard in the French style/Shabby Chic, white or crème. Wetherlys’ paint is pricey, R400 for a 5 litre tin of French White. The antique glaze is out of stock. Builders has a similar range of various colours, I quite like the “Porcelain” which is sort of worn looking and is more crème than white. I have previously painted all my wooden furniture white by merely selecting a colour from Dulux, however I haven’t done a paint effect, it is merely a flat off- white, reminiscent of the Scandinavianstyle and looks lovely. I want to try something different with the other furniture, as I do not like “brown” furniture. I also want to break away from all my furniture becoming too monotype.

A. JaniceThe product that Debbie Travis uses for her painting projects is known here as Scumble Glaze. You can purchase this product at almost any paint or hardware shop that stock paint products. Scumble glaze is a water-based product that is added to paint to extend the drying time, and thereby allow for longer time to work with the paint to create textures and effects.

I promote the Rust-Oleum range of products, and they offer a Distressed Ivory Kit at R250.00 each. Not only is this an exceptional product, you will get far more coverage, and a more professional and long-lasting French/Shabby Chic finish thanyou would with the other products. You can order this product Home-Dzine in our ‘Go Shopping’ section and have it delivered within 7-10 days

Q zoneSend your Q & A for decor, decorating and DIY dilemmas to home-dzine@iburst.co.za.

Q. KarlI’ve been reading your article on decking and I’ve just been wondering: Can I use 19*95 Garapa decking (with treated SA pine batons) to build a deck on my cemented patio. I read somewhere recently, that because garapa is kiln (and not naturally dried) that it is not great for outside.

A. JaniceGarapa is perfect for outside. I don’t know why anyone would tell you different. The wood also weathers nicely - not like some other woods. I know that the product is available from Timbercity Alberton, but I’m sure that other outlets will stock as well.

We provide a complete all-in-one decorating and home improvement service to homeowners. Our inhouse DIY service can create unique one-of-a-kind decor

accessories for your home - without the price tag!

Links for this issue

Bosch Power Tools for DIY

Decorating Centre

Dremel MultiTools

Garden Shop

L.E.D Lighting

PG Bison

Prominent Paints

Rust-Oleum

Smart Art

Timbercity

Woodoc

Download Technical Drawings and Instructions

Kitchen Trolley Construction Diagram

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