Oak is not only a fantastic building material –  used for ships of the past, to flooring, furniture and oak truss it is also an astounding tree. One of the most enduring symbols of the British countryside, the oak tree is much loved and enjoyed by many who like to get out and about in the great outdoors.

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Not only do oak trees themselves have an enormously long lifespan – they continue to grow for around 700 years and then they live until roughly 1000 years old – but they are also survivors. Oak trees have been on the planet for millions of years and survived the extinction events that saw many other plants and animals wiped out. Oak trees have survived the extinction event that killed the dinosaurs and the ice age.

 

Part of the reason that oak trees can endure such catastrophic conditions is that their seeds – the acorns – are well protected. As well as being encased inside a hard shell, they also are covered in a substance called tannic acid, which can protect them from parasites such as fungi and insects.

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Oak trees have survived many things, but sadly in many parts of the world they are in decline, due to land being cleared to grow crops or to graze cattle. It is important that we protect these beautiful trees as there are many species of oak now at risk of extinction – and for a species of tree that has survived millions of years, it would be a sad way to end.

Once upon a time the light bulb with it’s coil and controlled electrical current was pretty much all you could get for the home in terms of lighting. You could have a degree of watts from 40 to 100 depending on the room size and have them clear or frosted to create mood. If you were feeling really fancy you could get some ones that were red or orange. Alternatively you could just paint them and hope the colour didn’t peel off with the heat it generated. They were great at giving off light but they could blow at the most inopportune moments and they were very energy hungry, especially the higher wattage options. Lights being left on in a bedroom that wasn’t being used was a surefire way to get Dad’s moaning about the bill they were going to get for it.

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However, with the digital age we now have the LED. This stands for light emitting diode and it has gone from being the light in your computer to tell you the drive is working or that the car alarm is activated. Technology has improved these little bulbs so much that they can now give out significant amounts of light, especially when they are focused into a cluster. Not only that they can also change colour to reflect mood and create ambience.

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They still generate heat as any bulb does and if you have ones fitted directly into the ceiling this heat can escape and create a draught. However, with the addition of some Downlight Covers that heat can be directed back into the room. The Downlight Covers also stop any draughts that may have been created. A greener option all round.

Marble has been considered a luxury for many centuries, seen in ornate historic buildings and sculptures. The benefits of using marble in your décor is that it is naturally strong and provides a stunning aesthetic. So, how can you incorporate this stunning stone to make a statement in your décor?

Brilliant Bathrooms – Marble is porous so the best option for the bathroom is to use on a statement wall as opposed to the flooring. Creating a mosaic or other decorative feature is easy to do with marble tiles and will create a brilliant sheen to light up your bathroom space.

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Combine with contemporary features – You don’t have to think classic and traditional when it comes to marble as it also lends itself to be mixed with a contemporary interior. Whether it’s floor or wall tiles, a perfect balance can be found between old and new. Consider a marble tile backsplash in the kitchen or adding a contemporary touch with a grout in dark grey, for example. For more information on Marble Tiles, visit a site like Irwin Tiles

Marble is also the ideal choice for a stunning fireplace, for example. It is the best choice of stone as it is resistant to fire and heat. It provides a classic and sophisticated centrepiece to a room.

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This is a stone that also lends itself perfectly to sinks. These can be made to custom requirements and are normally made from one solid block, meaning that there are no ugly joins.

Do you dream of being in your new home by the New Year? There is still time, but you’ll have to be quick. Here are some useful tips to be in your new home by the time fireworks are ringing in the new year:

1. Make sure your house is sale-ready

There are many aspects of the home buying and selling process that are beyond your control – and that’s why it’s important to get ahead of the game as much as you can.

A great place to start is a ‘clean up’ your current home – from the attic to the kitchen cabinets – to make it ready to put on the market. When you’ve decluttered and got organised, think about a fresh coat of neutral paint which is more attractive to potential buyers.

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2. Get the right valuation

A good rule of thumb is to obtain three estate agent valuations to give an assessment of your home’s value. Don’t simply opt for the highest valuation. For a quick sale of your property, it should be priced according to the current markets. For help with Conveyancing Gloucester, visit Dee & Griffin, a Conveyancing Gloucester firm.

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3. Select a ‘ready to move’ buyer

You want to make sure that potential buyers are serious so do your homework. Find out how they will finance the move. It is preferable to find a cash buyer of course, but if – like many people – they need a mortgage, ask to see the Agreement in Principal from their lender stating that, in principle it will lend the money. If your buyers have their own homes to sell, make sure that it is under an offer before you take you out of the market.

In the event that you are looking for an alternative source of electricity for your home, then you may be concerned as to what size generator you should purchase. It is important to note that while the term “size” may refer to the power of the device, the term is also used to describe the overall unit size. Therefore, the size of the generator itself will not necessarily dictate what size portable generator do you require, as in many instances, it may be best to consult with an electrician before buying any kind of generator to determine the overall size and power requirement.

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If you wish to use a small generator to run items within your home, then a small portable generator will be suitable. There are however, some generators that are much larger than this. A large generator may be required for the purpose, if the generator is used to provide power for your entire house or for your entire business. In cases such as these, the power of the generator will need to be multiplied by the size of the unit, which will give the number of rooms where the generator will be required. Also, the type of fuel required is something you will need to consider, so it is important to determine how much fuel you have available to you. For help with Gas Generators, visit Gas generators from Gener-g

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Another thing that needs to be considered when purchasing a generator is the number of years the generator is expected to last. It is a good idea to purchase one generator that is able to withstand a long period of use. There are some generators that are designed to last longer than 20 years, while others may only last a few years. When you are purchasing your generator, it is important to research the various models on the market.

Modern lumberjacks and tree surgeons are very grateful to Bernard Heine. Heine was a bone doctor and he wanted to find a way to cut through the human body quickly during surgery. This was to try and save the patient more pain by making it quick. With this in mind he invented the Chainsaw. James Jeffray and John Aitken developed the idea further but aside from the gruesome initial practice the concept of using a chainsaw in the tree and lumber industry gained more ground.

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A Tree Surgeon Gloucester way will happily tell you that the use of a chain saw is vital in their line of work. For this we need to turn to Samuel J Bens. He is the man that first comes up with the idea of using the chainsaw to cut wood and not people. These were hand powered but were still more powerful than using an ax. However for speed and power you must look to Andreas Stihl as the man, along with Joseph Burford Cox as the first to develop a powerful petrol and electric powered motor chainsaw. Meanwhile the company Festool had taken over Bens business and started to export to North America and the world. The outbreak of world war two soon stopped that from happening.

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One thing the second world war did do was improve the use of aluminum and the engineering behind mechanics. Out of necessity engines became lighter and smaller allowing for better handheld units as opposed to the two man jobs before.

Timber cladding is sustainable and eco-friendly, and it can create looks from traditional to super contemporary. When choosing timber cladding, you have a lot of options, from the type of wood you use to the edging

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The overall effect of timber cladding will guide your choice as much as the properties of a specific wood, whether you want a versatile larch, a bark edged cedar, or elegant oak feather edge cladding.

Edging

The edging you choose for your timber cladding has a big impact on the overall effect. Whether you’re using a softwood or a hardwood such as oak feather edge cladding reduces the amount of timber you need to cover a frame by about 25%. Waney edge cladding creates a more traditional, natural feel with its natural bark edges, and straight edge cladding has a modern, precise look.

Oak Cladding

Oak is a classic and popular material. It’s naturally durable and it comes in a range of colours that mean you can create a variety of different effects, although most types of oak will fade to a silver patina over time if not treated. Treating oak slows down weathering but doesn’t completely prevent it, and one of the big advantages of oak is that you don’t need to treat it: it looks great and lasts well untreated. That’s the main reason why oak tends to come at a premium price.

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Hardwoods such as oak also retain heat. Using them on exteriors or interiors creates natural insulation that could help lower your heating bills.

Western Red Cedar Cladding

Previously, this cladding choice used wood imported from Canada, but with an increasing number of these trees in the UK, home-grown options are now practical and popular. Red cedar is a beautiful wood, and very hard to replicate with synthetic materials. It also lasts for decades if installed properly.

Western red cedar can be more affordable than oak, but you will pay a premium price for the best possible quality.

Larch Cladding

This is another great British softwood. It’s not as long lasting (though still 30-50 years), but the big advantage of larch is that, as a naturally knotty wood, it’s one of the best out there for creating a natural, traditional look. It also comes in a wide range of colours, and is a more affordable option than oak or red cedar.

Designing a patio is an important part of any home, because the place you put your outdoor furniture will determine your enjoyment of it. If you have a large family and a lot of guests, a large patio would be a good idea, because it’s a perfect place for outdoor dining and entertaining. For smaller families, a small patio is fine; you just need to ensure that there are some facilities available for cooking and socialising in your backyard.

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With the right design and planning, you can transform an otherwise boring backyard into a relaxing oasis complete with comfortable seating and a warm fire. It’s a good idea to do a little research before you begin planning your patio, so that you can get the most from the space and the resources that are at your disposal. You may also want to consider hiring a contractor or designer if you are planning on redesigning the entire patio. For Patios Gloucester, visit a site like Garden solutions

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Once you have decided on what type of patio you want, next comes the process of deciding where you want to put it. If you have a large backyard, it’s possible to build a porch or patio right next to the house, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy your food and drinks while talking. However, if your house is too small, a deck or porch is probably your best option. Take measurements of your house to see how much space you have available; a professional will be able to help you calculate this.

Buying items that are hand made to your specific needs is probably not something many of us consider very often. We have become so accustomed to buying what we need off the shelf at the store or online. However, there are several benefits of using skilled craftsmen to create a unique item just for you.

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Perfectly tailored to your needs

Working one-to-one with a craftsperson is a much purer experience. Gone are the intermediaries and influencing buyers and tastemakers. You can work with skilled professionals to bring your imagination to life. The items produced will be the embodiment of the vision and skill of the artist.

High end quality

Making something by hand is a completely different experience and mindset compared to items made by a computerized conveyor belt of mass-produced goods. There will be a level of care and attention that is unmatched by anything produced in a factory. Every part of this process is a work of art, an opportunity to showcase skills and provide a unique experience. Love for their craft resonates through the detailed quality of the final piece. Find out more about Bespoke Glass Balustrades at a site like https://www.aspireglass.co.uk/glass-balustrade/

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Connection

When an object has been born of your creative vision, it will generate a lot more of a connection and sentimentality.  A relationship appears – you learn about the artisan and they learn about you in order to create the piece. You understand more about the material selected and the reasons why certain techniques are used, which provides you with a much deeper connection to the object. Bespoke items have an interesting story, to be passed from generation to generation of your family.