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TriState Pennysaver News Vermont News Guide Green Home Living FREE! Spring 2009

2009 Green Home Living

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2009 Green Home Living

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Page 1: 2009 Green Home Living

11

TriState Pennysaver NewsVermont News Guide

Gre

en

Ho

me

Liv

ing

FREE!Spring 2009

Page 2: 2009 Green Home Living

S2 Spring Home Improvement 2009 A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication

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A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication

Jen Hathaway, cover and page design

Berkshire Penny Saver154 West Park Street, Lee, MA 01238

413-243-2341

TriState Pennysaver News109 South Street, Bennington, VT 05201

802-447-3381

Vermont News Guide99 Bonnet Street, Manchester, VT 05254

802-362-3535

Yankee Shopper20 Cleveland Road, Dalton, MA 01226

413-684-1373

Renee Tassone, General Manager

By Lisa LabergeLisa Laberge Interiors

The painter you hired, clad in overalls and looking like the walking embodiment of a Jackson Pollock painting, comes towards you dan-gling a dry paintbrush in one hand.

“What color do you want, lady?” “Any suggestions?” you ask. “I don’t pick ‘em, I just paint ‘em,” he says testily. Okay, what do you do?

This is for all of you out there who, when faced with this decision default to that old standby, Benjamin Moore’s Navajo White, a bland but safe off-white color. You know who you are. As it turns out, this is not actually the safe choice anymore. Thanks to all of the fun and fast-paced HGTV shows, homeowners are realizing that color on the walls can transform a room like no other decorating element. I call it a bit of magic in a can.

Here is one method that is a simple and foolproof way to choose wall color. I have used it many times when decorating my clients’ homes. I want you to select something that will be your “inspiration”, perhaps a patterned fabric, oriental carpet, oil painting or even a torn out page of a particularly pleasing room from a home shelter magazine. From this “inspiration” I want you to select paint chips that match colors from the object you selected. Invariably, you will have a neutral color for walls in an open area, a rich color for the dining room, a contrasting color for another room, and so on. Essentially, what you are taking advantage of by doing this is that some artist somewhere designed that fabric or carpet, belaboring the color choices to create a thing of beauty. Half of the work is already done for you. With this exercise you have created a color story for your home and a reference point to come back to time and again. It’s simple and a great way to select pleasing colors for your home. I know you are going to have fun doing this, so give it a try!

How to Choose Color for Your Walls

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Page 3: 2009 Green Home Living

A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication Spring Home Improvement 2009 S3

By Steve Burzon

On the bright side there can be a positive note to a financial meltdown like the one we are having right now as there is nothing like hardship to make one re-examine old habits. So now is the time to rethink the short and long term economics of garden/landscape design, installation, and maintenance. Let’s look at a few ideas that can reduce costs and increase sustainability without any reduction in the beauty or pleasure quotient of a landscape or garden.

First, when it comes to your choice of ornamentals for plantings go for hardiness, low maintenance, and the ability of your landscape

to inspire you all year long. When you are staying closer to home as a means to lower expenses, make sure that your garden looks great day and night, summer and winter, and in the seasons between.

To get started increase your use of dwarf, miniature, and slow grow-ing hardy conifers for your plant selection. If you are unfamiliar with the term ‘conifers’ (plants that reproduce with cones) you should get to know more about them. While most are known as evergreens, many are not green at all. They are yellow and blue with some even turning russet or orange in winter. You can choose from an enormous variety of these miracle plants to add color, texture, shape, and architectural elements that stay around in every season. There are hundreds of easy to obtain varieties at all kinds of prices; and once established that first season, they require almost no maintenance or supplemental watering. Contrast this with garden or landscape plants that are water and main-tenance hungry, and that virtually disappear in the cold weather.

You can get more information about the use of conifers by research-ing the Conifer Society’s site at www.conifersociety.org; or by research-ing the Garden Arts Landscaping Store’s site at www.gardenartsstore.com/allseason.

Next, rethink the products you use for gardening or landscaping purposes. Where do these items come from? How much of their cost is attributed to expensive transportation? Is your money working smartly or are you enriching someone in a far off place when you substitute imported materials for your garden rather than finding something local? Can you achieve a great look by using inexpensive local materials

in creative ways? We live in a place where there are artisans who make an amazing

number of beautiful things for the outside of your home. Instead of purchasing from glossy upscale catalogues; buy your outdoor furniture, fire pits, or arbors from a local crafter. There is nothing more striking or beautiful than the rocks and stones that surround us and the savings inherent in using these materials creatively in your garden are huge. Mulches, composts, and garden soils do not have to be purchased in bags that originate in Maine, Georgia, and overseas. Buy your soil amendments in bulk from local sources and save. Find out more at www.gardenartsstore.com/soil or at www.gardenartsstore.com/art.

Save even more by always looking to the use of local lumber for your garden sheds, fencing, or for any outdoor need. Consider the great, rugged look of homegrown, rough sawn hemlock -- either green or

Economical Ways to Have a Green and Gorgeous Garden

continued on page 11

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Page 4: 2009 Green Home Living

S4 Spring Home Improvement 2009 A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication

By J.C. Carroll

(MS) -- The environment indoors and outdoors may indeed be win-ning.

In 2008, the ‘green’ residential building market in North America was estimated to be 6 to 10 percent of the conventional construction market, an 8 percent increase in one year. Even in a down econ-omy, by 2012 these numbers are expected to double to reach 12 to 20 percent market share, all of which represents an industry worth $40-$70 billion.

“Americans want high perfor-mance, sustainable components in their newly built homes,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura, the manufacturer of award-winning, concrete wall forms. “Green construction pays off immediately with reduced energy and maintenance costs -- and it delivers a sound return-on-investment as the equity compounds.”

Nudura, a concrete system for walls that replaces wood, has recently won no less than four of the coveted, ICF Builder Awards, most nota-bly for the multi-story, West Village student dorm in Ontario, Canada. Better still, the entire West Village is a LEED platinum rated project.

LEED represents Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,

an organization that encourages and accelerates global adoption of green building and development practices. By a third-party certifica-tion program, it has set an international benchmark for the construc-tion and operation of high performance sustainable buildings, and the ‘platinum’ designation is top-of-the-line.

West Village builders, for example, opted for the Nudura concrete wall system instead of traditional building methods. Concrete walls for buildings and homes are far stronger, more effi-cient, and healthier -- and do not deplete natural resources.

“Envision your walls being constructed with Lego-like blocks of reinforced concrete sandwiched between two layers

of polystyrene,” Blyth explained. “This system cuts down construction time significantly, creates less waste material, and it virtually eliminates mould, mildew, and other toxic emissions that are associated with wood.

With just this one green component, the homeowner saves money due to durability and energy efficiency -- and the entire structure is reported to be up to nine times stronger, with far more fire protection, far more sound insulation, and with a potential to reduce energy costs of up to 70 percent.

Building Industry Takes ‘Green’ Mainstream

4

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Flowers fadeaway, butframes are

forever.

We can frame just about anything!• Childhood Treasures• Musical Instruments• Vacation Memories• Sports Memorabilia

Inch By Inch231 North StreetBennington, VT(802) 442-3762

Bring in this ad and get 10% off

Page 5: 2009 Green Home Living

A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication Spring Home Improvement 2009 S5

When it comes to going green, nearly all facets of life have some room for improvement. Because everything we do has an effect on the envi-ronment, the notion of going green is truly all-encompassing.

One place that’s easy to go green is the kitchen. Though not inten-tional, many kitchens are monuments to waste. But with a few easy adjustments, the average kitchen can quickly become a testament to environmentally friendly living.

* Banish excess paper products. Thanks to their convenience, paper plates, cups and towels populate kitchens across the country. Many more kitchens are home to other throwaway products as well, such as plastic utensils and napkins. While no one can question the convenience of such products, they are very harmful to the environment.

Instead of these throwaway products, purchase reusable products. Cloth napkins and towels, for instance, can do the same job as paper napkins and towels, but do it in a way that’s not harmful to the environ-ment. Rather than paper plates, purchase a less expensive yet reusable set of plates to use when snacking or eating less formal meals. This will save you the trouble of using the fine china every night, and it will also

help save the environment. What’s more, since these products are all reusable, you’ll save money as well.

* Purchase fresh vegetables. Taste is the primary reason many veggie fans prefer fresh vegetables over their frozen counterparts. However, another distinct advantage fresh vegetables possess over frozen veggies is their friendly attitude toward the environment. Frozen vegetables typically come heavily and excessively packaged. This negative envi-ronmental impact can be eradicated by simply purchasing the fresh vegetables available in the produce aisle as opposed to those sharing space with the frozen pizzas and waffles a few aisles away.

Lettuce can also be wasteful depending on how it’s purchased. Fresh heads of lettuce in the produce aisle are far more environmentally friendly than bagged lettuce mixes.

* Be more conscious of snacking habits. When it comes to snacks, most people are solely concerned with health. However, the environ-ment’s health should be considered when snacking as well. Rather than filling the refrigerator with individually packaged yogurts, for example, those who eat yogurt on a regular basis should instead purchase yogurt in quantity, choosing the larger containers to create less waste. These larger containers are often less expensive than purchasing individually packed yogurts as well.

* Buy a water filter. Replacing plastic water bottles with a water filter is one of the easiest, most effective and money-saving ways to make a positive impact on the environment. Estimates have suggested that Americans alone are responsible for purchasing more than 7 billion gal-

Going Green Around the Kitchen

Purchasing fresh veggies, as opposed to excessively packaged frozen vegetables, is a great way to go green in the kitchen.

continued on page 6

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The Hamlets Of Vermont

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Page 6: 2009 Green Home Living

S6 Spring Home Improvement 2009 A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication

By J.C. Carroll

(MS) -- Americans continue to ask for high performance, sustain-able components in their newly built homes. Within the next three years, builders are pre-dicting demand for green components will double. This represents 12 to 20 percent market share, and an industry worth $40 to $70 billion.

Concrete walls, for example, are replac-ing the old wood frame method with countless benefits. All across North America, the award win-ning Nudura system is now delivering double the insulation as com-pared to buildings made with wood.

“Insulation is vital, but it’s just the beginning,” explains company spokes-

person, Todd Blyth. “This wall building system, which uses pre-assem-bled blocks of reinforced concrete, makes the project much quicker to construct, with less waste, and with none of the toxic emissions associ-ated with new buildings. It’s an internationally certified ‘green’ method

(www.nudura.com) and is now the base for con-structing better homes, schools, hospitals, con-dominiums, hotels, and offices all over North America.

“Money is saved with durability and energy efficiency,” continued Blyth, “and the result-ing structure is reported to be up to nine times stronger, with far more fire protection, far more sound insulation, and with a potential to reduce energy costs of up to 70 percent.”

Efficiency Tops Homeowner List

lons of bottled water each year. The waste produced by those purchases eventually exceeds 20 billion plastic water bottles. All of this excess waste can be removed if consumers simply purchase a water filter. The water is as clear as that in plastic bottles, and it’s also much less expensive and far more environmentally friendly.

* Take up gardening. Gardening can be beneficial in a number of ways, be it helping to reduce stress or providing a great reason to go out-doors and soak up some sun. It can even help save the planet. Growing your own food helps reduce waste, as many gardeners won’t grow more than they can eat, or they’ll share it with neighbors. Also, gardening is a hobby that has a positive impact on the environment, and those quick drives to the grocery store won’t be necessary if a fully producing gar-den awaits just outside your kitchen window.

continued from page 5

Going Green Around the Kitchen

66

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Page 7: 2009 Green Home Living

A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication Spring Home Improvement 2009 S7

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Page 8: 2009 Green Home Living

S8 Spring Home Improvement 2009 A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication

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Page 9: 2009 Green Home Living

A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication Spring Home Improvement 2009 S9

9

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Page 10: 2009 Green Home Living

S10 Spring Home Improvement 2009 A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication

(MS) -- Did you know that the average American uses 80 to 100 gallons of water per day? This sobering statistic from the United States Geological Survey highlights the need for conservation, especially in an era when many parts of the country face routine seasonal drought con-ditions. Where should homeowners start to reduce their water usage? The bathroom.

Over the course of a day, toilets consume the largest amount of water in the home, according to government research. In fact, the most waste-ful consume significantly more than showering or bathing. With an average of 6.8 flushes per toilet per day, water usage quickly adds up.

Toilets from the 1940s and 50s use five to seven gallons per flush. This improved by the 1980s, when toilets were required to use 3.5 gal-lons per flush. But any toilet built before 1992 and the 1.6 gallons per flush standard is inefficient and should be replaced with newer, water saving models.

Bathroom products manufacturers have tackled toilets head on with the development of extremely low flow toilet solutions. How low can they go? Through Lowe’s, bathroom products manufacturer Jacuzzi offers its Espree model, with a water-sipping performance rating of 1.28 gallons per flush. The toilet meets certification criteria and is listed with the Environmental Protection Agency’s rigorous WaterSense program.

But how well do these toilets work? Water efficiency doesn’t necessar-ily mean reduced performance, says Mike Roberts of Jacuzzi.

“Our Propulsion Advanced Flushing Technology has the power to effectively eliminate waste with just one flush,” says Roberts.

The Espree also saves 20 percent more water than modern 1.6 gallons per flush water-saving toilets.

Upgrading a toilet is good for the environment and good for the pocketbook. In addition to environmental benefits, homeowners can save an average of $60 per year simply by switching from a 5 gallons per flush toilet to a 1.28 gallons per flush toilet.

For more ideas on how to improve the efficiency of your bathroom, visit www.jacuzzi.com.

Saving Water Startsin the Bathroom

Replacing your

existing toilet

with the more

efficient and

e n v i r o n m e n -

tally friendly

Espree model

from Jacuzzi is

one way to both

conserve water

and save money.

1010

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Page 11: 2009 Green Home Living

A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication Spring Home Improvement 2009 S11

dried. We like to use this inexpensive and durable material for our structures but we are always careful to marry them with a rot resistant wood like cedar (or even a pressure treated pine) where there is to be contact with the ground. In the air and properly built, a hemlock building or fence will last and look great for decades. As a bonus, a local carpenter or fence builder will have work as a result of your wise decision.

As for insuring that your garden or land-scape pays back in pleasure for your invest-ment make sure you add at least a minimum of cost effective low-voltage lighting to the scene. Unlike old-fashioned 110v outdoor lighting fixtures and systems, the new 12v installations give off just the right amount of light without much of an impact on your electric bill. Don’t worry about the snow cov-ering the lights in winter. They are not only weather proof, but the bulbs inside give off just enough heat to melt a small column of snow cover. At night that column gives off a lovely glow. We think that the right amount

of outdoor lighting in winter warms your spirit every time you look outside.

A knockout landscape does not have to be costly. It can save you money. Plant deciduous trees on the southerly side of your home to provide shade in sum-mer without blocking the heat of the sun in winter. Plant large evergreens on the northerly side to block the winter winds that rob your home of the heat that you pay for with costly fuel.

Smart design, the right kinds of plants, the use of local materials, and some good old-time truths save money without any compromises on beauty. Go ahead, enjoy springtime and spend wisely, too!

Steve Burzon is owner of the Garden Arts Company, Manchester Fence Company, and the Northshire Paver and Wallstone Company. Find him at his brand new omni-site www.GardenArtsStore.com or at 802.293.2064.

Economical Ways to Have a Green and Gorgeous Garden continued from page 3

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Page 12: 2009 Green Home Living

S12 Spring Home Improvement 2009 A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication

By J.C. Carroll

(MS) -- Walls made of concrete in resi-dential and commercial buildings will deliver long-lasting benefits for the hom-eowner or resident, all of which are far superior to traditional building methods. Take a look at this in-field comparison on homes of a similar size, courtesy of Nudura and its internationally certified ‘green’ wall system:

Energy Efficiency: Wood structures are prone to thermal bridging where the outside cold penetrates too easily, causing drafts and cold spots. Solid core, concrete walls keep home temperatures consistent requiring less energy for heat, cool, and cli-mate control. Energy savings with concrete walls are reported to be from up to 50 to 70 percent.

The Environment: Trees are vital for the control of greenhouse gases, and are equally important for the total oxygen supply. The more trees covering the planet the better, so instead of using wood for construction, concrete will save this important natural

resource. Strength: Concrete walls are shown to

be up to nine times stronger, withstanding wind up to 250 m.p.h. and a debris impact up to 115 m.p.h. Wood walls are subject to moisture, dry rot, and deterioration. With a solid, concrete core, your walls last for a lifetime.

Safety: In addition to long-term dura-bility, and wind resistance, concrete walls report 4-hour fire protection. A traditional stick-frame home is rated to withstand fire for only 45-minutes.

Living Quality: Manufactured wood products usually contain adhesives, pro-ducing toxic fumes, especially during the first few years. Wood walls are also prone to moisture retention, promoting mold growth with airborne respiratory irritants. The concrete, Nudura wall system (nudu-ra.com) is quick to assemble for build-ers, brings beauty to the design, emits no fumes, retains no water, and unlike wood, this solid concrete core is soundproof, keeping unwanted noise outside.

Build with Concrete, Not Wood

Did You Know?One of the biggest decisions a person must make upon moving into a

new home or apartment is what size bed to purchase for their new place. Oftentimes, the dimensions of the room make the decision for you. For example, a studio apartment is rarely big enough to comfortably accommodate a king size bed. When measuring a room for a new bed, keep in mind the following standard dimensions for the five most common mattress options.

Twin: 39 X 75’ Double: 54 X 75’Queen: 60 X 80’ King: 78 X 80’California King: 72 X 84’

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Page 13: 2009 Green Home Living

A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication Spring Home Improvement 2009 S13

By J.C. Carroll

(MS) -- If you have plans to build a new house soon, this is the time to start things off right.

An environmen-tally thoughtful, high-performance home is one that incorporates a green combination of tech-nology, construction, design and mainte-nance elements -- all of which will provide a healthier indoor life for its residents, and will significantly lower its impact on the planet’s environ-ment.

Indeed, a well-planned green home costs less to operate immediately and its value increases steadily over time. A green home is constructed with concrete, not wood, has energy-effi-cient lighting, heating, cooling and water-heating systems -- and if you’re wondering what else makes a home truly green, here’s a handy checklist as you begin:

* The Site: Build where you can beautify or replace unsightly proper-ties like a factory, a parking lot, rail yard or shopping mall. Don’t build on environmentally sensitive sites like wetlands, forests or farmland.

* Location: Build with walking or cycling in mind, near public trans-portation, schools, and shops.

* Materials: Start with concrete. An award-winning system by Nudura builds the walls with pre-assembled, Lego-like blocks of concrete. This cuts construction time significantly, creates less waste material, and vir-tually eliminates mold, mildew and other toxic emissions produced by buildings structured with wood. Homeowners save money with dura-bility and energy efficiency -- and the resulting structure (www.nudura.com) is reported to be up to nine times stronger, with far more fire protection, far more sound insulation, and with a potential to reduce energy costs of up to 70 percent. Other green materials should include low- and zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and sealants. Any wood-based features should come from rapidly renewable sources, like bamboo. The best green homes use salvaged materials like kitchen tiles with significant recycled content. Ask for a roof that is light-colored and heat-reflecting.

* Design: Think about the site’s natural attributes and shape your new home accordingly. Reduce lighting and energy requirements, for exam-ple, by taking advantage of natural breezes and daylight, perhaps with

skylights or with larger windows on certain walls. Aim for natural day-light to reach at least 75 percent of the home’s interior. Outside, design your landscape with lots of large canopy trees and flowering plants to

attract the reproduction activity of birds and bees.

* Windows and Doors: Dual-glaze windows reduce heat gain in sum-mer and heat loss during cold winter months. The best quality is govern-ment rated.

* Renewable Energy: Ask for the latest tech-nology to generate some of your own household energy.

* Water Efficiency: Design with a water-con-serving irrigation system. Collect and store rain-water. Add the latest in kitchen and bathroom water-efficient fixtures.

How to Make Your Home Green

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Page 14: 2009 Green Home Living

S14 Spring Home Improvement 2009 A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication

By J.C. Carroll

(MS) -- Green is a cool concept in construction. All over North America, both residential and commercial builders are winning rec-ognition and applause for taking their environmental responsibilities so seriously.

For example, concrete is replacing traditional wood framing with a system spearheaded by award winning, Nudura.

This wall building system of pre-assembled, Lego-like blocks, cuts down construction time significantly, creates less waste material, and it virtually eliminates mold, mildew and other toxic emissions pro-duced by buildings structured with wood. Homeowners save money due to durability and energy efficiency -- and the resulting structure is reported to be up to nine times stronger, with far more fire protection, far more sound insulation, and with a potential to reduce energy costs of up to 70 percent. See www.nudura.com.

“But while owning a low-impact, high performance home with supe-rior walls is good, it will only be as green as the energy efficient products you put inside,” says company spokesman, Todd Blyth. “Upgrading for quality is always popular, but it’s during the initial building stage that you should consider products that can’t easily be changed.”

Here’s a handy checklist of options on this topic, courtesy of Nudura:

* Radiant Floor Heating: This is a method of heating your home by applying heat underneath or within the floor. Comparable to warming yourself in the sun, it warms objects as opposed to raising the tempera-ture of the air. The warmest air is at the floor where it is desired (not at the ceiling) and there is reduced heat loss through the ceiling and walls.

* High Efficiency Furnace: Heating uses a significant amount of a home’s energy, from 40% to 60% depending on the system. Options to reduce heating costs and increase comfort include a high-efficiency furnace (or a hybrid furnace, which combines space and water heating) plus in-floor radiant heating and “heating zone” controls. No matter which system is chosen, the controls such as programmable thermostats with multiple set-back modes and other features, can help to maximize your heating dollars.

* Energy efficient windows: Generally, double-glazed windows are standard in today’s new homes. But homebuyers have a wide range of options for energy improvements. Common upgrades include: low-E coating on the glass; inert gas fill between glass layers; insulating spac-ers to keep the glass layers apart, all of which are designed to reduce the transfer of heat from the warmest to the coldest parts of the window. This also reduces window condensation and makes homes more com-fortable. Other options include additional glass layers and improved frame design.

Green Choices:Do your bit for the planet every day

Did You Know?According to the National Garden Association (NGA), Americans are

beginning to spend more on their lawns and gardens. In their 2007 National Gardening Survey, NGA found that retail sales of lawn and garden products to consumers increased by 3 percent to more than $35 billion. That’s a positive sign for the lawn and garden industry, marking the first time since 2002 that overall retail lawn and garden sales had increased. While many homeowners recognize the value of a lawn’s aesthetic appeal, the survey also showed that many more homeowners could be looking to lawn and garden activities as hobbies, as 31 percent of all households admitted growing indoor houseplants while another 30 percent of households admitted to planting flower gardens. Overall, the average household spent $428 on do-it-yourself lawn and garden activities in 2007 -- a 7 percent increase from the previous year.

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Page 15: 2009 Green Home Living

A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication Spring Home Improvement 2009 S15

(MS) -- Few things add style and elegance to a room like the rich look of wood furniture. But, has the wood furniture in your home lost its luster? What about the flea market find that doesn’t quite match the other wood pieces in your home? It’s easy to give wood surfaces a new, long-lasting finish with stain and a protective finish. Just follow these simple steps from the wood finishing experts at Rust-Oleum:

* Tip # 1: Preparation is the key to a beautiful staining project. Start your project by sanding. Sanding allows stain to adhere and penetrate the wood, providing a better look-ing, more even appearance. Then clean the wood surface thoroughly and wipe away any sanding residue with a damp sponge. Before applying stain to the entire project, test it out on an inconspicuous area of the project. For example, if you are staining a chair, turn it over and stain the bottom of the seat to test the color.

* Tip #2: Bring out wood’s natural beauty with a colored stain. Stains add a luxurious, warm finish that’ll enhance its appearance and add classic style to any room. Try deeper stains like Cabernet and Dark Walnut for a rich, traditional feel. Or, use lighter colors like Golden Pecan or Golden Oak for a more natural look.

Think stains are messy and hard to apply? Not anymore! Varathane Foam Stain -- Rust-Oleum’s latest Varathane brand innovation -- eliminates the drips and dribbles of traditional stain. Unlike liquid stains, this foaming stain formula takes the mess out of stain application, and gives you ultimate

control. Just foam on the stain, and rub it in with a lint-free rag -- it’s that easy!

* Tip #3: The best way to make your stain look better and last longer is by protecting your project from spills, stains, scratches, and nor-mal wear-and-tear with a clear finish. Try using a polyurethane like Varathane Diamond Polyurethane. The water-based polyurethane goes on clear and stays crystal clear -- unlike most oil-based finishes, it won’t change the appearance of the stain. Plus, it’s low odor and great for interior use! The durable topcoat is a great way to enhance the beauty of your wood staining project, and keep it looking great for years to come.

For more information on Varathane products visit www.rustoleum.com. Need ideas and tips for your wood finishing projects? Visit www.woodanswers.com.

Wood Staining 101: Easy Refinishing Projects

Did You Know?

A pneumatic nail gun is a faster way to do jobs that require a lot of nailing. The gun requires a fraction of the time as a traditional manual hammer and nails. Pneumatic nail guns come in two main types: cord-less nailers and nailers powered by an air compressor. The air compres-sor models are less expensive, but work is limited by the length of your air hose. The cordless nailers are powered by a fuel cell and battery, so they are much more portable but generally cost more. Nails for these guns come in magazine-style packets of various lengths.

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Page 16: 2009 Green Home Living

S16 Spring Home Improvement 2009 A Hersam Acorn Newspapers Publication

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