Archive for November, 2009

Safety Design and Features of Handicap Bathtubs

November 24, 2009

If taking a bath requires a great deal of effort for you because of your mobility limitations, then fret no more because many online retailers are offering HANDICAP BATHTUBS that are full of features that will help you bathe comfortably and safely and restore your independence and dignity.

Many handicap tubs are available in contemporary design that would suit any modern bathroom décor. These tubs come also in various styles, with walkin as the most popular one for disabled people. Here is a look at some of these handicap bathtubs.

So-Lo Walk in Safety Tub:

Accessible Environments Inc. offers this latest product in its series of Walk in Tub accessible bathing products. This tub is ideal for use at homes, retirement facilities or senior and adult housing facilities where tenants have diverse and changing needs. It features a combination of bath and shower, easy access tub design and can fit in a standard tub opening of 60 inches. Optional features include an alcove, heated seat, San Air 12 air jets, warm air blower, check valves and touch pad control. This tub has a base price of $2,980 at acessinc.

Jacuzzi Finestra 6030 Walk In Tub-Soaking and Whirlpool Bath:

This tub gives a new meaning to quality and independent living. It is equipped with various safety features and the famous Jacuzzi technology to give you an ultimate Jacuzzi Home Spa Experience. Some of its spectacular features are jet trim and drain trim that have the same finish with the tub, option of 17-inch seat height or 14-inch seat height, two TheraPro medium-sized jets which create deep hydromassage to target stress points in your body and eight AccuPro precision jets. This tub can hold from 55 to 75 gallons of water. Retail price is $5,183 at acessinc.com.

American Standard’s Safety Tubs Acrylic Walk in Tubs:

A water tight tub door is just one of the best features of this tub. This tub is perfect for use at home and institutions. This acrylic construction tub features the Ozone technology which breaks down the bacteria in your bathtub, chair height, built-in seat and grab bars, slip-resistant floor and large walk-in door. You have a choice of a soaker, airspa, whirpool or combination tub. The available sizes are 28 inches by 48 inches, 26 inches by 51 inches, 30 inches by 51 inches and 32 inches by 60 inches. Prices start at $4,023 at acessinc.

Serenity Walk in Safety Bath:

This tub is flexible because it can be used comfortably and easily by people who are capable of walking with walkers. This tub, available only in white, features a hydrotherapy whirlpool system, built-in slip-resistant floor and seat surface, molded back and seat for optimum comfort and support, scald guard taps, pressure balancing, external safety drains, hand shower unit, door closure made with stainless steel, removable booster seat, and easy to reach controls. The tub’s dimensions include 34 inches wide by 36 inches diameter by 30 inches high. It retails for $4,680 at acessinc.com.

Escape Walk in Tub by Best Bath:

This tub features an innovative door handle for easy operation, door seal, seat height that is designed for easy standing and seating and with weight capacity of 350 pounds, wall surround kit, uni-body construction, single piece fiberglass which provides superb structural rigidity to the door opening, front access panels, remote operated drain, thermostatic fit valve, hand shower diverter and 17-inch seat height for easy use. This model LTOW5050 can hold as much as 60 gallons of water. Price is $4,438 at acessinc.com.

Adding Curb Appeal to Your Home with Contemporary Garage Doors

November 21, 2009

CONTEMPORARY GARAGE DOORS are one of the best replacement doors that you can find. They not only function as housing for your vehicles, but also as storage for other items such as tools and unused furniture.

The contemporary designs of garage doors can help boost the aesthetic and market value of your modern home. Check out some online retailers for great selection contemporary garage doors and to compare prices. For starter, here are some garage doors for your perusal.

The Classica Collection by Amarr Garage Doors:

These garage doors are available in three models. The 1000 single-layer steel door is reliable, durable and low maintenance. The 2000 double-layer steel is also noted for its durability and requires little maintenance. Other features include an energy efficient vinyl-coated insulation that provides increased thermal properties, plus quieter operation. The 3000 triple-layer steel door is also energy efficient with a heavy-duty interior and exterior steel for added durability. You can avail of this door collection at amarr.com.

Avante Collection-Contemporary Aluminum Garage Doors by Clopay:

If you are planning to modernize your home, this garage door is the perfect one for you. The versatility of this door is such that you can also use it as patio door to merge outdoor and indoor living spaces or an indoor loft divider. You can automatically and easily raise the door with just one press of a button. There are window options to control the amount of light and air transmission and privacy. The door also uses an insulated glass for added energy efficiency. Some standard features are 2 and 1/8 inches thick aluminum frame that is rust proof and 5 paint colors that are factory finish. Checkout this collection at clopaydoor.com.

Legendary Collection by Designer Doors:

I-Frame garage doors are part of the Designer collection that provide elegant and endless custom options. The doors are praised for their unparalleled strength, plus optimum resistance to harsh conditions. These wood doors provide numerous design possibilities in addition to superior wind load capability suitable for inland and storm-prone coastal areas. Other features include moisture control system, beveled trim board, built-in ventilation, impervious sealants and integrated drip cap. And what is more, the doors efficiently sheds water, thus preventing pooling as well as extending the door’s lifespan. The doors can be custom-built to suit any architectural style.

Banner Collection by Overhead Door:

This door collection is an integration of leading safety features and quiet operation. The collection consists of 311/317 non-insulated series, 313/319 and 351/359 full-depth polystyrene series. The standard features of these doors are pinch-resistant panels, Triathlon polymer hinges that have no metal-on-metal movable parts, polymer-constructed spring tensioned rollers, a bottom fixture that is tamper-resistant, seals between section to minimize air infiltration and a steel that has high tensile strength for dent resistance. You can avail of this door collection at overheaddoor.com.

Contemporary Steel Flush Garage Door by Hill Country Garage Doors:

If you want a minimalist addition to your house, try this steel garage door. It has a polyurethane insulation that is thermally efficient and a wood grain finish which eliminates the possibility of the occurrence of wavy appearance or oil-canning which is a common problem in many flush steel surfaces. Other remarkable features are bottom bulb-type seal for extra protection against rain and wind and thermal seals between section.

Retractable Screen Doors: What Are They For?

November 21, 2009

There are many benefits of installing RETRACTABLE SCREEN DOORS in your modern home. For one, they allow maximum amount of air and light to go through inside the house without obstructing your view either from the inside or the outside.

Secondly, they can fit on any contemporary door types, such as sliding, French and patio. These advantages make retractable screen doors ideal replacement doors. Get a glimpse of some screen doors being offered by online retailers.

Retractable Screen by Zanzar:

This screen door allows fresh air and natural light but prevents pests and bugs from coming in. The design is unobtrusive that whenever the door is closed, the screen is kept completely hidden from view. No seasonal removal and storage of the screen is required. Furthermore, Zanzar screen is spring-loaded making standard screen doors obsolete. Screen door kits consist of a roller case with measurement of 1 and ¼ inches by ¾ inches. They are designed for vertical retracting applications only. This is available at doorandwindowscreens.com.

Wizard Retractable Screen for Sliding Doors:

This screen door matches naturally with your sliding door, providing the same functions offered by traditional screens minus any negative consequences. You can pull the screen only when you need it, giving you an unhindered view from the inside or outside. This door can also be customized by choosing from the 424 color matches. The standard colors that you can match are white, linen, anodized, coffee tan, sandalwood, grey, black and brown. Wood grain finishes are also available, including dark acacia, dark cherry, dark ash, light fir, light ash, dark fir, light knotty, light oak, dark walnut and dark oak. The door is available at wizardscreens.com.

Alpine Lite-Touch Model Retractable Screen Door:

As the name suggests, this screen door can be opened or closed with just one gentle sideward push on the handle. The screen door stays in place once you removed the pressure on the handle. This is due to the company’s exclusive counter-balance system which prevents slamming of the door. The door features a fiberglass insect screen that is manufactured extra strong by Phifer Wire Products Inc. The top and bottom closing channel and screen guides are tightly sealed, preventing insects from coming in. Sill ramps are provided to protect screen guide at the bottom from any damage and to allow wheelchairs easy access. You can find this door at alpineretractablescreens.com.

Pull Down Retractable Screen by SecretScreen:

This screen can be pulled down from above eye level housing, resulting to a fully visible front door and completely unobstructed doorway. You can have several choices of valances to match the trimmings of your house. The door is constructed with weatherproof and durable aluminum and you can adjust the tension and speed of the screen door. Available screen materials are charcoal screen and vertically striped white and charcoal. If you do not want to use the screen door temporarily, just remove it from its housing by pressing the tab on the mounting clips and store it.

Retractable Screens by Hid-N-Screen:

Replacing the conventional screen doors, the Hidnscreen Retractable Screen is easy to install, cost effective and simple to operate. It provides protection against pests and bugs without obstructing your view. They fit any door types including double, French, inswing, outswing and sliding glass. Check them out at hidnscreen.com.

The Elegance and Functionality of Modern Closet Doors

November 20, 2009

With the recession going on for some time now, many people have been forced to find some ways to get the most out of the value of their money. This is especially true with home decorating. Why spend so much money buying your furniture and decoration separately when you could find an item that is functional and decorative at the same time.

With MODERN CLOSET DOORS, you get to organize and store your things while at the same time, complement and enliven your home decoration. There are many closet doors that have contemporary style and designs.

If you need to save space, you can choose sliding doors. If you have ample space such as a walk-in closet, you may opt for bifold, folding or accordion doors. Modern closet doors also come in many materials such as plexiglass, frosted, wood, aluminum, vinyl or plastic. The design ideas and styles are just limitless when it comes to modern closet doors. Here are some closet doors that can be of interest to you:

Sliding Wood Closet Doors:

Homeimprovement.lovetoknow.com offers this wood closet door that would work best for closet with limited space. They are available in various wood grain blends and colors that provide a unique but elegant decoration choice for any type of room. To add an element of functionality, you can install mirrors on the door. By adding mirrors, you added reflected light and make a small room appear bigger. A sliding closet door is advantageous because it disappears into the wall, it adds about 10-square-foot of functional space to a room and it is trouble-free and easy to repair.

Dunbarton Closet Doors:

Manufactured by Dunbarton Corp. of Dothan, Alabama, this closet doors come in various styles, including bifold and sliding. The Slimfold steel folding closet doors are sound-dampened and painted to automotive finished. They are available in dimensions of 2 feet, 2 feet by 6 inches or 3 feet. The Colleagiate design has a locker room look. Mirror closet doors are also available which can be bifold or bypass sliding.

Closet Doors by Sliding Door Company:

The Van Nuys, California-based company manufactures room dividers and glass sliding doors for closets. Many of its sliding closet doors have frames that are made in aluminum or wood such as maple, walnut and winge. A 5mm-tempered glass is a standard material with glass panels in frosted glass, clear, mirror or milky. Closet doors are coated to resist fingerprints. You may also opt for solid wood panels as alternative to glass panels. The floor tracks of all closet doors are designed in such a way to prevent tripping.

Sliding Closet Doors by Interior Door Replacement Company:

The company specializes in replacement doors, including custom made and sliding closet doors. The Interior Door Replacement Co. (IDRC) is adept in using digital measuring tools to get the accurate measurement of old doors that need to be replaced. The process involves getting the accurate measurements then passing them to computer-controlled door cutting machine which will make cutting based on the exact measurements and will bore holes for hinges and handles. Some of the materials used for closet doors are maple, mahogany, oak, pine, alder and cherry. The company also offers hardware for closet door systems such as handles, paint finishes and hinges.

Kestrel Doors for Closets:

The company has been manufacturing exterior and interior doors and shutters for windows since 1989. Its folding screen room divider, wood shutters and closet doors are custom-made in its factory in Stowe, Pennsylvania. Closet door materials include Spanish cedar, basswood and mahogany. They are pegged together by tenon joints and deep pocket mortise for greater durability. The panel designs include Shaker Flat, Traditional, Philadelphia Federal and Colonia.

Give Your Home Style and Flare with French Closet Doors

November 20, 2009

Thinking of remodeling your home into a modern, contemporary living area? Then FRENCH CLOSET DOORS should be on the top of your list of purchases. French doors incorporate framed glass panels. A typical door frame is made of wood. But manufacturers have started to produce French doors in other materials to answer the demand of people like you who want variety. They include glass, mirrored, frosted glass, steel or aluminum.

A French door may be constructed with multiple or single glass panels which are integrated into frames. The glass in this type of door can be opaque or transparent, depending on your preference. Initially, you may choose French closet doors for their aesthetic value. But there are more to them aside from their beauty. They allow light to penetrate inside your closet, thus making it easy for you to get a glimpse of what is inside your closet.

Many online retailers are offering French closet doors in sliding, bifold or folding design. Here are French doors that may meet your search criteria:

ReliaBilt Wood Interior French Door:

This door has divided light design and measures 1 and 3/8 inches in thickness. It is primed and ready for staining or painting. Finishing is easier because of the pre-masked glass. The door material is wood and dimensions for the Full Lite door style include 60 inches wide, 80 inches high and 1.375 inches thickness. The jamb type is flat with a depth is 1.375 inches. The door features 3 hinges in brass color. It retails at $160.00 at kingwood.com.

Wood French Doors by Bonneville Windows and Doors:

Bonneville French doors are known for their style and elegance, making them an asset in any room. The doors are available in western red cedar, Douglas fir of clear vertical grain or eastern white pine. The dimensions are 1 and 14 inches thick, depths of 4 and 9/16 inches, 9 and 3/16 inches or 7 and 3/16 inches. And what makes the door perfect is the tempered insulated glass that is dry-sealed glazed. And, for a historical look, you have the choice of simulated or true divided grilles or lites.

French Doors with Wood Mullions:

Available at interiordoors.com, this Lite French doors feature wood mullions. They measure 1 and 3/8 inches thick, 80 or 84 inches in height. Interior Doors also offer French doors with grooved and beveled glass and bifold doors with beveled and clear tempered glass. The versatility of these doors is such that you can use them as room dividers or closet doors.

Interior French Doors by Simpson Door Company:

Are you tired of that ratty, old closet door? Then Simpson’s French doors are the best replacement that you can get. The Simpson door adds certain chair, flare and style to your home. It allows the natural light to penetrate thus creating warmth and a glimpse of what could be inside your closet. Some of the French door styles are Sash 108, Traditional Sash Door 554, Prairie French Door 1250 and Crystal View 1569.

PVC French Doors by Planet South Lakes:

This door is the latest in elegant and stylish home improvement. It can be versatile as they can also be used as doors to your patio area or garden. Each French door is fitted with fit restrictor hinges and multi-point locking system. The French doors offered by Planet South Lakes are noted for their quality and durability and are available at competitive prices.

Folding Shower Door Glass Options

November 15, 2009

Folding shower doors can be found in many different sizes, colors, materials, finishes and retailers. Many retailers will have information available on site for those who wish to complete the job themselves, while others will have company contact information for professional installers in your area that are highly recommended.

Many bathrooms do not have the room to use sliding doors for the tub or stall; therefore in these cases a FOLDING SHOWER DOOR would be appropriate. These doors still sit in a track at the top and bottom of the stall or tub, but also have a hinged area in the center of the door panels. This allows for the door to fold into half the space, and still allow a full 24 inch opening for use. The average shower or tub area is 48 inches in width, and the normal sliding shower door covers 24 inches of this on one side alone. The folding shower doors for your bathroom generally come in 24 inch panels, so that you can have 2 panels that will fold back and the entire 48 inches of tub or stall space is open for entering and exiting the bathing area. Prices for these doors are higher than sliding doors due to the fact that they are not as commonly used. The prices for kits that are available can be less expensive than purchasing the sliding doors, as this requires home installation and assembly.

The glass and enclosures used for folding shower doors varies based on availability. The glass depths available for all shower doors are ¼ inch, 1/8 inch and 3/8 inch in most areas. The depth of the glass will determine part of the cost of the doors, as the thicker the doors are, the more expensive they will be. However, it should be noted that all glass for shower doors is safety glass and so thickness does not mean it is safer than any other shower door glass. The glass options can range from frosted or clear glass to colonial glass or smoked glass. Some companies offer services where etching can be done on the surface of the glass to include portraits, names and many types of designs in the door prior to installation. This will vary on the area you are in and availability of these services.

Framed or frameless folding shower doors can be used as a replacement to the old shower curtain or even sliding shower doors that take up too much space. The replacement of these other models can be useful for those that have mobility issues or small children in the home. The enclosures normally used on these doors is magnetic, meaning there is a magnet in the track on one side and a metal slab on the inside of the door to help the door stay in the closed position when in use. Options will vary based on your retailers’ availability.

Deciding on French Closet Doors

November 8, 2009

Not many people think of using FRENCH CLOSET DOORS in their home because of the design. They are made of panes of glass, mirror or frosted glass and allow visitors to see inside the closet. Although they are a contemporary style, they also give a modern look to an otherwise yester year room. French closet doors can be designed with solid wood panels and these would probably be better suited to a bedroom closet than one with clear glass. You would need a well organized closet so that people entering your bedroom doesn’t see a mess through your beautiful French closet doors.

When choosing your closet doors you will want to decide whether you want sliding doors, folding doors such as bifold, mirrored glass or frosted glass. Your budget will also help to determine the type of doors you choose as well. You need to know the exact dimensions of the doorway the doors will be placed in. This is important, especially with sliding or bifold doors since they use a flat jamb to close on. You will want to measure from one side of the door opening to the other across the top and bottom to make sure they are the same, then from the top to the bottom on both sides of the doorway as well.

To make your room appear to be larger and to brighten it up you may want to consider mirrored French closet doors. Although they aren’t much good for making sure you present yourself well throughout the day, they do allow the light to be reflected and make the wall look as if it is extended. They are great for a wide closet opening such as a walk in closet. If you are pressed for space, folding doors may be the right doors for you. They help save space and fold neatly out of the way to allow you full access to the closet.

With French closet doors, you get a modern look with the sleekness of a contemporary style. They can be used almost anywhere in the home as well as being used as dividers to help break up the space of an over sized room such as a loft. French closet doors are also easy to repair should a pane of glass or mirror need replacing. Remember that closet doors are an important part of your home’s décor and if they look good, you look good as well.

You can find French closet doors at most home and building supply retailers. Prices will vary depending on the size, design, materials and type of doors you choose. For instance, French closet doors to fit a wide opening such as a walk in closet will be more expensive than the prices of a bifold or sliding door that is much smaller. There are also many retailers online that offer you a wide variety of these doors with discount prices and in some instances free shipping. Remember you will need exact dimensions in order to get the proper fit for your doors.

The Many Varieties Of Louvered Closet Doors

November 8, 2009

More affordable prices than ever, retailers offer LOUVERED CLOSET DOORS in many styles and options. From bypass and bifold to sliding or retractable, even multifold and mirrored options exist for the most up to date closets. Interior doors are normally overlooked, and some are even unfinished due to the thought they are not important. When it comes to the interior of your home, the type of louvered closet doors you have will say much about your taste and culture.

Bifold, retractable and sliding doors have been used for closets for many years. These doors offer the convenience of ease of use, as well as take up less space in the interior of the closet that many older counterparts used. Older louvered closet doors can still be used, and even adding a polymer coat or mirrored panels can bring a new appearance to old doors. There are retailers that offer custom doors to be made, so that your tastes can be reflected. Prices on these custom doors will vary based on polymers, materials or even an unfinished door cost along with labor. Also, the style of door will affect the overall cost as bifold doors are less expensive than sliding doors.

Dimensions for your louvered closet doors should be taken prior to hiring retailers to custom make a door. Your old door frame may be wider than the average closet door; therefore the dimensions can affect the prices charged. Interior louvered closet doors normally stick to even numbered dimensions, for ease of cuts and style options. But older homes that are being remodeled or updated would have smaller closet door dimensions; therefore the age of your house also makes a difference in the price.

Retractable and sliding doors are seen less in modern and more contemporary designed homes. More often seen are bifold, accordion or bypass louvered closet doors. Multifold doors are normally used for large pantries or water heater and furnace areas in apartments, while in houses mirrored panels and bypass doors are seen in closets. Linen closets and bathroom closets generally see custom doors or unfinished or painted louvered closet doors due to ease of use and space confines.

Regardless of the reason for your choice of closet doors, the modern and contemporary designers steer clear of using interior doors that are used on bedrooms to close in a closet. This is seen in aged houses as well as older apartment dwellings and offers nothing towards the overall interior appearance. These older dwellings can be updated with louvered closet doors and adding mirrored areas around the closets or by painting the existing doors.

Adding designs or materials to the louvered slats will give a completely different look to an older existing door, and hardware updates from old aluminum to brushed nickel or brass can add flair. Staining an unfinished closet door can add a country feel to a room with this small accent, or mirrored panels on the middle section of the door would stand out as well. Any decorations in the room will help you decide what type of louvered closet doors to install.


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